e parents, also, had their own
mysteries: for a fortnight before the eventful day, the blooming,
comfortable mamma rode out regularly, and returned laden with bundles,
which were immediately transferred to a certain large parlor, the
windows of which were carefully bolted, the door locked, and the very
key-hole stopped up, so that nothing was visible. The children were sent
out of the way, and then there were raps at the door, and the carrying
of heavy articles along the hall, into the mysterious chamber--Blue
Beard's room of horrors was not more eagerly gazed at, than was this
parlor, but its blank walls told no secrets.

At length the long-expected day arrived; on Christmas Eve all were
assembled in a dark room adjacent--you see I have taken a few hints from
my German friends--and at last the doors being thrown open, the mystery
was revealed. The room was ornamented with evergreens and colored lamps,
very much in the style of our hall, and a large tree blazed with light
and sparkled with candied fruits and gilded cornucopias; I made up my
mind then, that if ever I had a house of my own, I would keep Christmas
Eve in the same way. The little children stood a while, awe-struck by
the grandeur of the spectacle: for I can tell you, young people, that
the German children are kept in a state of innocence--what you would
call _greenness_--that would amaze you. The good mother then came
forward, and took them by the hand: "Come in, Carl; come in, Hermann;
fear nothing, little Ida; come in and see if there is any thing here for
you." Encouraged by this invitation, all entered, and the room was found
to be lined with tables, piled with articles both for use and pleasure;
there was a separate table for every one in the house, including the
servants, who in Germany live many years in one family, and even for the
baby. Their guest also was not forgotten; I found upon my table a pair
of slippers, and sundry other gifts, some of which I still keep with
care, as a memorial of that very happy evening.

"That must have been really charming! I think the mystery adds very much
to the pleasure," said Alice. "And, uncle, is not the custom of hanging
up the stocking derived from Germany?"

"I think it is. In Holland there is a little variation, for there the
_shoe_ is placed at the door of the chamber, for adults as well as
children enter into the sport. I heard an amusing story connected with
this practice, when I was in Holland; if you