15 days until christmas

Dear Anna,

Mother was gone much of the afternoon. As soon as I was certain that she was down the street and out of sight, I asked Granny if I might go visiting to a family we know well. The rain had stopped and she guessed that it would be alright.

 

Only guess where I really went, straight to the hospital on Mill Street. I approached the door cautiously and knocked as loud as I dared. A whiskered man ushered me in and asked my business.

 

Well, I stood up as tall as I could, but my voice it ran and hid. All I had left was a tremble. I finally made him understand that I came to volunteer.

 

"What can you do?" says he. And I answered quickly that I have a fine hand, I can write letters for boys to send home to their families. Mr. Whiskers smiled. Maybe he even has a family somewhere. He asked my address and I gave it. He promised that when they have need of me, he will definitely come to call.

 

I went right home and picked up my sewing without even being told. Granny did not even have to scold me once.

 

Anna