o the occasion like a gentleman. He talked
to her beautifully and sanely, and sent her away actually uplifted. Our
Sandy, when he tries, can be exceptionally nice, particularly to people
who have no claim upon him. I suppose it is a matter of professional
etiquette--part of a doctor's business to heal the spirit as well as the
body. Most spirits appear to need it in this world. My caller has left
me needing it. I have been wondering ever since what I should do if I
married a man who deserted me for a chewing gum girl, and who came home
and smashed the bric-a-brac. I suppose, judging from the theaters this
winter, that it is a thing that might happen to any one, particularly in
the best society.

You ought to be thankful you've got Jervis. There is something awfully
certain about a man like him. The longer I live, the surer I am that
character is the only thing that counts. But how on earth can you ever
tell? Men are so good at talking! Good-by, and a merry Christmas to
Jervis and both Judies.

S. McB.

P.S. It would be a pleasant attention if you would answer my letters a
little more promptly.

JOHN GRIER HOME,

December 29.

Dear Judy:

Sadie Kate has spent the week composing a Christmas letter to you,
and it leaves nothing for me to tell. Oh, we've had a wonderful time!
Besides all the presents and games and fancy things to eat, we have had
hayrides and skating parties and candy pulls. I don't know whether
these pampered little orphans will ever settle down again into normal
children.

Many thanks for my six gifts. I like them all, particularly the picture
of Judy, junior; the tooth adds a pleasant touch to her smile.

You'll be glad to hear that I've placed out Hattie Heaphy in a
minister's family, and a dear family they are. They never blinked an
eyelash when I told them about the communion cup. They've given her
to themselves for a Christmas present, and she went off so happily,
clinging to her new father's hand!

I won't write more now, because fifty children are writing thank-you
letters, and poor Aunt Judy will be buried beneath her mail when this
week's steamer gets in.

My love to the Pendletons.

S. McB.

P.S. Singapore ends his love to Togo, and is sorry he bit him on the
ear.

JOHN GRIER HOME,

December 30.

O DEAR, Gordon, I have been reading the most upsetting book!

I tried to talk some French the other day, and not making out very well,
decided that I had better take my Fre