Hal Ferris gave each of the girls a beautiful book, and everybody had so many presents of all sorts that it was almost impossible to remember who gave anything.
“What I need is a card catalogue,” said Patty. “I never can remember which is which, I know.”
“And I know another thing,” said Adèle. “If you girls don’t scamper off and dress, you won’t be ready for dinner at eight o’clock. And there are lots of guests coming. And more this evening for the country dance. Now, disperse, all of you, and put on your prettiest frocks for Christmas Eve.”
Patty had a new gown for the occasion, of an exquisite shade of pink chiffon, which just matched her cheeks. She did up her hair simply, with a pink ribbon around it, and a pink rose tucked over one ear.
After she was all dressed, she flew to the nursery for a little confab with Fräulein, who was working away on the Turkey red.
“Will it be done?” asked Patty, anxiously.
“Oh, yes, indeed, Miss Patty; in ample time. And the crowns, too.”
“Everything all right?” inquired a voice in the doorway, and Hal Ferris stepped into the nursery.
“Yes,” said Patty, her eyes sparkling. “Fräulein will have them all ready by the time dinner’s over. Oh, I do love to dress up!”
“You can’t look any sweeter than you do this way,” said Ferris, glancing approvingly at the little pink dancing frock.