the earth.'

"Speaking of the law, the testimony, the statutes, the commandments of
the Lord, the psalmist tells us that, 'in keeping of them there is great
reward.'

"True happiness is known by none but those who are at peace with God;
but living in the light of his countenance, one may be full of joy even
in the midst of great earthly tribulation.

"Ah, my darlings, I can wish nothing better for you than that you may
thus live!"

At that moment Violet joined them.

"The babies were unusually wakeful and troublesome to-night," she
remarked, "but have at last fallen asleep and so released mamma from
attendance upon them."

"To our great content," added her husband, gently putting Lulu off his
knee and rising to give his wife a seat, while Max sprang up and
gallantly placed a chair for her; selecting the most comfortable and
placing it close beside his father's.

She thanked him with one of her sweetest smiles, the captain remarking,
"Max was too quick for me that time."

"Like his father, he is extremely polite and attentive to ladies," said
Violet. "How cosy you are here! and you two children have been having a
pleasant time, no doubt, with papa all to yourselves."

"We have missed you, my dear," said her husband; "at least I may speak
for myself."

"And would have been glad if you could have come to us sooner," added
Max.

"Have you been laying plans for the entertainment of our expected guests
who are to keep New Year's day with us?" she asked.

"No, my dear; your help will be needed in that," replied her husband.

"Can't we have some charades again?" asked Lulu.

"I see no objection," answered her father, "provided something new can
be thought of."

"Misunderstand, I think might do for one," said Max.

"Yes, Max, I think that might be very good," Violet said; "and perhaps
madman would do for another."

"We'll need several words for our charades, I think," said Lulu, "and a
number for the sports at Fairview."

"But fortunately we are not responsible for the entertainment there,"
remarked Violet pleasantly.

"No," said the captain, "and I think we will dismiss thought for our own
for the present. It is time now for evening worship. Max you may ring
for the servants."

As usual the captain went into Lulu's room for a bit of good night chat
with her, about the time she was ready for bed.

"Papa," she said, nestling close in his arms. "I have been thinking more
about the kind of year this ha