"Yes, sir," she said, "we are getting up some tableaux, but are ready
to defer them if any one wishes to do something else."

"I think we will not tax Cousin Ronald with story telling to-day," said
Grandma Elsie: "he has been making a good deal of exertion in skating,
and I know must feel weary."

"Are you, Cousin Ronald?" asked Walter.

"Well, laddie, I can no deny that there have been times when I've felt a
bit brighter and more in the mood for spinning out a yarn, as the
sailors say."

"And perhaps you'd like to see the tableaux too, sir?"

"Yes, I own that I should."

That settled the question. "We will have the tableaux," Grandma Elsie
said, and every body seemed well satisfied with the decision.

Preparations were begun almost immediately on leaving the table, and
pretty much all the short winter afternoon occupied with them.

They had their exhibition after tea; a very satisfactory one to those
who took part, and to the spectators.

Every child and young person who was desirous to have it so, was brought
in to one or more of the pictures. Lulu, to her great delight, appeared
in several and did herself credit.