A Merry Christmas Read Online Free PDF Page A

I’ve carried out my plan,” said Kate, when the old lady wondered what she was thinking about so deeply, with her brows knit and her lips smiling.
    â€œVery well, dear, do anything you like, and I shall enjoy it, only please don’t tire yourself out by trying to do too much,” said Grandma. And with that she became deaf and blind to the mysteries that went on about her.
    Because her Grandma was lame and seldom left her few favorite rooms, Kate, with the help of her devoted helpers, was able to turn the house topsy-turvy. Together, the three trimmed the hall and parlor and great dining room with shining holly and evergreen, lay fires ready for kindling on the hearths that had been cold for years, and made beds fit for sleeping all over the house.
    What went on in the kitchen, only Dolly could tell. But such delicious odors as stole out made Grandma sniff the air and think of merry Christmas revels long ago.
    Up in her room, Kate wrote lots of letters and sent so many orders to the city that Bessie was soon throwing up her hands. More letters came in reply, and Kate studied each one carefully with a look of pure happiness on her face.
    Big bundles were left by the express man, who came so often that the gates were left open and the lawn was full of sleigh tracks. The shops in the village were ravaged by Mistress Kate, who laid in stores of bright ribbon, toys, nuts, and all manner of delightful things.
    â€œI really think the sweet young thing has lost her mind,” said the postmaster as she flew out of the office one day with a handful of letters.
    If Grandma had thought the girl out of her wits, no one could have blamed her, for on Christmas day she really did behave in the most puzzling manner.
    â€œYou are going to church with me this morning, Grandma. It’s all arranged. A closed sleigh is coming for us; the sleighing is lovely, the church all trimmed out for the holidays, and I must have you see it. I shall wrap you in fur, and we will go and say our prayers together, like good girls, won’t we?” said Kate, who was in an unusual flutter, her eyes shining bright, her lips full of smiles, and her feet dancing in spite of her.
    â€œAnywhere you like, my darling,” Grandma answered. “I’d start for Australia tomorrow, if you wanted me to go with you.”
    So they went to church, and Grandma did enjoy it, for she had many blessings to thank God for, chief among them the treasure of a dutiful, loving child. Kate tried to keep herself quiet, but the odd little flutter would not subside and seemed to get worse and worse as time went on. It increased rapidly as they drove home, and when Grandma was safe in her little parlor again, Kate’s hands trembled so she could hardly tie the strings of the old lady’s fancy cap.
    â€œWe must take a look in the big parlor. It is all trimmed out, and I have my presents in there. Is it ready, Dolly?” Kate asked, as the dear, old servant appeared, looking greatly excited.
    â€œWe have been quiet so long, poor Dolly doesn’t know what to make of a little gayety,” Grandma said, smiling at her beloved companion.
    â€œLord, bless us, my dear mum! It’s all so beautiful and kind of surprising. I feel as if miracles are coming to pass again,” answered Dolly, actually wiping away a tear with her best apron.
    â€œCome, Grandma,” urged Kate offering her arm. “You look so sweet and dear,” she added, smoothing the soft, silken shawl about the old lady’s shoulders and kissing the placid, old face that beamed at her from under the festive, new cap.
    â€œI always said Madam was the finest and dearest of women,” Dolly went on. “But, do hurry, Miss Kate. That parlor door could burst open at any moment and spoil the surprise,” with which mysterious remark Dolly vanished, giggling.
    Across the hall they went, but at the door Kate paused, and said with a look Grandma never forgot,