"Oh, yes; and I stick on those foolish little seals, and holly tags. Anything to make it fussy and fluttery." "Gracious," said Patty, "that reminds me. I suppose I must get that holly ribbon and tissue paper flummery. I forgot all about it. What do they use this year, Elise? White tissue paper?" "No, red. It's so nice and cheery." "Yes," said Roger. "Most Christmas presents need a cheery paper. It counteracts the depressing effect of an unwelcome gift." "Don't pay any attention to him," said Elise, "he's putting on airs. He thinks it's funny to talk like that, but you just ought to see him on Christmas! He simply adores his presents, and fairly gloats over every one!" "Sure I do!" said Roger, heartily. "But when you get a purple necktie, or a hand-crocheted watch-chain, it's nice to have a cheery red paper round it." "Well, I have a lovely present for you," said Patty, "but I shall take the precaution of wrapping it in red paper." CHAPTER II AN ADVANCE CHRISTMAS GIFT The ten days before Christmas flew by like Bandersnatches. Patty had a long list of friends to whom she wanted to give presents, and though she had brought home a lot of what Kenneth called "foreign junk," she had no notion of giving it all away. Of course, the lovely fans, beads, and scarves she brought made lovely gifts for the girls, and the little curios and souvenirs were all right for the boys, but there were so many friends, and her relatives beside, that she soon realised she would have little left for herself. And, though unselfish, she did want to retain some mementos of her foreign trip. So shopping was necessary, and nearly every day she went with Nan or Elise to buy the Christmas wares that the city shops displayed. "And I do think," she said, "that things are just as pretty and just as cheap here as over there." "Some things," agreed Nan. "Yes; I mean just the regular wares. Of course, for Roman silks and Florentine mosaics it's better to shop where they grow. What's father going to give me, Nan?" "Inquisitive creature! I shouldn't tell you if I knew, but as I don't know, and he doesn't either, I may as well tell you that he'd be glad of a hint. What would you like?" "Honestly, I don't know of a thing! Isn't it awful to have everything you want?" "You're a contented little girl, Patty. And that's a noble trait, I admit. But just at Christmas time it's trying. Now, if you only wanted a watch, or a diamond ring, or some trifle like that, I'd be glad to give your father a hint." "Thank you, stepmamma," said Patty, smiling; "but I have a watch, and I'm too young for diamonds. I can't help it if I'm amply supplied with this world's goods. And think of the lots of gifts I'll get, anyway! Perhaps father'd better just give me the money and let me put it in the bank against a rainy day." "Why, Patty, you're not getting mercenary, I hope! What do you want of money in the bank?" Patty looked earnest.