A HAPPY CHRISTMAS
Aunt Lu and Mother Brown were very much surprised when Bunny Brown and
his sister Sue came in with Aunt Sallie; and when they heard the story
told by the nice, old colored woman, they were more surprised than
before.
"Do you really think she can be Wopsie's aunt?" asked Mrs. Brown.
"It may be," answered Aunt Lu. "We can find out."
"Oh, I do hope I'se got some folks at last!" said Wopsie, over and over
again. "I do hope I's gwine t' hab some folks like other people."
Aunt Lu asked Aunt Sallie many questions, and it did seem certain that
the old colored woman was aunt to some little colored girl who had been
sent up from down South, but who had become lost.
And if Aunt Sallie had lost a niece, and if Wopsie had lost an aunt, it
might very well be that they belonged to one another.
"We can find out, if you write to your friends down South," said Aunt Lu
to the old colored woman.
"An' dat's jest what I'll do," was the answer.
It took nearly two weeks for the letters to go and come, and all this
while Wopsie was anxiously waiting. So was Aunt Sallie, for Bunny and
Sue learned to call her that. She would come nearly every day to Aunt
Lu's house, to learn if she had received any word about Wopsie.
And, every day, nearly, Bunny and Sue, with Wopsie, or Sallie, as they
sometimes called her, would go to Central Park. They would walk up to
Aunt Sallie's stand, and talk with her, sometimes buying sticks of
candy.
For now it was almost too cold for ice-cream. Some days it was so cold
and blowy that Bunny and Sue could not go out. The ponies and donkeys
were no longer kept in the park for children to have rides. It was too
cold for the little animals. They would be kept in the warm stables
until summer came again.
Wopsie, or Sallie, still stayed at Aunt Lu's house, with Bunny and Sue.
For Aunt Lu did not want to let the little colored girl go to live with
Aunt Sallie, until it was sure she belonged to her. Aunt Sallie had made
money at her little candy stand, which she had kept in the park for a
number of years, and she was well able to take care of Sallie and
herself.
"As soon as I hear from down South, that Aunt Sallie is your aunt, you
shall go to her, Wopsie," Aunt Lu had said.
"Well, Miss Baker, I suttinly wants t' hab folks, like other chilluns,"
said the little colored girl, "but I suah does hate t' go 'way from yo'
who has bin so good t' me."
"Well, you have been good, and have helped me very much, also," said
Aunt Lu.
One day there was a flurry of snow flakes in the air. Bunny and Sue
watched them from the windows.
"Oh, soon we can ride down hill!" cried Sue. "Won't you be glad,
Bunny?"
"I sure will!" Bunny said. Then, coming close to Sue he whispered: "Say,
maybe if we went up on the roof now, we could have a slide. Let's go.
The roof is flat, and we can't fall off on account of the railing around
it. Come on and have a slide."
"I will!" said Sue.
Putting on their warm, outdoor clothes, the children went up on the flat
roof. There was plenty of snow up there, and soon they were having a
fine slide. It was rather funny to be sliding up on the roof, instead of
down on the ground, as they would have done at home, but, as I have told
you, New York is a queer place, anyhow.
After a while Bunny and Sue grew tired of sliding. It was snowing harder
now, and they were cold in the sharp wind.
"Oh, Bunny!" cried Sue, "I wonder if Santa Claus can get down this
chimney? It's the only one there is for Aunt Lu's house, and it isn't
very big. Do you think Santa Claus can climb down?"
"We'll look," Bunny said.
But the chimney was so high that Bunny and Sue could not look down
inside. They were very much worried as to whether St. Nicholas could get
into Aunt Lu's rooms to leave any Christmas presents.
"Let's go down and ask her how Santa Claus comes," said Sue.
"All right," agreed Bunny, and down they went.
But when they reached Aunt Lu's rooms, Bunny and Sue found so much going
on, that, for a while, they forgot all about Santa Claus.
For Aunt Lu was reading a letter, and Wopsie was dancing up and down in
the middle of the floor, crying out:
"Oh, I'se got folks! I'se got folks!"
"Is Aunt Sallie really your aunt?" asked Bunny.
"Yes'm! She is. She is! I'se got folks at last!" and up and down danced
Wopsie, clapping her hands, the "pigtails" of kinky hair bobbing up and
down on her head.
And so it proved. The letters from down South had just come, and they
said that Sallie Lucindy Johnson, or "Aunt Sallie," as the children
called her, was really the aunt to whom Wopsie, or Sallie Jefferson,
had been sent. The card had been torn off her dress, and so Sallie's
aunt's address was lost. But that meeting in the park, after the pony
runaway, had made everything come out all right.
The letters which Aunt Lu had written before, and the messages she had
sent, had not gone to the right place. For it was from Virginia, that
Wopsie came, not North or South Carolina, as the little colored girl had
said at first. You see she was so worried, over being lost, that she
forgot. But Aunt Sallie knew it was from a little town in Virginia that
her sister's child was to come, and, writing there, she learned the
truth, and found out that Wopsie was the one she had been so long
expecting. So everything came out all right.
"Oh, but I suah is glad I'se found yo' at last!" said the nice old
colored woman, as she held her niece in her arms.
"I suppose you are going to take her away from us?" said Aunt Lu.
"Yaas'm. I'd like t' hab mah Sallie."
"Well, now she can go. But I want you both to come back for Christmas."
"We will!" promised Aunt Sallie and little Sallie.
The word Christmas made Bunny and Sue think of what they were going to
ask their Aunt Lu.
"Where does Santa Claus come down?"
"Is that chimney on the roof big enough for him?" asked Sue. "And hasn't
you got an open fireplace, Aunt Lu?"
"No, we haven't that. But I think Santa Claus will get down the chimney
all right with your presents. If he doesn't come in that way, he'll find
some other way to get in. Don't worry."
So Bunny Brown and his sister Sue waited patiently for Christmas to
come. Several times, when it was not too cold, or when there was not too
much snow, the children went up on the roof. Once they took up with them
a box, so Bunny could stand on it. He thought perhaps he could look down
the chimney that way.
But the box was not high enough, and Bunny slipped off and hurt his leg,
so he and Sue gave it up.
[Illustration: THE CHILDREN SAW MANY WONDERFUL THINGS IN THE STORES.
_Page 243._
_Bunny Brown and His Sister Sue at Aunt Lu's City Home._]
Two weeks passed. It would soon be Christmas now. Bunny and Sue were
taken through the New York stores by their mother and aunt, and the
children saw the many wonderful things Santa Claus's workers had made
for boys and girls--dolls, sleds, skates, toy-airships, Teddy bears,
Noah's arks, spinning tops, choo-choo cars, electric trains, dancing
clowns--little make-believe circuses, magic lanterns--so many things
that Bunny and Sue could not remember half of them.
The children had written their Christmas letters, and put them on the
mantel one night.
In the morning the letters were gone, so, of course, Santa Claus must
have taken them.
Then it was the night before Christmas. Oh, how happy Bunny and Sue
felt! They hung up their stockings and went to bed. Their rooms were
next to one another with an open door between.
"Bunny," whispered Sue, as Mother Brown went out, after turning low the
light; "Bunny, is you asleep?"
"No, Sue. Are you?"
"Nope. I don't feel sleepy. But does you think Santa Claus will surely
come down that little chimney, when Aunt Lu hasn't got a fireplace for
him?"
"I--I guess so, Sue."
"Come, you children must get quiet and go to sleep!" called Mother
Brown. "It will be Christmas, and Santa Claus will be here all the
quicker, if you go to sleep."
And at last Bunny Brown and his sister Sue did go to sleep. The sun was
not up when they awoke, but it was Christmas morning.
"Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!" cried Bunny and Sue as they ran to
where they had hung their stockings.
They found many presents on the chairs, over the backs of which hung
their stockings, which were filled with candy and nuts.
"Oh, Santa Claus came! Santa Claus came!" cried Sue.
"Yep! He found the chimney all right!" laughed Bunny.
And such a Merry Christmas as the children had! There were presents for
Mother Brown, and Aunt Lu, and some for Mary the cook, and Jane, the
housemaid, and later in the day, when Sallie and her aunt came, there
were presents for them, also.
And when dinner time came, and the big turkey, all nice and brown, was
taken from the oven, and put on the table, Mother Brown said:
"And now for the best present of all!"
She opened a door, and out stepped Daddy Brown!
"Merry Christmas, Bunny! Merry Christmas, Sue!" he cried, as he caught
them up in his arms and hugged and kissed them.
And a very Merry Christmas it was. Mr. Brown had come to spend the
holidays with his family in New York. And such fun as Bunny and Sue had
telling him all their adventures since coming to Aunt Lu's city home. I
couldn't begin to tell you half!
"I don't believe we'll ever have such a good time anywhere else," said
Sue, as she hugged her new doll in her arms.
"Oh, maybe we will," cried Bunny, as he ran his toy locomotive around
the room.
And whether the children did or not you may learn by reading the next
book of this series, which will be named: "Bunny Brown and His Sister
Sue at Camp Rest-a-While." In that I will tell you all that happened
when the children went out in the woods, to live in a tent, near a
beautiful lake.
"And so you two found Wopsie's aunt for her, did you?" asked Mr. Brown
as he sat down, after dinner, with Bunny on one knee and Sue on the
other.
"Well, I guess it was the runaway pony that did it," said Bunny, with a
laugh. And I, myself, think the pony helped; don't you?
"Oh, Bunny!" whispered Sue that night, as she went to bed, hugging her
new doll. "Hasn't this been a lovely Christmas?"
"The best ever," said Bunny, sleepily.
And so, for a little while we will say Merry Christmas, and good-bye, to
Bunny Brown and his sister Sue.
THE END
* * * * *
_This Isn't All!_
Would you like to know what became of the good friends you have made in
this book?
Would you like to read other stories continuing their adventures and
experiences, or other books quite as entertaining by the same author?
On the _reverse side_ of the wrapper which comes with this book, you
will find a wonderful list of stories which you can buy at the same
store where you got this book.
_Don't throw away the Wrapper_
_Use it as a handy catalog of the books you want some day to have. But
in case you do mislay it, write to the Publishers for a complete
catalog._
THE BUNNY BROWN SERIES
By LAURA LEE HOPE
Author of the Popular "Bobbsey Twins" Books, Etc.
Durably Bound. Illustrated. Uniform Style of Binding.
Every Volume Complete in Itself.
These stories are eagerly welcomed by the little folks from about five
to ten years of age. Their eyes fairly dance with delight at the lively
doings of inquisitive little Bunny Brown and his cunning, trustful
sister Sue.
BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE
BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE ON GRANDPA'S FARM
BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE PLAYING CIRCUS
BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AT CAMP-REST-A-WHILE
BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AT AUNT LU'S CITY HOME
BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE IN THE BIG WOODS
BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE ON AN AUTO TOUR
BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AND THEIR SHETLAND PONY
BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE GIVING A SHOW
BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AT CHRISTMAS TREE COVE
BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE IN THE SUNNY SOUTH
BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE KEEPING STORE
BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AND THEIR TRICK DOG
BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AT A SUGAR CAMP
BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE ON THE ROLLING OCEAN
BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE ON JACK FROST ISLAND
GROSSET & DUNLAP, _Publishers_, NEW YORK
THE BOBBSEY TWINS BOOKS
For Little Men and Women
By LAURA LEE HOPE
Author of "The Bunny Brown Series," Etc.
Durably Bound. Illustrated. Uniform Style of Binding.
Every Volume Complete in Itself.
These books for boys and girls between the ages of three and ten stands
among children and their parents of this generation where the books of
Louisa May Alcott stood in former days. The haps and mishaps of this
inimitable pair of twins, their many adventures and experiences are a
source of keen delight to imaginative children everywhere.
THE BOBBSEY TWINS
THE BOBBSEY TWINS IN THE COUNTRY
THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT THE SEASHORE
THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT SCHOOL
THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT SNOW LODGE
THE BOBBSEY TWINS ON A HOUSEBOAT
THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT MEADOW BROOK
THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT HOME
THE BOBBSEY TWINS IN A GREAT CITY
THE BOBBSEY TWINS ON BLUEBERRY ISLAND
THE BOBBSEY TWINS ON THE DEEP BLUE SEA
THE BOBBSEY TWINS IN THE GREAT WEST
THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT CEDAR CAMP
THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT THE COUNTY FAIR
THE BOBBSEY TWINS CAMPING OUT
THE BOBBSEY TWINS AND BABY MAY
GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK
SIX LITTLE BUNKERS SERIES
By LAURA LEE HOPE
Author of The Bobbsey Twins Books, The Bunny Brown Series, The Blythe
Girls Books, Etc.
Durably Bound. Illustrated. Uniform Style of Binding.
Every Volume Complete in Itself.
Delightful stories for little boys and girls which sprung into immediate
popularity. To know the six little Bunkers is to take them at once to
your heart, they are so intensely human, so full of fun and cute
sayings. Each story has a little plot of its own--one that can be easily
followed--and all are written in Miss Hope's most entertaining manner.
Clean, wholesome volumes which ought to be on the bookshelf of every
child in the land.
SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT GRANDMA BELL'S
SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT AUNT JO'S
SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT COUSIN TOM'S
SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT GRANDPA FORD'S
SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT UNCLE FRED'S
SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT CAPTAIN BEN'S
SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT COWBOY JACK'S
SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT MAMMY JUNE'S
SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT FARMER JOEL'S
SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT MILLER NED'S
SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT INDIAN JOHN'S
GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK
THE HONEY BUNCH BOOKS
By HELEN LOUISE THORNDYKE
Individual Colored Wrappers and Text Illustrations Drawn by
WALTER S. ROGERS
Honey Bunch is a dainty, thoughtful little girl, and to know her is to
take her to your heart at once.
Little girls everywhere will want to discover what interesting
experiences she is having wherever she goes.
HONEY BUNCH: JUST A LITTLE GIRL
HONEY BUNCH: HER FIRST VISIT TO THE CITY
HONEY BUNCH: HER FIRST DAYS ON THE FARM
HONEY BUNCH: HER FIRST VISIT TO THE SEASHORE
HONEY BUNCH: HER FIRST LITTLE GARDEN
HONEY BUNCH: HER FIRST DAYS IN CAMP
HONEY BUNCH: HER FIRST AUTO TOUR
HONEY BUNCH: HER FIRST TRIP ON THE OCEAN
HONEY BUNCH: HER FIRST TRIP WEST
HONEY BUNCH: HER FIRST SUMMER ON AN ISLAND
GROSSET & DUNLAP, _Publishers_, NEW YORK
CAROLYN WELLS BOOKS
Attractively Bound. Illustrated. Colored Wrappers.
THE MARJORIE BOOKS
Marjorie is a happy little girl of twelve, up to mischief, but full of
goodness and sincerity. In her and her friends every girl reader will
see much of her own love of fun, play and adventure.
MARJORIE'S VACATION
MARJORIE'S BUSY DAYS
MARJORIE'S NEW FRIEND
MARJORIE IN COMMAND
MARJORIE'S MAYTIME
MARJORIE AT SEACOTE
THE TWO LITTLE WOMEN SERIES
Introducing Dorinda Fayre--a pretty blonde, sweet, serious, timid and a
little slow, and Dorothy Rose--a sparkling brunette, quick, elf-like,
high tempered, full of mischief and always getting into scrapes.
TWO LITTLE WOMEN
TWO LITTLE WOMEN AND TREASURE HOUSE
TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY
THE DICK AND DOLLY BOOKS
Dick and Dolly are brother and sister, and their games, their pranks,
their joys and sorrows, are told in a manner which makes the stories
"really true" to young readers.
DICK AND DOLLY
DICK AND DOLLY'S ADVENTURES
GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK
* * * * *
Transcriber's Notes:
Obvious punctuation errors repaired.
Page 227, "Sallie'l" changed to "Sallie'll". (ole Aunt Sallie'll)