"Mother, you will make some of those lovely cakes this year, won't
you?" asked Bertha's sister Gretchen.

"Certainly, my child. It would not be Christmas without them. Early
to-morrow morning, you and Bertha must shell and chop the nuts. I
will use the freshest eggs and will beat the dough as long as my arms
will let me."

"Did you always know how to make those cakes, mamma?" asked Bertha.

"My good mother taught me when I was about your age, my dear. You
may watch me to-morrow, and perhaps you will learn how to make them.
It is never too early to begin to learn to cook."

"When the city girls get through school, they go away from home and
study housekeeping, don't they?" asked Gretchen.

"Yes, and many girls who don't live in cities. But I hardly think
you will ever be sent away. We are busy people here in our little
village, and you will have to be contented with learning what your
mother can teach you."

"I shall be satisfied with that, I know. But listen! I can hear
father and Hans coming."

"Then put up your work, children, and set the supper-table."

The girls jumped up and hurriedly put the presents away. It did not
take long to set the supper-table, for the meals in this little home