Twelve o’clock
I look about me : my window is surrounded with sparrows picking up the crumbs of bread which in my brown study I had just scattered on the roof . At this sight a flash of light broke upon my saddened heart . I deceived myself just now , when I complained that I had nothing to give : thanks to me , the sparrows of this part of the town will have their New-Year 's gifts ! Twelve o'clock . -- A knock at my door ; a poor girl comes in , and greets me by name . At first I do not recollect her ; but she looks at me , and smiles . Ah !