160 FOREST FANCIES 



but was not this the prettiest Christmas tree in 



all the world! 



■ 



Then the balsam-fir longed to cast off her 

 glittering garment and make herself known; 

 yet after all, it was the tinsel robe and taper 

 crown that gave the children joy. 



**Why does the tree wear a star?" asked 

 Archie of his father. 



Then Father told why the tree wore a star, 

 in the story of the Christ-child, Who left His 

 heavenly home to make us good and glad, be- 

 cause *^God so loved the world." 



** And now who will tell what is the real fruit 

 of a Christmas tree?" he asked. 



* ^ The golden star, ' ' said Emily, softly. 



^^Gifts," shouted the boys, ^^giftsl" 



But Father shook his head. 



Merrily passed the holiday week. Children 

 from blocks around came in to see the pretty 

 Christmas tree, and poor children were 

 brought in to share the gifts. By New Year's 

 night the candles were burned to their sockets : 

 Cho-koh-tung's task was done. 



That New Year's night, when the house was 



