Little Iris was not at all shy, and was full of one thought only--the thought of Christmas--so that she burst out with: "D'you know to-morrow's Christmas Day?" and, without waiting for a reply, she babbled on: "I'm going to have such boo'ful things--a dolly that sends kisses, a pamberlator for her to ride in, a gold watch with real ticks, and a titten with real scratches. Guess who'll bring them." "Her ladyship?" ventured Nancy, dazzled at such a haul of magnificence. "No, not Mummy," exclaimed Iris, capering with delight and revealing more of her frills and laces. "I can't guess, Miss," said Nancy, smiling through her diffidence--which was just what Iris wanted her to say. "It's Santa Claus! Santa Claus always brings me just what I want. Isn't it clever?" "Who's Santa Claus? Is it your aunt, Miss?" "I'm 'peaking to you about Santa Claus--a gen'lman. I've not seen him--never been able to catch him yet." "Catch him! But who tells him what you want?" She was getting quite interested. "The little bird." Nancy felt completely mystified. What a different world this seemed to hers! "What toys are _you_ going to get?" continued Iris. "Oh, no _toys_. I live in the cottage in the forest. Dad is always so busy, and I help him look out for poachers--so I have useful presents, I don't have toys. Granny gave me this warm cloak last year; and then, Dad's pockets get so full of sweets that they last for months." "Sweets and useful things aren't p'esents," said Iris, surprised. "Poor little girl! Wouldn't you like toys?" she added. "I think so, Miss--at least, I've not seen many. Cousin Janey has a skipping-rope and a workbox, but she won't let me touch them." "Ah! you've been here long enough, Iris darling. I hear Nurse calling you," exclaimed a soft voice, and her ladyship, with a kindly look at the visitor, laughingly caught up her little daughter in her arms before the child even knew she was there. Then she received the message, gave the little messenger a slice of cake, and in a moment Nancy was leisurely munching the fee as she trudged her way back on the grass through the frosty park. The dusk was gathering, when suddenly in the stillness she heard a dull thwack as of a stick against a branch--which caused her to stop and listen. She knew what the sound meant.