It was a bright, frosty, Christmas morning; and Willie had just taken down the stocking, which he had carefully hung in the chimney-corner the evening before, in the hope that some kind friend would play the part of Santa Claus for him.
His hope was not disappointed: for the stocking was found most bountifully filled; and Willie eagerly hastened to examine its contents. It was fortunate that he had borrowed his grandfather’s long stocking for the occasion; for his own little sock could never have contained the beautiful, large humming-top, and the pretty Noah’s ark, which now met his eyes. And then the large, soft ball, just right for playing in the house in stormy weather; and the nice transparent slate, with which Willie could amuse himself when the older folks wished him to be quiet. All these things, and many more, were safely packed away in grandpa’s great stocking. Papers of candy, stores of nuts and almonds, and pretty little lady-apples, came to light as Willie continued his search; and last of all, in a tiny wooden box, was found a bright gold dollar.
“I am sure grandpa must have put that in himself,” said Willie; “for I saw a gold dollar in his desk-drawer yesterday. But oh, mother! did you ever see so many pretty things? Am I not very happy?”
“I hope so, indeed, my dear boy,” answered Mrs. Duncan, smiling; “but pretty things do not always make us happy.”
“Not unless we are good, you mean, mother. But I will try to be good. Only look at this humming-top!”
“It is a fine one, Willie. Here is a cord. Try if you can spin it.”
The top was soon whirling merrily upon the floor, and humming so loudly that Willie had to clap his hands once more; and even baby, who was pillowed up in his crib, unpacking his own wee little stocking, dropped the china pussy-cat, which he had just taken out, and stretched his little hands toward the top, crowing with delight.
But now mother said that both Willie and baby must put by their toys, and be dressed for breakfast; and she gave Willie a basket to put all his new treasures into, that he might carry them down stairs easily, and exhibit them to his father.
“And what will you buy with the gold dollar, Willie?” asked Mr. Duncan, after he had examined and admired all the pretty gifts.
Willie looked very thoughtful as he replied, “I should like to do some good with it, father. I think I ought to,—do not you?”