CHAPTER XI.
"At Christmas play, and make good cheer, For Christmas comes but once a year." -- Tusser.
It was the day before Christmas.
"When do our holidays begin, mamma ?" asked Rosie, as she put her books neatly away in her desk after the last morning recitation.
"Now, my child; we will have no tasks this afternoon.

Instead, I give my five little folks an invitation to drive into the city with me.

How many will accept ?" "I, thank you, ma'am," "and I," "and I," came in joyous tones from one and another, for all were in the room, and not one indifferent to the delight of a visit to the city, especially just at this time when the stores were so full of pretty things.

Besides, who could fail to enjoy a drive with the kind, sweet lady some of them called mamma, others Grandma Elsie?
"Then you may all be ready to start immediately after dinner," she said, glancing around upon them with a benign smile.
It was a still, bright day, mild for the season, no snow on the ground to make a sleigh-ride possible, but the roads were good, they had fine horses, plenty of wraps, and the ride in the softly-cushioned, easy-rolling carriage, whose large plate-glass windows gave them a good view of the country first, then of the streets and shop windows of the city, was found very enjoyable.
They were not afraid to jest, laugh, and be as merry as health, freedom from care, youthful spirits, and pleasing anticipations for the morrow inclined them to be.
Most of the Christmas shopping had been done days before, but some orders were left with grocers and confectioners, and Grandma Elsie treated generously to bonbons.
She allowed her children much greater latitude in such matters than her father had permitted her in her early years.
The Ion carriage had scarcely turned out of the avenue, on its way to the city, when one of the parlors became the scene of great activity and mirth.

A large Christmas tree was brought in and set up by the men servants; then Lester and his Elsie, Violet, Edward and Zoe proceeded to trim it.
That done they gave their attention to the adorning with evergreens the walls of that and several other rooms, completing their labors and closing the doors upon the tree some time before the return of the children.
"We shall have scarcely more than time to dress for tea," Grandma Elsie said, as the carriage drew up at the door; "so go directly to your rooms, my dears.