istmas was. And now I
want to get up a Christmas for some poor children, and I don't know how
to do it, so I have come to ask you to help me. I want you to play Santa
Claus for me, and we will find the toys, and then we will find the
children. I have a great big sleigh, and we will go off to a toy-shop,
and presently I will bring you back home again."

He had made his speech much longer than he had intended, because he saw
that the child's mind was working; the cumulative weight of the
sleigh-ride, the opportunity to play a part and to act as Santa Claus
for other children, was telling on her.

When he ended, Kitty reflected a moment and then said quietly, "All
right."

Her tone was not very enthusiastic, but it was assent and Livingstone
felt as though he had just been redeemed.

The next moment the child turned to the door.

Livingstone rose and followed her. He was amused at his feeling of
helplessness and dependence. She was suddenly the leader and without her
he felt lost.

She stepped into the sleigh and he followed her.

"Where shall we go first?" she asked.

This was a poser for Livingstone. All the shops of which he knew
anything were closed long ago.

"Why, I think I will let you select the place," he began, simply seeking
for time.

"What do you want to get?" she asked calmly, gazing up at him.

Livingstone had never thought for a second that there would be any
difficulty about this. He was hopelessly in the dark. Stocks, "common"
or "preferred," bonds and debentures, floated through his mind. Even
horses or pictures he would have had a clear opinion on, but in this
field he was lost. He had never known, or cared to know, what children
liked.

Suddenly a whole new realm seemed to open before him, but it was
shrouded in darkness. And that little figure at his side with large,
sober, searching eyes fixed calmly on him was quietly demanding his
knowledge and waiting for his answer. He had passed hundreds of windows
crowded with Christmas presents that very evening and had never looked
at one. He had passed as between blank walls. What would he not have
given now for but the least memory of one glance!

But the eyes were waiting and he must answer.

"Why--ah--you know,--ah--_toys!_"

It was an inspiration and Livingstone shook himself with self-approval.

"Yes--ah--TOYS! you know?" he repeated.

He glowed with satisfaction over his escape.

The announcement, however, did not appear to asto