The story co story contained herein was written by Charles Dickens in 1867. It is the third of four stories entitled ldquo;Holiday Romancerdquo; and was published originally in a childrens magazine in America. It purports to be written by a child aged nine. It was republished in England in ldquo;All the Year Roundrdquo; in 1868. For this and four other Christmas pieces Dickens received pound;1,000.Holiday Romancerdquo; was published in book form by Messrs Chapman amp; Hall in 1874, with ldquo;Edwin Droodrdquo; and other stories. For this reprint the text of the story as it appeared in ldquo;All the Year Roundrdquo; has been followed.