take great care of it."

"Oh, I'll be ever so careful," promised Margery eagerly, for one of the
ambitions of her life was to have a muff to carry. Bella had a little
old-fashioned black one that had belonged to her mother, and Margery
yearned for the time when she too should have one.

They were all pleased with their presents, even Aunt Emma. "Well, I did
want an apron," she said, as she turned it over and examined it.
"It might have been a trifle longer, but it looks a nice one."
This from Aunt Emma was wonderful praise. "I must go and see about the
dinner now, and, Bella, it is time to get ready for church; you'll see
that they are all clean and tidy, won't you?"

"Yes," promised Bella; and when presently they all started on their walk
no one could have found fault with their appearance, not even Aunt Emma.

The snowflakes had ceased falling now, the sun was shining brilliantly,
but a keen little breeze was rustling the dead leaves still clinging to
the bushes, and nipping the noses and fingers of those who faced it.
Across the fields sounded the peals of the church bells, and along the
roads and lanes came little groups of people stepping out briskly in the
frosty air. Every one had a greeting for every one, and almost every face
bore a brighter, more friendly look than usual.

The service, with its hymns so heartily sung, was cheerful too,
particularly the part that the children loved so much, when carols were
sung in place of a sermon. This was a treat they would not have missed
for a good deal. They all waited eagerly for their own especial
favourites, and when the choir broke out with--

"Once in royal David's city
Stood a lowly cattle shed."

Margery looked up at Bella triumphantly. She had her favourite, at any
rate, so her anxiety was over.

Charlie's favourite was, 'God rest you, merry gentlemen,' but he was
doomed to disappointment that day; and Tom did not get his--

"The holly and the ivy
Now both were full well grown."

Bella had so many favourite carols, she was almost sure of hearing one or
the other, and to-day her face lighted up with pleasure when the choir
began--

"It came upon the midnight clear,
That glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth,
With news of joy foretold.
Peace on the earth, goodwill to men,
From heaven's all-gracious King,
The world in solemn silence lay
To hear the angels