When Rebecca looked back upon theyear or two that followed the Simpsons'

　　Thanksgiving party, she could see onlycertain milestones rising in the quiet pathway ofthe months.

　　The first milestone was Christmas Day. It wasa fresh, crystal morning, with icicles hanging likedazzling pendants from the trees and a glaze ofpale blue on the surface of the snow. The Simpsons'

　　red barn stood out, a glowing mass of color inthe white landscape. Rebecca had been busy forweeks before, trying to make a present for each ofthe seven persons at Sunnybrook Farm, a somewhatdifficult proceeding on an expenditure of fiftycents, hoarded by incredible exertion. Success hadbeen achieved, however, and the precious packethad been sent by post two days previous. MissSawyer had bought her niece a nice gray squirrelmuff and tippet, which was even more unbecomingif possible, than Rebecca's other articles of wearingapparel; but aunt Jane had made her the loveliestdress of green cashmere, a soft, soft green likethat of a young leaf. It was very simply made, butthe color delighted the eye. Then there was abeautiful "tatting" collar from her mother, somescarlet mittens from Mrs. Cobb, and a handkerchieffrom Emma Jane.

　　Rebecca herself had fashioned an elaborate tea-cosy with a letter "M" in outline stitch, and apretty frilled pincushion marked with a "J," for hertwo aunts, so that taken all together the day wouldhave been an unequivocal success had nothing elsehappened; but something else did.

　　There was a knock at the door at breakfast time,and Rebecca, answering it, was asked by a boy ifMiss Rebecca Randall lived there. On being toldthat she did, he handed her a parcel bearing hername, a parcel which she took like one in a dreamand bore into the dining-room.

　　"It's a present; it must be," she said, lookingat it in a dazed sort of way; "but I can't thinkwho it could be from.""A good way to find out would be to open it,"remarked Miss Miranda.

　　The parcel being untied proved to have twosmaller packages within, and Rebecca opened withtrembling fingers the one addressed to her. Anybody'sfingers would have trembled. There was acase which, when the cover was lifted, disclosed along chain of delicate pink coral beads,--a chainending in a cross made of coral rosebuds. A cardwith "Merry Christmas from Mr. Aladdin" layunder the cross.

　　"Of all things!" exclaimed the two old ladies,rising in their seats. "Who sent it?""Mr. Ladd," said Rebecca under her breath.

　　"Adam Ladd! Well I never! Don't you rememberEllen Burnham said he was going to sendRebecca a Christmas present? But I never supposedhe'd think of it again," said Jane. "What'sthe other package?"It proved to be a silver chain with a blue enamellocket on it, marked for Emma Jane. That addedthe last touch--to have him remember them both!

　　There was a letter also, which ran:--Dear Miss Rebecca Rowena,--My idea of aChristmas present is something entirely unnecessaryand useless. I have always noticed when Igive this sort of thing that people love it, so Ihope I have not chosen wrong for you and yourfriend. You must wear your chain this afternoon,please, and let me see it on your neck, for I amcoming over in my new sleigh to take you both todrive. My aunt is delighted with the soap.

　　Sincerely your friend,Adam Ladd.

　　"Well, well!" cried Miss Jane, "isn't that kindof him? He's very fond of children, Lyddy Burnhamsays. Now eat your breakfast, Rebecca, andafter we've done the dishes you can run over toEmma's and give her her chain-- What's the matter,child?"Rebecca's emotions seemed always to be stored,as it were, in adjoining compartments, and to becontinually getting mixed. At this moment, thoughher joy was too deep for words, her bread and butteralmost choked her, and at intervals a tear stolefurtively down her cheek.

　　Mr. Ladd called as he promised, and made theacquaintance of the aunts, understanding them bothin five minutes as well as if he had known themfor years. On a footstool near the open fire satRebecca, silent and shy, so conscious of her fineapparel and the presence of aunt Miranda that shecould not utter a word. It was one of her "beautydays." Happiness, excitement, the color of thegreen dress, and the touch of lovely pink in thecoral necklace had transformed the little brownwren for the time into a bird of plumage, and AdamLadd watched her with evident satisfaction. Thenthere was the sleigh ride, during which she foundher tongue and chattered like any magpie, and soended that glorious Christmas Day; and many andmany a night thereafter did Rebecca go to sleepwith the precious coral chain under her pillow, onehand always upon it to be certain that it was safe.

　　Another milestone was the departure of theSimpsons from Riverboro, bag and baggage, thebanquet lamp being their most conspicuous posses-sion. It was delightful to be rid of Seesaw's hatefulpresence; but otherwise the loss of severalplaymates at one fell swoop made rather a gapin Riverboro's "younger set," and Rebecca wasobliged to make friends with the Robinson baby,he being the only long-clothes child in the villagethat winter. The faithful Seesaw had called at theside door of the brick house on the evening beforehis departure, and when Rebecca answered hisknock, stammered solemnly, "Can I k-keep comp'nywith you when you g-g-row up?" "Certainly NOT,"replied Rebecca, closing the door somewhattoo speedily upon her precocious swain.

　　Mr. Simpson had come home............