ve a general
romp with Santa Claus, whom she well knew to be her father. Jim had
made no attempt to disguise lest it should frighten the child, and so
his own gay young face looked out from a voluminous snow-white wig and
long white beard. His costume was the conventional red, belted coat,
edged with white fur, and a fur-trimmed red cap with a bobbing tassel.

Among the toys was a pair of horse lines with bells on it, and soon
May had her good-natured father transformed into a riding-horse and
galloping madly round the hall.

Then all present must needs play games suited to the calibre of the
little one, and Ring around a Rosy and London Bridge proved to be her
favourites.

After these unwonted exertions, everybody was ready for tea, which was
then brought in. As a special dispensation, May was allowed to have
her bread and milk at the same time, with the added indulgence of a
few little cakes.

"Isn't she a perfect dear?" said Patty, as she stood with the baby in
her arms, after tea was finished.

"She is," declared Philip, who stood near. "I'm not much up on
kiddies, but she's about the best-natured little piece I ever saw. I
thought they always cried after a big racket like this."

"She must say good-night now," said Adele. "It's quite time, and
beside, I want her to go away while her reputation is good. Now,
Maisie May, go to Fraeulein and go beddy."

"Patty take May beddy."

"No, dear, Patty must stay here with mother."

"Patty take May beddy! _Zes!_" The finality of this decision was
unmistakable. The most casual observer could see that unless it were
complied with the scene might lose something of its sunshine and
merriment.

"I should say," judicially observed Philip, "that unless Miss May has
her way this time, there will be one large and elegant ruction."

"But I _must_ make her obey me," said Adele, a little uncertainly.

"Fiddlestrings, Adele," returned Patty; "this is no time for
discipline. The poor baby is about worn out with fatigue and
excitement. You know, it has been her busy day. Let's humour her this
time. I'll take her away, and I'll return anon."

"Anon isn't a very long time, is it?" said Adele, laughing, and Hal
remarked, "If it is, we'll all come after you, Miss Fairfield."

So Patty went away, carrying the now smiling baby, and Fraeulein went
along with her, knowing the little thing would soon drop to sleep,
anyway, from sheer fatigue.

CHAPTER XI

THE CHRISTMAS SPI