A Merry Christmas by Louisa May Alcott

would have been to add to Patty’s pitiful store.
    No one exactly knew how to awaken the sleeper, for she was something more than a servant in their eyes now. Aunt Jane settled the matter by stooping down and taking Patty in her arms. The big eyes opened at once and stared up at the face above. Then a smile so bright, so glad, shone all over the child’s face as she clung to Aunt Jane, crying joyously—
    â€œIs it really you? I was so afraid you wouldn’t come that I cried myself to sleep.”
    Never before had any of them seen such love and happiness in Patty’s face, heard such a glad, tender sound in her voice, or guessed what an ardent soul dwelt in her quiet body.
    She was herself again in a minute, and jumping up, slipped away to see that everything was ready should anyone want supper after the cold drive.
    Soon the family went off to bed, and there was no time to let out the secret. Patty was surprised by the kind good nights everyone sent her way, but she thought no more of it than to feel that Miss Jane brought a warmer atmosphere to the home.
    Patty’s surprise began early the next day, for the first thing she saw upon opening her eyes was a pair of new stockings crammed full of gifts hanging at the foot of her bed and several parcels lying on the table.
    What a good time she had opening the delightful bundles. She laughed and cried at the droll things the boys gave and the comfortable and pretty things the elders sent. Such a happy child was she that when she tried to say her prayers, she couldn’t find words beautiful enough to express her gratitude for so much kindness!
    A new Patty went downstairs that morning—a bright-faced girl with smiles on the mouth that used to be so sad and silent, confidence in the timid eyes, and the magic of the heartiest goodwill to make her step light, her hand skillful, her labor a joy, and service no burden.
    They do care for me, after all, and I never will complain again,
she thought with a glad flutter at her heart and sudden color in her cheeks as everyone welcomed her with a friendly, “Merry Christmas, Patty!”
    It was the merriest Christmas ever, and when the bountiful dinner was spread and Patty stood ready to wait, you can imagine her feelings as Mr. Murray pointed to a seat near Miss Jane and said in a fatherly tone that made his gruff voice sweet—
    â€œSit down and enjoy it with us, my girl; nobody has more right to it, and we are all one family today.”
    Patty could not eat much, her heart was so full, but it was a splendid feast to her, and when toasts were drunk she was overwhelmed by the honor Harry did her, for he bounced up and exclaimed: “Now we must drink to ‘Our Patty’—long life and good luck to her!”
    That really was too much, and she fairly ran away to hide her blushes in the kitchen and work off her excitement washing dishes.
    More surprises came that evening. When she went to put on her clean calico smock, she found the pretty blue dress and white apron laid ready on her bed along with a note that read, “With Ella’s love.”
    â€œIt’s like a fairy story that keeps getting nicer and nicer since the godmother came,” whispered Patty, as she glanced shyly at Aunt Jane.
    â€œChristmas is the time for all sorts of pleasant miracles,” answered Aunt Jane, smiling back at her little maiden, who looked so neat and blithe in her new dress and happy face.
    Patty thought nothing further in the way of bliss could happen to her that night, but it did when Ned, anxious to atone for his past neglect, pranced up to her as a final dance was forming and said heartily—
    â€œCome, Patty, everyone is to dance this one, even Harry and the cat!” And before she could collect her wits enough to say “No,” she was leading off and flying down the middle with the young master, in great style.
    That was the crowning honor, for she was a girl with all a