"By the way, Alice, now is the time to use your pocket-book; you know I told you it was handy to have things in the house, they might be needed," she continued, smilingly.
"Why, certainly, Mrs. Reed; do you want to borrow my pocket-book? here it is."
"Yes, my dear," replied Mrs. Reed, "I shall want a new one myself, and I want to see yours. I wonder how many pieces of gold it will hold."
Then Mrs. Reed crammed the pocket-book full of gold pieces.
"There!" said she, handing it to Alice; "that is the Christmas present I wanted to give you this morning, but did not have it."
"What! this for me! O no, no! I do not deserve it!" cried Alice.
"But you must take it, Alice, and listen; for I have something to tell you. I want you to be my daughter now. I will have abundant means to make both of us comfortable and happy."
"O Mrs. Reed," said Alice, bursting into tears; "I would love to be your daughter, nothing could make me happier."
In a very short time every thing was changed in the little cottage. Mrs. Reed had legally adopted Alice as her daughter and was sending her to school.
Fresh paint, inside and out, and many new comforts, made the old house charming and bright. But nothing could change the happy relations between the two friends, and a more contented and cheerful household could not be found anywhere.