us, and we will set to work at once; no time like the present, is a
good motto in most cases."

Max hastened to obey and the lists were made out amid a good deal of
pleasant chat, now grave, now gay.

"We don't have to put down all the names, papa, do we?" Grace asked with
an arch look and smile up into his face.

"No; we will except present company," he replied, stroking her hair
caressingly, and returning her smile with one full of tender fatherly
affection.

The names were all written down first, then came the task of deciding
upon the gifts.

"We will take your lists in turn, beginning with Max's and ending with
Gracie's," the captain said.

That part of the work required no little consultation between the three
children; papa's advice was asked in every instance, and almost always
decided the question; but, glancing over the lists when completed, "I
think, my dears, you have laid out too much work for yourselves," he
said.

"But I thought you always liked us to be industrious, papa," said Lulu.

"Yes, daughter, but not overworked; I can not have that; nor can I allow
you to neglect your studies, omit needed exercise, or go without
sufficient sleep to keep you in health."