` 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 Tilly , as they parted . Her eyes were full , and she felt so poor as she went on alone toward the little old house where she lived . 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 XXXXX , smiling over the nice , steaming supper that stood ready for her .
Kate King Tilly bowlful dearie fire minute morning neighbour sayings