` I 'd rather have the bird than the money , so I sha n't look any more . The purse would n't be mine , and I should only be tempted to keep it ; but this poor thing will thank and love me , and I 'm so glad I came in time . ' Gently lifting the bird , Tilly felt its tiny cold claws cling to her hand , and saw its dim eyes brighten as it nestled down with a grateful chirp . ` Now I 've got a Christmas present after all , ' she said , smiling , as they walked on . ' I always wanted a bird , and this one will be such a pretty pet for me . ' ` He 'll fly away the first chance he gets , and die anyhow ; so you 'd better not waste your time over him , ' said Bessy . ` He ca n't pay you for taking care of him , and my mother says it is n't worth while to help folks that ca n't help us , ' added Kate . ` My mother says , `` Do as you 'd be done by ; '' and I 'm sure I 'd like any one to help me if I was dying of cold and hunger . `` Love your neighbour as yourself , '' is another of her sayings . This bird is my little neighbour , and I 'll love him and care for him , as I often wish our rich neighbour would love and care for us , ' answered Tilly , breathing her warm breath over the benumbed bird , who looked up at her with confiding eyes , quick to feel and know a friend . ` What a funny girl you are , ' said Kate ; ` caring for that silly bird , and talking about loving your neighbour in that sober way . 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 XXXXX God wo n't forget us if every one else does . '
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