The rosy-cheeked Saint took up a big parcel, and read off, in a clear voice, “Miss Katharine Crilly.”

Starling was nearest, and took the package; but Miss Crilly, a little upset at being the owner of the first name called, jumped up and hurried across the room for her present, unheedful of mistletoe and the eyes that were watching her.  Just inside the enchanted circle, the sudden hush of the room gave her its warning.  She caught the eager glances directed beyond her, and turning her head uttered a startled cry.  Almost at the same instant an arm shot toward her, missing its aim by scarce an inch.  With one bound she cleared the invisible line of danger, and, scudding straight past Starling and her inviting parcel, stopped only at the detaining hand of her laughing hostess.

“Mercy sakes!” she cried, and her face rivaled in color the Santa Claus reds, as she met the laughing eyes of her host.

She came back with her parcel, much flurried and still scarlet of face, while squeals of laughter and gay sallies rang about her.

After that there was more heed, and the distribution of presents went on without further hindrance.

The big bag was empty at last, and Santa Claus exclaimed with a sigh:  “Oh, but it’s hot!  I say, let’s get off some of this toggery!” He slipped himself out of his fur coat, pulled off his cap and his mask—­and there was David Collins, smiling blithely to the company!

The others were quick in following his example, and Madam Santa Claus stood revealed as laughing Polly, with Patricia, Leonora, Blue, and Doodles clustered round her.

Then there was plenty to say, many thanks to be given, and much chatter and laughter.  In the midst of it all, Nelson Randolph made himself heard:—­

“Ye men-folk, listen!  I am glad to share my rewards with you, so go ahead, David and Blue and Doodles, and obtain as much tribute as possible under the mistletoe!”

“How can you share what you haven’t got and never had and don’t know as you ever will have?” laughed Miss Crilly.

He turned toward the saucy speaker and shook his finger sternly.

“Jilting me, and then taunting me of my failure!  Katharine Crilly, perhaps before midnight the slipper will be on the other foot!”

This brought a hubbub of applause and merriment, and the ladies backed away from the charmed circle and giggled and talked gayly among themselves.

But Christmas presents are bewitching things, and it was not long before mistletoe was all forgotten in the beauties of fine needlework, the mysteries of new stitches, and the attractions of dainty knickknacks.  David and Blue and Doodles succeeded in making momentary captives of Mrs. Tenney, Mrs. Winslow Teed. and Miss Lily, while Polly and Patricia were several times arrested on their heedless ways across the room.

Nelson Randolph seemed to have eyes only for Miss Crilly, although once Polly almost walked into his hands.  A short but exciting race she led him before dodging behind Miss Mullaly’s chair and asking breathlessly if the mistletoe was all over the room.