may close the door, my dears,
and get yourselves dressed and ready for the duties and pleasures of the
day. I shall be in presently for our usual chat before breakfast."

They made haste with their dressing, and were quite ready for their
father when he came in some half hour later. They were very
light-hearted and gay and full of gratitude for all they had received.

"Dear papa, you are so good to us," they said, twining their arms about
his neck, as they sat one upon each knee.

"I want to be," he said, caressing them in turn, "I have no greater
pleasure than I find in making my children happy. And your grateful
appreciation of my efforts makes me very happy."

"But, papa, I--" began Lulu, then paused hesitatingly.

"Well, daughter, don't be afraid to let me know the thought in your
mind," he said kindly.

"I was just wondering why it's right for me to have so many other
things, and would be wrong for me to have that ring I wanted so badly.
But please, papa," she added quickly and with a vivid blush, "don't
think I mean to be naughty about it, or want you to spend any more money
on me."

"No, dear child, I could not think so ill of you. I did not think it
right or wise to buy you the ring, because it would have been spending a
great deal for something quite useless, and very unsuitable for my
little girl. The things I have given you I considered it right to buy
because they will all be useful to you in one way or another."

"The games and storybooks, papa?" asked Grace with a look of surprise.

"Yes, daughter; people--and especially little folks like Max and Lulu
and you--need amusement as a change and rest from work; we can do all
the more work in the end if we take time for needed rest and
recreation."

"So it won't be time wasted to have our Christmas holidays?" remarked
Lulu, half inquiringly.

"No, I think not," her father answered.

"Shall we take our new games to Ion with us, papa?" she asked.

"If you wish. I presume Grandma Elsie will not object to your taking any
of your possessions with you that you think will be useful or enjoyable
to yourselves or others."

"I'm just sure she won't; 'cause she's so kind," said Grace. "But I
s'pose it won't do to take our live new pets?"

"No; but you may safely leave them in Christine's care."

Breakfast and family worship were over, such of their effects as they
would be likely to need during the few days of their expected stay at
Ion, had been packed