The girls all put on their necklaces , and danced about like fine ladies at a ball . The boys fell to comparing skates , balls , and cuff-buttons on the spot , while the little ones devoted all their energies to eating everything eatable they could lay their hands on . Games were played till nine o'clock , and then the party broke up , after they had taken hands round the tree and sung a song written by one whom you all know , -- so faithfully and beautifully does she love and labor for children the world over . THE BLESSED DAY `` What shall little children bring On Christmas Day , on Christmas Day ? What shall little children bring On Christmas Day in the morning ? This shall little children bring On Christmas Day , on Christmas Day ; Love and joy to Christ their king , On Christmas Day in the morning ! `` What shall little children sing On Christmas Day , on Christmas Day ? What shall little children sing On Christmas Day in the morning ? The grand old carols shall they sing On Christmas Day , on Christmas Day ; With all their hearts , their offerings bring On Christmas Day in the morning . '' Jack was carried off to bed in such haste that he had only time to call out , `` Good-night ! '' before he was rolled away , gaping as he went . Jill soon found herself tucked up in the great white bed she was to share with her mother , and lay looking about the pleasant chamber , while Mrs. Pecq ran home for a minute to see that all was safe there for the night . After the merry din the house seemed very still , with only a light step now and then , the murmur of voices not far away , or the jingle of sleigh-bells from without , and the little girl rested easily among the pillows , thinking over the pleasures of the day , too wide-awake for sleep . There was no lamp in the chamber , but she could look into the pretty Bird Room , where the fire-light still shone on flowery walls , deserted tree , and Christ-child floating above the green . Jill 's eyes wandered there and lingered till they were full of regretful tears , because the sight of the little angel recalled the words spoken when it was hung up , the good resolution she had taken then , and how soon it was broken . `` I said I could n't be bad in that lovely place , and I was a cross , ungrateful girl after all they 've done for Mammy and me . Poor Jack was hurt the worst , and he was brave , though he did scream . I wish I could go and tell him so , and hear him say , ` All right . ' Oh , me , I 've spoiled the day ! '' A great sob choked more words , and Jill was about to have a comfortable cry , when someone entered the other room , and she saw Frank doing something with a long cord and a thing that looked like a tiny drum .
Quiet as a bright-eyed mouse , XXXXX peeped out wondering what it was , and suspecting mischief , for the boy was laughing to himself as he stretched the cord , and now and then bent over the little object in his hand , touching it with great care .
Frank Jack Jill Mammy cuff-buttons labor minute morning o'clock right