She called to mind all the Christmases she could remember,—­not very many,—­the last two spent very pleasantly with her new mamma’s relatives; the two previous ones passed not half so agreeably, in the poor apology for a home that had been hers and Grade’s before their father’s second marriage.

But what a change for the better that had brought!  What forlorn little things she and Gracie were then! and what favored children now!  What a sweet, sweet home of their very own, with their father in it!—­as she had said to Eva that afternoon, “such a dear, kind father; interested in every thing that concerned his children; so thoughtful about providing pleasures for them, as well as needful food, shelter, and clothing; about their health, too, and the improvement of their minds; reading with them, even in other than school-hours; talking with them of what they read, and explaining so clearly and patiently any thing they did not quite understand; but, above all, striving to lead them to Christ, and train them for his service in this world and the next.”

He had read with them that morning the story of our Saviour’s birth, and spoken feelingly to them of God’s wonderful love shown in the “unspeakable gift” of his dear Son.

“Certainly, there could not be in all the world a better, dearer father, than theirs.  How strange that she could ever grieve him by being naughty, rebellious, passionate!  Oh, if she could only be good! always a comfort and blessing to him! she would try, she would, with all her might!”

Just then the door opened softly; and he came in, came noiselessly to her side, lifted her in his arms, and sat down with her on his knee.

“What has my little girl been thinking of sitting here all by herself?” he asked, pressing his lips to her cheek.

She told him in a few words, finishing with her longing desire to be to him a better child, a comfort and blessing.

“Indeed I ought to be, papa,” she said; “and you are such a dear, kind father! you have given me—­and all of us—­such a lovely home, and such a happy, happy Christmas,—­the very happiest we have ever known!”

“And it is God our heavenly Father who has put it in my power to do all that I have done for you, and for all my darlings,” he said with emotion, drawing her closer, and holding her tenderly to his heart; “and, O my dear child! if I could know that you had begun this day to truly love and serve him, it would be to me the happiest Christmas that I have ever known.”