down into the dining room with the stockings over their shoulders.
"A merry Christmas to Uncle Randolph from all of us," said Tom, handing over a much-coveted volume on agriculture. "And a merry Christmas to Aunt Martha from three bad boys," added Sam, and turned over a fancy work-basket, both presents having been purchased at Ithaca on the journey home.
"Ha! just what I desired!" said Randolph Rover, adjusting his spectacles. "I am very much obliged, boys—I am, indeed!"
"Such a pretty basket!" murmured Mrs. Rover. "It was very good of you!" and she hugged each lad in his turn. Then came more presents—neckties, collars, and gloves for the boys, besides a book for each written by a favorite juvenile writer.
"The snow is two feet deep!" said Dick, after an inspection, when breakfast had come to an end. "We're booked for the house to-day!"
"We'll wait until afternoon," said Mr. Rover.
It was a happy time, even if they were snowed in. Soon the warm sun came out and brought the snow down a little. "Best kind of sleighing now!" said the hired man, and drove around the biggest sleigh on the place. All tumbled in, and the party did not return until after midnight.
