again!"

"I hope not, dear child," he responded, returning her caresses. "I hope
you feel ready to resume your studies to-morrow, with diligence and
painstaking?"

"Yes, papa, I think I do. It's almost a week since you have heard me
recite; except the Sunday lesson yesterday."

"Yes," he said gravely, "it has been something of a loss to you in one
way, but I trust a decided gain in another. Well to change the subject,
are you pleased with the prospect of spending the holidays at Ion?"

"Yes, papa; I think it will be lovely; almost as nice as having a party
of our own, as we did last year."

"Possibly we may add that--a party here for a day or two--if Grandma
Elsie does not use up all the holidays with hers," he said in a half
jesting tone and with a pleasant laugh.

"O papa, do you really think we may?" she cried in delight. "Oh you are
just the kindest father!" giving him a hug.

He laughed at that, returning the hug with interest.

"I suppose you and Eva and the rest were laying out plans for Christmas
doings this afternoon?" he said inquiringly.

"Yes, papa, we were talking a good deal about games and tableaux, and
about the things we could buy or make for gifts to our friends, and what