It was winter, and shortly before Christmas; the wind was howling and the snowflakes were pelting on the window-panes. Paul and Mary were sitting in a nice, warm room, watching their mother at her spinning-wheel.
"How I should like to have a little spinning-wheel!" said Mary; "then I could help you, mother."
"If I might make a wish," said Paul, "I would not wish for a spinning-wheel, but a sled with steel runners; then I could ride on the snow and ice. I would give you a ride, dear sister, and be careful not to upset you."
"Now," said the mother, "be contented for awhile; perhaps Santa Claus will bring you what you have wished for; you have been good, and Santa Claus loves good children. So that he may not forget your wishes, I'll write him a letter."
She seated herself at her writing-desk, and wrote the following: "Dear Santa Claus! I have two dear little children, who have been good during the whole year; their names are Paul and Mary. Both wish to ask a favor of you. Paul would like to have a sled with steel runners, Mary a little spinning-wheel. Will you not bring them? We sincerely beg you may grant these wishes, and the children promise always to be good and kind. Do not forget the wishes of mother, Paul and Mary."