Hark! A flourish of silvery trumpets announced the arrival of some great personage!
Another long, sweet note, and there strode into the room a tall figure in crimson velvet and white fur, with snowy beard, and kindly face, across whose breast gold letters bespoke his name:
"King Christmas."
A great pack was on his back, which when opened, gave forth beautiful gifts for all.
There were bangles for the girls, there were rings, or silver pencils for the boys, and a kindly word he spoke to each as he presented the gift.
"Now here's a little purse of fifty gold dollars for the little lass who won it by faithful study, and the giver permits me to present it. Come, little lass, and take it, for now it belongs to you."
Sprite ran to him, as he stood waiting.
"Oh, I know you, King Christmas! You are good, kind Uncle John! I know your pleasant voice that I've learned to love so well!" she said.
"Even as I love you, dear child," he cried, placing a strong arm around her slender little form, while with the other hand he tore off the beard that so disguised him.
"I am King Christmas," he said, laughing gaily as he pointed proudly to the golden letters on his breast.