tinted walls; there were chairs and a sofa of suitable size for the
comfort of the intended occupants, and smaller ones on which Gracie's
numerous dolls were seated; a cupboard with glass doors showed sets of
toy china dishes, and all the accessories for dinner and tea table;
there were also a bureau, wash-stand, and table corresponding in size
with the rest of the furniture; and the captain, pulling open the
drawers of the first named, showed them well stocked with material of
various kinds, suitable for making into new garments for the dolls, and
with all the necessary implements,--needles, thread, thimbles, scissors,
etc.

The two little girls were almost breathless with astonishment and
delight.

"Papa!" cried Gracie, "you haven't left one single thing for Santa Claus
to bring us on Christmas!"

"Haven't I?" he returned, laughing, and pinching her round, rosy cheek.
"Ah, well wouldn't you as soon have them as presents from your own
papa?"

"Oh, yes, papa! I know he's just pretend, and it would be you or some of
the folks that love me," she said, laying her cheek against his hand;
"but I like to pretend it, 'cause it's such fun."

"There are a good many weeks yet to Christmas-time," remarked Lulu; "and
perhaps our Santa Claus folks will think up something else for you,
Gracie."

"Perhaps they may," said the captain, "if she is good: good children are