poor, have the same fond anticipations. In the lowly cot, surrounded by
miles of wilderness, little faces brighten as quickly at mention of
Christmas as those who are reared in the lap of luxury and expectant of
fond remembrance in showers of valuable presents in endless variety.

Preparations were being commenced at Government House on an extensive
scale. Lady Douglas was remarkable for the labors of love in her family
at this approaching season. Christmas was to her a time of unalloyed
happiness. "Peace and good will" reigned supreme. Every minute was spent
in promoting happiness by devotion, recreation or charity. The last was
one of her most pleasing enjoyments, for which Lady Douglas received
many blessings. From her childhood this noble lady had exercised her
leisure moments in relieving the wants of the poor, often leaving to
them food and clothing with her own hands.

At the suggestion of Miss Douglas, who was always ready for any
important duty, a party was proposed to visit the woods to procure
boughs for greening the grand hall and drawing-room. Foremost was
Johnnie Douglas, master of ceremonies, whose presence on the occasion
was indispensable; so said Johnnie, throwing a mischievous glance at
Lady Rosamond as a reminder of his services on a former expedition. The
rising color on his victim's face brought a reprimand from Mary Douglas.

"Don't be of such importance, Johnnie, there are plenty of gentlemen at
our command."

"Ha, ha, ha," roared the young gentleman in undisguised and unsuppressed
fits of laughter.

"Miss Mary, don't be of too much importance; there may not be so many