all children love
to find in their full stockings on Christmas morning. And pleasanter
still to have been able to give her mother something nice. So many
comforts were needed, and there was no hope of getting them; for they
could barely get food and fire.

'Never mind, birdie, we'll make the best of what we have, and be merry
in spite of every thing. _You_ shall have a happy Christmas, any way;
and I know God won't forget us if every one else does.'

She stopped a minute to wipe her eyes, and lean her cheek against the
bird's soft breast, finding great comfort in the little creature, though
it could only love her, nothing more.

'See, mother, what a nice present I've found,' she cried, going in with
a cheery face that was like sunshine in the dark room.

'I'm glad of that, dearie; for I haven't been able to get my little girl
anything but a rosy apple. Poor bird! Give it some of your warm bread
and milk.'

'Why, mother, what a big bowlful! I'm afraid you gave me all the milk,'
said Tilly, smiling over the nice, steaming supper that stood ready for
her.

'I've had plenty, dear. Sit down and dry your wet feet, and put the bird
in my basket on this warm flannel.'

Tilly peeped into the closet and saw nothing there but dry bread.

'Mother's given me all the milk, and is going without her tea, 'cause
she knows I'm hungry. Now I'll surprise her, and she shall have a good
supper too. She is going to split wood, and I'll fix it while she's
gone.'

So Tilly put down the old tea-pot, carefully poured out a part of the
milk, and from her pocket produced a great, plummy bun, that one of the
school-children had given her, and she had saved for her mother. A slice
of the dry bread was nicely toasted, and the bit of butter set by for
her put on it. When her mother came in there was the table drawn up in a
warm place, a hot cup of tea ready, and Tilly and birdie waiting for
her.

Such a poor little supper, and yet such a happy one; for love, charity,
and contentment were guests there, and that Christmas eve was a blither
one than that up at the great house, where lights shone, fires blazed, a
great tree glittered, and music sounded, as the children danced and
played.

'We must go to bed early, for we've only wood enough to last over
to-morrow. I shall be paid for my work the day after, and then we can
get some,' said Tilly's mother, as they sat by the fire.

'If my bird was only a fairy bird, and would give us three wis