dear boys, and Emma too, what Christmas box I should get for you. Your father and myself were talking over this weighty matter before you came home, intending to surprise you; he, however, thought it best, as you are all now of an age to have some judgment of your own, to let you choose for yourselves.” “And me too, mamma?” said little Emma. “Yes, my dear,” said her mother, “you will go with your brothers, and Howard, if not George, can surely advise you.” “Dear, dear mamma,” vociferated the trio, “how good you are!” “and will you give us the money in our own hands,” cried Emma? At that moment she drew from her reticule a nice purse, and presented each of them with a beautiful new bank note. Their father had sent to the bank for them that day, on purpose to have them fresh; but mamma said to little Emma, after she had sufficiently admired her possession, “now, my dear, as you are a little girl, you had better let Howard take care of your treasure, till the purchase is about to be made.” She did as she was requested to do, and then a debating took place. Many articles were named for the purchase, but for some, the sum was too little, and others would not cost so much. In this state they went to bed, to dream of every thing delightful. As they were leaving the apartment, after having affectionately bade their mother good night, she called to them, and said, “now remember, my dear children, you have but one day more to decide upon your purchase before Christmas, and remember too, you must think well, before you decide; and after you have fixed upon the articles you intend to buy, you must not change your mind. It must also be all concluded upon before you go to the shops, so that you may not give unnecessary trouble, and expose yourselves, as many little boys do, who cannot make up their minds. I would be pleased too, if you would talk the matter over among yourselves, and appeal neither to your father nor myself for advice.” They promised to do all their mother advised, and retired. They had sweet dreams, as may be supposed, and appeared at the breakfast table the next morning, with fresh blooming complexions, and countenances full of meaning. This was an eventful day to them. They behaved very well considering all things; but George found it difficult to keep the interesting subject out of sight; and Emma would every now and then, put her head close to his, and whisper something in his ear. Howard would cast a significant look across the table, and father and mother could not but smile. In truth, these good parents were as happy as any king or queen, nay, far happier; for monarchs seldom feel the delights which spring from the social affections.