We weren't so well off and happy last Christmas eve, Lu." "No, indeed! Gracie and I wanted a Christmas tree ever so much, and begged and coaxed for one, even if it was but a wee bit of a thing; but she wouldn't let us have it, said it was just nonsense and a wicked waste." "Just like her," remarked Max, in a tone of mingled aversion and contempt; "but don't let's talk about her.

I'd rather think of pleasanter subjects.
Wasn't it splendid in papa to give me this watch ?" pulling it out and gazing on it with pride and delight.

"Isn't it a beauty ?" "Yes; and I'm as glad as I can be that you have it, Max," Lulu responded affectionately.

"And wasn't it good in him to give gold thimbles to Gracie and me?
I shall try very hard to learn to sew nicely, to show him I'm grateful for it and all he does for me." "That's right, Lu; let's both do our best to improve all our opportunities, so that we will make his heart glad.

And we can do that in another way, too." "How ?" "By loving Mamma Vi, and being as good to her as ever we know how." "I do mean to, for she is good and kind to us," said Lulu, in a frankly cordial tone.
"You were vexed at papa at first for marrying her," remarked Max, with a roguish look; "but just suppose he'd taken Mrs.Scrimp instead." "O Max!" cried Lulu, her eyes flashing, "how can you talk so?
You know papa would never have thought of such a thing." "I don't believe he would, but Ann told me once she knew Mrs.Scrimp would be glad enough to take him if he'd give her the chance.