"No, are there any more?" And Eleanor's heart was further warmed by the gift of a set of books that she had long wanted.
The doll-house was so fascinating that when Rock arrived he could scarcely persuade Eleanor to go back home with him, and, indeed, he was so well pleased with the gift that he said he did not wonder the girls did not want to leave it, and he offered to go tell his mother that Eleanor was having such a good time that she would rather stay the rest of the day if she might. Aunt Dora appreciated the situation and sent word that she might remain, but to be sure to be back by five o'clock, and even then Rock found it hard to persuade her that it was time to go, and that if they didn't hurry they might miss something. Then Eleanor at last tore herself away, leaving her gifts behind her.
"It seems queer not to go to church on Christmas day," she said as she and Rock were on their way home. "Was the church very pretty?"
"Beautiful," Rock answered heartily, "and so was the music. It is too bad that you had to stay away. You ought to have seen Bubbles with her stocking. She was delighted, and she has hardly touched a thing in it because she wants to show it to you."
"And to think," said Eleanor, "I had to stay away from her all Christmas day. I don't believe it has ever happened before."
"She had a good time," Rock assured her, "she has had all the nice things that were good for her, and she knows she is to see you very soon."
"In a week, the doctor said, I did so hope she could come to-day." She gave a little sigh, but Rock began to joke with her, and they reached the corner before she knew it.
CHAPTER X
A Happy New Year
It was quite dark when they reached home, and Eleanor saw that even in the large guest chamber there was a brilliant light. "Oh, the company has come," she exclaimed.