ons."--The
Orphan's Tale, or the Vicissitudes of Fortune. 140

CHAPTER VI.

Sunday.--Bible Stories.--"Capping Bible Verses."--Bible-Class. 181

CHAPTER VII.

Sequel to the Orphan's Tale.--"Who can he be?"--"Elements."--The
Astrologers. 206

CHAPTER VIII.

"Confidante."--"Lead-Merchant."--"Trades."--The Rose of
Hesperus; a Fairy Tale. 246

CHAPTER IX.

New-Year's Day.--"Characters, or Who am I?"--"Quotations."--"Acting
Charades."--"Riddles." 281

CHAPTER X.

Whispering Gallery.--Potentates.--Three Young Men. 295

GAMES AND STORIES.

CHAPTER I.

THE GATHERING.--CHRISTMAS EVE.--CONSEQUENCES.--HOW DO YOU LIKE IT?

Not many miles from Philadelphia, in a beautifully wooded and hilly
country, may be seen a large rambling mansion, whose substantial walls
show that it was built at a time when more attention was paid to the
durability of dwellings than at present. It is, indeed, quite an ancient
house for this part of the world, having been erected by a certain John
Wyndham, a hundred years ago; and it has remained in the family ever
since, the owner of it generally inheriting the name of John, a taste
for rural life, and the old homestead together. It was constructed in
good taste, and with great regard for comfort; the broad hall, the
favorite resort in summer, was ornamented with family portraits of many
ages back, and a complete suit of armor, visor and all, struck awe into
the hearts of young visitors, who almost expected its former occupant to
resume possession, with his gauntleted hand to draw the sword from its
scabbard, and, seizing the flag over his head, to drive the modern
usurpers from the house. Large antlers, bows and arrows, and rusty
fowling-pieces against the wall, intimated that the descendants of the
grim warrior had exercised their valor in the chase; while a guitar with
blue ribbon, in the corner, told that gentler days had come, and spoke
of peace, domestic joys, and woman's influence.

Many were the bright sunshiny chambers in that cheerful home; but I will
describe one apartment only, the sitting-room, with which we are chiefly
concerned. The furnitu