The big tree was in the end of the room, and not only did sparkling tinsel rope deck the green branches, but its strands also reached out to the wall on either side, so that the tree seemed to be caught in an immense silver spider-web. Sparkling ornaments decked every limb and twig, and shining among them were hundreds of tiny electric lights of different colors.
Many beautiful presents hung on the tree, without wrappings of any sort to hide their pretty effect, and many more gifts, tied in be-ribboned papers, lay on the floor beneath.
Altogether, it looked as if the whole end of the room were a sort of glittering fairyland, and the children promptly agreed it was the most beautiful tree they had ever had.
As Santa Claus held Baby Rosamond up to select for herself a gift from the tree, he held her so that she faced a big doll, almost as large as herself.
"Oh, that will be my dollie!" she announced, holding out her little arms.
The big doll was detached from its perch and handed to the child, who ran to nurse with her treasure, and would not be parted from it all day long.
Then said Santa Claus: "Marjorie, next, may come and choose anything she would like to use."
He offered his arm, and, with exaggerated ceremony, led Midget to the tree.
She was a little bewildered by the glitter, and the variety of gifts hanging about, but she spied a lovely muff and boa of fluffy white fur that she felt sure must be meant for her.
At any rate they were her choice, and Santa Claus gave them to her with hearty assurance that she had chosen well.