` So am I glad , though I do n't expect any presents but a pair of mittens . ' ` And so am I ; but I sha n't have any presents at all . ' As the three little girls trudged home from school they said these things , and as Tilly spoke , both the others looked at her with pity and some surprise , for she spoke cheerfully , and they wondered how she could be happy when she was so poor she could have no presents on Christmas . ` Do n't you wish you could find a purse full of money right here in the path ? ' said Kate , the child who was going to have ` lots of presents . ' ` Oh , do n't I , if I could keep it honestly ! ' and Tilly 's eyes shone at the very thought . ` What would you buy ? ' asked Bessy , rubbing her cold hands , and longing for her mittens . ` I 'd buy a pair of large , warm blankets , a load of wood , a shawl for mother , and a pair of shoes for me ; and if there was enough left , I 'd give Bessy a new hat , and then she need n't wear Ben 's old felt one , ' answered Tilly . The girls laughed at that ; but Bessy pulled the funny hat over her ears , and said she was much obliged but she 'd rather have candy . ` Let 's look , and maybe we can find a purse . People are always going about with money at Christmas time , and some one may lose it here , ' said Kate . So , as they went along the snowy road , they looked about them , half in earnest , half in fun . Suddenly Tilly sprang forward , exclaiming , -- ' I see it ! I 've found it ! ' The others followed , but all stopped disappointed ; for it was n't a purse , it was only a little bird . It lay upon the snow with its wings spread and feebly fluttering , as if too weak to fly . Its little feet were benumbed with cold ; its once bright eyes were dull with pain , and instead of a blithe song , it could only utter a faint chirp , now and then , as if crying for help . ` Nothing but a stupid old robin ; how provoking ! '
cried XXXXX , sitting down to rest . '
Ben Bessy Kate Nothing Tilly chirp girls left right snow