Santa Claus's Partner

en he left his office, by the time h

pictures and rare books, gave evidence not only of his wealth but of his taste. He was not a mere business machine, a mere money-maker. He knew men who were. He despised them. He was a man of taste and culture, a gentleman of refinement. He spent his money like a gentleman, to surround himsel

ng; his favorite arm-chair drawn up to his especial table; his f

he next moment, however, he was sensible of his fatigue, and was conscious that he had quite a

talk it over with him. He could now take his advice and stop working for a while; he was worth-Conf

, so soft that it could scarcely be said to have made a sound

am

Have you

ourse not! Where

the club. I will have dinner direc

e at the club? Haven't I my own hou

so late we thought perhaps you were dining at the

a it was so late. He had forgotten how late it was when he left his office,

side and the squeak of childish voices. Jame

ne wanted

at?" he ask

vously. The squeak came agai

are those?" dema

laundress's, sir. They just

one cut

r nearer an outbreak, b

you-" He paused, closed his lips firmly, and chang

s,

hed the door w

at home to-morrow, si

d I don't want to see any one to-night, no matte

s,

ne sank back in his chair. But before the butl

want an

directly, sir," sai

don't w

closer and gave his

ling bad, si

et alone. I shall go out

ames withdr

mmanded. What the tall butler did was to gather up in his arms two very plump little tots who at sight of him came running to him with

d their blue eyes opening and shutting in unison, whilst he told them of the dreadful unnamed things that would befall them if they ventured again through that door. He impressed on them the ca

ing limp and empty at the fireplace while Santa

to work than ever. To this James added the terror of their failing to see next day the great plum-pudding suddenly burst into flame in his hands. At this, he threw up both hand

to the due performance of their good intention, and he himself sought the cook, who, next to himself, was Livingstone's oldest servant. She was at t

im, and then you'll never marry him," she said. The point of

her out and confided

ly. "I have not see him this a-w

heery counte

er excessive grammar was a reassurance

on't have

ut of her form in visible de

an't I make him something nice? Very nic

. He will no

e the doctor." She

ep abstraction, his face filled with perplexity and gloom, and as the coo

e year. Not since he got that letter from that young lady what-."

u must get the doctor, and I'll make some good rich broth to have it handy.

y, her round f

t might be comforting; but before he could secure one t