the door.

"Good morning," he cried heartily. "Elnora, you look a picture! My,
but you're sweet! If any of the city boys get sassy you tell your Uncle
Wesley, and he'll horsewhip them. Here's your Christmas present from
me." He handed Elnora the leather lunch box, with her name carved across
the strap in artistic lettering.

"Oh Uncle Wesley!" was all Elnora could say.

"Your Aunt Maggie filled it for me for a starter," he said. "Now, if you
are ready, I'm going to drive past your way and you can ride almost to
Onabasha with me, and save the new shoes that much."

Elnora was staring at the box. "Oh I hope it isn't impolite to open it
before you," she said. "I just feel as if I must see inside."

"Don't you stand on formality with the neighbours," laughed Sinton.
"Look in your box if you want to!"

Elnora slipped the strap and turned back the lid.

This disclosed the knife, fork, napkin, and spoon, the milk flask, and
the interior packed with dainty sandwiches wrapped in tissue paper, and
the little compartments for meat, salad, and the custard cup.

"Oh mother!" cried Elnora. "Oh mother, isn't it fine? What made you
think of it, Uncle Wesley? How will I ever thank you? No one will have a
finer lunch box than I. Oh I do thank you! That's the nicest gift I ever
had. How I love Christmas in September!"