12 : CHRISTMAS IN SWITZERLAND.

time brought lightness of heart and gladness of spirit to him,
and all seemed so mirthful and happy. Why should Christmas-
time be so different to his little Marie? Not that she was
wanting in cheerfulness, for she was a light-hearted, lively
child; but she had little to make her so, and he could do so
little for her!
These thoughts were in his heart as he sallied forth the
=~ day before Christmas, and walked slowly into
= the forest. He came to the place where
he had been working last, and determined
. that he would try and cut and make
up a few faggots, and forget his
cares in the healthy work before
him. At it he went, and
-. worked steadily on till past
f =—twelve o’clock. The leaves
were crisp under his feet,
and the air was fresh; for
there was frost abroad, but.

 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
   
       
 
 
 
 

cold; it was the kind of
weather that makes folks genial
and happy in their hearts, and
tingles their fingers, without mak-
ing them more than just so cold

~ s that a hearty rub sends the warm
blood through the veins, and makes them warm and glowing
again. And the old man looked up from his work, and put
down his axe, and rubbed his hands, as he saw Marie coming
slowly along the wood with her little bas’e*. On she came
till she got close to him, . . ©