No one was there . The wind blew cold , the stars shone , the snow lay white on field and wood , and the Christmas moon was glittering in the sky . ` What sort of a face was it ? ' asked Tilly 's mother , coming back . ' A pleasant sort of face , I think ; but I was so startled I do n't quite know what it was like . I wish we had a curtain there , ' said Tilly . ' I like to have our light shine out in the evening , for the road is dark and lonely just here , and the twinkle of our lamp is pleasant to people 's eyes as they go by . We can do so little for our neighbours , I am glad to cheer the way for them . Now put these poor old shoes to dry , and go to bed , dearie ; I 'll come soon . ' Tilly went , taking her bird with her to sleep in his basket near by , lest he should be lonely in the night . Soon the little house was dark and still , and no one saw the Christmas spirits at their work that night . When Tilly opened the door next morning , she gave a loud cry , clapped her hands , and then stood still ; quite speechless with wonder and delight . There , before the door , lay a great pile of wood , all ready to burn , a big bundle and a basket , with a lovely nosegay of winter roses , holly , and evergreen tied to the handle . ` Oh , mother ! did the fairies do it ? ' cried Tilly , pale with her happiness , as she seized the basket , while her mother took in the bundle . ` Yes , dear , the best and dearest fairy in the world , called `` Charity . '' She walks abroad at Christmas time , does beautiful deeds like this , and does not stay to be thanked , ' answered her mother with full eyes , as she undid the parcel . There they were , -- the warm , thick blankets , the comfortable shawls , the new shoes , and , best of all , a pretty winter hat for Bessy . The basket was full of good things to eat , and on the flowers lay a paper , saying , -- ` For the little girl who loves her neighbour as herself . '
` Mother , I really think my bird is a fairy bird , and all these splendid things XXXXX from him , ' said Tilly , laughing and crying with joy .
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