CHAPTER X.
CHRISTMAS.
Long before the Christmas dawn was bright enough to bring the blue parrots into plain view on the walls of Joyce's room, she had climbed out of bed to look for her "messages from Noel." The night before, following the old French custom, she had set her little slippers just outside the threshold.

Now, candle in hand, she softly slipped to the door and peeped out into the hall.

Her first eager glance showed that they were full.
Climbing back into her warm bed, she put the candle on the table beside it, and began emptying the slippers.

They were filled with bonbons and all sorts of little trifles, such as she and Jules had admired in the gay shop windows.

On the top of one madame had laid a slender silver pencil, and monsieur a pretty purse.