Mr. King do n't care a bit for you , and never will , though he knows how poor you are ; so I do n't think your plan amounts to much . ' ' I believe it , though ; and shall do my part , any way . Good-night . I hope you 'll have a merry Christmas , and lots of pretty things , ' answered Tilly , as they parted . Her eyes were full , and she felt so poor as she went on alone toward the little old house where she lived . It would have been so pleasant to know that she was going to have some of the pretty things all children love to find in their full stockings on Christmas morning . And pleasanter still to have been able to give her mother something nice . So many comforts were needed , and there was no hope of getting them ; for they could barely get food and fire . ` Never mind , birdie , we 'll make the best of what we have , and be merry in spite of every thing . You shall have a happy Christmas , any way ; and I know God wo n't forget us if every one else does . ' She stopped a minute to wipe her eyes , and lean her cheek against the bird 's soft breast , finding great comfort in the little creature , though it could only love her , nothing more . ` See , mother , what a nice present I 've found , ' she cried , going in with a cheery face that was like sunshine in the dark room . ` I 'm glad of that , dearie ; for I have n't been able to get my little girl anything but a rosy apple . Poor bird ! Give it some of your warm bread and milk . ' ` Why , mother , what a big bowlful ! I 'm afraid you gave me all the milk , ' said Tilly , smiling over the nice , steaming supper that stood ready for her . ` I 've had plenty , dear . Sit down and dry your wet feet , and put the bird in my basket on this warm flannel . ' Tilly peeped into the closet and saw nothing there but dry bread .
` Mother 's given me all the milk , and is going without her tea , 'cause she XXXXX I 'm hungry .
See Sit forget hope knows lived make needed steaming stood