Mrs. Lyon rang the bell, and sent a servant to fetch the little girl to the drawing-room.
The child’s mother being in a particularly good humor since receiving the new brown silk dress, made no objection, but sent her along in charge of the servant.
Little Drusilla entered the drawing-room, looking very pretty in her new red merino frock, which suited well with her dark hair and dark eyes, and clear, pale face.
She made her little curtsy at the door, and then as Mr. Alexander held out his arms she ran straight up to him.
“Now, then,” said the young gentleman, taking her on his knee, while the mysterious packages lay all around his feet, “if you could have your wish, what would you wish for?”
“Mother says it is foolish and wicked to wish for anything, because if it is for our good, the Lord will give it to us whether or not.”
“Well but suppose you were so foolish and wicked as to wish for anything, what would it be?” persisted the young man, while all the other members of the Christmas party looked on, smilingly.
The child pondered gravely.
“Come—what would it be?”
“I think a work-box,” answered the child, looking up at length.