ed him to send Santa Claus here
With the sack full of presents he brought every year."

"Well, why tannot we p'ay, dust as mamma did, den,
And ask Dod to send him with presents aden?"
"I've been thinking so, too;" and without a word more
Four little bare feet bounded out on the floor,

And four little knees on the soft carpet pressed,
And two tiny hands were clasped close to each breast,
"Now, Willie, you know, we must firmly believe
That the presents we ask for we're sure to receive;

"You must wait just as still till I say the 'Amen,'
And by that you will know that your turn has come then.--
"Dear Jesus, look down on my brother and me,
And grant us the favours we're asking of Thee.

"I want a wax dolly, a tea-set and a ring,
And an ebony work-box that shuts with a spring.
Bless papa, dear Jesus, and cause him to see
That Santa Claus loves us as much as does he.

"Don't let hem get fretful and angry again,
At dear brother Willie and Annie. Amen."
"Dear Desus, 'et Santa Taus tum down to night
And bring us some p'esents before it is 'ight;

"I want he sood div' me a nice little sled,
Wid bight shinin' 'unners, and all painted 'ed
A box full of tandy, a book, and a toy,
Amen. And den, Desus, I'll be a dood boy."

Their prayers being ended, they raised up their heads,
And with hearts light and cheerful again sought their beds;
They were soon lost in slumber both peaceful and deep,
And with fairies in dreamland were roaming in sleep.

Eight, nine, and the little French clock had struck ten
Ere the father had thought of his children again;
He seems now to hear Annie's self-suppressed sighs,
And to see the big tears stand in Willie's blue eyes.

"I was harsh with my darlings," he mentally said,
"And should not have sent them so early to bed:
But then I was troubled: My feelings found vent;
For the bank-stock to-day has gone down two percent.;

"But of course they've forgotten their troubles ere this,
And that I denied them the thrice-asked-for kiss;
But just to make sure I'll steal up to their door--
To my darlings I have never spoke harshly before."

So saying, he softly ascended the stairs,
And arrived at the door to hear both of their prayers;
His Annie's "Bless papa" drew forth the big tears,
And Willie's grave promise fell sweet on his ears.

"Strange, strange! I'd forgotten," he said with a sigh,
"How I