For answer the child laughed—a clear, ringing laugh, full of pure enjoyment, that echoed strangely through the miserable garret. Annie raised herself on her elbow, her eyes open wide with amazement, whilst Mrs. Blundell pointed to the parcel in Maggie's arms for an explanation.
"Oh!" the excited little girl cried at length. "You'll never guess what has happened."
She laid the parcel on the bed, and bade Annie open it, then stood by, somewhat impatiently watching the weak, tremulous fingers as they fumbled with the string. The cover was removed from the box at last, and the doll in the bright amber gown lay revealed.
For a moment there was an awed silence; then:
"Where did she come from, Maggie? Who is she for?"
"She is for you, Annie," Maggie answered brightly, "for your very own! A Christmas present! A gentleman gave her to me, and I ran as fast as ever I could to bring her home to you! You remember my telling you yesterday about that shop where there was a big window full of dolls? Well, I was looking in, and the gentleman asked me which doll I would like if I had the money to buy her; and then, when I told him, he took me into the shop and gave her to me!"
"Oh, Maggie!"
"And the lady in the shop put her in this box because she should not get damp," the excited child continued, "and then I ran home as fast as I could!"
"What a kind gentleman he must be!" cried Annie. "I wonder what made him do it! I think God must have told him!"
"I shouldn't wonder," Maggie agreed. "How do you like her, Annie? You haven't touched her yet!"