"Isn't she a perfect dear?" said Patty, as she stood with the baby in her arms, after tea was finished. "She is," declared Philip, who stood near. "I'm not much up on kiddies, but she's about the best-natured little piece I ever saw. I thought they always cried after a big racket like this." "She must say good-night now," said Adele. "It's quite time, and beside, I want her to go away while her reputation is good. Now, Maisie May, go to Fraeulein and go beddy." "Patty take May beddy." "No, dear, Patty must stay here with mother." "Patty take May beddy! _Zes!_" The finality of this decision was unmistakable. The most casual observer could see that unless it were complied with the scene might lose something of its sunshine and merriment. "I should say," judicially observed Philip, "that unless Miss May has her way this time, there will be one large and elegant ruction." "But I _must_ make her obey me," said Adele, a little uncertainly. "Fiddlestrings, Adele," returned Patty; "this is no time for discipline. The poor baby is about worn out with fatigue and excitement. You know, it has been her busy day. Let's humour her this time. I'll take her away, and I'll return anon." "Anon isn't a very long time, is it?" said Adele, laughing, and Hal remarked, "If it is, we'll all come after you, Miss Fairfield." So Patty went away, carrying the now smiling baby, and Fraeulein went along with her, knowing the little thing would soon drop to sleep, anyway, from sheer fatigue. CHAPTER XI THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT Patty soon returned, saying the country was saved, and now she was ready for her presents. And then everybody began untying things, and soon the whole place was knee-deep in tissue papers and ribbons. All exclaimed with delight at their own gifts, and then exclaimed with delight at the others' gifts. Mr. and Mrs. Kenerley gave Patty one of those Oriental garments known as a Mandarin coat. It was of pale blue silk, heavy with elaborate embroidery and gold braiding, and Patty was enchanted with it. "Just what I wanted!" she exclaimed, "and I don't care if that _is_ what everybody always says, _I_ mean it! I've wanted one a long time. They're so heavenly for party wraps or opera cloaks. Mona has a beauty, but this is handsomer still." "Yes, it is," admitted Mona; "and now open that box, Patty. It's my gift to you, and I want to see if you like it." "Oh, I know I shall like it, of course. Why, Mona Galbraith, if it isn't a lace scarf! Real Brussels point! You generous girl, it's _too_ beautiful!" "Isn't it lovely?" cried Daisy. "Now, this is mine to you, Patty. It isn't nearly as handsome; it's just a bag." "But what a grand one!" exclaimed Patty, as she unwrapped the beautiful French confection. "I simply adore bags. I can't have too many of them. My goodness! I'm getting as many presents as baby May!"