`` I 'd like to see Matt Dickey 's face when he comes Monday morning , '' I laughed , as we struck into the back lands . `` I 'd like to see that midget of a Maggie 's , '' said Frank . `` See here , Phil , let 's attend the examination Monday afternoon . I 'd like to see our decorations in daylight . '' We decided to do so , and also thought of something else . Snow fell all day Sunday , so that , on Monday morning , sleighs had to be brought out . Frank and I drove down to the store and invested a considerable share of our spare cash in a varied assortment of knick-knacks . After dinner we drove through to the Enderly Road schoolhouse , tied our horse in a quiet spot , and went in . Our arrival created quite a sensation for , as a rule , Blackburn Hillites did not patronize Enderly Road functions . Miss Davis , the pale , tired-looking little teacher , was evidently pleased , and we were given seats of honour next to the minister on the platform . Our decorations really looked very well , and were further enhanced by two large red geraniums in full bloom which , it appeared , Maggie had brought from home to adorn the teacher 's desk . The side benches were lined with Enderly Road parents , and all the pupils were in their best attire . Our friend Maggie was there , of course , and she smiled and nodded towards the wreaths when she caught our eyes . The examination was a decided success , and the program which followed was very creditable indeed . Maggie and Minnie , in particular , covered themselves with glory , both in class and on the platform . At its close , while the minister was making his speech , Frank slipped out ; when the minister sat down the door opened and Santa Claus himself , with big fur coat , ruddy mask , and long white beard , strode into the room with a huge basket on his arm , amid a chorus of surprised `` Ohs '' from old and young . Wonderful things came out of that basket . There was some little present for every child there -- tops , knives , and whistles for the boys , dolls and ribbons for the girls , and a `` prize '' box of candy for everybody , all of which Santa Claus presented with appropriate remarks . It was an exciting time , and it would have been hard to decide which were the most pleased , parents , pupils , or teacher . In the confusion Santa Claus discreetly disappeared , and school was dismissed .
Frank , having tucked his toggery away in the sleigh , was waiting XXXXX us outside , and we were promptly pounced upon by Maggie and Minnie , whose long braids were already adorned with the pink silk ribbons which had been their gifts . ''
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