id="pgepubid00008">CHAPTER III.

HOW? ANSWERED.

When the family were gathered in the parlor, after dinner, Mrs. Payson said, "We will now see how we can help poor Mrs. Fisher; for there are none who more need kind words and deeds than helpless ones whom a bad husband and father leaves to suffer, and sometimes to perish, with hunger and cold."

"But how can we give Mrs. Fisher any thing, if her husband sells it?" asked Joshua.

"There is an honest woman living next to Mrs. Fisher's," said Mrs. Payson, "who has washed for me sometimes. I will hire a place in her little yard for coal, and send some there. I will give Mrs. Fisher tickets for getting a half bushel at a time, when she needs it, so she can have a fire."

"And I will give her tickets for getting bread at the bakery, and meat and potatoes in market," said Mr. Payson. "She must get a little at a time, and not keep any in the house for her husband to carry off."

"That will be good," said Rebecca; "the little hungry children will smile."

"I will give half of my money to buy some shoes for Dick Fisher," said Joshua.

"And I will give half of mine to buy a flannel petticoat for Mrs. Fisher," said Rebecca.

"Here is my money, mamma," said Newton, who had run to bring his little box.

"May we send the children some of our toys?" asked Rebecca.

"You may send what you please," said Mrs. Payson. "We will put them in a basket with enough food for a good dinner, and you may carry all to her, Christmas morning, with the tickets."

"O, mamma," said Joshua, "it will be pleasant to see how surprised and happy they will look."

"Now, what shall we do for Mrs. Grant?" asked Mrs. Payson.

"Several neighbors have promised to join me in giving her coal, flour, and meat, as long as she needs such help," said Mr. Payson.

"I will prepare some clothes for herself and her children," said Mrs. Payson.

"And we will give them some toys and books," said Joshua.

"Will you please, papa," said Newton, "send word to Santa Claus to carry his pack to the top of Mrs. Grant's chimney? And I will tell little lame Harry to hang up his stocking."

"Yes," said Mr. Payson smiling, "I will send word to Santa Claus to have his eight tiny reindeer jingle their bells right merrily over Mrs. Grant's chimney."

That night Mr. Payson's three children went to bed feeling very happy; for they were trying to do something to make others good and happy.

CHAPTER IV.

WHAT THE STARS SAW.

The stars were yet winking through the pine trees on Christmas morning, when the little Paysons went shouting their "merry Christmas" through the house.

Santa Claus had filled their stockings with just what they most wanted. Strange that he should know so well!

There could be no more morning naps now, and while the stars were shutting their eyes Bridget prepared the early breakfast, so the children might go with their happy hearts and their gifts to gladden those who needed kind words