The buxom maid was loaded with bundles long before Sigrid wanted to go home.
For the next two days, there was a great stir all over the house. Everything that could be washed and scoured was made clean and radiant. All the family were making presents. Oh, such mystery everywhere!
"There, Miss Eklund," said Sigrid. "I have finished the cozy. Now I want some more red sealing-wax. I have helped Anders wrap up his presents, and mine are almost ready."
"Have you fastened on your rhymes?" asked Miss Eklund.
"All except the one for Aunt Frederika's present. I cannot seem to think of a verse for her," was the reply.
"You must be sure and have a pretty verse for your dear aunt, who has come way from Göteborg. Perhaps I can help you later."
Miss Eklund left her little charge labouring with pencil and paper. Sigrid would never think her Christmas gifts complete without a verse for each one.
"Here come father and Erik with the tree," shouted Anders.
"Isn't this a beauty?" inquired Erik, as he and his father rested for a minute.
"Did you get it in the Christmas market, father? Mother and I saw a whole forest of little Christmas trees there," said Sigrid.