"I am almost sure it will," said Lulu, sobering down a good deal; "and
Max's will be next. But I do mean to try ever so hard to be good."

"I am quite sure you do, dear child," her father responded in tender
tones. "I know my little girl wants to improve, and I shall do all I can
to help her."

"Papa, is that quarter a day for good conduct, to be in addition to our
usual pocket money?" asked Max.

"Certainly, my son; your pocket money is your own, to use for your
pleasure or profit, except what you feel that you ought, or desire to
give of it; but the quarter is expressly, and only for benevolent
purposes."

"When may we begin to earn it, papa?"

"To-morrow."

"I'm glad of that," said Lulu with satisfaction, "because I want to earn
a good deal before Christmas."

Then she told of Evelyn's suggestions in regard to gifts for the poor in
their immediate neighborhood.

"A very good idea," her father said, "and I think it may be carried out
in a way to yield enjoyment to both givers and receivers."

"I hope it will be cold enough at Christmas time to make ice and snow
for sleighing and sledding," Max remarked; "for we boys have planned to