Beth quickly closed the miniature case and hid it in her frock. She did not want to show it to her mother’s family then; another time, when there was less excitement, she would show it to Uncle Jim and ask him if it were like his sister. “Each one must do something to entertain us,” announced Aunt Alida, when the gifts had received full attention. The Cortlandts were accustomed to this. Uncle Jim sang a song and did some clever imitations. Aunt Alida also sang--she sang beautifully--and she and Natalie danced a curious folk dance that Beth thought was wonderful. Alys recited; she had a dramatic gift. Dirk “did stunts,” as he put it, fenced with Mr. Leonard, and showed his own athletic powers in solo. “Bethie, we can’t let you off,” said Aunt Alida. “Please, dear! What can you do? Sing? Recite? You aren’t too tired?” For Beth was looking pale from her many emotions of the evening. “No, Aunt Alida, but I don’t do anything nice,” said Beth mournfully. “Recite something you have learned in school, honey,” suggested Aunt Alida. “I don’t know anything for Christmas, except the second chapter of St. Matthew. I learned that by heart,” said Beth timidly. “There could be nothing better, darling,” said Aunt Alida. “Please tell us that story, Bethie.” So Beth arose, pale and frightened, and began that simple gospel. Her voice gained strength as she went on, forgetting herself, remembering it was Christmas eve and carried away by what she was saying. “That was best of all. It was like a benediction on our Christmas festival,” said Aunt Alida kissing her as she ended. CHAPTER XIV DIRK ENTERTAINS The Sunday after Christmas found Mr. Cortlandt kept in the house by a cold. Beth sought him out in the evening and found him beside his library fire. The logs burned cheerily, snapping and crackling; the red flames and impish sparks looked most alluring on this cold night. Beth came across the thick carpet without a sound of a footfall; in her hand she carried the miniature which Aunt Rebecca had sent her at Christmas. “Uncle Jim,” she said, pausing. Mr. Cortlandt started. “Why, Elizabeth-Beth!” he cried. “You must have caught me napping. You made me jump. Glad to see you, puss. Come enjoy my fire with me. Isn’t this a fire to enjoy?” He put out his left hand and drew Beth down on the arm of his big leather chair, within the circle of his arm. [Illustration: “I’VE BEEN WAITING TO SHOW IT TO YOU.”]