It would have been so pleasant to know that she was going to have some of the pretty things 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 wo n'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 have n'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 XXXXX and birdie waiting for her .
Mother Tilly bowlful comfort fire milk minute morning school-children tea-pot