some pocket money, and we can get our fathers and mothers to tell us how
to use it to the best advantage, and how to manage the giving."

"I haven't a bit more pocket money than I need to buy the presents I
wish to give my own particular friends," objected Sydney.

"It's nice, and right too, I think, to give tokens of love to our dear
ones," Evelyn said, "but we need not make them very expensive in order
to give pleasure;--often they would prefer some simple little thing that
is the work of our own hands--and so we would have something left for
the poor and needy, whom the Bible teaches us we should care for and
relieve to the best of our ability."

"Yes, I daresay you are right," returned Sydney, "but I sha'n't make any
rash promises in regard to the matter."

CHAPTER II.

In the parlor the older people were conversing on somewhat similar
topics: first discussing plans for the entertainment and gratification
of their children and other young relatives, during the approaching
holidays, then of the needs of the poor of the neighborhood, and how to
supply them; after that they talked of the claims of Home and Foreign
Missions; the perils threatening their country from illiteracy, anarchy,
heathenism, Mormonism, Popery, Infidelity, etc., not omitting the danger
from vast wealth accumulating in the hands of individuals and
corporations; also they spoke of the heavy responsibility entailed by
its possession.

They were patriots and Christians; anxious first of all for the
advancement of Christ's kingdom upon earth, secondly for the welfare and
prosperity of the dear land of their birth--the glorious old Union
transmitted to us by our revolutionary fathers.

It was a personal question with each one, "How can I best use for the
salvation of my country and the world, the time, talents, influence and
money God has entrusted to my keeping."

They acknowledged themselves stewards of God's bounty, and as such
desired to be found faithful; neglecting neither the work nearest at
hand nor that in far distant lands where the people sit in great
darkness and the region and shadow of death, that on them the "Sun of
righteousness might arise with healing in his wings."

It had been expected that the guests would stay at Ion till bedtime, but
a thaw had set in and ice and snow were fast disappearing from the
roads; therefore all departed for their homes directly after an early
tea.

Lulu was very quiet during the homew