Reed; "I am sure that were it in my power to do so, I
would have you here all the time.
"I would like to give you books, have you attend school, and do every
thing to make you happy. But alas! Alice, you know I am too poor to do
what I wish, and at times it makes me feel very sad."
"O, indeed you are too good, Mrs. Reed! My greatest pleasure is to come
and see you, and I hope you will always love me.
"I wish I could stay here all day; but you know that the day after
to-morrow will be Christmas, and I must hurry home now, as auntie wants
me to help her prepare for it. So good-by."
"But, Alice, you will come to see me Christmas morning, will you not?"
asked Mrs. Reed.
"Yes," replied Alice, "for a little while." And with a kiss and another
good-by, she left Mrs. Reed alone.
"What a dear good girl she is," said Mrs. Reed to herself, as she
watched Alice tripping down the street toward her home.
"She was so good to me last summer when I was ill! and here is Christmas
and I have no money with which to buy her a present.
"O dear, dear! why was I left so poor! I am sure my husband had some
money; what could he have done with it!"
Mrs.
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