"a school-house was provided for them years ago, your mother pays a
teacher to instruct them, visits the school frequently, often gives
religious instruction herself to the pupils there, and to their parents
in visiting them in their cabins; sees that they are taken care of in
sickness too, and that they do not suffer for the necessaries of life at
any time."

"Yes, sir, that is all true," returned Edward, "but I was only thinking
of giving them some extra care, instruction and gifts during the
approaching holidays; says a Christmas tree loaded with, not the
substantials of life only, but some of the things that will give
pleasure merely--finery for the women and girls, toys for the children
and so forth."

"Meaning tobacco for the old folks and sweets for all, I suppose?" added
Zoe with sportive look and tone.

"Yes, my dear, that's about it," he said, smiling affectionately upon
her.

"O mamma, let us do it!" cried Rosie with enthusiasm; "let's have a fine
big tree in their school-room, and have them come there and get their
gifts before we have ours here. We should get Vi and the captain to join
us in it as the colored children from Woodburn attend school there too."

"I am well pleased with the idea," replied her mother, "and have little
doubt that the captain and Vi will be also. But let us have your
opinion, my dear father," she added, turning upon him a look of mingled
love and reverence.