The little girl hung her head and turned crimson.

"I--I came to see Angelina Terry," she whispered. "I--I've got a doll that
belongs to her."

There was a pause, then Miss Terry said, "Well, go on."

"I--I found her on the steps of this house last night, and I ought to
have brought her right here then. But I didn't. I took her home. I hope
Angelina was not very unhappy last night."

Miss Terry smiled upon Tom, who gave a kind, low laugh.

"No," said Miss Terry. "Angelina did not worry about her lost doll. She was
thinking about something else,--the nicest Christmas present that ever
anybody had. But you were a good girl to bring back the doll."

"No, I'm not a good girl," said Mary, and her voice trembled. "I was a
wicked girl. I meant to keep Miranda for myself, because I thought she
would be a lovely big doll. And when I found she was old and homely,
somehow I still wanted to keep her. But it was stealing, and I couldn't.
Please, will you give her to Angelina, and tell her I am so sorry?" She
took Miranda out of the wrapping and held her toward Miss Terry without
looking at the doll. It was as if she were afraid of being tempted once
more.

[Illustration: MARY RETURNS THE DOLL]

Miss Terry did not take the doll.