star, they rejoiced with exceeding joy; and when they
were come into the house they saw the young child, with Mary his
mother, and they fell down and worshipped him; and when they had
opened their treasures they presented unto him gifts, gold,
frankincense and myrrh." She repeated the words over and over to
herself. How simple and restful they were; how direct and genuine and
satisfying was this old-time giving! There it was--Gifts for the
Christ-Child--"They presented unto him gifts, gold, frankincense and
myrrh." She remembered reading somewhere that the gold represented our
earthly possessions, the frankincense typified our service and the
myrrh our suffering for his sake.

As she gazed into the fire, and mused, she fell asleep, and all these
thoughts were woven into the fabric of a dream--and who shall say that
God does not speak to his children still in dreams?

She dreamed that it was the morning of her birthday. She heard cheery
voices in the hall calling out to one another: "This is Marcia's
birthday. Wish you many returns of the day!" There was an excited
running to and fro between the different rooms, and gleeful
exclamations--but no one came near her! She sat up in bed listening,
and wondering what it could mean! Why, mother always came into her
room, and folded her to her heart, and said those precious things that
only a mother can say; and the children always scrambled to see who
should be the first to give sister a birthday kiss. Were they playing
some joke on her? She would be quiet and watch, and so not be taken
unawares.

Presently they went trooping happily downstairs into the dining-room,
and she heard father's voice say: "Good morning, children; I wish you
many happy returns of Marcia's birthday."

What did it all mean? Was she going crazy? Or were they just going to
surprise her by some novel way of celebrating her birthday? She arose,
and with trembling fingers dressed herself hastily, and stole softly
down the stairs, and looked into the dining-room. Hush!--father was
asking a blessing. He returned thanks for dear Marcia's birthday, and
asked that it should be a happy day for them all. Beside each plate
save her own, were various packages; and these were opened amid
ejaculations of surprise and pleasure, and sundry hugs and kisses.

After the first burst of happiness had subsided, Marcia braced herself
and entered the dining-room, saying with forced gayety: "Good morning,
dear ones all." Th