In each grotto was an altar; upon one stood John of Bologna's floating Mercury; upon the other, a reduced cast in plaster of Thorwaldsen's Shepherd-boy.

The steps were covered with presents, to which were attached the different numbers.
"Superbe! lovely!" resounded from all sides; and the happy children shouted for joy.

People arranged themselves in a half-circle, one row behind the other.

One of the cousins of the family now stepped forth, a young poet, who, if we mistake not, has since then appeared among the Anonymouses in "The New Year's Gift of Danish Poets." He was appareled this evening as one of the Magi, and recited a little poem which declared that, as each one had himself drawn out of the urn of Fate, no one could be angry, let him have procured for himself honor or derision--Fate, and not Merit, being here the ruler.

Two little boys, with huge butterfly wings and in flowing garments, bore the presents to the guests.