six
dozen pairs of lambs' wool gloves, six dozen pocket handkerchiefs, with
his name worked in the corners with the dark hair of her head. All these,
for their intrinsic usefulness, would have been very valuable; but for the
love and thought worked into them by the dear fingers of her whom he
loved, and during the longs years of his absence, this box of treasures
was invaluable to Le. The wealth of the Rothschilds could not have bought
it from him. Each precious item, as he turned it about in his hands, and
kissed it again and again, was full of her magnetism.

He put on a pair of the socks, because he loved to feel them next him. He
put one of the handkerchiefs in his bosom, next his heart, for the same
reason. But it would take up too much time and space to tell of all the
Christmas offerings of that happy day.

The children had passed the age of dolls and dolls' furniture, but they
received beautiful dressing cases, with boxes and writing desks, all
fitted up and exactly alike, except that brunette Wynnette's were all
lined with crimson velvet or satin, and blond Elva's with blue; and they
received books and trinkets suitable to their years.

Miss Meeke received a pair of gold bracelets from her pupils and a black
silk dress from their parents.

Even the transient guest, Mrs. Anglesea, received from Mr. and Mrs. Force
a handsome set of coral and gold jewelry that exactly suited her style and
taste.

So no one was overlooked; and, when the family reassembled in the drawing
room before starting for church, there ensued a gay confusion, a mirthful
strife, in the mutual offering and deprecating acknowledgments. But at
last they entered the carriages and drove away to All Faith.

Mr. and Mrs. Force, Odalite and Mrs. Anglesea rode in the family coach,
driven by Jake; Miss Meeke and her two pupils in the buggy, driven by
Wynnette, who was already a famous "whip."

The household servants rode in the break.

Le, mounted on the young horse given him by his uncle, escorted the whole
party, and made himself very useful in opening gates or taking down bars
for the caravan.

They all reached the church in good time. The party entered their pews
without feeling any annoyance. If they were stared at, they did not know
it.

The Christmas service was always a grand jubilee, deeply interesting,
highly exalting, and Dr. Peters' sermon was sure to be good, cheerful and
appropriate.

After the benediction, when the congregat