not apt to be forgotten or neglected, and I hope mine are all going to
be such."

"I'm quite sure we all intend to try hard, papa," Max said, "not hoping
to gain more presents by it, but because you've been so good to us
already."

"Indeed we do!" added his sisters.




CHAPTER XXI.

"Then all was jollity, Feasting and mirth, light wantonness and
laughter."


"It seems nice and warm here," remarked Lulu; "but," glancing about, "I
don't see any fire."

Her father pointed to a register. "There is a cellar underneath, and a
furnace in it," he said. "I thought that the safest way to heat these
rooms for the use of very little people. I do not want to expose you to
any danger of setting yourselves on fire."

"It's getting a little dark," remarked Grace.

"Yes," he said. "We will go in now. It is time for you to be dressed for
the evening."