The next afternoon saw the three girls at Dolly’s home. The following day brought Fred and his two friends, and there was a lively time until Christmas.
Christmas morning found them all down in the library, bright and early. The subject of Christmas gifts had troubled Dolly a little, because she feared lest Mary and Mr. Steele might feel that they had no part in the good times.
“You see, mamma, that I want to give Mary something as nice as I do Beth, but I know that Mary has hardly any money to spend for presents, and I do not want her to feel mean or awkward about it. And then there is Mr. Steele; he certainly cannot afford to do much in that line, either, and yet, of course, we want to remember him. What shall we do?”
“Just get what your good sense dictates, without thinking of their presents at all. You do not give for what will be given to you. You give for the pleasure of giving. Don’t think of that phase of the question. As for Mr. Steele, I feel that we owe him more than we can ever repay.”
“How so, mamma?”
“He has great influence over Fred, and he has certainly helped him to keep steady at college.”
“Oh, mamma, you do not mistrust Fred?”
“I know how much Fred likes a good time, dear. Sometimes he takes it without thinking of consequences. I rather dreaded college for him; but he is growing much more independent and self-reliant.”
“Fred is a darling, and you know it, mamma.”
“Of course, but I can see his weaknesses, and so I am glad that he has taken a liking to Robert Steele. I intend to do my best to have this Christmas one that he will like to remember.”