k she found Grace brimming over with delight because
the kitten had waked, crept into her lap, and curled itself up there for
another nap.

"O Lu, just see!" she cried. "I do believe she's fond of me. Isn't it
nice?"

"Yes, very nice; but you're burning your face before that bright fire.
Oh you do need your big sister to take care of you!" lifting a screen in
between Grace and the glowing grate.

Then seating herself on a hassock, "Now put your head in my lap and
stretch yourself out on the rug. You can rest nicely that way and we'll
have a good talk. Such a nice, big, soft rug as this is! I should think
it must have taken several big sheep skins to make it, and it was so
good in papa to have it put here for us."

"Yes, indeed! our dear papa! how I do love him! he's always doing kind
things to us."

"Yes, O Gracie, if I were only good like you and didn't ever do and say
naughty things that make him feel sad!" sighed Lulu. "Oh do you know we
are going to have a party on New Years? All the folks that were at Ion
are to come; the grown up ones to be papa's and Mamma Vi's company, and
the young ones your's and Maxie's and mine."

"Yes, I know. And we're all to go to Fairview to spend Monday."

"Won't it be nice?"

"Yes--" a rather doubtful yes--"but I--'most think I like being at home
the best of all."

"Why? didn't you enjoy yourself at Ion?"

"Yes; but I believe I'm a little bit tired now."

"Tired?"

"Yes; of being with so many folks. It's nice for a while, but after that
it sort of wears me out; and I'm glad to get back to my own dear home
where I can be just as quiet as ever I please."

"Oh, there is papa!" exclaimed Lulu, turning her head and seeing him
standing in the open doorway.

He was smiling on his darlings, thinking what a pretty picture they
made--the little slender figure on the rug with the kitten closely
cuddled in its arms, the golden head lying in Lulu's lap, while her
blooming face bent tenderly over it, one hand toying with its soft
ringlets.

"Tired, Gracie, my pet?" he asked, coming forward and stooping to scan
the small pale face in loving solicitude.

"Only a little, dear papa," she answered, with a patient smile up into
his face. "I think I shall be quite rested by to-morrow morning, and I'm
so glad we're at home again."

"Yes; and just now the best place in it for my weary little girl is her
bed. Lulu and I will get you there as soon as we can."

"Mustn't I stay up for pr