.

"Children love us well,
Surely they have reason.
Happiness and mirth
Bring we every season.

"Father Time, we've come,
Answering to your call,
Glad to do your will
Are we one and all."

After marching twice around the stage they took their stand in a
semicircle before Father Time and the children.

Father Time: "These children have come to me in deep distress, because
their teacher (a most singular person) says there are too many
Holidays, and one of them must be given up. I have sent for you to
reassure them; speak for yourselves."

The Holidays looked at each other in dismay, and exclaimed:

"Holidays are we,
And we've come to stay,
Caring not a whit
What such people say."

Boy and girl (clapping their hands): "Oh, dear Holidays, we are so
glad! But are you _sure_ she can't send any of you away?"

New Year's day now stepped forward. It was Jim Carter, whose suit of
cotton batting, decorated with tinsel and cedar, was most becoming.
Banner in hand he recited:

"First upon the list,
I'd be greatly missed.
Pages fresh and new,
Resolutions true,
Wishes for good cheer
In the coming year,
Where would these all be,
Were it not for me?"

Both children:

"No matter what the teachers say,
We can't give up our New Year's Day."

Next came Elsie, looking exceedingly like a valentine in her gauzy
dress, her fair hair waving over her shoulders. In her own airy way
she recited:

"Surely you know, if you are not quite stupid,
That I belong to that gay god Cupid.
Send me away and I very much fear
You'll find him infesting each day of the year."

Both children:

"We never could endure to part
From you who lie so near our heart."

The next Holiday excited great laughter and applause as he came
forward. It was Aleck, in powdered wig, velvet coat, knee breeches,
silk stockings, and shining shoe-buckles. In one hand he carried a
small hatchet. The occasion was almost too much for him, and he spoke
his lines with difficulty:

"My very great importance
To see you cannot fail,
I point a useful moral
And adorn a thrilling tale.
And with my honored hatchet
I'm sure you'll ever find
I make a good impression
Upon the youthful mind."

Girl and boy:

"Indeed, we do not doubt you;
We could never do without you."

Washington's Birthday was of course follo