Christmas was approaching; not a green Christmas, but an icy, snowy, frozen one, with holly wreaths on his shoulders and a plum-pudding in his hands.

The monastery was full of guests, relatives of Morpheus.  These guests were all poor—­in one way—­but they had a wealth of their own which made them delightful to Leo.  They were poets and painters and scribblers, and as merry as larks; and as they all admired each others productions, there was no end of cheerful nonsense.  The children, however, were the brightest of all.  Each child was as merry as it was lovely, and the painters were almost frantic in their efforts to make Christmas cards of them, while the poets cudgelled their brains for rhymes.

To prevent too much industry in that way, Leo had induced them all to put on their skates on Christmas-eve, and glide over the frozen ponds, while he made ready the tree which stood in the great hall.

It was an immense spruce, all powdered with silvery fringe, and Leo had only to tie on the little gilt tags numbered to correspond with the packages of gifts, which were heaped on surrounding tables, and fasten on the candles of red and blue wax.  When this was done he put on his own skates, for it was yet too early to light the tree, and away he went skimming after the shouting, laughing crowd of friends and relatives.

Suddenly a squirrel darted from its hole, and went scudding across the river.  Leo started in pursuit, giving a low whistle.  Instantly it stopped, sat upon its haunches, threw off its skin, and out stepped Paz.

“Good-evening, my dear Prince, good-evening; we are well met; just in time to exchange Christmas greetings.  I have been looking for you lately, but you seemed always so occupied that there was no chance for me.  You have no idea how pleased Knops is to hear of your prosperity.  He has sent for me a dozen times lately merely to express his satisfaction; and he wants me to ask a favor of you, which I know already you will grant.”

“Anything in my power, dear Paz,” replied Leo, eagerly.

“Of course; and we know how good a use you make of your power.  Times are greatly changed.  You are benefiting every one about you; I hear it on all sides.  We are proud to be your friends.  All that Knops asks is that in clearing up your property, and cutting down all the rank growth of weeds, you will spare a patch of wild-flowers here and there, and all the empty birds’ nests.  Leave these for the use of our children, and we will be greatly obliged.”

“But that is a mere nothing; can I in any other way serve you?” asked Leo.

“No,” said Paz, “not that I know of.  I am on my way now to see some new minerals supposed to be similar to those of the moon.  I haven’t much faith in them.”

“How about the diamonds?”

“Don’t mention them.  I shall never try my hand at those again; and you, if you are wise, will be contented to let Nature remain her own chemist.  Adieu.  A very merry Christmas to you.”