Birthday." They enter and approach the centre of the platform.
The casement is thrown open and half a dozen children's heads
appear. There is a clapping of hands till the second verse is
begun by the waits. At the last line the children throw out
pennies and candies wrapped in paper. The singers scramble for
them, and then give the third verse of the carol. The fourth
verse may be sung as the boys move away and disappear in the
distance. As a preliminary to this little performance a few
words may be said about the old English custom of the waits
coming to sing under the windows on Christmas eve.)

* * * * *

=On This Happy Birthday.=

By Mrs. CHARLOTTE B. MERRITT. Mrs. SARAH L. WARNER.

[Illustration: sheet music]

1.
On this happy Birthday
Of our Saviour King,
Come, dear little children,
Sweetly let us sing
Of the Christ Child;
Of the Christ Child,
We will glad-ly sing.

2.
Bethlehem's star is shining,
Ho-ly is its ray,
To the world proclaiming
Christ was born to-day.
Of the Christ Child,
Of the Christ Child,
We will glad-ly sing.

3.
Wise men came to worship,
Wise men from a-far,
Guided by the glo-ry
Of that ho-ly star.
Of the Christ Child,
Of the Christ Child,
We will glad-ly sing.

4.
Now He reigns forever.
Loving you and me;
Joyful, let as praise Him
Round our Christmas tree.
To the Christ Child,
To the Christ Child,
We our tribute bring.

* * * * *

=A Christmas Party.=

By LIZZIE M. HADLEY.

(CHARACTERS: _1897_, a bent and feeble old man with skull-cap
and white beard, leaning on a cane. The number 1897 across his
forehead or breast. _South Wind_, a slender brunette in veil,
mantle, and cape of green cheese cloth, cape belted down in
the back. As she enters she flourishes her arms to throw
out veil and cape. _Messenger_, in lettered uniform. Four
_Heralds_, uniformed somewhat like messenger. Nine _Fairies_,
very small girls. Coronets of silver paper. Flowing robes
of cheese cloth with angel sleeves worn over clothing
sufficiently warm for the season. Colors to present the plants
whose leaves they carry. Silver belts, shoe-buckles, and
necklaces. Leaves cut from green paper, and letters from gilt.
_Kris