“Yes sir; that’s for Susy,” cried Prudy, suddenly remembering how she had tucked it in at the last moment, when she could not stop to find any wrapping-paper.  “It isn’t so big as it was, but it’s the biggest piece I had in this world.  I saved it last night.  Susy likes ’lasses candy, and I couldn’t think of nothin’ else.”

It was a wonder that Prudy’s candy had not spoiled some of the nice presents.

Susy received several pretty things; and though she did not talk quite so much as Prudy, she was just as happy.  For one thing, she had what she had not dreamed was possible for a little girl—­a bottle of otto of rose; “just like a young lady.”

This was a real delight to Susy:  but Prudy, sniffing at it, said, coolly, “O, ho! it smells ’s if it didn’t cost more’n a cent!  ’Tisn’t half so sweet as pep’mint!”

Before Dotty could be put to bed, she had contrived to break several toys, all of which happened to be Susy’s—­a sugar temple, a glass pitcher, and a small vase.

This was an evening long to be remembered; but the most remarkable event of all was to come.

“Susy, my daughter,” said Mr. Parlin, “have you been wondering why you don’t see a present from me?”

Susy blushed.  She had certainly expected something handsome this year from her father.

“I haven’t forgotten you, my dear; but the present I have chosen wouldn’t sit very well on the shoulders of such a little fellow as Santa Claus.”

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!”

CHAPTER IV.

SUSY’S WINGS.

Susy awoke next morning very much surprised to find the sun so high.  Prudy was lying beside her, talking to herself.

“I don’t feel very well,” said the child; “but I’m pleasant; I mean to be good all day.”