1851.'] A Story for the Holidays. 23 



thrown open, and John entered with a hcasty step, bearing several 

 small packages in his arms all covered with snow. 



' There 's your Christmas gift, mother,' said he, in a delighted 

 voice ; and here is mine, and there is Netty's !' displaying at the 

 same time three pairs of shoes, a paper of sugar, another of tea, and 

 another of rice. 



Mrs. Elliott looked bewildered. 



' Where did all these things come from, John ?' she asked in a 

 trembling voice, for she was overcome with surprise and pleasure at 

 this unexpected supply of articles so much needed. 



John gave an artless relation of what passed between him and the 

 printer for whom he worked, and added — 



I knew the number you wore, and I thought I would guess at Net- 

 ty's size. If they do n't fit, the man says he will change them ; and 

 I '11 go clear back to the store to-night but what she shall have her 

 new shoes for Christmas. Won't she be glad ? I wish she were 

 awake.' 



' And the tea, sugar and rice, you bought with the half dollar he 

 gave you ?' said the mother. 



' Yes,' replied John ; ' I bought the tea and sugar for you. They're 

 your Christmas gift from me. And the rice we '11 all have to-morrow. 

 Won't you make us a rice pudding for our dinner?' 



' You 're a good boy, John — a very good boy,' said the mother, 

 much affected by the generous spirit her son displayed. ' But take 

 off your wet shoes, my son — they are all wet, and dry your feet by 

 the fire.' 



' No, not till you put Netty's shoes on to see if they fit her,' re- 

 plied John. ' If they do n't fit, I 'm going back to the store. 



'Just the thing,' said she. 



' Now try on yours,' urged John. 



' They could n't fit me better,' said the mother, as she slipped on 

 one of the shoes. ' Now take off your wet ones, and dry your feet 

 before the fire, while I put the supper on the table.' 



John, satisfied that all was right, did as his mother wished, while 

 she got ready for the frugal repast. Both were too much excited to 

 have very keen appetites. As they were about rising from the table, 

 after finishing their meal, some one knocked at the door. John 

 opened it and a gentleman came in, and said familiarly — 



' How do you do, Mrs. Elliot?' 



' Oh, how do you do Mr. Mayfield ? Take a seat, and she handed 

 her visitor a chair. 



