each other's arms.

"We thought we'd sleep together to-night, papa," said Lulu, "if you're
willing."

"I have no objection," he answered. "Gracie was a little afraid to
receive Santa Claus alone, was she?" looking down at them with a
humorous smile as he stood by the bedside.

"Oh no, papa! I'm pretty sure I know who he is, and I'm not one bit
afraid of him," answered the little girl, with a merry laugh, catching
his hand and carrying it to her lips.

"Ah! then it was Lulu who was afraid, was it?"

"Oh no, sir! Lu's never afraid of anything."

"Indeed; you seem to have a high opinion of her courage! You need never,
either of you, be afraid or ashamed of anything but sin, my darlings,"
he added, more gravely. "If you are God's children, nothing can harm
you. He will watch over us through the dark and silent night while we
are wrapped in slumber. 'Behold he that keepeth Israel shall neither
slumber or sleep.'"

"I'm so glad the Bible tells us that, papa," she said; "but I'm glad,
too, that you sleep in the next room, and have the door open always at
night, so that if I should want you, you could easily hear me call, and
come to me."

"Yes," he said, "and neither of my little girls need ever hesitate for a