"I have written to my father asking him to send you a present from London for me; you may expect to get it a few days before Christmas. It will be my Christmas-box to you, and please accept it with my love. Good-bye little song-bird. Some day I hope to hear you sing again. Don't forget—" "LAURA DAWSON." "That's not very likely," thought the little girl, "no, indeed. What can she be going to give me for a Christmas-box?" "Rose, is that you?" she called out, as she heard light footsteps approaching the door. "Oh, do come in and listen to all my news!" Then, as Rose came in, her blue eyes fall of curiosity, she continued excitedly, "I've had such a dear, dear letter from mother, and she's sent me a pound for my very own, to spend as I like. You'll help me about getting Christmas presents for every one, won't you?" "Of course I will," agreed her cousin. "How is Aunt Margaret?" "Oh, very well; she has written so brightly. Miss Dawson is ever so much better, and I have had a little note from her. You shall hear what she says." And Mavis read aloud the few lines Miss Dawson had sent her. "I am wondering what the Christmas-box will be," she remarked afterwards. "I expect it will be a nice present, and I hope it will be something you will like," said Rose. "By the way, I came up to tell you that Mr. Moseley has been here, and he has got mother to consent to your singing at his concert—it's not to be till New Year's Eve. Mother was against the idea at first, but father said he was certain Aunt Margaret would have no objection to it, and so she gave in. Mr. Moseley is very pleased, she says, and I think she's glad now that you're going to take part in the concert. We shall all go to hear you sing. I expect nearly every one in the village will be there. Shall you feel nervous?" "I am afraid so, Rosie. I only hope I shall not break down." "Oh, I don't fancy you'll do that. I envy you your voice, Mavis—at least, I don't envy it exactly, but I wish I had a talent of some sort. I'm so very stupid; I can't do anything to give people pleasure." "Oh, Rosie, I am sure that is not true. Miss Matthews said the other day that you were the kindest girl in the school. I told Aunt Lizzie that; she was pleased, though she didn't say much. How can you be stupid, when you always manage to find out how to make people happier by doing little things to please them?" "Oh, that's nothing," exclaimed Rose. The colour on her cheeks had deepened as she had listened to her cousin's words. "It would make me very unhappy to be unkind to any one," she added. "I am certain it would." "But I wish I had just one talent," Rose sighed. "If God had given me only one, I would have been content." Mavis looked troubled for a minute; then her face brightened as she responded hopefully— "I think you're sure to have one, Rosie, only you haven't found it out." CHAPTER IX CHRISTMAS TIME