CHRISTMAS GIFTS. 69

 It was rather a dreary time, the winter, for
little Bertha, she felt the cold so much ; but there
was plenty of in-door work and amusement. She
made ever so many nice warm caps and hoods for
the old women about the place, and little frocks
for the children; and when Christmas came, she
had quite a pile to give away. Oh dear, nurse,
hasn't it been a very happy day ? she said, when
they had returned to find a cheerful fire burning,
ready for the great log to be laid on.
 Yes, dear, a very happy day," said nurse,
smiling. I wonder if you know what has been
the reason why you are so very happy ? "
 Well, now, let me think," said Bertha, looking
slyly up in nurse's face. "I know what mamma
would say," she continued, laughingly, throw-
ing her arms round Mrs. Bevan's neck: because I
have been trying to please others and not myself."
 Yes, dear; the true reason is, you are feeling
it is more blessed to give than to receive. Some-
how the giving returns upon the giver's head with
double blessing, and the good Saviour, he has said,
'Inasmuch as ye have done it to the least of these
my little ones, ye have done it unto me.' "
 Don't you think Jesus must like to see the
poor people happy on his birth-day ?" said Bertha.