They were very light-hearted and gay and full of gratitude for all they had received.
"Dear papa, you are so good to us," they said, twining their arms about his neck, as they sat one upon each knee.
"I want to be," he said, caressing them in turn, "I have no greater pleasure than I find in making my children happy.

And your grateful appreciation of my efforts makes me very happy." "But, papa, I--" began Lulu, then paused hesitatingly.
"Well, daughter, don't be afraid to let me know the thought in your mind," he said kindly.
"I was just wondering why it's right for me to have so many other things, and would be wrong for me to have that ring I wanted so badly.
But please, papa," she added quickly and with a vivid blush, "don't think I mean to be naughty about it, or want you to spend any more money on me." "No, dear child, I could not think so ill of you.

I did not think it right or wise to buy you the ring, because it would have been spending a great deal for something quite useless, and very unsuitable for my little girl.

The things I have given you I considered it right to buy because they will all be useful to you in one way or another." "The games and storybooks, papa ?" asked Grace with a look of surprise.
"Yes, daughter; people--and especially little folks like Max and Lulu and you--need amusement as a change and rest from work; we can do all the more work in the end if we take time for needed rest and recreation." "So it won't be time wasted to have our Christmas holidays ?" remarked Lulu, half inquiringly.
"No, I think not," her father answered.
"Shall we take our new games to Ion with us, papa ?" she asked.
"If you wish.

I presume Grandma Elsie will not object to your taking any of your possessions with you that you think will be useful or enjoyable to yourselves or others." "I'm just sure she won't; 'cause she's so kind," said Grace.