r
fingers, and committed her little parcels to her brother's care; and
Miss Mercy was the happiest of all, continually knocking at the locked
door of the back drawing-room with gilded fir cones, painted banners,
or moss birds'-nests, from Miss Salome.

Miss King and Isabel had undertaken the main business. When roused
from her pensive stillness, Isabel could be very eager, active, and
animated; and she worked with the exhilaration that she could freely
enjoy when unrestrained by perceiving that she was wanted to produce an
effect. What woman's height and hand could not perform fell to the
share of James, who, with his step-ladder and dexterous hands, was
invaluable. Merrily, merrily did the three work, laughing over their
suspended bonbons, their droll contrivances, or predicting the
adaptations of their gifts; and more and more gay was the laugh, the
tutor more piquant, the governess more keen and clever, the young lady
more vivacious, as the twilight darkened, and the tree became more
laden, and the streamers and glass balls produced a more brilliant
effect.

Proudly, when the task was accomplished, did they contemplate their
work, and predict the aspect of their tinsel and frippery when duly
lighted up. Then, as they dispersed to dress, James ran home, and
hastily tapped at his sister's door.

'What is the matter?' she cried. 'Have the tassels come off my purse?'

'Nothing of the kind, but--' he came quite in, and looked round
restlessly, then hastily said, 'You gave me nothing for Miss Conway.'

'I wished it very much,' said Clara, 'but I could not bear to do
anything trumpery for her. Oh, if one could give her anything worth
having!'

'Clara, I had thought--but I did not know if you would like to part
with it--'

'I had thought of it too,' said Clara; 'but I thought you would not
like it to be given away.'

Pulling out a drawer, she opened an odd little box of queer
curiosities, whence she took a case containing an exquisite ivory
carving, a copy of the 'Madonna della Sedia,' so fine that a magnifier
alone could fully reveal the delicacy and accuracy of the features and
expression. It was mounted as a bracelet clasp, and was a remnant of
poor Mr. Dynevor's treasures. It had been given to Mrs. Henry Frost,
and had descended to her daughter.

'Should you be willing?' wistfully asked James.

'That I should! I have longed to give her what she would really care
for. She has been so very kind--and