"I can't thank him myself," Annie put in, "I only wish I could. But Maggie and I speak of him to God every night. I think God will bless him, don't you, ma'am?"
"Yes, I do," Mrs. Metherell returned in cordial tones, "I feel sure of it. She is, indeed, a beautiful doll, Annie; and I don't wonder you are pleased."
"I love her very much," answered the little invalid simply.
"There is one thing more I have to say before I go," Mrs. Metherell said, as she turned to Maggie, "and it's to do with you, my dear. I am going to give a little party on Christmas Eve to a few children I know, and I want you to join us. Would you like to come to my party, Maggie?"
In her astonishment Maggie turned very red, then quite pale, and for a minute did not answer. At length she gave a little gasp of mingled pleasure and surprise as she exclaimed:
"Oh, ma'am! A party!"
"From four to eight. Will you allow Maggie to come, Mrs. Blundell?"
The mother looked doubtful, as she mentally pictured Maggie's best frock, which was decidedly more than a little shabby. Then she reflected that her visitor, who knew her position very well, would not expect her child to be dressed smartly, and she gave a cordial consent.
"It is indeed kind of you to ask Maggie, ma'am," she said, "and I'm sure I shall be only too pleased for her to go. It will be a rare treat for her."
"It is decided, then. At four, mind, and be in good time, Maggie."