Grandfather Delcher made but one timid effort to influence decisions.
"Now, Bernal, which do you like best of all your presents ?" he asked.

With a heart too full for words the littler boy had pointed promptly but shyly at his candy cane.

Not once, indeed, had he been able to say the words "candy cane." It was a creation which mere words were inadequate to name.
It was a presence to be pointed at.

He pointed again firmly when the old man asked, "Are you quite certain, now, you like it best of all ?"--suggestively--"better than this fine book with this beautiful picture of Joseph being sold away by his wicked brothers ?" The questioner had turned then to the older boy, who tactfully divined that a different answer would have pleased the old man better.
"And what do you like best, Allan ?" "Oh, I like this fine and splendid book best of all!"-- and he read from the title-page, in the clear, confident tones of the pupil who knows that the teacher's favour rests upon him--"'From Eden to Calvary; or through the Bible in a year with our boys and girls; a book of pleasure and profit for young persons on Sabbath Afternoon.

By Grandpa Silas Atterbury, the well-known author and writer for young people." His glance toward his brother at the close was meant to betray the consciousness of his own superiority to one who dallied sensuously with created objects.
But the unspiritual one was riding the new horse at a furious gallop, and the glance of reproof was unnoted save by the old man--who wondered if it might be by any absurd twist that the boy most like the godless father were more godly than the one so like his mother that every note of his little voice and every full glance of his big blue eyes made the old heart flutter.
In the afternoon came callers from the next house; Dr.Crealock, rubicund and portly, leaning on his cane, to pass the word of seasonable cheer with his old friend and pastor; and with him his tiny niece to greet the grandchildren of his friend.