Warm clothes, apples, oranges, beef and groceries, crackers and nuts for the children, and a great pudding.
And on slip of paper was written:
"Unto you is born a Saviour which is Christ the Lord."
[CHAPTER VI.]
THE FLOWER OF HOPE.
ALL is bare in the garden! The wind blows round in gusts; the snow lies thick wherever the wind has not lifted it; the cold seems to have taken possession.
Daisy looked out of the window on a dull February afternoon. The weather outside matched the chilled little heart. An arm came round her shoulders, and a gentle voice said, "Well, little one, what is that head of yours so busy over?"
"Oh, I don't know, Auntie! I was looking at the snow, and thinking—somehow—the winter seems never-ending!" There was great sadness in the young voice.
"Yes—you have had a hard time of it, Daisy," said her aunt, lovingly.
"And it is not only that mother is gone," said the girl, with a choke, "and that all the rooms are empty—it is not only that—"