Beth Hamilton , who was hovering over the roses , and Nellie Preston , who was eating candy , were art students , and their homes were too far away to visit . As for Jean Lawrence , she was an orphan , and had no home of her own . She worked on the staff of one of the big city newspapers and the other girls were a little in awe of her cleverness , but her nature was a `` chummy '' one and her room was a favourite rendezvous . Everybody liked frank , open-handed and hearted Jean . `` It was so funny to see the postman when he came this evening , '' said Olive . `` He just bulged with parcels . They were sticking out in every direction . '' `` We all got our share of them , '' said Jean with a sigh of content . `` Even the cook got six -- I counted . '' `` Miss Allen did n't get a thing -- not even a letter , '' said Beth quickly . Beth had a trick of seeing things that other girls did n't . `` I forgot Miss Allen . No , I do n't believe she did , '' answered Jean thoughtfully as she twisted up her pretty hair . `` How dismal it must be to be so forlorn as that on Christmas Eve of all times . Ugh ! I 'm glad I have friends . '' `` I saw Miss Allen watching us as we opened our parcels and letters , '' Beth went on . `` I happened to look up once , and such an expression as was on her face , girls ! It was pathetic and sad and envious all at once . It really made me feel bad -- for five minutes , '' she concluded honestly .
`` Has n't Miss XXXXX any friends at all ? ''
Allen Beth Hamilton Jean Lawrence Olive Preston friends minutes orphan