Reed's cottage
and received a warm welcome.
"Merry Christmas! Mrs. Reed," said Alice.
"Thank you, my dear," replied Mrs. Reed; "it will indeed be a 'Merry
Christmas' if you can remain with me this forenoon."
"Well, I can stay till dinner-time," said Alice. "See what a pretty
present cousin John sent me!" and Alice held up a new pocket-book.
"That is very nice, Alice," said Mrs. Reed; "now if you had some one to
fill it with money, it would be better still."
"Yes, indeed," cried Alice, laughingly; "but as I was not so fortunate
as to receive any money, and have none of my own to put in it, the
pocket-book is not likely to be worn out for a long time."
"Well, well, Alice," replied Mrs. Reed, "it is always handy to have
things in the house; for some time they may be needed.
"Excuse me a moment, Alice," continued Mrs. Reed; "sit down here by the
fire and warm yourself."
Alice took a seat by the fire and warmed her fingers; for, although it
was a bright sunshiny day, it was very cold.
Mrs. Reed stepped into the adjoining room, and with a light heart and
an expression on her face that no one had seen for many a day, took up
the little work-box she had prepared for Alice.
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