"Go and buy something in the village," said Chris.
"But what shall I buy?"
Chris and Diana turned impatiently from him.
"We've chosen our presents, and you must choose yours," said Diana.
Noel began to cry in a miserable kind of way. He felt very small and helpless sometimes, and thought the others most unkind.
Cassy found him sitting on the stairs with tears rolling down his cheeks, and took pity on him.
"I'll get aunt to let me come to the village shop with you, and we'll choose together. We're sure to see something nice."
Noel cheered up. Mrs. Tubbs was willing to spare Cassy, so they started for the shop.
When they got there it seemed most confusing to Noel, for there were so many things and they were so mixed up together that it was very difficult to choose at all.
Cassy suggested a piece of scented soap, a china vase, a box of hairpins, and a needlebook, but Noel shook his head at all four.