all her friends. Agnes was very happy, for on Christmas day her uncle
was to take her over home to see Lewie, who called for her constantly,
her aunt said. Mammy had walked over too, to see her little girl, and
she told her that "Lewie was greetin' for 'sister' from morn till
night."

The day before Christmas came, and with it the party at Brook Farm was
augmented by the arrival of Mrs. Ellison, a younger sister of Mr.
Wharton's, her husband and baby, a beautiful child of about a year old.
There was great joy at the arrival of "Aunt Fanny," who was very lively,
and always ready to enter with glee into the frolics and sports of the
children.

As they were sitting at the dinner table that day, Mr. Wharton said:

"I have received certain information that Santa Claus himself is to
visit us to-night, and bring his gifts in person. He desires me to
inform the children, that all packages to be entrusted to his care must
be handed into my study, labelled and directed, before six o'clock this
evening."

Many were the wonders and speculations as to the nature and appearance
of the expected Santa Claus; but they were suddenly interrupted by
Robert, who exclaimed:

"Why, who comes here up the lane? It's old cousin Betty, I do declare,
in her old green gig set on runners."

"I thought cousin Betty would hardly let Christmas go by without making
her appearance," said Mrs. Wharton; "I have thought two or three times