last box of playthings I received are the best we ever had. Santa Claus
and his men certainly are preparing a fine Christmas this year."

"I think I shall dust off the Donkey," said Geraldine. "He will be much
shinier then, and look better."

"And I must dust the China Cat," said her sister Angelina. "She is so
white that the least speck shows on her. Real white cats are very fussy
about keeping themselves clean, so I do not see why a white China Cat
should not be treated the same way. You dust the Nodding Donkey,
Geraldine, and I'll dust the Cat."

"That China Cat seems to act as if she wanted to speak to me," thought
the Donkey. "Perhaps, after the store is closed to-night, as the
workshop of Santa Claus is closed, I may speak to her."

Up and down and to and fro the head of the Nodding Donkey moved as
Geraldine Mugg dusted him. Then she set him back on the shelf, as her
sister did the China Cat.

"Come here, Daughters, and see this set of Soldiers," called Mr. Mugg,
who was unpacking more toys from the box. "They are the nicest we ever
had."

"Oh, what fine red coats they wear!" said Angelina.

"And how their guns shine!" exclaimed Geraldine. "Our store will look
lovely when we get all the toys placed in it."

"I think the store looks very well as it is," thought the Nodding Donkey