nging the things down
from the storeroom.

It was a happy party that gathered in the dining room. "Merry
Christmas!" said everybody to everybody else, and then Mr. Bobbsey, who
was in the sitting room, blew a horn and opened the folding doors.

There, on a large side stand, rested a beautiful Christmas tree, loaded
down with pretty ornaments and apples and candies, and with many
prettily colored candles. Around the bottom of the tree were four heaps
of presents, one for each of the children.

"Oh, look at the big doll!" screamed Flossie, and caught the present up
in her arms and kissed it.

"And look at my fireman's suit!" roared Freddie, and then, seeing a
trumpet, he took it up and bellowed: "Bring up the engine! Play away
lively there!" just like a real fireman.

Bert had his books and other things, and under them was hidden a real
bank book, showing that there had been deposited to his credit ten
dollars in the Lakeport Savings Bank. Nan had a similar bank book, and
of these the twins were very, very proud. Bert felt as if he was truly
getting to be quite a business man.

"Oh! oh!" cried Nan, as she opened a big box that was at the bottom of
her pile of presents, and then the tears of joy stood in her eyes as she
brought forth the hoped-for set of furs. They were beautiful, and so
soft she could not resist brushing them against her cheek over and over
again.

"Oh, mamma, I think they are too lovely for anything!" she said, rushing
up and kissing her parent. "I am sure no girl ever had such a nice set
of furs before!"

"You must try to keep them nice, Nan," answered the mother.

"I shall take the very best of care of them," said Nan, and my readers
may be sure that she did.

"And now we have something for you, too," said Bert, and brought out the
various articles. Flossie gave their mamma her present, and Freddie gave
papa what was coming to him. Then Nan gave Dinah the fancy apron and
Bert took Sam the new gloves.

"Well this is truly a surprise!" cried Mr. Bobbsey, as he inspected the
cravat. "It is just what I need."

"And this flower is beautiful," said Mrs. Bobbsey as she smelt of the
potted plant. "It will bloom a long while, I am sure."

Dinah was tickled over the apron and Sam with his gloves.

"Yo' chillun am the sweetest in de world," said the cook.

"Dem globes am de werry t'ing I needed to keep ma hands warm," came from
Sam.

It was fully an hour before the children felt like sitting