“When may we begin to earn it, papa?”

“To-morrow.”

“I’m glad of that,” said Lulu with satisfaction, “because I want to earn a good deal before Christmas.”

Then she told of Evelyn’s suggestions in regard to gifts for the poor in their immediate neighborhood.

“A very good idea,” her father said, “and I think it may be carried out in a way to yield enjoyment to both givers and receivers.”

“I hope it will be cold enough at Christmas time to make ice and snow for sleighing and sledding,” Max remarked; “for we boys have planned to have a good deal of fun for ourselves and the girls too, if it is.”

“You mean if there is sleighing and sledding,” his father said with an amused look.  “It might be cold enough, yet the needed snow or ice be lacking.”

“Why, yes, sir, to be sure, so it might!” Max returned, laughing good humoredly.

“What kind of fun is it you boys have planned for us girls?” asked Lulu.

“Never you mind,” said Max; “you’ll see when the time comes; the surprise will be half of it you know.”

“My dear, you seem to me a very wise and kind father,” Violet remarked to her husband when they found themselves alone together, after Max and Lulu had gone to their beds.  “I very highly approve of the plans you have just proposed for them.  Though, of course the approval of a silly young thing, such as I, must be a matter of small consequence,” she added, with a merry, laughing look up into his face.

“Young, but not silly,” he returned, with a very lover-like look and smile.  “I consider my wife’s judgment worth a great deal, and am highly gratified with her approval.  I am extremely desirous,” he went on more gravely, “to train my darlings to systematic benevolence, a willingness to deny themselves for the cause of Christ, and to take an interest in every branch of the work of the church.”

CHAPTER III.

Lulu’s first thought on awaking the next morning, was of the talk of the previous evening, with her father.  He had said she might have the pleasure of telling Gracie the good news in regard to the money to be earned by good conduct, and that which was to be given by him in the name of each of his older children; also the privilege he would accord them of selecting the particular cause, or causes, to which the money should go.

Eager to avail herself of the permission, and see Gracie’s delight, she sprang from her bed, ran to the door of communication between their sleeping rooms, which generally stood open—­always at night—­and peeped cautiously in.

Gracie’s head was still on her pillow, but at that instant she stirred, opened her eyes, and called out in a pleased tone, “O Lu, so you are up first!” speaking softly though, for fear of disturbing their father and Violet, in the room beyond, the door there being open also.

Lulu hurried to it and closed it gently, then turning toward her sister, “Yes,” she said, “but it’s early, and you needn’t get up just yet.  I’m coming to creep in with you for a few minutes while I tell you something that I’m sure will please you.”