The Gnomes of the Saline Mountains: A Fantastic Narrative

was in his pocket. Now he could buy a fitting present for his wife. Of course it could not be too expensive, but she ce

of similar holidays in the house of his parents stirred him to the depths. How his heart quivered when he thought of his dear mother

isk step he opened the door, looked around and fo

his child. Could it be possible? A mother deserting her child on this holiest of evenings? He could not believe his eyes, but all she possessed went with her. No, no, she was giddy-h

anted to give her. But one hour after another passed and nobody came. In the streets a joyous throng of merry makers pushed and jo

peration he trampled on the little Christmas tree he had brought along to celebrate his first Christmas in his own home! He

. Throughout that dreary night of agony he lay in bed holding the child in his arms,

his lonely house. But they brought back pictures to his mind of his childhood's happy days, when he went

will live for her sake. I cannot leave her altogether an orphan," though