Salome wondered at herself, who but two hours before had given way to a storm of passionate sobs and tears, yet now felt a strange peace of mind that enabled her to enter sincerely into the happiness of those around her.
In the afternoon, the convent was visited by a large number of benevolent people in the neighborhood, who brought their Christmas offerings to the poor and needy of the house.
These visitors were shown through all the various departments of charity, and left their offerings in each before they went away.
"I do wish one thing," said little Sister Felecitie, as she lingered near Salome, after the departure of the visitors.
"What do you wish, dear?" inquired the latter.
"Why, then, that the good people who give to our poor, whatever else they give, would always give the children dolls and the old people tobacco. The children never can have too many dolls, nor the old people enough tobacco."
"But is not the use of tobacco a vicious habit?"
"I hope not. It makes the poor old souls so happy."