As her mother spoke , with her tired hand softly stroking her little daughter 's hair , Tilly suddenly started and pointed to the window , saying , in a frightened whisper , -- ' I saw a face , -- a man 's face , looking in ! It 's gone now ; but I truly saw it . ' ` Some traveller attracted by the light perhaps . I 'll go and see . ' And Tilly 's mother went to the door . No one was there . The wind blew cold , the stars shone , the snow lay white on field and wood , and the Christmas moon was glittering in the sky . ` What sort of a face was it ? ' asked Tilly 's mother , coming back . ' A pleasant sort of face , I think ; but I was so startled I do n't quite know what it was like . I wish we had a curtain there , ' said Tilly . ' I like to have our light shine out in the evening , for the road is dark and lonely just here , and the twinkle of our lamp is pleasant to people 's eyes as they go by . We can do so little for our neighbours , I am glad to cheer the way for them . Now put these poor old shoes to dry , and go to bed , dearie ; I 'll come soon . ' Tilly went , taking her bird with her to sleep in his basket near by , lest he should be lonely in the night . Soon the little house was dark and still , and no one saw the Christmas spirits at their work that night . When Tilly opened the door next morning , she gave a loud cry , clapped her hands , and then stood still ; quite speechless with wonder and delight . There , before the door , lay a great pile of wood , all ready to burn , a big bundle and a basket , with a lovely nosegay of winter roses , holly , and evergreen tied to the handle . ` Oh , mother ! did the fairies do it ? '
cried XXXXX , pale with her happiness , as she seized the basket , while her mother took in the bundle .
Tilly burn evening morning night nosegay one shoes twinkle whisper