Good Mrs. Smith felt that her house had covered itself with glory by this event, and Dolly and Polly declared that it was the most perfect and delightful surprise party ever seen.
It was all over by nine o'clock, and with good-night kisses for every one the little girls climbed up to bed laden with treasures and too happy for many words. But as they tied their round caps Dolly said, thoughtfully,
"On the whole I think it's rather nice to be poor when people are kind to you."
"Well, I'd rather be rich; but if I can't be, it is very good fun to have Christmas trees like this one," answered truthful Polly, never guessing that they had planted the seed from which the little pine-tree grew so quickly and beautifully.
When the moon came to look in at the window on her nightly round two smiling faces lay on the pillow, which was no longer wet with tears, but rather knobby with the mine of riches hidden underneath—first-fruits of the neighborly friendship which flourished in that house until another and a merrier Christmas came.
[THEN COMES SANTA CLAUS.]
O children, little children,
You must be good, because
A few short days bring Christmas-eve,
And then comes Santa Claus.
And somebody will tell him
All that you've said and done
For many a week, and if he's pleased,
Heigh-ho! look out for fun.
So, children, little children,
Be lovely, dears, because
A few short days bring Christmas-eve,
And then comes Santa Claus.