Both she and Max obeyed the order with cheerful alacrity, and presently the three sallied forth together to return in time for tea, in good spirits and with fine appetites for their meal; the children rosy and merry.

Violet was teaching Lulu to crochet, and the little girl had become much interested in her work.  When the hour for bedtime came she did not want to give it up, and like Rosie begged for permission to stay up for another hour.

“No, dear child,” her father said, “it is quite important that little ones like you should keep to regular hours, early hours too, for going to rest.”

“Then may I get up sooner in the mornings while I’m so busy?” she asked coaxingly.

“If you find yourself unable to sleep; not otherwise.  My little girl’s health is of far more importance than the making of the most beautiful Christmas gifts,” he added with a tender caress.

“And I sha’n’t forget this time that papa knows best,” she said in a cheery tone, giving him a hug.

He returned it.  “I think to-morrow is likely to be a pleasant day,” he said, “and if so I hope to take my wife and children to the city for some more of the shopping you all seem to find so necessary and delightful just now.  Your Aunt Elsie and Evelyn are going too, so that you can probably have your friend’s help in selecting the articles you wish to buy.”

“Oh how delightful!” she exclaimed.  “I ought to be a good girl with such a kind father, always planning something to give me pleasure.”

“You enjoy such expeditions, don’t you, Lu?” queried Violet.

“Yes, indeed, Mamma Vi, and I hope papa will take me several times.  I want to select my gift for Rosie to-morrow, with Eva to help me; and I’d like Rosie to go with me another time to help me choose one for Evelyn.”

“I think I shall be able to gratify you in that; and to give you more time for Christmas work, I will release you from the task of taking care of your own rooms, till after the holidays, and have them attended to by one of the servants,” said the captain.  “But now bid good night and go to your bed.”

“Oh thank you, dear papa,” she cried joyously, and obeyed at once without a murmur.

The weather next day was favorable, and the shopping a decided success.  The ladies and little girls returned somewhat weary with their exertions, but in fine spirits, Lulu feeling particularly happy over a present for Rosie, which every one thought was sure to be acceptable.

A few days later her father took her and Rosie together, Evelyn being left out of the party in order that her present might be selected without her knowledge.

Indeed in the afternoon of every pleasant day, from that to the one before Christmas, the Woodburn carriage might have been seen driving to and from the city; and on almost every occasion Lulu was one of its occupants.

But on the twenty third she preferred to stay behind—­so much that she wanted a share in was going on at, or near home; first the trimmings with evergreens of several rooms in the mansion, then of the school-house for the poor whites of the neighborhood, which Capt.  Raymond had caused to be built on a corner of his estate—­paying a teacher that the children might be instructed without cost to their parents.