Percy laughed. "Wouldn't it have been a load, uncle?"

"Hush!" whispered aunt Madge; "she isn't to know till morning."

"But, papa," said Susy, her eyes shining with excitement, "why couldn't
you bring it in here now?"

"It is better off out of doors. Indeed, to tell the truth, my child, it
is hardly suitable for the parlor."

"Now, Miss Susy," said Percy, measuring off his words on the tips of his
fingers, "I'm authorized to tell you it's something you mustn't take in
your lap, mustn't hang on a nail; if you do, you'll lose it. I'm sure
'twill please you, Susy, because it's a mute, and can't speak. You--"

"O, hush talking about dumb people! I shouldn't think you'd make sport
of Freddy Jackson! If _you_ was a little _deaf-and-dumber_ than you are
now, I'd like you better!

"O, dear, dear!" cried she, dancing about the room; "what can it be? I
can't wait!"

"Only think; all night before I'll know," thought she, as she touched
her pillow. "O, Prudy, to-morrow morning! Only think of to-morrow
morning I All my other presents are just nothing at all. Anything is
_so_ much nicer when you don't know what it is!"