llowed the clerks, apprentices, servants and maidens, who modestly
arranged themselves in a row near the door until their places were
pointed out to them.

The children precipitated themselves toward the richly laden table like
a rushing stream, recognizing the portion destined for each with a
searching and rapid glance. 'I will draw this against Wallenstein!'
screamed the wild Martin, brandishing a little sword that he found
among his presents. 'A bible and a bunch of quills,' cried the
intellectual Ulrich, holding them up: 'now I will write against the
papists like the noble Hutten, whose name I bear. 'Alas, the poor
maidens who can never be married!' cried both of the girls, bringing
two waxen nuns to their mother.

'Beloved children!' said the clergyman, pressing them all to his heart.
They tore themselves from his arms and broke out in a simultaneous
shout of astonishment and joy upon observing the miniature manger. Then
as if beside themselves they ran, tumbling over each other, to their
mother, the clergyman and Dorn, thankfully showing and praising their
several presents.

'Will you not look at your christmas present, master Dorn?' asked
Katharine of the book-keeper, who kept himself apart in serious
silence.

He turned toward the designated place with a melancholy smile, and as
he cast his eyes upon the rich present, a complete and splendid
dress-suit with a full complement of the finest linen, he turned again
with deep emotion to Katharine, who was pointing out their places to
the rest of the household.

'This is too much, madam Katharine,' he cried. 'How may you thus favor
the stranger beyond the children of your house?'

'The stranger?' asked Katharine resentfully. 'In our hearts it has been
a long time since you were so, and we should much regret to have you
consider yourself one. Believe me, we are sensible what a faithful
companion and assistant my husband has acquired in you, and that every
thing we can do for you is but honestly discharging our obligations.'

'Ah, see, master Dorn, you also have got a sword!' cried Martin,
holding up this essential part of the dress of a burgher in those
times, which lay by Dorn's present.

Dorn suddenly approached the boy and taking the magnificent sword from
his hands gazed upon it with secret pleasure. At length he could no
longer resist the desire to draw and try the temper of the blade.

'You are not angry,' asked Katharine, 'that a lady should presume t