She does not look like a Princess, with her plain fur cap and cape, and
driving her own sleigh. Yet a daughter of the King she is.
If you could look under the fur robe, you would find a doll’s carriage,
and in it two dolls all dressed for a drive. You would find a doll’s
bed, with pillows, blankets, mattress and spread. You would find a pair
of skates, a sled, some mittens, handkerchiefs, caps, and hoods; and a
basket of candles, spangles, and small toys for a tree.
This “King’s Daughter” did not pay for them all. She is only one of a
circle of Daughters. They saved their money, they bought the toys, they
made the clothes, and they dressed the dolls, not for themselves, not
for their own little brothers and sisters, but for a family of children
who but for them would have no presents at all. Their father is poor and
ill, and their mother earns but little.
It is the day before Christmas. This King’s Daughter is taking these
things to the home of those poor children. The other Daughters will meet
her there, to trim a tree they have ordered. The poor mother will help
them, forgetting her sorrows for a while. The sick father will smile as
he looks on. This will be his last Christmas-tree on earth, as he can
not live much longer. He is very glad the King has sent his daughters to
do for the children what he is not able to do for them himself.
[Illustration]
On Christmas day will come a basket, full of good things to eat, which
these same girls have provided. These girls by saving their money have
had less candy to eat, fewer trinkets to wear, and perhaps a little less
fun. But think of the comfort and happiness they will give to those poor
children, that sad mother, that sick father!
Are you a daughter of the King?