bid her father and mother; and so, when she
went down stairs into the breakfast-room, where the hot rolls were
smoking, and the loving parents waiting, they had almost surprised her
with their wishes before she bethought herself.

Then she began to think of a party which was to be at her teacher's
house, and of the Christmas-tree and the Christ-child, which so many
children would go to see in their best frocks and best looks.

So, after the famous Christmas-dinner with its nice roast-meats, and
puddings, and pies,--after the game of romps with her father, and the
ride on the rocking-horse with her brother, who, at last, from mere
mischief, had tipped her off, and sent her crying to her mother,--she
began to think about going there. She had seen herself nicely arrayed in
the pretty plaid dress, with the ring on her finger, and the opal
bracelet on her arm, which she had found in her stocking that morning.
Then she bethought herself of how all the children were to bring a few
pieces of silver for an offering to the Christ-child, that it might be
sent off into distant lands to children who knew nothing of the blessed
Christ-child and the Christmas he brought.

It is true Helen had a bright box with a hole in the lid, through which
she had dropped many a bright piece of silver; and it is also true that
the box had a lock, and the key of the lock lay quietly in one of
Helen's drawers; but the money there was destined to some very great and
vague purpose; and she never would have dreamed of unlocking the box and
taking from it any silver for the Christ-child. She knew well enough
papa would give her money for that purpose. So to papa she went, and
told him what she wanted; and he, proud that his little girl should
carry as much as others whom she would meet there, gave her a beautiful
gold piece of money--a veritable five dollars!

Then did Helen speed along with exultation in her heart--exultation for
the gold in her tiny pocket, and exultation in the very bright dress,
quilted pink bonnet, and pretty white furs. And she was so often
thinking, "What will Mary say when she sees this?" Not once did Helen
ask herself what the Christ-child, or he whom the Christ-child
represented, the Saviour in heaven would say to the gold she brought.

Poor Helen!

She was not bringing the gold for the children so far away. She was
bringing it because the others would bring some, and she wanted hers
seen of them!

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