"And, Belle, next week Christmas will be here, and if you go on a journey you will not see our tree; and we have a great many nice things to do in the holidays."
"We have some of our presents to buy yet," said Maggie, "and we want you to help us, and we have money to buy you a present too; and papa and mamma will give you presents if you stay: will you not, mamma?"
Mrs. Bradford said, "Certainly;" but all these promises only drew forth the same answer.
"And we are all to go to Riverside in grandmamma's sleigh, and spend the day there," said Bessie; "and you will go too, and if there is not enough of room I will let you have my place."
"Why, how much you will have to tell me of when I come back," said Mr. Powers cheerfully. "You must be sure and remember all these pleasant things, so that I may hear about them."
"I shall go a"—began Belle; but before she had time to finish the old sentence, Maggie broke in with,—
"Oh, she could write to you about them, Mr. Powers. She can make up a letter every day, and I will write it for her, and she can put it in the lamp-post herself. Will not that be nice, Belle?"
"I couldn't make up so much," said Belle.
"Oh yes! you could do enough," said Maggie. "You could tell your father you was alive, any way, and he'll be glad to know that. Yes, we'll send him a letter every day."
This proved to be a most happy idea, and was the first thing which brought any consolation to poor little Belle; and her father, seeing that she was at last interested, improved it by saying,—