“The music box, books, and other toys were left in the home of the lame child; also a gold piece shone in the toe of each stocking hanging there.
“The paper doll girl was generously remembered, and the bottle dolls smiled gratefully at the load of gifts left at their feet.
“Anna Belle’s eyes shone as she thought of the joy this Christmas was to bring to so many hearts.
“‘How many?’ asked the Fairy, who seemed to know what she was thinking.
“Anna Belle pondered as they floated homeward. Presently she cried: ‘Why, just think, it’s twenty-four!’
“‘Only twenty-four? I counted twenty-five.’
“Again Anna Belle went over them, then said: ‘I can’t remember the odd one.’
“The Fairy sent forth a bubbling, rippling laugh, which puzzled Anna Belle for a moment, then she twinkled and cried:
“‘Why, I’m the odd one. I never was so happy. When did it begin? Oh, I know; it was when I saw the Star, wasn’t it?’
“‘Yes, indeed,’ replied the Fairy, ‘and not only when you saw the Star, but when you remembered the meaning of it.