"Very good, dear Ellen. I am very glad for you."
"It was, on my bed last night. I can't think how it got there; and I don't care, either, so long as I've got it. What are you making?"
"A purse," said Alice, laying it on the table for her inspection.
"It will be very pretty. Is the other end to be like this?"
"Yes, and these tassels to finish them off."
"Oh, that's beautiful," said Ellen, laying them down to try the effect; "and these rings to fasten it with. Is it black?"
"No, dark green. I am making it for my brother John."
"A Christmas present!" exclaimed Ellen.
"I am afraid not; he will hardly be here by that time. It may do for New Year."
"How pleasant it must be to make Christmas and New Year presents!" said Ellen, after she had watched Alice's busy fingers for a few minutes. "I wish I could make something for somebody. Oh! I wonder if I couldn't make something for Mr. Van Brunt! Oh, I should like to, very much."