receive his gift from the Christmas-tree. One of the maidens
brought blanks--but which of them? now it was proved whether you
were a child of fortune. All, even the children, drew their
uncertain numbers: exception was only made with the family
physician and a few elderly ladies of the family; these had a
particular number stuck into their hands--their presents had been
settled beforehand.

"Who brings me good luck?" inquired Otto, as the three pretty young
girls approached him. The one with a white veil was Wilhelm's
eldest sister, Miss Sophie, who was this winter paying a visit to
the family. She resembled her brother. The white drapery about her
head increased the expression of her countenance. She rested her
gaze firmly upon Otto, and, perhaps, because he was the friend of
her brother, she raised her finger. Did she wish to warn or to
challenge him? Otto regarded it as a challenge, thrust his hand
into the urn, and drew out number 33. All were now provided. The
girls disappeared, and the folding-doors of the drawing-room were
opened.

A dazzling light streamed toward the guests. A splendid fir-tree,
covered with burning tapers, and hung over with tinsel-gold, gilt
eggs and apples, almonds and grapes, dazzled the eye. On either
side of the tree were grottoes of fir-trees and moss, hung with red
and blue paper lamps. In each grotto was an altar; upon one stood
John of Bologna's floating Mercury; upon the other, a reduced cast
in plaster of Thorwaldsen's Shepherd-boy. The steps were covered
with presents, to which were attached the different numbers.

"Superbe! lovely!" resounded from all sides; and the happy children