"My, but that's pretty!" the Toyman exclaimed.

As for the children, they said, "Oh," and "Ah," all in one breath. It
was so wonderful to see all those live Christmas trees growing and
shining in the forest.

"You see," the Toyman went on to explain, "that's how they first got
the notion of a Christmas tree, seein' the little stars shine through
the forest.--A good notion, too, I should say."

A good one? Why, the best in the world! So the Three Happy Children
thought as they drove down the hill and back by the river.

And when they turned in the drive and Teddy and Hal walked off to the
barn, the sleighbells jingling like Christmas chimes in the air, they
shouted "hooray" again, one and all.

Then Jehosophat said as they reached the door,--

"And now for tomorrow!"----




XIII

WHEN THE DOOR OPENED