human
Your present is all buyed, Aunt Peggy. Grandma did it, but it’s a secret. Want me to tell you?
gpt
O, no! Peggy left off buttoning Dorothy’s coat, and clapped her hands over her ears.
human
You mustn’t tell secrets, she explained hurriedly.
gpt
They’re to be kept till Christmas.
human
But I don’t like secrets to keep, protested Dorothy, unconsciously voicing the sentiments, of some older people.
gpt
I like ’em to tell: Aunt Peggy your present’s white with pink edges, and--
human
And you’re going to buy something for the poor children, aren’t you, Dorothy, the children who don’t have any Christmas?
gpt
I know, Aunt Peggy, she exclaimed, with the triumph of one who has found a happy solution to a puzzling problem.
human
I know. The poor children can have the outside of my nuts.
gpt
The outside! Why, she means the shells, mother. I don’t see how you can laugh. Peggy looked reproachfully at her mother who had suddenly become interested in the view from the window.
human
Think how terrible it would be if she should grow up selfish.
gpt
She has time to outgrow lots of things, dear, while she’s growing up, said Mrs. Raymond comfortingly, and turned to kiss the rosy mouth of her impatient granddaughter. As Peggy and Dorothy went hand in hand down the stairs, a little voice was wafted back to her.
human
Your present’s a secret, grandma. It’s going to be ’fum--
gpt
Dorothy, how would you like to see Santa Claus?
human
Aunt Peggy! she exclaimed with trembling earnestness,
gpt
Are we going to the North Pole?
human
I’m afraid we’re not bundled up enough for such a cold journey, laughed Peggy.
gpt
But I guess we’ll find Santa on the third floor at Myers and Bates. And, if he’s there, you can tell him what you want most for Christmas.
human
If I ask him for a dolly-baby’s carriage, do you s’pose he’ll shake his head? cried Dorothy, lurching as the car jolted, and precipitating herself into Peggy’s arms.
gpt
Will he ’member how I slapped Sally, ’cause she wouldn’t let me eat out of Taffy’s plate?
human
Probably he’ll forgive you for that, if you’re very, very sorry, returned Peggy, smiling as she thought of the gift stored at Priscilla’s, to be safe from Dorothy’s prying.
gpt
Anyway, it won’t do any harm to ask him.