Contents：
AChristmasTreeWhatChristmasisasweGrowOlderThePoorRelation’sStoryTheChild’sStoryTheSchoolboy’sStoryNobody’sStoryACHRISTMASTREE
Ihavebeenlookingon，thisevening，atamerrycompanyofchildrenassembledroundthatprettyGermantoy，aChristmasTree。Thetreewasplantedinthemiddleofagreatroundtable，andtoweredhighabovetheirheads。Itwasbrilliantlylightedbyamultitudeoflittletapers；andeverywheresparkledandglitteredwithbrightobjects。Therewererosy-cheekeddolls，hidingbehindthegreenleaves；andtherewererealwatches（withmovablehands，atleast，andanendlesscapacityofbeingwoundup）danglingfrominnumerabletwigs；therewereFrench-polishedtables，chairs，bedsteads，wardrobes，eight-dayclocks，andvariousotherarticlesofdomesticfurniture（wonderfullymade，intin，atWolverhampton），perchedamongtheboughs，asifinpreparationforsomefairyhousekeeping；
therewerejolly，broad-facedlittlemen，muchmoreagreeableinappearancethanmanyrealmen——andnowonder，fortheirheadstookoff，andshowedthemtobefullofsugar-plums；therewerefiddlesanddrums；thereweretambourines，books，work-boxes，paint-boxes，sweetmeat-boxes，peep-showboxes，andallkindsofboxes；thereweretrinketsfortheeldergirls，farbrighterthananygrown-upgoldandjewels；therewerebasketsandpincushionsinalldevices；therewereguns，swords，andbanners；therewerewitchesstandinginenchantedringsofpasteboard，totellfortunes；therewereteetotums，humming-tops，needle-cases，pen-wipers，smelling-bottles，conversation-cards，bouquet-holders；realfruit，madeartificiallydazzlingwithgoldleaf；imitationapples，pears，andwalnuts，crammedwithsurprises；inshort，asaprettychild，beforeme，delightedlywhisperedtoanotherprettychild，herbosomfriend，\"Therewaseverything，andmore。\"Thismotleycollectionofoddobjects，clusteringonthetreelikemagicfruit，andflashingbackthebrightlooksdirectedtowardsitfromeveryside——someofthediamond-eyesadmiringitwerehardlyonalevelwiththetable，andafewwerelanguishingintimidwonderonthebosomsofprettymothers，aunts，andnurses——madealivelyrealisationofthefanciesofchildhood；andsetmethinkinghowallthetreesthatgrowandallthethingsthatcomeintoexistenceontheearth，havetheirwildadornmentsatthatwell-rememberedtime。
Beingnowathomeagain，andalone，theonlypersoninthehouseawake，mythoughtsaredrawnback，byafascinationwhichIdonotcaretoresist，tomyownchildhood。Ibegintoconsider，whatdoweallrememberbestuponthebranchesoftheChristmasTreeofourownyoungChristmasdays，bywhichweclimbedtoreallife。
Straight，inthemiddleoftheroom，crampedinthefreedomofitsgrowthbynoencirclingwallsorsoon-reachedceiling，ashadowytreearises；and，lookingupintothedreamybrightnessofitstop——
forIobserveinthistreethesingularpropertythatitappearstogrowdownwardtowardstheearth——IlookintomyyoungestChristmasrecollections！
Alltoysatfirst，Ifind。Upyonder，amongthegreenhollyandredberries，istheTumblerwithhishandsinhispockets，whowouldn’tliedown，butwheneverhewasputuponthefloor，persistedinrollinghisfatbodyabout，untilherolledhimselfstill，andbroughtthoselobstereyesofhistobearuponme——whenIaffectedtolaughverymuch，butinmyheartofheartswasextremelydoubtfulofhim。Closebesidehimisthatinfernalsnuff-box，outofwhichtheresprangademoniacalCounsellorinablackgown，withanobnoxiousheadofhair，andaredclothmouth，wideopen，whowasnottobeenduredonanyterms，butcouldnotbeputawayeither；
forheusedsuddenly，inahighlymagnifiedstate，toflyoutofMammothSnuff-boxesindreams，whenleastexpected。Noristhefrogwithcobbler’swaxonhistail，faroff；fortherewasnoknowingwherehewouldn’tjump；andwhenheflewoverthecandle，andcameuponone’shandwiththatspottedback——redonagreenground——hewashorrible。Thecardboardladyinablue-silkskirt，whowasstoodupagainstthecandlesticktodance，andwhomIseeonthesamebranch，wasmilder，andwasbeautiful；butIcan’tsayasmuchforthelargercardboardman，whousedtobehungagainstthewallandpulledbyastring；therewasasinisterexpressioninthatnoseofhis；andwhenhegothislegsroundhisneck（whichheveryoftendid），hewasghastly，andnotacreaturetobealonewith。
WhendidthatdreadfulMaskfirstlookatme？Whoputiton，andwhywasIsofrightenedthatthesightofitisanerainmylife？
Itisnotahideousvisageinitself；itisevenmeanttobedroll，whythenwereitsstolidfeaturessointolerable？Surelynotbecauseithidthewearer’sface。Anapronwouldhavedoneasmuch；
andthoughIshouldhavepreferredeventheapronaway，itwouldnothavebeenabsolutelyinsupportable，likethemask。Wasittheimmovabilityofthemask？Thedoll’sfacewasimmovable，butIwasnotafraidofHER。Perhapsthatfixedandsetchangecomingoverarealface，infusedintomyquickenedheartsomeremotesuggestionanddreadoftheuniversalchangethatistocomeoneveryface，andmakeitstill？Nothingreconciledmetoit。Nodrummers，fromwhomproceededamelancholychirpingontheturningofahandle；noregimentofsoldiers，withamuteband，takenoutofabox，andfitted，onebyone，uponastiffandlazylittlesetoflazy-tongs；
nooldwoman，madeofwiresandabrown-papercomposition，cuttingupapiefortwosmallchildren；couldgivemeapermanentcomfort，foralongtime。NorwasitanysatisfactiontobeshowntheMask，andseethatitwasmadeofpaper，ortohaveitlockedupandbeassuredthatnooneworeit。Themererecollectionofthatfixedface，themereknowledgeofitsexistenceanywhere，wassufficienttoawakemeinthenightallperspirationandhorror，with，\"OI
knowit’scoming！Othemask！\"
Ineverwonderedwhatthedearolddonkeywiththepanniers——thereheis！wasmadeof，then！Hishidewasrealtothetouch，I
recollect。Andthegreatblackhorsewiththeroundredspotsalloverhim——thehorsethatIcouldevengetupon——Ineverwonderedwhathadbroughthimtothatstrangecondition，orthoughtthatsuchahorsewasnotcommonlyseenatNewmarket。Thefourhorsesofnocolour，nexttohim，thatwentintothewaggonofcheeses，andcouldbetakenoutandstabledunderthepiano，appeartohavebitsoffur-tippetfortheirtails，andotherbitsfortheirmanes，andtostandonpegsinsteadoflegs，butitwasnotsowhentheywerebroughthomeforaChristmaspresent。Theywereallright，then；
neitherwastheirharnessunceremoniouslynailedintotheirchests，asappearstobethecasenow。Thetinklingworksofthemusic-
cart，IDIDfindout，tobemadeofquilltooth-picksandwire；andIalwaysthoughtthatlittletumblerinhisshirtsleeves，perpetuallyswarminguponesideofawoodenframe，andcomingdown，headforemost，ontheother，ratheraweak-mindedperson——thoughgood-natured；buttheJacob’sLadder，nexthim，madeoflittlesquaresofredwood，thatwentflappingandclatteringoveroneanother，eachdevelopingadifferentpicture，andthewholeenlivenedbysmallbells，wasamightymarvelandagreatdelight。
Ah！TheDoll’shouse！——ofwhichIwasnotproprietor，butwhereI
visited。Idon’tadmiretheHousesofParliamenthalfsomuchasthatstone-frontedmansionwithrealglasswindows，anddoor-steps，andarealbalcony——greenerthanIeverseenow，exceptatwateringplaces；andeventheyaffordbutapoorimitation。AndthoughitDIDopenallatonce，theentirehouse-front（whichwasablow，I
admit，ascancellingthefictionofastaircase），itwasbuttoshutitupagain，andIcouldbelieve。Evenopen，therewerethreedistinctroomsinit：asitting-roomandbed-room，elegantlyfurnished，andbestofall，akitchen，withuncommonlysoftfire-
irons，aplentifulassortmentofdiminutiveutensils——oh，thewarming-pan！——andatinman-cookinprofile，whowasalwaysgoingtofrytwofish。WhatBarmecidejusticehaveIdonetothenoblefeastswhereinthesetofwoodenplattersfigured，eachwithitsownpeculiardelicacy，asahamorturkey，gluedtightontoit，andgarnishedwithsomethinggreen，whichIrecollectasmoss！CouldalltheTemperanceSocietiesoftheselaterdays，united，givemesuchatea-drinkingasIhavehadthroughthemeansofyonderlittlesetofbluecrockery，whichreallywouldholdliquid（itranoutofthesmallwoodencask，Irecollect，andtastedofmatches），andwhichmadetea，nectar。Andifthetwolegsoftheineffectuallittlesugar-tongsdidtumbleoveroneanother，andwantpurpose，likePunch’shands，whatdoesitmatter？AndifIdidonceshriekout，asapoisonedchild，andstrikethefashionablecompanywithconsternation，byreasonofhavingdrunkalittleteaspoon，inadvertentlydissolvedintoohottea，Iwasnevertheworseforit，exceptbyapowder！
Uponthenextbranchesofthetree，lowerdown，hardbythegreenrollerandminiaturegardening-tools，howthickthebooksbegintohang。Thinbooks，inthemselves，atfirst，butmanyofthem，andwithdeliciouslysmoothcoversofbrightredorgreen。Whatfatblackletterstobeginwith！\"Awasanarcher，andshotatafrog。\"
Ofcoursehewas。Hewasanapple-piealso，andthereheis！Hewasagoodmanythingsinhistime，wasA，andsoweremostofhisfriends，exceptX，whohadsolittleversatility，thatIneverknewhimtogetbeyondXerxesorXantippe——likeY，whowasalwaysconfinedtoaYachtoraYewTree；andZcondemnedforevertobeaZebraoraZany。But，now，theverytreeitselfchanges，andbecomesabean-stalk——themarvellousbean-stalkupwhichJackclimbedtotheGiant’shouse！Andnow，thosedreadfullyinteresting，double-headedgiants，withtheirclubsovertheirshoulders，begintostridealongtheboughsinaperfectthrong，draggingknightsandladieshomefordinnerbythehairoftheirheads。AndJack——hownoble，withhisswordofsharpness，andhisshoesofswiftness！AgainthoseoldmeditationscomeuponmeasI
gazeupathim；andIdebatewithinmyselfwhethertherewasmorethanoneJack（whichIamlothtobelievepossible），oronlyonegenuineoriginaladmirableJack，whoachievedalltherecordedexploits。
GoodforChristmas-timeistheruddycolourofthecloak，inwhich——
thetreemakingaforestofitselfforhertotripthrough，withherbasket——LittleRedRiding-HoodcomestomeoneChristmasEvetogivemeinformationofthecrueltyandtreacheryofthatdissemblingWolfwhoatehergrandmother，withoutmakinganyimpressiononhisappetite，andthenateher，aftermakingthatferociousjokeabouthisteeth。Shewasmyfirstlove。IfeltthatifIcouldhavemarriedLittleRedRiding-Hood，Ishouldhaveknownperfectbliss。
But，itwasnottobe；andtherewasnothingforitbuttolookouttheWolfintheNoah’sArkthere，andputhimlateintheprocessiononthetable，asamonsterwhowastobedegraded。OthewonderfulNoah’sArk！Itwasnotfoundseaworthywhenputinawashing-tub，andtheanimalswerecrammedinattheroof，andneededtohavetheirlegswellshakendownbeforetheycouldbegotin，eventhere——
andthen，tentoonebuttheybegantotumbleoutatthedoor，whichwasbutimperfectlyfastenedwithawirelatch——butwhatwasTHATagainstit！Considerthenoblefly，asizeortwosmallerthantheelephant：thelady-bird，thebutterfly——alltriumphsofart！
Considerthegoose，whosefeetweresosmall，andwhosebalancewassoindifferent，thatheusuallytumbledforward，andknockeddownalltheanimalcreation。ConsiderNoahandhisfamily，likeidiotictobacco-stoppers；andhowtheleopardstucktowarmlittlefingers；
andhowthetailsofthelargeranimalsusedgraduallytoresolvethemselvesintofrayedbitsofstring！
Hush！Againaforest，andsomebodyupinatree——notRobinHood，notValentine，nottheYellowDwarf（IhavepassedhimandallMotherBunch’swonders，withoutmention），butanEasternKingwithaglitteringscimitarandturban。ByAllah！twoEasternKings，forI
seeanother，lookingoverhisshoulder！Downuponthegrass，atthetree’sfoot，liesthefulllengthofacoal-blackGiant，stretchedasleep，withhisheadinalady’slap；andnearthemisaglassbox，fastenedwithfourlocksofshiningsteel，inwhichhekeepstheladyprisonerwhenheisawake。Iseethefourkeysathisgirdlenow。Theladymakessignstothetwokingsinthetree，whosoftlydescend。Itisthesetting-inofthebrightArabianNights。
Oh，nowallcommonthingsbecomeuncommonandenchantedtome。Alllampsarewonderful；allringsaretalismans。Commonflower-potsarefulloftreasure，withalittleearthscatteredonthetop；
treesareforAliBabatohidein；beef-steaksaretothrowdownintotheValleyofDiamonds，thatthepreciousstonesmaysticktothem，andbecarriedbytheeaglestotheirnests，whencethetraders，withloudcries，willscarethem。Tartsaremade，accordingtotherecipeoftheVizier’ssonofBussorah，whoturnedpastrycookafterhewassetdowninhisdrawersatthegateofDamascus；cobblersareallMustaphas，andinthehabitofsewinguppeoplecutintofourpieces，towhomtheyaretakenblind-fold。
Anyironringletintostoneistheentrancetoacavewhichonlywaitsforthemagician，andthelittlefire，andthenecromancy，thatwillmaketheearthshake。Allthedatesimportedcomefromthesametreeasthatunluckydate，withwhoseshellthemerchantknockedouttheeyeofthegenie’sinvisibleson。Allolivesareofthestockofthatfreshfruit，concerningwhichtheCommanderoftheFaithfuloverheardtheboyconductthefictitioustrialofthefraudulentolivemerchant；allapplesareakintotheapplepurchased（withtwoothers）fromtheSultan’sgardenerforthreesequins，andwhichthetallblackslavestolefromthechild。Alldogsareassociatedwiththedog，reallyatransformedman，whojumpeduponthebaker’scounter，andputhispawonthepieceofbadmoney。Allricerecallsthericewhichtheawfullady，whowasaghoule，couldonlypeckbygrains，becauseofhernightlyfeastsintheburial-place。Myveryrocking-horse，——thereheis，withhisnostrilsturnedcompletelyinside-out，indicativeofBlood！——shouldhaveapeginhisneck，byvirtuethereoftoflyawaywithme，asthewoodenhorsedidwiththePrinceofPersia，inthesightofallhisfather’sCourt。
Yes，oneveryobjectthatIrecogniseamongthoseupperbranchesofmyChristmasTree，Iseethisfairylight！WhenIwakeinbed，atdaybreak，onthecold，dark，wintermornings，thewhitesnowdimlybeheld，outside，throughthefrostonthewindow-pane，IhearDinarzade。\"Sister，sister，ifyouareyetawake，IprayyoufinishthehistoryoftheYoungKingoftheBlackIslands。\"Scheherazadereplies，\"IfmylordtheSultanwillsuffermetoliveanotherday，sister，Iwillnotonlyfinishthat，buttellyouamorewonderfulstoryyet。\"Then，thegraciousSultangoesout，givingnoordersfortheexecution，andweallthreebreatheagain。
AtthisheightofmytreeIbegintosee，coweringamongtheleaves——
itmaybebornofturkey，orofpudding，ormincepie，orofthesemanyfancies，jumbledwithRobinsonCrusoeonhisdesertisland，PhilipQuarllamongthemonkeys，SandfordandMertonwithMr。
Barlow，MotherBunch，andtheMask——oritmaybetheresultofindigestion，assistedbyimaginationandover-doctoring——aprodigiousnightmare。Itissoexceedinglyindistinct，thatIdon’tknowwhyit’sfrightful——butIknowitis。Icanonlymakeoutthatitisanimmensearrayofshapelessthings，whichappeartobeplantedonavastexaggerationofthelazy-tongsthatusedtobearthetoysoldiers，andtobeslowlycomingclosetomyeyes，andrecedingtoanimmeasurabledistance。Whenitcomesclosest，itisworse。InconnectionwithitIdescryremembrancesofwinternightsincrediblylong；ofbeingsentearlytobed，asapunishmentforsomesmalloffence，andwakingintwohours，withasensationofhavingbeenasleeptwonights；oftheladenhopelessnessofmorningeverdawning；andtheoppressionofaweightofremorse。
Andnow，Iseeawonderfulrowoflittlelightsrisesmoothlyoutoftheground，beforeavastgreencurtain。Now，abellrings——amagicbell，whichstillsoundsinmyearsunlikeallotherbells——andmusicplays，amidstabuzzofvoices，andafragrantsmelloforange-peelandoil。Anon，themagicbellcommandsthemusictocease，andthegreatgreencurtainrollsitselfupmajestically，andThePlaybegins！ThedevoteddogofMontargisavengesthedeathofhismaster，foullymurderedintheForestofBondy；andahumorousPeasantwitharednoseandaverylittlehat，whomItakefromthishourforthtomybosomasafriend（IthinkhewasaWaiteroranHostleratavillageInn，butmanyyearshavepassedsinceheandI
havemet），remarksthatthesassigassityofthatdogisindeedsurprising；andevermorethisjocularconceitwillliveinmyremembrancefreshandunfading，overtoppingallpossiblejokes，untotheendoftime。Ornow，IlearnwithbittertearshowpoorJaneShore，dressedallinwhite，andwithherbrownhairhangingdown，wentstarvingthroughthestreets；orhowGeorgeBarnwellkilledtheworthiestunclethatevermanhad，andwasafterwardssosorryforitthatheoughttohavebeenletoff。Comesswifttocomfortme，thePantomime——stupendousPhenomenon！——whenclownsareshotfromloadedmortarsintothegreatchandelier，brightconstellationthatitis；whenHarlequins，coveredalloverwithscalesofpuregold，twistandsparkle，likeamazingfish；whenPantaloon（whomIdeemitnoirreverencetocompareinmyownmindtomygrandfather）putsred-hotpokersinhispocket，andcries\"Here’ssomebodycoming！\"ortaxestheClownwithpettylarceny，bysaying，\"Now，Isawedyoudoit！\"whenEverythingiscapable，withthegreatestease，ofbeingchangedintoAnything；and\"Nothingis，butthinkingmakesitso。\"
Now，too，Iperceivemyfirstexperienceofthedrearysensation——
oftentoreturninafter-life——ofbeingunable，nextday，togetbacktothedull，settledworld；ofwantingtoliveforeverinthebrightatmosphereIhavequitted；ofdotingonthelittleFairy，withthewandlikeacelestialBarber’sPole，andpiningforaFairyimmortalityalongwithher。Ah，shecomesback，inmanyshapes，asmyeyewandersdownthebranchesofmyChristmasTree，andgoesasoften，andhasneveryetstayedbyme！
Outofthisdelightspringsthetoy-theatre，——thereitis，withitsfamiliarproscenium，andladiesinfeathers，intheboxes！——andallitsattendantoccupationwithpasteandglue，andgum，andwatercolours，inthegetting-upofTheMillerandhisMen，andElizabeth，ortheExileofSiberia。Inspiteofafewbesettingaccidentsandfailures（particularlyanunreasonabledispositionintherespectableKelmar，andsomeothers，tobecomefaintinthelegs，anddoubleup，atexcitingpointsofthedrama），ateemingworldoffanciessosuggestiveandall-embracing，that，farbelowitonmyChristmasTree，Iseedark，dirty，realTheatresintheday-time，adornedwiththeseassociationsaswiththefreshestgarlandsoftherarestflowers，andcharmingmeyet。
Buthark！TheWaitsareplaying，andtheybreakmychildishsleep！
WhatimagesdoIassociatewiththeChristmasmusicasIseethemsetforthontheChristmasTree？Knownbeforealltheothers，keepingfarapartfromalltheothers，theygatherroundmylittlebed。Anangel，speakingtoagroupofshepherdsinafield；sometravellers，witheyesuplifted，followingastar；ababyinamanger；achildinaspacioustemple，talkingwithgravemen；asolemnfigure，withamildandbeautifulface，raisingadeadgirlbythehand；again，nearacitygate，callingbackthesonofawidow，onhisbier，tolife；acrowdofpeoplelookingthroughtheopenedroofofachamberwherehesits，andlettingdownasickpersononabed，withropes；thesame，inatempest，walkingonthewatertoaship；again，onasea-shore，teachingagreatmultitude；
again，withachilduponhisknee，andotherchildrenround；again，restoringsighttotheblind，speechtothedumb，hearingtothedeaf，healthtothesick，strengthtothelame，knowledgetotheignorant；again，dyinguponaCross，watchedbyarmedsoldiers，athickdarknesscomingon，theearthbeginningtoshake，andonlyonevoiceheard，\"Forgivethem，fortheyknownotwhattheydo。\"
Still，onthelowerandmaturerbranchesoftheTree，Christmasassociationsclusterthick。School-booksshutup；OvidandVirgilsilenced；theRuleofThree，withitscoolimpertinentinquiries，longdisposedof；TerenceandPlautusactednomore，inanarenaofhuddleddesksandforms，allchipped，andnotched，andinked；
cricket-bats，stumps，andballs，lefthigherup，withthesmelloftroddengrassandthesoftenednoiseofshoutsintheeveningair；
thetreeisstillfresh，stillgay。IfInomorecomehomeatChristmas-time，therewillbeboysandgirls（thankHeaven！）whiletheWorldlasts；andtheydo！YondertheydanceandplayuponthebranchesofmyTree，Godblessthem，merrily，andmyheartdancesandplaystoo！
AndIdocomehomeatChristmas。Wealldo，orweallshould。Weallcomehome，oroughttocomehome，forashortholiday——thelonger，thebetter——fromthegreatboarding-school，whereweareforeverworkingatourarithmeticalslates，totake，andgivearest。
Astogoingavisiting，wherecanwenotgo，ifwewill；wherehavewenotbeen，whenwewould；startingourfancyfromourChristmasTree！
Awayintothewinterprospect。Therearemanysuchuponthetree！
On，bylow-lying，mistygrounds，throughfensandfogs，uplonghills，windingdarkascavernsbetweenthickplantations，almostshuttingoutthesparklingstars；so，outonbroadheights，untilwestopatlast，withsuddensilence，atanavenue。Thegate-bellhasadeep，half-awfulsoundinthefrostyair；thegateswingsopenonitshinges；and，aswedriveuptoagreathouse，theglancinglightsgrowlargerinthewindows，andtheopposingrowsoftreesseemtofallsolemnlybackoneitherside，togiveusplace。Atintervals，allday，afrightenedharehasshotacrossthiswhitenedturf；orthedistantclatterofaherdofdeertramplingthehardfrost，has，fortheminute，crushedthesilencetoo。Theirwatchfuleyesbeneaththefernmaybeshiningnow，ifwecouldseethem，liketheicydewdropsontheleaves；buttheyarestill，andallisstill。Andso，thelightsgrowinglarger，andthetreesfallingbackbeforeus，andclosingupagainbehindus，asiftoforbidretreat，wecometothehouse。
Thereisprobablyasmellofroastedchestnutsandothergoodcomfortablethingsallthetime，forwearetellingWinterStories——
GhostStories，ormoreshameforus——roundtheChristmasfire；andwehaveneverstirred，excepttodrawalittlenearertoit。But，nomatterforthat。Wecametothehouse，anditisanoldhouse，fullofgreatchimneyswherewoodisburntonancientdogsuponthehearth，andgrimportraits（someofthemwithgrimlegends，too）
lowerdistrustfullyfromtheoakenpanelsofthewalls。Weareamiddle-agednobleman，andwemakeageneroussupperwithourhostandhostessandtheirguests——itbeingChristmas-time，andtheoldhousefullofcompany——andthenwegotobed。Ourroomisaveryoldroom。Itishungwithtapestry。Wedon’tliketheportraitofacavalieringreen，overthefireplace。Therearegreatblackbeamsintheceiling，andthereisagreatblackbedstead，supportedatthefootbytwogreatblackfigures，whoseemtohavecomeoffacoupleoftombsintheoldbaronialchurchinthepark，forourparticularaccommodation。But，wearenotasuperstitiousnobleman，andwedon’tmind。Well！wedismissourservant，lockthedoor，andsitbeforethefireinourdressing-gown，musingaboutagreatmanythings。Atlengthwegotobed。Well！wecan’tsleep。Wetossandtumble，andcan’tsleep。Theembersonthehearthburnfitfullyandmaketheroomlookghostly。Wecan’thelppeepingoutoverthecounterpane，atthetwoblackfiguresandthecavalier——thatwicked-
lookingcavalier——ingreen。Intheflickeringlighttheyseemtoadvanceandretire：which，thoughwearenotbyanymeansasuperstitiousnobleman，isnotagreeable。Well！wegetnervous——
moreandmorenervous。Wesay\"Thisisveryfoolish，butwecan’tstandthis；we’llpretendtobeill，andknockupsomebody。\"Well！
wearejustgoingtodoit，whenthelockeddooropens，andtherecomesinayoungwoman，deadlypale，andwithlongfairhair，whoglidestothefire，andsitsdowninthechairwehaveleftthere，wringingherhands。Then，wenoticethatherclothesarewet。Ourtonguecleavestotheroofofourmouth，andwecan’tspeak；but，weobserveheraccurately。Herclothesarewet；herlonghairisdabbledwithmoistmud；sheisdressedinthefashionoftwohundredyearsago；andshehasathergirdleabunchofrustykeys。Well！
thereshesits，andwecan’tevenfaint，weareinsuchastateaboutit。Presentlyshegetsup，andtriesallthelocksintheroomwiththerustykeys，whichwon’tfitoneofthem；then，shefixeshereyesontheportraitofthecavalieringreen，andsays，inalow，terriblevoice，\"Thestagsknowit！\"Afterthat，shewringsherhandsagain，passesthebedside，andgoesoutatthedoor。Wehurryonourdressing-gown，seizeourpistols（wealwaystravelwithpistols），andarefollowing，whenwefindthedoorlocked。Weturnthekey，lookoutintothedarkgallery；noonethere。Wewanderaway，andtrytofindourservant。Can’tbedone。
Wepacethegallerytilldaybreak；thenreturntoourdesertedroom，fallasleep，andareawakenedbyourservant（nothingeverhauntshim）andtheshiningsun。Well！wemakeawretchedbreakfast，andallthecompanysaywelookqueer。Afterbreakfast，wegooverthehousewithourhost，andthenwetakehimtotheportraitofthecavalieringreen，andthenitallcomesout。Hewasfalsetoayounghousekeeperonceattachedtothatfamily，andfamousforherbeauty，whodrownedherselfinapond，andwhosebodywasdiscovered，afteralongtime，becausethestagsrefusedtodrinkofthewater。Sincewhich，ithasbeenwhisperedthatshetraversesthehouseatmidnight（butgoesespeciallytothatroomwherethecavalieringreenwaswonttosleep），tryingtheoldlockswiththerustykeys。Well！wetellourhostofwhatwehaveseen，andashadecomesoverhisfeatures，andhebegsitmaybehushedup；andsoitis。But，it’salltrue；andwesaidso，beforewedied（wearedeadnow）tomanyresponsiblepeople。
Thereisnoendtotheoldhouses，withresoundinggalleries，anddismalstate-bedchambers，andhauntedwingsshutupformanyyears，throughwhichwemayramble，withanagreeablecreepingupourback，andencounteranynumberofghosts，but（itisworthyofremarkperhaps）reducibletoaveryfewgeneraltypesandclasses；for，ghostshavelittleoriginality，and\"walk\"inabeatentrack。Thus，itcomestopass，thatacertainroominacertainoldhall，whereacertainbadlord，baronet，knight，orgentleman，shothimself，hascertainplanksinthefloorfromwhichthebloodWILLNOTbetakenout。Youmayscrapeandscrape，asthepresentownerhasdone，orplaneandplane，ashisfatherdid，orscrubandscrub，ashisgrandfatherdid，orburnandburnwithstrongacids，ashisgreat-
grandfatherdid，but，therethebloodwillstillbe——noredderandnopaler——nomoreandnoless——alwaysjustthesame。Thus，insuchanotherhousethereisahaunteddoor，thatneverwillkeepopen；oranotherdoorthatneverwillkeepshut，orahauntedsoundofaspinning-wheel，orahammer，orafootstep，oracry，orasigh，orahorse’stramp，ortherattlingofachain。Orelse，thereisaturret-clock，which，atthemidnighthour，strikesthirteenwhentheheadofthefamilyisgoingtodie；orashadowy，immovableblackcarriagewhichatsuchatimeisalwaysseenbysomebody，waitingnearthegreatgatesinthestable-yard。Orthus，itcametopasshowLadyMarywenttopayavisitatalargewildhouseintheScottishHighlands，and，beingfatiguedwithherlongjourney，retiredtobedearly，andinnocentlysaid，nextmorning，atthebreakfast-table，\"Howodd，tohavesolateapartylastnight，inthisremoteplace，andnottotellmeofit，beforeIwenttobed！\"
Then，everyoneaskedLadyMarywhatshemeant？Then，LadyMaryreplied，\"Why，allnightlong，thecarriagesweredrivingroundandroundtheterrace，underneathmywindow！\"Then，theownerofthehouseturnedpale，andsodidhisLady，andCharlesMacdoodleofMacdoodlesignedtoLadyMarytosaynomore，andeveryonewassilent。Afterbreakfast，CharlesMacdoodletoldLadyMarythatitwasatraditioninthefamilythatthoserumblingcarriagesontheterracebetokeneddeath。Andsoitproved，for，twomonthsafterwards，theLadyofthemansiondied。AndLadyMary，whowasaMaidofHonouratCourt，oftentoldthisstorytotheoldQueenCharlotte；bythistokenthattheoldKingalwayssaid，\"Eh，eh？
What，what？Ghosts，ghosts？Nosuchthing，nosuchthing！\"Andneverleftoffsayingso，untilhewenttobed。
Or，afriendofsomebody’swhommostofusknow，whenhewasayoungmanatcollege，hadaparticularfriend，withwhomhemadethecompactthat，ifitwerepossiblefortheSpirittoreturntothisearthafteritsseparationfromthebody，heofthetwainwhofirstdied，shouldreappeartotheother。Incourseoftime，thiscompactwasforgottenbyourfriend；thetwoyoungmenhavingprogressedinlife，andtakendivergingpathsthatwerewideasunder。But，onenight，manyyearsafterwards，ourfriendbeingintheNorthofEngland，andstayingforthenightinaninn，ontheYorkshireMoors，happenedtolookoutofbed；andthere，inthemoonlight，leaningonabureaunearthewindow，steadfastlyregardinghim，sawhisoldcollegefriend！Theappearancebeingsolemnlyaddressed，replied，inakindofwhisper，butveryaudibly，\"Donotcomenearme。Iamdead。Iamheretoredeemmypromise。Icomefromanotherworld，butmaynotdiscloseitssecrets！\"Then，thewholeformbecomingpaler，melted，asitwere，intothemoonlight，andfadedaway。
Or，therewasthedaughterofthefirstoccupierofthepicturesqueElizabethanhouse，sofamousinourneighbourhood。Youhaveheardabouther？No！Why，SHEwentoutonesummereveningattwilight，whenshewasabeautifulgirl，justseventeenyearsofage，togatherflowersinthegarden；andpresentlycamerunning，terrified，intothehalltoherfather，saying，\"Oh，dearfather，Ihavemetmyself！\"Hetookherinhisarms，andtoldheritwasfancy，butshesaid，\"Ohno！Imetmyselfinthebroadwalk，andIwaspaleandgatheringwitheredflowers，andIturnedmyhead，andheldthemup！\"And，thatnight，shedied；andapictureofherstorywasbegun，thoughneverfinished，andtheysayitissomewhereinthehousetothisday，withitsfacetothewall。
Or，theuncleofmybrother’swifewasridinghomeonhorseback，onemelloweveningatsunset，when，inagreenlaneclosetohisownhouse，hesawamanstandingbeforehim，intheverycentreofanarrowway。\"Whydoesthatmaninthecloakstandthere！\"hethought。\"Doeshewantmetorideoverhim？\"Butthefigurenevermoved。Hefeltastrangesensationatseeingitsostill，butslackenedhistrotandrodeforward。Whenhewassoclosetoit，asalmosttotouchitwithhisstirrup，hishorseshied，andthefigureglidedupthebank，inacurious，unearthlymanner——backward，andwithoutseemingtouseitsfeet——andwasgone。Theuncleofmybrother’swife，exclaiming，\"GoodHeaven！It’smycousinHarry，fromBombay！\"putspurstohishorse，whichwassuddenlyinaprofusesweat，and，wonderingatsuchstrangebehaviour，dashedroundtothefrontofhishouse。There，hesawthesamefigure，justpassinginatthelongFrenchwindowofthedrawing-room，openingontheground。Hethrewhisbridletoaservant，andhastenedinafterit。Hissisterwassittingthere，alone。\"Alice，where’smycousinHarry？\"\"YourcousinHarry，John？\"\"Yes。FromBombay。Imethiminthelanejustnow，andsawhimenterhere，thisinstant。\"Notacreaturehadbeenseenbyanyone；andinthathourandminute，asitafterwardsappeared，thiscousindiedinIndia。
Or，itwasacertainsensibleoldmaidenlady，whodiedatninety-
nine，andretainedherfacultiestothelast，whoreallydidseetheOrphanBoy；astorywhichhasoftenbeenincorrectlytold，but，ofwhichtherealtruthisthis——becauseitis，infact，astorybelongingtoourfamily——andshewasaconnexionofourfamily。
Whenshewasaboutfortyyearsofage，andstillanuncommonlyfinewoman（herloverdiedyoung，whichwasthereasonwhyshenevermarried，thoughshehadmanyoffers），shewenttostayataplaceinKent，whichherbrother，anIndian-Merchant，hadnewlybought。
Therewasastorythatthisplacehadoncebeenheldintrustbytheguardianofayoungboy；whowashimselfthenextheir，andwhokilledtheyoungboybyharshandcrueltreatment。Sheknewnothingofthat。IthasbeensaidthattherewasaCageinherbedroominwhichtheguardianusedtoputtheboy。Therewasnosuchthing。
Therewasonlyacloset。Shewenttobed，madenoalarmwhateverinthenight，andinthemorningsaidcomposedlytohermaidwhenshecamein，\"Whoistheprettyforlorn-lookingchildwhohasbeenpeepingoutofthatclosetallnight？\"Themaidrepliedbygivingaloudscream，andinstantlydecamping。Shewassurprised；butshewasawomanofremarkablestrengthofmind，andshedressedherselfandwentdownstairs，andclosetedherselfwithherbrother。\"Now，Walter，\"shesaid，\"Ihavebeendisturbedallnightbyapretty，forlorn-lookingboy，whohasbeenconstantlypeepingoutofthatclosetinmyroom，whichIcan’topen。Thisissometrick。\"\"Iamafraidnot，Charlotte，\"saidhe，\"foritisthelegendofthehouse。
ItistheOrphanBoy。Whatdidhedo？\"\"Heopenedthedoorsoftly，\"saidshe，\"andpeepedout。Sometimes，hecameasteportwointotheroom。Then，Icalledtohim，toencouragehim，andheshrunk，andshuddered，andcreptinagain，andshutthedoor。\"\"Theclosethasnocommunication，Charlotte，\"saidherbrother，\"withanyotherpartofthehouse，andit’snailedup。\"Thiswasundeniablytrue，andittooktwocarpentersawholeforenoontogetitopen，forexamination。Then，shewassatisfiedthatshehadseentheOrphanBoy。But，thewildandterriblepartofthestoryis，thathewasalsoseenbythreeofherbrother’ssons，insuccession，whoalldiedyoung。Ontheoccasionofeachchildbeingtakenill，hecamehomeinaheat，twelvehoursbefore，andsaid，Oh，Mamma，hehadbeenplayingunderaparticularoak-tree，inacertainmeadow，withastrangeboy——apretty，forlorn-lookingboy，whowasverytimid，andmadesigns！Fromfatalexperience，theparentscametoknowthatthiswastheOrphanBoy，andthatthecourseofthatchildwhomhechoseforhislittleplaymatewassurelyrun。
LegionisthenameoftheGermancastles，wherewesitupalonetowaitfortheSpectre——whereweareshownintoaroom，madecomparativelycheerfulforourreception——whereweglanceroundattheshadows，thrownontheblankwallsbythecracklingfire——wherewefeelverylonelywhenthevillageinnkeeperandhisprettydaughterhaveretired，afterlayingdownafreshstoreofwooduponthehearth，andsettingforthonthesmalltablesuchsupper-cheerasacoldroastcapon，bread，grapes，andaflaskofoldRhinewine——
wherethereverberatingdoorscloseontheirretreat，oneafteranother，likesomanypealsofsullenthunder——andwhere，aboutthesmallhoursofthenight，wecomeintotheknowledgeofdiverssupernaturalmysteries。LegionisthenameofthehauntedGermanstudents，inwhosesocietywedrawyetnearertothefire，whiletheschoolboyinthecorneropenshiseyeswideandround，andfliesoffthefootstoolhehaschosenforhisseat，whenthedooraccidentallyblowsopen。Vastisthecropofsuchfruit，shiningonourChristmasTree；inblossom，almostattheverytop；ripeningalldowntheboughs！
Amongthelatertoysandfancieshangingthere——asidleoftenandlesspure——betheimagesonceassociatedwiththesweetoldWaits，thesoftenedmusicinthenight，everunalterable！EncircledbythesocialthoughtsofChristmas-time，stillletthebenignantfigureofmychildhoodstandunchanged！Ineverycheerfulimageandsuggestionthattheseasonbrings，maythebrightstarthatrestedabovethepoorroof，bethestarofalltheChristianWorld！A
moment’spause，Ovanishingtree，ofwhichthelowerboughsaredarktomeasyet，andletmelookoncemore！Iknowthereareblankspacesonthybranches，whereeyesthatIhavelovedhaveshoneandsmiled；fromwhichtheyaredeparted。But，farabove，Iseetheraiserofthedeadgirl，andtheWidow’sSon；andGodisgood！IfAgebehidingformeintheunseenportionofthydownwardgrowth，O
mayI，withagreyhead，turnachild’shearttothatfigureyet，andachild’strustfulnessandconfidence！
Now，thetreeisdecoratedwithbrightmerriment，andsong，anddance，andcheerfulness。Andtheyarewelcome。Innocentandwelcomebetheyeverheld，beneaththebranchesoftheChristmasTree，whichcastnogloomyshadow！But，asitsinksintotheground，Ihearawhispergoingthroughtheleaves。\"This，incommemorationofthelawofloveandkindness，mercyandcompassion。
This，inremembranceofMe！\"
WHATCHRISTMASISASWEGROWOLDER
Timewas，withmostofus，whenChristmasDayencirclingallourlimitedworldlikeamagicring，leftnothingoutforustomissorseek；boundtogetherallourhomeenjoyments，affections，andhopes；
groupedeverythingandeveryonearoundtheChristmasfire；andmadethelittlepictureshininginourbrightyoungeyes，complete。