on
a step-ladder alongside of the tree. "There, I think that will look well
perched on that topmost bough."

"Our tastes agree," he said, fastening the fairy in the designated spot.

"Yes, I think Herbie and I are entitled to any amount of gratitude on
your part, for the great self-denial we are practicing, and the
wonderful exertions we shall put forth in carrying out your wishes and
directions in regard to this difficult and irksome business."

"And the fine phrases and well turned periods contained in the remarks
bestowed upon your unsophisticated country sister," laughed Violet.

"Of course they must not be forgotten in the reckoning up of your causes
for gratitude. Ah, Vi, how my heart goes out in pity and sympathy for
you when I reflect that you not only never have shared in the
inestimable privileges and delights of college boy life, but are, in the
very nature of things, forever debarred from participation in them!"

"I entirely appreciate your feelings on the subject," she said, with
mock gravity, "but would advise that for the present you forget them,
and give your undivided attention to the business in hand. That second
fairy does not maintain a very graceful attitude."

"True enough," he said, promptly altering its position. "There, how's
that for high?"

"Is it possible I hear such slang from the educated tongue of a college
boy?" she exclaimed with a gesture of astonishment and dismay.

"She's high enough," said Herbert, gazing scrutinizingly at the fairy,
"but there'd better be more work and less talk if we are to get through
before the captain and his party come home."

"Herbert, when Mrs. Raymond and I have reached your venerable age you
may expect to find us as sedate and industrious as you are now,"
remarked Harold, proceeding to hang upon the tree various ornaments, as
Herbert handed them to him.

"And in Harold's case due allowance must be made for the exuberance of
spirits of a boy just let out of school," added Violet.

"And in your case, my dear madam, for what? a youthful flow of spirits
consequent upon a temporary release from the heavy responsibilities of
wifehood and motherhood?"

"Very temporary," laughed Violet; "my husband will be here again in a
few hours, and the call to attend to my babies may come at any moment."

"I daresay if the captain had consulted only his own inclination he
would be here now, overseeing this job," remarked Harold, half
interrogatively.

"Yes," r