In every measure advocated by Sir Howard he had the full concurrence of Lady Douglas and her intelligent and highly educated sons and daughters.  Perhaps to this cause may be attributed the amazing success which marked Sir Howard’s career through life.  He had the entire and heartfelt sympathy of his household.  He was loved with the truest and fondest affection as a husband and father.  He, in return, placed every confidence in his lovely and amiable wife and daughters, knowing that through them he received great happiness; and, unfettered with those domestic trials which attend some families, he was able to discharge the duties of state with full and determined energy.

The hours that elapsed between luncheon and dinner were spent in the various styles of decoration suggested by Lady Douglas.  The important Johnnie was under the direct supervision of Miss Cheenick, cutting off and preparing little twigs for garlands, with occasional sallies of good natured badinage.

Miss Douglas was making illuminated mottoes and texts in a quiet corner of the apartment.  Mary Douglas and her companion were busily weaving pretty and graceful festooning.  To each member was allotted some especial part.

Every one participated in the preparation by noting each successive step towards completion.  Thus the work progressed until it was time for the ladies to dress for dinner; after which the evening was spent in the same occupation, with the valuable assistance of Mr. Howe and Captain Douglas.

After several days had elapsed, the work was considered complete.  The design was choice and beautiful.  Nothing was necessary to produce a more graceful and pleasing effect.  Holly there was none, but our woods supplied the loss with lovely evergreens of native growth.

It was the day preceding Christmas eve.  Mirth and joy revelled around the glowing firesides.  Happy faces beamed with radiating smiles.  Each was trying to do some small act of kindness for the benefit of the household.  A Christmas tree, in all its mysterious surroundings, was being laden with beautiful presents.  Loving tokens of friendship were placed on its strong branches by lovely and delicate hands.  Lady Douglas presided over these mysteries, in the secret chamber, with the vigilance of the dragon who guarded the golden apples in the classic shades of the Hesperides.  All busy little feet were turned towards the door, but further entrance was barred by gentle admonition from her ladyship.

Lady Rosamond had been allowed the privacy of her own apartments without interruption.  She was preparing some tokens of regard for different members of the family.  Many chaste and valuable articles had been received from home for this purpose, but she wished to make some choice trinkets as her own work.  Many times she had stolen a half-hour to devote to this labor of love.  An elegant silk purse had been netted for Lady Douglas.  For Mary Douglas she is engaged on a prettily-designed portfolio.