`` If I had n't spent all my money on my dress for the party to-morrow night , I 'd give each of them a half-dollar . As I can not , I 'll hunt up the other things they wanted , for it 's a shame they should n't have a bit of Christmas , when they tried so hard to please the little ones . '' As she spoke she stirred about her room , and soon had a white apron , an old carnelian heart on a fresh blue ribbon , and two papers of bonbons ready . As no stockings were hung up , she laid a clean towel on the floor before the door , and spread forth the small gifts to look their best . Miss Kent was so busy that she did not hear a step come quietly up stairs , and Mr. Chrome , the artist , peeped at her through the balusters , wondering what she was about . He soon saw , and watched her with pleasure , thinking that she never looked prettier than now . Presently she caught him at it , and hastened to explain , telling what she had heard , and how she was trying to atone for her past neglect of these young neighbors . Then she said good-night , and both went into their rooms , she to sleep happily , and he to smoke as usual . But his eye kept turning to some of the `` nice little bundles '' that lay on his table , as if the story he had heard suggested how he might follow Miss Kent 's example . I rather think he would not have disturbed himself if he had not heard the story told in such a soft voice , with a pair of bright eyes full of pity looking into his , for little girls were not particularly interesting to him , and he was usually too tired to notice the industrious creatures toiling up and down stairs on various errands , or sewing at the long red seams . Now that he knew something of their small troubles , he felt as if it would please Miss Kent , and be a good joke , to do his share of the pretty work she had begun . So presently he jumped up , and , opening his parcels , took out two oranges and two bunches of grapes , then he looked up two silver half-dollars , and stealing into the hall , laid the fruit upon the towel , and the money atop of the oranges . This addition improved the display very much , and Mr. Chrome was stealing back , well pleased , when his eye fell on Miss Kent 's door , and he said to himself , `` She too shall have a little surprise , for she is a dear , kind-hearted soul . '' In his room was a prettily painted plate , and this he filled with green and purple grapes , tucked a sentimental note underneath , and leaving it on her threshold , crept away as stealthily as a burglar . The house was very quiet when Mrs. Smith , the landlady , came up to turn off the gas . `` Well , upon my word , here 's fine doings , to be sure ! '' she said , when she saw the state of the upper hall . `` Now I would n't have thought it of Miss Kent , she is such a giddy girl , nor of Mr. Chrome , he is so busy with his own affairs . I meant to give those children each a cake to-morrow , they are such good little things . I 'll run down and get them now , as my contribution to this fine set out . ''
Away trotted Mrs. XXXXX to her pantry , and picked out a couple of tempting cakes , shaped like hearts and full of plums .
Chrome Kent Smith bonbons errands half-dollar half-dollars landlady night toiling