Chapter SIXTEEN: Christmas Eve

It was Christmas Eve again, and Mrs. Wood sat alone with Weejums before the fire downstairs. Franklin had stayed up to help fill the stockings; but now he too was gone, and the ticking of the clock sounded very loud.

It was the first Christmas Eve that she had ever spent by herself, and her thoughts went back to the time when the children’s father had been with her, and the last few hours of this day were the most beautiful in all the year.

When Grandmother was there, she kept one from thinking too much, although she too may have remembered other Christmases, spent with him who had been the children’s father, and her little boy. But Grandmother was not here to-night, and there was nothing to keep one from thinking—nothing at all.

Down on the rug Weejums was busily washing Octavius, the beautiful kitten who was to go as a Christmas present, with Eunice’s love, to Marian Armstrong. Weejums did not know why he was named Octavius, or that it was her own grandparent on whom she had called in New York, and at whom she had spit.

“Weejums!” called Mrs. Wood, softly, “dear little kitty, come and speak to me!”

Weejums rose with an answering purr, and, leaving Octavius asleep in a ring of his own baby tail, leaped upon her lap. It seemed to Mrs. Wood that Weejums’ attitude towards the children had changed since she grew older, and her kittens came. At first she had thought Eunice was her mother; but now she realized that Eunice was only a kitten, after all, and that Mrs. Wood was nearer her own age.

They sat watching the fire together until the coals whitened, and the clock slowly struck twelve. Then Mrs. Wood gave a few last touches to the stockings hung in the shadows, and went upstairs. But as she entered her room, there was a sound of soft little paws beside her, and a comforting “Pu-r-r-eow!” in the darkness, for Weejums had left her kitten, and gone with the companion who needed her most.

“She never followed me like this before,” Mrs. Wood thought. “Is it possible that she knew I was lonely to-night,—that she felt a difference?”

Weejums did not explain what she thought, but when Mrs. Wood was in bed, curled down beside her with a drowsy purr most soothing to hear.

“I’m glad she’s here,” thought Eunice’s mother. “I don’t feel much like sleep to-night, and it’s nice to have—somebody.”

“Purr-pu-r-r,” said Weejums, softly. “Purr-r-r-r.”

“It was just six years ago to-night—” Mrs. Wood began thinking.

“Pur-r-pu-r-r-r.”

Why, how loud that purr was growing! ever so much more like an alarm-clock than a purr, and it ended with a sharp “bu-r-r Ting!” Mrs. Wood sat up and rubbed her eyes. Yes, it _was_ the alarm-clock that she had set last night; Weejums was no longer there, and she heard a joyous shout from Kenneth’s room.

“Why, I’ve been asleep!” she said with a laugh.

The Alley Cat’s kitten had done her work; for it was six o’clock, and Christmas morning.

New Books for the Young

IN THE MIZ

By GRACE E. WARD. With eight pictures in color and numerous illustrations in the text from pen-and-ink drawings by Clara E. Atwood. Small 4to. $1.50.

Seven delightfully fanciful and humorous stories for young readers, told in simple language. They deal with the impossible, and have much harmless fun. Children who love “Alice in Wonderland” will open wide their eyes when they read of the marvellous transformations described.

LITTLE ALMOND BLOSSOMS

By JESSIE JULIET KNOX. With sixteen illustrations from photographs of Chinese children in California. 12mo. $1.50.

A charming and original book of stories of Chinese boys and girls, by an author who depicts them from life. The scenes are laid principally in “Chinatown,” San Francisco, and the experiences of the little Mongolians will delight all juvenile readers. The books are faithfully illustrated from photographs.

THE ALLEY CAT’S KITTEN

By CAROLINE M. FULLER. With full-page illustrations by H. C. Ireland and cuts in text by John Huybers. 12mo. $1.50.

The alley cat leaves her kitten at the door of a hospitable house, and it is presented to Eunice in her Christmas stocking. The author has a strong sense of humor, a genuine love for the feline race, and a thorough insight into the child’s love of domestic animals.

THE NURSERY FIRE

By ROSALIND RICHARDS. Illustrated with full-page plates and illustrations in the text by Clara E. Atwood. Small 4to. Decorated cloth, $1.50.

These dainty and entertaining short stories are written for children and about children. The author is a daughter of Mrs. Laura E. Richards, the popular author of “The Golden Windows,” “Captain January,” and the “Toto” stories.

Popular Books for Girls

_Miss Ray’s Final “Teddy” Story_

NATHALIE’S SISTER. A sequel to “Ursula’s Freshman.” By ANNA CHAPIN RAY, author of “Teddy, Her Book,” etc. Illustrated by Alice Barber Stephens. 12mo. Cloth, $1.50.

The many lovers of Miss Ray’s delightful “Teddy” stories will regret to learn that, with the publication of this, the sixth book in the series, the records of the sayings and doings of Teddy and the rest of the McAlister family come to an end. The book is as charming, entertaining, and natural as the previous stories, which have all become great favorites. “Miss Ray’s work draws instant comparison with the best of Miss Alcott’s,” says _The Christian Register_, Boston.

_THE “TEDDY” BOOKS_

TEDDY: HER BOOK
PHEBE: HER PROFESSION
TEDDY: HER DAUGHTER
NATHALIE’S CHUM
URSULA’S FRESHMAN
NATHALIE’S SISTER

6 vols. 12mo. Illustrated. $1.50 each

_First Book in Miss Reed’s New Series_

IRMA AND NAP. A Story for Younger Girls. By HELEN LEAH REED, author of “Brenda, Her School and Her Club,” “Brenda’s Cousin at Radcliffe,” etc. Illustrated. 12mo. Cloth, $1.25.

A brightly written story about children from eleven to thirteen years of age, who live in a suburban town, and attend a public grammar school. The book is full of incident of school and home life. Irma and Gertrude, the two girl characters, are contrasts in disposition. Nap, a pet dog, plays an important part in the story. The book deals with real life, and is told in the simple and natural style which characterized Miss Reed’s popular “Brenda” stories.

_By the Same Author_

BRENDA: HER SCHOOL AND HER CLUB
BRENDA’S SUMMER AT ROCKLEY
BRENDA’S COUSIN AT RADCLIFFE
BRENDA’S BARGAIN

4 vols. 12mo. Illustrated. $1.50 each

LITTLE, BROWN, & COMPANY, _Publishers_
254 WASHINGTON STREET, BOSTON, MASS.

Recent Books for the Young

THE GOLDEN WINDOWS. A Book of Fables for Old and Young. By LAURA E. RICHARDS, author of “Captain January,” “The Joyous Story of Toto,” etc. Popular Edition, with frontispiece and ornamental initials. 12mo. Decorated cloth, $1.00.

“A charming book of simple but delicately imagined and beautifully written stories,” says the _Philadelphia Press_ of Mrs. Richards’ new book of forty-four fables. _The Outlook_ (New York) says: “There is an original touch in Mrs. Richards’ writing that gives fresh pleasure in this volume. It is fitly named, for the book is a window into a realm as beautiful as it is real.”

THE AWAKENING OF THE DUCHESS. By FRANCES CHARLES, author of “In the Country God Forgot,” etc. With illustrations in color by I. H. Caliga. 12mo. Decorated cloth, $1.50.

“A charming, tender story of the awakening of a young mother to her true self through the ministrations of her half-forgotten child, told so simply that a child can understand it,” is the _Washington Star’s_ opinion of Miss Charles’s latest story. _The Literary News_ (New York) considers the story “deeply touching in tender sentiment and full of gentle humor. With its tinted illustrations, by I. H. Caliga, and its pretty green and gold covers, the story is a welcome exponent of the gospel of love and tenderness.”

A DAUGHTER OF THE RICH. By M. E. WALLER, author of “The Little Citizen,” etc. Illustrated. 12mo. Decorated cloth, $1.50.

The _Boston Herald_ says that the author “has the genuine Louisa M. Alcott sympathy with boy and girl life, and the story is replete with interesting conversation and bright incident;” and the _St. Louis Globe-Democrat_ points out that “the author has gotten away from many stereotyped themes, and has introduced as her heroine a little girl—the child of a rich father—who has to leave New York on account of ill health.”

LITTLE, BROWN, & COMPANY, _Publishers_
254 WASHINGTON STREET, BOSTON, MASS.

New Illustrated Editions of Miss Alcott’s Famous Stories

LITTLE MEN: Life at Plumfield with Jo’s Boys

With 15 full-page illustrations by Reginald B. Birch.

“Little Men” has never been given to an admiring public in any form so charming as this one. All that was needed to make the tale quite irresistible was such illustrations as are here supplied, fifteen full-page ones instinct with life and movement and charm.—_Boston Budget._

LITTLE WOMEN: or Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy

With 15 full-page illustrations by Alice Barber Stephens.

“Books may come and books may go, but ‛Little Women’ still remains the ideal book for young girls, the best representation of bright, lovable girlhood,” says the _Brooklyn Eagle_. “In drawing women of the Civil War period, Alice Barber Stephens is in her element, and her illustrations are all that can be desired,” says the _Philadelphia Telegraph_.

AN OLD-FASHIONED GIRL

With 12 full-page pictures by Jessie Willcox Smith.

No better portraits of Polly and Tom could be imagined than those which appear in these pages.... No book of its lamented author has more endearing qualities.—_Boston Saturday Evening Gazette._

JO’S BOYS, and How They Turned Out

A Sequel to “Little Men.” With 10 full-page plates by Ellen Wetherald Ahrens.

“The young folks who have been charmed with Miss Alcott’s previous stories,” says the _San Francisco Chronicle_, “will read ‛Jo’s Boys’ with avidity.” The illustrations are in keeping with the spirit of the author.

EIGHT COUSINS; or, the Aunt-Hill

With 8 full-page pictures by Harriet Roosevelt Richards.

The little heroine and her seven cousins are real children.—_Providence Journal._

ROSE IN BLOOM

A Sequel to “Eight Cousins.” With 8 full-page pictures by Harriet Roosevelt Richards.

The best from its author’s pen since “Little Women” was written.—_New York Evening Post._

CROWN 8vo. DECORATED CLOTH. $2.00 EACH.

LITTLE, BROWN, & COMPANY
_Publishers_, 254 WASHINGTON STREET, BOSTON, MASS.