"I'm going to ask papa to give me a lavender crepe for a Christmas present," said Jessica.
"O Mrs. Gray," continued Nora, "we are going to have such fun Oakdale can't hold us."
"I think we should have a surprise for Mrs. Gray," announced Grace. "She is doing so much for us. O girls! I have an idea."
"What!" demanded the others breathlessly, including Mrs. Gray herself, who was as full of curiosity as a young girl.
"No, no," cried Grace, "it wouldn't be a surprise if I gave it away. But it's going to require a lot of work and planning to carry it out."
"Is it big or little?" asked the dainty old lady as eager as a child to find out the secret.
"It's rather small," answered Grace.
"Fine or superfine?"
"Both," laughed Grace. "But you'll not know till Christmas night; so stifle your curiosity."
"I suppose I must wait, but it's going to be very hard," replied Mrs. Gray plaintively.