“You’re not ill, child, are you?” asked Mr. Hamilton as he rose from the table.

“Oh, no,” answered Ruth quickly, feeling that it would be rank ingratitude to look melancholy after ail their kindness to her.

“That’s right,” he said with a farewell pat.  “We can’t have you looking sober.  You know I depend on you to give me a merry Christmas.”

“I’ll try,” answered Ruth dutifully, but she felt that it would be an impossibility for her to add to any one’s happiness.

“Perhaps you will help me a little, Ruth,” said Mrs. Hamilton as they finished breakfast.  “I’m going to pack and deliver some Christmas baskets this morning, and I really need some assistance in order to get through with it.”

“I’d love to.  Mother and I always did that, and I used to think it almost the nicest part of Christmas.  Mayn’t I buy something to put in the baskets, or have you all that you can use?”

“It would be very nice if you would, for I’ve just heard of a family this morning where the children haven’t the necessary winter clothing.  There are four children, the oldest about seven and the youngest a baby, and I’m sure you will find a great many things they need at the little store near the post-office.  If you feel like taking that off my mind I shall be truly grateful.”

“Indeed I do,” and Ruth, looking more cheerful already, ran off to put on her coat and gay little hat.  It is undeniable that doing for others is the best cure for an ache in one’s own heart, and Ruth felt almost happy for the next half hour as she bought little suits of underwear, warm petticoats and stockings, and red mittens enough for the entire family.  She felt quite like Santa Claus as she walked down the street, for she had made a last purchase of toys and candy, and enticing-looking bundles stuck out in all directions.  Those who passed couldn’t help smiling at the pretty girl who, for the time, at least, was the embodiment of Christmas cheer.

“There, that was fun,” she said with a sigh of satisfaction as she deposited her bundles on the table.  “Now, let me help you pack.”

For the remainder of the morning there was no time to be unhappy, for by the time the baskets were packed the sleigh was at the door.  Mrs. Hamilton’s errands took them to the outskirts of the town, where great fields of snow spread their dazzling whiteness, and the cool, crisp air blew the cobwebs from one’s brain.  Ruth learned a helpful lesson in the art of giving, for Mrs. Hamilton was as beautifully simple and friendly with the poor women she visited as with her wealthier friends, and it was a pleasure to see the good comradeship with which she entered into their joys and sorrows.

“This is my last visit for the morning,” said Mrs. Hamilton, as the sleigh drew up before a neat little house.  “I have just a little Christmas remembrance to leave here, and I think you may find this the most attractive place of all.”