"I wonder if I have one too!" In their excitement they were forgetting the danger of disturbing others and talking quite loud.
"Yes, mine opens," Grace went on, "and--oh yes, I've got candies and something with paper round it and--oh yes, yes, it is a pin! Not quite like yours, but just every bit as pretty!" "I think they are having a merry Christmas," said the captain, a happy light in his eyes, "and, my love, I wish you the same." Violet returned the wish; but the children were talking again and they kept quiet to hearken.
"Oh this sweet potato opens too," Lulu was saying, "and there's something that feels like a stick.

O Gracie, Gracie, look! it's a gold pencil, a lovely little gold pencil! Have you one ?" "No; but you haven't a doll." "Well, I think Santa Claus has been very generous and kind to us." "Just as good and kind as if he was our own papa," Gracie said, with a sweet silvery laugh.
"The dear, grateful darlings!" exclaimed the captain, his tone half tremulous with feeling.

"I sometimes fear I am almost too indulgent; but it is such a dear delight to give them pleasure." "And I don't believe it does them the least harm, so long as you do not indulge them in any wrong doing," said Violet.

"Love never hurts anybody." "Merry Christmas, my darlings," he called to them.

"Did Santa Claus fill your stockings ?" "Oh merry, merry Christmas, papa!" they answered.