;
Not a hut so hidden but I can see
The shadow cast by the lone roof-tree!
There's never a home so proud and high
That I am constrained to pass it by,
Nor a heart so happy it may not be
Happier still when blessed by me!

"What is my name? Ah, who can tell,
Though in every land 'tis a magic spell?
Men call me that, and they call me this;
Yet the different names are the same, I wish!
Gift-bearer to all the world am I,
Joy-giver, light-bringer, where'er I fly;
But the name I bear in the courts above,
My truest and holiest name, is--LOVE!"

JULIA C.R. DORR.

* * * * *

=Father Christmas's Message.=

(This speech may be given at the close of a Christmas
entertainment. A white wig and beard, fur coat and gloves are
worn, and sleigh-bells are sounded before Father Christmas
appears on the platform.)

Here I am again. The close of the year
Brings Old Father Christmas with his good cheer
I'm cheery myself, and cheery I make
All folks who follow advice for my sake.
My advice is the same to all my friends:
Give and forgive, and quickly make amends
For what you do wrong. Let love be the rule.
Christians, be true at the season of Yule.
Old Father Christmas every one welcomes;
I bring peace and happiness to all homes.
Away with the bad. Have nothing but good.
Do what I tell you. If only you would,
You'd all live at one in true brotherhood.
I always brighten up all hearts. The spell
Of Christmas can all gloomy thoughts dispel.
My friends, right pleased am I to see you here.
How are you all? Pray come again next year.
I hope you've liked the fun we've had to-night;
If so, then now applaud with all your might.

J.A. ATKINSON.

* * * * *

=Mr. St. Nicholas.=

By ALICE M. KELLOGG.

(The characters are Old-fashioned Santa Claus, dressed in the
traditional costume of fur, white beard, and a Christmas pack;
Mr. St. Nicholas, in evening dress with silk hat; Dora, Katie,
Maggie, and little Bess; Harry, Charlie, Tom, and John in
ordinary school clothes.

The scene opens with a large fireplace arranged at the center
of the platform, a dark curtain drawn before the opening
to conceal Santa Claus. The accompaniment to "Nancy Lee"
is heard, and the eight children march in, carrying their
stockings.)

Oh, Christmas time has come aga