the open stove in the front parlor, and a fire laid on the hearth in the back room. Rebecca's own lamp, her second Christmas present from Mr. Aladdin, stood on a marble-topped table in the corner, the light that came softly through its rose-colored shade transforming the stiff and gloomy ugliness of the room into a place where one could sit and love one's neighbor.
"For massy's sake, Rebecca," called Miss Miranda up the stairs, "did you think we 'd better open the parlor?"
Rebecca came out on the landing braiding her hair.
"We did on Thanksgiving and Christmas, and I thought this was about as great an occasion," she said. "I moved the wax flowers off the mantelpiece so they would n't melt, and put the shells, the coral, and the green stuffed bird on top of the what-not, so the children would n't ask to play with them. Brother Milliken's coming over to see Mr. Burch about business, and I should n't wonder if Brother and Sister Cobb happened in. Don't go down cellar, I 'll be there in a minute to do the running."
Miranda and Jane exchanged glances.
"Ain't she the beatin'est creetur that ever was born int' the world!" exclaimed Miranda; "but she can turn off work when she 's got a mind to!"
At quarter past five everything was ready, and the neighbors, those at least who were within sight
