Christmas with Grandma Elsie | Page 5

entertainment and gratification of
their children and other young relatives, during the approaching
holidays, then of the needs of the poor of the neighborhood, and how to
supply them; after that they talked of the claims of Home and Foreign
Missions; the perils threatening their country from illiteracy, anarchy,
heathenism, Mormonism, Popery, Infidelity, etc., not omitting the
danger from vast wealth accumulating in the hands of individuals and
corporations; also they spoke of the heavy responsibility entailed by its
possession.
They were patriots and Christians; anxious first of all for the
advancement of Christ's kingdom upon earth, secondly for the welfare
and prosperity of the dear land of their birth--the glorious old Union
transmitted to us by our revolutionary fathers.
It was a personal question with each one, "How can I best use for the
salvation of my country and the world, the time, talents, influence and
money God has entrusted to my keeping."
They acknowledged themselves stewards of God's bounty, and as such
desired to be found faithful; neglecting neither the work nearest at hand
nor that in far distant lands where the people sit in great darkness and
the region and shadow of death, that on them the "Sun of righteousness
might arise with healing in his wings."
It had been expected that the guests would stay at Ion till bedtime, but a
thaw had set in and ice and snow were fast disappearing from the roads;
therefore all departed for their homes directly after an early tea.
Lulu was very quiet during the homeward drive; her thoughts were full
of Maud's surprising assertion in regard to her father's wealth.
"I wonder if it is really so," she said to herself. "I'm tempted to ask papa;
but he might not like it, and I wouldn't want to do anything to vex or
trouble him,--my dear, dear kind father!"
An excellent opportunity for a private chat with him was afforded her

shortly after their arrival at home. The little ones were fretful and
Violet went to the nursery with them; Max hastened to his own room to
finish a composition he was expected to hand to his father the next
morning, Gracie, weary with the excitement of the day, and the long
morning drive, went directly to her bed, and having seen her in it, and
left her there with a loving good night, the captain and Lulu presently
found themselves the only occupants of the library.
Taking possession of a large easy chair, "Come and sit on my knee and
tell me how you have enjoyed your day," he said, giving her a fond
fatherly smile.
"Very much indeed, papa," she answered, accepting his invitation,
putting her arm round his neck and laying her cheek to his.
His arm was around her waist. He drew her closer, saying softly, "My
dear, dear little daughter! I thought you were unusually quiet coming
home: is anything amiss with you?"
"Oh, no, papa! I've had a lovely time all day long. How kind you were
to give us all a holiday and let me go along with the rest of you."
"Good to myself as well as to you, my darlings; I could have had very
little enjoyment leaving you behind."
"Papa, it's so nice to have you love me so!" she said, kissing him with
ardent affection. "Oh, I do hope I'll never, never be very naughty
again!"
"I hope not, dear child," he responded, returning her caresses. "I hope
you feel ready to resume your studies to-morrow, with diligence and
painstaking?"
"Yes, papa, I think I do. It's almost a week since you have heard me
recite; except the Sunday lesson yesterday."
"Yes," he said gravely, "it has been something of a loss to you in one
way, but I trust a decided gain in another. Well to change the subject,

are you pleased with the prospect of spending the holidays at Ion?"
"Yes, papa; I think it will be lovely; almost as nice as having a party of
our own, as we did last year."
"Possibly we may add that--a party here for a day or two--if Grandma
Elsie does not use up all the holidays with hers," he said in a half
jesting tone and with a pleasant laugh.
"O papa, do you really think we may?" she cried in delight. "Oh you
are just the kindest father!" giving him a hug.
He laughed at that, returning the hug with interest.
"I suppose you and Eva and the rest were laying out plans for
Christmas doings this afternoon?" he said inquiringly.
"Yes, papa, we were talking a good deal about games and tableaux, and
about the things we could buy or make for gifts to our friends, and what
we would like to have given us."
She paused, half