a substantial English Christmas dinner, called me into his study.
"'Now then, Maggie, my dear,' he said with a cheery smile, 'I want to consult my little girl on a matter of very serious importance. Of course, you haven't forgotten that to-morrow is Christmas? Now, my pet, listen; I am going to ask your advice.'
"'My advice, papa? Surely you must be joking!'
"My advice, Paper?"
"'Not at all. In fact, I don't mind telling you in strict confidence that I'm at my wits' end, and it will be very kind of you to give me the benefit of your sage counsel. An intimate friend of mine has a charming daughter—a gentle, affectionate, devoted little girl who loves him, and he is very anxious to make her a nice Christmas present. He doesn't quite know what would please her best, and has asked me to suggest something. Now, as you and the young lady are of just about the same age, and I should be glad to oblige my old friend, I thought perhaps you might give me a hint.—Oh, hang long speeches and periphrase!' he burst out, impetuously. 'What would you like, Maggie, for a Christmas-box?—there!'
"Of course I knew from the beginning exactly what was coming, for it was merely a repetition of a little comedy my father repeated regularly every year at Christmas time. But I raised my eyebrows, in affected surprise, as if struck by the extraordinary novelty of the idea.
"'Good gracious, papa! Am I the young lady you mean?'
"'What other young lady should I mean, you little puss? Come now, speak out, and don't be afraid! I feel in a prodigal humour this Christmas, and you must take advantage of your old father's extravagance, my dear.'
"'Your generous intentions don't surprise me in the least, papa, because I know I am a spoiled child. But'
"'Well?'
"'This year I should like you to give me something very, very special.'
"'What is it, my love?'
"'You won't be angry?'
"'Angry?' said my father, with a tinge of sadness. 'Have I ever been angry with you?'
"'No, dear papa, never. Will you promise not to refuse me the Christmas-box I have set my heart on, whatever it may be?'
"'That's rather a strong promise, isn't it?'
"'Very well, papa. Then I don't want anything.'
"'Stop, stop! Humph! I will go so far as to promise you anything it is in my power to give."
"'Anything?'
"'Anything.'
"'Oh, dear papa, thank you!' And I threw my arms around his neck and kissed him on both his bronzed cheeks.
"'There!' I exclaimed. 'To-morrow, just before we sit down to dinner, I shall ask you for my Christmas-box.'
"'To-morrow, Maggie? How am I to buy your Christmas-box to-morrow? Why, all the shops will be closed!'
"'Ah, but what I shall ask you for is something you cannot buy! I see you are terribly perplexed, so I will relieve your anxiety by clearing up the mystery. For
