"
"We haven't much time either," Bess continued; "but Aunt Zelie will
help us, and you too, won't you, Miss Brown?"
"I'll be glad to do anything I can," replied that lady, looking up
from the feather-stitching she was showing Constance.
Christmas was coming. The fact could no longer be overlooked, and as
usual everybody was feeling surprised at its nearness.
It was not a bit too near, the children thought, though even they had
a great deal to do, and found the days all too short.
Miss Brown was full of suggestions for Christmas gifts, and most
patient with awkward fingers, and the M.Ks. were very happy over the
things she was helping them to make. Now, on top of all this they had
found something else to talk about and work for.
One day when Bess and Louise were in the corner confectionery, the
wife of the proprietor, as she handed them their package, held out a
small bundle of edging, asking them to take it home and show it to
their aunt. It was made, she said, by a young Italian girl who, though
a cripple, was trying to support herself and some younger brothers and
sisters.
As the trimming was pretty and strong, Mrs. Howard bought some for the
children's aprons, and finding the girl worthy, gave her other work,
which was carried back and forth by a little sister.
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