` 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 Tilly and birdie waiting for her . Such a poor little supper , and yet such a happy one ; for love , charity , and contentment were guests there , and that Christmas eve was a blither one than that up at the great house , where lights shone , fires blazed , a great tree glittered , and music sounded , as the children danced and played . ` We must go to bed early , for we 've only wood enough to last over to-morrow .
I shall be paid for my work the day after , and then we can get some , ' said XXXXX 's mother , as they sat by the fire .
Mother Tilly blither bowlful feet love minute school-children table tea-pot