sie as she jumped into bed with Alice, and almost smothered her with
hugs and kisses. "You can always think of the prettiest things for me,
dear Auntee, and I do love pink so dearly," she continued with an
affectionate glance at the pretty slippers, adorned with the daintiest
of ribbon rosettes.

"Did grandfather have a good night? Do you think he will be able to come
into the library?"

"One question at a time, dear. I rather think father had a good rest,
for I heard the nurse only once during the night, and that is a good
indication. If he is as well as he was yesterday, I feel sure Dick can
bring him into the library, and the couch is there, so that he can lie
down if he gets tired."

Almost an hour was spent in showing the contents of Alsie's stocking and
discussing plans for the day.

"Perhaps we had better get dressed now, and be ready for breakfast when
it comes, but of course we mustn't disturb father, even though it _is_
Christmas morning," said Alice with a smile, and she began to make haste
with her toilet.

"Have you ever noticed what a long wait people have for breakfast on
Christmas morning, Auntee?"

"That's because some people rise at such unearthly hours," answered
Alice with a laugh, "but run along now, Alsie, and let's see which will
be dressed first."

An hour later found the family grouped around the breakfast table. Each
member had been in to the sick-room and given his greeting to the dear
invalid, who had appeared so bright and cheerful that he seemed almost
like his old merry self. When Alsie was recounting to him all the pretty
things she had found in her stocking, he said, teasingly, "Now don't get
into mine, too--I'm going to wait until Uncle Dick and his little tots
come before I take my allotted hour in the library."

By ten o'clock Uncle Dick's family had arrived, and the big, stalwart
son went into the sick-room to assist the pale, weak father into the
library. A pang came to the heart of the former as he thought of what a
contrast was this Christmas with the one of a year before, when the now
wasted form had been so vigorous and handsome. A feeling of misgiving
came as to what the next Christmas would bring to them.

When the chair was rolled into the library, what a sight was displayed
to the wondering eyes of the astonished old gentleman!

The room was almost transformed in appearance with the elaborate
decorations, and, added to this feast for the eyes, was the perfume
of