Edith was very curious to know
its contents; so was Fred, so was John; Emilie only smiled.
"Joe, won't you unpack that box now, to gratify us all?" said Mr.
Parker, as Joe put the box on one side, nodded to Emilie, and began his
breakfast. No, Joe could not oblige him. Evening came at last, and the
Christmas tree was found to bear rich fruit. From many a little
sparkling pendant branch hung offerings for Joe; poor Joe, who thought
no one in the world cared for him. He lay on his reclining chair looking
happier and brighter than usual, but as the gifts poured into his lap,
gifts so evidently the offspring of tenderness and affection, so
numerous, and so adapted to his condition, his countenance assumed a
more serious and thoughtful cast. Every cue gave him something. There is
no recounting the useful and pretty, if not costly, articles that Joe
became possessor of. A beautiful tartan wrapper for his feet, from Mrs.
Parker; a reading desk and book from Mr. Parker; a microscope from John
and Fred; a telescope from Emilie and Edith; some beautiful knitted
socks from aunt Agnes; a pair of Edith and Fred's very best canaries.
Pages:
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161