Front matter

E-text prepared by Al Haines

[Frontispiece: He caught sight of the orchids and the tear-stained face of his wife bending over them]

UNCLE NOAH'S CHRISTMAS INSPIRATION

By

Leona Dalrymple

Author of "Diane of the Green Van," "In the Heart of the Christmas Pines," "Uncle Noah's Christmas Party," etc.

Illustrations by Charles L. Wrenn Decorations by Charles Guischard

New York McBride, Nast " Company Third Printing 1914

To C. A. W. in grateful recognition of an unfailing source of encouragement and impartial criticism

Contents

I. CHRISTMAS EVE

II. THE INSPIRATION

III. THE GRAY-EYED LADY

IV. CHRISTMAS INTRIGUE

V. FERNLANDS

VI. THE COLONEL'S CHRISTMAS

The Illustrations

He caught sight of the orchids and the tear-stained face of his wife bending over them . . . . Frontispiece

"Now, sah, yoh be quiet and listen to dis note I gets from young Massa Dick"

"I'se jus' come in--to ask yoh, Miss, if you'd like to buy an ol' nigger servant. I'se foh sale"

"Dick," he said queerly, holding out a trembling hand, "we're both citizens of the United States, and--it's Christmas day"