He lifted me in his arms and asked my name, and I gave it, and told him that I was out looking for Santa Claus.
“Isn't he coming to your house?” the man asked.
I shook my head.
“Why not?”
“'Cause it's hard times,” I whispered,
Well, it was the storekeeper himself, and he kissed me and sat me on the counter and gave me fruits and candies.
“Would you like to speak to Santa Claus?” he asked.
I nodded, and my heart began to beat all the faster.
He went to the rear end of the store and returned quickly with a stout, gray-headed man in a big fur overcoat. I recognized the figure, and was almost overcome with emotion. The thought of my mission bore me up. With a trembling hand I took from my pocket the little green book which my grandmother had given to me, and which was, indeed, my greatest treasure. I had removed it slyly from the bureau drawer that morning. I held it toward him. No human being ever offered more to charity.
“That's a Christmas present for you,” I said, fearfully.