“Evelyn, darling, what is it?” whispered Maria.

“You'll laugh at me.”

“No, I won't, honest, precious.”

“Honest?”

“Yes, honest, dear.”

“Were those all the presents I had?”

“Yes, of course, I brought you all you had, dear.”

Evelyn murmured something inarticulate against Maria's breast.

“What is it, dear, sister didn't hear?”

“I hung a book on the tree for him,” choked Evelyn, “and I thought maybe—I thought—”