Billy listened to all this with great interest, and seemed to enjoy it as much as if he had seen it as Sam had. When Sam told him about the three children, and said that the little one who wanted a doll so much was called “Maysie,” Billy said,—
“Why, that was the name of one of the children who were so good to me that time they took my mother away.”
“Perhaps it was the same one,” said Sam. Billy, however, could not tell how the little girl looked, so they could not be sure.
“If I see them again,” said Sam, “I will ask them if they are the same ones.”
When Sam thought it was time for him to go, he repeated his instructions in regard to the presents, and extracted a promise from both not to exercise any undue curiosity to find out what their presents were. When Mrs. Hanlon followed him to the door, he confided to her that his present to Billy was a little fire-engine that would throw a real stream of water, and he thought it would be of great use, as they could water the plants with it. “We can make believe there is a fire and can turn the hose on just as real engines do,” he added.
“It must be beautiful,” said Mrs. Hanlon, “but I wish the poor child could see it;” and she gave a deep sigh.
“But he will,” replied Sam, brightly. “You haven’t forgotten what I told you about my Christmas present, have you?”
“No, indeed, I remember; I only hope you won’t be disappointed!”
“Of course it will come. It is sure to,” replied Sam, confidently. “Didn’t my little pony come all right?” And with a happy good-bye Sam ran down the steps and jumped into the sleigh.
“Dear little soul!” said Mrs. Hanlon, looking after him as he waved his hand gayly at her. “How disappointed he will be!” and the tears stood in her kind eyes as she closed the door and joined the little blind boy.