What's the use of it?

Gretel then stood up eagerly to recite the carol she had learnt at school.

THE CHILDREN'S KING.

"Dear children come

On Christmas night,

Put on your gowns

Of purest white.

Speak not a word

Until you see

The sweet Christ child

On Mary's knee.

There lies the Babe

An Infant frail.

Is this the King

Whom nations hail?

A helpless King!

His mother's arm

Must hold him safe

From threatened harm.

A tender King,

Most young and sweet,

With dimpled hands

And tiny feet!

A Baby King:

Yet cherubim

Veil their bright eyes

To look on Him.

A mighty King!

For God above

Has crowned Him Lord

And King of Love.

Come kneel and pray,

Ye children dear,

The children's King

Is lying here!"

A glow of warmth and happiness illumined the whole family, and they felt nearer to one another than ever before. The tears actually came into their mother's eyes, when she realised that they had so nearly missed this moment of supreme joy.

She felt a little ashamed of her presents, and for once in a way suspected herself of having been too sensible. "We are not so very poor after all," she thought. "I might have bought a few toys that would have delighted the children's hearts, and not have cost much money. But now it is too late!"

But to her surprise, she did not see her presents at all. For each child there was a gingerbread cake with his or her name on it, and then the most lovely surprises—a beautiful doll for Hansi with real eyelashes, fretwork tools for Paul, a doll's kitchen for Gretel, and so on. For every one of the family there was some delightful gift.

"Thank you, thank you, dear Heinzelmen," said Hansi, clasping her hands in ecstasy.

There was a big paper parcel addressed to Mrs Herzchen in a very queer handwriting. She opened it with much excitement, thinking it would contain a silk dress, at least. But lo and behold, all the presents that she had intended for her children, tied together with red tape and a card between, on which this verse was written:

"Useful things

For little folk

Are sensible,

But not a joke.