Calendar;" on which account it would be wanting in delicacy to
mention the same, even in a story the events of which lie so near
our hearts.

Large companies are most wearisome. In these there are two kinds of
rank. Either you are riveted to a card-table, or placed against the
wall where you must stand with your hat in your hand, or, later in
the evening, with it at your feet, nay, even must stand during
supper. But this house was one of the most intellectual. Thou who
dost recognize the house wilt also recognize that it is not to be
reckoned with those,--
"Where each day's gossiping stale fish
Is served up daily for thy dish."

This evening we do not become acquainted with the family, but only
with their beautiful Christmas festival.

The company was assembled in a large apartment; the shaded lamp
burned dimly, but this was with the intention of increasing the
effect when the drawing-room doors should open and the children
joyfully press in together.

Wilhelm now stepped to the piano-forte; a few chords produced
stillness and attention. To the sounds of low music there stepped
forth from the side-doors three maidens arrayed in white; each wore
a long veil depending from the back of her head,--one blue, the
other red, and the third white. Each carried in her arms an urn,
and thus they represented fortune-tellers from the East. They
brought good or ill luck, which each related in a little verse.
People were to draw a number, and according to this would he