THE HEART AND HAND.
Why don't you open your stocking, papa?" inquired Bertie, when he saw the gentleman about to leave his chamber.
"I'll leave that to mamma," he said laughing.
"But really, Lawrence," she answered, "you might see for yourself. You'll regret it if you don't."
"Oh, of course, Cecilia, and spoil your joke!" He hesitated a moment but catching a glimpse of Bertie's anxious face, he turned back suddenly, and took down the stocking from the hook.
Putting his hand cautiously into the top, as if he were afraid of being bitten, at which the children shouted with laughter, he pulled forth a nicely rolled package, the outside of which he most carefully examined with his fingers.
"Very fine!" he exclaimed, with a quick glance at his wife. "It is a doughnut, I presume."
"Doughnuts are not to be despised when they are given to express affection," she answered, gravely.
"Well," he said, laying the package on his knees, "I'll see what else there is. I may find a solitary raisin enveloped in a pound or two of paper."