“Hi,” she said, suddenly shy. “I reckon you be Miss Cromwell - the doctor.” She looked up admiringly, her chocolate eyes shining. “Yes, I’m Miss Cromwell. But you can call me Miss Carrie.” Carrie was immediately captivated by the little girl. She bent down to look into her face. “What’s your name?” “My name be Elvira. I’m ten!” She took a quick breath. “Merry Christmas!” Then as if embarrassed she had said so much, she darted off again. Carrie laughed. “What a darling.” Pastor Anthony nodded. “Her mother was real sick until Elvira started making money to help feed them. Their father was conscripted to work on fortifications. Without him around, the family was going hungry.” Carrie nodded thoughtfully. The pastor was right. All of them were having to do things they would rather not.
