hough I well
recollect how holy it was kept at my father's house; and I never should
have known that this was Christmas-day, had it not been that I had met
with you. All days are alike to a man who is alone and in the
wilderness, and that should not be--I feel that it should not."

"So true is it," observed Mr. Campbell, "that stated times and seasons
are necessary for the due observance of our religious duties; and I am
glad to hear Malachi say this, as I trust it will occasion his being
with us more than he has been."

"Come to us every Sunday, Malachi," said Mrs. Campbell.

"I think I will, ma'am, if I can--indeed, why I say _if I can_, I know
not; it was wrong to say so."

"I wish you to come not only on your own account, but for John's sake;
suppose you agree to come every Sunday morning, and leave us every
Monday. You will then have the whole week for your hunting."

"Please God, I will," replied Malachi.

"And bring the Strawberry with you," said Mary.

"I will, miss; it can not but do her good."

Dinner was now announced, and they all sat down, a happy party. Mr.
Campbell on this occasion produced two or three bottles of his small
store of wine, which he kept rather in case of illness than for any
other reason, for they had all been so long without wine or spirits,
that they cared little about it. Their dinner consisted of white fish
(salted), roast venison, boiled salt beef, roast turkey, and a
plum-pudding, and they were all very merry, although they were in the
woods of Canada, and not at Wexton Hall.

"My children," said Mr. Campbell, after dinner. "I now drink all your
healths, and wish you as much happiness as the world affords, and at the
same time accept my most hearty thanks and my dearest love. You have all
been good, obedient, and cheerful, and have lightened many a heavy load.
If when it pleased Providence to send us into this wilderness, it had
been part of my lot to contend with willful and disobedient children; if
there had been murmuring and repining at our trials; discontent and
quarreling among yourselves, how much more painful would have been our
situation. On the contrary, by your good humor and attention, your
willing submission to privations, and your affectionate conduct toward
me, my wife, and each other, you have not allowed us to feel the change
of position to which we have been reduced. I say again, my dear children
all, you have my thanks, and may the Almighty bless and pres