`` Put it in the back parlor . All the Browns are away for a week , and we 'll help you trim it -- wo n't we , my dear ? '' cried Mrs. Smith , warmly ; for she saw that he was in a sociable mood , and thought it a pity that the Blakes should not profit by it . `` Yes , indeed ; I should like it of all things , and it need n't cost much , for I have some skill in trimmings , as you know . '' And Miss Kent looked so gay and pretty as she spoke that Mr. Chrome made up his mind that millinery must be a delightful occupation . `` Come on then , ladies , and we 'll have a little frolic . I 'm a lonely old bachelor , with nowhere to go to-day , and I 'd like some fun . '' They had it , I assure you ; for they all fell to work as busy as bees , flying and buzzing about with much laughter as they worked their pleasant miracle . Mr. Chrome acted more like the father of a large family than a crusty bachelor , Miss Kent 's skillful fingers flew as they never did before , and Mrs. Smith trotted up and down as briskly as if she were sixteen instead of being a stout old woman of sixty . The children were so full of the play , and telling all about it , that they forgot their tree till after supper ; but when they went to look for it they found it gone , and in its place a great paper hand with one finger pointing down stairs , and on it these mysterious words in red ink : `` Look in the Browns ' back parlor ! '' At the door of that interesting apartment they found their mother with Will and Petkin , for another hand had suddenly appeared to them pointing up . The door flew open quite as if it were a fairy play , and they went in to find a pretty tree planted in a red box on the centre table , lighted with candles , hung with gilded nuts , red apples , gay bonbons , and a gift for each . Mr. Chrome was hidden behind one folding-door , and fat Mrs. Smith squeezed behind the other , and they both thought it a great improvement upon the old-fashioned Santa Claus to have Miss Kent , in the white dress she made for the party , with Mrs. Blake 's roses in her hair , step forward as the children gazed in silent rapture , and with a few sweet words welcome them to the little surprise their friends had made . There were many Christmas trees in the city that night , but none which gave such hearty pleasure as the one which so magically took the place of the broken branch and its few poor toys . They were all there , however , and Dolly and Polly were immensely pleased to see that of all her gifts Petkin chose the forlorn bird to carry to bed with her , the one yellow feather being just to her taste . Mrs. Blake put on her neat bonnet , and was so gratified that Miss Kent thought it the most successful one she ever trimmed . She was well paid for it by the thanks of one neighbor and the admiration of another ; for when she went to her party Mr. Chrome went with her , and said something on the way which made her heart dance more lightly than her feet that night . 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 ca n't be , it is very good fun to have Christmas trees like this one , '' answered truthful XXXXX , never guessing that they had planted the seed from which the little pine-tree grew so quickly and beautifully .
Blake Browns Dolly Kent Petkin Polly centre night o'clock week