er came in.

"You are very industrious, my darlings," he said in a pleasant tone,
"but how much exercise have you taken in the open air to-day?"

"Not any yet, papa," answered Max.

"Then it must be attended to at once by both of you."

"O papa, let me keep on at this just a little longer," pleaded Lulu.

"No, daughter, not another minute; these winter days are short; the sun
will Boon set, and outdoor exercise will not do you half so much good
after sundown as before. Put on your hats and coats and we will have a
brisk walk together. The roads are quite dry now and I think we will
find it enjoyable."

The cloud that had begun to gather on Lulu's brow at the refusal of her
request, vanished with the words of invitation to walk with papa, for to
do so, was one of her dear delights.

Both she and Max obeyed the order with cheerful alacrity, and presently
the three sallied forth together to return in time for tea, in good
spirits and with fine appetites for their meal; the children rosy and
merry.

Violet was teaching Lulu to crochet, and the little girl had become much
interested in her work. When the hour for bedtime came she did not want
to give it up, and like Rosie begged for permission to stay up for
another hour.

"No, dear child," her father said, "it is quite important that little
ones like you should keep to regular hours, early hours too, for going
to rest."

"Then may I get up sooner in the mornings while I'm so busy?" she asked
coaxingly.

"If you find yourself unable to sleep; not otherwise. My little girl's
health is of far more importance than the making of the most beautiful
Christmas gifts," he added with a tender caress.

"And I sha'n't forget this time that papa knows best," she said in a
cheery tone, giving him a hug.

He returned it. "I think to-morrow is likely to be a pleasant day," he
said, "and if so I hope to take my wife and children to the city for
some more of the shopping you all seem to find so necessary and
delightful just now. Your Aunt Elsie and Evelyn are going too, so that
you can probably have your friend's help in selecting the articles you
wish to buy."

"Oh how delightful!" she exclaimed. "I ought to be a good girl with such
a kind father, always planning something to give me pleasure."

"You enjoy such expeditions, don't you, Lu?" queried Violet.

"Yes, indeed, Mamma Vi, and I hope papa will take me several times. I
want to select my gift for Rosie to-morrow, w