They talked of their sports, their pets, the books they were reading, the coming holidays, the enjoyment they were looking forward to at that time, and their plans for helping to make it a happy time to others. Evidently they were troubled with no doubt of their father's fond affection, or of the fact that he was their best earthly friend and wisest counsellor. "There are so many people I want to give to," said Lulu; "it will take ever so much thinking to know how to manage it." "Yes; because of course we want to give things they'd like to have, and that we'll have money enough to buy, or time to make," said Grace. "Perhaps I can help you with your plans," said their father. "I think it would be well to make out a list of those to whom you wish to give, and then decide what amount to devote to each, and what sort of thing would be likely to prove acceptable, yet not cost more than you have set apart for its purchase." "Oh what a nice plan, papa!" exclaimed Lulu. "We'll each make a list, sha'n't we?" "Yes; if you choose. Max, my son, you may get out paper and pencils for us, and we will set to work at once; no time like the present, is a good motto in most cases." Max hastened to obey and the lists were made out amid a good deal of pleasant chat, now grave, now gay. "We don't have to put down all the names, papa, do we?" Grace asked with an arch look and smile up into his face. "No; we will except present company," he replied, stroking her hair caressingly, and returning her smile with one full of tender fatherly affection. The names were all written down first, then came the task of deciding upon the gifts. "We will take your lists in turn, beginning with Max's and ending with Gracie's," the captain said. That part of the work required no little consultation between the three children; papa's advice was asked in every instance, and almost always decided the question; but, glancing over the lists when completed, "I think, my dears, you have laid out too much work for yourselves," he said. "But I thought you always liked us to be industrious, papa," said Lulu. "Yes, daughter, but not overworked; I can not have that; nor can I allow you to neglect your studies, omit needed exercise, or go without sufficient sleep to keep you in health." "Papa, you always make taking good care of us the first thing," she said gratefully, nestling closer to him. "Don't you know that's what fathers are for?" he said, smiling down on her. "My children were given me to be taken care of, provided for, loved and trained up aright. A precious charge!" he added, looking from one to another with glistening eyes. "Yes, sir, I know," she said, laying her head on his shoulder and slipping a hand into his, "and oh but I'm glad and thankful that God gave me to you instead of to somebody else!"