h, too, and the improvement of their minds; reading
with them, even in other than school-hours; talking with them of what
they read, and explaining so clearly and patiently any thing they did
not quite understand; but, above all, striving to lead them to Christ,
and train them for his service in this world and the next."

He had read with them that morning the story of our Saviour's birth, and
spoken feelingly to them of God's wonderful love shown in the
"unspeakable gift" of his dear Son.

"Certainly, there could not be in all the world a better, dearer father,
than theirs. How strange that she could ever grieve him by being
naughty, rebellious, passionate! Oh, if she could only be good! always a
comfort and blessing to him! she would try, she _would_, with all her
might!"

Just then the door opened softly; and he came in, came noiselessly to
her side, lifted her in his arms, and sat down with her on his knee.

"What has my little girl been thinking of sitting here all by herself?"
he asked, pressing his lips to her cheek.

She told him in a few words, finishing with her longing desire to be to
him a better child, a comfort and blessing.

"Indeed I ought to be, papa," she said; "and you are such a dear, kind
father! you have given me--and all of us--such a lovely home, and such a
happy, happy Christmas,--the very happiest we have ever known!"

"And it is God our heavenly Father who has put it in my power to do all
that I have done for you, and for all my darlings," he said with
emotion, drawing her closer, and holding her tenderly to his heart;
"and, O my dear child! if I could know that you had begun this day to
truly love and serve him, it would be to _me_ the happiest Christmas
that _I_ have ever known."

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