24 -4 Story for the Holidays. [Jan., 



' How has your wrist got, Mrs. Elliott ? Are you most ready to 

 take my washing again ? ' 



' It 's better, I thank you, but not well enough for that ; and I 

 can 't tell when it will be. A sprain is so long getting well.' 



' How are you getting along ?' asked Mr. Mayfield, ' Can you do 

 any kind of work ?' 



' Nothing more than a little about the house.' 



' Then you do n't earn anything at all ?' 



' No sir — nothing.' 



' How do you manage to live, Mrs. Elliott ?' 



' We have to get along the best way we can on John's two dol- 

 lars a week.' 



' Two dollars a week ! you can 't live on two dollars a week, Mrs. 

 Elliott, that is impossible.' 



' It is all we have,' said the widow. 



Mr. Mayfield asked a good many more questions ; and showed a 

 very kind interest in the poor widow's affairs. When he arose to 

 go away, he said — 



'I will-send you a few things to-night, Mrs. Elliot, as a Christmas 

 present. This is the season when friends remember each other, and 

 tokens of good will are passing in all directions. I think I can not 

 do better than spend all I designed giving for this purpose, in making 

 you a little more comfortable. So when the man comes with what I 

 shall send you, you will know it is for you. Good-night, I will drop 

 in to see you again before long.' 



And ere Mrs. Elliott could express her thanks, Mr. Mayfield had 

 retired. 



No very long time had passed before the voice of a man speaking 

 to his horse, was heard at the door. The vehicle had moved so 

 noiselessly along the snow-covered street, that its approach had not 

 been observed. The loud stroke of a whip-handle on the door 

 caused the expectant widow and her son to start. John immediately 

 opened it. 



' Is this Mrs. Elliott's?' asked a carman who stood with his leather 

 hat and rough coat all covered with snow. 



' Yes sir,' replied John. 



' Very well, I 've got a Christmas present for her, I rather think; 

 so open the door until I bring it in.' 



John had been trying on his new shoes and got them laced up 

 about his ankles just a.s the carman came. So out he bounded into 



