A basket of beautiful flowers hung from her arm, and these she offered
to the little guests.

The boys placed them in their buttonholes, and the girls tucked the
roses and lilies in their girdles.

Hark! A flourish of silvery trumpets announced the arrival of some
great personage!

Another long, sweet note, and there strode into the room a tall figure
in crimson velvet and white fur, with snowy beard, and kindly face,
across whose breast gold letters bespoke his name:

"King Christmas."

A great pack was on his back, which when opened, gave forth beautiful
gifts for all.

There were bangles for the girls, there were rings, or silver pencils
for the boys, and a kindly word he spoke to each as he presented the
gift.

"Now here's a little purse of fifty gold dollars for the little lass
who won it by faithful study, and the giver permits me to present it.
Come, little lass, and take it, for now it belongs to you."

Sprite ran to him, as he stood waiting.

"Oh, I know you, King Christmas! You are good, kind Uncle John! I know