I have been waiting for half an hour, I should think, to show you these," she said, as Elsie came in from her walk.

"But how bright and merry you look; so different from last night! what ailed you then ?" "Never mind," replied Elsie, taking the bracelet from her hand, and examining it.

"Oh! this is _very_ pretty, Carry! the clasp is so beautiful, and they have braided the hair so nicely." "Yes, I'm sure mamma will like it.

But now that Christmas is gone, I think I will keep it for a New Year's gift.

Wouldn't you, Elsie ?" "Yes, perhaps--but I want to tell you, Carry, what papa says.