Her brain could not hold them, any more than a sieve can hold water.

So Mrs.
Parlin took pity upon Susy, and allowed her and her cousin Florence Eastman to lock themselves into her chamber at certain hours, and work at their presents without interruption.
While the little girls sat together busily employed with book-marks and pin-cushions, the time flew very swiftly, and they were as happy as bees in a honeysuckle.
Mrs.Parlin said she believed nothing less than Christmas presents would ever make Susy willing to use a needle and thread; for she disliked sewing, and declared she wished the man who made the needles had to swallow them all.
The family were to celebrate Christmas evening; for Mr.Parlin was away, and might not reach home in season for Christmas eve.
For a wonder they were not to have a Tree, but a Santa Claus, "just for a change." "Not a truly Santa Claus, that comes puffin' down the chimney," explained Prudy, who knew very well it would be only cousin Percy under a mask and white wig..