er neck
and kissed her, saying:

"You are the best girl in the world."

It was a small thing, for Dora had spoken truly when she said that she
liked one as well as the other, but it made a deep impression upon two
people. Elsie began from that moment to be more careful and kind in
her criticisms, and Jim rather reluctantly came to the conclusion that
this was better and finer than showing resentment.

When supper was over the company was pervaded by a feeling that
something interesting was about to happen.

"What is on hand, Louise, do you know?" Aleck asked, and at that
moment Uncle William was heard making an announcement. He had had an
interview with Santa Claus, he said, as the old gentleman was passing
through the city in a hurry to get home, and after some persuasion he
had prevailed upon him to wait over and receive any of the young
people present who cared to call on him.

This occasioned great applause, and all were eager to pay their
respects to jolly St. Nicholas.

Half a dozen at a time, according to the numbers on their badges, were
conducted to a curtained doorway and told to enter. They all seemed to
enjoy the interview, for they came out with smiling faces, and not
empty-handed either.

The children of the family were, of course, the last to go in, and
Dora waited for them.

The room was one which Uncle William called his den, and the figure in
the arm-chair would have been recognized anywhere by his rosy
countenance and long white beard. He wore his fur great-coat, and his
cap and gloves lay on the table.

He gave them a friendly greeting, saying, "So you are the last? It is
a fortunate thing, for if I wait much longer I shall miss my train."

"I did not know you travelled in that way," said Carl mischievously.

"Dear me, boy! How could I manage with a sleigh and reindeer in this
mud? I save those for colder climates. Now, before I am off, I think I
have something left in my bag."

Opening a large satchel, he brought out half a dozen packages, and
then taking up his cap and gloves and wishing them a Happy New Year,
he was off before they could say "Jack Robinson."

"He is a fine old fellow," said Carl, examining the gun he had been
wishing for.

"Indeed he is!" echoed Dora, taking a peep at the beautiful
illustrated copy of "Little Women," and then she was called to lead in
the closing Virginia reel with Uncle William.

"Well, how did you like the party?" Carl asked her as they drove