The sick woman did indeed present a forlorn appearance, even the children’s young eyes could detect that, as she sat with her head laid against the back of the chair, stroking the feathers of the little pigeon.
They stood looking up at the window for some time, and gazing curiously at the large building before them.
“I suppose it is full of sick people,” said Johnny.
“I wonder if there are any little children there!” said Hannah. “Do you suppose the sick people know it is Christmas Day?”
This reminded Maysie of the Christmas dinner cooking at home, and she exclaimed:
“I am just as hungry as I can be, and I know it is ever so long after dinner-time.”
The other two children now became aware of the fact that they were hungry too, and, fearing to be late to dinner, they set off on a run toward home, with Maysie on the sled. Before they had gone far, they heard the jingle of sleigh-bells and the voices of children coming up behind them, and seeing a large sleigh and pair of horses in the road, they drew the sled to one side to allow it to pass.
In the sleigh sat a gentleman and two little boys. The children at once recognized the pleasant face of the gentleman. He was the one who had bought the cakes for Maysie. It would have been strange if they had not recognized him, for where was there another such sweet-tempered, happy countenance, and who else possessed such a pleasant, genial voice? So intent were they in watching the gentleman that they did not look at the two boys who were with him until just as the sleigh, which went slowly, was opposite them, they caught a glimpse of the little blind boy.
“Billy! Oh, Billy! Is that you?” screamed the two elder children in one breath.