THE TWO GIFTS. over his thin face. He opened his eyes with a new, glad light ‘shining from their depths, and said, twining his wasted arms around her neck, “Oh, Miss Wells, TPve had such a good dream !” “ What was it, dear ?” “T sat at the window watching the snow falling so quietly, just as it does to-night, and I did not feel cold, though the window was open. It was light, too. By and by the tiny flakes seemed to hold together, and then to spread like wings, and a beautiful angel floated down, all in white, with long golden curls and clear gentle eyes. She came closer and closer to me, and I felt so glad to see her; she seemed like my mother. She took me in her arms and laid my head on her breast. Then she kissed me, and all the pain went away and I felt rested and well. And then I saw that it was mother. Oh, how happy lL was! too happy to say anything only, Mother! Mother! She seemed to move upward a little, and I thought she was going to carry me with her home to heaven, but just then I woke. I feel well, though, and it is a beautiful Christmas, for I’ve seen . mother.” : Christmas morning dawned clear and beautiful. The sun shone on the new-fallen snow as white as an angel’s wing, and on trees and fences studded with brilliants. The village children were early astir, and merry with their Christmas gifts. In Ethel’s sunny chamber were rejoicing hearts, for she was better. A good night’s rest, such as she had not had for weeks, calmed her pulse and gave her new strength; she would soon be well. Jamie’s little form lay white and still, with snowy blossoms on his breast and twined in his dark hair. He had found his mother. . “There shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying; neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away, and God shall wipe away all tears from his eyes.” 69