"We'd never forget it," said Leslie, "but we'll all want to keep the dainty corals."
"And wasn't Miss Vandmere beautiful when she came to grant our wishes?"
Rose asked. "Already I love her."
"Already?" Rob said, and his voice bespoke a question.
"Why, yes," Rose said, "already."
"That sounds odd, and queer," objected Gwen. "Why don't you tell us just what you mean?" but Rose chose not to reply.
She only laughed and shook her head.
CHAPTER X
A HOLIDAY PARTY
Sprite could not wait to dress on the morning after the party. Softly she crept across the floor to the chair over which she had hung her frock.
From the folds of its girdle she drew the tinted paper, and opening it she read: "Captain Atherton is to offer a prize to the boy or girl who has highest rank at Christmas time. Try for it, and I believe that you will obtain it. Will not that delight your dear father and mother?"