Читать книгу Tilly's Christmas - Louisa May Alcott - Страница 4

Tilly's Christmas

"I'm so glad tomorrow is Christmas because I'm going to have lots of presents," said Kate, glowing with anticipation.

"I'm glad as well," Bessy chimed, "though I don't expect any presents but a pair of mittens."

It was Tilly's turn to speak, and she startled them with her words, ''I'm very glad tomorrow is Christmas, even though I shan't have any presents at all."

These sentiments were spoken as the three little girls trudged home from school, and Tilly's words struck a cord of pity in the others. Kate and Bessy wondered how she could speak so cheerfully and be so happy when she was too poor to receive even the smallest of gifts on Christmas Day.

"Don't you wish you could find a purse full of money right here in the path?" asked Kate, the child who was going to have lots of presents.

"Oh, don't I! If I could keep it honestly, that is," said Tilly, her eyes glowing at the prospect.

"What would you buy?" asked Bessy, rubbing her cold hands and longing for her mittens.

"I've worked it all out in my mind," Tilly responded. "I'd buy a pair of large, warm blankets, a load of wood, a shawl for mother, and a pair of shoes for me. If there was enough left, I'd give Bessy a new hat so that she would not have to wear Ben's old felt one."

The girls giggled at that, but Bessy pulled the funny hat down over her ears and said she was much obliged but she would rather have candy.