Thou who dost recognize the house wilt also recognize that it is not to be reckoned with those,-- "Where each day's gossiping stale fish Is served up daily for thy dish." This evening we do not become acquainted with the family, but only with their beautiful Christmas festival.
The company was assembled in a large apartment; the shaded lamp burned dimly, but this was with the intention of increasing the effect when the drawing-room doors should open and the children joyfully press in together.
Wilhelm now stepped to the piano-forte; a few chords produced stillness and attention.

To the sounds of low music there stepped forth from the side-doors three maidens arrayed in white; each wore a long veil depending from the back of her head,--one blue, the other red, and the third white.

Each carried in her arms an urn, and thus they represented fortune-tellers from the East.

They brought good or ill luck, which each related in a little verse.

People were to draw a number, and according to this would he receive his gift from the Christmas-tree.