All the morning she finished up the odd jobs left her to do, and in the afternoon, as the only approach to a holiday she dared venture, she sat at the parlor window and watched other people go to and fro, intent on merry-makings in which she had no part. One pleasant little task she had, and that was arranging gifts for the small boys. Miss Jane had given her a bit of money now and then, and out of her meagre store the affectionate child had made presents for the lads; poor ones, but full of good-will and the desire to win some in return. The evening was very long, for the family did not return as early as they expected to do, so Patty got out her treasure-box, and, sitting on the warm kitchen hearth, tried to amuse herself, while the wind howled outside and snow fell fast. There we must leave her for a little while, quite unconscious of the happy surprise that was being prepared for her. When Aunt Jane welcomed the family, her first word, as she emerged from a chaos of small boys' arms and legs, was "Why, where is Patty?" "At home, of course; where should she be?" answered Mrs. Murry. "Here with you. I said '_all come_' in my letter; didn't you understand it?" "Goodness, Jane, you didn't mean bring her too, I hope." "Yes, I did, and I'm so disappointed I'd go and get her if I had time." Miss Jane knit her brows and looked vexed, as Ella laughed at the idea of a servant's going pleasuring with the family. "It can't be helped now, so we'll say no more, and make it up to Patty to-morrow, if we can." And Aunt Jane smiled her own pleasant smile, and kissed the little lads all round, as if to sweeten her temper as soon as possible. They had a capital time, and no one observed that Aunty now and then led the talk to Patty, asked a question about her, caught up every little hint dropped by the boys concerning her patience and kindness, and when Mrs. Murry said, as she sat resting, with a cushion at her back, a stool at her feet, and a cup of tea steaming deliciously under her nose,-- "Afraid to leave her there in charge? Oh, dear no! I've entire confidence in her, and she is equal to taking care of the house for a week if need be. On the whole, Jane, I consider her a pretty promising girl. She isn't very quick, but she is faithful, steady, and honest as daylight." "High praise from you, Maria; I hope she knows your good opinion of her." "No, indeed; it don't do to pamper up a girl's pride by praising her. I say, 'Very well, Patty,' when I'm satisfied, and that's enough." "Ah, but _you_ wouldn't be satisfied if George only said, 'Very well, Maria,' when you had done your very best to please him in some way." "That's a different thing," began Mrs. Murry, but Miss Jane shook her head, and Ella said, laughing,-- "It's no use to try and convince Aunty on that point, she has taken a fancy to Pat, and won't see any fault in her. She's a good child enough; but I can't get any thing out of her, she is so odd and shy."