A sudden cry from Grace attracted the attention of the others.
"Why, Marian Barber, what made you do it ?" Then other exclamations followed in quick succession as the Phi Sigma Taus rushed over to her in a body, each carrying a jeweler's box.
"You shouldn't have been so generous, Marian," said Grace.

"I never dreamed of receiving this beautiful gold chain." "Just look at my bracelet!" cried Jessica.
"And my lovely ring!" put in Nora.
"Not half so fine as my silver purse," commented Anne.
Miriam Nesbit was the recipient of a cut glass powder box with a silver top, while Eva Allen was in raptures over a gold chatelaine pin, that more than once she had vainly sighed for.
Even the boys had been so well remembered that they felt rather embarrassed when they compared their simple gifts to Marian with those she had given them.

As for Mr.Henry Hammond, he had received a complete toilet set mounted in silver that was truly a magnificent affair, while Marian proudly exhibited a gold chain and locket set with small diamonds, which she had received from him.
When the last package had been opened, Santa Claus removed his huge white beard, slipped out of his scarlet bath robe bordered with cotton and stood forth as Hippy Wingate; while Father Time set his sickle carefully up in one corner, divested himself of his flowing beard and locks, took off David's gray dressing gown and appeared as Tom Gray.
It was long after midnight before the guests sought their rooms, their arms piled with gifts.
"Come into my room for an after-gathering," said Miriam to the girls, as they stood in a group at the head of the stairs.
"Wait until we deposit our spoils and get comfy," said Grace.
Fifteen minutes later the Phi Sigma Taus, with the exception of Marian Barber, wrapped in kimonos, were monopolizing the floor space around the big open fireplace in Miriam's room.
"Where's Marian ?" asked Grace.
"Gone to bed," answered Eva laconically.

"She said she didn't propose to stay up half the night to gossip." "The very idea!" exclaimed Jessica.

"We never do gossip, but I think she has furnished plenty of material so far for a gossiping match." "And it looks as though we were in a fair way to start one, now," said Anne slyly.
"Anne, you rascal," said Jessica laughing.