Mrs. Parlin said she believed nothing less than Christmas presents would
ever make Susy willing to use a needle and thread; for she disliked
sewing, and declared she wished the man who made the needles had to
swallow them all.

The family were to celebrate Christmas evening; for Mr. Parlin was away,
and might not reach home in season for Christmas eve.

For a wonder they were not to have a Tree, but a Santa Claus, "just for
a change."

"Not a truly Santa Claus, that comes puffin' down the chimney,"
explained Prudy, who knew very well it would be only cousin Percy under
a mask and white wig.




CHAPTER II.

BEFORE DAYLIGHT.


On Christmas morning, at three o'clock, there was a great bustle and
pattering of little feet, and buzzing of little voices trying to speak
in whispers. Susy and Prudy were awake and astir.

"Where _do_ you s'pose the stockings are?" buzzed Prudy, in a very loud
whisper.