“I thought you’d like it!” and Cathalina’s eyes sparkled. The winter cold had made her cheeks as rosy as Hilary’s and she was enjoying it all doubly, for herself and for her guest. “But I want so many things that I haven’t bought anything! I want to take them each something, you know.” “O, well, there’ll be something left even after Christmas, you know, and you can buy your presents then. Mamma bought most of my presents for me. She knew I wouldn’t have any time.” “Let us just enjoy the sights and the Christmas cheer,” said Mrs. Van Buskirk, who was not hurrying about, like many of the shoppers. “Our gifts are for the most part wrapped and labeled.” But Hilary with great delight watched her purchase a few beautiful things. They lunched at what Hilary described to June as a very grand place, where Hilary left the ordering to her more experienced hostesses. Then Hilary did make a few modest purchases, having by this time found out what she wanted, and went home, tired but delighted, to spend Christmas Eve. The cousins had been in and out several times since Hilary came, but she declared that she never would get the names and relationships straight. “Never mind, Hilary; they are all as nice and full of fun as can be and you will clear it all up when you see us all together at the Christmas dinner. Really, there haven’t been so many. Honestly, now, did you think that was a new lot that we met at lunch?” “No, not all of them, but I had a hard time remembering which was which.” “And you a minister’s daughter!” “I’ve been too dazzled here, Cathalina. You must make allowances for a weak mind!” “The trouble today was that they all had different clothes on.” “Yes, that was one thing. Then I met a Maria yesterday and an Ann Maria today and they were so alike—I liked her or both!” “It’s just one girl, our jolly old Ann Maria, and ‘Cousin Elizabeth’ and ‘Cousin Libbie’ are the same,—Mrs. Van Ness. She was the pretty lady in gray. And that perfect dear in the mink furs,—do you remember her? That was Aunt Mate or Aunt Mary,—Mrs. Hart. She is always making everybody feel comfortable in their minds. Then we have two Charlottes. You’ll see.” “You don’t blame me, do you, Philip?” and Hilary whirled around to where Phil sat reading by the library fire. “Indeed I don’t. Anybody that could get the Van Nesses and Van Buskirks and all the rest of ’em in two or three days would be a wonder.” “Good! Where’s June’s candy? Take it all, Philip!” “Thanks, kind lady, what else can I do for you?” “O, Phil, get your guitar and sing college songs for us,—do!” As Cathalina spoke she started for the instrument. “Can’t possibly tonight. We’ll have a sing tomorrow night, all hands of us. Besides,” here Philip coughed affectedly and finished on a high falsetto, “I have such a cold!” Cathalina laughed. “All right till after dinner. You know Father and Mother always want some music on Christmas Eve.”