`` Ow ! '' said Olive , as if the mere idea made her shiver . A little silence followed . To tell the truth , none of them liked Miss Allen . They knew that she did not like them either , but considered them frivolous and pert , and complained when they made a racket . `` The skeleton at the feast , '' Jean called her , and certainly the presence of the pale , silent , discontented-looking woman at the No. 16 table did not tend to heighten its festivity . Presently Jean said with a dramatic flourish , `` Girls , I have an inspiration -- a Christmas inspiration ! '' `` What is it ? '' cried four voices . `` Just this . Let us give Miss Allen a Christmas surprise . She has not received a single present and I 'm sure she feels lonely . Just think how we would feel if we were in her place . '' `` That is true , '' said Olive thoughtfully . `` Do you know , girls , this evening I went to her room with a message from Mrs. Pickrell , and I do believe she had been crying . Her room looked dreadfully bare and cheerless , too . I think she is very poor . What are we to do , Jean ? '' `` Let us each give her something nice . We can put the things just outside of her door so that she will see them whenever she opens it .
I 'll give her some XXXXX Fred 's roses too , and I 'll write a Christmassy letter in my very best style to go with them , '' said Jean , warming up to her ideas as she talked .
Jean Olive To at from if in of that with