To some I shall not be a stranger, for we have met before, not face to face, but in the pages of the last year’s little book. In the sunny days of childhood, a year is so long a time, that when the summer and winter have passed it seems like an age gone by; yet as again I bring my Christmas offering, I hope to be remembered and welcomed as the friend who loves the children well.

They are the true critics, generous and fearless. For their warm hearts and keen appreciation, I write these stories of the Golden Clime.

May the joy and blessedness of the holy Christmas rest upon them, and follow them through all the sunshine and rain of the coming year.

May Wentworth.

San Francisco, 1868.

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

PAGE
The Little Lace-Maker[9]
Golden Snow[27]
Gracia and Catrina[63]
The Dancing Sunbeam[104]
The Young Gold-Seeker[115]
The Wishing Cap[129]
Crimson Tuft[153]
Snowdrop and Rosebud[209]
Lazarus and Bummer[230]