A Merry Christmas by Louisa May Alcott Read Free Book Online

“odd,” and Patty posted her replies with the stamps her friend provided. This was Patty’s anchor in her little sea of troubles, and she clung to it, hoping for the day when she had earned such a beautiful reward that she would be allowed to go and live with Miss Murray.
    Christmas was coming, and the family was filled with great anticipation; for they intended to spend the day at Aunt Jane’s and bring her home for dinner and a dance the next day. For a week beforehand, Mrs. Murray flew ’round with more than her accustomed speed, and Patty trotted about from morning till night, lending a hand to all the most disagreeable jobs. Ella did the light, pretty work, and spent much time fussing over her new dress and the gifts she was making for the boys.
    When everything was done at last, Mrs. Murray declared that she would drop if she had another thing to do but go to Jane’s and rest.
    Patty had lived on the hope of going with them, but nothing was said about it. At last, they all trooped gaily away to the station, leaving her to take care of the house and see that the cat did not touch one of the dozen pies carefully stored in the pantry.
    Patty kept up bravely until they were gone, then she sat down like Cinderella, and cried and cried until she could cry no more. It certainly did seem as if she were never to have any fun, and no fairy godmother came to help her. The shower of tears did her good, and she went about her work with a meek, patient face that would have touched a heart of stone.
    All the morning she worked to finish the odd jobs left for her to do, and in the afternoon, as the only approach to the holiday she dared venture, Patty sat at the parlor window and watched other people go to and fro, intent on merrymaking in which she had no part.
    Her only pleasant little task was that of arranging gifts for the small boys. Miss Jane had given her a bit of money now and then, and out of her meager store, the loving child had made presents for the lads—poor ones certainly, but full of goodwill and the desire to win some affection in return.
    The family did not return as early as she had expected, which made the evening seem very long. Patty got out her treasure box and, sitting on the warm kitchen hearth, tried to amuse herself while the wind howled outside and the snow fell fast.
    When Aunt Jane welcomed the family, her first word, as she emerged from a chaos of small boys’ arms and legs, was “Why, where is Patty?”
    â€œAt home, of course; where else would she be?” answered Mrs. Murray.
    â€œHere with you. I said ‘all come’ in my letter; didn’t you understand it?”
    â€œGoodness, Jane, you didn’t mean to bring her, too, I hope.”
    â€œYes, I did, and I’m quite disappointed. I’d go and get her myself if I had the time.”
    Miss Jane knit her brows and looked vexed, and Ella laughed at the idea of a servant girl going on holiday with the family.
    â€œIt can’t be helped now, so we’ll say no more and make it up to Patty tomorrow if we can.” Aunt Jane smiled her own pleasant smile and kissed the little lads all ’round as if to sweeten her temper as soon as possible.
    They had a capital time, and no one observed that Aunty, now and then, directed the conversation to Patty by asking a question about her or picking up on every little hint dropped by the boys concerning her patience and kindness.
    At last, Mrs. Murray said, as she sat resting with a cushion at her back, a stool at her feet, and a cup of tea steaming deliciously under her nose, “Afraid to leave her there in charge? Oh, dear, no. I’ve entire confidence in her, and she is equal to taking care of the house for a week if need be. On the whole, Jane, I consider her a pretty promising girl. She isn’t very quick, but she is faithful, steady, and honest as daylight.”
    â€œHigh praise from you, Maria; I hope she knows your good