y-decked
drawing-room, with its blazing lights and bevy of merry boys and girls;
Winnie's little figure flitting here and there--her flushed cheeks and
great starry eyes; Dick's honest freckled face and kindly smile; and
the beautiful, stately hostess, who moved in the midst of them all with
the dignity of a queen.

The Christmas tree was a great success, the presents being pretty and
appropriate. Winnie smiled her delight over a dainty long-wished-for
work-box; Dick chuckled at the splendid pair of skates now in his
possession; Ada looked gratified when a lovely fan was handed down to
her; and Nellie was speechless over a pretty morocco purse.

"It has been all so splendid, Winnie dear," she whispered when
good-nights were being exchanged; "just like fairyland. I have enjoyed
myself wonderfully. And now be sure and come soon to Dingle Cottage;
you will have plenty of time during the holidays, and Aunt Judith is
wearying to see you."

"I'll be only too glad, Nell," replied her friend, kissing her warmly;
"but I must get mamma's permission first.--Dick, see Nellie safely into
the cab." Then the carriage rolled away, and the wonderful Christmas
party was over.

"I think," said Winnie, coming into the large diningroom after the last
guest had departed, and finding her brother (alas that I should have to
confess it!) prowling round the table and surreptitiously pocketing
something from every tempting dish he saw thereon, "we have had a
beautiful night, and I am sure the party has been a decided success."

"So far as the food is concerned it has," answered the boy, regarding
the good things heaped before him with a loving eye. "I say, Win, do
let us have a tuck in at this souffle here; we shall never see it after
to-night, and it is such prime stuff."

Winnie laughed. "You'll require to hurry then, Dick," she replied;
"the servants will be here in a few minutes." So the two young
gourmands sat down and commenced a second supper ere the lights were
put out and the mandate issued--"Go to bed."

For a few seconds nothing was said, both being too busily engaged with
the contents of their plates to join in any conversation; but at last
Dick poised his spoon in the air and commenced in a serio-comic tone,--

"I guess we shall have to pay for our evil deeds this evening. I saw
the storm-warning hoisted on our step-mother's face all night, so look
out for squalls."

"Whatever do you mean?" inquired Winnie, glancin