leasant
room."

A little more time was spent in examining the room and commenting upon
its beauties and conveniences; then they went back to the veranda to
find that the sun had begun to peep through the clouds.

So carriages were ordered and all took a drive through the beautiful
woods.

The afternoon was spent in boating and fishing, the evening in the
veranda, where they were joined by their relatives from Magnolia Hall
and the parsonage.

The manner in which they would spend the approaching Christmas and New
Year's Day was the principal subject of conversation, and the young
folks were particularly interested in listening to the plans made or
suggested, and well satisfied with the proposed arrangement that the
cousins should spend the first at Viamede, all gather at Magnolia Hall
for their New Year's dinner, and pass the evening of that day at the
parsonage.

Lulu had a talk with her father in her own room at bedtime, that made
her feel very happy and entirely content with his prohibition of the
making of gifts.

He told her that she and Grace might each make out a list of the
articles they would like to buy to present to others, and that some one,
probably Mr. Embury--Cousin Millie's husband--who was intending to pay a
visit of a few days to New Orleans, would kindly make the purchases for
them.

"Oh, that will do nicely, papa!" she exclaimed delightedly, "and Gracie
and I might make out our lists to-morrow with a little help from our
dear father," smiling up into his eyes.

"Yes, dear child, I will gladly give you both all the assistance in my
power," he replied, softly smoothing her hair, for she was--as usual at
such times--sitting upon his knee; "and not with advice only," he
continued, "but also by adding something to your means for carrying out
your wishes."

"Oh, you dear papa, you are just the kindest father that ever was
made!" she cried, in an ecstasy of delight, and hugging him with all her
strength.

"Ah, but if you choke me to death," he said laughingly, "I can do
nothing for you."

"Oh, papa, please excuse me!" she exclaimed, relaxing her hold. "Did I
hurt you? oh, I am very, very sorry!"

"Not much; I could stand it very well," he returned, giving her a hug
and kiss. "But now I must leave you to go to bed and to sleep."

CHAPTER XXI.

There was a decided downpour of rain the next morning, but no one minded
that very much, as the necessity for staying within doors gave tim