said Howard; “for Tom will be as well pleased to have them alike, as I should be. And father, do you think we could get the stage driver to take them to-morrow, so that he might put them on _on Christmas day_?” “Harry shall go with a request from your mother, and I have no doubt he will take them.” Mrs. Barrington at the same time gave them in charge to the man servant, and added a nice fat little turkey, for the poor family. When Howard saw this, he felt that his mother was good indeed, to gratify him so highly: the next day, they were all despatched in time to reach the house of Tom’s father, at a very early hour. So that Tom had the comfort of his new clothes on _Christmas day_, and the family had as good a dinner as their richer neighbours. When the stage stopped at the door of the cabin, and the driver handed out the bundle, Tom’s surprise was so great at first that he could not speak; but he ran in to his mother, exclaiming, “only look mammy, what master Howard has sent us. Here’s a jacket and trowsers for me, and here’s a turkey for you and father!” But we must return to the parlour in town. Christmas eve now came, and with it a small company, consisting of the children of persons, with whom Dr. and Mrs. B. were particularly acquainted, and beside them their cousins. Mrs. B. loved to encourage social feelings in her children, and during holiday times would treat them to some of these parties. It was her desire that all belonging to her family should be united in love, and an affectionate regard for each other; this she knew could not be the case unless they were brought frequently together: and as her boys were absent the greater part of the year, she embraced the opportunity of school vacations, to give them, not a dance, not a supper table covered with all the luxuries of the season――she could not bear to see children gormandize, as eating immoderately is called; her object was to bring them together, and make them happy in a rational way. She interested herself on such occasions, in composing for them puzzles, which had infolded in them, some moral or religious precept: she treated them to apples, nuts, and sugar plums, and nice cakes; but then, these were the least part of the entertainment. She never left them to themselves to romp and disturb the neighbours with their noise; but would remain with them, to moderate the buoyancy of their spirits, and direct them in their innocent sports. She would once or twice during the evening, gather them around the table, and play teacher, while they were her scholars. This would lead to many useful questions and answers, and it must have been a very stupid child, who would go away without some instruction. Nine o’clock was the hour she fixed, for the young people to separate, and they seldom infringed upon these limits. Mrs. B. was so much respected and beloved by all young folks, that whatever she said was a law to them.