It must be a beautiful country!"
"It is the most beautiful in the world," Paula assured me, her eyes
sparkling.
"We too shall go and live there when we grow up; shall we not, Paula?"
"Yes, indeed, Lisita."
"You know, Paula, father always gives us a New Year's present," as I saw
tears come into Paula's eyes as she thought of her old home. "What would
you like to have if you could choose?"
"There's just one thing I want," said Paula, "and that's my little Bible."
"But that wouldn't be a present," I said.
"No, but it would give me more pleasure than any present," sighed Paula.
* * * * *
New Year's Day dawned with splendid weather. It had snowed during the night
and the whole countryside was dressed in white. The sparrows flew back and
forth under our windows, seemingly remembering our custom to scatter crumbs
for them on such an occasion. Of course, we soon satisfied their hunger.
In the dining-room a huge fire burned, and Teresa with Rosa's help prepared
the New Year's breakfast. Paula helped Catalina to dress, for Catalina,
contrary to her custom, decided to breakfast with us, although against
Teresa's advice, for she feared such early rising would tire her too much
for the rest of the day.
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