enlivened by cheerful chat, was spent at the table.

Quiet games--mirth provoking, yet requiring little exertion of mind or
body--filled up the remainder of the afternoon.

After tea they had romping games, but at nine o'clock were called
together for family worship; then the younger ones, including Lulu and
Grace, went to their beds; very willingly too, for the day--begun so
early because of their eagerness to examine their stockings--had been an
unusually long and exciting one; so that they felt ready for rest.

Grace indeed was so weary that her father carried her up to her room,
and did not leave her till she was snug in bed.

She dropped asleep the instant her head touched the pillow and he stood
for a moment gazing a little anxiously at her pale face.

"You don't think Gracie's sick, papa, do you?" asked Lulu softly.

"No, I trust she will be all right in the morning--the darling! but she
seems quite worn out now," he sighed.

Then sitting down he drew Lulu into his arms. "Has it been a happy day
with you, dear child?" he asked.

"Yes, papa, very; just full of pleasure; and now that night has come,
I'm so glad that I have my own dear papa to hug me up close, and that
he's going to sleep in the next room to Gracie and me."

"I'm glad too," he said. "Yes, we have a great deal to be thankful