because he was strong and just. In all of his dealings they knew they
could depend upon him. Every matter that came to his consideration was
carefully weighed in his mind and his decisions were always wise.
Women trusted him because he was pure and true, with lofty thoughts
and high ambitions, and the children loved him because of his
gentleness and tenderness toward them. He was never so burdened with
affairs of state that he could not stop to speak a pleasant word of
greeting to the tiniest child, and the very poorest of his subjects
knew they could count upon his interest in them.

This deep-seated love and reverence for their king made the people of
this country wish very much for a way in which to give expression to
it so that he would understand it. Many consultations were held and
one after another the plans suggested were rejected, but at last a
most happy solution was found. It was rapidly circulated here and
there and it met with the most hearty approval everywhere.

It was a plan for celebrating the King's birthday.

Of course, that had been done in many lands before, but there were
certain features about this celebration which differed materially from
anything that had ever been tried. They decided that on the King's
birthday the people should all bring him gifts, but they wanted in
some way to let him know that these gifts were the expression of a
love on the part of the giver which was pure and true and unselfish,
and in order to show that, it was decided that each gift should be a
"White Gift."

The King heard about this beautiful plan, and it touched his heart in
a wonderful way. He decided that he would do his part to carry out the