I 'll take him up gently , and carry him home to mother . Do n't be frightened , dear , I 'm your friend ; ' and Tilly knelt down in the snow , stretching her hand to the bird , with the tenderest pity in her face . Kate and Bessy laughed . ` Do n't stop for that thing ; it 's getting late and cold : let 's go on and look for the purse , ' they said moving away . ` You would n't leave it to die ! ' cried Tilly . ` I 'd rather have the bird than the money , so I sha n't look any more . The purse would n't be mine , and I should only be tempted to keep it ; but this poor thing will thank and love me , and I 'm so glad I came in time . ' Gently lifting the bird , Tilly felt its tiny cold claws cling to her hand , and saw its dim eyes brighten as it nestled down with a grateful chirp . ` Now I 've got a Christmas present after all , ' she said , smiling , as they walked on . ' I always wanted a bird , and this one will be such a pretty pet for me . ' ` He 'll fly away the first chance he gets , and die anyhow ; so you 'd better not waste your time over him , ' said Bessy . ` He ca n't pay you for taking care of him , and my mother says it is n't worth while to help folks that ca n't help us , ' added Kate . ` My mother says , `` Do as you 'd be done by ; '' and I 'm sure I 'd like any one to help me if I was dying of cold and hunger . `` Love your neighbour as yourself , '' is another of her sayings . This bird is my little neighbour , and I 'll love him and care for him , as I often wish our rich neighbour would love and care for us , ' answered Tilly , breathing her warm breath over the benumbed bird , who looked up at her with confiding eyes , quick to feel and know a friend . ` What a funny girl you are , ' said Kate ; ` caring for that silly bird , and talking about loving your neighbour in that sober way . Mr. King do n't care a bit for you , and never will , though he knows how poor you are ; so I do n't think your plan amounts to much . ' ' I believe it , though ; and shall do my part , any way . Good-night .
I hope you 'll have a merry Christmas , and lots of pretty things , ' answered XXXXX , as they parted .
Bessy Kate King Tilly chirp first girl neighbour pet purse