festivals and is almost as much enjoyed as Christmas Eve, but

n one of the pleasantest homes in one of the most beautiful towns

t. Sylvester's Day, it is New Year's Eve whi

dered," the Doctor's wife had said to me, smiling, at dinner; and all the children

l, twelve-year-old brother, two little Russian boys, three Americans, and another German, who boasts of being the godson of the Crown Prince; all these were studying under the direction of Monsieur P-- the French tutor. Besides, there were half a dozen older boys, who had come from all parts of the

ylvester Evening?" I

no connection between the saint's day and the tree-plundering. Still we always do it on Sylvester evening, and so, I think, do most people because it is a convenient time, as every one is s

?" asked Nicholas, the bright little Ru

tell you one which I think the prettie

old Sylvester to whisper his god's name in its ear, and he should see that it would fall down dead. Sylvester whispered, and the beast did fall dead. Then the Rabbis were very triumphant. Even the emperor began to believe that they must be right. But Sylvester told them that he had uttered the name of Satan, not of Christ, in the bull

ren were assembled, from the oldest to the youngest, and gazing in silent admiration; little Hugo, with hands clasped in ecstasy, being the foremost of the group. As you probably know, the Christmas presents had

utting and snipping began in good earnest. It was a pretty picture: the brilliantly-lighted tree with its countless, sweet, rich decorations, and the eager children intent on their

e Monsieur P. beamed delight through his green spectacles and wide mouth, and Herr Doctor, in the background, amused him

d upon the heaped-up tray, and the last ca

search in everybody's hand, and great was the delight when little Hugo produced a card exactly like the one which his mamma held up, and received the great gingerbread heart, or "lebkuchen" which happened to belong to that card; for in little Hugo's estimation lebkuchen was the choicest of dainties. Another card and another, with their respective sweetmeats, were quickly turned, the children becoming more eager as on

In this we drank each other's healths merrily, the boys jumping up to run around the table and clink glasses, and all shouting "lebe hoch!" at the top of their lungs after each name. Then we drank greetings to all who, in whatever land, should think of

ttle ones went to bed, the older boys and the "grown-ups" into the parlor to "watch for the New Year," a ceremony which may by no means be omitted. What with ga

in. Then we turned and shook hands all around and wished "Happy New Year;" then again to the windows. Out of doors all was astir; the bells still pealing, rockets blazing, people

y nipping fingers and noses as his way of making friendly overtures; merry S