because they will all be useful to you in one way or another."

"The games and storybooks, papa?" asked Grace with a look of surprise.

"Yes, daughter; people--and especially little folks like Max and Lulu
and you--need amusement as a change and rest from work; we can do all
the more work in the end if we take time for needed rest and
recreation."

"So it won't be time wasted to have our Christmas holidays?" remarked
Lulu, half inquiringly.

"No, I think not," her father answered.

"Shall we take our new games to Ion with us, papa?" she asked.

"If you wish. I presume Grandma Elsie will not object to your taking any
of your possessions with you that you think will be useful or enjoyable
to yourselves or others."

"I'm just sure she won't; 'cause she's so kind," said Grace. "But I
s'pose it won't do to take our live new pets?"

"No; but you may safely leave them in Christine's care."

Breakfast and family worship were over, such of their effects as they
would be likely to need during the few days of their expected stay at
Ion, had been packed and sent, the family carriage was at the door, and
every body nearly ready to get into it, when there was an arrival.