158 FOREST FANCIES 



to be sure, though all that Father found was a 

 demure little Christmas tree and some very se- 

 date and innocent-looking toys. But Cho-koh- 

 tung smiled as she drooped her green boughs 

 over the truant toys at her feet, the loving 

 sharers in her joy of giving, which makes the 

 joy of living. 



She could hardly wait for the morrow, but 

 Christmas really came at last. Then four chil- 

 dren, almost before the dawn, flew pell-mell 

 down the stairs and rushed upon the Christ- 

 mas tree — one, two, three boys and a girl — 

 little Emily and her brothers I 



** Are you not glad that I came to you ?" Cho- 

 koh-tung eagerly asked of little Emily. 



But Emily only laughed as she danced 

 around the tree. 



Again Cho-koh-tung asked wistfully, ''Are 

 you not glad that I came to town at Christmas 

 time?" 



But Emily only smiled as she held her doll 

 close. 



Then Cho-koh-tung would have shaken her 

 ornaments until they tinkled and glittered for 



