at Woodlawn. From their first introduction, the
hearts of these truly Christian persons were drawn toward each other.
They were working in the same cause to win souls to the Saviour whom
they loved. One was rich, and the other comparatively poor; but both
had consecrated themselves and all that they possessed, to the
Saviour, who had bought them with his precious blood; and both desired
so to live and to train their families, that when lying on the bed of
death, they might say with Paul,--"I have fought a good fight; I have
finished my course; I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up
for me a crown of righteousness."

CHAPTER X.

BERTIE'S PRESENTS.

Christmas Day dawned clear and cold. As soon as it was light enough to
see across the chamber Bertie crept from his bed toward the window,
where on one of the knobs belonging to the shutters, he could see a
huge stocking tied by a string, and stuffed to its utmost capacity.

The little fellow laughed heartily as he felt of the stocking, to
ascertain what was within it. Then he jumped on a chair, trying to
take the sock down, but with a sudden thought,--

"Winnie would like to see me take the things out," he leaped into bed
again, and began in his childish way to guess what presents he had
received, and who they were from.

"I wonder whether I shall have a new Bible," he said half aloud, "I
had a Bible last year from mamma; but no, I don't think she'll give
me another, because she said she hoped that one would last me for a
long time."

Presently he heard some little feet pattering along the hall, and then
Winnie's bright face peeped into the room.

"Dit up, Bertie," she said, laughing, and showing all her white teeth.
"Dit up, and have a merry Tismus."

"Oh, Winnie darling, I hope you'll have many merry Christmases! Now
let's go and see papa and mamma, and then when Nancy has dressed you,
I'll show you my presents."

"Law!" exclaimed Nancy, raising her hands, "you don't mean to say you
haven't taken down your stocking. What would Saint Nick say?"

"I know who Saint Nick is," Bertie answered, with a merry laugh. "It's
mamma, I saw her last year come creeping softly into my room in the
city, and hang it up. I'd rather have mamma than anybody, because she
knows what I would like."

"Well, dear, hurry and dress. Your mamma isn't awake yet; and then
you can show us your presents."

"Did you give me anything, nurse?"

"I! what a question!" she