entirely, and have a private Christmas of our own," she went on in a
lively tone. "What do you say to it, my dear?"

They discussed the idea for some minutes, presently growing quite
enthusiastic over it.

Their plans were nearly matured when the breakfast-bell rang; and,
shortly after leaving the table, they began carrying them out.

Max was taken into their confidence, and allowed to assist; and a proud
and happy boy was he, going about with an air of mystery, as one to whom
secret and important business is intrusted.

The little girls, shut up in their own apartments,--Grace reclining on a
couch, Lulu with her as constant companion, and making every exertion
for her entertainment, while papa, mamma, and Maxie came running in now
and then to ask how she was,--knew nothing of messages sent back and
forth through the telephone, of packages of various shapes and sizes
brought into the house, of mysterious goings and comings, and much time
spent by papa, mamma, Maxie, Christine, and others in a certain large
room, hitherto but little used.

Grace frequently fell asleep: then Lulu would darken the room, go into
the adjoining one, leaving the door ajar, so that she could hear the
slightest movement her little sick sister might make on waking, and
amuse herself with a book or her own thoughts.

Their meals were brought to them, and set out in their sitting-room upon
a little round table, covered with a snowy damask cloth, whereon were
arranged a set of dainty china dishes of a size just suited to the