ld be the very thing to cover that shabby
old sofa at the Vicarage; it was absolutely in holes the last time I saw
it."

"Turkish embroidery--Mrs Mason. Thank goodness, that's one thing
settled! Wrap it up at once, Rhoda dear. It will be one thing less to
do," cried Mrs Chester in a tone of relief, while Evie held up her
hands in astonishment.

"Of all the extraordinary ways of giving presents! To have a room full
of things and then to puzzle as to whom you can give them! This is
indeed a new experience for me. When we talk over our presents at home
it is to wonder how in the world we can contrive to buy twenty things
for nineteen shillings. Such a wholesale way of managing things I never
imagined in my wildest moments."

She gave a little sigh of envy as she looked at the lavish profusion
which lay around; yet, after all, there was a pleasure in contriving
those simple gifts--in putting in delicate stitches to add to the value
of cheap materials, a triumph in manufacturing something out of nothing,
which Rhoda and her mother could never enjoy! She was not at all sure
that that old home fashion was not the sweeter after all.

While the apportioning of gifts was going on in the morning-room, the
cook and her kitchen maids were busy at work in the great nagged
kitchen, manufacturing all sorts of dainties to be packed away in the
hampers ranged in readiness along the walls. It was a sight to see the
good things laid out on the tables, and Evie was carried down on her
chair to admire and praise with the rest, and to watch the interesting
process of packing. Far and wide these hampers went, carrying good
cheer into many a home where otherwise there would have been scanty
provisions for the day of rejoicing, and bringing unexpected gleams of
sunshine to many an anxious heart. Needless to say, one of the best was
addressed to a country parsonage especially dear to Evie's heart, and
was accompanied by a parcel of presents, which had not been lightly
bought, but worked by loving fingers during long hours of convalescence.

Christmas Day itself was a busy occasion, when the home party had little
leisure to think of themselves, so unending was the stream of pensioners
which came up to the Chase to receive their gifts, and to be fed and
warmed in the gaily-decorated rooms. Dinner was served early, so that
the servants might be free to have their festivities in the evening, and
at nine o'clock all the employees on t