*The story co story contained herein was written by Charles Dickens in 1867. It is the third of four stories entitled *Holiday Romance* and was published originally in a children’s magazine in America. It purports to be written by a child aged nine. It was republished in England in *All the Year Round* in 1868. For this and four other Christmas pieces Dickens received £1,000.

*Holiday Romance* was published in book form by Messrs Chapman & Hall in 1874, with *Edwin Drood* and other stories.
For this reprint the text of the story as it appeared in *All the Year Round* has been followed.*