he Christian Science practitioner.

"I have only a minute," he said. "I just dropped by to leave a doll my
wife dressed for your little girl. We chose one that we thought looked
like Hannah."

"Oh, but that is kind of you!" Rose looked her gratitude. "Mrs. Lawrence
has told me how busy both you and your wife always are--and to take time
to think of our little girl----!"

"I had intended to give it to her myself," Mr. Jackson continued, "but
after her talk with me to-day I decided she would enjoy it more if I
asked Santa Claus to bring it." His eyes twinkled reminiscently. "She
called me up by telephone and asked me to give Santa Claus a
treatment--she seemed to think that he would pass her by. I could assure
her that he wouldn't, as I had already seen the doll. Hannah is a
wonderful child."

"We think so," smiled Eli. "I am sure we thank you, and wish you the
very merriest Christmas."

"It will be a _happy_ Christmas for me," he answered. "I am going to the
station to meet my father and mother. Some years ago they felt estranged
from me--they are both staunch Presbyterians of the old school and it
nearly broke their hearts when I went into Christian Science work. But
they are beginning to look more tolerantly upon my calling, and they are
on their way now to spend Christmas with us. You can guess how happy
that makes me. 'Peace on earth, good will to men'--it is a
wonder-working thought."

"It is indeed," Eli agreed heartily.

When the door had closed upon their visitor, Rose and Eli stood staring
at each other rather foolishly. She was the first to speak: "Is there no
end to the fight between the old and the new generation?"

"We are just beginning the scrap with _our_ new generation," he said.
"She called him up and asked for Christian Science help! I wonder what
else that little monkey has been up to?"

They soon found out. Carrying the doll Mr. Jackson had brought, Rose
tiptoed after Eli into the nursery and gradually turned on the light.
The first object to meet their eyes was Hannah's stocking, hanging
precariously to a pin driven into the mantel. Pinned to the wall were
several messages, neatly printed in pencil, which told their own tale:

Deer Santy--Nellie babtized me. Holy wotter.
Hannah.

Deer Santy--I want things in my stockin.
Hannah.

Deer Santy Claws--Ime a jentile. Nellie babtiz