No answer came for a long time , and the girls had almost forgotten their joke in a game of Letters , when `` Tingle , tangle ! '' went the bell , and the basket came in heavily laden . A roll of colored papers was tied outside , and within was a box that rattled , a green and silver horn , a roll of narrow ribbons , a spool of strong thread , some large needles , and a note from Mrs. Minot : -- `` Dear Jill , -- I think of having a Christmas tree so that our invalids can enjoy it , and all your elegant friends are cordially invited . Knowing that you would like to help , I send some paper for sugar-plum horns and some beads for necklaces . They will brighten the tree and please the girls for themselves or their dolls . Jack sends you a horn for a pattern , and will you make a ladder-necklace to show him how ? Let me know if you need anything . `` Yours in haste , `` Anna Minot '' `` She knew what the child would like , bless her kind heart , '' said Mrs. Pecq to herself , and something brighter than the most silvery bead shone on Jack 's shirt-sleeve , as she saw the rapture of Jill over the new work and the promised pleasure . Joyful cries greeted the opening of the box , for bunches of splendid large bugles appeared in all colors , and a lively discussion went on as to the best contrasts . Jill could not refuse to let her friends share the pretty work , and soon three necklaces glittered on three necks , as each admired her own choice . `` I 'd be willing to hurt my back dreadfully , if I could lie and do such lovely things all day , '' said Merry , as she reluctantly put down her needle at last , for home duties waited to be done , and looked more than ever distasteful after this new pleasure . `` So would I ! Oh , do you think Mrs. Minot will let you fill the horns when they are done ? I 'd love to help you then . Be sure you send for me ! '' cried Molly Loo , arching her neck like a proud pigeon to watch the glitter of her purple and gold necklace on her brown gown . `` I 'm afraid you could n't be trusted , you love sweeties so , and I 'm sure Boo could n't . But I 'll see about it , '' replied Jill , with a responsible air . The mention of the boy recalled him to their minds , and looking round they found him peacefully absorbed in polishing up the floor with Molly 's pocket-handkerchief and oil from the little machine-can . Being torn from this congenial labor , he was carried off shining with grease and roaring lustily .
But XXXXX did not mind her loneliness now , and sang like a happy canary while she threaded her sparkling beads , or hung the gay horns to dry , ready for their cargoes of sweets .
Jill Minot Molly bugles bunches labor machine-can pocket-handkerchief spool sweeties