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.