ng with rosy-cheeked apples, oranges, bananas, bunches of
grapes and strings of popcorn. There were bright tinsel ornaments too,
and a goodly array of gaily dressed paper dolls, mostly Gracie's
contribution.

She had given up all her store for the gratification of the poor
children.

"I've had such good times myself, playing with them and dressing them,
that I do believe the poor children, that don't have half the pleasures
I do, will enjoy them too, and I can do very well without," she said to
Lulu on deciding to make the sacrifice.

So she told her father they were not to be used merely as a temporary
ornament for the tree, but to be given away to some of the younger girls
attending the school.

They, along with other pretty things, were taken from the tree and
presented last of all, and the delight manifested by the recipients more
than made amends to Gracie for her self-denial.

From the Woodburn school-house our friends all repaired to the one at
Ion, and a similar scene was enacted there. The exercises and the gifts
to the children were very nearly the same, but there were older
people--house servants and laborers on the estates--to whom were given
more substantial gifts in money and provisions for the support of their
families.

The afternoon was waning when the Raymonds again entered their family
carriage and the captain gave the order, "Home to Woodburn."

And now the children began to think of the home celebration of Christmas
eve, and to renew their wonderings as to what arrangements might have
been made for their own enjoyment of its return. Still they asked no
question on the subject, but they sobered down and were very quiet
during the short drive.

"Tired, children?" queried their father, putting an arm round Grace as
she leaned confidingly up against him, and smiling affectionately upon
them all.

"Oh, no, sir, not at all!" replied Max, quickly, straightening himself
with the air of one who had no thought of fatigue.

"Not at all, papa," echoed Lulu.

"Only just a little bit, papa," Grace said with cheerful look and tone.
"We have had such a nice day."

"Giving pleasure to others," he remarked, patting the rosy cheek resting
against his shoulder; "there is nothing more enjoyable. The little
girls were very glad to get your dollies."

"Yes, sir; I'm so glad I gave them."

The carriage stopped. They were at their own door. In another minute
they had all alighted and the children were fol