discussion--whether we--his prospective
pupils--may or may not engage in the work of preparing Christmas gifts
for other folk."

"I, at least, certainly intend doing so," replied Evelyn. "Obedience to
his wishes--to say nothing of orders--it strikes me will be the very
least we can do in return for his great kindness in taking the trouble
to instruct us."

"There, you are right!" said Rosie. "I hadn't thought of that before. It
is very good in him and I shall really try to show him that I am one of
the best and most tractable of pupils."

"Suppose we join him and Lu to-morrow in their morning walk, as we did
to-day, and then and there improve the opportunity to discuss this
momentous question," suggested Evelyn laughingly.

"I am strongly in favor of so doing, provided I wake in season,"
returned Rosie, and with that they separated for the night.

They carried out their plan, had a pleasant little morning ramble and
chat with the captain and Lulu, and finding that such was his wish,
promised to do but little in the way of making Christmas gifts, in order
that their time and attention might be the more fully occupied with
their studies, which they were all to take up again on the following
Monday.

"And this being Friday, we have only to-day and to-morrow for play. It
looks like rain, too," sighed Rosie disconsolately, glancing up at the
sky as she spoke; "so we are not likely to have much out-of-door sport."

"Ah, well, little sister, we must not grumble about the rain, for it is
needed; and there are the verandas for you young folks to sport upon,"
returned the captain.

"Besides, your big brother is not intending to be so hard upon you as to
allow no diversion after lessons are resumed. I hope you will all have
many an hour for romping, riding, driving, boating, and walking."

"Pleasant chats, too, and interesting books to read; music, and games
besides," remarked Evelyn. "Oh, we are not likely to suffer from lack
of diversion when we have been good and industrious enough to deserve
it," she added, with a smiling look at the captain.

"As I have little doubt that you will be always," he returned, smiling
kindly upon her.

By the time breakfast and family worship were over a gentle rain was
falling, and instead of seeking out-of-door amusement, the whole family
gathered upon the veranda at the front of the house.

Just then a pretty well-filled mail-bag made its appearance, and
presently nearly everybody