do you suppose we are going to
get _this_ in the pie?" replied Alice, lifting from its position behind
the bed a box so huge that the pie itself seemed almost diminutive in
comparison.

"O, Auntee," cried Alsie in astonishment, "do tell us what it is!"

For answer Alice set the box on the bed, untied the string, and lifted
off the top. A dainty and beautiful silken comfort was disclosed to the
view of the admiring group. The background was of white, and scattered
over it were clusters of the most exquisitely colored pink roses and
green leaves. The edges were prettily bound with satin ribbon of an
old-rose shade, and a huge bow adorned the center.

"It is made of the warmest and softest wool, and every stitch was put in
by hand," murmured Alice softly, smoothing the comfort caressingly. "It
is beautiful to look at, but by far the most beautiful part to father
will be the thought that every one of his teachers wished to have a hand
in the giving of his Christmas gift, and to this end they came together,
with needles and thimbles, and the stitches were veritably put in with
love."

"But the pie won't hold it, Aunt Alice--what are you going to do about
it?" inquired practical little Emily.

"This big box goes behind the piano, and any other packages that can't
be accommodated inside the pie, will be hidden around in various other
little corners of the room. My plan is to have the _cards_ in the pie,
however, and as they are drawn out, the directions as to where the
packages they represent are deposited, can be followed. Is that a good
idea, Alsie, or do you think of something better?"

"It can't be improved upon, Auntee--you always think of the best plans.
But let's hurry up now and finish, for the pie is about as full as it
will hold."

A half hour more of work, and the pie was finished.

V.

The workers were all quite ready to do justice to the lunch spread out
for them by Aunt Bettie. Uncle Dick came in during the meal, exclaiming,
"O, do save me a sandwich, Alsie, for I'm almost starved!"

"Where's the holly? Did you get any mistletoe? Are there any wreaths? Is
there plenty of cedar?" were the questions poured out upon him before he
had opportunity to sit down.

"Yes, to all the questions, and I'll begin work just as soon as I rest a
bit and eat a bite," laughingly answered Uncle Dick. "Does that satisfy
all parties?"

Uncle Dick was a great favorite with the children in the family--he
loved th