And William John does n't hardly ever get out . '' He thrust them into her hand and ran quickly down the street , as though he feared that the keen air might make him change his mind in spite of himself . He had to stop a great many times that day to breathe on his purple hands . Still , he did not regret having lent his mittens to William John -- poor , pale , sickly little William John , who had so few pleasures . It was sunset when Bertie laid an armful of parcels down on the steps of Doctor Forbes 's handsome house . His back was turned towards the big bay window at one side , and he was busy trying to warm his hands , so he did not see the two small faces looking at him through the frosty panes . `` Just look at that poor little boy , Amy , '' said the taller of the two . `` He is almost frozen , I believe . Why does n't Caroline hurry and open the door ? '' `` There she goes now , '' said Amy . `` Edie , could n't we coax her to let him come in and get warm ? He looks so cold . '' And she drew her sister out into the hall , where the housekeeper was taking Bertie 's parcels . `` Caroline , '' whispered Edith timidly , `` please tell that poor little fellow to come in and get warm -- he looks very cold . '' `` He 's used to the cold , I warrant you , '' said the housekeeper rather impatiently . `` It wo n't hurt him . '' `` But it is Christmas week , '' said Edith gravely , `` and you know , Caroline , when Mamma was here she used to say that we ought to be particularly thoughtful of others who were not so happy or well-off as we were at this time . '' Perhaps Edith 's reference to her mother softened Caroline , for she turned to Bertie and said cordially enough , `` Come in , and warm yourself before you go . It 's a cold day . '' Bertie shyly followed her to the kitchen .
`` Sit up to the fire , '' said Caroline , placing a chair for him , while Edith and Amy came round to the other side XXXXX the stove and watched him with friendly interest .
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