children!"

(Great clapping and laughing.)

"I tell you, darlings, I haven't forgot a single one of you. My pockets
are running over. I've been preparing presents for you ever since last
fall, when the birds broke up housekeeping.

"Here's a tippet for the Prudy girl, and she may have it for nothing;
and they are cheaper 'n that, if you take 'em by the quantity.

"I'm a walkin' book-case. Why, I've brought stories and histories enough
to set up a store! I've got more nuts than you can shake a hammer at;
but I think there's more bark to 'em than there is bite. O, O, I find I
can't crack 'em with my teeth, as I used to a hundred years ago!

"But my dear, sweet, cunning little hearers, I must be a-goin'. Queen
Victoria, said she to me, said she, 'Now, Santa, my love, do you hurry
back to fill my children's stockings before the clock strikes twelve.'
Queen Vic is an excellent woman, and is left a poor widow; so I can't
disappoint her, poor soul!

"I must be a-goin'! Would like to hug and kiss you all round, but can't
stop. (Kisses his hand and bows.) A Merry Christmas to you all, and a
Happy New Year."

So saying, Santa Claus suddenly disappeared at the hall door, dropping
his heavy pack upon the table.

In another minute the lively old gentleman was in the front parlor