he asked, pressing his lips to her cheek.
She told him in a few words, finishing with her longing desire to be to him a better child, a comfort and blessing.
"Indeed I ought to be, papa," she said; "and you are such a dear, kind father! you have given me--and all of us--such a lovely home, and such a happy, happy Christmas,--the very happiest we have ever known!"
"And it is G.o.d our heavenly Father who has put it in my power to do all that I have done for you, and for all my darlings," he said with emotion, drawing her closer, and holding her tenderly to his heart; "and, O my dear child! if I could know that you had begun this day to truly love and serve him, it would be to _me_ the happiest Christmas that _I_ have ever known."