Add files from /home/DONE/40683.zip.2024-11-15

44 files changed, 31172 insertions, 0 deletions

diff --git a/40683-0.txt b/40683-0.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..69210f7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40683-0.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,5591 @@
+                       LULU’S LIBRARY, VOLUME III
+
+
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost
+no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it
+under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this
+eBook or online at http://www.gutenberg.org/license.
+
+
+Title: Lulu’s Library, Volume III (of 3)
+
+Author: Louisa M. Alcott
+
+Release Date: September 05, 2012 [EBook #40683]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
+
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LULU’S LIBRARY, VOLUME III (OF
+3) ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Al Haines.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Cover]
+
+
+
+
+                            LULU’S LIBRARY.
+
+
+                                   BY
+
+                           LOUISA M. ALCOTT,
+
+
+    AUTHOR OF "LITTLE WOMEN," "AN OLD-FASHIONED GIRL," "LITTLE MEN,"
+      "EIGHT COUSINS," "ROSE IN BLOOM," "UNDER THE LILACS," "JACK
+      AND JILL," "JO’S BOYS," "HOSPITAL SKETCHES," "WORK, A STORY
+          OF EXPERIENCE," "MOODS, A NOVEL," "PROVERB STORIES,"
+              "SILVER PITCHERS," "SPINNING-WHEEL STORIES,"
+                      "A GARLAND FOR GIRLS," "AUNT
+                            JO’S SCRAP-BAG."
+
+
+
+                               VOL. III.
+
+                     RECOLLECTIONS OF MY CHILDHOOD.
+                  A CHRISTMAS TURKEY, AND HOW IT CAME.
+                           THE SILVER PARTY.
+                            THE BLIND LARK.
+                          MUSIC AND MACARONI.
+                         THE LITTLE RED PURSE.
+                            SOPHIE’S SECRET.
+                           DOLLY’S BEDSTEAD.
+                            TRUDEL’S SIEGE.
+
+
+
+                                BOSTON:
+                           ROBERTS BROTHERS.
+                                 1889.
+
+
+
+
+                           _Copyright, 1889,_
+                          BY J. S. P. ALCOTT.
+
+
+
+                           University Press:
+                    JOHN WILSON AND SON, CAMBRIDGE.
+
+
+
+
+                               CONTENTS.
+
+      I. Recollections of My Childhood
+     II. A Christmas Turkey, and How It Came
+    III. The Silver Party
+     IV. The Blind Lark
+      V. Music and Macaroni
+     VI. The Little Red Purse
+    VII. Sophie’s Secret
+   VIII. Dolly’s Bedstead
+     IX. Trudel’s Siege
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Louisa May Alcott]
+
+
+
+                                   I.
+
+                     RECOLLECTIONS OF MY CHILDHOOD.
+
+
+One of my earliest memories is of playing with books in my father’s
+study,--building towers and bridges of the big dictionaries, looking at
+pictures, pretending to read, and scribbling on blank pages whenever pen
+or pencil could be found.  Many of these first attempts at authorship
+still exist; and I often wonder if these childish plays did not
+influence my after-life, since books have been my greatest comfort,
+castle-building a never-failing delight, and scribbling a very
+profitable amusement.
+
+Another very vivid recollection is of the day when running after my hoop
+I fell into the Frog Pond and was rescued by a black boy, becoming a
+friend to the colored race then and there, though my mother always
+declared that I was an abolitionist at the age of three.
+
+During the Garrison riot in Boston the portrait of George Thompson was
+hidden under a bed in our house for safekeeping; and I am told that I
+used to go and comfort "the good man who helped poor slaves" in his
+captivity. However that may be, the conversion was genuine; and my
+greatest pride is in the fact that I have lived to know the brave men
+and women who did so much for the cause, and that I had a very small
+share in the war which put an end to a great wrong.
+
+Being born on the birthday of Columbus, I seem to have something of my
+patron saint’s spirit of adventure, and running away was one of the
+delights of my childhood.  Many a social lunch have I shared with
+hospitable Irish beggar children, as we ate our crusts, cold potatoes,
+and salt fish on voyages of discovery among the ash heaps of the waste
+land that then lay where the Albany station now stands.
+
+Many an impromptu picnic have I had on the dear old Common, with strange
+boys, pretty babies, and friendly dogs, who always seemed to feel that
+this reckless young person needed looking after.
+
+On one occasion the town-crier found me fast asleep at nine o’clock at
+night, on a doorstep in Bedford Street, with my head pillowed on the
+curly breast of a big Newfoundland, who was with difficulty persuaded to
+release the weary little wanderer who had sobbed herself to sleep there.
+
+I often smile as I pass that door, and never forget to give a grateful
+pat to every big dog I meet, for never have I slept more soundly than on
+that dusty step, nor found a better friend than the noble animal who
+watched over the lost baby so faithfully.
+
+My father’s school was the only one I ever went to; and when this was
+broken up because he introduced methods now all the fashion, our lessons
+went on at home, for he was always sure of four little pupils who firmly
+believed in their teacher, though they have not done him all the credit
+he deserved.
+
+I never liked arithmetic or grammar, and dodged these branches on all
+occasions; but reading, composition, history, and geography I enjoyed,
+as well as the stories read to us with a skill which made the dullest
+charming and useful.
+
+"Pilgrim’s Progress," Krummacher’s "Parables," Miss Edgeworth, and the
+best of the dear old fairy tales made that hour the pleasantest of our
+day.  On Sundays we had a simple service of Bible stories, hymns, and
+conversation about the state of our little consciences and the conduct
+of our childish lives which never will be forgotten.
+
+Walks each morning round the Common while in the city, and long tramps
+over hill and dale when our home was in the country, were a part of our
+education, as well as every sort of housework, for which I have always
+been very grateful, since such knowledge makes one independent in these
+days of domestic tribulation with the help who are too often only
+hindrances.
+
+Needle-work began early; and at ten my skilful sister made a linen shirt
+beautifully, while at twelve I set up as a dolls’ dressmaker, with my
+sign out, and wonderful models in my window.  All the children employed
+me; and my turbans were the rage at one time, to the great dismay of the
+neighbor’s hens, who were hotly hunted down that I might tweak out their
+downiest feathers to adorn the dolls’ head-gear.
+
+Active exercise was my delight from the time when a child of six I drove
+my hoop round the Common without stopping, to the days when I did my
+twenty miles in five hours and went to a party in the evening.
+
+I always thought I must have been a deer or a horse in some former
+state, because it was such a joy to run.  No boy could be my friend till
+I had beaten him in a race, and no girl if she refused to climb trees,
+leap fences, and be a tomboy.
+
+My wise mother, anxious to give me a strong body to support a lively
+brain, turned me loose in the country and let me run wild, learning of
+Nature what no books can teach, and being led, as those who truly love
+her seldom fail to be,
+
+    "Through Nature up to Nature’s God."
+
+
+I remember running over the hills just at dawn one summer morning, and
+pausing to rest in the silent woods, saw, through an arch of trees, the
+sun rise over river, hill, and wide green meadows as I never saw it
+before.
+
+Something born of the lovely hour, a happy mood, and the unfolding
+aspirations of a child’s soul seemed to bring me very near to God; and
+in the hush of that morning hour I always felt that I "got religion," as
+the phrase goes.  A new and vital sense of His presence, tender and
+sustaining as a father’s arms, came to me then, never to change through
+forty years of life’s vicissitudes, but to grow stronger for the sharp
+discipline of poverty and pain, sorrow and success.
+
+Those Concord days were the happiest of my life, for we had charming
+playmates in the little Emersons, Channings, Hawthornes, and Goodwins,
+with the illustrious parents and their friends to enjoy our pranks and
+share our excursions.
+
+Plays in the barn were a favorite amusement, and we dramatized the fairy
+tales in great style. Our giant came tumbling off a loft when Jack cut
+down the squash-vine running up a ladder to represent the immortal bean.
+Cinderella rolled away in a vast pumpkin; and a long black pudding was
+lowered by invisible hands to fasten itself on the nose of the woman who
+wasted her three wishes.
+
+Little pilgrims journeyed over the hills with scrip and staff, and
+cockle-shells in their hats; elves held their pretty revels among the
+pines, and "Peter Wilkins’" flying ladies came swinging down on the
+birch tree-tops.  Lords and ladies haunted the garden, and mermaids
+splashed in the bath-house of woven willows over the brook.
+
+People wondered at our frolics, but enjoyed them; and droll stories are
+still told of the adventures of those days.  Mr. Emerson and Margaret
+Fuller were visiting my parents one afternoon; and the conversation
+having turned to the ever-interesting subject of education, Miss Fuller
+said,--
+
+"Well, Mr. Alcott, you have been able to carry out your methods in your
+own family, and I should like to see your model children."
+
+She did in a few moments,--for as the guests stood on the doorsteps a
+wild uproar approached, and round the corner of the house came a
+wheelbarrow holding baby May arrayed as a queen; I was the horse, bitted
+and bridled, and driven by my elder sister Anna, while Lizzie played dog
+and barked as loud as her gentle voice permitted.
+
+All were shouting, and wild with fun, which, however, came to a sudden
+end as we espied the stately group before us, for my foot tripped, and
+down we all went in a laughing heap, while my mother put a climax to the
+joke by saying with a dramatic wave of the hand,--
+
+"Here are the model children, Miss Fuller!"
+
+My sentimental period began at fifteen, when I fell to writing romances,
+poems, a "heart journal," and dreaming dreams of a splendid future.
+
+Browsing over Mr. Emerson’s library, I found "Goethe’s Correspondence
+with a Child," and was at once fired with the desire to be a second
+Bettine, making my father’s friend my Goethe. So I wrote letters to him,
+but was wise enough never to send them, left wild flowers on the
+doorsteps of my "Master," sung Mignon’s song in very bad German under
+his window, and was fond of wandering by moonlight, or sitting in a
+cherry-tree at midnight till the owls scared me to bed.
+
+The girlish folly did not last long, and the letters were burned years
+ago; but Goethe is still my favorite author, and Emerson remained my
+beloved "Master" while he lived, doing more for me, as for many another
+young soul, than he ever knew, by the simple beauty of his life, the
+truth and wisdom of his books, the example of a good great man untempted
+and unspoiled by the world which he made nobler while in it, and left
+the richer when he went.
+
+The trials of life began about this time, and my happy childhood ended.
+Money is never plentiful in a philosopher’s house; and even the maternal
+pelican could not supply all our wants on the small income which was
+freely shared with every needy soul who asked for help.
+
+Fugitive slaves were sheltered under our roof; and my first pupil was a
+very black George Washington whom I taught to write on the hearth with
+charcoal, his big fingers finding pen and pencil unmanageable.
+
+Motherless girls seeking protection were guarded among us; hungry
+travellers sent on to our door to be fed and warmed; and if the
+philosopher happened to own two coats, the best went to a needy brother,
+for these were practical Christians who had the most perfect faith in
+Providence, and never found it betrayed.
+
+In those days the prophets were not honored in their own land, and
+Concord had not yet discovered her great men.  It was a sort of refuge
+for reformers of all sorts, whom the good natives regarded as lunatics,
+harmless but amusing.
+
+My father went away to hold his classes and conversations, and we women
+folk began to feel that we also might do something.  So one gloomy
+November day we decided to move to Boston and try our fate again after
+some years in the wilderness.
+
+My father’s prospect was as promising as a philosopher’s ever is in a
+money-making world; my mother’s friends offered her a good salary as
+their missionary to the poor; and my sister and I hoped to teach.  It
+was an anxious council; and always preferring action to discussion, I
+took a brisk run over the hill and then settled down for "a good think"
+in my favorite retreat.
+
+It was an old cart-wheel, half hidden in grass under the locusts where I
+used to sit to wrestle with my sums, and usually forget them scribbling
+verses or fairy tales on my slate instead. Perched on the hub, I
+surveyed the prospect and found it rather gloomy, with leafless trees,
+sere grass, leaden sky, and frosty air; but the hopeful heart of fifteen
+beat warmly under the old red shawl, visions of success gave the gray
+clouds a silver lining, and I said defiantly, as I shook my fist at fate
+embodied in a crow cawing dismally on a fence near by,--
+
+"I _will_ do something by-and-by.  Don’t care what, teach, sew, act,
+write, anything to help the family; and I’ll be rich and famous and
+happy before I die, see if I won’t!"
+
+Startled by this audacious outburst, the crow flew away; but the old
+wheel creaked as if it began to turn at that moment, stirred by the
+intense desire of an ambitious girl to work for those she loved and find
+some reward when the duty was done.
+
+I did not mind the omen then, and returned to the house cold but
+resolute.  I think I began to shoulder my burden then and there, for
+when the free country life ended, the wild colt soon learned to tug in
+harness, only breaking loose now and then for a taste of beloved
+liberty.
+
+My sisters and I had cherished fine dreams of a home in the city; but
+when we found ourselves in a small house at the South End with not a
+tree in sight, only a back yard to play in, and no money to buy any of
+the splendors before us, we all rebelled and longed for the country
+again.
+
+Anna soon found little pupils, and trudged away each morning to her
+daily task, pausing at the corner to wave her hand to me in answer to my
+salute with the duster.  My father went to his classes at his room down
+town, mother to her all-absorbing poor, the little girls to school, and
+I was left to keep house, feeling like a caged sea-gull as I washed
+dishes and cooked in the basement kitchen, where my prospect was limited
+to a procession of muddy boots.
+
+Good drill, but very hard; and my only consolation was the evening
+reunion when all met with such varied reports of the day’s adventures,
+we could not fail to find both amusement and instruction.
+
+Father brought news from the upper world, and the wise, good people who
+adorned it; mother, usually much dilapidated because she _would_ give
+away her clothes, with sad tales of suffering and sin from the darker
+side of life; gentle Anna a modest account of her success as teacher,
+for even at seventeen her sweet nature won all who knew her, and her
+patience quelled the most rebellious pupil.
+
+My reports were usually a mixture of the tragic and the comic; and the
+children poured their small joys and woes into the family bosom, where
+comfort and sympathy were always to be found.
+
+Then we youngsters adjourned to the kitchen for our fun, which usually
+consisted of writing, dressing, and acting a series of remarkable plays.
+In one I remember I took five parts and Anna four, with lightning
+changes of costume, and characters varying from a Greek prince in silver
+armor to a murderer in chains.
+
+It was good training for memory and fingers, for we recited pages
+without a fault, and made every sort of property from a harp to a
+fairy’s spangled wings.  Later we acted Shakespeare; and Hamlet was my
+favorite hero, played with a gloomy glare and a tragic stalk which I
+have never seen surpassed.
+
+But we were now beginning to play our parts on a real stage, and to know
+something of the pathetic side of life, with its hard facts, irksome
+duties, many temptations, and the daily sacrifice of self.  Fortunately
+we had the truest, tenderest of guides and guards, and so learned the
+sweet uses of adversity, the value of honest work, the beautiful law of
+compensation which gives more than it takes, and the real significance
+of life.
+
+At sixteen I began to teach twenty pupils, and for ten years learned to
+know and love children.  The story-writing went on all the while with
+the usual trials of beginners.  Fairy tales told the Emersons made the
+first printed book, and "Hospital Sketches" the first successful one.
+
+Every experience went into the caldron to come out as froth, or
+evaporate in smoke, till time and suffering strengthened and clarified
+the mixture of truth and fancy, and a wholesome draught for children
+began to flow pleasantly and profitably.
+
+So the omen proved a true one, and the wheel of fortune turned slowly,
+till the girl of fifteen found herself a woman of fifty, with her
+prophetic dream beautifully realized, her duty done, her reward far
+greater than she deserved.
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Chapter I tailpiece]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Kitty gives the bunch of holly to the little girl.--PAGE
+36.]
+
+
+
+                                  II.
+
+                  A CHRISTMAS TURKEY, AND HOW IT CAME.
+
+
+"I know we could n’t do it."
+
+"I say we could, if we all helped."
+
+"How can we?"
+
+"I’ve planned lots of ways; only you mustn’t laugh at them, and you must
+n’t say a word to mother.  I want it to be all a surprise."
+
+"She ’ll find us out."
+
+"No, she won’t, if we tell her we won’t get into mischief."
+
+"Fire away, then, and let’s hear your fine plans."
+
+"We must talk softly, or we shall wake father. He’s got a headache."
+
+A curious change came over the faces of the two boys as their sister
+lowered her voice, with a nod toward a half-opened door.  They looked
+sad and ashamed, and Kitty sighed as she spoke, for all knew that
+father’s headaches always began by his coming home stupid or cross, with
+only a part of his wages; and mother always cried when she thought they
+did not see her, and after the long sleep father looked as if he did n’t
+like to meet their eyes, but went off early.
+
+They knew what it meant, but never spoke of it,--only pondered over it,
+and mourned with mother at the change which was slowly altering their
+kind industrious father into a moody man, and mother into an anxious
+over-worked woman.
+
+Kitty was thirteen, and a very capable girl, who helped with the
+housekeeping, took care of the two little ones, and went to school.
+Tommy and Sammy looked up to her and thought her a remarkably good
+sister.  Now, as they sat round the stove having "a go-to-bed warm," the
+three heads were close together; and the boys listened eagerly to
+Kitty’s plans, while the rattle of the sewing-machine in another room
+went on as tirelessly as it had done all day, for mother’s work was more
+and more needed every month.
+
+"Well!" began Kitty, in an impressive tone, "we all know that there
+won’t be a bit of Christmas in this family if we don’t make it.
+Mother’s too busy, and father don’t care, so we must see what we can do;
+for I should be mortified to death to go to school and say I had n’t had
+any turkey or plum-pudding.  Don’t expect presents; but we _must_ have
+some kind of a decent dinner."
+
+"So I say; I’m tired of fish and potatoes," said Sammy, the younger.
+
+"But where’s the dinner coming from?" asked Tommy, who had already taken
+some of the cares of life on his young shoulders, and knew that
+Christmas dinners did not walk into people’s houses without money.
+
+"We ’ll earn it;" and Kitty looked like a small Napoleon planning the
+passage of the Alps.  "You, Tom, must go early to-morrow to Mr. Brisket
+and offer to carry baskets.  He will be dreadfully busy, and want you, I
+know; and you are so strong you can lug as much as some of the big
+fellows.  He pays well, and if he won’t give much money, you can take
+your wages in things to eat.  We want everything."
+
+"What shall I do?" cried Sammy, while Tom sat turning this plan over in
+his mind.
+
+"Take the old shovel and clear sidewalks. The snow came on purpose to
+help you."
+
+"It’s awful hard work, and the shovel’s half gone," began Sammy, who
+preferred to spend his holiday coasting on an old tea-tray.
+
+"Don’t growl, or you won’t get any dinner," said Tom, making up his mind
+to lug baskets for the good of the family, like a manly lad as he was.
+
+"I," continued Kitty, "have taken the hardest part of all; for after my
+work is done, and the babies safely settled, I ’m going to beg for the
+leavings of the holly and pine swept out of the church down below, and
+make some wreaths and sell them."
+
+"If you can," put in Tommy, who had tried pencils, and failed to make a
+fortune.
+
+"Not in the street?" cried Sam, looking alarmed.
+
+"Yes, at the corner of the Park.  I ’m bound to make some money, and
+don’t see any other way.  I shall put on an old hood and shawl, and no
+one will know me.  Don’t care if they do."  And Kitty tried to mean what
+she said, but in her heart she felt that it would be a trial to her
+pride if any of her schoolmates should happen to recognize her.
+
+"Don’t believe you ’ll do it."
+
+"See if I don’t; for I _will_ have a good dinner one day in the year."
+
+"Well, it does n’t seem right for us to do it. Father ought to take care
+of us, and we only buy some presents with the little bit we earn. He
+never gives us anything now."  And Tommy scowled at the bedroom door,
+with a strong sense of injury struggling with affection in his boyish
+heart.
+
+"Hush!" cried Kitty.  "Don’t blame him. Mother says we never must forget
+he’s our father.  I try not to; but when she cries, it’s hard to feel as
+I ought."  And a sob made the little girl stop short as she poked the
+fire to hide the trouble in the face that should have been all smiles.
+
+For a moment the room was very still, as the snow beat on the window,
+and the fire-light flickered over the six shabby little boots put up on
+the stove hearth to dry.
+
+Tommy’s cheerful voice broke the silence, saying stoutly, "Well, if I
+’ve got to work all day, I guess I ’ll go to bed early.  Don’t fret,
+Kit.  We ’ll help all we can, and have a good time; see if we don’t."
+
+"I ’ll go out real early, and shovel like fury. Maybe I ’ll get a
+dollar.  Would that buy a turkey?" asked Sammy, with the air of a
+millionnaire.
+
+"No, dear; one big enough for us would cost two, I ’m afraid.  Perhaps
+we ’ll have one sent us.  We belong to the church, though folks don’t
+know how poor we are now, and we can’t beg."  And Kitty bustled about,
+clearing up, rather exercised in her mind about going and asking for the
+much-desired fowl.
+
+Soon all three were fast asleep, and nothing but the whir of the machine
+broke the quiet that fell upon the house.  Then from the inner room a
+man came and sat over the fire with his head in his hands and his eyes
+fixed on the ragged little boots left to dry.  He had heard the
+children’s talk; and his heart was very heavy as he looked about the
+shabby room that used to be so neat and pleasant.  What he thought no
+one knows, what he did we shall see by-and-by; but the sorrow and shame
+and tender silence of his children worked a miracle that night more
+lasting and lovely than the white beauty which the snow wrought upon the
+sleeping city.
+
+Bright and early the boys were away to their work; while Kitty sang as
+she dressed the little sisters, put the house in order, and made her
+mother smile at the mysterious hints she gave of something splendid
+which was going to happen.  Father was gone, and though all rather
+dreaded evening, nothing was said; but each worked with a will, feeling
+that Christmas should be merry in spite of poverty and care.
+
+All day Tommy lugged fat turkeys, roasts of beef, and every sort of
+vegetable for other people’s good dinners on the morrow, wondering
+meanwhile where his own was coming from. Mr. Brisket had an army of boys
+trudging here and there, and was too busy to notice any particular lad
+till the hurry was over, and only a few belated buyers remained to be
+served.  It was late; but the stores kept open, and though so tired he
+could hardly stand, brave Tommy held on when the other boys left, hoping
+to earn a trifle more by extra work.  He sat down on a barrel to rest
+during a leisure moment, and presently his weary head nodded sideways
+into a basket of cranberries, where he slept quietly till the sound of
+gruff voices roused him.
+
+It was Mr. Brisket scolding because one dinner had been forgotten.
+
+"I told that rascal Beals to be sure and carry it, for the old gentleman
+will be in a rage if it does n’t come, and take away his custom. Every
+boy gone, and I can’t leave the store, nor you either, Pat, with all the
+clearing up to do."
+
+"Here’s a by, sir, slapin illigant forninst the cranberries, bad luck to
+him!" answered Pat, with a shake that set poor Tom on his legs, wide
+awake at once.
+
+"_Good_ luck to him, you mean.  Here, What’s-your-name, you take this
+basket to that number, and I ’ll make it worth your while," said Mr.
+Brisket, much relieved by this unexpected help.
+
+"All right, sir;" and Tommy trudged off as briskly as his tired legs
+would let him, cheering the long cold walk with visions of the turkey
+with which his employer might reward him, for there were piles of them,
+and Pat was to have one for his family.
+
+His brilliant dreams were disappointed, however, for Mr. Brisket
+naturally supposed Tom’s father would attend to that part of the dinner,
+and generously heaped a basket with vegetables, rosy apples, and a quart
+of cranberries.
+
+"There, if you ain’t too tired, you can take one more load to that
+number, and a merry Christmas to you!" said the stout man, handing over
+his gift with the promised dollar.
+
+"Thank you, sir; good-night," answered Tom, shouldering his last load
+with a grateful smile, and trying not to look longingly at the poultry;
+for he had set his heart on at least a skinny bird as a surprise to Kit.
+
+Sammy’s adventures that day had been more varied and his efforts more
+successful, as we shall see, in the end, for Sammy was a most engaging
+little fellow, and no one could look into his blue eyes without wanting
+to pat his curly yellow head with one hand while the other gave him
+something.  The cares of life had not lessened his confidence in people;
+and only the most abandoned ruffians had the heart to deceive or
+disappoint him.  His very tribulations usually led to something
+pleasant, and whatever happened, sunshiny Sam came right side up, lucky
+and laughing.
+
+Undaunted by the drifts or the cold wind, he marched off with the
+remains of the old shovel to seek his fortune, and found it at the third
+house where he called.  The first two sidewalks were easy jobs; and he
+pocketed his ninepences with a growing conviction that this was his
+chosen work.  The third sidewalk was a fine long one, for the house
+stood on the corner, and two pavements must be cleared.
+
+"It ought to be fifty cents; but perhaps they won’t give me so much, I’m
+such a young one. I’ll show ’em I can work, though, like a man;" and
+Sammy rang the bell with the energy of a telegraph boy.
+
+Before the bell could be answered, a big boy rushed up, exclaiming
+roughly, "Get out of this!  I’m going to have the job.  You can’t do it.
+Start, now, or I’ll chuck you into a snow-bank."
+
+"I won’t!" answered Sammy, indignant at the brutal tone and unjust
+claim.  "I got here first, and it’s my job.  You let me alone.  I ain’t
+afraid of you or your snow-banks either."
+
+The big boy wasted no time in words, for steps were heard inside, but
+after a brief scuffle hauled Sammy, fighting bravely all the way, down
+the steps, and tumbled him into a deep drift.  Then he ran up the steps,
+and respectfully asked for the job when a neat maid opened the door.  He
+would have got it if Sam had not roared out, as he floundered in the
+drift, "I came first.  He knocked me down ’cause I ’m the smallest.
+Please let me do it; please!"
+
+Before another word could be said, a little old lady appeared in the
+hall, trying to look stern, and failing entirely, because she was the
+picture of a dear fat, cosey grandma.
+
+"Send that _bad_ big boy away, Maria, and call in the poor little
+fellow.  I saw the whole thing, and _he_ shall have the job if he can do
+it."
+
+The bully slunk away, and Sammy came panting up the steps, white with
+snow, a great bruise on his forehead, and a beaming smile on his face,
+looking so like a jolly little Santa Claus who had taken a "header" out
+of his sleigh that the maid laughed, and the old lady exclaimed, "Bless
+the boy! he’s dreadfully hurt, and does n’t know it.  Come in and be
+brushed and get your breath, child, and tell me how that scamp came to
+treat you so."
+
+Nothing loath to be comforted, Sammy told his little tale while Maria
+dusted him off on the mat, and the old lady hovered in the doorway of
+the dining-room, where a nice breakfast smoked and smelled so
+deliciously that the boy sniffed the odor of coffee and buckwheats like
+a hungry hound.
+
+"He ’ll get his death if he goes to work till he’s dried a bit.  Put him
+over the register, Maria, and I ’ll give him a hot drink, for it’s
+bitter cold, poor dear!"
+
+Away trotted the kind old lady, and in a minute came back with coffee
+and cakes, on which Sammy feasted as he warmed his toes and told Kitty’s
+plans for Christmas, led on by the old lady’s questions, and quite
+unconscious that he was letting all sorts of cats out of the bag.
+
+Mrs. Bryant understood the little story, and made her plans also, for
+the rosy-faced boy was very like a little grandson who died last year,
+and her sad old heart was very tender to all other small boys.  So she
+found out where Sammy lived, and nodded and smiled at him most cheerily
+as he tugged stoutly away at the snow on the long pavements till all was
+done, and the little workman came for his wages.
+
+A bright silver dollar and a pocketful of gingerbread sent him off a
+rich and happy boy to shovel and sweep till noon, when he proudly showed
+his earnings at home, and feasted the babies on the carefully hoarded
+cake, for Dilly and Dot were the idols of the household.
+
+"Now, Sammy dear, I want you to take my place here this afternoon, for
+mother will have to take her work home by-and-by, and I must sell my
+wreaths.  I only got enough green for six, and two bunches of holly; but
+if I can sell them for ten or twelve cents apiece, I shall be glad.
+Girls never _can_ earn as much money as boys somehow," sighed Kitty,
+surveying the thin wreaths tied up with carpet ravellings, and vainly
+puzzling her young wits over a sad problem.
+
+"I ’ll give you some of my money if you don’t get a dollar; then we’ll
+be even.  Men always take care of women, you know, and ought to," cried
+Sammy, setting a fine example to his father, if he had only been there
+to profit by it.
+
+With thanks Kitty left him to rest on the old sofa, while the happy
+babies swarmed over him; and putting on the shabby hood and shawl, she
+slipped away to stand at the Park gate, modestly offering her little
+wares to the passers-by.  A nice old gentleman bought two, and his wife
+scolded him for getting such bad ones; but the money gave more happiness
+than any other he spent that day.  A child took a ten-cent bunch of
+holly with its red berries, and there Kitty’s market ended.  It was very
+cold, people were in a hurry, bolder hucksters pressed before the timid
+little girl, and the balloon man told her to "clear out."
+
+Hoping for better luck, she tried several other places; but the short
+afternoon was soon over, the streets began to thin, the keen wind
+chilled her to the bone, and her heart was very heavy to think that in
+all the rich, merry city, where Christmas gifts passed her in every
+hand, there were none for the dear babies and boys at home, and the
+Christmas dinner was a failure.
+
+"I must go and get supper anyway; and I ’ll hang these up in our own
+rooms, as I can’t sell them," said Kitty, wiping a very big tear from
+her cold cheek, and turning to go away.
+
+A smaller, shabbier girl than herself stood near, looking at the bunch
+of holly with wistful eyes; and glad to do to others as she wished some
+one would do to her, Kitty offered the only thing she had to give,
+saying kindly, "You may have it; merry Christmas!" and ran away before
+the delighted child could thank her.
+
+I am very sure that one of the spirits who fly about at this season of
+the year saw the little act, made a note of it, and in about fifteen
+minutes rewarded Kitty for her sweet remembrance of the golden rule.
+
+As she went sadly homeward she looked up at some of the big houses where
+every window shone with the festivities of Christmas Eve, and more than
+one tear fell, for the little girl found life pretty hard just then.
+
+"There don’t seem to be any wreaths at these windows; perhaps they ’d
+buy mine.  I can’t bear to go home with so little for my share," she
+said, stopping before one of the biggest and brightest of these fairy
+palaces, where the sound of music was heard, and many little heads
+peeped from behind the curtains as if watching for some one.
+
+Kitty was just going up the steps to make another trial, when two small
+boys came racing round the corner, slipped on the icy pavement, and both
+went down with a crash that would have broken older bones.  One was up
+in a minute, laughing; the other lay squirming and howling, "Oh, my
+knee! my knee!" till Kitty ran and picked him up with the motherly
+consolations she had learned to give.
+
+"It’s broken; I know it is," wailed the small sufferer as Kitty carried
+him up the steps, while his friend wildly rang the doorbell.
+
+It was like going into fairy-land, for the house was all astir with a
+children’s Christmas party. Servants flew about with smiling faces; open
+doors gave ravishing glimpses of a feast in one room and a splendid tree
+in another; while a crowd of little faces peered over the balusters in
+the hall above, eager to come down and enjoy the glories prepared for
+them.
+
+A pretty young girl came to meet Kitty, and listened to her story of the
+accident, which proved to be less severe than it at first appeared; for
+Bertie, the injured party, forgot his anguish at sight of the tree, and
+hopped upstairs so nimbly that every one laughed.
+
+"He said his leg was broken, but I guess he’s all right," said Kitty,
+reluctantly turning from this happy scene to go out into the night
+again.
+
+"Would you like to see our tree before the children come down?" asked
+the pretty girl, seeing the wistful look in the child’s eyes, and the
+shine of half-dried tears on her cheek.
+
+"Oh, yes; I never saw anything so lovely. I ’d like to tell the babies
+all about it;" and Kitty’s face beamed at the prospect, as if the kind
+words had melted all the frost away.
+
+"How many babies are there?" asked the pretty girl, as she led the way
+into the brilliant room.  Kitty told her, adding several other facts,
+for the friendly atmosphere seemed to make them friends at once.
+
+"I will buy the wreaths, for we have n’t any," said the girl in silk, as
+Kitty told how she was just coming to offer them when the boys fell.
+
+It was pretty to see how carefully the little hostess laid away the
+shabby garlands and slipped a half-dollar into Kitty’s hand; prettier
+still, to watch the sly way in which she tucked some bonbons, a red
+ball, a blue whip, two china dolls, two pairs of little mittens, and
+some gilded nuts into an empty box for "the babies;" and prettiest of
+all, to see the smiles and tears make April in Kitty’s face as she tried
+to tell her thanks for this beautiful surprise.
+
+The world was all right when she got into the street again and ran home
+with the precious box hugged close, feeling that at last she had
+something to make a merry Christmas of.
+
+Shrieks of joy greeted her, for Sammy’s nice old lady had sent a basket
+full of pies, nuts and raisins, oranges and cake, and--oh, happy
+Sammy!--a sled, all for love of the blue eyes that twinkled so merrily
+when he told her about the tea-tray.  Piled upon this red car of
+triumph, Dilly and Dot were being dragged about, while the other
+treasures were set forth on the table.
+
+"I must show mine," cried Kitty; "we ’ll look at them to-night, and have
+them to-morrow;" and amid more cries of rapture _her_ box was unpacked,
+_her_ money added to the pile in the middle of the table, where Sammy
+had laid his handsome contribution toward the turkey.
+
+Before the story of the splendid tree was over, in came Tommy with his
+substantial offering and his hard-earned dollar.
+
+"I ’m afraid I ought to keep my money for shoes.  I ’ve walked the soles
+off these to-day, and can’t go to school barefooted," he said, bravely
+trying to put the temptation of skates behind him.
+
+"We ’ve got a good dinner without a turkey, and perhaps we ’d better not
+get it," added Kitty, with a sigh, as she surveyed the table, and
+remembered the blue knit hood marked seventy-five cents that she saw in
+a shop-window.
+
+"Oh, we _must_ have a turkey! we worked so hard for it, and it’s so
+Christmasy," cried Sam, who always felt that pleasant things ought to
+happen.
+
+"Must have turty," echoed the babies, as they eyed the dolls tenderly.
+
+"You _shall_ have a turkey, and there he is," said an unexpected voice,
+as a noble bird fell upon the table, and lay there kicking up his legs
+as if enjoying the surprise immensely.
+
+It was father’s voice, and there stood father, neither cross nor stupid,
+but looking as he used to look, kind and happy, and beside him was
+mother, smiling as they had not seen her smile for months.  It was not
+because the work was well paid for, and more promised, but because she
+had received a gift that made the world bright, a home happy
+again,--father’s promise to drink no more.
+
+"I ’ve been working to-day as well as you, and you may keep your money
+for yourselves. There are shoes for all; and never again, please God,
+shall my children be ashamed of me, or want a dinner Christmas Day."
+
+As father said this with a choke in his voice, and mother’s head went
+down on his shoulder to hide the happy tears that wet her cheeks, the
+children did n’t know whether to laugh or cry, till Kitty, with the
+instinct of a loving heart, settled the question by saying, as she held
+out her hands, "We have n’t any tree, so let’s dance around our goodies
+and be merry."
+
+Then the tired feet in the old shoes forgot their weariness, and five
+happy little souls skipped gayly round the table, where, in the midst of
+all the treasures earned and given, father’s Christmas turkey proudly
+lay in state.
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Chapter II tailpiece]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: "Grandpapa Ladle cheered them on, like a fine old
+gentleman as he was."--PAGE 55.]
+
+
+
+                                  III.
+
+                           THE SILVER PARTY.
+
+
+"Such a long morning!  Seems as if dinner-time would never come!" sighed
+Tony, as he wandered into the dining-room for a third pick at the nuts
+and raisins to beguile his weariness with a little mischief.
+
+It was Thanksgiving Day.  All the family were at church, all the
+servants busy preparing for the great dinner; and so poor Tony, who had
+a cold, had not only to stay at home, but to amuse himself while the
+rest said their prayers, made calls, or took a brisk walk to get an
+appetite.  If he had been allowed in the kitchen, he would have been
+quite happy; but cook was busy and cross, and rapped him on the head
+with a poker when he ventured near the door.  Peeping through the slide
+was also forbidden, and John, the man, bribed him with an orange to keep
+out of the way till the table was set.
+
+That was now done.  The dining-room was empty and quiet, and poor Tony
+lay down on the sofa to eat his nuts and admire the fine sight before
+him.  All the best damask, china, glass, and silver was set forth with
+great care. A basket of flowers hung from the chandelier, and the
+sideboard was beautiful to behold with piled-up fruit, dishes of cake,
+and many-colored finger-bowls and glasses.
+
+"That’s all very nice, but the eating part is what _I_ care for.  Don’t
+believe I ’ll get my share to-day, because mamma found out about this
+horrid cold.  A fellow can’t help sneezing, though he can hide a sore
+throat.  Oh, hum! nearly two more hours to wait;" and with a long sigh
+Tony closed his eyes for a luxurious yawn.
+
+When he opened them, the strange sight he beheld kept him staring
+without a thought of sleep.  The big soup-ladle stood straight up at the
+head of the table with a face plainly to be seen in the bright bowl.  It
+was a very heavy, handsome old ladle, so the face was old, but round and
+jolly; and the long handle stood very erect, like a tall thin gentleman
+with a big head.
+
+"Well, upon my word that’s queer!" said Tony, sitting up also, and
+wondering what would happen next.
+
+To his great amazement the ladle began to address the assembled forks
+and spoons in a silvery tone very pleasant to hear:--
+
+"Ladies and gentlemen, at this festive season it is proper that we
+should enjoy ourselves. As we shall be tired after dinner, we will at
+once begin our sports by a grand promenade. Take partners and fall in!"
+
+At these words a general uprising took place; and before Tony could get
+his breath a long procession of forks and spoons stood ready. The
+finger-bowls struck up an airy tune as if invisible wet fingers were
+making music on their rims, and led by the stately ladle like a
+drum-major, the grand march began.  The forks were the gentlemen, tall,
+slender, and with a fine curve to their backs; the spoons were the
+ladies, with full skirts, and the scallops on the handles stood up like
+silver combs; the large ones were the mammas, the teaspoons were the
+young ladies, and the little salts the children. It was sweet to see the
+small things walk at the end of the procession, with the two silver
+rests for the carving knife and fork trotting behind like pet dogs.  The
+mustard-spoon and pickle-fork went together, and quarrelled all the way,
+both being hot-tempered and sharp-tongued. The steel knives looked on,
+for this was a very aristocratic party, and only the silver people could
+join in it.
+
+"Here ’s fun!" thought Tony, staring with all his might, and so much
+interested in this remarkable state of things that he forgot hunger and
+time altogether.
+
+Round and round went the glittering train, to the soft music of the
+many-toned finger-bowls, till three turns about the long oval table had
+been made; then all fell into line for a contradance, as in the good old
+times before every one took to spinning like tops.  Grandpa Ladle led
+off with his oldest daughter, Madam Gravy Ladle, and the little salts
+stood at the bottom prancing like real children impatient for their
+turn.  When it came, they went down the middle in fine style, with a
+cling! clang! that made Tony’s legs quiver with a longing to join in.
+
+It was beautiful to see the older ones twirl round in a stately way,
+with bows and courtesies at the end, while the teaspoons and small forks
+romped a good deal, and Mr. Pickle and Miss Mustard kept every one
+laughing at their smart speeches.  The silver butter-knife, who was an
+invalid, having broken her back and been mended, lay in the rack and
+smiled sweetly down upon her friends, while the little Cupid on the lid
+of the butter-dish pirouetted on one toe in the most delightful manner.
+
+When every one had gone through the dance, the napkins were arranged as
+sofas and the spoons rested, while the polite forks brought sprigs of
+celery to fan them with.  The little salts got into grandpa’s lap; and
+the silver dogs lay down panting, for they had frisked with the
+children.  They all talked; and Tony could not help wondering if real
+ladies said such things when they put _their_ heads together and nodded
+and whispered, for some of the remarks were so personal that he was much
+confused. Fortunately they took no notice of him, so he listened and
+learned something in this queer way.
+
+"I have been in this family a hundred years," began the soup-ladle; "and
+it seems to me that each generation is worst than the last.  My first
+master was punctual to a minute, and madam was always down beforehand to
+see that all was ready.  Now master comes at all hours; mistress lets
+the servants do as they like; and the manners of the children are very
+bad.  Sad state of things, very sad!"
+
+"Dear me, yes!" sighed one of the large spoons; "we don’t see such nice
+housekeeping now as we did when we were young.  Girls were taught all
+about it then; but now it is all books or parties, and few of them know
+a skimmer from a gridiron."
+
+"Well, I ’m sure the poor things are much happier than if they were
+messing about in kitchens as girls used to do in your day.  It is much
+better for them to be dancing, skating, and studying than wasting their
+young lives darning and preserving, and sitting by their mammas as prim
+as dishes.  _I_ prefer the present way of doing things, though the girls
+in this family _do_ sit up too late, and wear too high heels to their
+boots."
+
+The mustard-spoon spoke in a pert tone, and the pickle-fork answered
+sharply,--
+
+"I agree with you, cousin.  The boys also sit up too late.  I ’m tired
+of being waked to fish out olives or pickles for those fellows when they
+come in from the theatre or some dance; and as for that Tony, he is a
+real pig,--eats everything he can lay hands on, and is the torment of
+the maid’s life."
+
+"Yes," cried one little salt-spoon, "we saw him steal cake out of the
+sideboard, and he never told when his mother scolded Norah."
+
+"So mean!" added the other; and both the round faces were so full of
+disgust that Tony fell flat and shut his eyes as if asleep to hide his
+confusion.  Some one laughed; but he dared not look, and lay blushing
+and listening to remarks which plainly proved how careful we should be
+of our acts and words even when alone, for who knows what apparently
+dumb thing may be watching us.
+
+"I have observed that Mr. Murry reads the paper at table instead of
+talking to his family; that Mrs. Murry worries about the servants; the
+girls gossip and giggle; the boys eat, and plague one another; and that
+small child Nelly teases for all she sees, and is never quiet till she
+gets the sugar-bowl," said Grandpa Ladle, in a tone of regret.  "Now,
+useful and pleasant chat at table would make meals delightful, instead
+of being scenes of confusion and discomfort."
+
+"I bite their tongues when I get a chance, hoping to make them witty or
+to check unkind words; but they only sputter, and get a lecture from
+Aunt Maria, who is a sour old spinster, always criticising her
+neighbors."’
+
+As the mustard-spoon spoke, the teaspoons laughed as if they thought
+_her_ rather like Aunt Maria in that respect.
+
+"I gave the baby a fit of colic to teach her to let pickles alone, but
+no one thanked me," said the pickle-fork.
+
+"Perhaps if we keep ourselves so bright that those who use us can see
+their faces in us, we shall be able to help them a little; for no one
+likes to see an ugly face or a dull spoon.  The art of changing frowns
+to smiles is never old-fashioned; and lovely manners smooth away the
+little worries of life beautifully."  A silvery voice spoke, and all
+looked respectfully at Madam Gravy Ladle, who was a very fine old spoon,
+with a coat of arms on it, and a polish that all envied.
+
+"People can’t always be remembering how old and valuable and bright they
+are.  Here in America we just go ahead and make manners and money for
+ourselves.  _I_ don’t stop to ask what dish I ’m going to help to; I
+just pitch in and take all I can hold, and don’t care a bit whether I
+shine or not.  My grandfather was a kitchen spoon; but I’m smarter than
+he was, thanks to my plating, and look and feel as good as any one,
+though I have n’t got stags’ heads and big letters on my handle."
+
+No one answered these impertinent remarks of the sauce-spoon, for all
+knew that she was not pure silver, and was only used on occasions when
+many spoons were needed.  Tony was ashamed to hear her talk in that rude
+way to the fine old silver he was so proud of, and resolved he ’d give
+the saucy spoon a good rap when he helped himself to the cranberry.
+
+An impressive silence lasted till a lively fork exclaimed, as the clock
+struck, "Every one is coasting out-of-doors.  Why not have our share of
+the fun inside?  It is very fashionable this winter, and ladies and
+gentlemen of the best families do it, I assure you."
+
+"We will!" cried the other forks; and as the dowagers did not object,
+all fell to work to arrange the table for this agreeable sport.  Tony
+sat up to see how they would manage, and was astonished at the ingenuity
+of the silver people. With a great clinking and rattling they ran to and
+fro, dragging the stiff white mats about; the largest they leaned up
+against the tall caster, and laid the rest in a long slope to the edge
+of the table, where a pile of napkins made a nice snowdrift to tumble
+into.
+
+"What _will_ they do for sleds?" thought Tony; and the next minute
+chuckled when he saw them take the slices of bread laid at each place,
+pile on, and spin away, with a great scattering of crumbs like
+snowflakes, and much laughter as they landed in the white pile at the
+end of the coast.
+
+"Won’t John give it to ’em if he comes in and catches ’em turning his
+nice table topsy-turvy!" said the boy to himself, hoping nothing would
+happen to end this jolly frolic.  So he kept very still, and watched the
+gay forks and spoons climb up and whiz down till they were tired.  The
+little salts got Baby Nell’s own small slice, and had lovely times on a
+short coast of their own made of one mat held up by grandpa, who smiled
+benevolently at the fun, being too old and heavy to join in it.
+
+They kept it up until the slices were worn thin, and one or two upsets
+alarmed the ladies; then they rested and conversed again.  The mammas
+talked about their children, how sadly the silver basket needed a new
+lining, and what there was to be for dinner.  The teaspoons whispered
+sweetly together, as young ladies do,--one declaring that rouge powder
+was not as good as it used to be, another lamenting the sad effect of
+eggs upon her complexion, and all smiled amiably upon the forks, who
+stood about discussing wines and cigars, for both lived in the
+sideboard, and were brought out after dinner, so the forks knew a great
+deal about such matters, and found them very interesting, as all
+gentlemen seem to do.
+
+Presently some one mentioned bicycles, and what fine rides the boys of
+the family told about. The other fellows proposed a race; and before
+Tony could grasp the possibility of such a thing, it was done.  Nothing
+easier, for there stood a pile of plates, and just turning them on their
+edges, the forks got astride, and the big wheels spun away as if a whole
+bicycle club had suddenly arrived.
+
+Old Pickle took the baby’s plate, as better suited to his size.  The
+little salts made a tricycle of napkin-rings, and rode gayly off, with
+the dogs barking after them.  Even the carving-fork, though not invited,
+could not resist the exciting sport, and tipping up the wooden
+bread-platter, went whizzing off at a great pace, for his two prongs
+were better than four, and his wheel was lighter than the china ones.
+Grand-papa Ladle cheered them on, like a fine old gentleman as he was,
+for though the new craze rather astonished him, he liked manly sports,
+and would have taken a turn if his dignity and age had allowed.  The
+ladies chimed their applause, for it really was immensely exciting to
+see fourteen plates with forks astride racing round the large table with
+cries of, "Go it, Pickle!  Now, then, Prongs!  Steady, Silver-top!
+Hurrah for the twins!"
+
+The fun was at its height when young Prongs ran against Pickle, who did
+not steer well, and both went off the table with a crash.  All stopped
+at once, and crowded to the edge to see who was killed.  The plates lay
+in pieces, old Pickle had a bend in his back that made him groan
+dismally, and Prongs had fallen down the register.
+
+Wails of despair arose at that awful sight, for he was a favorite with
+every one, and such a tragic death was too much for some of the
+tender-hearted spoons, who fainted at the idea of that gallant fork’s
+destruction in what to them was a fiery volcano.
+
+"Serves Pickle right!  He ought to know he was too old for such wild
+games," scolded Miss Mustard, peering anxiously over at her friend, for
+they were fond of one another in spite of their tiffs.
+
+"Now let us see what these fine folks will do when they get off the
+damask and come to grief. A helpless lot, I fancy, and those fellows
+deserve what they ’ve got," said the sauce-spoon, nearly upsetting the
+twins as she elbowed her way to the front to jeer over the fallen.
+
+"I think you will see that gentle people are as brave as those who make
+a noise," answered Madam Gravy, and leaning over the edge of the table
+she added in her sweet voice, "Dear Mr. Pickle, we will let down a
+napkin and pull you up if you have strength to take hold."
+
+"Pull away, ma’am," groaned Pickle, who well deserved his name just
+then, and soon, thanks to Madam’s presence of mind, he was safely laid
+on a pile of mats, while Miss Mustard put a plaster on his injured back.
+
+Meanwhile brave Grandpapa Ladle had slipped from the table to a chair,
+and so to the floor without too great a jar to his aged frame; then
+sliding along the carpet, he reached the register. Peering down that
+dark, hot abyss he cried, while all listened breathlessly for a reply,
+"Prongs, my boy, are you there?"
+
+"Ay, ay, sir; I ’m caught in the wire screen. Ask some of the fellows to
+lend a hand and get me out before I ’m melted," answered the fork, with
+a gasp of agony.
+
+Instantly the long handle of the patriarchal Ladle was put down to his
+rescue, and after a moment of suspense, while Prongs caught firmly hold,
+up he came, hot and dusty, but otherwise unharmed by that dreadful fall.
+Cheers greeted them, and every one lent a hand at the napkin as they
+were hoisted to the table to be embraced by their joyful relatives and
+friends.
+
+"What did you think about down in that horrid place?" asked one of the
+twins.
+
+"I thought of a story I once heard master tell, about a child who was
+found one cold day sitting with his feet on a newspaper, and when asked
+what he was doing, answered, ’Warming my feet on the "Christian
+Register."’  I hoped my register would be Christian enough not to melt
+me before help came.  Ha! ha!  See the joke, my dears?" and Prongs
+laughed as gayly as if he never had taken a header into a volcano.
+
+"What did you see down there?" asked the other twin, curious, as all
+small people are.
+
+"Lots of dust and pins, a doll’s head baby put there, Norah’s thimble,
+and the big red marble that boy Tony was raging about the other day.
+It’s a regular catch-all, and shows how the work is shirked in this
+house," answered Prongs, stretching his legs, which were a little
+damaged by the fall.
+
+"What shall we do about the plates?" asked Pickle, from his bed.
+
+"Let them lie, for we can’t mend them. John will think the boy broke
+them, and he’ll get punished, as he deserves, for he broke a tumbler
+yesterday, and put it slyly in the ash-barrel," said Miss Mustard,
+spitefully.
+
+"Oh!  I say, that’s mean," began Tony; but no one listened, and in a
+minute Prongs answered bravely,--
+
+"I ’m a gentleman, and I don’t let other people take the blame of my
+scrapes.  Tony has enough of his own to answer for."
+
+"I’ll have that bent fork for mine, and make John keep it as bright as a
+new dollar to pay for this.  Prongs is a trump, and I wish I could tell
+him so," thought Tony, much gratified at this handsome behavior.
+
+"Right, grandson.  I am pleased with you; but allow me to suggest that
+the Chinese Mandarin on the chimney-piece be politely requested to mend
+the plates.  He can  do that sort of thing nicely, and will be charmed
+to oblige us, I am sure."
+
+Grandpapa’s suggestion was a good one; and Yam Ki Lo consented at once,
+skipped to the floor, tapped the bits of china with his fan, and in the
+twinkling of an eye was back on his perch, leaving two whole plates
+behind him, for he was a wizard, and knew all about blue china.
+
+Just as the silver people were rejoicing over this fine escape from
+discovery, the clock struck, a bell rang, voices were heard upstairs,
+and it was very evident that the family had arrived. At these sounds a
+great flurry arose in the dining-room, as every spoon, fork, plate, and
+napkin flew back to its place.  Pickle rushed to the jar, and plunged in
+head first, regardless of his back; Miss Mustard retired to the caster;
+the twins scrambled into the salt-cellar; and the silver dogs lay down
+by the carving knife and fork as quietly as if they had never stirred a
+leg; Grandpapa slowly reposed in his usual place; Madam followed his
+example with dignity; the teaspoons climbed into the holder, uttering
+little cries of alarm; and Prongs stayed to help them till he had barely
+time to drop down at Tony’s place, and lie there with his bent leg in
+the air, the only sign of the great fall, about which he talked for a
+long time afterward.  All was in order but the sauce-spoon, who had
+stopped to laugh at the Mandarin till it was too late to get to her
+corner; and before she could find any place of concealment, John came in
+and caught her lying in the middle of the table, looking very common and
+shabby among all the bright silver.
+
+"What in the world is that old plated thing here for?  Missis told Norah
+to put it in the kitchen, as she had a new one for a present
+to-day--real silver--so out you go;" and as he spoke, John threw the
+spoon through the slide,--an exile forevermore from the good society
+which she did not value as she should.
+
+Tony saw the glimmer of a smile in Grand-papa Ladle’s face, but it was
+gone like a flash, and by the time the boy reached the table nothing was
+to be seen in the silver bowl but his own round rosy countenance, full
+of wonder.
+
+"I don’t think any one will believe what I ’ve seen, but I mean to tell,
+it was so _very_ curious," he said, as he surveyed the scene of the late
+frolic, now so neat and quiet that not a wrinkle or a crumb betrayed
+what larks had been going on.
+
+Hastily fishing up his long-lost marble, the doll’s head, and Norah’s
+thimble, he went thoughtfully upstairs to welcome his cousins, still
+much absorbed by this very singular affair.
+
+Dinner was soon announced; and while it lasted every one was too busy
+eating the good things before them to observe how quiet the usually
+riotous Tony was.  His appetite for turkey and cranberries seemed to
+have lost its sharp edge, and the mince-pie must have felt itself sadly
+slighted by his lack of appreciation of its substance and flavor.  He
+seemed in a brown-study, and kept staring about as if he saw more than
+other people did.  He examined Nelly’s plate as if looking for a crack,
+smiled at the little spoon when he took salt, refused pickles and
+mustard with a frown, kept a certain bent fork by him as long as
+possible, and tried to make music with a wet finger on the rim of his
+bowl at dessert.
+
+But in the evening, when the young people sat around the fire, he amused
+them by telling the queer story of the silver party; but he very wisely
+left out the remarks made upon himself and family, remembering how
+disagreeable the sauce-spoon had seemed, and he privately resolved to
+follow Madam Gravy Ladle’s advice to keep his own face bright, manners
+polite, and speech kindly, that he might prove himself to be pure
+silver, and be stamped a gentleman.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: "Presently she sat down and let them tap her
+cheeks."--PAGE 82.]
+
+
+
+                                  IV.
+
+                            THE BLIND LARK.
+
+
+High up in an old house, full of poor people, lived Lizzie, with her
+mother and Baby Billy.  The street was a narrow, noisy place, where
+carts rumbled and dirty children played; where the sun seldom shone, the
+fresh wind seldom blew, and the white snow of winter was turned at once
+to black mud.  One bare room was Lizzie’s home, and out of it she seldom
+went, for she was a prisoner.  We all pity the poor princesses who were
+shut up in towers by bad fairies, the men and women in jails, and the
+little birds in cages, but Lizzie was a sadder prisoner than any of
+these.
+
+The prince always comes to the captive princess, the jail doors open in
+time, and the birds find some kind hand to set them free; but there
+seemed no hope of escape for this poor child. Only nine years old, and
+condemned to life-long helplessness, loneliness, and darkness,--for she
+was blind.
+
+She could dimly remember the blue sky, green earth, and beautiful sun;
+for the light went out when she was six, and the cruel fever left her a
+pale little shadow to haunt that room ever since.  The father was dead;
+the mother worked hard for daily bread; they had no friends; and the
+good fairies seemed to have forgotten them.  Still, like the larks one
+sees in Brittany, whose eyes cruel boys put out that they may sing the
+sweeter, Lizzie made music in her cage, singing to baby; and when he
+slept, she sat by the window listening to the noise below for company,
+crooning to herself till she too fell asleep and forgot the long, long
+days that had no play, no school, no change for her such as other
+children know.
+
+Every morning mother gave them their porridge, locked the door, and went
+away to work, leaving something for the children’s dinner, and Lizzie to
+take care of herself and Billy till night.  There was no other way, for
+both were too helpless to be trusted elsewhere, and there was no one to
+look after them.  But Lizzie knew her way about the room, and could find
+the bed, the window, and the table where the bread and milk stood.
+There was seldom any fire in the stove, and the window was barred, so
+the little prisoners were safe; and day after day they lived together a
+sad, solitary, unchildlike life that makes one’s heart ache to think of.
+
+Lizzie watched over Billy like a faithful little mother, and Billy did
+his best to bear his trials and comfort sister like a man.  He was not a
+rosy, rollicking fellow, like most year-old boys, but pale and thin and
+quiet, with a pathetic look in his big blue eyes, as if he said,
+"Something is wrong; will some one kindly put it right for us?"  But he
+seldom complained unless in pain, and would lie for hours on the old
+bed, watching the flies, which were his only other playmates, stretching
+out his little hands to the few rays of sunshine that crept in now and
+then, as if longing for them, like a flower in a cellar.  When Lizzie
+sang, he hummed softly; and when he was hungry, cold, or tired, he
+called, "Lib!  Lib!" meaning "Lizzie," and nestled up to her, forgetting
+all his baby woes in her tender arms.
+
+Seeing her so fond and faithful, the poor neighbors loved as well as
+pitied her, and did what they could for the afflicted child.  The busy
+women would pause at the locked door to ask if all was right; the dirty
+children brought her dandelions from the park; and the rough workmen of
+the factory opposite, with a kind word, would toss an apple or a cake
+through the open window.  They had learned to look for the little
+wistful face behind the bars, and loved to listen to the childish voice
+which caught and imitated the songs they sang and whistled, like a sweet
+echo.  They called her "the blind lark;" and though she never knew it,
+many were the better for the pity they gave her.
+
+Baby slept a great deal, for life offered him few pleasures, and like a
+small philosopher, he wisely tried to forget the troubles which he could
+not cure; so Lizzie had nothing to do but sing, and try to imagine how
+the world looked.  She had no one to tell her, and the few memories grew
+dimmer and dimmer each year.  She did not know how to work or to play,
+never having been taught, and mother was too tired at night to do
+anything but get supper and go to bed.
+
+"The child will be an idiot soon, if she does not die," people said; and
+it seemed as if this would be the fate of the poor little girl, since no
+one came to save her during those three weary years.  She often said,
+"I’m of _some_ use.  I take care of Billy, and I could n’t live without
+him."
+
+But even this duty and delight was taken from her, for that cold spring
+nipped the poor little flower, and one day Billy shut his blue eyes with
+a patient sigh and left her all alone.
+
+Then Lizzie’s heart seemed broken; and people thought she would soon
+follow him, now that her one care and comfort was gone.  All day she lay
+with her cheek on Billy’s pillow, holding the battered tin cup and a
+little worn-out shoe, and it was pitiful to hear her sing the old
+lullabies as if baby still could hear them.
+
+"It will be a mercy if the poor thing does n’t live; blind folks are no
+use and a sight of trouble," said one woman to another as they gossiped
+in the hall after calling on the child during her mother’s absence, for
+the door was left unlocked since she was ill.
+
+"Yes, Mrs. Davis would get on nicely if she had n’t such a burden.
+Thank Heaven, my children are n’t blind," answered the other, hugging
+her baby closer as she went away.
+
+Lizzie heard them, and hoped with all her sad little soul that death
+would set her free, since she was of no use in the world.  To go and be
+with Billy was all her desire now, and she was on her way to him,
+growing daily weaker and more content to be dreaming of dear baby well
+and happy, waiting for her somewhere in a lovely place called heaven.
+
+The summer vacation came; and hundreds of eager children were hurrying
+away to the mountains and seashore for two months of healthful pleasure.
+Even the dirty children in the lane felt the approach of berry-time, and
+rejoiced in their freedom from cold as they swarmed like flies about the
+corner grocery where over-ripe fruit was thrown out for them to scramble
+over.
+
+Lizzie heard about good times when some of these young neighbors were
+chosen to go on the poor children’s picnics, and came back with big
+sandwiches buttoned up in their jackets, pickles, peanuts, and buns in
+their pockets, hands full of faded flowers, and hearts brimming over
+with childish delight at a day in the woods.  She listened with a faint
+smile, enjoyed the "woodsy" smell of the green things, and wondered if
+they had nice picnics in heaven, being sorry that Billy had missed them
+here.  But she did not seem to care much, or hope for any pleasure for
+herself except to see baby again.
+
+I think there were few sadder sights in that great city than this
+innocent prisoner waiting so patiently to be set free.  Would it be by
+the gentle angel of death, or one of the human angels who keep these
+little sparrows from falling to the ground?
+
+One hot August day, when not a breath came into the room, and the dust
+and noise and evil smells were almost unendurable, poor Lizzie lay on
+her bed singing feebly to herself about "the beautiful blue sea."  She
+was trying to get to sleep that she might dream of a cool place, and her
+voice was growing fainter and fainter, when suddenly it seemed as if the
+dream had come, for a sweet odor was near, something damp and fresh
+touched her feverish cheek, and a kind voice said in her ear,--
+
+"Here is the little bird I ’ve been following. Will you have some
+flowers, dear?"
+
+"Is it heaven?  Where’s Billy?" murmured Lizzie, groping about her, half
+awake.
+
+"Not yet.  I’m not Billy, but a friend who carries flowers to little
+children who cannot go and get them.  Don’t be afraid, but let me sit
+and tell you about it," answered the voice, as a gentle hand took hers.
+
+"I thought maybe I ’d died, and I was glad, for I do want to see Billy
+so much.  He’s baby, you know."  And the clinging hands held the kind
+one fast till it filled them with a great bunch of roses that seemed to
+bring all summer into the close, hot room with their sweetness.
+
+"Oh, how nice! how nice!  I never had such a lot.  They ’re bigger ’n’
+better ’n dandelions, are n’t they?  What a good lady you must be to go
+’round giving folks posies like these!" cried Lizzie, trying to realize
+the astonishing fact.
+
+Then, while the new friend fanned her, she lay luxuriating in her roses,
+and listening to the sweet story of the Flower Mission which, like many
+other pleasant things, she knew nothing of in her prison.  Presently she
+told her own little tale, never guessing how pathetic it was, till
+lifting her hand to touch the new face, she found it wet with tears.
+
+"Are you sorry for me?" she asked.  "Folks are very kind, but I ’m a
+burden, you know, and I ’d better die and go to Billy; I was some use to
+him, but I never can be to any one else. I heard ’em say so, and poor
+mother would do better if I was n’t here."
+
+"My child, I know a little blind girl who is no burden but a great help
+to her mother, and a happy, useful creature, as you might be if you were
+taught and helped as she was," went on the voice, sounding more than
+ever like a good fairy’s as it told fresh wonders till Lizzie was sure
+it _must_ be all a dream.
+
+"Who taught her?  Could I do it?  Where’s the place?" she asked, sitting
+erect in her eagerness, like a bird that hears a hand at the door of its
+cage.
+
+Then, with the comfortable arm around her, the roses stirring with the
+flutter of her heart, and the sightless eyes looking up as if they could
+see the face of the deliverer, Lizzie heard the wonderful story of the
+House Beautiful standing white and spacious on the hill, with the blue
+sea before it, the fresh wind always blowing, the green gardens and
+parks all about, and inside, music, happy voices, shining faces, busy
+hands, and year after year the patient teaching by those who dedicate
+themselves to this noble and tender task.
+
+"It must be better’n heaven!" cried Lizzie, as she heard of work and
+play, health and happiness, love and companionship, usefulness and
+independence,--all the dear rights and simple joys young creatures
+hunger for, and perish, soul and body, without.
+
+It was too much for her little mind to grasp at once, and she lay as if
+in a blissful dream long after the kind visitor had gone, promising to
+come again and to find some way for Lizzie to enter into that lovely
+place where darkness is changed to light.
+
+That visit was like magic medicine, and the child grew better at once,
+for hope was born in her heart.  The heavy gloom seemed to lift;
+discomforts were easier to bear; and solitude was peopled now with
+troops of happy children living in that wonderful place where blindness
+was not a burden.  She told it all to her mother, and the poor woman
+tried to believe it, but said sadly,--
+
+"Don’t set your heart on it, child.  It’s easy to promise and to forget.
+Rich folks don’t trouble themselves about poor folks if they can help
+it."
+
+But Lizzie’s faith never wavered, though the roses faded as day after
+day went by and no one came.  The mere thought that it was possible to
+teach blind people to work and study and play seemed to give her
+strength and courage.  She got up and sat at the window again, singing
+to herself as she watched and waited, with the dead flowers carefully
+arranged in Billy’s mug, and a hopeful smile on the little white face
+behind the bars.
+
+Every one was glad she was better, and nodded to one another as they
+heard the soft crooning, like a dove’s coo, in the pauses of the harsher
+noises that filled the street.  The workmen tossed her sweeties and
+whistled their gayest airs; the children brought their dilapidated toys
+to amuse her; and one woman came every day to put her baby in Lizzie’s
+lap, it was such a pleasure to her to feel the soft little body in the
+loving arms that longed for Billy.
+
+Poor mother went to her work in better spirits, and the long hot days
+were less oppressive as she thought, while she scrubbed, of Lizzie up
+again; for she loved her helpless burden, heavy though she found it.
+
+When Saturday came around, it rained hard, and no one expected "the
+flower lady."  Even Lizzie said with a patient sigh and a hopeful
+smile,--
+
+"I don’t believe she ’ll come; but maybe it will clear up, and then I
+guess she will."
+
+It did not clear up, but the flower lady came; and as the child sat
+listening to the welcome sound of her steps, her quick ear caught the
+tread of two pairs of feet, the whisper of two voices, and presently two
+persons came in to fill her hands with midsummer flowers.
+
+"This is Minna, the little girl I told you of. She wanted to see you
+very much, so we paddled away like a pair of ducks, and here we are,"
+said Miss Grace, gayly; and as she spoke, Lizzie felt soft fingers glide
+over her face, and a pair of childish lips find and kiss her own. The
+groping touch, the hearty kiss, made the blind children friends at once,
+and dropping her flowers, Lizzie hugged the new-comer, trembling with
+excitement and delight.  Then they talked; and how the tongues went as
+one asked questions and the other answered them, while Miss Grace sat by
+enjoying the happiness of those who do _not_ forget the poor, but seek
+them out to save and bless.
+
+Minna had been for a year a pupil in the happy school, where she was
+taught to see with her hands, as one might say; and the tales she told
+of the good times there made Lizzie cry eagerly,--
+
+"Can I go?  Oh, _can_ go?"
+
+"Alas, no, not yet," answered Miss Grace, sadly.  "I find that children
+under ten cannot be taken, and there is no place for the little ones
+unless kind people care for them."
+
+Lizzie gave a wail, and hid her face in the pillow, feeling as if she
+could not bear the dreadful disappointment.
+
+Minna comforted her, and Miss Grace went on to say that generous people
+were trying to get another school for the small children; that all the
+blind children were working hard to help on the plan; that money was
+coming in; and soon they hoped to have a pleasant place for every child
+who needed help.
+
+Lizzie’s tears stopped falling as she listened, for hope was not quite
+gone.
+
+"I ’ll not be ten till next June, and I don’t see how I _can_ wait ’most
+a year.  Will the little school be ready ’fore then?" she asked.
+
+"I fear not, dear, but I will see that the long waiting is made as easy
+as possible, and perhaps you can help us in some way," answered Miss
+Grace, anxious to atone for her mistake in speaking about the school
+before she had made sure that Lizzie could go.
+
+"Oh, I ’d love to help; only I can’t do anything," sighed the child.
+
+"You can sing, and that is a lovely way to help.  I heard of ’the blind
+lark,’ as they call you, and when I came to find her, your little voice
+led me straight to the door of the cage. That door I mean to open, and
+let you hop out into the sunshine; then, when you are well and strong, I
+hope you will help us get the home for other little children who else
+must wait years before _they_ find the light.  Will you?"
+
+As Miss Grace spoke, it was beautiful to see the clouds lift from
+Lizzie’s wondering face, till it shone with the sweetest beauty any face
+can wear,--the happiness of helping others.  She forgot her own
+disappointment in the new hope that came, and held on to the bedpost as
+if the splendid plan were almost too much for her.
+
+"Could I help that way?" she cried. "Would anybody care to hear me sing?
+Oh, how I ’d love to do anything for the poor little ones who will have
+to wait."
+
+"You shall.  I ’m sure the hardest heart would be touched by your
+singing, if you look as you do now.  We need something new for our fair
+and concert, and by that time you will be ready," said Miss Grace,
+almost afraid she had said too much; for the child looked so frail, it
+seemed as if even joy would hurt her.
+
+Fortunately her mother came in just then; and while the lady talked to
+her, Minna’s childish chatter soothed Lizzie so well that when they left
+she stood at the window smiling down at them and singing like the
+happiest bobolink that ever tilted on a willow branch in spring-time.
+
+All the promises were kept, and soon a new life began for Lizzie.  A
+better room and well-paid work were found for Mrs. Davis.  Minna came as
+often as she could to cheer up her little friend, and best of all, Miss
+Grace taught her to sing, that by and by the little voice might plead
+with its pathetic music for others less blest than she.  So the winter
+months went by, and Lizzie grew like mayflowers underneath the snow,
+getting ready to look up, sweet and rosy, when spring set her free and
+called her to be glad.  She counted the months and weeks, and when the
+time dwindled to days, she could hardly sleep or eat for thinking of the
+happy hour when she could go to be a pupil in the school where miracles
+were worked.
+
+Her birthday was in June, and thanks to Miss Grace, her coming was
+celebrated by one of the pretty festivals of the school, called Daisy
+Day. Lizzie knew nothing of this surprise, and when her friends led her
+up the long flight of steps she looked like a happy little soul climbing
+to the gates of heaven.
+
+Mr. Constantine, the ruler of this small kingdom, was a man whose
+fatherly heart had room for every suffering child in the world, and it
+rejoiced over every one who came, though the great house was
+overflowing, and many waited as Lizzie had done.
+
+He welcomed her so kindly that the strange place seemed like home at
+once, and Minna led her away to the little mates who proudly showed her
+their small possessions and filled her hands with the treasures children
+love, while pouring into her ears delightful tales of the study, work,
+and play that made their lives so happy.
+
+Lizzie was bewildered, and held fast to Minna, whose motherly care of
+her was sweet to see. Kind teachers explained rules and duties with the
+patience that soothes fear and wins love; and soon Lizzie began to feel
+that she was a "truly pupil" in this wonderful school where the blind
+could read, sew, study, sing, run, and play.  Boys raced along the
+galleries and up and down the stairs as boldly as if all had eyes; girls
+swept and dusted like tidy housewives; little fellows hammered and sawed
+in the workshop and never hurt themselves; small girls sewed on pretty
+work as busy as bees; and in the schoolroom lessons went on as if both
+teachers and pupils were blessed with eyes.
+
+Lizzie could not understand it, and was content to sit and listen
+wherever she was placed, while her little fingers fumbled at the new
+objects near her, and her hungry mind opened like a flower to the sun.
+She had no tasks that day, and in the afternoon was led away with a
+flock of children, all chattering like magpies, on the grand expedition.
+Every year, when the fields were white with daisies, these poor little
+souls were let loose among them to enjoy the holy day of this child’s
+flower.  Ah, but was n’t it a pretty sight to see the meeting between
+them, when the meadows were reached, and the children scattered far and
+wide with cries of joy as they ran and rolled in the white sea, or
+filled their eager hands, or softly felt for the dear daisies and kissed
+them like old friends? The flowers seemed to enjoy it too, as they
+danced and nodded, while the wind rippled the long grass like waves of a
+green sea, and the sun smiled as if he said,--
+
+"Here’s the sort of thing I like to see.  Why don’t I find more of it?"
+
+Lizzie’s face looked like a daisy, it was so full of light as she stood
+looking up, with the wide brim of her new hat like the white petals all
+round it.  She did not run nor shout, but went slowly wading through the
+grass, feeling the flowers touch her hands, yet picking none, for it was
+happiness enough to know that they were there.  Presently she sat down
+and let them tap her cheeks and rustle about her ears as though telling
+secrets that made her smile. Then, as if weary with so much happiness,
+she lay back and let the daisies hide her with their pretty coverlet.
+
+Miss Grace was watching over her, but left her alone, and by and by,
+like a lark from its nest in the grass, the blind girl sent up her
+little voice, singing so sweetly that the children gathered around to
+hear, while they made chains and tied up their nosegays.
+
+This was Lizzie’s first concert, and no little prima donna was ever more
+pelted with flowers than she; for when she had sung all her songs, new
+and old, a daisy crown was put upon her head, a tall flower for a
+sceptre in her hand, and all the boys and girls danced around her as if
+she had been Queen of the May.
+
+A little feast came out of the baskets, that they might be empty for the
+harvest to be carried home, and while they ate, stories were told and
+shouts of laughter filled the air, for all were as merry as if there was
+no darkness, pain, or want in the world.  Then they had games; and
+Lizzie was taught to play,--for till now she never knew what a good romp
+meant.  Her cheeks grew rosy, her sad little face waked up, she ran and
+tumbled with the rest, and actually screamed, to Minna’s great delight.
+
+Two or three of the children could see a little, and these were very
+helpful in taking care of the little ones.  Miss Grace found them
+playing some game with Lizzie, and observed that all but she were
+blindfolded.  When she asked why, one whispered, "We thought we should
+play fairer if we were all alike."  And another added, "It seems somehow
+as if we were proud if we see better than the rest."
+
+Lizzie was much touched by this sweet spirit, and a little later showed
+that she had already learned one lesson in the school, when she gathered
+about her some who had never seen, and told them what she could remember
+of green fields and daisy-balls before the light went out forever.
+
+"Surely my little lark was worth saving, if only for this one happy
+day," thought Miss Grace, as she watched the awakened look in the blind
+faces, all leaning toward the speaker, whose childish story pleased them
+well.
+
+In all her long and useful life, Lizzie never forgot that Daisy Day, for
+it seemed as if she were born anew, and like a butterfly had left the
+dark chrysalis all behind her then.  It was the first page of the
+beautiful book just opening before the eyes of her little mind,--a
+lovely page, illustrated with flowers, kind faces, sunshine, and happy
+hopes.  The new life was so full, so free, she soon fell into her place
+and enjoyed it all.  People worked there so heartily, so helpfully, it
+was no wonder things went as if by magic, and the poor little creatures
+who came in so afflicted went out in some years independent people,
+ready to help themselves and often to benefit others.
+
+There is no need to tell all Lizzie learned and enjoyed that summer, nor
+how proud her mother was when she heard her read in the curious books,
+making eyes of the little fingers that felt their way along so fast;
+when she saw the neat stitches she set, the pretty clay things she
+modelled, the tidy way she washed dishes, swept, and dusted, and helped
+keep her room in order. But the poor woman’s heart was too full for
+words when she heard the child sing,--not as before, in the dreary room,
+sad, soft lullabies to Billy, but beautiful, gay songs, with flutes and
+violins to lift and carry the little voice along on waves of music.
+
+Lizzie really had a great gift; but she was never happier than when they
+all sang together, or when she sat quietly listening to the band as they
+practised for the autumn concert.  She was to have a part in it; and the
+thought that she could help to earn money for the Kindergarten made the
+shy child bold and glad to do her part.  Many people knew her now, for
+she was very pretty, with the healthful roses in her cheeks, curly
+yellow hair, and great blue eyes that seemed to see.  Her mates and
+teachers were proud of her, for though she was not as quick as some of
+the pupils, her sweet temper, grateful heart, and friendly little ways
+made her very dear to all, aside from the musical talent she possessed.
+
+Every one was busy over the fair and the concert; and fingers flew,
+tongues chattered, feet trotted, and hearts beat fast with hope and fear
+as the time drew near, for all were eager to secure a home for the poor
+children still waiting in darkness.  It was a charity which appealed to
+all hearts when it was known; but in this busy world of ours, people
+have so many cares of their own that they are apt to forget the wants of
+others unless something brings these needs very clearly before their
+eyes.  Much money was needed, and many ways had been tried to add to the
+growing fund, that all might be well done.
+
+"We wish to interest children in this charity for children, so that they
+may gladly give a part of their abundance to these poor little souls who
+have nothing.  I think Lizzie will sing some of the pennies out of their
+pockets, which would otherwise go for bonbons.  Let us try; so make her
+neat and pretty, and we ’ll have a special song for her."
+
+Mr. Constantine said this; and Miss Grace carried out his wish so well
+that when the time came, the little prima donna did her part better even
+than they had hoped.
+
+The sun shone splendidly on the opening day of the fair, and cars and
+carriages came rolling out from the city, full of friendly people with
+plump purses and the sympathetic interest we all take in such things
+when we take time to see, admire, and reproach ourselves that we do so
+little for them.
+
+There were many children; and when they had bought the pretty handiwork
+of the blind needle-women, eaten cake and ices, wondered at the strange
+maps and books, twirled the big globe in the hall, and tried to
+understand how so many blind people could be so busy and so happy, they
+all were seated at last to hear the music, full of expectation, for "the
+pretty little girl was going to sing."
+
+It was a charming concert, and every one enjoyed it, though many eyes
+grew dim as they wandered from the tall youths blowing the horns so
+sweetly to the small ones chirping away like so many sparrows, for the
+blind faces made the sight pathetic, and such music touched the hearts
+as no other music can.
+
+"Now she’s coming!" whispered the eager children, as a little girl
+climbed up the steps and stood before them, waiting to begin.
+
+A slender little creature in a blue gown, with sunshine falling on her
+pretty hair, a pleading look in the soft eyes that had no sign of
+blindness but their steadfastness, and a smile on the lips that trembled
+at first, for Lizzie’s heart beat fast, and only the thought, "I ’m
+helping the poor little ones," gave her courage for her task.
+
+But when the flutes and violins began to play like a whispering wind,
+she forgot the crowd before her, and lifting up her face, sang in clear
+sweet tones.
+
+    THE BLIND LARK’S SONG.
+
+    We are sitting in the shadow
+      Of a long and lonely night,
+    Waiting till some gentle angel
+      Comes to lead us to the light;
+    For we know there is a magic
+      That can give eyes to the blind.
+    Oh, well-filled hands, be generous!
+      Oh, pitying hearts, be kind!
+
+    Help stumbling feet that wander
+      To find the upward way;
+    Teach hands that now lie idle
+      The joys of work and play.
+    Let pity, love, and patience
+      Our tender teachers be,
+    That though the eyes be blinded,
+      The little souls may see.
+
+    Your world is large and beautiful,
+      Our prison dim and small;
+    We stand and wait, imploring,
+      "Is there not room for all?
+    Give us our children’s garden,
+      Where we may safely bloom,
+    Forgetting in God’s sunshine
+      Our lot of grief and gloom."
+
+    A little voice comes singing;
+      Oh, listen to its song!
+    A little child is pleading
+      For those who suffer wrong.
+    Grant them the patient magic
+      That gives eyes to the blind!
+    Oh, well-filled hands, be generous!
+      Oh, pitying hearts, be kind!
+
+
+It was a very simple little song, but it proved wonderfully effective,
+for Lizzie was so carried away by her own feeling that as she sang the
+last lines she stretched out her hands imploringly, and two great tears
+rolled down her cheeks.  For a minute many hands were too busy fumbling
+for handkerchiefs to clap, but the children were quick to answer that
+gesture and those tears; and one impetuous little lad tossed a small
+purse containing his last ten cents at Lizzie’s feet, the first
+contribution won by her innocent appeal.  Then there was great applause,
+and many of the flowers just bought were thrown to the little lark, who
+was obliged to come back and sing again and again, smiling brightly as
+she dropped pretty courtesies, and sang song after song with all the
+added sweetness of a grateful heart.
+
+Hidden behind the organ, Miss Grace and Mr. Constantine shook hands
+joyfully, for this was the sort of interest they wanted, and they knew
+that while the children clapped and threw flowers, the wet-eyed mothers
+were thinking self-reproachfully, "I must help this lovely charity," and
+the stout old gentlemen who pounded with their canes were resolving to
+go home and write some generous checks, which would be money invested in
+God’s savings-bank.
+
+It was a very happy time for all, and made strangers friends in the
+sweet way which teaches heart to speak to heart.  When the concert was
+over, Lizzie felt many hands press hers and leave something there, many
+childish lips kiss her own, with promises to "help about the
+Kindergarten," and her ears were full of kind voices thanking and
+praising her for doing her part so well.  Still later, when all were
+gone, she proudly put the rolls of bills into Mr. Constantine’s hand,
+and throwing her arms about Miss Grace’s neck, said, trembling with
+earnestness, "I ’m not a burden any more, and I can truly help!  How can
+I ever thank you both for making me so happy?"
+
+One can fancy what their answer was and how Lizzie helped; for long
+after the Kindergarten was filled with pale little flowers blooming
+slowly as she had done, the Blind Lark went on singing pennies out of
+pockets, and sweetly reminding people not to forget this noble charity.
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Chapter IV tailpiece]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Tino runs away from home.--PAGE 105.]
+
+
+
+                                   V.
+
+                          MUSIC AND MACARONI.
+
+
+Among the pretty villages that lie along the wonderful Cornice road
+which runs from Nice to Genoa, none was more beautiful than Valrose.  It
+deserved its name, for it was indeed a "valley of roses."  The little
+town with its old church nestled among the olive and orange trees that
+clothed the hillside, sloping up to purple mountains towering behind.
+Lower down stretched the vineyards; and the valley was a bed of flowers
+all the year round.  There were acres of violets, verbenas, mignonette,
+and every sweet-scented blossom that grows, while hedges of roses, and
+alleys of lemon-trees with their white stars made the air heavy with
+perfume. Across the plain, one saw the blue sea rolling to meet the
+bluer sky, sending fresh airs and soft rains to keep Valrose green and
+beautiful even through the summer heat.  Only one ugly thing marred the
+lovely landscape, and that was the factory, with its tall chimneys, its
+red walls, and ceaseless bustle.  But old ilex-trees tried to conceal
+its ugliness; the smoke curled gracefully from its chimney-tops; and the
+brown men talked in their musical language as they ran about the busy
+courtyard, or did strange things below in the still-room.  Handsome
+black-eyed girls sang at the open windows at their pretty work, and
+delicious odors filled the place; for here the flowers that bloomed
+outside were changed to all kinds of delicate perfumes to scent the hair
+of great ladies and the handkerchiefs of dainty gentlemen all the world
+over.
+
+The poor roses, violets, mignonette, orange-flowers, and their sisters,
+were brought here in great baskets to yield up their sweet souls in hot
+rooms where, fires burned and great vats boiled; then they were sent up
+to be imprisoned in pretty flasks of all imaginable shapes and colors by
+the girls, who put gilded labels on them, packed them in delicate boxes,
+and sent them away to comfort the sick, please the rich, and put money
+in the pockets of the merchants.
+
+Many children were employed in the light work of weeding beds, gathering
+flowers, and running errands; among these none were busier, happier, or
+more beloved than Florentino and his sister Stella.  They were orphans,
+but they lived with old Mariuccia in her little stone house near the
+church, contented with the small wages they earned, though their clothes
+were poor, their food salad, macaroni, rye bread, and thin wine, with
+now and then a taste of meat when Stella’s lover or some richer friend
+gave them a treat on gala days.
+
+They worked hard, and had their dreams of what they would do when they
+had saved up a little store; Stella would marry her Beppo and settle in
+a home of her own; but Tino was more ambitious, for he possessed a sweet
+boyish voice and sang so well in the choir, at the merrymakings, and
+about his work, that he was called the "little nightingale," and much
+praised and petted, not only by his mates, but by the good priest who
+taught him music, and the travellers who often came to the factory and
+were not allowed to go till Tino had sung to them.
+
+All this made the lad vain; and he hoped one day to go away as Baptista
+had gone, who now sang in a fine church at Genoa and sent home gold
+napoleons to his old parents.  How this was to come about Tino had not
+the least idea, but he cheered his work with all manner of wild plans,
+and sang his best at Mass, hoping some stranger would hear, and take him
+away as Signor Pulci had taken big Tista, whose voice was not half so
+wonderful as his own, all had said.  No one came, however, and Tino at
+thirteen was still at work in the valley,--a happy little lad, singing
+all day long as he carried his fragrant loads to and fro, ate his dinner
+of bread and beans fried in oil, with a crust, under the ilex-trees, and
+slept like a dormouse at night on his clean straw in the loft at
+Mariuccia’s, with the moon for his candle and the summer warmth for his
+coverlet.
+
+One day in September, as he stood winnowing mignonette seed in a quiet
+corner of the vast garden, he was thinking deeply over his hopes and
+plans, and practising the last chant Father Angelo had taught him, while
+he shook and held the sieve high, to let the wind blow away the dead
+husks, leaving the brown seeds behind.
+
+Suddenly, as he ended his lesson with a clear high note that seemed to
+rise and die softly away like the voice of an angel in the air, the
+sound of applause startled him; and turning, he saw a gentleman sitting
+on the rude bench behind him,--a well-dressed, handsome, smiling
+gentleman, who clapped his white hands and nodded and said gayly,
+"Bravo, my boy, that was well done!  You have a wonderful voice; sing
+again."
+
+But Tino was too abashed for the moment, and could only stand and stare
+at the stranger, a pretty picture of boyish confusion, pleasure, and
+shyness.
+
+"Come, tell me all about it, my friend.  Who taught you so well?  Why
+are you here, and not where you should be, learning to use this fine
+pipe of yours, and make fame and money by it?" said the gentleman, still
+smiling as he leaned easily in his seat and swung his gloves.
+
+Tino’s heart began to beat fast as he thought, "Perhaps my chance has
+come at last!  I must make the most of it."  So taking courage, he told
+his little story; and when he ended, the stranger gave a nod, saying,--
+
+"Yes, you are the ’little nightingale’ they spoke of up at the inn.  I
+came to find you. Now sing me something gay, some of your folk-songs.
+That sort will suit you best."
+
+Anxious to make the most of his chance, Tino took courage and sang away
+as easily as a bird on a bough, pouring out one after another the
+barcaroles, serenades, ballads, and drinking-songs he had learned from
+the people about him.
+
+The gentleman listened, laughed, and applauded as if well pleased, and
+when Tino stopped to take breath, he gave another nod more decided than
+the first, and said with his engaging smile,--
+
+"You are indeed a wonder, and quite wasted here.  If _I_ had you I
+should make a man of you, and put money in your pocket as fast as you
+opened your mouth."
+
+Tino’s eyes sparkled at the word "money," for sweet as was the praise,
+the idea of having full pockets bewitched him, and he asked eagerly,
+"How, signor?"
+
+"Well," answered the gentleman, idly tapping his nose with a rose-bud
+which he had pulled as he came along, "I should take you to my hotel at
+Nice; wash, brush, and trim you up a little; put you into a velvet suit
+with a lace collar, silk stockings, and buckled shoes; teach you music,
+feed you well, and when I thought you fit carry you with me to the
+_salons_ of the great people, where I give concerts.  There you would
+sing these gay songs of yours, and be petted, praised, and pelted with
+bonbons, francs, and kisses perhaps,--for you are a pretty lad and these
+fine ladies and idle gentlemen are always ready to welcome a new
+favorite.  Would you fancy that sort of life better than this? You can
+have it if you like."
+
+Tino’s black eyes shone; the color deepened in his brown cheeks; and he
+showed all his white teeth as he laughed and exclaimed with a gesture of
+delight,--
+
+"Mio Dio! but I _would_, signor!  I ’m tired of this work; I long to
+sing, to see the world, to be my own master, and let Stella and the old
+woman know that I am big enough to have my own way.  Do you really mean
+it?  When can I go?  I’m ready now, only I had better run and put on my
+holiday suit and get my guitar."
+
+"Good! there ’s a lad of spirit.  I like that well.  A guitar too?
+Bravo, my little troubadour, we shall make a sensation in the
+drawing-rooms, and fill our pockets shortly.  But there is no haste, and
+it would be well to ask these friends of yours, or there might be
+trouble.  I don’t _steal_ nightingales, I buy them; and I will give the
+old woman, whoever she may be, more than you would earn in a month.
+See, I too am a singer, and this I made at Genoa in a week."  As he
+spoke, Signor Mario pulled a well-filled purse from one pocket, a
+handful of gold and silver coin from the other, and chinked them before
+the boy’s admiring eyes.
+
+"Let us go!" cried Tino, flinging down the sieve as if done with work
+forever.  "Stella is at home to-day; come at once to Mariuccia,--it is
+not far; and when they hear these fine plans, they will be glad to let
+me go, I am sure."
+
+Away he went across the field of flowers, through the courtyard, up the
+steep street, straight into the kitchen where his pretty sister sat
+eating artichokes and bread while the old woman twirled her distaff in
+the sun.  Both were used to strangers, for the cottage was a picturesque
+place, half hidden like a bird’s nest in vines and fig-trees, with a gay
+little plot of flowers before it; travellers often came to taste
+Mariuccia’s honey, for her bees fared well, and their combs were running
+over with the sweetness of violets and roses, put up in dainty little
+waxen boxes made by better workmen than any found at the factory.
+
+The two women listened respectfully while Signor Mario told his plan in
+his delightfully gracious way; and Stella was much impressed by the
+splendor of the prospect before her brother.  But the wise old woman
+shook her head, and declared decidedly that the boy was too young to
+leave home yet.  Father Angelo was teaching him well; he was safe and
+happy where he was; and there he should remain, for she had sworn by all
+the saints to his dying mother that she would guard him as the apple of
+her eye till he was old enough to take care of himself.
+
+In vain Mario shook his purse before her eyes, Stella pleaded, and Tino
+stormed; the faithful old soul would not give up, much as she needed
+money, loved Stella, and hated to cross the boy who was in truth "the
+apple of her eye" and the darling of her heart.  There was a lively
+scene in the little room, for every one talked at once, gesticulated
+wildly, and grew much excited in the discussion; but nothing came of it,
+and Signor Mario departed wrathfully, leaving Mariuccia looking as stern
+as fate with her distaff, Stella in tears, and Tino in such a rage he
+could only dash up to the loft and throw himself on his rude bed, there
+to kick and sob and tear his hair, and wish there might be ten thousand
+earthquakes to swallow that cruel old woman up in the twinkling of an
+eye.
+
+Stella came to beg him to be comforted and eat his supper, but he drew
+the wooden bolt and would not let her in, saying sternly,--
+
+"I _never_ will come down till Mariuccia says I may go; I will starve
+first.  I am not a child to be so treated.  Go away, and let me alone; I
+hate you both!"
+
+Poor Stella retired, heart-broken, and when all her entreaties failed to
+change their guardian’s decision, she went to consult Father Angelo.  He
+agreed with the old woman that it was best to keep the boy safe at home,
+as they knew nothing of the strange gentleman nor what might befall Tino
+if he left the shelter of his own humble home and friends.
+
+Much disappointed, Stella went to pray devoutly in the church, and then,
+meeting her Beppo, soon forgot all about the poor little lad who had
+sobbed himself to sleep upon his straw.
+
+The house was quiet when he awoke; no lights shone from any neighbor’s
+windows; and all was still except the nightingales singing in the
+valley.  The moon was up; and her friendly face looked in at the little
+window so brightly that the boy felt comforted, and lay staring at the
+soft light while his mind worked busily. Some evil spirit, some naughty
+Puck bent on mischief must have been abroad that night, for into Tino’s
+head there suddenly popped a splendid idea; at least _he_ thought it so,
+and in his rebellious state found it all the more tempting because
+danger and disobedience and defiance all had a part in it.
+
+Why not run away?  Signor Mario was not to leave till next morning.
+Tino could easily slip out early and join the kind gentleman beyond the
+town.  This would show the women that he, Tino, had a will of his own
+and was not to be treated like a child any more.  It would give them a
+good fright, make a fine stir in the place, and add to his glory when he
+returned with plenty of money to display himself in the velvet suit and
+silk stockings,--a famous fellow who knew what he was about and did not
+mean to be insulted, or tied to an old woman’s apron-string forever.
+
+The longer he thought the more delightful the idea became, and he
+resolved to carry it out, for the fine tales he had heard made him more
+discontented than ever with his present simple, care-free life.  Up he
+got, and by the light of the moon took from the old chest his best suit.
+Moving very softly, he put on the breeches and jacket of rough blue
+cloth, the coarse linen shirt, the red sash, and the sandals of russet
+leather that laced about his legs to the knee. A few clothes, with his
+rosary, he tied up in a handkerchief, and laid the little bundle ready
+with his Sunday hat, a broad-brimmed, pointed-crowned affair with a red
+band and cock’s feather to adorn it.
+
+Then he sat at the window waiting for dawn to come, fearing to sleep
+lest he be too late. It seemed an almost endless night, the first he had
+ever spent awake, but red streaks came in the east at last, and he stole
+to the door, meaning to creep noiselessly downstairs, take a good hunch
+of bread and a gourd full of wine and slip off while the women slept.
+
+To his dismay he found the door barred on the outside.  His courage had
+ebbed a little as the time for action came; but at this new insult he
+got angry again, and every dutiful impulse flew away in a minute.
+
+"Ah, they think to keep me, do they? Behold, then, how I cheat the silly
+things! They have never seen me climb down the fig-tree, and thought me
+safe.  Now I will vanish, and leave them to tear their hair and weep for
+me in vain."
+
+Flinging out his bundle, and carefully lowering his old guitar, Tino
+leaned from the little window, caught the nearest branch of the tree
+that bent toward the wall, and swung himself down as nimbly as a
+squirrel.  Pausing only to pick several bunches of ripe grapes from the
+vine about the door, he went softly through the garden and ran away
+along the road toward Nice as fast as his legs could carry him.
+
+Not till he reached the top of the long hill a mile away, did he slacken
+his lively pace; then climbing a bank, he lay down to rest under some
+olive-trees, and ate his grapes as he watched the sun rise.  Travellers
+always left the Falcone Inn early to enjoy the morning freshness, so
+Tino knew that Signor Mario would soon appear; and when the horses
+paused to rest on the hill-top, the "little nightingale" would present
+himself as unexpectedly as if he had fallen from heaven.
+
+But Signor Mario was a lazy man; and Tino had time to work himself into
+a fever of expectation, doubt, and fear before the roll of wheels
+greeted his longing ears.  Yes, it was the delightful stranger!--reading
+papers and smoking as he rode, quite blind to the beauty all around him,
+blind also to the sudden appearance of a picturesque little figure by
+the roadside, as the carriage stopped.  Even when he looked, he did not
+recognize shabby Tino in the well-dressed beggar, as he thought him, who
+stood bare-headed and smiling, with hat in one hand, bundle in the
+other, and guitar slung on his back.  He waved his hand as if to say, "I
+have nothing for you," and was about to bid the man drive on, but Tino
+cried out boldly,--
+
+"Behold me, signor!  I am Tino, the singing boy of Valrose.  I have run
+away to join you if you will have me.  Ah, please do!  I wish so much to
+go with you."
+
+"Bravo!" cried Mario, well pleased.  "That is a lad of spirit; and I am
+glad to have you. I don’t steal nightingales, as I told you down yonder;
+but if they get out of their cages and perch on my finger, I keep them.
+In with you, boy! there is no time to lose."
+
+In scrambled happy Tino, and settling himself and his property on the
+seat opposite, amused his new master with a lively account of his
+escape.  Mario laughed and praised him; Luigi, the servant, grinned as
+he listened from the coach-box; and the driver resolved to tell the tale
+at the Falcone, when he stopped there on his return to Genoa, so the
+lad’s friends might know what had become of him.
+
+After a little chat Signor Mario returned to his newspapers, and Tino,
+tired with his long vigil and brisk run, curled himself up on the seat,
+pillowed his head on his bundle and fell fast asleep, rocked by the
+motion of the carriage as it rolled along the smooth road.
+
+When he waked, the sun was high, the carriage stood before a wayside
+inn, the man and horses were gone to their dinners, and the signor lay
+under some mulberry-trees in the garden while Luigi set forth upon the
+grass the contents of a well-filled hamper which they had brought with
+them, his master being one who looked well after his own comfort.  The
+sight of food drew Tino toward it as straight as a honey-jar draws
+flies, and he presented himself with his most engaging air.  Being in a
+good humor, the new master bade the hungry lad sit down and eat, which
+he did so heartily that larded fowl, melon, wine, and bread vanished as
+if by magic. Never had food tasted so good to Tino; and rejoicing with
+true boyish delight in the prospect of plenty to eat, he went off to
+play Morso with the driver, while the horses rested and Mario took a
+siesta on the grass.
+
+When they set forth again, Tino received his first music lesson from the
+new teacher, who was well pleased to find how quickly the boy caught the
+air of a Venetian boat-song, and how sweetly he sang it.  Then Tino
+strummed on his guitar and amused his hearers with all the melodies he
+knew, from church chants to drinking-songs.  Mario taught him how to
+handle his instrument gracefully, speak a few polite phrases, and sit
+properly instead of sprawling awkwardly or lounging idly.
+
+So the afternoon wore away; and at dusk they reached Nice.  To Tino it
+looked like an enchanted city as they drove down to it from the soft
+gloom and stillness of the country.  The sea broke gently on the curving
+shore, sparkling with the lights of the Promenade des Anglais which
+overlooks it.  A half circle of brilliant hotels came next; behind these
+the glimmer of villas scattered along the hillside shone like fireflies
+among gardens and orange groves; and higher still the stars burned in a
+violet sky. Soon the moon would be up, to hang like a great lamp from
+that splendid dome, turning sea and shore to a magic world by her light.
+Tino clapped his hands and looked about him with all the pleasure of his
+beauty-loving race as they rattled through the gay streets and stopped
+at one of the fine hotels.
+
+Here Mario put on his grand air, and was shown to the apartment he had
+ordered from Genoa.  Tino meekly followed; and Luigi brought up the rear
+with the luggage.  Tino felt as if he had got into a fairy tale when he
+found himself in a fine parlor where he could only sit and stare about
+him, while his master refreshed in the chamber beyond, and the man
+ordered dinner.  A large closet was given the boy to sleep in, with a
+mattress and blanket, a basin and pitcher, and a few pegs to hang his
+clothes on.  But it seemed very nice after the loft; and when he had
+washed his face, shaken the dust off, and smoothed his curly head as
+well as he could, he returned to the parlor to gloat over such a dinner
+as he had never eaten before.
+
+Mario was in a good humor and anxious to keep the lad so, therefore he
+plied him with good things to eat, fine promises, and the praise in
+which that vain little soul delighted.  Tino went to bed early, feeling
+that his fortune was made, and his master went off to amuse himself at a
+gaming-table, for that was his favorite pastime.
+
+Next day the new life began.  After a late breakfast, a music lesson was
+given which both interested and dismayed Tino, for his master was far
+less patient than good old Father Angelo, and swore at him when he
+failed to catch a new air as quickly as he expected.  Both were tired
+and rather cross when it ended, but Tino soon forgot the tweaking of his
+ear and the scolding, when he was sent away with Luigi to buy the velvet
+suit and sundry necessary articles for the young troubadour.
+
+It was a lovely day; and the gay city was all alive with the picturesque
+bustle which always fills it when the season begins.  Red-capped
+fishermen were launching their boats from the beach, flower-girls
+hastening from the gardens with their fragrant loads to sell on the
+Promenade, where invalids sunned themselves, nurses led their rosy
+troops to play, fine ladies strolled, and men of all nations paced to
+and fro at certain hours.  In the older part of the city, work of all
+sorts went on,--coral-carvers filled their windows with pretty
+ornaments; pastry-cooks tempted with dainty dishes; milliners showed
+hats fresh from Paris; and Turkish merchants hung out rich rugs and
+carpets at their doors. Church-bells chimed; priests with incense and
+banners went through the streets on holy errands; the Pifferoni piped
+gayly; orange-women and chestnut-sellers called their wares in musical
+voices; even the little scullions who go about scouring saucepans at
+back doors made a song of their cry, "Casserola!"
+
+Tino had a charming time, and could hardly believe his senses when one
+fine thing after another was bought for him and ordered home. Not only
+the suit, but two ruffled shirts, a crimson tie for the lace collar, a
+broad new ribbon for the guitar, handkerchiefs, hose, and delicate
+shoes, as if he was a gentleman’s son.  When Luigi added a little mantle
+and a hat such as other well-dressed lads of his age wore, Tino
+exclaimed, "This also!  Dio mio, never have I known so kind a man as
+Signor Mario.  I shall serve him well and love him even better than you
+do."
+
+Luigi shrugged his shoulders and answered with a disagreeable laugh,
+"Long may you think so, poverino; I serve for money, not love, and look
+to it that I get my wages, else it would go ill with both of us.  Keep
+all you can get, boy; our master is apt to forget his servants."
+
+Tino did not like the look, half scornful, half pitiful, which Luigi
+gave him, and wondered why he did not love the good signor.  Later he
+found out; but all was pleasant now, and lunch at a café completed the
+delights of that long morning.
+
+The rooms were empty when they returned; and bidding him keep out of
+mischief, Luigi left Tino alone for several hours.  But he found plenty
+of amusement in examining all the wonders the apartment contained,
+receiving the precious parcels as they arrived, practising his new bow
+before the long mirror, and eating the nuts that he had bought of a
+jolly old woman at a street corner.
+
+Then he went to lounge on the balcony that ran along the front of the
+hotel, and watched the lively scene below, till sunset sent the
+promenaders home to dress for dinner.  Feeling a sudden pang of
+homesickness as he thought of Stella, Tino got his guitar and sang the
+old songs to comfort his loneliness.
+
+The first was hardly ended before one after the other five little heads
+popped out of a window farther down the balcony; and presently a group
+of pretty children were listening and smiling as the nice boy played and
+sang to them.  A gentleman looked out; and a lady evidently listened,
+for the end of a lace flounce lay on the threshold of the long window,
+and a pair of white hands clapped when he finished a gay air in his best
+style.
+
+This was his first taste of applause, and he liked it, and twanged away
+merrily till his master’s voice called him in just as he was beginning
+to answer the questions the eager children asked him.
+
+"Go and dress!  I shall take you down to dinner with me presently.  But
+mind this, _I_ will answer questions; do _you_ keep quiet, and leave me
+to tell what I think best.  Remember, or I pack you home at once."
+
+Tino promised, and was soon absorbed in getting into his new clothes;
+Luigi came to help him, and when he was finished off, a very handsome
+lad emerged from the closet to make his best bow to his master, who,
+also in fine array, surveyed him with entire approval.
+
+"Very good!  I thought you would make a passable butterfly when you shed
+your grub’s skin.  Stand up and keep your hands out of your pockets.
+Mind what I told you about supping soup noisily, and don’t handle your
+fork like a shovel.  See what others do, smile, and hold your tongue.
+There is the gong. Let us go."
+
+Tino’s heart beat as he followed Mario down the long hall to the great
+_salle à manger_ with its glittering _table d’hôte_ and many guests.
+But the consciousness of new clothes sustained him, so he held up his
+head, turned out his toes, and took his place, trying to look as if
+everything was not very new and dazzling to him.
+
+Two elderly ladies sat opposite, and he heard one say to the other in
+bad Italian, "Behold the lovely boy, Maria; I should like to paint him."
+
+And the other answered, "We will be amiable to him, and perhaps we may
+get him for a model.  Just what I want for a little Saint John."
+
+Tino smiled at them till his black eyes sparkled and his white teeth
+shone, for he understood and enjoyed their praise.  The artistic ladies
+smiled back, and watched him with interest long after he had forgotten
+them, for that dinner was a serious affair to the boy, with a heavy
+silver spoon and fork to manage, a napkin to unfold, and three glasses
+to steer clear of for fear of a general upset, so awkward did he feel.
+
+Every one else was too busy to mind his mistakes; and the ladies set
+them down to bashfulness, as he got red in the face, and dared not look
+up after spilling his soup and dropping a roll.
+
+Presently, while waiting for dessert, he forgot himself in something
+Mario was saying to his neighbor on the other side:--
+
+"A poor little fellow whom I found starving in the streets at Genoa.  He
+has a voice; I have a heart, and I adore music.  I took him to myself,
+and shall do my best for him.  Ah, yes!  in this selfish world one must
+not forget the helpless and the poor."
+
+Tino stared, wondering what other boy the good signor had befriended,
+and was still more bewildered when Mario turned to him with a paternal
+air, to add in that pious tone so new to the boy,--
+
+"This is my little friend, and he will gladly come and sing to your
+young ladies after dinner. Many thanks for the honor; I shall bring him
+out at my parlor concerts, and so fit him for his place by and by.  Bow
+and smile, quick!"
+
+The last words were in a sharp whisper; and Tino obeyed with a sudden
+bob of the head that sent his curls over his eyes, and then laughed such
+a boyish laugh as he shook them back that the gentleman leaning forward
+to look at him joined in it, and the ladies smiled sympathetically as
+they pushed a dish of bonbons nearer to him.  Mario gave him an
+indulgent look, and went on in the same benevolent tone telling all he
+meant to do, till the kindly gentleman from Rome was much interested,
+having lads of his own and being fond of music.
+
+Tino listened to the fine tales told of him and hoped no one would ask
+him about Genoa, for he would surely betray that he had never been there
+and could not lie as glibly as Mario did. He felt rather like the little
+old woman who did not know whether she was herself or not, but consoled
+himself by smiling at the ladies and eating a whole plateful of little
+cakes standing near him.
+
+When they rose, Tino made his bow, and Mario walked down the long hall
+with his hand on the boy’s shoulder and a friendly air very impressive
+to the spectators, who began at once to gossip about the pretty lad and
+his kind protector, just as the cunning gentleman planned to have them.
+
+As soon as they were out of sight, Mario’s manner changed; and telling
+Tino to sit down and digest his dinner or he would n’t be able to sing a
+note, he went to the balcony to smoke till the servant came to conduct
+them to Conte Alborghetti’s salon.
+
+"Now mind, boy; do exactly as I tell you, or I ’ll drop you like a hot
+chestnut and leave you to get home as you can," said Mario, in a sharp
+whisper, as they paused on the threshold of the door.
+
+"I will, signor, indeed I will!" murmured Tino, scared by the flash of
+his master’s black eye and the grip of his hand, as he pulled the
+bashful boy forward.
+
+In they went, and for a moment Tino only perceived a large light room
+full of people, who all looked at him as he stood beside Mario with his
+guitar slung over his shoulder, red cheeks, and such a flutter at his
+heart that he felt sure he could never sing there.  The amiable host
+came to meet and present them to a group of ladies, while a flock of
+children drew near to look at and listen to the "nice singing boy from
+Genoa."
+
+Mario, having paid his thanks and compliments in his best manner, opened
+the little concert by a grand piece upon the piano, proving that he was
+a fine musician, though Tino already began to fancy he was not quite so
+good a man as he wished to appear.  Then he sang several airs from
+operas; and Tino forgot himself in listening delightedly to the mellow
+voice of his master, for the lad loved music and had never heard any
+like this before.
+
+When Tino’s turn came, he had lost his first shyness, and though his
+lips were dry and breath short, and he gave the guitar an awkward bang
+against the piano as he pulled it round ready to play upon, the
+curiosity in the faces of the children and the kindly interest of the
+ladies gave him courage to start bravely off with "Bella Monica,"--the
+easiest as well as gayest of his songs.  It went well; and with each
+verse his voice grew clearer, his hand firmer, and his eyes fuller of
+boyish pleasure in his own power to please.
+
+For please he did, and when he ended with a loud twang and kissed his
+hand to the audience as he always used to do to the girls at home, every
+one clapped heartily, and the gentlemen cried, "Bravo, piccolo!  He
+sings in truth like a little nightingale; encore, encore!"
+
+These were sweet sounds to Tino; and he needed no urging to sing "Lucia"
+in his softest tones, "looking like one of Murillo’s angels!" as a young
+lady said, while he sang away with his eyes piously lifted in the manner
+Mario had taught him.
+
+Then followed a grand march from the master while the boy rested; after
+which Tino gave more folk-songs, and ended with a national air in which
+all joined like patriotic and enthusiastic Italians, shouting the
+musical chorus, "Viva Italia!" till the room rang.
+
+Tino quite lost his head at that, and began to prance as if the music
+had got into his heels. Before Mario could stop him, he was showing one
+of the little girls how to dance the Salterello as the peasants dance it
+during Carnival; and all the children were capering gayly about the wide
+polished floor with Tino strumming and skipping like a young fawn from
+the woods.
+
+The elder people laughed and enjoyed the pretty sight till trays of ices
+and bonbons came in; and the little party ended in a general enjoyment
+of the good things children most delight in.  Tino heard his master
+receiving the compliments of the company, and saw the host slip a paper
+into his hand; but, boylike, he contented himself with a pocket full of
+sweetmeats, and the entreaties of his little patrons to come again soon,
+and so backed out of the room, after bowing till he was dizzy, and
+bumping against a marble table in a very painful manner.
+
+"Well, how do you like the life I promised you?  Is it all I said?  Do
+we begin to fill our pockets, and enjoy ourselves even sooner than I
+expected?" asked Mario, with a good-natured slap of the shoulder, as
+they reached his apartment again.
+
+"It is splendid!  I like it much, very much! and I thank you with all my
+heart," cried Tino, gratefully kissing the hand that could tweak
+sharply, as well as caress when things suited its owner.
+
+"You did well, even better than I hoped; but in some things we must
+improve.  Those legs must be taught to keep still; and you must not
+forget that you are a peasant when among your betters.  It passed very
+well to-night with those little persons, but in some places it would
+have put me in a fine scrape.  Capers! but I feared at one moment you
+would have embraced the young contessa, when she danced with you."
+
+Mario laughed as poor Tino blushed and stammered, "But, signor, she was
+so little, only ten years old, and I thought no harm to hold her up on
+that slippery floor.  See, she gave me all these, and bade me come
+again.  I would gladly have kissed her, she was so like little Annina at
+home."
+
+"Well, well, no harm is done; but I see the pretty brown girls down
+yonder have spoiled you, and I shall have to keep an eye on my gallant
+young troubadour.  Now to bed, and don’t make yourself ill with all
+those confections.  Felice notte, Don Giovanni!" and away went Mario to
+lose at play every franc of the money the generous count had given him
+"for the poor lad."
+
+That was the beginning of a new and charming life for Tino, and for two
+months he was a busy and a happy boy, with only a homesick fit now and
+then when Mario was out of temper, or Luigi put more than his fair share
+of work upon his shoulders.  The parlor concerts went well, and the
+little nightingale was soon a favorite toy in many salons.  Night after
+night Tino sang and played, was petted and praised, and then trotted
+home to dream feverishly of new delights; for this exciting life was
+fast spoiling the simple lad who used to be so merry and busy at
+Valrose.  The more he had, the more he wanted, and soon grew
+discontented, jealous, and peevish.  He had cause to complain of some
+things; for none of the money earned ever came to him, and when he
+plucked up courage to ask for his promised share, Mario told him he only
+earned his food and clothes as yet.  Then Tino rebelled, and got a
+beating, which made him outwardly as meek as a lamb, but inwardly a very
+resentful, unhappy boy, and spoiled all his pleasure in music and
+success.
+
+He was neglected all day and left to do what he liked till needed at
+night, so he amused himself by lounging about the hotel or wandering on
+the beach to watch the fishermen cast their nets.  Lazy Luigi kept him
+doing errands when he could; but for hours the boy saw neither master
+nor man, and wondered where they were. At last he found out, and his
+dream of fame and fortune ended in smoke.
+
+Christmas week was a gay one for everybody, and Tino thought good times
+had come again; for he sang at several childrens’ fêtes, received some
+pretty gifts from the kind Alborghettis, and even Mario was amiable
+enough to give him a golden napoleon after a run of good luck at the
+cards.  Eager to show his people that he was getting on, Tino begged
+Antoine, the friendly waiter who had already written one letter to
+Stella for him, to write another, and send by a friend going that way a
+little parcel containing the money for Mariuccia, a fine Roman sash for
+Stella, and many affectionate messages to all his old friends.
+
+It was well he had that little satisfaction, for it was his last chance
+to send good news or exult over his grand success.  Troubles came with
+the new year; and in one week our poor little jay found himself stripped
+of all his borrowed plumes, and left a very forlorn bird indeed.
+
+Trotting about late at night in silk stockings, and getting wet more
+than once in the winter rains, gave Tino a bad cold.  No one cared for
+it; and he was soon as hoarse as a crow.  His master forced him to sing
+several times in spite of the pain he suffered, and when at the last
+concert he broke down completely, Mario swore at him for "a useless
+brat," and began to talk of going to Milan to find a new set of singers
+and patrons.  Had Tino been older, he would have discovered some time
+sooner that Signor Mario was losing favor in Nice, as he seldom paid a
+bill, and led a very gay, extravagant life.  But, boylike, Tino saw only
+his own small troubles, and suspected nothing when Luigi one day packed
+up the velvet suit and took it away "to be repaired," he said.  It _was_
+shabby, and Tino, lying on the sofa with a headache and sharp cough, was
+glad no one ordered him to go with it, for the Tramontana was blowing,
+and he longed for old Mariuccia’s herb tea and Stella’s cosseting, being
+quite ill by this time.
+
+That night as he lay awake in his closet coughing, feverish and
+restless, he heard his master and Luigi moving about till very late,
+evidently packing for Paris or Milan, and Tino wondered if he would like
+either place better than Nice, and wished they were not so far from
+Valrose.  In the midst of his meditations he fell asleep, and when he
+woke, it was morning.  He hurried up and went out to see what the order
+of the day was to be, rather pleased at the idea of travelling about the
+world.
+
+To his surprise no breakfast appeared; the room was in confusion, every
+sign of Mario had vanished but empty bottles and a long hotel bill lying
+unpaid upon the table.  Before Tino could collect his wits, Antoine came
+flying in to say with wild gesticulations and much French wrath that
+"the rascal Mario had gone in the night, leaving immense debts behind
+him, and the landlord in an apoplexy of rage."
+
+Poor Tino was so dismayed he could only sit and let the storm pelt about
+his ears; for not only did the waiter appear, but the chambermaid, the
+coachman, and at last the indignant host himself, all scolding at once
+as they rummaged the rooms, questioned the bewildered boy, and wrung
+their hands over the escape of these dishonest wretches.
+
+"You also, little beast, have grown fat upon my good fare! and who is to
+pay me for all you have eaten, not to mention the fine bed, the washing,
+the candles, and the coaches you have had?  Ah, great heavens! what is
+to become of us when such things occur?" and the poor landlord tore his
+hair with one hand while he shook his other fist at Tino.
+
+"Dear sir, take all I have; it is only an old guitar, and a few clothes.
+Not a centime do I own; but I will work for you.  I can clean saucepans
+and run errands.  Speak for me, Antoine; you are my only friend now."
+
+The lad looked so honest and ill and pathetic, as he spoke with his poor
+hoarse voice, and looked beseechingly about him, that Antoine’s kind
+heart was melted, and he advised the boy to slip away home as soon as
+possible, and so escape all further violence and trouble.  He slipped
+two francs into Tino’s empty pocket, and as soon as the room was
+cleared, helped him tie up the few old clothes that remained. The host
+carried off the guitar as the only thing he could seize, so Tino had
+less to take away than he brought, when Antoine led him out by the back
+way, with a good sandwich of bread and meat for his breakfast, and bade
+him go to the square and try to beg a ride to Valrose on some of the
+carriages often going thither on the way to Genoa.
+
+With many thanks Tino left the great hotel, feeling too miserable to
+care much what became of him, for all his fine dreams were spoiled like
+the basket of china the man kicked over in the "Arabian Nights," while
+dreaming he was a king.  How could he go home, sick, poor, and forsaken,
+after all the grand tales he had lately told in his letter?  How they
+would laugh at him, the men and girls at the factory!  How Mariuccia
+would wag her old head and say, "Ecco! is it not as I foretold?"  Even
+Stella would weep over him and be sorry to see her dear boy in such a
+sad plight, yet what could he do?  His voice was gone and his guitar, or
+he might sing about the streets, as Mario described his doing at Genoa,
+and so earn his daily bread till something turned up.  Now he was quite
+helpless, and much against his will, he went to see if any chance of
+getting home appeared.
+
+The day was showery, and no party was setting off for the famous drive
+along the Cornice road.  Tino was glad of it, and went to lie on a bench
+at the café where he had often been with Luigi.  His head ached, and his
+cough left him no peace, so he spent some of his money in syrup and
+water to quell the trouble, and with the rest paid for a good dinner and
+supper.
+
+He told his sad tale to the cook, and was allowed to sleep in the
+kitchen after scrubbing saucepans to pay for it.  But no one wanted him;
+and in the morning, after a cup of coffee and a roll he found himself
+cast upon the world again.  He would not beg, and as dinner time
+approached, hunger reminded him of a humble friend whom he had forgotten
+in his own days of plenty.
+
+He loved to stroll along the beach, and read the names on the boats
+drawn up there, for all were the names of saints; and it was almost as
+good as going to church to read the long list of Saint Brunos, Saint
+Francises, and Saint Ursulas. Among the fishermen was one who had always
+a kind word for the lad, who enjoyed a sail or a chat with Marco
+whenever nothing better turned up to amuse his leisure hours.  Now in
+his trouble he remembered him, and went to the beach to ask help, for he
+felt ill as well as sad and hungry.
+
+Yes, there sat the good fellow eating the bread and macaroni his little
+daughter had brought for his dinner, and a smile welcomed poor Tino as
+he sat down beside this only friend to tell his story.
+
+Marco growled in his black beard and shook his knife with an awful frown
+when he heard how the lad had been deserted.  Then he smiled, patted
+Tino’s back, thrust the copper basin of food into one hand and a big
+lump of the brown-bread into the other, inviting him to eat in such a
+cordial way that the poor meal tasted better than the dainty fare at the
+hotel.
+
+A draught of red wine from the gourd cheered Tino up, as did the good
+and kind words, and when Marco bade him go home with little Manuela to
+the good wife, he gladly went, feeling that he must lie down somewhere,
+his head was so giddy and the pain in the breast so sharp.
+
+Buxom Teresa received him kindly, put him straight to bed in her own
+boy’s little room, laid a cool cloth on his hot head, a warm one on his
+aching chest, and left him to sleep, much comforted by her motherly
+care.  It was well the good soul befriended him, for he needed help
+sorely, and would have fared ill if those humble folk had not taken him
+in.
+
+For a week or two he lay in Beppo’s bed burning with fever, and when he
+could sit up again was too feeble to do anything but smile gratefully
+and try to help Manuela mend nets. Marco would hear of no thanks,
+saying, "Good deeds bring good luck.  Behold my haul of fish each day
+thou hast been here, poverino! I am well paid, and Saint Peter will
+bless my boat for thy sake."
+
+Tino was very happy in the little dark, shabby house that smelt of
+onions, fish, and tar, was full of brown children, and the constant
+clack of Teresa’s lively tongue as she gossiped with her neighbors, or
+fried polenta for the hungry mouths that never seemed filled.
+
+But the time came when Tino could go about, and then he begged for work,
+anxious to be independent and earn a little so that in the spring he
+could go home without empty pockets.
+
+"I have taken thought for thee, my son, and work warm and easy is ready
+if thou wilt do it. My friend Tommaso Neri, makes the good macaroni near
+by.  He needs a boy to mind the fire and see to the donkey who grinds
+below there.  Food, shelter, and such wages as thou art able to earn, he
+will give thee.  Shall it be?"
+
+Tino gratefully accepted, and with hearty embraces all round went off
+one day to see his new place.  It was in the old part of Nice, a narrow,
+dirty street, a little shop with one window full of the cheaper sorts of
+this favorite food of all Italians, and behind the shop a room where an
+old woman sat spinning while two little boys played with pine cones and
+pretty bits of marble at her feet.
+
+A fat jolly man, with a shining face and loud voice, greeted Marco and
+the lad, saying he "was worn to a thread with much work, since that bad
+imp of a donkey-boy had run away leaving the blessed macaroni to spoil,
+and poor Carmelita to perish for want of care. Come below at once, and
+behold the desolation of the place."
+
+With that he led the way to the cellar, where a small furnace-fire
+burned, and an old gray donkey went round and round, turning a wheel
+which set some unseen machinery in motion with a dismal creaking sound.
+Down through many holes in one part of the wooden floor overhead came
+long pipes of macaroni, hardening as they hung quivering in the hot air
+till stiff enough to be cut off in handfuls and laid to dry on wire
+trays over the furnace.
+
+Tino had never seen the good macaroni made before, and was much
+interested in the process, though it was of the rudest kind.  In a room
+upstairs a great vat of flour and water was kept stirring round and
+round and forced down to the place below by the creaking wheel which
+patient Carmelita turned all day.  The cellar was dark but warm; and
+Tino felt that it would be comfortable there with the old donkey for a
+comrade, jolly Tommaso for a master, and enough to eat,--for it was
+evident the family lived well, so plump and shining were all the faces,
+so cheery the tempers of the old women and little lads.
+
+There Marco left him, well satisfied that he had done his best for the
+poor boy; and there Tino lived for three months, busy, well fed, and
+contented, till spring sunshine made him long for the sweet air, the
+green fields, and dear faces at Valrose.  Tommaso was lazy but kind, and
+if the day’s work was done in time, let Tino out to see Marco’s children
+or to run on the beach with little Jacopo and Seppi.  The grandmother
+gave him plenty of rye bread, thin wine, and macaroni fried in oil; old
+Carmelita learned to love him and to lean her gray head on his shoulder
+with joyful waggings of her long ears as he caressed her, and each week
+increased the little hoard in an old shoe hidden behind a beam.
+
+But it was a dull life for a boy who loved music, flowers, light, and
+freedom; and he soon grew tired of seeing only a procession of legs go
+by the low windows level with the street; the creak of the wheel was not
+half so welcome as the brisk rattle of the mill at home, and the fat
+little lads always climbing over him could not be so dear as sister
+Stella and pretty Annina, the wine-maker’s daughter, at Valrose. Even
+the kind old woman who often saved an orange for him, and gave him a gay
+red cotton handkerchief on his birthday, was less to his taste than
+Mariuccia, who adored him in spite of her scolding and stern ways.
+
+So he looked about for travellers going to Genoa; and one happy day as
+he returned from church, he saw, sitting under two red umbrellas before
+two easels beside the road, the two elderly ladies of the hotel.  Both
+wore brown hats like mushrooms; both had gray curls bobbing in the wind;
+and both were painting away for dear life, trying to get a good sketch
+of the ruined gateway, where passion-flowers climbed, and roses nodded
+through the bars.
+
+Tino stopped to look, as many another passer-by had done; and glancing
+up to see if he admired their work, the good ladies recognized their
+"Saint John," as they called the pretty boy who had vanished before they
+could finish the pictures they had begun of him.
+
+They were so glad to see him that he opened his heart to them, and found
+to his great joy that in a week they were to drive to Genoa, and would
+gladly take him along if he would sit to them meantime.  Of course he
+agreed, and ran home to tell his master that he must go. Tommaso
+bewailed his loss, but would not keep him; and as Marco’s son Beppo was
+willing to take his place till another lad could be found, Tino was free
+to sit in a sheepskin for the Misses Blair as often as they liked.
+
+It was a very happy week; and when the long-desired day came at last,
+Tino was so gay he danced and sang till the dingy cellar seemed to be
+full of birds in high spirits.  Poor Carmelita gratefully ate the
+cabbage he gave her as a farewell offering; the old woman found her box
+full of her favorite snuff; and each small boy grew more shiny than ever
+over a new toy presented by Tino.  Tommaso wept as he held him in his
+fat arms, and gave him a bundle of half-baked macaroni as a reward for
+his faithful service, while Marco and all his family stood at the hotel
+door to see the carriage depart.
+
+"Really quite like a wedding, with all those orange-flowers and roses,"
+said Miss Priscilla, as Teresa and Manuela threw great bunches of
+flowers into their laps, and kissed their hands to the departing
+travellers.
+
+Sitting proudly aloft, Tino waved his old hat to these good friends till
+he could see them no more, then having, with some difficulty, bestowed
+his long bundle from Tommaso, his basket of fish from Marco, his small
+parcel of clothes, and the immense bouquet the children had made for
+him, he gave himself up to the rapture of that lovely April day.
+
+The kind ladies had given him a new suit of clothes like the old ones,
+and paid him well besides; so he felt quite content with the picturesque
+peasant garments he wore, having had enough of fine feathers, and gayly
+jingled the money in his pocket, though it was not the fortune he had
+foolishly hoped to make so easily.  He was a wiser boy than the one who
+went over that road six months before, and decided that even if his
+voice did come back in time, he would be in no hurry to leave home till
+he was sure it was the wisest thing to do. He had some very serious
+thoughts and sensible plans in his young head, and for a time was silent
+and sober.  But soon the delicious air, the lovely scenery, and the many
+questions of the ladies raised his spirits, and he chattered away till
+they stopped for dinner.
+
+All that long bright day they drove along the wonderful road, and as
+night fell, saw Valrose lying green and peaceful in the valley as they
+paused on the hill-top to enjoy its beauty. Then they went slowly down
+to the Falcone, and the moment the luggage was taken in, rooms secured,
+and dinner ordered, Tino, who had been quivering with impatience, said
+eagerly,--
+
+"Dear signoras, now I go to my own people to embrace them; but in the
+morning we come to thank you for your great kindness to me."
+
+Miss Priscilla opened her mouth to send some message; but Tino was off
+like an arrow, and never stopped till he burst into the little kitchen
+where Mariuccia sat shelling dry beans, and Stella was packing
+mandarinas in dainty baskets for market.  Like an affectionate little
+bear did the boy fall upon and embrace the two astonished women; while
+Stella laughed and cried, and Mariuccia called on all the saints to
+behold how tall and fat and beautiful her angel had become, and to thank
+them for restoring him to their arms.  The neighbors rushed in; and till
+late that night there was the sound of many voices in the stone cottage
+under the old fig-tree.
+
+Tino’s adventures were listened to with the deepest interest, and a very
+hearty welcome given him.  All were impressed with the splendors he had
+seen, afflicted by his trials, and grateful for his return.  No one
+laughed or reproached, but regarded him as a very remarkable fellow, and
+predicted that whether his voice came back or not, he was born for good
+luck and would prosper.  So at last he got to bed in the old loft, and
+fell asleep with the same friendly moon looking in at him as it did
+before, only now it saw a quiet face, a very happy heart, and a
+contented boy, glad to be safe again under the humble roof that was his
+home.
+
+Early next morning a little procession of three went to the Falcone
+bearing grateful offerings to the dear signoras who sat on the portico
+enjoying the balmy air that blew up from the acres of flowers below.
+First came Tino, bearing a great basket of the delicious little oranges
+which one never tastes in their perfection unless one eats them fresh
+from the tree; then Stella with two pretty boxes of perfume; and
+bringing up the rear, old Mariuccia with a blue jar of her best honey,
+which like all that of Valrose was famous.
+
+The ladies were much delighted with these gifts, and promised to stop
+and see the givers of them on their return from Genoa, if they came that
+way.  Tino took a grateful farewell of the good souls; Stella kissed
+their hands, with her dark eyes full of tender thanks, and Mariuccia
+begged the saints to have them in their special keeping by land and by
+sea, for their kindness to her boy.
+
+An hour later, as the travellers drove down the steep road from the
+village, they were startled by a sudden shower of violets and roses
+which rained upon them from a high bank beside the path.  Looking up,
+they saw Tino and his sister laughing, waving their hands, and tossing
+flowers as they called in their musical language,--
+
+"A rivederla, signoras!  Grazia, grazia!" till the carriage rolled round
+the corner looking as if it were Carnival-time, so full was it of
+fragrant violets and lovely roses.
+
+"Nice creatures! how prettily they do things! I hope we _shall_ see them
+again; and I wonder if the boy will ever be famous.  Such a pity to lose
+that sweet voice of his!" said Miss Maria, the younger of the sisters,
+as they drove along in a nest of sweet and pretty gifts.
+
+"I hope not, for he will be much safer and happier in this charming
+place than wandering about the world and getting into trouble as these
+singers always do.  _I_ hope he will be wise enough to be contented with
+the place in which his lot is cast," answered Miss Priscilla, who knew
+the world and had a good old-fashioned love for home and all it gives
+us.
+
+She was right; Tino _was_ wise, and though his voice did come back in
+time, it was no longer wonderful; and he was contented to live on at
+Valrose, a busy, happy, humble gardener all his life, saying with a
+laugh when asked about his runaway adventures,--
+
+"Ah, I have had enough of music and macaroni; I prefer my flowers and my
+freedom."
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: "Fortunately aunty came down in time to see what was
+going on, and found Lu busily buttoning the waterproof."--PAGE 152.]
+
+
+
+                                  VI.
+
+                         THE LITTLE RED PURSE.
+
+
+Among the presents which Lu found on her tenth birthday was a pretty red
+plush purse with a steel clasp and chain, just like mamma’s, only much
+smaller.  In it were ten bright new cents, that being the sum Lu
+received each week to spend as she liked.  She enjoyed all her gifts
+very much; but this one seemed to please her even more than the French
+doll in blue silk, the pearl ring, or "Alice in Wonderland,"--three
+things which she had wanted for a long time.
+
+"It is _so_ cunning, and the snap makes such a loud noise, and the chain
+is so nice on my arm, and the plush so red and soft, I can’t help loving
+my dear little purse.  I shall spend all the money for candy, and eat it
+every bit myself, because it is my birthday, and I must celebrate it,"
+said Lu, as she hovered like a bee round a honey-pot about the table
+where the gifts were spread.
+
+Now she was in a great hurry to go out shopping, with the new purse
+proudly carried in her small fat hand.  Aunty was soon ready, and away
+they went across the pleasant Park, where the pretty babies were
+enjoying the last warm days of autumn as they played among the fallen
+leaves.
+
+"You will be ill if you eat ten cents’ worth of candy to-day," said
+aunty.
+
+"I ’ll sprinkle it along through the day, and eat each kind seppyrut;
+then they won’t intersturb me, I am sure," answered Lu, who still used
+funny words, and always got _interrupt_ and _disturb_ rather mixed.
+
+Just then a poor man who had lost his legs came creeping along with a
+tray of little flower-pots to sell.
+
+"Only five cents, miss.  Help an unfortnit man, please, mum."
+
+"Let me buy one for my baby-house.  It would be sweet.  Cora Pinky May
+would love to have that darling little rose in her best parlor," cried
+Lu, thinking of the fine new doll.
+
+Aunty much preferred to help the poor man than to buy candy, so the
+flower-pot was soon bought, though the "red, red rose" was unlike any
+ever seen in a garden.
+
+"Now I ’ll have five cents for my treat, and no danger of being ill,"
+said Lu, as they went on again.
+
+But in a few moments a new beggar appeared, and Lu’s tender heart would
+not let her pass the old woman without dropping two of her bright cents
+in the tin cup.
+
+"Do come to the candy-place at once, or I never shall get any," begged
+Lu, as the red purse grew lighter and lighter every minute.
+
+Three sticks of candy were all she could buy, but she felt that she
+could celebrate the birthday on that, and was ready to go home and begin
+at once.
+
+As they went on to get some flowers to dress the cake at tea-time, Lu
+suddenly stopped short, lifted both hands, and cried out in a tone of
+despair,--
+
+"My purse! my purse!  I ’ve lost it.  Oh, I ’ve lost it!"
+
+"Left it in the store probably.  Come and look for it," said aunty; and
+back they turned, just in time to meet a shabby little girl running
+after them with the precious thing in her hand.
+
+"Ain’t this yours?  I thought you dropped it, and would hate to lose
+it," she said, smiling pleasantly.
+
+"Oh, I should.  It’s spandy new, and I love it dearly.  I ’ve got no
+more money to pay you, only this candy; do take a stick," and Lu
+presented the red barley sugar.
+
+The little girl took it gladly, and ran off.
+
+"Well, two sticks will do.  I ’d rather lose every bit of it than my
+darling purse," said Lu, putting it carefully in her pocket.
+
+"I love to give things away and make people happy," began Lu, but
+stopped to watch a dog who came up to her, wagging his tail as if he
+knew what a kind little girl she was, and wanted to be made happy.  She
+put out her hand to pat him, quite forgetting the small parcel in it;
+but the dog snapped it up before she could save it.
+
+"Oh, my last stick!  I did n’t mean to give it to him.  You naughty dog,
+drop it this minute!" cried poor Lu.
+
+But the beautiful pink cream candy was forever lost, and the ungrateful
+thief ran off, after a vain attempt to eat the flower-pot also.  It was
+so funny that aunty laughed, and Lu joined her, after shaking her finger
+at the dog, who barked and frisked as if he felt that he had done a
+clever thing.
+
+"Now _I_ am quite satisfied, and you will have a pleasanter birthday for
+having made four people and a dog happy, instead of yourself sick with
+too many goodies.  Charity is a nice sort of sweetie; and I hope you
+will buy that kind with your pocket-money now and then, my dear," said
+aunty, as they walked on again.
+
+"Could I do much with ten cents a week?" asked Lu.
+
+"Yes, indeed; you could buy a little book for lame Sammy, who loves to
+read, or a few flowers for my sick girl at the hospital, or a loaf of
+bread for some hungry person, or milk for a poor baby, or you could save
+up your money till Christmas, and get presents for children who
+otherwise would have none."
+
+"Could I do all those things?  I’d like to get presents best, and I
+will--I will!" cried Lu, charmed with the idea of playing Santa Claus.
+"I did n’t think ten cents would be so useful.  How long to Christmas,
+aunty?"
+
+"About ten weeks.  If you save all your pocket-money till then, you will
+have a dollar to spend."
+
+"A truly dollar!  How fine!  But all that time I should n’t have any
+candy.  I don’t think I could get along without _some_.  Perhaps if I
+was _very_ good some one would give me a bit now and then;" and Lu
+looked up with her most engaging smile and a twinkle in her eye.
+
+"We will see about that.  Perhaps ’some one’ will give extra cents for
+work you may do, and leave you to decide which kind of sweeties you
+would buy."
+
+"What can I do to earn money?" asked Lu.
+
+"Well, you can dry and fold the paper every morning for grandpa.  I will
+pay you a cent for that, because nurse is apt to forget it, and he likes
+to have it nicely ready for him after breakfast.  Then you might run up
+and down for mamma, and hem some towels for me, and take care of Jip and
+the parrot.  You will earn a good deal if you do your work regularly and
+well."
+
+"I shall have dreadful trials going by the candy-shops and never buying
+any.  I do long so to go in that I have to look away when you say No.  I
+want to be good and help poor people, but I ’m afraid it will be too
+hard for me," sighed Lu, foreseeing the temptations before her.
+
+"We might begin to-day, and try the new plan for a while.  If it is too
+hard, you can give it up; but I think you will soon like my way best,
+and have the merriest Christmas you ever knew with the money you save."
+
+Lu walked thoughtfully home, and put the empty purse away, resolved to
+see how long she could hold out, and how much she could earn. Mamma
+smiled when she heard the plan, but at once engaged the little girl to
+do errands about the house at a cent a job, privately quite sure that
+her pretty express would soon stop running. Grandpapa was pleased to
+find his paper ready, and nodded and patted Lu’s curly head when she
+told him about her Christmas plans.  Mary, the maid, was glad to get rid
+of combing Jip and feeding Polly, and aunty made towel hemming pleasant
+by telling stories as the little needle-woman did two hems a day.
+
+Every cent went into the red purse, which Lu hung on one of the gilt
+pegs of the easel in the parlor, for she thought it very ornamental, and
+hoped contributions might drop in occasionally. None did; but as every
+one paid her in bright cents, there was soon a fine display, and the
+little bag grew heavy with delightful rapidity.
+
+Only once did Lu yield to temptation, and that was when two weeks of
+self-denial made her trials so great that she felt as if she really must
+reward herself, as no one else seemed to remember how much little girls
+loved candy.
+
+One day she looked pale, and did not want any dinner, saying she felt
+sick.  Mamma was away, so aunty put her on the bed and sat by her,
+feeling very anxious, as scarlet-fever was about.  By and by Lu took her
+handkerchief out, and there, sticking to it, was a large brown
+cough-drop.  Lu turned red, and hid her face, saying with a penitent
+sob, "I don’t deserve to be cuddled.  I ’ve been selfish and silly, and
+spent some of my money for candy.  I had a little cold, and I thought
+cough-drops would do me good.  I ate a good many, and they were bitter
+and made me sick, and I ’m glad of it."
+
+Aunty wanted to laugh at the dear little sinner and her funny idea of
+choosing bitter candy as a sort of self-denial; but she comforted her
+kindly, and soon the invalid was skipping about again, declaring that
+she never would do so any more.
+
+Next day something happened which helped her very much, and made it
+easier to like the new kind of sweeties better than the old.  She was in
+the dining-room getting an apple for her lunch, when she saw a little
+girl come to the lower door to ask for cold food.  The cook was busy,
+and sent her away, telling her begging was forbidden.  Lu, peeping out,
+saw the little girl sit down on the steps to eat a cold potato as if she
+was very hungry, and while she ate she was trying to tie on a pair of
+very old boots some one had given her.  It was a rainy day, and she had
+only a shawl over her head; her hands were red with cold; her gown was a
+faded cotton one; and her big basket seemed to have very few scraps in
+it.  So poor, so sad, and tired did she look, that Lu could not bear to
+see it, and she called out in her pitiful child’s voice,--
+
+"Come in and get warm, little girl.  Don’t mind old Sarah.  I ’ll give
+you something to eat, and lend you my rubber boots and waterproof to go
+home in."
+
+The poor child gladly went to sit by the comfortable fire, while Lu with
+hospitable haste got crackers and cheese and cake and apples, and her
+own silver mug of milk, for her guest, forgetting, in her zeal, to ask
+leave.  Fortunately aunty came down for her own lunch in time to see
+what was going on, and found Lu busily buttoning the waterproof, while
+the little girl surveyed her rubber boots and small umbrella with pride.
+
+"I ’m only _lending_ my things, and she will return them to-morrow,
+aunty.  They are too small for me, and the umbrella is broken; and I ’d
+love to _give_ them all to Lucy if I could. _She_ has to go out in the
+rain to get food for her family, like a bird, and I don’t."
+
+"Birds don’t need waterproofs and umbrellas," began aunty; and both
+children laughed at the idea of sparrows with such things, but looked a
+little anxious till aunty went on to say that Lucy could have these
+comforts, and to fill the basket with something better than cold
+potatoes, while she asked questions and heard the sad little story: how
+father was dead, and the baby sick, so mother could not work, and the
+boys had to pick up chips and cinders to burn, and Lucy begged food to
+eat.  Lu listened with tears in her blue eyes, and a great deal of pity
+as well as admiration for poor little Lucy, who was only nine, yet had
+so many cares and troubles in her life.  While aunty went to get some
+flannel for baby, Lu flew to her red purse and counted out ten cents
+from her store, feeling so rich, so glad to have it instead of an empty
+bonbon box, and a headache after a candy feast.
+
+"Buy some nice fresh milk for little Totty, and tell her I sent it--all
+myself--with my love.  Come again to-morrow, and I will tell mamma all
+about you, and you shall be my poor people, and I ’ll help you if I
+can," she said, full of interest and good-will, for the sight of this
+child made her feel what poverty really was, and long to lighten it if
+she could.
+
+Lucy was smiling when she went away, snug and dry in her comfortable
+clothes, with the full basket on her arm; and all that day Lu talked and
+thought about her "own poor people," and what she hoped to do for them.
+Mamma inquired, and finding them worthy of help, let her little girl
+send many comforts to the children, and learn how to be wisely
+charitable.
+
+"I shall give _all_ my money to my ’Lucy children’ on Christmas,"
+announced Lu, as that pleasant time drew near.  "I know what they want,
+and though I can’t save money enough to give them half the things they
+need, maybe I can help a good deal, and really have a nice bundle to
+s’prise them with."
+
+This idea took possession of little Lu, and she worked like a beaver in
+all sorts of funny ways to fill her purse by Christmas-time.  One thing
+she did which amused her family very much, though they were obliged to
+stop it.  Lu danced very prettily, and often had what she called ballets
+before she went to bed, when she tripped about the parlor like a fairy
+in the gay costumes aunty made for her.  As the purse did not fill as
+fast as she hoped, Lu took it into her head one fine day to go round the
+square where she lived, with her tambourine, and dance as some of the
+girls with the hand-organ men did.  So she dressed herself in her red
+skirt and black velvet jacket, and with a fur cap on her head and a blue
+cloak over her shoulders, slipped out into the quiet square, and going
+to the farther corner, began to dance and beat her tambourine on the
+sidewalk before a house where some little children lived.
+
+As she expected, they soon came running to the window, and were charmed
+to see the pretty dancer whirling to and fro, with her ribbons flying
+and her tambourine bells ringing, till her breath was gone.  Then she
+held up the instrument and nodded smilingly at them; and they threw down
+cents wrapped in paper, thinking her music much better than any the
+organ men made.  Much encouraged, Lu went on from house to house, and
+was doing finely, when one of the ladies who looked out recognized the
+child, and asked her if her mother knew where she was.  Lu had to say
+"No;" and the lady sent a maid to take her home at once.
+
+That spoiled all the fun; and poor Lu did not hear the last of her prank
+for a long time.  But she had made forty-two cents, and felt comforted
+when she added that handsome sum to her store. As if to console her for
+this disappointment, after that day several bright ten-cent pieces got
+into the red purse in a most mysterious manner. Lu asked every one in
+the house, and all declared that they did not do it.  Grandpa could not
+get out of his chair without help, and nurse said she never took the
+purse to him; so of course it could not be he who slipped in those
+welcome bits of silver.  Lu asked him; but he was very deaf that day,
+and did not seem to understand her at all.
+
+"It must be fairies," she said, pondering over the puzzle, as she
+counted her treasure and packed it away, for now the little red purse
+was full.  "Aunty says there are no fairies; but I like to think so.
+Perhaps angels fly around at Christmas-time as they did long ago, and
+love to help poor people, and put those beautiful bright things here to
+show that they are pleased with me."  She liked that fancy, and aunty
+agreed that some good spirit must have done it, and was sure they would
+find out the secret some time.
+
+Lucy came regularly; and Lu always tried to see her, and so learned what
+she and Totty and Joe and Jimmy wanted, but never dreamed of receiving
+Christmas morning.  It did both little girls much good, for poor Lucy
+was comforted by the kindness of these friends, and Lu learned about far
+harder trials than the want of sugarplums.  The day before Christmas she
+went on a grand shopping expedition with aunty, for the purse now held
+three dollars and seven cents. She had spent some of it for trifles for
+her "Lucy children," and had not earned as much as she once hoped,
+various fits of idleness and other more amusing but less profitable work
+having lessened her wages.  But she had enough, thanks to the good
+spirit, to get toys and books and candy for her family, and went
+joyfully away Christmas Eve to carry her little basket of gifts,
+accompanied by aunty with a larger store of comforts for the grateful
+mother.
+
+When they got back, Lu entertained her mother with an account of the
+delight of the children, who never had such a Christmas before.
+
+"They could n’t wait till morning, and I could n’t either, and we opened
+the bundles right away; and they _screamed_, mamma, and jumped for joy
+and ate everything and hugged me.  And the mother cried, she was so
+pleased; and the boys can go to school all neat now, and so could Lucy,
+only she has to take care of Totty while her mother goes to work.  Oh,
+it was lovely!  I felt just like Santa Claus, only he does n’t stay to
+see people enjoy their things, and I did."
+
+Here Lu stopped for breath, and when she got it, had a fine ballet as
+the only way to work off her excitement at the success of her "s’prise."
+It was a trial to go to bed, but she went at last, and dreamed that her
+"Lucy children" all had wings, and were flying round her bed with
+tambourines full of heavenly bonbons, which they showered down upon her;
+while aunty in an immense nightcap stood by clapping her hands and
+saying, "Eat all you like, dear; this sort won’t hurt you."
+
+Morning came very soon; and she popped up her head to see a long knobby
+stocking hanging from the mantel-piece.  Out of bed skipped the little
+white figure, and back again, while cries of joy were heard as the
+treasures appeared one by one.  There was a tableful beside the
+stocking, and Lu was so busy looking at them that she was late to
+breakfast.  But aunty waited for her, and they went down together some
+time after the bell rang.
+
+"Let me peep and see if grandpa has found the silk handkerchief and
+spectacle-case I made for him," whispered Lu, as they passed the parlor
+door, which stood half open, leaving a wide crack for the blue eyes to
+spy through.
+
+The old gentleman sat in his easy-chair as usual, waiting while nurse
+got his breakfast; but what was he doing with his long staff?  Lu
+watched eagerly, and to her great surprise saw him lean forward, and
+with the hook at the end take the little red purse off the easel, open
+it, and slip in a small white parcel, then hang it on the gilt peg
+again, put away the cane, and sit rubbing his hands and laughing to
+himself at the success of his little trick, quite sure that this was a
+safe time to play it.  Lu was about to cry out, and rush in, but aunty
+whispered, "Don’t spoil his fun yet.  Go and see what is in the purse,
+then thank him in the way he likes best."
+
+So Lu skipped into the parlor, trying to look very innocent, and ran to
+open the dear red purse, as she often did, eager to see if the good
+fairy had added to the charity fund.
+
+"Why, here ’s a great gold medal, and some queer, shaky writing on the
+paper.  Please see what it is," said Lu, very loud, hoping grandpa would
+hear her this time, for his face was hidden behind the newspaper he
+pretended to read.
+
+"For Lu’s poor’s purse, from Santa Claus," read aunty, glad that at last
+the kind old fairy was discovered and ready for his reward.
+
+Lu had never seen a twenty-dollar gold-piece before; but she could not
+stop to find out whether the shining medal was money or a locket, and
+ran to grandpa, crying as she pulled away the paper and threw her arms
+about his neck,--
+
+"I ’ve found you out, I ’ve found you out, my dear old Santa Claus!
+Merry Christmas, grandpa, and lots of thanks and kisses!"
+
+It was pretty to see the rosy cheek against the wrinkled one, the golden
+and the silver heads close together, as the old man and the little girl
+kissed and laughed, and both talked at once for a few minutes.
+
+"Tell me all about it, you sly grandpa. What made you think of doing it
+that way, and not let any one know?" cried Lu, as the old gentleman
+stopped to rest after a kindly "cuddle," as Lu called these caresses.
+
+"Well, dear, I liked to see you trying to do good with your little
+pennies, and I wanted to help.  I ’m a feeble old man, tied to my chair
+and of no use now; but I like a bit of fun, and love to feel that it is
+not quite too late to make some one happy."
+
+"Why, grandpa, you do heaps of good, and make many, many people happy,"
+said Lu, with another hug.  "Mamma told me all about the hospital for
+little children you built, and the money you gave to the poor soldiers
+in the war, and ever so many more good things you ’ve done.  I won’t
+have you say you are of no use now.  We want you to love and take care
+of; and we could n’t do without you, could we, aunty?"
+
+Aunty sat on the arm of the chair with her arm round the old man’s
+shoulder, and her only answer was a kiss.  But it was enough, and
+grandpa went on quite cheerfully, as he held two plump hands in his own,
+and watched the blooming face that looked up at him so eagerly:
+
+"When I was younger, I loved money, and wanted a great deal.  I cared
+for nothing else, and worked hard to get it, and did get it after years
+of worry.  But it cost me my health, and then I saw how foolish I had
+been, for all my money could not buy me any strength or pleasure and
+very little comfort.  I could not take it with me when I died, and did
+not know what to do with it, because there was so much.  So I tried to
+see if giving it away would not amuse me, and make me feel better about
+having wasted my life instead of using it wisely.  The more I gave away
+the better I felt; and now I’m quite jolly, though I’m only a helpless
+old baby just fit to play jokes and love little girls.  You have begun
+early at this pretty game of give-away, my dear, and aunty will see that
+you keep it up; so that when you are old you will have much treasure in
+the other world where the blessings of the poor are more precious than
+gold and silver."
+
+Nobody spoke for a minute as the feeble old voice stopped; and the
+sunshine fell on the white head like a blessing.  Then Lu said very
+soberly, as she turned the great coin in her hand, and saw the letters
+that told its worth,--
+
+"What shall I do with all this money?  I never had so much, and I ’d
+like to spend it in some very good and pleasant way.  Can you think of
+something, aunty, so I can begin at once to be like grandpa?"
+
+"How would you like to pay two dollars a month, so that Totty can go to
+the Sunnyside Nursery, and be taken care of every day while Lucy goes to
+school?  Then she will be safe and happy, and Lucy be learning, as she
+longs to do, and the mother free to work," said aunty, glad to have this
+dear child early learn to help those less blessed than herself.
+
+"Could I?  How splendid it would be to pay for a real live baby all
+myself!  How long would my money do it?" said Lu, charmed with the idea
+of a living dolly to care for.
+
+"All winter, and provide clothes besides. You can make them yourself,
+and go and see Totty, and call her your baby.  This will be a sweet
+charity for you; and to-day is a good day to begin it, for this is the
+birthday of the Divine Child, who was born in a poorer place even than
+Lucy’s sister.  In His name pity and help this baby, and be sure He will
+bless you for it."
+
+Lu looked up at the fine picture of the Good Shepherd hanging over the
+sofa with holly-leaves glistening round it, and felt as if she too in
+her humble way was about to take a helpless little lamb in her arms and
+comfort it.  Her childish face was very sweet and sober as she said
+softly,--
+
+"Yes, I will spend my Christmas money so; for, aunty, I do think your
+sort of sweetie is better than mine, and making people happy a much
+wiser way to spend my pennies than in buying the nicest candy in the
+world."
+
+Little Lu remembered that morning long after the dear old grandfather
+was gone, and kept her Christmas promise so well that very soon a larger
+purse was needed for charity money, which she used so wisely and so
+happily.  But all her life in one corner of her desk lay carefully
+folded up, with the bit of paper inside, the little red purse.
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Chapter VI tailpiece]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: "Sophie came and sat beside her while she dried her curly
+hair."  PAGE 178.]
+
+
+
+                                  VII.
+
+                            SOPHIE’S SECRET.
+
+
+,, class:: center medium
+
+    I.
+
+
+A party of young girls, in their gay bathing-dresses, were sitting on
+the beach waiting for the tide to rise a little higher before they
+enjoyed the daily frolic which they called "mermaiding."
+
+"I wish we could have a clam-bake; but we have n’t any clams, and don’t
+know how to cook them if we had.  It’s such a pity all the boys have
+gone off on that stupid fishing excursion," said one girl, in a
+yellow-and-black striped suit which made her look like a wasp.
+
+"What is a clam-bake?  I do not know that kind of fête," asked a pretty
+brown-eyed girl, with an accent that betrayed the foreigner.
+
+The girls laughed at such sad ignorance, and Sophie colored, wishing she
+had not spoken.
+
+"Poor thing! she has never tasted a clam. What _should_ we do if we went
+to Switzerland?" said the wasp, who loved to tease.
+
+"We should give you the best we had, and not laugh at your ignorance, if
+you did not know all our dishes.  In _my_ country, we have politeness,
+though not the clam-bake," answered Sophie, with a flash of the brown
+eyes which warned naughty Di to desist.
+
+"We might row to the light-house, and have a picnic supper.  Our mammas
+will let us do that alone," suggested Dora from the roof of the
+bath-house, where she perched like a flamingo.
+
+"That’s a good idea," cried Fanny, a slender brown girl who sat dabbling
+her feet in the water, with her hair streaming in the wind. "Sophie
+should see that, and get some of the shells she likes so much."
+
+"You are kind to think of me.  I shall be glad to have a necklace of the
+pretty things, as a souvenir of this so charming place and my good
+friend," answered Sophie, with a grateful look at Fanny, whose many
+attentions had won the stranger’s heart.
+
+"Those boys have n’t left us a single boat, so we must dive off the
+rocks, and that is n’t half so nice," said Di, to change the subject,
+being ashamed of her rudeness.
+
+"A boat is just coming round the Point; perhaps we can hire that, and
+have some fun," cried Dora, from her perch.  "There is only a girl in
+it; I ’ll hail her when she is near enough."
+
+Sophie looked about her to see where the _hail_ was coming from; but the
+sky was clear, and she waited to see what new meaning this word might
+have, not daring to ask for fear of another laugh.
+
+While the girls watched the boat float around the farther horn of the
+crescent-shaped beach, we shall have time to say a few words about our
+little heroine.
+
+She was a sixteen-year-old Swiss girl, on a visit to some American
+friends, and had come to the seaside for a month with one of them who
+was an invalid.  This left Sophie to the tender mercies of the young
+people; and they gladly welcomed the pretty creature, with her fine
+manners, foreign ways, and many accomplishments.  But she had a quick
+temper, a funny little accent, and dressed so very plainly that the
+girls could not resist criticising and teasing her in a way that seemed
+very ill-bred and unkind to the new-comer.
+
+Their free and easy ways astonished her, their curious language
+bewildered her; and their ignorance of many things she had been taught
+made her wonder at the American education she had heard so much praised.
+All had studied French and German; yet few read or spoke either tongue
+correctly, or understood her easily when she tried to talk to them.
+Their music did not amount to much, and in the games they played, their
+want of useful information amazed Sophie.  One did not know the signs of
+the zodiac; another could only say of cotton that "it was stuff that
+grew down South;" and a third was not sure whether a frog was an animal
+or a reptile, while the handwriting and spelling displayed on these
+occasions left much to be desired.  Yet all were fifteen or sixteen, and
+would soon leave school "finished," as they expressed it, but not
+_furnished_, as they should have been, with a solid, sensible education.
+Dress was an all-absorbing topic, sweetmeats their delight; and in
+confidential moments sweethearts were discussed with great freedom.
+Fathers were conveniences, mothers comforters, brothers plagues, and
+sisters ornaments or playthings according to their ages.  They were not
+hard-hearted girls, only frivolous, idle, and fond of fun; and poor
+little Sophie amused them immensely till they learned to admire, love,
+and respect her.
+
+Coming straight from Paris, they expected to find that her trunks
+contained the latest fashions for demoiselles, and begged to see her
+dresses with girlish interest.  But when Sophie obligingly showed a few
+simple, but pretty and appropriate gowns and hats, they exclaimed with
+one voice,--
+
+"Why, you dress like a little girl!  Don’t you have ruffles and lace on
+your dresses; and silks and high-heeled boots and long gloves and
+bustles and corsets, and things like ours?"
+
+"I _am_ a little girl," laughed Sophie, hardly understanding their
+dismay.  "What should I do with fine toilets at school?  My sisters go
+to balls in silk and lace; but I--not yet."
+
+"How queer!  Is your father poor?" asked Di, with Yankee bluntness.
+
+"We have enough," answered Sophie, slightly knitting her dark brows.
+
+"How many servants do you keep?"
+
+"But five, now that the little ones are grown up."
+
+"Have you a piano?" continued undaunted Di, while the others affected to
+be looking at the books and pictures strewn about by the hasty
+unpacking.
+
+"We have two pianos, four violins, three flutes, and an organ.  We love
+music, and all play, from papa to little Franz."
+
+"My gracious, how swell!  You must live in a big house to hold all that
+and eight brothers and sisters."
+
+"We are not peasants; we do not live in a hut.  _Voilà_, this is my
+home."  And Sophie laid before them a fine photograph of a large and
+elegant house on lovely Lake Geneva.
+
+It was droll to see the change in the faces of the girls as they looked,
+admired, and slyly nudged one another, enjoying saucy Di’s astonishment,
+for she had stoutly insisted that the Swiss girl was a poor relation.
+
+Sophie meanwhile was folding up her plain piqué and muslin frocks, with
+a glimmer of mirthful satisfaction in her eyes, and a tender pride in
+the work of loving hands now far away.
+
+Kind Fanny saw a little quiver of the lips as she smoothed the blue
+corn-flowers in the best hat, and put her arm around Sophie,
+whispering,--
+
+"Never mind, dear, they don’t mean to be rude; it’s only our Yankee way
+of asking questions.  I like _all_ your things, and that hat is
+perfectly lovely."
+
+"Indeed, yes!  Dear mamma arranged it for me.  I was thinking of her and
+longing for my morning kiss."
+
+"Do you do that every day?" asked Fanny, forgetting herself in her
+sympathetic interest.
+
+"Surely, yes.  Papa and mamma sit always on the sofa, and we all have
+the hand-shake and the embrace each day before our morning coffee.  I do
+not see that here," answered Sophie, who sorely missed the affectionate
+respect foreign children give their parents.
+
+"Have n’t time," said Fanny, smiling too, at the idea of American
+parents sitting still for five minutes in the busiest part of the busy
+day to kiss their sons and daughters.
+
+"It is what you call old-fashioned, but a sweet fashion to me; and since
+I have not the dear warm cheeks to kiss, I embrace my pictures often.
+See, I have them all."  And Sophie unfolded a Russia-leather case,
+displaying with pride a long row of handsome brothers and sisters with
+the parents in the midst.
+
+More exclamations from the girls, and increased interest in "Wilhelmina
+Tell," as they christened the loyal Swiss maiden, who was now accepted
+as a companion, and soon became a favorite with old and young.
+
+They could not resist teasing her, however,--her mistakes were so
+amusing, her little flashes of temper so dramatic, and her tongue so
+quick to give a sharp or witty answer when the new language did not
+perplex her.  But Fanny always took her part, and helped her in many
+ways.  Now they sat together on the rock, a pretty pair of mermaids with
+wind-tossed hair, wave-washed feet, and eyes fixed on the approaching
+boat.
+
+The girl who sat in it was a great contrast to the gay creatures grouped
+so picturesquely on the shore, for the old straw hat shaded a very
+anxious face, the brown calico gown covered a heart full of hopes and
+fears, and the boat that drifted so slowly with the incoming tide
+carried Tilly Reed like a young Columbus toward the new world she longed
+for, believed in, and was resolved to discover.
+
+It was a weather-beaten little boat, yet very pretty; for a pile of nets
+lay at one end, a creel of red lobsters at the other, and all between
+stood baskets of berries and water-lilies, purple marsh rosemary and
+orange butterfly-weed, shells and great smooth stones such as artists
+like to paint little sea-views on.  A tame gull perched on the prow; and
+the morning sunshine glittered from the blue water to the bluer sky.
+
+"Oh, how pretty!  Come on, please, and sell us some lilies," cried Dora,
+and roused Tilly from her waking dream.
+
+Pushing back her hat, she saw the girls beckoning, felt that the
+critical moment had come, and catching up her oars, rowed bravely on,
+though her cheeks reddened and her heart beat, for this venture was her
+last hope, and on its success depended the desire of her life.  As the
+boat approached, the watchers forgot its cargo to look with surprise and
+pleasure at its rower, for she was not the rough country lass they
+expected to see, but a really splendid girl of fifteen, tall,
+broad-shouldered, bright-eyed, and blooming, with a certain shy dignity
+of her own and a very sweet smile, as she nodded and pulled in with
+strong, steady strokes.  Before they could offer help, she had risen,
+planted an oar in the water, and leaping to the shore, pulled her boat
+high up on the beach, offering her wares with wistful eyes and a very
+expressive wave of both brown hands.
+
+"Everything is for sale, if you ’ll buy," said she.
+
+Charmed with the novelty of this little adventure, the girls, after
+scampering to the bathing-houses for purses and portemonnaies, crowded
+around the boat like butterflies about a thistle, all eager to buy, and
+to discover who this bonny fisher-maiden might be.
+
+"Oh, see these beauties!"  "A dozen lilies for me!"  "All the yellow
+flowers for me, they’ll be so becoming at the dance to-night!" "Ow! that
+lob bites awfully!"  "Where do you come from?"  "Why have we never seen
+you before?"
+
+These were some of the exclamations and questions showered upon Tilly,
+as she filled little birch-bark panniers with berries, dealt out
+flowers, or dispensed handfuls of shells.  Her eyes shone, her cheeks
+glowed, and her heart danced in her bosom; for this was a better
+beginning than she had dared to hope for, and as the dimes tinkled into
+the tin pail she used for her till, it was the sweetest music she had
+ever heard.  This hearty welcome banished her shyness; and in these
+eager, girlish customers she found it easy to confide.
+
+"I ’m from the light-house.  You have never seen me because I never came
+before, except with fish for the hotel.  But I mean to come every day,
+if folks will buy my things, for I want to make some money, and this is
+the only way in which I can do it."
+
+Sophie glanced at the old hat and worn shoes of the speaker, and
+dropping a bright half-dollar into the pail, said in her pretty way:
+
+"For me all these lovely shells.  I will make necklaces of them for my
+people at home as souvenirs of this charming place.  If you will bring
+me more, I shall be much grateful to you."
+
+"Oh, thank you!  I ’ll bring heaps; I know where to find beauties in
+places where other folks can’t go.  Please take these; you paid too much
+for the shells;" and quick to feel the kindness of the stranger, Tilly
+put into her hands a little bark canoe heaped with red raspberries.
+
+Not to be outdone by the foreigner, the other girls emptied their purses
+and Tilly’s boat also of all but the lobsters, which were ordered for
+the hotel.
+
+"Is that jolly bird for sale?" asked Di, as the last berry vanished,
+pointing to the gull who was swimming near them while the chatter went
+on.
+
+"If you can catch him," laughed Tilly, whose spirits were now the gayest
+of the party.
+
+The girls dashed into the water, and with shrieks of merriment swam away
+to capture the gull, who paddled off as if he enjoyed the fun as much as
+they.
+
+Leaving them to splash vainly to and fro, Tilly swung the creel to her
+shoulder and went off to leave her lobsters, longing to dance and sing
+to the music of the silver clinking in her pocket.
+
+When she came back, the bird was far out of reach and the girls diving
+from her boat, which they had launched without leave.  Too happy to care
+what happened now, Tilly threw herself down on the warm sand to plan a
+new and still finer cargo for next day.
+
+Sophie came and sat beside her while she dried her curly hair, and in
+five minutes her sympathetic face and sweet ways had won Tilly to tell
+all her hopes and cares and dreams.
+
+"I want schooling, and I mean to have it. I ’ve got no folks of my own;
+and uncle has married again, so he does n’t need me now. If I only had a
+little money, I could go to school somewhere, and take care of myself.
+Last summer I worked at the hotel, but I did n’t make much, and had to
+have good clothes, and that took my wages pretty much.  Sewing is slow
+work, and baby-tending leaves me no time to study; so I ’ve kept on at
+home picking berries and doing what I could to pick up enough to buy
+books.  Aunt thinks I ’m a fool; but uncle, he says, ’Go ahead, girl,
+and see what you can do.’  And I mean to show him!"
+
+Tilly’s brown hand came down on the sand with a resolute thump; and her
+clear young eyes looked bravely out across the wide sea, as if far away
+in the blue distance she saw her hope happily fulfilled.
+
+Sophie’s eyes shone approval, for she understood this love of
+independence, and had come to America because she longed for new scenes
+and greater freedom than her native land could give her.  Education is a
+large word, and both girls felt that desire for self-improvement that
+comes to all energetic natures.  Sophie had laid a good foundation, but
+still desired more; while Tilly was just climbing up the first steep
+slope which rises to the heights few attain, yet all may strive for.
+
+"That is beautiful!  You will do it!  I am glad to help you if I may.
+See, I have many books; will you take some of them?  Come to my room
+to-morrow and take what will best please you.  We will say nothing of
+it, and it will make me a truly great pleasure."
+
+As Sophie spoke, her little white hand touched the strong, sunburned one
+that turned to meet and grasp hers with grateful warmth, while Tilly’s
+face betrayed the hunger that possessed her, for it looked as a starving
+girl’s would look when offered a generous meal.
+
+"I _will_ come.  Thank you so much!  I don’t know anything, but just
+blunder along and do the best I can.  I got so discouraged I was real
+desperate, and thought I ’d have one try, and see if I could n’t earn
+enough to get books to study this winter.  Folks buy berries at the
+cottages; so I just added flowers and shells, and I ’m going to bring my
+boxes of butterflies, birds’ eggs, and seaweeds.  I ’ve got lots of such
+things; and people seem to like spending money down here.  I often wish
+I had a little of what they throw away."
+
+Tilly paused with a sigh, then laughed as an impatient movement caused a
+silver clink; and slapping her pocket, she added gayly,--
+
+"I won’t blame ’em if they ’ll only throw their money in here."
+
+Sophie’s hand went involuntarily toward her own pocket, where lay a
+plump purse, for papa was generous, and simple Sophie had few wants. But
+something in the intelligent face opposite made her hesitate to offer as
+a gift what she felt sure Tilly would refuse, preferring to earn her
+education if she could.
+
+"Come often, then, and let me exchange these stupid bills for the lovely
+things you bring.  We will come this afternoon to see you if we may, and
+I shall like the butterflies.  I try to catch them; but people tell me I
+am too old to run, so I have not many."
+
+Proposed in this way, Tilly fell into the little trap, and presently
+rowed away with all her might to set her possessions in order, and put
+her precious earnings in a safe place.  The mermaids clung about the
+boat as long as they dared, making a pretty tableau for the artists on
+the rocks, then swam to shore, more than ever eager for the picnic on
+Light-house Island.
+
+They went, and had a merry time; while Tilly did the honors and showed
+them a room full of treasures gathered from earth, air, and water, for
+she led a lonely life, and found friends among the fishes, made
+playmates of the birds, and studied rocks and flowers, clouds and waves,
+when books were wanting.
+
+The girls bought gulls’ wings for their hats, queer and lovely shells,
+eggs and insects, seaweeds and carved wood, and for their small
+brothers, birch baskets and toy ships, made by Uncle Hiram, who had been
+a sailor.
+
+When Tilly had sold nearly everything she possessed (for Fanny and
+Sophie bought whatever the others declined), she made a fire of
+drift-wood on the rocks, cooked fish for supper, and kept them till
+moonrise, telling sea stories or singing old songs, as if she could not
+do enough for these good fairies who had come to her when life looked
+hardest and the future very dark.  Then she rowed them home, and
+promising to bring loads of fruit and flowers every day, went back along
+a shining road, to find a great bundle of books in her dismantled room,
+and to fall asleep with wet eyelashes and a happy heart.
+
+
+
+,, class:: center medium
+
+    II.
+
+
+For a month Tilly went daily to the Point with a cargo of pretty
+merchandise, for her patrons increased; and soon the ladies engaged her
+berries, the boys ordered boats enough to supply a navy, the children
+clamored for shells, and the girls depended on her for bouquets and
+garlands for the dances that ended every summer day.  Uncle Hiram’s fish
+was in demand when such a comely saleswoman offered it; so he let Tilly
+have her way, glad to see the old tobacco-pouch in which she kept her
+cash fill fast with well-earned money.
+
+She really began to feel that her dream was coming true, and she would
+be able to go to the town and study in some great school, eking out her
+little fund with light work.  The other girls soon lost their interest
+in her, but Sophie never did; and many a book went to the island in the
+empty baskets, many a helpful word was said over the lilies or wild
+honeysuckle Sophie loved to wear, and many a lesson was given in the
+bare room in the light-house tower which no one knew about but the gulls
+and the sea-winds sweeping by the little window where the two heads
+leaned together over one page.
+
+"You will do it, Tilly, I am very sure.  Such a will and such a memory
+will make a way for you; and one day I shall see you teaching as you
+wish.  Keep the brave heart, and all will be well with you," said
+Sophie, when the grand breaking-up came in September, and the girls were
+parting down behind the deserted bathhouses.
+
+"Oh, Miss Sophie, what should I have done without you?  Don’t think I
+have n’t seen and known all the kind things you have said and done for
+me.  I ’ll never forget ’em; and I do hope I ’ll be able to thank you
+some day," cried grateful Tilly, with tears in her clear eyes that
+seldom wept over her own troubles.
+
+"I am thanked if you do well.  Adieu; write to me, and remember always
+that I am your friend."
+
+Then they kissed with girlish warmth, and Tilly rowed away to the lonely
+island; while Sophie lingered on the shore, her handkerchief fluttering
+in the wind, till the boat vanished and the waves had washed away their
+footprints on the sand.
+
+
+
+,, class:: center medium
+
+    III.
+
+
+December snow was falling fast, and the wintry wind whistled through the
+streets; but it was warm and cosey in the luxurious parlor where Di and
+Do were sitting making Christmas presents, and planning what they would
+wear at the party Fanny was to give on Christmas Eve.
+
+"If I can get mamma to buy me a new dress, I shall have something
+yellow.  It is always becoming to brunettes, and I ’m so tired of red,"
+said Di, giving a last touch to the lace that trimmed a blue satin
+_sachet_ for Fanny.
+
+"That will be lovely.  I shall have pink, with roses of the same color.
+Under muslin it is perfectly sweet."  And Dora eyed the sunflower she
+was embroidering as if she already saw the new toilet before her.
+
+"Fan always wears blue, so we shall make a nice contrast.  She is coming
+over to show me about finishing off my banner-screen; and I asked Sophie
+to come with her.  I want to know what _she_ is going to wear," said Di,
+taking a little sniff at the violet-scented bag.
+
+"That old white cashmere.  Just think!  I asked her why she did n’t get
+a new one, and she laughed and said she could n’t afford it. Fan told me
+Sophie’s father sent her a hundred dollars not long ago, yet she has n’t
+got a thing that we know of.  I do think she ’s mean."
+
+"She bought a great bundle of books.  I was there when the parcel came,
+and I peeped while she was out of the room, because she put it away in a
+great hurry.  I ’m afraid she _is_ mean, for she never buys a bit of
+candy, and she wears shabby boots and gloves, and she has made over her
+old hat instead of having that lovely one with the pheasant’s breast in
+it."
+
+"She’s very queer; but I can’t help liking her, she’s so pretty and
+bright and obliging. I ’d give anything if I could speak three languages
+and play as she does."
+
+"So would I.  It seems so elegant to be able to talk to foreigners.
+Papa had some Frenchmen to dinner the other day, and they were so
+pleased to find they need n’t speak English to Sophie.  I could n’t get
+on at all; and I was so mortified when papa said all the money he had
+spent on my languages was thrown away."
+
+"I would n’t mind.  It’s so much easier to learn those things abroad,
+she would be a goose if she did n’t speak French better than we do.
+There’s Fan! she looks as if something had happened.  I hope no one is
+ill and the party spoiled."
+
+As Dora spoke, both girls looked out to see Fanny shaking the snow from
+her seal-skin sack on the doorstep; then Do hastened to meet her, while
+Di hid the _sachet_, and was hard at work on an old-gold sofa cushion
+when the new-comer entered.
+
+"What’s the matter?  Where’s Sophie?" exclaimed the girls together, as
+Fan threw off her wraps and sat down with a tragic sigh.
+
+"She will be along in a few minutes.  I ’m disappointed in her!  I would
+n’t have believed it if I had n’t seen them.  Promise not to breathe a
+word to a living soul, and I ’ll tell you something dreadful," began
+Fanny, in a tone that caused her friends to drop their work and draw
+their chairs nearer, as they solemnly vowed eternal silence.
+
+"I ’ve seen Sophie’s Christmas presents,--all but mine; and they are
+just nothing at all!  She has n’t bought a thing, not even ribbons,
+lace, or silk, to make up prettily as we do.  Only a painted shell for
+one, an acorn emery for another, her ivory fan with a new tassel for a
+third, and I suspect one of those nice handkerchiefs embroidered by the
+nuns for me, or her silver filigree necklace.  I saw the box in the
+drawer with the other things.  She’s knit woollen cuffs and tippets for
+the children, and got some eight-cent calico gowns for the servants.  I
+don’t know how people do things in Switzerland, but I do know that if
+_I_ had a hundred dollars in my pocket, I would be more generous than
+that!"
+
+As Fanny paused, out of breath, Di and Do groaned in sympathy, for this
+was indeed a sad state of things; because the girls had a code that
+Christmas being the season for gifts, extravagance would be forgiven
+then as at no other time.
+
+"I have a lovely smelling-bottle for her; but I ’ve a great mind not to
+give it now," cried Di, feeling defrauded of the bracelet she had
+plainly hinted she would like.
+
+"I shall heap coals of fire on her head by giving her _that_;" and Dora
+displayed a very useless but very pretty apron of muslin, lace, and
+carnation ribbon.
+
+"It is n’t the worth of the things.  I don’t care for that so much as I
+do for being disappointed in her; and I have been lately in more ways
+than one," said Fanny, listlessly taking up the screen she was to
+finish.  "She used to tell me everything, and now she does n’t.  I ’m
+sure she has some sort of a secret; and I do think _I_ ought to know it.
+I found her smiling over a letter one day; and she whisked it into her
+pocket and never said a word about it.  I always stood by her, and I do
+feel hurt."
+
+"I should think you might!  It’s real naughty of her, and I shall tell
+her so!  Perhaps she ’ll confide in you then, and you can just give _me_
+a hint; I always liked Sophie, and never thought of not giving _my_
+present," said Dora, persuasively, for both girls were now dying with
+curiosity to know the secret.
+
+"I ’ll have it out of her, without any dodging or bribing.  I ’m not
+afraid of any one, and I shall ask her straight out, no matter how much
+she scowls at me," said dauntless Di, with a threatening nod.
+
+"There she is!  Let us see you do it now!" cried Fanny, as the bell
+rang, and a clear voice was heard a moment later asking if Mademoiselle
+was in.
+
+"You shall!" and Di looked ready for any audacity.
+
+"I ’ll wager a box of candy that you don’t find out a thing," whispered
+Do.
+
+"Done!" answered Di, and then turned to meet Sophie, who came in looking
+as fresh as an Alpine rose with the wintry wind.
+
+"You dear thing! we were just talking of you. Sit here and get warm, and
+let us show you our gifts.  We are almost done, but it seems as if it
+got to be a harder job each Christmas.  Don’t you find it so?"
+
+"But no; I think it the most charming work of all the year," answered
+Sophie, greeting her friend, and putting her well-worn boots toward the
+fire to dry.
+
+"Perhaps you don’t make as much of Christmas as we do, or give such
+expensive presents. That would make a great difference, you know," said
+Di, as she lifted a cloth from the table where her own generous store of
+gifts was set forth.
+
+"I had a piano last year, a set of jewels, and many pretty trifles from
+all at home.  Here is one;" and pulling the fine gold chain hidden under
+her frills, Sophie showed a locket set thick with pearls, containing a
+picture of her mother.
+
+"It must be so nice to be rich, and able to make such fine presents.  I
+’ve got something for you; but I shall be ashamed of it after I see your
+gift to me, I ’m afraid."
+
+Fan and Dora were working as if their bread depended on it, while Di,
+with a naughty twinkle in her eye, affected to be rearranging her pretty
+table as she talked.
+
+"Do not fear that; my gifts this year are very simple ones.  I did not
+know your custom, and now it is too late.  My comfort is that you need
+nothing, and having so much, you will not care for my--what you
+call--coming short."
+
+Was it the fire that made Sophie’s face look so hot, and a cold that
+gave a husky sort of tone to her usually clear voice?  A curious
+expression came into her face as her eyes roved from the table to the
+gay trifles in her friend’s hands; and she opened her lips as if to add
+something impulsively.  But nothing came, and for a moment she looked
+straight out at the storm as if she had forgotten where she was.
+
+"’Shortcoming’ is the proper way to speak it But never mind that, and
+tell me why you say ’too late’?" asked Di, bent on winning her wager.
+
+"Christmas comes in three days, and I have no time," began Sophie.
+
+"But with money one can buy plenty of lovely things in one day," said
+Di.
+
+"No, it is better to put a little love and hard work into what we give
+to friends, I have done that with my trifles, and another year I shall
+be more ready."
+
+There was an uncomfortable pause, for Sophie did not speak with her
+usual frankness, but looked both proud and ashamed, and seemed anxious
+to change the subject, as she began to admire Dora’s work, which had
+made very little progress during the last fifteen minutes.
+
+Fanny glanced at Di with a smile that made the other toss her head and
+return to the charge with renewed vigor.
+
+"Sophie, will you do me a favor?"
+
+"With much pleasure."
+
+"Do has promised me a whole box of French bonbons, and if you will
+answer three questions, you shall have it."
+
+"_Allons_," said Sophie, smiling.
+
+"Haven’t you a secret?" asked Di, gravely.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Will you tell us?"
+
+"No."
+
+Di paused before she asked her last question, and Fan and Dora waited
+breathlessly, while Sophie knit her brows and looked uneasy.
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"Because I do not wish to tell it."
+
+"Will you tell if we guess?"
+
+"Try."
+
+"You are engaged."
+
+At this absurd suggestion Sophie laughed gayly, and shook her curly
+head.
+
+"Do you think we are betrothed at sixteen in my country?"
+
+"I _know_ that is an engagement ring,--you made such a time about it
+when you lost it in the water, and cried for joy when Tilly dived and
+found it."
+
+"Ah, yes, I was truly glad.  Dear Tilly, never do I forget that
+kindness!" and Sophie kissed the little pearl ring in her impulsive way,
+while her eyes sparkled and the frown vanished.
+
+"I _know_ a sweetheart gave it," insisted Di, sure now she had found a
+clew to the secret.
+
+"He did," and Sophie hung her head in a sentimental way that made the
+three girls crowd nearer with faces full of interest.
+
+"Do tell us all about it, dear.  It’s so interesting to hear
+love-stories.  What is his name?" cried Dora.
+
+"Hermann," simpered Sophie, drooping still more, while her lips trembled
+with suppressed emotion of some sort.
+
+"How lovely!" sighed Fanny, who was very romantic.
+
+"Tell on, do!  Is he handsome?"
+
+"To me the finest man in all the world," confessed Sophie, as she hid
+her face.
+
+"And you love him?"
+
+"I adore him!" and Sophie clasped her hands so dramatically that the
+girls were a little startled, yet charmed at this discovery.
+
+"Have you his picture?" asked Di, feeling that she had won her wager
+now.
+
+"Yes," and pulling out the locket again, Sophie showed in the other side
+the face of a fine old gentleman who looked very like herself.
+
+"It’s your father!" exclaimed Fanny, rolling her blue eyes excitedly.
+"You are a humbug!" cried Dora.  "Then you fibbed about the ring," said
+Di, crossly.
+
+"Never!  It is mamma’s betrothal ring; but her finger grew too plump,
+and when I left home she gave the ring to me as a charm to keep me safe.
+Ah, ha!  I have my little joke as well as you, and the laugh is for me
+this time."  And falling back among the sofa cushions, Sophie enjoyed it
+as only a gay girl could.  Do and Fanny joined her; but Di was much
+disgusted, and vowed she _would_ discover the secret and keep all the
+bonbons to herself.
+
+"You are most welcome; but I will not tell until I like, and then to
+Fanny first.  She will not have ridicule for what I do, but say it is
+well, and be glad with me.  Come now and work.  I will plait these
+ribbons, or paint a wild rose on this pretty fan.  It is too plain now.
+Will you that I do it, dear Di?"
+
+The kind tone and the prospect of such an ornament to her gift appeased
+Di somewhat; but the mirthful malice in Sophie’s eyes made the other
+more than ever determined to be even with her by and by.
+
+Christmas Eve came, and found Di still in the dark, which fact nettled
+her sadly, for Sophie tormented her and amused the other girls by
+pretended confidences and dark hints at the mystery which might never,
+never be disclosed.
+
+Fan had determined to have an unusually jolly party; so she invited only
+her chosen friends, and opened the festivities with a Christmas tree, as
+the prettiest way of exchanging gifts and providing jokes for the
+evening in the shape of delusive bottles, animals full of candy, and
+every sort of musical instrument to be used in an impromptu concert
+afterward.  The presents to one another were done up in secure parcels,
+so that they might burst upon the public eye in all their freshness.  Di
+was very curious to know what Fan was going to give her,--for Fanny was
+a generous creature and loved to give.  Di was a little jealous of her
+love for Sophie, and could n’t rest till she discovered which was to get
+the finer gift.
+
+So she went early and slipped into the room where the tree stood, to
+peep and pick a bit, as well as to hang up a few trifles of her own.
+She guessed several things by feeling the parcels; but one excited her
+curiosity intensely, and she could not resist turning it about and
+pulling up one corner of the lid.  It was a flat box, prettily
+ornamented with sea-weeds like red lace, and tied with scarlet ribbons.
+A tantalizing glimpse of jeweller’s cotton, gold clasps, and something
+rose-colored conquered Di’s last scruples; and she was just about to
+untie the ribbons when she heard Fanny’s voice, and had only time to
+replace the box, pick up a paper that had fallen out of it, and fly up
+the back stairs to the dressing-room, where she found Sophie and Dora
+surveying each other as girls always do before they go down.
+
+"You look like a daisy," cried Di, admiring Dora with great interest,
+because she felt ashamed of her prying, and the stolen note in her
+pocket.
+
+"And you like a dandelion," returned Do, falling back a step to get a
+good view of Di’s gold-colored dress and black velvet bows.
+
+"Sophie is a lily of the valley, all in green and white," added Fanny,
+coming in with her own blue skirts waving in the breeze.
+
+"It does me very well.  Little girls do not need grand toilets, and I am
+fine enough for a ’peasant,’" laughed Sophie, as she settled the fresh
+ribbons on her simple white cashmere and the holly wreath in her brown
+hair, but secretly longing for the fine dress she might have had.
+
+"Why didn’t you wear your silver necklace? It would be lovely on your
+pretty neck," said Di, longing to know if she had given the trinket
+away.
+
+But Sophie was not to be caught, and said with a contented smile, "I do
+not care for ornaments unless some one I love gives me them. I had red
+roses for my _bouquet de corsage_; but the poor Madame Page was so
+_triste_, I left them on her table to remember her of me.  It seemed so
+heartless to go and dance while she had only pain; but she wished it."
+
+"Dear little Sophie, how good you are!" and warm-hearted Fan kissed the
+blooming face that needed no roses to make it sweet and gay.
+
+Half an hour later, twenty girls and boys were dancing round the
+brilliant tree.  Then its boughs were stripped.  Every one seemed
+contented; even Sophie’s little gifts gave pleasure, because with each
+went a merry or affectionate verse, which made great fun on being read
+aloud.  She was quite loaded with pretty things, and had no words to
+express her gratitude and pleasure.
+
+"Ah, you are all so good to me! and I have nothing beautiful for you.  I
+receive much and give little, but I cannot help it!  Wait a little and I
+will redeem myself," she said to Fanny, with eyes full of tears, and a
+lap heaped with gay and useful things.
+
+"Never mind that now; but look at this, for here’s still another
+offering of friendship, and a very charming one, to judge by the
+outside," answered Fan, bringing the white box with the sea-weed
+ornaments.
+
+Sophie opened it, and cries of admiration followed, for lying on the
+soft cotton was a lovely set of coral.  Rosy pink branches, highly
+polished and fastened with gold clasps, formed necklace, bracelets, and
+a spray for the bosom. No note or card appeared, and the girls crowded
+round to admire and wonder who could have sent so valuable a gift.
+
+"Can’t you guess, Sophie?" cried Dora, longing to own the pretty things.
+
+"I should believe I knew, but it is too costly. How came the parcel,
+Fan?  I think you must know all," and Sophie turned the box about,
+searching vainly for a name.
+
+"An expressman left it, and Jane took off the wet paper and put it on my
+table with the other things.  Here’s the wrapper; do you know that
+writing?" and Fan offered the brown paper which she had kept.
+
+"No; and the label is all mud, so I cannot see the place.  Ah, well, I
+shall discover some day, but I should like to thank this generous friend
+at once.  See now, how fine I am!  I do myself the honor to wear them at
+once."
+
+Smiling with girlish delight at her pretty ornaments, Sophie clasped the
+bracelets on her round arms, the necklace about her white throat, and
+set the rosy spray in the lace on her bosom. Then she took a little
+dance down the room and found herself before Di, who was looking at her
+with an expression of naughty satisfaction on her face.
+
+"Don’t you wish you knew who sent them?"
+
+"Indeed, yes;" and Sophie paused abruptly.
+
+"Well, _I_ know, and _I_ won’t tell till I like. It’s my turn to have a
+secret; and I mean to keep it."
+
+"But it is not right," began Sophie, with indignation.
+
+"Tell me yours, and I ’ll tell mine," said Di, teasingly.
+
+"I will not!  You have no right to touch my gifts, and I am sure you
+have done it, else how know you who sends this fine _cadeau_?" cried
+Sophie, with the flash Di liked to see.
+
+Here Fanny interposed, "If you have any note or card belonging to
+Sophie, give it up at once.  She shall not be tormented.  Out with it,
+Di.  I see your hand in your pocket, and I ’m sure you have been in
+mischief."
+
+"Take your old letter, then.  I know what’s in it; and if I can’t keep
+my secret for fun, Sophie shall not have hers.  That Tilly sent the
+coral, and Sophie spent her hundred dollars in books and clothes for
+that queer girl, who’d better stay among her lobsters than try to be a
+lady," cried Di, bent on telling all she knew, while Sophie was reading
+her letter eagerly.
+
+"Is it true?" asked Dora, for the four girls were in a corner together,
+and the rest of the company busy pulling crackers.
+
+"Just like her!  I thought it was that; but she would n’t tell.  Tell us
+now, Sophie, for _I_ think it was truly sweet and beautiful to help that
+poor girl, and let us say hard things of you," cried Fanny, as her
+friend looked up with a face and a heart too full of happiness to help
+overflowing into words.
+
+"Yes; I will tell you now.  It was foolish, perhaps; but I did not want
+to be praised, and I loved to help that good Tilly.  You know she worked
+all summer and made a little sum.  So glad, so proud she was, and
+planned to study that she might go to school this winter.  Well, in
+October the uncle fell very ill, and Tilly gave all her money for the
+doctors.  The uncle had been kind to her, she did not forget; she was
+glad to help, and told no one but me.  Then I said, ’What better can I
+do with my father’s gift than give it to the dear creature, and let her
+lose no time?’  I do it; she will not at first, but I write and say, ’It
+must be,’ and she submits. She is made neat with some little dresses,
+and she goes at last, to be so happy and do so well that I am proud of
+her.  Is not that better than fine toilets and rich gifts to those who
+need nothing?  Truly, yes! yet I confess it cost me pain to give up my
+plans for Christmas, and to seem selfish or ungrateful.  Forgive me
+that."
+
+"Yes, indeed, you dear generous thing!" cried Fan and Dora, touched by
+the truth.
+
+"But how came Tilly to send you such a splendid present?" asked Di.
+"Should n’t think you ’d like her to spend your money in such things."
+
+"She did not.  A sea-captain, a friend of the uncle, gave her these
+lovely ornaments, and she sends them to me with a letter that is more
+precious than all the coral in the sea.  I cannot read it; but of all my
+gifts _this_ is the dearest and the best!"
+
+Sophie had spoken eagerly, and her face, her voice, her gestures, made
+the little story eloquent; but with the last words she clasped the
+letter to her bosom as if it well repaid her for all the sacrifices she
+had made.  They might seem small to others, but she was sensitive and
+proud, anxious to be loved in the strange country, and fond of giving,
+so it cost her many tears to seem mean and thoughtless, to go poorly
+dressed, and be thought hardly of by those she wished to please.  She
+did not like to tell of her own generosity, because it seemed like
+boasting; and she was not sure that it had been wise to give so much.
+Therefore, she waited to see if Tilly was worthy of the trust reposed in
+her; and she now found a balm for many wounds in the loving letter that
+came with the beautiful and unexpected gift.
+
+Di listened with hot cheeks, and when Sophie paused, she whispered
+regretfully,--
+
+"Forgive me, I was wrong!  I ’ll keep your gift all my life to remember
+you by, for you are the best and dearest girl I know."
+
+Then with a hasty kiss she ran away, carrying with great care the white
+shell on which Sophie had painted a dainty little picture of the
+mermaids waiting for the pretty boat that brought good fortune to poor
+Tilly, and this lesson to those who were hereafter her faithful friends.
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Chapter VII tailpiece]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: "Everything is quite clean; I am sure of that, for I
+washed the sheets and coverlet myself not long ago."--PAGE 207.]
+
+
+
+                                 VIII.
+
+                           DOLLY’S BEDSTEAD.
+
+
+"Aunt Pen, where is Ariadne to sleep, please?  I wanted to bring her
+cradle, but mamma said it would take up so much room I could not."
+
+And Alice looked about her for a resting-place for her dolly as
+anxiously as if Ariadne had been a live baby.
+
+"Can’t she lie on the sofa?" asked Aunt Pen, with that sad want of
+interest in such important matters which grown-up people so often show.
+
+"No, indeed!  Some one would sit down on her, of course; and I won’t
+have my darling smashed.  You would n’t like it yourself, aunty, and I
+’m surprised at your proposing such a thing!" cried Alice, clasping her
+babe with a face full of maternal indignation.
+
+"I beg your pardon!  I really forgot that danger.  I ’m not so used to
+infants as you are, and that accounts for it.  Now I think of it,
+there’s a little bedstead up garret, and you can have that.  You will
+find it done up in a paper in the great blue chest where all our old
+toys are kept."
+
+Appeased by Aunt Pen’s apology, Alice trotted to the attic, found the
+bedstead, and came trotting back with a disappointed look on her face.
+
+"It is such a funny, old-fashioned thing I don’t know that Ariadne will
+consent to lie in it.  Anyway, I must air the feather-bed and pillows
+first, or she will get cold.  I wish I could wash the sheets too, they
+are so yellow; but there is no time now," said the little girl, bustling
+round as she spoke, and laying the little bed-furniture out on the rug.
+
+"Everything is quite clean, my dear; I am sure of that, for I washed the
+sheets and coverlet myself not long ago, because I found a nest of
+little mice there the last time I looked," answered Aunt Pen, with her
+eyes fixed thoughtfully on the small bedstead.
+
+"I guess you used to be fond of it when you were a little girl; and
+that’s why you keep it so nicely now, isn’t it?" asked Alice, as she
+dusted the carved posts and patted the canvas sacking.
+
+"Yes, there’s quite a little romance about that bed; and I love it so
+that I never can give it away, but keep it mended up and in order for
+the sake of old times and poor Val," said Aunt Pen, smiling and sighing
+in the same breath.
+
+"Oh, tell about it!  I do like to hear stories, and so does Ariadne!"
+cried Alice, hastily opening dolly’s eyes, that she might express her
+interest in the only way permitted her.
+
+"Well, dear, I ’ll tell you this true tale of long ago; and while you
+listen you can be making a new blanket for the bed.  Mrs. Mouse nibbled
+holes in the other one, and her babies made a mess of it, so I burned it
+up.  Here is a nice little square of flannel, and there are blue, red,
+and green worsteds for you to work round the edges with."
+
+"Now that is just splendid!  I love to work with crewels, and I ’ll put
+little quirls and things in the corners.  I can do it all myself, so
+tell away, please, aunty."  And Alice settled herself with great
+satisfaction, while Ariadne sat bolt upright in her own armchair and
+stared at Aunt Pen in a way that would have been very embarrassing if
+her round blue eyes had had a particle of expression in them.
+
+"When I was about ten years old, it was the joy of my heart to go every
+Saturday afternoon to see my nurse, Betsey Brown.  She no longer lived
+out, but was married to a pilot, and had a home of her own down in what
+we used to call ’the watery part’ of the city.  A funny little house, so
+close to the wharves that when one looked out there were masts going to
+and fro over the house-tops, and from the upper windows I could see the
+blue ocean.
+
+"Betsey had a boy with club feet, and a brother who was deformed; but
+Bobby was my pet playmate, and Valentine my best friend. My chief
+pleasure was in seeing him work at his turning-lathe, for he was very
+ingenious, and made all sorts of useful and pretty things.
+
+"But the best thing he did was to cure the lame feet of his little
+nephew.  In those days there were few doctors who attended to such
+troubles, and they were very expensive; so poor Bobby had gone hobbling
+about ever since he was born with his little feet turned in.
+
+"Uncle Val could sympathize with him; and though he knew there was no
+cure for his own crooked back, he did his best to help the boy. He made
+a very simple apparatus for straightening the crippled feet (just two
+wooden splints, with wooden screws to loosen or tighten the pressure),
+and with patience, hope, and faith, he worked over the child till the
+feet were right, and Bobby could run and play like other children."
+
+"Oh, Aunt Pen, was n’t that lovely?  And did he really do it all
+himself?  How clever he must have been!" cried Alice, puckering the new
+blanket in the pleasant interest of the moment.
+
+"He was very clever for a lad of eighteen. But that was not all he did.
+Bobby’s cure was a long one, and I only saw the happy end of it; yet I
+remember how we all rejoiced, and how proud Betsey was of her brother.
+My father wrote an account of it for some medical journal, and it was
+much talked about in our little circle; so much, indeed, that an aunt of
+ours who had a lame boy came to see Val and talked it all over with him.
+
+"Val was much pleased, and offered to try and cure her son if she would
+let the boy come and live with him; for it needed great skill and
+constant care to work the screws just right, and tend the poor little
+feet gently.
+
+"Aunt Dolly said no at once to that plan; for how could she let her
+precious boy go and live in that little house down in the poor part of
+the city?
+
+"There was no other way, however, for Val would not leave his sister and
+his beloved lathe, and was wise enough to see how impossible it would be
+to have his own way with the child in a house where every one obeyed his
+whims and petted him, as such afflicted children usually are petted.
+
+"So Val stood firm, and for a time nothing was done.
+
+"I was much interested in the affair, and every time I saw my cousin Gus
+I told him what nice times I had down there; how strong and lively Bobby
+was, and declared my firm belief that Val could cure every disease under
+the sun.
+
+"These glowing accounts made Gus want to go, and when he set his heart
+on anything he always got it; so in the end Aunt Dolly consented, and
+Gus went to board in the little house, much to the wonder of some folks.
+
+"The plan succeeded capitally, however, and Gus thrived like a dandelion
+in springtime; for simple food, plenty of air, no foolish indulgence,
+and the most faithful care, built up the little lad in a way that
+astonished and delighted us all.
+
+"The feet improved slowly; and Val was sure that in time they would be
+all right, for everything helped on the good work.
+
+"Dear me, what happy days I used to spend at Betsey’s!  Sometimes Isaac,
+the jolly, bluff pilot, would take us out in his boat; and then what
+rosy cheeks and good appetites we got! Sometimes we played in Val’s
+shop, and watched him make pretty things or helped him in some easy job,
+for he liked to have us near him.  And, oh, my heart, what delicious
+suppers Betsey used to get us in the front room, where all sorts of
+queer sea treasures were collected,--shells, coral, and seaweed; odd
+pictures of ships and fish, and old books full of sailor songs and
+thrilling tales of wrecks."
+
+"I wish I had been there!" interrupted Alice.  "Is the house all gone,
+aunty?"
+
+"All gone, dear, and every one of that merry party but myself," answered
+Aunt Pen, with a sigh.
+
+"Don’t think about the sad part of it, but go on and tell about the bed,
+please," said Alice, feeling that it was about time this interesting
+piece of furniture appeared in the story.
+
+"Well, that was made to comfort me when Gus went home, as he did after
+staying two years.  Yes, he went home with straight feet, the heartiest,
+happiest little lad I ever saw.
+
+"I was heart-broken at losing my playmate, and mourned for him as
+bitterly as a child could, till Val comforted me, not only by the
+cunning bedstead for my doll, but by a hundred kindly words and acts,
+for which I never thanked him half enough.
+
+"Aunt Dolly and my father were so grateful and pleased at Val’s success
+with Gus that they helped him in a plan he had some years later, when he
+took a larger house in a better place, and with Betsey as nurse, opened
+a small hospital for the cure of deformed feet.  It was an excellent
+plan; and all was going well, when poor Val wasted rapidly away, and
+died just as his work began to bring him money and some honor."
+
+"That was very bad!  But what became of Bobby and Gus?" asked Alice, who
+was not of an age to care much about the "sad part" of any story.
+
+"Bob became a sea-captain, and was an excellent fellow till he went down
+with his ship in a storm after rescuing all his crew, even to the
+cabin-boy.  I’m proud of Bob, and keep those two great pearly shells in
+memory of him, for he brought them to me after his first voyage."
+
+Aunt Pen’s eyes lit up, and her voice rose as she spoke with real pride
+and affection of honest Captain Brown, who to her was always little Bob.
+
+"I like that, it was so brave and good; but I do wish he had been saved,
+for then I could have seen him.  And maybe he would have brought me a
+big green parrot that could say funny things.  What became of Gus?"
+asked Alice, after a moment spent in the delightful thought of owning a
+green parrot with a red tail.
+
+"Ah, my dear, I wish I knew!" exclaimed Aunt Pen, so earnestly that
+Alice dropped her work, astonished at the change in that usually quiet
+face.
+
+"Don’t tell any more if you ’d rather not," said the little girl,
+feeling instinctively that she had touched some tender string.
+
+But Aunt Pen only stroked her curly head and went on in a softer tone,
+with her eyes fixed upon a faded picture that had hung over her
+work-table ever since Alice could remember.
+
+"I like to tell you, dear, because I want you to love the memory of this
+old friend of mine. Gus went to sea also, much against his mother’s
+will, for the years spent in the little house near the wharf had given
+the boy a taste for salt water, and he could not overcome it, though he
+tried.
+
+"He sailed with Captain Bob all round the world, and would have been
+with him on that last voyage if a sudden whim had not kept him ashore.
+More than this we don’t know; and for seven years have had no tidings of
+him. The others give him up, feeling sure that he was lost in the wild
+hill-country of India, whither he went in search of adventures.  I
+suppose they are right; but _I_ cannot make it true, and still hope to
+see the dear boy back, or at least to hear some news of him."
+
+"Would n’t he be rather an old boy now, Aunt Pen?" asked Alice, softly;
+for she wanted to chase away the load of pain with a smile if she could.
+
+"Bless my heart, so he would!  Forty, at least.  Well, well, he never
+will seem old to me, though his hair should be gray when he comes home."
+And Aunt Pen did smile as her eyes went back to the faded picture with a
+tender look that made Alice say timidly, while she laid her blooming
+cheek against her aunt’s hand,--
+
+"Would you mind if I asked if it was Gus who gave you this pretty ring,
+and was your sweetheart once?  Mamma told me you had one, and he was
+dead; so I must never ask why you did n’t marry as she did."
+
+"Yes, he gave me this, and was to come back in a year or two; but I have
+never seen him since, and never shall, I fear, till we all meet over the
+great sea at last."
+
+There Aunt Pen broke down, and spreading her hands before her face, sat
+so still that Alice feared to stir.
+
+Even her careless child’s heart was full of pity now; and two great
+tears rolled down upon the little blanket, to lie sparkling like drops
+of dew in the heart of the very remarkable red rose she was working in
+the middle.
+
+Then it was that Ariadne distinguished herself, and proved beyond a
+doubt that her blue china eyes were worth something.  A large, brown,
+breezy-looking man had been peeping in from the door for several
+moments, and listening in the most improper manner.  No one saw him but
+Ariadne, and how could she warn the others, poor thing, when she had n’t
+a tongue in her head?  Don’t tell me that dolls have n’t hearts
+somewhere in their sawdust bosoms!  I know better; and I am firmly
+convinced that Ariadne’s was full of sympathy for Aunt Pen; else why
+should she, a well-bred doll, suddenly and without the least apparent
+cause, slip out of her chair and fall upon her china nose with a loud
+whack?
+
+Alice jumped up to catch her darling, and Aunt Pen lifted her head to
+see what was the matter, and the big brown man, giving his hat a toss,
+came into the room like a whirlwind!
+
+Alice, Ariadne, bedstead, and blanket, were suddenly swept into a corner
+by some mysterious means, and lay there in a heap, while the two grown
+people fell into each other’s arms, exclaiming,--
+
+"Pen!"
+
+"Gus!"
+
+I don’t know which stared the hardest at this dreadful proceeding, Alice
+or Ariadne, but I do know that every one was very happy afterward, and
+that the precious little bedstead was not smashed, for I have seen it
+with my own eyes.
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Chapter VIII tailpiece]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: "Well, dear, this is the story."--PAGE 220.]
+
+
+
+                                  IX.
+
+                            TRUDEL’S SIEGE.
+
+
+"Grandmother, what is this curious picture about?" said little Gertrude,
+or "Trudel," as they called her, looking up from the red book that lay
+on her knee, one Sunday morning, when she and the grandmother sat sadly
+together in the neat kitchen; for the father was very ill, and the poor
+mother seldom left him.
+
+The old woman put on her round spectacles, which made her look as wise
+as an owl, and turned to answer the child, who had been as quiet as a
+mouse for a long time, looking at the strange pictures in the ancient
+book.
+
+"Ah, my dear, that tells about a very famous and glorious thing that
+happened long ago at the siege of Leyden.  You can read it for yourself
+some day."
+
+"Please tell me now.  Why are the houses half under water, and ships
+sailing among them, and people leaning over the walls of the city? And
+why is that boy waving his hands on the tower, where the men are running
+away in a great smoke?" asked Trudel, too curious to wait till she could
+read the long hard words on the yellow pages.
+
+"Well, dear, this is the story: and you shall hear how brave men and
+women, and children too, were in those days.  The cruel Spaniards came
+and besieged the city for many months; but the faithful people would not
+give up, though nearly starved to death.  When all the bread and meat
+were gone and the gardens empty, they ate grass and herbs and horses,
+and even dogs and cats, trying to hold out till help came to them."
+
+"Did little girls really eat their pussies?  Oh, I ’d die before I would
+kill my dear Jan," cried Trudel, hugging the pretty kitten that purred
+in her lap.
+
+"Yes, the children ate their pets.  And so would you if it would save
+your father or mother from starving.  _We_ know what hunger is; but we
+won’t eat Jan yet."
+
+The old woman sighed as she glanced from the empty table to the hearth
+where no fire burned.
+
+"_Did_ help come in the ships?" asked the child, bending her face over
+the book to hide the tears that filled her eyes, for she was very
+hungry, and had had only a crust for breakfast.
+
+"Our good Prince of Orange was trying to help them; but the Spaniards
+were all around the city and he had not men enough to fight them by
+land, so he sent carrier-doves with letters to tell the people that he
+was going to cut through the great dikes that kept the sea out, and let
+the water flow over the country so as to drive the enemy from his camp,
+for the city stood upon high ground, and would be safe. Then the ships,
+with food, could sail over the drowned land and save the brave people."
+
+"Oh, I ’m glad!  I ’m glad!  These are the bad Spaniards running away,
+and these are poor people stretching out their hands for the bread.  But
+what is the boy doing, in the funny tower where the wall has tumbled
+down?" cried Trudel, much excited.
+
+"The smoke of burning houses rose between the city and the port so the
+people could not see that the Spaniards had run away; and they were
+afraid the ships could not get safely by.  But a boy who was scrambling
+about as boys always are wherever there is danger, fire, and fighting,
+saw the enemy go, and ran to the deserted tower to shout and beckon to
+the ships to come on at once,--for the wind had changed and soon the
+tide would flow back and leave them stranded."
+
+"Nice boy!  I wish I had been there to see him and help the poor
+people," said Trudel, patting the funny little figure sticking out of
+the pepper-pot tower like a jack-in-the-box.
+
+"If children keep their wits about them and are brave, they can always
+help in some way, my dear.  We don’t have such dreadful wars now; but
+the dear God knows we have troubles enough, and need all our courage and
+faith to be patient in times like these;" and the grandmother folded her
+thin hands with another sigh, as she thought of her poor son dying for
+want of a few comforts, after working long and faithfully for a hard
+master who never came to offer any help, though a very rich man.
+
+"Did they eat the carrier-doves?" asked Trudel, still intent on the
+story.
+
+"No, child; they fed and cared for them while they lived, and when they
+died, stuffed and set them up in the Staat Haus, so grateful were the
+brave burghers for the good news the dear birds brought."
+
+"That is the best part of all.  I like that story very much!"  And
+Trudel turned the pages to find another, little dreaming what a
+carrier-dove she herself was soon to become.
+
+Poor Hans Dort and his family were nearly as distressed as the besieged
+people of Leyden, for poverty stood at the door, hunger and sickness
+were within, and no ship was anywhere seen coming to bring help.  The
+father, who was a linen-weaver, could no longer work in the great
+factory; the mother, who was a lace-maker, had to leave her work to
+nurse him; and the old woman could earn only a trifle by her knitting,
+being lame and feeble.  Little Trudel did what she could,--sold the
+stockings to get bread and medicine, picked up wood for the fire,
+gathered herbs for the poor soup, and ran errands for the market-women,
+who paid her with unsalable fruit, withered vegetables, and now and then
+a bit of meat.
+
+But market-day came but once a week; and it was very hard to find food
+for the hungry mouths meantime.  The Dorts were too proud to beg, so
+they suffered in silence, praying that help would come before it was too
+late to save the sick and old.
+
+No other picture in the quaint book interested Trudel so much as that of
+the siege of Leyden; and she went back to it, thinking over the story
+till hunger made her look about for something to eat as eagerly as the
+poor starving burghers.
+
+"Here, child, is a good crust.  It is too hard for me.  I kept it for
+you; it’s the last except that bit for your mother," said the old woman,
+pulling a dry crust from her jacket with a smile; for though starving
+herself, the brave old soul thought only of her darling.
+
+Trudel’s little white teeth gnawed savagely at the hard bread, and Jan
+ate the crumbs as if he too needed food.  As she saw him purring about
+her feet, there came into the child’s head a sudden idea, born of the
+brave story and of the cares that made her old before her time.
+
+"Poor Jan gets thinner and thinner every day. If we are to eat him, we
+must do it soon, or he will not be worth cooking," she said with a
+curious look on the face that used to be so round and rosy, and now was
+white, thin, and anxious.
+
+"Bless the child! we won’t eat the poor beast! but it would be kind to
+give him away to some one who could feed him well.  Go now, dear, and
+get a jug of fresh water.  The father will need it, and so will you, for
+that crust is a dry dinner for my darling."
+
+As she spoke, the old woman held the little girl close for a minute; and
+Trudel clung to her silently, finding the help she needed for her
+sacrifice in the love and the example grandma gave her.
+
+Then she ran away, with the brown jug in one hand, the pretty kitten on
+her arm, and courage in her little heart.  It was a poor neighborhood
+where the weavers and lace-makers lived; but nearly every one had a good
+dinner on Sunday, and on her way to the fountain Trudel saw many
+well-spread tables, smelled the good soup in many kettles, and looked
+enviously at the plump children sitting quietly on the doorsteps in
+round caps and wooden shoes, waiting to be called in to eat of the big
+loaves, the brown sausages, and the cabbage-soup smoking on the hearth.
+
+When she came to the baker’s house, her heart began to beat; and she
+hugged Jan so close it was well he was thin, or he would have mewed
+under the tender farewell squeezes his little mistress gave him.  With a
+timid hand Trudel knocked, and then went in to find Vrow Hertz and her
+five boys and girls at table, with good roast meat and bread and cheese
+and beer before them.
+
+"Oh, the dear cat! the pretty cat!  Let me pat him!  Hear him mew, and
+see his soft white coat," cried the children, before Trudel could speak,
+for they admired the snow-white kitten very much, and had often begged
+for it.
+
+Trudel had made up her mind to give up to them at last her one treasure;
+but she wished to be paid for it, and was bound to tell her plan.  Jan
+helped her, for smelling the meat, he leaped from her arms to the table
+and began to gnaw a bone on Dirck’s plate, which so amused the young
+people that they did not hear Trudel say to their mother in a low voice,
+with red cheeks and beseeching eyes,--
+
+"Dear Vrow Hertz, the father is very ill; the mother cannot work at her
+lace in the dark room; and grandma makes but little by knitting, though
+I help all I can.  We have no food; can you give me a loaf of bread in
+exchange for Jan? I have nothing else to sell, and the children want him
+much."
+
+Trudel’s eyes were full and her lips trembled, as she ended with a look
+that went straight to stout Mother Hertz’s kind heart, and told the
+whole sad story.
+
+"Bless the dear child!  Indeed, yes; a loaf and welcome; and see here, a
+good sausage also.  Brenda, go fill the jug with milk.  It is excellent
+for the sick man.  As for the cat, let it stay a while and get fat, then
+we will see.  It is a pretty beast and worth many loaves of bread; so
+come again, Trudel, and do not suffer hunger while I have much bread."
+
+As the kind woman spoke, she had bustled about, and before Trudel could
+get her breath, a big loaf, a long sausage, and a jug of fresh milk were
+in her apron and hands, and a motherly kiss made the gifts all the
+easier to take. Returning it heartily, and telling the children to be
+kind to Jan, she hastened home to burst into the quiet room, crying
+joyfully,--
+
+"See, grandmother, here is food,--all mine. I bought it!  Come, come,
+and eat!"
+
+"Now, dear Heaven, what do I see?  Where did the blessed bread come
+from?" asked the old woman, hugging the big loaf, and eying the sausage
+with such hunger in her face that Trudel ran for the knife and cup, and
+held a draught of fresh milk to her grandmother’s lips before she could
+answer a single question.
+
+"Stay, child, let us give thanks before we eat. Never was food more
+welcome or hearts more grateful;" and folding her hands, the pious old
+woman blessed the meal that seemed to fall from heaven on that bare
+table.  Then Trudel cut the crusty slice for herself, a large soft one
+for grandmother, with a good bit of sausage, and refilled the cup.
+Another portion and cup went upstairs to mother, whom she found asleep,
+with the father’s hot hand in hers.  So leaving the surprise for her
+waking, Trudel crept down to eat her own dinner, as hungry as a little
+wolf, amusing herself with making the old woman guess where and how she
+got this fine feast.
+
+"This is our siege, grandmother; and we are eating Jan," she said at
+last, with the merriest laugh she had given for weeks.
+
+"Eating Jan?" cried the old woman, staring at the sausage, as if for a
+moment she feared the kitten had been turned into that welcome shape by
+some miracle.  Still laughing, Trudel told her story, and was well
+rewarded for her childish sacrifice by the look in grandmother’s face as
+she said with a tender kiss,--
+
+"Thou art a carrier-dove, my darling, coming home with good news and
+comfort under thy wing.  God bless thee, my brave little heart, and
+grant that our siege be not a long one before help comes to us!"
+
+Such a happy feast! and for dessert more kisses and praises for Trudel
+when the mother came down to hear the story and to tell how eagerly
+father had drank the fresh milk and gone to sleep again.  Trudel was
+very well pleased with her bargain; but at night she missed Jan’s soft
+purr for her lullaby, and cried herself to sleep, grieving for her lost
+pet, being only a child, after all, though trying to be a brave little
+woman for the sake of those she loved.
+
+The big loaf and sausage took them nicely through the next day; but by
+Tuesday only crusts remained, and sorrel-soup, slightly flavored with
+the last scrap of sausage, was all they had to eat.
+
+On Wednesday morning, Trudel had plaited her long yellow braids with
+care, smoothed down her one blue skirt, and put on her little black silk
+cap, making ready for the day’s work. She was weak and hungry, but
+showed a bright face as she took her old basket and said,--
+
+"Now I am off to market, grandmother, to sell the hose and get medicine
+and milk for father.  I shall try to pick up something for dinner.  The
+good neighbors often let me run errands for them, and give me a kuchen,
+a bit of cheese, or a taste of their nice coffee.  I will bring you
+something, and come as soon as I can."
+
+The old woman nodded and smiled, as she scoured the empty kettle till it
+shone, and watched the little figure trudge away with the big empty
+basket, and, she knew, with a still emptier little stomach.  "Coffee!"
+sighed the grandmother; "one sip of the blessed drink would put life
+into me.  When shall I ever taste it again?" and the poor soul sat down
+to her knitting with hands that trembled from weakness.
+
+The Platz was a busy and a noisy scene when Trudel arrived,--for the
+thrifty Dutchwomen were early afoot; and stalls, carts, baskets, and
+cans were already arranged to make the most attractive display of fruit,
+vegetables, fish, cheese, butter, eggs, milk, and poultry, and the small
+wares country people came to buy.
+
+Nodding and smiling, Trudel made her way through the bustle to the booth
+where old Vrow Schmidt bought and sold the blue woollen hose that adorn
+the stout legs of young and old.
+
+"Good-morning, child!  I am glad to see thee and thy well-knit
+stockings, for I have orders for three pairs, and promised thy
+grandmother’s, they are always so excellent," said the rosy-faced woman,
+as Trudel approached.
+
+"I have but one pair.  We had no money to buy more yarn.  Father is so
+ill mother cannot work; and medicines cost a deal," said the child, with
+her large hungry eyes fixed on the breakfast the old woman was about to
+eat, first having made ready for the business of the day.
+
+"See, then, I shall give thee the yarn and wait for the hose; I can
+trust thee, and shall ask a good price for the good work.  Thou too wilt
+have the fever, I ’m afraid!--so pale and thin, poor child!  Here, drink
+from my cup, and take a bite of bread and cheese.  The morning air makes
+one hungry."
+
+Trudel eagerly accepted the "sup" and the "bite," and felt new strength
+flow into her as the warm draught and good brown bread went down her
+throat.
+
+"So many thanks!  I had no breakfast.  I came to see if I could get any
+errands here to-day, for I want to earn a bit if I can," she said with a
+sigh of satisfaction, as she slipped half of her generous slice and a
+good bit of cheese into her basket, regretting that the coffee could not
+be shared also.
+
+As if to answer her wish, a loud cry from fat Mother Kinkle, the
+fish-wife, rose at that moment, for a thievish cur had run off with a
+fish from her stall, while she gossiped with a neighbor.
+
+Down went Trudel’s basket, and away went Trudel’s wooden shoes
+clattering over the stones while she raced after the dog, dodging in and
+out among the stalls till she cornered the thief under Gretchen Horn’s
+milk-cart; for at sight of the big dog who drew the four copper-cans,
+the cur lost heart and dropped the fish and ran away.
+
+"Well done!" said buxom Gretchen, when Trudel caught up the rescued
+treasure a good deal the worse for the dog’s teeth and the dust it had
+been dragged through.
+
+All the market-women laughed as the little girl came back proudly
+bearing the fish, for the race had amused them.  But Mother Kinkle said
+with a sigh, when she saw the damage done her property,--
+
+"It is spoiled; no one will buy that torn, dirty thing.  Throw it on the
+muck-pile, child; your trouble was in vain, though I thank you for it."
+
+"Give it to me, please, if you don’t want it. We can eat it, and would
+be glad of it at home," cried Trudel, hugging the slippery fish with
+joy, for she saw a dinner in it, and felt that her run was well paid.
+
+"Take it, then, and be off; I see Vrow von Decken’s cook coming, and you
+are in the way," answered the old woman, who was not a very amiable
+person, as every one knew.
+
+"That’s a fine reward to make a child for running the breath out of her
+body for you," said Dame Troost, the handsome farm-wife who sat close by
+among her fruit and vegetables, as fresh as her cabbages, and as rosy as
+her cherries.
+
+"Better it, then, and give her a feast fit for a burgomaster.  _You_ can
+afford it," growled Mother Kinkle, turning her back on the other woman
+in a huff.
+
+"That I will, for very shame at such meanness! Here, child, take these
+for thy fish-stew, and these for thy little self," said the kind soul,
+throwing half a dozen potatoes and onions into the basket, and handing
+Trudel a cabbage-leaf full of cherries.
+
+A happy girl was our little house-wife on her way home, when the milk
+and medicine and loaf of bread were bought; and a comfortable dinner was
+quickly cooked and gratefully eaten in Dort’s poor house that day.
+
+"Surely the saints must help you, child, and open people’s hearts to our
+need; for you come back each day with food for us,--like the ravens to
+the people in the wilderness," said the grandmother when they sat at
+table.
+
+"If they do, it is because you pray to them so heartily, mother.  But I
+think the sweet ways and thin face of my Trudel do much to win kindness,
+and the good God makes her our little house-mother, while I must sit
+idle," answered Vrow Dort; and she filled the child’s platter again that
+she, at least, might have enough.
+
+"I like it!" cried Trudel, munching an onion with her bread, while her
+eyes shone and a pretty color came into her cheeks.  "I feel so old and
+brave now, so glad to help; and things happen, and I keep thinking what
+I will do next to get food.  It’s like the birds out yonder in the
+hedge, trying to feed their little ones. I fly up and down, pick and
+scratch, get a bit here and a bit there, and then my dear _old_ birds
+have food to eat."
+
+It really was very much as Trudel said, for her small wits were getting
+very sharp with these new cares; she lay awake that night trying to plan
+how she should provide the next day’s food for her family.
+
+"Where now, thou dear little mother-bird?" asked the "Grossmutter" next
+morning, when the child had washed the last dish, and was setting away
+the remains of the loaf.
+
+"To Gretti Jansen’s, to see if she wants me to water her linen, as I
+used to do for play.  She is lame, and it tires her to go to the spring
+so often.  She will like me to help her, I hope; and I shall ask her for
+some food to pay me. Oh, I am very bold now!  Soon will I beg if no
+other way offers."  And Trudel shook her yellow head resolutely, and
+went to settle the stool at grandmother’s feet, and to draw the curtain
+so that it would shield the old eyes from the summer sun.
+
+"Heaven grant it never comes to that!  It would be very hard to bear,
+yet perhaps we must if no help arrives.  The doctor’s bill, the rent,
+the good food thy father will soon need, will take far more than we can
+earn; and what will become of us, the saints only know!" answered the
+old woman, knitting briskly in spite of her sad forebodings.
+
+"_I_ will do it all!  I don’t know how, but I shall try; and, as you
+often say, ’Have faith and hold up thy hands; God will fill them.’"
+
+Then Trudel went away to her work, with a stout heart under her little
+blue bodice; and all that summer day she trudged to and fro along the
+webs of linen spread in the green meadow, watering them as fast as they
+dried, knitting busily under a tree during the intervals.
+
+Old Gretti was glad to have her, and at noon called her in to share the
+milk-soup, with cherries and herrings in it, and a pot of coffee,--as
+well as Dutch cheese, and bread full of coriander-seed. Though this was
+a feast to Trudel, one bowl of soup and a bit of bread was all she ate;
+then, with a face that was not half as "bold" as she tried to make it,
+she asked if she might run home and take the coffee to grandmother, who
+longed for and needed it so much.
+
+"Yes, indeed; there, let me fill that pewter jug with a good hot mess
+for the old lady, and take this also.  I have little to give, but I
+remember how good she was to me in the winter, when my poor legs were so
+bad, and no one else thought of me," said grateful Gretti, mixing more
+coffee, and tucking a bit of fresh butter into half a loaf of bread with
+a crusty end to cover the hole.
+
+Away ran Trudel; and when grandmother saw the "blessed coffee," as she
+called it, she could only sip and sigh for comfort and content, so glad
+was the poor old soul to taste her favorite drink again.  The mother
+smelled it, and came down to take her share, while Trudel skipped away
+to go on watering the linen till sunset with a happy heart, saying to
+herself while she trotted and splashed,--
+
+"This day is well over, and I have kept my word.  Now what _can_ I do
+to-morrow?  Gretti does n’t want me; there is no market; I must not beg
+yet, and I cannot finish the hose so soon.
+
+"I know!  I ’ll get water-cresses, and sell them from door to door.
+They are fresh now, and people like them.  Ah, thou dear duck, thank
+thee for reminding me of them," she cried, as she watched a mother-duck
+lead her brood along the brook’s edge, picking and dabbling among the
+weeds to show them where to feed.
+
+Early next morning Trudel took her basket and went away to the meadows
+that lay just out of the town, where the rich folk had their summer
+houses, and fish-ponds, and gardens.  These gardens were gay now with
+tulips, the delight of Dutch people; for they know best how to cultivate
+them, and often make fortunes out of the splendid and costly flowers.
+
+When Trudel had looked long and carefully for cresses, and found very
+few, she sat down to rest, weary and disappointed, on a green bank from
+which she could overlook a fine garden all ablaze with tulips.  She
+admired them heartily, longed to have a bed of them her own, and feasted
+her childish eyes on the brilliant colors till they were dazzled, for
+the long beds of purple and yellow, red and white blossoms were splendid
+to see, and in the midst of all a mound of dragon-tulips rose like a
+queen’s throne, scarlet, green, and gold all mingled on the ruffled
+leaves that waved in the wind.
+
+Suddenly it seemed as if one of the great flowers had blown over the
+wall and was hopping along the path in a very curious way!  In a minute,
+however, she saw that it was a gay parrot that had escaped, and would
+have flown away if its clipped wings and a broken chain on one leg had
+not kept it down.
+
+Trudel laughed to see the bird scuttle along, jabbering to itself, and
+looking very mischievous and naughty as it ran away.  She was just
+thinking she ought to stop it, when the garden-gate opened, and a pretty
+little boy came out, calling anxiously,--
+
+"Prince!  Prince!  Come back, you bad bird! I never will let you off
+your perch again, sly rascal!"
+
+"I will get him;" and Trudel ran down the bank after the runaway, for
+the lad was small and leaned upon a little crutch.
+
+"Be careful!  He will bite!" called the boy.
+
+"I ’m not afraid," answered Trudel; and she stepped on the chain, which
+brought the "Prince of Orange" to a very undignified and sudden halt.
+But when she tried to catch him up by his legs, the sharp black beak
+gave a nip and held tightly to her arm.  It hurt her much, but she did
+not let go, and carried her captive back to its master, who thanked her,
+and begged her to come in and chain up the bad bird, for he was
+evidently rather afraid of it.
+
+Glad to see more of the splendid garden, Trudel did what he asked, and
+with a good deal of fluttering, scolding, and pecking, the Prince was
+again settled on his perch.
+
+"Your arm is bleeding!  Let me tie it up for you; and here is my cake to
+pay you for helping me.  Mamma would have been very angry if Prince had
+been lost," said the boy, as he wet his little handkerchief in a tank of
+water near by, and tied up Trudel’s arm.
+
+The tank was surrounded by pots of tulips; and on a rustic seat lay the
+lad’s hat and a delicious large kuchen, covered with comfits and sugar.
+The hungry girl accepted it gladly, but only nibbled at it, remembering
+those at home. The boy thought she did not like it, and being a generous
+little fellow and very grateful for her help, he looked about for
+something else to give her.  Seeing her eyes fixed admiringly on a
+pretty red jar that held a dragon-tulip just ready to bloom, he said
+pleasantly,--
+
+"Would you like this also?  All these are mine, and I can do as I like
+with them.  Will you have it?"
+
+"Oh, yes, with thanks!  It is _so_ beautiful! I longed for one, but
+never thought to get it," cried Trudel, receiving the pot with delight.
+
+Then she hastened toward home to show her prize, only stopping to sell
+her little bunches of cresses for a few groschen, with which she bought
+a loaf and three herrings to eat with it.  The cake and the flower gave
+quite the air of a feast to the poor meal, but Trudel and the two women
+enjoyed it all, for the doctor said that the father was better, and now
+needed only good meat and wine to grow strong and well again.
+
+How to get these costly things no one knew, but trusted they would come,
+and all fell to work with lighter hearts.  The mother sat again at her
+lace-work, for now a ray of light could be allowed to fall on her pillow
+and bobbins by the window of the sick-room.  The old woman’s fingers
+flew as she knit at one long blue stocking; and Trudel’s little hands
+tugged away at the other, while she cheered her dull task by looking
+fondly at her dear tulip unfolding in the sun.
+
+She began to knit next day as soon as the breakfast of dry bread and
+water was done; but she took her work to the doorstep and thought busily
+as the needles clicked, for where _could_ she get money enough for meat
+and wine?  The pretty pot stood beside her, and the tulip showed its gay
+leaves now, just ready to bloom.  She was very proud of it, and smiled
+and nodded gayly when a neighbor said in passing, "A fine flower you
+have there."
+
+Soon she forgot it, however, so hard was her little brain at work, and
+for a long time she sat with her eyes fixed on her busy hands so
+intently that she neither heard steps approaching, nor saw a maid and a
+little girl looking over the low fence at her.  Suddenly some words in a
+strange language made her look up.  The child was pointing at the tulip
+and talking fast in English to the maid, who shook her head and tried to
+lead her on.
+
+She was a pretty little creature, all in white with a gay hat, curly
+locks, and a great doll in one arm, while the other held a box of
+bonbons. Trudel smiled when she saw the doll; and as if the friendly
+look decided her, the little girl ran up to the door, pointed to the
+flower, and asked a question in the queer tongue which Trudel could not
+understand.  The maid followed, and said in Dutch, "Fräulein Maud wishes
+the flower.  Will you give it to her, child?"
+
+"Oh, no, no!  I love it.  I will keep it, for now Jan is gone, it is all
+I have!" answered Trudel, taking the pot in her lap to guard her one
+treasure.
+
+The child frowned, chattered eagerly, and offered the box of sweets, as
+if used to having her wishes gratified at once.  But Trudel shook her
+head, for much as she loved "sugar-drops," she loved the splendid flower
+better, like a true little Dutchwoman.
+
+Then Miss Maud offered the doll, bent on having her own way.  Trudel
+hesitated a moment, for the fine lady doll in pink silk, with a feather
+in her hat, and tiny shoes on her feet, was very tempting to her
+childish soul.  But she felt that so dainty a thing was not for her, and
+her old wooden darling, with the staring eyes and broken nose, was
+dearer to her than the delicate stranger could ever be.  So she smiled
+to soothe the disappointed child, but shook her head again.
+
+At that, the English lassie lost her temper, stamped her foot, scolded,
+and began to cry, ordering the maid to take the flower and come away at
+once.
+
+"She _will_ have it; and she must not cry. Here, child, will you sell it
+for this?" said the maid, pulling a handful of groschen out of her deep
+pocket, sure that Trudel would yield now.
+
+But the little house-mother’s quick eye saw that the whole handful would
+not buy the meat and wine, much as it looked, and for the third time she
+shook her yellow head.  There was a longing look in her face, however;
+and the shrewd maid saw it, guessed that money would win the day, and
+diving again into her apron-pocket, brought out a silver gulden and held
+it up.
+
+"For this, then, little miser?  It is more than the silly flower is
+worth; but the young fräulein must have all she wants, so take it and
+let us be done with the crying."
+
+A struggle went on in Trudel’s mind; and for a moment she did not speak.
+She longed to keep her dear tulip, her one joy, and it seemed so hard to
+let it go before she had even seen it blossom once; but then the money
+would do much, and her loving little heart yearned to give poor father
+all he needed. Just then her mother’s voice came down from the open
+window, softly singing an old hymn to lull the sick man to sleep.  That
+settled the matter for the dutiful daughter; tears rose to her eyes, and
+she found it very hard to say with a farewell caress of the blue and
+yellow pot as she gave it up,--
+
+"You may have it; but it _is_ worth more than a gulden, for it is a
+dragon-tulip, the finest we have.  Could you give a little more? my
+father is very sick, and we are very poor."
+
+The stout maid had a kind heart under her white muslin neckerchief; and
+while Miss Maud seized the flower, good Marta put another gulden into
+Trudel’s hand before she hastened after her charge, who made off with
+her booty, as if fearing to lose it.
+
+Trudel watched the child with the half-opened tulip nodding over her
+shoulder, as though it sadly said "good-by" to its former mistress, till
+her dim eyes could see no longer.  Then she covered her face with her
+apron and sobbed very quietly, lest grandmother should hear and be
+troubled.  But Trudel was a brave child, and soon the tears stopped, the
+blue eyes looked gladly at the money in her hand, and presently, when
+the fresh wind had cooled her cheeks, she went in to show her treasure
+and cheer up the anxious hearts with her good news.
+
+She made light of the loss of her flower, and still knitting, went
+briskly off to get the meat and wine for father, and if the money held
+out, some coffee for grandmother, some eggs and white rolls for mother,
+who was weak and worn with her long nursing.
+
+"Surely, the dear God does help me," thought the pious little maid,
+while she trudged back with her parcels, quite cheery again, though no
+pretty kitten ran to meet her, and no gay tulip stood full-blown in the
+noonday sun.
+
+Still more happy was she over her small sacrifices when she saw her
+father sip a little of the good broth grandmother made with such care,
+and saw the color come into the pale cheeks of the dear mother after she
+had taken the eggs and fine bread, with a cup of coffee to strengthen
+and refresh her.
+
+"We have enough for to-day, and for father to-morrow; but on Sunday we
+must fast as well as pray, unless the hose be done and paid for in
+time," said the old woman next morning, surveying their small store of
+food with an anxious eye.
+
+"I will work hard, and go to Vrow Schmidt’s the minute we are done.  But
+now I must run and get wood, else the broth will not be ready," answered
+Trudel, clattering on her wooden shoes in a great hurry.
+
+"If all else fails, I too shall make my sacrifice as well as you, my
+heart’s darling.  I cannot knit as I once did, and if we are not done,
+or Vrow Schmidt be away, I will sell my ring and so feed the flock till
+Monday," said the grandmother, lifting up one thin old hand, where shone
+the wedding-ring she had worn so many years.
+
+"Ah, no,--not that!  It was so sad to see your gold beads go, and
+mother’s ear-rings and father’s coat and Jan and my lovely flower! We
+will not sell the dear old ring.  I will find a way.  Something will
+happen, as before; so wait a little, and trust to me," cried Trudel,
+with her arms about the grandmother, and such a resolute nod that the
+rusty little black cap fell over her nose and extinguished her.
+
+She laughed as she righted it, and went singing away, as if not a care
+lay heavy on her young heart.  But when she came to the long dike which
+kept the waters of the lake from overflowing the fields below, she
+walked slowly to rest her tired legs, and to refresh her eyes with the
+blue sheet of water on one side and the still bluer flax-fields on the
+other,--for they were in full bloom, and the delicate flowers danced
+like fairies in the wind.
+
+It was a lonely place, but Trudel liked it, and went on toward the wood,
+turning the heel of her stocking while she walked,--pausing now and then
+to look over at the sluice-gates which stood here and there ready to let
+off the water when autumn rains made the lake rise, or in the spring
+when the flax-fields were overflowed before the seed was sown.  At the
+last of these she paused to gather a bunch of yellow stone-crop growing
+from a niche in the strong wall which, with earth and beams, made the
+dike. As she stooped, the sound of voices in the arch below came up to
+her distinctly.  Few people came that way except little girls, like
+herself, to gather fagots in the wood, or truant lads to fish in the
+pond.  Thinking the hidden speakers must be some of these boys, she
+knelt down behind the shrubs that grew along the banks, and listened
+with a smile on her lips to hear what mischief the naughty fellows were
+planning.  But the smile soon changed to a look of terror; and she
+crouched low behind the bushes to catch all that was said in the echoing
+arch below.
+
+"How did I think of the thing?  Why, that is the best part of the joke!
+Mein Herr von Vost put it into my head himself," said a man’s gruff
+voice, in answer to some question.  "This is the way it was: I sat at
+the window of the beer-house, and Von Vost met the burgomaster close by
+and said, ’My friend, I hear that the lower sluice-gate needs looking
+to.  Please see to it speedily, for an overflow now would ruin my
+flax-fields, and cause many of my looms to stand still next winter.’
+’So!  It shall be looked to next week.  Such a misfortune shall not
+befall you, my good neighbor,’ said the burgomaster; and they parted.
+’Ah, ha!’ thinks I to myself, ’here we have a fine way to revenge
+ourselves on Master von Vost, who turned us off and leaves us to starve.
+We have but to see that the old gate gives way _between_ now and
+_Monday_, and that hard man will suffer in the only place where he _can_
+feel,--his pocket.’"
+
+Here the gruff voice broke into a low laugh, and another man said
+slowly,--
+
+"A good plan; but is there no danger of being found out, Peit Stensen?"
+
+"Not a chance of it!  See here, Deitrich, a quiet blow or two, at night
+when none can hear it, will break away these rotten boards and let the
+water in.  The rest--it will do itself; and by morning those great
+fields will be many feet under water, and Von Vost’s crop ruined.  Yes,
+we _will_ stop his looms for him, and other men besides you and I and
+Niklas Haas will stand idle with starving children round them.  Come,
+will you lend a hand?  Niklas is away looking for work, and Hans Dort is
+sick, or they might be glad to help us."
+
+"Hans would never do it.  He is sober, and so good a weaver he will
+never want work when he is well.  I _will_ be with you, Peit; but swear
+not to tell it, whatever happens, for you and I have bad names now, and
+it would go hard with us."
+
+"I ’ll swear anything; but have no fear.  We will not only be revenged
+on the master, but get the job of repairing; since men are scarce and
+the need will be great when the flood is discovered.  See, then, how
+fine a plan it is! and meet me here at twelve to-night with a shovel and
+pick.  Mine are already hidden in the wood yonder.  Now, come and see
+where we must strike, and then slip home the other way; we must not be
+seen here by any one."
+
+There the voices stopped, and steps were heard going deeper into the
+arch.  Trudel, pale with fear, rose to her feet, slipped off her sabots,
+and ran away along the dike like a startled rabbit, never pausing till
+she was safely round the corner and out of sight.  Then she took breath,
+and tried to think what to do first.  It was of no use to go home and
+tell the story there.  Father was too ill to hear it or to help; and if
+she told the neighbors, the secret would soon be known everywhere and
+might bring danger on them all.  No, she must go at once to Mein Herr
+von Vost and tell him alone, begging him to let no one know what she had
+heard, but to prevent the mischief the men threatened, as if by
+accident.  Then all would be safe, and the pretty flax-fields kept from
+drowning.  It was a long way to the "master’s," as he was called,
+because he owned the linen factories, where all day many looms jangled,
+and many men and women worked busily to fill his warehouses and ships
+with piles of the fine white cloth, famous all the world over.
+
+But forgetting the wood, father’s broth, granny’s coffee, and even the
+knitting which she still held, Trudel went as fast as she could toward
+the country-house, where Mein Herr von Vost would probably be at his
+breakfast.
+
+She was faint now with hunger and heat, for the day grew hot, and the
+anxiety she felt made her heart flutter while she hurried along the
+dusty road till she came to the pretty house in its gay garden, where
+some children were playing.  Anxious not to be seen, Trudel slipped up
+the steps, and in at the open window of a room where she saw the master
+and his wife sitting at table.  Both looked surprised to see a shabby,
+breathless little girl enter in that curious fashion; but something in
+her face told them that she came on an important errand, and putting
+down his cup, the gentleman said quickly,--
+
+"Well, girl, what is it?"
+
+In a few words Trudel told her story, adding with a beseeching gesture,
+"Dear sir, please do not tell that I betrayed bad Peit and Deitrich.
+They know father, and may do him some harm if they discover that I told
+you this.  We are so poor, so unhappy now, we cannot bear any more;" and
+quite overcome with the troubles that filled her little heart, and the
+fatigue and the hunger that weakened her little body, Trudel dropped
+down at Von Vost’s feet as if she were dead.
+
+When she came to herself, she was lying on a velvet sofa and the
+sweet-faced lady was holding wine to her lips, while Mein Herr von Vost
+marched up and down the room with his flowered dressing-gown waving
+behind him, and a frown on his brow.  Trudel sat up and said she was
+quite well; but the little white face and the hungry eyes that wandered
+to the breakfast-table, told the truth, and the good frau had a plate of
+food and a cup of warm milk before her in a moment.
+
+"Eat, my poor child, and rest a little, while the master considers what
+is best to be done, and how to reward the brave little messenger who
+came so far to save his property," said the motherly lady, fanning
+Trudel, who ate heartily, hardly knowing what she ate, except that it
+was very delicious after so much bread and water.
+
+In a few moments Herr von Vost paused before the sofa and said kindly,
+though his eyes were stern and his face looked hard,--
+
+"See, then, thus shall I arrange the affair, and all will be well.  I
+will myself go to see the old gate, as if made anxious lest the
+burgomaster should forget his promise.  I find it in a dangerous state,
+and at once set my men at work. The rascals are disappointed of both
+revenge and wages, and I can soon take care of them in other ways, for
+they are drunken fellows, and are easily clapped into prison and kept
+safely there till ready to work and to stop plotting mischief.  No one
+shall know your part in it, my girl; but I do not forget it.  Tell your
+father his loom waits for him.  Meanwhile, here is something to help
+while he must be idle."
+
+Trudel’s plate nearly fell out of her hands as a great gold-piece
+dropped into her lap; and she could only stammer her thanks with tears
+of joy, and a mouth full of bread and butter.
+
+"He is a kind man, but a busy one, and people call him ’hard.’  You will
+not find him so hereafter, for he never forgets a favor, nor do I.  Eat
+well, dear child, and wait till you are rested.  I will get a basket of
+comforts for the sick man.  Who else needs help at home?"
+
+So kindly did Frau von Vost look and speak that Trudel told all her sad
+tale freely, for the master had gone at once to see to the dike, after a
+nod and a pat on the child’s head, which made her quite sure that he was
+not as hard as people said.
+
+When she had opened her heart to the friendly lady, Trudel was left to
+rest a few moments, and lay luxuriously on the yellow sofa staring at
+the handsome things about her, and eating pretzels till Frau von Vost
+returned with the promised basket, out of which peeped the neck of a
+wine-bottle, the legs of a chicken, glimpses of grapes, and many neat
+parcels of good things.
+
+"My servant goes to market and will carry this for you till you are near
+home.  Go, little Trudel; and God bless you for saving us from a great
+misfortune!" said the lady; and she kissed the happy child and led her
+to the back door, where stood the little cart with an old man to drive
+the fat horse, and many baskets to be filled in town.
+
+Such a lovely drive our Trudel had that day! no queen in a splendid
+chariot ever felt prouder, for all her cares were gone, gold was in her
+pocket, food at her feet, and friends secured to make times easier for
+all.  No need to tell how joyfully she was welcomed at home, nor what
+praises she received when her secret was confided to mother and
+grandmother, nor what a feast was spread in the poor house that
+day,--for patience, courage, and trust in God had won the battle, the
+enemy had fled, and Trudel’s hard siege was over.
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Chapter IX tailpiece]
+
+
+
+
+
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LULU’S LIBRARY, VOLUME III (OF
+3) ***
+
+
+
+
+A Word from Project Gutenberg
+
+
+We will update this book if we find any errors.
+
+This book can be found under: http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/40683
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no one
+owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation (and
+you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without permission
+and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules, set forth in the
+General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to copying and
+distributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic works to protect the Project
+Gutenberg™ concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered
+trademark, and may not be used if you charge for the eBooks, unless you
+receive specific permission. If you do not charge anything for copies of
+this eBook, complying with the rules is very easy. You may use this
+eBook for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative works,
+reports, performances and research. They may be modified and printed and
+given away – you may do practically _anything_ with public domain
+eBooks.  Redistribution is subject to the trademark license, especially
+commercial redistribution.
+
+
+
+The Full Project Gutenberg License
+
+
+_Please read this before you distribute or use this work._
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg™ mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work (or
+any other work associated in any way with the phrase “Project
+Gutenberg”), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg™ License available with this file or online at
+http://www.gutenberg.org/license.
+
+
+Section 1. General Terms of Use & Redistributing Project Gutenberg™
+electronic works
+
+
+*1.A.* By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg™
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all the
+terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy all
+copies of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works in your possession. If you
+paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project Gutenberg™
+electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the terms of this
+agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or entity to whom you
+paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+*1.B.* “Project Gutenberg” is a registered trademark. It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few things
+that you can do with most Project Gutenberg™ electronic works even
+without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See paragraph
+1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project Gutenberg™
+electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement and help
+preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg™ electronic works. See
+paragraph 1.E below.
+
+*1.C.* The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation (“the
+Foundation” or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of
+Project Gutenberg™ electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in
+the collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you
+from copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating
+derivative works based on the work as long as all references to Project
+Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the
+Project Gutenberg™ mission of promoting free access to electronic works
+by freely sharing Project Gutenberg™ works in compliance with the terms
+of this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg™ name associated
+with the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg™ License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+*1.D.* The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg™ work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning the
+copyright status of any work in any country outside the United States.
+
+*1.E.* Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+*1.E.1.* The following sentence, with active links to, or other
+immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg™ License must appear
+prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg™ work (any work on
+which the phrase “Project Gutenberg” appears, or with which the phrase
+“Project Gutenberg” is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed,
+viewed, copied or distributed:
+
+    This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+    almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away
+    or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License
+    included with this eBook or online at http://www.gutenberg.org
+
+*1.E.2.* If an individual Project Gutenberg™ electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work with
+the phrase “Project Gutenberg” associated with or appearing on the work,
+you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through
+1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project
+Gutenberg™ trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+*1.E.3.* If an individual Project Gutenberg™ electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg™ License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+*1.E.4.* Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg™
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg™.
+
+*1.E.5.* Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg™ License.
+
+*1.E.6.* You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg™ work in a format other than
+“Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg™ web site
+(http://www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or
+expense to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a
+means of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original
+“Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other form. Any alternate format must include
+the full Project Gutenberg™ License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+*1.E.7.* Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg™ works unless
+you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+*1.E.8.* You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic works provided
+that
+
+  - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+    the use of Project Gutenberg™ works calculated using the method you
+    already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed to
+    the owner of the Project Gutenberg™ trademark, but he has agreed to
+    donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project Gutenberg
+    Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid within 60
+    days following each date on which you prepare (or are legally
+    required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty payments
+    should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project Gutenberg
+    Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in Section 4,
+    “Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+    Archive Foundation.”
+
+  - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+    you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+    does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg™ License.
+    You must require such a user to return or destroy all copies of the
+    works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue all use of and
+    all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg™ works.
+
+  - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of
+    any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+    electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of
+    receipt of the work.
+
+  - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+    distribution of Project Gutenberg™ works.
+
+
+*1.E.9.* If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg™
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set forth
+in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from both the
+Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael Hart, the
+owner of the Project Gutenberg™ trademark. Contact the Foundation as set
+forth in Section 3. below.
+
+*1.F.*
+
+*1.F.1.* Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg™ collection.
+Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg™ electronic works, and the
+medium on which they may be stored, may contain “Defects,” such as, but
+not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or corrupt data, transcription
+errors, a copyright or other intellectual property infringement, a
+defective or damaged disk or other medium, a computer virus, or computer
+codes that damage or cannot be read by your equipment.
+
+*1.F.2.* LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES – Except for the “Right
+of Replacement or Refund” described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg™ trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg™ electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all liability
+to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal fees. YOU AGREE
+THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY, BREACH OF
+WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3.
+YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR
+UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT,
+INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE
+NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.
+
+*1.F.3.* LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND – If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+*1.F.4.* Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you ‘AS-IS,’ WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+*1.F.5.* Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+*1.F.6.* INDEMNITY – You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg™
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg™ work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg™
+
+
+Project Gutenberg™ is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg™’s goals
+and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg™ collection will remain freely
+available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure and
+permanent future for Project Gutenberg™ and future generations. To learn
+more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and how
+your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 and the
+Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org .
+
+
+Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the state
+of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal Revenue
+Service. The Foundation’s EIN or federal tax identification number is
+64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/pglaf . Contributions to the
+Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the
+full extent permitted by U.S.  federal laws and your state’s laws.
+
+The Foundation’s principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr.
+S. Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at 809
+North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation’s web site and official page
+at http://www.pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+
+    Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+    Chief Executive and Director
+    gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+
+Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation
+
+
+Project Gutenberg™ depends upon and cannot survive without wide spread
+public support and donations to carry out its mission of increasing the
+number of public domain and licensed works that can be freely
+distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest array of
+equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations ($1 to
+$5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt status with
+the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations where
+we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND
+DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular state
+visit http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make any
+statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from outside
+the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other ways
+including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To donate,
+please visit: http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate
+
+
+Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg™ electronic
+works.
+
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg™
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg™ eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+Project Gutenberg™ eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. unless
+a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily keep eBooks
+in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+Each eBook is in a subdirectory of the same number as the eBook’s eBook
+number, often in several formats including plain vanilla ASCII,
+compressed (zipped), HTML and others.
+
+Corrected _editions_ of our eBooks replace the old file and take over
+the old filename and etext number. The replaced older file is renamed.
+_Versions_ based on separate sources are treated as new eBooks receiving
+new filenames and etext numbers.
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+    http://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg™, including
+how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to subscribe to
+our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
diff --git a/40683-0.zip b/40683-0.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..57f4f48
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40683-0.zip
diff --git a/40683-8.txt b/40683-8.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fe51ed1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40683-8.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,5597 @@
+                       LULU'S LIBRARY, VOLUME III
+
+
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost
+no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it
+under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this
+eBook or online at http://www.gutenberg.org/license.
+
+
+Title: Lulu's Library, Volume III (of 3)
+
+Author: Louisa M. Alcott
+
+Release Date: September 05, 2012 [EBook #40683]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LULU'S LIBRARY, VOLUME III (OF
+3) ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Al Haines.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Cover]
+
+
+
+
+                            LULU'S LIBRARY.
+
+
+                                   BY
+
+                           LOUISA M. ALCOTT,
+
+
+    AUTHOR OF "LITTLE WOMEN," "AN OLD-FASHIONED GIRL," "LITTLE MEN,"
+      "EIGHT COUSINS," "ROSE IN BLOOM," "UNDER THE LILACS," "JACK
+      AND JILL," "JO'S BOYS," "HOSPITAL SKETCHES," "WORK, A STORY
+          OF EXPERIENCE," "MOODS, A NOVEL," "PROVERB STORIES,"
+              "SILVER PITCHERS," "SPINNING-WHEEL STORIES,"
+                      "A GARLAND FOR GIRLS," "AUNT
+                            JO'S SCRAP-BAG."
+
+
+
+                               VOL. III.
+
+                     RECOLLECTIONS OF MY CHILDHOOD.
+                  A CHRISTMAS TURKEY, AND HOW IT CAME.
+                           THE SILVER PARTY.
+                            THE BLIND LARK.
+                          MUSIC AND MACARONI.
+                         THE LITTLE RED PURSE.
+                            SOPHIE'S SECRET.
+                           DOLLY'S BEDSTEAD.
+                            TRUDEL'S SIEGE.
+
+
+
+                                BOSTON:
+                           ROBERTS BROTHERS.
+                                 1889.
+
+
+
+
+                           _Copyright, 1889,_
+                          BY J. S. P. ALCOTT.
+
+
+
+                           University Press:
+                    JOHN WILSON AND SON, CAMBRIDGE.
+
+
+
+
+                               CONTENTS.
+
+      I. Recollections of My Childhood
+     II. A Christmas Turkey, and How It Came
+    III. The Silver Party
+     IV. The Blind Lark
+      V. Music and Macaroni
+     VI. The Little Red Purse
+    VII. Sophie's Secret
+   VIII. Dolly's Bedstead
+     IX. Trudel's Siege
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Louisa May Alcott]
+
+
+
+                                   I.
+
+                     RECOLLECTIONS OF MY CHILDHOOD.
+
+
+One of my earliest memories is of playing with books in my father's
+study,--building towers and bridges of the big dictionaries, looking at
+pictures, pretending to read, and scribbling on blank pages whenever pen
+or pencil could be found.  Many of these first attempts at authorship
+still exist; and I often wonder if these childish plays did not
+influence my after-life, since books have been my greatest comfort,
+castle-building a never-failing delight, and scribbling a very
+profitable amusement.
+
+Another very vivid recollection is of the day when running after my hoop
+I fell into the Frog Pond and was rescued by a black boy, becoming a
+friend to the colored race then and there, though my mother always
+declared that I was an abolitionist at the age of three.
+
+During the Garrison riot in Boston the portrait of George Thompson was
+hidden under a bed in our house for safekeeping; and I am told that I
+used to go and comfort "the good man who helped poor slaves" in his
+captivity. However that may be, the conversion was genuine; and my
+greatest pride is in the fact that I have lived to know the brave men
+and women who did so much for the cause, and that I had a very small
+share in the war which put an end to a great wrong.
+
+Being born on the birthday of Columbus, I seem to have something of my
+patron saint's spirit of adventure, and running away was one of the
+delights of my childhood.  Many a social lunch have I shared with
+hospitable Irish beggar children, as we ate our crusts, cold potatoes,
+and salt fish on voyages of discovery among the ash heaps of the waste
+land that then lay where the Albany station now stands.
+
+Many an impromptu picnic have I had on the dear old Common, with strange
+boys, pretty babies, and friendly dogs, who always seemed to feel that
+this reckless young person needed looking after.
+
+On one occasion the town-crier found me fast asleep at nine o'clock at
+night, on a doorstep in Bedford Street, with my head pillowed on the
+curly breast of a big Newfoundland, who was with difficulty persuaded to
+release the weary little wanderer who had sobbed herself to sleep there.
+
+I often smile as I pass that door, and never forget to give a grateful
+pat to every big dog I meet, for never have I slept more soundly than on
+that dusty step, nor found a better friend than the noble animal who
+watched over the lost baby so faithfully.
+
+My father's school was the only one I ever went to; and when this was
+broken up because he introduced methods now all the fashion, our lessons
+went on at home, for he was always sure of four little pupils who firmly
+believed in their teacher, though they have not done him all the credit
+he deserved.
+
+I never liked arithmetic or grammar, and dodged these branches on all
+occasions; but reading, composition, history, and geography I enjoyed,
+as well as the stories read to us with a skill which made the dullest
+charming and useful.
+
+"Pilgrim's Progress," Krummacher's "Parables," Miss Edgeworth, and the
+best of the dear old fairy tales made that hour the pleasantest of our
+day.  On Sundays we had a simple service of Bible stories, hymns, and
+conversation about the state of our little consciences and the conduct
+of our childish lives which never will be forgotten.
+
+Walks each morning round the Common while in the city, and long tramps
+over hill and dale when our home was in the country, were a part of our
+education, as well as every sort of housework, for which I have always
+been very grateful, since such knowledge makes one independent in these
+days of domestic tribulation with the help who are too often only
+hindrances.
+
+Needle-work began early; and at ten my skilful sister made a linen shirt
+beautifully, while at twelve I set up as a dolls' dressmaker, with my
+sign out, and wonderful models in my window.  All the children employed
+me; and my turbans were the rage at one time, to the great dismay of the
+neighbor's hens, who were hotly hunted down that I might tweak out their
+downiest feathers to adorn the dolls' head-gear.
+
+Active exercise was my delight from the time when a child of six I drove
+my hoop round the Common without stopping, to the days when I did my
+twenty miles in five hours and went to a party in the evening.
+
+I always thought I must have been a deer or a horse in some former
+state, because it was such a joy to run.  No boy could be my friend till
+I had beaten him in a race, and no girl if she refused to climb trees,
+leap fences, and be a tomboy.
+
+My wise mother, anxious to give me a strong body to support a lively
+brain, turned me loose in the country and let me run wild, learning of
+Nature what no books can teach, and being led, as those who truly love
+her seldom fail to be,
+
+    "Through Nature up to Nature's God."
+
+
+I remember running over the hills just at dawn one summer morning, and
+pausing to rest in the silent woods, saw, through an arch of trees, the
+sun rise over river, hill, and wide green meadows as I never saw it
+before.
+
+Something born of the lovely hour, a happy mood, and the unfolding
+aspirations of a child's soul seemed to bring me very near to God; and
+in the hush of that morning hour I always felt that I "got religion," as
+the phrase goes.  A new and vital sense of His presence, tender and
+sustaining as a father's arms, came to me then, never to change through
+forty years of life's vicissitudes, but to grow stronger for the sharp
+discipline of poverty and pain, sorrow and success.
+
+Those Concord days were the happiest of my life, for we had charming
+playmates in the little Emersons, Channings, Hawthornes, and Goodwins,
+with the illustrious parents and their friends to enjoy our pranks and
+share our excursions.
+
+Plays in the barn were a favorite amusement, and we dramatized the fairy
+tales in great style. Our giant came tumbling off a loft when Jack cut
+down the squash-vine running up a ladder to represent the immortal bean.
+Cinderella rolled away in a vast pumpkin; and a long black pudding was
+lowered by invisible hands to fasten itself on the nose of the woman who
+wasted her three wishes.
+
+Little pilgrims journeyed over the hills with scrip and staff, and
+cockle-shells in their hats; elves held their pretty revels among the
+pines, and "Peter Wilkins'" flying ladies came swinging down on the
+birch tree-tops.  Lords and ladies haunted the garden, and mermaids
+splashed in the bath-house of woven willows over the brook.
+
+People wondered at our frolics, but enjoyed them; and droll stories are
+still told of the adventures of those days.  Mr. Emerson and Margaret
+Fuller were visiting my parents one afternoon; and the conversation
+having turned to the ever-interesting subject of education, Miss Fuller
+said,--
+
+"Well, Mr. Alcott, you have been able to carry out your methods in your
+own family, and I should like to see your model children."
+
+She did in a few moments,--for as the guests stood on the doorsteps a
+wild uproar approached, and round the corner of the house came a
+wheelbarrow holding baby May arrayed as a queen; I was the horse, bitted
+and bridled, and driven by my elder sister Anna, while Lizzie played dog
+and barked as loud as her gentle voice permitted.
+
+All were shouting, and wild with fun, which, however, came to a sudden
+end as we espied the stately group before us, for my foot tripped, and
+down we all went in a laughing heap, while my mother put a climax to the
+joke by saying with a dramatic wave of the hand,--
+
+"Here are the model children, Miss Fuller!"
+
+My sentimental period began at fifteen, when I fell to writing romances,
+poems, a "heart journal," and dreaming dreams of a splendid future.
+
+Browsing over Mr. Emerson's library, I found "Goethe's Correspondence
+with a Child," and was at once fired with the desire to be a second
+Bettine, making my father's friend my Goethe. So I wrote letters to him,
+but was wise enough never to send them, left wild flowers on the
+doorsteps of my "Master," sung Mignon's song in very bad German under
+his window, and was fond of wandering by moonlight, or sitting in a
+cherry-tree at midnight till the owls scared me to bed.
+
+The girlish folly did not last long, and the letters were burned years
+ago; but Goethe is still my favorite author, and Emerson remained my
+beloved "Master" while he lived, doing more for me, as for many another
+young soul, than he ever knew, by the simple beauty of his life, the
+truth and wisdom of his books, the example of a good great man untempted
+and unspoiled by the world which he made nobler while in it, and left
+the richer when he went.
+
+The trials of life began about this time, and my happy childhood ended.
+Money is never plentiful in a philosopher's house; and even the maternal
+pelican could not supply all our wants on the small income which was
+freely shared with every needy soul who asked for help.
+
+Fugitive slaves were sheltered under our roof; and my first pupil was a
+very black George Washington whom I taught to write on the hearth with
+charcoal, his big fingers finding pen and pencil unmanageable.
+
+Motherless girls seeking protection were guarded among us; hungry
+travellers sent on to our door to be fed and warmed; and if the
+philosopher happened to own two coats, the best went to a needy brother,
+for these were practical Christians who had the most perfect faith in
+Providence, and never found it betrayed.
+
+In those days the prophets were not honored in their own land, and
+Concord had not yet discovered her great men.  It was a sort of refuge
+for reformers of all sorts, whom the good natives regarded as lunatics,
+harmless but amusing.
+
+My father went away to hold his classes and conversations, and we women
+folk began to feel that we also might do something.  So one gloomy
+November day we decided to move to Boston and try our fate again after
+some years in the wilderness.
+
+My father's prospect was as promising as a philosopher's ever is in a
+money-making world; my mother's friends offered her a good salary as
+their missionary to the poor; and my sister and I hoped to teach.  It
+was an anxious council; and always preferring action to discussion, I
+took a brisk run over the hill and then settled down for "a good think"
+in my favorite retreat.
+
+It was an old cart-wheel, half hidden in grass under the locusts where I
+used to sit to wrestle with my sums, and usually forget them scribbling
+verses or fairy tales on my slate instead. Perched on the hub, I
+surveyed the prospect and found it rather gloomy, with leafless trees,
+sere grass, leaden sky, and frosty air; but the hopeful heart of fifteen
+beat warmly under the old red shawl, visions of success gave the gray
+clouds a silver lining, and I said defiantly, as I shook my fist at fate
+embodied in a crow cawing dismally on a fence near by,--
+
+"I _will_ do something by-and-by.  Don't care what, teach, sew, act,
+write, anything to help the family; and I'll be rich and famous and
+happy before I die, see if I won't!"
+
+Startled by this audacious outburst, the crow flew away; but the old
+wheel creaked as if it began to turn at that moment, stirred by the
+intense desire of an ambitious girl to work for those she loved and find
+some reward when the duty was done.
+
+I did not mind the omen then, and returned to the house cold but
+resolute.  I think I began to shoulder my burden then and there, for
+when the free country life ended, the wild colt soon learned to tug in
+harness, only breaking loose now and then for a taste of beloved
+liberty.
+
+My sisters and I had cherished fine dreams of a home in the city; but
+when we found ourselves in a small house at the South End with not a
+tree in sight, only a back yard to play in, and no money to buy any of
+the splendors before us, we all rebelled and longed for the country
+again.
+
+Anna soon found little pupils, and trudged away each morning to her
+daily task, pausing at the corner to wave her hand to me in answer to my
+salute with the duster.  My father went to his classes at his room down
+town, mother to her all-absorbing poor, the little girls to school, and
+I was left to keep house, feeling like a caged sea-gull as I washed
+dishes and cooked in the basement kitchen, where my prospect was limited
+to a procession of muddy boots.
+
+Good drill, but very hard; and my only consolation was the evening
+reunion when all met with such varied reports of the day's adventures,
+we could not fail to find both amusement and instruction.
+
+Father brought news from the upper world, and the wise, good people who
+adorned it; mother, usually much dilapidated because she _would_ give
+away her clothes, with sad tales of suffering and sin from the darker
+side of life; gentle Anna a modest account of her success as teacher,
+for even at seventeen her sweet nature won all who knew her, and her
+patience quelled the most rebellious pupil.
+
+My reports were usually a mixture of the tragic and the comic; and the
+children poured their small joys and woes into the family bosom, where
+comfort and sympathy were always to be found.
+
+Then we youngsters adjourned to the kitchen for our fun, which usually
+consisted of writing, dressing, and acting a series of remarkable plays.
+In one I remember I took five parts and Anna four, with lightning
+changes of costume, and characters varying from a Greek prince in silver
+armor to a murderer in chains.
+
+It was good training for memory and fingers, for we recited pages
+without a fault, and made every sort of property from a harp to a
+fairy's spangled wings.  Later we acted Shakespeare; and Hamlet was my
+favorite hero, played with a gloomy glare and a tragic stalk which I
+have never seen surpassed.
+
+But we were now beginning to play our parts on a real stage, and to know
+something of the pathetic side of life, with its hard facts, irksome
+duties, many temptations, and the daily sacrifice of self.  Fortunately
+we had the truest, tenderest of guides and guards, and so learned the
+sweet uses of adversity, the value of honest work, the beautiful law of
+compensation which gives more than it takes, and the real significance
+of life.
+
+At sixteen I began to teach twenty pupils, and for ten years learned to
+know and love children.  The story-writing went on all the while with
+the usual trials of beginners.  Fairy tales told the Emersons made the
+first printed book, and "Hospital Sketches" the first successful one.
+
+Every experience went into the caldron to come out as froth, or
+evaporate in smoke, till time and suffering strengthened and clarified
+the mixture of truth and fancy, and a wholesome draught for children
+began to flow pleasantly and profitably.
+
+So the omen proved a true one, and the wheel of fortune turned slowly,
+till the girl of fifteen found herself a woman of fifty, with her
+prophetic dream beautifully realized, her duty done, her reward far
+greater than she deserved.
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Chapter I tailpiece]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Kitty gives the bunch of holly to the little girl.--PAGE
+36.]
+
+
+
+                                  II.
+
+                  A CHRISTMAS TURKEY, AND HOW IT CAME.
+
+
+"I know we could n't do it."
+
+"I say we could, if we all helped."
+
+"How can we?"
+
+"I've planned lots of ways; only you mustn't laugh at them, and you must
+n't say a word to mother.  I want it to be all a surprise."
+
+"She 'll find us out."
+
+"No, she won't, if we tell her we won't get into mischief."
+
+"Fire away, then, and let's hear your fine plans."
+
+"We must talk softly, or we shall wake father. He's got a headache."
+
+A curious change came over the faces of the two boys as their sister
+lowered her voice, with a nod toward a half-opened door.  They looked
+sad and ashamed, and Kitty sighed as she spoke, for all knew that
+father's headaches always began by his coming home stupid or cross, with
+only a part of his wages; and mother always cried when she thought they
+did not see her, and after the long sleep father looked as if he did n't
+like to meet their eyes, but went off early.
+
+They knew what it meant, but never spoke of it,--only pondered over it,
+and mourned with mother at the change which was slowly altering their
+kind industrious father into a moody man, and mother into an anxious
+over-worked woman.
+
+Kitty was thirteen, and a very capable girl, who helped with the
+housekeeping, took care of the two little ones, and went to school.
+Tommy and Sammy looked up to her and thought her a remarkably good
+sister.  Now, as they sat round the stove having "a go-to-bed warm," the
+three heads were close together; and the boys listened eagerly to
+Kitty's plans, while the rattle of the sewing-machine in another room
+went on as tirelessly as it had done all day, for mother's work was more
+and more needed every month.
+
+"Well!" began Kitty, in an impressive tone, "we all know that there
+won't be a bit of Christmas in this family if we don't make it.
+Mother's too busy, and father don't care, so we must see what we can do;
+for I should be mortified to death to go to school and say I had n't had
+any turkey or plum-pudding.  Don't expect presents; but we _must_ have
+some kind of a decent dinner."
+
+"So I say; I'm tired of fish and potatoes," said Sammy, the younger.
+
+"But where's the dinner coming from?" asked Tommy, who had already taken
+some of the cares of life on his young shoulders, and knew that
+Christmas dinners did not walk into people's houses without money.
+
+"We 'll earn it;" and Kitty looked like a small Napoleon planning the
+passage of the Alps.  "You, Tom, must go early to-morrow to Mr. Brisket
+and offer to carry baskets.  He will be dreadfully busy, and want you, I
+know; and you are so strong you can lug as much as some of the big
+fellows.  He pays well, and if he won't give much money, you can take
+your wages in things to eat.  We want everything."
+
+"What shall I do?" cried Sammy, while Tom sat turning this plan over in
+his mind.
+
+"Take the old shovel and clear sidewalks. The snow came on purpose to
+help you."
+
+"It's awful hard work, and the shovel's half gone," began Sammy, who
+preferred to spend his holiday coasting on an old tea-tray.
+
+"Don't growl, or you won't get any dinner," said Tom, making up his mind
+to lug baskets for the good of the family, like a manly lad as he was.
+
+"I," continued Kitty, "have taken the hardest part of all; for after my
+work is done, and the babies safely settled, I 'm going to beg for the
+leavings of the holly and pine swept out of the church down below, and
+make some wreaths and sell them."
+
+"If you can," put in Tommy, who had tried pencils, and failed to make a
+fortune.
+
+"Not in the street?" cried Sam, looking alarmed.
+
+"Yes, at the corner of the Park.  I 'm bound to make some money, and
+don't see any other way.  I shall put on an old hood and shawl, and no
+one will know me.  Don't care if they do."  And Kitty tried to mean what
+she said, but in her heart she felt that it would be a trial to her
+pride if any of her schoolmates should happen to recognize her.
+
+"Don't believe you 'll do it."
+
+"See if I don't; for I _will_ have a good dinner one day in the year."
+
+"Well, it does n't seem right for us to do it. Father ought to take care
+of us, and we only buy some presents with the little bit we earn. He
+never gives us anything now."  And Tommy scowled at the bedroom door,
+with a strong sense of injury struggling with affection in his boyish
+heart.
+
+"Hush!" cried Kitty.  "Don't blame him. Mother says we never must forget
+he's our father.  I try not to; but when she cries, it's hard to feel as
+I ought."  And a sob made the little girl stop short as she poked the
+fire to hide the trouble in the face that should have been all smiles.
+
+For a moment the room was very still, as the snow beat on the window,
+and the fire-light flickered over the six shabby little boots put up on
+the stove hearth to dry.
+
+Tommy's cheerful voice broke the silence, saying stoutly, "Well, if I
+'ve got to work all day, I guess I 'll go to bed early.  Don't fret,
+Kit.  We 'll help all we can, and have a good time; see if we don't."
+
+"I 'll go out real early, and shovel like fury. Maybe I 'll get a
+dollar.  Would that buy a turkey?" asked Sammy, with the air of a
+millionnaire.
+
+"No, dear; one big enough for us would cost two, I 'm afraid.  Perhaps
+we 'll have one sent us.  We belong to the church, though folks don't
+know how poor we are now, and we can't beg."  And Kitty bustled about,
+clearing up, rather exercised in her mind about going and asking for the
+much-desired fowl.
+
+Soon all three were fast asleep, and nothing but the whir of the machine
+broke the quiet that fell upon the house.  Then from the inner room a
+man came and sat over the fire with his head in his hands and his eyes
+fixed on the ragged little boots left to dry.  He had heard the
+children's talk; and his heart was very heavy as he looked about the
+shabby room that used to be so neat and pleasant.  What he thought no
+one knows, what he did we shall see by-and-by; but the sorrow and shame
+and tender silence of his children worked a miracle that night more
+lasting and lovely than the white beauty which the snow wrought upon the
+sleeping city.
+
+Bright and early the boys were away to their work; while Kitty sang as
+she dressed the little sisters, put the house in order, and made her
+mother smile at the mysterious hints she gave of something splendid
+which was going to happen.  Father was gone, and though all rather
+dreaded evening, nothing was said; but each worked with a will, feeling
+that Christmas should be merry in spite of poverty and care.
+
+All day Tommy lugged fat turkeys, roasts of beef, and every sort of
+vegetable for other people's good dinners on the morrow, wondering
+meanwhile where his own was coming from. Mr. Brisket had an army of boys
+trudging here and there, and was too busy to notice any particular lad
+till the hurry was over, and only a few belated buyers remained to be
+served.  It was late; but the stores kept open, and though so tired he
+could hardly stand, brave Tommy held on when the other boys left, hoping
+to earn a trifle more by extra work.  He sat down on a barrel to rest
+during a leisure moment, and presently his weary head nodded sideways
+into a basket of cranberries, where he slept quietly till the sound of
+gruff voices roused him.
+
+It was Mr. Brisket scolding because one dinner had been forgotten.
+
+"I told that rascal Beals to be sure and carry it, for the old gentleman
+will be in a rage if it does n't come, and take away his custom. Every
+boy gone, and I can't leave the store, nor you either, Pat, with all the
+clearing up to do."
+
+"Here's a by, sir, slapin illigant forninst the cranberries, bad luck to
+him!" answered Pat, with a shake that set poor Tom on his legs, wide
+awake at once.
+
+"_Good_ luck to him, you mean.  Here, What's-your-name, you take this
+basket to that number, and I 'll make it worth your while," said Mr.
+Brisket, much relieved by this unexpected help.
+
+"All right, sir;" and Tommy trudged off as briskly as his tired legs
+would let him, cheering the long cold walk with visions of the turkey
+with which his employer might reward him, for there were piles of them,
+and Pat was to have one for his family.
+
+His brilliant dreams were disappointed, however, for Mr. Brisket
+naturally supposed Tom's father would attend to that part of the dinner,
+and generously heaped a basket with vegetables, rosy apples, and a quart
+of cranberries.
+
+"There, if you ain't too tired, you can take one more load to that
+number, and a merry Christmas to you!" said the stout man, handing over
+his gift with the promised dollar.
+
+"Thank you, sir; good-night," answered Tom, shouldering his last load
+with a grateful smile, and trying not to look longingly at the poultry;
+for he had set his heart on at least a skinny bird as a surprise to Kit.
+
+Sammy's adventures that day had been more varied and his efforts more
+successful, as we shall see, in the end, for Sammy was a most engaging
+little fellow, and no one could look into his blue eyes without wanting
+to pat his curly yellow head with one hand while the other gave him
+something.  The cares of life had not lessened his confidence in people;
+and only the most abandoned ruffians had the heart to deceive or
+disappoint him.  His very tribulations usually led to something
+pleasant, and whatever happened, sunshiny Sam came right side up, lucky
+and laughing.
+
+Undaunted by the drifts or the cold wind, he marched off with the
+remains of the old shovel to seek his fortune, and found it at the third
+house where he called.  The first two sidewalks were easy jobs; and he
+pocketed his ninepences with a growing conviction that this was his
+chosen work.  The third sidewalk was a fine long one, for the house
+stood on the corner, and two pavements must be cleared.
+
+"It ought to be fifty cents; but perhaps they won't give me so much, I'm
+such a young one. I'll show 'em I can work, though, like a man;" and
+Sammy rang the bell with the energy of a telegraph boy.
+
+Before the bell could be answered, a big boy rushed up, exclaiming
+roughly, "Get out of this!  I'm going to have the job.  You can't do it.
+Start, now, or I'll chuck you into a snow-bank."
+
+"I won't!" answered Sammy, indignant at the brutal tone and unjust
+claim.  "I got here first, and it's my job.  You let me alone.  I ain't
+afraid of you or your snow-banks either."
+
+The big boy wasted no time in words, for steps were heard inside, but
+after a brief scuffle hauled Sammy, fighting bravely all the way, down
+the steps, and tumbled him into a deep drift.  Then he ran up the steps,
+and respectfully asked for the job when a neat maid opened the door.  He
+would have got it if Sam had not roared out, as he floundered in the
+drift, "I came first.  He knocked me down 'cause I 'm the smallest.
+Please let me do it; please!"
+
+Before another word could be said, a little old lady appeared in the
+hall, trying to look stern, and failing entirely, because she was the
+picture of a dear fat, cosey grandma.
+
+"Send that _bad_ big boy away, Maria, and call in the poor little
+fellow.  I saw the whole thing, and _he_ shall have the job if he can do
+it."
+
+The bully slunk away, and Sammy came panting up the steps, white with
+snow, a great bruise on his forehead, and a beaming smile on his face,
+looking so like a jolly little Santa Claus who had taken a "header" out
+of his sleigh that the maid laughed, and the old lady exclaimed, "Bless
+the boy! he's dreadfully hurt, and does n't know it.  Come in and be
+brushed and get your breath, child, and tell me how that scamp came to
+treat you so."
+
+Nothing loath to be comforted, Sammy told his little tale while Maria
+dusted him off on the mat, and the old lady hovered in the doorway of
+the dining-room, where a nice breakfast smoked and smelled so
+deliciously that the boy sniffed the odor of coffee and buckwheats like
+a hungry hound.
+
+"He 'll get his death if he goes to work till he's dried a bit.  Put him
+over the register, Maria, and I 'll give him a hot drink, for it's
+bitter cold, poor dear!"
+
+Away trotted the kind old lady, and in a minute came back with coffee
+and cakes, on which Sammy feasted as he warmed his toes and told Kitty's
+plans for Christmas, led on by the old lady's questions, and quite
+unconscious that he was letting all sorts of cats out of the bag.
+
+Mrs. Bryant understood the little story, and made her plans also, for
+the rosy-faced boy was very like a little grandson who died last year,
+and her sad old heart was very tender to all other small boys.  So she
+found out where Sammy lived, and nodded and smiled at him most cheerily
+as he tugged stoutly away at the snow on the long pavements till all was
+done, and the little workman came for his wages.
+
+A bright silver dollar and a pocketful of gingerbread sent him off a
+rich and happy boy to shovel and sweep till noon, when he proudly showed
+his earnings at home, and feasted the babies on the carefully hoarded
+cake, for Dilly and Dot were the idols of the household.
+
+"Now, Sammy dear, I want you to take my place here this afternoon, for
+mother will have to take her work home by-and-by, and I must sell my
+wreaths.  I only got enough green for six, and two bunches of holly; but
+if I can sell them for ten or twelve cents apiece, I shall be glad.
+Girls never _can_ earn as much money as boys somehow," sighed Kitty,
+surveying the thin wreaths tied up with carpet ravellings, and vainly
+puzzling her young wits over a sad problem.
+
+"I 'll give you some of my money if you don't get a dollar; then we'll
+be even.  Men always take care of women, you know, and ought to," cried
+Sammy, setting a fine example to his father, if he had only been there
+to profit by it.
+
+With thanks Kitty left him to rest on the old sofa, while the happy
+babies swarmed over him; and putting on the shabby hood and shawl, she
+slipped away to stand at the Park gate, modestly offering her little
+wares to the passers-by.  A nice old gentleman bought two, and his wife
+scolded him for getting such bad ones; but the money gave more happiness
+than any other he spent that day.  A child took a ten-cent bunch of
+holly with its red berries, and there Kitty's market ended.  It was very
+cold, people were in a hurry, bolder hucksters pressed before the timid
+little girl, and the balloon man told her to "clear out."
+
+Hoping for better luck, she tried several other places; but the short
+afternoon was soon over, the streets began to thin, the keen wind
+chilled her to the bone, and her heart was very heavy to think that in
+all the rich, merry city, where Christmas gifts passed her in every
+hand, there were none for the dear babies and boys at home, and the
+Christmas dinner was a failure.
+
+"I must go and get supper anyway; and I 'll hang these up in our own
+rooms, as I can't sell them," said Kitty, wiping a very big tear from
+her cold cheek, and turning to go away.
+
+A smaller, shabbier girl than herself stood near, looking at the bunch
+of holly with wistful eyes; and glad to do to others as she wished some
+one would do to her, Kitty offered the only thing she had to give,
+saying kindly, "You may have it; merry Christmas!" and ran away before
+the delighted child could thank her.
+
+I am very sure that one of the spirits who fly about at this season of
+the year saw the little act, made a note of it, and in about fifteen
+minutes rewarded Kitty for her sweet remembrance of the golden rule.
+
+As she went sadly homeward she looked up at some of the big houses where
+every window shone with the festivities of Christmas Eve, and more than
+one tear fell, for the little girl found life pretty hard just then.
+
+"There don't seem to be any wreaths at these windows; perhaps they 'd
+buy mine.  I can't bear to go home with so little for my share," she
+said, stopping before one of the biggest and brightest of these fairy
+palaces, where the sound of music was heard, and many little heads
+peeped from behind the curtains as if watching for some one.
+
+Kitty was just going up the steps to make another trial, when two small
+boys came racing round the corner, slipped on the icy pavement, and both
+went down with a crash that would have broken older bones.  One was up
+in a minute, laughing; the other lay squirming and howling, "Oh, my
+knee! my knee!" till Kitty ran and picked him up with the motherly
+consolations she had learned to give.
+
+"It's broken; I know it is," wailed the small sufferer as Kitty carried
+him up the steps, while his friend wildly rang the doorbell.
+
+It was like going into fairy-land, for the house was all astir with a
+children's Christmas party. Servants flew about with smiling faces; open
+doors gave ravishing glimpses of a feast in one room and a splendid tree
+in another; while a crowd of little faces peered over the balusters in
+the hall above, eager to come down and enjoy the glories prepared for
+them.
+
+A pretty young girl came to meet Kitty, and listened to her story of the
+accident, which proved to be less severe than it at first appeared; for
+Bertie, the injured party, forgot his anguish at sight of the tree, and
+hopped upstairs so nimbly that every one laughed.
+
+"He said his leg was broken, but I guess he's all right," said Kitty,
+reluctantly turning from this happy scene to go out into the night
+again.
+
+"Would you like to see our tree before the children come down?" asked
+the pretty girl, seeing the wistful look in the child's eyes, and the
+shine of half-dried tears on her cheek.
+
+"Oh, yes; I never saw anything so lovely. I 'd like to tell the babies
+all about it;" and Kitty's face beamed at the prospect, as if the kind
+words had melted all the frost away.
+
+"How many babies are there?" asked the pretty girl, as she led the way
+into the brilliant room.  Kitty told her, adding several other facts,
+for the friendly atmosphere seemed to make them friends at once.
+
+"I will buy the wreaths, for we have n't any," said the girl in silk, as
+Kitty told how she was just coming to offer them when the boys fell.
+
+It was pretty to see how carefully the little hostess laid away the
+shabby garlands and slipped a half-dollar into Kitty's hand; prettier
+still, to watch the sly way in which she tucked some bonbons, a red
+ball, a blue whip, two china dolls, two pairs of little mittens, and
+some gilded nuts into an empty box for "the babies;" and prettiest of
+all, to see the smiles and tears make April in Kitty's face as she tried
+to tell her thanks for this beautiful surprise.
+
+The world was all right when she got into the street again and ran home
+with the precious box hugged close, feeling that at last she had
+something to make a merry Christmas of.
+
+Shrieks of joy greeted her, for Sammy's nice old lady had sent a basket
+full of pies, nuts and raisins, oranges and cake, and--oh, happy
+Sammy!--a sled, all for love of the blue eyes that twinkled so merrily
+when he told her about the tea-tray.  Piled upon this red car of
+triumph, Dilly and Dot were being dragged about, while the other
+treasures were set forth on the table.
+
+"I must show mine," cried Kitty; "we 'll look at them to-night, and have
+them to-morrow;" and amid more cries of rapture _her_ box was unpacked,
+_her_ money added to the pile in the middle of the table, where Sammy
+had laid his handsome contribution toward the turkey.
+
+Before the story of the splendid tree was over, in came Tommy with his
+substantial offering and his hard-earned dollar.
+
+"I 'm afraid I ought to keep my money for shoes.  I 've walked the soles
+off these to-day, and can't go to school barefooted," he said, bravely
+trying to put the temptation of skates behind him.
+
+"We 've got a good dinner without a turkey, and perhaps we 'd better not
+get it," added Kitty, with a sigh, as she surveyed the table, and
+remembered the blue knit hood marked seventy-five cents that she saw in
+a shop-window.
+
+"Oh, we _must_ have a turkey! we worked so hard for it, and it's so
+Christmasy," cried Sam, who always felt that pleasant things ought to
+happen.
+
+"Must have turty," echoed the babies, as they eyed the dolls tenderly.
+
+"You _shall_ have a turkey, and there he is," said an unexpected voice,
+as a noble bird fell upon the table, and lay there kicking up his legs
+as if enjoying the surprise immensely.
+
+It was father's voice, and there stood father, neither cross nor stupid,
+but looking as he used to look, kind and happy, and beside him was
+mother, smiling as they had not seen her smile for months.  It was not
+because the work was well paid for, and more promised, but because she
+had received a gift that made the world bright, a home happy
+again,--father's promise to drink no more.
+
+"I 've been working to-day as well as you, and you may keep your money
+for yourselves. There are shoes for all; and never again, please God,
+shall my children be ashamed of me, or want a dinner Christmas Day."
+
+As father said this with a choke in his voice, and mother's head went
+down on his shoulder to hide the happy tears that wet her cheeks, the
+children did n't know whether to laugh or cry, till Kitty, with the
+instinct of a loving heart, settled the question by saying, as she held
+out her hands, "We have n't any tree, so let's dance around our goodies
+and be merry."
+
+Then the tired feet in the old shoes forgot their weariness, and five
+happy little souls skipped gayly round the table, where, in the midst of
+all the treasures earned and given, father's Christmas turkey proudly
+lay in state.
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Chapter II tailpiece]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: "Grandpapa Ladle cheered them on, like a fine old
+gentleman as he was."--PAGE 55.]
+
+
+
+                                  III.
+
+                           THE SILVER PARTY.
+
+
+"Such a long morning!  Seems as if dinner-time would never come!" sighed
+Tony, as he wandered into the dining-room for a third pick at the nuts
+and raisins to beguile his weariness with a little mischief.
+
+It was Thanksgiving Day.  All the family were at church, all the
+servants busy preparing for the great dinner; and so poor Tony, who had
+a cold, had not only to stay at home, but to amuse himself while the
+rest said their prayers, made calls, or took a brisk walk to get an
+appetite.  If he had been allowed in the kitchen, he would have been
+quite happy; but cook was busy and cross, and rapped him on the head
+with a poker when he ventured near the door.  Peeping through the slide
+was also forbidden, and John, the man, bribed him with an orange to keep
+out of the way till the table was set.
+
+That was now done.  The dining-room was empty and quiet, and poor Tony
+lay down on the sofa to eat his nuts and admire the fine sight before
+him.  All the best damask, china, glass, and silver was set forth with
+great care. A basket of flowers hung from the chandelier, and the
+sideboard was beautiful to behold with piled-up fruit, dishes of cake,
+and many-colored finger-bowls and glasses.
+
+"That's all very nice, but the eating part is what _I_ care for.  Don't
+believe I 'll get my share to-day, because mamma found out about this
+horrid cold.  A fellow can't help sneezing, though he can hide a sore
+throat.  Oh, hum! nearly two more hours to wait;" and with a long sigh
+Tony closed his eyes for a luxurious yawn.
+
+When he opened them, the strange sight he beheld kept him staring
+without a thought of sleep.  The big soup-ladle stood straight up at the
+head of the table with a face plainly to be seen in the bright bowl.  It
+was a very heavy, handsome old ladle, so the face was old, but round and
+jolly; and the long handle stood very erect, like a tall thin gentleman
+with a big head.
+
+"Well, upon my word that's queer!" said Tony, sitting up also, and
+wondering what would happen next.
+
+To his great amazement the ladle began to address the assembled forks
+and spoons in a silvery tone very pleasant to hear:--
+
+"Ladies and gentlemen, at this festive season it is proper that we
+should enjoy ourselves. As we shall be tired after dinner, we will at
+once begin our sports by a grand promenade. Take partners and fall in!"
+
+At these words a general uprising took place; and before Tony could get
+his breath a long procession of forks and spoons stood ready. The
+finger-bowls struck up an airy tune as if invisible wet fingers were
+making music on their rims, and led by the stately ladle like a
+drum-major, the grand march began.  The forks were the gentlemen, tall,
+slender, and with a fine curve to their backs; the spoons were the
+ladies, with full skirts, and the scallops on the handles stood up like
+silver combs; the large ones were the mammas, the teaspoons were the
+young ladies, and the little salts the children. It was sweet to see the
+small things walk at the end of the procession, with the two silver
+rests for the carving knife and fork trotting behind like pet dogs.  The
+mustard-spoon and pickle-fork went together, and quarrelled all the way,
+both being hot-tempered and sharp-tongued. The steel knives looked on,
+for this was a very aristocratic party, and only the silver people could
+join in it.
+
+"Here 's fun!" thought Tony, staring with all his might, and so much
+interested in this remarkable state of things that he forgot hunger and
+time altogether.
+
+Round and round went the glittering train, to the soft music of the
+many-toned finger-bowls, till three turns about the long oval table had
+been made; then all fell into line for a contradance, as in the good old
+times before every one took to spinning like tops.  Grandpa Ladle led
+off with his oldest daughter, Madam Gravy Ladle, and the little salts
+stood at the bottom prancing like real children impatient for their
+turn.  When it came, they went down the middle in fine style, with a
+cling! clang! that made Tony's legs quiver with a longing to join in.
+
+It was beautiful to see the older ones twirl round in a stately way,
+with bows and courtesies at the end, while the teaspoons and small forks
+romped a good deal, and Mr. Pickle and Miss Mustard kept every one
+laughing at their smart speeches.  The silver butter-knife, who was an
+invalid, having broken her back and been mended, lay in the rack and
+smiled sweetly down upon her friends, while the little Cupid on the lid
+of the butter-dish pirouetted on one toe in the most delightful manner.
+
+When every one had gone through the dance, the napkins were arranged as
+sofas and the spoons rested, while the polite forks brought sprigs of
+celery to fan them with.  The little salts got into grandpa's lap; and
+the silver dogs lay down panting, for they had frisked with the
+children.  They all talked; and Tony could not help wondering if real
+ladies said such things when they put _their_ heads together and nodded
+and whispered, for some of the remarks were so personal that he was much
+confused. Fortunately they took no notice of him, so he listened and
+learned something in this queer way.
+
+"I have been in this family a hundred years," began the soup-ladle; "and
+it seems to me that each generation is worst than the last.  My first
+master was punctual to a minute, and madam was always down beforehand to
+see that all was ready.  Now master comes at all hours; mistress lets
+the servants do as they like; and the manners of the children are very
+bad.  Sad state of things, very sad!"
+
+"Dear me, yes!" sighed one of the large spoons; "we don't see such nice
+housekeeping now as we did when we were young.  Girls were taught all
+about it then; but now it is all books or parties, and few of them know
+a skimmer from a gridiron."
+
+"Well, I 'm sure the poor things are much happier than if they were
+messing about in kitchens as girls used to do in your day.  It is much
+better for them to be dancing, skating, and studying than wasting their
+young lives darning and preserving, and sitting by their mammas as prim
+as dishes.  _I_ prefer the present way of doing things, though the girls
+in this family _do_ sit up too late, and wear too high heels to their
+boots."
+
+The mustard-spoon spoke in a pert tone, and the pickle-fork answered
+sharply,--
+
+"I agree with you, cousin.  The boys also sit up too late.  I 'm tired
+of being waked to fish out olives or pickles for those fellows when they
+come in from the theatre or some dance; and as for that Tony, he is a
+real pig,--eats everything he can lay hands on, and is the torment of
+the maid's life."
+
+"Yes," cried one little salt-spoon, "we saw him steal cake out of the
+sideboard, and he never told when his mother scolded Norah."
+
+"So mean!" added the other; and both the round faces were so full of
+disgust that Tony fell flat and shut his eyes as if asleep to hide his
+confusion.  Some one laughed; but he dared not look, and lay blushing
+and listening to remarks which plainly proved how careful we should be
+of our acts and words even when alone, for who knows what apparently
+dumb thing may be watching us.
+
+"I have observed that Mr. Murry reads the paper at table instead of
+talking to his family; that Mrs. Murry worries about the servants; the
+girls gossip and giggle; the boys eat, and plague one another; and that
+small child Nelly teases for all she sees, and is never quiet till she
+gets the sugar-bowl," said Grandpa Ladle, in a tone of regret.  "Now,
+useful and pleasant chat at table would make meals delightful, instead
+of being scenes of confusion and discomfort."
+
+"I bite their tongues when I get a chance, hoping to make them witty or
+to check unkind words; but they only sputter, and get a lecture from
+Aunt Maria, who is a sour old spinster, always criticising her
+neighbors."'
+
+As the mustard-spoon spoke, the teaspoons laughed as if they thought
+_her_ rather like Aunt Maria in that respect.
+
+"I gave the baby a fit of colic to teach her to let pickles alone, but
+no one thanked me," said the pickle-fork.
+
+"Perhaps if we keep ourselves so bright that those who use us can see
+their faces in us, we shall be able to help them a little; for no one
+likes to see an ugly face or a dull spoon.  The art of changing frowns
+to smiles is never old-fashioned; and lovely manners smooth away the
+little worries of life beautifully."  A silvery voice spoke, and all
+looked respectfully at Madam Gravy Ladle, who was a very fine old spoon,
+with a coat of arms on it, and a polish that all envied.
+
+"People can't always be remembering how old and valuable and bright they
+are.  Here in America we just go ahead and make manners and money for
+ourselves.  _I_ don't stop to ask what dish I 'm going to help to; I
+just pitch in and take all I can hold, and don't care a bit whether I
+shine or not.  My grandfather was a kitchen spoon; but I'm smarter than
+he was, thanks to my plating, and look and feel as good as any one,
+though I have n't got stags' heads and big letters on my handle."
+
+No one answered these impertinent remarks of the sauce-spoon, for all
+knew that she was not pure silver, and was only used on occasions when
+many spoons were needed.  Tony was ashamed to hear her talk in that rude
+way to the fine old silver he was so proud of, and resolved he 'd give
+the saucy spoon a good rap when he helped himself to the cranberry.
+
+An impressive silence lasted till a lively fork exclaimed, as the clock
+struck, "Every one is coasting out-of-doors.  Why not have our share of
+the fun inside?  It is very fashionable this winter, and ladies and
+gentlemen of the best families do it, I assure you."
+
+"We will!" cried the other forks; and as the dowagers did not object,
+all fell to work to arrange the table for this agreeable sport.  Tony
+sat up to see how they would manage, and was astonished at the ingenuity
+of the silver people. With a great clinking and rattling they ran to and
+fro, dragging the stiff white mats about; the largest they leaned up
+against the tall caster, and laid the rest in a long slope to the edge
+of the table, where a pile of napkins made a nice snowdrift to tumble
+into.
+
+"What _will_ they do for sleds?" thought Tony; and the next minute
+chuckled when he saw them take the slices of bread laid at each place,
+pile on, and spin away, with a great scattering of crumbs like
+snowflakes, and much laughter as they landed in the white pile at the
+end of the coast.
+
+"Won't John give it to 'em if he comes in and catches 'em turning his
+nice table topsy-turvy!" said the boy to himself, hoping nothing would
+happen to end this jolly frolic.  So he kept very still, and watched the
+gay forks and spoons climb up and whiz down till they were tired.  The
+little salts got Baby Nell's own small slice, and had lovely times on a
+short coast of their own made of one mat held up by grandpa, who smiled
+benevolently at the fun, being too old and heavy to join in it.
+
+They kept it up until the slices were worn thin, and one or two upsets
+alarmed the ladies; then they rested and conversed again.  The mammas
+talked about their children, how sadly the silver basket needed a new
+lining, and what there was to be for dinner.  The teaspoons whispered
+sweetly together, as young ladies do,--one declaring that rouge powder
+was not as good as it used to be, another lamenting the sad effect of
+eggs upon her complexion, and all smiled amiably upon the forks, who
+stood about discussing wines and cigars, for both lived in the
+sideboard, and were brought out after dinner, so the forks knew a great
+deal about such matters, and found them very interesting, as all
+gentlemen seem to do.
+
+Presently some one mentioned bicycles, and what fine rides the boys of
+the family told about. The other fellows proposed a race; and before
+Tony could grasp the possibility of such a thing, it was done.  Nothing
+easier, for there stood a pile of plates, and just turning them on their
+edges, the forks got astride, and the big wheels spun away as if a whole
+bicycle club had suddenly arrived.
+
+Old Pickle took the baby's plate, as better suited to his size.  The
+little salts made a tricycle of napkin-rings, and rode gayly off, with
+the dogs barking after them.  Even the carving-fork, though not invited,
+could not resist the exciting sport, and tipping up the wooden
+bread-platter, went whizzing off at a great pace, for his two prongs
+were better than four, and his wheel was lighter than the china ones.
+Grand-papa Ladle cheered them on, like a fine old gentleman as he was,
+for though the new craze rather astonished him, he liked manly sports,
+and would have taken a turn if his dignity and age had allowed.  The
+ladies chimed their applause, for it really was immensely exciting to
+see fourteen plates with forks astride racing round the large table with
+cries of, "Go it, Pickle!  Now, then, Prongs!  Steady, Silver-top!
+Hurrah for the twins!"
+
+The fun was at its height when young Prongs ran against Pickle, who did
+not steer well, and both went off the table with a crash.  All stopped
+at once, and crowded to the edge to see who was killed.  The plates lay
+in pieces, old Pickle had a bend in his back that made him groan
+dismally, and Prongs had fallen down the register.
+
+Wails of despair arose at that awful sight, for he was a favorite with
+every one, and such a tragic death was too much for some of the
+tender-hearted spoons, who fainted at the idea of that gallant fork's
+destruction in what to them was a fiery volcano.
+
+"Serves Pickle right!  He ought to know he was too old for such wild
+games," scolded Miss Mustard, peering anxiously over at her friend, for
+they were fond of one another in spite of their tiffs.
+
+"Now let us see what these fine folks will do when they get off the
+damask and come to grief. A helpless lot, I fancy, and those fellows
+deserve what they 've got," said the sauce-spoon, nearly upsetting the
+twins as she elbowed her way to the front to jeer over the fallen.
+
+"I think you will see that gentle people are as brave as those who make
+a noise," answered Madam Gravy, and leaning over the edge of the table
+she added in her sweet voice, "Dear Mr. Pickle, we will let down a
+napkin and pull you up if you have strength to take hold."
+
+"Pull away, ma'am," groaned Pickle, who well deserved his name just
+then, and soon, thanks to Madam's presence of mind, he was safely laid
+on a pile of mats, while Miss Mustard put a plaster on his injured back.
+
+Meanwhile brave Grandpapa Ladle had slipped from the table to a chair,
+and so to the floor without too great a jar to his aged frame; then
+sliding along the carpet, he reached the register. Peering down that
+dark, hot abyss he cried, while all listened breathlessly for a reply,
+"Prongs, my boy, are you there?"
+
+"Ay, ay, sir; I 'm caught in the wire screen. Ask some of the fellows to
+lend a hand and get me out before I 'm melted," answered the fork, with
+a gasp of agony.
+
+Instantly the long handle of the patriarchal Ladle was put down to his
+rescue, and after a moment of suspense, while Prongs caught firmly hold,
+up he came, hot and dusty, but otherwise unharmed by that dreadful fall.
+Cheers greeted them, and every one lent a hand at the napkin as they
+were hoisted to the table to be embraced by their joyful relatives and
+friends.
+
+"What did you think about down in that horrid place?" asked one of the
+twins.
+
+"I thought of a story I once heard master tell, about a child who was
+found one cold day sitting with his feet on a newspaper, and when asked
+what he was doing, answered, 'Warming my feet on the "Christian
+Register."'  I hoped my register would be Christian enough not to melt
+me before help came.  Ha! ha!  See the joke, my dears?" and Prongs
+laughed as gayly as if he never had taken a header into a volcano.
+
+"What did you see down there?" asked the other twin, curious, as all
+small people are.
+
+"Lots of dust and pins, a doll's head baby put there, Norah's thimble,
+and the big red marble that boy Tony was raging about the other day.
+It's a regular catch-all, and shows how the work is shirked in this
+house," answered Prongs, stretching his legs, which were a little
+damaged by the fall.
+
+"What shall we do about the plates?" asked Pickle, from his bed.
+
+"Let them lie, for we can't mend them. John will think the boy broke
+them, and he'll get punished, as he deserves, for he broke a tumbler
+yesterday, and put it slyly in the ash-barrel," said Miss Mustard,
+spitefully.
+
+"Oh!  I say, that's mean," began Tony; but no one listened, and in a
+minute Prongs answered bravely,--
+
+"I 'm a gentleman, and I don't let other people take the blame of my
+scrapes.  Tony has enough of his own to answer for."
+
+"I'll have that bent fork for mine, and make John keep it as bright as a
+new dollar to pay for this.  Prongs is a trump, and I wish I could tell
+him so," thought Tony, much gratified at this handsome behavior.
+
+"Right, grandson.  I am pleased with you; but allow me to suggest that
+the Chinese Mandarin on the chimney-piece be politely requested to mend
+the plates.  He can  do that sort of thing nicely, and will be charmed
+to oblige us, I am sure."
+
+Grandpapa's suggestion was a good one; and Yam Ki Lo consented at once,
+skipped to the floor, tapped the bits of china with his fan, and in the
+twinkling of an eye was back on his perch, leaving two whole plates
+behind him, for he was a wizard, and knew all about blue china.
+
+Just as the silver people were rejoicing over this fine escape from
+discovery, the clock struck, a bell rang, voices were heard upstairs,
+and it was very evident that the family had arrived. At these sounds a
+great flurry arose in the dining-room, as every spoon, fork, plate, and
+napkin flew back to its place.  Pickle rushed to the jar, and plunged in
+head first, regardless of his back; Miss Mustard retired to the caster;
+the twins scrambled into the salt-cellar; and the silver dogs lay down
+by the carving knife and fork as quietly as if they had never stirred a
+leg; Grandpapa slowly reposed in his usual place; Madam followed his
+example with dignity; the teaspoons climbed into the holder, uttering
+little cries of alarm; and Prongs stayed to help them till he had barely
+time to drop down at Tony's place, and lie there with his bent leg in
+the air, the only sign of the great fall, about which he talked for a
+long time afterward.  All was in order but the sauce-spoon, who had
+stopped to laugh at the Mandarin till it was too late to get to her
+corner; and before she could find any place of concealment, John came in
+and caught her lying in the middle of the table, looking very common and
+shabby among all the bright silver.
+
+"What in the world is that old plated thing here for?  Missis told Norah
+to put it in the kitchen, as she had a new one for a present
+to-day--real silver--so out you go;" and as he spoke, John threw the
+spoon through the slide,--an exile forevermore from the good society
+which she did not value as she should.
+
+Tony saw the glimmer of a smile in Grand-papa Ladle's face, but it was
+gone like a flash, and by the time the boy reached the table nothing was
+to be seen in the silver bowl but his own round rosy countenance, full
+of wonder.
+
+"I don't think any one will believe what I 've seen, but I mean to tell,
+it was so _very_ curious," he said, as he surveyed the scene of the late
+frolic, now so neat and quiet that not a wrinkle or a crumb betrayed
+what larks had been going on.
+
+Hastily fishing up his long-lost marble, the doll's head, and Norah's
+thimble, he went thoughtfully upstairs to welcome his cousins, still
+much absorbed by this very singular affair.
+
+Dinner was soon announced; and while it lasted every one was too busy
+eating the good things before them to observe how quiet the usually
+riotous Tony was.  His appetite for turkey and cranberries seemed to
+have lost its sharp edge, and the mince-pie must have felt itself sadly
+slighted by his lack of appreciation of its substance and flavor.  He
+seemed in a brown-study, and kept staring about as if he saw more than
+other people did.  He examined Nelly's plate as if looking for a crack,
+smiled at the little spoon when he took salt, refused pickles and
+mustard with a frown, kept a certain bent fork by him as long as
+possible, and tried to make music with a wet finger on the rim of his
+bowl at dessert.
+
+But in the evening, when the young people sat around the fire, he amused
+them by telling the queer story of the silver party; but he very wisely
+left out the remarks made upon himself and family, remembering how
+disagreeable the sauce-spoon had seemed, and he privately resolved to
+follow Madam Gravy Ladle's advice to keep his own face bright, manners
+polite, and speech kindly, that he might prove himself to be pure
+silver, and be stamped a gentleman.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: "Presently she sat down and let them tap her
+cheeks."--PAGE 82.]
+
+
+
+                                  IV.
+
+                            THE BLIND LARK.
+
+
+High up in an old house, full of poor people, lived Lizzie, with her
+mother and Baby Billy.  The street was a narrow, noisy place, where
+carts rumbled and dirty children played; where the sun seldom shone, the
+fresh wind seldom blew, and the white snow of winter was turned at once
+to black mud.  One bare room was Lizzie's home, and out of it she seldom
+went, for she was a prisoner.  We all pity the poor princesses who were
+shut up in towers by bad fairies, the men and women in jails, and the
+little birds in cages, but Lizzie was a sadder prisoner than any of
+these.
+
+The prince always comes to the captive princess, the jail doors open in
+time, and the birds find some kind hand to set them free; but there
+seemed no hope of escape for this poor child. Only nine years old, and
+condemned to life-long helplessness, loneliness, and darkness,--for she
+was blind.
+
+She could dimly remember the blue sky, green earth, and beautiful sun;
+for the light went out when she was six, and the cruel fever left her a
+pale little shadow to haunt that room ever since.  The father was dead;
+the mother worked hard for daily bread; they had no friends; and the
+good fairies seemed to have forgotten them.  Still, like the larks one
+sees in Brittany, whose eyes cruel boys put out that they may sing the
+sweeter, Lizzie made music in her cage, singing to baby; and when he
+slept, she sat by the window listening to the noise below for company,
+crooning to herself till she too fell asleep and forgot the long, long
+days that had no play, no school, no change for her such as other
+children know.
+
+Every morning mother gave them their porridge, locked the door, and went
+away to work, leaving something for the children's dinner, and Lizzie to
+take care of herself and Billy till night.  There was no other way, for
+both were too helpless to be trusted elsewhere, and there was no one to
+look after them.  But Lizzie knew her way about the room, and could find
+the bed, the window, and the table where the bread and milk stood.
+There was seldom any fire in the stove, and the window was barred, so
+the little prisoners were safe; and day after day they lived together a
+sad, solitary, unchildlike life that makes one's heart ache to think of.
+
+Lizzie watched over Billy like a faithful little mother, and Billy did
+his best to bear his trials and comfort sister like a man.  He was not a
+rosy, rollicking fellow, like most year-old boys, but pale and thin and
+quiet, with a pathetic look in his big blue eyes, as if he said,
+"Something is wrong; will some one kindly put it right for us?"  But he
+seldom complained unless in pain, and would lie for hours on the old
+bed, watching the flies, which were his only other playmates, stretching
+out his little hands to the few rays of sunshine that crept in now and
+then, as if longing for them, like a flower in a cellar.  When Lizzie
+sang, he hummed softly; and when he was hungry, cold, or tired, he
+called, "Lib!  Lib!" meaning "Lizzie," and nestled up to her, forgetting
+all his baby woes in her tender arms.
+
+Seeing her so fond and faithful, the poor neighbors loved as well as
+pitied her, and did what they could for the afflicted child.  The busy
+women would pause at the locked door to ask if all was right; the dirty
+children brought her dandelions from the park; and the rough workmen of
+the factory opposite, with a kind word, would toss an apple or a cake
+through the open window.  They had learned to look for the little
+wistful face behind the bars, and loved to listen to the childish voice
+which caught and imitated the songs they sang and whistled, like a sweet
+echo.  They called her "the blind lark;" and though she never knew it,
+many were the better for the pity they gave her.
+
+Baby slept a great deal, for life offered him few pleasures, and like a
+small philosopher, he wisely tried to forget the troubles which he could
+not cure; so Lizzie had nothing to do but sing, and try to imagine how
+the world looked.  She had no one to tell her, and the few memories grew
+dimmer and dimmer each year.  She did not know how to work or to play,
+never having been taught, and mother was too tired at night to do
+anything but get supper and go to bed.
+
+"The child will be an idiot soon, if she does not die," people said; and
+it seemed as if this would be the fate of the poor little girl, since no
+one came to save her during those three weary years.  She often said,
+"I'm of _some_ use.  I take care of Billy, and I could n't live without
+him."
+
+But even this duty and delight was taken from her, for that cold spring
+nipped the poor little flower, and one day Billy shut his blue eyes with
+a patient sigh and left her all alone.
+
+Then Lizzie's heart seemed broken; and people thought she would soon
+follow him, now that her one care and comfort was gone.  All day she lay
+with her cheek on Billy's pillow, holding the battered tin cup and a
+little worn-out shoe, and it was pitiful to hear her sing the old
+lullabies as if baby still could hear them.
+
+"It will be a mercy if the poor thing does n't live; blind folks are no
+use and a sight of trouble," said one woman to another as they gossiped
+in the hall after calling on the child during her mother's absence, for
+the door was left unlocked since she was ill.
+
+"Yes, Mrs. Davis would get on nicely if she had n't such a burden.
+Thank Heaven, my children are n't blind," answered the other, hugging
+her baby closer as she went away.
+
+Lizzie heard them, and hoped with all her sad little soul that death
+would set her free, since she was of no use in the world.  To go and be
+with Billy was all her desire now, and she was on her way to him,
+growing daily weaker and more content to be dreaming of dear baby well
+and happy, waiting for her somewhere in a lovely place called heaven.
+
+The summer vacation came; and hundreds of eager children were hurrying
+away to the mountains and seashore for two months of healthful pleasure.
+Even the dirty children in the lane felt the approach of berry-time, and
+rejoiced in their freedom from cold as they swarmed like flies about the
+corner grocery where over-ripe fruit was thrown out for them to scramble
+over.
+
+Lizzie heard about good times when some of these young neighbors were
+chosen to go on the poor children's picnics, and came back with big
+sandwiches buttoned up in their jackets, pickles, peanuts, and buns in
+their pockets, hands full of faded flowers, and hearts brimming over
+with childish delight at a day in the woods.  She listened with a faint
+smile, enjoyed the "woodsy" smell of the green things, and wondered if
+they had nice picnics in heaven, being sorry that Billy had missed them
+here.  But she did not seem to care much, or hope for any pleasure for
+herself except to see baby again.
+
+I think there were few sadder sights in that great city than this
+innocent prisoner waiting so patiently to be set free.  Would it be by
+the gentle angel of death, or one of the human angels who keep these
+little sparrows from falling to the ground?
+
+One hot August day, when not a breath came into the room, and the dust
+and noise and evil smells were almost unendurable, poor Lizzie lay on
+her bed singing feebly to herself about "the beautiful blue sea."  She
+was trying to get to sleep that she might dream of a cool place, and her
+voice was growing fainter and fainter, when suddenly it seemed as if the
+dream had come, for a sweet odor was near, something damp and fresh
+touched her feverish cheek, and a kind voice said in her ear,--
+
+"Here is the little bird I 've been following. Will you have some
+flowers, dear?"
+
+"Is it heaven?  Where's Billy?" murmured Lizzie, groping about her, half
+awake.
+
+"Not yet.  I'm not Billy, but a friend who carries flowers to little
+children who cannot go and get them.  Don't be afraid, but let me sit
+and tell you about it," answered the voice, as a gentle hand took hers.
+
+"I thought maybe I 'd died, and I was glad, for I do want to see Billy
+so much.  He's baby, you know."  And the clinging hands held the kind
+one fast till it filled them with a great bunch of roses that seemed to
+bring all summer into the close, hot room with their sweetness.
+
+"Oh, how nice! how nice!  I never had such a lot.  They 're bigger 'n'
+better 'n dandelions, are n't they?  What a good lady you must be to go
+'round giving folks posies like these!" cried Lizzie, trying to realize
+the astonishing fact.
+
+Then, while the new friend fanned her, she lay luxuriating in her roses,
+and listening to the sweet story of the Flower Mission which, like many
+other pleasant things, she knew nothing of in her prison.  Presently she
+told her own little tale, never guessing how pathetic it was, till
+lifting her hand to touch the new face, she found it wet with tears.
+
+"Are you sorry for me?" she asked.  "Folks are very kind, but I 'm a
+burden, you know, and I 'd better die and go to Billy; I was some use to
+him, but I never can be to any one else. I heard 'em say so, and poor
+mother would do better if I was n't here."
+
+"My child, I know a little blind girl who is no burden but a great help
+to her mother, and a happy, useful creature, as you might be if you were
+taught and helped as she was," went on the voice, sounding more than
+ever like a good fairy's as it told fresh wonders till Lizzie was sure
+it _must_ be all a dream.
+
+"Who taught her?  Could I do it?  Where's the place?" she asked, sitting
+erect in her eagerness, like a bird that hears a hand at the door of its
+cage.
+
+Then, with the comfortable arm around her, the roses stirring with the
+flutter of her heart, and the sightless eyes looking up as if they could
+see the face of the deliverer, Lizzie heard the wonderful story of the
+House Beautiful standing white and spacious on the hill, with the blue
+sea before it, the fresh wind always blowing, the green gardens and
+parks all about, and inside, music, happy voices, shining faces, busy
+hands, and year after year the patient teaching by those who dedicate
+themselves to this noble and tender task.
+
+"It must be better'n heaven!" cried Lizzie, as she heard of work and
+play, health and happiness, love and companionship, usefulness and
+independence,--all the dear rights and simple joys young creatures
+hunger for, and perish, soul and body, without.
+
+It was too much for her little mind to grasp at once, and she lay as if
+in a blissful dream long after the kind visitor had gone, promising to
+come again and to find some way for Lizzie to enter into that lovely
+place where darkness is changed to light.
+
+That visit was like magic medicine, and the child grew better at once,
+for hope was born in her heart.  The heavy gloom seemed to lift;
+discomforts were easier to bear; and solitude was peopled now with
+troops of happy children living in that wonderful place where blindness
+was not a burden.  She told it all to her mother, and the poor woman
+tried to believe it, but said sadly,--
+
+"Don't set your heart on it, child.  It's easy to promise and to forget.
+Rich folks don't trouble themselves about poor folks if they can help
+it."
+
+But Lizzie's faith never wavered, though the roses faded as day after
+day went by and no one came.  The mere thought that it was possible to
+teach blind people to work and study and play seemed to give her
+strength and courage.  She got up and sat at the window again, singing
+to herself as she watched and waited, with the dead flowers carefully
+arranged in Billy's mug, and a hopeful smile on the little white face
+behind the bars.
+
+Every one was glad she was better, and nodded to one another as they
+heard the soft crooning, like a dove's coo, in the pauses of the harsher
+noises that filled the street.  The workmen tossed her sweeties and
+whistled their gayest airs; the children brought their dilapidated toys
+to amuse her; and one woman came every day to put her baby in Lizzie's
+lap, it was such a pleasure to her to feel the soft little body in the
+loving arms that longed for Billy.
+
+Poor mother went to her work in better spirits, and the long hot days
+were less oppressive as she thought, while she scrubbed, of Lizzie up
+again; for she loved her helpless burden, heavy though she found it.
+
+When Saturday came around, it rained hard, and no one expected "the
+flower lady."  Even Lizzie said with a patient sigh and a hopeful
+smile,--
+
+"I don't believe she 'll come; but maybe it will clear up, and then I
+guess she will."
+
+It did not clear up, but the flower lady came; and as the child sat
+listening to the welcome sound of her steps, her quick ear caught the
+tread of two pairs of feet, the whisper of two voices, and presently two
+persons came in to fill her hands with midsummer flowers.
+
+"This is Minna, the little girl I told you of. She wanted to see you
+very much, so we paddled away like a pair of ducks, and here we are,"
+said Miss Grace, gayly; and as she spoke, Lizzie felt soft fingers glide
+over her face, and a pair of childish lips find and kiss her own. The
+groping touch, the hearty kiss, made the blind children friends at once,
+and dropping her flowers, Lizzie hugged the new-comer, trembling with
+excitement and delight.  Then they talked; and how the tongues went as
+one asked questions and the other answered them, while Miss Grace sat by
+enjoying the happiness of those who do _not_ forget the poor, but seek
+them out to save and bless.
+
+Minna had been for a year a pupil in the happy school, where she was
+taught to see with her hands, as one might say; and the tales she told
+of the good times there made Lizzie cry eagerly,--
+
+"Can I go?  Oh, _can_ go?"
+
+"Alas, no, not yet," answered Miss Grace, sadly.  "I find that children
+under ten cannot be taken, and there is no place for the little ones
+unless kind people care for them."
+
+Lizzie gave a wail, and hid her face in the pillow, feeling as if she
+could not bear the dreadful disappointment.
+
+Minna comforted her, and Miss Grace went on to say that generous people
+were trying to get another school for the small children; that all the
+blind children were working hard to help on the plan; that money was
+coming in; and soon they hoped to have a pleasant place for every child
+who needed help.
+
+Lizzie's tears stopped falling as she listened, for hope was not quite
+gone.
+
+"I 'll not be ten till next June, and I don't see how I _can_ wait 'most
+a year.  Will the little school be ready 'fore then?" she asked.
+
+"I fear not, dear, but I will see that the long waiting is made as easy
+as possible, and perhaps you can help us in some way," answered Miss
+Grace, anxious to atone for her mistake in speaking about the school
+before she had made sure that Lizzie could go.
+
+"Oh, I 'd love to help; only I can't do anything," sighed the child.
+
+"You can sing, and that is a lovely way to help.  I heard of 'the blind
+lark,' as they call you, and when I came to find her, your little voice
+led me straight to the door of the cage. That door I mean to open, and
+let you hop out into the sunshine; then, when you are well and strong, I
+hope you will help us get the home for other little children who else
+must wait years before _they_ find the light.  Will you?"
+
+As Miss Grace spoke, it was beautiful to see the clouds lift from
+Lizzie's wondering face, till it shone with the sweetest beauty any face
+can wear,--the happiness of helping others.  She forgot her own
+disappointment in the new hope that came, and held on to the bedpost as
+if the splendid plan were almost too much for her.
+
+"Could I help that way?" she cried. "Would anybody care to hear me sing?
+Oh, how I 'd love to do anything for the poor little ones who will have
+to wait."
+
+"You shall.  I 'm sure the hardest heart would be touched by your
+singing, if you look as you do now.  We need something new for our fair
+and concert, and by that time you will be ready," said Miss Grace,
+almost afraid she had said too much; for the child looked so frail, it
+seemed as if even joy would hurt her.
+
+Fortunately her mother came in just then; and while the lady talked to
+her, Minna's childish chatter soothed Lizzie so well that when they left
+she stood at the window smiling down at them and singing like the
+happiest bobolink that ever tilted on a willow branch in spring-time.
+
+All the promises were kept, and soon a new life began for Lizzie.  A
+better room and well-paid work were found for Mrs. Davis.  Minna came as
+often as she could to cheer up her little friend, and best of all, Miss
+Grace taught her to sing, that by and by the little voice might plead
+with its pathetic music for others less blest than she.  So the winter
+months went by, and Lizzie grew like mayflowers underneath the snow,
+getting ready to look up, sweet and rosy, when spring set her free and
+called her to be glad.  She counted the months and weeks, and when the
+time dwindled to days, she could hardly sleep or eat for thinking of the
+happy hour when she could go to be a pupil in the school where miracles
+were worked.
+
+Her birthday was in June, and thanks to Miss Grace, her coming was
+celebrated by one of the pretty festivals of the school, called Daisy
+Day. Lizzie knew nothing of this surprise, and when her friends led her
+up the long flight of steps she looked like a happy little soul climbing
+to the gates of heaven.
+
+Mr. Constantine, the ruler of this small kingdom, was a man whose
+fatherly heart had room for every suffering child in the world, and it
+rejoiced over every one who came, though the great house was
+overflowing, and many waited as Lizzie had done.
+
+He welcomed her so kindly that the strange place seemed like home at
+once, and Minna led her away to the little mates who proudly showed her
+their small possessions and filled her hands with the treasures children
+love, while pouring into her ears delightful tales of the study, work,
+and play that made their lives so happy.
+
+Lizzie was bewildered, and held fast to Minna, whose motherly care of
+her was sweet to see. Kind teachers explained rules and duties with the
+patience that soothes fear and wins love; and soon Lizzie began to feel
+that she was a "truly pupil" in this wonderful school where the blind
+could read, sew, study, sing, run, and play.  Boys raced along the
+galleries and up and down the stairs as boldly as if all had eyes; girls
+swept and dusted like tidy housewives; little fellows hammered and sawed
+in the workshop and never hurt themselves; small girls sewed on pretty
+work as busy as bees; and in the schoolroom lessons went on as if both
+teachers and pupils were blessed with eyes.
+
+Lizzie could not understand it, and was content to sit and listen
+wherever she was placed, while her little fingers fumbled at the new
+objects near her, and her hungry mind opened like a flower to the sun.
+She had no tasks that day, and in the afternoon was led away with a
+flock of children, all chattering like magpies, on the grand expedition.
+Every year, when the fields were white with daisies, these poor little
+souls were let loose among them to enjoy the holy day of this child's
+flower.  Ah, but was n't it a pretty sight to see the meeting between
+them, when the meadows were reached, and the children scattered far and
+wide with cries of joy as they ran and rolled in the white sea, or
+filled their eager hands, or softly felt for the dear daisies and kissed
+them like old friends? The flowers seemed to enjoy it too, as they
+danced and nodded, while the wind rippled the long grass like waves of a
+green sea, and the sun smiled as if he said,--
+
+"Here's the sort of thing I like to see.  Why don't I find more of it?"
+
+Lizzie's face looked like a daisy, it was so full of light as she stood
+looking up, with the wide brim of her new hat like the white petals all
+round it.  She did not run nor shout, but went slowly wading through the
+grass, feeling the flowers touch her hands, yet picking none, for it was
+happiness enough to know that they were there.  Presently she sat down
+and let them tap her cheeks and rustle about her ears as though telling
+secrets that made her smile. Then, as if weary with so much happiness,
+she lay back and let the daisies hide her with their pretty coverlet.
+
+Miss Grace was watching over her, but left her alone, and by and by,
+like a lark from its nest in the grass, the blind girl sent up her
+little voice, singing so sweetly that the children gathered around to
+hear, while they made chains and tied up their nosegays.
+
+This was Lizzie's first concert, and no little prima donna was ever more
+pelted with flowers than she; for when she had sung all her songs, new
+and old, a daisy crown was put upon her head, a tall flower for a
+sceptre in her hand, and all the boys and girls danced around her as if
+she had been Queen of the May.
+
+A little feast came out of the baskets, that they might be empty for the
+harvest to be carried home, and while they ate, stories were told and
+shouts of laughter filled the air, for all were as merry as if there was
+no darkness, pain, or want in the world.  Then they had games; and
+Lizzie was taught to play,--for till now she never knew what a good romp
+meant.  Her cheeks grew rosy, her sad little face waked up, she ran and
+tumbled with the rest, and actually screamed, to Minna's great delight.
+
+Two or three of the children could see a little, and these were very
+helpful in taking care of the little ones.  Miss Grace found them
+playing some game with Lizzie, and observed that all but she were
+blindfolded.  When she asked why, one whispered, "We thought we should
+play fairer if we were all alike."  And another added, "It seems somehow
+as if we were proud if we see better than the rest."
+
+Lizzie was much touched by this sweet spirit, and a little later showed
+that she had already learned one lesson in the school, when she gathered
+about her some who had never seen, and told them what she could remember
+of green fields and daisy-balls before the light went out forever.
+
+"Surely my little lark was worth saving, if only for this one happy
+day," thought Miss Grace, as she watched the awakened look in the blind
+faces, all leaning toward the speaker, whose childish story pleased them
+well.
+
+In all her long and useful life, Lizzie never forgot that Daisy Day, for
+it seemed as if she were born anew, and like a butterfly had left the
+dark chrysalis all behind her then.  It was the first page of the
+beautiful book just opening before the eyes of her little mind,--a
+lovely page, illustrated with flowers, kind faces, sunshine, and happy
+hopes.  The new life was so full, so free, she soon fell into her place
+and enjoyed it all.  People worked there so heartily, so helpfully, it
+was no wonder things went as if by magic, and the poor little creatures
+who came in so afflicted went out in some years independent people,
+ready to help themselves and often to benefit others.
+
+There is no need to tell all Lizzie learned and enjoyed that summer, nor
+how proud her mother was when she heard her read in the curious books,
+making eyes of the little fingers that felt their way along so fast;
+when she saw the neat stitches she set, the pretty clay things she
+modelled, the tidy way she washed dishes, swept, and dusted, and helped
+keep her room in order. But the poor woman's heart was too full for
+words when she heard the child sing,--not as before, in the dreary room,
+sad, soft lullabies to Billy, but beautiful, gay songs, with flutes and
+violins to lift and carry the little voice along on waves of music.
+
+Lizzie really had a great gift; but she was never happier than when they
+all sang together, or when she sat quietly listening to the band as they
+practised for the autumn concert.  She was to have a part in it; and the
+thought that she could help to earn money for the Kindergarten made the
+shy child bold and glad to do her part.  Many people knew her now, for
+she was very pretty, with the healthful roses in her cheeks, curly
+yellow hair, and great blue eyes that seemed to see.  Her mates and
+teachers were proud of her, for though she was not as quick as some of
+the pupils, her sweet temper, grateful heart, and friendly little ways
+made her very dear to all, aside from the musical talent she possessed.
+
+Every one was busy over the fair and the concert; and fingers flew,
+tongues chattered, feet trotted, and hearts beat fast with hope and fear
+as the time drew near, for all were eager to secure a home for the poor
+children still waiting in darkness.  It was a charity which appealed to
+all hearts when it was known; but in this busy world of ours, people
+have so many cares of their own that they are apt to forget the wants of
+others unless something brings these needs very clearly before their
+eyes.  Much money was needed, and many ways had been tried to add to the
+growing fund, that all might be well done.
+
+"We wish to interest children in this charity for children, so that they
+may gladly give a part of their abundance to these poor little souls who
+have nothing.  I think Lizzie will sing some of the pennies out of their
+pockets, which would otherwise go for bonbons.  Let us try; so make her
+neat and pretty, and we 'll have a special song for her."
+
+Mr. Constantine said this; and Miss Grace carried out his wish so well
+that when the time came, the little prima donna did her part better even
+than they had hoped.
+
+The sun shone splendidly on the opening day of the fair, and cars and
+carriages came rolling out from the city, full of friendly people with
+plump purses and the sympathetic interest we all take in such things
+when we take time to see, admire, and reproach ourselves that we do so
+little for them.
+
+There were many children; and when they had bought the pretty handiwork
+of the blind needle-women, eaten cake and ices, wondered at the strange
+maps and books, twirled the big globe in the hall, and tried to
+understand how so many blind people could be so busy and so happy, they
+all were seated at last to hear the music, full of expectation, for "the
+pretty little girl was going to sing."
+
+It was a charming concert, and every one enjoyed it, though many eyes
+grew dim as they wandered from the tall youths blowing the horns so
+sweetly to the small ones chirping away like so many sparrows, for the
+blind faces made the sight pathetic, and such music touched the hearts
+as no other music can.
+
+"Now she's coming!" whispered the eager children, as a little girl
+climbed up the steps and stood before them, waiting to begin.
+
+A slender little creature in a blue gown, with sunshine falling on her
+pretty hair, a pleading look in the soft eyes that had no sign of
+blindness but their steadfastness, and a smile on the lips that trembled
+at first, for Lizzie's heart beat fast, and only the thought, "I 'm
+helping the poor little ones," gave her courage for her task.
+
+But when the flutes and violins began to play like a whispering wind,
+she forgot the crowd before her, and lifting up her face, sang in clear
+sweet tones.
+
+    THE BLIND LARK'S SONG.
+
+    We are sitting in the shadow
+      Of a long and lonely night,
+    Waiting till some gentle angel
+      Comes to lead us to the light;
+    For we know there is a magic
+      That can give eyes to the blind.
+    Oh, well-filled hands, be generous!
+      Oh, pitying hearts, be kind!
+
+    Help stumbling feet that wander
+      To find the upward way;
+    Teach hands that now lie idle
+      The joys of work and play.
+    Let pity, love, and patience
+      Our tender teachers be,
+    That though the eyes be blinded,
+      The little souls may see.
+
+    Your world is large and beautiful,
+      Our prison dim and small;
+    We stand and wait, imploring,
+      "Is there not room for all?
+    Give us our children's garden,
+      Where we may safely bloom,
+    Forgetting in God's sunshine
+      Our lot of grief and gloom."
+
+    A little voice comes singing;
+      Oh, listen to its song!
+    A little child is pleading
+      For those who suffer wrong.
+    Grant them the patient magic
+      That gives eyes to the blind!
+    Oh, well-filled hands, be generous!
+      Oh, pitying hearts, be kind!
+
+
+It was a very simple little song, but it proved wonderfully effective,
+for Lizzie was so carried away by her own feeling that as she sang the
+last lines she stretched out her hands imploringly, and two great tears
+rolled down her cheeks.  For a minute many hands were too busy fumbling
+for handkerchiefs to clap, but the children were quick to answer that
+gesture and those tears; and one impetuous little lad tossed a small
+purse containing his last ten cents at Lizzie's feet, the first
+contribution won by her innocent appeal.  Then there was great applause,
+and many of the flowers just bought were thrown to the little lark, who
+was obliged to come back and sing again and again, smiling brightly as
+she dropped pretty courtesies, and sang song after song with all the
+added sweetness of a grateful heart.
+
+Hidden behind the organ, Miss Grace and Mr. Constantine shook hands
+joyfully, for this was the sort of interest they wanted, and they knew
+that while the children clapped and threw flowers, the wet-eyed mothers
+were thinking self-reproachfully, "I must help this lovely charity," and
+the stout old gentlemen who pounded with their canes were resolving to
+go home and write some generous checks, which would be money invested in
+God's savings-bank.
+
+It was a very happy time for all, and made strangers friends in the
+sweet way which teaches heart to speak to heart.  When the concert was
+over, Lizzie felt many hands press hers and leave something there, many
+childish lips kiss her own, with promises to "help about the
+Kindergarten," and her ears were full of kind voices thanking and
+praising her for doing her part so well.  Still later, when all were
+gone, she proudly put the rolls of bills into Mr. Constantine's hand,
+and throwing her arms about Miss Grace's neck, said, trembling with
+earnestness, "I 'm not a burden any more, and I can truly help!  How can
+I ever thank you both for making me so happy?"
+
+One can fancy what their answer was and how Lizzie helped; for long
+after the Kindergarten was filled with pale little flowers blooming
+slowly as she had done, the Blind Lark went on singing pennies out of
+pockets, and sweetly reminding people not to forget this noble charity.
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Chapter IV tailpiece]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Tino runs away from home.--PAGE 105.]
+
+
+
+                                   V.
+
+                          MUSIC AND MACARONI.
+
+
+Among the pretty villages that lie along the wonderful Cornice road
+which runs from Nice to Genoa, none was more beautiful than Valrose.  It
+deserved its name, for it was indeed a "valley of roses."  The little
+town with its old church nestled among the olive and orange trees that
+clothed the hillside, sloping up to purple mountains towering behind.
+Lower down stretched the vineyards; and the valley was a bed of flowers
+all the year round.  There were acres of violets, verbenas, mignonette,
+and every sweet-scented blossom that grows, while hedges of roses, and
+alleys of lemon-trees with their white stars made the air heavy with
+perfume. Across the plain, one saw the blue sea rolling to meet the
+bluer sky, sending fresh airs and soft rains to keep Valrose green and
+beautiful even through the summer heat.  Only one ugly thing marred the
+lovely landscape, and that was the factory, with its tall chimneys, its
+red walls, and ceaseless bustle.  But old ilex-trees tried to conceal
+its ugliness; the smoke curled gracefully from its chimney-tops; and the
+brown men talked in their musical language as they ran about the busy
+courtyard, or did strange things below in the still-room.  Handsome
+black-eyed girls sang at the open windows at their pretty work, and
+delicious odors filled the place; for here the flowers that bloomed
+outside were changed to all kinds of delicate perfumes to scent the hair
+of great ladies and the handkerchiefs of dainty gentlemen all the world
+over.
+
+The poor roses, violets, mignonette, orange-flowers, and their sisters,
+were brought here in great baskets to yield up their sweet souls in hot
+rooms where, fires burned and great vats boiled; then they were sent up
+to be imprisoned in pretty flasks of all imaginable shapes and colors by
+the girls, who put gilded labels on them, packed them in delicate boxes,
+and sent them away to comfort the sick, please the rich, and put money
+in the pockets of the merchants.
+
+Many children were employed in the light work of weeding beds, gathering
+flowers, and running errands; among these none were busier, happier, or
+more beloved than Florentino and his sister Stella.  They were orphans,
+but they lived with old Mariuccia in her little stone house near the
+church, contented with the small wages they earned, though their clothes
+were poor, their food salad, macaroni, rye bread, and thin wine, with
+now and then a taste of meat when Stella's lover or some richer friend
+gave them a treat on gala days.
+
+They worked hard, and had their dreams of what they would do when they
+had saved up a little store; Stella would marry her Beppo and settle in
+a home of her own; but Tino was more ambitious, for he possessed a sweet
+boyish voice and sang so well in the choir, at the merrymakings, and
+about his work, that he was called the "little nightingale," and much
+praised and petted, not only by his mates, but by the good priest who
+taught him music, and the travellers who often came to the factory and
+were not allowed to go till Tino had sung to them.
+
+All this made the lad vain; and he hoped one day to go away as Baptista
+had gone, who now sang in a fine church at Genoa and sent home gold
+napoleons to his old parents.  How this was to come about Tino had not
+the least idea, but he cheered his work with all manner of wild plans,
+and sang his best at Mass, hoping some stranger would hear, and take him
+away as Signor Pulci had taken big Tista, whose voice was not half so
+wonderful as his own, all had said.  No one came, however, and Tino at
+thirteen was still at work in the valley,--a happy little lad, singing
+all day long as he carried his fragrant loads to and fro, ate his dinner
+of bread and beans fried in oil, with a crust, under the ilex-trees, and
+slept like a dormouse at night on his clean straw in the loft at
+Mariuccia's, with the moon for his candle and the summer warmth for his
+coverlet.
+
+One day in September, as he stood winnowing mignonette seed in a quiet
+corner of the vast garden, he was thinking deeply over his hopes and
+plans, and practising the last chant Father Angelo had taught him, while
+he shook and held the sieve high, to let the wind blow away the dead
+husks, leaving the brown seeds behind.
+
+Suddenly, as he ended his lesson with a clear high note that seemed to
+rise and die softly away like the voice of an angel in the air, the
+sound of applause startled him; and turning, he saw a gentleman sitting
+on the rude bench behind him,--a well-dressed, handsome, smiling
+gentleman, who clapped his white hands and nodded and said gayly,
+"Bravo, my boy, that was well done!  You have a wonderful voice; sing
+again."
+
+But Tino was too abashed for the moment, and could only stand and stare
+at the stranger, a pretty picture of boyish confusion, pleasure, and
+shyness.
+
+"Come, tell me all about it, my friend.  Who taught you so well?  Why
+are you here, and not where you should be, learning to use this fine
+pipe of yours, and make fame and money by it?" said the gentleman, still
+smiling as he leaned easily in his seat and swung his gloves.
+
+Tino's heart began to beat fast as he thought, "Perhaps my chance has
+come at last!  I must make the most of it."  So taking courage, he told
+his little story; and when he ended, the stranger gave a nod, saying,--
+
+"Yes, you are the 'little nightingale' they spoke of up at the inn.  I
+came to find you. Now sing me something gay, some of your folk-songs.
+That sort will suit you best."
+
+Anxious to make the most of his chance, Tino took courage and sang away
+as easily as a bird on a bough, pouring out one after another the
+barcaroles, serenades, ballads, and drinking-songs he had learned from
+the people about him.
+
+The gentleman listened, laughed, and applauded as if well pleased, and
+when Tino stopped to take breath, he gave another nod more decided than
+the first, and said with his engaging smile,--
+
+"You are indeed a wonder, and quite wasted here.  If _I_ had you I
+should make a man of you, and put money in your pocket as fast as you
+opened your mouth."
+
+Tino's eyes sparkled at the word "money," for sweet as was the praise,
+the idea of having full pockets bewitched him, and he asked eagerly,
+"How, signor?"
+
+"Well," answered the gentleman, idly tapping his nose with a rose-bud
+which he had pulled as he came along, "I should take you to my hotel at
+Nice; wash, brush, and trim you up a little; put you into a velvet suit
+with a lace collar, silk stockings, and buckled shoes; teach you music,
+feed you well, and when I thought you fit carry you with me to the
+_salons_ of the great people, where I give concerts.  There you would
+sing these gay songs of yours, and be petted, praised, and pelted with
+bonbons, francs, and kisses perhaps,--for you are a pretty lad and these
+fine ladies and idle gentlemen are always ready to welcome a new
+favorite.  Would you fancy that sort of life better than this? You can
+have it if you like."
+
+Tino's black eyes shone; the color deepened in his brown cheeks; and he
+showed all his white teeth as he laughed and exclaimed with a gesture of
+delight,--
+
+"Mio Dio! but I _would_, signor!  I 'm tired of this work; I long to
+sing, to see the world, to be my own master, and let Stella and the old
+woman know that I am big enough to have my own way.  Do you really mean
+it?  When can I go?  I'm ready now, only I had better run and put on my
+holiday suit and get my guitar."
+
+"Good! there 's a lad of spirit.  I like that well.  A guitar too?
+Bravo, my little troubadour, we shall make a sensation in the
+drawing-rooms, and fill our pockets shortly.  But there is no haste, and
+it would be well to ask these friends of yours, or there might be
+trouble.  I don't _steal_ nightingales, I buy them; and I will give the
+old woman, whoever she may be, more than you would earn in a month.
+See, I too am a singer, and this I made at Genoa in a week."  As he
+spoke, Signor Mario pulled a well-filled purse from one pocket, a
+handful of gold and silver coin from the other, and chinked them before
+the boy's admiring eyes.
+
+"Let us go!" cried Tino, flinging down the sieve as if done with work
+forever.  "Stella is at home to-day; come at once to Mariuccia,--it is
+not far; and when they hear these fine plans, they will be glad to let
+me go, I am sure."
+
+Away he went across the field of flowers, through the courtyard, up the
+steep street, straight into the kitchen where his pretty sister sat
+eating artichokes and bread while the old woman twirled her distaff in
+the sun.  Both were used to strangers, for the cottage was a picturesque
+place, half hidden like a bird's nest in vines and fig-trees, with a gay
+little plot of flowers before it; travellers often came to taste
+Mariuccia's honey, for her bees fared well, and their combs were running
+over with the sweetness of violets and roses, put up in dainty little
+waxen boxes made by better workmen than any found at the factory.
+
+The two women listened respectfully while Signor Mario told his plan in
+his delightfully gracious way; and Stella was much impressed by the
+splendor of the prospect before her brother.  But the wise old woman
+shook her head, and declared decidedly that the boy was too young to
+leave home yet.  Father Angelo was teaching him well; he was safe and
+happy where he was; and there he should remain, for she had sworn by all
+the saints to his dying mother that she would guard him as the apple of
+her eye till he was old enough to take care of himself.
+
+In vain Mario shook his purse before her eyes, Stella pleaded, and Tino
+stormed; the faithful old soul would not give up, much as she needed
+money, loved Stella, and hated to cross the boy who was in truth "the
+apple of her eye" and the darling of her heart.  There was a lively
+scene in the little room, for every one talked at once, gesticulated
+wildly, and grew much excited in the discussion; but nothing came of it,
+and Signor Mario departed wrathfully, leaving Mariuccia looking as stern
+as fate with her distaff, Stella in tears, and Tino in such a rage he
+could only dash up to the loft and throw himself on his rude bed, there
+to kick and sob and tear his hair, and wish there might be ten thousand
+earthquakes to swallow that cruel old woman up in the twinkling of an
+eye.
+
+Stella came to beg him to be comforted and eat his supper, but he drew
+the wooden bolt and would not let her in, saying sternly,--
+
+"I _never_ will come down till Mariuccia says I may go; I will starve
+first.  I am not a child to be so treated.  Go away, and let me alone; I
+hate you both!"
+
+Poor Stella retired, heart-broken, and when all her entreaties failed to
+change their guardian's decision, she went to consult Father Angelo.  He
+agreed with the old woman that it was best to keep the boy safe at home,
+as they knew nothing of the strange gentleman nor what might befall Tino
+if he left the shelter of his own humble home and friends.
+
+Much disappointed, Stella went to pray devoutly in the church, and then,
+meeting her Beppo, soon forgot all about the poor little lad who had
+sobbed himself to sleep upon his straw.
+
+The house was quiet when he awoke; no lights shone from any neighbor's
+windows; and all was still except the nightingales singing in the
+valley.  The moon was up; and her friendly face looked in at the little
+window so brightly that the boy felt comforted, and lay staring at the
+soft light while his mind worked busily. Some evil spirit, some naughty
+Puck bent on mischief must have been abroad that night, for into Tino's
+head there suddenly popped a splendid idea; at least _he_ thought it so,
+and in his rebellious state found it all the more tempting because
+danger and disobedience and defiance all had a part in it.
+
+Why not run away?  Signor Mario was not to leave till next morning.
+Tino could easily slip out early and join the kind gentleman beyond the
+town.  This would show the women that he, Tino, had a will of his own
+and was not to be treated like a child any more.  It would give them a
+good fright, make a fine stir in the place, and add to his glory when he
+returned with plenty of money to display himself in the velvet suit and
+silk stockings,--a famous fellow who knew what he was about and did not
+mean to be insulted, or tied to an old woman's apron-string forever.
+
+The longer he thought the more delightful the idea became, and he
+resolved to carry it out, for the fine tales he had heard made him more
+discontented than ever with his present simple, care-free life.  Up he
+got, and by the light of the moon took from the old chest his best suit.
+Moving very softly, he put on the breeches and jacket of rough blue
+cloth, the coarse linen shirt, the red sash, and the sandals of russet
+leather that laced about his legs to the knee. A few clothes, with his
+rosary, he tied up in a handkerchief, and laid the little bundle ready
+with his Sunday hat, a broad-brimmed, pointed-crowned affair with a red
+band and cock's feather to adorn it.
+
+Then he sat at the window waiting for dawn to come, fearing to sleep
+lest he be too late. It seemed an almost endless night, the first he had
+ever spent awake, but red streaks came in the east at last, and he stole
+to the door, meaning to creep noiselessly downstairs, take a good hunch
+of bread and a gourd full of wine and slip off while the women slept.
+
+To his dismay he found the door barred on the outside.  His courage had
+ebbed a little as the time for action came; but at this new insult he
+got angry again, and every dutiful impulse flew away in a minute.
+
+"Ah, they think to keep me, do they? Behold, then, how I cheat the silly
+things! They have never seen me climb down the fig-tree, and thought me
+safe.  Now I will vanish, and leave them to tear their hair and weep for
+me in vain."
+
+Flinging out his bundle, and carefully lowering his old guitar, Tino
+leaned from the little window, caught the nearest branch of the tree
+that bent toward the wall, and swung himself down as nimbly as a
+squirrel.  Pausing only to pick several bunches of ripe grapes from the
+vine about the door, he went softly through the garden and ran away
+along the road toward Nice as fast as his legs could carry him.
+
+Not till he reached the top of the long hill a mile away, did he slacken
+his lively pace; then climbing a bank, he lay down to rest under some
+olive-trees, and ate his grapes as he watched the sun rise.  Travellers
+always left the Falcone Inn early to enjoy the morning freshness, so
+Tino knew that Signor Mario would soon appear; and when the horses
+paused to rest on the hill-top, the "little nightingale" would present
+himself as unexpectedly as if he had fallen from heaven.
+
+But Signor Mario was a lazy man; and Tino had time to work himself into
+a fever of expectation, doubt, and fear before the roll of wheels
+greeted his longing ears.  Yes, it was the delightful stranger!--reading
+papers and smoking as he rode, quite blind to the beauty all around him,
+blind also to the sudden appearance of a picturesque little figure by
+the roadside, as the carriage stopped.  Even when he looked, he did not
+recognize shabby Tino in the well-dressed beggar, as he thought him, who
+stood bare-headed and smiling, with hat in one hand, bundle in the
+other, and guitar slung on his back.  He waved his hand as if to say, "I
+have nothing for you," and was about to bid the man drive on, but Tino
+cried out boldly,--
+
+"Behold me, signor!  I am Tino, the singing boy of Valrose.  I have run
+away to join you if you will have me.  Ah, please do!  I wish so much to
+go with you."
+
+"Bravo!" cried Mario, well pleased.  "That is a lad of spirit; and I am
+glad to have you. I don't steal nightingales, as I told you down yonder;
+but if they get out of their cages and perch on my finger, I keep them.
+In with you, boy! there is no time to lose."
+
+In scrambled happy Tino, and settling himself and his property on the
+seat opposite, amused his new master with a lively account of his
+escape.  Mario laughed and praised him; Luigi, the servant, grinned as
+he listened from the coach-box; and the driver resolved to tell the tale
+at the Falcone, when he stopped there on his return to Genoa, so the
+lad's friends might know what had become of him.
+
+After a little chat Signor Mario returned to his newspapers, and Tino,
+tired with his long vigil and brisk run, curled himself up on the seat,
+pillowed his head on his bundle and fell fast asleep, rocked by the
+motion of the carriage as it rolled along the smooth road.
+
+When he waked, the sun was high, the carriage stood before a wayside
+inn, the man and horses were gone to their dinners, and the signor lay
+under some mulberry-trees in the garden while Luigi set forth upon the
+grass the contents of a well-filled hamper which they had brought with
+them, his master being one who looked well after his own comfort.  The
+sight of food drew Tino toward it as straight as a honey-jar draws
+flies, and he presented himself with his most engaging air.  Being in a
+good humor, the new master bade the hungry lad sit down and eat, which
+he did so heartily that larded fowl, melon, wine, and bread vanished as
+if by magic. Never had food tasted so good to Tino; and rejoicing with
+true boyish delight in the prospect of plenty to eat, he went off to
+play Morso with the driver, while the horses rested and Mario took a
+siesta on the grass.
+
+When they set forth again, Tino received his first music lesson from the
+new teacher, who was well pleased to find how quickly the boy caught the
+air of a Venetian boat-song, and how sweetly he sang it.  Then Tino
+strummed on his guitar and amused his hearers with all the melodies he
+knew, from church chants to drinking-songs.  Mario taught him how to
+handle his instrument gracefully, speak a few polite phrases, and sit
+properly instead of sprawling awkwardly or lounging idly.
+
+So the afternoon wore away; and at dusk they reached Nice.  To Tino it
+looked like an enchanted city as they drove down to it from the soft
+gloom and stillness of the country.  The sea broke gently on the curving
+shore, sparkling with the lights of the Promenade des Anglais which
+overlooks it.  A half circle of brilliant hotels came next; behind these
+the glimmer of villas scattered along the hillside shone like fireflies
+among gardens and orange groves; and higher still the stars burned in a
+violet sky. Soon the moon would be up, to hang like a great lamp from
+that splendid dome, turning sea and shore to a magic world by her light.
+Tino clapped his hands and looked about him with all the pleasure of his
+beauty-loving race as they rattled through the gay streets and stopped
+at one of the fine hotels.
+
+Here Mario put on his grand air, and was shown to the apartment he had
+ordered from Genoa.  Tino meekly followed; and Luigi brought up the rear
+with the luggage.  Tino felt as if he had got into a fairy tale when he
+found himself in a fine parlor where he could only sit and stare about
+him, while his master refreshed in the chamber beyond, and the man
+ordered dinner.  A large closet was given the boy to sleep in, with a
+mattress and blanket, a basin and pitcher, and a few pegs to hang his
+clothes on.  But it seemed very nice after the loft; and when he had
+washed his face, shaken the dust off, and smoothed his curly head as
+well as he could, he returned to the parlor to gloat over such a dinner
+as he had never eaten before.
+
+Mario was in a good humor and anxious to keep the lad so, therefore he
+plied him with good things to eat, fine promises, and the praise in
+which that vain little soul delighted.  Tino went to bed early, feeling
+that his fortune was made, and his master went off to amuse himself at a
+gaming-table, for that was his favorite pastime.
+
+Next day the new life began.  After a late breakfast, a music lesson was
+given which both interested and dismayed Tino, for his master was far
+less patient than good old Father Angelo, and swore at him when he
+failed to catch a new air as quickly as he expected.  Both were tired
+and rather cross when it ended, but Tino soon forgot the tweaking of his
+ear and the scolding, when he was sent away with Luigi to buy the velvet
+suit and sundry necessary articles for the young troubadour.
+
+It was a lovely day; and the gay city was all alive with the picturesque
+bustle which always fills it when the season begins.  Red-capped
+fishermen were launching their boats from the beach, flower-girls
+hastening from the gardens with their fragrant loads to sell on the
+Promenade, where invalids sunned themselves, nurses led their rosy
+troops to play, fine ladies strolled, and men of all nations paced to
+and fro at certain hours.  In the older part of the city, work of all
+sorts went on,--coral-carvers filled their windows with pretty
+ornaments; pastry-cooks tempted with dainty dishes; milliners showed
+hats fresh from Paris; and Turkish merchants hung out rich rugs and
+carpets at their doors. Church-bells chimed; priests with incense and
+banners went through the streets on holy errands; the Pifferoni piped
+gayly; orange-women and chestnut-sellers called their wares in musical
+voices; even the little scullions who go about scouring saucepans at
+back doors made a song of their cry, "Casserola!"
+
+Tino had a charming time, and could hardly believe his senses when one
+fine thing after another was bought for him and ordered home. Not only
+the suit, but two ruffled shirts, a crimson tie for the lace collar, a
+broad new ribbon for the guitar, handkerchiefs, hose, and delicate
+shoes, as if he was a gentleman's son.  When Luigi added a little mantle
+and a hat such as other well-dressed lads of his age wore, Tino
+exclaimed, "This also!  Dio mio, never have I known so kind a man as
+Signor Mario.  I shall serve him well and love him even better than you
+do."
+
+Luigi shrugged his shoulders and answered with a disagreeable laugh,
+"Long may you think so, poverino; I serve for money, not love, and look
+to it that I get my wages, else it would go ill with both of us.  Keep
+all you can get, boy; our master is apt to forget his servants."
+
+Tino did not like the look, half scornful, half pitiful, which Luigi
+gave him, and wondered why he did not love the good signor.  Later he
+found out; but all was pleasant now, and lunch at a caf� completed the
+delights of that long morning.
+
+The rooms were empty when they returned; and bidding him keep out of
+mischief, Luigi left Tino alone for several hours.  But he found plenty
+of amusement in examining all the wonders the apartment contained,
+receiving the precious parcels as they arrived, practising his new bow
+before the long mirror, and eating the nuts that he had bought of a
+jolly old woman at a street corner.
+
+Then he went to lounge on the balcony that ran along the front of the
+hotel, and watched the lively scene below, till sunset sent the
+promenaders home to dress for dinner.  Feeling a sudden pang of
+homesickness as he thought of Stella, Tino got his guitar and sang the
+old songs to comfort his loneliness.
+
+The first was hardly ended before one after the other five little heads
+popped out of a window farther down the balcony; and presently a group
+of pretty children were listening and smiling as the nice boy played and
+sang to them.  A gentleman looked out; and a lady evidently listened,
+for the end of a lace flounce lay on the threshold of the long window,
+and a pair of white hands clapped when he finished a gay air in his best
+style.
+
+This was his first taste of applause, and he liked it, and twanged away
+merrily till his master's voice called him in just as he was beginning
+to answer the questions the eager children asked him.
+
+"Go and dress!  I shall take you down to dinner with me presently.  But
+mind this, _I_ will answer questions; do _you_ keep quiet, and leave me
+to tell what I think best.  Remember, or I pack you home at once."
+
+Tino promised, and was soon absorbed in getting into his new clothes;
+Luigi came to help him, and when he was finished off, a very handsome
+lad emerged from the closet to make his best bow to his master, who,
+also in fine array, surveyed him with entire approval.
+
+"Very good!  I thought you would make a passable butterfly when you shed
+your grub's skin.  Stand up and keep your hands out of your pockets.
+Mind what I told you about supping soup noisily, and don't handle your
+fork like a shovel.  See what others do, smile, and hold your tongue.
+There is the gong. Let us go."
+
+Tino's heart beat as he followed Mario down the long hall to the great
+_salle � manger_ with its glittering _table d'h�te_ and many guests.
+But the consciousness of new clothes sustained him, so he held up his
+head, turned out his toes, and took his place, trying to look as if
+everything was not very new and dazzling to him.
+
+Two elderly ladies sat opposite, and he heard one say to the other in
+bad Italian, "Behold the lovely boy, Maria; I should like to paint him."
+
+And the other answered, "We will be amiable to him, and perhaps we may
+get him for a model.  Just what I want for a little Saint John."
+
+Tino smiled at them till his black eyes sparkled and his white teeth
+shone, for he understood and enjoyed their praise.  The artistic ladies
+smiled back, and watched him with interest long after he had forgotten
+them, for that dinner was a serious affair to the boy, with a heavy
+silver spoon and fork to manage, a napkin to unfold, and three glasses
+to steer clear of for fear of a general upset, so awkward did he feel.
+
+Every one else was too busy to mind his mistakes; and the ladies set
+them down to bashfulness, as he got red in the face, and dared not look
+up after spilling his soup and dropping a roll.
+
+Presently, while waiting for dessert, he forgot himself in something
+Mario was saying to his neighbor on the other side:--
+
+"A poor little fellow whom I found starving in the streets at Genoa.  He
+has a voice; I have a heart, and I adore music.  I took him to myself,
+and shall do my best for him.  Ah, yes!  in this selfish world one must
+not forget the helpless and the poor."
+
+Tino stared, wondering what other boy the good signor had befriended,
+and was still more bewildered when Mario turned to him with a paternal
+air, to add in that pious tone so new to the boy,--
+
+"This is my little friend, and he will gladly come and sing to your
+young ladies after dinner. Many thanks for the honor; I shall bring him
+out at my parlor concerts, and so fit him for his place by and by.  Bow
+and smile, quick!"
+
+The last words were in a sharp whisper; and Tino obeyed with a sudden
+bob of the head that sent his curls over his eyes, and then laughed such
+a boyish laugh as he shook them back that the gentleman leaning forward
+to look at him joined in it, and the ladies smiled sympathetically as
+they pushed a dish of bonbons nearer to him.  Mario gave him an
+indulgent look, and went on in the same benevolent tone telling all he
+meant to do, till the kindly gentleman from Rome was much interested,
+having lads of his own and being fond of music.
+
+Tino listened to the fine tales told of him and hoped no one would ask
+him about Genoa, for he would surely betray that he had never been there
+and could not lie as glibly as Mario did. He felt rather like the little
+old woman who did not know whether she was herself or not, but consoled
+himself by smiling at the ladies and eating a whole plateful of little
+cakes standing near him.
+
+When they rose, Tino made his bow, and Mario walked down the long hall
+with his hand on the boy's shoulder and a friendly air very impressive
+to the spectators, who began at once to gossip about the pretty lad and
+his kind protector, just as the cunning gentleman planned to have them.
+
+As soon as they were out of sight, Mario's manner changed; and telling
+Tino to sit down and digest his dinner or he would n't be able to sing a
+note, he went to the balcony to smoke till the servant came to conduct
+them to Conte Alborghetti's salon.
+
+"Now mind, boy; do exactly as I tell you, or I 'll drop you like a hot
+chestnut and leave you to get home as you can," said Mario, in a sharp
+whisper, as they paused on the threshold of the door.
+
+"I will, signor, indeed I will!" murmured Tino, scared by the flash of
+his master's black eye and the grip of his hand, as he pulled the
+bashful boy forward.
+
+In they went, and for a moment Tino only perceived a large light room
+full of people, who all looked at him as he stood beside Mario with his
+guitar slung over his shoulder, red cheeks, and such a flutter at his
+heart that he felt sure he could never sing there.  The amiable host
+came to meet and present them to a group of ladies, while a flock of
+children drew near to look at and listen to the "nice singing boy from
+Genoa."
+
+Mario, having paid his thanks and compliments in his best manner, opened
+the little concert by a grand piece upon the piano, proving that he was
+a fine musician, though Tino already began to fancy he was not quite so
+good a man as he wished to appear.  Then he sang several airs from
+operas; and Tino forgot himself in listening delightedly to the mellow
+voice of his master, for the lad loved music and had never heard any
+like this before.
+
+When Tino's turn came, he had lost his first shyness, and though his
+lips were dry and breath short, and he gave the guitar an awkward bang
+against the piano as he pulled it round ready to play upon, the
+curiosity in the faces of the children and the kindly interest of the
+ladies gave him courage to start bravely off with "Bella Monica,"--the
+easiest as well as gayest of his songs.  It went well; and with each
+verse his voice grew clearer, his hand firmer, and his eyes fuller of
+boyish pleasure in his own power to please.
+
+For please he did, and when he ended with a loud twang and kissed his
+hand to the audience as he always used to do to the girls at home, every
+one clapped heartily, and the gentlemen cried, "Bravo, piccolo!  He
+sings in truth like a little nightingale; encore, encore!"
+
+These were sweet sounds to Tino; and he needed no urging to sing "Lucia"
+in his softest tones, "looking like one of Murillo's angels!" as a young
+lady said, while he sang away with his eyes piously lifted in the manner
+Mario had taught him.
+
+Then followed a grand march from the master while the boy rested; after
+which Tino gave more folk-songs, and ended with a national air in which
+all joined like patriotic and enthusiastic Italians, shouting the
+musical chorus, "Viva Italia!" till the room rang.
+
+Tino quite lost his head at that, and began to prance as if the music
+had got into his heels. Before Mario could stop him, he was showing one
+of the little girls how to dance the Salterello as the peasants dance it
+during Carnival; and all the children were capering gayly about the wide
+polished floor with Tino strumming and skipping like a young fawn from
+the woods.
+
+The elder people laughed and enjoyed the pretty sight till trays of ices
+and bonbons came in; and the little party ended in a general enjoyment
+of the good things children most delight in.  Tino heard his master
+receiving the compliments of the company, and saw the host slip a paper
+into his hand; but, boylike, he contented himself with a pocket full of
+sweetmeats, and the entreaties of his little patrons to come again soon,
+and so backed out of the room, after bowing till he was dizzy, and
+bumping against a marble table in a very painful manner.
+
+"Well, how do you like the life I promised you?  Is it all I said?  Do
+we begin to fill our pockets, and enjoy ourselves even sooner than I
+expected?" asked Mario, with a good-natured slap of the shoulder, as
+they reached his apartment again.
+
+"It is splendid!  I like it much, very much! and I thank you with all my
+heart," cried Tino, gratefully kissing the hand that could tweak
+sharply, as well as caress when things suited its owner.
+
+"You did well, even better than I hoped; but in some things we must
+improve.  Those legs must be taught to keep still; and you must not
+forget that you are a peasant when among your betters.  It passed very
+well to-night with those little persons, but in some places it would
+have put me in a fine scrape.  Capers! but I feared at one moment you
+would have embraced the young contessa, when she danced with you."
+
+Mario laughed as poor Tino blushed and stammered, "But, signor, she was
+so little, only ten years old, and I thought no harm to hold her up on
+that slippery floor.  See, she gave me all these, and bade me come
+again.  I would gladly have kissed her, she was so like little Annina at
+home."
+
+"Well, well, no harm is done; but I see the pretty brown girls down
+yonder have spoiled you, and I shall have to keep an eye on my gallant
+young troubadour.  Now to bed, and don't make yourself ill with all
+those confections.  Felice notte, Don Giovanni!" and away went Mario to
+lose at play every franc of the money the generous count had given him
+"for the poor lad."
+
+That was the beginning of a new and charming life for Tino, and for two
+months he was a busy and a happy boy, with only a homesick fit now and
+then when Mario was out of temper, or Luigi put more than his fair share
+of work upon his shoulders.  The parlor concerts went well, and the
+little nightingale was soon a favorite toy in many salons.  Night after
+night Tino sang and played, was petted and praised, and then trotted
+home to dream feverishly of new delights; for this exciting life was
+fast spoiling the simple lad who used to be so merry and busy at
+Valrose.  The more he had, the more he wanted, and soon grew
+discontented, jealous, and peevish.  He had cause to complain of some
+things; for none of the money earned ever came to him, and when he
+plucked up courage to ask for his promised share, Mario told him he only
+earned his food and clothes as yet.  Then Tino rebelled, and got a
+beating, which made him outwardly as meek as a lamb, but inwardly a very
+resentful, unhappy boy, and spoiled all his pleasure in music and
+success.
+
+He was neglected all day and left to do what he liked till needed at
+night, so he amused himself by lounging about the hotel or wandering on
+the beach to watch the fishermen cast their nets.  Lazy Luigi kept him
+doing errands when he could; but for hours the boy saw neither master
+nor man, and wondered where they were. At last he found out, and his
+dream of fame and fortune ended in smoke.
+
+Christmas week was a gay one for everybody, and Tino thought good times
+had come again; for he sang at several childrens' f�tes, received some
+pretty gifts from the kind Alborghettis, and even Mario was amiable
+enough to give him a golden napoleon after a run of good luck at the
+cards.  Eager to show his people that he was getting on, Tino begged
+Antoine, the friendly waiter who had already written one letter to
+Stella for him, to write another, and send by a friend going that way a
+little parcel containing the money for Mariuccia, a fine Roman sash for
+Stella, and many affectionate messages to all his old friends.
+
+It was well he had that little satisfaction, for it was his last chance
+to send good news or exult over his grand success.  Troubles came with
+the new year; and in one week our poor little jay found himself stripped
+of all his borrowed plumes, and left a very forlorn bird indeed.
+
+Trotting about late at night in silk stockings, and getting wet more
+than once in the winter rains, gave Tino a bad cold.  No one cared for
+it; and he was soon as hoarse as a crow.  His master forced him to sing
+several times in spite of the pain he suffered, and when at the last
+concert he broke down completely, Mario swore at him for "a useless
+brat," and began to talk of going to Milan to find a new set of singers
+and patrons.  Had Tino been older, he would have discovered some time
+sooner that Signor Mario was losing favor in Nice, as he seldom paid a
+bill, and led a very gay, extravagant life.  But, boylike, Tino saw only
+his own small troubles, and suspected nothing when Luigi one day packed
+up the velvet suit and took it away "to be repaired," he said.  It _was_
+shabby, and Tino, lying on the sofa with a headache and sharp cough, was
+glad no one ordered him to go with it, for the Tramontana was blowing,
+and he longed for old Mariuccia's herb tea and Stella's cosseting, being
+quite ill by this time.
+
+That night as he lay awake in his closet coughing, feverish and
+restless, he heard his master and Luigi moving about till very late,
+evidently packing for Paris or Milan, and Tino wondered if he would like
+either place better than Nice, and wished they were not so far from
+Valrose.  In the midst of his meditations he fell asleep, and when he
+woke, it was morning.  He hurried up and went out to see what the order
+of the day was to be, rather pleased at the idea of travelling about the
+world.
+
+To his surprise no breakfast appeared; the room was in confusion, every
+sign of Mario had vanished but empty bottles and a long hotel bill lying
+unpaid upon the table.  Before Tino could collect his wits, Antoine came
+flying in to say with wild gesticulations and much French wrath that
+"the rascal Mario had gone in the night, leaving immense debts behind
+him, and the landlord in an apoplexy of rage."
+
+Poor Tino was so dismayed he could only sit and let the storm pelt about
+his ears; for not only did the waiter appear, but the chambermaid, the
+coachman, and at last the indignant host himself, all scolding at once
+as they rummaged the rooms, questioned the bewildered boy, and wrung
+their hands over the escape of these dishonest wretches.
+
+"You also, little beast, have grown fat upon my good fare! and who is to
+pay me for all you have eaten, not to mention the fine bed, the washing,
+the candles, and the coaches you have had?  Ah, great heavens! what is
+to become of us when such things occur?" and the poor landlord tore his
+hair with one hand while he shook his other fist at Tino.
+
+"Dear sir, take all I have; it is only an old guitar, and a few clothes.
+Not a centime do I own; but I will work for you.  I can clean saucepans
+and run errands.  Speak for me, Antoine; you are my only friend now."
+
+The lad looked so honest and ill and pathetic, as he spoke with his poor
+hoarse voice, and looked beseechingly about him, that Antoine's kind
+heart was melted, and he advised the boy to slip away home as soon as
+possible, and so escape all further violence and trouble.  He slipped
+two francs into Tino's empty pocket, and as soon as the room was
+cleared, helped him tie up the few old clothes that remained. The host
+carried off the guitar as the only thing he could seize, so Tino had
+less to take away than he brought, when Antoine led him out by the back
+way, with a good sandwich of bread and meat for his breakfast, and bade
+him go to the square and try to beg a ride to Valrose on some of the
+carriages often going thither on the way to Genoa.
+
+With many thanks Tino left the great hotel, feeling too miserable to
+care much what became of him, for all his fine dreams were spoiled like
+the basket of china the man kicked over in the "Arabian Nights," while
+dreaming he was a king.  How could he go home, sick, poor, and forsaken,
+after all the grand tales he had lately told in his letter?  How they
+would laugh at him, the men and girls at the factory!  How Mariuccia
+would wag her old head and say, "Ecco! is it not as I foretold?"  Even
+Stella would weep over him and be sorry to see her dear boy in such a
+sad plight, yet what could he do?  His voice was gone and his guitar, or
+he might sing about the streets, as Mario described his doing at Genoa,
+and so earn his daily bread till something turned up.  Now he was quite
+helpless, and much against his will, he went to see if any chance of
+getting home appeared.
+
+The day was showery, and no party was setting off for the famous drive
+along the Cornice road.  Tino was glad of it, and went to lie on a bench
+at the caf� where he had often been with Luigi.  His head ached, and his
+cough left him no peace, so he spent some of his money in syrup and
+water to quell the trouble, and with the rest paid for a good dinner and
+supper.
+
+He told his sad tale to the cook, and was allowed to sleep in the
+kitchen after scrubbing saucepans to pay for it.  But no one wanted him;
+and in the morning, after a cup of coffee and a roll he found himself
+cast upon the world again.  He would not beg, and as dinner time
+approached, hunger reminded him of a humble friend whom he had forgotten
+in his own days of plenty.
+
+He loved to stroll along the beach, and read the names on the boats
+drawn up there, for all were the names of saints; and it was almost as
+good as going to church to read the long list of Saint Brunos, Saint
+Francises, and Saint Ursulas. Among the fishermen was one who had always
+a kind word for the lad, who enjoyed a sail or a chat with Marco
+whenever nothing better turned up to amuse his leisure hours.  Now in
+his trouble he remembered him, and went to the beach to ask help, for he
+felt ill as well as sad and hungry.
+
+Yes, there sat the good fellow eating the bread and macaroni his little
+daughter had brought for his dinner, and a smile welcomed poor Tino as
+he sat down beside this only friend to tell his story.
+
+Marco growled in his black beard and shook his knife with an awful frown
+when he heard how the lad had been deserted.  Then he smiled, patted
+Tino's back, thrust the copper basin of food into one hand and a big
+lump of the brown-bread into the other, inviting him to eat in such a
+cordial way that the poor meal tasted better than the dainty fare at the
+hotel.
+
+A draught of red wine from the gourd cheered Tino up, as did the good
+and kind words, and when Marco bade him go home with little Manuela to
+the good wife, he gladly went, feeling that he must lie down somewhere,
+his head was so giddy and the pain in the breast so sharp.
+
+Buxom Teresa received him kindly, put him straight to bed in her own
+boy's little room, laid a cool cloth on his hot head, a warm one on his
+aching chest, and left him to sleep, much comforted by her motherly
+care.  It was well the good soul befriended him, for he needed help
+sorely, and would have fared ill if those humble folk had not taken him
+in.
+
+For a week or two he lay in Beppo's bed burning with fever, and when he
+could sit up again was too feeble to do anything but smile gratefully
+and try to help Manuela mend nets. Marco would hear of no thanks,
+saying, "Good deeds bring good luck.  Behold my haul of fish each day
+thou hast been here, poverino! I am well paid, and Saint Peter will
+bless my boat for thy sake."
+
+Tino was very happy in the little dark, shabby house that smelt of
+onions, fish, and tar, was full of brown children, and the constant
+clack of Teresa's lively tongue as she gossiped with her neighbors, or
+fried polenta for the hungry mouths that never seemed filled.
+
+But the time came when Tino could go about, and then he begged for work,
+anxious to be independent and earn a little so that in the spring he
+could go home without empty pockets.
+
+"I have taken thought for thee, my son, and work warm and easy is ready
+if thou wilt do it. My friend Tommaso Neri, makes the good macaroni near
+by.  He needs a boy to mind the fire and see to the donkey who grinds
+below there.  Food, shelter, and such wages as thou art able to earn, he
+will give thee.  Shall it be?"
+
+Tino gratefully accepted, and with hearty embraces all round went off
+one day to see his new place.  It was in the old part of Nice, a narrow,
+dirty street, a little shop with one window full of the cheaper sorts of
+this favorite food of all Italians, and behind the shop a room where an
+old woman sat spinning while two little boys played with pine cones and
+pretty bits of marble at her feet.
+
+A fat jolly man, with a shining face and loud voice, greeted Marco and
+the lad, saying he "was worn to a thread with much work, since that bad
+imp of a donkey-boy had run away leaving the blessed macaroni to spoil,
+and poor Carmelita to perish for want of care. Come below at once, and
+behold the desolation of the place."
+
+With that he led the way to the cellar, where a small furnace-fire
+burned, and an old gray donkey went round and round, turning a wheel
+which set some unseen machinery in motion with a dismal creaking sound.
+Down through many holes in one part of the wooden floor overhead came
+long pipes of macaroni, hardening as they hung quivering in the hot air
+till stiff enough to be cut off in handfuls and laid to dry on wire
+trays over the furnace.
+
+Tino had never seen the good macaroni made before, and was much
+interested in the process, though it was of the rudest kind.  In a room
+upstairs a great vat of flour and water was kept stirring round and
+round and forced down to the place below by the creaking wheel which
+patient Carmelita turned all day.  The cellar was dark but warm; and
+Tino felt that it would be comfortable there with the old donkey for a
+comrade, jolly Tommaso for a master, and enough to eat,--for it was
+evident the family lived well, so plump and shining were all the faces,
+so cheery the tempers of the old women and little lads.
+
+There Marco left him, well satisfied that he had done his best for the
+poor boy; and there Tino lived for three months, busy, well fed, and
+contented, till spring sunshine made him long for the sweet air, the
+green fields, and dear faces at Valrose.  Tommaso was lazy but kind, and
+if the day's work was done in time, let Tino out to see Marco's children
+or to run on the beach with little Jacopo and Seppi.  The grandmother
+gave him plenty of rye bread, thin wine, and macaroni fried in oil; old
+Carmelita learned to love him and to lean her gray head on his shoulder
+with joyful waggings of her long ears as he caressed her, and each week
+increased the little hoard in an old shoe hidden behind a beam.
+
+But it was a dull life for a boy who loved music, flowers, light, and
+freedom; and he soon grew tired of seeing only a procession of legs go
+by the low windows level with the street; the creak of the wheel was not
+half so welcome as the brisk rattle of the mill at home, and the fat
+little lads always climbing over him could not be so dear as sister
+Stella and pretty Annina, the wine-maker's daughter, at Valrose. Even
+the kind old woman who often saved an orange for him, and gave him a gay
+red cotton handkerchief on his birthday, was less to his taste than
+Mariuccia, who adored him in spite of her scolding and stern ways.
+
+So he looked about for travellers going to Genoa; and one happy day as
+he returned from church, he saw, sitting under two red umbrellas before
+two easels beside the road, the two elderly ladies of the hotel.  Both
+wore brown hats like mushrooms; both had gray curls bobbing in the wind;
+and both were painting away for dear life, trying to get a good sketch
+of the ruined gateway, where passion-flowers climbed, and roses nodded
+through the bars.
+
+Tino stopped to look, as many another passer-by had done; and glancing
+up to see if he admired their work, the good ladies recognized their
+"Saint John," as they called the pretty boy who had vanished before they
+could finish the pictures they had begun of him.
+
+They were so glad to see him that he opened his heart to them, and found
+to his great joy that in a week they were to drive to Genoa, and would
+gladly take him along if he would sit to them meantime.  Of course he
+agreed, and ran home to tell his master that he must go. Tommaso
+bewailed his loss, but would not keep him; and as Marco's son Beppo was
+willing to take his place till another lad could be found, Tino was free
+to sit in a sheepskin for the Misses Blair as often as they liked.
+
+It was a very happy week; and when the long-desired day came at last,
+Tino was so gay he danced and sang till the dingy cellar seemed to be
+full of birds in high spirits.  Poor Carmelita gratefully ate the
+cabbage he gave her as a farewell offering; the old woman found her box
+full of her favorite snuff; and each small boy grew more shiny than ever
+over a new toy presented by Tino.  Tommaso wept as he held him in his
+fat arms, and gave him a bundle of half-baked macaroni as a reward for
+his faithful service, while Marco and all his family stood at the hotel
+door to see the carriage depart.
+
+"Really quite like a wedding, with all those orange-flowers and roses,"
+said Miss Priscilla, as Teresa and Manuela threw great bunches of
+flowers into their laps, and kissed their hands to the departing
+travellers.
+
+Sitting proudly aloft, Tino waved his old hat to these good friends till
+he could see them no more, then having, with some difficulty, bestowed
+his long bundle from Tommaso, his basket of fish from Marco, his small
+parcel of clothes, and the immense bouquet the children had made for
+him, he gave himself up to the rapture of that lovely April day.
+
+The kind ladies had given him a new suit of clothes like the old ones,
+and paid him well besides; so he felt quite content with the picturesque
+peasant garments he wore, having had enough of fine feathers, and gayly
+jingled the money in his pocket, though it was not the fortune he had
+foolishly hoped to make so easily.  He was a wiser boy than the one who
+went over that road six months before, and decided that even if his
+voice did come back in time, he would be in no hurry to leave home till
+he was sure it was the wisest thing to do. He had some very serious
+thoughts and sensible plans in his young head, and for a time was silent
+and sober.  But soon the delicious air, the lovely scenery, and the many
+questions of the ladies raised his spirits, and he chattered away till
+they stopped for dinner.
+
+All that long bright day they drove along the wonderful road, and as
+night fell, saw Valrose lying green and peaceful in the valley as they
+paused on the hill-top to enjoy its beauty. Then they went slowly down
+to the Falcone, and the moment the luggage was taken in, rooms secured,
+and dinner ordered, Tino, who had been quivering with impatience, said
+eagerly,--
+
+"Dear signoras, now I go to my own people to embrace them; but in the
+morning we come to thank you for your great kindness to me."
+
+Miss Priscilla opened her mouth to send some message; but Tino was off
+like an arrow, and never stopped till he burst into the little kitchen
+where Mariuccia sat shelling dry beans, and Stella was packing
+mandarinas in dainty baskets for market.  Like an affectionate little
+bear did the boy fall upon and embrace the two astonished women; while
+Stella laughed and cried, and Mariuccia called on all the saints to
+behold how tall and fat and beautiful her angel had become, and to thank
+them for restoring him to their arms.  The neighbors rushed in; and till
+late that night there was the sound of many voices in the stone cottage
+under the old fig-tree.
+
+Tino's adventures were listened to with the deepest interest, and a very
+hearty welcome given him.  All were impressed with the splendors he had
+seen, afflicted by his trials, and grateful for his return.  No one
+laughed or reproached, but regarded him as a very remarkable fellow, and
+predicted that whether his voice came back or not, he was born for good
+luck and would prosper.  So at last he got to bed in the old loft, and
+fell asleep with the same friendly moon looking in at him as it did
+before, only now it saw a quiet face, a very happy heart, and a
+contented boy, glad to be safe again under the humble roof that was his
+home.
+
+Early next morning a little procession of three went to the Falcone
+bearing grateful offerings to the dear signoras who sat on the portico
+enjoying the balmy air that blew up from the acres of flowers below.
+First came Tino, bearing a great basket of the delicious little oranges
+which one never tastes in their perfection unless one eats them fresh
+from the tree; then Stella with two pretty boxes of perfume; and
+bringing up the rear, old Mariuccia with a blue jar of her best honey,
+which like all that of Valrose was famous.
+
+The ladies were much delighted with these gifts, and promised to stop
+and see the givers of them on their return from Genoa, if they came that
+way.  Tino took a grateful farewell of the good souls; Stella kissed
+their hands, with her dark eyes full of tender thanks, and Mariuccia
+begged the saints to have them in their special keeping by land and by
+sea, for their kindness to her boy.
+
+An hour later, as the travellers drove down the steep road from the
+village, they were startled by a sudden shower of violets and roses
+which rained upon them from a high bank beside the path.  Looking up,
+they saw Tino and his sister laughing, waving their hands, and tossing
+flowers as they called in their musical language,--
+
+"A rivederla, signoras!  Grazia, grazia!" till the carriage rolled round
+the corner looking as if it were Carnival-time, so full was it of
+fragrant violets and lovely roses.
+
+"Nice creatures! how prettily they do things! I hope we _shall_ see them
+again; and I wonder if the boy will ever be famous.  Such a pity to lose
+that sweet voice of his!" said Miss Maria, the younger of the sisters,
+as they drove along in a nest of sweet and pretty gifts.
+
+"I hope not, for he will be much safer and happier in this charming
+place than wandering about the world and getting into trouble as these
+singers always do.  _I_ hope he will be wise enough to be contented with
+the place in which his lot is cast," answered Miss Priscilla, who knew
+the world and had a good old-fashioned love for home and all it gives
+us.
+
+She was right; Tino _was_ wise, and though his voice did come back in
+time, it was no longer wonderful; and he was contented to live on at
+Valrose, a busy, happy, humble gardener all his life, saying with a
+laugh when asked about his runaway adventures,--
+
+"Ah, I have had enough of music and macaroni; I prefer my flowers and my
+freedom."
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: "Fortunately aunty came down in time to see what was
+going on, and found Lu busily buttoning the waterproof."--PAGE 152.]
+
+
+
+                                  VI.
+
+                         THE LITTLE RED PURSE.
+
+
+Among the presents which Lu found on her tenth birthday was a pretty red
+plush purse with a steel clasp and chain, just like mamma's, only much
+smaller.  In it were ten bright new cents, that being the sum Lu
+received each week to spend as she liked.  She enjoyed all her gifts
+very much; but this one seemed to please her even more than the French
+doll in blue silk, the pearl ring, or "Alice in Wonderland,"--three
+things which she had wanted for a long time.
+
+"It is _so_ cunning, and the snap makes such a loud noise, and the chain
+is so nice on my arm, and the plush so red and soft, I can't help loving
+my dear little purse.  I shall spend all the money for candy, and eat it
+every bit myself, because it is my birthday, and I must celebrate it,"
+said Lu, as she hovered like a bee round a honey-pot about the table
+where the gifts were spread.
+
+Now she was in a great hurry to go out shopping, with the new purse
+proudly carried in her small fat hand.  Aunty was soon ready, and away
+they went across the pleasant Park, where the pretty babies were
+enjoying the last warm days of autumn as they played among the fallen
+leaves.
+
+"You will be ill if you eat ten cents' worth of candy to-day," said
+aunty.
+
+"I 'll sprinkle it along through the day, and eat each kind seppyrut;
+then they won't intersturb me, I am sure," answered Lu, who still used
+funny words, and always got _interrupt_ and _disturb_ rather mixed.
+
+Just then a poor man who had lost his legs came creeping along with a
+tray of little flower-pots to sell.
+
+"Only five cents, miss.  Help an unfortnit man, please, mum."
+
+"Let me buy one for my baby-house.  It would be sweet.  Cora Pinky May
+would love to have that darling little rose in her best parlor," cried
+Lu, thinking of the fine new doll.
+
+Aunty much preferred to help the poor man than to buy candy, so the
+flower-pot was soon bought, though the "red, red rose" was unlike any
+ever seen in a garden.
+
+"Now I 'll have five cents for my treat, and no danger of being ill,"
+said Lu, as they went on again.
+
+But in a few moments a new beggar appeared, and Lu's tender heart would
+not let her pass the old woman without dropping two of her bright cents
+in the tin cup.
+
+"Do come to the candy-place at once, or I never shall get any," begged
+Lu, as the red purse grew lighter and lighter every minute.
+
+Three sticks of candy were all she could buy, but she felt that she
+could celebrate the birthday on that, and was ready to go home and begin
+at once.
+
+As they went on to get some flowers to dress the cake at tea-time, Lu
+suddenly stopped short, lifted both hands, and cried out in a tone of
+despair,--
+
+"My purse! my purse!  I 've lost it.  Oh, I 've lost it!"
+
+"Left it in the store probably.  Come and look for it," said aunty; and
+back they turned, just in time to meet a shabby little girl running
+after them with the precious thing in her hand.
+
+"Ain't this yours?  I thought you dropped it, and would hate to lose
+it," she said, smiling pleasantly.
+
+"Oh, I should.  It's spandy new, and I love it dearly.  I 've got no
+more money to pay you, only this candy; do take a stick," and Lu
+presented the red barley sugar.
+
+The little girl took it gladly, and ran off.
+
+"Well, two sticks will do.  I 'd rather lose every bit of it than my
+darling purse," said Lu, putting it carefully in her pocket.
+
+"I love to give things away and make people happy," began Lu, but
+stopped to watch a dog who came up to her, wagging his tail as if he
+knew what a kind little girl she was, and wanted to be made happy.  She
+put out her hand to pat him, quite forgetting the small parcel in it;
+but the dog snapped it up before she could save it.
+
+"Oh, my last stick!  I did n't mean to give it to him.  You naughty dog,
+drop it this minute!" cried poor Lu.
+
+But the beautiful pink cream candy was forever lost, and the ungrateful
+thief ran off, after a vain attempt to eat the flower-pot also.  It was
+so funny that aunty laughed, and Lu joined her, after shaking her finger
+at the dog, who barked and frisked as if he felt that he had done a
+clever thing.
+
+"Now _I_ am quite satisfied, and you will have a pleasanter birthday for
+having made four people and a dog happy, instead of yourself sick with
+too many goodies.  Charity is a nice sort of sweetie; and I hope you
+will buy that kind with your pocket-money now and then, my dear," said
+aunty, as they walked on again.
+
+"Could I do much with ten cents a week?" asked Lu.
+
+"Yes, indeed; you could buy a little book for lame Sammy, who loves to
+read, or a few flowers for my sick girl at the hospital, or a loaf of
+bread for some hungry person, or milk for a poor baby, or you could save
+up your money till Christmas, and get presents for children who
+otherwise would have none."
+
+"Could I do all those things?  I'd like to get presents best, and I
+will--I will!" cried Lu, charmed with the idea of playing Santa Claus.
+"I did n't think ten cents would be so useful.  How long to Christmas,
+aunty?"
+
+"About ten weeks.  If you save all your pocket-money till then, you will
+have a dollar to spend."
+
+"A truly dollar!  How fine!  But all that time I should n't have any
+candy.  I don't think I could get along without _some_.  Perhaps if I
+was _very_ good some one would give me a bit now and then;" and Lu
+looked up with her most engaging smile and a twinkle in her eye.
+
+"We will see about that.  Perhaps 'some one' will give extra cents for
+work you may do, and leave you to decide which kind of sweeties you
+would buy."
+
+"What can I do to earn money?" asked Lu.
+
+"Well, you can dry and fold the paper every morning for grandpa.  I will
+pay you a cent for that, because nurse is apt to forget it, and he likes
+to have it nicely ready for him after breakfast.  Then you might run up
+and down for mamma, and hem some towels for me, and take care of Jip and
+the parrot.  You will earn a good deal if you do your work regularly and
+well."
+
+"I shall have dreadful trials going by the candy-shops and never buying
+any.  I do long so to go in that I have to look away when you say No.  I
+want to be good and help poor people, but I 'm afraid it will be too
+hard for me," sighed Lu, foreseeing the temptations before her.
+
+"We might begin to-day, and try the new plan for a while.  If it is too
+hard, you can give it up; but I think you will soon like my way best,
+and have the merriest Christmas you ever knew with the money you save."
+
+Lu walked thoughtfully home, and put the empty purse away, resolved to
+see how long she could hold out, and how much she could earn. Mamma
+smiled when she heard the plan, but at once engaged the little girl to
+do errands about the house at a cent a job, privately quite sure that
+her pretty express would soon stop running. Grandpapa was pleased to
+find his paper ready, and nodded and patted Lu's curly head when she
+told him about her Christmas plans.  Mary, the maid, was glad to get rid
+of combing Jip and feeding Polly, and aunty made towel hemming pleasant
+by telling stories as the little needle-woman did two hems a day.
+
+Every cent went into the red purse, which Lu hung on one of the gilt
+pegs of the easel in the parlor, for she thought it very ornamental, and
+hoped contributions might drop in occasionally. None did; but as every
+one paid her in bright cents, there was soon a fine display, and the
+little bag grew heavy with delightful rapidity.
+
+Only once did Lu yield to temptation, and that was when two weeks of
+self-denial made her trials so great that she felt as if she really must
+reward herself, as no one else seemed to remember how much little girls
+loved candy.
+
+One day she looked pale, and did not want any dinner, saying she felt
+sick.  Mamma was away, so aunty put her on the bed and sat by her,
+feeling very anxious, as scarlet-fever was about.  By and by Lu took her
+handkerchief out, and there, sticking to it, was a large brown
+cough-drop.  Lu turned red, and hid her face, saying with a penitent
+sob, "I don't deserve to be cuddled.  I 've been selfish and silly, and
+spent some of my money for candy.  I had a little cold, and I thought
+cough-drops would do me good.  I ate a good many, and they were bitter
+and made me sick, and I 'm glad of it."
+
+Aunty wanted to laugh at the dear little sinner and her funny idea of
+choosing bitter candy as a sort of self-denial; but she comforted her
+kindly, and soon the invalid was skipping about again, declaring that
+she never would do so any more.
+
+Next day something happened which helped her very much, and made it
+easier to like the new kind of sweeties better than the old.  She was in
+the dining-room getting an apple for her lunch, when she saw a little
+girl come to the lower door to ask for cold food.  The cook was busy,
+and sent her away, telling her begging was forbidden.  Lu, peeping out,
+saw the little girl sit down on the steps to eat a cold potato as if she
+was very hungry, and while she ate she was trying to tie on a pair of
+very old boots some one had given her.  It was a rainy day, and she had
+only a shawl over her head; her hands were red with cold; her gown was a
+faded cotton one; and her big basket seemed to have very few scraps in
+it.  So poor, so sad, and tired did she look, that Lu could not bear to
+see it, and she called out in her pitiful child's voice,--
+
+"Come in and get warm, little girl.  Don't mind old Sarah.  I 'll give
+you something to eat, and lend you my rubber boots and waterproof to go
+home in."
+
+The poor child gladly went to sit by the comfortable fire, while Lu with
+hospitable haste got crackers and cheese and cake and apples, and her
+own silver mug of milk, for her guest, forgetting, in her zeal, to ask
+leave.  Fortunately aunty came down for her own lunch in time to see
+what was going on, and found Lu busily buttoning the waterproof, while
+the little girl surveyed her rubber boots and small umbrella with pride.
+
+"I 'm only _lending_ my things, and she will return them to-morrow,
+aunty.  They are too small for me, and the umbrella is broken; and I 'd
+love to _give_ them all to Lucy if I could. _She_ has to go out in the
+rain to get food for her family, like a bird, and I don't."
+
+"Birds don't need waterproofs and umbrellas," began aunty; and both
+children laughed at the idea of sparrows with such things, but looked a
+little anxious till aunty went on to say that Lucy could have these
+comforts, and to fill the basket with something better than cold
+potatoes, while she asked questions and heard the sad little story: how
+father was dead, and the baby sick, so mother could not work, and the
+boys had to pick up chips and cinders to burn, and Lucy begged food to
+eat.  Lu listened with tears in her blue eyes, and a great deal of pity
+as well as admiration for poor little Lucy, who was only nine, yet had
+so many cares and troubles in her life.  While aunty went to get some
+flannel for baby, Lu flew to her red purse and counted out ten cents
+from her store, feeling so rich, so glad to have it instead of an empty
+bonbon box, and a headache after a candy feast.
+
+"Buy some nice fresh milk for little Totty, and tell her I sent it--all
+myself--with my love.  Come again to-morrow, and I will tell mamma all
+about you, and you shall be my poor people, and I 'll help you if I
+can," she said, full of interest and good-will, for the sight of this
+child made her feel what poverty really was, and long to lighten it if
+she could.
+
+Lucy was smiling when she went away, snug and dry in her comfortable
+clothes, with the full basket on her arm; and all that day Lu talked and
+thought about her "own poor people," and what she hoped to do for them.
+Mamma inquired, and finding them worthy of help, let her little girl
+send many comforts to the children, and learn how to be wisely
+charitable.
+
+"I shall give _all_ my money to my 'Lucy children' on Christmas,"
+announced Lu, as that pleasant time drew near.  "I know what they want,
+and though I can't save money enough to give them half the things they
+need, maybe I can help a good deal, and really have a nice bundle to
+s'prise them with."
+
+This idea took possession of little Lu, and she worked like a beaver in
+all sorts of funny ways to fill her purse by Christmas-time.  One thing
+she did which amused her family very much, though they were obliged to
+stop it.  Lu danced very prettily, and often had what she called ballets
+before she went to bed, when she tripped about the parlor like a fairy
+in the gay costumes aunty made for her.  As the purse did not fill as
+fast as she hoped, Lu took it into her head one fine day to go round the
+square where she lived, with her tambourine, and dance as some of the
+girls with the hand-organ men did.  So she dressed herself in her red
+skirt and black velvet jacket, and with a fur cap on her head and a blue
+cloak over her shoulders, slipped out into the quiet square, and going
+to the farther corner, began to dance and beat her tambourine on the
+sidewalk before a house where some little children lived.
+
+As she expected, they soon came running to the window, and were charmed
+to see the pretty dancer whirling to and fro, with her ribbons flying
+and her tambourine bells ringing, till her breath was gone.  Then she
+held up the instrument and nodded smilingly at them; and they threw down
+cents wrapped in paper, thinking her music much better than any the
+organ men made.  Much encouraged, Lu went on from house to house, and
+was doing finely, when one of the ladies who looked out recognized the
+child, and asked her if her mother knew where she was.  Lu had to say
+"No;" and the lady sent a maid to take her home at once.
+
+That spoiled all the fun; and poor Lu did not hear the last of her prank
+for a long time.  But she had made forty-two cents, and felt comforted
+when she added that handsome sum to her store. As if to console her for
+this disappointment, after that day several bright ten-cent pieces got
+into the red purse in a most mysterious manner. Lu asked every one in
+the house, and all declared that they did not do it.  Grandpa could not
+get out of his chair without help, and nurse said she never took the
+purse to him; so of course it could not be he who slipped in those
+welcome bits of silver.  Lu asked him; but he was very deaf that day,
+and did not seem to understand her at all.
+
+"It must be fairies," she said, pondering over the puzzle, as she
+counted her treasure and packed it away, for now the little red purse
+was full.  "Aunty says there are no fairies; but I like to think so.
+Perhaps angels fly around at Christmas-time as they did long ago, and
+love to help poor people, and put those beautiful bright things here to
+show that they are pleased with me."  She liked that fancy, and aunty
+agreed that some good spirit must have done it, and was sure they would
+find out the secret some time.
+
+Lucy came regularly; and Lu always tried to see her, and so learned what
+she and Totty and Joe and Jimmy wanted, but never dreamed of receiving
+Christmas morning.  It did both little girls much good, for poor Lucy
+was comforted by the kindness of these friends, and Lu learned about far
+harder trials than the want of sugarplums.  The day before Christmas she
+went on a grand shopping expedition with aunty, for the purse now held
+three dollars and seven cents. She had spent some of it for trifles for
+her "Lucy children," and had not earned as much as she once hoped,
+various fits of idleness and other more amusing but less profitable work
+having lessened her wages.  But she had enough, thanks to the good
+spirit, to get toys and books and candy for her family, and went
+joyfully away Christmas Eve to carry her little basket of gifts,
+accompanied by aunty with a larger store of comforts for the grateful
+mother.
+
+When they got back, Lu entertained her mother with an account of the
+delight of the children, who never had such a Christmas before.
+
+"They could n't wait till morning, and I could n't either, and we opened
+the bundles right away; and they _screamed_, mamma, and jumped for joy
+and ate everything and hugged me.  And the mother cried, she was so
+pleased; and the boys can go to school all neat now, and so could Lucy,
+only she has to take care of Totty while her mother goes to work.  Oh,
+it was lovely!  I felt just like Santa Claus, only he does n't stay to
+see people enjoy their things, and I did."
+
+Here Lu stopped for breath, and when she got it, had a fine ballet as
+the only way to work off her excitement at the success of her "s'prise."
+It was a trial to go to bed, but she went at last, and dreamed that her
+"Lucy children" all had wings, and were flying round her bed with
+tambourines full of heavenly bonbons, which they showered down upon her;
+while aunty in an immense nightcap stood by clapping her hands and
+saying, "Eat all you like, dear; this sort won't hurt you."
+
+Morning came very soon; and she popped up her head to see a long knobby
+stocking hanging from the mantel-piece.  Out of bed skipped the little
+white figure, and back again, while cries of joy were heard as the
+treasures appeared one by one.  There was a tableful beside the
+stocking, and Lu was so busy looking at them that she was late to
+breakfast.  But aunty waited for her, and they went down together some
+time after the bell rang.
+
+"Let me peep and see if grandpa has found the silk handkerchief and
+spectacle-case I made for him," whispered Lu, as they passed the parlor
+door, which stood half open, leaving a wide crack for the blue eyes to
+spy through.
+
+The old gentleman sat in his easy-chair as usual, waiting while nurse
+got his breakfast; but what was he doing with his long staff?  Lu
+watched eagerly, and to her great surprise saw him lean forward, and
+with the hook at the end take the little red purse off the easel, open
+it, and slip in a small white parcel, then hang it on the gilt peg
+again, put away the cane, and sit rubbing his hands and laughing to
+himself at the success of his little trick, quite sure that this was a
+safe time to play it.  Lu was about to cry out, and rush in, but aunty
+whispered, "Don't spoil his fun yet.  Go and see what is in the purse,
+then thank him in the way he likes best."
+
+So Lu skipped into the parlor, trying to look very innocent, and ran to
+open the dear red purse, as she often did, eager to see if the good
+fairy had added to the charity fund.
+
+"Why, here 's a great gold medal, and some queer, shaky writing on the
+paper.  Please see what it is," said Lu, very loud, hoping grandpa would
+hear her this time, for his face was hidden behind the newspaper he
+pretended to read.
+
+"For Lu's poor's purse, from Santa Claus," read aunty, glad that at last
+the kind old fairy was discovered and ready for his reward.
+
+Lu had never seen a twenty-dollar gold-piece before; but she could not
+stop to find out whether the shining medal was money or a locket, and
+ran to grandpa, crying as she pulled away the paper and threw her arms
+about his neck,--
+
+"I 've found you out, I 've found you out, my dear old Santa Claus!
+Merry Christmas, grandpa, and lots of thanks and kisses!"
+
+It was pretty to see the rosy cheek against the wrinkled one, the golden
+and the silver heads close together, as the old man and the little girl
+kissed and laughed, and both talked at once for a few minutes.
+
+"Tell me all about it, you sly grandpa. What made you think of doing it
+that way, and not let any one know?" cried Lu, as the old gentleman
+stopped to rest after a kindly "cuddle," as Lu called these caresses.
+
+"Well, dear, I liked to see you trying to do good with your little
+pennies, and I wanted to help.  I 'm a feeble old man, tied to my chair
+and of no use now; but I like a bit of fun, and love to feel that it is
+not quite too late to make some one happy."
+
+"Why, grandpa, you do heaps of good, and make many, many people happy,"
+said Lu, with another hug.  "Mamma told me all about the hospital for
+little children you built, and the money you gave to the poor soldiers
+in the war, and ever so many more good things you 've done.  I won't
+have you say you are of no use now.  We want you to love and take care
+of; and we could n't do without you, could we, aunty?"
+
+Aunty sat on the arm of the chair with her arm round the old man's
+shoulder, and her only answer was a kiss.  But it was enough, and
+grandpa went on quite cheerfully, as he held two plump hands in his own,
+and watched the blooming face that looked up at him so eagerly:
+
+"When I was younger, I loved money, and wanted a great deal.  I cared
+for nothing else, and worked hard to get it, and did get it after years
+of worry.  But it cost me my health, and then I saw how foolish I had
+been, for all my money could not buy me any strength or pleasure and
+very little comfort.  I could not take it with me when I died, and did
+not know what to do with it, because there was so much.  So I tried to
+see if giving it away would not amuse me, and make me feel better about
+having wasted my life instead of using it wisely.  The more I gave away
+the better I felt; and now I'm quite jolly, though I'm only a helpless
+old baby just fit to play jokes and love little girls.  You have begun
+early at this pretty game of give-away, my dear, and aunty will see that
+you keep it up; so that when you are old you will have much treasure in
+the other world where the blessings of the poor are more precious than
+gold and silver."
+
+Nobody spoke for a minute as the feeble old voice stopped; and the
+sunshine fell on the white head like a blessing.  Then Lu said very
+soberly, as she turned the great coin in her hand, and saw the letters
+that told its worth,--
+
+"What shall I do with all this money?  I never had so much, and I 'd
+like to spend it in some very good and pleasant way.  Can you think of
+something, aunty, so I can begin at once to be like grandpa?"
+
+"How would you like to pay two dollars a month, so that Totty can go to
+the Sunnyside Nursery, and be taken care of every day while Lucy goes to
+school?  Then she will be safe and happy, and Lucy be learning, as she
+longs to do, and the mother free to work," said aunty, glad to have this
+dear child early learn to help those less blessed than herself.
+
+"Could I?  How splendid it would be to pay for a real live baby all
+myself!  How long would my money do it?" said Lu, charmed with the idea
+of a living dolly to care for.
+
+"All winter, and provide clothes besides. You can make them yourself,
+and go and see Totty, and call her your baby.  This will be a sweet
+charity for you; and to-day is a good day to begin it, for this is the
+birthday of the Divine Child, who was born in a poorer place even than
+Lucy's sister.  In His name pity and help this baby, and be sure He will
+bless you for it."
+
+Lu looked up at the fine picture of the Good Shepherd hanging over the
+sofa with holly-leaves glistening round it, and felt as if she too in
+her humble way was about to take a helpless little lamb in her arms and
+comfort it.  Her childish face was very sweet and sober as she said
+softly,--
+
+"Yes, I will spend my Christmas money so; for, aunty, I do think your
+sort of sweetie is better than mine, and making people happy a much
+wiser way to spend my pennies than in buying the nicest candy in the
+world."
+
+Little Lu remembered that morning long after the dear old grandfather
+was gone, and kept her Christmas promise so well that very soon a larger
+purse was needed for charity money, which she used so wisely and so
+happily.  But all her life in one corner of her desk lay carefully
+folded up, with the bit of paper inside, the little red purse.
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Chapter VI tailpiece]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: "Sophie came and sat beside her while she dried her curly
+hair."  PAGE 178.]
+
+
+
+                                  VII.
+
+                            SOPHIE'S SECRET.
+
+
+,, class:: center medium
+
+    I.
+
+
+A party of young girls, in their gay bathing-dresses, were sitting on
+the beach waiting for the tide to rise a little higher before they
+enjoyed the daily frolic which they called "mermaiding."
+
+"I wish we could have a clam-bake; but we have n't any clams, and don't
+know how to cook them if we had.  It's such a pity all the boys have
+gone off on that stupid fishing excursion," said one girl, in a
+yellow-and-black striped suit which made her look like a wasp.
+
+"What is a clam-bake?  I do not know that kind of f�te," asked a pretty
+brown-eyed girl, with an accent that betrayed the foreigner.
+
+The girls laughed at such sad ignorance, and Sophie colored, wishing she
+had not spoken.
+
+"Poor thing! she has never tasted a clam. What _should_ we do if we went
+to Switzerland?" said the wasp, who loved to tease.
+
+"We should give you the best we had, and not laugh at your ignorance, if
+you did not know all our dishes.  In _my_ country, we have politeness,
+though not the clam-bake," answered Sophie, with a flash of the brown
+eyes which warned naughty Di to desist.
+
+"We might row to the light-house, and have a picnic supper.  Our mammas
+will let us do that alone," suggested Dora from the roof of the
+bath-house, where she perched like a flamingo.
+
+"That's a good idea," cried Fanny, a slender brown girl who sat dabbling
+her feet in the water, with her hair streaming in the wind. "Sophie
+should see that, and get some of the shells she likes so much."
+
+"You are kind to think of me.  I shall be glad to have a necklace of the
+pretty things, as a souvenir of this so charming place and my good
+friend," answered Sophie, with a grateful look at Fanny, whose many
+attentions had won the stranger's heart.
+
+"Those boys have n't left us a single boat, so we must dive off the
+rocks, and that is n't half so nice," said Di, to change the subject,
+being ashamed of her rudeness.
+
+"A boat is just coming round the Point; perhaps we can hire that, and
+have some fun," cried Dora, from her perch.  "There is only a girl in
+it; I 'll hail her when she is near enough."
+
+Sophie looked about her to see where the _hail_ was coming from; but the
+sky was clear, and she waited to see what new meaning this word might
+have, not daring to ask for fear of another laugh.
+
+While the girls watched the boat float around the farther horn of the
+crescent-shaped beach, we shall have time to say a few words about our
+little heroine.
+
+She was a sixteen-year-old Swiss girl, on a visit to some American
+friends, and had come to the seaside for a month with one of them who
+was an invalid.  This left Sophie to the tender mercies of the young
+people; and they gladly welcomed the pretty creature, with her fine
+manners, foreign ways, and many accomplishments.  But she had a quick
+temper, a funny little accent, and dressed so very plainly that the
+girls could not resist criticising and teasing her in a way that seemed
+very ill-bred and unkind to the new-comer.
+
+Their free and easy ways astonished her, their curious language
+bewildered her; and their ignorance of many things she had been taught
+made her wonder at the American education she had heard so much praised.
+All had studied French and German; yet few read or spoke either tongue
+correctly, or understood her easily when she tried to talk to them.
+Their music did not amount to much, and in the games they played, their
+want of useful information amazed Sophie.  One did not know the signs of
+the zodiac; another could only say of cotton that "it was stuff that
+grew down South;" and a third was not sure whether a frog was an animal
+or a reptile, while the handwriting and spelling displayed on these
+occasions left much to be desired.  Yet all were fifteen or sixteen, and
+would soon leave school "finished," as they expressed it, but not
+_furnished_, as they should have been, with a solid, sensible education.
+Dress was an all-absorbing topic, sweetmeats their delight; and in
+confidential moments sweethearts were discussed with great freedom.
+Fathers were conveniences, mothers comforters, brothers plagues, and
+sisters ornaments or playthings according to their ages.  They were not
+hard-hearted girls, only frivolous, idle, and fond of fun; and poor
+little Sophie amused them immensely till they learned to admire, love,
+and respect her.
+
+Coming straight from Paris, they expected to find that her trunks
+contained the latest fashions for demoiselles, and begged to see her
+dresses with girlish interest.  But when Sophie obligingly showed a few
+simple, but pretty and appropriate gowns and hats, they exclaimed with
+one voice,--
+
+"Why, you dress like a little girl!  Don't you have ruffles and lace on
+your dresses; and silks and high-heeled boots and long gloves and
+bustles and corsets, and things like ours?"
+
+"I _am_ a little girl," laughed Sophie, hardly understanding their
+dismay.  "What should I do with fine toilets at school?  My sisters go
+to balls in silk and lace; but I--not yet."
+
+"How queer!  Is your father poor?" asked Di, with Yankee bluntness.
+
+"We have enough," answered Sophie, slightly knitting her dark brows.
+
+"How many servants do you keep?"
+
+"But five, now that the little ones are grown up."
+
+"Have you a piano?" continued undaunted Di, while the others affected to
+be looking at the books and pictures strewn about by the hasty
+unpacking.
+
+"We have two pianos, four violins, three flutes, and an organ.  We love
+music, and all play, from papa to little Franz."
+
+"My gracious, how swell!  You must live in a big house to hold all that
+and eight brothers and sisters."
+
+"We are not peasants; we do not live in a hut.  _Voil�_, this is my
+home."  And Sophie laid before them a fine photograph of a large and
+elegant house on lovely Lake Geneva.
+
+It was droll to see the change in the faces of the girls as they looked,
+admired, and slyly nudged one another, enjoying saucy Di's astonishment,
+for she had stoutly insisted that the Swiss girl was a poor relation.
+
+Sophie meanwhile was folding up her plain piqu� and muslin frocks, with
+a glimmer of mirthful satisfaction in her eyes, and a tender pride in
+the work of loving hands now far away.
+
+Kind Fanny saw a little quiver of the lips as she smoothed the blue
+corn-flowers in the best hat, and put her arm around Sophie,
+whispering,--
+
+"Never mind, dear, they don't mean to be rude; it's only our Yankee way
+of asking questions.  I like _all_ your things, and that hat is
+perfectly lovely."
+
+"Indeed, yes!  Dear mamma arranged it for me.  I was thinking of her and
+longing for my morning kiss."
+
+"Do you do that every day?" asked Fanny, forgetting herself in her
+sympathetic interest.
+
+"Surely, yes.  Papa and mamma sit always on the sofa, and we all have
+the hand-shake and the embrace each day before our morning coffee.  I do
+not see that here," answered Sophie, who sorely missed the affectionate
+respect foreign children give their parents.
+
+"Have n't time," said Fanny, smiling too, at the idea of American
+parents sitting still for five minutes in the busiest part of the busy
+day to kiss their sons and daughters.
+
+"It is what you call old-fashioned, but a sweet fashion to me; and since
+I have not the dear warm cheeks to kiss, I embrace my pictures often.
+See, I have them all."  And Sophie unfolded a Russia-leather case,
+displaying with pride a long row of handsome brothers and sisters with
+the parents in the midst.
+
+More exclamations from the girls, and increased interest in "Wilhelmina
+Tell," as they christened the loyal Swiss maiden, who was now accepted
+as a companion, and soon became a favorite with old and young.
+
+They could not resist teasing her, however,--her mistakes were so
+amusing, her little flashes of temper so dramatic, and her tongue so
+quick to give a sharp or witty answer when the new language did not
+perplex her.  But Fanny always took her part, and helped her in many
+ways.  Now they sat together on the rock, a pretty pair of mermaids with
+wind-tossed hair, wave-washed feet, and eyes fixed on the approaching
+boat.
+
+The girl who sat in it was a great contrast to the gay creatures grouped
+so picturesquely on the shore, for the old straw hat shaded a very
+anxious face, the brown calico gown covered a heart full of hopes and
+fears, and the boat that drifted so slowly with the incoming tide
+carried Tilly Reed like a young Columbus toward the new world she longed
+for, believed in, and was resolved to discover.
+
+It was a weather-beaten little boat, yet very pretty; for a pile of nets
+lay at one end, a creel of red lobsters at the other, and all between
+stood baskets of berries and water-lilies, purple marsh rosemary and
+orange butterfly-weed, shells and great smooth stones such as artists
+like to paint little sea-views on.  A tame gull perched on the prow; and
+the morning sunshine glittered from the blue water to the bluer sky.
+
+"Oh, how pretty!  Come on, please, and sell us some lilies," cried Dora,
+and roused Tilly from her waking dream.
+
+Pushing back her hat, she saw the girls beckoning, felt that the
+critical moment had come, and catching up her oars, rowed bravely on,
+though her cheeks reddened and her heart beat, for this venture was her
+last hope, and on its success depended the desire of her life.  As the
+boat approached, the watchers forgot its cargo to look with surprise and
+pleasure at its rower, for she was not the rough country lass they
+expected to see, but a really splendid girl of fifteen, tall,
+broad-shouldered, bright-eyed, and blooming, with a certain shy dignity
+of her own and a very sweet smile, as she nodded and pulled in with
+strong, steady strokes.  Before they could offer help, she had risen,
+planted an oar in the water, and leaping to the shore, pulled her boat
+high up on the beach, offering her wares with wistful eyes and a very
+expressive wave of both brown hands.
+
+"Everything is for sale, if you 'll buy," said she.
+
+Charmed with the novelty of this little adventure, the girls, after
+scampering to the bathing-houses for purses and portemonnaies, crowded
+around the boat like butterflies about a thistle, all eager to buy, and
+to discover who this bonny fisher-maiden might be.
+
+"Oh, see these beauties!"  "A dozen lilies for me!"  "All the yellow
+flowers for me, they'll be so becoming at the dance to-night!" "Ow! that
+lob bites awfully!"  "Where do you come from?"  "Why have we never seen
+you before?"
+
+These were some of the exclamations and questions showered upon Tilly,
+as she filled little birch-bark panniers with berries, dealt out
+flowers, or dispensed handfuls of shells.  Her eyes shone, her cheeks
+glowed, and her heart danced in her bosom; for this was a better
+beginning than she had dared to hope for, and as the dimes tinkled into
+the tin pail she used for her till, it was the sweetest music she had
+ever heard.  This hearty welcome banished her shyness; and in these
+eager, girlish customers she found it easy to confide.
+
+"I 'm from the light-house.  You have never seen me because I never came
+before, except with fish for the hotel.  But I mean to come every day,
+if folks will buy my things, for I want to make some money, and this is
+the only way in which I can do it."
+
+Sophie glanced at the old hat and worn shoes of the speaker, and
+dropping a bright half-dollar into the pail, said in her pretty way:
+
+"For me all these lovely shells.  I will make necklaces of them for my
+people at home as souvenirs of this charming place.  If you will bring
+me more, I shall be much grateful to you."
+
+"Oh, thank you!  I 'll bring heaps; I know where to find beauties in
+places where other folks can't go.  Please take these; you paid too much
+for the shells;" and quick to feel the kindness of the stranger, Tilly
+put into her hands a little bark canoe heaped with red raspberries.
+
+Not to be outdone by the foreigner, the other girls emptied their purses
+and Tilly's boat also of all but the lobsters, which were ordered for
+the hotel.
+
+"Is that jolly bird for sale?" asked Di, as the last berry vanished,
+pointing to the gull who was swimming near them while the chatter went
+on.
+
+"If you can catch him," laughed Tilly, whose spirits were now the gayest
+of the party.
+
+The girls dashed into the water, and with shrieks of merriment swam away
+to capture the gull, who paddled off as if he enjoyed the fun as much as
+they.
+
+Leaving them to splash vainly to and fro, Tilly swung the creel to her
+shoulder and went off to leave her lobsters, longing to dance and sing
+to the music of the silver clinking in her pocket.
+
+When she came back, the bird was far out of reach and the girls diving
+from her boat, which they had launched without leave.  Too happy to care
+what happened now, Tilly threw herself down on the warm sand to plan a
+new and still finer cargo for next day.
+
+Sophie came and sat beside her while she dried her curly hair, and in
+five minutes her sympathetic face and sweet ways had won Tilly to tell
+all her hopes and cares and dreams.
+
+"I want schooling, and I mean to have it. I 've got no folks of my own;
+and uncle has married again, so he does n't need me now. If I only had a
+little money, I could go to school somewhere, and take care of myself.
+Last summer I worked at the hotel, but I did n't make much, and had to
+have good clothes, and that took my wages pretty much.  Sewing is slow
+work, and baby-tending leaves me no time to study; so I 've kept on at
+home picking berries and doing what I could to pick up enough to buy
+books.  Aunt thinks I 'm a fool; but uncle, he says, 'Go ahead, girl,
+and see what you can do.'  And I mean to show him!"
+
+Tilly's brown hand came down on the sand with a resolute thump; and her
+clear young eyes looked bravely out across the wide sea, as if far away
+in the blue distance she saw her hope happily fulfilled.
+
+Sophie's eyes shone approval, for she understood this love of
+independence, and had come to America because she longed for new scenes
+and greater freedom than her native land could give her.  Education is a
+large word, and both girls felt that desire for self-improvement that
+comes to all energetic natures.  Sophie had laid a good foundation, but
+still desired more; while Tilly was just climbing up the first steep
+slope which rises to the heights few attain, yet all may strive for.
+
+"That is beautiful!  You will do it!  I am glad to help you if I may.
+See, I have many books; will you take some of them?  Come to my room
+to-morrow and take what will best please you.  We will say nothing of
+it, and it will make me a truly great pleasure."
+
+As Sophie spoke, her little white hand touched the strong, sunburned one
+that turned to meet and grasp hers with grateful warmth, while Tilly's
+face betrayed the hunger that possessed her, for it looked as a starving
+girl's would look when offered a generous meal.
+
+"I _will_ come.  Thank you so much!  I don't know anything, but just
+blunder along and do the best I can.  I got so discouraged I was real
+desperate, and thought I 'd have one try, and see if I could n't earn
+enough to get books to study this winter.  Folks buy berries at the
+cottages; so I just added flowers and shells, and I 'm going to bring my
+boxes of butterflies, birds' eggs, and seaweeds.  I 've got lots of such
+things; and people seem to like spending money down here.  I often wish
+I had a little of what they throw away."
+
+Tilly paused with a sigh, then laughed as an impatient movement caused a
+silver clink; and slapping her pocket, she added gayly,--
+
+"I won't blame 'em if they 'll only throw their money in here."
+
+Sophie's hand went involuntarily toward her own pocket, where lay a
+plump purse, for papa was generous, and simple Sophie had few wants. But
+something in the intelligent face opposite made her hesitate to offer as
+a gift what she felt sure Tilly would refuse, preferring to earn her
+education if she could.
+
+"Come often, then, and let me exchange these stupid bills for the lovely
+things you bring.  We will come this afternoon to see you if we may, and
+I shall like the butterflies.  I try to catch them; but people tell me I
+am too old to run, so I have not many."
+
+Proposed in this way, Tilly fell into the little trap, and presently
+rowed away with all her might to set her possessions in order, and put
+her precious earnings in a safe place.  The mermaids clung about the
+boat as long as they dared, making a pretty tableau for the artists on
+the rocks, then swam to shore, more than ever eager for the picnic on
+Light-house Island.
+
+They went, and had a merry time; while Tilly did the honors and showed
+them a room full of treasures gathered from earth, air, and water, for
+she led a lonely life, and found friends among the fishes, made
+playmates of the birds, and studied rocks and flowers, clouds and waves,
+when books were wanting.
+
+The girls bought gulls' wings for their hats, queer and lovely shells,
+eggs and insects, seaweeds and carved wood, and for their small
+brothers, birch baskets and toy ships, made by Uncle Hiram, who had been
+a sailor.
+
+When Tilly had sold nearly everything she possessed (for Fanny and
+Sophie bought whatever the others declined), she made a fire of
+drift-wood on the rocks, cooked fish for supper, and kept them till
+moonrise, telling sea stories or singing old songs, as if she could not
+do enough for these good fairies who had come to her when life looked
+hardest and the future very dark.  Then she rowed them home, and
+promising to bring loads of fruit and flowers every day, went back along
+a shining road, to find a great bundle of books in her dismantled room,
+and to fall asleep with wet eyelashes and a happy heart.
+
+
+
+,, class:: center medium
+
+    II.
+
+
+For a month Tilly went daily to the Point with a cargo of pretty
+merchandise, for her patrons increased; and soon the ladies engaged her
+berries, the boys ordered boats enough to supply a navy, the children
+clamored for shells, and the girls depended on her for bouquets and
+garlands for the dances that ended every summer day.  Uncle Hiram's fish
+was in demand when such a comely saleswoman offered it; so he let Tilly
+have her way, glad to see the old tobacco-pouch in which she kept her
+cash fill fast with well-earned money.
+
+She really began to feel that her dream was coming true, and she would
+be able to go to the town and study in some great school, eking out her
+little fund with light work.  The other girls soon lost their interest
+in her, but Sophie never did; and many a book went to the island in the
+empty baskets, many a helpful word was said over the lilies or wild
+honeysuckle Sophie loved to wear, and many a lesson was given in the
+bare room in the light-house tower which no one knew about but the gulls
+and the sea-winds sweeping by the little window where the two heads
+leaned together over one page.
+
+"You will do it, Tilly, I am very sure.  Such a will and such a memory
+will make a way for you; and one day I shall see you teaching as you
+wish.  Keep the brave heart, and all will be well with you," said
+Sophie, when the grand breaking-up came in September, and the girls were
+parting down behind the deserted bathhouses.
+
+"Oh, Miss Sophie, what should I have done without you?  Don't think I
+have n't seen and known all the kind things you have said and done for
+me.  I 'll never forget 'em; and I do hope I 'll be able to thank you
+some day," cried grateful Tilly, with tears in her clear eyes that
+seldom wept over her own troubles.
+
+"I am thanked if you do well.  Adieu; write to me, and remember always
+that I am your friend."
+
+Then they kissed with girlish warmth, and Tilly rowed away to the lonely
+island; while Sophie lingered on the shore, her handkerchief fluttering
+in the wind, till the boat vanished and the waves had washed away their
+footprints on the sand.
+
+
+
+,, class:: center medium
+
+    III.
+
+
+December snow was falling fast, and the wintry wind whistled through the
+streets; but it was warm and cosey in the luxurious parlor where Di and
+Do were sitting making Christmas presents, and planning what they would
+wear at the party Fanny was to give on Christmas Eve.
+
+"If I can get mamma to buy me a new dress, I shall have something
+yellow.  It is always becoming to brunettes, and I 'm so tired of red,"
+said Di, giving a last touch to the lace that trimmed a blue satin
+_sachet_ for Fanny.
+
+"That will be lovely.  I shall have pink, with roses of the same color.
+Under muslin it is perfectly sweet."  And Dora eyed the sunflower she
+was embroidering as if she already saw the new toilet before her.
+
+"Fan always wears blue, so we shall make a nice contrast.  She is coming
+over to show me about finishing off my banner-screen; and I asked Sophie
+to come with her.  I want to know what _she_ is going to wear," said Di,
+taking a little sniff at the violet-scented bag.
+
+"That old white cashmere.  Just think!  I asked her why she did n't get
+a new one, and she laughed and said she could n't afford it. Fan told me
+Sophie's father sent her a hundred dollars not long ago, yet she has n't
+got a thing that we know of.  I do think she 's mean."
+
+"She bought a great bundle of books.  I was there when the parcel came,
+and I peeped while she was out of the room, because she put it away in a
+great hurry.  I 'm afraid she _is_ mean, for she never buys a bit of
+candy, and she wears shabby boots and gloves, and she has made over her
+old hat instead of having that lovely one with the pheasant's breast in
+it."
+
+"She's very queer; but I can't help liking her, she's so pretty and
+bright and obliging. I 'd give anything if I could speak three languages
+and play as she does."
+
+"So would I.  It seems so elegant to be able to talk to foreigners.
+Papa had some Frenchmen to dinner the other day, and they were so
+pleased to find they need n't speak English to Sophie.  I could n't get
+on at all; and I was so mortified when papa said all the money he had
+spent on my languages was thrown away."
+
+"I would n't mind.  It's so much easier to learn those things abroad,
+she would be a goose if she did n't speak French better than we do.
+There's Fan! she looks as if something had happened.  I hope no one is
+ill and the party spoiled."
+
+As Dora spoke, both girls looked out to see Fanny shaking the snow from
+her seal-skin sack on the doorstep; then Do hastened to meet her, while
+Di hid the _sachet_, and was hard at work on an old-gold sofa cushion
+when the new-comer entered.
+
+"What's the matter?  Where's Sophie?" exclaimed the girls together, as
+Fan threw off her wraps and sat down with a tragic sigh.
+
+"She will be along in a few minutes.  I 'm disappointed in her!  I would
+n't have believed it if I had n't seen them.  Promise not to breathe a
+word to a living soul, and I 'll tell you something dreadful," began
+Fanny, in a tone that caused her friends to drop their work and draw
+their chairs nearer, as they solemnly vowed eternal silence.
+
+"I 've seen Sophie's Christmas presents,--all but mine; and they are
+just nothing at all!  She has n't bought a thing, not even ribbons,
+lace, or silk, to make up prettily as we do.  Only a painted shell for
+one, an acorn emery for another, her ivory fan with a new tassel for a
+third, and I suspect one of those nice handkerchiefs embroidered by the
+nuns for me, or her silver filigree necklace.  I saw the box in the
+drawer with the other things.  She's knit woollen cuffs and tippets for
+the children, and got some eight-cent calico gowns for the servants.  I
+don't know how people do things in Switzerland, but I do know that if
+_I_ had a hundred dollars in my pocket, I would be more generous than
+that!"
+
+As Fanny paused, out of breath, Di and Do groaned in sympathy, for this
+was indeed a sad state of things; because the girls had a code that
+Christmas being the season for gifts, extravagance would be forgiven
+then as at no other time.
+
+"I have a lovely smelling-bottle for her; but I 've a great mind not to
+give it now," cried Di, feeling defrauded of the bracelet she had
+plainly hinted she would like.
+
+"I shall heap coals of fire on her head by giving her _that_;" and Dora
+displayed a very useless but very pretty apron of muslin, lace, and
+carnation ribbon.
+
+"It is n't the worth of the things.  I don't care for that so much as I
+do for being disappointed in her; and I have been lately in more ways
+than one," said Fanny, listlessly taking up the screen she was to
+finish.  "She used to tell me everything, and now she does n't.  I 'm
+sure she has some sort of a secret; and I do think _I_ ought to know it.
+I found her smiling over a letter one day; and she whisked it into her
+pocket and never said a word about it.  I always stood by her, and I do
+feel hurt."
+
+"I should think you might!  It's real naughty of her, and I shall tell
+her so!  Perhaps she 'll confide in you then, and you can just give _me_
+a hint; I always liked Sophie, and never thought of not giving _my_
+present," said Dora, persuasively, for both girls were now dying with
+curiosity to know the secret.
+
+"I 'll have it out of her, without any dodging or bribing.  I 'm not
+afraid of any one, and I shall ask her straight out, no matter how much
+she scowls at me," said dauntless Di, with a threatening nod.
+
+"There she is!  Let us see you do it now!" cried Fanny, as the bell
+rang, and a clear voice was heard a moment later asking if Mademoiselle
+was in.
+
+"You shall!" and Di looked ready for any audacity.
+
+"I 'll wager a box of candy that you don't find out a thing," whispered
+Do.
+
+"Done!" answered Di, and then turned to meet Sophie, who came in looking
+as fresh as an Alpine rose with the wintry wind.
+
+"You dear thing! we were just talking of you. Sit here and get warm, and
+let us show you our gifts.  We are almost done, but it seems as if it
+got to be a harder job each Christmas.  Don't you find it so?"
+
+"But no; I think it the most charming work of all the year," answered
+Sophie, greeting her friend, and putting her well-worn boots toward the
+fire to dry.
+
+"Perhaps you don't make as much of Christmas as we do, or give such
+expensive presents. That would make a great difference, you know," said
+Di, as she lifted a cloth from the table where her own generous store of
+gifts was set forth.
+
+"I had a piano last year, a set of jewels, and many pretty trifles from
+all at home.  Here is one;" and pulling the fine gold chain hidden under
+her frills, Sophie showed a locket set thick with pearls, containing a
+picture of her mother.
+
+"It must be so nice to be rich, and able to make such fine presents.  I
+'ve got something for you; but I shall be ashamed of it after I see your
+gift to me, I 'm afraid."
+
+Fan and Dora were working as if their bread depended on it, while Di,
+with a naughty twinkle in her eye, affected to be rearranging her pretty
+table as she talked.
+
+"Do not fear that; my gifts this year are very simple ones.  I did not
+know your custom, and now it is too late.  My comfort is that you need
+nothing, and having so much, you will not care for my--what you
+call--coming short."
+
+Was it the fire that made Sophie's face look so hot, and a cold that
+gave a husky sort of tone to her usually clear voice?  A curious
+expression came into her face as her eyes roved from the table to the
+gay trifles in her friend's hands; and she opened her lips as if to add
+something impulsively.  But nothing came, and for a moment she looked
+straight out at the storm as if she had forgotten where she was.
+
+"'Shortcoming' is the proper way to speak it But never mind that, and
+tell me why you say 'too late'?" asked Di, bent on winning her wager.
+
+"Christmas comes in three days, and I have no time," began Sophie.
+
+"But with money one can buy plenty of lovely things in one day," said
+Di.
+
+"No, it is better to put a little love and hard work into what we give
+to friends, I have done that with my trifles, and another year I shall
+be more ready."
+
+There was an uncomfortable pause, for Sophie did not speak with her
+usual frankness, but looked both proud and ashamed, and seemed anxious
+to change the subject, as she began to admire Dora's work, which had
+made very little progress during the last fifteen minutes.
+
+Fanny glanced at Di with a smile that made the other toss her head and
+return to the charge with renewed vigor.
+
+"Sophie, will you do me a favor?"
+
+"With much pleasure."
+
+"Do has promised me a whole box of French bonbons, and if you will
+answer three questions, you shall have it."
+
+"_Allons_," said Sophie, smiling.
+
+"Haven't you a secret?" asked Di, gravely.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Will you tell us?"
+
+"No."
+
+Di paused before she asked her last question, and Fan and Dora waited
+breathlessly, while Sophie knit her brows and looked uneasy.
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"Because I do not wish to tell it."
+
+"Will you tell if we guess?"
+
+"Try."
+
+"You are engaged."
+
+At this absurd suggestion Sophie laughed gayly, and shook her curly
+head.
+
+"Do you think we are betrothed at sixteen in my country?"
+
+"I _know_ that is an engagement ring,--you made such a time about it
+when you lost it in the water, and cried for joy when Tilly dived and
+found it."
+
+"Ah, yes, I was truly glad.  Dear Tilly, never do I forget that
+kindness!" and Sophie kissed the little pearl ring in her impulsive way,
+while her eyes sparkled and the frown vanished.
+
+"I _know_ a sweetheart gave it," insisted Di, sure now she had found a
+clew to the secret.
+
+"He did," and Sophie hung her head in a sentimental way that made the
+three girls crowd nearer with faces full of interest.
+
+"Do tell us all about it, dear.  It's so interesting to hear
+love-stories.  What is his name?" cried Dora.
+
+"Hermann," simpered Sophie, drooping still more, while her lips trembled
+with suppressed emotion of some sort.
+
+"How lovely!" sighed Fanny, who was very romantic.
+
+"Tell on, do!  Is he handsome?"
+
+"To me the finest man in all the world," confessed Sophie, as she hid
+her face.
+
+"And you love him?"
+
+"I adore him!" and Sophie clasped her hands so dramatically that the
+girls were a little startled, yet charmed at this discovery.
+
+"Have you his picture?" asked Di, feeling that she had won her wager
+now.
+
+"Yes," and pulling out the locket again, Sophie showed in the other side
+the face of a fine old gentleman who looked very like herself.
+
+"It's your father!" exclaimed Fanny, rolling her blue eyes excitedly.
+"You are a humbug!" cried Dora.  "Then you fibbed about the ring," said
+Di, crossly.
+
+"Never!  It is mamma's betrothal ring; but her finger grew too plump,
+and when I left home she gave the ring to me as a charm to keep me safe.
+Ah, ha!  I have my little joke as well as you, and the laugh is for me
+this time."  And falling back among the sofa cushions, Sophie enjoyed it
+as only a gay girl could.  Do and Fanny joined her; but Di was much
+disgusted, and vowed she _would_ discover the secret and keep all the
+bonbons to herself.
+
+"You are most welcome; but I will not tell until I like, and then to
+Fanny first.  She will not have ridicule for what I do, but say it is
+well, and be glad with me.  Come now and work.  I will plait these
+ribbons, or paint a wild rose on this pretty fan.  It is too plain now.
+Will you that I do it, dear Di?"
+
+The kind tone and the prospect of such an ornament to her gift appeased
+Di somewhat; but the mirthful malice in Sophie's eyes made the other
+more than ever determined to be even with her by and by.
+
+Christmas Eve came, and found Di still in the dark, which fact nettled
+her sadly, for Sophie tormented her and amused the other girls by
+pretended confidences and dark hints at the mystery which might never,
+never be disclosed.
+
+Fan had determined to have an unusually jolly party; so she invited only
+her chosen friends, and opened the festivities with a Christmas tree, as
+the prettiest way of exchanging gifts and providing jokes for the
+evening in the shape of delusive bottles, animals full of candy, and
+every sort of musical instrument to be used in an impromptu concert
+afterward.  The presents to one another were done up in secure parcels,
+so that they might burst upon the public eye in all their freshness.  Di
+was very curious to know what Fan was going to give her,--for Fanny was
+a generous creature and loved to give.  Di was a little jealous of her
+love for Sophie, and could n't rest till she discovered which was to get
+the finer gift.
+
+So she went early and slipped into the room where the tree stood, to
+peep and pick a bit, as well as to hang up a few trifles of her own.
+She guessed several things by feeling the parcels; but one excited her
+curiosity intensely, and she could not resist turning it about and
+pulling up one corner of the lid.  It was a flat box, prettily
+ornamented with sea-weeds like red lace, and tied with scarlet ribbons.
+A tantalizing glimpse of jeweller's cotton, gold clasps, and something
+rose-colored conquered Di's last scruples; and she was just about to
+untie the ribbons when she heard Fanny's voice, and had only time to
+replace the box, pick up a paper that had fallen out of it, and fly up
+the back stairs to the dressing-room, where she found Sophie and Dora
+surveying each other as girls always do before they go down.
+
+"You look like a daisy," cried Di, admiring Dora with great interest,
+because she felt ashamed of her prying, and the stolen note in her
+pocket.
+
+"And you like a dandelion," returned Do, falling back a step to get a
+good view of Di's gold-colored dress and black velvet bows.
+
+"Sophie is a lily of the valley, all in green and white," added Fanny,
+coming in with her own blue skirts waving in the breeze.
+
+"It does me very well.  Little girls do not need grand toilets, and I am
+fine enough for a 'peasant,'" laughed Sophie, as she settled the fresh
+ribbons on her simple white cashmere and the holly wreath in her brown
+hair, but secretly longing for the fine dress she might have had.
+
+"Why didn't you wear your silver necklace? It would be lovely on your
+pretty neck," said Di, longing to know if she had given the trinket
+away.
+
+But Sophie was not to be caught, and said with a contented smile, "I do
+not care for ornaments unless some one I love gives me them. I had red
+roses for my _bouquet de corsage_; but the poor Madame Page was so
+_triste_, I left them on her table to remember her of me.  It seemed so
+heartless to go and dance while she had only pain; but she wished it."
+
+"Dear little Sophie, how good you are!" and warm-hearted Fan kissed the
+blooming face that needed no roses to make it sweet and gay.
+
+Half an hour later, twenty girls and boys were dancing round the
+brilliant tree.  Then its boughs were stripped.  Every one seemed
+contented; even Sophie's little gifts gave pleasure, because with each
+went a merry or affectionate verse, which made great fun on being read
+aloud.  She was quite loaded with pretty things, and had no words to
+express her gratitude and pleasure.
+
+"Ah, you are all so good to me! and I have nothing beautiful for you.  I
+receive much and give little, but I cannot help it!  Wait a little and I
+will redeem myself," she said to Fanny, with eyes full of tears, and a
+lap heaped with gay and useful things.
+
+"Never mind that now; but look at this, for here's still another
+offering of friendship, and a very charming one, to judge by the
+outside," answered Fan, bringing the white box with the sea-weed
+ornaments.
+
+Sophie opened it, and cries of admiration followed, for lying on the
+soft cotton was a lovely set of coral.  Rosy pink branches, highly
+polished and fastened with gold clasps, formed necklace, bracelets, and
+a spray for the bosom. No note or card appeared, and the girls crowded
+round to admire and wonder who could have sent so valuable a gift.
+
+"Can't you guess, Sophie?" cried Dora, longing to own the pretty things.
+
+"I should believe I knew, but it is too costly. How came the parcel,
+Fan?  I think you must know all," and Sophie turned the box about,
+searching vainly for a name.
+
+"An expressman left it, and Jane took off the wet paper and put it on my
+table with the other things.  Here's the wrapper; do you know that
+writing?" and Fan offered the brown paper which she had kept.
+
+"No; and the label is all mud, so I cannot see the place.  Ah, well, I
+shall discover some day, but I should like to thank this generous friend
+at once.  See now, how fine I am!  I do myself the honor to wear them at
+once."
+
+Smiling with girlish delight at her pretty ornaments, Sophie clasped the
+bracelets on her round arms, the necklace about her white throat, and
+set the rosy spray in the lace on her bosom. Then she took a little
+dance down the room and found herself before Di, who was looking at her
+with an expression of naughty satisfaction on her face.
+
+"Don't you wish you knew who sent them?"
+
+"Indeed, yes;" and Sophie paused abruptly.
+
+"Well, _I_ know, and _I_ won't tell till I like. It's my turn to have a
+secret; and I mean to keep it."
+
+"But it is not right," began Sophie, with indignation.
+
+"Tell me yours, and I 'll tell mine," said Di, teasingly.
+
+"I will not!  You have no right to touch my gifts, and I am sure you
+have done it, else how know you who sends this fine _cadeau_?" cried
+Sophie, with the flash Di liked to see.
+
+Here Fanny interposed, "If you have any note or card belonging to
+Sophie, give it up at once.  She shall not be tormented.  Out with it,
+Di.  I see your hand in your pocket, and I 'm sure you have been in
+mischief."
+
+"Take your old letter, then.  I know what's in it; and if I can't keep
+my secret for fun, Sophie shall not have hers.  That Tilly sent the
+coral, and Sophie spent her hundred dollars in books and clothes for
+that queer girl, who'd better stay among her lobsters than try to be a
+lady," cried Di, bent on telling all she knew, while Sophie was reading
+her letter eagerly.
+
+"Is it true?" asked Dora, for the four girls were in a corner together,
+and the rest of the company busy pulling crackers.
+
+"Just like her!  I thought it was that; but she would n't tell.  Tell us
+now, Sophie, for _I_ think it was truly sweet and beautiful to help that
+poor girl, and let us say hard things of you," cried Fanny, as her
+friend looked up with a face and a heart too full of happiness to help
+overflowing into words.
+
+"Yes; I will tell you now.  It was foolish, perhaps; but I did not want
+to be praised, and I loved to help that good Tilly.  You know she worked
+all summer and made a little sum.  So glad, so proud she was, and
+planned to study that she might go to school this winter.  Well, in
+October the uncle fell very ill, and Tilly gave all her money for the
+doctors.  The uncle had been kind to her, she did not forget; she was
+glad to help, and told no one but me.  Then I said, 'What better can I
+do with my father's gift than give it to the dear creature, and let her
+lose no time?'  I do it; she will not at first, but I write and say, 'It
+must be,' and she submits. She is made neat with some little dresses,
+and she goes at last, to be so happy and do so well that I am proud of
+her.  Is not that better than fine toilets and rich gifts to those who
+need nothing?  Truly, yes! yet I confess it cost me pain to give up my
+plans for Christmas, and to seem selfish or ungrateful.  Forgive me
+that."
+
+"Yes, indeed, you dear generous thing!" cried Fan and Dora, touched by
+the truth.
+
+"But how came Tilly to send you such a splendid present?" asked Di.
+"Should n't think you 'd like her to spend your money in such things."
+
+"She did not.  A sea-captain, a friend of the uncle, gave her these
+lovely ornaments, and she sends them to me with a letter that is more
+precious than all the coral in the sea.  I cannot read it; but of all my
+gifts _this_ is the dearest and the best!"
+
+Sophie had spoken eagerly, and her face, her voice, her gestures, made
+the little story eloquent; but with the last words she clasped the
+letter to her bosom as if it well repaid her for all the sacrifices she
+had made.  They might seem small to others, but she was sensitive and
+proud, anxious to be loved in the strange country, and fond of giving,
+so it cost her many tears to seem mean and thoughtless, to go poorly
+dressed, and be thought hardly of by those she wished to please.  She
+did not like to tell of her own generosity, because it seemed like
+boasting; and she was not sure that it had been wise to give so much.
+Therefore, she waited to see if Tilly was worthy of the trust reposed in
+her; and she now found a balm for many wounds in the loving letter that
+came with the beautiful and unexpected gift.
+
+Di listened with hot cheeks, and when Sophie paused, she whispered
+regretfully,--
+
+"Forgive me, I was wrong!  I 'll keep your gift all my life to remember
+you by, for you are the best and dearest girl I know."
+
+Then with a hasty kiss she ran away, carrying with great care the white
+shell on which Sophie had painted a dainty little picture of the
+mermaids waiting for the pretty boat that brought good fortune to poor
+Tilly, and this lesson to those who were hereafter her faithful friends.
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Chapter VII tailpiece]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: "Everything is quite clean; I am sure of that, for I
+washed the sheets and coverlet myself not long ago."--PAGE 207.]
+
+
+
+                                 VIII.
+
+                           DOLLY'S BEDSTEAD.
+
+
+"Aunt Pen, where is Ariadne to sleep, please?  I wanted to bring her
+cradle, but mamma said it would take up so much room I could not."
+
+And Alice looked about her for a resting-place for her dolly as
+anxiously as if Ariadne had been a live baby.
+
+"Can't she lie on the sofa?" asked Aunt Pen, with that sad want of
+interest in such important matters which grown-up people so often show.
+
+"No, indeed!  Some one would sit down on her, of course; and I won't
+have my darling smashed.  You would n't like it yourself, aunty, and I
+'m surprised at your proposing such a thing!" cried Alice, clasping her
+babe with a face full of maternal indignation.
+
+"I beg your pardon!  I really forgot that danger.  I 'm not so used to
+infants as you are, and that accounts for it.  Now I think of it,
+there's a little bedstead up garret, and you can have that.  You will
+find it done up in a paper in the great blue chest where all our old
+toys are kept."
+
+Appeased by Aunt Pen's apology, Alice trotted to the attic, found the
+bedstead, and came trotting back with a disappointed look on her face.
+
+"It is such a funny, old-fashioned thing I don't know that Ariadne will
+consent to lie in it.  Anyway, I must air the feather-bed and pillows
+first, or she will get cold.  I wish I could wash the sheets too, they
+are so yellow; but there is no time now," said the little girl, bustling
+round as she spoke, and laying the little bed-furniture out on the rug.
+
+"Everything is quite clean, my dear; I am sure of that, for I washed the
+sheets and coverlet myself not long ago, because I found a nest of
+little mice there the last time I looked," answered Aunt Pen, with her
+eyes fixed thoughtfully on the small bedstead.
+
+"I guess you used to be fond of it when you were a little girl; and
+that's why you keep it so nicely now, isn't it?" asked Alice, as she
+dusted the carved posts and patted the canvas sacking.
+
+"Yes, there's quite a little romance about that bed; and I love it so
+that I never can give it away, but keep it mended up and in order for
+the sake of old times and poor Val," said Aunt Pen, smiling and sighing
+in the same breath.
+
+"Oh, tell about it!  I do like to hear stories, and so does Ariadne!"
+cried Alice, hastily opening dolly's eyes, that she might express her
+interest in the only way permitted her.
+
+"Well, dear, I 'll tell you this true tale of long ago; and while you
+listen you can be making a new blanket for the bed.  Mrs. Mouse nibbled
+holes in the other one, and her babies made a mess of it, so I burned it
+up.  Here is a nice little square of flannel, and there are blue, red,
+and green worsteds for you to work round the edges with."
+
+"Now that is just splendid!  I love to work with crewels, and I 'll put
+little quirls and things in the corners.  I can do it all myself, so
+tell away, please, aunty."  And Alice settled herself with great
+satisfaction, while Ariadne sat bolt upright in her own armchair and
+stared at Aunt Pen in a way that would have been very embarrassing if
+her round blue eyes had had a particle of expression in them.
+
+"When I was about ten years old, it was the joy of my heart to go every
+Saturday afternoon to see my nurse, Betsey Brown.  She no longer lived
+out, but was married to a pilot, and had a home of her own down in what
+we used to call 'the watery part' of the city.  A funny little house, so
+close to the wharves that when one looked out there were masts going to
+and fro over the house-tops, and from the upper windows I could see the
+blue ocean.
+
+"Betsey had a boy with club feet, and a brother who was deformed; but
+Bobby was my pet playmate, and Valentine my best friend. My chief
+pleasure was in seeing him work at his turning-lathe, for he was very
+ingenious, and made all sorts of useful and pretty things.
+
+"But the best thing he did was to cure the lame feet of his little
+nephew.  In those days there were few doctors who attended to such
+troubles, and they were very expensive; so poor Bobby had gone hobbling
+about ever since he was born with his little feet turned in.
+
+"Uncle Val could sympathize with him; and though he knew there was no
+cure for his own crooked back, he did his best to help the boy. He made
+a very simple apparatus for straightening the crippled feet (just two
+wooden splints, with wooden screws to loosen or tighten the pressure),
+and with patience, hope, and faith, he worked over the child till the
+feet were right, and Bobby could run and play like other children."
+
+"Oh, Aunt Pen, was n't that lovely?  And did he really do it all
+himself?  How clever he must have been!" cried Alice, puckering the new
+blanket in the pleasant interest of the moment.
+
+"He was very clever for a lad of eighteen. But that was not all he did.
+Bobby's cure was a long one, and I only saw the happy end of it; yet I
+remember how we all rejoiced, and how proud Betsey was of her brother.
+My father wrote an account of it for some medical journal, and it was
+much talked about in our little circle; so much, indeed, that an aunt of
+ours who had a lame boy came to see Val and talked it all over with him.
+
+"Val was much pleased, and offered to try and cure her son if she would
+let the boy come and live with him; for it needed great skill and
+constant care to work the screws just right, and tend the poor little
+feet gently.
+
+"Aunt Dolly said no at once to that plan; for how could she let her
+precious boy go and live in that little house down in the poor part of
+the city?
+
+"There was no other way, however, for Val would not leave his sister and
+his beloved lathe, and was wise enough to see how impossible it would be
+to have his own way with the child in a house where every one obeyed his
+whims and petted him, as such afflicted children usually are petted.
+
+"So Val stood firm, and for a time nothing was done.
+
+"I was much interested in the affair, and every time I saw my cousin Gus
+I told him what nice times I had down there; how strong and lively Bobby
+was, and declared my firm belief that Val could cure every disease under
+the sun.
+
+"These glowing accounts made Gus want to go, and when he set his heart
+on anything he always got it; so in the end Aunt Dolly consented, and
+Gus went to board in the little house, much to the wonder of some folks.
+
+"The plan succeeded capitally, however, and Gus thrived like a dandelion
+in springtime; for simple food, plenty of air, no foolish indulgence,
+and the most faithful care, built up the little lad in a way that
+astonished and delighted us all.
+
+"The feet improved slowly; and Val was sure that in time they would be
+all right, for everything helped on the good work.
+
+"Dear me, what happy days I used to spend at Betsey's!  Sometimes Isaac,
+the jolly, bluff pilot, would take us out in his boat; and then what
+rosy cheeks and good appetites we got! Sometimes we played in Val's
+shop, and watched him make pretty things or helped him in some easy job,
+for he liked to have us near him.  And, oh, my heart, what delicious
+suppers Betsey used to get us in the front room, where all sorts of
+queer sea treasures were collected,--shells, coral, and seaweed; odd
+pictures of ships and fish, and old books full of sailor songs and
+thrilling tales of wrecks."
+
+"I wish I had been there!" interrupted Alice.  "Is the house all gone,
+aunty?"
+
+"All gone, dear, and every one of that merry party but myself," answered
+Aunt Pen, with a sigh.
+
+"Don't think about the sad part of it, but go on and tell about the bed,
+please," said Alice, feeling that it was about time this interesting
+piece of furniture appeared in the story.
+
+"Well, that was made to comfort me when Gus went home, as he did after
+staying two years.  Yes, he went home with straight feet, the heartiest,
+happiest little lad I ever saw.
+
+"I was heart-broken at losing my playmate, and mourned for him as
+bitterly as a child could, till Val comforted me, not only by the
+cunning bedstead for my doll, but by a hundred kindly words and acts,
+for which I never thanked him half enough.
+
+"Aunt Dolly and my father were so grateful and pleased at Val's success
+with Gus that they helped him in a plan he had some years later, when he
+took a larger house in a better place, and with Betsey as nurse, opened
+a small hospital for the cure of deformed feet.  It was an excellent
+plan; and all was going well, when poor Val wasted rapidly away, and
+died just as his work began to bring him money and some honor."
+
+"That was very bad!  But what became of Bobby and Gus?" asked Alice, who
+was not of an age to care much about the "sad part" of any story.
+
+"Bob became a sea-captain, and was an excellent fellow till he went down
+with his ship in a storm after rescuing all his crew, even to the
+cabin-boy.  I'm proud of Bob, and keep those two great pearly shells in
+memory of him, for he brought them to me after his first voyage."
+
+Aunt Pen's eyes lit up, and her voice rose as she spoke with real pride
+and affection of honest Captain Brown, who to her was always little Bob.
+
+"I like that, it was so brave and good; but I do wish he had been saved,
+for then I could have seen him.  And maybe he would have brought me a
+big green parrot that could say funny things.  What became of Gus?"
+asked Alice, after a moment spent in the delightful thought of owning a
+green parrot with a red tail.
+
+"Ah, my dear, I wish I knew!" exclaimed Aunt Pen, so earnestly that
+Alice dropped her work, astonished at the change in that usually quiet
+face.
+
+"Don't tell any more if you 'd rather not," said the little girl,
+feeling instinctively that she had touched some tender string.
+
+But Aunt Pen only stroked her curly head and went on in a softer tone,
+with her eyes fixed upon a faded picture that had hung over her
+work-table ever since Alice could remember.
+
+"I like to tell you, dear, because I want you to love the memory of this
+old friend of mine. Gus went to sea also, much against his mother's
+will, for the years spent in the little house near the wharf had given
+the boy a taste for salt water, and he could not overcome it, though he
+tried.
+
+"He sailed with Captain Bob all round the world, and would have been
+with him on that last voyage if a sudden whim had not kept him ashore.
+More than this we don't know; and for seven years have had no tidings of
+him. The others give him up, feeling sure that he was lost in the wild
+hill-country of India, whither he went in search of adventures.  I
+suppose they are right; but _I_ cannot make it true, and still hope to
+see the dear boy back, or at least to hear some news of him."
+
+"Would n't he be rather an old boy now, Aunt Pen?" asked Alice, softly;
+for she wanted to chase away the load of pain with a smile if she could.
+
+"Bless my heart, so he would!  Forty, at least.  Well, well, he never
+will seem old to me, though his hair should be gray when he comes home."
+And Aunt Pen did smile as her eyes went back to the faded picture with a
+tender look that made Alice say timidly, while she laid her blooming
+cheek against her aunt's hand,--
+
+"Would you mind if I asked if it was Gus who gave you this pretty ring,
+and was your sweetheart once?  Mamma told me you had one, and he was
+dead; so I must never ask why you did n't marry as she did."
+
+"Yes, he gave me this, and was to come back in a year or two; but I have
+never seen him since, and never shall, I fear, till we all meet over the
+great sea at last."
+
+There Aunt Pen broke down, and spreading her hands before her face, sat
+so still that Alice feared to stir.
+
+Even her careless child's heart was full of pity now; and two great
+tears rolled down upon the little blanket, to lie sparkling like drops
+of dew in the heart of the very remarkable red rose she was working in
+the middle.
+
+Then it was that Ariadne distinguished herself, and proved beyond a
+doubt that her blue china eyes were worth something.  A large, brown,
+breezy-looking man had been peeping in from the door for several
+moments, and listening in the most improper manner.  No one saw him but
+Ariadne, and how could she warn the others, poor thing, when she had n't
+a tongue in her head?  Don't tell me that dolls have n't hearts
+somewhere in their sawdust bosoms!  I know better; and I am firmly
+convinced that Ariadne's was full of sympathy for Aunt Pen; else why
+should she, a well-bred doll, suddenly and without the least apparent
+cause, slip out of her chair and fall upon her china nose with a loud
+whack?
+
+Alice jumped up to catch her darling, and Aunt Pen lifted her head to
+see what was the matter, and the big brown man, giving his hat a toss,
+came into the room like a whirlwind!
+
+Alice, Ariadne, bedstead, and blanket, were suddenly swept into a corner
+by some mysterious means, and lay there in a heap, while the two grown
+people fell into each other's arms, exclaiming,--
+
+"Pen!"
+
+"Gus!"
+
+I don't know which stared the hardest at this dreadful proceeding, Alice
+or Ariadne, but I do know that every one was very happy afterward, and
+that the precious little bedstead was not smashed, for I have seen it
+with my own eyes.
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Chapter VIII tailpiece]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: "Well, dear, this is the story."--PAGE 220.]
+
+
+
+                                  IX.
+
+                            TRUDEL'S SIEGE.
+
+
+"Grandmother, what is this curious picture about?" said little Gertrude,
+or "Trudel," as they called her, looking up from the red book that lay
+on her knee, one Sunday morning, when she and the grandmother sat sadly
+together in the neat kitchen; for the father was very ill, and the poor
+mother seldom left him.
+
+The old woman put on her round spectacles, which made her look as wise
+as an owl, and turned to answer the child, who had been as quiet as a
+mouse for a long time, looking at the strange pictures in the ancient
+book.
+
+"Ah, my dear, that tells about a very famous and glorious thing that
+happened long ago at the siege of Leyden.  You can read it for yourself
+some day."
+
+"Please tell me now.  Why are the houses half under water, and ships
+sailing among them, and people leaning over the walls of the city? And
+why is that boy waving his hands on the tower, where the men are running
+away in a great smoke?" asked Trudel, too curious to wait till she could
+read the long hard words on the yellow pages.
+
+"Well, dear, this is the story: and you shall hear how brave men and
+women, and children too, were in those days.  The cruel Spaniards came
+and besieged the city for many months; but the faithful people would not
+give up, though nearly starved to death.  When all the bread and meat
+were gone and the gardens empty, they ate grass and herbs and horses,
+and even dogs and cats, trying to hold out till help came to them."
+
+"Did little girls really eat their pussies?  Oh, I 'd die before I would
+kill my dear Jan," cried Trudel, hugging the pretty kitten that purred
+in her lap.
+
+"Yes, the children ate their pets.  And so would you if it would save
+your father or mother from starving.  _We_ know what hunger is; but we
+won't eat Jan yet."
+
+The old woman sighed as she glanced from the empty table to the hearth
+where no fire burned.
+
+"_Did_ help come in the ships?" asked the child, bending her face over
+the book to hide the tears that filled her eyes, for she was very
+hungry, and had had only a crust for breakfast.
+
+"Our good Prince of Orange was trying to help them; but the Spaniards
+were all around the city and he had not men enough to fight them by
+land, so he sent carrier-doves with letters to tell the people that he
+was going to cut through the great dikes that kept the sea out, and let
+the water flow over the country so as to drive the enemy from his camp,
+for the city stood upon high ground, and would be safe. Then the ships,
+with food, could sail over the drowned land and save the brave people."
+
+"Oh, I 'm glad!  I 'm glad!  These are the bad Spaniards running away,
+and these are poor people stretching out their hands for the bread.  But
+what is the boy doing, in the funny tower where the wall has tumbled
+down?" cried Trudel, much excited.
+
+"The smoke of burning houses rose between the city and the port so the
+people could not see that the Spaniards had run away; and they were
+afraid the ships could not get safely by.  But a boy who was scrambling
+about as boys always are wherever there is danger, fire, and fighting,
+saw the enemy go, and ran to the deserted tower to shout and beckon to
+the ships to come on at once,--for the wind had changed and soon the
+tide would flow back and leave them stranded."
+
+"Nice boy!  I wish I had been there to see him and help the poor
+people," said Trudel, patting the funny little figure sticking out of
+the pepper-pot tower like a jack-in-the-box.
+
+"If children keep their wits about them and are brave, they can always
+help in some way, my dear.  We don't have such dreadful wars now; but
+the dear God knows we have troubles enough, and need all our courage and
+faith to be patient in times like these;" and the grandmother folded her
+thin hands with another sigh, as she thought of her poor son dying for
+want of a few comforts, after working long and faithfully for a hard
+master who never came to offer any help, though a very rich man.
+
+"Did they eat the carrier-doves?" asked Trudel, still intent on the
+story.
+
+"No, child; they fed and cared for them while they lived, and when they
+died, stuffed and set them up in the Staat Haus, so grateful were the
+brave burghers for the good news the dear birds brought."
+
+"That is the best part of all.  I like that story very much!"  And
+Trudel turned the pages to find another, little dreaming what a
+carrier-dove she herself was soon to become.
+
+Poor Hans Dort and his family were nearly as distressed as the besieged
+people of Leyden, for poverty stood at the door, hunger and sickness
+were within, and no ship was anywhere seen coming to bring help.  The
+father, who was a linen-weaver, could no longer work in the great
+factory; the mother, who was a lace-maker, had to leave her work to
+nurse him; and the old woman could earn only a trifle by her knitting,
+being lame and feeble.  Little Trudel did what she could,--sold the
+stockings to get bread and medicine, picked up wood for the fire,
+gathered herbs for the poor soup, and ran errands for the market-women,
+who paid her with unsalable fruit, withered vegetables, and now and then
+a bit of meat.
+
+But market-day came but once a week; and it was very hard to find food
+for the hungry mouths meantime.  The Dorts were too proud to beg, so
+they suffered in silence, praying that help would come before it was too
+late to save the sick and old.
+
+No other picture in the quaint book interested Trudel so much as that of
+the siege of Leyden; and she went back to it, thinking over the story
+till hunger made her look about for something to eat as eagerly as the
+poor starving burghers.
+
+"Here, child, is a good crust.  It is too hard for me.  I kept it for
+you; it's the last except that bit for your mother," said the old woman,
+pulling a dry crust from her jacket with a smile; for though starving
+herself, the brave old soul thought only of her darling.
+
+Trudel's little white teeth gnawed savagely at the hard bread, and Jan
+ate the crumbs as if he too needed food.  As she saw him purring about
+her feet, there came into the child's head a sudden idea, born of the
+brave story and of the cares that made her old before her time.
+
+"Poor Jan gets thinner and thinner every day. If we are to eat him, we
+must do it soon, or he will not be worth cooking," she said with a
+curious look on the face that used to be so round and rosy, and now was
+white, thin, and anxious.
+
+"Bless the child! we won't eat the poor beast! but it would be kind to
+give him away to some one who could feed him well.  Go now, dear, and
+get a jug of fresh water.  The father will need it, and so will you, for
+that crust is a dry dinner for my darling."
+
+As she spoke, the old woman held the little girl close for a minute; and
+Trudel clung to her silently, finding the help she needed for her
+sacrifice in the love and the example grandma gave her.
+
+Then she ran away, with the brown jug in one hand, the pretty kitten on
+her arm, and courage in her little heart.  It was a poor neighborhood
+where the weavers and lace-makers lived; but nearly every one had a good
+dinner on Sunday, and on her way to the fountain Trudel saw many
+well-spread tables, smelled the good soup in many kettles, and looked
+enviously at the plump children sitting quietly on the doorsteps in
+round caps and wooden shoes, waiting to be called in to eat of the big
+loaves, the brown sausages, and the cabbage-soup smoking on the hearth.
+
+When she came to the baker's house, her heart began to beat; and she
+hugged Jan so close it was well he was thin, or he would have mewed
+under the tender farewell squeezes his little mistress gave him.  With a
+timid hand Trudel knocked, and then went in to find Vrow Hertz and her
+five boys and girls at table, with good roast meat and bread and cheese
+and beer before them.
+
+"Oh, the dear cat! the pretty cat!  Let me pat him!  Hear him mew, and
+see his soft white coat," cried the children, before Trudel could speak,
+for they admired the snow-white kitten very much, and had often begged
+for it.
+
+Trudel had made up her mind to give up to them at last her one treasure;
+but she wished to be paid for it, and was bound to tell her plan.  Jan
+helped her, for smelling the meat, he leaped from her arms to the table
+and began to gnaw a bone on Dirck's plate, which so amused the young
+people that they did not hear Trudel say to their mother in a low voice,
+with red cheeks and beseeching eyes,--
+
+"Dear Vrow Hertz, the father is very ill; the mother cannot work at her
+lace in the dark room; and grandma makes but little by knitting, though
+I help all I can.  We have no food; can you give me a loaf of bread in
+exchange for Jan? I have nothing else to sell, and the children want him
+much."
+
+Trudel's eyes were full and her lips trembled, as she ended with a look
+that went straight to stout Mother Hertz's kind heart, and told the
+whole sad story.
+
+"Bless the dear child!  Indeed, yes; a loaf and welcome; and see here, a
+good sausage also.  Brenda, go fill the jug with milk.  It is excellent
+for the sick man.  As for the cat, let it stay a while and get fat, then
+we will see.  It is a pretty beast and worth many loaves of bread; so
+come again, Trudel, and do not suffer hunger while I have much bread."
+
+As the kind woman spoke, she had bustled about, and before Trudel could
+get her breath, a big loaf, a long sausage, and a jug of fresh milk were
+in her apron and hands, and a motherly kiss made the gifts all the
+easier to take. Returning it heartily, and telling the children to be
+kind to Jan, she hastened home to burst into the quiet room, crying
+joyfully,--
+
+"See, grandmother, here is food,--all mine. I bought it!  Come, come,
+and eat!"
+
+"Now, dear Heaven, what do I see?  Where did the blessed bread come
+from?" asked the old woman, hugging the big loaf, and eying the sausage
+with such hunger in her face that Trudel ran for the knife and cup, and
+held a draught of fresh milk to her grandmother's lips before she could
+answer a single question.
+
+"Stay, child, let us give thanks before we eat. Never was food more
+welcome or hearts more grateful;" and folding her hands, the pious old
+woman blessed the meal that seemed to fall from heaven on that bare
+table.  Then Trudel cut the crusty slice for herself, a large soft one
+for grandmother, with a good bit of sausage, and refilled the cup.
+Another portion and cup went upstairs to mother, whom she found asleep,
+with the father's hot hand in hers.  So leaving the surprise for her
+waking, Trudel crept down to eat her own dinner, as hungry as a little
+wolf, amusing herself with making the old woman guess where and how she
+got this fine feast.
+
+"This is our siege, grandmother; and we are eating Jan," she said at
+last, with the merriest laugh she had given for weeks.
+
+"Eating Jan?" cried the old woman, staring at the sausage, as if for a
+moment she feared the kitten had been turned into that welcome shape by
+some miracle.  Still laughing, Trudel told her story, and was well
+rewarded for her childish sacrifice by the look in grandmother's face as
+she said with a tender kiss,--
+
+"Thou art a carrier-dove, my darling, coming home with good news and
+comfort under thy wing.  God bless thee, my brave little heart, and
+grant that our siege be not a long one before help comes to us!"
+
+Such a happy feast! and for dessert more kisses and praises for Trudel
+when the mother came down to hear the story and to tell how eagerly
+father had drank the fresh milk and gone to sleep again.  Trudel was
+very well pleased with her bargain; but at night she missed Jan's soft
+purr for her lullaby, and cried herself to sleep, grieving for her lost
+pet, being only a child, after all, though trying to be a brave little
+woman for the sake of those she loved.
+
+The big loaf and sausage took them nicely through the next day; but by
+Tuesday only crusts remained, and sorrel-soup, slightly flavored with
+the last scrap of sausage, was all they had to eat.
+
+On Wednesday morning, Trudel had plaited her long yellow braids with
+care, smoothed down her one blue skirt, and put on her little black silk
+cap, making ready for the day's work. She was weak and hungry, but
+showed a bright face as she took her old basket and said,--
+
+"Now I am off to market, grandmother, to sell the hose and get medicine
+and milk for father.  I shall try to pick up something for dinner.  The
+good neighbors often let me run errands for them, and give me a kuchen,
+a bit of cheese, or a taste of their nice coffee.  I will bring you
+something, and come as soon as I can."
+
+The old woman nodded and smiled, as she scoured the empty kettle till it
+shone, and watched the little figure trudge away with the big empty
+basket, and, she knew, with a still emptier little stomach.  "Coffee!"
+sighed the grandmother; "one sip of the blessed drink would put life
+into me.  When shall I ever taste it again?" and the poor soul sat down
+to her knitting with hands that trembled from weakness.
+
+The Platz was a busy and a noisy scene when Trudel arrived,--for the
+thrifty Dutchwomen were early afoot; and stalls, carts, baskets, and
+cans were already arranged to make the most attractive display of fruit,
+vegetables, fish, cheese, butter, eggs, milk, and poultry, and the small
+wares country people came to buy.
+
+Nodding and smiling, Trudel made her way through the bustle to the booth
+where old Vrow Schmidt bought and sold the blue woollen hose that adorn
+the stout legs of young and old.
+
+"Good-morning, child!  I am glad to see thee and thy well-knit
+stockings, for I have orders for three pairs, and promised thy
+grandmother's, they are always so excellent," said the rosy-faced woman,
+as Trudel approached.
+
+"I have but one pair.  We had no money to buy more yarn.  Father is so
+ill mother cannot work; and medicines cost a deal," said the child, with
+her large hungry eyes fixed on the breakfast the old woman was about to
+eat, first having made ready for the business of the day.
+
+"See, then, I shall give thee the yarn and wait for the hose; I can
+trust thee, and shall ask a good price for the good work.  Thou too wilt
+have the fever, I 'm afraid!--so pale and thin, poor child!  Here, drink
+from my cup, and take a bite of bread and cheese.  The morning air makes
+one hungry."
+
+Trudel eagerly accepted the "sup" and the "bite," and felt new strength
+flow into her as the warm draught and good brown bread went down her
+throat.
+
+"So many thanks!  I had no breakfast.  I came to see if I could get any
+errands here to-day, for I want to earn a bit if I can," she said with a
+sigh of satisfaction, as she slipped half of her generous slice and a
+good bit of cheese into her basket, regretting that the coffee could not
+be shared also.
+
+As if to answer her wish, a loud cry from fat Mother Kinkle, the
+fish-wife, rose at that moment, for a thievish cur had run off with a
+fish from her stall, while she gossiped with a neighbor.
+
+Down went Trudel's basket, and away went Trudel's wooden shoes
+clattering over the stones while she raced after the dog, dodging in and
+out among the stalls till she cornered the thief under Gretchen Horn's
+milk-cart; for at sight of the big dog who drew the four copper-cans,
+the cur lost heart and dropped the fish and ran away.
+
+"Well done!" said buxom Gretchen, when Trudel caught up the rescued
+treasure a good deal the worse for the dog's teeth and the dust it had
+been dragged through.
+
+All the market-women laughed as the little girl came back proudly
+bearing the fish, for the race had amused them.  But Mother Kinkle said
+with a sigh, when she saw the damage done her property,--
+
+"It is spoiled; no one will buy that torn, dirty thing.  Throw it on the
+muck-pile, child; your trouble was in vain, though I thank you for it."
+
+"Give it to me, please, if you don't want it. We can eat it, and would
+be glad of it at home," cried Trudel, hugging the slippery fish with
+joy, for she saw a dinner in it, and felt that her run was well paid.
+
+"Take it, then, and be off; I see Vrow von Decken's cook coming, and you
+are in the way," answered the old woman, who was not a very amiable
+person, as every one knew.
+
+"That's a fine reward to make a child for running the breath out of her
+body for you," said Dame Troost, the handsome farm-wife who sat close by
+among her fruit and vegetables, as fresh as her cabbages, and as rosy as
+her cherries.
+
+"Better it, then, and give her a feast fit for a burgomaster.  _You_ can
+afford it," growled Mother Kinkle, turning her back on the other woman
+in a huff.
+
+"That I will, for very shame at such meanness! Here, child, take these
+for thy fish-stew, and these for thy little self," said the kind soul,
+throwing half a dozen potatoes and onions into the basket, and handing
+Trudel a cabbage-leaf full of cherries.
+
+A happy girl was our little house-wife on her way home, when the milk
+and medicine and loaf of bread were bought; and a comfortable dinner was
+quickly cooked and gratefully eaten in Dort's poor house that day.
+
+"Surely the saints must help you, child, and open people's hearts to our
+need; for you come back each day with food for us,--like the ravens to
+the people in the wilderness," said the grandmother when they sat at
+table.
+
+"If they do, it is because you pray to them so heartily, mother.  But I
+think the sweet ways and thin face of my Trudel do much to win kindness,
+and the good God makes her our little house-mother, while I must sit
+idle," answered Vrow Dort; and she filled the child's platter again that
+she, at least, might have enough.
+
+"I like it!" cried Trudel, munching an onion with her bread, while her
+eyes shone and a pretty color came into her cheeks.  "I feel so old and
+brave now, so glad to help; and things happen, and I keep thinking what
+I will do next to get food.  It's like the birds out yonder in the
+hedge, trying to feed their little ones. I fly up and down, pick and
+scratch, get a bit here and a bit there, and then my dear _old_ birds
+have food to eat."
+
+It really was very much as Trudel said, for her small wits were getting
+very sharp with these new cares; she lay awake that night trying to plan
+how she should provide the next day's food for her family.
+
+"Where now, thou dear little mother-bird?" asked the "Grossmutter" next
+morning, when the child had washed the last dish, and was setting away
+the remains of the loaf.
+
+"To Gretti Jansen's, to see if she wants me to water her linen, as I
+used to do for play.  She is lame, and it tires her to go to the spring
+so often.  She will like me to help her, I hope; and I shall ask her for
+some food to pay me. Oh, I am very bold now!  Soon will I beg if no
+other way offers."  And Trudel shook her yellow head resolutely, and
+went to settle the stool at grandmother's feet, and to draw the curtain
+so that it would shield the old eyes from the summer sun.
+
+"Heaven grant it never comes to that!  It would be very hard to bear,
+yet perhaps we must if no help arrives.  The doctor's bill, the rent,
+the good food thy father will soon need, will take far more than we can
+earn; and what will become of us, the saints only know!" answered the
+old woman, knitting briskly in spite of her sad forebodings.
+
+"_I_ will do it all!  I don't know how, but I shall try; and, as you
+often say, 'Have faith and hold up thy hands; God will fill them.'"
+
+Then Trudel went away to her work, with a stout heart under her little
+blue bodice; and all that summer day she trudged to and fro along the
+webs of linen spread in the green meadow, watering them as fast as they
+dried, knitting busily under a tree during the intervals.
+
+Old Gretti was glad to have her, and at noon called her in to share the
+milk-soup, with cherries and herrings in it, and a pot of coffee,--as
+well as Dutch cheese, and bread full of coriander-seed. Though this was
+a feast to Trudel, one bowl of soup and a bit of bread was all she ate;
+then, with a face that was not half as "bold" as she tried to make it,
+she asked if she might run home and take the coffee to grandmother, who
+longed for and needed it so much.
+
+"Yes, indeed; there, let me fill that pewter jug with a good hot mess
+for the old lady, and take this also.  I have little to give, but I
+remember how good she was to me in the winter, when my poor legs were so
+bad, and no one else thought of me," said grateful Gretti, mixing more
+coffee, and tucking a bit of fresh butter into half a loaf of bread with
+a crusty end to cover the hole.
+
+Away ran Trudel; and when grandmother saw the "blessed coffee," as she
+called it, she could only sip and sigh for comfort and content, so glad
+was the poor old soul to taste her favorite drink again.  The mother
+smelled it, and came down to take her share, while Trudel skipped away
+to go on watering the linen till sunset with a happy heart, saying to
+herself while she trotted and splashed,--
+
+"This day is well over, and I have kept my word.  Now what _can_ I do
+to-morrow?  Gretti does n't want me; there is no market; I must not beg
+yet, and I cannot finish the hose so soon.
+
+"I know!  I 'll get water-cresses, and sell them from door to door.
+They are fresh now, and people like them.  Ah, thou dear duck, thank
+thee for reminding me of them," she cried, as she watched a mother-duck
+lead her brood along the brook's edge, picking and dabbling among the
+weeds to show them where to feed.
+
+Early next morning Trudel took her basket and went away to the meadows
+that lay just out of the town, where the rich folk had their summer
+houses, and fish-ponds, and gardens.  These gardens were gay now with
+tulips, the delight of Dutch people; for they know best how to cultivate
+them, and often make fortunes out of the splendid and costly flowers.
+
+When Trudel had looked long and carefully for cresses, and found very
+few, she sat down to rest, weary and disappointed, on a green bank from
+which she could overlook a fine garden all ablaze with tulips.  She
+admired them heartily, longed to have a bed of them her own, and feasted
+her childish eyes on the brilliant colors till they were dazzled, for
+the long beds of purple and yellow, red and white blossoms were splendid
+to see, and in the midst of all a mound of dragon-tulips rose like a
+queen's throne, scarlet, green, and gold all mingled on the ruffled
+leaves that waved in the wind.
+
+Suddenly it seemed as if one of the great flowers had blown over the
+wall and was hopping along the path in a very curious way!  In a minute,
+however, she saw that it was a gay parrot that had escaped, and would
+have flown away if its clipped wings and a broken chain on one leg had
+not kept it down.
+
+Trudel laughed to see the bird scuttle along, jabbering to itself, and
+looking very mischievous and naughty as it ran away.  She was just
+thinking she ought to stop it, when the garden-gate opened, and a pretty
+little boy came out, calling anxiously,--
+
+"Prince!  Prince!  Come back, you bad bird! I never will let you off
+your perch again, sly rascal!"
+
+"I will get him;" and Trudel ran down the bank after the runaway, for
+the lad was small and leaned upon a little crutch.
+
+"Be careful!  He will bite!" called the boy.
+
+"I 'm not afraid," answered Trudel; and she stepped on the chain, which
+brought the "Prince of Orange" to a very undignified and sudden halt.
+But when she tried to catch him up by his legs, the sharp black beak
+gave a nip and held tightly to her arm.  It hurt her much, but she did
+not let go, and carried her captive back to its master, who thanked her,
+and begged her to come in and chain up the bad bird, for he was
+evidently rather afraid of it.
+
+Glad to see more of the splendid garden, Trudel did what he asked, and
+with a good deal of fluttering, scolding, and pecking, the Prince was
+again settled on his perch.
+
+"Your arm is bleeding!  Let me tie it up for you; and here is my cake to
+pay you for helping me.  Mamma would have been very angry if Prince had
+been lost," said the boy, as he wet his little handkerchief in a tank of
+water near by, and tied up Trudel's arm.
+
+The tank was surrounded by pots of tulips; and on a rustic seat lay the
+lad's hat and a delicious large kuchen, covered with comfits and sugar.
+The hungry girl accepted it gladly, but only nibbled at it, remembering
+those at home. The boy thought she did not like it, and being a generous
+little fellow and very grateful for her help, he looked about for
+something else to give her.  Seeing her eyes fixed admiringly on a
+pretty red jar that held a dragon-tulip just ready to bloom, he said
+pleasantly,--
+
+"Would you like this also?  All these are mine, and I can do as I like
+with them.  Will you have it?"
+
+"Oh, yes, with thanks!  It is _so_ beautiful! I longed for one, but
+never thought to get it," cried Trudel, receiving the pot with delight.
+
+Then she hastened toward home to show her prize, only stopping to sell
+her little bunches of cresses for a few groschen, with which she bought
+a loaf and three herrings to eat with it.  The cake and the flower gave
+quite the air of a feast to the poor meal, but Trudel and the two women
+enjoyed it all, for the doctor said that the father was better, and now
+needed only good meat and wine to grow strong and well again.
+
+How to get these costly things no one knew, but trusted they would come,
+and all fell to work with lighter hearts.  The mother sat again at her
+lace-work, for now a ray of light could be allowed to fall on her pillow
+and bobbins by the window of the sick-room.  The old woman's fingers
+flew as she knit at one long blue stocking; and Trudel's little hands
+tugged away at the other, while she cheered her dull task by looking
+fondly at her dear tulip unfolding in the sun.
+
+She began to knit next day as soon as the breakfast of dry bread and
+water was done; but she took her work to the doorstep and thought busily
+as the needles clicked, for where _could_ she get money enough for meat
+and wine?  The pretty pot stood beside her, and the tulip showed its gay
+leaves now, just ready to bloom.  She was very proud of it, and smiled
+and nodded gayly when a neighbor said in passing, "A fine flower you
+have there."
+
+Soon she forgot it, however, so hard was her little brain at work, and
+for a long time she sat with her eyes fixed on her busy hands so
+intently that she neither heard steps approaching, nor saw a maid and a
+little girl looking over the low fence at her.  Suddenly some words in a
+strange language made her look up.  The child was pointing at the tulip
+and talking fast in English to the maid, who shook her head and tried to
+lead her on.
+
+She was a pretty little creature, all in white with a gay hat, curly
+locks, and a great doll in one arm, while the other held a box of
+bonbons. Trudel smiled when she saw the doll; and as if the friendly
+look decided her, the little girl ran up to the door, pointed to the
+flower, and asked a question in the queer tongue which Trudel could not
+understand.  The maid followed, and said in Dutch, "Fr�ulein Maud wishes
+the flower.  Will you give it to her, child?"
+
+"Oh, no, no!  I love it.  I will keep it, for now Jan is gone, it is all
+I have!" answered Trudel, taking the pot in her lap to guard her one
+treasure.
+
+The child frowned, chattered eagerly, and offered the box of sweets, as
+if used to having her wishes gratified at once.  But Trudel shook her
+head, for much as she loved "sugar-drops," she loved the splendid flower
+better, like a true little Dutchwoman.
+
+Then Miss Maud offered the doll, bent on having her own way.  Trudel
+hesitated a moment, for the fine lady doll in pink silk, with a feather
+in her hat, and tiny shoes on her feet, was very tempting to her
+childish soul.  But she felt that so dainty a thing was not for her, and
+her old wooden darling, with the staring eyes and broken nose, was
+dearer to her than the delicate stranger could ever be.  So she smiled
+to soothe the disappointed child, but shook her head again.
+
+At that, the English lassie lost her temper, stamped her foot, scolded,
+and began to cry, ordering the maid to take the flower and come away at
+once.
+
+"She _will_ have it; and she must not cry. Here, child, will you sell it
+for this?" said the maid, pulling a handful of groschen out of her deep
+pocket, sure that Trudel would yield now.
+
+But the little house-mother's quick eye saw that the whole handful would
+not buy the meat and wine, much as it looked, and for the third time she
+shook her yellow head.  There was a longing look in her face, however;
+and the shrewd maid saw it, guessed that money would win the day, and
+diving again into her apron-pocket, brought out a silver gulden and held
+it up.
+
+"For this, then, little miser?  It is more than the silly flower is
+worth; but the young fr�ulein must have all she wants, so take it and
+let us be done with the crying."
+
+A struggle went on in Trudel's mind; and for a moment she did not speak.
+She longed to keep her dear tulip, her one joy, and it seemed so hard to
+let it go before she had even seen it blossom once; but then the money
+would do much, and her loving little heart yearned to give poor father
+all he needed. Just then her mother's voice came down from the open
+window, softly singing an old hymn to lull the sick man to sleep.  That
+settled the matter for the dutiful daughter; tears rose to her eyes, and
+she found it very hard to say with a farewell caress of the blue and
+yellow pot as she gave it up,--
+
+"You may have it; but it _is_ worth more than a gulden, for it is a
+dragon-tulip, the finest we have.  Could you give a little more? my
+father is very sick, and we are very poor."
+
+The stout maid had a kind heart under her white muslin neckerchief; and
+while Miss Maud seized the flower, good Marta put another gulden into
+Trudel's hand before she hastened after her charge, who made off with
+her booty, as if fearing to lose it.
+
+Trudel watched the child with the half-opened tulip nodding over her
+shoulder, as though it sadly said "good-by" to its former mistress, till
+her dim eyes could see no longer.  Then she covered her face with her
+apron and sobbed very quietly, lest grandmother should hear and be
+troubled.  But Trudel was a brave child, and soon the tears stopped, the
+blue eyes looked gladly at the money in her hand, and presently, when
+the fresh wind had cooled her cheeks, she went in to show her treasure
+and cheer up the anxious hearts with her good news.
+
+She made light of the loss of her flower, and still knitting, went
+briskly off to get the meat and wine for father, and if the money held
+out, some coffee for grandmother, some eggs and white rolls for mother,
+who was weak and worn with her long nursing.
+
+"Surely, the dear God does help me," thought the pious little maid,
+while she trudged back with her parcels, quite cheery again, though no
+pretty kitten ran to meet her, and no gay tulip stood full-blown in the
+noonday sun.
+
+Still more happy was she over her small sacrifices when she saw her
+father sip a little of the good broth grandmother made with such care,
+and saw the color come into the pale cheeks of the dear mother after she
+had taken the eggs and fine bread, with a cup of coffee to strengthen
+and refresh her.
+
+"We have enough for to-day, and for father to-morrow; but on Sunday we
+must fast as well as pray, unless the hose be done and paid for in
+time," said the old woman next morning, surveying their small store of
+food with an anxious eye.
+
+"I will work hard, and go to Vrow Schmidt's the minute we are done.  But
+now I must run and get wood, else the broth will not be ready," answered
+Trudel, clattering on her wooden shoes in a great hurry.
+
+"If all else fails, I too shall make my sacrifice as well as you, my
+heart's darling.  I cannot knit as I once did, and if we are not done,
+or Vrow Schmidt be away, I will sell my ring and so feed the flock till
+Monday," said the grandmother, lifting up one thin old hand, where shone
+the wedding-ring she had worn so many years.
+
+"Ah, no,--not that!  It was so sad to see your gold beads go, and
+mother's ear-rings and father's coat and Jan and my lovely flower! We
+will not sell the dear old ring.  I will find a way.  Something will
+happen, as before; so wait a little, and trust to me," cried Trudel,
+with her arms about the grandmother, and such a resolute nod that the
+rusty little black cap fell over her nose and extinguished her.
+
+She laughed as she righted it, and went singing away, as if not a care
+lay heavy on her young heart.  But when she came to the long dike which
+kept the waters of the lake from overflowing the fields below, she
+walked slowly to rest her tired legs, and to refresh her eyes with the
+blue sheet of water on one side and the still bluer flax-fields on the
+other,--for they were in full bloom, and the delicate flowers danced
+like fairies in the wind.
+
+It was a lonely place, but Trudel liked it, and went on toward the wood,
+turning the heel of her stocking while she walked,--pausing now and then
+to look over at the sluice-gates which stood here and there ready to let
+off the water when autumn rains made the lake rise, or in the spring
+when the flax-fields were overflowed before the seed was sown.  At the
+last of these she paused to gather a bunch of yellow stone-crop growing
+from a niche in the strong wall which, with earth and beams, made the
+dike. As she stooped, the sound of voices in the arch below came up to
+her distinctly.  Few people came that way except little girls, like
+herself, to gather fagots in the wood, or truant lads to fish in the
+pond.  Thinking the hidden speakers must be some of these boys, she
+knelt down behind the shrubs that grew along the banks, and listened
+with a smile on her lips to hear what mischief the naughty fellows were
+planning.  But the smile soon changed to a look of terror; and she
+crouched low behind the bushes to catch all that was said in the echoing
+arch below.
+
+"How did I think of the thing?  Why, that is the best part of the joke!
+Mein Herr von Vost put it into my head himself," said a man's gruff
+voice, in answer to some question.  "This is the way it was: I sat at
+the window of the beer-house, and Von Vost met the burgomaster close by
+and said, 'My friend, I hear that the lower sluice-gate needs looking
+to.  Please see to it speedily, for an overflow now would ruin my
+flax-fields, and cause many of my looms to stand still next winter.'
+'So!  It shall be looked to next week.  Such a misfortune shall not
+befall you, my good neighbor,' said the burgomaster; and they parted.
+'Ah, ha!' thinks I to myself, 'here we have a fine way to revenge
+ourselves on Master von Vost, who turned us off and leaves us to starve.
+We have but to see that the old gate gives way _between_ now and
+_Monday_, and that hard man will suffer in the only place where he _can_
+feel,--his pocket.'"
+
+Here the gruff voice broke into a low laugh, and another man said
+slowly,--
+
+"A good plan; but is there no danger of being found out, Peit Stensen?"
+
+"Not a chance of it!  See here, Deitrich, a quiet blow or two, at night
+when none can hear it, will break away these rotten boards and let the
+water in.  The rest--it will do itself; and by morning those great
+fields will be many feet under water, and Von Vost's crop ruined.  Yes,
+we _will_ stop his looms for him, and other men besides you and I and
+Niklas Haas will stand idle with starving children round them.  Come,
+will you lend a hand?  Niklas is away looking for work, and Hans Dort is
+sick, or they might be glad to help us."
+
+"Hans would never do it.  He is sober, and so good a weaver he will
+never want work when he is well.  I _will_ be with you, Peit; but swear
+not to tell it, whatever happens, for you and I have bad names now, and
+it would go hard with us."
+
+"I 'll swear anything; but have no fear.  We will not only be revenged
+on the master, but get the job of repairing; since men are scarce and
+the need will be great when the flood is discovered.  See, then, how
+fine a plan it is! and meet me here at twelve to-night with a shovel and
+pick.  Mine are already hidden in the wood yonder.  Now, come and see
+where we must strike, and then slip home the other way; we must not be
+seen here by any one."
+
+There the voices stopped, and steps were heard going deeper into the
+arch.  Trudel, pale with fear, rose to her feet, slipped off her sabots,
+and ran away along the dike like a startled rabbit, never pausing till
+she was safely round the corner and out of sight.  Then she took breath,
+and tried to think what to do first.  It was of no use to go home and
+tell the story there.  Father was too ill to hear it or to help; and if
+she told the neighbors, the secret would soon be known everywhere and
+might bring danger on them all.  No, she must go at once to Mein Herr
+von Vost and tell him alone, begging him to let no one know what she had
+heard, but to prevent the mischief the men threatened, as if by
+accident.  Then all would be safe, and the pretty flax-fields kept from
+drowning.  It was a long way to the "master's," as he was called,
+because he owned the linen factories, where all day many looms jangled,
+and many men and women worked busily to fill his warehouses and ships
+with piles of the fine white cloth, famous all the world over.
+
+But forgetting the wood, father's broth, granny's coffee, and even the
+knitting which she still held, Trudel went as fast as she could toward
+the country-house, where Mein Herr von Vost would probably be at his
+breakfast.
+
+She was faint now with hunger and heat, for the day grew hot, and the
+anxiety she felt made her heart flutter while she hurried along the
+dusty road till she came to the pretty house in its gay garden, where
+some children were playing.  Anxious not to be seen, Trudel slipped up
+the steps, and in at the open window of a room where she saw the master
+and his wife sitting at table.  Both looked surprised to see a shabby,
+breathless little girl enter in that curious fashion; but something in
+her face told them that she came on an important errand, and putting
+down his cup, the gentleman said quickly,--
+
+"Well, girl, what is it?"
+
+In a few words Trudel told her story, adding with a beseeching gesture,
+"Dear sir, please do not tell that I betrayed bad Peit and Deitrich.
+They know father, and may do him some harm if they discover that I told
+you this.  We are so poor, so unhappy now, we cannot bear any more;" and
+quite overcome with the troubles that filled her little heart, and the
+fatigue and the hunger that weakened her little body, Trudel dropped
+down at Von Vost's feet as if she were dead.
+
+When she came to herself, she was lying on a velvet sofa and the
+sweet-faced lady was holding wine to her lips, while Mein Herr von Vost
+marched up and down the room with his flowered dressing-gown waving
+behind him, and a frown on his brow.  Trudel sat up and said she was
+quite well; but the little white face and the hungry eyes that wandered
+to the breakfast-table, told the truth, and the good frau had a plate of
+food and a cup of warm milk before her in a moment.
+
+"Eat, my poor child, and rest a little, while the master considers what
+is best to be done, and how to reward the brave little messenger who
+came so far to save his property," said the motherly lady, fanning
+Trudel, who ate heartily, hardly knowing what she ate, except that it
+was very delicious after so much bread and water.
+
+In a few moments Herr von Vost paused before the sofa and said kindly,
+though his eyes were stern and his face looked hard,--
+
+"See, then, thus shall I arrange the affair, and all will be well.  I
+will myself go to see the old gate, as if made anxious lest the
+burgomaster should forget his promise.  I find it in a dangerous state,
+and at once set my men at work. The rascals are disappointed of both
+revenge and wages, and I can soon take care of them in other ways, for
+they are drunken fellows, and are easily clapped into prison and kept
+safely there till ready to work and to stop plotting mischief.  No one
+shall know your part in it, my girl; but I do not forget it.  Tell your
+father his loom waits for him.  Meanwhile, here is something to help
+while he must be idle."
+
+Trudel's plate nearly fell out of her hands as a great gold-piece
+dropped into her lap; and she could only stammer her thanks with tears
+of joy, and a mouth full of bread and butter.
+
+"He is a kind man, but a busy one, and people call him 'hard.'  You will
+not find him so hereafter, for he never forgets a favor, nor do I.  Eat
+well, dear child, and wait till you are rested.  I will get a basket of
+comforts for the sick man.  Who else needs help at home?"
+
+So kindly did Frau von Vost look and speak that Trudel told all her sad
+tale freely, for the master had gone at once to see to the dike, after a
+nod and a pat on the child's head, which made her quite sure that he was
+not as hard as people said.
+
+When she had opened her heart to the friendly lady, Trudel was left to
+rest a few moments, and lay luxuriously on the yellow sofa staring at
+the handsome things about her, and eating pretzels till Frau von Vost
+returned with the promised basket, out of which peeped the neck of a
+wine-bottle, the legs of a chicken, glimpses of grapes, and many neat
+parcels of good things.
+
+"My servant goes to market and will carry this for you till you are near
+home.  Go, little Trudel; and God bless you for saving us from a great
+misfortune!" said the lady; and she kissed the happy child and led her
+to the back door, where stood the little cart with an old man to drive
+the fat horse, and many baskets to be filled in town.
+
+Such a lovely drive our Trudel had that day! no queen in a splendid
+chariot ever felt prouder, for all her cares were gone, gold was in her
+pocket, food at her feet, and friends secured to make times easier for
+all.  No need to tell how joyfully she was welcomed at home, nor what
+praises she received when her secret was confided to mother and
+grandmother, nor what a feast was spread in the poor house that
+day,--for patience, courage, and trust in God had won the battle, the
+enemy had fled, and Trudel's hard siege was over.
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Chapter IX tailpiece]
+
+
+
+
+
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LULU'S LIBRARY, VOLUME III (OF
+3) ***
+
+
+
+
+A Word from Project Gutenberg
+
+
+We will update this book if we find any errors.
+
+This book can be found under: http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/40683
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no one
+owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation (and
+you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without permission
+and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules, set forth in the
+General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to copying and
+distributing Project Gutenberg(tm) electronic works to protect the
+Project Gutenberg(tm) concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a
+registered trademark, and may not be used if you charge for the eBooks,
+unless you receive specific permission. If you do not charge anything
+for copies of this eBook, complying with the rules is very easy. You may
+use this eBook for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative
+works, reports, performances and research. They may be modified and
+printed and given away - you may do practically _anything_ with public
+domain eBooks.  Redistribution is subject to the trademark license,
+especially commercial redistribution.
+
+
+
+The Full Project Gutenberg License
+
+
+_Please read this before you distribute or use this work._
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg(tm) mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work (or
+any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg(tm) License available with this file or online at
+http://www.gutenberg.org/license.
+
+
+Section 1. General Terms of Use & Redistributing Project Gutenberg(tm)
+electronic works
+
+
+*1.A.* By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg(tm)
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all the
+terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy all
+copies of Project Gutenberg(tm) electronic works in your possession. If
+you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg(tm) electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+*1.B.* "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few things
+that you can do with most Project Gutenberg(tm) electronic works even
+without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See paragraph
+1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg(tm) electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg(tm) electronic
+works. See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+*1.C.* The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the
+Foundation" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of
+Project Gutenberg(tm) electronic works. Nearly all the individual works
+in the collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you
+from copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating
+derivative works based on the work as long as all references to Project
+Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the
+Project Gutenberg(tm) mission of promoting free access to electronic
+works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg(tm) works in compliance with
+the terms of this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg(tm) name
+associated with the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this
+agreement by keeping this work in the same format with its attached full
+Project Gutenberg(tm) License when you share it without charge with
+others.
+
+*1.D.* The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg(tm) work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+*1.E.* Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+*1.E.1.* The following sentence, with active links to, or other
+immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg(tm) License must appear
+prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg(tm) work (any work
+on which the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed,
+performed, viewed, copied or distributed:
+
+    This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+    almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away
+    or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License
+    included with this eBook or online at http://www.gutenberg.org
+
+*1.E.2.* If an individual Project Gutenberg(tm) electronic work is
+derived from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating
+that it is posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can
+be copied and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying
+any fees or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a
+work with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on
+the work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs
+1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg(tm) trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+*1.E.3.* If an individual Project Gutenberg(tm) electronic work is
+posted with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and
+distribution must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and
+any additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms
+will be linked to the Project Gutenberg(tm) License for all works posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of
+this work.
+
+*1.E.4.* Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project
+Gutenberg(tm) License terms from this work, or any files containing a
+part of this work or any other work associated with Project
+Gutenberg(tm).
+
+*1.E.5.* Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg(tm) License.
+
+*1.E.6.* You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg(tm) work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg(tm) web site
+(http://www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or
+expense to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a
+means of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other form. Any alternate format must include
+the full Project Gutenberg(tm) License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+*1.E.7.* Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg(tm) works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+*1.E.8.* You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg(tm) electronic works
+provided that
+
+  - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+    the use of Project Gutenberg(tm) works calculated using the method
+    you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed
+    to the owner of the Project Gutenberg(tm) trademark, but he has
+    agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project
+    Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid
+    within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are
+    legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty
+    payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project
+    Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in
+    Section 4, "Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg
+    Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+  - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+    you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+    does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg(tm)
+    License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all
+    copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue
+    all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg(tm)
+    works.
+
+  - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of
+    any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+    electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of
+    receipt of the work.
+
+  - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+    distribution of Project Gutenberg(tm) works.
+
+
+*1.E.9.* If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project
+Gutenberg(tm) electronic work or group of works on different terms than
+are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing
+from both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg(tm) trademark. Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3. below.
+
+*1.F.*
+
+*1.F.1.* Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg(tm) collection.
+Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg(tm) electronic works, and the
+medium on which they may be stored, may contain "Defects," such as, but
+not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or corrupt data, transcription
+errors, a copyright or other intellectual property infringement, a
+defective or damaged disk or other medium, a computer virus, or computer
+codes that damage or cannot be read by your equipment.
+
+*1.F.2.* LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg(tm) trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg(tm) electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal fees.
+YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY,
+BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE PROVIDED IN
+PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE TRADEMARK OWNER, AND
+ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR
+ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES
+EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.
+
+*1.F.3.* LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+*1.F.4.* Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS,' WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+*1.F.5.* Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+*1.F.6.* INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg(tm) electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg(tm) electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg(tm)
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg(tm) work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg(tm)
+
+
+Project Gutenberg(tm) is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg(tm)'s
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg(tm) collection will remain
+freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure and
+permanent future for Project Gutenberg(tm) and future generations. To
+learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and
+how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 and the
+Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org .
+
+
+Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the state
+of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal Revenue
+Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification number is
+64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/pglaf . Contributions to the
+Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the
+full extent permitted by U.S.  federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr.
+S. Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at 809
+North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official page
+at http://www.pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+
+    Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+    Chief Executive and Director
+    gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+
+Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation
+
+
+Project Gutenberg(tm) depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations where
+we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND
+DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular state
+visit http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make any
+statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from outside
+the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other ways
+including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To donate,
+please visit: http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate
+
+
+Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg(tm) electronic
+works.
+
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg(tm)
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg(tm) eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+Project Gutenberg(tm) eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. unless
+a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily keep eBooks
+in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+Each eBook is in a subdirectory of the same number as the eBook's eBook
+number, often in several formats including plain vanilla ASCII,
+compressed (zipped), HTML and others.
+
+Corrected _editions_ of our eBooks replace the old file and take over
+the old filename and etext number. The replaced older file is renamed.
+_Versions_ based on separate sources are treated as new eBooks receiving
+new filenames and etext numbers.
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+    http://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg(tm),
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
diff --git a/40683-8.zip b/40683-8.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..04bf1f2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40683-8.zip
diff --git a/40683-h.zip b/40683-h.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fee88e3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40683-h.zip
diff --git a/40683-h/40683-h.html b/40683-h/40683-h.html
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c1a6b96
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40683-h/40683-h.html
@@ -0,0 +1,7115 @@
+<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?>
+<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC '-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.1//EN' 'http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml11/DTD/xhtml11.dtd'>
+<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">
+<head>
+<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" />
+<meta name="generator" content="Docutils 0.8.1: http://docutils.sourceforge.net/" />
+<style type="text/css">
+/* 
+Project Gutenberg common docutils stylesheet.
+
+This stylesheet contains styles common to HTML and EPUB.  Put styles
+that are specific to HTML and EPUB into their relative stylesheets.
+
+:Author: Marcello Perathoner (webmaster@gutenberg.org)
+:Copyright: This stylesheet has been placed in the public domain.
+
+This stylesheet is based on:
+
+  :Author: David Goodger (goodger@python.org)
+  :Copyright: This stylesheet has been placed in the public domain.
+
+  Default cascading style sheet for the HTML output of Docutils.
+
+*/
+
+/* ADE 1.7.2 chokes on !important and throws all css out. */
+
+/* FONTS */
+
+.italics    { font-style: italic }
+.no-italics { font-style: normal }
+
+.bold       { font-weight: bold }
+.no-bold    { font-weight: normal }
+
+.small-caps { } /* Epub needs italics */
+.gesperrt   { } /* Epub needs italics */
+.antiqua    { font-style: italic } /* what else can we do ? */
+.monospaced { font-family: monospace }
+
+.smaller    { font-size: smaller }
+.larger     { font-size: larger }
+
+.xx-small   { font-size: xx-small }
+.x-small    { font-size: x-small }
+.small      { font-size: small }
+.medium     { font-size: medium }
+.large      { font-size: large }
+.x-large    { font-size: x-large }
+.xx-large   { font-size: xx-large }
+
+.text-transform-uppercase { text-transform: uppercase }
+.text-transform-lowercase { text-transform: lowercase }
+.text-transform-none      { text-transform: none }
+
+.red        { color: red }
+.green      { color: green }
+.blue       { color: blue }
+.yellow     { color: yellow }
+.white      { color: white }
+.gray       { color: gray }
+.black      { color: black }
+
+/* ALIGN */
+
+.left       { text-align: left }
+.center     { text-align: center }
+.right      { text-align: right }
+.justify    { text-align: justify }
+
+/* LINE HEIGHT */
+
+body        { line-height: 1.5 }
+p           { margin: 0; 
+	      text-indent: 2em }
+
+/* PAGINATION */
+
+.title, .subtitle     { page-break-after:  avoid }
+
+.container, .title, .subtitle, #pg-header            
+                      { page-break-inside: avoid }
+
+/* SECTIONS */
+
+body         { text-align: justify }
+
+p.pfirst,
+p.center,
+p.right,
+div.center p,
+div.right p,
+p.noindent   { text-indent: 0 }
+
+.boxed         { border: 1px solid black; padding: 1em }
+.topic, .note  { margin: 5% 0; border: 1px solid black; padding: 1em }
+div.section    { clear: both }
+
+div.line-block       { margin: 1.5em 0 }  /* same leading as p */
+div.line-block.inner { margin: 0 0 0 10% }
+div.line             { margin-left: 20%; text-indent: -20%; }
+.line-block.noindent div.line { margin-left: 0; text-indent: 0; }
+
+hr.docutils          { margin: 1.5em 40%; border: none; border-bottom: 1px solid black; }
+div.transition       { margin: 1.5em 0 }
+
+.vfill, .vspace      { border: 0px solid white }
+
+.title               { margin: 1.5em 0 }
+.title.with-subtitle { margin-bottom: 0 }
+.subtitle            { margin: 1.5em 0 }
+
+/* header font style */
+/* http://dev.w3.org/csswg/css3-fonts/#propdef-font-size */
+
+h1.title                        { font-size: 200%; }  /* for book title only */
+h2.title, p.subtitle.level-1    { font-size: 150%; margin-top: 4.5em;  margin-bottom: 2em }
+h3.title, p.subtitle.level-2    { font-size: 120%; margin-top: 2.25em; margin-bottom: 1.25em }
+h4.title, p.subtitle.level-3    { font-size: 100%; margin-top: 1.5em;  margin-bottom: 1.5em;  font-weight: bold; }
+h5.title, p.subtitle.level-4    { font-size:  89%; margin-top: 1.87em; margin-bottom: 1.69em; font-style: italic; }
+h6.title, p.subtitle.level-5    { font-size:  60%; margin-top: 3.5em;  margin-bottom: 2.5em }
+
+/* title page */
+
+h1.title, p.subtitle.level-1,
+h2.title, p.subtitle.level-2    { text-align: center }
+
+#pg-header,
+h1.document-title               { margin: 10% 0 5% 0 }
+p.document-subtitle             { margin:  0  0 5% 0 }
+
+/* PG header and footer */
+#pg-machine-header { }
+#pg-produced-by { }
+
+li.toc-entry            { list-style-type: none }
+ul.open li, ol.open li  { margin-bottom: 1.5em }
+
+.attribution            { margin-top: 1.5em }
+
+.example-rendered { 
+    margin: 1em 5%; border: 1px dotted red;  padding: 1em; background-color: #ffd }
+.literal-block.example-source   { 
+    margin: 1em 5%; border: 1px dotted blue; padding: 1em; background-color: #eef }
+
+/* DROPCAPS */
+
+/* BLOCKQUOTES */
+
+blockquote { margin: 1.5em 10% }
+
+blockquote.epigraph { }
+
+blockquote.highlights { }
+
+div.local-contents { margin: 1.5em 10% }
+
+div.abstract { margin: 3em 10% }
+div.caption  { margin: 1.5em 10%; text-align: center; font-style: italic }
+div.legend   { margin: 1.5em 10% }
+
+.hidden { display: none }
+
+.invisible { visibility: hidden; color: white } /* white: mozilla print bug */
+
+a.toc-backref {
+  text-decoration: none ;
+  color: black }
+
+dl.docutils dd {
+  margin-bottom: 0.5em }
+
+div.figure { margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 3em }
+
+img { max-width: 100% }
+
+div.footer, div.header {
+  clear: both;
+  font-size: smaller }
+
+div.sidebar {
+  margin: 0 0 0.5em 1em ;
+  border: medium outset ;
+  padding: 1em ;
+  background-color: #ffffee ;
+  width: 40% ;
+  float: right ;
+  clear: right }
+
+div.sidebar p.rubric {
+  font-family: sans-serif ;
+  font-size: medium }
+
+ol.simple, ul.simple { margin: 1.5em 0 }
+
+ol.toc-list,    ul.toc-list    { padding-left:  0  }
+ol ol.toc-list, ul ul.toc-list { padding-left:  5% }
+
+ol.arabic {
+  list-style: decimal }
+
+ol.loweralpha {
+  list-style: lower-alpha }
+
+ol.upperalpha {
+  list-style: upper-alpha }
+
+ol.lowerroman {
+  list-style: lower-roman }
+
+ol.upperroman {
+  list-style: upper-roman }
+
+p.credits {
+  font-style: italic ;
+  font-size: smaller }
+
+p.label {
+  white-space: nowrap }
+
+p.rubric {
+  font-weight: bold ;
+  font-size: larger ;
+  color: maroon ;
+  text-align: center }
+
+p.sidebar-title {
+  font-family: sans-serif ;
+  font-weight: bold ;
+  font-size: larger }
+
+p.sidebar-subtitle {
+  font-family: sans-serif ;
+  font-weight: bold }
+
+p.topic-title, p.admonition-title {
+  font-weight: bold }
+
+pre.address {
+  margin-bottom: 0 ;
+  margin-top: 0 ;
+  font: inherit }
+
+.literal-block, .doctest-block {
+  margin-left: 2em ;
+  margin-right: 2em; }
+
+span.classifier {
+  font-family: sans-serif ;
+  font-style: oblique }
+
+span.classifier-delimiter {
+  font-family: sans-serif ;
+  font-weight: bold }
+
+span.interpreted {
+  font-family: sans-serif }
+
+span.option {
+  white-space: nowrap }
+
+span.pre {
+  white-space: pre }
+
+span.problematic {
+  color: red }
+
+span.section-subtitle {
+  /* font-size relative to parent (h1..h6 element) */
+  font-size: 100% }
+
+table { margin-top: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.5em; border-spacing: 0 }
+table.align-left, table.align-right { margin-top: 0 }
+
+table.table                { border-collapse: collapse; }
+
+table.table.hrules-table thead          { border: 1px solid black; border-width: 2px 0 0 }
+table.table.hrules-table tbody          { border: 1px solid black; border-width: 2px 0 }
+table.table.hrules-rows  tr             { border: 1px solid black; border-width: 0 0 1px }
+table.table.hrules-rows  tr.last        { border-width: 0 }
+table.table.hrules-rows  td, 
+table.table.hrules-rows  th             { padding: 1ex 1em; vertical-align: middle }
+
+table.table tr             { border-width: 0 }
+table.table td, 
+table.table th             { padding: 0.5ex 1em }
+table.table tr.first td    { padding-top: 1ex }
+table.table tr.last td     { padding-bottom: 1ex }
+table.table tr.first th    { padding-top: 1ex }
+table.table tr.last th     { padding-bottom: 1ex }
+
+
+table.citation {
+  border-left: solid 1px gray;
+  margin-left: 1px }
+
+table.docinfo {
+  margin: 3em 4em }
+
+table.docutils { }
+
+tr.footnote.footnote td, tr.footnote.footnote th { 
+  padding: 0 0.5em 1.5em;
+}
+
+table.docutils td, table.docutils th,
+table.docinfo td, table.docinfo th {
+  padding: 0 0.5em;
+  vertical-align: top }
+
+table.docutils th.field-name, table.docinfo th.docinfo-name {
+  font-weight: bold ;
+  text-align: left ;
+  white-space: nowrap ;
+  padding-left: 0 }
+
+/* used to remove borders from tables and images */
+.borderless, table.borderless td, table.borderless th {
+  border: 0 }
+
+table.borderless td, table.borderless th {
+  /* Override padding for "table.docutils td" with "!important".
+     The right padding separates the table cells. */
+  padding: 0 0.5em 0 0 } /* FIXME: was !important */
+
+h1 tt.docutils, h2 tt.docutils, h3 tt.docutils,
+h4 tt.docutils, h5 tt.docutils, h6 tt.docutils {
+  font-size: 100% }
+
+ul.auto-toc {
+  list-style-type: none }
+</style>
+<style type="text/css">
+/* 
+Project Gutenberg HTML docutils stylesheet.
+
+This stylesheet contains styles specific to HTML.
+*/
+
+/* FONTS */
+
+/* em                { font-style: normal }
+strong            { font-weight: normal } */
+
+.small-caps       { font-variant: small-caps }
+.gesperrt         { letter-spacing: 0.1em }
+
+/* ALIGN */
+
+.align-left       { clear: left;
+		    float: left;
+		    margin-right: 1em }
+
+.align-right      { clear: right;
+		    float: right;
+		    margin-left: 1em }
+
+.align-center     { margin-left: auto;
+		    margin-right: auto }
+
+div.shrinkwrap    { display: table; }
+
+/* SECTIONS */
+
+body              { margin: 5% 10% 5% 10% }
+
+/* compact list items containing just one p */
+li p.pfirst       { margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0 } 
+
+.first            { margin-top: 0 !important; 
+		    text-indent: 0 !important } 
+.last             { margin-bottom: 0 !important }
+
+span.dropcap      { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 1 }
+img.dropcap       { float: left; margin: 0 0.5em 0 0; max-width: 25% }
+span.dropspan     { font-variant: small-caps }
+
+.no-page-break    { page-break-before: avoid !important }
+
+/* PAGINATION */
+
+@media screen {
+   .coverpage, .frontispiece, .titlepage, .verso, .dedication, .plainpage
+                       { margin: 10% 0; }
+
+   div.clearpage, div.cleardoublepage
+                       { margin: 10% 0; border: none; border-top: 1px solid gray; }
+
+   .vfill              { margin:  5% 10% }
+}
+
+@media print {
+   div.clearpage       { page-break-before: always; padding-top: 10% }
+   div.cleardoublepage { page-break-before: right;  padding-top: 10%  }
+
+   .vfill              { margin-top: 20% }
+   h2.title            { margin-top: 20% }
+}
+
+</style>
+<title>LULU'S LIBRARY, VOLUME III</title>
+<meta name="PG.Rights" content="Public Domain" />
+<meta name="PG.Title" content="Lulu's Library, Volume III (of 3)" />
+<meta name="PG.Producer" content="Al Haines" />
+<link rel="coverpage" href="images/img-cover.jpg" />
+<meta name="DC.Creator" content="Louisa M. Alcott" />
+<meta name="DC.Created" content="1889" />
+<meta name="PG.Id" content="40683" />
+<meta name="PG.Released" content="2012-09-05" />
+<meta name="DC.Language" content="en" />
+<meta name="DC.Title" content="Lulu's Library, Volume III (of 3)" />
+
+<link href="http://purl.org/dc/terms/" rel="schema.DCTERMS" />
+<link href="http://id.loc.gov/vocabulary/relators" rel="schema.MARCREL" />
+<meta content="Lulu's Library, Volume III (of 3)" name="DCTERMS.title" />
+<meta content="lulu3.rst" name="DCTERMS.source" />
+<meta content="en" scheme="DCTERMS.RFC4646" name="DCTERMS.language" />
+<meta content="2012-09-06T03:11:18.811814+00:00" scheme="DCTERMS.W3CDTF" name="DCTERMS.modified" />
+<meta content="Project Gutenberg" name="DCTERMS.publisher" />
+<meta content="Public Domain in the USA." name="DCTERMS.rights" />
+<link href="http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/40683" rel="DCTERMS.isFormatOf" />
+<meta content="Louisa \M. Alcott" name="DCTERMS.creator" />
+<meta content="2012-09-05" scheme="DCTERMS.W3CDTF" name="DCTERMS.created" />
+<meta content="width=device-width" name="viewport" />
+<meta content="EpubMaker 0.3.19b4 by Marcello Perathoner &lt;webmaster@gutenberg.org&gt;" name="generator" />
+<style type="text/css">
+.pageno       { position: absolute; right: 95%; font: medium sans-serif; text-indent: 0 }
+.pageno:after { color: gray; content: '[' attr(title) ']' }
+.lineno       { position: absolute; left:  95%; font: medium sans-serif; text-indent: 0 }
+.lineno:after { color: gray; content: '[' attr(title) ']' }
+.toc-pageref  { float: right }
+pre           { font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.9em; white-space: pre-wrap }
+</style>
+</head>
+<body>
+<div class="document" id="lulu-s-library-volume-iii">
+<h1 class="document-title level-1 pfirst title">LULU'S LIBRARY, VOLUME III</h1>
+
+<!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- -->
+<div class="clearpage">
+</div>
+<!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- -->
+<div class="align-None container language-en noindent pgheader" id="pg-header" xml:lang="en" lang="en">
+<p class="noindent pfirst">This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the <a class="reference internal" href="#project-gutenberg-license">Project Gutenberg License</a>
+included with this eBook or online at
+<a class="reference external" href="http://www.gutenberg.org/license">http://www.gutenberg.org/license</a>.</p>
+<p class="noindent pnext"></p>
+<div class="noindent vspace" style="height: 2em">
+</div>
+<div class="align-None container noindent white-space-pre-line" id="pg-machine-header">
+<p class="noindent pfirst white-space-pre-line"><span class="white-space-pre-line">Title: Lulu's Library, Volume III (of 3)<br />
+<br />
+Author: Louisa M. Alcott<br />
+<br />
+Release Date: September 05, 2012 [EBook #40683]<br />
+<br />
+Language: English<br />
+<br />
+Character set encoding: UTF-8</span></p>
+</div>
+<div class="noindent vspace" style="height: 2em">
+</div>
+<p class="noindent pfirst" id="pg-start-line">*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK <span>LULU'S LIBRARY, VOLUME III (OF 3)</span> ***</p>
+<div class="noindent vspace" style="height: 4em">
+</div>
+<p class="noindent pfirst" id="pg-produced-by"><span>Produced by Al Haines.</span></p>
+<div class="noindent vspace" style="height: 1em">
+</div>
+<p class="noindent pfirst"><span></span></p>
+</div>
+<div class="align-None container coverpage">
+<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em">
+</div>
+<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure" style="width: 73%" id="figure-86">
+<img class="align-center" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=" " src="images/img-cover.jpg" />
+<div class="caption figure">
+Cover</div>
+</div>
+<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em">
+</div>
+</div>
+<div class="align-None center container titlepage white-space-pre-line">
+<p class="pfirst white-space-pre-line x-large">LULU'S LIBRARY.</p>
+<div class="vspace white-space-pre-line" style="height: 2em">
+</div>
+<p class="medium pfirst white-space-pre-line">BY</p>
+<p class="large pnext white-space-pre-line">LOUISA M. ALCOTT,</p>
+<div class="vspace white-space-pre-line" style="height: 2em">
+</div>
+<p class="pfirst small white-space-pre-line">AUTHOR OF "LITTLE WOMEN," "AN OLD-FASHIONED GIRL," "LITTLE MEN,"<br />
+"EIGHT COUSINS," "ROSE IN BLOOM," "UNDER THE LILACS," "JACK<br />
+AND JILL," "JO'S BOYS," "HOSPITAL SKETCHES," "WORK, A STORY<br />
+OF EXPERIENCE," "MOODS, A NOVEL," "PROVERB STORIES,"<br />
+"SILVER PITCHERS," "SPINNING-WHEEL STORIES,"<br />
+"A GARLAND FOR GIRLS," "AUNT<br />
+JO'S SCRAP-BAG."</p>
+<div class="vspace white-space-pre-line" style="height: 3em">
+</div>
+<p class="large pfirst white-space-pre-line">VOL. III.</p>
+<p class="medium pnext white-space-pre-line">RECOLLECTIONS OF MY CHILDHOOD.<br />
+A CHRISTMAS TURKEY, AND HOW IT CAME.<br />
+THE SILVER PARTY.<br />
+THE BLIND LARK.<br />
+MUSIC AND MACARONI.<br />
+THE LITTLE RED PURSE.<br />
+SOPHIE'S SECRET.<br />
+DOLLY'S BEDSTEAD.<br />
+TRUDEL'S SIEGE.</p>
+<div class="vspace white-space-pre-line" style="height: 3em">
+</div>
+<p class="center medium pfirst white-space-pre-line">BOSTON:<br />
+ROBERTS BROTHERS.<br />
+1889.</p>
+<div class="vspace white-space-pre-line" style="height: 4em">
+</div>
+</div>
+<div class="align-None center container verso white-space-pre-line">
+<p class="center pfirst small white-space-pre-line"><em class="italics white-space-pre-line">Copyright, 1889,</em><br />
+BY J. S. P. ALCOTT.</p>
+<div class="vspace white-space-pre-line" style="height: 3em">
+</div>
+<p class="center pfirst small white-space-pre-line">University Press:<br />
+JOHN WILSON AND SON, CAMBRIDGE.</p>
+<div class="vspace white-space-pre-line" style="height: 4em">
+</div>
+</div>
+<div class="align-None container plainpage">
+<p class="center large pfirst">CONTENTS.</p>
+<ol class="left medium upperroman simple">
+<li><p class="first pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#recollections-of-my-childhood">Recollections of My Childhood</a></p>
+</li>
+<li><p class="first pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#a-christmas-turkey-and-how-it-came">A Christmas Turkey, and How It Came</a></p>
+</li>
+<li><p class="first pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-silver-party">The Silver Party</a></p>
+</li>
+<li><p class="first pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-blind-lark">The Blind Lark</a></p>
+</li>
+<li><p class="first pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#music-and-macaroni">Music and Macaroni</a></p>
+</li>
+<li><p class="first pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-little-red-purse">The Little Red Purse</a></p>
+</li>
+<li><p class="first pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#sophie-s-secret">Sophie's Secret</a></p>
+</li>
+<li><p class="first pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#dolly-s-bedstead">Dolly's Bedstead</a></p>
+</li>
+<li><p class="first pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#trudel-s-siege">Trudel's Siege</a></p>
+</li>
+</ol>
+</div>
+<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em">
+</div>
+<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure" style="width: 59%" id="figure-87">
+<span id="recollections-of-my-childhood"></span><img class="align-center" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=" " src="images/img-007.jpg" />
+<div class="caption figure">
+Louisa May Alcott</div>
+</div>
+<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em">
+</div>
+<p class="center large pfirst">I.</p>
+<p class="center medium pnext">RECOLLECTIONS OF MY CHILDHOOD.</p>
+<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em">
+</div>
+<p class="pfirst">One of my earliest memories is of playing
+with books in my father's study,--building
+towers and bridges of the big dictionaries,
+looking at pictures, pretending to read, and
+scribbling on blank pages whenever pen or
+pencil could be found.  Many of these first
+attempts at authorship still exist; and I often
+wonder if these childish plays did not influence
+my after-life, since books have been my greatest
+comfort, castle-building a never-failing delight,
+and scribbling a very profitable amusement.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Another very vivid recollection is of the day
+when running after my hoop I fell into the Frog
+Pond and was rescued by a black boy, becoming
+a friend to the colored race then and there,
+though my mother always declared that I was
+an abolitionist at the age of three.</p>
+<p class="pnext">During the Garrison riot in Boston the
+portrait of George Thompson was hidden under a
+bed in our house for safekeeping; and I am
+told that I used to go and comfort "the good
+man who helped poor slaves" in his captivity.
+However that may be, the conversion was
+genuine; and my greatest pride is in the fact that I
+have lived to know the brave men and women
+who did so much for the cause, and that I had
+a very small share in the war which put an end
+to a great wrong.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Being born on the birthday of Columbus, I
+seem to have something of my patron saint's
+spirit of adventure, and running away was one
+of the delights of my childhood.  Many a social
+lunch have I shared with hospitable Irish beggar
+children, as we ate our crusts, cold potatoes,
+and salt fish on voyages of discovery among
+the ash heaps of the waste land that then lay
+where the Albany station now stands.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Many an impromptu picnic have I had on
+the dear old Common, with strange boys, pretty
+babies, and friendly dogs, who always seemed
+to feel that this reckless young person needed looking after.</p>
+<p class="pnext">On one occasion the town-crier found me fast
+asleep at nine o'clock at night, on a doorstep
+in Bedford Street, with my head pillowed on
+the curly breast of a big Newfoundland, who
+was with difficulty persuaded to release the
+weary little wanderer who had sobbed herself
+to sleep there.</p>
+<p class="pnext">I often smile as I pass that door, and never
+forget to give a grateful pat to every big dog I
+meet, for never have I slept more soundly than
+on that dusty step, nor found a better friend
+than the noble animal who watched over the
+lost baby so faithfully.</p>
+<p class="pnext">My father's school was the only one I ever
+went to; and when this was broken up because
+he introduced methods now all the fashion, our
+lessons went on at home, for he was always sure
+of four little pupils who firmly believed in their
+teacher, though they have not done him all the
+credit he deserved.</p>
+<p class="pnext">I never liked arithmetic or grammar, and
+dodged these branches on all occasions; but
+reading, composition, history, and geography
+I enjoyed, as well as the stories read to us with
+a skill which made the dullest charming and useful.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Pilgrim's Progress," Krummacher's "Parables,"
+Miss Edgeworth, and the best of the
+dear old fairy tales made that hour the
+pleasantest of our day.  On Sundays we had a simple
+service of Bible stories, hymns, and conversation
+about the state of our little consciences and
+the conduct of our childish lives which never
+will be forgotten.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Walks each morning round the Common
+while in the city, and long tramps over hill and
+dale when our home was in the country, were a
+part of our education, as well as every sort of
+housework, for which I have always been very
+grateful, since such knowledge makes one
+independent in these days of domestic
+tribulation with the help who are too often only
+hindrances.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Needle-work began early; and at ten my skilful
+sister made a linen shirt beautifully, while at
+twelve I set up as a dolls' dressmaker, with
+my sign out, and wonderful models in my
+window.  All the children employed me; and my
+turbans were the rage at one time, to the great
+dismay of the neighbor's hens, who were hotly
+hunted down that I might tweak out their
+downiest feathers to adorn the dolls' head-gear.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Active exercise was my delight from the time
+when a child of six I drove my hoop round the
+Common without stopping, to the days when I
+did my twenty miles in five hours and went to
+a party in the evening.</p>
+<p class="pnext">I always thought I must have been a deer or
+a horse in some former state, because it was
+such a joy to run.  No boy could be my friend
+till I had beaten him in a race, and no girl if
+she refused to climb trees, leap fences, and be a tomboy.</p>
+<p class="pnext">My wise mother, anxious to give me a strong
+body to support a lively brain, turned me loose
+in the country and let me run wild, learning of
+Nature what no books can teach, and being led,
+as those who truly love her seldom fail to be,</p>
+<blockquote>
+<div>
+<div class="line-block outermost">
+<div class="line">"Through Nature up to Nature's God."</div>
+<div class="line"> </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+</blockquote>
+<p class="pfirst">I remember running over the hills just at
+dawn one summer morning, and pausing to rest
+in the silent woods, saw, through an arch of
+trees, the sun rise over river, hill, and wide green
+meadows as I never saw it before.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Something born of the lovely hour, a happy
+mood, and the unfolding aspirations of a child's
+soul seemed to bring me very near to God; and
+in the hush of that morning hour I always felt
+that I "got religion," as the phrase goes.  A
+new and vital sense of His presence, tender and
+sustaining as a father's arms, came to me then,
+never to change through forty years of life's
+vicissitudes, but to grow stronger for the sharp
+discipline of poverty and pain, sorrow and success.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Those Concord days were the happiest of
+my life, for we had charming playmates in the
+little Emersons, Channings, Hawthornes, and
+Goodwins, with the illustrious parents and
+their friends to enjoy our pranks and share
+our excursions.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Plays in the barn were a favorite amusement,
+and we dramatized the fairy tales in great style.
+Our giant came tumbling off a loft when Jack
+cut down the squash-vine running up a ladder
+to represent the immortal bean.  Cinderella
+rolled away in a vast pumpkin; and a long black
+pudding was lowered by invisible hands to fasten
+itself on the nose of the woman who wasted her
+three wishes.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Little pilgrims journeyed over the hills with
+scrip and staff, and cockle-shells in their hats;
+elves held their pretty revels among the pines,
+and "Peter Wilkins'" flying ladies came
+swinging down on the birch tree-tops.  Lords and
+ladies haunted the garden, and mermaids
+splashed in the bath-house of woven willows
+over the brook.</p>
+<p class="pnext">People wondered at our frolics, but enjoyed
+them; and droll stories are still told of the
+adventures of those days.  Mr. Emerson and
+Margaret Fuller were visiting my parents one
+afternoon; and the conversation having turned
+to the ever-interesting subject of education, Miss
+Fuller said,--</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Well, Mr. Alcott, you have been able to
+carry out your methods in your own family, and
+I should like to see your model children."</p>
+<p class="pnext">She did in a few moments,--for as the
+guests stood on the doorsteps a wild uproar
+approached, and round the corner of the house
+came a wheelbarrow holding baby May arrayed
+as a queen; I was the horse, bitted and bridled,
+and driven by my elder sister Anna, while
+Lizzie played dog and barked as loud as her
+gentle voice permitted.</p>
+<p class="pnext">All were shouting, and wild with fun, which,
+however, came to a sudden end as we espied
+the stately group before us, for my foot tripped,
+and down we all went in a laughing heap, while
+my mother put a climax to the joke by saying
+with a dramatic wave of the hand,--</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Here are the model children, Miss Fuller!"</p>
+<p class="pnext">My sentimental period began at fifteen, when
+I fell to writing romances, poems, a "heart
+journal," and dreaming dreams of a splendid
+future.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Browsing over Mr. Emerson's library, I found
+"Goethe's Correspondence with a Child," and
+was at once fired with the desire to be a second
+Bettine, making my father's friend my Goethe.
+So I wrote letters to him, but was wise enough
+never to send them, left wild flowers on the
+doorsteps of my "Master," sung Mignon's
+song in very bad German under his window, and
+was fond of wandering by moonlight, or sitting
+in a cherry-tree at midnight till the owls scared
+me to bed.</p>
+<p class="pnext">The girlish folly did not last long, and the
+letters were burned years ago; but Goethe is still
+my favorite author, and Emerson remained my
+beloved "Master" while he lived, doing more
+for me, as for many another young soul, than
+he ever knew, by the simple beauty of his life,
+the truth and wisdom of his books, the example
+of a good great man untempted and unspoiled
+by the world which he made nobler while in it,
+and left the richer when he went.</p>
+<p class="pnext">The trials of life began about this time, and
+my happy childhood ended.  Money is never
+plentiful in a philosopher's house; and even
+the maternal pelican could not supply all our
+wants on the small income which was freely
+shared with every needy soul who asked for help.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Fugitive slaves were sheltered under our roof;
+and my first pupil was a very black George
+Washington whom I taught to write on the
+hearth with charcoal, his big fingers finding
+pen and pencil unmanageable.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Motherless girls seeking protection were
+guarded among us; hungry travellers sent on
+to our door to be fed and warmed; and if the
+philosopher happened to own two coats, the best
+went to a needy brother, for these were practical
+Christians who had the most perfect faith in
+Providence, and never found it betrayed.</p>
+<p class="pnext">In those days the prophets were not honored
+in their own land, and Concord had not yet
+discovered her great men.  It was a sort of refuge
+for reformers of all sorts, whom the good natives
+regarded as lunatics, harmless but amusing.</p>
+<p class="pnext">My father went away to hold his classes and
+conversations, and we women folk began to feel
+that we also might do something.  So one
+gloomy November day we decided to move to
+Boston and try our fate again after some years
+in the wilderness.</p>
+<p class="pnext">My father's prospect was as promising as a
+philosopher's ever is in a money-making world;
+my mother's friends offered her a good salary
+as their missionary to the poor; and my sister
+and I hoped to teach.  It was an anxious
+council; and always preferring action to discussion,
+I took a brisk run over the hill and then
+settled down for "a good think" in my favorite retreat.</p>
+<p class="pnext">It was an old cart-wheel, half hidden in grass
+under the locusts where I used to sit to wrestle
+with my sums, and usually forget them scribbling
+verses or fairy tales on my slate instead.
+Perched on the hub, I surveyed the prospect and
+found it rather gloomy, with leafless trees, sere
+grass, leaden sky, and frosty air; but the hopeful
+heart of fifteen beat warmly under the old red
+shawl, visions of success gave the gray clouds a
+silver lining, and I said defiantly, as I shook my
+fist at fate embodied in a crow cawing dismally
+on a fence near by,--</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I <em class="italics">will</em> do something by-and-by.  Don't care
+what, teach, sew, act, write, anything to help
+the family; and I'll be rich and famous and
+happy before I die, see if I won't!"</p>
+<p class="pnext">Startled by this audacious outburst, the crow
+flew away; but the old wheel creaked as if it
+began to turn at that moment, stirred by the
+intense desire of an ambitious girl to work for
+those she loved and find some reward when the
+duty was done.</p>
+<p class="pnext">I did not mind the omen then, and returned
+to the house cold but resolute.  I think I began
+to shoulder my burden then and there, for when
+the free country life ended, the wild colt soon
+learned to tug in harness, only breaking loose
+now and then for a taste of beloved liberty.</p>
+<p class="pnext">My sisters and I had cherished fine dreams of
+a home in the city; but when we found ourselves
+in a small house at the South End with not a
+tree in sight, only a back yard to play in, and
+no money to buy any of the splendors before
+us, we all rebelled and longed for the country again.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Anna soon found little pupils, and trudged
+away each morning to her daily task, pausing at
+the corner to wave her hand to me in answer
+to my salute with the duster.  My father went to
+his classes at his room down town, mother to
+her all-absorbing poor, the little girls to school,
+and I was left to keep house, feeling like a
+caged sea-gull as I washed dishes and cooked
+in the basement kitchen, where my prospect was
+limited to a procession of muddy boots.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Good drill, but very hard; and my only
+consolation was the evening reunion when all met
+with such varied reports of the day's adventures,
+we could not fail to find both amusement and
+instruction.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Father brought news from the upper world,
+and the wise, good people who adorned it;
+mother, usually much dilapidated because she
+<em class="italics">would</em> give away her clothes, with sad tales of
+suffering and sin from the darker side of life;
+gentle Anna a modest account of her success as
+teacher, for even at seventeen her sweet nature
+won all who knew her, and her patience quelled
+the most rebellious pupil.</p>
+<p class="pnext">My reports were usually a mixture of the
+tragic and the comic; and the children poured
+their small joys and woes into the family bosom,
+where comfort and sympathy were always to be found.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Then we youngsters adjourned to the kitchen
+for our fun, which usually consisted of writing,
+dressing, and acting a series of remarkable plays.
+In one I remember I took five parts and Anna
+four, with lightning changes of costume, and
+characters varying from a Greek prince in silver
+armor to a murderer in chains.</p>
+<p class="pnext">It was good training for memory and fingers,
+for we recited pages without a fault, and made
+every sort of property from a harp to a fairy's
+spangled wings.  Later we acted Shakespeare;
+and Hamlet was my favorite hero, played with
+a gloomy glare and a tragic stalk which I have
+never seen surpassed.</p>
+<p class="pnext">But we were now beginning to play our parts
+on a real stage, and to know something of the
+pathetic side of life, with its hard facts, irksome
+duties, many temptations, and the daily sacrifice
+of self.  Fortunately we had the truest,
+tenderest of guides and guards, and so learned the
+sweet uses of adversity, the value of honest
+work, the beautiful law of compensation which
+gives more than it takes, and the real significance
+of life.</p>
+<p class="pnext">At sixteen I began to teach twenty pupils,
+and for ten years learned to know and love
+children.  The story-writing went on all the
+while with the usual trials of beginners.  Fairy
+tales told the Emersons made the first printed
+book, and "Hospital Sketches" the first
+successful one.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Every experience went into the caldron to
+come out as froth, or evaporate in smoke, till
+time and suffering strengthened and clarified
+the mixture of truth and fancy, and a
+wholesome draught for children began to flow
+pleasantly and profitably.</p>
+<p class="pnext">So the omen proved a true one, and the wheel
+of fortune turned slowly, till the girl of fifteen
+found herself a woman of fifty, with her
+prophetic dream beautifully realized, her duty done,
+her reward far greater than she deserved.</p>
+<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em">
+</div>
+<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure" style="width: 34%" id="figure-88">
+<img class="align-center" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=" " src="images/img-021.jpg" />
+<div class="caption figure">
+Chapter I tailpiece</div>
+</div>
+<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em">
+</div>
+<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure" style="width: 57%" id="figure-89">
+<span id="a-christmas-turkey-and-how-it-came"></span><img class="align-center" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=" " src="images/img-022.jpg" />
+<div class="caption figure">
+Kitty gives the bunch of holly to the little girl.--PAGE <a class="reference internal" href="#id1">36</a>.</div>
+</div>
+<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em">
+</div>
+<p class="center large pfirst">II.</p>
+<p class="center medium pnext">A CHRISTMAS TURKEY, AND HOW IT CAME.</p>
+<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em">
+</div>
+<p class="pfirst">"I know we could n't do it."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I say we could, if we all helped."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"How can we?"</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I've planned lots of ways; only you mustn't
+laugh at them, and you must n't say a word to
+mother.  I want it to be all a surprise."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"She 'll find us out."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"No, she won't, if we tell her we won't get
+into mischief."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Fire away, then, and let's hear your fine plans."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"We must talk softly, or we shall wake father.
+He's got a headache."</p>
+<p class="pnext">A curious change came over the faces of the
+two boys as their sister lowered her voice, with
+a nod toward a half-opened door.  They looked
+sad and ashamed, and Kitty sighed as she
+spoke, for all knew that father's headaches
+always began by his coming home stupid or
+cross, with only a part of his wages; and mother
+always cried when she thought they did not see
+her, and after the long sleep father looked as
+if he did n't like to meet their eyes, but went
+off early.</p>
+<p class="pnext">They knew what it meant, but never spoke of
+it,--only pondered over it, and mourned with
+mother at the change which was slowly altering
+their kind industrious father into a moody
+man, and mother into an anxious over-worked
+woman.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Kitty was thirteen, and a very capable girl,
+who helped with the housekeeping, took care
+of the two little ones, and went to school.
+Tommy and Sammy looked up to her and
+thought her a remarkably good sister.  Now,
+as they sat round the stove having "a go-to-bed
+warm," the three heads were close together;
+and the boys listened eagerly to Kitty's plans,
+while the rattle of the sewing-machine in
+another room went on as tirelessly as it had done
+all day, for mother's work was more and more
+needed every month.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Well!" began Kitty, in an impressive tone,
+"we all know that there won't be a bit of Christmas
+in this family if we don't make it.  Mother's
+too busy, and father don't care, so we must see
+what we can do; for I should be mortified to
+death to go to school and say I had n't had any
+turkey or plum-pudding.  Don't expect
+presents; but we <em class="italics">must</em> have some kind of a decent
+dinner."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"So I say; I'm tired of fish and potatoes,"
+said Sammy, the younger.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"But where's the dinner coming from?"
+asked Tommy, who had already taken some of
+the cares of life on his young shoulders, and
+knew that Christmas dinners did not walk into
+people's houses without money.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"We 'll earn it;" and Kitty looked like a
+small Napoleon planning the passage of the
+Alps.  "You, Tom, must go early to-morrow
+to Mr. Brisket and offer to carry baskets.  He
+will be dreadfully busy, and want you, I know;
+and you are so strong you can lug as much as
+some of the big fellows.  He pays well, and if
+he won't give much money, you can take your
+wages in things to eat.  We want everything."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"What shall I do?" cried Sammy, while
+Tom sat turning this plan over in his mind.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Take the old shovel and clear sidewalks.
+The snow came on purpose to help you."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"It's awful hard work, and the shovel's half
+gone," began Sammy, who preferred to spend
+his holiday coasting on an old tea-tray.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Don't growl, or you won't get any dinner,"
+said Tom, making up his mind to lug baskets
+for the good of the family, like a manly lad as
+he was.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I," continued Kitty, "have taken the hardest
+part of all; for after my work is done, and the
+babies safely settled, I 'm going to beg for the
+leavings of the holly and pine swept out of
+the church down below, and make some wreaths
+and sell them."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"If you can," put in Tommy, who had tried
+pencils, and failed to make a fortune.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Not in the street?" cried Sam, looking alarmed.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Yes, at the corner of the Park.  I 'm bound
+to make some money, and don't see any other
+way.  I shall put on an old hood and shawl,
+and no one will know me.  Don't care if they
+do."  And Kitty tried to mean what she said,
+but in her heart she felt that it would be a trial
+to her pride if any of her schoolmates should
+happen to recognize her.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Don't believe you 'll do it."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"See if I don't; for I <em class="italics">will</em> have a good dinner
+one day in the year."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Well, it does n't seem right for us to do it.
+Father ought to take care of us, and we only
+buy some presents with the little bit we earn.
+He never gives us anything now."  And
+Tommy scowled at the bedroom door, with a
+strong sense of injury struggling with affection
+in his boyish heart.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Hush!" cried Kitty.  "Don't blame him.
+Mother says we never must forget he's our
+father.  I try not to; but when she cries, it's
+hard to feel as I ought."  And a sob made the
+little girl stop short as she poked the fire to
+hide the trouble in the face that should have
+been all smiles.</p>
+<p class="pnext">For a moment the room was very still, as the
+snow beat on the window, and the fire-light
+flickered over the six shabby little boots put
+up on the stove hearth to dry.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Tommy's cheerful voice broke the silence,
+saying stoutly, "Well, if I 've got to work all
+day, I guess I 'll go to bed early.  Don't fret,
+Kit.  We 'll help all we can, and have a good
+time; see if we don't."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I 'll go out real early, and shovel like fury.
+Maybe I 'll get a dollar.  Would that buy a
+turkey?" asked Sammy, with the air of a
+millionnaire.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"No, dear; one big enough for us would
+cost two, I 'm afraid.  Perhaps we 'll have one
+sent us.  We belong to the church, though
+folks don't know how poor we are now, and we
+can't beg."  And Kitty bustled about, clearing
+up, rather exercised in her mind about going
+and asking for the much-desired fowl.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Soon all three were fast asleep, and nothing
+but the whir of the machine broke the quiet
+that fell upon the house.  Then from the inner
+room a man came and sat over the fire with his
+head in his hands and his eyes fixed on the
+ragged little boots left to dry.  He had heard the
+children's talk; and his heart was very heavy
+as he looked about the shabby room that used
+to be so neat and pleasant.  What he thought no
+one knows, what he did we shall see by-and-by;
+but the sorrow and shame and tender silence
+of his children worked a miracle that night
+more lasting and lovely than the white beauty
+which the snow wrought upon the sleeping city.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Bright and early the boys were away to their
+work; while Kitty sang as she dressed the little
+sisters, put the house in order, and made her
+mother smile at the mysterious hints she gave
+of something splendid which was going to
+happen.  Father was gone, and though all
+rather dreaded evening, nothing was said; but
+each worked with a will, feeling that Christmas
+should be merry in spite of poverty and care.</p>
+<p class="pnext">All day Tommy lugged fat turkeys, roasts of
+beef, and every sort of vegetable for other
+people's good dinners on the morrow,
+wondering meanwhile where his own was coming from.
+Mr. Brisket had an army of boys trudging here
+and there, and was too busy to notice any
+particular lad till the hurry was over, and only a
+few belated buyers remained to be served.  It
+was late; but the stores kept open, and though
+so tired he could hardly stand, brave Tommy
+held on when the other boys left, hoping to
+earn a trifle more by extra work.  He sat down
+on a barrel to rest during a leisure moment,
+and presently his weary head nodded sideways
+into a basket of cranberries, where he slept
+quietly till the sound of gruff voices roused him.</p>
+<p class="pnext">It was Mr. Brisket scolding because one
+dinner had been forgotten.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I told that rascal Beals to be sure and carry
+it, for the old gentleman will be in a rage if
+it does n't come, and take away his custom.
+Every boy gone, and I can't leave the store,
+nor you either, Pat, with all the clearing up
+to do."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Here's a by, sir, slapin illigant forninst the
+cranberries, bad luck to him!" answered Pat,
+with a shake that set poor Tom on his legs,
+wide awake at once.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"<em class="italics">Good</em> luck to him, you mean.  Here,
+What's-your-name, you take this basket to that number,
+and I 'll make it worth your while," said
+Mr. Brisket, much relieved by this unexpected help.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"All right, sir;" and Tommy trudged off as
+briskly as his tired legs would let him, cheering
+the long cold walk with visions of the turkey
+with which his employer might reward him, for
+there were piles of them, and Pat was to have
+one for his family.</p>
+<p class="pnext">His brilliant dreams were disappointed,
+however, for Mr. Brisket naturally supposed Tom's
+father would attend to that part of the dinner,
+and generously heaped a basket with vegetables,
+rosy apples, and a quart of cranberries.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"There, if you ain't too tired, you can take
+one more load to that number, and a merry
+Christmas to you!" said the stout man,
+handing over his gift with the promised dollar.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Thank you, sir; good-night," answered
+Tom, shouldering his last load with a grateful
+smile, and trying not to look longingly at the
+poultry; for he had set his heart on at least a
+skinny bird as a surprise to Kit.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Sammy's adventures that day had been more
+varied and his efforts more successful, as we
+shall see, in the end, for Sammy was a most
+engaging little fellow, and no one could look
+into his blue eyes without wanting to pat his
+curly yellow head with one hand while the other
+gave him something.  The cares of life had not
+lessened his confidence in people; and only the
+most abandoned ruffians had the heart to
+deceive or disappoint him.  His very tribulations
+usually led to something pleasant, and whatever
+happened, sunshiny Sam came right side up,
+lucky and laughing.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Undaunted by the drifts or the cold wind, he
+marched off with the remains of the old shovel
+to seek his fortune, and found it at the third
+house where he called.  The first two sidewalks
+were easy jobs; and he pocketed his ninepences
+with a growing conviction that this was his
+chosen work.  The third sidewalk was a fine
+long one, for the house stood on the corner, and
+two pavements must be cleared.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"It ought to be fifty cents; but perhaps they
+won't give me so much, I'm such a young one.
+I'll show 'em I can work, though, like a man;"
+and Sammy rang the bell with the energy of a
+telegraph boy.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Before the bell could be answered, a big boy
+rushed up, exclaiming roughly, "Get out of
+this!  I'm going to have the job.  You can't
+do it.  Start, now, or I'll chuck you into a snow-bank."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I won't!" answered Sammy, indignant at
+the brutal tone and unjust claim.  "I got here
+first, and it's my job.  You let me alone.  I
+ain't afraid of you or your snow-banks either."</p>
+<p class="pnext">The big boy wasted no time in words, for
+steps were heard inside, but after a brief scuffle
+hauled Sammy, fighting bravely all the way,
+down the steps, and tumbled him into a deep
+drift.  Then he ran up the steps, and respectfully
+asked for the job when a neat maid opened
+the door.  He would have got it if Sam had
+not roared out, as he floundered in the drift,
+"I came first.  He knocked me down 'cause
+I 'm the smallest.  Please let me do it; please!"</p>
+<p class="pnext">Before another word could be said, a little old
+lady appeared in the hall, trying to look stern,
+and failing entirely, because she was the picture
+of a dear fat, cosey grandma.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Send that <em class="italics">bad</em> big boy away, Maria, and
+call in the poor little fellow.  I saw the whole
+thing, and <em class="italics">he</em> shall have the job if he can do it."</p>
+<p class="pnext">The bully slunk away, and Sammy came
+panting up the steps, white with snow, a great
+bruise on his forehead, and a beaming smile on
+his face, looking so like a jolly little Santa Claus
+who had taken a "header" out of his sleigh
+that the maid laughed, and the old lady
+exclaimed, "Bless the boy! he's dreadfully hurt,
+and does n't know it.  Come in and be brushed
+and get your breath, child, and tell me how
+that scamp came to treat you so."</p>
+<p class="pnext">Nothing loath to be comforted, Sammy told
+his little tale while Maria dusted him off on the
+mat, and the old lady hovered in the doorway
+of the dining-room, where a nice breakfast
+smoked and smelled so deliciously that the boy
+sniffed the odor of coffee and buckwheats like
+a hungry hound.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"He 'll get his death if he goes to work till
+he's dried a bit.  Put him over the register,
+Maria, and I 'll give him a hot drink, for it's
+bitter cold, poor dear!"</p>
+<p class="pnext">Away trotted the kind old lady, and in a
+minute came back with coffee and cakes, on
+which Sammy feasted as he warmed his toes
+and told Kitty's plans for Christmas, led on by
+the old lady's questions, and quite unconscious
+that he was letting all sorts of cats out of the bag.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Mrs. Bryant understood the little story, and
+made her plans also, for the rosy-faced boy was
+very like a little grandson who died last year,
+and her sad old heart was very tender to
+all other small boys.  So she found out where
+Sammy lived, and nodded and smiled at him
+most cheerily as he tugged stoutly away at the
+snow on the long pavements till all was done,
+and the little workman came for his wages.</p>
+<p class="pnext">A bright silver dollar and a pocketful of
+gingerbread sent him off a rich and happy boy to
+shovel and sweep till noon, when he proudly
+showed his earnings at home, and feasted the
+babies on the carefully hoarded cake, for Dilly
+and Dot were the idols of the household.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Now, Sammy dear, I want you to take my
+place here this afternoon, for mother will have
+to take her work home by-and-by, and I must
+sell my wreaths.  I only got enough green for
+six, and two bunches of holly; but if I can sell
+them for ten or twelve cents apiece, I shall be
+glad.  Girls never <em class="italics">can</em> earn as much money as
+boys somehow," sighed Kitty, surveying the
+thin wreaths tied up with carpet ravellings, and
+vainly puzzling her young wits over a sad problem.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I 'll give you some of my money if you
+don't get a dollar; then we'll be even.  Men
+always take care of women, you know, and
+ought to," cried Sammy, setting a fine example
+to his father, if he had only been there to profit
+by it.</p>
+<p class="pnext">With thanks Kitty left him to rest on the
+old sofa, while the happy babies swarmed over
+him; and putting on the shabby hood and
+shawl, she slipped away to stand at the Park
+gate, modestly offering her little wares to the
+passers-by.  A nice old gentleman bought two,
+and his wife scolded him for getting such bad
+ones; but the money gave more happiness than
+any other he spent that day.  A child took a
+ten-cent bunch of holly with its red berries,
+and there Kitty's market ended.  It was very
+cold, people were in a hurry, bolder hucksters
+pressed before the timid little girl, and the
+balloon man told her to "clear out."</p>
+<p class="pnext">Hoping for better luck, she tried several
+other places; but the short afternoon was soon
+over, the streets began to thin, the keen wind
+chilled her to the bone, and her heart was very
+heavy to think that in all the rich, merry
+city, where Christmas gifts passed her in every
+hand, there were none for the dear babies and
+boys at home, and the Christmas dinner was a failure.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I must go and get supper anyway; and I 'll
+hang these up in our own rooms, as I can't sell
+them," said Kitty, wiping a very big tear from
+her cold cheek, and turning to go away.</p>
+<p class="pnext" id="id1">A smaller, shabbier girl than herself stood
+near, looking at the bunch of holly with wistful
+eyes; and glad to do to others as she wished
+some one would do to her, Kitty offered the
+only thing she had to give, saying kindly, "You
+may have it; merry Christmas!" and ran away
+before the delighted child could thank her.</p>
+<p class="pnext">I am very sure that one of the spirits who
+fly about at this season of the year saw the
+little act, made a note of it, and in about fifteen
+minutes rewarded Kitty for her sweet remembrance
+of the golden rule.</p>
+<p class="pnext">As she went sadly homeward she looked up
+at some of the big houses where every window
+shone with the festivities of Christmas Eve, and
+more than one tear fell, for the little girl found
+life pretty hard just then.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"There don't seem to be any wreaths at these
+windows; perhaps they 'd buy mine.  I can't
+bear to go home with so little for my share,"
+she said, stopping before one of the biggest and
+brightest of these fairy palaces, where the
+sound of music was heard, and many little
+heads peeped from behind the curtains as if
+watching for some one.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Kitty was just going up the steps to make
+another trial, when two small boys came racing
+round the corner, slipped on the icy pavement,
+and both went down with a crash that would
+have broken older bones.  One was up in a
+minute, laughing; the other lay squirming and
+howling, "Oh, my knee! my knee!" till Kitty
+ran and picked him up with the motherly
+consolations she had learned to give.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"It's broken; I know it is," wailed the small
+sufferer as Kitty carried him up the steps, while
+his friend wildly rang the doorbell.</p>
+<p class="pnext">It was like going into fairy-land, for the house
+was all astir with a children's Christmas party.
+Servants flew about with smiling faces; open
+doors gave ravishing glimpses of a feast in one
+room and a splendid tree in another; while a
+crowd of little faces peered over the balusters
+in the hall above, eager to come down and
+enjoy the glories prepared for them.</p>
+<p class="pnext">A pretty young girl came to meet Kitty, and
+listened to her story of the accident, which
+proved to be less severe than it at first
+appeared; for Bertie, the injured party, forgot
+his anguish at sight of the tree, and hopped
+upstairs so nimbly that every one laughed.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"He said his leg was broken, but I guess
+he's all right," said Kitty, reluctantly turning
+from this happy scene to go out into the night
+again.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Would you like to see our tree before the
+children come down?" asked the pretty girl,
+seeing the wistful look in the child's eyes, and
+the shine of half-dried tears on her cheek.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Oh, yes; I never saw anything so lovely.
+I 'd like to tell the babies all about it;" and
+Kitty's face beamed at the prospect, as if the
+kind words had melted all the frost away.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"How many babies are there?" asked the
+pretty girl, as she led the way into the brilliant
+room.  Kitty told her, adding several other
+facts, for the friendly atmosphere seemed to
+make them friends at once.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I will buy the wreaths, for we have n't any,"
+said the girl in silk, as Kitty told how she was
+just coming to offer them when the boys fell.</p>
+<p class="pnext">It was pretty to see how carefully the little
+hostess laid away the shabby garlands and
+slipped a half-dollar into Kitty's hand; prettier
+still, to watch the sly way in which she tucked
+some bonbons, a red ball, a blue whip, two
+china dolls, two pairs of little mittens, and some
+gilded nuts into an empty box for "the babies;"
+and prettiest of all, to see the smiles and tears
+make April in Kitty's face as she tried to tell
+her thanks for this beautiful surprise.</p>
+<p class="pnext">The world was all right when she got into the
+street again and ran home with the precious
+box hugged close, feeling that at last she had
+something to make a merry Christmas of.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Shrieks of joy greeted her, for Sammy's nice
+old lady had sent a basket full of pies, nuts and
+raisins, oranges and cake, and--oh, happy
+Sammy!--a sled, all for love of the blue eyes
+that twinkled so merrily when he told her about
+the tea-tray.  Piled upon this red car of triumph,
+Dilly and Dot were being dragged about, while
+the other treasures were set forth on the table.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I must show mine," cried Kitty; "we 'll
+look at them to-night, and have them
+to-morrow;" and amid more cries of rapture <em class="italics">her</em> box
+was unpacked, <em class="italics">her</em> money added to the pile in
+the middle of the table, where Sammy had laid
+his handsome contribution toward the turkey.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Before the story of the splendid tree was
+over, in came Tommy with his substantial
+offering and his hard-earned dollar.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I 'm afraid I ought to keep my money for
+shoes.  I 've walked the soles off these to-day,
+and can't go to school barefooted," he said,
+bravely trying to put the temptation of skates
+behind him.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"We 've got a good dinner without a turkey,
+and perhaps we 'd better not get it," added
+Kitty, with a sigh, as she surveyed the table, and
+remembered the blue knit hood marked seventy-five
+cents that she saw in a shop-window.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Oh, we <em class="italics">must</em> have a turkey! we worked so
+hard for it, and it's so Christmasy," cried Sam,
+who always felt that pleasant things ought to
+happen.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Must have turty," echoed the babies, as
+they eyed the dolls tenderly.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"You <em class="italics">shall</em> have a turkey, and there he is,"
+said an unexpected voice, as a noble bird fell
+upon the table, and lay there kicking up his
+legs as if enjoying the surprise immensely.</p>
+<p class="pnext">It was father's voice, and there stood father,
+neither cross nor stupid, but looking as he used
+to look, kind and happy, and beside him was
+mother, smiling as they had not seen her smile
+for months.  It was not because the work was
+well paid for, and more promised, but because
+she had received a gift that made the world
+bright, a home happy again,--father's promise
+to drink no more.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I 've been working to-day as well as you,
+and you may keep your money for yourselves.
+There are shoes for all; and never again, please
+God, shall my children be ashamed of me, or
+want a dinner Christmas Day."</p>
+<p class="pnext">As father said this with a choke in his voice,
+and mother's head went down on his shoulder
+to hide the happy tears that wet her cheeks,
+the children did n't know whether to laugh or
+cry, till Kitty, with the instinct of a loving heart,
+settled the question by saying, as she held out
+her hands, "We have n't any tree, so let's
+dance around our goodies and be merry."</p>
+<p class="pnext">Then the tired feet in the old shoes forgot
+their weariness, and five happy little souls
+skipped gayly round the table, where, in the
+midst of all the treasures earned and given,
+father's Christmas turkey proudly lay in state.</p>
+<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em">
+</div>
+<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure" style="width: 58%" id="figure-90">
+<img class="align-center" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=" " src="images/img-042.jpg" />
+<div class="caption figure">
+Chapter II tailpiece</div>
+</div>
+<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em">
+</div>
+<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure" style="width: 60%" id="figure-91">
+<span id="the-silver-party"></span><img class="align-center" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=" " src="images/img-043.jpg" />
+<div class="caption figure">
+"Grandpapa Ladle cheered them on, like a fine old gentleman as he was."--PAGE <a class="reference internal" href="#id2">55</a>.</div>
+</div>
+<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em">
+</div>
+<p class="center large pfirst">III.</p>
+<p class="center medium pnext">THE SILVER PARTY.</p>
+<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em">
+</div>
+<p class="pfirst">"Such a long morning!  Seems as if
+dinner-time would never come!" sighed
+Tony, as he wandered into the dining-room for
+a third pick at the nuts and raisins to beguile
+his weariness with a little mischief.</p>
+<p class="pnext">It was Thanksgiving Day.  All the family
+were at church, all the servants busy preparing
+for the great dinner; and so poor Tony, who
+had a cold, had not only to stay at home, but
+to amuse himself while the rest said their
+prayers, made calls, or took a brisk walk to get
+an appetite.  If he had been allowed in the
+kitchen, he would have been quite happy; but
+cook was busy and cross, and rapped him on
+the head with a poker when he ventured near
+the door.  Peeping through the slide was also
+forbidden, and John, the man, bribed him with
+an orange to keep out of the way till the table
+was set.</p>
+<p class="pnext">That was now done.  The dining-room was
+empty and quiet, and poor Tony lay down on
+the sofa to eat his nuts and admire the fine
+sight before him.  All the best damask, china,
+glass, and silver was set forth with great care.
+A basket of flowers hung from the chandelier,
+and the sideboard was beautiful to behold with
+piled-up fruit, dishes of cake, and many-colored
+finger-bowls and glasses.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"That's all very nice, but the eating part is
+what <em class="italics">I</em> care for.  Don't believe I 'll get my
+share to-day, because mamma found out about
+this horrid cold.  A fellow can't help sneezing,
+though he can hide a sore throat.  Oh, hum! nearly
+two more hours to wait;" and with a
+long sigh Tony closed his eyes for a luxurious
+yawn.</p>
+<p class="pnext">When he opened them, the strange sight he
+beheld kept him staring without a thought of
+sleep.  The big soup-ladle stood straight up at
+the head of the table with a face plainly to be
+seen in the bright bowl.  It was a very heavy,
+handsome old ladle, so the face was old, but
+round and jolly; and the long handle stood
+very erect, like a tall thin gentleman with a big head.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Well, upon my word that's queer!" said
+Tony, sitting up also, and wondering what would
+happen next.</p>
+<p class="pnext">To his great amazement the ladle began to
+address the assembled forks and spoons in a
+silvery tone very pleasant to hear:--</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Ladies and gentlemen, at this festive season
+it is proper that we should enjoy ourselves.
+As we shall be tired after dinner, we will at
+once begin our sports by a grand promenade.
+Take partners and fall in!"</p>
+<p class="pnext">At these words a general uprising took place;
+and before Tony could get his breath a long
+procession of forks and spoons stood ready.
+The finger-bowls struck up an airy tune as if
+invisible wet fingers were making music on their
+rims, and led by the stately ladle like a
+drum-major, the grand march began.  The forks were
+the gentlemen, tall, slender, and with a fine
+curve to their backs; the spoons were the
+ladies, with full skirts, and the scallops on the
+handles stood up like silver combs; the large
+ones were the mammas, the teaspoons were the
+young ladies, and the little salts the children.
+It was sweet to see the small things walk at the
+end of the procession, with the two silver rests
+for the carving knife and fork trotting behind
+like pet dogs.  The mustard-spoon and pickle-fork
+went together, and quarrelled all the way,
+both being hot-tempered and sharp-tongued.
+The steel knives looked on, for this was a very
+aristocratic party, and only the silver people
+could join in it.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Here 's fun!" thought Tony, staring with
+all his might, and so much interested in this
+remarkable state of things that he forgot hunger
+and time altogether.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Round and round went the glittering train, to
+the soft music of the many-toned finger-bowls,
+till three turns about the long oval table had
+been made; then all fell into line for a
+contradance, as in the good old times before every
+one took to spinning like tops.  Grandpa Ladle
+led off with his oldest daughter, Madam Gravy
+Ladle, and the little salts stood at the bottom
+prancing like real children impatient for their
+turn.  When it came, they went down the middle
+in fine style, with a cling! clang! that made
+Tony's legs quiver with a longing to join in.</p>
+<p class="pnext">It was beautiful to see the older ones twirl
+round in a stately way, with bows and
+courtesies at the end, while the teaspoons and small
+forks romped a good deal, and Mr. Pickle and
+Miss Mustard kept every one laughing at their
+smart speeches.  The silver butter-knife, who
+was an invalid, having broken her back and
+been mended, lay in the rack and smiled sweetly
+down upon her friends, while the little Cupid
+on the lid of the butter-dish pirouetted on one
+toe in the most delightful manner.</p>
+<p class="pnext">When every one had gone through the dance,
+the napkins were arranged as sofas and the
+spoons rested, while the polite forks brought
+sprigs of celery to fan them with.  The little
+salts got into grandpa's lap; and the silver dogs
+lay down panting, for they had frisked with
+the children.  They all talked; and Tony could
+not help wondering if real ladies said such
+things when they put <em class="italics">their</em> heads together and
+nodded and whispered, for some of the remarks
+were so personal that he was much confused.
+Fortunately they took no notice of him, so he
+listened and learned something in this queer way.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I have been in this family a hundred years,"
+began the soup-ladle; "and it seems to me that
+each generation is worst than the last.  My first
+master was punctual to a minute, and madam
+was always down beforehand to see that all was
+ready.  Now master comes at all hours; mistress
+lets the servants do as they like; and the
+manners of the children are very bad.  Sad
+state of things, very sad!"</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Dear me, yes!" sighed one of the large
+spoons; "we don't see such nice housekeeping
+now as we did when we were young.  Girls
+were taught all about it then; but now it is all
+books or parties, and few of them know a
+skimmer from a gridiron."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Well, I 'm sure the poor things are much
+happier than if they were messing about in
+kitchens as girls used to do in your day.  It is
+much better for them to be dancing, skating,
+and studying than wasting their young lives
+darning and preserving, and sitting by their
+mammas as prim as dishes.  <em class="italics">I</em> prefer the present
+way of doing things, though the girls in this
+family <em class="italics">do</em> sit up too late, and wear too high
+heels to their boots."</p>
+<p class="pnext">The mustard-spoon spoke in a pert tone, and
+the pickle-fork answered sharply,--</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I agree with you, cousin.  The boys also
+sit up too late.  I 'm tired of being waked to
+fish out olives or pickles for those fellows when
+they come in from the theatre or some dance;
+and as for that Tony, he is a real pig,--eats
+everything he can lay hands on, and is the
+torment of the maid's life."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Yes," cried one little salt-spoon, "we saw
+him steal cake out of the sideboard, and he
+never told when his mother scolded Norah."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"So mean!" added the other; and both the
+round faces were so full of disgust that Tony
+fell flat and shut his eyes as if asleep to hide
+his confusion.  Some one laughed; but he
+dared not look, and lay blushing and listening
+to remarks which plainly proved how careful
+we should be of our acts and words even when
+alone, for who knows what apparently dumb
+thing may be watching us.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I have observed that Mr. Murry reads
+the paper at table instead of talking to his
+family; that Mrs. Murry worries about the
+servants; the girls gossip and giggle; the boys
+eat, and plague one another; and that small
+child Nelly teases for all she sees, and is never
+quiet till she gets the sugar-bowl," said Grandpa
+Ladle, in a tone of regret.  "Now, useful and
+pleasant chat at table would make meals
+delightful, instead of being scenes of confusion and
+discomfort."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I bite their tongues when I get a chance,
+hoping to make them witty or to check unkind
+words; but they only sputter, and get a lecture
+from Aunt Maria, who is a sour old spinster,
+always criticising her neighbors."'</p>
+<p class="pnext">As the mustard-spoon spoke, the teaspoons
+laughed as if they thought <em class="italics">her</em> rather like Aunt
+Maria in that respect.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I gave the baby a fit of colic to teach her to
+let pickles alone, but no one thanked me," said
+the pickle-fork.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Perhaps if we keep ourselves so bright that
+those who use us can see their faces in us, we
+shall be able to help them a little; for no one
+likes to see an ugly face or a dull spoon.  The
+art of changing frowns to smiles is never
+old-fashioned; and lovely manners smooth away the
+little worries of life beautifully."  A silvery voice
+spoke, and all looked respectfully at Madam
+Gravy Ladle, who was a very fine old spoon,
+with a coat of arms on it, and a polish that all envied.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"People can't always be remembering how
+old and valuable and bright they are.  Here in
+America we just go ahead and make manners
+and money for ourselves.  <em class="italics">I</em> don't stop to ask
+what dish I 'm going to help to; I just pitch in
+and take all I can hold, and don't care a bit
+whether I shine or not.  My grandfather was a
+kitchen spoon; but I'm smarter than he was,
+thanks to my plating, and look and feel as good
+as any one, though I have n't got stags' heads
+and big letters on my handle."</p>
+<p class="pnext">No one answered these impertinent remarks
+of the sauce-spoon, for all knew that she was
+not pure silver, and was only used on occasions
+when many spoons were needed.  Tony was
+ashamed to hear her talk in that rude way to the
+fine old silver he was so proud of, and resolved
+he 'd give the saucy spoon a good rap when he
+helped himself to the cranberry.</p>
+<p class="pnext">An impressive silence lasted till a lively fork
+exclaimed, as the clock struck, "Every one is
+coasting out-of-doors.  Why not have our share
+of the fun inside?  It is very fashionable this
+winter, and ladies and gentlemen of the best
+families do it, I assure you."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"We will!" cried the other forks; and as the
+dowagers did not object, all fell to work to
+arrange the table for this agreeable sport.  Tony
+sat up to see how they would manage, and was
+astonished at the ingenuity of the silver people.
+With a great clinking and rattling they ran to
+and fro, dragging the stiff white mats about; the
+largest they leaned up against the tall caster,
+and laid the rest in a long slope to the edge of
+the table, where a pile of napkins made a nice
+snowdrift to tumble into.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"What <em class="italics">will</em> they do for sleds?" thought Tony;
+and the next minute chuckled when he saw them
+take the slices of bread laid at each place, pile
+on, and spin away, with a great scattering of
+crumbs like snowflakes, and much laughter as
+they landed in the white pile at the end of the
+coast.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Won't John give it to 'em if he comes in
+and catches 'em turning his nice table topsy-turvy!"
+said the boy to himself, hoping nothing
+would happen to end this jolly frolic.  So he
+kept very still, and watched the gay forks and
+spoons climb up and whiz down till they were
+tired.  The little salts got Baby Nell's own
+small slice, and had lovely times on a short
+coast of their own made of one mat held up by
+grandpa, who smiled benevolently at the fun,
+being too old and heavy to join in it.</p>
+<p class="pnext">They kept it up until the slices were worn
+thin, and one or two upsets alarmed the ladies;
+then they rested and conversed again.  The
+mammas talked about their children, how sadly
+the silver basket needed a new lining, and what
+there was to be for dinner.  The teaspoons
+whispered sweetly together, as young ladies
+do,--one declaring that rouge powder was not as
+good as it used to be, another lamenting the sad
+effect of eggs upon her complexion, and all
+smiled amiably upon the forks, who stood about
+discussing wines and cigars, for both lived in
+the sideboard, and were brought out after dinner,
+so the forks knew a great deal about such
+matters, and found them very interesting, as all
+gentlemen seem to do.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Presently some one mentioned bicycles, and
+what fine rides the boys of the family told about.
+The other fellows proposed a race; and before
+Tony could grasp the possibility of such a thing,
+it was done.  Nothing easier, for there stood a
+pile of plates, and just turning them on their
+edges, the forks got astride, and the big wheels
+spun away as if a whole bicycle club had
+suddenly arrived.</p>
+<p class="pnext" id="id2">Old Pickle took the baby's plate, as better
+suited to his size.  The little salts made a
+tricycle of napkin-rings, and rode gayly off,
+with the dogs barking after them.  Even the
+carving-fork, though not invited, could not resist
+the exciting sport, and tipping up the wooden
+bread-platter, went whizzing off at a great pace,
+for his two prongs were better than four, and his
+wheel was lighter than the china ones.
+Grand-papa Ladle cheered them on, like a fine old
+gentleman as he was, for though the new craze
+rather astonished him, he liked manly sports,
+and would have taken a turn if his dignity and
+age had allowed.  The ladies chimed their
+applause, for it really was immensely exciting
+to see fourteen plates with forks astride racing
+round the large table with cries of, "Go it,
+Pickle!  Now, then, Prongs!  Steady, Silver-top!
+Hurrah for the twins!"</p>
+<p class="pnext">The fun was at its height when young Prongs
+ran against Pickle, who did not steer well, and
+both went off the table with a crash.  All
+stopped at once, and crowded to the edge to
+see who was killed.  The plates lay in pieces,
+old Pickle had a bend in his back that made
+him groan dismally, and Prongs had fallen down
+the register.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Wails of despair arose at that awful sight, for
+he was a favorite with every one, and such a
+tragic death was too much for some of the
+tender-hearted spoons, who fainted at the idea
+of that gallant fork's destruction in what to them
+was a fiery volcano.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Serves Pickle right!  He ought to know he
+was too old for such wild games," scolded Miss
+Mustard, peering anxiously over at her friend,
+for they were fond of one another in spite of
+their tiffs.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Now let us see what these fine folks will do
+when they get off the damask and come to grief.
+A helpless lot, I fancy, and those fellows deserve
+what they 've got," said the sauce-spoon, nearly
+upsetting the twins as she elbowed her way to
+the front to jeer over the fallen.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I think you will see that gentle people are
+as brave as those who make a noise," answered
+Madam Gravy, and leaning over the edge of the
+table she added in her sweet voice, "Dear
+Mr. Pickle, we will let down a napkin and pull you
+up if you have strength to take hold."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Pull away, ma'am," groaned Pickle, who well
+deserved his name just then, and soon, thanks
+to Madam's presence of mind, he was safely laid
+on a pile of mats, while Miss Mustard put a
+plaster on his injured back.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Meanwhile brave Grandpapa Ladle had slipped
+from the table to a chair, and so to the floor
+without too great a jar to his aged frame; then
+sliding along the carpet, he reached the register.
+Peering down that dark, hot abyss he cried,
+while all listened breathlessly for a reply,
+"Prongs, my boy, are you there?"</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Ay, ay, sir; I 'm caught in the wire screen.
+Ask some of the fellows to lend a hand and get
+me out before I 'm melted," answered the fork,
+with a gasp of agony.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Instantly the long handle of the patriarchal
+Ladle was put down to his rescue, and after a
+moment of suspense, while Prongs caught firmly
+hold, up he came, hot and dusty, but otherwise
+unharmed by that dreadful fall.  Cheers greeted
+them, and every one lent a hand at the napkin
+as they were hoisted to the table to be embraced
+by their joyful relatives and friends.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"What did you think about down in that
+horrid place?" asked one of the twins.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I thought of a story I once heard master
+tell, about a child who was found one cold day
+sitting with his feet on a newspaper, and when
+asked what he was doing, answered, 'Warming
+my feet on the "Christian Register."'  I hoped
+my register would be Christian enough not to
+melt me before help came.  Ha! ha!  See
+the joke, my dears?" and Prongs laughed as
+gayly as if he never had taken a header into
+a volcano.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"What did you see down there?" asked the
+other twin, curious, as all small people are.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Lots of dust and pins, a doll's head baby
+put there, Norah's thimble, and the big red
+marble that boy Tony was raging about the
+other day.  It's a regular catch-all, and shows
+how the work is shirked in this house," answered
+Prongs, stretching his legs, which were a little
+damaged by the fall.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"What shall we do about the plates?" asked
+Pickle, from his bed.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Let them lie, for we can't mend them.
+John will think the boy broke them, and he'll
+get punished, as he deserves, for he broke a
+tumbler yesterday, and put it slyly in the
+ash-barrel," said Miss Mustard, spitefully.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Oh!  I say, that's mean," began Tony; but
+no one listened, and in a minute Prongs answered
+bravely,--</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I 'm a gentleman, and I don't let other
+people take the blame of my scrapes.  Tony has
+enough of his own to answer for."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I'll have that bent fork for mine, and make
+John keep it as bright as a new dollar to pay for
+this.  Prongs is a trump, and I wish I could tell
+him so," thought Tony, much gratified at this
+handsome behavior.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Right, grandson.  I am pleased with you;
+but allow me to suggest that the Chinese
+Mandarin on the chimney-piece be politely requested
+to mend the plates.  He can  do that sort of
+thing nicely, and will be charmed to oblige us,
+I am sure."</p>
+<p class="pnext">Grandpapa's suggestion was a good one;
+and Yam Ki Lo consented at once, skipped to
+the floor, tapped the bits of china with his fan,
+and in the twinkling of an eye was back on his
+perch, leaving two whole plates behind him,
+for he was a wizard, and knew all about blue china.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Just as the silver people were rejoicing over
+this fine escape from discovery, the clock struck,
+a bell rang, voices were heard upstairs, and it
+was very evident that the family had arrived.
+At these sounds a great flurry arose in the
+dining-room, as every spoon, fork, plate, and
+napkin flew back to its place.  Pickle rushed to
+the jar, and plunged in head first, regardless of
+his back; Miss Mustard retired to the caster;
+the twins scrambled into the salt-cellar; and the
+silver dogs lay down by the carving knife and
+fork as quietly as if they had never stirred a
+leg; Grandpapa slowly reposed in his usual
+place; Madam followed his example with
+dignity; the teaspoons climbed into the holder,
+uttering little cries of alarm; and Prongs stayed
+to help them till he had barely time to drop
+down at Tony's place, and lie there with his
+bent leg in the air, the only sign of the great
+fall, about which he talked for a long time
+afterward.  All was in order but the sauce-spoon,
+who had stopped to laugh at the Mandarin till
+it was too late to get to her corner; and before
+she could find any place of concealment, John
+came in and caught her lying in the middle of
+the table, looking very common and shabby
+among all the bright silver.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"What in the world is that old plated thing
+here for?  Missis told Norah to put it in the
+kitchen, as she had a new one for a present
+to-day--real silver--so out you go;" and as he
+spoke, John threw the spoon through the
+slide,--an exile forevermore from the good society
+which she did not value as she should.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Tony saw the glimmer of a smile in Grand-papa
+Ladle's face, but it was gone like a flash,
+and by the time the boy reached the table
+nothing was to be seen in the silver bowl but his
+own round rosy countenance, full of wonder.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I don't think any one will believe what I 've
+seen, but I mean to tell, it was so <em class="italics">very</em> curious,"
+he said, as he surveyed the scene of the late
+frolic, now so neat and quiet that not a wrinkle
+or a crumb betrayed what larks had been going on.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Hastily fishing up his long-lost marble, the
+doll's head, and Norah's thimble, he went
+thoughtfully upstairs to welcome his cousins,
+still much absorbed by this very singular affair.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Dinner was soon announced; and while it
+lasted every one was too busy eating the good
+things before them to observe how quiet the
+usually riotous Tony was.  His appetite for
+turkey and cranberries seemed to have lost its
+sharp edge, and the mince-pie must have felt
+itself sadly slighted by his lack of appreciation
+of its substance and flavor.  He seemed in a
+brown-study, and kept staring about as if he
+saw more than other people did.  He examined
+Nelly's plate as if looking for a crack, smiled at
+the little spoon when he took salt, refused
+pickles and mustard with a frown, kept a certain
+bent fork by him as long as possible, and tried
+to make music with a wet finger on the rim of
+his bowl at dessert.</p>
+<p class="pnext">But in the evening, when the young people
+sat around the fire, he amused them by telling
+the queer story of the silver party; but he very
+wisely left out the remarks made upon himself
+and family, remembering how disagreeable the
+sauce-spoon had seemed, and he privately
+resolved to follow Madam Gravy Ladle's advice
+to keep his own face bright, manners polite, and
+speech kindly, that he might prove himself to
+be pure silver, and be stamped a gentleman.</p>
+<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em">
+</div>
+<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure" style="width: 62%" id="figure-92">
+<span id="the-blind-lark"></span><img class="align-center" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=" " src="images/img-063.jpg" />
+<div class="caption figure">
+"Presently she sat down and let them tap her cheeks."--PAGE <a class="reference internal" href="#id3">82</a>.</div>
+</div>
+<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em">
+</div>
+<p class="center large pfirst">IV.</p>
+<p class="center medium pnext">THE BLIND LARK.</p>
+<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em">
+</div>
+<p class="pfirst">High up in an old house, full of poor
+people, lived Lizzie, with her mother and
+Baby Billy.  The street was a narrow, noisy
+place, where carts rumbled and dirty children
+played; where the sun seldom shone, the fresh
+wind seldom blew, and the white snow of
+winter was turned at once to black mud.  One bare
+room was Lizzie's home, and out of it she
+seldom went, for she was a prisoner.  We all pity
+the poor princesses who were shut up in towers
+by bad fairies, the men and women in jails, and
+the little birds in cages, but Lizzie was a sadder
+prisoner than any of these.</p>
+<p class="pnext">The prince always comes to the captive princess,
+the jail doors open in time, and the birds
+find some kind hand to set them free; but there
+seemed no hope of escape for this poor child.
+Only nine years old, and condemned to
+life-long helplessness, loneliness, and
+darkness,--for she was blind.</p>
+<p class="pnext">She could dimly remember the blue sky,
+green earth, and beautiful sun; for the light
+went out when she was six, and the cruel fever
+left her a pale little shadow to haunt that room
+ever since.  The father was dead; the mother
+worked hard for daily bread; they had no friends;
+and the good fairies seemed to have forgotten
+them.  Still, like the larks one sees in Brittany,
+whose eyes cruel boys put out that they may
+sing the sweeter, Lizzie made music in her cage,
+singing to baby; and when he slept, she sat
+by the window listening to the noise below for
+company, crooning to herself till she too fell
+asleep and forgot the long, long days that had
+no play, no school, no change for her such as
+other children know.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Every morning mother gave them their porridge,
+locked the door, and went away to work,
+leaving something for the children's dinner, and
+Lizzie to take care of herself and Billy till
+night.  There was no other way, for both were
+too helpless to be trusted elsewhere, and there
+was no one to look after them.  But Lizzie
+knew her way about the room, and could find
+the bed, the window, and the table where the
+bread and milk stood.  There was seldom any
+fire in the stove, and the window was barred, so
+the little prisoners were safe; and day after day
+they lived together a sad, solitary, unchildlike
+life that makes one's heart ache to think of.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Lizzie watched over Billy like a faithful little
+mother, and Billy did his best to bear his trials
+and comfort sister like a man.  He was not a
+rosy, rollicking fellow, like most year-old boys,
+but pale and thin and quiet, with a pathetic
+look in his big blue eyes, as if he said,
+"Something is wrong; will some one kindly put it
+right for us?"  But he seldom complained
+unless in pain, and would lie for hours on the old
+bed, watching the flies, which were his only
+other playmates, stretching out his little hands
+to the few rays of sunshine that crept in now
+and then, as if longing for them, like a flower in
+a cellar.  When Lizzie sang, he hummed softly;
+and when he was hungry, cold, or tired, he
+called, "Lib!  Lib!" meaning "Lizzie," and
+nestled up to her, forgetting all his baby woes
+in her tender arms.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Seeing her so fond and faithful, the poor
+neighbors loved as well as pitied her, and did
+what they could for the afflicted child.  The busy
+women would pause at the locked door to ask
+if all was right; the dirty children brought her
+dandelions from the park; and the rough
+workmen of the factory opposite, with a kind word,
+would toss an apple or a cake through the open
+window.  They had learned to look for the
+little wistful face behind the bars, and loved to
+listen to the childish voice which caught and
+imitated the songs they sang and whistled, like
+a sweet echo.  They called her "the blind lark;"
+and though she never knew it, many were the
+better for the pity they gave her.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Baby slept a great deal, for life offered him
+few pleasures, and like a small philosopher, he
+wisely tried to forget the troubles which he
+could not cure; so Lizzie had nothing to do
+but sing, and try to imagine how the world
+looked.  She had no one to tell her, and the
+few memories grew dimmer and dimmer each
+year.  She did not know how to work or to
+play, never having been taught, and mother was
+too tired at night to do anything but get supper
+and go to bed.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"The child will be an idiot soon, if she does
+not die," people said; and it seemed as if this
+would be the fate of the poor little girl, since
+no one came to save her during those three
+weary years.  She often said, "I'm of <em class="italics">some</em>
+use.  I take care of Billy, and I could n't live
+without him."</p>
+<p class="pnext">But even this duty and delight was taken
+from her, for that cold spring nipped the poor
+little flower, and one day Billy shut his blue
+eyes with a patient sigh and left her all alone.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Then Lizzie's heart seemed broken; and
+people thought she would soon follow him, now
+that her one care and comfort was gone.  All
+day she lay with her cheek on Billy's pillow,
+holding the battered tin cup and a little worn-out
+shoe, and it was pitiful to hear her sing the
+old lullabies as if baby still could hear them.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"It will be a mercy if the poor thing does n't
+live; blind folks are no use and a sight of
+trouble," said one woman to another as they
+gossiped in the hall after calling on the child
+during her mother's absence, for the door was
+left unlocked since she was ill.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Yes, Mrs. Davis would get on nicely if she
+had n't such a burden.  Thank Heaven, my
+children are n't blind," answered the other,
+hugging her baby closer as she went away.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Lizzie heard them, and hoped with all her
+sad little soul that death would set her free, since
+she was of no use in the world.  To go and be
+with Billy was all her desire now, and she was
+on her way to him, growing daily weaker and
+more content to be dreaming of dear baby well
+and happy, waiting for her somewhere in a
+lovely place called heaven.</p>
+<p class="pnext">The summer vacation came; and hundreds of
+eager children were hurrying away to the
+mountains and seashore for two months of healthful
+pleasure.  Even the dirty children in the lane
+felt the approach of berry-time, and rejoiced in
+their freedom from cold as they swarmed like
+flies about the corner grocery where over-ripe
+fruit was thrown out for them to scramble over.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Lizzie heard about good times when some of
+these young neighbors were chosen to go on
+the poor children's picnics, and came back with
+big sandwiches buttoned up in their jackets,
+pickles, peanuts, and buns in their pockets,
+hands full of faded flowers, and hearts brimming
+over with childish delight at a day in the
+woods.  She listened with a faint smile,
+enjoyed the "woodsy" smell of the green things,
+and wondered if they had nice picnics in
+heaven, being sorry that Billy had missed them
+here.  But she did not seem to care much, or
+hope for any pleasure for herself except to see
+baby again.</p>
+<p class="pnext">I think there were few sadder sights in that
+great city than this innocent prisoner waiting so
+patiently to be set free.  Would it be by the
+gentle angel of death, or one of the human angels
+who keep these little sparrows from falling to
+the ground?</p>
+<p class="pnext">One hot August day, when not a breath came
+into the room, and the dust and noise and evil
+smells were almost unendurable, poor Lizzie lay
+on her bed singing feebly to herself about "the
+beautiful blue sea."  She was trying to get to
+sleep that she might dream of a cool place, and
+her voice was growing fainter and fainter, when
+suddenly it seemed as if the dream had come,
+for a sweet odor was near, something damp and
+fresh touched her feverish cheek, and a kind
+voice said in her ear,--</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Here is the little bird I 've been following.
+Will you have some flowers, dear?"</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Is it heaven?  Where's Billy?" murmured
+Lizzie, groping about her, half awake.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Not yet.  I'm not Billy, but a friend who
+carries flowers to little children who cannot go
+and get them.  Don't be afraid, but let me sit
+and tell you about it," answered the voice, as a
+gentle hand took hers.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I thought maybe I 'd died, and I was glad,
+for I do want to see Billy so much.  He's baby,
+you know."  And the clinging hands held the
+kind one fast till it filled them with a great bunch
+of roses that seemed to bring all summer into the
+close, hot room with their sweetness.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Oh, how nice! how nice!  I never had such a
+lot.  They 're bigger 'n' better 'n dandelions,
+are n't they?  What a good lady you must be
+to go 'round giving folks posies like these!"
+cried Lizzie, trying to realize the astonishing fact.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Then, while the new friend fanned her, she
+lay luxuriating in her roses, and listening to the
+sweet story of the Flower Mission which, like
+many other pleasant things, she knew nothing of
+in her prison.  Presently she told her own little
+tale, never guessing how pathetic it was, till
+lifting her hand to touch the new face, she
+found it wet with tears.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Are you sorry for me?" she asked.  "Folks
+are very kind, but I 'm a burden, you know,
+and I 'd better die and go to Billy; I was some
+use to him, but I never can be to any one else.
+I heard 'em say so, and poor mother would do
+better if I was n't here."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"My child, I know a little blind girl who is
+no burden but a great help to her mother, and
+a happy, useful creature, as you might be if you
+were taught and helped as she was," went on
+the voice, sounding more than ever like a good
+fairy's as it told fresh wonders till Lizzie was
+sure it <em class="italics">must</em> be all a dream.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Who taught her?  Could I do it?  Where's
+the place?" she asked, sitting erect in her
+eagerness, like a bird that hears a hand at the
+door of its cage.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Then, with the comfortable arm around her,
+the roses stirring with the flutter of her heart,
+and the sightless eyes looking up as if they
+could see the face of the deliverer, Lizzie heard
+the wonderful story of the House Beautiful
+standing white and spacious on the hill, with
+the blue sea before it, the fresh wind always
+blowing, the green gardens and parks all about,
+and inside, music, happy voices, shining faces,
+busy hands, and year after year the patient
+teaching by those who dedicate themselves to
+this noble and tender task.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"It must be better'n heaven!" cried Lizzie,
+as she heard of work and play, health and
+happiness, love and companionship, usefulness
+and independence,--all the dear rights and
+simple joys young creatures hunger for, and
+perish, soul and body, without.</p>
+<p class="pnext">It was too much for her little mind to grasp
+at once, and she lay as if in a blissful dream
+long after the kind visitor had gone, promising
+to come again and to find some way for Lizzie
+to enter into that lovely place where darkness
+is changed to light.</p>
+<p class="pnext">That visit was like magic medicine, and the
+child grew better at once, for hope was born in
+her heart.  The heavy gloom seemed to lift;
+discomforts were easier to bear; and solitude was
+peopled now with troops of happy children
+living in that wonderful place where blindness
+was not a burden.  She told it all to her
+mother, and the poor woman tried to believe
+it, but said sadly,--</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Don't set your heart on it, child.  It's easy
+to promise and to forget.  Rich folks don't
+trouble themselves about poor folks if they can help it."</p>
+<p class="pnext">But Lizzie's faith never wavered, though the
+roses faded as day after day went by and no
+one came.  The mere thought that it was
+possible to teach blind people to work and study
+and play seemed to give her strength and
+courage.  She got up and sat at the window again,
+singing to herself as she watched and waited,
+with the dead flowers carefully arranged in
+Billy's mug, and a hopeful smile on the little
+white face behind the bars.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Every one was glad she was better, and
+nodded to one another as they heard the soft
+crooning, like a dove's coo, in the pauses of the
+harsher noises that filled the street.  The
+workmen tossed her sweeties and whistled their
+gayest airs; the children brought their
+dilapidated toys to amuse her; and one woman
+came every day to put her baby in Lizzie's lap,
+it was such a pleasure to her to feel the soft
+little body in the loving arms that longed for Billy.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Poor mother went to her work in better
+spirits, and the long hot days were less
+oppressive as she thought, while she scrubbed, of
+Lizzie up again; for she loved her helpless
+burden, heavy though she found it.</p>
+<p class="pnext">When Saturday came around, it rained hard,
+and no one expected "the flower lady."  Even
+Lizzie said with a patient sigh and a hopeful
+smile,--</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I don't believe she 'll come; but maybe
+it will clear up, and then I guess she will."</p>
+<p class="pnext">It did not clear up, but the flower lady came;
+and as the child sat listening to the welcome
+sound of her steps, her quick ear caught the
+tread of two pairs of feet, the whisper of two
+voices, and presently two persons came in to
+fill her hands with midsummer flowers.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"This is Minna, the little girl I told you of.
+She wanted to see you very much, so we
+paddled away like a pair of ducks, and here we
+are," said Miss Grace, gayly; and as she spoke,
+Lizzie felt soft fingers glide over her face, and
+a pair of childish lips find and kiss her own.
+The groping touch, the hearty kiss, made the
+blind children friends at once, and dropping
+her flowers, Lizzie hugged the new-comer,
+trembling with excitement and delight.  Then they
+talked; and how the tongues went as one asked
+questions and the other answered them, while
+Miss Grace sat by enjoying the happiness of
+those who do <em class="italics">not</em> forget the poor, but seek them
+out to save and bless.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Minna had been for a year a pupil in the
+happy school, where she was taught to see with
+her hands, as one might say; and the tales she
+told of the good times there made Lizzie cry
+eagerly,--</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Can I go?  Oh, <em class="italics">can</em> go?"</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Alas, no, not yet," answered Miss Grace,
+sadly.  "I find that children under ten cannot
+be taken, and there is no place for the little
+ones unless kind people care for them."</p>
+<p class="pnext">Lizzie gave a wail, and hid her face in the
+pillow, feeling as if she could not bear the
+dreadful disappointment.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Minna comforted her, and Miss Grace went
+on to say that generous people were trying to
+get another school for the small children; that
+all the blind children were working hard to help
+on the plan; that money was coming in; and
+soon they hoped to have a pleasant place for
+every child who needed help.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Lizzie's tears stopped falling as she listened,
+for hope was not quite gone.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I 'll not be ten till next June, and I don't
+see how I <em class="italics">can</em> wait 'most a year.  Will the little
+school be ready 'fore then?" she asked.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I fear not, dear, but I will see that the long
+waiting is made as easy as possible, and perhaps
+you can help us in some way," answered Miss
+Grace, anxious to atone for her mistake in
+speaking about the school before she had
+made sure that Lizzie could go.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Oh, I 'd love to help; only I can't do
+anything," sighed the child.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"You can sing, and that is a lovely way to
+help.  I heard of 'the blind lark,' as they call
+you, and when I came to find her, your little
+voice led me straight to the door of the cage.
+That door I mean to open, and let you hop out
+into the sunshine; then, when you are well and
+strong, I hope you will help us get the home
+for other little children who else must wait
+years before <em class="italics">they</em> find the light.  Will you?"</p>
+<p class="pnext">As Miss Grace spoke, it was beautiful to see
+the clouds lift from Lizzie's wondering face, till
+it shone with the sweetest beauty any face can
+wear,--the happiness of helping others.  She
+forgot her own disappointment in the new
+hope that came, and held on to the bedpost
+as if the splendid plan were almost too much
+for her.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Could I help that way?" she cried.
+"Would anybody care to hear me sing?  Oh,
+how I 'd love to do anything for the poor little
+ones who will have to wait."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"You shall.  I 'm sure the hardest heart
+would be touched by your singing, if you look
+as you do now.  We need something new for
+our fair and concert, and by that time you will
+be ready," said Miss Grace, almost afraid she
+had said too much; for the child looked so
+frail, it seemed as if even joy would hurt her.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Fortunately her mother came in just then;
+and while the lady talked to her, Minna's childish
+chatter soothed Lizzie so well that when
+they left she stood at the window smiling down
+at them and singing like the happiest bobolink
+that ever tilted on a willow branch in spring-time.</p>
+<p class="pnext">All the promises were kept, and soon a new
+life began for Lizzie.  A better room and
+well-paid work were found for Mrs. Davis.  Minna
+came as often as she could to cheer up her
+little friend, and best of all, Miss Grace taught
+her to sing, that by and by the little voice might
+plead with its pathetic music for others less
+blest than she.  So the winter months went by,
+and Lizzie grew like mayflowers underneath the
+snow, getting ready to look up, sweet and rosy,
+when spring set her free and called her to be
+glad.  She counted the months and weeks, and
+when the time dwindled to days, she could
+hardly sleep or eat for thinking of the happy
+hour when she could go to be a pupil in the
+school where miracles were worked.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Her birthday was in June, and thanks to Miss
+Grace, her coming was celebrated by one of the
+pretty festivals of the school, called Daisy Day.
+Lizzie knew nothing of this surprise, and when
+her friends led her up the long flight of steps
+she looked like a happy little soul climbing to
+the gates of heaven.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Mr. Constantine, the ruler of this small
+kingdom, was a man whose fatherly heart had room
+for every suffering child in the world, and it
+rejoiced over every one who came, though the
+great house was overflowing, and many waited
+as Lizzie had done.</p>
+<p class="pnext">He welcomed her so kindly that the strange
+place seemed like home at once, and Minna
+led her away to the little mates who proudly
+showed her their small possessions and filled
+her hands with the treasures children love, while
+pouring into her ears delightful tales of the
+study, work, and play that made their lives so
+happy.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Lizzie was bewildered, and held fast to Minna,
+whose motherly care of her was sweet to see.
+Kind teachers explained rules and duties with
+the patience that soothes fear and wins love;
+and soon Lizzie began to feel that she was a
+"truly pupil" in this wonderful school where
+the blind could read, sew, study, sing, run, and
+play.  Boys raced along the galleries and up
+and down the stairs as boldly as if all had eyes;
+girls swept and dusted like tidy housewives;
+little fellows hammered and sawed in the
+workshop and never hurt themselves; small girls
+sewed on pretty work as busy as bees; and in
+the schoolroom lessons went on as if both
+teachers and pupils were blessed with eyes.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Lizzie could not understand it, and was
+content to sit and listen wherever she was placed,
+while her little fingers fumbled at the new
+objects near her, and her hungry mind opened
+like a flower to the sun.  She had no tasks that
+day, and in the afternoon was led away with a
+flock of children, all chattering like magpies, on
+the grand expedition.  Every year, when the
+fields were white with daisies, these poor little
+souls were let loose among them to enjoy the
+holy day of this child's flower.  Ah, but was n't
+it a pretty sight to see the meeting between
+them, when the meadows were reached, and the
+children scattered far and wide with cries of
+joy as they ran and rolled in the white sea, or
+filled their eager hands, or softly felt for the
+dear daisies and kissed them like old friends?
+The flowers seemed to enjoy it too, as they
+danced and nodded, while the wind rippled the
+long grass like waves of a green sea, and the
+sun smiled as if he said,--</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Here's the sort of thing I like to see.  Why
+don't I find more of it?"</p>
+<p class="pnext" id="id3">Lizzie's face looked like a daisy, it was so
+full of light as she stood looking up, with the
+wide brim of her new hat like the white petals
+all round it.  She did not run nor shout, but
+went slowly wading through the grass, feeling
+the flowers touch her hands, yet picking none,
+for it was happiness enough to know that they
+were there.  Presently she sat down and let
+them tap her cheeks and rustle about her ears
+as though telling secrets that made her smile.
+Then, as if weary with so much happiness, she
+lay back and let the daisies hide her with their
+pretty coverlet.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Miss Grace was watching over her, but left
+her alone, and by and by, like a lark from its
+nest in the grass, the blind girl sent up her
+little voice, singing so sweetly that the children
+gathered around to hear, while they made chains
+and tied up their nosegays.</p>
+<p class="pnext">This was Lizzie's first concert, and no little
+prima donna was ever more pelted with
+flowers than she; for when she had sung all her
+songs, new and old, a daisy crown was put
+upon her head, a tall flower for a sceptre in
+her hand, and all the boys and girls danced
+around her as if she had been Queen of the May.</p>
+<p class="pnext">A little feast came out of the baskets, that
+they might be empty for the harvest to be
+carried home, and while they ate, stories were
+told and shouts of laughter filled the air, for all
+were as merry as if there was no darkness, pain,
+or want in the world.  Then they had games;
+and Lizzie was taught to play,--for till now
+she never knew what a good romp meant.  Her
+cheeks grew rosy, her sad little face waked up,
+she ran and tumbled with the rest, and actually
+screamed, to Minna's great delight.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Two or three of the children could see a little,
+and these were very helpful in taking care of
+the little ones.  Miss Grace found them playing
+some game with Lizzie, and observed that all
+but she were blindfolded.  When she asked
+why, one whispered, "We thought we should
+play fairer if we were all alike."  And another
+added, "It seems somehow as if we were proud
+if we see better than the rest."</p>
+<p class="pnext">Lizzie was much touched by this sweet spirit,
+and a little later showed that she had already
+learned one lesson in the school, when she
+gathered about her some who had never seen,
+and told them what she could remember of
+green fields and daisy-balls before the light went
+out forever.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Surely my little lark was worth saving, if
+only for this one happy day," thought Miss
+Grace, as she watched the awakened look in the
+blind faces, all leaning toward the speaker,
+whose childish story pleased them well.</p>
+<p class="pnext">In all her long and useful life, Lizzie never
+forgot that Daisy Day, for it seemed as if she were
+born anew, and like a butterfly had left the
+dark chrysalis all behind her then.  It was the
+first page of the beautiful book just opening
+before the eyes of her little mind,--a lovely
+page, illustrated with flowers, kind faces,
+sunshine, and happy hopes.  The new life was so
+full, so free, she soon fell into her place and
+enjoyed it all.  People worked there so heartily,
+so helpfully, it was no wonder things went as if
+by magic, and the poor little creatures who came
+in so afflicted went out in some years independent
+people, ready to help themselves and often
+to benefit others.</p>
+<p class="pnext">There is no need to tell all Lizzie learned and
+enjoyed that summer, nor how proud her mother
+was when she heard her read in the curious
+books, making eyes of the little fingers that felt
+their way along so fast; when she saw the neat
+stitches she set, the pretty clay things she
+modelled, the tidy way she washed dishes, swept, and
+dusted, and helped keep her room in order.
+But the poor woman's heart was too full for
+words when she heard the child sing,--not as
+before, in the dreary room, sad, soft lullabies to
+Billy, but beautiful, gay songs, with flutes and
+violins to lift and carry the little voice along on
+waves of music.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Lizzie really had a great gift; but she was
+never happier than when they all sang together,
+or when she sat quietly listening to the band as
+they practised for the autumn concert.  She
+was to have a part in it; and the thought that
+she could help to earn money for the Kindergarten
+made the shy child bold and glad to do
+her part.  Many people knew her now, for she
+was very pretty, with the healthful roses in her
+cheeks, curly yellow hair, and great blue eyes
+that seemed to see.  Her mates and teachers
+were proud of her, for though she was not as
+quick as some of the pupils, her sweet temper,
+grateful heart, and friendly little ways made her
+very dear to all, aside from the musical talent
+she possessed.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Every one was busy over the fair and the
+concert; and fingers flew, tongues chattered, feet
+trotted, and hearts beat fast with hope and fear
+as the time drew near, for all were eager to
+secure a home for the poor children still waiting
+in darkness.  It was a charity which appealed
+to all hearts when it was known; but in this
+busy world of ours, people have so many cares
+of their own that they are apt to forget the wants
+of others unless something brings these needs
+very clearly before their eyes.  Much money was
+needed, and many ways had been tried to add to
+the growing fund, that all might be well done.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"We wish to interest children in this charity
+for children, so that they may gladly give a part
+of their abundance to these poor little souls who
+have nothing.  I think Lizzie will sing some of
+the pennies out of their pockets, which would
+otherwise go for bonbons.  Let us try; so make
+her neat and pretty, and we 'll have a special song for her."</p>
+<p class="pnext">Mr. Constantine said this; and Miss Grace
+carried out his wish so well that when the time
+came, the little prima donna did her part better
+even than they had hoped.</p>
+<p class="pnext">The sun shone splendidly on the opening day
+of the fair, and cars and carriages came rolling
+out from the city, full of friendly people with
+plump purses and the sympathetic interest we
+all take in such things when we take time to see,
+admire, and reproach ourselves that we do so
+little for them.</p>
+<p class="pnext">There were many children; and when they
+had bought the pretty handiwork of the blind
+needle-women, eaten cake and ices, wondered
+at the strange maps and books, twirled the big
+globe in the hall, and tried to understand how
+so many blind people could be so busy and so
+happy, they all were seated at last to hear the
+music, full of expectation, for "the pretty little
+girl was going to sing."</p>
+<p class="pnext">It was a charming concert, and every one
+enjoyed it, though many eyes grew dim as they
+wandered from the tall youths blowing the
+horns so sweetly to the small ones chirping
+away like so many sparrows, for the blind faces
+made the sight pathetic, and such music touched
+the hearts as no other music can.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Now she's coming!" whispered the eager
+children, as a little girl climbed up the steps and
+stood before them, waiting to begin.</p>
+<p class="pnext">A slender little creature in a blue gown, with
+sunshine falling on her pretty hair, a pleading
+look in the soft eyes that had no sign of
+blindness but their steadfastness, and a smile on the
+lips that trembled at first, for Lizzie's heart beat
+fast, and only the thought, "I 'm helping the
+poor little ones," gave her courage for her task.</p>
+<p class="pnext">But when the flutes and violins began to play
+like a whispering wind, she forgot the crowd
+before her, and lifting up her face, sang in clear
+sweet tones.</p>
+<blockquote>
+<div>
+<div class="line-block outermost">
+<div class="line">THE BLIND LARK'S SONG.</div>
+<div class="line"> </div>
+<div class="line">We are sitting in the shadow</div>
+<div class="inner line-block">
+<div class="line">Of a long and lonely night,</div>
+</div>
+<div class="line">Waiting till some gentle angel</div>
+<div class="inner line-block">
+<div class="line">Comes to lead us to the light;</div>
+</div>
+<div class="line">For we know there is a magic</div>
+<div class="inner line-block">
+<div class="line">That can give eyes to the blind.</div>
+</div>
+<div class="line">Oh, well-filled hands, be generous!</div>
+<div class="inner line-block">
+<div class="line">Oh, pitying hearts, be kind!</div>
+<div class="line"> </div>
+</div>
+<div class="line">Help stumbling feet that wander</div>
+<div class="inner line-block">
+<div class="line">To find the upward way;</div>
+</div>
+<div class="line">Teach hands that now lie idle</div>
+<div class="inner line-block">
+<div class="line">The joys of work and play.</div>
+</div>
+<div class="line">Let pity, love, and patience</div>
+<div class="inner line-block">
+<div class="line">Our tender teachers be,</div>
+</div>
+<div class="line">That though the eyes be blinded,</div>
+<div class="inner line-block">
+<div class="line">The little souls may see.</div>
+<div class="line"> </div>
+</div>
+<div class="line">Your world is large and beautiful,</div>
+<div class="inner line-block">
+<div class="line">Our prison dim and small;</div>
+</div>
+<div class="line">We stand and wait, imploring,</div>
+<div class="inner line-block">
+<div class="line">"Is there not room for all?</div>
+</div>
+<div class="line">Give us our children's garden,</div>
+<div class="inner line-block">
+<div class="line">Where we may safely bloom,</div>
+</div>
+<div class="line">Forgetting in God's sunshine</div>
+<div class="inner line-block">
+<div class="line">Our lot of grief and gloom."</div>
+<div class="line"> </div>
+</div>
+<div class="line">A little voice comes singing;</div>
+<div class="inner line-block">
+<div class="line">Oh, listen to its song!</div>
+</div>
+<div class="line">A little child is pleading</div>
+<div class="inner line-block">
+<div class="line">For those who suffer wrong.</div>
+</div>
+<div class="line">Grant them the patient magic</div>
+<div class="inner line-block">
+<div class="line">That gives eyes to the blind!</div>
+</div>
+<div class="line">Oh, well-filled hands, be generous!</div>
+<div class="inner line-block">
+<div class="line">Oh, pitying hearts, be kind!</div>
+<div class="line"> </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+</div>
+</blockquote>
+<p class="pfirst">It was a very simple little song, but it proved
+wonderfully effective, for Lizzie was so carried
+away by her own feeling that as she sang the
+last lines she stretched out her hands
+imploringly, and two great tears rolled down her
+cheeks.  For a minute many hands were too
+busy fumbling for handkerchiefs to clap, but the
+children were quick to answer that gesture and
+those tears; and one impetuous little lad tossed
+a small purse containing his last ten cents at
+Lizzie's feet, the first contribution won by her
+innocent appeal.  Then there was great applause,
+and many of the flowers just bought were thrown
+to the little lark, who was obliged to come back
+and sing again and again, smiling brightly as she
+dropped pretty courtesies, and sang song after
+song with all the added sweetness of a grateful
+heart.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Hidden behind the organ, Miss Grace and
+Mr. Constantine shook hands joyfully, for this
+was the sort of interest they wanted, and they
+knew that while the children clapped and threw
+flowers, the wet-eyed mothers were thinking
+self-reproachfully, "I must help this lovely
+charity," and the stout old gentlemen who
+pounded with their canes were resolving to go
+home and write some generous checks, which
+would be money invested in God's savings-bank.</p>
+<p class="pnext">It was a very happy time for all, and made
+strangers friends in the sweet way which teaches
+heart to speak to heart.  When the concert was
+over, Lizzie felt many hands press hers and
+leave something there, many childish lips kiss
+her own, with promises to "help about the
+Kindergarten," and her ears were full of kind
+voices thanking and praising her for doing her
+part so well.  Still later, when all were gone,
+she proudly put the rolls of bills into
+Mr. Constantine's hand, and throwing her arms
+about Miss Grace's neck, said, trembling with
+earnestness, "I 'm not a burden any more, and
+I can truly help!  How can I ever thank you
+both for making me so happy?"</p>
+<p class="pnext">One can fancy what their answer was and how
+Lizzie helped; for long after the Kindergarten
+was filled with pale little flowers blooming slowly
+as she had done, the Blind Lark went on singing
+pennies out of pockets, and sweetly reminding
+people not to forget this noble charity.</p>
+<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em">
+</div>
+<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure" style="width: 61%" id="figure-93">
+<img class="align-center" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=" " src="images/img-091.jpg" />
+<div class="caption figure">
+Chapter IV tailpiece</div>
+</div>
+<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em">
+</div>
+<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure" style="width: 60%" id="figure-94">
+<span id="music-and-macaroni"></span><img class="align-center" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=" " src="images/img-092.jpg" />
+<div class="caption figure">
+Tino runs away from home.--PAGE <a class="reference internal" href="#id4">105</a>.</div>
+</div>
+<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em">
+</div>
+<p class="center large pfirst">V.</p>
+<p class="center medium pnext">MUSIC AND MACARONI.</p>
+<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em">
+</div>
+<p class="pfirst">Among the pretty villages that lie along the
+wonderful Cornice road which runs from
+Nice to Genoa, none was more beautiful than
+Valrose.  It deserved its name, for it was indeed
+a "valley of roses."  The little town with its old
+church nestled among the olive and orange
+trees that clothed the hillside, sloping up to
+purple mountains towering behind.  Lower
+down stretched the vineyards; and the valley
+was a bed of flowers all the year round.  There
+were acres of violets, verbenas, mignonette, and
+every sweet-scented blossom that grows, while
+hedges of roses, and alleys of lemon-trees with
+their white stars made the air heavy with perfume.
+Across the plain, one saw the blue sea rolling to
+meet the bluer sky, sending fresh airs and soft
+rains to keep Valrose green and beautiful even
+through the summer heat.  Only one ugly thing
+marred the lovely landscape, and that was the
+factory, with its tall chimneys, its red walls, and
+ceaseless bustle.  But old ilex-trees tried to
+conceal its ugliness; the smoke curled gracefully
+from its chimney-tops; and the brown men
+talked in their musical language as they ran
+about the busy courtyard, or did strange things
+below in the still-room.  Handsome black-eyed
+girls sang at the open windows at their
+pretty work, and delicious odors filled the place;
+for here the flowers that bloomed outside were
+changed to all kinds of delicate perfumes to
+scent the hair of great ladies and the
+handkerchiefs of dainty gentlemen all the world over.</p>
+<p class="pnext">The poor roses, violets, mignonette, orange-flowers,
+and their sisters, were brought here in
+great baskets to yield up their sweet souls in
+hot rooms where, fires burned and great vats
+boiled; then they were sent up to be imprisoned
+in pretty flasks of all imaginable shapes and
+colors by the girls, who put gilded labels on them,
+packed them in delicate boxes, and sent them
+away to comfort the sick, please the rich, and
+put money in the pockets of the merchants.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Many children were employed in the light
+work of weeding beds, gathering flowers, and
+running errands; among these none were busier,
+happier, or more beloved than Florentino and
+his sister Stella.  They were orphans, but they
+lived with old Mariuccia in her little stone
+house near the church, contented with the small
+wages they earned, though their clothes were
+poor, their food salad, macaroni, rye bread, and
+thin wine, with now and then a taste of meat
+when Stella's lover or some richer friend gave
+them a treat on gala days.</p>
+<p class="pnext">They worked hard, and had their dreams of
+what they would do when they had saved up a
+little store; Stella would marry her Beppo and
+settle in a home of her own; but Tino was more
+ambitious, for he possessed a sweet boyish voice
+and sang so well in the choir, at the merrymakings,
+and about his work, that he was called
+the "little nightingale," and much praised and
+petted, not only by his mates, but by the good
+priest who taught him music, and the travellers
+who often came to the factory and were not
+allowed to go till Tino had sung to them.</p>
+<p class="pnext">All this made the lad vain; and he hoped one
+day to go away as Baptista had gone, who now
+sang in a fine church at Genoa and sent home
+gold napoleons to his old parents.  How this
+was to come about Tino had not the least idea,
+but he cheered his work with all manner of wild
+plans, and sang his best at Mass, hoping some
+stranger would hear, and take him away as
+Signor Pulci had taken big Tista, whose voice
+was not half so wonderful as his own, all had
+said.  No one came, however, and Tino at
+thirteen was still at work in the valley,--a happy
+little lad, singing all day long as he carried his
+fragrant loads to and fro, ate his dinner of bread
+and beans fried in oil, with a crust, under the
+ilex-trees, and slept like a dormouse at night on
+his clean straw in the loft at Mariuccia's, with
+the moon for his candle and the summer warmth
+for his coverlet.</p>
+<p class="pnext">One day in September, as he stood winnowing
+mignonette seed in a quiet corner of the vast
+garden, he was thinking deeply over his hopes
+and plans, and practising the last chant Father
+Angelo had taught him, while he shook and
+held the sieve high, to let the wind blow away
+the dead husks, leaving the brown seeds behind.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Suddenly, as he ended his lesson with a clear
+high note that seemed to rise and die softly
+away like the voice of an angel in the air, the
+sound of applause startled him; and turning, he
+saw a gentleman sitting on the rude bench
+behind him,--a well-dressed, handsome, smiling
+gentleman, who clapped his white hands and
+nodded and said gayly, "Bravo, my boy, that
+was well done!  You have a wonderful voice;
+sing again."</p>
+<p class="pnext">But Tino was too abashed for the moment,
+and could only stand and stare at the stranger,
+a pretty picture of boyish confusion, pleasure,
+and shyness.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Come, tell me all about it, my friend.  Who
+taught you so well?  Why are you here, and
+not where you should be, learning to use this
+fine pipe of yours, and make fame and money
+by it?" said the gentleman, still smiling as he
+leaned easily in his seat and swung his gloves.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Tino's heart began to beat fast as he thought,
+"Perhaps my chance has come at last!  I must
+make the most of it."  So taking courage, he
+told his little story; and when he ended, the
+stranger gave a nod, saying,--</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Yes, you are the 'little nightingale' they
+spoke of up at the inn.  I came to find you.
+Now sing me something gay, some of your
+folk-songs.  That sort will suit you best."</p>
+<p class="pnext">Anxious to make the most of his chance,
+Tino took courage and sang away as easily as a
+bird on a bough, pouring out one after another
+the barcaroles, serenades, ballads, and drinking-songs
+he had learned from the people about him.</p>
+<p class="pnext">The gentleman listened, laughed, and
+applauded as if well pleased, and when Tino
+stopped to take breath, he gave another nod
+more decided than the first, and said with his
+engaging smile,--</p>
+<p class="pnext">"You are indeed a wonder, and quite wasted
+here.  If <em class="italics">I</em> had you I should make a man of
+you, and put money in your pocket as fast as
+you opened your mouth."</p>
+<p class="pnext">Tino's eyes sparkled at the word "money,"
+for sweet as was the praise, the idea of having
+full pockets bewitched him, and he asked
+eagerly, "How, signor?"</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Well," answered the gentleman, idly tapping
+his nose with a rose-bud which he had pulled
+as he came along, "I should take you to my
+hotel at Nice; wash, brush, and trim you up a
+little; put you into a velvet suit with a lace
+collar, silk stockings, and buckled shoes; teach
+you music, feed you well, and when I thought
+you fit carry you with me to the <em class="italics">salons</em> of the
+great people, where I give concerts.  There you
+would sing these gay songs of yours, and be
+petted, praised, and pelted with bonbons, francs,
+and kisses perhaps,--for you are a pretty lad
+and these fine ladies and idle gentlemen are
+always ready to welcome a new favorite.  Would
+you fancy that sort of life better than this?
+You can have it if you like."</p>
+<p class="pnext">Tino's black eyes shone; the color deepened
+in his brown cheeks; and he showed all his
+white teeth as he laughed and exclaimed with
+a gesture of delight,--</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Mio Dio! but I <em class="italics">would</em>, signor!  I 'm tired
+of this work; I long to sing, to see the world, to
+be my own master, and let Stella and the old
+woman know that I am big enough to have
+my own way.  Do you really mean it?  When
+can I go?  I'm ready now, only I had better
+run and put on my holiday suit and get my guitar."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Good! there 's a lad of spirit.  I like that
+well.  A guitar too?  Bravo, my little
+troubadour, we shall make a sensation in the
+drawing-rooms, and fill our pockets shortly.  But there
+is no haste, and it would be well to ask these
+friends of yours, or there might be trouble.  I
+don't <em class="italics">steal</em> nightingales, I buy them; and I
+will give the old woman, whoever she may be,
+more than you would earn in a month.  See,
+I too am a singer, and this I made at Genoa in
+a week."  As he spoke, Signor Mario pulled
+a well-filled purse from one pocket, a handful
+of gold and silver coin from the other, and
+chinked them before the boy's admiring eyes.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Let us go!" cried Tino, flinging down the
+sieve as if done with work forever.  "Stella is
+at home to-day; come at once to Mariuccia,--it
+is not far; and when they hear these fine plans,
+they will be glad to let me go, I am sure."</p>
+<p class="pnext">Away he went across the field of flowers,
+through the courtyard, up the steep street,
+straight into the kitchen where his pretty sister
+sat eating artichokes and bread while the old
+woman twirled her distaff in the sun.  Both
+were used to strangers, for the cottage was a
+picturesque place, half hidden like a bird's nest
+in vines and fig-trees, with a gay little plot of
+flowers before it; travellers often came to taste
+Mariuccia's honey, for her bees fared well, and
+their combs were running over with the sweetness
+of violets and roses, put up in dainty little
+waxen boxes made by better workmen than any
+found at the factory.</p>
+<p class="pnext">The two women listened respectfully while
+Signor Mario told his plan in his delightfully
+gracious way; and Stella was much impressed
+by the splendor of the prospect before her
+brother.  But the wise old woman shook her
+head, and declared decidedly that the boy was
+too young to leave home yet.  Father Angelo
+was teaching him well; he was safe and happy
+where he was; and there he should remain, for
+she had sworn by all the saints to his dying
+mother that she would guard him as the apple
+of her eye till he was old enough to take care
+of himself.</p>
+<p class="pnext">In vain Mario shook his purse before her
+eyes, Stella pleaded, and Tino stormed; the
+faithful old soul would not give up, much as
+she needed money, loved Stella, and hated to
+cross the boy who was in truth "the apple of her
+eye" and the darling of her heart.  There was
+a lively scene in the little room, for every one
+talked at once, gesticulated wildly, and grew
+much excited in the discussion; but nothing
+came of it, and Signor Mario departed wrathfully,
+leaving Mariuccia looking as stern as fate
+with her distaff, Stella in tears, and Tino in such
+a rage he could only dash up to the loft and
+throw himself on his rude bed, there to kick
+and sob and tear his hair, and wish there might
+be ten thousand earthquakes to swallow that
+cruel old woman up in the twinkling of an eye.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Stella came to beg him to be comforted and
+eat his supper, but he drew the wooden bolt
+and would not let her in, saying sternly,--</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I <em class="italics">never</em> will come down till Mariuccia says
+I may go; I will starve first.  I am not a child
+to be so treated.  Go away, and let me alone;
+I hate you both!"</p>
+<p class="pnext">Poor Stella retired, heart-broken, and when
+all her entreaties failed to change their
+guardian's decision, she went to consult Father
+Angelo.  He agreed with the old woman that
+it was best to keep the boy safe at home, as they
+knew nothing of the strange gentleman nor
+what might befall Tino if he left the shelter of
+his own humble home and friends.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Much disappointed, Stella went to pray
+devoutly in the church, and then, meeting her
+Beppo, soon forgot all about the poor little lad
+who had sobbed himself to sleep upon his straw.</p>
+<p class="pnext">The house was quiet when he awoke; no
+lights shone from any neighbor's windows; and
+all was still except the nightingales singing in
+the valley.  The moon was up; and her friendly
+face looked in at the little window so brightly
+that the boy felt comforted, and lay staring at
+the soft light while his mind worked busily.
+Some evil spirit, some naughty Puck bent on
+mischief must have been abroad that night, for
+into Tino's head there suddenly popped a
+splendid idea; at least <em class="italics">he</em> thought it so, and in his
+rebellious state found it all the more tempting
+because danger and disobedience and defiance
+all had a part in it.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Why not run away?  Signor Mario was not
+to leave till next morning.  Tino could easily
+slip out early and join the kind gentleman
+beyond the town.  This would show the women
+that he, Tino, had a will of his own and was
+not to be treated like a child any more.  It
+would give them a good fright, make a fine
+stir in the place, and add to his glory when he
+returned with plenty of money to display
+himself in the velvet suit and silk stockings,--a
+famous fellow who knew what he was about and
+did not mean to be insulted, or tied to an old
+woman's apron-string forever.</p>
+<p class="pnext">The longer he thought the more delightful
+the idea became, and he resolved to carry it out,
+for the fine tales he had heard made him more
+discontented than ever with his present simple,
+care-free life.  Up he got, and by the light of the
+moon took from the old chest his best suit.
+Moving very softly, he put on the breeches and
+jacket of rough blue cloth, the coarse linen
+shirt, the red sash, and the sandals of russet
+leather that laced about his legs to the knee.
+A few clothes, with his rosary, he tied up in a
+handkerchief, and laid the little bundle ready
+with his Sunday hat, a broad-brimmed, pointed-crowned
+affair with a red band and cock's
+feather to adorn it.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Then he sat at the window waiting for dawn
+to come, fearing to sleep lest he be too late.
+It seemed an almost endless night, the first he
+had ever spent awake, but red streaks came in
+the east at last, and he stole to the door,
+meaning to creep noiselessly downstairs, take a good
+hunch of bread and a gourd full of wine and
+slip off while the women slept.</p>
+<p class="pnext">To his dismay he found the door barred on
+the outside.  His courage had ebbed a little as
+the time for action came; but at this new insult
+he got angry again, and every dutiful impulse
+flew away in a minute.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Ah, they think to keep me, do they?
+Behold, then, how I cheat the silly things!
+They have never seen me climb down the
+fig-tree, and thought me safe.  Now I will vanish,
+and leave them to tear their hair and weep for
+me in vain."</p>
+<p class="pnext" id="id4">Flinging out his bundle, and carefully lowering
+his old guitar, Tino leaned from the little
+window, caught the nearest branch of the tree
+that bent toward the wall, and swung himself
+down as nimbly as a squirrel.  Pausing only to
+pick several bunches of ripe grapes from the
+vine about the door, he went softly through the
+garden and ran away along the road toward
+Nice as fast as his legs could carry him.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Not till he reached the top of the long hill a
+mile away, did he slacken his lively pace; then
+climbing a bank, he lay down to rest under
+some olive-trees, and ate his grapes as he
+watched the sun rise.  Travellers always left the
+Falcone Inn early to enjoy the morning
+freshness, so Tino knew that Signor Mario would
+soon appear; and when the horses paused to
+rest on the hill-top, the "little nightingale"
+would present himself as unexpectedly as if he
+had fallen from heaven.</p>
+<p class="pnext">But Signor Mario was a lazy man; and Tino
+had time to work himself into a fever of
+expectation, doubt, and fear before the roll of
+wheels greeted his longing ears.  Yes, it was
+the delightful stranger!--reading papers and
+smoking as he rode, quite blind to the beauty
+all around him, blind also to the sudden
+appearance of a picturesque little figure by the
+roadside, as the carriage stopped.  Even when
+he looked, he did not recognize shabby Tino in
+the well-dressed beggar, as he thought him,
+who stood bare-headed and smiling, with hat in
+one hand, bundle in the other, and guitar slung
+on his back.  He waved his hand as if to say,
+"I have nothing for you," and was about to
+bid the man drive on, but Tino cried out boldly,--</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Behold me, signor!  I am Tino, the singing
+boy of Valrose.  I have run away to join you
+if you will have me.  Ah, please do!  I wish so
+much to go with you."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Bravo!" cried Mario, well pleased.  "That
+is a lad of spirit; and I am glad to have you.
+I don't steal nightingales, as I told you down
+yonder; but if they get out of their cages and
+perch on my finger, I keep them.  In with you,
+boy! there is no time to lose."</p>
+<p class="pnext">In scrambled happy Tino, and settling
+himself and his property on the seat opposite,
+amused his new master with a lively account of
+his escape.  Mario laughed and praised him;
+Luigi, the servant, grinned as he listened from
+the coach-box; and the driver resolved to tell
+the tale at the Falcone, when he stopped there
+on his return to Genoa, so the lad's friends
+might know what had become of him.</p>
+<p class="pnext">After a little chat Signor Mario returned to
+his newspapers, and Tino, tired with his long
+vigil and brisk run, curled himself up on the
+seat, pillowed his head on his bundle and fell
+fast asleep, rocked by the motion of the
+carriage as it rolled along the smooth road.</p>
+<p class="pnext">When he waked, the sun was high, the
+carriage stood before a wayside inn, the man and
+horses were gone to their dinners, and the
+signor lay under some mulberry-trees in the
+garden while Luigi set forth upon the grass
+the contents of a well-filled hamper which they
+had brought with them, his master being one
+who looked well after his own comfort.  The sight
+of food drew Tino toward it as straight as a
+honey-jar draws flies, and he presented himself
+with his most engaging air.  Being in a good
+humor, the new master bade the hungry lad sit down
+and eat, which he did so heartily that larded fowl,
+melon, wine, and bread vanished as if by magic.
+Never had food tasted so good to Tino; and
+rejoicing with true boyish delight in the prospect
+of plenty to eat, he went off to play Morso
+with the driver, while the horses rested and
+Mario took a siesta on the grass.</p>
+<p class="pnext">When they set forth again, Tino received his
+first music lesson from the new teacher, who
+was well pleased to find how quickly the boy
+caught the air of a Venetian boat-song, and
+how sweetly he sang it.  Then Tino strummed
+on his guitar and amused his hearers with all
+the melodies he knew, from church chants to
+drinking-songs.  Mario taught him how to
+handle his instrument gracefully, speak a few
+polite phrases, and sit properly instead of
+sprawling awkwardly or lounging idly.</p>
+<p class="pnext">So the afternoon wore away; and at dusk they
+reached Nice.  To Tino it looked like an
+enchanted city as they drove down to it from the
+soft gloom and stillness of the country.  The
+sea broke gently on the curving shore, sparkling
+with the lights of the Promenade des Anglais
+which overlooks it.  A half circle of brilliant
+hotels came next; behind these the glimmer of
+villas scattered along the hillside shone like
+fireflies among gardens and orange groves; and
+higher still the stars burned in a violet sky.
+Soon the moon would be up, to hang like a great
+lamp from that splendid dome, turning sea and
+shore to a magic world by her light.  Tino
+clapped his hands and looked about him with
+all the pleasure of his beauty-loving race as they
+rattled through the gay streets and stopped at
+one of the fine hotels.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Here Mario put on his grand air, and was
+shown to the apartment he had ordered from
+Genoa.  Tino meekly followed; and Luigi
+brought up the rear with the luggage.  Tino
+felt as if he had got into a fairy tale when he
+found himself in a fine parlor where he could
+only sit and stare about him, while his master
+refreshed in the chamber beyond, and the man
+ordered dinner.  A large closet was given the
+boy to sleep in, with a mattress and blanket, a
+basin and pitcher, and a few pegs to hang his
+clothes on.  But it seemed very nice after the
+loft; and when he had washed his face, shaken
+the dust off, and smoothed his curly head as
+well as he could, he returned to the parlor to
+gloat over such a dinner as he had never eaten before.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Mario was in a good humor and anxious to
+keep the lad so, therefore he plied him with good
+things to eat, fine promises, and the praise in
+which that vain little soul delighted.  Tino went
+to bed early, feeling that his fortune was made,
+and his master went off to amuse himself at a
+gaming-table, for that was his favorite pastime.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Next day the new life began.  After a late
+breakfast, a music lesson was given which both
+interested and dismayed Tino, for his master
+was far less patient than good old Father Angelo,
+and swore at him when he failed to catch a new
+air as quickly as he expected.  Both were tired
+and rather cross when it ended, but Tino soon
+forgot the tweaking of his ear and the scolding,
+when he was sent away with Luigi to buy the
+velvet suit and sundry necessary articles for the
+young troubadour.</p>
+<p class="pnext">It was a lovely day; and the gay city was all
+alive with the picturesque bustle which always
+fills it when the season begins.  Red-capped
+fishermen were launching their boats from the
+beach, flower-girls hastening from the gardens
+with their fragrant loads to sell on the
+Promenade, where invalids sunned themselves, nurses
+led their rosy troops to play, fine ladies strolled,
+and men of all nations paced to and fro at
+certain hours.  In the older part of the city, work
+of all sorts went on,--coral-carvers filled their
+windows with pretty ornaments; pastry-cooks
+tempted with dainty dishes; milliners showed
+hats fresh from Paris; and Turkish merchants
+hung out rich rugs and carpets at their doors.
+Church-bells chimed; priests with incense and
+banners went through the streets on holy
+errands; the Pifferoni piped gayly; orange-women
+and chestnut-sellers called their wares
+in musical voices; even the little scullions who
+go about scouring saucepans at back doors
+made a song of their cry, "Casserola!"</p>
+<p class="pnext">Tino had a charming time, and could hardly
+believe his senses when one fine thing after
+another was bought for him and ordered home.
+Not only the suit, but two ruffled shirts, a
+crimson tie for the lace collar, a broad new ribbon
+for the guitar, handkerchiefs, hose, and delicate
+shoes, as if he was a gentleman's son.  When
+Luigi added a little mantle and a hat such as
+other well-dressed lads of his age wore, Tino
+exclaimed, "This also!  Dio mio, never have I
+known so kind a man as Signor Mario.  I shall
+serve him well and love him even better than
+you do."</p>
+<p class="pnext">Luigi shrugged his shoulders and answered
+with a disagreeable laugh, "Long may you
+think so, poverino; I serve for money, not
+love, and look to it that I get my wages, else
+it would go ill with both of us.  Keep all
+you can get, boy; our master is apt to forget
+his servants."</p>
+<p class="pnext">Tino did not like the look, half scornful, half
+pitiful, which Luigi gave him, and wondered why
+he did not love the good signor.  Later he
+found out; but all was pleasant now, and lunch
+at a café completed the delights of that long morning.</p>
+<p class="pnext">The rooms were empty when they returned;
+and bidding him keep out of mischief, Luigi
+left Tino alone for several hours.  But he found
+plenty of amusement in examining all the
+wonders the apartment contained, receiving the
+precious parcels as they arrived, practising his
+new bow before the long mirror, and eating the
+nuts that he had bought of a jolly old woman
+at a street corner.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Then he went to lounge on the balcony that
+ran along the front of the hotel, and watched
+the lively scene below, till sunset sent the
+promenaders home to dress for dinner.  Feeling a
+sudden pang of homesickness as he thought of
+Stella, Tino got his guitar and sang the old
+songs to comfort his loneliness.</p>
+<p class="pnext">The first was hardly ended before one after
+the other five little heads popped out of a
+window farther down the balcony; and presently
+a group of pretty children were listening and
+smiling as the nice boy played and sang to
+them.  A gentleman looked out; and a lady
+evidently listened, for the end of a lace flounce
+lay on the threshold of the long window, and a
+pair of white hands clapped when he finished
+a gay air in his best style.</p>
+<p class="pnext">This was his first taste of applause, and he
+liked it, and twanged away merrily till his
+master's voice called him in just as he was
+beginning to answer the questions the eager children
+asked him.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Go and dress!  I shall take you down to
+dinner with me presently.  But mind this, <em class="italics">I</em>
+will answer questions; do <em class="italics">you</em> keep quiet, and
+leave me to tell what I think best.  Remember,
+or I pack you home at once."</p>
+<p class="pnext">Tino promised, and was soon absorbed in
+getting into his new clothes; Luigi came to help
+him, and when he was finished off, a very
+handsome lad emerged from the closet to make his
+best bow to his master, who, also in fine array,
+surveyed him with entire approval.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Very good!  I thought you would make a
+passable butterfly when you shed your grub's
+skin.  Stand up and keep your hands out of
+your pockets.  Mind what I told you about
+supping soup noisily, and don't handle your
+fork like a shovel.  See what others do, smile,
+and hold your tongue.  There is the gong.
+Let us go."</p>
+<p class="pnext">Tino's heart beat as he followed Mario down
+the long hall to the great <em class="italics">salle à manger</em> with its
+glittering <em class="italics">table d'hôte</em> and many guests.  But the
+consciousness of new clothes sustained him, so
+he held up his head, turned out his toes, and
+took his place, trying to look as if everything
+was not very new and dazzling to him.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Two elderly ladies sat opposite, and he heard
+one say to the other in bad Italian, "Behold the
+lovely boy, Maria; I should like to paint him."</p>
+<p class="pnext">And the other answered, "We will be
+amiable to him, and perhaps we may get him for
+a model.  Just what I want for a little Saint
+John."</p>
+<p class="pnext">Tino smiled at them till his black eyes
+sparkled and his white teeth shone, for he
+understood and enjoyed their praise.  The artistic
+ladies smiled back, and watched him with
+interest long after he had forgotten them, for that
+dinner was a serious affair to the boy, with a
+heavy silver spoon and fork to manage, a
+napkin to unfold, and three glasses to steer clear
+of for fear of a general upset, so awkward did
+he feel.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Every one else was too busy to mind his
+mistakes; and the ladies set them down to
+bashfulness, as he got red in the face, and dared not
+look up after spilling his soup and dropping a roll.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Presently, while waiting for dessert, he forgot
+himself in something Mario was saying to his
+neighbor on the other side:--</p>
+<p class="pnext">"A poor little fellow whom I found starving
+in the streets at Genoa.  He has a voice;
+I have a heart, and I adore music.  I took him
+to myself, and shall do my best for him.  Ah,
+yes!  in this selfish world one must not forget
+the helpless and the poor."</p>
+<p class="pnext">Tino stared, wondering what other boy the
+good signor had befriended, and was still more
+bewildered when Mario turned to him with a
+paternal air, to add in that pious tone so new
+to the boy,--</p>
+<p class="pnext">"This is my little friend, and he will gladly
+come and sing to your young ladies after dinner.
+Many thanks for the honor; I shall bring him
+out at my parlor concerts, and so fit him for his
+place by and by.  Bow and smile, quick!"</p>
+<p class="pnext">The last words were in a sharp whisper; and
+Tino obeyed with a sudden bob of the head
+that sent his curls over his eyes, and then
+laughed such a boyish laugh as he shook them
+back that the gentleman leaning forward to
+look at him joined in it, and the ladies smiled
+sympathetically as they pushed a dish of
+bonbons nearer to him.  Mario gave him an
+indulgent look, and went on in the same benevolent
+tone telling all he meant to do, till the kindly
+gentleman from Rome was much interested,
+having lads of his own and being fond of music.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Tino listened to the fine tales told of him and
+hoped no one would ask him about Genoa, for
+he would surely betray that he had never been
+there and could not lie as glibly as Mario did.
+He felt rather like the little old woman who did
+not know whether she was herself or not, but
+consoled himself by smiling at the ladies and
+eating a whole plateful of little cakes standing
+near him.</p>
+<p class="pnext">When they rose, Tino made his bow, and
+Mario walked down the long hall with his hand
+on the boy's shoulder and a friendly air very
+impressive to the spectators, who began at once
+to gossip about the pretty lad and his kind
+protector, just as the cunning gentleman planned
+to have them.</p>
+<p class="pnext">As soon as they were out of sight, Mario's
+manner changed; and telling Tino to sit down
+and digest his dinner or he would n't be able to
+sing a note, he went to the balcony to smoke
+till the servant came to conduct them to Conte
+Alborghetti's salon.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Now mind, boy; do exactly as I tell you, or
+I 'll drop you like a hot chestnut and leave you
+to get home as you can," said Mario, in a
+sharp whisper, as they paused on the threshold
+of the door.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I will, signor, indeed I will!" murmured
+Tino, scared by the flash of his master's black
+eye and the grip of his hand, as he pulled the
+bashful boy forward.</p>
+<p class="pnext">In they went, and for a moment Tino only
+perceived a large light room full of people,
+who all looked at him as he stood beside Mario
+with his guitar slung over his shoulder, red
+cheeks, and such a flutter at his heart that he
+felt sure he could never sing there.  The
+amiable host came to meet and present them to a
+group of ladies, while a flock of children drew
+near to look at and listen to the "nice singing
+boy from Genoa."</p>
+<p class="pnext">Mario, having paid his thanks and compliments
+in his best manner, opened the little concert by
+a grand piece upon the piano, proving that he
+was a fine musician, though Tino already began
+to fancy he was not quite so good a man as he
+wished to appear.  Then he sang several airs
+from operas; and Tino forgot himself in listening
+delightedly to the mellow voice of his master,
+for the lad loved music and had never heard
+any like this before.</p>
+<p class="pnext">When Tino's turn came, he had lost his first
+shyness, and though his lips were dry and breath
+short, and he gave the guitar an awkward bang
+against the piano as he pulled it round ready
+to play upon, the curiosity in the faces of the
+children and the kindly interest of the ladies
+gave him courage to start bravely off with
+"Bella Monica,"--the easiest as well as gayest
+of his songs.  It went well; and with each verse
+his voice grew clearer, his hand firmer, and his
+eyes fuller of boyish pleasure in his own power
+to please.</p>
+<p class="pnext">For please he did, and when he ended with
+a loud twang and kissed his hand to the
+audience as he always used to do to the girls at
+home, every one clapped heartily, and the
+gentlemen cried, "Bravo, piccolo!  He sings
+in truth like a little nightingale; encore,
+encore!"</p>
+<p class="pnext">These were sweet sounds to Tino; and he
+needed no urging to sing "Lucia" in his softest
+tones, "looking like one of Murillo's angels!"
+as a young lady said, while he sang away with
+his eyes piously lifted in the manner Mario had
+taught him.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Then followed a grand march from the master
+while the boy rested; after which Tino gave
+more folk-songs, and ended with a national air
+in which all joined like patriotic and enthusiastic
+Italians, shouting the musical chorus, "Viva
+Italia!" till the room rang.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Tino quite lost his head at that, and began
+to prance as if the music had got into his heels.
+Before Mario could stop him, he was showing
+one of the little girls how to dance the Salterello
+as the peasants dance it during Carnival;
+and all the children were capering gayly about
+the wide polished floor with Tino strumming
+and skipping like a young fawn from the woods.</p>
+<p class="pnext">The elder people laughed and enjoyed the
+pretty sight till trays of ices and bonbons
+came in; and the little party ended in a general
+enjoyment of the good things children most
+delight in.  Tino heard his master receiving the
+compliments of the company, and saw the host
+slip a paper into his hand; but, boylike, he
+contented himself with a pocket full of sweetmeats,
+and the entreaties of his little patrons to come
+again soon, and so backed out of the room,
+after bowing till he was dizzy, and bumping
+against a marble table in a very painful manner.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Well, how do you like the life I promised
+you?  Is it all I said?  Do we begin to fill our
+pockets, and enjoy ourselves even sooner than
+I expected?" asked Mario, with a good-natured
+slap of the shoulder, as they reached his
+apartment again.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"It is splendid!  I like it much, very much! and
+I thank you with all my heart," cried Tino,
+gratefully kissing the hand that could tweak
+sharply, as well as caress when things suited its
+owner.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"You did well, even better than I hoped;
+but in some things we must improve.  Those
+legs must be taught to keep still; and you must
+not forget that you are a peasant when among
+your betters.  It passed very well to-night with
+those little persons, but in some places it would
+have put me in a fine scrape.  Capers! but I
+feared at one moment you would have
+embraced the young contessa, when she danced
+with you."</p>
+<p class="pnext">Mario laughed as poor Tino blushed and
+stammered, "But, signor, she was so little, only
+ten years old, and I thought no harm to hold
+her up on that slippery floor.  See, she gave
+me all these, and bade me come again.  I would
+gladly have kissed her, she was so like little
+Annina at home."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Well, well, no harm is done; but I see the
+pretty brown girls down yonder have spoiled
+you, and I shall have to keep an eye on my
+gallant young troubadour.  Now to bed, and
+don't make yourself ill with all those
+confections.  Felice notte, Don Giovanni!" and away
+went Mario to lose at play every franc of the
+money the generous count had given him "for
+the poor lad."</p>
+<p class="pnext">That was the beginning of a new and charming
+life for Tino, and for two months he was a
+busy and a happy boy, with only a homesick fit
+now and then when Mario was out of temper,
+or Luigi put more than his fair share of work
+upon his shoulders.  The parlor concerts went
+well, and the little nightingale was soon a
+favorite toy in many salons.  Night after night Tino
+sang and played, was petted and praised, and
+then trotted home to dream feverishly of new
+delights; for this exciting life was fast
+spoiling the simple lad who used to be so merry
+and busy at Valrose.  The more he had, the
+more he wanted, and soon grew discontented,
+jealous, and peevish.  He had cause to complain
+of some things; for none of the money earned
+ever came to him, and when he plucked up
+courage to ask for his promised share, Mario
+told him he only earned his food and clothes as
+yet.  Then Tino rebelled, and got a beating,
+which made him outwardly as meek as a lamb,
+but inwardly a very resentful, unhappy boy, and
+spoiled all his pleasure in music and success.</p>
+<p class="pnext">He was neglected all day and left to do what
+he liked till needed at night, so he amused
+himself by lounging about the hotel or wandering
+on the beach to watch the fishermen cast their
+nets.  Lazy Luigi kept him doing errands when
+he could; but for hours the boy saw neither
+master nor man, and wondered where they were.
+At last he found out, and his dream of fame and
+fortune ended in smoke.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Christmas week was a gay one for
+everybody, and Tino thought good times had come
+again; for he sang at several childrens' fêtes,
+received some pretty gifts from the kind
+Alborghettis, and even Mario was amiable enough to
+give him a golden napoleon after a run of good
+luck at the cards.  Eager to show his people
+that he was getting on, Tino begged Antoine,
+the friendly waiter who had already written one
+letter to Stella for him, to write another, and
+send by a friend going that way a little parcel
+containing the money for Mariuccia, a fine
+Roman sash for Stella, and many affectionate
+messages to all his old friends.</p>
+<p class="pnext">It was well he had that little satisfaction, for
+it was his last chance to send good news or
+exult over his grand success.  Troubles came
+with the new year; and in one week our poor
+little jay found himself stripped of all his
+borrowed plumes, and left a very forlorn bird
+indeed.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Trotting about late at night in silk stockings,
+and getting wet more than once in the winter
+rains, gave Tino a bad cold.  No one cared for
+it; and he was soon as hoarse as a crow.  His
+master forced him to sing several times in spite
+of the pain he suffered, and when at the last
+concert he broke down completely, Mario swore at
+him for "a useless brat," and began to talk of
+going to Milan to find a new set of singers and
+patrons.  Had Tino been older, he would have
+discovered some time sooner that Signor Mario
+was losing favor in Nice, as he seldom paid a
+bill, and led a very gay, extravagant life.  But,
+boylike, Tino saw only his own small troubles,
+and suspected nothing when Luigi one day
+packed up the velvet suit and took it away "to
+be repaired," he said.  It <em class="italics">was</em> shabby, and Tino,
+lying on the sofa with a headache and sharp
+cough, was glad no one ordered him to go with
+it, for the Tramontana was blowing, and he
+longed for old Mariuccia's herb tea and Stella's
+cosseting, being quite ill by this time.</p>
+<p class="pnext">That night as he lay awake in his closet
+coughing, feverish and restless, he heard his
+master and Luigi moving about till very late,
+evidently packing for Paris or Milan, and Tino
+wondered if he would like either place better
+than Nice, and wished they were not so far from
+Valrose.  In the midst of his meditations he fell
+asleep, and when he woke, it was morning.  He
+hurried up and went out to see what the order
+of the day was to be, rather pleased at the idea
+of travelling about the world.</p>
+<p class="pnext">To his surprise no breakfast appeared; the
+room was in confusion, every sign of Mario had
+vanished but empty bottles and a long hotel
+bill lying unpaid upon the table.  Before Tino
+could collect his wits, Antoine came flying in to
+say with wild gesticulations and much French
+wrath that "the rascal Mario had gone in the
+night, leaving immense debts behind him, and
+the landlord in an apoplexy of rage."</p>
+<p class="pnext">Poor Tino was so dismayed he could only sit
+and let the storm pelt about his ears; for not
+only did the waiter appear, but the chambermaid,
+the coachman, and at last the indignant
+host himself, all scolding at once as they
+rummaged the rooms, questioned the bewildered
+boy, and wrung their hands over the escape of
+these dishonest wretches.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"You also, little beast, have grown fat upon
+my good fare! and who is to pay me for all you
+have eaten, not to mention the fine bed, the
+washing, the candles, and the coaches you have
+had?  Ah, great heavens! what is to become
+of us when such things occur?" and the poor
+landlord tore his hair with one hand while he
+shook his other fist at Tino.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Dear sir, take all I have; it is only an old
+guitar, and a few clothes.  Not a centime do I
+own; but I will work for you.  I can clean
+saucepans and run errands.  Speak for me,
+Antoine; you are my only friend now."</p>
+<p class="pnext">The lad looked so honest and ill and pathetic,
+as he spoke with his poor hoarse voice, and
+looked beseechingly about him, that Antoine's
+kind heart was melted, and he advised the boy
+to slip away home as soon as possible, and so
+escape all further violence and trouble.  He
+slipped two francs into Tino's empty pocket,
+and as soon as the room was cleared, helped
+him tie up the few old clothes that remained.
+The host carried off the guitar as the only thing
+he could seize, so Tino had less to take away
+than he brought, when Antoine led him out by
+the back way, with a good sandwich of bread
+and meat for his breakfast, and bade him go to
+the square and try to beg a ride to Valrose
+on some of the carriages often going thither on
+the way to Genoa.</p>
+<p class="pnext">With many thanks Tino left the great hotel,
+feeling too miserable to care much what
+became of him, for all his fine dreams were spoiled
+like the basket of china the man kicked over in
+the "Arabian Nights," while dreaming he was a
+king.  How could he go home, sick, poor, and
+forsaken, after all the grand tales he had lately
+told in his letter?  How they would laugh at
+him, the men and girls at the factory!  How
+Mariuccia would wag her old head and say,
+"Ecco! is it not as I foretold?"  Even Stella
+would weep over him and be sorry to see her
+dear boy in such a sad plight, yet what could
+he do?  His voice was gone and his guitar, or
+he might sing about the streets, as Mario
+described his doing at Genoa, and so earn his
+daily bread till something turned up.  Now he
+was quite helpless, and much against his will,
+he went to see if any chance of getting home
+appeared.</p>
+<p class="pnext">The day was showery, and no party was
+setting off for the famous drive along the Cornice
+road.  Tino was glad of it, and went to lie on
+a bench at the café where he had often been
+with Luigi.  His head ached, and his cough
+left him no peace, so he spent some of his
+money in syrup and water to quell the trouble,
+and with the rest paid for a good dinner and
+supper.</p>
+<p class="pnext">He told his sad tale to the cook, and was
+allowed to sleep in the kitchen after scrubbing
+saucepans to pay for it.  But no one wanted
+him; and in the morning, after a cup of coffee
+and a roll he found himself cast upon the world
+again.  He would not beg, and as dinner time
+approached, hunger reminded him of a humble
+friend whom he had forgotten in his own days
+of plenty.</p>
+<p class="pnext">He loved to stroll along the beach, and read
+the names on the boats drawn up there, for all
+were the names of saints; and it was almost as
+good as going to church to read the long list of
+Saint Brunos, Saint Francises, and Saint Ursulas.
+Among the fishermen was one who had always
+a kind word for the lad, who enjoyed a sail or
+a chat with Marco whenever nothing better
+turned up to amuse his leisure hours.  Now in
+his trouble he remembered him, and went to
+the beach to ask help, for he felt ill as well as
+sad and hungry.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Yes, there sat the good fellow eating the
+bread and macaroni his little daughter had
+brought for his dinner, and a smile welcomed
+poor Tino as he sat down beside this only friend
+to tell his story.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Marco growled in his black beard and shook
+his knife with an awful frown when he heard
+how the lad had been deserted.  Then he
+smiled, patted Tino's back, thrust the copper
+basin of food into one hand and a big lump
+of the brown-bread into the other, inviting him
+to eat in such a cordial way that the poor
+meal tasted better than the dainty fare at the
+hotel.</p>
+<p class="pnext">A draught of red wine from the gourd
+cheered Tino up, as did the good and kind
+words, and when Marco bade him go home
+with little Manuela to the good wife, he gladly
+went, feeling that he must lie down somewhere,
+his head was so giddy and the pain in the
+breast so sharp.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Buxom Teresa received him kindly, put him
+straight to bed in her own boy's little room,
+laid a cool cloth on his hot head, a warm one
+on his aching chest, and left him to sleep, much
+comforted by her motherly care.  It was well
+the good soul befriended him, for he needed
+help sorely, and would have fared ill if those
+humble folk had not taken him in.</p>
+<p class="pnext">For a week or two he lay in Beppo's bed
+burning with fever, and when he could sit up
+again was too feeble to do anything but smile
+gratefully and try to help Manuela mend nets.
+Marco would hear of no thanks, saying, "Good
+deeds bring good luck.  Behold my haul of
+fish each day thou hast been here, poverino!
+I am well paid, and Saint Peter will bless my
+boat for thy sake."</p>
+<p class="pnext">Tino was very happy in the little dark,
+shabby house that smelt of onions, fish, and tar,
+was full of brown children, and the constant
+clack of Teresa's lively tongue as she gossiped
+with her neighbors, or fried polenta for the
+hungry mouths that never seemed filled.</p>
+<p class="pnext">But the time came when Tino could go about,
+and then he begged for work, anxious to be
+independent and earn a little so that in the spring
+he could go home without empty pockets.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I have taken thought for thee, my son, and
+work warm and easy is ready if thou wilt do it.
+My friend Tommaso Neri, makes the good
+macaroni near by.  He needs a boy to mind the
+fire and see to the donkey who grinds below
+there.  Food, shelter, and such wages as thou art
+able to earn, he will give thee.  Shall it be?"</p>
+<p class="pnext">Tino gratefully accepted, and with hearty
+embraces all round went off one day to see his
+new place.  It was in the old part of Nice,
+a narrow, dirty street, a little shop with one
+window full of the cheaper sorts of this favorite
+food of all Italians, and behind the shop a room
+where an old woman sat spinning while two
+little boys played with pine cones and pretty
+bits of marble at her feet.</p>
+<p class="pnext">A fat jolly man, with a shining face and loud
+voice, greeted Marco and the lad, saying he
+"was worn to a thread with much work, since
+that bad imp of a donkey-boy had run away
+leaving the blessed macaroni to spoil, and
+poor Carmelita to perish for want of care.
+Come below at once, and behold the
+desolation of the place."</p>
+<p class="pnext">With that he led the way to the cellar, where
+a small furnace-fire burned, and an old gray
+donkey went round and round, turning a wheel
+which set some unseen machinery in motion
+with a dismal creaking sound.  Down through
+many holes in one part of the wooden floor
+overhead came long pipes of macaroni, hardening
+as they hung quivering in the hot air till stiff
+enough to be cut off in handfuls and laid to
+dry on wire trays over the furnace.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Tino had never seen the good macaroni
+made before, and was much interested in the
+process, though it was of the rudest kind.  In
+a room upstairs a great vat of flour and water
+was kept stirring round and round and forced
+down to the place below by the creaking wheel
+which patient Carmelita turned all day.  The
+cellar was dark but warm; and Tino felt that it
+would be comfortable there with the old donkey
+for a comrade, jolly Tommaso for a master,
+and enough to eat,--for it was evident the family
+lived well, so plump and shining were all the
+faces, so cheery the tempers of the old women
+and little lads.</p>
+<p class="pnext">There Marco left him, well satisfied that he
+had done his best for the poor boy; and there
+Tino lived for three months, busy, well fed, and
+contented, till spring sunshine made him long
+for the sweet air, the green fields, and dear
+faces at Valrose.  Tommaso was lazy but kind,
+and if the day's work was done in time, let Tino
+out to see Marco's children or to run on the
+beach with little Jacopo and Seppi.  The
+grandmother gave him plenty of rye bread, thin
+wine, and macaroni fried in oil; old Carmelita
+learned to love him and to lean her gray head
+on his shoulder with joyful waggings of her
+long ears as he caressed her, and each week
+increased the little hoard in an old shoe hidden
+behind a beam.</p>
+<p class="pnext">But it was a dull life for a boy who loved
+music, flowers, light, and freedom; and he soon
+grew tired of seeing only a procession of legs
+go by the low windows level with the street;
+the creak of the wheel was not half so welcome
+as the brisk rattle of the mill at home, and the
+fat little lads always climbing over him could
+not be so dear as sister Stella and pretty
+Annina, the wine-maker's daughter, at Valrose.
+Even the kind old woman who often saved an
+orange for him, and gave him a gay red cotton
+handkerchief on his birthday, was less to his
+taste than Mariuccia, who adored him in spite
+of her scolding and stern ways.</p>
+<p class="pnext">So he looked about for travellers going to
+Genoa; and one happy day as he returned from
+church, he saw, sitting under two red umbrellas
+before two easels beside the road, the two
+elderly ladies of the hotel.  Both wore brown
+hats like mushrooms; both had gray curls
+bobbing in the wind; and both were painting away
+for dear life, trying to get a good sketch of the
+ruined gateway, where passion-flowers climbed,
+and roses nodded through the bars.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Tino stopped to look, as many another passer-by
+had done; and glancing up to see if he
+admired their work, the good ladies recognized
+their "Saint John," as they called the pretty
+boy who had vanished before they could finish
+the pictures they had begun of him.</p>
+<p class="pnext">They were so glad to see him that he opened
+his heart to them, and found to his great joy
+that in a week they were to drive to Genoa, and
+would gladly take him along if he would sit to
+them meantime.  Of course he agreed, and
+ran home to tell his master that he must go.
+Tommaso bewailed his loss, but would not keep
+him; and as Marco's son Beppo was willing to
+take his place till another lad could be found,
+Tino was free to sit in a sheepskin for the
+Misses Blair as often as they liked.</p>
+<p class="pnext">It was a very happy week; and when the
+long-desired day came at last, Tino was so gay he
+danced and sang till the dingy cellar seemed to
+be full of birds in high spirits.  Poor Carmelita
+gratefully ate the cabbage he gave her as a
+farewell offering; the old woman found her box
+full of her favorite snuff; and each small boy
+grew more shiny than ever over a new toy
+presented by Tino.  Tommaso wept as he held
+him in his fat arms, and gave him a bundle of
+half-baked macaroni as a reward for his faithful
+service, while Marco and all his family stood
+at the hotel door to see the carriage depart.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Really quite like a wedding, with all those
+orange-flowers and roses," said Miss Priscilla,
+as Teresa and Manuela threw great bunches of
+flowers into their laps, and kissed their hands
+to the departing travellers.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Sitting proudly aloft, Tino waved his old hat
+to these good friends till he could see them no
+more, then having, with some difficulty,
+bestowed his long bundle from Tommaso, his
+basket of fish from Marco, his small parcel of
+clothes, and the immense bouquet the children
+had made for him, he gave himself up to the
+rapture of that lovely April day.</p>
+<p class="pnext">The kind ladies had given him a new suit of
+clothes like the old ones, and paid him well
+besides; so he felt quite content with the
+picturesque peasant garments he wore, having had
+enough of fine feathers, and gayly jingled the
+money in his pocket, though it was not the
+fortune he had foolishly hoped to make so
+easily.  He was a wiser boy than the one who
+went over that road six months before, and
+decided that even if his voice did come back
+in time, he would be in no hurry to leave home
+till he was sure it was the wisest thing to do.
+He had some very serious thoughts and
+sensible plans in his young head, and for a time
+was silent and sober.  But soon the delicious
+air, the lovely scenery, and the many questions
+of the ladies raised his spirits, and he chattered
+away till they stopped for dinner.</p>
+<p class="pnext">All that long bright day they drove along
+the wonderful road, and as night fell, saw
+Valrose lying green and peaceful in the valley as
+they paused on the hill-top to enjoy its beauty.
+Then they went slowly down to the Falcone,
+and the moment the luggage was taken in, rooms
+secured, and dinner ordered, Tino, who had been
+quivering with impatience, said eagerly,--</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Dear signoras, now I go to my own people
+to embrace them; but in the morning we come
+to thank you for your great kindness to me."</p>
+<p class="pnext">Miss Priscilla opened her mouth to send some
+message; but Tino was off like an arrow, and
+never stopped till he burst into the little kitchen
+where Mariuccia sat shelling dry beans, and
+Stella was packing mandarinas in dainty baskets
+for market.  Like an affectionate little bear did
+the boy fall upon and embrace the two
+astonished women; while Stella laughed and cried,
+and Mariuccia called on all the saints to behold
+how tall and fat and beautiful her angel had
+become, and to thank them for restoring him
+to their arms.  The neighbors rushed in; and
+till late that night there was the sound of many
+voices in the stone cottage under the old fig-tree.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Tino's adventures were listened to with the
+deepest interest, and a very hearty welcome
+given him.  All were impressed with the
+splendors he had seen, afflicted by his trials, and
+grateful for his return.  No one laughed or
+reproached, but regarded him as a very
+remarkable fellow, and predicted that whether his
+voice came back or not, he was born for good
+luck and would prosper.  So at last he got to
+bed in the old loft, and fell asleep with the same
+friendly moon looking in at him as it did
+before, only now it saw a quiet face, a very happy
+heart, and a contented boy, glad to be safe again
+under the humble roof that was his home.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Early next morning a little procession of
+three went to the Falcone bearing grateful offerings
+to the dear signoras who sat on the portico
+enjoying the balmy air that blew up from the
+acres of flowers below.  First came Tino, bearing
+a great basket of the delicious little oranges
+which one never tastes in their perfection unless
+one eats them fresh from the tree; then Stella
+with two pretty boxes of perfume; and bringing
+up the rear, old Mariuccia with a blue jar of her
+best honey, which like all that of Valrose was
+famous.</p>
+<p class="pnext">The ladies were much delighted with these
+gifts, and promised to stop and see the givers
+of them on their return from Genoa, if they
+came that way.  Tino took a grateful farewell
+of the good souls; Stella kissed their hands,
+with her dark eyes full of tender thanks, and
+Mariuccia begged the saints to have them in
+their special keeping by land and by sea, for
+their kindness to her boy.</p>
+<p class="pnext">An hour later, as the travellers drove down
+the steep road from the village, they were
+startled by a sudden shower of violets and roses
+which rained upon them from a high bank
+beside the path.  Looking up, they saw Tino
+and his sister laughing, waving their hands, and
+tossing flowers as they called in their musical
+language,--</p>
+<p class="pnext">"A rivederla, signoras!  Grazia, grazia!"
+till the carriage rolled round the corner looking
+as if it were Carnival-time, so full was it of
+fragrant violets and lovely roses.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Nice creatures! how prettily they do things!
+I hope we <em class="italics">shall</em> see them again; and I wonder
+if the boy will ever be famous.  Such a pity
+to lose that sweet voice of his!" said Miss Maria,
+the younger of the sisters, as they drove along
+in a nest of sweet and pretty gifts.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I hope not, for he will be much safer and
+happier in this charming place than wandering
+about the world and getting into trouble as
+these singers always do.  <em class="italics">I</em> hope he will be
+wise enough to be contented with the place in
+which his lot is cast," answered Miss Priscilla,
+who knew the world and had a good old-fashioned
+love for home and all it gives us.</p>
+<p class="pnext">She was right; Tino <em class="italics">was</em> wise, and though
+his voice did come back in time, it was no
+longer wonderful; and he was contented to live
+on at Valrose, a busy, happy, humble gardener
+all his life, saying with a laugh when asked
+about his runaway adventures,--</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Ah, I have had enough of music and macaroni;
+I prefer my flowers and my freedom."</p>
+<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em">
+</div>
+<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure" style="width: 59%" id="figure-95">
+<span id="the-little-red-purse"></span><img class="align-center" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=" " src="images/img-142.jpg" />
+<div class="caption figure">
+"Fortunately aunty came down in time to see what was going on, and found Lu busily buttoning the waterproof."--PAGE <a class="reference internal" href="#id5">152</a>.</div>
+</div>
+<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em">
+</div>
+<p class="center large pfirst">VI.</p>
+<p class="center medium pnext">THE LITTLE RED PURSE.</p>
+<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em">
+</div>
+<p class="pfirst">Among the presents which Lu found on
+her tenth birthday was a pretty red plush
+purse with a steel clasp and chain, just like
+mamma's, only much smaller.  In it were ten
+bright new cents, that being the sum Lu
+received each week to spend as she liked.  She
+enjoyed all her gifts very much; but this one
+seemed to please her even more than the
+French doll in blue silk, the pearl ring, or
+"Alice in Wonderland,"--three things which
+she had wanted for a long time.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"It is <em class="italics">so</em> cunning, and the snap makes such
+a loud noise, and the chain is so nice on my
+arm, and the plush so red and soft, I can't help
+loving my dear little purse.  I shall spend all
+the money for candy, and eat it every bit
+myself, because it is my birthday, and I must
+celebrate it," said Lu, as she hovered like a bee
+round a honey-pot about the table where the
+gifts were spread.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Now she was in a great hurry to go out
+shopping, with the new purse proudly carried in her
+small fat hand.  Aunty was soon ready, and
+away they went across the pleasant Park, where
+the pretty babies were enjoying the last warm
+days of autumn as they played among the
+fallen leaves.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"You will be ill if you eat ten cents' worth
+of candy to-day," said aunty.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I 'll sprinkle it along through the day,
+and eat each kind seppyrut; then they won't
+intersturb me, I am sure," answered Lu, who
+still used funny words, and always got <em class="italics">interrupt</em>
+and <em class="italics">disturb</em> rather mixed.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Just then a poor man who had lost his legs
+came creeping along with a tray of little
+flower-pots to sell.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Only five cents, miss.  Help an unfortnit
+man, please, mum."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Let me buy one for my baby-house.  It
+would be sweet.  Cora Pinky May would love
+to have that darling little rose in her best
+parlor," cried Lu, thinking of the fine new doll.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Aunty much preferred to help the poor man
+than to buy candy, so the flower-pot was soon
+bought, though the "red, red rose" was unlike
+any ever seen in a garden.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Now I 'll have five cents for my treat, and
+no danger of being ill," said Lu, as they went
+on again.</p>
+<p class="pnext">But in a few moments a new beggar appeared,
+and Lu's tender heart would not let her pass
+the old woman without dropping two of her
+bright cents in the tin cup.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Do come to the candy-place at once, or I
+never shall get any," begged Lu, as the red
+purse grew lighter and lighter every minute.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Three sticks of candy were all she could buy,
+but she felt that she could celebrate the
+birthday on that, and was ready to go home and
+begin at once.</p>
+<p class="pnext">As they went on to get some flowers to dress
+the cake at tea-time, Lu suddenly stopped short,
+lifted both hands, and cried out in a tone of
+despair,--</p>
+<p class="pnext">"My purse! my purse!  I 've lost it.  Oh,
+I 've lost it!"</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Left it in the store probably.  Come and
+look for it," said aunty; and back they turned,
+just in time to meet a shabby little girl running
+after them with the precious thing in her hand.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Ain't this yours?  I thought you dropped
+it, and would hate to lose it," she said, smiling
+pleasantly.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Oh, I should.  It's spandy new, and I love
+it dearly.  I 've got no more money to pay
+you, only this candy; do take a stick," and Lu
+presented the red barley sugar.</p>
+<p class="pnext">The little girl took it gladly, and ran off.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Well, two sticks will do.  I 'd rather lose
+every bit of it than my darling purse," said Lu,
+putting it carefully in her pocket.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I love to give things away and make people
+happy," began Lu, but stopped to watch a dog
+who came up to her, wagging his tail as if he
+knew what a kind little girl she was, and wanted
+to be made happy.  She put out her hand to
+pat him, quite forgetting the small parcel in it;
+but the dog snapped it up before she could
+save it.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Oh, my last stick!  I did n't mean to give
+it to him.  You naughty dog, drop it this
+minute!" cried poor Lu.</p>
+<p class="pnext">But the beautiful pink cream candy was forever
+lost, and the ungrateful thief ran off, after
+a vain attempt to eat the flower-pot also.  It
+was so funny that aunty laughed, and Lu joined
+her, after shaking her finger at the dog, who
+barked and frisked as if he felt that he had
+done a clever thing.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Now <em class="italics">I</em> am quite satisfied, and you will have
+a pleasanter birthday for having made four
+people and a dog happy, instead of yourself
+sick with too many goodies.  Charity is a nice
+sort of sweetie; and I hope you will buy that
+kind with your pocket-money now and then,
+my dear," said aunty, as they walked on again.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Could I do much with ten cents a week?"
+asked Lu.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Yes, indeed; you could buy a little book
+for lame Sammy, who loves to read, or a few
+flowers for my sick girl at the hospital, or a
+loaf of bread for some hungry person, or milk
+for a poor baby, or you could save up your
+money till Christmas, and get presents for
+children who otherwise would have none."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Could I do all those things?  I'd like to
+get presents best, and I will--I will!" cried
+Lu, charmed with the idea of playing Santa
+Claus.  "I did n't think ten cents would be so
+useful.  How long to Christmas, aunty?"</p>
+<p class="pnext">"About ten weeks.  If you save all your
+pocket-money till then, you will have a
+dollar to spend."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"A truly dollar!  How fine!  But all that
+time I should n't have any candy.  I don't think
+I could get along without <em class="italics">some</em>.  Perhaps if I
+was <em class="italics">very</em> good some one would give me a bit
+now and then;" and Lu looked up with her
+most engaging smile and a twinkle in her eye.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"We will see about that.  Perhaps 'some
+one' will give extra cents for work you may do,
+and leave you to decide which kind of sweeties
+you would buy."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"What can I do to earn money?" asked Lu.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Well, you can dry and fold the paper every
+morning for grandpa.  I will pay you a cent for
+that, because nurse is apt to forget it, and he
+likes to have it nicely ready for him after
+breakfast.  Then you might run up and down for
+mamma, and hem some towels for me, and take
+care of Jip and the parrot.  You will earn a good
+deal if you do your work regularly and well."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I shall have dreadful trials going by the
+candy-shops and never buying any.  I do long
+so to go in that I have to look away when you
+say No.  I want to be good and help poor
+people, but I 'm afraid it will be too hard for
+me," sighed Lu, foreseeing the temptations before her.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"We might begin to-day, and try the new
+plan for a while.  If it is too hard, you can give
+it up; but I think you will soon like my way
+best, and have the merriest Christmas you ever
+knew with the money you save."</p>
+<p class="pnext">Lu walked thoughtfully home, and put the
+empty purse away, resolved to see how long she
+could hold out, and how much she could earn.
+Mamma smiled when she heard the plan, but at
+once engaged the little girl to do errands about
+the house at a cent a job, privately quite sure
+that her pretty express would soon stop running.
+Grandpapa was pleased to find his paper ready,
+and nodded and patted Lu's curly head when
+she told him about her Christmas plans.  Mary,
+the maid, was glad to get rid of combing Jip and
+feeding Polly, and aunty made towel hemming
+pleasant by telling stories as the little
+needle-woman did two hems a day.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Every cent went into the red purse, which Lu
+hung on one of the gilt pegs of the easel in the
+parlor, for she thought it very ornamental, and
+hoped contributions might drop in occasionally.
+None did; but as every one paid her
+in bright cents, there was soon a fine display,
+and the little bag grew heavy with delightful rapidity.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Only once did Lu yield to temptation, and
+that was when two weeks of self-denial made
+her trials so great that she felt as if she really
+must reward herself, as no one else seemed to
+remember how much little girls loved candy.</p>
+<p class="pnext">One day she looked pale, and did not want
+any dinner, saying she felt sick.  Mamma was
+away, so aunty put her on the bed and sat by
+her, feeling very anxious, as scarlet-fever was
+about.  By and by Lu took her handkerchief
+out, and there, sticking to it, was a large brown
+cough-drop.  Lu turned red, and hid her face,
+saying with a penitent sob, "I don't deserve
+to be cuddled.  I 've been selfish and silly, and
+spent some of my money for candy.  I had a
+little cold, and I thought cough-drops would do
+me good.  I ate a good many, and they were
+bitter and made me sick, and I 'm glad of it."</p>
+<p class="pnext">Aunty wanted to laugh at the dear little
+sinner and her funny idea of choosing bitter candy
+as a sort of self-denial; but she comforted her
+kindly, and soon the invalid was skipping about
+again, declaring that she never would do so
+any more.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Next day something happened which helped
+her very much, and made it easier to like the
+new kind of sweeties better than the old.  She
+was in the dining-room getting an apple for her
+lunch, when she saw a little girl come to the
+lower door to ask for cold food.  The cook was
+busy, and sent her away, telling her begging
+was forbidden.  Lu, peeping out, saw the little
+girl sit down on the steps to eat a cold potato
+as if she was very hungry, and while she ate she
+was trying to tie on a pair of very old boots
+some one had given her.  It was a rainy day,
+and she had only a shawl over her head; her
+hands were red with cold; her gown was a faded
+cotton one; and her big basket seemed to have
+very few scraps in it.  So poor, so sad, and
+tired did she look, that Lu could not bear to
+see it, and she called out in her pitiful child's
+voice,--</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Come in and get warm, little girl.  Don't
+mind old Sarah.  I 'll give you something to
+eat, and lend you my rubber boots and
+waterproof to go home in."</p>
+<p class="pnext" id="id5">The poor child gladly went to sit by the
+comfortable fire, while Lu with hospitable haste got
+crackers and cheese and cake and apples, and
+her own silver mug of milk, for her guest,
+forgetting, in her zeal, to ask leave.  Fortunately
+aunty came down for her own lunch in time to
+see what was going on, and found Lu busily
+buttoning the waterproof, while the little girl
+surveyed her rubber boots and small umbrella
+with pride.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I 'm only <em class="italics">lending</em> my things, and she will
+return them to-morrow, aunty.  They are too
+small for me, and the umbrella is broken; and
+I 'd love to <em class="italics">give</em> them all to Lucy if I could.
+<em class="italics">She</em> has to go out in the rain to get food for her
+family, like a bird, and I don't."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Birds don't need waterproofs and umbrellas,"
+began aunty; and both children laughed
+at the idea of sparrows with such things, but
+looked a little anxious till aunty went on to say
+that Lucy could have these comforts, and to fill
+the basket with something better than cold
+potatoes, while she asked questions and heard
+the sad little story: how father was dead, and the
+baby sick, so mother could not work, and the
+boys had to pick up chips and cinders to burn,
+and Lucy begged food to eat.  Lu listened with
+tears in her blue eyes, and a great deal of pity
+as well as admiration for poor little Lucy, who
+was only nine, yet had so many cares and
+troubles in her life.  While aunty went to get some
+flannel for baby, Lu flew to her red purse and
+counted out ten cents from her store, feeling so
+rich, so glad to have it instead of an empty
+bonbon box, and a headache after a candy feast.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Buy some nice fresh milk for little Totty,
+and tell her I sent it--all myself--with my
+love.  Come again to-morrow, and I will tell
+mamma all about you, and you shall be my
+poor people, and I 'll help you if I can," she
+said, full of interest and good-will, for the sight
+of this child made her feel what poverty really
+was, and long to lighten it if she could.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Lucy was smiling when she went away, snug
+and dry in her comfortable clothes, with the
+full basket on her arm; and all that day Lu
+talked and thought about her "own poor
+people," and what she hoped to do for them.
+Mamma inquired, and finding them worthy of
+help, let her little girl send many comforts to
+the children, and learn how to be wisely
+charitable.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I shall give <em class="italics">all</em> my money to my 'Lucy
+children' on Christmas," announced Lu, as that
+pleasant time drew near.  "I know what they
+want, and though I can't save money enough to
+give them half the things they need, maybe I
+can help a good deal, and really have a nice
+bundle to s'prise them with."</p>
+<p class="pnext">This idea took possession of little Lu, and she
+worked like a beaver in all sorts of funny ways
+to fill her purse by Christmas-time.  One thing
+she did which amused her family very much,
+though they were obliged to stop it.  Lu danced
+very prettily, and often had what she called
+ballets before she went to bed, when she tripped
+about the parlor like a fairy in the gay costumes
+aunty made for her.  As the purse did not fill
+as fast as she hoped, Lu took it into her head
+one fine day to go round the square where she
+lived, with her tambourine, and dance as some
+of the girls with the hand-organ men did.  So
+she dressed herself in her red skirt and black
+velvet jacket, and with a fur cap on her head
+and a blue cloak over her shoulders, slipped
+out into the quiet square, and going to the
+farther corner, began to dance and beat her
+tambourine on the sidewalk before a house
+where some little children lived.</p>
+<p class="pnext">As she expected, they soon came running to
+the window, and were charmed to see the pretty
+dancer whirling to and fro, with her ribbons
+flying and her tambourine bells ringing, till her
+breath was gone.  Then she held up the
+instrument and nodded smilingly at them; and
+they threw down cents wrapped in paper,
+thinking her music much better than any the organ
+men made.  Much encouraged, Lu went on
+from house to house, and was doing finely,
+when one of the ladies who looked out
+recognized the child, and asked her if her mother
+knew where she was.  Lu had to say "No;" and
+the lady sent a maid to take her home at once.</p>
+<p class="pnext">That spoiled all the fun; and poor Lu did not
+hear the last of her prank for a long time.  But
+she had made forty-two cents, and felt comforted
+when she added that handsome sum to her store.
+As if to console her for this disappointment, after
+that day several bright ten-cent pieces got into
+the red purse in a most mysterious manner.
+Lu asked every one in the house, and all
+declared that they did not do it.  Grandpa could
+not get out of his chair without help, and nurse
+said she never took the purse to him; so of
+course it could not be he who slipped in those
+welcome bits of silver.  Lu asked him; but he
+was very deaf that day, and did not seem to
+understand her at all.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"It must be fairies," she said, pondering over
+the puzzle, as she counted her treasure and
+packed it away, for now the little red purse was
+full.  "Aunty says there are no fairies; but I
+like to think so.  Perhaps angels fly around at
+Christmas-time as they did long ago, and love
+to help poor people, and put those beautiful
+bright things here to show that they are pleased
+with me."  She liked that fancy, and aunty
+agreed that some good spirit must have done
+it, and was sure they would find out the secret
+some time.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Lucy came regularly; and Lu always tried to
+see her, and so learned what she and Totty and
+Joe and Jimmy wanted, but never dreamed of
+receiving Christmas morning.  It did both little
+girls much good, for poor Lucy was comforted
+by the kindness of these friends, and Lu learned
+about far harder trials than the want of
+sugarplums.  The day before Christmas she went on
+a grand shopping expedition with aunty, for the
+purse now held three dollars and seven cents.
+She had spent some of it for trifles for her
+"Lucy children," and had not earned as much
+as she once hoped, various fits of idleness and
+other more amusing but less profitable work
+having lessened her wages.  But she had enough,
+thanks to the good spirit, to get toys and books
+and candy for her family, and went joyfully away
+Christmas Eve to carry her little basket of gifts,
+accompanied by aunty with a larger store of
+comforts for the grateful mother.</p>
+<p class="pnext">When they got back, Lu entertained her
+mother with an account of the delight of the
+children, who never had such a Christmas
+before.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"They could n't wait till morning, and I
+could n't either, and we opened the bundles
+right away; and they <em class="italics">screamed</em>, mamma, and
+jumped for joy and ate everything and hugged
+me.  And the mother cried, she was so pleased;
+and the boys can go to school all neat now, and
+so could Lucy, only she has to take care of
+Totty while her mother goes to work.  Oh, it
+was lovely!  I felt just like Santa Claus, only
+he does n't stay to see people enjoy their things,
+and I did."</p>
+<p class="pnext">Here Lu stopped for breath, and when she
+got it, had a fine ballet as the only way to work
+off her excitement at the success of her "s'prise."  It
+was a trial to go to bed, but she went at last,
+and dreamed that her "Lucy children" all had
+wings, and were flying round her bed with
+tambourines full of heavenly bonbons, which they
+showered down upon her; while aunty in an
+immense nightcap stood by clapping her hands
+and saying, "Eat all you like, dear; this sort
+won't hurt you."</p>
+<p class="pnext">Morning came very soon; and she popped up
+her head to see a long knobby stocking hanging
+from the mantel-piece.  Out of bed skipped
+the little white figure, and back again, while
+cries of joy were heard as the treasures
+appeared one by one.  There was a tableful
+beside the stocking, and Lu was so busy looking
+at them that she was late to breakfast.  But
+aunty waited for her, and they went down
+together some time after the bell rang.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Let me peep and see if grandpa has found
+the silk handkerchief and spectacle-case I
+made for him," whispered Lu, as they passed
+the parlor door, which stood half open,
+leaving a wide crack for the blue eyes to spy
+through.</p>
+<p class="pnext">The old gentleman sat in his easy-chair as
+usual, waiting while nurse got his breakfast;
+but what was he doing with his long staff?  Lu
+watched eagerly, and to her great surprise saw
+him lean forward, and with the hook at the end
+take the little red purse off the easel, open it,
+and slip in a small white parcel, then hang it
+on the gilt peg again, put away the cane, and
+sit rubbing his hands and laughing to himself
+at the success of his little trick, quite sure that
+this was a safe time to play it.  Lu was about
+to cry out, and rush in, but aunty whispered,
+"Don't spoil his fun yet.  Go and see what is
+in the purse, then thank him in the way he
+likes best."</p>
+<p class="pnext">So Lu skipped into the parlor, trying to look
+very innocent, and ran to open the dear red
+purse, as she often did, eager to see if the good
+fairy had added to the charity fund.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Why, here 's a great gold medal, and some
+queer, shaky writing on the paper.  Please see
+what it is," said Lu, very loud, hoping grandpa
+would hear her this time, for his face was
+hidden behind the newspaper he pretended to
+read.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"For Lu's poor's purse, from Santa Claus,"
+read aunty, glad that at last the kind old fairy
+was discovered and ready for his reward.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Lu had never seen a twenty-dollar gold-piece
+before; but she could not stop to find out
+whether the shining medal was money or a
+locket, and ran to grandpa, crying as she pulled
+away the paper and threw her arms about his
+neck,--</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I 've found you out, I 've found you out,
+my dear old Santa Claus!  Merry Christmas,
+grandpa, and lots of thanks and kisses!"</p>
+<p class="pnext">It was pretty to see the rosy cheek against
+the wrinkled one, the golden and the silver
+heads close together, as the old man and the
+little girl kissed and laughed, and both talked
+at once for a few minutes.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Tell me all about it, you sly grandpa.
+What made you think of doing it that way, and
+not let any one know?" cried Lu, as the
+old gentleman stopped to rest after a kindly
+"cuddle," as Lu called these caresses.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Well, dear, I liked to see you trying to do
+good with your little pennies, and I wanted to
+help.  I 'm a feeble old man, tied to my chair
+and of no use now; but I like a bit of fun, and
+love to feel that it is not quite too late to make
+some one happy."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Why, grandpa, you do heaps of good, and
+make many, many people happy," said Lu, with
+another hug.  "Mamma told me all about the
+hospital for little children you built, and the
+money you gave to the poor soldiers in the war,
+and ever so many more good things you 've
+done.  I won't have you say you are of no use
+now.  We want you to love and take care of;
+and we could n't do without you, could we,
+aunty?"</p>
+<p class="pnext">Aunty sat on the arm of the chair with her
+arm round the old man's shoulder, and her only
+answer was a kiss.  But it was enough, and
+grandpa went on quite cheerfully, as he held
+two plump hands in his own, and watched the
+blooming face that looked up at him so eagerly:</p>
+<p class="pnext">"When I was younger, I loved money, and
+wanted a great deal.  I cared for nothing else,
+and worked hard to get it, and did get it after
+years of worry.  But it cost me my health, and
+then I saw how foolish I had been, for all my
+money could not buy me any strength or
+pleasure and very little comfort.  I could not take
+it with me when I died, and did not know what
+to do with it, because there was so much.  So
+I tried to see if giving it away would not amuse
+me, and make me feel better about having
+wasted my life instead of using it wisely.  The
+more I gave away the better I felt; and now
+I'm quite jolly, though I'm only a helpless
+old baby just fit to play jokes and love little
+girls.  You have begun early at this pretty
+game of give-away, my dear, and aunty will see
+that you keep it up; so that when you are old
+you will have much treasure in the other world
+where the blessings of the poor are more
+precious than gold and silver."</p>
+<p class="pnext">Nobody spoke for a minute as the feeble old
+voice stopped; and the sunshine fell on the
+white head like a blessing.  Then Lu said very
+soberly, as she turned the great coin in her
+hand, and saw the letters that told its worth,--</p>
+<p class="pnext">"What shall I do with all this money?  I
+never had so much, and I 'd like to spend it in
+some very good and pleasant way.  Can you
+think of something, aunty, so I can begin at
+once to be like grandpa?"</p>
+<p class="pnext">"How would you like to pay two dollars a
+month, so that Totty can go to the Sunnyside
+Nursery, and be taken care of every day while
+Lucy goes to school?  Then she will be safe
+and happy, and Lucy be learning, as she longs
+to do, and the mother free to work," said aunty,
+glad to have this dear child early learn to help
+those less blessed than herself.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Could I?  How splendid it would be to
+pay for a real live baby all myself!  How long
+would my money do it?" said Lu, charmed
+with the idea of a living dolly to care for.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"All winter, and provide clothes besides.
+You can make them yourself, and go and see
+Totty, and call her your baby.  This will be a
+sweet charity for you; and to-day is a good day
+to begin it, for this is the birthday of the Divine
+Child, who was born in a poorer place even than
+Lucy's sister.  In His name pity and help this
+baby, and be sure He will bless you for it."</p>
+<p class="pnext">Lu looked up at the fine picture of the Good
+Shepherd hanging over the sofa with holly-leaves
+glistening round it, and felt as if she too
+in her humble way was about to take a helpless
+little lamb in her arms and comfort it.  Her
+childish face was very sweet and sober as she
+said softly,--</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Yes, I will spend my Christmas money so;
+for, aunty, I do think your sort of sweetie is
+better than mine, and making people happy a
+much wiser way to spend my pennies than in
+buying the nicest candy in the world."</p>
+<p class="pnext">Little Lu remembered that morning long
+after the dear old grandfather was gone, and
+kept her Christmas promise so well that very
+soon a larger purse was needed for charity
+money, which she used so wisely and so
+happily.  But all her life in one corner of her desk
+lay carefully folded up, with the bit of paper
+inside, the little red purse.</p>
+<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em">
+</div>
+<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure" style="width: 58%" id="figure-96">
+<img class="align-center" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=" " src="images/img-164.jpg" />
+<div class="caption figure">
+Chapter VI tailpiece</div>
+</div>
+<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em">
+</div>
+<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure" style="width: 61%" id="figure-97">
+<span id="sophie-s-secret"></span><img class="align-center" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=" " src="images/img-165.jpg" />
+<div class="caption figure">
+"Sophie came and sat beside her while she dried her curly hair."  PAGE <a class="reference internal" href="#id6">178</a>.</div>
+</div>
+<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em">
+</div>
+<p class="center large pfirst">VII.</p>
+<p class="center medium pnext">SOPHIE'S SECRET.</p>
+<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em">
+</div>
+<p class="pfirst">,, class:: center medium</p>
+<blockquote>
+<div>
+<p class="pfirst">I.</p>
+</div>
+</blockquote>
+<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em">
+</div>
+<p class="pfirst">A party of young girls, in their gay
+bathing-dresses, were sitting on the
+beach waiting for the tide to rise a little
+higher before they enjoyed the daily frolic which
+they called "mermaiding."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I wish we could have a clam-bake; but we
+have n't any clams, and don't know how to cook
+them if we had.  It's such a pity all the boys
+have gone off on that stupid fishing excursion,"
+said one girl, in a yellow-and-black striped suit
+which made her look like a wasp.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"What is a clam-bake?  I do not know that
+kind of fête," asked a pretty brown-eyed girl,
+with an accent that betrayed the foreigner.</p>
+<p class="pnext">The girls laughed at such sad ignorance, and
+Sophie colored, wishing she had not spoken.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Poor thing! she has never tasted a clam.
+What <em class="italics">should</em> we do if we went to Switzerland?"
+said the wasp, who loved to tease.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"We should give you the best we had, and
+not laugh at your ignorance, if you did not
+know all our dishes.  In <em class="italics">my</em> country, we have
+politeness, though not the clam-bake," answered
+Sophie, with a flash of the brown eyes which
+warned naughty Di to desist.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"We might row to the light-house, and have
+a picnic supper.  Our mammas will let us do
+that alone," suggested Dora from the roof of
+the bath-house, where she perched like a
+flamingo.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"That's a good idea," cried Fanny, a slender
+brown girl who sat dabbling her feet in the
+water, with her hair streaming in the wind.
+"Sophie should see that, and get some of the
+shells she likes so much."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"You are kind to think of me.  I shall be
+glad to have a necklace of the pretty things, as
+a souvenir of this so charming place and my
+good friend," answered Sophie, with a grateful
+look at Fanny, whose many attentions had won
+the stranger's heart.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Those boys have n't left us a single boat, so
+we must dive off the rocks, and that is n't half
+so nice," said Di, to change the subject, being
+ashamed of her rudeness.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"A boat is just coming round the Point;
+perhaps we can hire that, and have some fun,"
+cried Dora, from her perch.  "There is only
+a girl in it; I 'll hail her when she is near
+enough."</p>
+<p class="pnext">Sophie looked about her to see where the
+<em class="italics">hail</em> was coming from; but the sky was clear,
+and she waited to see what new meaning this
+word might have, not daring to ask for fear of
+another laugh.</p>
+<p class="pnext">While the girls watched the boat float around
+the farther horn of the crescent-shaped beach,
+we shall have time to say a few words about
+our little heroine.</p>
+<p class="pnext">She was a sixteen-year-old Swiss girl, on a
+visit to some American friends, and had come
+to the seaside for a month with one of them
+who was an invalid.  This left Sophie to the
+tender mercies of the young people; and they
+gladly welcomed the pretty creature, with her
+fine manners, foreign ways, and many
+accomplishments.  But she had a quick temper, a
+funny little accent, and dressed so very plainly
+that the girls could not resist criticising and
+teasing her in a way that seemed very ill-bred
+and unkind to the new-comer.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Their free and easy ways astonished her,
+their curious language bewildered her; and their
+ignorance of many things she had been taught
+made her wonder at the American education she
+had heard so much praised.  All had studied
+French and German; yet few read or spoke
+either tongue correctly, or understood her easily
+when she tried to talk to them.  Their music
+did not amount to much, and in the games they
+played, their want of useful information amazed
+Sophie.  One did not know the signs of the
+zodiac; another could only say of cotton that
+"it was stuff that grew down South;" and a
+third was not sure whether a frog was an animal
+or a reptile, while the handwriting and
+spelling displayed on these occasions left much to
+be desired.  Yet all were fifteen or sixteen,
+and would soon leave school "finished," as
+they expressed it, but not <em class="italics">furnished</em>, as they
+should have been, with a solid, sensible
+education.  Dress was an all-absorbing topic,
+sweetmeats their delight; and in confidential moments
+sweethearts were discussed with great freedom.
+Fathers were conveniences, mothers comforters,
+brothers plagues, and sisters ornaments or
+playthings according to their ages.  They were not
+hard-hearted girls, only frivolous, idle, and fond
+of fun; and poor little Sophie amused them
+immensely till they learned to admire, love, and
+respect her.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Coming straight from Paris, they expected to
+find that her trunks contained the latest fashions
+for demoiselles, and begged to see her dresses
+with girlish interest.  But when Sophie
+obligingly showed a few simple, but pretty and
+appropriate gowns and hats, they exclaimed with
+one voice,--</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Why, you dress like a little girl!  Don't
+you have ruffles and lace on your dresses; and
+silks and high-heeled boots and long gloves
+and bustles and corsets, and things like ours?"</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I <em class="italics">am</em> a little girl," laughed Sophie, hardly
+understanding their dismay.  "What should I
+do with fine toilets at school?  My sisters go
+to balls in silk and lace; but I--not yet."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"How queer!  Is your father poor?" asked
+Di, with Yankee bluntness.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"We have enough," answered Sophie, slightly
+knitting her dark brows.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"How many servants do you keep?"</p>
+<p class="pnext">"But five, now that the little ones are grown up."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Have you a piano?" continued undaunted
+Di, while the others affected to be looking at
+the books and pictures strewn about by the
+hasty unpacking.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"We have two pianos, four violins, three
+flutes, and an organ.  We love music, and all
+play, from papa to little Franz."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"My gracious, how swell!  You must live in
+a big house to hold all that and eight brothers
+and sisters."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"We are not peasants; we do not live in a
+hut.  <em class="italics">Voilà</em>, this is my home."  And Sophie
+laid before them a fine photograph of a large
+and elegant house on lovely Lake Geneva.</p>
+<p class="pnext">It was droll to see the change in the faces of
+the girls as they looked, admired, and slyly
+nudged one another, enjoying saucy Di's
+astonishment, for she had stoutly insisted that the
+Swiss girl was a poor relation.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Sophie meanwhile was folding up her plain
+piqué and muslin frocks, with a glimmer of
+mirthful satisfaction in her eyes, and a tender
+pride in the work of loving hands now far away.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Kind Fanny saw a little quiver of the lips
+as she smoothed the blue corn-flowers in the
+best hat, and put her arm around Sophie,
+whispering,--</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Never mind, dear, they don't mean to be
+rude; it's only our Yankee way of asking
+questions.  I like <em class="italics">all</em> your things, and that hat
+is perfectly lovely."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Indeed, yes!  Dear mamma arranged it for
+me.  I was thinking of her and longing for my
+morning kiss."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Do you do that every day?" asked Fanny,
+forgetting herself in her sympathetic interest.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Surely, yes.  Papa and mamma sit always
+on the sofa, and we all have the hand-shake and
+the embrace each day before our morning
+coffee.  I do not see that here," answered Sophie,
+who sorely missed the affectionate respect
+foreign children give their parents.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Have n't time," said Fanny, smiling too, at
+the idea of American parents sitting still for
+five minutes in the busiest part of the busy day
+to kiss their sons and daughters.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"It is what you call old-fashioned, but a
+sweet fashion to me; and since I have not
+the dear warm cheeks to kiss, I embrace my
+pictures often.  See, I have them all."  And
+Sophie unfolded a Russia-leather case, displaying
+with pride a long row of handsome brothers
+and sisters with the parents in the midst.</p>
+<p class="pnext">More exclamations from the girls, and
+increased interest in "Wilhelmina Tell," as they
+christened the loyal Swiss maiden, who was
+now accepted as a companion, and soon became
+a favorite with old and young.</p>
+<p class="pnext">They could not resist teasing her, however,--her
+mistakes were so amusing, her little flashes
+of temper so dramatic, and her tongue so quick
+to give a sharp or witty answer when the new
+language did not perplex her.  But Fanny
+always took her part, and helped her in many
+ways.  Now they sat together on the rock, a
+pretty pair of mermaids with wind-tossed hair,
+wave-washed feet, and eyes fixed on the
+approaching boat.</p>
+<p class="pnext">The girl who sat in it was a great contrast to
+the gay creatures grouped so picturesquely on
+the shore, for the old straw hat shaded a very
+anxious face, the brown calico gown covered a
+heart full of hopes and fears, and the boat that
+drifted so slowly with the incoming tide carried
+Tilly Reed like a young Columbus toward the
+new world she longed for, believed in, and was
+resolved to discover.</p>
+<p class="pnext">It was a weather-beaten little boat, yet very
+pretty; for a pile of nets lay at one end, a creel
+of red lobsters at the other, and all between
+stood baskets of berries and water-lilies, purple
+marsh rosemary and orange butterfly-weed,
+shells and great smooth stones such as artists
+like to paint little sea-views on.  A tame gull
+perched on the prow; and the morning sunshine
+glittered from the blue water to the bluer sky.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Oh, how pretty!  Come on, please, and
+sell us some lilies," cried Dora, and roused
+Tilly from her waking dream.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Pushing back her hat, she saw the girls
+beckoning, felt that the critical moment had come,
+and catching up her oars, rowed bravely on,
+though her cheeks reddened and her heart beat,
+for this venture was her last hope, and on its
+success depended the desire of her life.  As
+the boat approached, the watchers forgot its
+cargo to look with surprise and pleasure at its
+rower, for she was not the rough country lass
+they expected to see, but a really splendid girl
+of fifteen, tall, broad-shouldered, bright-eyed,
+and blooming, with a certain shy dignity of her
+own and a very sweet smile, as she nodded and
+pulled in with strong, steady strokes.  Before
+they could offer help, she had risen, planted
+an oar in the water, and leaping to the shore,
+pulled her boat high up on the beach, offering
+her wares with wistful eyes and a very expressive
+wave of both brown hands.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Everything is for sale, if you 'll buy," said she.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Charmed with the novelty of this little
+adventure, the girls, after scampering to the
+bathing-houses for purses and portemonnaies,
+crowded around the boat like butterflies about
+a thistle, all eager to buy, and to discover who
+this bonny fisher-maiden might be.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Oh, see these beauties!"  "A dozen lilies
+for me!"  "All the yellow flowers for me,
+they'll be so becoming at the dance to-night!"
+"Ow! that lob bites awfully!"  "Where do
+you come from?"  "Why have we never seen
+you before?"</p>
+<p class="pnext">These were some of the exclamations and
+questions showered upon Tilly, as she filled
+little birch-bark panniers with berries, dealt out
+flowers, or dispensed handfuls of shells.  Her
+eyes shone, her cheeks glowed, and her heart
+danced in her bosom; for this was a better
+beginning than she had dared to hope for, and as
+the dimes tinkled into the tin pail she used for
+her till, it was the sweetest music she had ever
+heard.  This hearty welcome banished her
+shyness; and in these eager, girlish customers she
+found it easy to confide.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I 'm from the light-house.  You have never
+seen me because I never came before, except
+with fish for the hotel.  But I mean to come
+every day, if folks will buy my things, for I
+want to make some money, and this is the only
+way in which I can do it."</p>
+<p class="pnext">Sophie glanced at the old hat and worn shoes
+of the speaker, and dropping a bright half-dollar
+into the pail, said in her pretty way:</p>
+<p class="pnext">"For me all these lovely shells.  I will make
+necklaces of them for my people at home as
+souvenirs of this charming place.  If you will
+bring me more, I shall be much grateful to you."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Oh, thank you!  I 'll bring heaps; I know
+where to find beauties in places where other
+folks can't go.  Please take these; you paid
+too much for the shells;" and quick to feel the
+kindness of the stranger, Tilly put into her
+hands a little bark canoe heaped with red
+raspberries.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Not to be outdone by the foreigner, the other
+girls emptied their purses and Tilly's boat also
+of all but the lobsters, which were ordered for
+the hotel.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Is that jolly bird for sale?" asked Di, as
+the last berry vanished, pointing to the gull
+who was swimming near them while the chatter
+went on.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"If you can catch him," laughed Tilly, whose
+spirits were now the gayest of the party.</p>
+<p class="pnext">The girls dashed into the water, and with
+shrieks of merriment swam away to capture the
+gull, who paddled off as if he enjoyed the fun
+as much as they.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Leaving them to splash vainly to and fro,
+Tilly swung the creel to her shoulder and went
+off to leave her lobsters, longing to dance and
+sing to the music of the silver clinking in her
+pocket.</p>
+<p class="pnext">When she came back, the bird was far out of
+reach and the girls diving from her boat, which
+they had launched without leave.  Too happy
+to care what happened now, Tilly threw herself
+down on the warm sand to plan a new and still
+finer cargo for next day.</p>
+<p class="pnext" id="id6">Sophie came and sat beside her while she
+dried her curly hair, and in five minutes her
+sympathetic face and sweet ways had won Tilly
+to tell all her hopes and cares and dreams.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I want schooling, and I mean to have it.
+I 've got no folks of my own; and uncle has
+married again, so he does n't need me now.
+If I only had a little money, I could go to
+school somewhere, and take care of myself.
+Last summer I worked at the hotel, but I did n't
+make much, and had to have good clothes, and
+that took my wages pretty much.  Sewing is
+slow work, and baby-tending leaves me no time
+to study; so I 've kept on at home picking
+berries and doing what I could to pick up
+enough to buy books.  Aunt thinks I 'm a
+fool; but uncle, he says, 'Go ahead, girl, and
+see what you can do.'  And I mean to show him!"</p>
+<p class="pnext">Tilly's brown hand came down on the sand
+with a resolute thump; and her clear young
+eyes looked bravely out across the wide sea, as
+if far away in the blue distance she saw her
+hope happily fulfilled.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Sophie's eyes shone approval, for she
+understood this love of independence, and had come
+to America because she longed for new scenes
+and greater freedom than her native land could
+give her.  Education is a large word, and both
+girls felt that desire for self-improvement that
+comes to all energetic natures.  Sophie had
+laid a good foundation, but still desired more;
+while Tilly was just climbing up the first steep
+slope which rises to the heights few attain, yet
+all may strive for.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"That is beautiful!  You will do it!  I am
+glad to help you if I may.  See, I have many
+books; will you take some of them?  Come to
+my room to-morrow and take what will best
+please you.  We will say nothing of it, and it
+will make me a truly great pleasure."</p>
+<p class="pnext">As Sophie spoke, her little white hand
+touched the strong, sunburned one that turned
+to meet and grasp hers with grateful warmth,
+while Tilly's face betrayed the hunger that
+possessed her, for it looked as a starving girl's
+would look when offered a generous meal.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I <em class="italics">will</em> come.  Thank you so much!  I
+don't know anything, but just blunder along
+and do the best I can.  I got so discouraged I
+was real desperate, and thought I 'd have one
+try, and see if I could n't earn enough to get
+books to study this winter.  Folks buy berries
+at the cottages; so I just added flowers and
+shells, and I 'm going to bring my boxes of
+butterflies, birds' eggs, and seaweeds.  I 've got
+lots of such things; and people seem to like
+spending money down here.  I often wish I
+had a little of what they throw away."</p>
+<p class="pnext">Tilly paused with a sigh, then laughed as an
+impatient movement caused a silver clink; and
+slapping her pocket, she added gayly,--</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I won't blame 'em if they 'll only throw their
+money in here."</p>
+<p class="pnext">Sophie's hand went involuntarily toward her
+own pocket, where lay a plump purse, for papa
+was generous, and simple Sophie had few wants.
+But something in the intelligent face opposite
+made her hesitate to offer as a gift what she
+felt sure Tilly would refuse, preferring to earn
+her education if she could.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Come often, then, and let me exchange
+these stupid bills for the lovely things you
+bring.  We will come this afternoon to see you
+if we may, and I shall like the butterflies.  I
+try to catch them; but people tell me I am too
+old to run, so I have not many."</p>
+<p class="pnext">Proposed in this way, Tilly fell into the little
+trap, and presently rowed away with all her
+might to set her possessions in order, and put
+her precious earnings in a safe place.  The
+mermaids clung about the boat as long as they
+dared, making a pretty tableau for the artists
+on the rocks, then swam to shore, more than
+ever eager for the picnic on Light-house Island.</p>
+<p class="pnext">They went, and had a merry time; while
+Tilly did the honors and showed them a room
+full of treasures gathered from earth, air, and
+water, for she led a lonely life, and found friends
+among the fishes, made playmates of the birds,
+and studied rocks and flowers, clouds and waves,
+when books were wanting.</p>
+<p class="pnext">The girls bought gulls' wings for their hats,
+queer and lovely shells, eggs and insects,
+seaweeds and carved wood, and for their small
+brothers, birch baskets and toy ships, made by
+Uncle Hiram, who had been a sailor.</p>
+<p class="pnext">When Tilly had sold nearly everything she
+possessed (for Fanny and Sophie bought
+whatever the others declined), she made a fire of
+drift-wood on the rocks, cooked fish for supper,
+and kept them till moonrise, telling sea stories
+or singing old songs, as if she could not do
+enough for these good fairies who had come to
+her when life looked hardest and the future
+very dark.  Then she rowed them home, and
+promising to bring loads of fruit and flowers
+every day, went back along a shining road, to
+find a great bundle of books in her dismantled
+room, and to fall asleep with wet eyelashes and
+a happy heart.</p>
+<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em">
+</div>
+<p class="pfirst">,, class:: center medium</p>
+<blockquote>
+<div>
+<p class="pfirst">II.</p>
+</div>
+</blockquote>
+<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em">
+</div>
+<p class="pfirst">For a month Tilly went daily to the Point
+with a cargo of pretty merchandise, for her
+patrons increased; and soon the ladies engaged
+her berries, the boys ordered boats enough to
+supply a navy, the children clamored for shells,
+and the girls depended on her for bouquets and
+garlands for the dances that ended every
+summer day.  Uncle Hiram's fish was in demand
+when such a comely saleswoman offered it; so
+he let Tilly have her way, glad to see the old
+tobacco-pouch in which she kept her cash fill
+fast with well-earned money.</p>
+<p class="pnext">She really began to feel that her dream was
+coming true, and she would be able to go to the
+town and study in some great school, eking out
+her little fund with light work.  The other girls
+soon lost their interest in her, but Sophie never
+did; and many a book went to the island in the
+empty baskets, many a helpful word was said
+over the lilies or wild honeysuckle Sophie loved
+to wear, and many a lesson was given in the
+bare room in the light-house tower which no
+one knew about but the gulls and the sea-winds
+sweeping by the little window where the two
+heads leaned together over one page.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"You will do it, Tilly, I am very sure.  Such
+a will and such a memory will make a way for
+you; and one day I shall see you teaching as
+you wish.  Keep the brave heart, and all will
+be well with you," said Sophie, when the grand
+breaking-up came in September, and the girls
+were parting down behind the deserted bathhouses.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Oh, Miss Sophie, what should I have done
+without you?  Don't think I have n't seen and
+known all the kind things you have said and
+done for me.  I 'll never forget 'em; and I do
+hope I 'll be able to thank you some day," cried
+grateful Tilly, with tears in her clear eyes that
+seldom wept over her own troubles.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I am thanked if you do well.  Adieu; write
+to me, and remember always that I am your friend."</p>
+<p class="pnext">Then they kissed with girlish warmth, and
+Tilly rowed away to the lonely island; while
+Sophie lingered on the shore, her handkerchief
+fluttering in the wind, till the boat vanished and
+the waves had washed away their footprints on the sand.</p>
+<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em">
+</div>
+<p class="pfirst">,, class:: center medium</p>
+<blockquote>
+<div>
+<p class="pfirst">III.</p>
+</div>
+</blockquote>
+<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em">
+</div>
+<p class="pfirst">December snow was falling fast, and the
+wintry wind whistled through the streets; but it
+was warm and cosey in the luxurious parlor
+where Di and Do were sitting making
+Christmas presents, and planning what they would
+wear at the party Fanny was to give on Christmas Eve.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"If I can get mamma to buy me a new dress,
+I shall have something yellow.  It is always
+becoming to brunettes, and I 'm so tired of
+red," said Di, giving a last touch to the lace that
+trimmed a blue satin <em class="italics">sachet</em> for Fanny.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"That will be lovely.  I shall have pink, with
+roses of the same color.  Under muslin it is
+perfectly sweet."  And Dora eyed the sunflower
+she was embroidering as if she already saw the
+new toilet before her.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Fan always wears blue, so we shall make a
+nice contrast.  She is coming over to show me
+about finishing off my banner-screen; and I
+asked Sophie to come with her.  I want to
+know what <em class="italics">she</em> is going to wear," said Di,
+taking a little sniff at the violet-scented bag.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"That old white cashmere.  Just think!  I
+asked her why she did n't get a new one, and
+she laughed and said she could n't afford it.
+Fan told me Sophie's father sent her a hundred
+dollars not long ago, yet she has n't got a thing
+that we know of.  I do think she 's mean."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"She bought a great bundle of books.  I was
+there when the parcel came, and I peeped while
+she was out of the room, because she put it away
+in a great hurry.  I 'm afraid she <em class="italics">is</em> mean, for
+she never buys a bit of candy, and she wears
+shabby boots and gloves, and she has made over
+her old hat instead of having that lovely one with
+the pheasant's breast in it."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"She's very queer; but I can't help liking
+her, she's so pretty and bright and obliging.
+I 'd give anything if I could speak three
+languages and play as she does."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"So would I.  It seems so elegant to be able
+to talk to foreigners.  Papa had some
+Frenchmen to dinner the other day, and they were so
+pleased to find they need n't speak English to
+Sophie.  I could n't get on at all; and I was
+so mortified when papa said all the money he
+had spent on my languages was thrown away."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I would n't mind.  It's so much easier to
+learn those things abroad, she would be a goose
+if she did n't speak French better than we do.
+There's Fan! she looks as if something had
+happened.  I hope no one is ill and the party spoiled."</p>
+<p class="pnext">As Dora spoke, both girls looked out to see
+Fanny shaking the snow from her seal-skin sack
+on the doorstep; then Do hastened to meet her,
+while Di hid the <em class="italics">sachet</em>, and was hard at work
+on an old-gold sofa cushion when the new-comer
+entered.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"What's the matter?  Where's Sophie?"
+exclaimed the girls together, as Fan threw off
+her wraps and sat down with a tragic sigh.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"She will be along in a few minutes.  I 'm
+disappointed in her!  I would n't have believed
+it if I had n't seen them.  Promise not to breathe
+a word to a living soul, and I 'll tell you
+something dreadful," began Fanny, in a tone that
+caused her friends to drop their work and draw
+their chairs nearer, as they solemnly vowed
+eternal silence.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I 've seen Sophie's Christmas presents,--all
+but mine; and they are just nothing at all!  She
+has n't bought a thing, not even ribbons, lace,
+or silk, to make up prettily as we do.  Only
+a painted shell for one, an acorn emery for
+another, her ivory fan with a new tassel for a
+third, and I suspect one of those nice
+handkerchiefs embroidered by the nuns for me, or her
+silver filigree necklace.  I saw the box in the
+drawer with the other things.  She's knit
+woollen cuffs and tippets for the children, and got
+some eight-cent calico gowns for the servants.  I
+don't know how people do things in Switzerland,
+but I do know that if <em class="italics">I</em> had a hundred dollars
+in my pocket, I would be more generous than that!"</p>
+<p class="pnext">As Fanny paused, out of breath, Di and Do
+groaned in sympathy, for this was indeed a sad
+state of things; because the girls had a code
+that Christmas being the season for gifts,
+extravagance would be forgiven then as at no
+other time.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I have a lovely smelling-bottle for her; but
+I 've a great mind not to give it now," cried Di,
+feeling defrauded of the bracelet she had plainly
+hinted she would like.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I shall heap coals of fire on her head by
+giving her <em class="italics">that</em>;" and Dora displayed a very
+useless but very pretty apron of muslin, lace,
+and carnation ribbon.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"It is n't the worth of the things.  I don't care
+for that so much as I do for being disappointed
+in her; and I have been lately in more ways than
+one," said Fanny, listlessly taking up the screen
+she was to finish.  "She used to tell me everything,
+and now she does n't.  I 'm sure she has
+some sort of a secret; and I do think <em class="italics">I</em> ought to
+know it.  I found her smiling over a letter one
+day; and she whisked it into her pocket and
+never said a word about it.  I always stood by
+her, and I do feel hurt."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I should think you might!  It's real naughty
+of her, and I shall tell her so!  Perhaps she 'll
+confide in you then, and you can just give <em class="italics">me</em> a
+hint; I always liked Sophie, and never thought
+of not giving <em class="italics">my</em> present," said Dora, persuasively,
+for both girls were now dying with
+curiosity to know the secret.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I 'll have it out of her, without any dodging
+or bribing.  I 'm not afraid of any one, and I
+shall ask her straight out, no matter how much
+she scowls at me," said dauntless Di, with a
+threatening nod.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"There she is!  Let us see you do it now!"
+cried Fanny, as the bell rang, and a clear voice
+was heard a moment later asking if
+Mademoiselle was in.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"You shall!" and Di looked ready for any
+audacity.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I 'll wager a box of candy that you don't
+find out a thing," whispered Do.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Done!" answered Di, and then turned to
+meet Sophie, who came in looking as fresh as
+an Alpine rose with the wintry wind.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"You dear thing! we were just talking of you.
+Sit here and get warm, and let us show you our
+gifts.  We are almost done, but it seems as if it
+got to be a harder job each Christmas.  Don't
+you find it so?"</p>
+<p class="pnext">"But no; I think it the most charming work
+of all the year," answered Sophie, greeting her
+friend, and putting her well-worn boots toward
+the fire to dry.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Perhaps you don't make as much of Christmas
+as we do, or give such expensive presents.
+That would make a great difference, you know,"
+said Di, as she lifted a cloth from the table
+where her own generous store of gifts was set
+forth.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I had a piano last year, a set of jewels, and
+many pretty trifles from all at home.  Here is
+one;" and pulling the fine gold chain hidden
+under her frills, Sophie showed a locket set
+thick with pearls, containing a picture of her
+mother.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"It must be so nice to be rich, and able to
+make such fine presents.  I 've got something
+for you; but I shall be ashamed of it after I see
+your gift to me, I 'm afraid."</p>
+<p class="pnext">Fan and Dora were working as if their bread
+depended on it, while Di, with a naughty twinkle
+in her eye, affected to be rearranging her pretty
+table as she talked.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Do not fear that; my gifts this year are
+very simple ones.  I did not know your custom,
+and now it is too late.  My comfort is that
+you need nothing, and having so much, you
+will not care for my--what you call--coming short."</p>
+<p class="pnext">Was it the fire that made Sophie's face look
+so hot, and a cold that gave a husky sort of tone
+to her usually clear voice?  A curious expression
+came into her face as her eyes roved from the
+table to the gay trifles in her friend's hands; and
+she opened her lips as if to add something
+impulsively.  But nothing came, and for a moment
+she looked straight out at the storm as if she
+had forgotten where she was.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"'Shortcoming' is the proper way to speak
+it But never mind that, and tell me why you
+say 'too late'?" asked Di, bent on winning her
+wager.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Christmas comes in three days, and I have
+no time," began Sophie.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"But with money one can buy plenty of
+lovely things in one day," said Di.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"No, it is better to put a little love and hard
+work into what we give to friends, I have done
+that with my trifles, and another year I shall be
+more ready."</p>
+<p class="pnext">There was an uncomfortable pause, for Sophie
+did not speak with her usual frankness, but
+looked both proud and ashamed, and seemed
+anxious to change the subject, as she began to
+admire Dora's work, which had made very little
+progress during the last fifteen minutes.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Fanny glanced at Di with a smile that made
+the other toss her head and return to the charge
+with renewed vigor.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Sophie, will you do me a favor?"</p>
+<p class="pnext">"With much pleasure."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Do has promised me a whole box of French
+bonbons, and if you will answer three questions,
+you shall have it."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"<em class="italics">Allons</em>," said Sophie, smiling.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Haven't you a secret?" asked Di, gravely.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Yes."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Will you tell us?"</p>
+<p class="pnext">"No."</p>
+<p class="pnext">Di paused before she asked her last question,
+and Fan and Dora waited breathlessly, while
+Sophie knit her brows and looked uneasy.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Why not?"</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Because I do not wish to tell it."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Will you tell if we guess?"</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Try."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"You are engaged."</p>
+<p class="pnext">At this absurd suggestion Sophie laughed
+gayly, and shook her curly head.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Do you think we are betrothed at sixteen
+in my country?"</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I <em class="italics">know</em> that is an engagement ring,--you
+made such a time about it when you lost it in
+the water, and cried for joy when Tilly dived
+and found it."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Ah, yes, I was truly glad.  Dear Tilly, never
+do I forget that kindness!" and Sophie kissed
+the little pearl ring in her impulsive way, while
+her eyes sparkled and the frown vanished.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I <em class="italics">know</em> a sweetheart gave it," insisted Di,
+sure now she had found a clew to the secret.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"He did," and Sophie hung her head in a
+sentimental way that made the three girls crowd
+nearer with faces full of interest.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Do tell us all about it, dear.  It's so interesting
+to hear love-stories.  What is his name?" cried Dora.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Hermann," simpered Sophie, drooping still
+more, while her lips trembled with suppressed
+emotion of some sort.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"How lovely!" sighed Fanny, who was very romantic.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Tell on, do!  Is he handsome?"</p>
+<p class="pnext">"To me the finest man in all the world,"
+confessed Sophie, as she hid her face.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"And you love him?"</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I adore him!" and Sophie clasped her
+hands so dramatically that the girls were a little
+startled, yet charmed at this discovery.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Have you his picture?" asked Di, feeling
+that she had won her wager now.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Yes," and pulling out the locket again,
+Sophie showed in the other side the face of
+a fine old gentleman who looked very like herself.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"It's your father!" exclaimed Fanny, rolling
+her blue eyes excitedly.  "You are a humbug!"
+cried Dora.  "Then you fibbed about the ring,"
+said Di, crossly.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Never!  It is mamma's betrothal ring; but
+her finger grew too plump, and when I left home
+she gave the ring to me as a charm to keep me
+safe.  Ah, ha!  I have my little joke as well as
+you, and the laugh is for me this time."  And
+falling back among the sofa cushions, Sophie
+enjoyed it as only a gay girl could.  Do and
+Fanny joined her; but Di was much disgusted,
+and vowed she <em class="italics">would</em> discover the secret and
+keep all the bonbons to herself.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"You are most welcome; but I will not tell
+until I like, and then to Fanny first.  She will
+not have ridicule for what I do, but say it is
+well, and be glad with me.  Come now and
+work.  I will plait these ribbons, or paint a
+wild rose on this pretty fan.  It is too plain
+now.  Will you that I do it, dear Di?"</p>
+<p class="pnext">The kind tone and the prospect of such an
+ornament to her gift appeased Di somewhat;
+but the mirthful malice in Sophie's eyes made
+the other more than ever determined to be even
+with her by and by.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Christmas Eve came, and found Di still in
+the dark, which fact nettled her sadly, for
+Sophie tormented her and amused the other girls
+by pretended confidences and dark hints at the
+mystery which might never, never be disclosed.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Fan had determined to have an unusually
+jolly party; so she invited only her chosen
+friends, and opened the festivities with a Christmas
+tree, as the prettiest way of exchanging gifts
+and providing jokes for the evening in the shape
+of delusive bottles, animals full of candy, and
+every sort of musical instrument to be used in
+an impromptu concert afterward.  The presents
+to one another were done up in secure parcels,
+so that they might burst upon the public eye in
+all their freshness.  Di was very curious to know
+what Fan was going to give her,--for Fanny
+was a generous creature and loved to give.  Di
+was a little jealous of her love for Sophie, and
+could n't rest till she discovered which was to
+get the finer gift.</p>
+<p class="pnext">So she went early and slipped into the room
+where the tree stood, to peep and pick a bit, as
+well as to hang up a few trifles of her own.  She
+guessed several things by feeling the parcels;
+but one excited her curiosity intensely, and she
+could not resist turning it about and pulling
+up one corner of the lid.  It was a flat box,
+prettily ornamented with sea-weeds like red
+lace, and tied with scarlet ribbons.  A tantalizing
+glimpse of jeweller's cotton, gold clasps,
+and something rose-colored conquered Di's last
+scruples; and she was just about to untie the
+ribbons when she heard Fanny's voice, and had
+only time to replace the box, pick up a paper
+that had fallen out of it, and fly up the back
+stairs to the dressing-room, where she found
+Sophie and Dora surveying each other as girls
+always do before they go down.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"You look like a daisy," cried Di, admiring
+Dora with great interest, because she felt
+ashamed of her prying, and the stolen note in
+her pocket.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"And you like a dandelion," returned Do,
+falling back a step to get a good view of Di's
+gold-colored dress and black velvet bows.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Sophie is a lily of the valley, all in green
+and white," added Fanny, coming in with her
+own blue skirts waving in the breeze.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"It does me very well.  Little girls do not
+need grand toilets, and I am fine enough for a
+'peasant,'" laughed Sophie, as she settled the
+fresh ribbons on her simple white cashmere and
+the holly wreath in her brown hair, but secretly
+longing for the fine dress she might have had.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Why didn't you wear your silver necklace?
+It would be lovely on your pretty neck," said
+Di, longing to know if she had given the trinket
+away.</p>
+<p class="pnext">But Sophie was not to be caught, and said
+with a contented smile, "I do not care for
+ornaments unless some one I love gives me them.
+I had red roses for my <em class="italics">bouquet de corsage</em>; but
+the poor Madame Page was so <em class="italics">triste</em>, I left them
+on her table to remember her of me.  It seemed
+so heartless to go and dance while she had only
+pain; but she wished it."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Dear little Sophie, how good you are!"
+and warm-hearted Fan kissed the blooming
+face that needed no roses to make it sweet and gay.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Half an hour later, twenty girls and boys
+were dancing round the brilliant tree.  Then
+its boughs were stripped.  Every one seemed
+contented; even Sophie's little gifts gave
+pleasure, because with each went a merry or
+affectionate verse, which made great fun on being
+read aloud.  She was quite loaded with pretty
+things, and had no words to express her
+gratitude and pleasure.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Ah, you are all so good to me! and I have
+nothing beautiful for you.  I receive much and
+give little, but I cannot help it!  Wait a little
+and I will redeem myself," she said to Fanny,
+with eyes full of tears, and a lap heaped with
+gay and useful things.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Never mind that now; but look at this, for
+here's still another offering of friendship, and a
+very charming one, to judge by the outside,"
+answered Fan, bringing the white box with the
+sea-weed ornaments.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Sophie opened it, and cries of admiration
+followed, for lying on the soft cotton was a lovely
+set of coral.  Rosy pink branches, highly
+polished and fastened with gold clasps, formed
+necklace, bracelets, and a spray for the bosom.
+No note or card appeared, and the girls crowded
+round to admire and wonder who could have
+sent so valuable a gift.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Can't you guess, Sophie?" cried Dora,
+longing to own the pretty things.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I should believe I knew, but it is too costly.
+How came the parcel, Fan?  I think you must
+know all," and Sophie turned the box about,
+searching vainly for a name.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"An expressman left it, and Jane took off the
+wet paper and put it on my table with the other
+things.  Here's the wrapper; do you know
+that writing?" and Fan offered the brown paper
+which she had kept.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"No; and the label is all mud, so I cannot
+see the place.  Ah, well, I shall discover some
+day, but I should like to thank this generous
+friend at once.  See now, how fine I am!  I do
+myself the honor to wear them at once."</p>
+<p class="pnext">Smiling with girlish delight at her pretty
+ornaments, Sophie clasped the bracelets on her
+round arms, the necklace about her white throat,
+and set the rosy spray in the lace on her bosom.
+Then she took a little dance down the room and
+found herself before Di, who was looking at her
+with an expression of naughty satisfaction on
+her face.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Don't you wish you knew who sent them?"</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Indeed, yes;" and Sophie paused abruptly.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Well, <em class="italics">I</em> know, and <em class="italics">I</em> won't tell till I like.
+It's my turn to have a secret; and I mean to
+keep it."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"But it is not right," began Sophie, with
+indignation.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Tell me yours, and I 'll tell mine," said Di,
+teasingly.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I will not!  You have no right to touch my
+gifts, and I am sure you have done it, else how
+know you who sends this fine <em class="italics">cadeau</em>?" cried
+Sophie, with the flash Di liked to see.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Here Fanny interposed, "If you have any
+note or card belonging to Sophie, give it up at
+once.  She shall not be tormented.  Out with
+it, Di.  I see your hand in your pocket, and
+I 'm sure you have been in mischief."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Take your old letter, then.  I know what's
+in it; and if I can't keep my secret for fun,
+Sophie shall not have hers.  That Tilly sent
+the coral, and Sophie spent her hundred
+dollars in books and clothes for that queer girl,
+who'd better stay among her lobsters than try
+to be a lady," cried Di, bent on telling all she
+knew, while Sophie was reading her letter
+eagerly.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Is it true?" asked Dora, for the four girls
+were in a corner together, and the rest of the
+company busy pulling crackers.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Just like her!  I thought it was that; but
+she would n't tell.  Tell us now, Sophie, for <em class="italics">I</em>
+think it was truly sweet and beautiful to help
+that poor girl, and let us say hard things of
+you," cried Fanny, as her friend looked up with
+a face and a heart too full of happiness to help
+overflowing into words.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Yes; I will tell you now.  It was foolish,
+perhaps; but I did not want to be praised, and
+I loved to help that good Tilly.  You know she
+worked all summer and made a little sum.  So
+glad, so proud she was, and planned to study
+that she might go to school this winter.  Well,
+in October the uncle fell very ill, and Tilly gave
+all her money for the doctors.  The uncle had
+been kind to her, she did not forget; she was
+glad to help, and told no one but me.  Then I
+said, 'What better can I do with my father's gift
+than give it to the dear creature, and let her lose
+no time?'  I do it; she will not at first, but I
+write and say, 'It must be,' and she submits.
+She is made neat with some little dresses, and
+she goes at last, to be so happy and do so well
+that I am proud of her.  Is not that better than
+fine toilets and rich gifts to those who need
+nothing?  Truly, yes! yet I confess it cost me
+pain to give up my plans for Christmas, and to
+seem selfish or ungrateful.  Forgive me that."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Yes, indeed, you dear generous thing!"
+cried Fan and Dora, touched by the truth.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"But how came Tilly to send you such a
+splendid present?" asked Di.  "Should n't
+think you 'd like her to spend your money in
+such things."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"She did not.  A sea-captain, a friend of the
+uncle, gave her these lovely ornaments, and she
+sends them to me with a letter that is more
+precious than all the coral in the sea.  I cannot
+read it; but of all my gifts <em class="italics">this</em> is the dearest
+and the best!"</p>
+<p class="pnext">Sophie had spoken eagerly, and her face, her
+voice, her gestures, made the little story
+eloquent; but with the last words she clasped the
+letter to her bosom as if it well repaid her for
+all the sacrifices she had made.  They might
+seem small to others, but she was sensitive and
+proud, anxious to be loved in the strange
+country, and fond of giving, so it cost her many tears
+to seem mean and thoughtless, to go poorly
+dressed, and be thought hardly of by those she
+wished to please.  She did not like to tell of her
+own generosity, because it seemed like boasting;
+and she was not sure that it had been wise to
+give so much.  Therefore, she waited to see
+if Tilly was worthy of the trust reposed in her;
+and she now found a balm for many wounds in
+the loving letter that came with the beautiful
+and unexpected gift.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Di listened with hot cheeks, and when Sophie
+paused, she whispered regretfully,--</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Forgive me, I was wrong!  I 'll keep your
+gift all my life to remember you by, for you are
+the best and dearest girl I know."</p>
+<p class="pnext">Then with a hasty kiss she ran away, carrying
+with great care the white shell on which Sophie
+had painted a dainty little picture of the
+mermaids waiting for the pretty boat that brought
+good fortune to poor Tilly, and this lesson to
+those who were hereafter her faithful friends.</p>
+<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em">
+</div>
+<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure" style="width: 48%" id="figure-98">
+<img class="align-center" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=" " src="images/img-204.jpg" />
+<div class="caption figure">
+Chapter VII tailpiece</div>
+</div>
+<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em">
+</div>
+<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure" style="width: 59%" id="figure-99">
+<span id="dolly-s-bedstead"></span><img class="align-center" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=" " src="images/img-205.jpg" />
+<div class="caption figure">
+"Everything is quite clean; I am sure of that, for I washed the sheets and coverlet myself not long ago."--PAGE <a class="reference internal" href="#id7">207</a>.</div>
+</div>
+<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em">
+</div>
+<p class="center large pfirst">VIII.</p>
+<p class="center medium pnext">DOLLY'S BEDSTEAD.</p>
+<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em">
+</div>
+<p class="pfirst">"Aunt Pen, where is Ariadne to sleep,
+please?  I wanted to bring her cradle,
+but mamma said it would take up so much
+room I could not."</p>
+<p class="pnext">And Alice looked about her for a resting-place
+for her dolly as anxiously as if Ariadne
+had been a live baby.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Can't she lie on the sofa?" asked Aunt
+Pen, with that sad want of interest in such
+important matters which grown-up people so often
+show.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"No, indeed!  Some one would sit down on
+her, of course; and I won't have my darling
+smashed.  You would n't like it yourself, aunty,
+and I 'm surprised at your proposing such a
+thing!" cried Alice, clasping her babe with a
+face full of maternal indignation.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I beg your pardon!  I really forgot that
+danger.  I 'm not so used to infants as you are,
+and that accounts for it.  Now I think of it,
+there's a little bedstead up garret, and you
+can have that.  You will find it done up in a
+paper in the great blue chest where all our old
+toys are kept."</p>
+<p class="pnext">Appeased by Aunt Pen's apology, Alice
+trotted to the attic, found the bedstead, and
+came trotting back with a disappointed look
+on her face.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"It is such a funny, old-fashioned thing I
+don't know that Ariadne will consent to lie in
+it.  Anyway, I must air the feather-bed and
+pillows first, or she will get cold.  I wish I
+could wash the sheets too, they are so yellow;
+but there is no time now," said the little girl,
+bustling round as she spoke, and laying the
+little bed-furniture out on the rug.</p>
+<p class="pnext" id="id7">"Everything is quite clean, my dear; I am
+sure of that, for I washed the sheets and coverlet
+myself not long ago, because I found a nest
+of little mice there the last time I looked,"
+answered Aunt Pen, with her eyes fixed thoughtfully
+on the small bedstead.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I guess you used to be fond of it when you
+were a little girl; and that's why you keep it so
+nicely now, isn't it?" asked Alice, as she
+dusted the carved posts and patted the canvas
+sacking.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Yes, there's quite a little romance about
+that bed; and I love it so that I never can give
+it away, but keep it mended up and in order
+for the sake of old times and poor Val," said
+Aunt Pen, smiling and sighing in the same
+breath.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Oh, tell about it!  I do like to hear stories,
+and so does Ariadne!" cried Alice, hastily
+opening dolly's eyes, that she might express
+her interest in the only way permitted her.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Well, dear, I 'll tell you this true tale of
+long ago; and while you listen you can be
+making a new blanket for the bed.  Mrs. Mouse
+nibbled holes in the other one, and her babies
+made a mess of it, so I burned it up.  Here is
+a nice little square of flannel, and there are
+blue, red, and green worsteds for you to work
+round the edges with."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Now that is just splendid!  I love to work
+with crewels, and I 'll put little quirls and things
+in the corners.  I can do it all myself, so tell
+away, please, aunty."  And Alice settled
+herself with great satisfaction, while Ariadne sat
+bolt upright in her own armchair and stared
+at Aunt Pen in a way that would have been
+very embarrassing if her round blue eyes had
+had a particle of expression in them.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"When I was about ten years old, it was the
+joy of my heart to go every Saturday afternoon
+to see my nurse, Betsey Brown.  She no longer
+lived out, but was married to a pilot, and had
+a home of her own down in what we used to
+call 'the watery part' of the city.  A funny
+little house, so close to the wharves that when
+one looked out there were masts going to and
+fro over the house-tops, and from the upper
+windows I could see the blue ocean.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Betsey had a boy with club feet, and a
+brother who was deformed; but Bobby was my
+pet playmate, and Valentine my best friend.
+My chief pleasure was in seeing him work at
+his turning-lathe, for he was very ingenious, and
+made all sorts of useful and pretty things.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"But the best thing he did was to cure the
+lame feet of his little nephew.  In those days
+there were few doctors who attended to such
+troubles, and they were very expensive; so
+poor Bobby had gone hobbling about ever since
+he was born with his little feet turned in.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Uncle Val could sympathize with him; and
+though he knew there was no cure for his own
+crooked back, he did his best to help the boy.
+He made a very simple apparatus for straightening
+the crippled feet (just two wooden splints,
+with wooden screws to loosen or tighten the
+pressure), and with patience, hope, and faith,
+he worked over the child till the feet were
+right, and Bobby could run and play like other
+children."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Oh, Aunt Pen, was n't that lovely?  And did
+he really do it all himself?  How clever he
+must have been!" cried Alice, puckering the
+new blanket in the pleasant interest of the
+moment.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"He was very clever for a lad of eighteen.
+But that was not all he did.  Bobby's cure was
+a long one, and I only saw the happy end of it;
+yet I remember how we all rejoiced, and how
+proud Betsey was of her brother.  My father
+wrote an account of it for some medical journal,
+and it was much talked about in our little
+circle; so much, indeed, that an aunt of ours who
+had a lame boy came to see Val and talked it
+all over with him.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Val was much pleased, and offered to try
+and cure her son if she would let the boy come
+and live with him; for it needed great skill and
+constant care to work the screws just right, and
+tend the poor little feet gently.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Aunt Dolly said no at once to that plan;
+for how could she let her precious boy go and
+live in that little house down in the poor part
+of the city?</p>
+<p class="pnext">"There was no other way, however, for Val
+would not leave his sister and his beloved lathe,
+and was wise enough to see how impossible it
+would be to have his own way with the child in
+a house where every one obeyed his whims and
+petted him, as such afflicted children usually
+are petted.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"So Val stood firm, and for a time nothing
+was done.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I was much interested in the affair, and
+every time I saw my cousin Gus I told him
+what nice times I had down there; how strong
+and lively Bobby was, and declared my firm
+belief that Val could cure every disease under
+the sun.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"These glowing accounts made Gus want to
+go, and when he set his heart on anything he
+always got it; so in the end Aunt Dolly
+consented, and Gus went to board in the little
+house, much to the wonder of some folks.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"The plan succeeded capitally, however, and
+Gus thrived like a dandelion in springtime;
+for simple food, plenty of air, no foolish
+indulgence, and the most faithful care, built up the
+little lad in a way that astonished and delighted
+us all.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"The feet improved slowly; and Val was
+sure that in time they would be all right, for
+everything helped on the good work.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Dear me, what happy days I used to spend
+at Betsey's!  Sometimes Isaac, the jolly, bluff
+pilot, would take us out in his boat; and then
+what rosy cheeks and good appetites we got!
+Sometimes we played in Val's shop, and
+watched him make pretty things or helped him
+in some easy job, for he liked to have us near
+him.  And, oh, my heart, what delicious
+suppers Betsey used to get us in the front room,
+where all sorts of queer sea treasures were
+collected,--shells, coral, and seaweed; odd
+pictures of ships and fish, and old books full of
+sailor songs and thrilling tales of wrecks."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I wish I had been there!" interrupted
+Alice.  "Is the house all gone, aunty?"</p>
+<p class="pnext">"All gone, dear, and every one of that merry
+party but myself," answered Aunt Pen, with a sigh.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Don't think about the sad part of it, but go
+on and tell about the bed, please," said Alice,
+feeling that it was about time this interesting
+piece of furniture appeared in the story.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Well, that was made to comfort me when
+Gus went home, as he did after staying two
+years.  Yes, he went home with straight feet,
+the heartiest, happiest little lad I ever saw.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I was heart-broken at losing my playmate,
+and mourned for him as bitterly as a child
+could, till Val comforted me, not only by the
+cunning bedstead for my doll, but by a hundred
+kindly words and acts, for which I never
+thanked him half enough.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Aunt Dolly and my father were so grateful
+and pleased at Val's success with Gus that they
+helped him in a plan he had some years later,
+when he took a larger house in a better place,
+and with Betsey as nurse, opened a small hospital
+for the cure of deformed feet.  It was an
+excellent plan; and all was going well, when
+poor Val wasted rapidly away, and died just as
+his work began to bring him money and some
+honor."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"That was very bad!  But what became of
+Bobby and Gus?" asked Alice, who was not
+of an age to care much about the "sad part"
+of any story.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Bob became a sea-captain, and was an excellent
+fellow till he went down with his ship in
+a storm after rescuing all his crew, even to the
+cabin-boy.  I'm proud of Bob, and keep those
+two great pearly shells in memory of him, for
+he brought them to me after his first voyage."</p>
+<p class="pnext">Aunt Pen's eyes lit up, and her voice rose as
+she spoke with real pride and affection of
+honest Captain Brown, who to her was always little Bob.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I like that, it was so brave and good; but
+I do wish he had been saved, for then I could
+have seen him.  And maybe he would have
+brought me a big green parrot that could say
+funny things.  What became of Gus?" asked
+Alice, after a moment spent in the delightful
+thought of owning a green parrot with a red tail.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Ah, my dear, I wish I knew!" exclaimed
+Aunt Pen, so earnestly that Alice dropped her
+work, astonished at the change in that usually
+quiet face.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Don't tell any more if you 'd rather not,"
+said the little girl, feeling instinctively that she
+had touched some tender string.</p>
+<p class="pnext">But Aunt Pen only stroked her curly head
+and went on in a softer tone, with her eyes fixed
+upon a faded picture that had hung over her
+work-table ever since Alice could remember.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I like to tell you, dear, because I want you
+to love the memory of this old friend of mine.
+Gus went to sea also, much against his mother's
+will, for the years spent in the little house near
+the wharf had given the boy a taste for salt
+water, and he could not overcome it, though he tried.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"He sailed with Captain Bob all round the
+world, and would have been with him on that
+last voyage if a sudden whim had not kept him
+ashore.  More than this we don't know; and
+for seven years have had no tidings of him.
+The others give him up, feeling sure that he
+was lost in the wild hill-country of India, whither
+he went in search of adventures.  I suppose
+they are right; but <em class="italics">I</em> cannot make it true, and
+still hope to see the dear boy back, or at least
+to hear some news of him."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Would n't he be rather an old boy now,
+Aunt Pen?" asked Alice, softly; for she wanted
+to chase away the load of pain with a smile if
+she could.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Bless my heart, so he would!  Forty, at
+least.  Well, well, he never will seem old to me,
+though his hair should be gray when he comes
+home."  And Aunt Pen did smile as her eyes
+went back to the faded picture with a tender
+look that made Alice say timidly, while she laid
+her blooming cheek against her aunt's hand,--</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Would you mind if I asked if it was Gus
+who gave you this pretty ring, and was your
+sweetheart once?  Mamma told me you had
+one, and he was dead; so I must never ask
+why you did n't marry as she did."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Yes, he gave me this, and was to come back
+in a year or two; but I have never seen him
+since, and never shall, I fear, till we all meet
+over the great sea at last."</p>
+<p class="pnext">There Aunt Pen broke down, and spreading
+her hands before her face, sat so still that Alice
+feared to stir.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Even her careless child's heart was full of
+pity now; and two great tears rolled down upon
+the little blanket, to lie sparkling like drops of
+dew in the heart of the very remarkable red
+rose she was working in the middle.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Then it was that Ariadne distinguished
+herself, and proved beyond a doubt that her blue
+china eyes were worth something.  A large,
+brown, breezy-looking man had been peeping
+in from the door for several moments, and
+listening in the most improper manner.  No one
+saw him but Ariadne, and how could she warn
+the others, poor thing, when she had n't a
+tongue in her head?  Don't tell me that dolls
+have n't hearts somewhere in their sawdust
+bosoms!  I know better; and I am firmly
+convinced that Ariadne's was full of sympathy for
+Aunt Pen; else why should she, a well-bred
+doll, suddenly and without the least apparent
+cause, slip out of her chair and fall upon her
+china nose with a loud whack?</p>
+<p class="pnext">Alice jumped up to catch her darling, and
+Aunt Pen lifted her head to see what was the
+matter, and the big brown man, giving his hat
+a toss, came into the room like a whirlwind!</p>
+<p class="pnext">Alice, Ariadne, bedstead, and blanket, were
+suddenly swept into a corner by some mysterious
+means, and lay there in a heap, while the
+two grown people fell into each other's arms,
+exclaiming,--</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Pen!"</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Gus!"</p>
+<p class="pnext">I don't know which stared the hardest at this
+dreadful proceeding, Alice or Ariadne, but I do
+know that every one was very happy afterward,
+and that the precious little bedstead was not
+smashed, for I have seen it with my own eyes.</p>
+<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em">
+</div>
+<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure" style="width: 59%" id="figure-100">
+<img class="align-center" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=" " src="images/img-218.jpg" />
+<div class="caption figure">
+Chapter VIII tailpiece</div>
+</div>
+<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em">
+</div>
+<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure" style="width: 61%" id="figure-101">
+<span id="trudel-s-siege"></span><img class="align-center" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=" " src="images/img-219.jpg" />
+<div class="caption figure">
+"Well, dear, this is the story."--PAGE <a class="reference internal" href="#id8">220</a>.</div>
+</div>
+<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em">
+</div>
+<p class="center large pfirst">IX.</p>
+<p class="center medium pnext">TRUDEL'S SIEGE.</p>
+<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em">
+</div>
+<p class="pfirst">"Grandmother, what is this curious
+picture about?" said little Gertrude, or
+"Trudel," as they called her, looking up from
+the red book that lay on her knee, one Sunday
+morning, when she and the grandmother sat
+sadly together in the neat kitchen; for the
+father was very ill, and the poor mother seldom
+left him.</p>
+<p class="pnext">The old woman put on her round spectacles,
+which made her look as wise as an owl, and
+turned to answer the child, who had been as
+quiet as a mouse for a long time, looking at
+the strange pictures in the ancient book.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Ah, my dear, that tells about a very famous
+and glorious thing that happened long ago at
+the siege of Leyden.  You can read it for
+yourself some day."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Please tell me now.  Why are the houses
+half under water, and ships sailing among them,
+and people leaning over the walls of the city?
+And why is that boy waving his hands on the
+tower, where the men are running away in a
+great smoke?" asked Trudel, too curious to
+wait till she could read the long hard words on
+the yellow pages.</p>
+<p class="pnext" id="id8">"Well, dear, this is the story: and you shall
+hear how brave men and women, and children
+too, were in those days.  The cruel Spaniards
+came and besieged the city for many months;
+but the faithful people would not give up,
+though nearly starved to death.  When all the
+bread and meat were gone and the gardens
+empty, they ate grass and herbs and horses,
+and even dogs and cats, trying to hold out till
+help came to them."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Did little girls really eat their pussies?  Oh,
+I 'd die before I would kill my dear Jan," cried
+Trudel, hugging the pretty kitten that purred in
+her lap.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Yes, the children ate their pets.  And so
+would you if it would save your father or mother
+from starving.  <em class="italics">We</em> know what hunger is; but
+we won't eat Jan yet."</p>
+<p class="pnext">The old woman sighed as she glanced from the
+empty table to the hearth where no fire burned.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"<em class="italics">Did</em> help come in the ships?" asked the
+child, bending her face over the book to hide
+the tears that filled her eyes, for she was very
+hungry, and had had only a crust for breakfast.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Our good Prince of Orange was trying to
+help them; but the Spaniards were all around
+the city and he had not men enough to fight
+them by land, so he sent carrier-doves with
+letters to tell the people that he was going to cut
+through the great dikes that kept the sea out,
+and let the water flow over the country so as to
+drive the enemy from his camp, for the city
+stood upon high ground, and would be safe.
+Then the ships, with food, could sail over the
+drowned land and save the brave people."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Oh, I 'm glad!  I 'm glad!  These are the
+bad Spaniards running away, and these are
+poor people stretching out their hands for the
+bread.  But what is the boy doing, in the funny
+tower where the wall has tumbled down?" cried
+Trudel, much excited.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"The smoke of burning houses rose between
+the city and the port so the people could not
+see that the Spaniards had run away; and
+they were afraid the ships could not get safely
+by.  But a boy who was scrambling about as
+boys always are wherever there is danger, fire,
+and fighting, saw the enemy go, and ran to the
+deserted tower to shout and beckon to the ships
+to come on at once,--for the wind had changed
+and soon the tide would flow back and leave
+them stranded."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Nice boy!  I wish I had been there to see
+him and help the poor people," said Trudel,
+patting the funny little figure sticking out of
+the pepper-pot tower like a jack-in-the-box.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"If children keep their wits about them and
+are brave, they can always help in some way,
+my dear.  We don't have such dreadful wars
+now; but the dear God knows we have troubles
+enough, and need all our courage and faith to
+be patient in times like these;" and the
+grandmother folded her thin hands with another sigh,
+as she thought of her poor son dying for want
+of a few comforts, after working long and
+faithfully for a hard master who never came to offer
+any help, though a very rich man.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Did they eat the carrier-doves?" asked
+Trudel, still intent on the story.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"No, child; they fed and cared for them
+while they lived, and when they died, stuffed
+and set them up in the Staat Haus, so grateful
+were the brave burghers for the good news the
+dear birds brought."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"That is the best part of all.  I like that
+story very much!"  And Trudel turned the
+pages to find another, little dreaming what a
+carrier-dove she herself was soon to become.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Poor Hans Dort and his family were nearly
+as distressed as the besieged people of Leyden,
+for poverty stood at the door, hunger and
+sickness were within, and no ship was anywhere
+seen coming to bring help.  The father, who
+was a linen-weaver, could no longer work in the
+great factory; the mother, who was a
+lace-maker, had to leave her work to nurse him;
+and the old woman could earn only a trifle by
+her knitting, being lame and feeble.  Little
+Trudel did what she could,--sold the stockings
+to get bread and medicine, picked up wood for
+the fire, gathered herbs for the poor soup, and
+ran errands for the market-women, who paid her
+with unsalable fruit, withered vegetables, and
+now and then a bit of meat.</p>
+<p class="pnext">But market-day came but once a week; and
+it was very hard to find food for the hungry
+mouths meantime.  The Dorts were too proud
+to beg, so they suffered in silence, praying that
+help would come before it was too late to save
+the sick and old.</p>
+<p class="pnext">No other picture in the quaint book interested
+Trudel so much as that of the siege of
+Leyden; and she went back to it, thinking over
+the story till hunger made her look about for
+something to eat as eagerly as the poor starving burghers.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Here, child, is a good crust.  It is too hard
+for me.  I kept it for you; it's the last except
+that bit for your mother," said the old woman,
+pulling a dry crust from her jacket with a
+smile; for though starving herself, the brave
+old soul thought only of her darling.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Trudel's little white teeth gnawed savagely at
+the hard bread, and Jan ate the crumbs as if
+he too needed food.  As she saw him purring
+about her feet, there came into the child's head
+a sudden idea, born of the brave story and of
+the cares that made her old before her time.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Poor Jan gets thinner and thinner every day.
+If we are to eat him, we must do it soon, or he
+will not be worth cooking," she said with a
+curious look on the face that used to be so round
+and rosy, and now was white, thin, and anxious.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Bless the child! we won't eat the poor
+beast! but it would be kind to give him away
+to some one who could feed him well.  Go now,
+dear, and get a jug of fresh water.  The father
+will need it, and so will you, for that crust is a
+dry dinner for my darling."</p>
+<p class="pnext">As she spoke, the old woman held the little
+girl close for a minute; and Trudel clung to her
+silently, finding the help she needed for her
+sacrifice in the love and the example grandma
+gave her.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Then she ran away, with the brown jug in one
+hand, the pretty kitten on her arm, and courage
+in her little heart.  It was a poor neighborhood
+where the weavers and lace-makers lived; but
+nearly every one had a good dinner on Sunday,
+and on her way to the fountain Trudel saw many
+well-spread tables, smelled the good soup in
+many kettles, and looked enviously at the plump
+children sitting quietly on the doorsteps in
+round caps and wooden shoes, waiting to be
+called in to eat of the big loaves, the brown
+sausages, and the cabbage-soup smoking on the hearth.</p>
+<p class="pnext">When she came to the baker's house, her
+heart began to beat; and she hugged Jan so
+close it was well he was thin, or he would have
+mewed under the tender farewell squeezes his
+little mistress gave him.  With a timid hand
+Trudel knocked, and then went in to find Vrow
+Hertz and her five boys and girls at table, with
+good roast meat and bread and cheese and
+beer before them.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Oh, the dear cat! the pretty cat!  Let me
+pat him!  Hear him mew, and see his soft
+white coat," cried the children, before Trudel
+could speak, for they admired the snow-white
+kitten very much, and had often begged for it.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Trudel had made up her mind to give up to
+them at last her one treasure; but she wished
+to be paid for it, and was bound to tell her
+plan.  Jan helped her, for smelling the meat,
+he leaped from her arms to the table and began
+to gnaw a bone on Dirck's plate, which so
+amused the young people that they did not
+hear Trudel say to their mother in a low voice,
+with red cheeks and beseeching eyes,--</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Dear Vrow Hertz, the father is very ill; the
+mother cannot work at her lace in the dark
+room; and grandma makes but little by knitting,
+though I help all I can.  We have no food; can
+you give me a loaf of bread in exchange for Jan?
+I have nothing else to sell, and the children
+want him much."</p>
+<p class="pnext">Trudel's eyes were full and her lips trembled,
+as she ended with a look that went straight to
+stout Mother Hertz's kind heart, and told the
+whole sad story.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Bless the dear child!  Indeed, yes; a loaf
+and welcome; and see here, a good sausage
+also.  Brenda, go fill the jug with milk.  It is
+excellent for the sick man.  As for the cat, let
+it stay a while and get fat, then we will see.  It
+is a pretty beast and worth many loaves of
+bread; so come again, Trudel, and do not
+suffer hunger while I have much bread."</p>
+<p class="pnext">As the kind woman spoke, she had bustled
+about, and before Trudel could get her breath,
+a big loaf, a long sausage, and a jug of fresh
+milk were in her apron and hands, and a
+motherly kiss made the gifts all the easier to take.
+Returning it heartily, and telling the children to
+be kind to Jan, she hastened home to burst into
+the quiet room, crying joyfully,--</p>
+<p class="pnext">"See, grandmother, here is food,--all mine.
+I bought it!  Come, come, and eat!"</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Now, dear Heaven, what do I see?  Where
+did the blessed bread come from?" asked the
+old woman, hugging the big loaf, and eying the
+sausage with such hunger in her face that Trudel
+ran for the knife and cup, and held a draught of
+fresh milk to her grandmother's lips before she
+could answer a single question.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Stay, child, let us give thanks before we eat.
+Never was food more welcome or hearts more
+grateful;" and folding her hands, the pious old
+woman blessed the meal that seemed to fall
+from heaven on that bare table.  Then Trudel
+cut the crusty slice for herself, a large soft one
+for grandmother, with a good bit of sausage,
+and refilled the cup.  Another portion and cup
+went upstairs to mother, whom she found asleep,
+with the father's hot hand in hers.  So
+leaving the surprise for her waking, Trudel crept
+down to eat her own dinner, as hungry as a little
+wolf, amusing herself with making the old
+woman guess where and how she got this fine feast.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"This is our siege, grandmother; and we are
+eating Jan," she said at last, with the merriest
+laugh she had given for weeks.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Eating Jan?" cried the old woman, staring
+at the sausage, as if for a moment she feared the
+kitten had been turned into that welcome shape
+by some miracle.  Still laughing, Trudel told
+her story, and was well rewarded for her childish
+sacrifice by the look in grandmother's face as
+she said with a tender kiss,--</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Thou art a carrier-dove, my darling, coming
+home with good news and comfort under thy
+wing.  God bless thee, my brave little heart,
+and grant that our siege be not a long one
+before help comes to us!"</p>
+<p class="pnext">Such a happy feast! and for dessert more
+kisses and praises for Trudel when the mother
+came down to hear the story and to tell how
+eagerly father had drank the fresh milk and
+gone to sleep again.  Trudel was very well
+pleased with her bargain; but at night she
+missed Jan's soft purr for her lullaby, and cried
+herself to sleep, grieving for her lost pet, being
+only a child, after all, though trying to be a
+brave little woman for the sake of those she loved.</p>
+<p class="pnext">The big loaf and sausage took them nicely
+through the next day; but by Tuesday only
+crusts remained, and sorrel-soup, slightly
+flavored with the last scrap of sausage, was all
+they had to eat.</p>
+<p class="pnext">On Wednesday morning, Trudel had plaited
+her long yellow braids with care, smoothed
+down her one blue skirt, and put on her little
+black silk cap, making ready for the day's work.
+She was weak and hungry, but showed a bright
+face as she took her old basket and said,--</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Now I am off to market, grandmother, to
+sell the hose and get medicine and milk for
+father.  I shall try to pick up something for
+dinner.  The good neighbors often let me run
+errands for them, and give me a kuchen, a bit of
+cheese, or a taste of their nice coffee.  I will bring
+you something, and come as soon as I can."</p>
+<p class="pnext">The old woman nodded and smiled, as she
+scoured the empty kettle till it shone, and
+watched the little figure trudge away with the
+big empty basket, and, she knew, with a still
+emptier little stomach.  "Coffee!" sighed the
+grandmother; "one sip of the blessed drink
+would put life into me.  When shall I ever taste
+it again?" and the poor soul sat down to her
+knitting with hands that trembled from weakness.</p>
+<p class="pnext">The Platz was a busy and a noisy scene when
+Trudel arrived,--for the thrifty Dutchwomen
+were early afoot; and stalls, carts, baskets, and
+cans were already arranged to make the most
+attractive display of fruit, vegetables, fish,
+cheese, butter, eggs, milk, and poultry, and the
+small wares country people came to buy.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Nodding and smiling, Trudel made her way
+through the bustle to the booth where old
+Vrow Schmidt bought and sold the blue woollen
+hose that adorn the stout legs of young and old.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Good-morning, child!  I am glad to see thee
+and thy well-knit stockings, for I have orders
+for three pairs, and promised thy grandmother's,
+they are always so excellent," said the
+rosy-faced woman, as Trudel approached.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I have but one pair.  We had no money to
+buy more yarn.  Father is so ill mother
+cannot work; and medicines cost a deal," said
+the child, with her large hungry eyes fixed on
+the breakfast the old woman was about to
+eat, first having made ready for the business
+of the day.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"See, then, I shall give thee the yarn and
+wait for the hose; I can trust thee, and shall
+ask a good price for the good work.  Thou
+too wilt have the fever, I 'm afraid!--so pale
+and thin, poor child!  Here, drink from my
+cup, and take a bite of bread and cheese.  The
+morning air makes one hungry."</p>
+<p class="pnext">Trudel eagerly accepted the "sup" and the
+"bite," and felt new strength flow into her as
+the warm draught and good brown bread went
+down her throat.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"So many thanks!  I had no breakfast.  I
+came to see if I could get any errands here
+to-day, for I want to earn a bit if I can," she said
+with a sigh of satisfaction, as she slipped half
+of her generous slice and a good bit of cheese
+into her basket, regretting that the coffee could
+not be shared also.</p>
+<p class="pnext">As if to answer her wish, a loud cry from fat
+Mother Kinkle, the fish-wife, rose at that
+moment, for a thievish cur had run off with a fish
+from her stall, while she gossiped with a neighbor.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Down went Trudel's basket, and away went
+Trudel's wooden shoes clattering over the stones
+while she raced after the dog, dodging in and
+out among the stalls till she cornered the thief
+under Gretchen Horn's milk-cart; for at sight
+of the big dog who drew the four copper-cans,
+the cur lost heart and dropped the fish and
+ran away.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Well done!" said buxom Gretchen, when
+Trudel caught up the rescued treasure a good
+deal the worse for the dog's teeth and the dust
+it had been dragged through.</p>
+<p class="pnext">All the market-women laughed as the little
+girl came back proudly bearing the fish, for the
+race had amused them.  But Mother Kinkle
+said with a sigh, when she saw the damage
+done her property,--</p>
+<p class="pnext">"It is spoiled; no one will buy that torn, dirty
+thing.  Throw it on the muck-pile, child; your
+trouble was in vain, though I thank you for it."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Give it to me, please, if you don't want it.
+We can eat it, and would be glad of it at home,"
+cried Trudel, hugging the slippery fish with joy,
+for she saw a dinner in it, and felt that her run
+was well paid.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Take it, then, and be off; I see Vrow von
+Decken's cook coming, and you are in the
+way," answered the old woman, who was not
+a very amiable person, as every one knew.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"That's a fine reward to make a child for
+running the breath out of her body for you,"
+said Dame Troost, the handsome farm-wife who
+sat close by among her fruit and vegetables,
+as fresh as her cabbages, and as rosy as her
+cherries.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Better it, then, and give her a feast fit for
+a burgomaster.  <em class="italics">You</em> can afford it," growled
+Mother Kinkle, turning her back on the other
+woman in a huff.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"That I will, for very shame at such meanness!
+Here, child, take these for thy fish-stew,
+and these for thy little self," said the kind soul,
+throwing half a dozen potatoes and onions into
+the basket, and handing Trudel a cabbage-leaf
+full of cherries.</p>
+<p class="pnext">A happy girl was our little house-wife on her
+way home, when the milk and medicine and
+loaf of bread were bought; and a comfortable
+dinner was quickly cooked and gratefully eaten
+in Dort's poor house that day.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Surely the saints must help you, child, and
+open people's hearts to our need; for you
+come back each day with food for us,--like
+the ravens to the people in the wilderness," said
+the grandmother when they sat at table.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"If they do, it is because you pray to them
+so heartily, mother.  But I think the sweet
+ways and thin face of my Trudel do much to
+win kindness, and the good God makes her
+our little house-mother, while I must sit idle,"
+answered Vrow Dort; and she filled the child's
+platter again that she, at least, might have
+enough.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I like it!" cried Trudel, munching an onion
+with her bread, while her eyes shone and a
+pretty color came into her cheeks.  "I feel so
+old and brave now, so glad to help; and things
+happen, and I keep thinking what I will do
+next to get food.  It's like the birds out
+yonder in the hedge, trying to feed their little ones.
+I fly up and down, pick and scratch, get a bit
+here and a bit there, and then my dear <em class="italics">old</em>
+birds have food to eat."</p>
+<p class="pnext">It really was very much as Trudel said, for
+her small wits were getting very sharp with
+these new cares; she lay awake that night
+trying to plan how she should provide the next
+day's food for her family.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Where now, thou dear little mother-bird?"
+asked the "Grossmutter" next morning, when
+the child had washed the last dish, and was
+setting away the remains of the loaf.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"To Gretti Jansen's, to see if she wants me to
+water her linen, as I used to do for play.  She
+is lame, and it tires her to go to the spring so
+often.  She will like me to help her, I hope;
+and I shall ask her for some food to pay me.
+Oh, I am very bold now!  Soon will I beg if
+no other way offers."  And Trudel shook her
+yellow head resolutely, and went to settle the
+stool at grandmother's feet, and to draw the
+curtain so that it would shield the old eyes
+from the summer sun.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Heaven grant it never comes to that!  It
+would be very hard to bear, yet perhaps we
+must if no help arrives.  The doctor's bill, the
+rent, the good food thy father will soon need,
+will take far more than we can earn; and what
+will become of us, the saints only know!"
+answered the old woman, knitting briskly in
+spite of her sad forebodings.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"<em class="italics">I</em> will do it all!  I don't know how, but I
+shall try; and, as you often say, 'Have faith
+and hold up thy hands; God will fill them.'"</p>
+<p class="pnext">Then Trudel went away to her work, with a
+stout heart under her little blue bodice; and all
+that summer day she trudged to and fro along
+the webs of linen spread in the green meadow,
+watering them as fast as they dried, knitting
+busily under a tree during the intervals.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Old Gretti was glad to have her, and at noon
+called her in to share the milk-soup, with cherries
+and herrings in it, and a pot of coffee,--as well
+as Dutch cheese, and bread full of coriander-seed.
+Though this was a feast to Trudel, one
+bowl of soup and a bit of bread was all she ate;
+then, with a face that was not half as "bold" as
+she tried to make it, she asked if she might run
+home and take the coffee to grandmother, who
+longed for and needed it so much.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Yes, indeed; there, let me fill that pewter
+jug with a good hot mess for the old lady, and
+take this also.  I have little to give, but I
+remember how good she was to me in the winter,
+when my poor legs were so bad, and no one else
+thought of me," said grateful Gretti, mixing more
+coffee, and tucking a bit of fresh butter into half
+a loaf of bread with a crusty end to cover the hole.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Away ran Trudel; and when grandmother
+saw the "blessed coffee," as she called it, she
+could only sip and sigh for comfort and content,
+so glad was the poor old soul to taste her
+favorite drink again.  The mother smelled it, and
+came down to take her share, while Trudel
+skipped away to go on watering the linen till
+sunset with a happy heart, saying to herself
+while she trotted and splashed,--</p>
+<p class="pnext">"This day is well over, and I have kept my
+word.  Now what <em class="italics">can</em> I do to-morrow?  Gretti
+does n't want me; there is no market; I must
+not beg yet, and I cannot finish the hose so soon.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I know!  I 'll get water-cresses, and sell them
+from door to door.  They are fresh now, and
+people like them.  Ah, thou dear duck, thank
+thee for reminding me of them," she cried, as
+she watched a mother-duck lead her brood
+along the brook's edge, picking and dabbling
+among the weeds to show them where to feed.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Early next morning Trudel took her basket
+and went away to the meadows that lay just out
+of the town, where the rich folk had their
+summer houses, and fish-ponds, and gardens.  These
+gardens were gay now with tulips, the delight of
+Dutch people; for they know best how to cultivate
+them, and often make fortunes out of the
+splendid and costly flowers.</p>
+<p class="pnext">When Trudel had looked long and carefully
+for cresses, and found very few, she sat down to
+rest, weary and disappointed, on a green bank
+from which she could overlook a fine garden all
+ablaze with tulips.  She admired them heartily,
+longed to have a bed of them her own, and
+feasted her childish eyes on the brilliant colors
+till they were dazzled, for the long beds of purple
+and yellow, red and white blossoms were splendid
+to see, and in the midst of all a mound of
+dragon-tulips rose like a queen's throne, scarlet, green,
+and gold all mingled on the ruffled leaves that
+waved in the wind.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Suddenly it seemed as if one of the great
+flowers had blown over the wall and was
+hopping along the path in a very curious way!  In
+a minute, however, she saw that it was a gay
+parrot that had escaped, and would have flown
+away if its clipped wings and a broken chain on
+one leg had not kept it down.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Trudel laughed to see the bird scuttle along,
+jabbering to itself, and looking very mischievous
+and naughty as it ran away.  She was just
+thinking she ought to stop it, when the garden-gate
+opened, and a pretty little boy came out, calling
+anxiously,--</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Prince!  Prince!  Come back, you bad bird!
+I never will let you off your perch again, sly rascal!"</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I will get him;" and Trudel ran down the
+bank after the runaway, for the lad was small
+and leaned upon a little crutch.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Be careful!  He will bite!" called the boy.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I 'm not afraid," answered Trudel; and she
+stepped on the chain, which brought the "Prince
+of Orange" to a very undignified and sudden
+halt.  But when she tried to catch him up by
+his legs, the sharp black beak gave a nip and
+held tightly to her arm.  It hurt her much, but
+she did not let go, and carried her captive back
+to its master, who thanked her, and begged her
+to come in and chain up the bad bird, for he was
+evidently rather afraid of it.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Glad to see more of the splendid garden,
+Trudel did what he asked, and with a good deal
+of fluttering, scolding, and pecking, the Prince
+was again settled on his perch.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Your arm is bleeding!  Let me tie it up for
+you; and here is my cake to pay you for
+helping me.  Mamma would have been very angry
+if Prince had been lost," said the boy, as he wet
+his little handkerchief in a tank of water near by,
+and tied up Trudel's arm.</p>
+<p class="pnext">The tank was surrounded by pots of tulips;
+and on a rustic seat lay the lad's hat and a
+delicious large kuchen, covered with comfits and
+sugar.  The hungry girl accepted it gladly, but
+only nibbled at it, remembering those at home.
+The boy thought she did not like it, and being a
+generous little fellow and very grateful for her
+help, he looked about for something else to give
+her.  Seeing her eyes fixed admiringly on a
+pretty red jar that held a dragon-tulip just ready
+to bloom, he said pleasantly,--</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Would you like this also?  All these are
+mine, and I can do as I like with them.  Will
+you have it?"</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Oh, yes, with thanks!  It is <em class="italics">so</em> beautiful!
+I longed for one, but never thought to get it,"
+cried Trudel, receiving the pot with delight.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Then she hastened toward home to show her
+prize, only stopping to sell her little bunches of
+cresses for a few groschen, with which she bought
+a loaf and three herrings to eat with it.  The
+cake and the flower gave quite the air of a feast
+to the poor meal, but Trudel and the two women
+enjoyed it all, for the doctor said that the father
+was better, and now needed only good meat and
+wine to grow strong and well again.</p>
+<p class="pnext">How to get these costly things no one knew,
+but trusted they would come, and all fell to work
+with lighter hearts.  The mother sat again at
+her lace-work, for now a ray of light could be
+allowed to fall on her pillow and bobbins by the
+window of the sick-room.  The old woman's
+fingers flew as she knit at one long blue
+stocking; and Trudel's little hands tugged away at
+the other, while she cheered her dull task by
+looking fondly at her dear tulip unfolding in the sun.</p>
+<p class="pnext">She began to knit next day as soon as the
+breakfast of dry bread and water was done; but
+she took her work to the doorstep and thought
+busily as the needles clicked, for where <em class="italics">could</em>
+she get money enough for meat and wine?  The
+pretty pot stood beside her, and the tulip showed
+its gay leaves now, just ready to bloom.  She
+was very proud of it, and smiled and nodded
+gayly when a neighbor said in passing, "A fine
+flower you have there."</p>
+<p class="pnext">Soon she forgot it, however, so hard was her
+little brain at work, and for a long time she sat
+with her eyes fixed on her busy hands so
+intently that she neither heard steps approaching,
+nor saw a maid and a little girl looking over the
+low fence at her.  Suddenly some words in a
+strange language made her look up.  The child
+was pointing at the tulip and talking fast in
+English to the maid, who shook her head and
+tried to lead her on.</p>
+<p class="pnext">She was a pretty little creature, all in white
+with a gay hat, curly locks, and a great doll in
+one arm, while the other held a box of bonbons.
+Trudel smiled when she saw the doll; and as if
+the friendly look decided her, the little girl ran
+up to the door, pointed to the flower, and asked
+a question in the queer tongue which Trudel
+could not understand.  The maid followed, and
+said in Dutch, "Fräulein Maud wishes the
+flower.  Will you give it to her, child?"</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Oh, no, no!  I love it.  I will keep it, for
+now Jan is gone, it is all I have!" answered
+Trudel, taking the pot in her lap to guard her one treasure.</p>
+<p class="pnext">The child frowned, chattered eagerly, and
+offered the box of sweets, as if used to having her
+wishes gratified at once.  But Trudel shook
+her head, for much as she loved "sugar-drops,"
+she loved the splendid flower better, like a true
+little Dutchwoman.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Then Miss Maud offered the doll, bent on
+having her own way.  Trudel hesitated a
+moment, for the fine lady doll in pink silk, with
+a feather in her hat, and tiny shoes on her feet,
+was very tempting to her childish soul.  But
+she felt that so dainty a thing was not for her,
+and her old wooden darling, with the staring
+eyes and broken nose, was dearer to her than
+the delicate stranger could ever be.  So she
+smiled to soothe the disappointed child, but
+shook her head again.</p>
+<p class="pnext">At that, the English lassie lost her temper,
+stamped her foot, scolded, and began to cry,
+ordering the maid to take the flower and come
+away at once.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"She <em class="italics">will</em> have it; and she must not cry.
+Here, child, will you sell it for this?" said the
+maid, pulling a handful of groschen out of her
+deep pocket, sure that Trudel would yield now.</p>
+<p class="pnext">But the little house-mother's quick eye saw
+that the whole handful would not buy the meat
+and wine, much as it looked, and for the third
+time she shook her yellow head.  There was a
+longing look in her face, however; and the
+shrewd maid saw it, guessed that money would
+win the day, and diving again into her
+apron-pocket, brought out a silver gulden and held
+it up.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"For this, then, little miser?  It is more than
+the silly flower is worth; but the young fräulein
+must have all she wants, so take it and let us be
+done with the crying."</p>
+<p class="pnext">A struggle went on in Trudel's mind; and
+for a moment she did not speak.  She longed
+to keep her dear tulip, her one joy, and it
+seemed so hard to let it go before she had even
+seen it blossom once; but then the money
+would do much, and her loving little heart
+yearned to give poor father all he needed.
+Just then her mother's voice came down from
+the open window, softly singing an old hymn to
+lull the sick man to sleep.  That settled the
+matter for the dutiful daughter; tears rose to
+her eyes, and she found it very hard to say
+with a farewell caress of the blue and yellow
+pot as she gave it up,--</p>
+<p class="pnext">"You may have it; but it <em class="italics">is</em> worth more than
+a gulden, for it is a dragon-tulip, the finest we
+have.  Could you give a little more? my father
+is very sick, and we are very poor."</p>
+<p class="pnext">The stout maid had a kind heart under her
+white muslin neckerchief; and while Miss
+Maud seized the flower, good Marta put
+another gulden into Trudel's hand before she
+hastened after her charge, who made off with
+her booty, as if fearing to lose it.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Trudel watched the child with the half-opened
+tulip nodding over her shoulder, as though it
+sadly said "good-by" to its former mistress,
+till her dim eyes could see no longer.  Then
+she covered her face with her apron and sobbed
+very quietly, lest grandmother should hear and
+be troubled.  But Trudel was a brave child, and
+soon the tears stopped, the blue eyes looked
+gladly at the money in her hand, and presently,
+when the fresh wind had cooled her cheeks,
+she went in to show her treasure and cheer up
+the anxious hearts with her good news.</p>
+<p class="pnext">She made light of the loss of her flower, and
+still knitting, went briskly off to get the meat
+and wine for father, and if the money held out,
+some coffee for grandmother, some eggs and
+white rolls for mother, who was weak and worn
+with her long nursing.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Surely, the dear God does help me,"
+thought the pious little maid, while she trudged
+back with her parcels, quite cheery again,
+though no pretty kitten ran to meet her, and
+no gay tulip stood full-blown in the noonday sun.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Still more happy was she over her small
+sacrifices when she saw her father sip a little
+of the good broth grandmother made with such
+care, and saw the color come into the pale
+cheeks of the dear mother after she had taken
+the eggs and fine bread, with a cup of coffee
+to strengthen and refresh her.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"We have enough for to-day, and for father
+to-morrow; but on Sunday we must fast as well
+as pray, unless the hose be done and paid for
+in time," said the old woman next morning,
+surveying their small store of food with an
+anxious eye.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I will work hard, and go to Vrow Schmidt's
+the minute we are done.  But now I must run
+and get wood, else the broth will not be ready,"
+answered Trudel, clattering on her wooden
+shoes in a great hurry.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"If all else fails, I too shall make my
+sacrifice as well as you, my heart's darling.  I
+cannot knit as I once did, and if we are not done, or
+Vrow Schmidt be away, I will sell my ring and
+so feed the flock till Monday," said the
+grandmother, lifting up one thin old hand, where
+shone the wedding-ring she had worn so many years.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Ah, no,--not that!  It was so sad to see
+your gold beads go, and mother's ear-rings and
+father's coat and Jan and my lovely flower!
+We will not sell the dear old ring.  I will find
+a way.  Something will happen, as before; so
+wait a little, and trust to me," cried Trudel,
+with her arms about the grandmother, and such
+a resolute nod that the rusty little black cap fell
+over her nose and extinguished her.</p>
+<p class="pnext">She laughed as she righted it, and went
+singing away, as if not a care lay heavy on her
+young heart.  But when she came to the long
+dike which kept the waters of the lake from
+overflowing the fields below, she walked slowly
+to rest her tired legs, and to refresh her eyes
+with the blue sheet of water on one side and
+the still bluer flax-fields on the other,--for
+they were in full bloom, and the delicate
+flowers danced like fairies in the wind.</p>
+<p class="pnext">It was a lonely place, but Trudel liked it, and
+went on toward the wood, turning the heel of
+her stocking while she walked,--pausing now
+and then to look over at the sluice-gates which
+stood here and there ready to let off the water
+when autumn rains made the lake rise, or in
+the spring when the flax-fields were overflowed
+before the seed was sown.  At the last of these
+she paused to gather a bunch of yellow
+stone-crop growing from a niche in the strong wall
+which, with earth and beams, made the dike.
+As she stooped, the sound of voices in the
+arch below came up to her distinctly.  Few
+people came that way except little girls, like
+herself, to gather fagots in the wood, or truant
+lads to fish in the pond.  Thinking the hidden
+speakers must be some of these boys, she knelt
+down behind the shrubs that grew along the
+banks, and listened with a smile on her lips to
+hear what mischief the naughty fellows were
+planning.  But the smile soon changed to a
+look of terror; and she crouched low behind the
+bushes to catch all that was said in the echoing
+arch below.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"How did I think of the thing?  Why, that
+is the best part of the joke!  Mein Herr von
+Vost put it into my head himself," said a man's
+gruff voice, in answer to some question.  "This
+is the way it was: I sat at the window of the
+beer-house, and Von Vost met the burgomaster
+close by and said, 'My friend, I hear that the
+lower sluice-gate needs looking to.  Please see
+to it speedily, for an overflow now would ruin
+my flax-fields, and cause many of my looms to
+stand still next winter.'  'So!  It shall be looked
+to next week.  Such a misfortune shall not
+befall you, my good neighbor,' said the burgomaster;
+and they parted.  'Ah, ha!' thinks I to
+myself, 'here we have a fine way to revenge
+ourselves on Master von Vost, who turned us
+off and leaves us to starve.  We have but to see
+that the old gate gives way <em class="italics">between</em> now and
+<em class="italics">Monday</em>, and that hard man will suffer in the
+only place where he <em class="italics">can</em> feel,--his pocket.'"</p>
+<p class="pnext">Here the gruff voice broke into a low laugh,
+and another man said slowly,--</p>
+<p class="pnext">"A good plan; but is there no danger of
+being found out, Peit Stensen?"</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Not a chance of it!  See here, Deitrich, a
+quiet blow or two, at night when none can hear
+it, will break away these rotten boards and let
+the water in.  The rest--it will do itself; and
+by morning those great fields will be many feet
+under water, and Von Vost's crop ruined.  Yes,
+we <em class="italics">will</em> stop his looms for him, and other men
+besides you and I and Niklas Haas will stand
+idle with starving children round them.  Come,
+will you lend a hand?  Niklas is away looking
+for work, and Hans Dort is sick, or they might
+be glad to help us."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Hans would never do it.  He is sober, and
+so good a weaver he will never want work when
+he is well.  I <em class="italics">will</em> be with you, Peit; but swear
+not to tell it, whatever happens, for you and
+I have bad names now, and it would go hard
+with us."</p>
+<p class="pnext">"I 'll swear anything; but have no fear.  We
+will not only be revenged on the master, but get
+the job of repairing; since men are scarce and
+the need will be great when the flood is
+discovered.  See, then, how fine a plan it is! and
+meet me here at twelve to-night with a shovel
+and pick.  Mine are already hidden in the wood
+yonder.  Now, come and see where we must
+strike, and then slip home the other way; we
+must not be seen here by any one."</p>
+<p class="pnext">There the voices stopped, and steps were
+heard going deeper into the arch.  Trudel, pale
+with fear, rose to her feet, slipped off her sabots,
+and ran away along the dike like a startled
+rabbit, never pausing till she was safely round
+the corner and out of sight.  Then she took
+breath, and tried to think what to do first.  It
+was of no use to go home and tell the story
+there.  Father was too ill to hear it or to help;
+and if she told the neighbors, the secret would
+soon be known everywhere and might bring
+danger on them all.  No, she must go at once
+to Mein Herr von Vost and tell him alone,
+begging him to let no one know what she had
+heard, but to prevent the mischief the men
+threatened, as if by accident.  Then all would
+be safe, and the pretty flax-fields kept from
+drowning.  It was a long way to the "master's,"
+as he was called, because he owned the linen
+factories, where all day many looms jangled,
+and many men and women worked busily to fill
+his warehouses and ships with piles of the fine
+white cloth, famous all the world over.</p>
+<p class="pnext">But forgetting the wood, father's broth, granny's
+coffee, and even the knitting which she still
+held, Trudel went as fast as she could toward
+the country-house, where Mein Herr von Vost
+would probably be at his breakfast.</p>
+<p class="pnext">She was faint now with hunger and heat, for
+the day grew hot, and the anxiety she felt made
+her heart flutter while she hurried along the
+dusty road till she came to the pretty house in
+its gay garden, where some children were
+playing.  Anxious not to be seen, Trudel slipped
+up the steps, and in at the open window of a
+room where she saw the master and his wife
+sitting at table.  Both looked surprised to see a
+shabby, breathless little girl enter in that
+curious fashion; but something in her face told
+them that she came on an important errand,
+and putting down his cup, the gentleman said
+quickly,--</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Well, girl, what is it?"</p>
+<p class="pnext">In a few words Trudel told her story, adding
+with a beseeching gesture, "Dear sir, please do
+not tell that I betrayed bad Peit and Deitrich.
+They know father, and may do him some harm
+if they discover that I told you this.  We are
+so poor, so unhappy now, we cannot bear any
+more;" and quite overcome with the troubles
+that filled her little heart, and the fatigue and
+the hunger that weakened her little body,
+Trudel dropped down at Von Vost's feet as if
+she were dead.</p>
+<p class="pnext">When she came to herself, she was lying on a
+velvet sofa and the sweet-faced lady was holding
+wine to her lips, while Mein Herr von Vost
+marched up and down the room with his flowered
+dressing-gown waving behind him, and a
+frown on his brow.  Trudel sat up and said she
+was quite well; but the little white face and the
+hungry eyes that wandered to the breakfast-table,
+told the truth, and the good frau had a
+plate of food and a cup of warm milk before
+her in a moment.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"Eat, my poor child, and rest a little, while
+the master considers what is best to be done,
+and how to reward the brave little messenger
+who came so far to save his property," said the
+motherly lady, fanning Trudel, who ate heartily,
+hardly knowing what she ate, except that it was
+very delicious after so much bread and water.</p>
+<p class="pnext">In a few moments Herr von Vost paused
+before the sofa and said kindly, though his eyes
+were stern and his face looked hard,--</p>
+<p class="pnext">"See, then, thus shall I arrange the affair, and
+all will be well.  I will myself go to see the old
+gate, as if made anxious lest the burgomaster
+should forget his promise.  I find it in a
+dangerous state, and at once set my men at work.
+The rascals are disappointed of both revenge
+and wages, and I can soon take care of them
+in other ways, for they are drunken fellows, and
+are easily clapped into prison and kept safely
+there till ready to work and to stop plotting
+mischief.  No one shall know your part in it, my
+girl; but I do not forget it.  Tell your father
+his loom waits for him.  Meanwhile, here is
+something to help while he must be idle."</p>
+<p class="pnext">Trudel's plate nearly fell out of her hands as
+a great gold-piece dropped into her lap; and she
+could only stammer her thanks with tears of
+joy, and a mouth full of bread and butter.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"He is a kind man, but a busy one, and
+people call him 'hard.'  You will not find him
+so hereafter, for he never forgets a favor,
+nor do I.  Eat well, dear child, and wait till
+you are rested.  I will get a basket of comforts
+for the sick man.  Who else needs help at home?"</p>
+<p class="pnext">So kindly did Frau von Vost look and speak
+that Trudel told all her sad tale freely, for the
+master had gone at once to see to the dike,
+after a nod and a pat on the child's head, which
+made her quite sure that he was not as hard
+as people said.</p>
+<p class="pnext">When she had opened her heart to the
+friendly lady, Trudel was left to rest a few
+moments, and lay luxuriously on the yellow sofa
+staring at the handsome things about her, and
+eating pretzels till Frau von Vost returned with
+the promised basket, out of which peeped the
+neck of a wine-bottle, the legs of a chicken,
+glimpses of grapes, and many neat parcels of
+good things.</p>
+<p class="pnext">"My servant goes to market and will carry
+this for you till you are near home.  Go, little
+Trudel; and God bless you for saving us from
+a great misfortune!" said the lady; and she
+kissed the happy child and led her to the back
+door, where stood the little cart with an old
+man to drive the fat horse, and many baskets to
+be filled in town.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Such a lovely drive our Trudel had that day!
+no queen in a splendid chariot ever felt prouder,
+for all her cares were gone, gold was in her
+pocket, food at her feet, and friends secured to
+make times easier for all.  No need to tell how
+joyfully she was welcomed at home, nor what
+praises she received when her secret was
+confided to mother and grandmother, nor what a
+feast was spread in the poor house that
+day,--for patience, courage, and trust in God had won
+the battle, the enemy had fled, and Trudel's
+hard siege was over.</p>
+<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em">
+</div>
+<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure" style="width: 49%" id="figure-102">
+<img class="align-center" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=" " src="images/img-258.jpg" />
+<div class="caption figure">
+Chapter IX tailpiece</div>
+</div>
+<div class="vspace" style="height: 6em">
+</div>
+<!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- -->
+<div class="backmatter">
+</div>
+<p class="pfirst" id="pg-end-line">*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK <span>LULU'S LIBRARY, VOLUME III (OF 3)</span> ***</p>
+<div class="cleardoublepage">
+</div>
+<div class="language-en level-2 pgfooter section" id="a-word-from-project-gutenberg" xml:lang="en" lang="en">
+<span id="pg-footer"></span><h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title">A Word from Project Gutenberg</h2>
+<p class="pfirst">We will update this book if we find any errors.</p>
+<p class="pnext">This book can be found under: <a class="reference external" href="http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/40683"><span>http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/40683</span></a></p>
+<p class="pnext">Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no one
+owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation (and
+you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules, set
+forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic works to
+protect the Project Gutenberg™ concept and trademark. Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you charge
+for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you do not
+charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the rules is
+very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose such as
+creation of derivative works, reports, performances and research.
+They may be modified and printed and given away – you may do
+practically <em class="italics">anything</em> with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.</p>
+<div class="level-3 section" id="the-full-project-gutenberg-license">
+<span id="project-gutenberg-license"></span><h3 class="level-3 pfirst section-title title">The Full Project Gutenberg License</h3>
+<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">Please read this before you distribute or use this work.</em></p>
+<p class="pnext">To protect the Project Gutenberg™ mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase “Project
+Gutenberg”), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full
+Project Gutenberg™ License available with this file or online at
+<a class="reference external" href="http://www.gutenberg.org/license">http://www.gutenberg.org/license</a>.</p>
+<div class="level-4 section" id="section-1-general-terms-of-use-redistributing-project-gutenberg-electronic-works">
+<h4 class="level-4 pfirst section-title title">Section 1. General Terms of Use &amp; Redistributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic works</h4>
+<p class="pfirst"><strong class="bold">1.A.</strong> By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg™
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or
+destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works in your
+possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a
+Project Gutenberg™ electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by
+the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person
+or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.</p>
+<p class="pnext"><strong class="bold">1.B.</strong> “Project Gutenberg” is a registered trademark. It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg™ electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See
+paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg™ electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg™ electronic
+works. See paragraph 1.E below.</p>
+<p class="pnext"><strong class="bold">1.C.</strong> The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation (“the
+Foundation” or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection
+of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works. Nearly all the individual
+works in the collection are in the public domain in the United
+States. If an individual work is in the public domain in the United
+States and you are located in the United States, we do not claim a
+right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing,
+displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as
+all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope
+that you will support the Project Gutenberg™ mission of promoting free
+access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg™ works
+in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the Project
+Gutenberg™ name associated with the work. You can easily comply with
+the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the same format
+with its attached full Project Gutenberg™ License when you share it
+without charge with others.</p>
+<p class="pnext"></p>
+<p class="pnext"><strong class="bold">1.D.</strong> The copyright laws of the place where you are located also
+govern what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most
+countries are in a constant state of change. If you are outside the
+United States, check the laws of your country in addition to the terms
+of this agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing,
+distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any
+other Project Gutenberg™ work.  The Foundation makes no
+representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any
+country outside the United States.</p>
+<p class="pnext"><strong class="bold">1.E.</strong> Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:</p>
+<p class="pnext"><strong class="bold">1.E.1.</strong> The following sentence, with active links to, or other
+immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg™ License must appear
+prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg™ work (any work
+on which the phrase “Project Gutenberg” appears, or with which the
+phrase “Project Gutenberg” is associated) is accessed, displayed,
+performed, viewed, copied or distributed:</p>
+<blockquote>
+<div>
+<p class="pfirst">This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at <a class="reference external" href="http://www.gutenberg.org">http://www.gutenberg.org</a></p>
+</div>
+</blockquote>
+<p class="pfirst"><strong class="bold">1.E.2.</strong> If an individual Project Gutenberg™ electronic work is
+derived from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating
+that it is posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work
+can be copied and distributed to anyone in the United States without
+paying any fees or charges. If you are redistributing or providing
+access to a work with the phrase “Project Gutenberg” associated with
+or appearing on the work, you must comply either with the requirements
+of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of
+the work and the Project Gutenberg™ trademark as set forth in
+paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.</p>
+<p class="pnext"><strong class="bold">1.E.3.</strong> If an individual Project Gutenberg™ electronic work is
+posted with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and
+distribution must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and
+any additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms
+will be linked to the Project Gutenberg™ License for all works posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of
+this work.</p>
+<p class="pnext"><strong class="bold">1.E.4.</strong> Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project
+Gutenberg™ License terms from this work, or any files containing a
+part of this work or any other work associated with Project
+Gutenberg™.</p>
+<p class="pnext"><strong class="bold">1.E.5.</strong> Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute
+this electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg™ License.</p>
+<p class="pnext"><strong class="bold">1.E.6.</strong> You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including
+any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access
+to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg™ work in a format other
+than “Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other format used in the official
+version posted on the official Project Gutenberg™ web site
+(<a class="reference external" href="http://www.gutenberg.org">http://www.gutenberg.org</a>), you must, at no additional cost, fee or
+expense to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a
+means of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original
+“Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other form. Any alternate format must include
+the full Project Gutenberg™ License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.</p>
+<p class="pnext"><strong class="bold">1.E.7.</strong> Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg™ works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.</p>
+<p class="pnext"><strong class="bold">1.E.8.</strong> You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic works provided
+that</p>
+<ul class="open">
+<li><p class="first pfirst">You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+the use of Project Gutenberg™ works calculated using the method you
+already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed to
+the owner of the Project Gutenberg™ trademark, but he has agreed to
+donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid within 60
+days following each date on which you prepare (or are legally
+required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty payments
+should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in Section 4,
+“Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation.”</p>
+</li>
+<li><p class="first pfirst">You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg™
+License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all
+copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue
+all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg™
+works.</p>
+</li>
+<li><p class="first pfirst">You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of
+any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of
+receipt of the work.</p>
+</li>
+<li><p class="first pfirst">You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+distribution of Project Gutenberg™ works.</p>
+</li>
+</ul>
+<p class="pfirst"><strong class="bold">1.E.9.</strong> If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project
+Gutenberg™ electronic work or group of works on different terms than
+are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing
+from both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and
+Michael Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg™ trademark. Contact
+the Foundation as set forth in Section 3. below.</p>
+<p class="pnext"><strong class="bold">1.F.</strong></p>
+<p class="pnext"><strong class="bold">1.F.1.</strong> Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend
+considerable effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe
+and proofread public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg™
+collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg™ electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+“Defects,” such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.</p>
+<p class="pnext"><strong class="bold">1.F.2.</strong> LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES – Except for the
+“Right of Replacement or Refund” described in paragraph 1.F.3, the
+Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the
+Project Gutenberg™ trademark, and any other party distributing a
+Project Gutenberg™ electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.</p>
+<p class="pnext"><strong class="bold">1.F.3.</strong> LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND – If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium
+with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you
+with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in
+lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person
+or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second
+opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If
+the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing
+without further opportunities to fix the problem.</p>
+<p class="pnext"><strong class="bold">1.F.4.</strong> Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set
+forth in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you ‘AS-IS,’ WITH
+NO OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT
+LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.</p>
+<p class="pnext"><strong class="bold">1.F.5.</strong> Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of
+damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement
+violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the
+agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or
+limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or
+unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the
+remaining provisions.</p>
+<p class="pnext"><strong class="bold">1.F.6.</strong> INDEMNITY – You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation,
+the trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the
+production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg™
+electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses,
+including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of
+the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this
+or any Project Gutenberg™ work, (b) alteration, modification, or
+additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg™ work, and (c) any
+Defect you cause.</p>
+</div>
+<div class="level-4 section" id="section-2-information-about-the-mission-of-project-gutenberg">
+<h4 class="level-4 pfirst section-title title">Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg™</h4>
+<p class="pfirst">Project Gutenberg™ is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of
+computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It
+exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations
+from people in all walks of life.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg™'s
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg™ collection will remain
+freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg™ and future generations. To
+learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and
+how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 and the
+Foundation web page at <a class="reference external" href="http://www.pglaf.org">http://www.pglaf.org</a> .</p>
+</div>
+<div class="level-4 section" id="section-3-information-about-the-project-gutenberg-literary-archive-foundation">
+<h4 class="level-4 pfirst section-title title">Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation</h4>
+<p class="pfirst">The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+<a class="reference external" href="http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/pglaf">http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/pglaf</a> . Contributions to the
+Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to
+the full extent permitted by U.S.  federal laws and your state's laws.</p>
+<p class="pnext">The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr.
+S. Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are
+scattered throughout numerous locations. Its business office is
+located at 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801)
+596-1887, email <a class="reference external" href="mailto:business@pglaf.org">business@pglaf.org</a>. Email contact links and up to date
+contact information can be found at the Foundation's web site and
+official page at <a class="reference external" href="http://www.pglaf.org">http://www.pglaf.org</a></p>
+<p class="pnext">For additional contact information:</p>
+<blockquote>
+<div>
+<div class="line-block outermost">
+<div class="line">Dr. Gregory B. Newby</div>
+<div class="line">Chief Executive and Director</div>
+<div class="line"><a class="reference external" href="mailto:gbnewby@pglaf.org">gbnewby@pglaf.org</a></div>
+</div>
+</div>
+</blockquote>
+</div>
+<div class="level-4 section" id="section-4-information-about-donations-to-the-project-gutenberg-literary-archive-foundation">
+<h4 class="level-4 pfirst section-title title">Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation</h4>
+<p class="pfirst">Project Gutenberg™ depends upon and cannot survive without wide spread
+public support and donations to carry out its mission of increasing
+the number of public domain and licensed works that can be freely
+distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest array of
+equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations ($1 to
+$5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt status
+with the IRS.</p>
+<p class="pnext">The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND
+DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular
+state visit <a class="reference external" href="http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate">http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate</a></p>
+<p class="pnext">While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.</p>
+<p class="pnext">International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To
+donate, please visit: <a class="reference external" href="http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate">http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate</a></p>
+</div>
+<div class="level-4 section" id="section-5-general-information-about-project-gutenberg-electronic-works">
+<h4 class="level-4 pfirst section-title title">Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg™ electronic works.</h4>
+<p class="pfirst">Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg™
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg™ eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Project Gutenberg™ eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the
+U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not
+necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper
+edition.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Each eBook is in a subdirectory of the same number as the eBook's
+eBook number, often in several formats including plain vanilla ASCII,
+compressed (zipped), HTML and others.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Corrected <em class="italics">editions</em> of our eBooks replace the old file and take over
+the old filename and etext number. The replaced older file is
+renamed. <em class="italics">Versions</em> based on separate sources are treated as new
+eBooks receiving new filenames and etext numbers.</p>
+<p class="pnext">Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search
+facility:</p>
+<blockquote>
+<div>
+<p class="pfirst"><a class="reference external" href="http://www.gutenberg.org">http://www.gutenberg.org</a></p>
+</div>
+</blockquote>
+<p class="pfirst">This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg™, including
+how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to subscribe
+to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.</p>
+</div>
+</div>
+</div>
+</div>
+</body>
+</html>
diff --git a/40683-h/images/img-007.jpg b/40683-h/images/img-007.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0e48cf0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40683-h/images/img-007.jpg
diff --git a/40683-h/images/img-021.jpg b/40683-h/images/img-021.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5e4acf3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40683-h/images/img-021.jpg
diff --git a/40683-h/images/img-022.jpg b/40683-h/images/img-022.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..237fc58
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40683-h/images/img-022.jpg
diff --git a/40683-h/images/img-042.jpg b/40683-h/images/img-042.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c651e3d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40683-h/images/img-042.jpg
diff --git a/40683-h/images/img-043.jpg b/40683-h/images/img-043.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..295ec7e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40683-h/images/img-043.jpg
diff --git a/40683-h/images/img-063.jpg b/40683-h/images/img-063.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..81e8c71
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40683-h/images/img-063.jpg
diff --git a/40683-h/images/img-091.jpg b/40683-h/images/img-091.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..388d454
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40683-h/images/img-091.jpg
diff --git a/40683-h/images/img-092.jpg b/40683-h/images/img-092.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..caf51bf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40683-h/images/img-092.jpg
diff --git a/40683-h/images/img-142.jpg b/40683-h/images/img-142.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..63e7783
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40683-h/images/img-142.jpg
diff --git a/40683-h/images/img-164.jpg b/40683-h/images/img-164.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2cd70d5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40683-h/images/img-164.jpg
diff --git a/40683-h/images/img-165.jpg b/40683-h/images/img-165.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8d160e8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40683-h/images/img-165.jpg
diff --git a/40683-h/images/img-204.jpg b/40683-h/images/img-204.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e76fe85
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40683-h/images/img-204.jpg
diff --git a/40683-h/images/img-205.jpg b/40683-h/images/img-205.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..afa12f9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40683-h/images/img-205.jpg
diff --git a/40683-h/images/img-218.jpg b/40683-h/images/img-218.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8871a78
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40683-h/images/img-218.jpg
diff --git a/40683-h/images/img-219.jpg b/40683-h/images/img-219.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d233f12
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40683-h/images/img-219.jpg
diff --git a/40683-h/images/img-258.jpg b/40683-h/images/img-258.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..58943e2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40683-h/images/img-258.jpg
diff --git a/40683-h/images/img-cover.jpg b/40683-h/images/img-cover.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..dd4cad0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40683-h/images/img-cover.jpg
diff --git a/40683-rst.zip b/40683-rst.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6323924
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40683-rst.zip
diff --git a/40683-rst/40683-rst.rst b/40683-rst/40683-rst.rst
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a23a0a7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40683-rst/40683-rst.rst
@@ -0,0 +1,7272 @@
+.. -*- encoding: utf-8 -*-

+

+.. meta::

+   :PG.Id: 40683

+   :PG.Title: Lulu's Library, Volume III (of 3)

+   :PG.Released: 2012-09-05

+   :PG.Rights: Public Domain

+   :PG.Producer: Al Haines

+   :DC.Creator: Louisa \M. Alcott

+   :DC.Title: Lulu's Library, Volume III (of 3)

+   :DC.Language: en

+   :DC.Created: 1889

+   :coverpage: images/img-cover.jpg

+

+==========================

+LULU'S LIBRARY, VOLUME III

+==========================

+

+.. clearpage::

+

+.. pgheader::

+

+.. container:: coverpage

+

+   .. vspace:: 3

+

+   .. figure:: images/img-cover.jpg

+      :align: center

+      :alt: Cover

+

+      Cover

+

+   .. vspace:: 4

+

+.. container:: titlepage center white-space-pre-line

+

+   .. class:: x-large

+

+      LULU'S LIBRARY.

+

+   .. vspace:: 2

+

+   .. class:: medium

+

+      BY

+

+   .. class:: large

+

+      LOUISA \M. ALCOTT,

+

+   .. vspace:: 2

+

+   .. class:: small

+

+      AUTHOR OF "LITTLE WOMEN," "AN OLD-FASHIONED GIRL," "LITTLE MEN,"

+      "EIGHT COUSINS," "ROSE IN BLOOM," "UNDER THE LILACS," "JACK

+      AND JILL," "JO'S BOYS," "HOSPITAL SKETCHES," "WORK, A STORY

+      OF EXPERIENCE," "MOODS, A NOVEL," "PROVERB STORIES,"

+      "SILVER PITCHERS," "SPINNING-WHEEL STORIES,"

+      "A GARLAND FOR GIRLS," "AUNT

+      JO'S SCRAP-BAG."

+

+   .. vspace:: 3

+

+   .. class:: large

+

+      VOL. III.

+

+   .. class:: medium

+

+      RECOLLECTIONS OF MY CHILDHOOD.

+      A CHRISTMAS TURKEY, AND HOW IT CAME.

+      THE SILVER PARTY.

+      THE BLIND LARK.

+      MUSIC AND MACARONI.

+      THE LITTLE RED PURSE.

+      SOPHIE'S SECRET.

+      DOLLY'S BEDSTEAD.

+      TRUDEL'S SIEGE.

+

+   .. vspace:: 3

+

+   .. class:: center medium

+

+      BOSTON:

+      ROBERTS BROTHERS.

+      1889.

+

+   .. vspace:: 4

+

+.. container:: verso center white-space-pre-line

+

+   .. class:: center small

+

+      *Copyright, 1889,*

+      BY \J. \S. \P. ALCOTT.

+

+   .. vspace:: 3

+

+   .. class:: center small

+

+      University Press:

+      JOHN WILSON AND SON, CAMBRIDGE.

+

+   .. vspace:: 4

+

+.. container:: plainpage

+

+   .. class:: center large

+

+      CONTENTS.

+

+   .. class:: left medium

+

+      I.  `Recollections of My Childhood`_

+      II.  `A Christmas Turkey, and How It Came`_

+      III.  `The Silver Party`_

+      IV.  `The Blind Lark`_

+      V.  `Music and Macaroni`_

+      VI.  `The Little Red Purse`_

+      VII.  `Sophie's Secret`_

+      VIII.  `Dolly's Bedstead`_

+      IX.  `Trudel's Siege`_

+

+.. vspace:: 4

+

+.. _`RECOLLECTIONS OF MY CHILDHOOD`:

+

+.. figure:: images/img-007.jpg

+   :align: center

+   :alt: Louisa May Alcott

+

+   Louisa May Alcott

+

+.. vspace:: 3

+

+.. class:: center large

+

+   \I.

+

+

+.. class:: center medium

+

+   RECOLLECTIONS OF MY CHILDHOOD.

+

+.. vspace:: 2

+

+One of my earliest memories is of playing

+with books in my father's study,--building

+towers and bridges of the big dictionaries,

+looking at pictures, pretending to read, and

+scribbling on blank pages whenever pen or

+pencil could be found.  Many of these first

+attempts at authorship still exist; and I often

+wonder if these childish plays did not influence

+my after-life, since books have been my greatest

+comfort, castle-building a never-failing delight,

+and scribbling a very profitable amusement.

+

+Another very vivid recollection is of the day

+when running after my hoop I fell into the Frog

+Pond and was rescued by a black boy, becoming

+a friend to the colored race then and there,

+though my mother always declared that I was

+an abolitionist at the age of three.

+

+During the Garrison riot in Boston the

+portrait of George Thompson was hidden under a

+bed in our house for safekeeping; and I am

+told that I used to go and comfort "the good

+man who helped poor slaves" in his captivity.

+However that may be, the conversion was

+genuine; and my greatest pride is in the fact that I

+have lived to know the brave men and women

+who did so much for the cause, and that I had

+a very small share in the war which put an end

+to a great wrong.

+

+Being born on the birthday of Columbus, I

+seem to have something of my patron saint's

+spirit of adventure, and running away was one

+of the delights of my childhood.  Many a social

+lunch have I shared with hospitable Irish beggar

+children, as we ate our crusts, cold potatoes,

+and salt fish on voyages of discovery among

+the ash heaps of the waste land that then lay

+where the Albany station now stands.

+

+Many an impromptu picnic have I had on

+the dear old Common, with strange boys, pretty

+babies, and friendly dogs, who always seemed

+to feel that this reckless young person needed looking after.

+

+On one occasion the town-crier found me fast

+asleep at nine o'clock at night, on a doorstep

+in Bedford Street, with my head pillowed on

+the curly breast of a big Newfoundland, who

+was with difficulty persuaded to release the

+weary little wanderer who had sobbed herself

+to sleep there.

+

+I often smile as I pass that door, and never

+forget to give a grateful pat to every big dog I

+meet, for never have I slept more soundly than

+on that dusty step, nor found a better friend

+than the noble animal who watched over the

+lost baby so faithfully.

+

+My father's school was the only one I ever

+went to; and when this was broken up because

+he introduced methods now all the fashion, our

+lessons went on at home, for he was always sure

+of four little pupils who firmly believed in their

+teacher, though they have not done him all the

+credit he deserved.

+

+I never liked arithmetic or grammar, and

+dodged these branches on all occasions; but

+reading, composition, history, and geography

+I enjoyed, as well as the stories read to us with

+a skill which made the dullest charming and useful.

+

+"Pilgrim's Progress," Krummacher's "Parables,"

+Miss Edgeworth, and the best of the

+dear old fairy tales made that hour the

+pleasantest of our day.  On Sundays we had a simple

+service of Bible stories, hymns, and conversation

+about the state of our little consciences and

+the conduct of our childish lives which never

+will be forgotten.

+

+Walks each morning round the Common

+while in the city, and long tramps over hill and

+dale when our home was in the country, were a

+part of our education, as well as every sort of

+housework, for which I have always been very

+grateful, since such knowledge makes one

+independent in these days of domestic

+tribulation with the help who are too often only

+hindrances.

+

+Needle-work began early; and at ten my skilful

+sister made a linen shirt beautifully, while at

+twelve I set up as a dolls' dressmaker, with

+my sign out, and wonderful models in my

+window.  All the children employed me; and my

+turbans were the rage at one time, to the great

+dismay of the neighbor's hens, who were hotly

+hunted down that I might tweak out their

+downiest feathers to adorn the dolls' head-gear.

+

+Active exercise was my delight from the time

+when a child of six I drove my hoop round the

+Common without stopping, to the days when I

+did my twenty miles in five hours and went to

+a party in the evening.

+

+I always thought I must have been a deer or

+a horse in some former state, because it was

+such a joy to run.  No boy could be my friend

+till I had beaten him in a race, and no girl if

+she refused to climb trees, leap fences, and be a tomboy.

+

+My wise mother, anxious to give me a strong

+body to support a lively brain, turned me loose

+in the country and let me run wild, learning of

+Nature what no books can teach, and being led,

+as those who truly love her seldom fail to be,

+

+   |   "Through Nature up to Nature's God."

+   |

+

+I remember running over the hills just at

+dawn one summer morning, and pausing to rest

+in the silent woods, saw, through an arch of

+trees, the sun rise over river, hill, and wide green

+meadows as I never saw it before.

+

+Something born of the lovely hour, a happy

+mood, and the unfolding aspirations of a child's

+soul seemed to bring me very near to God; and

+in the hush of that morning hour I always felt

+that I "got religion," as the phrase goes.  A

+new and vital sense of His presence, tender and

+sustaining as a father's arms, came to me then,

+never to change through forty years of life's

+vicissitudes, but to grow stronger for the sharp

+discipline of poverty and pain, sorrow and success.

+

+Those Concord days were the happiest of

+my life, for we had charming playmates in the

+little Emersons, Channings, Hawthornes, and

+Goodwins, with the illustrious parents and

+their friends to enjoy our pranks and share

+our excursions.

+

+Plays in the barn were a favorite amusement,

+and we dramatized the fairy tales in great style.

+Our giant came tumbling off a loft when Jack

+cut down the squash-vine running up a ladder

+to represent the immortal bean.  Cinderella

+rolled away in a vast pumpkin; and a long black

+pudding was lowered by invisible hands to fasten

+itself on the nose of the woman who wasted her

+three wishes.

+

+Little pilgrims journeyed over the hills with

+scrip and staff, and cockle-shells in their hats;

+elves held their pretty revels among the pines,

+and "Peter Wilkins'" flying ladies came

+swinging down on the birch tree-tops.  Lords and

+ladies haunted the garden, and mermaids

+splashed in the bath-house of woven willows

+over the brook.

+

+People wondered at our frolics, but enjoyed

+them; and droll stories are still told of the

+adventures of those days.  Mr. Emerson and

+Margaret Fuller were visiting my parents one

+afternoon; and the conversation having turned

+to the ever-interesting subject of education, Miss

+Fuller said,--

+

+"Well, Mr. Alcott, you have been able to

+carry out your methods in your own family, and

+I should like to see your model children."

+

+She did in a few moments,--for as the

+guests stood on the doorsteps a wild uproar

+approached, and round the corner of the house

+came a wheelbarrow holding baby May arrayed

+as a queen; I was the horse, bitted and bridled,

+and driven by my elder sister Anna, while

+Lizzie played dog and barked as loud as her

+gentle voice permitted.

+

+All were shouting, and wild with fun, which,

+however, came to a sudden end as we espied

+the stately group before us, for my foot tripped,

+and down we all went in a laughing heap, while

+my mother put a climax to the joke by saying

+with a dramatic wave of the hand,--

+

+"Here are the model children, Miss Fuller!"

+

+My sentimental period began at fifteen, when

+I fell to writing romances, poems, a "heart

+journal," and dreaming dreams of a splendid

+future.

+

+Browsing over Mr. Emerson's library, I found

+"Goethe's Correspondence with a Child," and

+was at once fired with the desire to be a second

+Bettine, making my father's friend my Goethe.

+So I wrote letters to him, but was wise enough

+never to send them, left wild flowers on the

+doorsteps of my "Master," sung Mignon's

+song in very bad German under his window, and

+was fond of wandering by moonlight, or sitting

+in a cherry-tree at midnight till the owls scared

+me to bed.

+

+The girlish folly did not last long, and the

+letters were burned years ago; but Goethe is still

+my favorite author, and Emerson remained my

+beloved "Master" while he lived, doing more

+for me, as for many another young soul, than

+he ever knew, by the simple beauty of his life,

+the truth and wisdom of his books, the example

+of a good great man untempted and unspoiled

+by the world which he made nobler while in it,

+and left the richer when he went.

+

+The trials of life began about this time, and

+my happy childhood ended.  Money is never

+plentiful in a philosopher's house; and even

+the maternal pelican could not supply all our

+wants on the small income which was freely

+shared with every needy soul who asked for help.

+

+Fugitive slaves were sheltered under our roof;

+and my first pupil was a very black George

+Washington whom I taught to write on the

+hearth with charcoal, his big fingers finding

+pen and pencil unmanageable.

+

+Motherless girls seeking protection were

+guarded among us; hungry travellers sent on

+to our door to be fed and warmed; and if the

+philosopher happened to own two coats, the best

+went to a needy brother, for these were practical

+Christians who had the most perfect faith in

+Providence, and never found it betrayed.

+

+In those days the prophets were not honored

+in their own land, and Concord had not yet

+discovered her great men.  It was a sort of refuge

+for reformers of all sorts, whom the good natives

+regarded as lunatics, harmless but amusing.

+

+My father went away to hold his classes and

+conversations, and we women folk began to feel

+that we also might do something.  So one

+gloomy November day we decided to move to

+Boston and try our fate again after some years

+in the wilderness.

+

+My father's prospect was as promising as a

+philosopher's ever is in a money-making world;

+my mother's friends offered her a good salary

+as their missionary to the poor; and my sister

+and I hoped to teach.  It was an anxious

+council; and always preferring action to discussion,

+I took a brisk run over the hill and then

+settled down for "a good think" in my favorite retreat.

+

+It was an old cart-wheel, half hidden in grass

+under the locusts where I used to sit to wrestle

+with my sums, and usually forget them scribbling

+verses or fairy tales on my slate instead.

+Perched on the hub, I surveyed the prospect and

+found it rather gloomy, with leafless trees, sere

+grass, leaden sky, and frosty air; but the hopeful

+heart of fifteen beat warmly under the old red

+shawl, visions of success gave the gray clouds a

+silver lining, and I said defiantly, as I shook my

+fist at fate embodied in a crow cawing dismally

+on a fence near by,--

+

+"I *will* do something by-and-by.  Don't care

+what, teach, sew, act, write, anything to help

+the family; and I'll be rich and famous and

+happy before I die, see if I won't!"

+

+Startled by this audacious outburst, the crow

+flew away; but the old wheel creaked as if it

+began to turn at that moment, stirred by the

+intense desire of an ambitious girl to work for

+those she loved and find some reward when the

+duty was done.

+

+I did not mind the omen then, and returned

+to the house cold but resolute.  I think I began

+to shoulder my burden then and there, for when

+the free country life ended, the wild colt soon

+learned to tug in harness, only breaking loose

+now and then for a taste of beloved liberty.

+

+My sisters and I had cherished fine dreams of

+a home in the city; but when we found ourselves

+in a small house at the South End with not a

+tree in sight, only a back yard to play in, and

+no money to buy any of the splendors before

+us, we all rebelled and longed for the country again.

+

+Anna soon found little pupils, and trudged

+away each morning to her daily task, pausing at

+the corner to wave her hand to me in answer

+to my salute with the duster.  My father went to

+his classes at his room down town, mother to

+her all-absorbing poor, the little girls to school,

+and I was left to keep house, feeling like a

+caged sea-gull as I washed dishes and cooked

+in the basement kitchen, where my prospect was

+limited to a procession of muddy boots.

+

+Good drill, but very hard; and my only

+consolation was the evening reunion when all met

+with such varied reports of the day's adventures,

+we could not fail to find both amusement and

+instruction.

+

+Father brought news from the upper world,

+and the wise, good people who adorned it;

+mother, usually much dilapidated because she

+*would* give away her clothes, with sad tales of

+suffering and sin from the darker side of life;

+gentle Anna a modest account of her success as

+teacher, for even at seventeen her sweet nature

+won all who knew her, and her patience quelled

+the most rebellious pupil.

+

+My reports were usually a mixture of the

+tragic and the comic; and the children poured

+their small joys and woes into the family bosom,

+where comfort and sympathy were always to be found.

+

+Then we youngsters adjourned to the kitchen

+for our fun, which usually consisted of writing,

+dressing, and acting a series of remarkable plays.

+In one I remember I took five parts and Anna

+four, with lightning changes of costume, and

+characters varying from a Greek prince in silver

+armor to a murderer in chains.

+

+It was good training for memory and fingers,

+for we recited pages without a fault, and made

+every sort of property from a harp to a fairy's

+spangled wings.  Later we acted Shakespeare;

+and Hamlet was my favorite hero, played with

+a gloomy glare and a tragic stalk which I have

+never seen surpassed.

+

+But we were now beginning to play our parts

+on a real stage, and to know something of the

+pathetic side of life, with its hard facts, irksome

+duties, many temptations, and the daily sacrifice

+of self.  Fortunately we had the truest,

+tenderest of guides and guards, and so learned the

+sweet uses of adversity, the value of honest

+work, the beautiful law of compensation which

+gives more than it takes, and the real significance

+of life.

+

+At sixteen I began to teach twenty pupils,

+and for ten years learned to know and love

+children.  The story-writing went on all the

+while with the usual trials of beginners.  Fairy

+tales told the Emersons made the first printed

+book, and "Hospital Sketches" the first

+successful one.

+

+Every experience went into the caldron to

+come out as froth, or evaporate in smoke, till

+time and suffering strengthened and clarified

+the mixture of truth and fancy, and a

+wholesome draught for children began to flow

+pleasantly and profitably.

+

+So the omen proved a true one, and the wheel

+of fortune turned slowly, till the girl of fifteen

+found herself a woman of fifty, with her

+prophetic dream beautifully realized, her duty done,

+her reward far greater than she deserved.

+

+.. vspace:: 3

+

+.. figure:: images/img-021.jpg

+   :align: center

+   :alt: Chapter I tailpiece

+

+   Chapter I tailpiece

+

+.. vspace:: 4

+

+.. _`A CHRISTMAS TURKEY, AND HOW IT CAME`:

+

+.. figure:: images/img-022.jpg

+   :align: center

+   :alt: Kitty gives the bunch of holly to the little girl.

+

+   Kitty gives the bunch of holly to the little girl.--PAGE `36`_.

+

+.. vspace:: 3

+

+.. class:: center large

+

+   \II.

+

+

+.. class:: center medium

+

+   A CHRISTMAS TURKEY, AND HOW IT CAME.

+

+.. vspace:: 2

+

+"I know we could n't do it."

+

+"I say we could, if we all helped."

+

+"How can we?"

+

+"I've planned lots of ways; only you mustn't

+laugh at them, and you must n't say a word to

+mother.  I want it to be all a surprise."

+

+"She 'll find us out."

+

+"No, she won't, if we tell her we won't get

+into mischief."

+

+"Fire away, then, and let's hear your fine plans."

+

+"We must talk softly, or we shall wake father.

+He's got a headache."

+

+A curious change came over the faces of the

+two boys as their sister lowered her voice, with

+a nod toward a half-opened door.  They looked

+sad and ashamed, and Kitty sighed as she

+spoke, for all knew that father's headaches

+always began by his coming home stupid or

+cross, with only a part of his wages; and mother

+always cried when she thought they did not see

+her, and after the long sleep father looked as

+if he did n't like to meet their eyes, but went

+off early.

+

+They knew what it meant, but never spoke of

+it,--only pondered over it, and mourned with

+mother at the change which was slowly altering

+their kind industrious father into a moody

+man, and mother into an anxious over-worked

+woman.

+

+Kitty was thirteen, and a very capable girl,

+who helped with the housekeeping, took care

+of the two little ones, and went to school.

+Tommy and Sammy looked up to her and

+thought her a remarkably good sister.  Now,

+as they sat round the stove having "a go-to-bed

+warm," the three heads were close together;

+and the boys listened eagerly to Kitty's plans,

+while the rattle of the sewing-machine in

+another room went on as tirelessly as it had done

+all day, for mother's work was more and more

+needed every month.

+

+"Well!" began Kitty, in an impressive tone,

+"we all know that there won't be a bit of Christmas

+in this family if we don't make it.  Mother's

+too busy, and father don't care, so we must see

+what we can do; for I should be mortified to

+death to go to school and say I had n't had any

+turkey or plum-pudding.  Don't expect

+presents; but we *must* have some kind of a decent

+dinner."

+

+"So I say; I'm tired of fish and potatoes,"

+said Sammy, the younger.

+

+"But where's the dinner coming from?"

+asked Tommy, who had already taken some of

+the cares of life on his young shoulders, and

+knew that Christmas dinners did not walk into

+people's houses without money.

+

+"We 'll earn it;" and Kitty looked like a

+small Napoleon planning the passage of the

+Alps.  "You, Tom, must go early to-morrow

+to Mr. Brisket and offer to carry baskets.  He

+will be dreadfully busy, and want you, I know;

+and you are so strong you can lug as much as

+some of the big fellows.  He pays well, and if

+he won't give much money, you can take your

+wages in things to eat.  We want everything."

+

+"What shall I do?" cried Sammy, while

+Tom sat turning this plan over in his mind.

+

+"Take the old shovel and clear sidewalks.

+The snow came on purpose to help you."

+

+"It's awful hard work, and the shovel's half

+gone," began Sammy, who preferred to spend

+his holiday coasting on an old tea-tray.

+

+"Don't growl, or you won't get any dinner,"

+said Tom, making up his mind to lug baskets

+for the good of the family, like a manly lad as

+he was.

+

+"I," continued Kitty, "have taken the hardest

+part of all; for after my work is done, and the

+babies safely settled, I 'm going to beg for the

+leavings of the holly and pine swept out of

+the church down below, and make some wreaths

+and sell them."

+

+"If you can," put in Tommy, who had tried

+pencils, and failed to make a fortune.

+

+"Not in the street?" cried Sam, looking alarmed.

+

+"Yes, at the corner of the Park.  I 'm bound

+to make some money, and don't see any other

+way.  I shall put on an old hood and shawl,

+and no one will know me.  Don't care if they

+do."  And Kitty tried to mean what she said,

+but in her heart she felt that it would be a trial

+to her pride if any of her schoolmates should

+happen to recognize her.

+

+"Don't believe you 'll do it."

+

+"See if I don't; for I *will* have a good dinner

+one day in the year."

+

+"Well, it does n't seem right for us to do it.

+Father ought to take care of us, and we only

+buy some presents with the little bit we earn.

+He never gives us anything now."  And

+Tommy scowled at the bedroom door, with a

+strong sense of injury struggling with affection

+in his boyish heart.

+

+"Hush!" cried Kitty.  "Don't blame him.

+Mother says we never must forget he's our

+father.  I try not to; but when she cries, it's

+hard to feel as I ought."  And a sob made the

+little girl stop short as she poked the fire to

+hide the trouble in the face that should have

+been all smiles.

+

+For a moment the room was very still, as the

+snow beat on the window, and the fire-light

+flickered over the six shabby little boots put

+up on the stove hearth to dry.

+

+Tommy's cheerful voice broke the silence,

+saying stoutly, "Well, if I 've got to work all

+day, I guess I 'll go to bed early.  Don't fret,

+Kit.  We 'll help all we can, and have a good

+time; see if we don't."

+

+"I 'll go out real early, and shovel like fury.

+Maybe I 'll get a dollar.  Would that buy a

+turkey?" asked Sammy, with the air of a

+millionnaire.

+

+"No, dear; one big enough for us would

+cost two, I 'm afraid.  Perhaps we 'll have one

+sent us.  We belong to the church, though

+folks don't know how poor we are now, and we

+can't beg."  And Kitty bustled about, clearing

+up, rather exercised in her mind about going

+and asking for the much-desired fowl.

+

+Soon all three were fast asleep, and nothing

+but the whir of the machine broke the quiet

+that fell upon the house.  Then from the inner

+room a man came and sat over the fire with his

+head in his hands and his eyes fixed on the

+ragged little boots left to dry.  He had heard the

+children's talk; and his heart was very heavy

+as he looked about the shabby room that used

+to be so neat and pleasant.  What he thought no

+one knows, what he did we shall see by-and-by;

+but the sorrow and shame and tender silence

+of his children worked a miracle that night

+more lasting and lovely than the white beauty

+which the snow wrought upon the sleeping city.

+

+Bright and early the boys were away to their

+work; while Kitty sang as she dressed the little

+sisters, put the house in order, and made her

+mother smile at the mysterious hints she gave

+of something splendid which was going to

+happen.  Father was gone, and though all

+rather dreaded evening, nothing was said; but

+each worked with a will, feeling that Christmas

+should be merry in spite of poverty and care.

+

+All day Tommy lugged fat turkeys, roasts of

+beef, and every sort of vegetable for other

+people's good dinners on the morrow,

+wondering meanwhile where his own was coming from.

+Mr. Brisket had an army of boys trudging here

+and there, and was too busy to notice any

+particular lad till the hurry was over, and only a

+few belated buyers remained to be served.  It

+was late; but the stores kept open, and though

+so tired he could hardly stand, brave Tommy

+held on when the other boys left, hoping to

+earn a trifle more by extra work.  He sat down

+on a barrel to rest during a leisure moment,

+and presently his weary head nodded sideways

+into a basket of cranberries, where he slept

+quietly till the sound of gruff voices roused him.

+

+It was Mr. Brisket scolding because one

+dinner had been forgotten.

+

+"I told that rascal Beals to be sure and carry

+it, for the old gentleman will be in a rage if

+it does n't come, and take away his custom.

+Every boy gone, and I can't leave the store,

+nor you either, Pat, with all the clearing up

+to do."

+

+"Here's a by, sir, slapin illigant forninst the

+cranberries, bad luck to him!" answered Pat,

+with a shake that set poor Tom on his legs,

+wide awake at once.

+

+"*Good* luck to him, you mean.  Here,

+What's-your-name, you take this basket to that number,

+and I 'll make it worth your while," said

+Mr. Brisket, much relieved by this unexpected help.

+

+"All right, sir;" and Tommy trudged off as

+briskly as his tired legs would let him, cheering

+the long cold walk with visions of the turkey

+with which his employer might reward him, for

+there were piles of them, and Pat was to have

+one for his family.

+

+His brilliant dreams were disappointed,

+however, for Mr. Brisket naturally supposed Tom's

+father would attend to that part of the dinner,

+and generously heaped a basket with vegetables,

+rosy apples, and a quart of cranberries.

+

+"There, if you ain't too tired, you can take

+one more load to that number, and a merry

+Christmas to you!" said the stout man,

+handing over his gift with the promised dollar.

+

+"Thank you, sir; good-night," answered

+Tom, shouldering his last load with a grateful

+smile, and trying not to look longingly at the

+poultry; for he had set his heart on at least a

+skinny bird as a surprise to Kit.

+

+Sammy's adventures that day had been more

+varied and his efforts more successful, as we

+shall see, in the end, for Sammy was a most

+engaging little fellow, and no one could look

+into his blue eyes without wanting to pat his

+curly yellow head with one hand while the other

+gave him something.  The cares of life had not

+lessened his confidence in people; and only the

+most abandoned ruffians had the heart to

+deceive or disappoint him.  His very tribulations

+usually led to something pleasant, and whatever

+happened, sunshiny Sam came right side up,

+lucky and laughing.

+

+Undaunted by the drifts or the cold wind, he

+marched off with the remains of the old shovel

+to seek his fortune, and found it at the third

+house where he called.  The first two sidewalks

+were easy jobs; and he pocketed his ninepences

+with a growing conviction that this was his

+chosen work.  The third sidewalk was a fine

+long one, for the house stood on the corner, and

+two pavements must be cleared.

+

+"It ought to be fifty cents; but perhaps they

+won't give me so much, I'm such a young one.

+I'll show 'em I can work, though, like a man;"

+and Sammy rang the bell with the energy of a

+telegraph boy.

+

+Before the bell could be answered, a big boy

+rushed up, exclaiming roughly, "Get out of

+this!  I'm going to have the job.  You can't

+do it.  Start, now, or I'll chuck you into a snow-bank."

+

+"I won't!" answered Sammy, indignant at

+the brutal tone and unjust claim.  "I got here

+first, and it's my job.  You let me alone.  I

+ain't afraid of you or your snow-banks either."

+

+The big boy wasted no time in words, for

+steps were heard inside, but after a brief scuffle

+hauled Sammy, fighting bravely all the way,

+down the steps, and tumbled him into a deep

+drift.  Then he ran up the steps, and respectfully

+asked for the job when a neat maid opened

+the door.  He would have got it if Sam had

+not roared out, as he floundered in the drift,

+"I came first.  He knocked me down 'cause

+I 'm the smallest.  Please let me do it; please!"

+

+Before another word could be said, a little old

+lady appeared in the hall, trying to look stern,

+and failing entirely, because she was the picture

+of a dear fat, cosey grandma.

+

+"Send that *bad* big boy away, Maria, and

+call in the poor little fellow.  I saw the whole

+thing, and *he* shall have the job if he can do it."

+

+The bully slunk away, and Sammy came

+panting up the steps, white with snow, a great

+bruise on his forehead, and a beaming smile on

+his face, looking so like a jolly little Santa Claus

+who had taken a "header" out of his sleigh

+that the maid laughed, and the old lady

+exclaimed, "Bless the boy! he's dreadfully hurt,

+and does n't know it.  Come in and be brushed

+and get your breath, child, and tell me how

+that scamp came to treat you so."

+

+Nothing loath to be comforted, Sammy told

+his little tale while Maria dusted him off on the

+mat, and the old lady hovered in the doorway

+of the dining-room, where a nice breakfast

+smoked and smelled so deliciously that the boy

+sniffed the odor of coffee and buckwheats like

+a hungry hound.

+

+"He 'll get his death if he goes to work till

+he's dried a bit.  Put him over the register,

+Maria, and I 'll give him a hot drink, for it's

+bitter cold, poor dear!"

+

+Away trotted the kind old lady, and in a

+minute came back with coffee and cakes, on

+which Sammy feasted as he warmed his toes

+and told Kitty's plans for Christmas, led on by

+the old lady's questions, and quite unconscious

+that he was letting all sorts of cats out of the bag.

+

+Mrs. Bryant understood the little story, and

+made her plans also, for the rosy-faced boy was

+very like a little grandson who died last year,

+and her sad old heart was very tender to

+all other small boys.  So she found out where

+Sammy lived, and nodded and smiled at him

+most cheerily as he tugged stoutly away at the

+snow on the long pavements till all was done,

+and the little workman came for his wages.

+

+A bright silver dollar and a pocketful of

+gingerbread sent him off a rich and happy boy to

+shovel and sweep till noon, when he proudly

+showed his earnings at home, and feasted the

+babies on the carefully hoarded cake, for Dilly

+and Dot were the idols of the household.

+

+"Now, Sammy dear, I want you to take my

+place here this afternoon, for mother will have

+to take her work home by-and-by, and I must

+sell my wreaths.  I only got enough green for

+six, and two bunches of holly; but if I can sell

+them for ten or twelve cents apiece, I shall be

+glad.  Girls never *can* earn as much money as

+boys somehow," sighed Kitty, surveying the

+thin wreaths tied up with carpet ravellings, and

+vainly puzzling her young wits over a sad problem.

+

+"I 'll give you some of my money if you

+don't get a dollar; then we'll be even.  Men

+always take care of women, you know, and

+ought to," cried Sammy, setting a fine example

+to his father, if he had only been there to profit

+by it.

+

+With thanks Kitty left him to rest on the

+old sofa, while the happy babies swarmed over

+him; and putting on the shabby hood and

+shawl, she slipped away to stand at the Park

+gate, modestly offering her little wares to the

+passers-by.  A nice old gentleman bought two,

+and his wife scolded him for getting such bad

+ones; but the money gave more happiness than

+any other he spent that day.  A child took a

+ten-cent bunch of holly with its red berries,

+and there Kitty's market ended.  It was very

+cold, people were in a hurry, bolder hucksters

+pressed before the timid little girl, and the

+balloon man told her to "clear out."

+

+Hoping for better luck, she tried several

+other places; but the short afternoon was soon

+over, the streets began to thin, the keen wind

+chilled her to the bone, and her heart was very

+heavy to think that in all the rich, merry

+city, where Christmas gifts passed her in every

+hand, there were none for the dear babies and

+boys at home, and the Christmas dinner was a failure.

+

+"I must go and get supper anyway; and I 'll

+hang these up in our own rooms, as I can't sell

+them," said Kitty, wiping a very big tear from

+her cold cheek, and turning to go away.

+

+.. _`36`:

+

+A smaller, shabbier girl than herself stood

+near, looking at the bunch of holly with wistful

+eyes; and glad to do to others as she wished

+some one would do to her, Kitty offered the

+only thing she had to give, saying kindly, "You

+may have it; merry Christmas!" and ran away

+before the delighted child could thank her.

+

+I am very sure that one of the spirits who

+fly about at this season of the year saw the

+little act, made a note of it, and in about fifteen

+minutes rewarded Kitty for her sweet remembrance

+of the golden rule.

+

+As she went sadly homeward she looked up

+at some of the big houses where every window

+shone with the festivities of Christmas Eve, and

+more than one tear fell, for the little girl found

+life pretty hard just then.

+

+"There don't seem to be any wreaths at these

+windows; perhaps they 'd buy mine.  I can't

+bear to go home with so little for my share,"

+she said, stopping before one of the biggest and

+brightest of these fairy palaces, where the

+sound of music was heard, and many little

+heads peeped from behind the curtains as if

+watching for some one.

+

+Kitty was just going up the steps to make

+another trial, when two small boys came racing

+round the corner, slipped on the icy pavement,

+and both went down with a crash that would

+have broken older bones.  One was up in a

+minute, laughing; the other lay squirming and

+howling, "Oh, my knee! my knee!" till Kitty

+ran and picked him up with the motherly

+consolations she had learned to give.

+

+"It's broken; I know it is," wailed the small

+sufferer as Kitty carried him up the steps, while

+his friend wildly rang the doorbell.

+

+It was like going into fairy-land, for the house

+was all astir with a children's Christmas party.

+Servants flew about with smiling faces; open

+doors gave ravishing glimpses of a feast in one

+room and a splendid tree in another; while a

+crowd of little faces peered over the balusters

+in the hall above, eager to come down and

+enjoy the glories prepared for them.

+

+A pretty young girl came to meet Kitty, and

+listened to her story of the accident, which

+proved to be less severe than it at first

+appeared; for Bertie, the injured party, forgot

+his anguish at sight of the tree, and hopped

+upstairs so nimbly that every one laughed.

+

+"He said his leg was broken, but I guess

+he's all right," said Kitty, reluctantly turning

+from this happy scene to go out into the night

+again.

+

+"Would you like to see our tree before the

+children come down?" asked the pretty girl,

+seeing the wistful look in the child's eyes, and

+the shine of half-dried tears on her cheek.

+

+"Oh, yes; I never saw anything so lovely.

+I 'd like to tell the babies all about it;" and

+Kitty's face beamed at the prospect, as if the

+kind words had melted all the frost away.

+

+"How many babies are there?" asked the

+pretty girl, as she led the way into the brilliant

+room.  Kitty told her, adding several other

+facts, for the friendly atmosphere seemed to

+make them friends at once.

+

+"I will buy the wreaths, for we have n't any,"

+said the girl in silk, as Kitty told how she was

+just coming to offer them when the boys fell.

+

+It was pretty to see how carefully the little

+hostess laid away the shabby garlands and

+slipped a half-dollar into Kitty's hand; prettier

+still, to watch the sly way in which she tucked

+some bonbons, a red ball, a blue whip, two

+china dolls, two pairs of little mittens, and some

+gilded nuts into an empty box for "the babies;"

+and prettiest of all, to see the smiles and tears

+make April in Kitty's face as she tried to tell

+her thanks for this beautiful surprise.

+

+The world was all right when she got into the

+street again and ran home with the precious

+box hugged close, feeling that at last she had

+something to make a merry Christmas of.

+

+Shrieks of joy greeted her, for Sammy's nice

+old lady had sent a basket full of pies, nuts and

+raisins, oranges and cake, and--oh, happy

+Sammy!--a sled, all for love of the blue eyes

+that twinkled so merrily when he told her about

+the tea-tray.  Piled upon this red car of triumph,

+Dilly and Dot were being dragged about, while

+the other treasures were set forth on the table.

+

+"I must show mine," cried Kitty; "we 'll

+look at them to-night, and have them

+to-morrow;" and amid more cries of rapture *her* box

+was unpacked, *her* money added to the pile in

+the middle of the table, where Sammy had laid

+his handsome contribution toward the turkey.

+

+Before the story of the splendid tree was

+over, in came Tommy with his substantial

+offering and his hard-earned dollar.

+

+"I 'm afraid I ought to keep my money for

+shoes.  I 've walked the soles off these to-day,

+and can't go to school barefooted," he said,

+bravely trying to put the temptation of skates

+behind him.

+

+"We 've got a good dinner without a turkey,

+and perhaps we 'd better not get it," added

+Kitty, with a sigh, as she surveyed the table, and

+remembered the blue knit hood marked seventy-five

+cents that she saw in a shop-window.

+

+"Oh, we *must* have a turkey! we worked so

+hard for it, and it's so Christmasy," cried Sam,

+who always felt that pleasant things ought to

+happen.

+

+"Must have turty," echoed the babies, as

+they eyed the dolls tenderly.

+

+"You *shall* have a turkey, and there he is,"

+said an unexpected voice, as a noble bird fell

+upon the table, and lay there kicking up his

+legs as if enjoying the surprise immensely.

+

+It was father's voice, and there stood father,

+neither cross nor stupid, but looking as he used

+to look, kind and happy, and beside him was

+mother, smiling as they had not seen her smile

+for months.  It was not because the work was

+well paid for, and more promised, but because

+she had received a gift that made the world

+bright, a home happy again,--father's promise

+to drink no more.

+

+"I 've been working to-day as well as you,

+and you may keep your money for yourselves.

+There are shoes for all; and never again, please

+God, shall my children be ashamed of me, or

+want a dinner Christmas Day."

+

+As father said this with a choke in his voice,

+and mother's head went down on his shoulder

+to hide the happy tears that wet her cheeks,

+the children did n't know whether to laugh or

+cry, till Kitty, with the instinct of a loving heart,

+settled the question by saying, as she held out

+her hands, "We have n't any tree, so let's

+dance around our goodies and be merry."

+

+Then the tired feet in the old shoes forgot

+their weariness, and five happy little souls

+skipped gayly round the table, where, in the

+midst of all the treasures earned and given,

+father's Christmas turkey proudly lay in state.

+

+.. vspace:: 3

+

+.. figure:: images/img-042.jpg

+   :align: center

+   :alt: Chapter II tailpiece

+

+   Chapter II tailpiece

+

+.. vspace:: 4

+

+.. _`THE SILVER PARTY`:

+

+.. figure:: images/img-043.jpg

+   :align: center

+   :alt: "Grandpapa Ladle cheered them on, like a fine old gentleman as he was."

+

+   "Grandpapa Ladle cheered them on, like a fine old gentleman as he was."--PAGE `55`_.

+

+.. vspace:: 3

+

+.. class:: center large

+

+   \III.

+

+

+.. class:: center medium

+

+   THE SILVER PARTY.

+

+.. vspace:: 2

+

+"Such a long morning!  Seems as if

+dinner-time would never come!" sighed

+Tony, as he wandered into the dining-room for

+a third pick at the nuts and raisins to beguile

+his weariness with a little mischief.

+

+It was Thanksgiving Day.  All the family

+were at church, all the servants busy preparing

+for the great dinner; and so poor Tony, who

+had a cold, had not only to stay at home, but

+to amuse himself while the rest said their

+prayers, made calls, or took a brisk walk to get

+an appetite.  If he had been allowed in the

+kitchen, he would have been quite happy; but

+cook was busy and cross, and rapped him on

+the head with a poker when he ventured near

+the door.  Peeping through the slide was also

+forbidden, and John, the man, bribed him with

+an orange to keep out of the way till the table

+was set.

+

+That was now done.  The dining-room was

+empty and quiet, and poor Tony lay down on

+the sofa to eat his nuts and admire the fine

+sight before him.  All the best damask, china,

+glass, and silver was set forth with great care.

+A basket of flowers hung from the chandelier,

+and the sideboard was beautiful to behold with

+piled-up fruit, dishes of cake, and many-colored

+finger-bowls and glasses.

+

+"That's all very nice, but the eating part is

+what *I* care for.  Don't believe I 'll get my

+share to-day, because mamma found out about

+this horrid cold.  A fellow can't help sneezing,

+though he can hide a sore throat.  Oh, hum! nearly

+two more hours to wait;" and with a

+long sigh Tony closed his eyes for a luxurious

+yawn.

+

+When he opened them, the strange sight he

+beheld kept him staring without a thought of

+sleep.  The big soup-ladle stood straight up at

+the head of the table with a face plainly to be

+seen in the bright bowl.  It was a very heavy,

+handsome old ladle, so the face was old, but

+round and jolly; and the long handle stood

+very erect, like a tall thin gentleman with a big head.

+

+"Well, upon my word that's queer!" said

+Tony, sitting up also, and wondering what would

+happen next.

+

+To his great amazement the ladle began to

+address the assembled forks and spoons in a

+silvery tone very pleasant to hear:--

+

+"Ladies and gentlemen, at this festive season

+it is proper that we should enjoy ourselves.

+As we shall be tired after dinner, we will at

+once begin our sports by a grand promenade.

+Take partners and fall in!"

+

+At these words a general uprising took place;

+and before Tony could get his breath a long

+procession of forks and spoons stood ready.

+The finger-bowls struck up an airy tune as if

+invisible wet fingers were making music on their

+rims, and led by the stately ladle like a

+drum-major, the grand march began.  The forks were

+the gentlemen, tall, slender, and with a fine

+curve to their backs; the spoons were the

+ladies, with full skirts, and the scallops on the

+handles stood up like silver combs; the large

+ones were the mammas, the teaspoons were the

+young ladies, and the little salts the children.

+It was sweet to see the small things walk at the

+end of the procession, with the two silver rests

+for the carving knife and fork trotting behind

+like pet dogs.  The mustard-spoon and pickle-fork

+went together, and quarrelled all the way,

+both being hot-tempered and sharp-tongued.

+The steel knives looked on, for this was a very

+aristocratic party, and only the silver people

+could join in it.

+

+"Here 's fun!" thought Tony, staring with

+all his might, and so much interested in this

+remarkable state of things that he forgot hunger

+and time altogether.

+

+Round and round went the glittering train, to

+the soft music of the many-toned finger-bowls,

+till three turns about the long oval table had

+been made; then all fell into line for a

+contradance, as in the good old times before every

+one took to spinning like tops.  Grandpa Ladle

+led off with his oldest daughter, Madam Gravy

+Ladle, and the little salts stood at the bottom

+prancing like real children impatient for their

+turn.  When it came, they went down the middle

+in fine style, with a cling! clang! that made

+Tony's legs quiver with a longing to join in.

+

+It was beautiful to see the older ones twirl

+round in a stately way, with bows and

+courtesies at the end, while the teaspoons and small

+forks romped a good deal, and Mr. Pickle and

+Miss Mustard kept every one laughing at their

+smart speeches.  The silver butter-knife, who

+was an invalid, having broken her back and

+been mended, lay in the rack and smiled sweetly

+down upon her friends, while the little Cupid

+on the lid of the butter-dish pirouetted on one

+toe in the most delightful manner.

+

+When every one had gone through the dance,

+the napkins were arranged as sofas and the

+spoons rested, while the polite forks brought

+sprigs of celery to fan them with.  The little

+salts got into grandpa's lap; and the silver dogs

+lay down panting, for they had frisked with

+the children.  They all talked; and Tony could

+not help wondering if real ladies said such

+things when they put *their* heads together and

+nodded and whispered, for some of the remarks

+were so personal that he was much confused.

+Fortunately they took no notice of him, so he

+listened and learned something in this queer way.

+

+"I have been in this family a hundred years,"

+began the soup-ladle; "and it seems to me that

+each generation is worst than the last.  My first

+master was punctual to a minute, and madam

+was always down beforehand to see that all was

+ready.  Now master comes at all hours; mistress

+lets the servants do as they like; and the

+manners of the children are very bad.  Sad

+state of things, very sad!"

+

+"Dear me, yes!" sighed one of the large

+spoons; "we don't see such nice housekeeping

+now as we did when we were young.  Girls

+were taught all about it then; but now it is all

+books or parties, and few of them know a

+skimmer from a gridiron."

+

+"Well, I 'm sure the poor things are much

+happier than if they were messing about in

+kitchens as girls used to do in your day.  It is

+much better for them to be dancing, skating,

+and studying than wasting their young lives

+darning and preserving, and sitting by their

+mammas as prim as dishes.  *I* prefer the present

+way of doing things, though the girls in this

+family *do* sit up too late, and wear too high

+heels to their boots."

+

+The mustard-spoon spoke in a pert tone, and

+the pickle-fork answered sharply,--

+

+"I agree with you, cousin.  The boys also

+sit up too late.  I 'm tired of being waked to

+fish out olives or pickles for those fellows when

+they come in from the theatre or some dance;

+and as for that Tony, he is a real pig,--eats

+everything he can lay hands on, and is the

+torment of the maid's life."

+

+"Yes," cried one little salt-spoon, "we saw

+him steal cake out of the sideboard, and he

+never told when his mother scolded Norah."

+

+"So mean!" added the other; and both the

+round faces were so full of disgust that Tony

+fell flat and shut his eyes as if asleep to hide

+his confusion.  Some one laughed; but he

+dared not look, and lay blushing and listening

+to remarks which plainly proved how careful

+we should be of our acts and words even when

+alone, for who knows what apparently dumb

+thing may be watching us.

+

+"I have observed that Mr. Murry reads

+the paper at table instead of talking to his

+family; that Mrs. Murry worries about the

+servants; the girls gossip and giggle; the boys

+eat, and plague one another; and that small

+child Nelly teases for all she sees, and is never

+quiet till she gets the sugar-bowl," said Grandpa

+Ladle, in a tone of regret.  "Now, useful and

+pleasant chat at table would make meals

+delightful, instead of being scenes of confusion and

+discomfort."

+

+"I bite their tongues when I get a chance,

+hoping to make them witty or to check unkind

+words; but they only sputter, and get a lecture

+from Aunt Maria, who is a sour old spinster,

+always criticising her neighbors."'

+

+As the mustard-spoon spoke, the teaspoons

+laughed as if they thought *her* rather like Aunt

+Maria in that respect.

+

+"I gave the baby a fit of colic to teach her to

+let pickles alone, but no one thanked me," said

+the pickle-fork.

+

+"Perhaps if we keep ourselves so bright that

+those who use us can see their faces in us, we

+shall be able to help them a little; for no one

+likes to see an ugly face or a dull spoon.  The

+art of changing frowns to smiles is never

+old-fashioned; and lovely manners smooth away the

+little worries of life beautifully."  A silvery voice

+spoke, and all looked respectfully at Madam

+Gravy Ladle, who was a very fine old spoon,

+with a coat of arms on it, and a polish that all envied.

+

+"People can't always be remembering how

+old and valuable and bright they are.  Here in

+America we just go ahead and make manners

+and money for ourselves.  *I* don't stop to ask

+what dish I 'm going to help to; I just pitch in

+and take all I can hold, and don't care a bit

+whether I shine or not.  My grandfather was a

+kitchen spoon; but I'm smarter than he was,

+thanks to my plating, and look and feel as good

+as any one, though I have n't got stags' heads

+and big letters on my handle."

+

+No one answered these impertinent remarks

+of the sauce-spoon, for all knew that she was

+not pure silver, and was only used on occasions

+when many spoons were needed.  Tony was

+ashamed to hear her talk in that rude way to the

+fine old silver he was so proud of, and resolved

+he 'd give the saucy spoon a good rap when he

+helped himself to the cranberry.

+

+An impressive silence lasted till a lively fork

+exclaimed, as the clock struck, "Every one is

+coasting out-of-doors.  Why not have our share

+of the fun inside?  It is very fashionable this

+winter, and ladies and gentlemen of the best

+families do it, I assure you."

+

+"We will!" cried the other forks; and as the

+dowagers did not object, all fell to work to

+arrange the table for this agreeable sport.  Tony

+sat up to see how they would manage, and was

+astonished at the ingenuity of the silver people.

+With a great clinking and rattling they ran to

+and fro, dragging the stiff white mats about; the

+largest they leaned up against the tall caster,

+and laid the rest in a long slope to the edge of

+the table, where a pile of napkins made a nice

+snowdrift to tumble into.

+

+"What *will* they do for sleds?" thought Tony;

+and the next minute chuckled when he saw them

+take the slices of bread laid at each place, pile

+on, and spin away, with a great scattering of

+crumbs like snowflakes, and much laughter as

+they landed in the white pile at the end of the

+coast.

+

+"Won't John give it to 'em if he comes in

+and catches 'em turning his nice table topsy-turvy!"

+said the boy to himself, hoping nothing

+would happen to end this jolly frolic.  So he

+kept very still, and watched the gay forks and

+spoons climb up and whiz down till they were

+tired.  The little salts got Baby Nell's own

+small slice, and had lovely times on a short

+coast of their own made of one mat held up by

+grandpa, who smiled benevolently at the fun,

+being too old and heavy to join in it.

+

+They kept it up until the slices were worn

+thin, and one or two upsets alarmed the ladies;

+then they rested and conversed again.  The

+mammas talked about their children, how sadly

+the silver basket needed a new lining, and what

+there was to be for dinner.  The teaspoons

+whispered sweetly together, as young ladies

+do,--one declaring that rouge powder was not as

+good as it used to be, another lamenting the sad

+effect of eggs upon her complexion, and all

+smiled amiably upon the forks, who stood about

+discussing wines and cigars, for both lived in

+the sideboard, and were brought out after dinner,

+so the forks knew a great deal about such

+matters, and found them very interesting, as all

+gentlemen seem to do.

+

+Presently some one mentioned bicycles, and

+what fine rides the boys of the family told about.

+The other fellows proposed a race; and before

+Tony could grasp the possibility of such a thing,

+it was done.  Nothing easier, for there stood a

+pile of plates, and just turning them on their

+edges, the forks got astride, and the big wheels

+spun away as if a whole bicycle club had

+suddenly arrived.

+

+.. _`55`:

+

+Old Pickle took the baby's plate, as better

+suited to his size.  The little salts made a

+tricycle of napkin-rings, and rode gayly off,

+with the dogs barking after them.  Even the

+carving-fork, though not invited, could not resist

+the exciting sport, and tipping up the wooden

+bread-platter, went whizzing off at a great pace,

+for his two prongs were better than four, and his

+wheel was lighter than the china ones.

+Grand-papa Ladle cheered them on, like a fine old

+gentleman as he was, for though the new craze

+rather astonished him, he liked manly sports,

+and would have taken a turn if his dignity and

+age had allowed.  The ladies chimed their

+applause, for it really was immensely exciting

+to see fourteen plates with forks astride racing

+round the large table with cries of, "Go it,

+Pickle!  Now, then, Prongs!  Steady, Silver-top!

+Hurrah for the twins!"

+

+The fun was at its height when young Prongs

+ran against Pickle, who did not steer well, and

+both went off the table with a crash.  All

+stopped at once, and crowded to the edge to

+see who was killed.  The plates lay in pieces,

+old Pickle had a bend in his back that made

+him groan dismally, and Prongs had fallen down

+the register.

+

+Wails of despair arose at that awful sight, for

+he was a favorite with every one, and such a

+tragic death was too much for some of the

+tender-hearted spoons, who fainted at the idea

+of that gallant fork's destruction in what to them

+was a fiery volcano.

+

+"Serves Pickle right!  He ought to know he

+was too old for such wild games," scolded Miss

+Mustard, peering anxiously over at her friend,

+for they were fond of one another in spite of

+their tiffs.

+

+"Now let us see what these fine folks will do

+when they get off the damask and come to grief.

+A helpless lot, I fancy, and those fellows deserve

+what they 've got," said the sauce-spoon, nearly

+upsetting the twins as she elbowed her way to

+the front to jeer over the fallen.

+

+"I think you will see that gentle people are

+as brave as those who make a noise," answered

+Madam Gravy, and leaning over the edge of the

+table she added in her sweet voice, "Dear

+Mr. Pickle, we will let down a napkin and pull you

+up if you have strength to take hold."

+

+"Pull away, ma'am," groaned Pickle, who well

+deserved his name just then, and soon, thanks

+to Madam's presence of mind, he was safely laid

+on a pile of mats, while Miss Mustard put a

+plaster on his injured back.

+

+Meanwhile brave Grandpapa Ladle had slipped

+from the table to a chair, and so to the floor

+without too great a jar to his aged frame; then

+sliding along the carpet, he reached the register.

+Peering down that dark, hot abyss he cried,

+while all listened breathlessly for a reply,

+"Prongs, my boy, are you there?"

+

+"Ay, ay, sir; I 'm caught in the wire screen.

+Ask some of the fellows to lend a hand and get

+me out before I 'm melted," answered the fork,

+with a gasp of agony.

+

+Instantly the long handle of the patriarchal

+Ladle was put down to his rescue, and after a

+moment of suspense, while Prongs caught firmly

+hold, up he came, hot and dusty, but otherwise

+unharmed by that dreadful fall.  Cheers greeted

+them, and every one lent a hand at the napkin

+as they were hoisted to the table to be embraced

+by their joyful relatives and friends.

+

+"What did you think about down in that

+horrid place?" asked one of the twins.

+

+"I thought of a story I once heard master

+tell, about a child who was found one cold day

+sitting with his feet on a newspaper, and when

+asked what he was doing, answered, 'Warming

+my feet on the "Christian Register."'  I hoped

+my register would be Christian enough not to

+melt me before help came.  Ha! ha!  See

+the joke, my dears?" and Prongs laughed as

+gayly as if he never had taken a header into

+a volcano.

+

+"What did you see down there?" asked the

+other twin, curious, as all small people are.

+

+"Lots of dust and pins, a doll's head baby

+put there, Norah's thimble, and the big red

+marble that boy Tony was raging about the

+other day.  It's a regular catch-all, and shows

+how the work is shirked in this house," answered

+Prongs, stretching his legs, which were a little

+damaged by the fall.

+

+"What shall we do about the plates?" asked

+Pickle, from his bed.

+

+"Let them lie, for we can't mend them.

+John will think the boy broke them, and he'll

+get punished, as he deserves, for he broke a

+tumbler yesterday, and put it slyly in the

+ash-barrel," said Miss Mustard, spitefully.

+

+"Oh!  I say, that's mean," began Tony; but

+no one listened, and in a minute Prongs answered

+bravely,--

+

+"I 'm a gentleman, and I don't let other

+people take the blame of my scrapes.  Tony has

+enough of his own to answer for."

+

+"I'll have that bent fork for mine, and make

+John keep it as bright as a new dollar to pay for

+this.  Prongs is a trump, and I wish I could tell

+him so," thought Tony, much gratified at this

+handsome behavior.

+

+"Right, grandson.  I am pleased with you;

+but allow me to suggest that the Chinese

+Mandarin on the chimney-piece be politely requested

+to mend the plates.  He can  do that sort of

+thing nicely, and will be charmed to oblige us,

+I am sure."

+

+Grandpapa's suggestion was a good one;

+and Yam Ki Lo consented at once, skipped to

+the floor, tapped the bits of china with his fan,

+and in the twinkling of an eye was back on his

+perch, leaving two whole plates behind him,

+for he was a wizard, and knew all about blue china.

+

+Just as the silver people were rejoicing over

+this fine escape from discovery, the clock struck,

+a bell rang, voices were heard upstairs, and it

+was very evident that the family had arrived.

+At these sounds a great flurry arose in the

+dining-room, as every spoon, fork, plate, and

+napkin flew back to its place.  Pickle rushed to

+the jar, and plunged in head first, regardless of

+his back; Miss Mustard retired to the caster;

+the twins scrambled into the salt-cellar; and the

+silver dogs lay down by the carving knife and

+fork as quietly as if they had never stirred a

+leg; Grandpapa slowly reposed in his usual

+place; Madam followed his example with

+dignity; the teaspoons climbed into the holder,

+uttering little cries of alarm; and Prongs stayed

+to help them till he had barely time to drop

+down at Tony's place, and lie there with his

+bent leg in the air, the only sign of the great

+fall, about which he talked for a long time

+afterward.  All was in order but the sauce-spoon,

+who had stopped to laugh at the Mandarin till

+it was too late to get to her corner; and before

+she could find any place of concealment, John

+came in and caught her lying in the middle of

+the table, looking very common and shabby

+among all the bright silver.

+

+"What in the world is that old plated thing

+here for?  Missis told Norah to put it in the

+kitchen, as she had a new one for a present

+to-day--real silver--so out you go;" and as he

+spoke, John threw the spoon through the

+slide,--an exile forevermore from the good society

+which she did not value as she should.

+

+Tony saw the glimmer of a smile in Grand-papa

+Ladle's face, but it was gone like a flash,

+and by the time the boy reached the table

+nothing was to be seen in the silver bowl but his

+own round rosy countenance, full of wonder.

+

+"I don't think any one will believe what I 've

+seen, but I mean to tell, it was so *very* curious,"

+he said, as he surveyed the scene of the late

+frolic, now so neat and quiet that not a wrinkle

+or a crumb betrayed what larks had been going on.

+

+Hastily fishing up his long-lost marble, the

+doll's head, and Norah's thimble, he went

+thoughtfully upstairs to welcome his cousins,

+still much absorbed by this very singular affair.

+

+Dinner was soon announced; and while it

+lasted every one was too busy eating the good

+things before them to observe how quiet the

+usually riotous Tony was.  His appetite for

+turkey and cranberries seemed to have lost its

+sharp edge, and the mince-pie must have felt

+itself sadly slighted by his lack of appreciation

+of its substance and flavor.  He seemed in a

+brown-study, and kept staring about as if he

+saw more than other people did.  He examined

+Nelly's plate as if looking for a crack, smiled at

+the little spoon when he took salt, refused

+pickles and mustard with a frown, kept a certain

+bent fork by him as long as possible, and tried

+to make music with a wet finger on the rim of

+his bowl at dessert.

+

+But in the evening, when the young people

+sat around the fire, he amused them by telling

+the queer story of the silver party; but he very

+wisely left out the remarks made upon himself

+and family, remembering how disagreeable the

+sauce-spoon had seemed, and he privately

+resolved to follow Madam Gravy Ladle's advice

+to keep his own face bright, manners polite, and

+speech kindly, that he might prove himself to

+be pure silver, and be stamped a gentleman.

+

+.. vspace:: 4

+

+.. _`THE BLIND LARK`:

+

+.. figure:: images/img-063.jpg

+   :align: center

+   :alt: "Presently she sat down and let them tap her cheeks."

+

+   "Presently she sat down and let them tap her cheeks."--PAGE `82`_.

+

+.. vspace:: 3

+

+.. class:: center large

+

+   \IV.

+

+

+.. class:: center medium

+

+   THE BLIND LARK.

+

+.. vspace:: 2

+

+High up in an old house, full of poor

+people, lived Lizzie, with her mother and

+Baby Billy.  The street was a narrow, noisy

+place, where carts rumbled and dirty children

+played; where the sun seldom shone, the fresh

+wind seldom blew, and the white snow of

+winter was turned at once to black mud.  One bare

+room was Lizzie's home, and out of it she

+seldom went, for she was a prisoner.  We all pity

+the poor princesses who were shut up in towers

+by bad fairies, the men and women in jails, and

+the little birds in cages, but Lizzie was a sadder

+prisoner than any of these.

+

+The prince always comes to the captive princess,

+the jail doors open in time, and the birds

+find some kind hand to set them free; but there

+seemed no hope of escape for this poor child.

+Only nine years old, and condemned to

+life-long helplessness, loneliness, and

+darkness,--for she was blind.

+

+She could dimly remember the blue sky,

+green earth, and beautiful sun; for the light

+went out when she was six, and the cruel fever

+left her a pale little shadow to haunt that room

+ever since.  The father was dead; the mother

+worked hard for daily bread; they had no friends;

+and the good fairies seemed to have forgotten

+them.  Still, like the larks one sees in Brittany,

+whose eyes cruel boys put out that they may

+sing the sweeter, Lizzie made music in her cage,

+singing to baby; and when he slept, she sat

+by the window listening to the noise below for

+company, crooning to herself till she too fell

+asleep and forgot the long, long days that had

+no play, no school, no change for her such as

+other children know.

+

+Every morning mother gave them their porridge,

+locked the door, and went away to work,

+leaving something for the children's dinner, and

+Lizzie to take care of herself and Billy till

+night.  There was no other way, for both were

+too helpless to be trusted elsewhere, and there

+was no one to look after them.  But Lizzie

+knew her way about the room, and could find

+the bed, the window, and the table where the

+bread and milk stood.  There was seldom any

+fire in the stove, and the window was barred, so

+the little prisoners were safe; and day after day

+they lived together a sad, solitary, unchildlike

+life that makes one's heart ache to think of.

+

+Lizzie watched over Billy like a faithful little

+mother, and Billy did his best to bear his trials

+and comfort sister like a man.  He was not a

+rosy, rollicking fellow, like most year-old boys,

+but pale and thin and quiet, with a pathetic

+look in his big blue eyes, as if he said,

+"Something is wrong; will some one kindly put it

+right for us?"  But he seldom complained

+unless in pain, and would lie for hours on the old

+bed, watching the flies, which were his only

+other playmates, stretching out his little hands

+to the few rays of sunshine that crept in now

+and then, as if longing for them, like a flower in

+a cellar.  When Lizzie sang, he hummed softly;

+and when he was hungry, cold, or tired, he

+called, "Lib!  Lib!" meaning "Lizzie," and

+nestled up to her, forgetting all his baby woes

+in her tender arms.

+

+Seeing her so fond and faithful, the poor

+neighbors loved as well as pitied her, and did

+what they could for the afflicted child.  The busy

+women would pause at the locked door to ask

+if all was right; the dirty children brought her

+dandelions from the park; and the rough

+workmen of the factory opposite, with a kind word,

+would toss an apple or a cake through the open

+window.  They had learned to look for the

+little wistful face behind the bars, and loved to

+listen to the childish voice which caught and

+imitated the songs they sang and whistled, like

+a sweet echo.  They called her "the blind lark;"

+and though she never knew it, many were the

+better for the pity they gave her.

+

+Baby slept a great deal, for life offered him

+few pleasures, and like a small philosopher, he

+wisely tried to forget the troubles which he

+could not cure; so Lizzie had nothing to do

+but sing, and try to imagine how the world

+looked.  She had no one to tell her, and the

+few memories grew dimmer and dimmer each

+year.  She did not know how to work or to

+play, never having been taught, and mother was

+too tired at night to do anything but get supper

+and go to bed.

+

+"The child will be an idiot soon, if she does

+not die," people said; and it seemed as if this

+would be the fate of the poor little girl, since

+no one came to save her during those three

+weary years.  She often said, "I'm of *some*

+use.  I take care of Billy, and I could n't live

+without him."

+

+But even this duty and delight was taken

+from her, for that cold spring nipped the poor

+little flower, and one day Billy shut his blue

+eyes with a patient sigh and left her all alone.

+

+Then Lizzie's heart seemed broken; and

+people thought she would soon follow him, now

+that her one care and comfort was gone.  All

+day she lay with her cheek on Billy's pillow,

+holding the battered tin cup and a little worn-out

+shoe, and it was pitiful to hear her sing the

+old lullabies as if baby still could hear them.

+

+"It will be a mercy if the poor thing does n't

+live; blind folks are no use and a sight of

+trouble," said one woman to another as they

+gossiped in the hall after calling on the child

+during her mother's absence, for the door was

+left unlocked since she was ill.

+

+"Yes, Mrs. Davis would get on nicely if she

+had n't such a burden.  Thank Heaven, my

+children are n't blind," answered the other,

+hugging her baby closer as she went away.

+

+Lizzie heard them, and hoped with all her

+sad little soul that death would set her free, since

+she was of no use in the world.  To go and be

+with Billy was all her desire now, and she was

+on her way to him, growing daily weaker and

+more content to be dreaming of dear baby well

+and happy, waiting for her somewhere in a

+lovely place called heaven.

+

+The summer vacation came; and hundreds of

+eager children were hurrying away to the

+mountains and seashore for two months of healthful

+pleasure.  Even the dirty children in the lane

+felt the approach of berry-time, and rejoiced in

+their freedom from cold as they swarmed like

+flies about the corner grocery where over-ripe

+fruit was thrown out for them to scramble over.

+

+Lizzie heard about good times when some of

+these young neighbors were chosen to go on

+the poor children's picnics, and came back with

+big sandwiches buttoned up in their jackets,

+pickles, peanuts, and buns in their pockets,

+hands full of faded flowers, and hearts brimming

+over with childish delight at a day in the

+woods.  She listened with a faint smile,

+enjoyed the "woodsy" smell of the green things,

+and wondered if they had nice picnics in

+heaven, being sorry that Billy had missed them

+here.  But she did not seem to care much, or

+hope for any pleasure for herself except to see

+baby again.

+

+I think there were few sadder sights in that

+great city than this innocent prisoner waiting so

+patiently to be set free.  Would it be by the

+gentle angel of death, or one of the human angels

+who keep these little sparrows from falling to

+the ground?

+

+One hot August day, when not a breath came

+into the room, and the dust and noise and evil

+smells were almost unendurable, poor Lizzie lay

+on her bed singing feebly to herself about "the

+beautiful blue sea."  She was trying to get to

+sleep that she might dream of a cool place, and

+her voice was growing fainter and fainter, when

+suddenly it seemed as if the dream had come,

+for a sweet odor was near, something damp and

+fresh touched her feverish cheek, and a kind

+voice said in her ear,--

+

+"Here is the little bird I 've been following.

+Will you have some flowers, dear?"

+

+"Is it heaven?  Where's Billy?" murmured

+Lizzie, groping about her, half awake.

+

+"Not yet.  I'm not Billy, but a friend who

+carries flowers to little children who cannot go

+and get them.  Don't be afraid, but let me sit

+and tell you about it," answered the voice, as a

+gentle hand took hers.

+

+"I thought maybe I 'd died, and I was glad,

+for I do want to see Billy so much.  He's baby,

+you know."  And the clinging hands held the

+kind one fast till it filled them with a great bunch

+of roses that seemed to bring all summer into the

+close, hot room with their sweetness.

+

+"Oh, how nice! how nice!  I never had such a

+lot.  They 're bigger 'n' better 'n dandelions,

+are n't they?  What a good lady you must be

+to go 'round giving folks posies like these!"

+cried Lizzie, trying to realize the astonishing fact.

+

+Then, while the new friend fanned her, she

+lay luxuriating in her roses, and listening to the

+sweet story of the Flower Mission which, like

+many other pleasant things, she knew nothing of

+in her prison.  Presently she told her own little

+tale, never guessing how pathetic it was, till

+lifting her hand to touch the new face, she

+found it wet with tears.

+

+"Are you sorry for me?" she asked.  "Folks

+are very kind, but I 'm a burden, you know,

+and I 'd better die and go to Billy; I was some

+use to him, but I never can be to any one else.

+I heard 'em say so, and poor mother would do

+better if I was n't here."

+

+"My child, I know a little blind girl who is

+no burden but a great help to her mother, and

+a happy, useful creature, as you might be if you

+were taught and helped as she was," went on

+the voice, sounding more than ever like a good

+fairy's as it told fresh wonders till Lizzie was

+sure it *must* be all a dream.

+

+"Who taught her?  Could I do it?  Where's

+the place?" she asked, sitting erect in her

+eagerness, like a bird that hears a hand at the

+door of its cage.

+

+Then, with the comfortable arm around her,

+the roses stirring with the flutter of her heart,

+and the sightless eyes looking up as if they

+could see the face of the deliverer, Lizzie heard

+the wonderful story of the House Beautiful

+standing white and spacious on the hill, with

+the blue sea before it, the fresh wind always

+blowing, the green gardens and parks all about,

+and inside, music, happy voices, shining faces,

+busy hands, and year after year the patient

+teaching by those who dedicate themselves to

+this noble and tender task.

+

+"It must be better'n heaven!" cried Lizzie,

+as she heard of work and play, health and

+happiness, love and companionship, usefulness

+and independence,--all the dear rights and

+simple joys young creatures hunger for, and

+perish, soul and body, without.

+

+It was too much for her little mind to grasp

+at once, and she lay as if in a blissful dream

+long after the kind visitor had gone, promising

+to come again and to find some way for Lizzie

+to enter into that lovely place where darkness

+is changed to light.

+

+That visit was like magic medicine, and the

+child grew better at once, for hope was born in

+her heart.  The heavy gloom seemed to lift;

+discomforts were easier to bear; and solitude was

+peopled now with troops of happy children

+living in that wonderful place where blindness

+was not a burden.  She told it all to her

+mother, and the poor woman tried to believe

+it, but said sadly,--

+

+"Don't set your heart on it, child.  It's easy

+to promise and to forget.  Rich folks don't

+trouble themselves about poor folks if they can help it."

+

+But Lizzie's faith never wavered, though the

+roses faded as day after day went by and no

+one came.  The mere thought that it was

+possible to teach blind people to work and study

+and play seemed to give her strength and

+courage.  She got up and sat at the window again,

+singing to herself as she watched and waited,

+with the dead flowers carefully arranged in

+Billy's mug, and a hopeful smile on the little

+white face behind the bars.

+

+Every one was glad she was better, and

+nodded to one another as they heard the soft

+crooning, like a dove's coo, in the pauses of the

+harsher noises that filled the street.  The

+workmen tossed her sweeties and whistled their

+gayest airs; the children brought their

+dilapidated toys to amuse her; and one woman

+came every day to put her baby in Lizzie's lap,

+it was such a pleasure to her to feel the soft

+little body in the loving arms that longed for Billy.

+

+Poor mother went to her work in better

+spirits, and the long hot days were less

+oppressive as she thought, while she scrubbed, of

+Lizzie up again; for she loved her helpless

+burden, heavy though she found it.

+

+When Saturday came around, it rained hard,

+and no one expected "the flower lady."  Even

+Lizzie said with a patient sigh and a hopeful

+smile,--

+

+"I don't believe she 'll come; but maybe

+it will clear up, and then I guess she will."

+

+It did not clear up, but the flower lady came;

+and as the child sat listening to the welcome

+sound of her steps, her quick ear caught the

+tread of two pairs of feet, the whisper of two

+voices, and presently two persons came in to

+fill her hands with midsummer flowers.

+

+"This is Minna, the little girl I told you of.

+She wanted to see you very much, so we

+paddled away like a pair of ducks, and here we

+are," said Miss Grace, gayly; and as she spoke,

+Lizzie felt soft fingers glide over her face, and

+a pair of childish lips find and kiss her own.

+The groping touch, the hearty kiss, made the

+blind children friends at once, and dropping

+her flowers, Lizzie hugged the new-comer,

+trembling with excitement and delight.  Then they

+talked; and how the tongues went as one asked

+questions and the other answered them, while

+Miss Grace sat by enjoying the happiness of

+those who do *not* forget the poor, but seek them

+out to save and bless.

+

+Minna had been for a year a pupil in the

+happy school, where she was taught to see with

+her hands, as one might say; and the tales she

+told of the good times there made Lizzie cry

+eagerly,--

+

+"Can I go?  Oh, *can* go?"

+

+"Alas, no, not yet," answered Miss Grace,

+sadly.  "I find that children under ten cannot

+be taken, and there is no place for the little

+ones unless kind people care for them."

+

+Lizzie gave a wail, and hid her face in the

+pillow, feeling as if she could not bear the

+dreadful disappointment.

+

+Minna comforted her, and Miss Grace went

+on to say that generous people were trying to

+get another school for the small children; that

+all the blind children were working hard to help

+on the plan; that money was coming in; and

+soon they hoped to have a pleasant place for

+every child who needed help.

+

+Lizzie's tears stopped falling as she listened,

+for hope was not quite gone.

+

+"I 'll not be ten till next June, and I don't

+see how I *can* wait 'most a year.  Will the little

+school be ready 'fore then?" she asked.

+

+"I fear not, dear, but I will see that the long

+waiting is made as easy as possible, and perhaps

+you can help us in some way," answered Miss

+Grace, anxious to atone for her mistake in

+speaking about the school before she had

+made sure that Lizzie could go.

+

+"Oh, I 'd love to help; only I can't do

+anything," sighed the child.

+

+"You can sing, and that is a lovely way to

+help.  I heard of 'the blind lark,' as they call

+you, and when I came to find her, your little

+voice led me straight to the door of the cage.

+That door I mean to open, and let you hop out

+into the sunshine; then, when you are well and

+strong, I hope you will help us get the home

+for other little children who else must wait

+years before *they* find the light.  Will you?"

+

+As Miss Grace spoke, it was beautiful to see

+the clouds lift from Lizzie's wondering face, till

+it shone with the sweetest beauty any face can

+wear,--the happiness of helping others.  She

+forgot her own disappointment in the new

+hope that came, and held on to the bedpost

+as if the splendid plan were almost too much

+for her.

+

+"Could I help that way?" she cried.

+"Would anybody care to hear me sing?  Oh,

+how I 'd love to do anything for the poor little

+ones who will have to wait."

+

+"You shall.  I 'm sure the hardest heart

+would be touched by your singing, if you look

+as you do now.  We need something new for

+our fair and concert, and by that time you will

+be ready," said Miss Grace, almost afraid she

+had said too much; for the child looked so

+frail, it seemed as if even joy would hurt her.

+

+Fortunately her mother came in just then;

+and while the lady talked to her, Minna's childish

+chatter soothed Lizzie so well that when

+they left she stood at the window smiling down

+at them and singing like the happiest bobolink

+that ever tilted on a willow branch in spring-time.

+

+All the promises were kept, and soon a new

+life began for Lizzie.  A better room and

+well-paid work were found for Mrs. Davis.  Minna

+came as often as she could to cheer up her

+little friend, and best of all, Miss Grace taught

+her to sing, that by and by the little voice might

+plead with its pathetic music for others less

+blest than she.  So the winter months went by,

+and Lizzie grew like mayflowers underneath the

+snow, getting ready to look up, sweet and rosy,

+when spring set her free and called her to be

+glad.  She counted the months and weeks, and

+when the time dwindled to days, she could

+hardly sleep or eat for thinking of the happy

+hour when she could go to be a pupil in the

+school where miracles were worked.

+

+Her birthday was in June, and thanks to Miss

+Grace, her coming was celebrated by one of the

+pretty festivals of the school, called Daisy Day.

+Lizzie knew nothing of this surprise, and when

+her friends led her up the long flight of steps

+she looked like a happy little soul climbing to

+the gates of heaven.

+

+Mr. Constantine, the ruler of this small

+kingdom, was a man whose fatherly heart had room

+for every suffering child in the world, and it

+rejoiced over every one who came, though the

+great house was overflowing, and many waited

+as Lizzie had done.

+

+He welcomed her so kindly that the strange

+place seemed like home at once, and Minna

+led her away to the little mates who proudly

+showed her their small possessions and filled

+her hands with the treasures children love, while

+pouring into her ears delightful tales of the

+study, work, and play that made their lives so

+happy.

+

+Lizzie was bewildered, and held fast to Minna,

+whose motherly care of her was sweet to see.

+Kind teachers explained rules and duties with

+the patience that soothes fear and wins love;

+and soon Lizzie began to feel that she was a

+"truly pupil" in this wonderful school where

+the blind could read, sew, study, sing, run, and

+play.  Boys raced along the galleries and up

+and down the stairs as boldly as if all had eyes;

+girls swept and dusted like tidy housewives;

+little fellows hammered and sawed in the

+workshop and never hurt themselves; small girls

+sewed on pretty work as busy as bees; and in

+the schoolroom lessons went on as if both

+teachers and pupils were blessed with eyes.

+

+Lizzie could not understand it, and was

+content to sit and listen wherever she was placed,

+while her little fingers fumbled at the new

+objects near her, and her hungry mind opened

+like a flower to the sun.  She had no tasks that

+day, and in the afternoon was led away with a

+flock of children, all chattering like magpies, on

+the grand expedition.  Every year, when the

+fields were white with daisies, these poor little

+souls were let loose among them to enjoy the

+holy day of this child's flower.  Ah, but was n't

+it a pretty sight to see the meeting between

+them, when the meadows were reached, and the

+children scattered far and wide with cries of

+joy as they ran and rolled in the white sea, or

+filled their eager hands, or softly felt for the

+dear daisies and kissed them like old friends?

+The flowers seemed to enjoy it too, as they

+danced and nodded, while the wind rippled the

+long grass like waves of a green sea, and the

+sun smiled as if he said,--

+

+"Here's the sort of thing I like to see.  Why

+don't I find more of it?"

+

+.. _`82`:

+

+Lizzie's face looked like a daisy, it was so

+full of light as she stood looking up, with the

+wide brim of her new hat like the white petals

+all round it.  She did not run nor shout, but

+went slowly wading through the grass, feeling

+the flowers touch her hands, yet picking none,

+for it was happiness enough to know that they

+were there.  Presently she sat down and let

+them tap her cheeks and rustle about her ears

+as though telling secrets that made her smile.

+Then, as if weary with so much happiness, she

+lay back and let the daisies hide her with their

+pretty coverlet.

+

+Miss Grace was watching over her, but left

+her alone, and by and by, like a lark from its

+nest in the grass, the blind girl sent up her

+little voice, singing so sweetly that the children

+gathered around to hear, while they made chains

+and tied up their nosegays.

+

+This was Lizzie's first concert, and no little

+prima donna was ever more pelted with

+flowers than she; for when she had sung all her

+songs, new and old, a daisy crown was put

+upon her head, a tall flower for a sceptre in

+her hand, and all the boys and girls danced

+around her as if she had been Queen of the May.

+

+A little feast came out of the baskets, that

+they might be empty for the harvest to be

+carried home, and while they ate, stories were

+told and shouts of laughter filled the air, for all

+were as merry as if there was no darkness, pain,

+or want in the world.  Then they had games;

+and Lizzie was taught to play,--for till now

+she never knew what a good romp meant.  Her

+cheeks grew rosy, her sad little face waked up,

+she ran and tumbled with the rest, and actually

+screamed, to Minna's great delight.

+

+Two or three of the children could see a little,

+and these were very helpful in taking care of

+the little ones.  Miss Grace found them playing

+some game with Lizzie, and observed that all

+but she were blindfolded.  When she asked

+why, one whispered, "We thought we should

+play fairer if we were all alike."  And another

+added, "It seems somehow as if we were proud

+if we see better than the rest."

+

+Lizzie was much touched by this sweet spirit,

+and a little later showed that she had already

+learned one lesson in the school, when she

+gathered about her some who had never seen,

+and told them what she could remember of

+green fields and daisy-balls before the light went

+out forever.

+

+"Surely my little lark was worth saving, if

+only for this one happy day," thought Miss

+Grace, as she watched the awakened look in the

+blind faces, all leaning toward the speaker,

+whose childish story pleased them well.

+

+In all her long and useful life, Lizzie never

+forgot that Daisy Day, for it seemed as if she were

+born anew, and like a butterfly had left the

+dark chrysalis all behind her then.  It was the

+first page of the beautiful book just opening

+before the eyes of her little mind,--a lovely

+page, illustrated with flowers, kind faces,

+sunshine, and happy hopes.  The new life was so

+full, so free, she soon fell into her place and

+enjoyed it all.  People worked there so heartily,

+so helpfully, it was no wonder things went as if

+by magic, and the poor little creatures who came

+in so afflicted went out in some years independent

+people, ready to help themselves and often

+to benefit others.

+

+There is no need to tell all Lizzie learned and

+enjoyed that summer, nor how proud her mother

+was when she heard her read in the curious

+books, making eyes of the little fingers that felt

+their way along so fast; when she saw the neat

+stitches she set, the pretty clay things she

+modelled, the tidy way she washed dishes, swept, and

+dusted, and helped keep her room in order.

+But the poor woman's heart was too full for

+words when she heard the child sing,--not as

+before, in the dreary room, sad, soft lullabies to

+Billy, but beautiful, gay songs, with flutes and

+violins to lift and carry the little voice along on

+waves of music.

+

+Lizzie really had a great gift; but she was

+never happier than when they all sang together,

+or when she sat quietly listening to the band as

+they practised for the autumn concert.  She

+was to have a part in it; and the thought that

+she could help to earn money for the Kindergarten

+made the shy child bold and glad to do

+her part.  Many people knew her now, for she

+was very pretty, with the healthful roses in her

+cheeks, curly yellow hair, and great blue eyes

+that seemed to see.  Her mates and teachers

+were proud of her, for though she was not as

+quick as some of the pupils, her sweet temper,

+grateful heart, and friendly little ways made her

+very dear to all, aside from the musical talent

+she possessed.

+

+Every one was busy over the fair and the

+concert; and fingers flew, tongues chattered, feet

+trotted, and hearts beat fast with hope and fear

+as the time drew near, for all were eager to

+secure a home for the poor children still waiting

+in darkness.  It was a charity which appealed

+to all hearts when it was known; but in this

+busy world of ours, people have so many cares

+of their own that they are apt to forget the wants

+of others unless something brings these needs

+very clearly before their eyes.  Much money was

+needed, and many ways had been tried to add to

+the growing fund, that all might be well done.

+

+"We wish to interest children in this charity

+for children, so that they may gladly give a part

+of their abundance to these poor little souls who

+have nothing.  I think Lizzie will sing some of

+the pennies out of their pockets, which would

+otherwise go for bonbons.  Let us try; so make

+her neat and pretty, and we 'll have a special song for her."

+

+Mr. Constantine said this; and Miss Grace

+carried out his wish so well that when the time

+came, the little prima donna did her part better

+even than they had hoped.

+

+The sun shone splendidly on the opening day

+of the fair, and cars and carriages came rolling

+out from the city, full of friendly people with

+plump purses and the sympathetic interest we

+all take in such things when we take time to see,

+admire, and reproach ourselves that we do so

+little for them.

+

+There were many children; and when they

+had bought the pretty handiwork of the blind

+needle-women, eaten cake and ices, wondered

+at the strange maps and books, twirled the big

+globe in the hall, and tried to understand how

+so many blind people could be so busy and so

+happy, they all were seated at last to hear the

+music, full of expectation, for "the pretty little

+girl was going to sing."

+

+It was a charming concert, and every one

+enjoyed it, though many eyes grew dim as they

+wandered from the tall youths blowing the

+horns so sweetly to the small ones chirping

+away like so many sparrows, for the blind faces

+made the sight pathetic, and such music touched

+the hearts as no other music can.

+

+"Now she's coming!" whispered the eager

+children, as a little girl climbed up the steps and

+stood before them, waiting to begin.

+

+A slender little creature in a blue gown, with

+sunshine falling on her pretty hair, a pleading

+look in the soft eyes that had no sign of

+blindness but their steadfastness, and a smile on the

+lips that trembled at first, for Lizzie's heart beat

+fast, and only the thought, "I 'm helping the

+poor little ones," gave her courage for her task.

+

+But when the flutes and violins began to play

+like a whispering wind, she forgot the crowd

+before her, and lifting up her face, sang in clear

+sweet tones.

+

+

+   |   THE BLIND LARK'S SONG.

+   |

+   |   We are sitting in the shadow

+   |     Of a long and lonely night,

+   |   Waiting till some gentle angel

+   |     Comes to lead us to the light;

+   |   For we know there is a magic

+   |     That can give eyes to the blind.

+   |   Oh, well-filled hands, be generous!

+   |     Oh, pitying hearts, be kind!

+   |

+   |   Help stumbling feet that wander

+   |     To find the upward way;

+   |   Teach hands that now lie idle

+   |     The joys of work and play.

+   |   Let pity, love, and patience

+   |     Our tender teachers be,

+   |   That though the eyes be blinded,

+   |     The little souls may see.

+   |

+   |   Your world is large and beautiful,

+   |     Our prison dim and small;

+   |   We stand and wait, imploring,

+   |     "Is there not room for all?

+   |   Give us our children's garden,

+   |     Where we may safely bloom,

+   |   Forgetting in God's sunshine

+   |     Our lot of grief and gloom."

+   |

+   |   A little voice comes singing;

+   |     Oh, listen to its song!

+   |   A little child is pleading

+   |     For those who suffer wrong.

+   |   Grant them the patient magic

+   |     That gives eyes to the blind!

+   |   Oh, well-filled hands, be generous!

+   |     Oh, pitying hearts, be kind!

+   |

+

+It was a very simple little song, but it proved

+wonderfully effective, for Lizzie was so carried

+away by her own feeling that as she sang the

+last lines she stretched out her hands

+imploringly, and two great tears rolled down her

+cheeks.  For a minute many hands were too

+busy fumbling for handkerchiefs to clap, but the

+children were quick to answer that gesture and

+those tears; and one impetuous little lad tossed

+a small purse containing his last ten cents at

+Lizzie's feet, the first contribution won by her

+innocent appeal.  Then there was great applause,

+and many of the flowers just bought were thrown

+to the little lark, who was obliged to come back

+and sing again and again, smiling brightly as she

+dropped pretty courtesies, and sang song after

+song with all the added sweetness of a grateful

+heart.

+

+Hidden behind the organ, Miss Grace and

+Mr. Constantine shook hands joyfully, for this

+was the sort of interest they wanted, and they

+knew that while the children clapped and threw

+flowers, the wet-eyed mothers were thinking

+self-reproachfully, "I must help this lovely

+charity," and the stout old gentlemen who

+pounded with their canes were resolving to go

+home and write some generous checks, which

+would be money invested in God's savings-bank.

+

+It was a very happy time for all, and made

+strangers friends in the sweet way which teaches

+heart to speak to heart.  When the concert was

+over, Lizzie felt many hands press hers and

+leave something there, many childish lips kiss

+her own, with promises to "help about the

+Kindergarten," and her ears were full of kind

+voices thanking and praising her for doing her

+part so well.  Still later, when all were gone,

+she proudly put the rolls of bills into

+Mr. Constantine's hand, and throwing her arms

+about Miss Grace's neck, said, trembling with

+earnestness, "I 'm not a burden any more, and

+I can truly help!  How can I ever thank you

+both for making me so happy?"

+

+One can fancy what their answer was and how

+Lizzie helped; for long after the Kindergarten

+was filled with pale little flowers blooming slowly

+as she had done, the Blind Lark went on singing

+pennies out of pockets, and sweetly reminding

+people not to forget this noble charity.

+

+.. vspace:: 3

+

+.. figure:: images/img-091.jpg

+   :align: center

+   :alt: Chapter IV tailpiece

+

+   Chapter IV tailpiece

+

+.. vspace:: 4

+

+.. _`MUSIC AND MACARONI`:

+

+.. figure:: images/img-092.jpg

+   :align: center

+   :alt: Tino runs away from home.

+

+   Tino runs away from home.--PAGE `105`_.

+

+.. vspace:: 3

+

+.. class:: center large

+

+   \V.

+

+

+.. class:: center medium

+

+   MUSIC AND MACARONI.

+

+.. vspace:: 2

+

+Among the pretty villages that lie along the

+wonderful Cornice road which runs from

+Nice to Genoa, none was more beautiful than

+Valrose.  It deserved its name, for it was indeed

+a "valley of roses."  The little town with its old

+church nestled among the olive and orange

+trees that clothed the hillside, sloping up to

+purple mountains towering behind.  Lower

+down stretched the vineyards; and the valley

+was a bed of flowers all the year round.  There

+were acres of violets, verbenas, mignonette, and

+every sweet-scented blossom that grows, while

+hedges of roses, and alleys of lemon-trees with

+their white stars made the air heavy with perfume.

+Across the plain, one saw the blue sea rolling to

+meet the bluer sky, sending fresh airs and soft

+rains to keep Valrose green and beautiful even

+through the summer heat.  Only one ugly thing

+marred the lovely landscape, and that was the

+factory, with its tall chimneys, its red walls, and

+ceaseless bustle.  But old ilex-trees tried to

+conceal its ugliness; the smoke curled gracefully

+from its chimney-tops; and the brown men

+talked in their musical language as they ran

+about the busy courtyard, or did strange things

+below in the still-room.  Handsome black-eyed

+girls sang at the open windows at their

+pretty work, and delicious odors filled the place;

+for here the flowers that bloomed outside were

+changed to all kinds of delicate perfumes to

+scent the hair of great ladies and the

+handkerchiefs of dainty gentlemen all the world over.

+

+The poor roses, violets, mignonette, orange-flowers,

+and their sisters, were brought here in

+great baskets to yield up their sweet souls in

+hot rooms where, fires burned and great vats

+boiled; then they were sent up to be imprisoned

+in pretty flasks of all imaginable shapes and

+colors by the girls, who put gilded labels on them,

+packed them in delicate boxes, and sent them

+away to comfort the sick, please the rich, and

+put money in the pockets of the merchants.

+

+Many children were employed in the light

+work of weeding beds, gathering flowers, and

+running errands; among these none were busier,

+happier, or more beloved than Florentino and

+his sister Stella.  They were orphans, but they

+lived with old Mariuccia in her little stone

+house near the church, contented with the small

+wages they earned, though their clothes were

+poor, their food salad, macaroni, rye bread, and

+thin wine, with now and then a taste of meat

+when Stella's lover or some richer friend gave

+them a treat on gala days.

+

+They worked hard, and had their dreams of

+what they would do when they had saved up a

+little store; Stella would marry her Beppo and

+settle in a home of her own; but Tino was more

+ambitious, for he possessed a sweet boyish voice

+and sang so well in the choir, at the merrymakings,

+and about his work, that he was called

+the "little nightingale," and much praised and

+petted, not only by his mates, but by the good

+priest who taught him music, and the travellers

+who often came to the factory and were not

+allowed to go till Tino had sung to them.

+

+All this made the lad vain; and he hoped one

+day to go away as Baptista had gone, who now

+sang in a fine church at Genoa and sent home

+gold napoleons to his old parents.  How this

+was to come about Tino had not the least idea,

+but he cheered his work with all manner of wild

+plans, and sang his best at Mass, hoping some

+stranger would hear, and take him away as

+Signor Pulci had taken big Tista, whose voice

+was not half so wonderful as his own, all had

+said.  No one came, however, and Tino at

+thirteen was still at work in the valley,--a happy

+little lad, singing all day long as he carried his

+fragrant loads to and fro, ate his dinner of bread

+and beans fried in oil, with a crust, under the

+ilex-trees, and slept like a dormouse at night on

+his clean straw in the loft at Mariuccia's, with

+the moon for his candle and the summer warmth

+for his coverlet.

+

+One day in September, as he stood winnowing

+mignonette seed in a quiet corner of the vast

+garden, he was thinking deeply over his hopes

+and plans, and practising the last chant Father

+Angelo had taught him, while he shook and

+held the sieve high, to let the wind blow away

+the dead husks, leaving the brown seeds behind.

+

+Suddenly, as he ended his lesson with a clear

+high note that seemed to rise and die softly

+away like the voice of an angel in the air, the

+sound of applause startled him; and turning, he

+saw a gentleman sitting on the rude bench

+behind him,--a well-dressed, handsome, smiling

+gentleman, who clapped his white hands and

+nodded and said gayly, "Bravo, my boy, that

+was well done!  You have a wonderful voice;

+sing again."

+

+But Tino was too abashed for the moment,

+and could only stand and stare at the stranger,

+a pretty picture of boyish confusion, pleasure,

+and shyness.

+

+"Come, tell me all about it, my friend.  Who

+taught you so well?  Why are you here, and

+not where you should be, learning to use this

+fine pipe of yours, and make fame and money

+by it?" said the gentleman, still smiling as he

+leaned easily in his seat and swung his gloves.

+

+Tino's heart began to beat fast as he thought,

+"Perhaps my chance has come at last!  I must

+make the most of it."  So taking courage, he

+told his little story; and when he ended, the

+stranger gave a nod, saying,--

+

+"Yes, you are the 'little nightingale' they

+spoke of up at the inn.  I came to find you.

+Now sing me something gay, some of your

+folk-songs.  That sort will suit you best."

+

+Anxious to make the most of his chance,

+Tino took courage and sang away as easily as a

+bird on a bough, pouring out one after another

+the barcaroles, serenades, ballads, and drinking-songs

+he had learned from the people about him.

+

+The gentleman listened, laughed, and

+applauded as if well pleased, and when Tino

+stopped to take breath, he gave another nod

+more decided than the first, and said with his

+engaging smile,--

+

+"You are indeed a wonder, and quite wasted

+here.  If *I* had you I should make a man of

+you, and put money in your pocket as fast as

+you opened your mouth."

+

+Tino's eyes sparkled at the word "money,"

+for sweet as was the praise, the idea of having

+full pockets bewitched him, and he asked

+eagerly, "How, signor?"

+

+"Well," answered the gentleman, idly tapping

+his nose with a rose-bud which he had pulled

+as he came along, "I should take you to my

+hotel at Nice; wash, brush, and trim you up a

+little; put you into a velvet suit with a lace

+collar, silk stockings, and buckled shoes; teach

+you music, feed you well, and when I thought

+you fit carry you with me to the *salons* of the

+great people, where I give concerts.  There you

+would sing these gay songs of yours, and be

+petted, praised, and pelted with bonbons, francs,

+and kisses perhaps,--for you are a pretty lad

+and these fine ladies and idle gentlemen are

+always ready to welcome a new favorite.  Would

+you fancy that sort of life better than this?

+You can have it if you like."

+

+Tino's black eyes shone; the color deepened

+in his brown cheeks; and he showed all his

+white teeth as he laughed and exclaimed with

+a gesture of delight,--

+

+"Mio Dio! but I *would*, signor!  I 'm tired

+of this work; I long to sing, to see the world, to

+be my own master, and let Stella and the old

+woman know that I am big enough to have

+my own way.  Do you really mean it?  When

+can I go?  I'm ready now, only I had better

+run and put on my holiday suit and get my guitar."

+

+"Good! there 's a lad of spirit.  I like that

+well.  A guitar too?  Bravo, my little

+troubadour, we shall make a sensation in the

+drawing-rooms, and fill our pockets shortly.  But there

+is no haste, and it would be well to ask these

+friends of yours, or there might be trouble.  I

+don't *steal* nightingales, I buy them; and I

+will give the old woman, whoever she may be,

+more than you would earn in a month.  See,

+I too am a singer, and this I made at Genoa in

+a week."  As he spoke, Signor Mario pulled

+a well-filled purse from one pocket, a handful

+of gold and silver coin from the other, and

+chinked them before the boy's admiring eyes.

+

+"Let us go!" cried Tino, flinging down the

+sieve as if done with work forever.  "Stella is

+at home to-day; come at once to Mariuccia,--it

+is not far; and when they hear these fine plans,

+they will be glad to let me go, I am sure."

+

+Away he went across the field of flowers,

+through the courtyard, up the steep street,

+straight into the kitchen where his pretty sister

+sat eating artichokes and bread while the old

+woman twirled her distaff in the sun.  Both

+were used to strangers, for the cottage was a

+picturesque place, half hidden like a bird's nest

+in vines and fig-trees, with a gay little plot of

+flowers before it; travellers often came to taste

+Mariuccia's honey, for her bees fared well, and

+their combs were running over with the sweetness

+of violets and roses, put up in dainty little

+waxen boxes made by better workmen than any

+found at the factory.

+

+The two women listened respectfully while

+Signor Mario told his plan in his delightfully

+gracious way; and Stella was much impressed

+by the splendor of the prospect before her

+brother.  But the wise old woman shook her

+head, and declared decidedly that the boy was

+too young to leave home yet.  Father Angelo

+was teaching him well; he was safe and happy

+where he was; and there he should remain, for

+she had sworn by all the saints to his dying

+mother that she would guard him as the apple

+of her eye till he was old enough to take care

+of himself.

+

+In vain Mario shook his purse before her

+eyes, Stella pleaded, and Tino stormed; the

+faithful old soul would not give up, much as

+she needed money, loved Stella, and hated to

+cross the boy who was in truth "the apple of her

+eye" and the darling of her heart.  There was

+a lively scene in the little room, for every one

+talked at once, gesticulated wildly, and grew

+much excited in the discussion; but nothing

+came of it, and Signor Mario departed wrathfully,

+leaving Mariuccia looking as stern as fate

+with her distaff, Stella in tears, and Tino in such

+a rage he could only dash up to the loft and

+throw himself on his rude bed, there to kick

+and sob and tear his hair, and wish there might

+be ten thousand earthquakes to swallow that

+cruel old woman up in the twinkling of an eye.

+

+Stella came to beg him to be comforted and

+eat his supper, but he drew the wooden bolt

+and would not let her in, saying sternly,--

+

+"I *never* will come down till Mariuccia says

+I may go; I will starve first.  I am not a child

+to be so treated.  Go away, and let me alone;

+I hate you both!"

+

+Poor Stella retired, heart-broken, and when

+all her entreaties failed to change their

+guardian's decision, she went to consult Father

+Angelo.  He agreed with the old woman that

+it was best to keep the boy safe at home, as they

+knew nothing of the strange gentleman nor

+what might befall Tino if he left the shelter of

+his own humble home and friends.

+

+Much disappointed, Stella went to pray

+devoutly in the church, and then, meeting her

+Beppo, soon forgot all about the poor little lad

+who had sobbed himself to sleep upon his straw.

+

+The house was quiet when he awoke; no

+lights shone from any neighbor's windows; and

+all was still except the nightingales singing in

+the valley.  The moon was up; and her friendly

+face looked in at the little window so brightly

+that the boy felt comforted, and lay staring at

+the soft light while his mind worked busily.

+Some evil spirit, some naughty Puck bent on

+mischief must have been abroad that night, for

+into Tino's head there suddenly popped a

+splendid idea; at least *he* thought it so, and in his

+rebellious state found it all the more tempting

+because danger and disobedience and defiance

+all had a part in it.

+

+Why not run away?  Signor Mario was not

+to leave till next morning.  Tino could easily

+slip out early and join the kind gentleman

+beyond the town.  This would show the women

+that he, Tino, had a will of his own and was

+not to be treated like a child any more.  It

+would give them a good fright, make a fine

+stir in the place, and add to his glory when he

+returned with plenty of money to display

+himself in the velvet suit and silk stockings,--a

+famous fellow who knew what he was about and

+did not mean to be insulted, or tied to an old

+woman's apron-string forever.

+

+The longer he thought the more delightful

+the idea became, and he resolved to carry it out,

+for the fine tales he had heard made him more

+discontented than ever with his present simple,

+care-free life.  Up he got, and by the light of the

+moon took from the old chest his best suit.

+Moving very softly, he put on the breeches and

+jacket of rough blue cloth, the coarse linen

+shirt, the red sash, and the sandals of russet

+leather that laced about his legs to the knee.

+A few clothes, with his rosary, he tied up in a

+handkerchief, and laid the little bundle ready

+with his Sunday hat, a broad-brimmed, pointed-crowned

+affair with a red band and cock's

+feather to adorn it.

+

+Then he sat at the window waiting for dawn

+to come, fearing to sleep lest he be too late.

+It seemed an almost endless night, the first he

+had ever spent awake, but red streaks came in

+the east at last, and he stole to the door,

+meaning to creep noiselessly downstairs, take a good

+hunch of bread and a gourd full of wine and

+slip off while the women slept.

+

+To his dismay he found the door barred on

+the outside.  His courage had ebbed a little as

+the time for action came; but at this new insult

+he got angry again, and every dutiful impulse

+flew away in a minute.

+

+"Ah, they think to keep me, do they?

+Behold, then, how I cheat the silly things!

+They have never seen me climb down the

+fig-tree, and thought me safe.  Now I will vanish,

+and leave them to tear their hair and weep for

+me in vain."

+

+.. _`105`:

+

+Flinging out his bundle, and carefully lowering

+his old guitar, Tino leaned from the little

+window, caught the nearest branch of the tree

+that bent toward the wall, and swung himself

+down as nimbly as a squirrel.  Pausing only to

+pick several bunches of ripe grapes from the

+vine about the door, he went softly through the

+garden and ran away along the road toward

+Nice as fast as his legs could carry him.

+

+Not till he reached the top of the long hill a

+mile away, did he slacken his lively pace; then

+climbing a bank, he lay down to rest under

+some olive-trees, and ate his grapes as he

+watched the sun rise.  Travellers always left the

+Falcone Inn early to enjoy the morning

+freshness, so Tino knew that Signor Mario would

+soon appear; and when the horses paused to

+rest on the hill-top, the "little nightingale"

+would present himself as unexpectedly as if he

+had fallen from heaven.

+

+But Signor Mario was a lazy man; and Tino

+had time to work himself into a fever of

+expectation, doubt, and fear before the roll of

+wheels greeted his longing ears.  Yes, it was

+the delightful stranger!--reading papers and

+smoking as he rode, quite blind to the beauty

+all around him, blind also to the sudden

+appearance of a picturesque little figure by the

+roadside, as the carriage stopped.  Even when

+he looked, he did not recognize shabby Tino in

+the well-dressed beggar, as he thought him,

+who stood bare-headed and smiling, with hat in

+one hand, bundle in the other, and guitar slung

+on his back.  He waved his hand as if to say,

+"I have nothing for you," and was about to

+bid the man drive on, but Tino cried out boldly,--

+

+"Behold me, signor!  I am Tino, the singing

+boy of Valrose.  I have run away to join you

+if you will have me.  Ah, please do!  I wish so

+much to go with you."

+

+"Bravo!" cried Mario, well pleased.  "That

+is a lad of spirit; and I am glad to have you.

+I don't steal nightingales, as I told you down

+yonder; but if they get out of their cages and

+perch on my finger, I keep them.  In with you,

+boy! there is no time to lose."

+

+In scrambled happy Tino, and settling

+himself and his property on the seat opposite,

+amused his new master with a lively account of

+his escape.  Mario laughed and praised him;

+Luigi, the servant, grinned as he listened from

+the coach-box; and the driver resolved to tell

+the tale at the Falcone, when he stopped there

+on his return to Genoa, so the lad's friends

+might know what had become of him.

+

+After a little chat Signor Mario returned to

+his newspapers, and Tino, tired with his long

+vigil and brisk run, curled himself up on the

+seat, pillowed his head on his bundle and fell

+fast asleep, rocked by the motion of the

+carriage as it rolled along the smooth road.

+

+When he waked, the sun was high, the

+carriage stood before a wayside inn, the man and

+horses were gone to their dinners, and the

+signor lay under some mulberry-trees in the

+garden while Luigi set forth upon the grass

+the contents of a well-filled hamper which they

+had brought with them, his master being one

+who looked well after his own comfort.  The sight

+of food drew Tino toward it as straight as a

+honey-jar draws flies, and he presented himself

+with his most engaging air.  Being in a good

+humor, the new master bade the hungry lad sit down

+and eat, which he did so heartily that larded fowl,

+melon, wine, and bread vanished as if by magic.

+Never had food tasted so good to Tino; and

+rejoicing with true boyish delight in the prospect

+of plenty to eat, he went off to play Morso

+with the driver, while the horses rested and

+Mario took a siesta on the grass.

+

+When they set forth again, Tino received his

+first music lesson from the new teacher, who

+was well pleased to find how quickly the boy

+caught the air of a Venetian boat-song, and

+how sweetly he sang it.  Then Tino strummed

+on his guitar and amused his hearers with all

+the melodies he knew, from church chants to

+drinking-songs.  Mario taught him how to

+handle his instrument gracefully, speak a few

+polite phrases, and sit properly instead of

+sprawling awkwardly or lounging idly.

+

+So the afternoon wore away; and at dusk they

+reached Nice.  To Tino it looked like an

+enchanted city as they drove down to it from the

+soft gloom and stillness of the country.  The

+sea broke gently on the curving shore, sparkling

+with the lights of the Promenade des Anglais

+which overlooks it.  A half circle of brilliant

+hotels came next; behind these the glimmer of

+villas scattered along the hillside shone like

+fireflies among gardens and orange groves; and

+higher still the stars burned in a violet sky.

+Soon the moon would be up, to hang like a great

+lamp from that splendid dome, turning sea and

+shore to a magic world by her light.  Tino

+clapped his hands and looked about him with

+all the pleasure of his beauty-loving race as they

+rattled through the gay streets and stopped at

+one of the fine hotels.

+

+Here Mario put on his grand air, and was

+shown to the apartment he had ordered from

+Genoa.  Tino meekly followed; and Luigi

+brought up the rear with the luggage.  Tino

+felt as if he had got into a fairy tale when he

+found himself in a fine parlor where he could

+only sit and stare about him, while his master

+refreshed in the chamber beyond, and the man

+ordered dinner.  A large closet was given the

+boy to sleep in, with a mattress and blanket, a

+basin and pitcher, and a few pegs to hang his

+clothes on.  But it seemed very nice after the

+loft; and when he had washed his face, shaken

+the dust off, and smoothed his curly head as

+well as he could, he returned to the parlor to

+gloat over such a dinner as he had never eaten before.

+

+Mario was in a good humor and anxious to

+keep the lad so, therefore he plied him with good

+things to eat, fine promises, and the praise in

+which that vain little soul delighted.  Tino went

+to bed early, feeling that his fortune was made,

+and his master went off to amuse himself at a

+gaming-table, for that was his favorite pastime.

+

+Next day the new life began.  After a late

+breakfast, a music lesson was given which both

+interested and dismayed Tino, for his master

+was far less patient than good old Father Angelo,

+and swore at him when he failed to catch a new

+air as quickly as he expected.  Both were tired

+and rather cross when it ended, but Tino soon

+forgot the tweaking of his ear and the scolding,

+when he was sent away with Luigi to buy the

+velvet suit and sundry necessary articles for the

+young troubadour.

+

+It was a lovely day; and the gay city was all

+alive with the picturesque bustle which always

+fills it when the season begins.  Red-capped

+fishermen were launching their boats from the

+beach, flower-girls hastening from the gardens

+with their fragrant loads to sell on the

+Promenade, where invalids sunned themselves, nurses

+led their rosy troops to play, fine ladies strolled,

+and men of all nations paced to and fro at

+certain hours.  In the older part of the city, work

+of all sorts went on,--coral-carvers filled their

+windows with pretty ornaments; pastry-cooks

+tempted with dainty dishes; milliners showed

+hats fresh from Paris; and Turkish merchants

+hung out rich rugs and carpets at their doors.

+Church-bells chimed; priests with incense and

+banners went through the streets on holy

+errands; the Pifferoni piped gayly; orange-women

+and chestnut-sellers called their wares

+in musical voices; even the little scullions who

+go about scouring saucepans at back doors

+made a song of their cry, "Casserola!"

+

+Tino had a charming time, and could hardly

+believe his senses when one fine thing after

+another was bought for him and ordered home.

+Not only the suit, but two ruffled shirts, a

+crimson tie for the lace collar, a broad new ribbon

+for the guitar, handkerchiefs, hose, and delicate

+shoes, as if he was a gentleman's son.  When

+Luigi added a little mantle and a hat such as

+other well-dressed lads of his age wore, Tino

+exclaimed, "This also!  Dio mio, never have I

+known so kind a man as Signor Mario.  I shall

+serve him well and love him even better than

+you do."

+

+Luigi shrugged his shoulders and answered

+with a disagreeable laugh, "Long may you

+think so, poverino; I serve for money, not

+love, and look to it that I get my wages, else

+it would go ill with both of us.  Keep all

+you can get, boy; our master is apt to forget

+his servants."

+

+Tino did not like the look, half scornful, half

+pitiful, which Luigi gave him, and wondered why

+he did not love the good signor.  Later he

+found out; but all was pleasant now, and lunch

+at a café completed the delights of that long morning.

+

+The rooms were empty when they returned;

+and bidding him keep out of mischief, Luigi

+left Tino alone for several hours.  But he found

+plenty of amusement in examining all the

+wonders the apartment contained, receiving the

+precious parcels as they arrived, practising his

+new bow before the long mirror, and eating the

+nuts that he had bought of a jolly old woman

+at a street corner.

+

+Then he went to lounge on the balcony that

+ran along the front of the hotel, and watched

+the lively scene below, till sunset sent the

+promenaders home to dress for dinner.  Feeling a

+sudden pang of homesickness as he thought of

+Stella, Tino got his guitar and sang the old

+songs to comfort his loneliness.

+

+The first was hardly ended before one after

+the other five little heads popped out of a

+window farther down the balcony; and presently

+a group of pretty children were listening and

+smiling as the nice boy played and sang to

+them.  A gentleman looked out; and a lady

+evidently listened, for the end of a lace flounce

+lay on the threshold of the long window, and a

+pair of white hands clapped when he finished

+a gay air in his best style.

+

+This was his first taste of applause, and he

+liked it, and twanged away merrily till his

+master's voice called him in just as he was

+beginning to answer the questions the eager children

+asked him.

+

+"Go and dress!  I shall take you down to

+dinner with me presently.  But mind this, *I*

+will answer questions; do *you* keep quiet, and

+leave me to tell what I think best.  Remember,

+or I pack you home at once."

+

+Tino promised, and was soon absorbed in

+getting into his new clothes; Luigi came to help

+him, and when he was finished off, a very

+handsome lad emerged from the closet to make his

+best bow to his master, who, also in fine array,

+surveyed him with entire approval.

+

+"Very good!  I thought you would make a

+passable butterfly when you shed your grub's

+skin.  Stand up and keep your hands out of

+your pockets.  Mind what I told you about

+supping soup noisily, and don't handle your

+fork like a shovel.  See what others do, smile,

+and hold your tongue.  There is the gong.

+Let us go."

+

+Tino's heart beat as he followed Mario down

+the long hall to the great *salle à manger* with its

+glittering *table d'hôte* and many guests.  But the

+consciousness of new clothes sustained him, so

+he held up his head, turned out his toes, and

+took his place, trying to look as if everything

+was not very new and dazzling to him.

+

+Two elderly ladies sat opposite, and he heard

+one say to the other in bad Italian, "Behold the

+lovely boy, Maria; I should like to paint him."

+

+And the other answered, "We will be

+amiable to him, and perhaps we may get him for

+a model.  Just what I want for a little Saint

+John."

+

+Tino smiled at them till his black eyes

+sparkled and his white teeth shone, for he

+understood and enjoyed their praise.  The artistic

+ladies smiled back, and watched him with

+interest long after he had forgotten them, for that

+dinner was a serious affair to the boy, with a

+heavy silver spoon and fork to manage, a

+napkin to unfold, and three glasses to steer clear

+of for fear of a general upset, so awkward did

+he feel.

+

+Every one else was too busy to mind his

+mistakes; and the ladies set them down to

+bashfulness, as he got red in the face, and dared not

+look up after spilling his soup and dropping a roll.

+

+Presently, while waiting for dessert, he forgot

+himself in something Mario was saying to his

+neighbor on the other side:--

+

+"A poor little fellow whom I found starving

+in the streets at Genoa.  He has a voice;

+I have a heart, and I adore music.  I took him

+to myself, and shall do my best for him.  Ah,

+yes!  in this selfish world one must not forget

+the helpless and the poor."

+

+Tino stared, wondering what other boy the

+good signor had befriended, and was still more

+bewildered when Mario turned to him with a

+paternal air, to add in that pious tone so new

+to the boy,--

+

+"This is my little friend, and he will gladly

+come and sing to your young ladies after dinner.

+Many thanks for the honor; I shall bring him

+out at my parlor concerts, and so fit him for his

+place by and by.  Bow and smile, quick!"

+

+The last words were in a sharp whisper; and

+Tino obeyed with a sudden bob of the head

+that sent his curls over his eyes, and then

+laughed such a boyish laugh as he shook them

+back that the gentleman leaning forward to

+look at him joined in it, and the ladies smiled

+sympathetically as they pushed a dish of

+bonbons nearer to him.  Mario gave him an

+indulgent look, and went on in the same benevolent

+tone telling all he meant to do, till the kindly

+gentleman from Rome was much interested,

+having lads of his own and being fond of music.

+

+Tino listened to the fine tales told of him and

+hoped no one would ask him about Genoa, for

+he would surely betray that he had never been

+there and could not lie as glibly as Mario did.

+He felt rather like the little old woman who did

+not know whether she was herself or not, but

+consoled himself by smiling at the ladies and

+eating a whole plateful of little cakes standing

+near him.

+

+When they rose, Tino made his bow, and

+Mario walked down the long hall with his hand

+on the boy's shoulder and a friendly air very

+impressive to the spectators, who began at once

+to gossip about the pretty lad and his kind

+protector, just as the cunning gentleman planned

+to have them.

+

+As soon as they were out of sight, Mario's

+manner changed; and telling Tino to sit down

+and digest his dinner or he would n't be able to

+sing a note, he went to the balcony to smoke

+till the servant came to conduct them to Conte

+Alborghetti's salon.

+

+"Now mind, boy; do exactly as I tell you, or

+I 'll drop you like a hot chestnut and leave you

+to get home as you can," said Mario, in a

+sharp whisper, as they paused on the threshold

+of the door.

+

+"I will, signor, indeed I will!" murmured

+Tino, scared by the flash of his master's black

+eye and the grip of his hand, as he pulled the

+bashful boy forward.

+

+In they went, and for a moment Tino only

+perceived a large light room full of people,

+who all looked at him as he stood beside Mario

+with his guitar slung over his shoulder, red

+cheeks, and such a flutter at his heart that he

+felt sure he could never sing there.  The

+amiable host came to meet and present them to a

+group of ladies, while a flock of children drew

+near to look at and listen to the "nice singing

+boy from Genoa."

+

+Mario, having paid his thanks and compliments

+in his best manner, opened the little concert by

+a grand piece upon the piano, proving that he

+was a fine musician, though Tino already began

+to fancy he was not quite so good a man as he

+wished to appear.  Then he sang several airs

+from operas; and Tino forgot himself in listening

+delightedly to the mellow voice of his master,

+for the lad loved music and had never heard

+any like this before.

+

+When Tino's turn came, he had lost his first

+shyness, and though his lips were dry and breath

+short, and he gave the guitar an awkward bang

+against the piano as he pulled it round ready

+to play upon, the curiosity in the faces of the

+children and the kindly interest of the ladies

+gave him courage to start bravely off with

+"Bella Monica,"--the easiest as well as gayest

+of his songs.  It went well; and with each verse

+his voice grew clearer, his hand firmer, and his

+eyes fuller of boyish pleasure in his own power

+to please.

+

+For please he did, and when he ended with

+a loud twang and kissed his hand to the

+audience as he always used to do to the girls at

+home, every one clapped heartily, and the

+gentlemen cried, "Bravo, piccolo!  He sings

+in truth like a little nightingale; encore,

+encore!"

+

+These were sweet sounds to Tino; and he

+needed no urging to sing "Lucia" in his softest

+tones, "looking like one of Murillo's angels!"

+as a young lady said, while he sang away with

+his eyes piously lifted in the manner Mario had

+taught him.

+

+Then followed a grand march from the master

+while the boy rested; after which Tino gave

+more folk-songs, and ended with a national air

+in which all joined like patriotic and enthusiastic

+Italians, shouting the musical chorus, "Viva

+Italia!" till the room rang.

+

+Tino quite lost his head at that, and began

+to prance as if the music had got into his heels.

+Before Mario could stop him, he was showing

+one of the little girls how to dance the Salterello

+as the peasants dance it during Carnival;

+and all the children were capering gayly about

+the wide polished floor with Tino strumming

+and skipping like a young fawn from the woods.

+

+The elder people laughed and enjoyed the

+pretty sight till trays of ices and bonbons

+came in; and the little party ended in a general

+enjoyment of the good things children most

+delight in.  Tino heard his master receiving the

+compliments of the company, and saw the host

+slip a paper into his hand; but, boylike, he

+contented himself with a pocket full of sweetmeats,

+and the entreaties of his little patrons to come

+again soon, and so backed out of the room,

+after bowing till he was dizzy, and bumping

+against a marble table in a very painful manner.

+

+"Well, how do you like the life I promised

+you?  Is it all I said?  Do we begin to fill our

+pockets, and enjoy ourselves even sooner than

+I expected?" asked Mario, with a good-natured

+slap of the shoulder, as they reached his

+apartment again.

+

+"It is splendid!  I like it much, very much! and

+I thank you with all my heart," cried Tino,

+gratefully kissing the hand that could tweak

+sharply, as well as caress when things suited its

+owner.

+

+"You did well, even better than I hoped;

+but in some things we must improve.  Those

+legs must be taught to keep still; and you must

+not forget that you are a peasant when among

+your betters.  It passed very well to-night with

+those little persons, but in some places it would

+have put me in a fine scrape.  Capers! but I

+feared at one moment you would have

+embraced the young contessa, when she danced

+with you."

+

+Mario laughed as poor Tino blushed and

+stammered, "But, signor, she was so little, only

+ten years old, and I thought no harm to hold

+her up on that slippery floor.  See, she gave

+me all these, and bade me come again.  I would

+gladly have kissed her, she was so like little

+Annina at home."

+

+"Well, well, no harm is done; but I see the

+pretty brown girls down yonder have spoiled

+you, and I shall have to keep an eye on my

+gallant young troubadour.  Now to bed, and

+don't make yourself ill with all those

+confections.  Felice notte, Don Giovanni!" and away

+went Mario to lose at play every franc of the

+money the generous count had given him "for

+the poor lad."

+

+That was the beginning of a new and charming

+life for Tino, and for two months he was a

+busy and a happy boy, with only a homesick fit

+now and then when Mario was out of temper,

+or Luigi put more than his fair share of work

+upon his shoulders.  The parlor concerts went

+well, and the little nightingale was soon a

+favorite toy in many salons.  Night after night Tino

+sang and played, was petted and praised, and

+then trotted home to dream feverishly of new

+delights; for this exciting life was fast

+spoiling the simple lad who used to be so merry

+and busy at Valrose.  The more he had, the

+more he wanted, and soon grew discontented,

+jealous, and peevish.  He had cause to complain

+of some things; for none of the money earned

+ever came to him, and when he plucked up

+courage to ask for his promised share, Mario

+told him he only earned his food and clothes as

+yet.  Then Tino rebelled, and got a beating,

+which made him outwardly as meek as a lamb,

+but inwardly a very resentful, unhappy boy, and

+spoiled all his pleasure in music and success.

+

+He was neglected all day and left to do what

+he liked till needed at night, so he amused

+himself by lounging about the hotel or wandering

+on the beach to watch the fishermen cast their

+nets.  Lazy Luigi kept him doing errands when

+he could; but for hours the boy saw neither

+master nor man, and wondered where they were.

+At last he found out, and his dream of fame and

+fortune ended in smoke.

+

+Christmas week was a gay one for

+everybody, and Tino thought good times had come

+again; for he sang at several childrens' fêtes,

+received some pretty gifts from the kind

+Alborghettis, and even Mario was amiable enough to

+give him a golden napoleon after a run of good

+luck at the cards.  Eager to show his people

+that he was getting on, Tino begged Antoine,

+the friendly waiter who had already written one

+letter to Stella for him, to write another, and

+send by a friend going that way a little parcel

+containing the money for Mariuccia, a fine

+Roman sash for Stella, and many affectionate

+messages to all his old friends.

+

+It was well he had that little satisfaction, for

+it was his last chance to send good news or

+exult over his grand success.  Troubles came

+with the new year; and in one week our poor

+little jay found himself stripped of all his

+borrowed plumes, and left a very forlorn bird

+indeed.

+

+Trotting about late at night in silk stockings,

+and getting wet more than once in the winter

+rains, gave Tino a bad cold.  No one cared for

+it; and he was soon as hoarse as a crow.  His

+master forced him to sing several times in spite

+of the pain he suffered, and when at the last

+concert he broke down completely, Mario swore at

+him for "a useless brat," and began to talk of

+going to Milan to find a new set of singers and

+patrons.  Had Tino been older, he would have

+discovered some time sooner that Signor Mario

+was losing favor in Nice, as he seldom paid a

+bill, and led a very gay, extravagant life.  But,

+boylike, Tino saw only his own small troubles,

+and suspected nothing when Luigi one day

+packed up the velvet suit and took it away "to

+be repaired," he said.  It *was* shabby, and Tino,

+lying on the sofa with a headache and sharp

+cough, was glad no one ordered him to go with

+it, for the Tramontana was blowing, and he

+longed for old Mariuccia's herb tea and Stella's

+cosseting, being quite ill by this time.

+

+That night as he lay awake in his closet

+coughing, feverish and restless, he heard his

+master and Luigi moving about till very late,

+evidently packing for Paris or Milan, and Tino

+wondered if he would like either place better

+than Nice, and wished they were not so far from

+Valrose.  In the midst of his meditations he fell

+asleep, and when he woke, it was morning.  He

+hurried up and went out to see what the order

+of the day was to be, rather pleased at the idea

+of travelling about the world.

+

+To his surprise no breakfast appeared; the

+room was in confusion, every sign of Mario had

+vanished but empty bottles and a long hotel

+bill lying unpaid upon the table.  Before Tino

+could collect his wits, Antoine came flying in to

+say with wild gesticulations and much French

+wrath that "the rascal Mario had gone in the

+night, leaving immense debts behind him, and

+the landlord in an apoplexy of rage."

+

+Poor Tino was so dismayed he could only sit

+and let the storm pelt about his ears; for not

+only did the waiter appear, but the chambermaid,

+the coachman, and at last the indignant

+host himself, all scolding at once as they

+rummaged the rooms, questioned the bewildered

+boy, and wrung their hands over the escape of

+these dishonest wretches.

+

+"You also, little beast, have grown fat upon

+my good fare! and who is to pay me for all you

+have eaten, not to mention the fine bed, the

+washing, the candles, and the coaches you have

+had?  Ah, great heavens! what is to become

+of us when such things occur?" and the poor

+landlord tore his hair with one hand while he

+shook his other fist at Tino.

+

+"Dear sir, take all I have; it is only an old

+guitar, and a few clothes.  Not a centime do I

+own; but I will work for you.  I can clean

+saucepans and run errands.  Speak for me,

+Antoine; you are my only friend now."

+

+The lad looked so honest and ill and pathetic,

+as he spoke with his poor hoarse voice, and

+looked beseechingly about him, that Antoine's

+kind heart was melted, and he advised the boy

+to slip away home as soon as possible, and so

+escape all further violence and trouble.  He

+slipped two francs into Tino's empty pocket,

+and as soon as the room was cleared, helped

+him tie up the few old clothes that remained.

+The host carried off the guitar as the only thing

+he could seize, so Tino had less to take away

+than he brought, when Antoine led him out by

+the back way, with a good sandwich of bread

+and meat for his breakfast, and bade him go to

+the square and try to beg a ride to Valrose

+on some of the carriages often going thither on

+the way to Genoa.

+

+With many thanks Tino left the great hotel,

+feeling too miserable to care much what

+became of him, for all his fine dreams were spoiled

+like the basket of china the man kicked over in

+the "Arabian Nights," while dreaming he was a

+king.  How could he go home, sick, poor, and

+forsaken, after all the grand tales he had lately

+told in his letter?  How they would laugh at

+him, the men and girls at the factory!  How

+Mariuccia would wag her old head and say,

+"Ecco! is it not as I foretold?"  Even Stella

+would weep over him and be sorry to see her

+dear boy in such a sad plight, yet what could

+he do?  His voice was gone and his guitar, or

+he might sing about the streets, as Mario

+described his doing at Genoa, and so earn his

+daily bread till something turned up.  Now he

+was quite helpless, and much against his will,

+he went to see if any chance of getting home

+appeared.

+

+The day was showery, and no party was

+setting off for the famous drive along the Cornice

+road.  Tino was glad of it, and went to lie on

+a bench at the café where he had often been

+with Luigi.  His head ached, and his cough

+left him no peace, so he spent some of his

+money in syrup and water to quell the trouble,

+and with the rest paid for a good dinner and

+supper.

+

+He told his sad tale to the cook, and was

+allowed to sleep in the kitchen after scrubbing

+saucepans to pay for it.  But no one wanted

+him; and in the morning, after a cup of coffee

+and a roll he found himself cast upon the world

+again.  He would not beg, and as dinner time

+approached, hunger reminded him of a humble

+friend whom he had forgotten in his own days

+of plenty.

+

+He loved to stroll along the beach, and read

+the names on the boats drawn up there, for all

+were the names of saints; and it was almost as

+good as going to church to read the long list of

+Saint Brunos, Saint Francises, and Saint Ursulas.

+Among the fishermen was one who had always

+a kind word for the lad, who enjoyed a sail or

+a chat with Marco whenever nothing better

+turned up to amuse his leisure hours.  Now in

+his trouble he remembered him, and went to

+the beach to ask help, for he felt ill as well as

+sad and hungry.

+

+Yes, there sat the good fellow eating the

+bread and macaroni his little daughter had

+brought for his dinner, and a smile welcomed

+poor Tino as he sat down beside this only friend

+to tell his story.

+

+Marco growled in his black beard and shook

+his knife with an awful frown when he heard

+how the lad had been deserted.  Then he

+smiled, patted Tino's back, thrust the copper

+basin of food into one hand and a big lump

+of the brown-bread into the other, inviting him

+to eat in such a cordial way that the poor

+meal tasted better than the dainty fare at the

+hotel.

+

+A draught of red wine from the gourd

+cheered Tino up, as did the good and kind

+words, and when Marco bade him go home

+with little Manuela to the good wife, he gladly

+went, feeling that he must lie down somewhere,

+his head was so giddy and the pain in the

+breast so sharp.

+

+Buxom Teresa received him kindly, put him

+straight to bed in her own boy's little room,

+laid a cool cloth on his hot head, a warm one

+on his aching chest, and left him to sleep, much

+comforted by her motherly care.  It was well

+the good soul befriended him, for he needed

+help sorely, and would have fared ill if those

+humble folk had not taken him in.

+

+For a week or two he lay in Beppo's bed

+burning with fever, and when he could sit up

+again was too feeble to do anything but smile

+gratefully and try to help Manuela mend nets.

+Marco would hear of no thanks, saying, "Good

+deeds bring good luck.  Behold my haul of

+fish each day thou hast been here, poverino!

+I am well paid, and Saint Peter will bless my

+boat for thy sake."

+

+Tino was very happy in the little dark,

+shabby house that smelt of onions, fish, and tar,

+was full of brown children, and the constant

+clack of Teresa's lively tongue as she gossiped

+with her neighbors, or fried polenta for the

+hungry mouths that never seemed filled.

+

+But the time came when Tino could go about,

+and then he begged for work, anxious to be

+independent and earn a little so that in the spring

+he could go home without empty pockets.

+

+"I have taken thought for thee, my son, and

+work warm and easy is ready if thou wilt do it.

+My friend Tommaso Neri, makes the good

+macaroni near by.  He needs a boy to mind the

+fire and see to the donkey who grinds below

+there.  Food, shelter, and such wages as thou art

+able to earn, he will give thee.  Shall it be?"

+

+Tino gratefully accepted, and with hearty

+embraces all round went off one day to see his

+new place.  It was in the old part of Nice,

+a narrow, dirty street, a little shop with one

+window full of the cheaper sorts of this favorite

+food of all Italians, and behind the shop a room

+where an old woman sat spinning while two

+little boys played with pine cones and pretty

+bits of marble at her feet.

+

+A fat jolly man, with a shining face and loud

+voice, greeted Marco and the lad, saying he

+"was worn to a thread with much work, since

+that bad imp of a donkey-boy had run away

+leaving the blessed macaroni to spoil, and

+poor Carmelita to perish for want of care.

+Come below at once, and behold the

+desolation of the place."

+

+With that he led the way to the cellar, where

+a small furnace-fire burned, and an old gray

+donkey went round and round, turning a wheel

+which set some unseen machinery in motion

+with a dismal creaking sound.  Down through

+many holes in one part of the wooden floor

+overhead came long pipes of macaroni, hardening

+as they hung quivering in the hot air till stiff

+enough to be cut off in handfuls and laid to

+dry on wire trays over the furnace.

+

+Tino had never seen the good macaroni

+made before, and was much interested in the

+process, though it was of the rudest kind.  In

+a room upstairs a great vat of flour and water

+was kept stirring round and round and forced

+down to the place below by the creaking wheel

+which patient Carmelita turned all day.  The

+cellar was dark but warm; and Tino felt that it

+would be comfortable there with the old donkey

+for a comrade, jolly Tommaso for a master,

+and enough to eat,--for it was evident the family

+lived well, so plump and shining were all the

+faces, so cheery the tempers of the old women

+and little lads.

+

+There Marco left him, well satisfied that he

+had done his best for the poor boy; and there

+Tino lived for three months, busy, well fed, and

+contented, till spring sunshine made him long

+for the sweet air, the green fields, and dear

+faces at Valrose.  Tommaso was lazy but kind,

+and if the day's work was done in time, let Tino

+out to see Marco's children or to run on the

+beach with little Jacopo and Seppi.  The

+grandmother gave him plenty of rye bread, thin

+wine, and macaroni fried in oil; old Carmelita

+learned to love him and to lean her gray head

+on his shoulder with joyful waggings of her

+long ears as he caressed her, and each week

+increased the little hoard in an old shoe hidden

+behind a beam.

+

+But it was a dull life for a boy who loved

+music, flowers, light, and freedom; and he soon

+grew tired of seeing only a procession of legs

+go by the low windows level with the street;

+the creak of the wheel was not half so welcome

+as the brisk rattle of the mill at home, and the

+fat little lads always climbing over him could

+not be so dear as sister Stella and pretty

+Annina, the wine-maker's daughter, at Valrose.

+Even the kind old woman who often saved an

+orange for him, and gave him a gay red cotton

+handkerchief on his birthday, was less to his

+taste than Mariuccia, who adored him in spite

+of her scolding and stern ways.

+

+So he looked about for travellers going to

+Genoa; and one happy day as he returned from

+church, he saw, sitting under two red umbrellas

+before two easels beside the road, the two

+elderly ladies of the hotel.  Both wore brown

+hats like mushrooms; both had gray curls

+bobbing in the wind; and both were painting away

+for dear life, trying to get a good sketch of the

+ruined gateway, where passion-flowers climbed,

+and roses nodded through the bars.

+

+Tino stopped to look, as many another passer-by

+had done; and glancing up to see if he

+admired their work, the good ladies recognized

+their "Saint John," as they called the pretty

+boy who had vanished before they could finish

+the pictures they had begun of him.

+

+They were so glad to see him that he opened

+his heart to them, and found to his great joy

+that in a week they were to drive to Genoa, and

+would gladly take him along if he would sit to

+them meantime.  Of course he agreed, and

+ran home to tell his master that he must go.

+Tommaso bewailed his loss, but would not keep

+him; and as Marco's son Beppo was willing to

+take his place till another lad could be found,

+Tino was free to sit in a sheepskin for the

+Misses Blair as often as they liked.

+

+It was a very happy week; and when the

+long-desired day came at last, Tino was so gay he

+danced and sang till the dingy cellar seemed to

+be full of birds in high spirits.  Poor Carmelita

+gratefully ate the cabbage he gave her as a

+farewell offering; the old woman found her box

+full of her favorite snuff; and each small boy

+grew more shiny than ever over a new toy

+presented by Tino.  Tommaso wept as he held

+him in his fat arms, and gave him a bundle of

+half-baked macaroni as a reward for his faithful

+service, while Marco and all his family stood

+at the hotel door to see the carriage depart.

+

+"Really quite like a wedding, with all those

+orange-flowers and roses," said Miss Priscilla,

+as Teresa and Manuela threw great bunches of

+flowers into their laps, and kissed their hands

+to the departing travellers.

+

+Sitting proudly aloft, Tino waved his old hat

+to these good friends till he could see them no

+more, then having, with some difficulty,

+bestowed his long bundle from Tommaso, his

+basket of fish from Marco, his small parcel of

+clothes, and the immense bouquet the children

+had made for him, he gave himself up to the

+rapture of that lovely April day.

+

+The kind ladies had given him a new suit of

+clothes like the old ones, and paid him well

+besides; so he felt quite content with the

+picturesque peasant garments he wore, having had

+enough of fine feathers, and gayly jingled the

+money in his pocket, though it was not the

+fortune he had foolishly hoped to make so

+easily.  He was a wiser boy than the one who

+went over that road six months before, and

+decided that even if his voice did come back

+in time, he would be in no hurry to leave home

+till he was sure it was the wisest thing to do.

+He had some very serious thoughts and

+sensible plans in his young head, and for a time

+was silent and sober.  But soon the delicious

+air, the lovely scenery, and the many questions

+of the ladies raised his spirits, and he chattered

+away till they stopped for dinner.

+

+All that long bright day they drove along

+the wonderful road, and as night fell, saw

+Valrose lying green and peaceful in the valley as

+they paused on the hill-top to enjoy its beauty.

+Then they went slowly down to the Falcone,

+and the moment the luggage was taken in, rooms

+secured, and dinner ordered, Tino, who had been

+quivering with impatience, said eagerly,--

+

+"Dear signoras, now I go to my own people

+to embrace them; but in the morning we come

+to thank you for your great kindness to me."

+

+Miss Priscilla opened her mouth to send some

+message; but Tino was off like an arrow, and

+never stopped till he burst into the little kitchen

+where Mariuccia sat shelling dry beans, and

+Stella was packing mandarinas in dainty baskets

+for market.  Like an affectionate little bear did

+the boy fall upon and embrace the two

+astonished women; while Stella laughed and cried,

+and Mariuccia called on all the saints to behold

+how tall and fat and beautiful her angel had

+become, and to thank them for restoring him

+to their arms.  The neighbors rushed in; and

+till late that night there was the sound of many

+voices in the stone cottage under the old fig-tree.

+

+Tino's adventures were listened to with the

+deepest interest, and a very hearty welcome

+given him.  All were impressed with the

+splendors he had seen, afflicted by his trials, and

+grateful for his return.  No one laughed or

+reproached, but regarded him as a very

+remarkable fellow, and predicted that whether his

+voice came back or not, he was born for good

+luck and would prosper.  So at last he got to

+bed in the old loft, and fell asleep with the same

+friendly moon looking in at him as it did

+before, only now it saw a quiet face, a very happy

+heart, and a contented boy, glad to be safe again

+under the humble roof that was his home.

+

+Early next morning a little procession of

+three went to the Falcone bearing grateful offerings

+to the dear signoras who sat on the portico

+enjoying the balmy air that blew up from the

+acres of flowers below.  First came Tino, bearing

+a great basket of the delicious little oranges

+which one never tastes in their perfection unless

+one eats them fresh from the tree; then Stella

+with two pretty boxes of perfume; and bringing

+up the rear, old Mariuccia with a blue jar of her

+best honey, which like all that of Valrose was

+famous.

+

+The ladies were much delighted with these

+gifts, and promised to stop and see the givers

+of them on their return from Genoa, if they

+came that way.  Tino took a grateful farewell

+of the good souls; Stella kissed their hands,

+with her dark eyes full of tender thanks, and

+Mariuccia begged the saints to have them in

+their special keeping by land and by sea, for

+their kindness to her boy.

+

+An hour later, as the travellers drove down

+the steep road from the village, they were

+startled by a sudden shower of violets and roses

+which rained upon them from a high bank

+beside the path.  Looking up, they saw Tino

+and his sister laughing, waving their hands, and

+tossing flowers as they called in their musical

+language,--

+

+"A rivederla, signoras!  Grazia, grazia!"

+till the carriage rolled round the corner looking

+as if it were Carnival-time, so full was it of

+fragrant violets and lovely roses.

+

+"Nice creatures! how prettily they do things!

+I hope we *shall* see them again; and I wonder

+if the boy will ever be famous.  Such a pity

+to lose that sweet voice of his!" said Miss Maria,

+the younger of the sisters, as they drove along

+in a nest of sweet and pretty gifts.

+

+"I hope not, for he will be much safer and

+happier in this charming place than wandering

+about the world and getting into trouble as

+these singers always do.  *I* hope he will be

+wise enough to be contented with the place in

+which his lot is cast," answered Miss Priscilla,

+who knew the world and had a good old-fashioned

+love for home and all it gives us.

+

+She was right; Tino *was* wise, and though

+his voice did come back in time, it was no

+longer wonderful; and he was contented to live

+on at Valrose, a busy, happy, humble gardener

+all his life, saying with a laugh when asked

+about his runaway adventures,--

+

+"Ah, I have had enough of music and macaroni;

+I prefer my flowers and my freedom."

+

+.. vspace:: 4

+

+.. _`THE LITTLE RED PURSE`:

+

+.. figure:: images/img-142.jpg

+   :align: center

+   :alt: "Fortunately aunty came down in time to see what was going on, and found Lu busily buttoning the waterproof."

+

+   "Fortunately aunty came down in time to see what was going on, and found Lu busily buttoning the waterproof."--PAGE `152`_.

+

+.. vspace:: 3

+

+.. class:: center large

+

+   \VI.

+

+

+.. class:: center medium

+

+   THE LITTLE RED PURSE.

+

+.. vspace:: 2

+

+Among the presents which Lu found on

+her tenth birthday was a pretty red plush

+purse with a steel clasp and chain, just like

+mamma's, only much smaller.  In it were ten

+bright new cents, that being the sum Lu

+received each week to spend as she liked.  She

+enjoyed all her gifts very much; but this one

+seemed to please her even more than the

+French doll in blue silk, the pearl ring, or

+"Alice in Wonderland,"--three things which

+she had wanted for a long time.

+

+"It is *so* cunning, and the snap makes such

+a loud noise, and the chain is so nice on my

+arm, and the plush so red and soft, I can't help

+loving my dear little purse.  I shall spend all

+the money for candy, and eat it every bit

+myself, because it is my birthday, and I must

+celebrate it," said Lu, as she hovered like a bee

+round a honey-pot about the table where the

+gifts were spread.

+

+Now she was in a great hurry to go out

+shopping, with the new purse proudly carried in her

+small fat hand.  Aunty was soon ready, and

+away they went across the pleasant Park, where

+the pretty babies were enjoying the last warm

+days of autumn as they played among the

+fallen leaves.

+

+"You will be ill if you eat ten cents' worth

+of candy to-day," said aunty.

+

+"I 'll sprinkle it along through the day,

+and eat each kind seppyrut; then they won't

+intersturb me, I am sure," answered Lu, who

+still used funny words, and always got *interrupt*

+and *disturb* rather mixed.

+

+Just then a poor man who had lost his legs

+came creeping along with a tray of little

+flower-pots to sell.

+

+"Only five cents, miss.  Help an unfortnit

+man, please, mum."

+

+"Let me buy one for my baby-house.  It

+would be sweet.  Cora Pinky May would love

+to have that darling little rose in her best

+parlor," cried Lu, thinking of the fine new doll.

+

+Aunty much preferred to help the poor man

+than to buy candy, so the flower-pot was soon

+bought, though the "red, red rose" was unlike

+any ever seen in a garden.

+

+"Now I 'll have five cents for my treat, and

+no danger of being ill," said Lu, as they went

+on again.

+

+But in a few moments a new beggar appeared,

+and Lu's tender heart would not let her pass

+the old woman without dropping two of her

+bright cents in the tin cup.

+

+"Do come to the candy-place at once, or I

+never shall get any," begged Lu, as the red

+purse grew lighter and lighter every minute.

+

+Three sticks of candy were all she could buy,

+but she felt that she could celebrate the

+birthday on that, and was ready to go home and

+begin at once.

+

+As they went on to get some flowers to dress

+the cake at tea-time, Lu suddenly stopped short,

+lifted both hands, and cried out in a tone of

+despair,--

+

+"My purse! my purse!  I 've lost it.  Oh,

+I 've lost it!"

+

+"Left it in the store probably.  Come and

+look for it," said aunty; and back they turned,

+just in time to meet a shabby little girl running

+after them with the precious thing in her hand.

+

+"Ain't this yours?  I thought you dropped

+it, and would hate to lose it," she said, smiling

+pleasantly.

+

+"Oh, I should.  It's spandy new, and I love

+it dearly.  I 've got no more money to pay

+you, only this candy; do take a stick," and Lu

+presented the red barley sugar.

+

+The little girl took it gladly, and ran off.

+

+"Well, two sticks will do.  I 'd rather lose

+every bit of it than my darling purse," said Lu,

+putting it carefully in her pocket.

+

+"I love to give things away and make people

+happy," began Lu, but stopped to watch a dog

+who came up to her, wagging his tail as if he

+knew what a kind little girl she was, and wanted

+to be made happy.  She put out her hand to

+pat him, quite forgetting the small parcel in it;

+but the dog snapped it up before she could

+save it.

+

+"Oh, my last stick!  I did n't mean to give

+it to him.  You naughty dog, drop it this

+minute!" cried poor Lu.

+

+But the beautiful pink cream candy was forever

+lost, and the ungrateful thief ran off, after

+a vain attempt to eat the flower-pot also.  It

+was so funny that aunty laughed, and Lu joined

+her, after shaking her finger at the dog, who

+barked and frisked as if he felt that he had

+done a clever thing.

+

+"Now *I* am quite satisfied, and you will have

+a pleasanter birthday for having made four

+people and a dog happy, instead of yourself

+sick with too many goodies.  Charity is a nice

+sort of sweetie; and I hope you will buy that

+kind with your pocket-money now and then,

+my dear," said aunty, as they walked on again.

+

+"Could I do much with ten cents a week?"

+asked Lu.

+

+"Yes, indeed; you could buy a little book

+for lame Sammy, who loves to read, or a few

+flowers for my sick girl at the hospital, or a

+loaf of bread for some hungry person, or milk

+for a poor baby, or you could save up your

+money till Christmas, and get presents for

+children who otherwise would have none."

+

+"Could I do all those things?  I'd like to

+get presents best, and I will--I will!" cried

+Lu, charmed with the idea of playing Santa

+Claus.  "I did n't think ten cents would be so

+useful.  How long to Christmas, aunty?"

+

+"About ten weeks.  If you save all your

+pocket-money till then, you will have a

+dollar to spend."

+

+"A truly dollar!  How fine!  But all that

+time I should n't have any candy.  I don't think

+I could get along without *some*.  Perhaps if I

+was *very* good some one would give me a bit

+now and then;" and Lu looked up with her

+most engaging smile and a twinkle in her eye.

+

+"We will see about that.  Perhaps 'some

+one' will give extra cents for work you may do,

+and leave you to decide which kind of sweeties

+you would buy."

+

+"What can I do to earn money?" asked Lu.

+

+"Well, you can dry and fold the paper every

+morning for grandpa.  I will pay you a cent for

+that, because nurse is apt to forget it, and he

+likes to have it nicely ready for him after

+breakfast.  Then you might run up and down for

+mamma, and hem some towels for me, and take

+care of Jip and the parrot.  You will earn a good

+deal if you do your work regularly and well."

+

+"I shall have dreadful trials going by the

+candy-shops and never buying any.  I do long

+so to go in that I have to look away when you

+say No.  I want to be good and help poor

+people, but I 'm afraid it will be too hard for

+me," sighed Lu, foreseeing the temptations before her.

+

+"We might begin to-day, and try the new

+plan for a while.  If it is too hard, you can give

+it up; but I think you will soon like my way

+best, and have the merriest Christmas you ever

+knew with the money you save."

+

+Lu walked thoughtfully home, and put the

+empty purse away, resolved to see how long she

+could hold out, and how much she could earn.

+Mamma smiled when she heard the plan, but at

+once engaged the little girl to do errands about

+the house at a cent a job, privately quite sure

+that her pretty express would soon stop running.

+Grandpapa was pleased to find his paper ready,

+and nodded and patted Lu's curly head when

+she told him about her Christmas plans.  Mary,

+the maid, was glad to get rid of combing Jip and

+feeding Polly, and aunty made towel hemming

+pleasant by telling stories as the little

+needle-woman did two hems a day.

+

+Every cent went into the red purse, which Lu

+hung on one of the gilt pegs of the easel in the

+parlor, for she thought it very ornamental, and

+hoped contributions might drop in occasionally.

+None did; but as every one paid her

+in bright cents, there was soon a fine display,

+and the little bag grew heavy with delightful rapidity.

+

+Only once did Lu yield to temptation, and

+that was when two weeks of self-denial made

+her trials so great that she felt as if she really

+must reward herself, as no one else seemed to

+remember how much little girls loved candy.

+

+One day she looked pale, and did not want

+any dinner, saying she felt sick.  Mamma was

+away, so aunty put her on the bed and sat by

+her, feeling very anxious, as scarlet-fever was

+about.  By and by Lu took her handkerchief

+out, and there, sticking to it, was a large brown

+cough-drop.  Lu turned red, and hid her face,

+saying with a penitent sob, "I don't deserve

+to be cuddled.  I 've been selfish and silly, and

+spent some of my money for candy.  I had a

+little cold, and I thought cough-drops would do

+me good.  I ate a good many, and they were

+bitter and made me sick, and I 'm glad of it."

+

+Aunty wanted to laugh at the dear little

+sinner and her funny idea of choosing bitter candy

+as a sort of self-denial; but she comforted her

+kindly, and soon the invalid was skipping about

+again, declaring that she never would do so

+any more.

+

+Next day something happened which helped

+her very much, and made it easier to like the

+new kind of sweeties better than the old.  She

+was in the dining-room getting an apple for her

+lunch, when she saw a little girl come to the

+lower door to ask for cold food.  The cook was

+busy, and sent her away, telling her begging

+was forbidden.  Lu, peeping out, saw the little

+girl sit down on the steps to eat a cold potato

+as if she was very hungry, and while she ate she

+was trying to tie on a pair of very old boots

+some one had given her.  It was a rainy day,

+and she had only a shawl over her head; her

+hands were red with cold; her gown was a faded

+cotton one; and her big basket seemed to have

+very few scraps in it.  So poor, so sad, and

+tired did she look, that Lu could not bear to

+see it, and she called out in her pitiful child's

+voice,--

+

+"Come in and get warm, little girl.  Don't

+mind old Sarah.  I 'll give you something to

+eat, and lend you my rubber boots and

+waterproof to go home in."

+

+.. _`152`:

+

+The poor child gladly went to sit by the

+comfortable fire, while Lu with hospitable haste got

+crackers and cheese and cake and apples, and

+her own silver mug of milk, for her guest,

+forgetting, in her zeal, to ask leave.  Fortunately

+aunty came down for her own lunch in time to

+see what was going on, and found Lu busily

+buttoning the waterproof, while the little girl

+surveyed her rubber boots and small umbrella

+with pride.

+

+"I 'm only *lending* my things, and she will

+return them to-morrow, aunty.  They are too

+small for me, and the umbrella is broken; and

+I 'd love to *give* them all to Lucy if I could.

+*She* has to go out in the rain to get food for her

+family, like a bird, and I don't."

+

+"Birds don't need waterproofs and umbrellas,"

+began aunty; and both children laughed

+at the idea of sparrows with such things, but

+looked a little anxious till aunty went on to say

+that Lucy could have these comforts, and to fill

+the basket with something better than cold

+potatoes, while she asked questions and heard

+the sad little story: how father was dead, and the

+baby sick, so mother could not work, and the

+boys had to pick up chips and cinders to burn,

+and Lucy begged food to eat.  Lu listened with

+tears in her blue eyes, and a great deal of pity

+as well as admiration for poor little Lucy, who

+was only nine, yet had so many cares and

+troubles in her life.  While aunty went to get some

+flannel for baby, Lu flew to her red purse and

+counted out ten cents from her store, feeling so

+rich, so glad to have it instead of an empty

+bonbon box, and a headache after a candy feast.

+

+"Buy some nice fresh milk for little Totty,

+and tell her I sent it--all myself--with my

+love.  Come again to-morrow, and I will tell

+mamma all about you, and you shall be my

+poor people, and I 'll help you if I can," she

+said, full of interest and good-will, for the sight

+of this child made her feel what poverty really

+was, and long to lighten it if she could.

+

+Lucy was smiling when she went away, snug

+and dry in her comfortable clothes, with the

+full basket on her arm; and all that day Lu

+talked and thought about her "own poor

+people," and what she hoped to do for them.

+Mamma inquired, and finding them worthy of

+help, let her little girl send many comforts to

+the children, and learn how to be wisely

+charitable.

+

+"I shall give *all* my money to my 'Lucy

+children' on Christmas," announced Lu, as that

+pleasant time drew near.  "I know what they

+want, and though I can't save money enough to

+give them half the things they need, maybe I

+can help a good deal, and really have a nice

+bundle to s'prise them with."

+

+This idea took possession of little Lu, and she

+worked like a beaver in all sorts of funny ways

+to fill her purse by Christmas-time.  One thing

+she did which amused her family very much,

+though they were obliged to stop it.  Lu danced

+very prettily, and often had what she called

+ballets before she went to bed, when she tripped

+about the parlor like a fairy in the gay costumes

+aunty made for her.  As the purse did not fill

+as fast as she hoped, Lu took it into her head

+one fine day to go round the square where she

+lived, with her tambourine, and dance as some

+of the girls with the hand-organ men did.  So

+she dressed herself in her red skirt and black

+velvet jacket, and with a fur cap on her head

+and a blue cloak over her shoulders, slipped

+out into the quiet square, and going to the

+farther corner, began to dance and beat her

+tambourine on the sidewalk before a house

+where some little children lived.

+

+As she expected, they soon came running to

+the window, and were charmed to see the pretty

+dancer whirling to and fro, with her ribbons

+flying and her tambourine bells ringing, till her

+breath was gone.  Then she held up the

+instrument and nodded smilingly at them; and

+they threw down cents wrapped in paper,

+thinking her music much better than any the organ

+men made.  Much encouraged, Lu went on

+from house to house, and was doing finely,

+when one of the ladies who looked out

+recognized the child, and asked her if her mother

+knew where she was.  Lu had to say "No;" and

+the lady sent a maid to take her home at once.

+

+That spoiled all the fun; and poor Lu did not

+hear the last of her prank for a long time.  But

+she had made forty-two cents, and felt comforted

+when she added that handsome sum to her store.

+As if to console her for this disappointment, after

+that day several bright ten-cent pieces got into

+the red purse in a most mysterious manner.

+Lu asked every one in the house, and all

+declared that they did not do it.  Grandpa could

+not get out of his chair without help, and nurse

+said she never took the purse to him; so of

+course it could not be he who slipped in those

+welcome bits of silver.  Lu asked him; but he

+was very deaf that day, and did not seem to

+understand her at all.

+

+"It must be fairies," she said, pondering over

+the puzzle, as she counted her treasure and

+packed it away, for now the little red purse was

+full.  "Aunty says there are no fairies; but I

+like to think so.  Perhaps angels fly around at

+Christmas-time as they did long ago, and love

+to help poor people, and put those beautiful

+bright things here to show that they are pleased

+with me."  She liked that fancy, and aunty

+agreed that some good spirit must have done

+it, and was sure they would find out the secret

+some time.

+

+Lucy came regularly; and Lu always tried to

+see her, and so learned what she and Totty and

+Joe and Jimmy wanted, but never dreamed of

+receiving Christmas morning.  It did both little

+girls much good, for poor Lucy was comforted

+by the kindness of these friends, and Lu learned

+about far harder trials than the want of

+sugarplums.  The day before Christmas she went on

+a grand shopping expedition with aunty, for the

+purse now held three dollars and seven cents.

+She had spent some of it for trifles for her

+"Lucy children," and had not earned as much

+as she once hoped, various fits of idleness and

+other more amusing but less profitable work

+having lessened her wages.  But she had enough,

+thanks to the good spirit, to get toys and books

+and candy for her family, and went joyfully away

+Christmas Eve to carry her little basket of gifts,

+accompanied by aunty with a larger store of

+comforts for the grateful mother.

+

+When they got back, Lu entertained her

+mother with an account of the delight of the

+children, who never had such a Christmas

+before.

+

+"They could n't wait till morning, and I

+could n't either, and we opened the bundles

+right away; and they *screamed*, mamma, and

+jumped for joy and ate everything and hugged

+me.  And the mother cried, she was so pleased;

+and the boys can go to school all neat now, and

+so could Lucy, only she has to take care of

+Totty while her mother goes to work.  Oh, it

+was lovely!  I felt just like Santa Claus, only

+he does n't stay to see people enjoy their things,

+and I did."

+

+Here Lu stopped for breath, and when she

+got it, had a fine ballet as the only way to work

+off her excitement at the success of her "s'prise."  It

+was a trial to go to bed, but she went at last,

+and dreamed that her "Lucy children" all had

+wings, and were flying round her bed with

+tambourines full of heavenly bonbons, which they

+showered down upon her; while aunty in an

+immense nightcap stood by clapping her hands

+and saying, "Eat all you like, dear; this sort

+won't hurt you."

+

+Morning came very soon; and she popped up

+her head to see a long knobby stocking hanging

+from the mantel-piece.  Out of bed skipped

+the little white figure, and back again, while

+cries of joy were heard as the treasures

+appeared one by one.  There was a tableful

+beside the stocking, and Lu was so busy looking

+at them that she was late to breakfast.  But

+aunty waited for her, and they went down

+together some time after the bell rang.

+

+"Let me peep and see if grandpa has found

+the silk handkerchief and spectacle-case I

+made for him," whispered Lu, as they passed

+the parlor door, which stood half open,

+leaving a wide crack for the blue eyes to spy

+through.

+

+The old gentleman sat in his easy-chair as

+usual, waiting while nurse got his breakfast;

+but what was he doing with his long staff?  Lu

+watched eagerly, and to her great surprise saw

+him lean forward, and with the hook at the end

+take the little red purse off the easel, open it,

+and slip in a small white parcel, then hang it

+on the gilt peg again, put away the cane, and

+sit rubbing his hands and laughing to himself

+at the success of his little trick, quite sure that

+this was a safe time to play it.  Lu was about

+to cry out, and rush in, but aunty whispered,

+"Don't spoil his fun yet.  Go and see what is

+in the purse, then thank him in the way he

+likes best."

+

+So Lu skipped into the parlor, trying to look

+very innocent, and ran to open the dear red

+purse, as she often did, eager to see if the good

+fairy had added to the charity fund.

+

+"Why, here 's a great gold medal, and some

+queer, shaky writing on the paper.  Please see

+what it is," said Lu, very loud, hoping grandpa

+would hear her this time, for his face was

+hidden behind the newspaper he pretended to

+read.

+

+"For Lu's poor's purse, from Santa Claus,"

+read aunty, glad that at last the kind old fairy

+was discovered and ready for his reward.

+

+Lu had never seen a twenty-dollar gold-piece

+before; but she could not stop to find out

+whether the shining medal was money or a

+locket, and ran to grandpa, crying as she pulled

+away the paper and threw her arms about his

+neck,--

+

+"I 've found you out, I 've found you out,

+my dear old Santa Claus!  Merry Christmas,

+grandpa, and lots of thanks and kisses!"

+

+It was pretty to see the rosy cheek against

+the wrinkled one, the golden and the silver

+heads close together, as the old man and the

+little girl kissed and laughed, and both talked

+at once for a few minutes.

+

+"Tell me all about it, you sly grandpa.

+What made you think of doing it that way, and

+not let any one know?" cried Lu, as the

+old gentleman stopped to rest after a kindly

+"cuddle," as Lu called these caresses.

+

+"Well, dear, I liked to see you trying to do

+good with your little pennies, and I wanted to

+help.  I 'm a feeble old man, tied to my chair

+and of no use now; but I like a bit of fun, and

+love to feel that it is not quite too late to make

+some one happy."

+

+"Why, grandpa, you do heaps of good, and

+make many, many people happy," said Lu, with

+another hug.  "Mamma told me all about the

+hospital for little children you built, and the

+money you gave to the poor soldiers in the war,

+and ever so many more good things you 've

+done.  I won't have you say you are of no use

+now.  We want you to love and take care of;

+and we could n't do without you, could we,

+aunty?"

+

+Aunty sat on the arm of the chair with her

+arm round the old man's shoulder, and her only

+answer was a kiss.  But it was enough, and

+grandpa went on quite cheerfully, as he held

+two plump hands in his own, and watched the

+blooming face that looked up at him so eagerly:

+

+"When I was younger, I loved money, and

+wanted a great deal.  I cared for nothing else,

+and worked hard to get it, and did get it after

+years of worry.  But it cost me my health, and

+then I saw how foolish I had been, for all my

+money could not buy me any strength or

+pleasure and very little comfort.  I could not take

+it with me when I died, and did not know what

+to do with it, because there was so much.  So

+I tried to see if giving it away would not amuse

+me, and make me feel better about having

+wasted my life instead of using it wisely.  The

+more I gave away the better I felt; and now

+I'm quite jolly, though I'm only a helpless

+old baby just fit to play jokes and love little

+girls.  You have begun early at this pretty

+game of give-away, my dear, and aunty will see

+that you keep it up; so that when you are old

+you will have much treasure in the other world

+where the blessings of the poor are more

+precious than gold and silver."

+

+Nobody spoke for a minute as the feeble old

+voice stopped; and the sunshine fell on the

+white head like a blessing.  Then Lu said very

+soberly, as she turned the great coin in her

+hand, and saw the letters that told its worth,--

+

+"What shall I do with all this money?  I

+never had so much, and I 'd like to spend it in

+some very good and pleasant way.  Can you

+think of something, aunty, so I can begin at

+once to be like grandpa?"

+

+"How would you like to pay two dollars a

+month, so that Totty can go to the Sunnyside

+Nursery, and be taken care of every day while

+Lucy goes to school?  Then she will be safe

+and happy, and Lucy be learning, as she longs

+to do, and the mother free to work," said aunty,

+glad to have this dear child early learn to help

+those less blessed than herself.

+

+"Could I?  How splendid it would be to

+pay for a real live baby all myself!  How long

+would my money do it?" said Lu, charmed

+with the idea of a living dolly to care for.

+

+"All winter, and provide clothes besides.

+You can make them yourself, and go and see

+Totty, and call her your baby.  This will be a

+sweet charity for you; and to-day is a good day

+to begin it, for this is the birthday of the Divine

+Child, who was born in a poorer place even than

+Lucy's sister.  In His name pity and help this

+baby, and be sure He will bless you for it."

+

+Lu looked up at the fine picture of the Good

+Shepherd hanging over the sofa with holly-leaves

+glistening round it, and felt as if she too

+in her humble way was about to take a helpless

+little lamb in her arms and comfort it.  Her

+childish face was very sweet and sober as she

+said softly,--

+

+"Yes, I will spend my Christmas money so;

+for, aunty, I do think your sort of sweetie is

+better than mine, and making people happy a

+much wiser way to spend my pennies than in

+buying the nicest candy in the world."

+

+Little Lu remembered that morning long

+after the dear old grandfather was gone, and

+kept her Christmas promise so well that very

+soon a larger purse was needed for charity

+money, which she used so wisely and so

+happily.  But all her life in one corner of her desk

+lay carefully folded up, with the bit of paper

+inside, the little red purse.

+

+.. vspace:: 3

+

+.. figure:: images/img-164.jpg

+   :align: center

+   :alt: Chapter VI tailpiece

+

+   Chapter VI tailpiece

+

+.. vspace:: 4

+

+.. _`SOPHIE'S SECRET`:

+

+.. figure:: images/img-165.jpg

+   :align: center

+   :alt: "Sophie came and sat beside her while she dried her curly hair."

+

+   "Sophie came and sat beside her while she dried her curly hair."  PAGE `178`_.

+

+.. vspace:: 3

+

+.. class:: center large

+

+   \VII.

+

+

+.. class:: center medium

+

+   SOPHIE'S SECRET.

+

+.. vspace:: 2

+

+,, class:: center medium

+

+   \I.

+

+.. vspace:: 2

+

+A party of young girls, in their gay

+bathing-dresses, were sitting on the

+beach waiting for the tide to rise a little

+higher before they enjoyed the daily frolic which

+they called "mermaiding."

+

+"I wish we could have a clam-bake; but we

+have n't any clams, and don't know how to cook

+them if we had.  It's such a pity all the boys

+have gone off on that stupid fishing excursion,"

+said one girl, in a yellow-and-black striped suit

+which made her look like a wasp.

+

+"What is a clam-bake?  I do not know that

+kind of fête," asked a pretty brown-eyed girl,

+with an accent that betrayed the foreigner.

+

+The girls laughed at such sad ignorance, and

+Sophie colored, wishing she had not spoken.

+

+"Poor thing! she has never tasted a clam.

+What *should* we do if we went to Switzerland?"

+said the wasp, who loved to tease.

+

+"We should give you the best we had, and

+not laugh at your ignorance, if you did not

+know all our dishes.  In *my* country, we have

+politeness, though not the clam-bake," answered

+Sophie, with a flash of the brown eyes which

+warned naughty Di to desist.

+

+"We might row to the light-house, and have

+a picnic supper.  Our mammas will let us do

+that alone," suggested Dora from the roof of

+the bath-house, where she perched like a

+flamingo.

+

+"That's a good idea," cried Fanny, a slender

+brown girl who sat dabbling her feet in the

+water, with her hair streaming in the wind.

+"Sophie should see that, and get some of the

+shells she likes so much."

+

+"You are kind to think of me.  I shall be

+glad to have a necklace of the pretty things, as

+a souvenir of this so charming place and my

+good friend," answered Sophie, with a grateful

+look at Fanny, whose many attentions had won

+the stranger's heart.

+

+"Those boys have n't left us a single boat, so

+we must dive off the rocks, and that is n't half

+so nice," said Di, to change the subject, being

+ashamed of her rudeness.

+

+"A boat is just coming round the Point;

+perhaps we can hire that, and have some fun,"

+cried Dora, from her perch.  "There is only

+a girl in it; I 'll hail her when she is near

+enough."

+

+Sophie looked about her to see where the

+*hail* was coming from; but the sky was clear,

+and she waited to see what new meaning this

+word might have, not daring to ask for fear of

+another laugh.

+

+While the girls watched the boat float around

+the farther horn of the crescent-shaped beach,

+we shall have time to say a few words about

+our little heroine.

+

+She was a sixteen-year-old Swiss girl, on a

+visit to some American friends, and had come

+to the seaside for a month with one of them

+who was an invalid.  This left Sophie to the

+tender mercies of the young people; and they

+gladly welcomed the pretty creature, with her

+fine manners, foreign ways, and many

+accomplishments.  But she had a quick temper, a

+funny little accent, and dressed so very plainly

+that the girls could not resist criticising and

+teasing her in a way that seemed very ill-bred

+and unkind to the new-comer.

+

+Their free and easy ways astonished her,

+their curious language bewildered her; and their

+ignorance of many things she had been taught

+made her wonder at the American education she

+had heard so much praised.  All had studied

+French and German; yet few read or spoke

+either tongue correctly, or understood her easily

+when she tried to talk to them.  Their music

+did not amount to much, and in the games they

+played, their want of useful information amazed

+Sophie.  One did not know the signs of the

+zodiac; another could only say of cotton that

+"it was stuff that grew down South;" and a

+third was not sure whether a frog was an animal

+or a reptile, while the handwriting and

+spelling displayed on these occasions left much to

+be desired.  Yet all were fifteen or sixteen,

+and would soon leave school "finished," as

+they expressed it, but not *furnished*, as they

+should have been, with a solid, sensible

+education.  Dress was an all-absorbing topic,

+sweetmeats their delight; and in confidential moments

+sweethearts were discussed with great freedom.

+Fathers were conveniences, mothers comforters,

+brothers plagues, and sisters ornaments or

+playthings according to their ages.  They were not

+hard-hearted girls, only frivolous, idle, and fond

+of fun; and poor little Sophie amused them

+immensely till they learned to admire, love, and

+respect her.

+

+Coming straight from Paris, they expected to

+find that her trunks contained the latest fashions

+for demoiselles, and begged to see her dresses

+with girlish interest.  But when Sophie

+obligingly showed a few simple, but pretty and

+appropriate gowns and hats, they exclaimed with

+one voice,--

+

+"Why, you dress like a little girl!  Don't

+you have ruffles and lace on your dresses; and

+silks and high-heeled boots and long gloves

+and bustles and corsets, and things like ours?"

+

+"I *am* a little girl," laughed Sophie, hardly

+understanding their dismay.  "What should I

+do with fine toilets at school?  My sisters go

+to balls in silk and lace; but I--not yet."

+

+"How queer!  Is your father poor?" asked

+Di, with Yankee bluntness.

+

+"We have enough," answered Sophie, slightly

+knitting her dark brows.

+

+"How many servants do you keep?"

+

+"But five, now that the little ones are grown up."

+

+"Have you a piano?" continued undaunted

+Di, while the others affected to be looking at

+the books and pictures strewn about by the

+hasty unpacking.

+

+"We have two pianos, four violins, three

+flutes, and an organ.  We love music, and all

+play, from papa to little Franz."

+

+"My gracious, how swell!  You must live in

+a big house to hold all that and eight brothers

+and sisters."

+

+"We are not peasants; we do not live in a

+hut.  *Voilà*, this is my home."  And Sophie

+laid before them a fine photograph of a large

+and elegant house on lovely Lake Geneva.

+

+It was droll to see the change in the faces of

+the girls as they looked, admired, and slyly

+nudged one another, enjoying saucy Di's

+astonishment, for she had stoutly insisted that the

+Swiss girl was a poor relation.

+

+Sophie meanwhile was folding up her plain

+piqué and muslin frocks, with a glimmer of

+mirthful satisfaction in her eyes, and a tender

+pride in the work of loving hands now far away.

+

+Kind Fanny saw a little quiver of the lips

+as she smoothed the blue corn-flowers in the

+best hat, and put her arm around Sophie,

+whispering,--

+

+"Never mind, dear, they don't mean to be

+rude; it's only our Yankee way of asking

+questions.  I like *all* your things, and that hat

+is perfectly lovely."

+

+"Indeed, yes!  Dear mamma arranged it for

+me.  I was thinking of her and longing for my

+morning kiss."

+

+"Do you do that every day?" asked Fanny,

+forgetting herself in her sympathetic interest.

+

+"Surely, yes.  Papa and mamma sit always

+on the sofa, and we all have the hand-shake and

+the embrace each day before our morning

+coffee.  I do not see that here," answered Sophie,

+who sorely missed the affectionate respect

+foreign children give their parents.

+

+"Have n't time," said Fanny, smiling too, at

+the idea of American parents sitting still for

+five minutes in the busiest part of the busy day

+to kiss their sons and daughters.

+

+"It is what you call old-fashioned, but a

+sweet fashion to me; and since I have not

+the dear warm cheeks to kiss, I embrace my

+pictures often.  See, I have them all."  And

+Sophie unfolded a Russia-leather case, displaying

+with pride a long row of handsome brothers

+and sisters with the parents in the midst.

+

+More exclamations from the girls, and

+increased interest in "Wilhelmina Tell," as they

+christened the loyal Swiss maiden, who was

+now accepted as a companion, and soon became

+a favorite with old and young.

+

+They could not resist teasing her, however,--her

+mistakes were so amusing, her little flashes

+of temper so dramatic, and her tongue so quick

+to give a sharp or witty answer when the new

+language did not perplex her.  But Fanny

+always took her part, and helped her in many

+ways.  Now they sat together on the rock, a

+pretty pair of mermaids with wind-tossed hair,

+wave-washed feet, and eyes fixed on the

+approaching boat.

+

+The girl who sat in it was a great contrast to

+the gay creatures grouped so picturesquely on

+the shore, for the old straw hat shaded a very

+anxious face, the brown calico gown covered a

+heart full of hopes and fears, and the boat that

+drifted so slowly with the incoming tide carried

+Tilly Reed like a young Columbus toward the

+new world she longed for, believed in, and was

+resolved to discover.

+

+It was a weather-beaten little boat, yet very

+pretty; for a pile of nets lay at one end, a creel

+of red lobsters at the other, and all between

+stood baskets of berries and water-lilies, purple

+marsh rosemary and orange butterfly-weed,

+shells and great smooth stones such as artists

+like to paint little sea-views on.  A tame gull

+perched on the prow; and the morning sunshine

+glittered from the blue water to the bluer sky.

+

+"Oh, how pretty!  Come on, please, and

+sell us some lilies," cried Dora, and roused

+Tilly from her waking dream.

+

+Pushing back her hat, she saw the girls

+beckoning, felt that the critical moment had come,

+and catching up her oars, rowed bravely on,

+though her cheeks reddened and her heart beat,

+for this venture was her last hope, and on its

+success depended the desire of her life.  As

+the boat approached, the watchers forgot its

+cargo to look with surprise and pleasure at its

+rower, for she was not the rough country lass

+they expected to see, but a really splendid girl

+of fifteen, tall, broad-shouldered, bright-eyed,

+and blooming, with a certain shy dignity of her

+own and a very sweet smile, as she nodded and

+pulled in with strong, steady strokes.  Before

+they could offer help, she had risen, planted

+an oar in the water, and leaping to the shore,

+pulled her boat high up on the beach, offering

+her wares with wistful eyes and a very expressive

+wave of both brown hands.

+

+"Everything is for sale, if you 'll buy," said she.

+

+Charmed with the novelty of this little

+adventure, the girls, after scampering to the

+bathing-houses for purses and portemonnaies,

+crowded around the boat like butterflies about

+a thistle, all eager to buy, and to discover who

+this bonny fisher-maiden might be.

+

+"Oh, see these beauties!"  "A dozen lilies

+for me!"  "All the yellow flowers for me,

+they'll be so becoming at the dance to-night!"

+"Ow! that lob bites awfully!"  "Where do

+you come from?"  "Why have we never seen

+you before?"

+

+These were some of the exclamations and

+questions showered upon Tilly, as she filled

+little birch-bark panniers with berries, dealt out

+flowers, or dispensed handfuls of shells.  Her

+eyes shone, her cheeks glowed, and her heart

+danced in her bosom; for this was a better

+beginning than she had dared to hope for, and as

+the dimes tinkled into the tin pail she used for

+her till, it was the sweetest music she had ever

+heard.  This hearty welcome banished her

+shyness; and in these eager, girlish customers she

+found it easy to confide.

+

+"I 'm from the light-house.  You have never

+seen me because I never came before, except

+with fish for the hotel.  But I mean to come

+every day, if folks will buy my things, for I

+want to make some money, and this is the only

+way in which I can do it."

+

+Sophie glanced at the old hat and worn shoes

+of the speaker, and dropping a bright half-dollar

+into the pail, said in her pretty way:

+

+"For me all these lovely shells.  I will make

+necklaces of them for my people at home as

+souvenirs of this charming place.  If you will

+bring me more, I shall be much grateful to you."

+

+"Oh, thank you!  I 'll bring heaps; I know

+where to find beauties in places where other

+folks can't go.  Please take these; you paid

+too much for the shells;" and quick to feel the

+kindness of the stranger, Tilly put into her

+hands a little bark canoe heaped with red

+raspberries.

+

+Not to be outdone by the foreigner, the other

+girls emptied their purses and Tilly's boat also

+of all but the lobsters, which were ordered for

+the hotel.

+

+"Is that jolly bird for sale?" asked Di, as

+the last berry vanished, pointing to the gull

+who was swimming near them while the chatter

+went on.

+

+"If you can catch him," laughed Tilly, whose

+spirits were now the gayest of the party.

+

+The girls dashed into the water, and with

+shrieks of merriment swam away to capture the

+gull, who paddled off as if he enjoyed the fun

+as much as they.

+

+Leaving them to splash vainly to and fro,

+Tilly swung the creel to her shoulder and went

+off to leave her lobsters, longing to dance and

+sing to the music of the silver clinking in her

+pocket.

+

+When she came back, the bird was far out of

+reach and the girls diving from her boat, which

+they had launched without leave.  Too happy

+to care what happened now, Tilly threw herself

+down on the warm sand to plan a new and still

+finer cargo for next day.

+

+.. _`178`:

+

+Sophie came and sat beside her while she

+dried her curly hair, and in five minutes her

+sympathetic face and sweet ways had won Tilly

+to tell all her hopes and cares and dreams.

+

+"I want schooling, and I mean to have it.

+I 've got no folks of my own; and uncle has

+married again, so he does n't need me now.

+If I only had a little money, I could go to

+school somewhere, and take care of myself.

+Last summer I worked at the hotel, but I did n't

+make much, and had to have good clothes, and

+that took my wages pretty much.  Sewing is

+slow work, and baby-tending leaves me no time

+to study; so I 've kept on at home picking

+berries and doing what I could to pick up

+enough to buy books.  Aunt thinks I 'm a

+fool; but uncle, he says, 'Go ahead, girl, and

+see what you can do.'  And I mean to show him!"

+

+Tilly's brown hand came down on the sand

+with a resolute thump; and her clear young

+eyes looked bravely out across the wide sea, as

+if far away in the blue distance she saw her

+hope happily fulfilled.

+

+Sophie's eyes shone approval, for she

+understood this love of independence, and had come

+to America because she longed for new scenes

+and greater freedom than her native land could

+give her.  Education is a large word, and both

+girls felt that desire for self-improvement that

+comes to all energetic natures.  Sophie had

+laid a good foundation, but still desired more;

+while Tilly was just climbing up the first steep

+slope which rises to the heights few attain, yet

+all may strive for.

+

+"That is beautiful!  You will do it!  I am

+glad to help you if I may.  See, I have many

+books; will you take some of them?  Come to

+my room to-morrow and take what will best

+please you.  We will say nothing of it, and it

+will make me a truly great pleasure."

+

+As Sophie spoke, her little white hand

+touched the strong, sunburned one that turned

+to meet and grasp hers with grateful warmth,

+while Tilly's face betrayed the hunger that

+possessed her, for it looked as a starving girl's

+would look when offered a generous meal.

+

+"I *will* come.  Thank you so much!  I

+don't know anything, but just blunder along

+and do the best I can.  I got so discouraged I

+was real desperate, and thought I 'd have one

+try, and see if I could n't earn enough to get

+books to study this winter.  Folks buy berries

+at the cottages; so I just added flowers and

+shells, and I 'm going to bring my boxes of

+butterflies, birds' eggs, and seaweeds.  I 've got

+lots of such things; and people seem to like

+spending money down here.  I often wish I

+had a little of what they throw away."

+

+Tilly paused with a sigh, then laughed as an

+impatient movement caused a silver clink; and

+slapping her pocket, she added gayly,--

+

+"I won't blame 'em if they 'll only throw their

+money in here."

+

+Sophie's hand went involuntarily toward her

+own pocket, where lay a plump purse, for papa

+was generous, and simple Sophie had few wants.

+But something in the intelligent face opposite

+made her hesitate to offer as a gift what she

+felt sure Tilly would refuse, preferring to earn

+her education if she could.

+

+"Come often, then, and let me exchange

+these stupid bills for the lovely things you

+bring.  We will come this afternoon to see you

+if we may, and I shall like the butterflies.  I

+try to catch them; but people tell me I am too

+old to run, so I have not many."

+

+Proposed in this way, Tilly fell into the little

+trap, and presently rowed away with all her

+might to set her possessions in order, and put

+her precious earnings in a safe place.  The

+mermaids clung about the boat as long as they

+dared, making a pretty tableau for the artists

+on the rocks, then swam to shore, more than

+ever eager for the picnic on Light-house Island.

+

+They went, and had a merry time; while

+Tilly did the honors and showed them a room

+full of treasures gathered from earth, air, and

+water, for she led a lonely life, and found friends

+among the fishes, made playmates of the birds,

+and studied rocks and flowers, clouds and waves,

+when books were wanting.

+

+The girls bought gulls' wings for their hats,

+queer and lovely shells, eggs and insects,

+seaweeds and carved wood, and for their small

+brothers, birch baskets and toy ships, made by

+Uncle Hiram, who had been a sailor.

+

+When Tilly had sold nearly everything she

+possessed (for Fanny and Sophie bought

+whatever the others declined), she made a fire of

+drift-wood on the rocks, cooked fish for supper,

+and kept them till moonrise, telling sea stories

+or singing old songs, as if she could not do

+enough for these good fairies who had come to

+her when life looked hardest and the future

+very dark.  Then she rowed them home, and

+promising to bring loads of fruit and flowers

+every day, went back along a shining road, to

+find a great bundle of books in her dismantled

+room, and to fall asleep with wet eyelashes and

+a happy heart.

+

+.. vspace:: 3

+

+,, class:: center medium

+

+   \II.

+

+.. vspace:: 2

+

+For a month Tilly went daily to the Point

+with a cargo of pretty merchandise, for her

+patrons increased; and soon the ladies engaged

+her berries, the boys ordered boats enough to

+supply a navy, the children clamored for shells,

+and the girls depended on her for bouquets and

+garlands for the dances that ended every

+summer day.  Uncle Hiram's fish was in demand

+when such a comely saleswoman offered it; so

+he let Tilly have her way, glad to see the old

+tobacco-pouch in which she kept her cash fill

+fast with well-earned money.

+

+She really began to feel that her dream was

+coming true, and she would be able to go to the

+town and study in some great school, eking out

+her little fund with light work.  The other girls

+soon lost their interest in her, but Sophie never

+did; and many a book went to the island in the

+empty baskets, many a helpful word was said

+over the lilies or wild honeysuckle Sophie loved

+to wear, and many a lesson was given in the

+bare room in the light-house tower which no

+one knew about but the gulls and the sea-winds

+sweeping by the little window where the two

+heads leaned together over one page.

+

+"You will do it, Tilly, I am very sure.  Such

+a will and such a memory will make a way for

+you; and one day I shall see you teaching as

+you wish.  Keep the brave heart, and all will

+be well with you," said Sophie, when the grand

+breaking-up came in September, and the girls

+were parting down behind the deserted bathhouses.

+

+"Oh, Miss Sophie, what should I have done

+without you?  Don't think I have n't seen and

+known all the kind things you have said and

+done for me.  I 'll never forget 'em; and I do

+hope I 'll be able to thank you some day," cried

+grateful Tilly, with tears in her clear eyes that

+seldom wept over her own troubles.

+

+"I am thanked if you do well.  Adieu; write

+to me, and remember always that I am your friend."

+

+Then they kissed with girlish warmth, and

+Tilly rowed away to the lonely island; while

+Sophie lingered on the shore, her handkerchief

+fluttering in the wind, till the boat vanished and

+the waves had washed away their footprints on the sand.

+

+.. vspace:: 3

+

+,, class:: center medium

+

+   \III.

+

+.. vspace:: 2

+

+December snow was falling fast, and the

+wintry wind whistled through the streets; but it

+was warm and cosey in the luxurious parlor

+where Di and Do were sitting making

+Christmas presents, and planning what they would

+wear at the party Fanny was to give on Christmas Eve.

+

+"If I can get mamma to buy me a new dress,

+I shall have something yellow.  It is always

+becoming to brunettes, and I 'm so tired of

+red," said Di, giving a last touch to the lace that

+trimmed a blue satin *sachet* for Fanny.

+

+"That will be lovely.  I shall have pink, with

+roses of the same color.  Under muslin it is

+perfectly sweet."  And Dora eyed the sunflower

+she was embroidering as if she already saw the

+new toilet before her.

+

+"Fan always wears blue, so we shall make a

+nice contrast.  She is coming over to show me

+about finishing off my banner-screen; and I

+asked Sophie to come with her.  I want to

+know what *she* is going to wear," said Di,

+taking a little sniff at the violet-scented bag.

+

+"That old white cashmere.  Just think!  I

+asked her why she did n't get a new one, and

+she laughed and said she could n't afford it.

+Fan told me Sophie's father sent her a hundred

+dollars not long ago, yet she has n't got a thing

+that we know of.  I do think she 's mean."

+

+"She bought a great bundle of books.  I was

+there when the parcel came, and I peeped while

+she was out of the room, because she put it away

+in a great hurry.  I 'm afraid she *is* mean, for

+she never buys a bit of candy, and she wears

+shabby boots and gloves, and she has made over

+her old hat instead of having that lovely one with

+the pheasant's breast in it."

+

+"She's very queer; but I can't help liking

+her, she's so pretty and bright and obliging.

+I 'd give anything if I could speak three

+languages and play as she does."

+

+"So would I.  It seems so elegant to be able

+to talk to foreigners.  Papa had some

+Frenchmen to dinner the other day, and they were so

+pleased to find they need n't speak English to

+Sophie.  I could n't get on at all; and I was

+so mortified when papa said all the money he

+had spent on my languages was thrown away."

+

+"I would n't mind.  It's so much easier to

+learn those things abroad, she would be a goose

+if she did n't speak French better than we do.

+There's Fan! she looks as if something had

+happened.  I hope no one is ill and the party spoiled."

+

+As Dora spoke, both girls looked out to see

+Fanny shaking the snow from her seal-skin sack

+on the doorstep; then Do hastened to meet her,

+while Di hid the *sachet*, and was hard at work

+on an old-gold sofa cushion when the new-comer

+entered.

+

+"What's the matter?  Where's Sophie?"

+exclaimed the girls together, as Fan threw off

+her wraps and sat down with a tragic sigh.

+

+"She will be along in a few minutes.  I 'm

+disappointed in her!  I would n't have believed

+it if I had n't seen them.  Promise not to breathe

+a word to a living soul, and I 'll tell you

+something dreadful," began Fanny, in a tone that

+caused her friends to drop their work and draw

+their chairs nearer, as they solemnly vowed

+eternal silence.

+

+"I 've seen Sophie's Christmas presents,--all

+but mine; and they are just nothing at all!  She

+has n't bought a thing, not even ribbons, lace,

+or silk, to make up prettily as we do.  Only

+a painted shell for one, an acorn emery for

+another, her ivory fan with a new tassel for a

+third, and I suspect one of those nice

+handkerchiefs embroidered by the nuns for me, or her

+silver filigree necklace.  I saw the box in the

+drawer with the other things.  She's knit

+woollen cuffs and tippets for the children, and got

+some eight-cent calico gowns for the servants.  I

+don't know how people do things in Switzerland,

+but I do know that if *I* had a hundred dollars

+in my pocket, I would be more generous than that!"

+

+As Fanny paused, out of breath, Di and Do

+groaned in sympathy, for this was indeed a sad

+state of things; because the girls had a code

+that Christmas being the season for gifts,

+extravagance would be forgiven then as at no

+other time.

+

+"I have a lovely smelling-bottle for her; but

+I 've a great mind not to give it now," cried Di,

+feeling defrauded of the bracelet she had plainly

+hinted she would like.

+

+"I shall heap coals of fire on her head by

+giving her *that*;" and Dora displayed a very

+useless but very pretty apron of muslin, lace,

+and carnation ribbon.

+

+"It is n't the worth of the things.  I don't care

+for that so much as I do for being disappointed

+in her; and I have been lately in more ways than

+one," said Fanny, listlessly taking up the screen

+she was to finish.  "She used to tell me everything,

+and now she does n't.  I 'm sure she has

+some sort of a secret; and I do think *I* ought to

+know it.  I found her smiling over a letter one

+day; and she whisked it into her pocket and

+never said a word about it.  I always stood by

+her, and I do feel hurt."

+

+"I should think you might!  It's real naughty

+of her, and I shall tell her so!  Perhaps she 'll

+confide in you then, and you can just give *me* a

+hint; I always liked Sophie, and never thought

+of not giving *my* present," said Dora, persuasively,

+for both girls were now dying with

+curiosity to know the secret.

+

+"I 'll have it out of her, without any dodging

+or bribing.  I 'm not afraid of any one, and I

+shall ask her straight out, no matter how much

+she scowls at me," said dauntless Di, with a

+threatening nod.

+

+"There she is!  Let us see you do it now!"

+cried Fanny, as the bell rang, and a clear voice

+was heard a moment later asking if

+Mademoiselle was in.

+

+"You shall!" and Di looked ready for any

+audacity.

+

+"I 'll wager a box of candy that you don't

+find out a thing," whispered Do.

+

+"Done!" answered Di, and then turned to

+meet Sophie, who came in looking as fresh as

+an Alpine rose with the wintry wind.

+

+"You dear thing! we were just talking of you.

+Sit here and get warm, and let us show you our

+gifts.  We are almost done, but it seems as if it

+got to be a harder job each Christmas.  Don't

+you find it so?"

+

+"But no; I think it the most charming work

+of all the year," answered Sophie, greeting her

+friend, and putting her well-worn boots toward

+the fire to dry.

+

+"Perhaps you don't make as much of Christmas

+as we do, or give such expensive presents.

+That would make a great difference, you know,"

+said Di, as she lifted a cloth from the table

+where her own generous store of gifts was set

+forth.

+

+"I had a piano last year, a set of jewels, and

+many pretty trifles from all at home.  Here is

+one;" and pulling the fine gold chain hidden

+under her frills, Sophie showed a locket set

+thick with pearls, containing a picture of her

+mother.

+

+"It must be so nice to be rich, and able to

+make such fine presents.  I 've got something

+for you; but I shall be ashamed of it after I see

+your gift to me, I 'm afraid."

+

+Fan and Dora were working as if their bread

+depended on it, while Di, with a naughty twinkle

+in her eye, affected to be rearranging her pretty

+table as she talked.

+

+"Do not fear that; my gifts this year are

+very simple ones.  I did not know your custom,

+and now it is too late.  My comfort is that

+you need nothing, and having so much, you

+will not care for my--what you call--coming short."

+

+Was it the fire that made Sophie's face look

+so hot, and a cold that gave a husky sort of tone

+to her usually clear voice?  A curious expression

+came into her face as her eyes roved from the

+table to the gay trifles in her friend's hands; and

+she opened her lips as if to add something

+impulsively.  But nothing came, and for a moment

+she looked straight out at the storm as if she

+had forgotten where she was.

+

+"'Shortcoming' is the proper way to speak

+it But never mind that, and tell me why you

+say 'too late'?" asked Di, bent on winning her

+wager.

+

+"Christmas comes in three days, and I have

+no time," began Sophie.

+

+"But with money one can buy plenty of

+lovely things in one day," said Di.

+

+"No, it is better to put a little love and hard

+work into what we give to friends, I have done

+that with my trifles, and another year I shall be

+more ready."

+

+There was an uncomfortable pause, for Sophie

+did not speak with her usual frankness, but

+looked both proud and ashamed, and seemed

+anxious to change the subject, as she began to

+admire Dora's work, which had made very little

+progress during the last fifteen minutes.

+

+Fanny glanced at Di with a smile that made

+the other toss her head and return to the charge

+with renewed vigor.

+

+"Sophie, will you do me a favor?"

+

+"With much pleasure."

+

+"Do has promised me a whole box of French

+bonbons, and if you will answer three questions,

+you shall have it."

+

+"*Allons*," said Sophie, smiling.

+

+"Haven't you a secret?" asked Di, gravely.

+

+"Yes."

+

+"Will you tell us?"

+

+"No."

+

+Di paused before she asked her last question,

+and Fan and Dora waited breathlessly, while

+Sophie knit her brows and looked uneasy.

+

+"Why not?"

+

+"Because I do not wish to tell it."

+

+"Will you tell if we guess?"

+

+"Try."

+

+"You are engaged."

+

+At this absurd suggestion Sophie laughed

+gayly, and shook her curly head.

+

+"Do you think we are betrothed at sixteen

+in my country?"

+

+"I *know* that is an engagement ring,--you

+made such a time about it when you lost it in

+the water, and cried for joy when Tilly dived

+and found it."

+

+"Ah, yes, I was truly glad.  Dear Tilly, never

+do I forget that kindness!" and Sophie kissed

+the little pearl ring in her impulsive way, while

+her eyes sparkled and the frown vanished.

+

+"I *know* a sweetheart gave it," insisted Di,

+sure now she had found a clew to the secret.

+

+"He did," and Sophie hung her head in a

+sentimental way that made the three girls crowd

+nearer with faces full of interest.

+

+"Do tell us all about it, dear.  It's so interesting

+to hear love-stories.  What is his name?" cried Dora.

+

+"Hermann," simpered Sophie, drooping still

+more, while her lips trembled with suppressed

+emotion of some sort.

+

+"How lovely!" sighed Fanny, who was very romantic.

+

+"Tell on, do!  Is he handsome?"

+

+"To me the finest man in all the world,"

+confessed Sophie, as she hid her face.

+

+"And you love him?"

+

+"I adore him!" and Sophie clasped her

+hands so dramatically that the girls were a little

+startled, yet charmed at this discovery.

+

+"Have you his picture?" asked Di, feeling

+that she had won her wager now.

+

+"Yes," and pulling out the locket again,

+Sophie showed in the other side the face of

+a fine old gentleman who looked very like herself.

+

+"It's your father!" exclaimed Fanny, rolling

+her blue eyes excitedly.  "You are a humbug!"

+cried Dora.  "Then you fibbed about the ring,"

+said Di, crossly.

+

+"Never!  It is mamma's betrothal ring; but

+her finger grew too plump, and when I left home

+she gave the ring to me as a charm to keep me

+safe.  Ah, ha!  I have my little joke as well as

+you, and the laugh is for me this time."  And

+falling back among the sofa cushions, Sophie

+enjoyed it as only a gay girl could.  Do and

+Fanny joined her; but Di was much disgusted,

+and vowed she *would* discover the secret and

+keep all the bonbons to herself.

+

+"You are most welcome; but I will not tell

+until I like, and then to Fanny first.  She will

+not have ridicule for what I do, but say it is

+well, and be glad with me.  Come now and

+work.  I will plait these ribbons, or paint a

+wild rose on this pretty fan.  It is too plain

+now.  Will you that I do it, dear Di?"

+

+The kind tone and the prospect of such an

+ornament to her gift appeased Di somewhat;

+but the mirthful malice in Sophie's eyes made

+the other more than ever determined to be even

+with her by and by.

+

+Christmas Eve came, and found Di still in

+the dark, which fact nettled her sadly, for

+Sophie tormented her and amused the other girls

+by pretended confidences and dark hints at the

+mystery which might never, never be disclosed.

+

+Fan had determined to have an unusually

+jolly party; so she invited only her chosen

+friends, and opened the festivities with a Christmas

+tree, as the prettiest way of exchanging gifts

+and providing jokes for the evening in the shape

+of delusive bottles, animals full of candy, and

+every sort of musical instrument to be used in

+an impromptu concert afterward.  The presents

+to one another were done up in secure parcels,

+so that they might burst upon the public eye in

+all their freshness.  Di was very curious to know

+what Fan was going to give her,--for Fanny

+was a generous creature and loved to give.  Di

+was a little jealous of her love for Sophie, and

+could n't rest till she discovered which was to

+get the finer gift.

+

+So she went early and slipped into the room

+where the tree stood, to peep and pick a bit, as

+well as to hang up a few trifles of her own.  She

+guessed several things by feeling the parcels;

+but one excited her curiosity intensely, and she

+could not resist turning it about and pulling

+up one corner of the lid.  It was a flat box,

+prettily ornamented with sea-weeds like red

+lace, and tied with scarlet ribbons.  A tantalizing

+glimpse of jeweller's cotton, gold clasps,

+and something rose-colored conquered Di's last

+scruples; and she was just about to untie the

+ribbons when she heard Fanny's voice, and had

+only time to replace the box, pick up a paper

+that had fallen out of it, and fly up the back

+stairs to the dressing-room, where she found

+Sophie and Dora surveying each other as girls

+always do before they go down.

+

+"You look like a daisy," cried Di, admiring

+Dora with great interest, because she felt

+ashamed of her prying, and the stolen note in

+her pocket.

+

+"And you like a dandelion," returned Do,

+falling back a step to get a good view of Di's

+gold-colored dress and black velvet bows.

+

+"Sophie is a lily of the valley, all in green

+and white," added Fanny, coming in with her

+own blue skirts waving in the breeze.

+

+"It does me very well.  Little girls do not

+need grand toilets, and I am fine enough for a

+'peasant,'" laughed Sophie, as she settled the

+fresh ribbons on her simple white cashmere and

+the holly wreath in her brown hair, but secretly

+longing for the fine dress she might have had.

+

+"Why didn't you wear your silver necklace?

+It would be lovely on your pretty neck," said

+Di, longing to know if she had given the trinket

+away.

+

+But Sophie was not to be caught, and said

+with a contented smile, "I do not care for

+ornaments unless some one I love gives me them.

+I had red roses for my *bouquet de corsage*; but

+the poor Madame Page was so *triste*, I left them

+on her table to remember her of me.  It seemed

+so heartless to go and dance while she had only

+pain; but she wished it."

+

+"Dear little Sophie, how good you are!"

+and warm-hearted Fan kissed the blooming

+face that needed no roses to make it sweet and gay.

+

+Half an hour later, twenty girls and boys

+were dancing round the brilliant tree.  Then

+its boughs were stripped.  Every one seemed

+contented; even Sophie's little gifts gave

+pleasure, because with each went a merry or

+affectionate verse, which made great fun on being

+read aloud.  She was quite loaded with pretty

+things, and had no words to express her

+gratitude and pleasure.

+

+"Ah, you are all so good to me! and I have

+nothing beautiful for you.  I receive much and

+give little, but I cannot help it!  Wait a little

+and I will redeem myself," she said to Fanny,

+with eyes full of tears, and a lap heaped with

+gay and useful things.

+

+"Never mind that now; but look at this, for

+here's still another offering of friendship, and a

+very charming one, to judge by the outside,"

+answered Fan, bringing the white box with the

+sea-weed ornaments.

+

+Sophie opened it, and cries of admiration

+followed, for lying on the soft cotton was a lovely

+set of coral.  Rosy pink branches, highly

+polished and fastened with gold clasps, formed

+necklace, bracelets, and a spray for the bosom.

+No note or card appeared, and the girls crowded

+round to admire and wonder who could have

+sent so valuable a gift.

+

+"Can't you guess, Sophie?" cried Dora,

+longing to own the pretty things.

+

+"I should believe I knew, but it is too costly.

+How came the parcel, Fan?  I think you must

+know all," and Sophie turned the box about,

+searching vainly for a name.

+

+"An expressman left it, and Jane took off the

+wet paper and put it on my table with the other

+things.  Here's the wrapper; do you know

+that writing?" and Fan offered the brown paper

+which she had kept.

+

+"No; and the label is all mud, so I cannot

+see the place.  Ah, well, I shall discover some

+day, but I should like to thank this generous

+friend at once.  See now, how fine I am!  I do

+myself the honor to wear them at once."

+

+Smiling with girlish delight at her pretty

+ornaments, Sophie clasped the bracelets on her

+round arms, the necklace about her white throat,

+and set the rosy spray in the lace on her bosom.

+Then she took a little dance down the room and

+found herself before Di, who was looking at her

+with an expression of naughty satisfaction on

+her face.

+

+"Don't you wish you knew who sent them?"

+

+"Indeed, yes;" and Sophie paused abruptly.

+

+"Well, *I* know, and *I* won't tell till I like.

+It's my turn to have a secret; and I mean to

+keep it."

+

+"But it is not right," began Sophie, with

+indignation.

+

+"Tell me yours, and I 'll tell mine," said Di,

+teasingly.

+

+"I will not!  You have no right to touch my

+gifts, and I am sure you have done it, else how

+know you who sends this fine *cadeau*?" cried

+Sophie, with the flash Di liked to see.

+

+Here Fanny interposed, "If you have any

+note or card belonging to Sophie, give it up at

+once.  She shall not be tormented.  Out with

+it, Di.  I see your hand in your pocket, and

+I 'm sure you have been in mischief."

+

+"Take your old letter, then.  I know what's

+in it; and if I can't keep my secret for fun,

+Sophie shall not have hers.  That Tilly sent

+the coral, and Sophie spent her hundred

+dollars in books and clothes for that queer girl,

+who'd better stay among her lobsters than try

+to be a lady," cried Di, bent on telling all she

+knew, while Sophie was reading her letter

+eagerly.

+

+"Is it true?" asked Dora, for the four girls

+were in a corner together, and the rest of the

+company busy pulling crackers.

+

+"Just like her!  I thought it was that; but

+she would n't tell.  Tell us now, Sophie, for *I*

+think it was truly sweet and beautiful to help

+that poor girl, and let us say hard things of

+you," cried Fanny, as her friend looked up with

+a face and a heart too full of happiness to help

+overflowing into words.

+

+"Yes; I will tell you now.  It was foolish,

+perhaps; but I did not want to be praised, and

+I loved to help that good Tilly.  You know she

+worked all summer and made a little sum.  So

+glad, so proud she was, and planned to study

+that she might go to school this winter.  Well,

+in October the uncle fell very ill, and Tilly gave

+all her money for the doctors.  The uncle had

+been kind to her, she did not forget; she was

+glad to help, and told no one but me.  Then I

+said, 'What better can I do with my father's gift

+than give it to the dear creature, and let her lose

+no time?'  I do it; she will not at first, but I

+write and say, 'It must be,' and she submits.

+She is made neat with some little dresses, and

+she goes at last, to be so happy and do so well

+that I am proud of her.  Is not that better than

+fine toilets and rich gifts to those who need

+nothing?  Truly, yes! yet I confess it cost me

+pain to give up my plans for Christmas, and to

+seem selfish or ungrateful.  Forgive me that."

+

+"Yes, indeed, you dear generous thing!"

+cried Fan and Dora, touched by the truth.

+

+"But how came Tilly to send you such a

+splendid present?" asked Di.  "Should n't

+think you 'd like her to spend your money in

+such things."

+

+"She did not.  A sea-captain, a friend of the

+uncle, gave her these lovely ornaments, and she

+sends them to me with a letter that is more

+precious than all the coral in the sea.  I cannot

+read it; but of all my gifts *this* is the dearest

+and the best!"

+

+Sophie had spoken eagerly, and her face, her

+voice, her gestures, made the little story

+eloquent; but with the last words she clasped the

+letter to her bosom as if it well repaid her for

+all the sacrifices she had made.  They might

+seem small to others, but she was sensitive and

+proud, anxious to be loved in the strange

+country, and fond of giving, so it cost her many tears

+to seem mean and thoughtless, to go poorly

+dressed, and be thought hardly of by those she

+wished to please.  She did not like to tell of her

+own generosity, because it seemed like boasting;

+and she was not sure that it had been wise to

+give so much.  Therefore, she waited to see

+if Tilly was worthy of the trust reposed in her;

+and she now found a balm for many wounds in

+the loving letter that came with the beautiful

+and unexpected gift.

+

+Di listened with hot cheeks, and when Sophie

+paused, she whispered regretfully,--

+

+"Forgive me, I was wrong!  I 'll keep your

+gift all my life to remember you by, for you are

+the best and dearest girl I know."

+

+Then with a hasty kiss she ran away, carrying

+with great care the white shell on which Sophie

+had painted a dainty little picture of the

+mermaids waiting for the pretty boat that brought

+good fortune to poor Tilly, and this lesson to

+those who were hereafter her faithful friends.

+

+.. vspace:: 3

+

+.. figure:: images/img-204.jpg

+   :align: center

+   :alt: Chapter VII tailpiece

+

+   Chapter VII tailpiece

+

+.. vspace:: 4

+

+.. _`DOLLY'S BEDSTEAD`:

+

+.. figure:: images/img-205.jpg

+   :align: center

+   :alt: "Everything is quite clean; I am sure of that, for I washed the sheets and coverlet myself not long ago."

+

+   "Everything is quite clean; I am sure of that, for I washed the sheets and coverlet myself not long ago."--PAGE `207`_.

+

+.. vspace:: 3

+

+.. class:: center large

+

+   \VIII.

+

+

+.. class:: center medium

+

+   DOLLY'S BEDSTEAD.

+

+.. vspace:: 2

+

+"Aunt Pen, where is Ariadne to sleep,

+please?  I wanted to bring her cradle,

+but mamma said it would take up so much

+room I could not."

+

+And Alice looked about her for a resting-place

+for her dolly as anxiously as if Ariadne

+had been a live baby.

+

+"Can't she lie on the sofa?" asked Aunt

+Pen, with that sad want of interest in such

+important matters which grown-up people so often

+show.

+

+"No, indeed!  Some one would sit down on

+her, of course; and I won't have my darling

+smashed.  You would n't like it yourself, aunty,

+and I 'm surprised at your proposing such a

+thing!" cried Alice, clasping her babe with a

+face full of maternal indignation.

+

+"I beg your pardon!  I really forgot that

+danger.  I 'm not so used to infants as you are,

+and that accounts for it.  Now I think of it,

+there's a little bedstead up garret, and you

+can have that.  You will find it done up in a

+paper in the great blue chest where all our old

+toys are kept."

+

+Appeased by Aunt Pen's apology, Alice

+trotted to the attic, found the bedstead, and

+came trotting back with a disappointed look

+on her face.

+

+"It is such a funny, old-fashioned thing I

+don't know that Ariadne will consent to lie in

+it.  Anyway, I must air the feather-bed and

+pillows first, or she will get cold.  I wish I

+could wash the sheets too, they are so yellow;

+but there is no time now," said the little girl,

+bustling round as she spoke, and laying the

+little bed-furniture out on the rug.

+

+.. _`207`:

+

+"Everything is quite clean, my dear; I am

+sure of that, for I washed the sheets and coverlet

+myself not long ago, because I found a nest

+of little mice there the last time I looked,"

+answered Aunt Pen, with her eyes fixed thoughtfully

+on the small bedstead.

+

+"I guess you used to be fond of it when you

+were a little girl; and that's why you keep it so

+nicely now, isn't it?" asked Alice, as she

+dusted the carved posts and patted the canvas

+sacking.

+

+"Yes, there's quite a little romance about

+that bed; and I love it so that I never can give

+it away, but keep it mended up and in order

+for the sake of old times and poor Val," said

+Aunt Pen, smiling and sighing in the same

+breath.

+

+"Oh, tell about it!  I do like to hear stories,

+and so does Ariadne!" cried Alice, hastily

+opening dolly's eyes, that she might express

+her interest in the only way permitted her.

+

+"Well, dear, I 'll tell you this true tale of

+long ago; and while you listen you can be

+making a new blanket for the bed.  Mrs. Mouse

+nibbled holes in the other one, and her babies

+made a mess of it, so I burned it up.  Here is

+a nice little square of flannel, and there are

+blue, red, and green worsteds for you to work

+round the edges with."

+

+"Now that is just splendid!  I love to work

+with crewels, and I 'll put little quirls and things

+in the corners.  I can do it all myself, so tell

+away, please, aunty."  And Alice settled

+herself with great satisfaction, while Ariadne sat

+bolt upright in her own armchair and stared

+at Aunt Pen in a way that would have been

+very embarrassing if her round blue eyes had

+had a particle of expression in them.

+

+"When I was about ten years old, it was the

+joy of my heart to go every Saturday afternoon

+to see my nurse, Betsey Brown.  She no longer

+lived out, but was married to a pilot, and had

+a home of her own down in what we used to

+call 'the watery part' of the city.  A funny

+little house, so close to the wharves that when

+one looked out there were masts going to and

+fro over the house-tops, and from the upper

+windows I could see the blue ocean.

+

+"Betsey had a boy with club feet, and a

+brother who was deformed; but Bobby was my

+pet playmate, and Valentine my best friend.

+My chief pleasure was in seeing him work at

+his turning-lathe, for he was very ingenious, and

+made all sorts of useful and pretty things.

+

+"But the best thing he did was to cure the

+lame feet of his little nephew.  In those days

+there were few doctors who attended to such

+troubles, and they were very expensive; so

+poor Bobby had gone hobbling about ever since

+he was born with his little feet turned in.

+

+"Uncle Val could sympathize with him; and

+though he knew there was no cure for his own

+crooked back, he did his best to help the boy.

+He made a very simple apparatus for straightening

+the crippled feet (just two wooden splints,

+with wooden screws to loosen or tighten the

+pressure), and with patience, hope, and faith,

+he worked over the child till the feet were

+right, and Bobby could run and play like other

+children."

+

+"Oh, Aunt Pen, was n't that lovely?  And did

+he really do it all himself?  How clever he

+must have been!" cried Alice, puckering the

+new blanket in the pleasant interest of the

+moment.

+

+"He was very clever for a lad of eighteen.

+But that was not all he did.  Bobby's cure was

+a long one, and I only saw the happy end of it;

+yet I remember how we all rejoiced, and how

+proud Betsey was of her brother.  My father

+wrote an account of it for some medical journal,

+and it was much talked about in our little

+circle; so much, indeed, that an aunt of ours who

+had a lame boy came to see Val and talked it

+all over with him.

+

+"Val was much pleased, and offered to try

+and cure her son if she would let the boy come

+and live with him; for it needed great skill and

+constant care to work the screws just right, and

+tend the poor little feet gently.

+

+"Aunt Dolly said no at once to that plan;

+for how could she let her precious boy go and

+live in that little house down in the poor part

+of the city?

+

+"There was no other way, however, for Val

+would not leave his sister and his beloved lathe,

+and was wise enough to see how impossible it

+would be to have his own way with the child in

+a house where every one obeyed his whims and

+petted him, as such afflicted children usually

+are petted.

+

+"So Val stood firm, and for a time nothing

+was done.

+

+"I was much interested in the affair, and

+every time I saw my cousin Gus I told him

+what nice times I had down there; how strong

+and lively Bobby was, and declared my firm

+belief that Val could cure every disease under

+the sun.

+

+"These glowing accounts made Gus want to

+go, and when he set his heart on anything he

+always got it; so in the end Aunt Dolly

+consented, and Gus went to board in the little

+house, much to the wonder of some folks.

+

+"The plan succeeded capitally, however, and

+Gus thrived like a dandelion in springtime;

+for simple food, plenty of air, no foolish

+indulgence, and the most faithful care, built up the

+little lad in a way that astonished and delighted

+us all.

+

+"The feet improved slowly; and Val was

+sure that in time they would be all right, for

+everything helped on the good work.

+

+"Dear me, what happy days I used to spend

+at Betsey's!  Sometimes Isaac, the jolly, bluff

+pilot, would take us out in his boat; and then

+what rosy cheeks and good appetites we got!

+Sometimes we played in Val's shop, and

+watched him make pretty things or helped him

+in some easy job, for he liked to have us near

+him.  And, oh, my heart, what delicious

+suppers Betsey used to get us in the front room,

+where all sorts of queer sea treasures were

+collected,--shells, coral, and seaweed; odd

+pictures of ships and fish, and old books full of

+sailor songs and thrilling tales of wrecks."

+

+"I wish I had been there!" interrupted

+Alice.  "Is the house all gone, aunty?"

+

+"All gone, dear, and every one of that merry

+party but myself," answered Aunt Pen, with a sigh.

+

+"Don't think about the sad part of it, but go

+on and tell about the bed, please," said Alice,

+feeling that it was about time this interesting

+piece of furniture appeared in the story.

+

+"Well, that was made to comfort me when

+Gus went home, as he did after staying two

+years.  Yes, he went home with straight feet,

+the heartiest, happiest little lad I ever saw.

+

+"I was heart-broken at losing my playmate,

+and mourned for him as bitterly as a child

+could, till Val comforted me, not only by the

+cunning bedstead for my doll, but by a hundred

+kindly words and acts, for which I never

+thanked him half enough.

+

+"Aunt Dolly and my father were so grateful

+and pleased at Val's success with Gus that they

+helped him in a plan he had some years later,

+when he took a larger house in a better place,

+and with Betsey as nurse, opened a small hospital

+for the cure of deformed feet.  It was an

+excellent plan; and all was going well, when

+poor Val wasted rapidly away, and died just as

+his work began to bring him money and some

+honor."

+

+"That was very bad!  But what became of

+Bobby and Gus?" asked Alice, who was not

+of an age to care much about the "sad part"

+of any story.

+

+"Bob became a sea-captain, and was an excellent

+fellow till he went down with his ship in

+a storm after rescuing all his crew, even to the

+cabin-boy.  I'm proud of Bob, and keep those

+two great pearly shells in memory of him, for

+he brought them to me after his first voyage."

+

+Aunt Pen's eyes lit up, and her voice rose as

+she spoke with real pride and affection of

+honest Captain Brown, who to her was always little Bob.

+

+"I like that, it was so brave and good; but

+I do wish he had been saved, for then I could

+have seen him.  And maybe he would have

+brought me a big green parrot that could say

+funny things.  What became of Gus?" asked

+Alice, after a moment spent in the delightful

+thought of owning a green parrot with a red tail.

+

+"Ah, my dear, I wish I knew!" exclaimed

+Aunt Pen, so earnestly that Alice dropped her

+work, astonished at the change in that usually

+quiet face.

+

+"Don't tell any more if you 'd rather not,"

+said the little girl, feeling instinctively that she

+had touched some tender string.

+

+But Aunt Pen only stroked her curly head

+and went on in a softer tone, with her eyes fixed

+upon a faded picture that had hung over her

+work-table ever since Alice could remember.

+

+"I like to tell you, dear, because I want you

+to love the memory of this old friend of mine.

+Gus went to sea also, much against his mother's

+will, for the years spent in the little house near

+the wharf had given the boy a taste for salt

+water, and he could not overcome it, though he tried.

+

+"He sailed with Captain Bob all round the

+world, and would have been with him on that

+last voyage if a sudden whim had not kept him

+ashore.  More than this we don't know; and

+for seven years have had no tidings of him.

+The others give him up, feeling sure that he

+was lost in the wild hill-country of India, whither

+he went in search of adventures.  I suppose

+they are right; but *I* cannot make it true, and

+still hope to see the dear boy back, or at least

+to hear some news of him."

+

+"Would n't he be rather an old boy now,

+Aunt Pen?" asked Alice, softly; for she wanted

+to chase away the load of pain with a smile if

+she could.

+

+"Bless my heart, so he would!  Forty, at

+least.  Well, well, he never will seem old to me,

+though his hair should be gray when he comes

+home."  And Aunt Pen did smile as her eyes

+went back to the faded picture with a tender

+look that made Alice say timidly, while she laid

+her blooming cheek against her aunt's hand,--

+

+"Would you mind if I asked if it was Gus

+who gave you this pretty ring, and was your

+sweetheart once?  Mamma told me you had

+one, and he was dead; so I must never ask

+why you did n't marry as she did."

+

+"Yes, he gave me this, and was to come back

+in a year or two; but I have never seen him

+since, and never shall, I fear, till we all meet

+over the great sea at last."

+

+There Aunt Pen broke down, and spreading

+her hands before her face, sat so still that Alice

+feared to stir.

+

+Even her careless child's heart was full of

+pity now; and two great tears rolled down upon

+the little blanket, to lie sparkling like drops of

+dew in the heart of the very remarkable red

+rose she was working in the middle.

+

+Then it was that Ariadne distinguished

+herself, and proved beyond a doubt that her blue

+china eyes were worth something.  A large,

+brown, breezy-looking man had been peeping

+in from the door for several moments, and

+listening in the most improper manner.  No one

+saw him but Ariadne, and how could she warn

+the others, poor thing, when she had n't a

+tongue in her head?  Don't tell me that dolls

+have n't hearts somewhere in their sawdust

+bosoms!  I know better; and I am firmly

+convinced that Ariadne's was full of sympathy for

+Aunt Pen; else why should she, a well-bred

+doll, suddenly and without the least apparent

+cause, slip out of her chair and fall upon her

+china nose with a loud whack?

+

+Alice jumped up to catch her darling, and

+Aunt Pen lifted her head to see what was the

+matter, and the big brown man, giving his hat

+a toss, came into the room like a whirlwind!

+

+Alice, Ariadne, bedstead, and blanket, were

+suddenly swept into a corner by some mysterious

+means, and lay there in a heap, while the

+two grown people fell into each other's arms,

+exclaiming,--

+

+"Pen!"

+

+"Gus!"

+

+I don't know which stared the hardest at this

+dreadful proceeding, Alice or Ariadne, but I do

+know that every one was very happy afterward,

+and that the precious little bedstead was not

+smashed, for I have seen it with my own eyes.

+

+.. vspace:: 3

+

+.. figure:: images/img-218.jpg

+   :align: center

+   :alt: Chapter VIII tailpiece

+

+   Chapter VIII tailpiece

+

+.. vspace:: 4

+

+.. _`TRUDEL'S SIEGE`:

+

+.. figure:: images/img-219.jpg

+   :align: center

+   :alt: "Well, dear, this is the story."

+

+   "Well, dear, this is the story."--PAGE `220`_.

+

+.. vspace:: 3

+

+.. class:: center large

+

+   \IX.

+

+

+.. class:: center medium

+

+   TRUDEL'S SIEGE.

+

+.. vspace:: 2

+

+"Grandmother, what is this curious

+picture about?" said little Gertrude, or

+"Trudel," as they called her, looking up from

+the red book that lay on her knee, one Sunday

+morning, when she and the grandmother sat

+sadly together in the neat kitchen; for the

+father was very ill, and the poor mother seldom

+left him.

+

+The old woman put on her round spectacles,

+which made her look as wise as an owl, and

+turned to answer the child, who had been as

+quiet as a mouse for a long time, looking at

+the strange pictures in the ancient book.

+

+"Ah, my dear, that tells about a very famous

+and glorious thing that happened long ago at

+the siege of Leyden.  You can read it for

+yourself some day."

+

+"Please tell me now.  Why are the houses

+half under water, and ships sailing among them,

+and people leaning over the walls of the city?

+And why is that boy waving his hands on the

+tower, where the men are running away in a

+great smoke?" asked Trudel, too curious to

+wait till she could read the long hard words on

+the yellow pages.

+

+.. _`220`:

+

+"Well, dear, this is the story: and you shall

+hear how brave men and women, and children

+too, were in those days.  The cruel Spaniards

+came and besieged the city for many months;

+but the faithful people would not give up,

+though nearly starved to death.  When all the

+bread and meat were gone and the gardens

+empty, they ate grass and herbs and horses,

+and even dogs and cats, trying to hold out till

+help came to them."

+

+"Did little girls really eat their pussies?  Oh,

+I 'd die before I would kill my dear Jan," cried

+Trudel, hugging the pretty kitten that purred in

+her lap.

+

+"Yes, the children ate their pets.  And so

+would you if it would save your father or mother

+from starving.  *We* know what hunger is; but

+we won't eat Jan yet."

+

+The old woman sighed as she glanced from the

+empty table to the hearth where no fire burned.

+

+"*Did* help come in the ships?" asked the

+child, bending her face over the book to hide

+the tears that filled her eyes, for she was very

+hungry, and had had only a crust for breakfast.

+

+"Our good Prince of Orange was trying to

+help them; but the Spaniards were all around

+the city and he had not men enough to fight

+them by land, so he sent carrier-doves with

+letters to tell the people that he was going to cut

+through the great dikes that kept the sea out,

+and let the water flow over the country so as to

+drive the enemy from his camp, for the city

+stood upon high ground, and would be safe.

+Then the ships, with food, could sail over the

+drowned land and save the brave people."

+

+"Oh, I 'm glad!  I 'm glad!  These are the

+bad Spaniards running away, and these are

+poor people stretching out their hands for the

+bread.  But what is the boy doing, in the funny

+tower where the wall has tumbled down?" cried

+Trudel, much excited.

+

+"The smoke of burning houses rose between

+the city and the port so the people could not

+see that the Spaniards had run away; and

+they were afraid the ships could not get safely

+by.  But a boy who was scrambling about as

+boys always are wherever there is danger, fire,

+and fighting, saw the enemy go, and ran to the

+deserted tower to shout and beckon to the ships

+to come on at once,--for the wind had changed

+and soon the tide would flow back and leave

+them stranded."

+

+"Nice boy!  I wish I had been there to see

+him and help the poor people," said Trudel,

+patting the funny little figure sticking out of

+the pepper-pot tower like a jack-in-the-box.

+

+"If children keep their wits about them and

+are brave, they can always help in some way,

+my dear.  We don't have such dreadful wars

+now; but the dear God knows we have troubles

+enough, and need all our courage and faith to

+be patient in times like these;" and the

+grandmother folded her thin hands with another sigh,

+as she thought of her poor son dying for want

+of a few comforts, after working long and

+faithfully for a hard master who never came to offer

+any help, though a very rich man.

+

+"Did they eat the carrier-doves?" asked

+Trudel, still intent on the story.

+

+"No, child; they fed and cared for them

+while they lived, and when they died, stuffed

+and set them up in the Staat Haus, so grateful

+were the brave burghers for the good news the

+dear birds brought."

+

+"That is the best part of all.  I like that

+story very much!"  And Trudel turned the

+pages to find another, little dreaming what a

+carrier-dove she herself was soon to become.

+

+Poor Hans Dort and his family were nearly

+as distressed as the besieged people of Leyden,

+for poverty stood at the door, hunger and

+sickness were within, and no ship was anywhere

+seen coming to bring help.  The father, who

+was a linen-weaver, could no longer work in the

+great factory; the mother, who was a

+lace-maker, had to leave her work to nurse him;

+and the old woman could earn only a trifle by

+her knitting, being lame and feeble.  Little

+Trudel did what she could,--sold the stockings

+to get bread and medicine, picked up wood for

+the fire, gathered herbs for the poor soup, and

+ran errands for the market-women, who paid her

+with unsalable fruit, withered vegetables, and

+now and then a bit of meat.

+

+But market-day came but once a week; and

+it was very hard to find food for the hungry

+mouths meantime.  The Dorts were too proud

+to beg, so they suffered in silence, praying that

+help would come before it was too late to save

+the sick and old.

+

+No other picture in the quaint book interested

+Trudel so much as that of the siege of

+Leyden; and she went back to it, thinking over

+the story till hunger made her look about for

+something to eat as eagerly as the poor starving burghers.

+

+"Here, child, is a good crust.  It is too hard

+for me.  I kept it for you; it's the last except

+that bit for your mother," said the old woman,

+pulling a dry crust from her jacket with a

+smile; for though starving herself, the brave

+old soul thought only of her darling.

+

+Trudel's little white teeth gnawed savagely at

+the hard bread, and Jan ate the crumbs as if

+he too needed food.  As she saw him purring

+about her feet, there came into the child's head

+a sudden idea, born of the brave story and of

+the cares that made her old before her time.

+

+"Poor Jan gets thinner and thinner every day.

+If we are to eat him, we must do it soon, or he

+will not be worth cooking," she said with a

+curious look on the face that used to be so round

+and rosy, and now was white, thin, and anxious.

+

+"Bless the child! we won't eat the poor

+beast! but it would be kind to give him away

+to some one who could feed him well.  Go now,

+dear, and get a jug of fresh water.  The father

+will need it, and so will you, for that crust is a

+dry dinner for my darling."

+

+As she spoke, the old woman held the little

+girl close for a minute; and Trudel clung to her

+silently, finding the help she needed for her

+sacrifice in the love and the example grandma

+gave her.

+

+Then she ran away, with the brown jug in one

+hand, the pretty kitten on her arm, and courage

+in her little heart.  It was a poor neighborhood

+where the weavers and lace-makers lived; but

+nearly every one had a good dinner on Sunday,

+and on her way to the fountain Trudel saw many

+well-spread tables, smelled the good soup in

+many kettles, and looked enviously at the plump

+children sitting quietly on the doorsteps in

+round caps and wooden shoes, waiting to be

+called in to eat of the big loaves, the brown

+sausages, and the cabbage-soup smoking on the hearth.

+

+When she came to the baker's house, her

+heart began to beat; and she hugged Jan so

+close it was well he was thin, or he would have

+mewed under the tender farewell squeezes his

+little mistress gave him.  With a timid hand

+Trudel knocked, and then went in to find Vrow

+Hertz and her five boys and girls at table, with

+good roast meat and bread and cheese and

+beer before them.

+

+"Oh, the dear cat! the pretty cat!  Let me

+pat him!  Hear him mew, and see his soft

+white coat," cried the children, before Trudel

+could speak, for they admired the snow-white

+kitten very much, and had often begged for it.

+

+Trudel had made up her mind to give up to

+them at last her one treasure; but she wished

+to be paid for it, and was bound to tell her

+plan.  Jan helped her, for smelling the meat,

+he leaped from her arms to the table and began

+to gnaw a bone on Dirck's plate, which so

+amused the young people that they did not

+hear Trudel say to their mother in a low voice,

+with red cheeks and beseeching eyes,--

+

+"Dear Vrow Hertz, the father is very ill; the

+mother cannot work at her lace in the dark

+room; and grandma makes but little by knitting,

+though I help all I can.  We have no food; can

+you give me a loaf of bread in exchange for Jan?

+I have nothing else to sell, and the children

+want him much."

+

+Trudel's eyes were full and her lips trembled,

+as she ended with a look that went straight to

+stout Mother Hertz's kind heart, and told the

+whole sad story.

+

+"Bless the dear child!  Indeed, yes; a loaf

+and welcome; and see here, a good sausage

+also.  Brenda, go fill the jug with milk.  It is

+excellent for the sick man.  As for the cat, let

+it stay a while and get fat, then we will see.  It

+is a pretty beast and worth many loaves of

+bread; so come again, Trudel, and do not

+suffer hunger while I have much bread."

+

+As the kind woman spoke, she had bustled

+about, and before Trudel could get her breath,

+a big loaf, a long sausage, and a jug of fresh

+milk were in her apron and hands, and a

+motherly kiss made the gifts all the easier to take.

+Returning it heartily, and telling the children to

+be kind to Jan, she hastened home to burst into

+the quiet room, crying joyfully,--

+

+"See, grandmother, here is food,--all mine.

+I bought it!  Come, come, and eat!"

+

+"Now, dear Heaven, what do I see?  Where

+did the blessed bread come from?" asked the

+old woman, hugging the big loaf, and eying the

+sausage with such hunger in her face that Trudel

+ran for the knife and cup, and held a draught of

+fresh milk to her grandmother's lips before she

+could answer a single question.

+

+"Stay, child, let us give thanks before we eat.

+Never was food more welcome or hearts more

+grateful;" and folding her hands, the pious old

+woman blessed the meal that seemed to fall

+from heaven on that bare table.  Then Trudel

+cut the crusty slice for herself, a large soft one

+for grandmother, with a good bit of sausage,

+and refilled the cup.  Another portion and cup

+went upstairs to mother, whom she found asleep,

+with the father's hot hand in hers.  So

+leaving the surprise for her waking, Trudel crept

+down to eat her own dinner, as hungry as a little

+wolf, amusing herself with making the old

+woman guess where and how she got this fine feast.

+

+"This is our siege, grandmother; and we are

+eating Jan," she said at last, with the merriest

+laugh she had given for weeks.

+

+"Eating Jan?" cried the old woman, staring

+at the sausage, as if for a moment she feared the

+kitten had been turned into that welcome shape

+by some miracle.  Still laughing, Trudel told

+her story, and was well rewarded for her childish

+sacrifice by the look in grandmother's face as

+she said with a tender kiss,--

+

+"Thou art a carrier-dove, my darling, coming

+home with good news and comfort under thy

+wing.  God bless thee, my brave little heart,

+and grant that our siege be not a long one

+before help comes to us!"

+

+Such a happy feast! and for dessert more

+kisses and praises for Trudel when the mother

+came down to hear the story and to tell how

+eagerly father had drank the fresh milk and

+gone to sleep again.  Trudel was very well

+pleased with her bargain; but at night she

+missed Jan's soft purr for her lullaby, and cried

+herself to sleep, grieving for her lost pet, being

+only a child, after all, though trying to be a

+brave little woman for the sake of those she loved.

+

+The big loaf and sausage took them nicely

+through the next day; but by Tuesday only

+crusts remained, and sorrel-soup, slightly

+flavored with the last scrap of sausage, was all

+they had to eat.

+

+On Wednesday morning, Trudel had plaited

+her long yellow braids with care, smoothed

+down her one blue skirt, and put on her little

+black silk cap, making ready for the day's work.

+She was weak and hungry, but showed a bright

+face as she took her old basket and said,--

+

+"Now I am off to market, grandmother, to

+sell the hose and get medicine and milk for

+father.  I shall try to pick up something for

+dinner.  The good neighbors often let me run

+errands for them, and give me a kuchen, a bit of

+cheese, or a taste of their nice coffee.  I will bring

+you something, and come as soon as I can."

+

+The old woman nodded and smiled, as she

+scoured the empty kettle till it shone, and

+watched the little figure trudge away with the

+big empty basket, and, she knew, with a still

+emptier little stomach.  "Coffee!" sighed the

+grandmother; "one sip of the blessed drink

+would put life into me.  When shall I ever taste

+it again?" and the poor soul sat down to her

+knitting with hands that trembled from weakness.

+

+The Platz was a busy and a noisy scene when

+Trudel arrived,--for the thrifty Dutchwomen

+were early afoot; and stalls, carts, baskets, and

+cans were already arranged to make the most

+attractive display of fruit, vegetables, fish,

+cheese, butter, eggs, milk, and poultry, and the

+small wares country people came to buy.

+

+Nodding and smiling, Trudel made her way

+through the bustle to the booth where old

+Vrow Schmidt bought and sold the blue woollen

+hose that adorn the stout legs of young and old.

+

+"Good-morning, child!  I am glad to see thee

+and thy well-knit stockings, for I have orders

+for three pairs, and promised thy grandmother's,

+they are always so excellent," said the

+rosy-faced woman, as Trudel approached.

+

+"I have but one pair.  We had no money to

+buy more yarn.  Father is so ill mother

+cannot work; and medicines cost a deal," said

+the child, with her large hungry eyes fixed on

+the breakfast the old woman was about to

+eat, first having made ready for the business

+of the day.

+

+"See, then, I shall give thee the yarn and

+wait for the hose; I can trust thee, and shall

+ask a good price for the good work.  Thou

+too wilt have the fever, I 'm afraid!--so pale

+and thin, poor child!  Here, drink from my

+cup, and take a bite of bread and cheese.  The

+morning air makes one hungry."

+

+Trudel eagerly accepted the "sup" and the

+"bite," and felt new strength flow into her as

+the warm draught and good brown bread went

+down her throat.

+

+"So many thanks!  I had no breakfast.  I

+came to see if I could get any errands here

+to-day, for I want to earn a bit if I can," she said

+with a sigh of satisfaction, as she slipped half

+of her generous slice and a good bit of cheese

+into her basket, regretting that the coffee could

+not be shared also.

+

+As if to answer her wish, a loud cry from fat

+Mother Kinkle, the fish-wife, rose at that

+moment, for a thievish cur had run off with a fish

+from her stall, while she gossiped with a neighbor.

+

+Down went Trudel's basket, and away went

+Trudel's wooden shoes clattering over the stones

+while she raced after the dog, dodging in and

+out among the stalls till she cornered the thief

+under Gretchen Horn's milk-cart; for at sight

+of the big dog who drew the four copper-cans,

+the cur lost heart and dropped the fish and

+ran away.

+

+"Well done!" said buxom Gretchen, when

+Trudel caught up the rescued treasure a good

+deal the worse for the dog's teeth and the dust

+it had been dragged through.

+

+All the market-women laughed as the little

+girl came back proudly bearing the fish, for the

+race had amused them.  But Mother Kinkle

+said with a sigh, when she saw the damage

+done her property,--

+

+"It is spoiled; no one will buy that torn, dirty

+thing.  Throw it on the muck-pile, child; your

+trouble was in vain, though I thank you for it."

+

+"Give it to me, please, if you don't want it.

+We can eat it, and would be glad of it at home,"

+cried Trudel, hugging the slippery fish with joy,

+for she saw a dinner in it, and felt that her run

+was well paid.

+

+"Take it, then, and be off; I see Vrow von

+Decken's cook coming, and you are in the

+way," answered the old woman, who was not

+a very amiable person, as every one knew.

+

+"That's a fine reward to make a child for

+running the breath out of her body for you,"

+said Dame Troost, the handsome farm-wife who

+sat close by among her fruit and vegetables,

+as fresh as her cabbages, and as rosy as her

+cherries.

+

+"Better it, then, and give her a feast fit for

+a burgomaster.  *You* can afford it," growled

+Mother Kinkle, turning her back on the other

+woman in a huff.

+

+"That I will, for very shame at such meanness!

+Here, child, take these for thy fish-stew,

+and these for thy little self," said the kind soul,

+throwing half a dozen potatoes and onions into

+the basket, and handing Trudel a cabbage-leaf

+full of cherries.

+

+A happy girl was our little house-wife on her

+way home, when the milk and medicine and

+loaf of bread were bought; and a comfortable

+dinner was quickly cooked and gratefully eaten

+in Dort's poor house that day.

+

+"Surely the saints must help you, child, and

+open people's hearts to our need; for you

+come back each day with food for us,--like

+the ravens to the people in the wilderness," said

+the grandmother when they sat at table.

+

+"If they do, it is because you pray to them

+so heartily, mother.  But I think the sweet

+ways and thin face of my Trudel do much to

+win kindness, and the good God makes her

+our little house-mother, while I must sit idle,"

+answered Vrow Dort; and she filled the child's

+platter again that she, at least, might have

+enough.

+

+"I like it!" cried Trudel, munching an onion

+with her bread, while her eyes shone and a

+pretty color came into her cheeks.  "I feel so

+old and brave now, so glad to help; and things

+happen, and I keep thinking what I will do

+next to get food.  It's like the birds out

+yonder in the hedge, trying to feed their little ones.

+I fly up and down, pick and scratch, get a bit

+here and a bit there, and then my dear *old*

+birds have food to eat."

+

+It really was very much as Trudel said, for

+her small wits were getting very sharp with

+these new cares; she lay awake that night

+trying to plan how she should provide the next

+day's food for her family.

+

+"Where now, thou dear little mother-bird?"

+asked the "Grossmutter" next morning, when

+the child had washed the last dish, and was

+setting away the remains of the loaf.

+

+"To Gretti Jansen's, to see if she wants me to

+water her linen, as I used to do for play.  She

+is lame, and it tires her to go to the spring so

+often.  She will like me to help her, I hope;

+and I shall ask her for some food to pay me.

+Oh, I am very bold now!  Soon will I beg if

+no other way offers."  And Trudel shook her

+yellow head resolutely, and went to settle the

+stool at grandmother's feet, and to draw the

+curtain so that it would shield the old eyes

+from the summer sun.

+

+"Heaven grant it never comes to that!  It

+would be very hard to bear, yet perhaps we

+must if no help arrives.  The doctor's bill, the

+rent, the good food thy father will soon need,

+will take far more than we can earn; and what

+will become of us, the saints only know!"

+answered the old woman, knitting briskly in

+spite of her sad forebodings.

+

+"*I* will do it all!  I don't know how, but I

+shall try; and, as you often say, 'Have faith

+and hold up thy hands; God will fill them.'"

+

+Then Trudel went away to her work, with a

+stout heart under her little blue bodice; and all

+that summer day she trudged to and fro along

+the webs of linen spread in the green meadow,

+watering them as fast as they dried, knitting

+busily under a tree during the intervals.

+

+Old Gretti was glad to have her, and at noon

+called her in to share the milk-soup, with cherries

+and herrings in it, and a pot of coffee,--as well

+as Dutch cheese, and bread full of coriander-seed.

+Though this was a feast to Trudel, one

+bowl of soup and a bit of bread was all she ate;

+then, with a face that was not half as "bold" as

+she tried to make it, she asked if she might run

+home and take the coffee to grandmother, who

+longed for and needed it so much.

+

+"Yes, indeed; there, let me fill that pewter

+jug with a good hot mess for the old lady, and

+take this also.  I have little to give, but I

+remember how good she was to me in the winter,

+when my poor legs were so bad, and no one else

+thought of me," said grateful Gretti, mixing more

+coffee, and tucking a bit of fresh butter into half

+a loaf of bread with a crusty end to cover the hole.

+

+Away ran Trudel; and when grandmother

+saw the "blessed coffee," as she called it, she

+could only sip and sigh for comfort and content,

+so glad was the poor old soul to taste her

+favorite drink again.  The mother smelled it, and

+came down to take her share, while Trudel

+skipped away to go on watering the linen till

+sunset with a happy heart, saying to herself

+while she trotted and splashed,--

+

+"This day is well over, and I have kept my

+word.  Now what *can* I do to-morrow?  Gretti

+does n't want me; there is no market; I must

+not beg yet, and I cannot finish the hose so soon.

+

+"I know!  I 'll get water-cresses, and sell them

+from door to door.  They are fresh now, and

+people like them.  Ah, thou dear duck, thank

+thee for reminding me of them," she cried, as

+she watched a mother-duck lead her brood

+along the brook's edge, picking and dabbling

+among the weeds to show them where to feed.

+

+Early next morning Trudel took her basket

+and went away to the meadows that lay just out

+of the town, where the rich folk had their

+summer houses, and fish-ponds, and gardens.  These

+gardens were gay now with tulips, the delight of

+Dutch people; for they know best how to cultivate

+them, and often make fortunes out of the

+splendid and costly flowers.

+

+When Trudel had looked long and carefully

+for cresses, and found very few, she sat down to

+rest, weary and disappointed, on a green bank

+from which she could overlook a fine garden all

+ablaze with tulips.  She admired them heartily,

+longed to have a bed of them her own, and

+feasted her childish eyes on the brilliant colors

+till they were dazzled, for the long beds of purple

+and yellow, red and white blossoms were splendid

+to see, and in the midst of all a mound of

+dragon-tulips rose like a queen's throne, scarlet, green,

+and gold all mingled on the ruffled leaves that

+waved in the wind.

+

+Suddenly it seemed as if one of the great

+flowers had blown over the wall and was

+hopping along the path in a very curious way!  In

+a minute, however, she saw that it was a gay

+parrot that had escaped, and would have flown

+away if its clipped wings and a broken chain on

+one leg had not kept it down.

+

+Trudel laughed to see the bird scuttle along,

+jabbering to itself, and looking very mischievous

+and naughty as it ran away.  She was just

+thinking she ought to stop it, when the garden-gate

+opened, and a pretty little boy came out, calling

+anxiously,--

+

+"Prince!  Prince!  Come back, you bad bird!

+I never will let you off your perch again, sly rascal!"

+

+"I will get him;" and Trudel ran down the

+bank after the runaway, for the lad was small

+and leaned upon a little crutch.

+

+"Be careful!  He will bite!" called the boy.

+

+"I 'm not afraid," answered Trudel; and she

+stepped on the chain, which brought the "Prince

+of Orange" to a very undignified and sudden

+halt.  But when she tried to catch him up by

+his legs, the sharp black beak gave a nip and

+held tightly to her arm.  It hurt her much, but

+she did not let go, and carried her captive back

+to its master, who thanked her, and begged her

+to come in and chain up the bad bird, for he was

+evidently rather afraid of it.

+

+Glad to see more of the splendid garden,

+Trudel did what he asked, and with a good deal

+of fluttering, scolding, and pecking, the Prince

+was again settled on his perch.

+

+"Your arm is bleeding!  Let me tie it up for

+you; and here is my cake to pay you for

+helping me.  Mamma would have been very angry

+if Prince had been lost," said the boy, as he wet

+his little handkerchief in a tank of water near by,

+and tied up Trudel's arm.

+

+The tank was surrounded by pots of tulips;

+and on a rustic seat lay the lad's hat and a

+delicious large kuchen, covered with comfits and

+sugar.  The hungry girl accepted it gladly, but

+only nibbled at it, remembering those at home.

+The boy thought she did not like it, and being a

+generous little fellow and very grateful for her

+help, he looked about for something else to give

+her.  Seeing her eyes fixed admiringly on a

+pretty red jar that held a dragon-tulip just ready

+to bloom, he said pleasantly,--

+

+"Would you like this also?  All these are

+mine, and I can do as I like with them.  Will

+you have it?"

+

+"Oh, yes, with thanks!  It is *so* beautiful!

+I longed for one, but never thought to get it,"

+cried Trudel, receiving the pot with delight.

+

+Then she hastened toward home to show her

+prize, only stopping to sell her little bunches of

+cresses for a few groschen, with which she bought

+a loaf and three herrings to eat with it.  The

+cake and the flower gave quite the air of a feast

+to the poor meal, but Trudel and the two women

+enjoyed it all, for the doctor said that the father

+was better, and now needed only good meat and

+wine to grow strong and well again.

+

+How to get these costly things no one knew,

+but trusted they would come, and all fell to work

+with lighter hearts.  The mother sat again at

+her lace-work, for now a ray of light could be

+allowed to fall on her pillow and bobbins by the

+window of the sick-room.  The old woman's

+fingers flew as she knit at one long blue

+stocking; and Trudel's little hands tugged away at

+the other, while she cheered her dull task by

+looking fondly at her dear tulip unfolding in the sun.

+

+She began to knit next day as soon as the

+breakfast of dry bread and water was done; but

+she took her work to the doorstep and thought

+busily as the needles clicked, for where *could*

+she get money enough for meat and wine?  The

+pretty pot stood beside her, and the tulip showed

+its gay leaves now, just ready to bloom.  She

+was very proud of it, and smiled and nodded

+gayly when a neighbor said in passing, "A fine

+flower you have there."

+

+Soon she forgot it, however, so hard was her

+little brain at work, and for a long time she sat

+with her eyes fixed on her busy hands so

+intently that she neither heard steps approaching,

+nor saw a maid and a little girl looking over the

+low fence at her.  Suddenly some words in a

+strange language made her look up.  The child

+was pointing at the tulip and talking fast in

+English to the maid, who shook her head and

+tried to lead her on.

+

+She was a pretty little creature, all in white

+with a gay hat, curly locks, and a great doll in

+one arm, while the other held a box of bonbons.

+Trudel smiled when she saw the doll; and as if

+the friendly look decided her, the little girl ran

+up to the door, pointed to the flower, and asked

+a question in the queer tongue which Trudel

+could not understand.  The maid followed, and

+said in Dutch, "Fräulein Maud wishes the

+flower.  Will you give it to her, child?"

+

+"Oh, no, no!  I love it.  I will keep it, for

+now Jan is gone, it is all I have!" answered

+Trudel, taking the pot in her lap to guard her one treasure.

+

+The child frowned, chattered eagerly, and

+offered the box of sweets, as if used to having her

+wishes gratified at once.  But Trudel shook

+her head, for much as she loved "sugar-drops,"

+she loved the splendid flower better, like a true

+little Dutchwoman.

+

+Then Miss Maud offered the doll, bent on

+having her own way.  Trudel hesitated a

+moment, for the fine lady doll in pink silk, with

+a feather in her hat, and tiny shoes on her feet,

+was very tempting to her childish soul.  But

+she felt that so dainty a thing was not for her,

+and her old wooden darling, with the staring

+eyes and broken nose, was dearer to her than

+the delicate stranger could ever be.  So she

+smiled to soothe the disappointed child, but

+shook her head again.

+

+At that, the English lassie lost her temper,

+stamped her foot, scolded, and began to cry,

+ordering the maid to take the flower and come

+away at once.

+

+"She *will* have it; and she must not cry.

+Here, child, will you sell it for this?" said the

+maid, pulling a handful of groschen out of her

+deep pocket, sure that Trudel would yield now.

+

+But the little house-mother's quick eye saw

+that the whole handful would not buy the meat

+and wine, much as it looked, and for the third

+time she shook her yellow head.  There was a

+longing look in her face, however; and the

+shrewd maid saw it, guessed that money would

+win the day, and diving again into her

+apron-pocket, brought out a silver gulden and held

+it up.

+

+"For this, then, little miser?  It is more than

+the silly flower is worth; but the young fräulein

+must have all she wants, so take it and let us be

+done with the crying."

+

+A struggle went on in Trudel's mind; and

+for a moment she did not speak.  She longed

+to keep her dear tulip, her one joy, and it

+seemed so hard to let it go before she had even

+seen it blossom once; but then the money

+would do much, and her loving little heart

+yearned to give poor father all he needed.

+Just then her mother's voice came down from

+the open window, softly singing an old hymn to

+lull the sick man to sleep.  That settled the

+matter for the dutiful daughter; tears rose to

+her eyes, and she found it very hard to say

+with a farewell caress of the blue and yellow

+pot as she gave it up,--

+

+"You may have it; but it *is* worth more than

+a gulden, for it is a dragon-tulip, the finest we

+have.  Could you give a little more? my father

+is very sick, and we are very poor."

+

+The stout maid had a kind heart under her

+white muslin neckerchief; and while Miss

+Maud seized the flower, good Marta put

+another gulden into Trudel's hand before she

+hastened after her charge, who made off with

+her booty, as if fearing to lose it.

+

+Trudel watched the child with the half-opened

+tulip nodding over her shoulder, as though it

+sadly said "good-by" to its former mistress,

+till her dim eyes could see no longer.  Then

+she covered her face with her apron and sobbed

+very quietly, lest grandmother should hear and

+be troubled.  But Trudel was a brave child, and

+soon the tears stopped, the blue eyes looked

+gladly at the money in her hand, and presently,

+when the fresh wind had cooled her cheeks,

+she went in to show her treasure and cheer up

+the anxious hearts with her good news.

+

+She made light of the loss of her flower, and

+still knitting, went briskly off to get the meat

+and wine for father, and if the money held out,

+some coffee for grandmother, some eggs and

+white rolls for mother, who was weak and worn

+with her long nursing.

+

+"Surely, the dear God does help me,"

+thought the pious little maid, while she trudged

+back with her parcels, quite cheery again,

+though no pretty kitten ran to meet her, and

+no gay tulip stood full-blown in the noonday sun.

+

+Still more happy was she over her small

+sacrifices when she saw her father sip a little

+of the good broth grandmother made with such

+care, and saw the color come into the pale

+cheeks of the dear mother after she had taken

+the eggs and fine bread, with a cup of coffee

+to strengthen and refresh her.

+

+"We have enough for to-day, and for father

+to-morrow; but on Sunday we must fast as well

+as pray, unless the hose be done and paid for

+in time," said the old woman next morning,

+surveying their small store of food with an

+anxious eye.

+

+"I will work hard, and go to Vrow Schmidt's

+the minute we are done.  But now I must run

+and get wood, else the broth will not be ready,"

+answered Trudel, clattering on her wooden

+shoes in a great hurry.

+

+"If all else fails, I too shall make my

+sacrifice as well as you, my heart's darling.  I

+cannot knit as I once did, and if we are not done, or

+Vrow Schmidt be away, I will sell my ring and

+so feed the flock till Monday," said the

+grandmother, lifting up one thin old hand, where

+shone the wedding-ring she had worn so many years.

+

+"Ah, no,--not that!  It was so sad to see

+your gold beads go, and mother's ear-rings and

+father's coat and Jan and my lovely flower!

+We will not sell the dear old ring.  I will find

+a way.  Something will happen, as before; so

+wait a little, and trust to me," cried Trudel,

+with her arms about the grandmother, and such

+a resolute nod that the rusty little black cap fell

+over her nose and extinguished her.

+

+She laughed as she righted it, and went

+singing away, as if not a care lay heavy on her

+young heart.  But when she came to the long

+dike which kept the waters of the lake from

+overflowing the fields below, she walked slowly

+to rest her tired legs, and to refresh her eyes

+with the blue sheet of water on one side and

+the still bluer flax-fields on the other,--for

+they were in full bloom, and the delicate

+flowers danced like fairies in the wind.

+

+It was a lonely place, but Trudel liked it, and

+went on toward the wood, turning the heel of

+her stocking while she walked,--pausing now

+and then to look over at the sluice-gates which

+stood here and there ready to let off the water

+when autumn rains made the lake rise, or in

+the spring when the flax-fields were overflowed

+before the seed was sown.  At the last of these

+she paused to gather a bunch of yellow

+stone-crop growing from a niche in the strong wall

+which, with earth and beams, made the dike.

+As she stooped, the sound of voices in the

+arch below came up to her distinctly.  Few

+people came that way except little girls, like

+herself, to gather fagots in the wood, or truant

+lads to fish in the pond.  Thinking the hidden

+speakers must be some of these boys, she knelt

+down behind the shrubs that grew along the

+banks, and listened with a smile on her lips to

+hear what mischief the naughty fellows were

+planning.  But the smile soon changed to a

+look of terror; and she crouched low behind the

+bushes to catch all that was said in the echoing

+arch below.

+

+"How did I think of the thing?  Why, that

+is the best part of the joke!  Mein Herr von

+Vost put it into my head himself," said a man's

+gruff voice, in answer to some question.  "This

+is the way it was: I sat at the window of the

+beer-house, and Von Vost met the burgomaster

+close by and said, 'My friend, I hear that the

+lower sluice-gate needs looking to.  Please see

+to it speedily, for an overflow now would ruin

+my flax-fields, and cause many of my looms to

+stand still next winter.'  'So!  It shall be looked

+to next week.  Such a misfortune shall not

+befall you, my good neighbor,' said the burgomaster;

+and they parted.  'Ah, ha!' thinks I to

+myself, 'here we have a fine way to revenge

+ourselves on Master von Vost, who turned us

+off and leaves us to starve.  We have but to see

+that the old gate gives way *between* now and

+*Monday*, and that hard man will suffer in the

+only place where he *can* feel,--his pocket.'"

+

+Here the gruff voice broke into a low laugh,

+and another man said slowly,--

+

+"A good plan; but is there no danger of

+being found out, Peit Stensen?"

+

+"Not a chance of it!  See here, Deitrich, a

+quiet blow or two, at night when none can hear

+it, will break away these rotten boards and let

+the water in.  The rest--it will do itself; and

+by morning those great fields will be many feet

+under water, and Von Vost's crop ruined.  Yes,

+we *will* stop his looms for him, and other men

+besides you and I and Niklas Haas will stand

+idle with starving children round them.  Come,

+will you lend a hand?  Niklas is away looking

+for work, and Hans Dort is sick, or they might

+be glad to help us."

+

+"Hans would never do it.  He is sober, and

+so good a weaver he will never want work when

+he is well.  I *will* be with you, Peit; but swear

+not to tell it, whatever happens, for you and

+I have bad names now, and it would go hard

+with us."

+

+"I 'll swear anything; but have no fear.  We

+will not only be revenged on the master, but get

+the job of repairing; since men are scarce and

+the need will be great when the flood is

+discovered.  See, then, how fine a plan it is! and

+meet me here at twelve to-night with a shovel

+and pick.  Mine are already hidden in the wood

+yonder.  Now, come and see where we must

+strike, and then slip home the other way; we

+must not be seen here by any one."

+

+There the voices stopped, and steps were

+heard going deeper into the arch.  Trudel, pale

+with fear, rose to her feet, slipped off her sabots,

+and ran away along the dike like a startled

+rabbit, never pausing till she was safely round

+the corner and out of sight.  Then she took

+breath, and tried to think what to do first.  It

+was of no use to go home and tell the story

+there.  Father was too ill to hear it or to help;

+and if she told the neighbors, the secret would

+soon be known everywhere and might bring

+danger on them all.  No, she must go at once

+to Mein Herr von Vost and tell him alone,

+begging him to let no one know what she had

+heard, but to prevent the mischief the men

+threatened, as if by accident.  Then all would

+be safe, and the pretty flax-fields kept from

+drowning.  It was a long way to the "master's,"

+as he was called, because he owned the linen

+factories, where all day many looms jangled,

+and many men and women worked busily to fill

+his warehouses and ships with piles of the fine

+white cloth, famous all the world over.

+

+But forgetting the wood, father's broth, granny's

+coffee, and even the knitting which she still

+held, Trudel went as fast as she could toward

+the country-house, where Mein Herr von Vost

+would probably be at his breakfast.

+

+She was faint now with hunger and heat, for

+the day grew hot, and the anxiety she felt made

+her heart flutter while she hurried along the

+dusty road till she came to the pretty house in

+its gay garden, where some children were

+playing.  Anxious not to be seen, Trudel slipped

+up the steps, and in at the open window of a

+room where she saw the master and his wife

+sitting at table.  Both looked surprised to see a

+shabby, breathless little girl enter in that

+curious fashion; but something in her face told

+them that she came on an important errand,

+and putting down his cup, the gentleman said

+quickly,--

+

+"Well, girl, what is it?"

+

+In a few words Trudel told her story, adding

+with a beseeching gesture, "Dear sir, please do

+not tell that I betrayed bad Peit and Deitrich.

+They know father, and may do him some harm

+if they discover that I told you this.  We are

+so poor, so unhappy now, we cannot bear any

+more;" and quite overcome with the troubles

+that filled her little heart, and the fatigue and

+the hunger that weakened her little body,

+Trudel dropped down at Von Vost's feet as if

+she were dead.

+

+When she came to herself, she was lying on a

+velvet sofa and the sweet-faced lady was holding

+wine to her lips, while Mein Herr von Vost

+marched up and down the room with his flowered

+dressing-gown waving behind him, and a

+frown on his brow.  Trudel sat up and said she

+was quite well; but the little white face and the

+hungry eyes that wandered to the breakfast-table,

+told the truth, and the good frau had a

+plate of food and a cup of warm milk before

+her in a moment.

+

+"Eat, my poor child, and rest a little, while

+the master considers what is best to be done,

+and how to reward the brave little messenger

+who came so far to save his property," said the

+motherly lady, fanning Trudel, who ate heartily,

+hardly knowing what she ate, except that it was

+very delicious after so much bread and water.

+

+In a few moments Herr von Vost paused

+before the sofa and said kindly, though his eyes

+were stern and his face looked hard,--

+

+"See, then, thus shall I arrange the affair, and

+all will be well.  I will myself go to see the old

+gate, as if made anxious lest the burgomaster

+should forget his promise.  I find it in a

+dangerous state, and at once set my men at work.

+The rascals are disappointed of both revenge

+and wages, and I can soon take care of them

+in other ways, for they are drunken fellows, and

+are easily clapped into prison and kept safely

+there till ready to work and to stop plotting

+mischief.  No one shall know your part in it, my

+girl; but I do not forget it.  Tell your father

+his loom waits for him.  Meanwhile, here is

+something to help while he must be idle."

+

+Trudel's plate nearly fell out of her hands as

+a great gold-piece dropped into her lap; and she

+could only stammer her thanks with tears of

+joy, and a mouth full of bread and butter.

+

+"He is a kind man, but a busy one, and

+people call him 'hard.'  You will not find him

+so hereafter, for he never forgets a favor,

+nor do I.  Eat well, dear child, and wait till

+you are rested.  I will get a basket of comforts

+for the sick man.  Who else needs help at home?"

+

+So kindly did Frau von Vost look and speak

+that Trudel told all her sad tale freely, for the

+master had gone at once to see to the dike,

+after a nod and a pat on the child's head, which

+made her quite sure that he was not as hard

+as people said.

+

+When she had opened her heart to the

+friendly lady, Trudel was left to rest a few

+moments, and lay luxuriously on the yellow sofa

+staring at the handsome things about her, and

+eating pretzels till Frau von Vost returned with

+the promised basket, out of which peeped the

+neck of a wine-bottle, the legs of a chicken,

+glimpses of grapes, and many neat parcels of

+good things.

+

+"My servant goes to market and will carry

+this for you till you are near home.  Go, little

+Trudel; and God bless you for saving us from

+a great misfortune!" said the lady; and she

+kissed the happy child and led her to the back

+door, where stood the little cart with an old

+man to drive the fat horse, and many baskets to

+be filled in town.

+

+Such a lovely drive our Trudel had that day!

+no queen in a splendid chariot ever felt prouder,

+for all her cares were gone, gold was in her

+pocket, food at her feet, and friends secured to

+make times easier for all.  No need to tell how

+joyfully she was welcomed at home, nor what

+praises she received when her secret was

+confided to mother and grandmother, nor what a

+feast was spread in the poor house that

+day,--for patience, courage, and trust in God had won

+the battle, the enemy had fled, and Trudel's

+hard siege was over.

+

+.. vspace:: 3

+

+.. figure:: images/img-258.jpg

+   :align: center

+   :alt: Chapter IX tailpiece

+

+   Chapter IX tailpiece

+

+.. vspace:: 6

+

+.. pgfooter::

diff --git a/40683-rst/images/img-007.jpg b/40683-rst/images/img-007.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0e48cf0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40683-rst/images/img-007.jpg
diff --git a/40683-rst/images/img-021.jpg b/40683-rst/images/img-021.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5e4acf3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40683-rst/images/img-021.jpg
diff --git a/40683-rst/images/img-022.jpg b/40683-rst/images/img-022.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..237fc58
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40683-rst/images/img-022.jpg
diff --git a/40683-rst/images/img-042.jpg b/40683-rst/images/img-042.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c651e3d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40683-rst/images/img-042.jpg
diff --git a/40683-rst/images/img-043.jpg b/40683-rst/images/img-043.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..295ec7e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40683-rst/images/img-043.jpg
diff --git a/40683-rst/images/img-063.jpg b/40683-rst/images/img-063.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..81e8c71
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40683-rst/images/img-063.jpg
diff --git a/40683-rst/images/img-091.jpg b/40683-rst/images/img-091.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..388d454
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40683-rst/images/img-091.jpg
diff --git a/40683-rst/images/img-092.jpg b/40683-rst/images/img-092.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..caf51bf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40683-rst/images/img-092.jpg
diff --git a/40683-rst/images/img-142.jpg b/40683-rst/images/img-142.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..63e7783
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40683-rst/images/img-142.jpg
diff --git a/40683-rst/images/img-164.jpg b/40683-rst/images/img-164.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2cd70d5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40683-rst/images/img-164.jpg
diff --git a/40683-rst/images/img-165.jpg b/40683-rst/images/img-165.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8d160e8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40683-rst/images/img-165.jpg
diff --git a/40683-rst/images/img-204.jpg b/40683-rst/images/img-204.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e76fe85
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40683-rst/images/img-204.jpg
diff --git a/40683-rst/images/img-205.jpg b/40683-rst/images/img-205.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..afa12f9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40683-rst/images/img-205.jpg
diff --git a/40683-rst/images/img-218.jpg b/40683-rst/images/img-218.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8871a78
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40683-rst/images/img-218.jpg
diff --git a/40683-rst/images/img-219.jpg b/40683-rst/images/img-219.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d233f12
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40683-rst/images/img-219.jpg
diff --git a/40683-rst/images/img-258.jpg b/40683-rst/images/img-258.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..58943e2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40683-rst/images/img-258.jpg
diff --git a/40683-rst/images/img-cover.jpg b/40683-rst/images/img-cover.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..dd4cad0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40683-rst/images/img-cover.jpg
diff --git a/40683.txt b/40683.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..087f1ec
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40683.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,5597 @@
+                       LULU'S LIBRARY, VOLUME III
+
+
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost
+no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it
+under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this
+eBook or online at http://www.gutenberg.org/license.
+
+
+Title: Lulu's Library, Volume III (of 3)
+
+Author: Louisa M. Alcott
+
+Release Date: September 05, 2012 [EBook #40683]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: US-ASCII
+
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LULU'S LIBRARY, VOLUME III (OF
+3) ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Al Haines.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Cover]
+
+
+
+
+                            LULU'S LIBRARY.
+
+
+                                   BY
+
+                           LOUISA M. ALCOTT,
+
+
+    AUTHOR OF "LITTLE WOMEN," "AN OLD-FASHIONED GIRL," "LITTLE MEN,"
+      "EIGHT COUSINS," "ROSE IN BLOOM," "UNDER THE LILACS," "JACK
+      AND JILL," "JO'S BOYS," "HOSPITAL SKETCHES," "WORK, A STORY
+          OF EXPERIENCE," "MOODS, A NOVEL," "PROVERB STORIES,"
+              "SILVER PITCHERS," "SPINNING-WHEEL STORIES,"
+                      "A GARLAND FOR GIRLS," "AUNT
+                            JO'S SCRAP-BAG."
+
+
+
+                               VOL. III.
+
+                     RECOLLECTIONS OF MY CHILDHOOD.
+                  A CHRISTMAS TURKEY, AND HOW IT CAME.
+                           THE SILVER PARTY.
+                            THE BLIND LARK.
+                          MUSIC AND MACARONI.
+                         THE LITTLE RED PURSE.
+                            SOPHIE'S SECRET.
+                           DOLLY'S BEDSTEAD.
+                            TRUDEL'S SIEGE.
+
+
+
+                                BOSTON:
+                           ROBERTS BROTHERS.
+                                 1889.
+
+
+
+
+                           _Copyright, 1889,_
+                          BY J. S. P. ALCOTT.
+
+
+
+                           University Press:
+                    JOHN WILSON AND SON, CAMBRIDGE.
+
+
+
+
+                               CONTENTS.
+
+      I. Recollections of My Childhood
+     II. A Christmas Turkey, and How It Came
+    III. The Silver Party
+     IV. The Blind Lark
+      V. Music and Macaroni
+     VI. The Little Red Purse
+    VII. Sophie's Secret
+   VIII. Dolly's Bedstead
+     IX. Trudel's Siege
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Louisa May Alcott]
+
+
+
+                                   I.
+
+                     RECOLLECTIONS OF MY CHILDHOOD.
+
+
+One of my earliest memories is of playing with books in my father's
+study,--building towers and bridges of the big dictionaries, looking at
+pictures, pretending to read, and scribbling on blank pages whenever pen
+or pencil could be found.  Many of these first attempts at authorship
+still exist; and I often wonder if these childish plays did not
+influence my after-life, since books have been my greatest comfort,
+castle-building a never-failing delight, and scribbling a very
+profitable amusement.
+
+Another very vivid recollection is of the day when running after my hoop
+I fell into the Frog Pond and was rescued by a black boy, becoming a
+friend to the colored race then and there, though my mother always
+declared that I was an abolitionist at the age of three.
+
+During the Garrison riot in Boston the portrait of George Thompson was
+hidden under a bed in our house for safekeeping; and I am told that I
+used to go and comfort "the good man who helped poor slaves" in his
+captivity. However that may be, the conversion was genuine; and my
+greatest pride is in the fact that I have lived to know the brave men
+and women who did so much for the cause, and that I had a very small
+share in the war which put an end to a great wrong.
+
+Being born on the birthday of Columbus, I seem to have something of my
+patron saint's spirit of adventure, and running away was one of the
+delights of my childhood.  Many a social lunch have I shared with
+hospitable Irish beggar children, as we ate our crusts, cold potatoes,
+and salt fish on voyages of discovery among the ash heaps of the waste
+land that then lay where the Albany station now stands.
+
+Many an impromptu picnic have I had on the dear old Common, with strange
+boys, pretty babies, and friendly dogs, who always seemed to feel that
+this reckless young person needed looking after.
+
+On one occasion the town-crier found me fast asleep at nine o'clock at
+night, on a doorstep in Bedford Street, with my head pillowed on the
+curly breast of a big Newfoundland, who was with difficulty persuaded to
+release the weary little wanderer who had sobbed herself to sleep there.
+
+I often smile as I pass that door, and never forget to give a grateful
+pat to every big dog I meet, for never have I slept more soundly than on
+that dusty step, nor found a better friend than the noble animal who
+watched over the lost baby so faithfully.
+
+My father's school was the only one I ever went to; and when this was
+broken up because he introduced methods now all the fashion, our lessons
+went on at home, for he was always sure of four little pupils who firmly
+believed in their teacher, though they have not done him all the credit
+he deserved.
+
+I never liked arithmetic or grammar, and dodged these branches on all
+occasions; but reading, composition, history, and geography I enjoyed,
+as well as the stories read to us with a skill which made the dullest
+charming and useful.
+
+"Pilgrim's Progress," Krummacher's "Parables," Miss Edgeworth, and the
+best of the dear old fairy tales made that hour the pleasantest of our
+day.  On Sundays we had a simple service of Bible stories, hymns, and
+conversation about the state of our little consciences and the conduct
+of our childish lives which never will be forgotten.
+
+Walks each morning round the Common while in the city, and long tramps
+over hill and dale when our home was in the country, were a part of our
+education, as well as every sort of housework, for which I have always
+been very grateful, since such knowledge makes one independent in these
+days of domestic tribulation with the help who are too often only
+hindrances.
+
+Needle-work began early; and at ten my skilful sister made a linen shirt
+beautifully, while at twelve I set up as a dolls' dressmaker, with my
+sign out, and wonderful models in my window.  All the children employed
+me; and my turbans were the rage at one time, to the great dismay of the
+neighbor's hens, who were hotly hunted down that I might tweak out their
+downiest feathers to adorn the dolls' head-gear.
+
+Active exercise was my delight from the time when a child of six I drove
+my hoop round the Common without stopping, to the days when I did my
+twenty miles in five hours and went to a party in the evening.
+
+I always thought I must have been a deer or a horse in some former
+state, because it was such a joy to run.  No boy could be my friend till
+I had beaten him in a race, and no girl if she refused to climb trees,
+leap fences, and be a tomboy.
+
+My wise mother, anxious to give me a strong body to support a lively
+brain, turned me loose in the country and let me run wild, learning of
+Nature what no books can teach, and being led, as those who truly love
+her seldom fail to be,
+
+    "Through Nature up to Nature's God."
+
+
+I remember running over the hills just at dawn one summer morning, and
+pausing to rest in the silent woods, saw, through an arch of trees, the
+sun rise over river, hill, and wide green meadows as I never saw it
+before.
+
+Something born of the lovely hour, a happy mood, and the unfolding
+aspirations of a child's soul seemed to bring me very near to God; and
+in the hush of that morning hour I always felt that I "got religion," as
+the phrase goes.  A new and vital sense of His presence, tender and
+sustaining as a father's arms, came to me then, never to change through
+forty years of life's vicissitudes, but to grow stronger for the sharp
+discipline of poverty and pain, sorrow and success.
+
+Those Concord days were the happiest of my life, for we had charming
+playmates in the little Emersons, Channings, Hawthornes, and Goodwins,
+with the illustrious parents and their friends to enjoy our pranks and
+share our excursions.
+
+Plays in the barn were a favorite amusement, and we dramatized the fairy
+tales in great style. Our giant came tumbling off a loft when Jack cut
+down the squash-vine running up a ladder to represent the immortal bean.
+Cinderella rolled away in a vast pumpkin; and a long black pudding was
+lowered by invisible hands to fasten itself on the nose of the woman who
+wasted her three wishes.
+
+Little pilgrims journeyed over the hills with scrip and staff, and
+cockle-shells in their hats; elves held their pretty revels among the
+pines, and "Peter Wilkins'" flying ladies came swinging down on the
+birch tree-tops.  Lords and ladies haunted the garden, and mermaids
+splashed in the bath-house of woven willows over the brook.
+
+People wondered at our frolics, but enjoyed them; and droll stories are
+still told of the adventures of those days.  Mr. Emerson and Margaret
+Fuller were visiting my parents one afternoon; and the conversation
+having turned to the ever-interesting subject of education, Miss Fuller
+said,--
+
+"Well, Mr. Alcott, you have been able to carry out your methods in your
+own family, and I should like to see your model children."
+
+She did in a few moments,--for as the guests stood on the doorsteps a
+wild uproar approached, and round the corner of the house came a
+wheelbarrow holding baby May arrayed as a queen; I was the horse, bitted
+and bridled, and driven by my elder sister Anna, while Lizzie played dog
+and barked as loud as her gentle voice permitted.
+
+All were shouting, and wild with fun, which, however, came to a sudden
+end as we espied the stately group before us, for my foot tripped, and
+down we all went in a laughing heap, while my mother put a climax to the
+joke by saying with a dramatic wave of the hand,--
+
+"Here are the model children, Miss Fuller!"
+
+My sentimental period began at fifteen, when I fell to writing romances,
+poems, a "heart journal," and dreaming dreams of a splendid future.
+
+Browsing over Mr. Emerson's library, I found "Goethe's Correspondence
+with a Child," and was at once fired with the desire to be a second
+Bettine, making my father's friend my Goethe. So I wrote letters to him,
+but was wise enough never to send them, left wild flowers on the
+doorsteps of my "Master," sung Mignon's song in very bad German under
+his window, and was fond of wandering by moonlight, or sitting in a
+cherry-tree at midnight till the owls scared me to bed.
+
+The girlish folly did not last long, and the letters were burned years
+ago; but Goethe is still my favorite author, and Emerson remained my
+beloved "Master" while he lived, doing more for me, as for many another
+young soul, than he ever knew, by the simple beauty of his life, the
+truth and wisdom of his books, the example of a good great man untempted
+and unspoiled by the world which he made nobler while in it, and left
+the richer when he went.
+
+The trials of life began about this time, and my happy childhood ended.
+Money is never plentiful in a philosopher's house; and even the maternal
+pelican could not supply all our wants on the small income which was
+freely shared with every needy soul who asked for help.
+
+Fugitive slaves were sheltered under our roof; and my first pupil was a
+very black George Washington whom I taught to write on the hearth with
+charcoal, his big fingers finding pen and pencil unmanageable.
+
+Motherless girls seeking protection were guarded among us; hungry
+travellers sent on to our door to be fed and warmed; and if the
+philosopher happened to own two coats, the best went to a needy brother,
+for these were practical Christians who had the most perfect faith in
+Providence, and never found it betrayed.
+
+In those days the prophets were not honored in their own land, and
+Concord had not yet discovered her great men.  It was a sort of refuge
+for reformers of all sorts, whom the good natives regarded as lunatics,
+harmless but amusing.
+
+My father went away to hold his classes and conversations, and we women
+folk began to feel that we also might do something.  So one gloomy
+November day we decided to move to Boston and try our fate again after
+some years in the wilderness.
+
+My father's prospect was as promising as a philosopher's ever is in a
+money-making world; my mother's friends offered her a good salary as
+their missionary to the poor; and my sister and I hoped to teach.  It
+was an anxious council; and always preferring action to discussion, I
+took a brisk run over the hill and then settled down for "a good think"
+in my favorite retreat.
+
+It was an old cart-wheel, half hidden in grass under the locusts where I
+used to sit to wrestle with my sums, and usually forget them scribbling
+verses or fairy tales on my slate instead. Perched on the hub, I
+surveyed the prospect and found it rather gloomy, with leafless trees,
+sere grass, leaden sky, and frosty air; but the hopeful heart of fifteen
+beat warmly under the old red shawl, visions of success gave the gray
+clouds a silver lining, and I said defiantly, as I shook my fist at fate
+embodied in a crow cawing dismally on a fence near by,--
+
+"I _will_ do something by-and-by.  Don't care what, teach, sew, act,
+write, anything to help the family; and I'll be rich and famous and
+happy before I die, see if I won't!"
+
+Startled by this audacious outburst, the crow flew away; but the old
+wheel creaked as if it began to turn at that moment, stirred by the
+intense desire of an ambitious girl to work for those she loved and find
+some reward when the duty was done.
+
+I did not mind the omen then, and returned to the house cold but
+resolute.  I think I began to shoulder my burden then and there, for
+when the free country life ended, the wild colt soon learned to tug in
+harness, only breaking loose now and then for a taste of beloved
+liberty.
+
+My sisters and I had cherished fine dreams of a home in the city; but
+when we found ourselves in a small house at the South End with not a
+tree in sight, only a back yard to play in, and no money to buy any of
+the splendors before us, we all rebelled and longed for the country
+again.
+
+Anna soon found little pupils, and trudged away each morning to her
+daily task, pausing at the corner to wave her hand to me in answer to my
+salute with the duster.  My father went to his classes at his room down
+town, mother to her all-absorbing poor, the little girls to school, and
+I was left to keep house, feeling like a caged sea-gull as I washed
+dishes and cooked in the basement kitchen, where my prospect was limited
+to a procession of muddy boots.
+
+Good drill, but very hard; and my only consolation was the evening
+reunion when all met with such varied reports of the day's adventures,
+we could not fail to find both amusement and instruction.
+
+Father brought news from the upper world, and the wise, good people who
+adorned it; mother, usually much dilapidated because she _would_ give
+away her clothes, with sad tales of suffering and sin from the darker
+side of life; gentle Anna a modest account of her success as teacher,
+for even at seventeen her sweet nature won all who knew her, and her
+patience quelled the most rebellious pupil.
+
+My reports were usually a mixture of the tragic and the comic; and the
+children poured their small joys and woes into the family bosom, where
+comfort and sympathy were always to be found.
+
+Then we youngsters adjourned to the kitchen for our fun, which usually
+consisted of writing, dressing, and acting a series of remarkable plays.
+In one I remember I took five parts and Anna four, with lightning
+changes of costume, and characters varying from a Greek prince in silver
+armor to a murderer in chains.
+
+It was good training for memory and fingers, for we recited pages
+without a fault, and made every sort of property from a harp to a
+fairy's spangled wings.  Later we acted Shakespeare; and Hamlet was my
+favorite hero, played with a gloomy glare and a tragic stalk which I
+have never seen surpassed.
+
+But we were now beginning to play our parts on a real stage, and to know
+something of the pathetic side of life, with its hard facts, irksome
+duties, many temptations, and the daily sacrifice of self.  Fortunately
+we had the truest, tenderest of guides and guards, and so learned the
+sweet uses of adversity, the value of honest work, the beautiful law of
+compensation which gives more than it takes, and the real significance
+of life.
+
+At sixteen I began to teach twenty pupils, and for ten years learned to
+know and love children.  The story-writing went on all the while with
+the usual trials of beginners.  Fairy tales told the Emersons made the
+first printed book, and "Hospital Sketches" the first successful one.
+
+Every experience went into the caldron to come out as froth, or
+evaporate in smoke, till time and suffering strengthened and clarified
+the mixture of truth and fancy, and a wholesome draught for children
+began to flow pleasantly and profitably.
+
+So the omen proved a true one, and the wheel of fortune turned slowly,
+till the girl of fifteen found herself a woman of fifty, with her
+prophetic dream beautifully realized, her duty done, her reward far
+greater than she deserved.
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Chapter I tailpiece]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Kitty gives the bunch of holly to the little girl.--PAGE
+36.]
+
+
+
+                                  II.
+
+                  A CHRISTMAS TURKEY, AND HOW IT CAME.
+
+
+"I know we could n't do it."
+
+"I say we could, if we all helped."
+
+"How can we?"
+
+"I've planned lots of ways; only you mustn't laugh at them, and you must
+n't say a word to mother.  I want it to be all a surprise."
+
+"She 'll find us out."
+
+"No, she won't, if we tell her we won't get into mischief."
+
+"Fire away, then, and let's hear your fine plans."
+
+"We must talk softly, or we shall wake father. He's got a headache."
+
+A curious change came over the faces of the two boys as their sister
+lowered her voice, with a nod toward a half-opened door.  They looked
+sad and ashamed, and Kitty sighed as she spoke, for all knew that
+father's headaches always began by his coming home stupid or cross, with
+only a part of his wages; and mother always cried when she thought they
+did not see her, and after the long sleep father looked as if he did n't
+like to meet their eyes, but went off early.
+
+They knew what it meant, but never spoke of it,--only pondered over it,
+and mourned with mother at the change which was slowly altering their
+kind industrious father into a moody man, and mother into an anxious
+over-worked woman.
+
+Kitty was thirteen, and a very capable girl, who helped with the
+housekeeping, took care of the two little ones, and went to school.
+Tommy and Sammy looked up to her and thought her a remarkably good
+sister.  Now, as they sat round the stove having "a go-to-bed warm," the
+three heads were close together; and the boys listened eagerly to
+Kitty's plans, while the rattle of the sewing-machine in another room
+went on as tirelessly as it had done all day, for mother's work was more
+and more needed every month.
+
+"Well!" began Kitty, in an impressive tone, "we all know that there
+won't be a bit of Christmas in this family if we don't make it.
+Mother's too busy, and father don't care, so we must see what we can do;
+for I should be mortified to death to go to school and say I had n't had
+any turkey or plum-pudding.  Don't expect presents; but we _must_ have
+some kind of a decent dinner."
+
+"So I say; I'm tired of fish and potatoes," said Sammy, the younger.
+
+"But where's the dinner coming from?" asked Tommy, who had already taken
+some of the cares of life on his young shoulders, and knew that
+Christmas dinners did not walk into people's houses without money.
+
+"We 'll earn it;" and Kitty looked like a small Napoleon planning the
+passage of the Alps.  "You, Tom, must go early to-morrow to Mr. Brisket
+and offer to carry baskets.  He will be dreadfully busy, and want you, I
+know; and you are so strong you can lug as much as some of the big
+fellows.  He pays well, and if he won't give much money, you can take
+your wages in things to eat.  We want everything."
+
+"What shall I do?" cried Sammy, while Tom sat turning this plan over in
+his mind.
+
+"Take the old shovel and clear sidewalks. The snow came on purpose to
+help you."
+
+"It's awful hard work, and the shovel's half gone," began Sammy, who
+preferred to spend his holiday coasting on an old tea-tray.
+
+"Don't growl, or you won't get any dinner," said Tom, making up his mind
+to lug baskets for the good of the family, like a manly lad as he was.
+
+"I," continued Kitty, "have taken the hardest part of all; for after my
+work is done, and the babies safely settled, I 'm going to beg for the
+leavings of the holly and pine swept out of the church down below, and
+make some wreaths and sell them."
+
+"If you can," put in Tommy, who had tried pencils, and failed to make a
+fortune.
+
+"Not in the street?" cried Sam, looking alarmed.
+
+"Yes, at the corner of the Park.  I 'm bound to make some money, and
+don't see any other way.  I shall put on an old hood and shawl, and no
+one will know me.  Don't care if they do."  And Kitty tried to mean what
+she said, but in her heart she felt that it would be a trial to her
+pride if any of her schoolmates should happen to recognize her.
+
+"Don't believe you 'll do it."
+
+"See if I don't; for I _will_ have a good dinner one day in the year."
+
+"Well, it does n't seem right for us to do it. Father ought to take care
+of us, and we only buy some presents with the little bit we earn. He
+never gives us anything now."  And Tommy scowled at the bedroom door,
+with a strong sense of injury struggling with affection in his boyish
+heart.
+
+"Hush!" cried Kitty.  "Don't blame him. Mother says we never must forget
+he's our father.  I try not to; but when she cries, it's hard to feel as
+I ought."  And a sob made the little girl stop short as she poked the
+fire to hide the trouble in the face that should have been all smiles.
+
+For a moment the room was very still, as the snow beat on the window,
+and the fire-light flickered over the six shabby little boots put up on
+the stove hearth to dry.
+
+Tommy's cheerful voice broke the silence, saying stoutly, "Well, if I
+'ve got to work all day, I guess I 'll go to bed early.  Don't fret,
+Kit.  We 'll help all we can, and have a good time; see if we don't."
+
+"I 'll go out real early, and shovel like fury. Maybe I 'll get a
+dollar.  Would that buy a turkey?" asked Sammy, with the air of a
+millionnaire.
+
+"No, dear; one big enough for us would cost two, I 'm afraid.  Perhaps
+we 'll have one sent us.  We belong to the church, though folks don't
+know how poor we are now, and we can't beg."  And Kitty bustled about,
+clearing up, rather exercised in her mind about going and asking for the
+much-desired fowl.
+
+Soon all three were fast asleep, and nothing but the whir of the machine
+broke the quiet that fell upon the house.  Then from the inner room a
+man came and sat over the fire with his head in his hands and his eyes
+fixed on the ragged little boots left to dry.  He had heard the
+children's talk; and his heart was very heavy as he looked about the
+shabby room that used to be so neat and pleasant.  What he thought no
+one knows, what he did we shall see by-and-by; but the sorrow and shame
+and tender silence of his children worked a miracle that night more
+lasting and lovely than the white beauty which the snow wrought upon the
+sleeping city.
+
+Bright and early the boys were away to their work; while Kitty sang as
+she dressed the little sisters, put the house in order, and made her
+mother smile at the mysterious hints she gave of something splendid
+which was going to happen.  Father was gone, and though all rather
+dreaded evening, nothing was said; but each worked with a will, feeling
+that Christmas should be merry in spite of poverty and care.
+
+All day Tommy lugged fat turkeys, roasts of beef, and every sort of
+vegetable for other people's good dinners on the morrow, wondering
+meanwhile where his own was coming from. Mr. Brisket had an army of boys
+trudging here and there, and was too busy to notice any particular lad
+till the hurry was over, and only a few belated buyers remained to be
+served.  It was late; but the stores kept open, and though so tired he
+could hardly stand, brave Tommy held on when the other boys left, hoping
+to earn a trifle more by extra work.  He sat down on a barrel to rest
+during a leisure moment, and presently his weary head nodded sideways
+into a basket of cranberries, where he slept quietly till the sound of
+gruff voices roused him.
+
+It was Mr. Brisket scolding because one dinner had been forgotten.
+
+"I told that rascal Beals to be sure and carry it, for the old gentleman
+will be in a rage if it does n't come, and take away his custom. Every
+boy gone, and I can't leave the store, nor you either, Pat, with all the
+clearing up to do."
+
+"Here's a by, sir, slapin illigant forninst the cranberries, bad luck to
+him!" answered Pat, with a shake that set poor Tom on his legs, wide
+awake at once.
+
+"_Good_ luck to him, you mean.  Here, What's-your-name, you take this
+basket to that number, and I 'll make it worth your while," said Mr.
+Brisket, much relieved by this unexpected help.
+
+"All right, sir;" and Tommy trudged off as briskly as his tired legs
+would let him, cheering the long cold walk with visions of the turkey
+with which his employer might reward him, for there were piles of them,
+and Pat was to have one for his family.
+
+His brilliant dreams were disappointed, however, for Mr. Brisket
+naturally supposed Tom's father would attend to that part of the dinner,
+and generously heaped a basket with vegetables, rosy apples, and a quart
+of cranberries.
+
+"There, if you ain't too tired, you can take one more load to that
+number, and a merry Christmas to you!" said the stout man, handing over
+his gift with the promised dollar.
+
+"Thank you, sir; good-night," answered Tom, shouldering his last load
+with a grateful smile, and trying not to look longingly at the poultry;
+for he had set his heart on at least a skinny bird as a surprise to Kit.
+
+Sammy's adventures that day had been more varied and his efforts more
+successful, as we shall see, in the end, for Sammy was a most engaging
+little fellow, and no one could look into his blue eyes without wanting
+to pat his curly yellow head with one hand while the other gave him
+something.  The cares of life had not lessened his confidence in people;
+and only the most abandoned ruffians had the heart to deceive or
+disappoint him.  His very tribulations usually led to something
+pleasant, and whatever happened, sunshiny Sam came right side up, lucky
+and laughing.
+
+Undaunted by the drifts or the cold wind, he marched off with the
+remains of the old shovel to seek his fortune, and found it at the third
+house where he called.  The first two sidewalks were easy jobs; and he
+pocketed his ninepences with a growing conviction that this was his
+chosen work.  The third sidewalk was a fine long one, for the house
+stood on the corner, and two pavements must be cleared.
+
+"It ought to be fifty cents; but perhaps they won't give me so much, I'm
+such a young one. I'll show 'em I can work, though, like a man;" and
+Sammy rang the bell with the energy of a telegraph boy.
+
+Before the bell could be answered, a big boy rushed up, exclaiming
+roughly, "Get out of this!  I'm going to have the job.  You can't do it.
+Start, now, or I'll chuck you into a snow-bank."
+
+"I won't!" answered Sammy, indignant at the brutal tone and unjust
+claim.  "I got here first, and it's my job.  You let me alone.  I ain't
+afraid of you or your snow-banks either."
+
+The big boy wasted no time in words, for steps were heard inside, but
+after a brief scuffle hauled Sammy, fighting bravely all the way, down
+the steps, and tumbled him into a deep drift.  Then he ran up the steps,
+and respectfully asked for the job when a neat maid opened the door.  He
+would have got it if Sam had not roared out, as he floundered in the
+drift, "I came first.  He knocked me down 'cause I 'm the smallest.
+Please let me do it; please!"
+
+Before another word could be said, a little old lady appeared in the
+hall, trying to look stern, and failing entirely, because she was the
+picture of a dear fat, cosey grandma.
+
+"Send that _bad_ big boy away, Maria, and call in the poor little
+fellow.  I saw the whole thing, and _he_ shall have the job if he can do
+it."
+
+The bully slunk away, and Sammy came panting up the steps, white with
+snow, a great bruise on his forehead, and a beaming smile on his face,
+looking so like a jolly little Santa Claus who had taken a "header" out
+of his sleigh that the maid laughed, and the old lady exclaimed, "Bless
+the boy! he's dreadfully hurt, and does n't know it.  Come in and be
+brushed and get your breath, child, and tell me how that scamp came to
+treat you so."
+
+Nothing loath to be comforted, Sammy told his little tale while Maria
+dusted him off on the mat, and the old lady hovered in the doorway of
+the dining-room, where a nice breakfast smoked and smelled so
+deliciously that the boy sniffed the odor of coffee and buckwheats like
+a hungry hound.
+
+"He 'll get his death if he goes to work till he's dried a bit.  Put him
+over the register, Maria, and I 'll give him a hot drink, for it's
+bitter cold, poor dear!"
+
+Away trotted the kind old lady, and in a minute came back with coffee
+and cakes, on which Sammy feasted as he warmed his toes and told Kitty's
+plans for Christmas, led on by the old lady's questions, and quite
+unconscious that he was letting all sorts of cats out of the bag.
+
+Mrs. Bryant understood the little story, and made her plans also, for
+the rosy-faced boy was very like a little grandson who died last year,
+and her sad old heart was very tender to all other small boys.  So she
+found out where Sammy lived, and nodded and smiled at him most cheerily
+as he tugged stoutly away at the snow on the long pavements till all was
+done, and the little workman came for his wages.
+
+A bright silver dollar and a pocketful of gingerbread sent him off a
+rich and happy boy to shovel and sweep till noon, when he proudly showed
+his earnings at home, and feasted the babies on the carefully hoarded
+cake, for Dilly and Dot were the idols of the household.
+
+"Now, Sammy dear, I want you to take my place here this afternoon, for
+mother will have to take her work home by-and-by, and I must sell my
+wreaths.  I only got enough green for six, and two bunches of holly; but
+if I can sell them for ten or twelve cents apiece, I shall be glad.
+Girls never _can_ earn as much money as boys somehow," sighed Kitty,
+surveying the thin wreaths tied up with carpet ravellings, and vainly
+puzzling her young wits over a sad problem.
+
+"I 'll give you some of my money if you don't get a dollar; then we'll
+be even.  Men always take care of women, you know, and ought to," cried
+Sammy, setting a fine example to his father, if he had only been there
+to profit by it.
+
+With thanks Kitty left him to rest on the old sofa, while the happy
+babies swarmed over him; and putting on the shabby hood and shawl, she
+slipped away to stand at the Park gate, modestly offering her little
+wares to the passers-by.  A nice old gentleman bought two, and his wife
+scolded him for getting such bad ones; but the money gave more happiness
+than any other he spent that day.  A child took a ten-cent bunch of
+holly with its red berries, and there Kitty's market ended.  It was very
+cold, people were in a hurry, bolder hucksters pressed before the timid
+little girl, and the balloon man told her to "clear out."
+
+Hoping for better luck, she tried several other places; but the short
+afternoon was soon over, the streets began to thin, the keen wind
+chilled her to the bone, and her heart was very heavy to think that in
+all the rich, merry city, where Christmas gifts passed her in every
+hand, there were none for the dear babies and boys at home, and the
+Christmas dinner was a failure.
+
+"I must go and get supper anyway; and I 'll hang these up in our own
+rooms, as I can't sell them," said Kitty, wiping a very big tear from
+her cold cheek, and turning to go away.
+
+A smaller, shabbier girl than herself stood near, looking at the bunch
+of holly with wistful eyes; and glad to do to others as she wished some
+one would do to her, Kitty offered the only thing she had to give,
+saying kindly, "You may have it; merry Christmas!" and ran away before
+the delighted child could thank her.
+
+I am very sure that one of the spirits who fly about at this season of
+the year saw the little act, made a note of it, and in about fifteen
+minutes rewarded Kitty for her sweet remembrance of the golden rule.
+
+As she went sadly homeward she looked up at some of the big houses where
+every window shone with the festivities of Christmas Eve, and more than
+one tear fell, for the little girl found life pretty hard just then.
+
+"There don't seem to be any wreaths at these windows; perhaps they 'd
+buy mine.  I can't bear to go home with so little for my share," she
+said, stopping before one of the biggest and brightest of these fairy
+palaces, where the sound of music was heard, and many little heads
+peeped from behind the curtains as if watching for some one.
+
+Kitty was just going up the steps to make another trial, when two small
+boys came racing round the corner, slipped on the icy pavement, and both
+went down with a crash that would have broken older bones.  One was up
+in a minute, laughing; the other lay squirming and howling, "Oh, my
+knee! my knee!" till Kitty ran and picked him up with the motherly
+consolations she had learned to give.
+
+"It's broken; I know it is," wailed the small sufferer as Kitty carried
+him up the steps, while his friend wildly rang the doorbell.
+
+It was like going into fairy-land, for the house was all astir with a
+children's Christmas party. Servants flew about with smiling faces; open
+doors gave ravishing glimpses of a feast in one room and a splendid tree
+in another; while a crowd of little faces peered over the balusters in
+the hall above, eager to come down and enjoy the glories prepared for
+them.
+
+A pretty young girl came to meet Kitty, and listened to her story of the
+accident, which proved to be less severe than it at first appeared; for
+Bertie, the injured party, forgot his anguish at sight of the tree, and
+hopped upstairs so nimbly that every one laughed.
+
+"He said his leg was broken, but I guess he's all right," said Kitty,
+reluctantly turning from this happy scene to go out into the night
+again.
+
+"Would you like to see our tree before the children come down?" asked
+the pretty girl, seeing the wistful look in the child's eyes, and the
+shine of half-dried tears on her cheek.
+
+"Oh, yes; I never saw anything so lovely. I 'd like to tell the babies
+all about it;" and Kitty's face beamed at the prospect, as if the kind
+words had melted all the frost away.
+
+"How many babies are there?" asked the pretty girl, as she led the way
+into the brilliant room.  Kitty told her, adding several other facts,
+for the friendly atmosphere seemed to make them friends at once.
+
+"I will buy the wreaths, for we have n't any," said the girl in silk, as
+Kitty told how she was just coming to offer them when the boys fell.
+
+It was pretty to see how carefully the little hostess laid away the
+shabby garlands and slipped a half-dollar into Kitty's hand; prettier
+still, to watch the sly way in which she tucked some bonbons, a red
+ball, a blue whip, two china dolls, two pairs of little mittens, and
+some gilded nuts into an empty box for "the babies;" and prettiest of
+all, to see the smiles and tears make April in Kitty's face as she tried
+to tell her thanks for this beautiful surprise.
+
+The world was all right when she got into the street again and ran home
+with the precious box hugged close, feeling that at last she had
+something to make a merry Christmas of.
+
+Shrieks of joy greeted her, for Sammy's nice old lady had sent a basket
+full of pies, nuts and raisins, oranges and cake, and--oh, happy
+Sammy!--a sled, all for love of the blue eyes that twinkled so merrily
+when he told her about the tea-tray.  Piled upon this red car of
+triumph, Dilly and Dot were being dragged about, while the other
+treasures were set forth on the table.
+
+"I must show mine," cried Kitty; "we 'll look at them to-night, and have
+them to-morrow;" and amid more cries of rapture _her_ box was unpacked,
+_her_ money added to the pile in the middle of the table, where Sammy
+had laid his handsome contribution toward the turkey.
+
+Before the story of the splendid tree was over, in came Tommy with his
+substantial offering and his hard-earned dollar.
+
+"I 'm afraid I ought to keep my money for shoes.  I 've walked the soles
+off these to-day, and can't go to school barefooted," he said, bravely
+trying to put the temptation of skates behind him.
+
+"We 've got a good dinner without a turkey, and perhaps we 'd better not
+get it," added Kitty, with a sigh, as she surveyed the table, and
+remembered the blue knit hood marked seventy-five cents that she saw in
+a shop-window.
+
+"Oh, we _must_ have a turkey! we worked so hard for it, and it's so
+Christmasy," cried Sam, who always felt that pleasant things ought to
+happen.
+
+"Must have turty," echoed the babies, as they eyed the dolls tenderly.
+
+"You _shall_ have a turkey, and there he is," said an unexpected voice,
+as a noble bird fell upon the table, and lay there kicking up his legs
+as if enjoying the surprise immensely.
+
+It was father's voice, and there stood father, neither cross nor stupid,
+but looking as he used to look, kind and happy, and beside him was
+mother, smiling as they had not seen her smile for months.  It was not
+because the work was well paid for, and more promised, but because she
+had received a gift that made the world bright, a home happy
+again,--father's promise to drink no more.
+
+"I 've been working to-day as well as you, and you may keep your money
+for yourselves. There are shoes for all; and never again, please God,
+shall my children be ashamed of me, or want a dinner Christmas Day."
+
+As father said this with a choke in his voice, and mother's head went
+down on his shoulder to hide the happy tears that wet her cheeks, the
+children did n't know whether to laugh or cry, till Kitty, with the
+instinct of a loving heart, settled the question by saying, as she held
+out her hands, "We have n't any tree, so let's dance around our goodies
+and be merry."
+
+Then the tired feet in the old shoes forgot their weariness, and five
+happy little souls skipped gayly round the table, where, in the midst of
+all the treasures earned and given, father's Christmas turkey proudly
+lay in state.
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Chapter II tailpiece]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: "Grandpapa Ladle cheered them on, like a fine old
+gentleman as he was."--PAGE 55.]
+
+
+
+                                  III.
+
+                           THE SILVER PARTY.
+
+
+"Such a long morning!  Seems as if dinner-time would never come!" sighed
+Tony, as he wandered into the dining-room for a third pick at the nuts
+and raisins to beguile his weariness with a little mischief.
+
+It was Thanksgiving Day.  All the family were at church, all the
+servants busy preparing for the great dinner; and so poor Tony, who had
+a cold, had not only to stay at home, but to amuse himself while the
+rest said their prayers, made calls, or took a brisk walk to get an
+appetite.  If he had been allowed in the kitchen, he would have been
+quite happy; but cook was busy and cross, and rapped him on the head
+with a poker when he ventured near the door.  Peeping through the slide
+was also forbidden, and John, the man, bribed him with an orange to keep
+out of the way till the table was set.
+
+That was now done.  The dining-room was empty and quiet, and poor Tony
+lay down on the sofa to eat his nuts and admire the fine sight before
+him.  All the best damask, china, glass, and silver was set forth with
+great care. A basket of flowers hung from the chandelier, and the
+sideboard was beautiful to behold with piled-up fruit, dishes of cake,
+and many-colored finger-bowls and glasses.
+
+"That's all very nice, but the eating part is what _I_ care for.  Don't
+believe I 'll get my share to-day, because mamma found out about this
+horrid cold.  A fellow can't help sneezing, though he can hide a sore
+throat.  Oh, hum! nearly two more hours to wait;" and with a long sigh
+Tony closed his eyes for a luxurious yawn.
+
+When he opened them, the strange sight he beheld kept him staring
+without a thought of sleep.  The big soup-ladle stood straight up at the
+head of the table with a face plainly to be seen in the bright bowl.  It
+was a very heavy, handsome old ladle, so the face was old, but round and
+jolly; and the long handle stood very erect, like a tall thin gentleman
+with a big head.
+
+"Well, upon my word that's queer!" said Tony, sitting up also, and
+wondering what would happen next.
+
+To his great amazement the ladle began to address the assembled forks
+and spoons in a silvery tone very pleasant to hear:--
+
+"Ladies and gentlemen, at this festive season it is proper that we
+should enjoy ourselves. As we shall be tired after dinner, we will at
+once begin our sports by a grand promenade. Take partners and fall in!"
+
+At these words a general uprising took place; and before Tony could get
+his breath a long procession of forks and spoons stood ready. The
+finger-bowls struck up an airy tune as if invisible wet fingers were
+making music on their rims, and led by the stately ladle like a
+drum-major, the grand march began.  The forks were the gentlemen, tall,
+slender, and with a fine curve to their backs; the spoons were the
+ladies, with full skirts, and the scallops on the handles stood up like
+silver combs; the large ones were the mammas, the teaspoons were the
+young ladies, and the little salts the children. It was sweet to see the
+small things walk at the end of the procession, with the two silver
+rests for the carving knife and fork trotting behind like pet dogs.  The
+mustard-spoon and pickle-fork went together, and quarrelled all the way,
+both being hot-tempered and sharp-tongued. The steel knives looked on,
+for this was a very aristocratic party, and only the silver people could
+join in it.
+
+"Here 's fun!" thought Tony, staring with all his might, and so much
+interested in this remarkable state of things that he forgot hunger and
+time altogether.
+
+Round and round went the glittering train, to the soft music of the
+many-toned finger-bowls, till three turns about the long oval table had
+been made; then all fell into line for a contradance, as in the good old
+times before every one took to spinning like tops.  Grandpa Ladle led
+off with his oldest daughter, Madam Gravy Ladle, and the little salts
+stood at the bottom prancing like real children impatient for their
+turn.  When it came, they went down the middle in fine style, with a
+cling! clang! that made Tony's legs quiver with a longing to join in.
+
+It was beautiful to see the older ones twirl round in a stately way,
+with bows and courtesies at the end, while the teaspoons and small forks
+romped a good deal, and Mr. Pickle and Miss Mustard kept every one
+laughing at their smart speeches.  The silver butter-knife, who was an
+invalid, having broken her back and been mended, lay in the rack and
+smiled sweetly down upon her friends, while the little Cupid on the lid
+of the butter-dish pirouetted on one toe in the most delightful manner.
+
+When every one had gone through the dance, the napkins were arranged as
+sofas and the spoons rested, while the polite forks brought sprigs of
+celery to fan them with.  The little salts got into grandpa's lap; and
+the silver dogs lay down panting, for they had frisked with the
+children.  They all talked; and Tony could not help wondering if real
+ladies said such things when they put _their_ heads together and nodded
+and whispered, for some of the remarks were so personal that he was much
+confused. Fortunately they took no notice of him, so he listened and
+learned something in this queer way.
+
+"I have been in this family a hundred years," began the soup-ladle; "and
+it seems to me that each generation is worst than the last.  My first
+master was punctual to a minute, and madam was always down beforehand to
+see that all was ready.  Now master comes at all hours; mistress lets
+the servants do as they like; and the manners of the children are very
+bad.  Sad state of things, very sad!"
+
+"Dear me, yes!" sighed one of the large spoons; "we don't see such nice
+housekeeping now as we did when we were young.  Girls were taught all
+about it then; but now it is all books or parties, and few of them know
+a skimmer from a gridiron."
+
+"Well, I 'm sure the poor things are much happier than if they were
+messing about in kitchens as girls used to do in your day.  It is much
+better for them to be dancing, skating, and studying than wasting their
+young lives darning and preserving, and sitting by their mammas as prim
+as dishes.  _I_ prefer the present way of doing things, though the girls
+in this family _do_ sit up too late, and wear too high heels to their
+boots."
+
+The mustard-spoon spoke in a pert tone, and the pickle-fork answered
+sharply,--
+
+"I agree with you, cousin.  The boys also sit up too late.  I 'm tired
+of being waked to fish out olives or pickles for those fellows when they
+come in from the theatre or some dance; and as for that Tony, he is a
+real pig,--eats everything he can lay hands on, and is the torment of
+the maid's life."
+
+"Yes," cried one little salt-spoon, "we saw him steal cake out of the
+sideboard, and he never told when his mother scolded Norah."
+
+"So mean!" added the other; and both the round faces were so full of
+disgust that Tony fell flat and shut his eyes as if asleep to hide his
+confusion.  Some one laughed; but he dared not look, and lay blushing
+and listening to remarks which plainly proved how careful we should be
+of our acts and words even when alone, for who knows what apparently
+dumb thing may be watching us.
+
+"I have observed that Mr. Murry reads the paper at table instead of
+talking to his family; that Mrs. Murry worries about the servants; the
+girls gossip and giggle; the boys eat, and plague one another; and that
+small child Nelly teases for all she sees, and is never quiet till she
+gets the sugar-bowl," said Grandpa Ladle, in a tone of regret.  "Now,
+useful and pleasant chat at table would make meals delightful, instead
+of being scenes of confusion and discomfort."
+
+"I bite their tongues when I get a chance, hoping to make them witty or
+to check unkind words; but they only sputter, and get a lecture from
+Aunt Maria, who is a sour old spinster, always criticising her
+neighbors."'
+
+As the mustard-spoon spoke, the teaspoons laughed as if they thought
+_her_ rather like Aunt Maria in that respect.
+
+"I gave the baby a fit of colic to teach her to let pickles alone, but
+no one thanked me," said the pickle-fork.
+
+"Perhaps if we keep ourselves so bright that those who use us can see
+their faces in us, we shall be able to help them a little; for no one
+likes to see an ugly face or a dull spoon.  The art of changing frowns
+to smiles is never old-fashioned; and lovely manners smooth away the
+little worries of life beautifully."  A silvery voice spoke, and all
+looked respectfully at Madam Gravy Ladle, who was a very fine old spoon,
+with a coat of arms on it, and a polish that all envied.
+
+"People can't always be remembering how old and valuable and bright they
+are.  Here in America we just go ahead and make manners and money for
+ourselves.  _I_ don't stop to ask what dish I 'm going to help to; I
+just pitch in and take all I can hold, and don't care a bit whether I
+shine or not.  My grandfather was a kitchen spoon; but I'm smarter than
+he was, thanks to my plating, and look and feel as good as any one,
+though I have n't got stags' heads and big letters on my handle."
+
+No one answered these impertinent remarks of the sauce-spoon, for all
+knew that she was not pure silver, and was only used on occasions when
+many spoons were needed.  Tony was ashamed to hear her talk in that rude
+way to the fine old silver he was so proud of, and resolved he 'd give
+the saucy spoon a good rap when he helped himself to the cranberry.
+
+An impressive silence lasted till a lively fork exclaimed, as the clock
+struck, "Every one is coasting out-of-doors.  Why not have our share of
+the fun inside?  It is very fashionable this winter, and ladies and
+gentlemen of the best families do it, I assure you."
+
+"We will!" cried the other forks; and as the dowagers did not object,
+all fell to work to arrange the table for this agreeable sport.  Tony
+sat up to see how they would manage, and was astonished at the ingenuity
+of the silver people. With a great clinking and rattling they ran to and
+fro, dragging the stiff white mats about; the largest they leaned up
+against the tall caster, and laid the rest in a long slope to the edge
+of the table, where a pile of napkins made a nice snowdrift to tumble
+into.
+
+"What _will_ they do for sleds?" thought Tony; and the next minute
+chuckled when he saw them take the slices of bread laid at each place,
+pile on, and spin away, with a great scattering of crumbs like
+snowflakes, and much laughter as they landed in the white pile at the
+end of the coast.
+
+"Won't John give it to 'em if he comes in and catches 'em turning his
+nice table topsy-turvy!" said the boy to himself, hoping nothing would
+happen to end this jolly frolic.  So he kept very still, and watched the
+gay forks and spoons climb up and whiz down till they were tired.  The
+little salts got Baby Nell's own small slice, and had lovely times on a
+short coast of their own made of one mat held up by grandpa, who smiled
+benevolently at the fun, being too old and heavy to join in it.
+
+They kept it up until the slices were worn thin, and one or two upsets
+alarmed the ladies; then they rested and conversed again.  The mammas
+talked about their children, how sadly the silver basket needed a new
+lining, and what there was to be for dinner.  The teaspoons whispered
+sweetly together, as young ladies do,--one declaring that rouge powder
+was not as good as it used to be, another lamenting the sad effect of
+eggs upon her complexion, and all smiled amiably upon the forks, who
+stood about discussing wines and cigars, for both lived in the
+sideboard, and were brought out after dinner, so the forks knew a great
+deal about such matters, and found them very interesting, as all
+gentlemen seem to do.
+
+Presently some one mentioned bicycles, and what fine rides the boys of
+the family told about. The other fellows proposed a race; and before
+Tony could grasp the possibility of such a thing, it was done.  Nothing
+easier, for there stood a pile of plates, and just turning them on their
+edges, the forks got astride, and the big wheels spun away as if a whole
+bicycle club had suddenly arrived.
+
+Old Pickle took the baby's plate, as better suited to his size.  The
+little salts made a tricycle of napkin-rings, and rode gayly off, with
+the dogs barking after them.  Even the carving-fork, though not invited,
+could not resist the exciting sport, and tipping up the wooden
+bread-platter, went whizzing off at a great pace, for his two prongs
+were better than four, and his wheel was lighter than the china ones.
+Grand-papa Ladle cheered them on, like a fine old gentleman as he was,
+for though the new craze rather astonished him, he liked manly sports,
+and would have taken a turn if his dignity and age had allowed.  The
+ladies chimed their applause, for it really was immensely exciting to
+see fourteen plates with forks astride racing round the large table with
+cries of, "Go it, Pickle!  Now, then, Prongs!  Steady, Silver-top!
+Hurrah for the twins!"
+
+The fun was at its height when young Prongs ran against Pickle, who did
+not steer well, and both went off the table with a crash.  All stopped
+at once, and crowded to the edge to see who was killed.  The plates lay
+in pieces, old Pickle had a bend in his back that made him groan
+dismally, and Prongs had fallen down the register.
+
+Wails of despair arose at that awful sight, for he was a favorite with
+every one, and such a tragic death was too much for some of the
+tender-hearted spoons, who fainted at the idea of that gallant fork's
+destruction in what to them was a fiery volcano.
+
+"Serves Pickle right!  He ought to know he was too old for such wild
+games," scolded Miss Mustard, peering anxiously over at her friend, for
+they were fond of one another in spite of their tiffs.
+
+"Now let us see what these fine folks will do when they get off the
+damask and come to grief. A helpless lot, I fancy, and those fellows
+deserve what they 've got," said the sauce-spoon, nearly upsetting the
+twins as she elbowed her way to the front to jeer over the fallen.
+
+"I think you will see that gentle people are as brave as those who make
+a noise," answered Madam Gravy, and leaning over the edge of the table
+she added in her sweet voice, "Dear Mr. Pickle, we will let down a
+napkin and pull you up if you have strength to take hold."
+
+"Pull away, ma'am," groaned Pickle, who well deserved his name just
+then, and soon, thanks to Madam's presence of mind, he was safely laid
+on a pile of mats, while Miss Mustard put a plaster on his injured back.
+
+Meanwhile brave Grandpapa Ladle had slipped from the table to a chair,
+and so to the floor without too great a jar to his aged frame; then
+sliding along the carpet, he reached the register. Peering down that
+dark, hot abyss he cried, while all listened breathlessly for a reply,
+"Prongs, my boy, are you there?"
+
+"Ay, ay, sir; I 'm caught in the wire screen. Ask some of the fellows to
+lend a hand and get me out before I 'm melted," answered the fork, with
+a gasp of agony.
+
+Instantly the long handle of the patriarchal Ladle was put down to his
+rescue, and after a moment of suspense, while Prongs caught firmly hold,
+up he came, hot and dusty, but otherwise unharmed by that dreadful fall.
+Cheers greeted them, and every one lent a hand at the napkin as they
+were hoisted to the table to be embraced by their joyful relatives and
+friends.
+
+"What did you think about down in that horrid place?" asked one of the
+twins.
+
+"I thought of a story I once heard master tell, about a child who was
+found one cold day sitting with his feet on a newspaper, and when asked
+what he was doing, answered, 'Warming my feet on the "Christian
+Register."'  I hoped my register would be Christian enough not to melt
+me before help came.  Ha! ha!  See the joke, my dears?" and Prongs
+laughed as gayly as if he never had taken a header into a volcano.
+
+"What did you see down there?" asked the other twin, curious, as all
+small people are.
+
+"Lots of dust and pins, a doll's head baby put there, Norah's thimble,
+and the big red marble that boy Tony was raging about the other day.
+It's a regular catch-all, and shows how the work is shirked in this
+house," answered Prongs, stretching his legs, which were a little
+damaged by the fall.
+
+"What shall we do about the plates?" asked Pickle, from his bed.
+
+"Let them lie, for we can't mend them. John will think the boy broke
+them, and he'll get punished, as he deserves, for he broke a tumbler
+yesterday, and put it slyly in the ash-barrel," said Miss Mustard,
+spitefully.
+
+"Oh!  I say, that's mean," began Tony; but no one listened, and in a
+minute Prongs answered bravely,--
+
+"I 'm a gentleman, and I don't let other people take the blame of my
+scrapes.  Tony has enough of his own to answer for."
+
+"I'll have that bent fork for mine, and make John keep it as bright as a
+new dollar to pay for this.  Prongs is a trump, and I wish I could tell
+him so," thought Tony, much gratified at this handsome behavior.
+
+"Right, grandson.  I am pleased with you; but allow me to suggest that
+the Chinese Mandarin on the chimney-piece be politely requested to mend
+the plates.  He can  do that sort of thing nicely, and will be charmed
+to oblige us, I am sure."
+
+Grandpapa's suggestion was a good one; and Yam Ki Lo consented at once,
+skipped to the floor, tapped the bits of china with his fan, and in the
+twinkling of an eye was back on his perch, leaving two whole plates
+behind him, for he was a wizard, and knew all about blue china.
+
+Just as the silver people were rejoicing over this fine escape from
+discovery, the clock struck, a bell rang, voices were heard upstairs,
+and it was very evident that the family had arrived. At these sounds a
+great flurry arose in the dining-room, as every spoon, fork, plate, and
+napkin flew back to its place.  Pickle rushed to the jar, and plunged in
+head first, regardless of his back; Miss Mustard retired to the caster;
+the twins scrambled into the salt-cellar; and the silver dogs lay down
+by the carving knife and fork as quietly as if they had never stirred a
+leg; Grandpapa slowly reposed in his usual place; Madam followed his
+example with dignity; the teaspoons climbed into the holder, uttering
+little cries of alarm; and Prongs stayed to help them till he had barely
+time to drop down at Tony's place, and lie there with his bent leg in
+the air, the only sign of the great fall, about which he talked for a
+long time afterward.  All was in order but the sauce-spoon, who had
+stopped to laugh at the Mandarin till it was too late to get to her
+corner; and before she could find any place of concealment, John came in
+and caught her lying in the middle of the table, looking very common and
+shabby among all the bright silver.
+
+"What in the world is that old plated thing here for?  Missis told Norah
+to put it in the kitchen, as she had a new one for a present
+to-day--real silver--so out you go;" and as he spoke, John threw the
+spoon through the slide,--an exile forevermore from the good society
+which she did not value as she should.
+
+Tony saw the glimmer of a smile in Grand-papa Ladle's face, but it was
+gone like a flash, and by the time the boy reached the table nothing was
+to be seen in the silver bowl but his own round rosy countenance, full
+of wonder.
+
+"I don't think any one will believe what I 've seen, but I mean to tell,
+it was so _very_ curious," he said, as he surveyed the scene of the late
+frolic, now so neat and quiet that not a wrinkle or a crumb betrayed
+what larks had been going on.
+
+Hastily fishing up his long-lost marble, the doll's head, and Norah's
+thimble, he went thoughtfully upstairs to welcome his cousins, still
+much absorbed by this very singular affair.
+
+Dinner was soon announced; and while it lasted every one was too busy
+eating the good things before them to observe how quiet the usually
+riotous Tony was.  His appetite for turkey and cranberries seemed to
+have lost its sharp edge, and the mince-pie must have felt itself sadly
+slighted by his lack of appreciation of its substance and flavor.  He
+seemed in a brown-study, and kept staring about as if he saw more than
+other people did.  He examined Nelly's plate as if looking for a crack,
+smiled at the little spoon when he took salt, refused pickles and
+mustard with a frown, kept a certain bent fork by him as long as
+possible, and tried to make music with a wet finger on the rim of his
+bowl at dessert.
+
+But in the evening, when the young people sat around the fire, he amused
+them by telling the queer story of the silver party; but he very wisely
+left out the remarks made upon himself and family, remembering how
+disagreeable the sauce-spoon had seemed, and he privately resolved to
+follow Madam Gravy Ladle's advice to keep his own face bright, manners
+polite, and speech kindly, that he might prove himself to be pure
+silver, and be stamped a gentleman.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: "Presently she sat down and let them tap her
+cheeks."--PAGE 82.]
+
+
+
+                                  IV.
+
+                            THE BLIND LARK.
+
+
+High up in an old house, full of poor people, lived Lizzie, with her
+mother and Baby Billy.  The street was a narrow, noisy place, where
+carts rumbled and dirty children played; where the sun seldom shone, the
+fresh wind seldom blew, and the white snow of winter was turned at once
+to black mud.  One bare room was Lizzie's home, and out of it she seldom
+went, for she was a prisoner.  We all pity the poor princesses who were
+shut up in towers by bad fairies, the men and women in jails, and the
+little birds in cages, but Lizzie was a sadder prisoner than any of
+these.
+
+The prince always comes to the captive princess, the jail doors open in
+time, and the birds find some kind hand to set them free; but there
+seemed no hope of escape for this poor child. Only nine years old, and
+condemned to life-long helplessness, loneliness, and darkness,--for she
+was blind.
+
+She could dimly remember the blue sky, green earth, and beautiful sun;
+for the light went out when she was six, and the cruel fever left her a
+pale little shadow to haunt that room ever since.  The father was dead;
+the mother worked hard for daily bread; they had no friends; and the
+good fairies seemed to have forgotten them.  Still, like the larks one
+sees in Brittany, whose eyes cruel boys put out that they may sing the
+sweeter, Lizzie made music in her cage, singing to baby; and when he
+slept, she sat by the window listening to the noise below for company,
+crooning to herself till she too fell asleep and forgot the long, long
+days that had no play, no school, no change for her such as other
+children know.
+
+Every morning mother gave them their porridge, locked the door, and went
+away to work, leaving something for the children's dinner, and Lizzie to
+take care of herself and Billy till night.  There was no other way, for
+both were too helpless to be trusted elsewhere, and there was no one to
+look after them.  But Lizzie knew her way about the room, and could find
+the bed, the window, and the table where the bread and milk stood.
+There was seldom any fire in the stove, and the window was barred, so
+the little prisoners were safe; and day after day they lived together a
+sad, solitary, unchildlike life that makes one's heart ache to think of.
+
+Lizzie watched over Billy like a faithful little mother, and Billy did
+his best to bear his trials and comfort sister like a man.  He was not a
+rosy, rollicking fellow, like most year-old boys, but pale and thin and
+quiet, with a pathetic look in his big blue eyes, as if he said,
+"Something is wrong; will some one kindly put it right for us?"  But he
+seldom complained unless in pain, and would lie for hours on the old
+bed, watching the flies, which were his only other playmates, stretching
+out his little hands to the few rays of sunshine that crept in now and
+then, as if longing for them, like a flower in a cellar.  When Lizzie
+sang, he hummed softly; and when he was hungry, cold, or tired, he
+called, "Lib!  Lib!" meaning "Lizzie," and nestled up to her, forgetting
+all his baby woes in her tender arms.
+
+Seeing her so fond and faithful, the poor neighbors loved as well as
+pitied her, and did what they could for the afflicted child.  The busy
+women would pause at the locked door to ask if all was right; the dirty
+children brought her dandelions from the park; and the rough workmen of
+the factory opposite, with a kind word, would toss an apple or a cake
+through the open window.  They had learned to look for the little
+wistful face behind the bars, and loved to listen to the childish voice
+which caught and imitated the songs they sang and whistled, like a sweet
+echo.  They called her "the blind lark;" and though she never knew it,
+many were the better for the pity they gave her.
+
+Baby slept a great deal, for life offered him few pleasures, and like a
+small philosopher, he wisely tried to forget the troubles which he could
+not cure; so Lizzie had nothing to do but sing, and try to imagine how
+the world looked.  She had no one to tell her, and the few memories grew
+dimmer and dimmer each year.  She did not know how to work or to play,
+never having been taught, and mother was too tired at night to do
+anything but get supper and go to bed.
+
+"The child will be an idiot soon, if she does not die," people said; and
+it seemed as if this would be the fate of the poor little girl, since no
+one came to save her during those three weary years.  She often said,
+"I'm of _some_ use.  I take care of Billy, and I could n't live without
+him."
+
+But even this duty and delight was taken from her, for that cold spring
+nipped the poor little flower, and one day Billy shut his blue eyes with
+a patient sigh and left her all alone.
+
+Then Lizzie's heart seemed broken; and people thought she would soon
+follow him, now that her one care and comfort was gone.  All day she lay
+with her cheek on Billy's pillow, holding the battered tin cup and a
+little worn-out shoe, and it was pitiful to hear her sing the old
+lullabies as if baby still could hear them.
+
+"It will be a mercy if the poor thing does n't live; blind folks are no
+use and a sight of trouble," said one woman to another as they gossiped
+in the hall after calling on the child during her mother's absence, for
+the door was left unlocked since she was ill.
+
+"Yes, Mrs. Davis would get on nicely if she had n't such a burden.
+Thank Heaven, my children are n't blind," answered the other, hugging
+her baby closer as she went away.
+
+Lizzie heard them, and hoped with all her sad little soul that death
+would set her free, since she was of no use in the world.  To go and be
+with Billy was all her desire now, and she was on her way to him,
+growing daily weaker and more content to be dreaming of dear baby well
+and happy, waiting for her somewhere in a lovely place called heaven.
+
+The summer vacation came; and hundreds of eager children were hurrying
+away to the mountains and seashore for two months of healthful pleasure.
+Even the dirty children in the lane felt the approach of berry-time, and
+rejoiced in their freedom from cold as they swarmed like flies about the
+corner grocery where over-ripe fruit was thrown out for them to scramble
+over.
+
+Lizzie heard about good times when some of these young neighbors were
+chosen to go on the poor children's picnics, and came back with big
+sandwiches buttoned up in their jackets, pickles, peanuts, and buns in
+their pockets, hands full of faded flowers, and hearts brimming over
+with childish delight at a day in the woods.  She listened with a faint
+smile, enjoyed the "woodsy" smell of the green things, and wondered if
+they had nice picnics in heaven, being sorry that Billy had missed them
+here.  But she did not seem to care much, or hope for any pleasure for
+herself except to see baby again.
+
+I think there were few sadder sights in that great city than this
+innocent prisoner waiting so patiently to be set free.  Would it be by
+the gentle angel of death, or one of the human angels who keep these
+little sparrows from falling to the ground?
+
+One hot August day, when not a breath came into the room, and the dust
+and noise and evil smells were almost unendurable, poor Lizzie lay on
+her bed singing feebly to herself about "the beautiful blue sea."  She
+was trying to get to sleep that she might dream of a cool place, and her
+voice was growing fainter and fainter, when suddenly it seemed as if the
+dream had come, for a sweet odor was near, something damp and fresh
+touched her feverish cheek, and a kind voice said in her ear,--
+
+"Here is the little bird I 've been following. Will you have some
+flowers, dear?"
+
+"Is it heaven?  Where's Billy?" murmured Lizzie, groping about her, half
+awake.
+
+"Not yet.  I'm not Billy, but a friend who carries flowers to little
+children who cannot go and get them.  Don't be afraid, but let me sit
+and tell you about it," answered the voice, as a gentle hand took hers.
+
+"I thought maybe I 'd died, and I was glad, for I do want to see Billy
+so much.  He's baby, you know."  And the clinging hands held the kind
+one fast till it filled them with a great bunch of roses that seemed to
+bring all summer into the close, hot room with their sweetness.
+
+"Oh, how nice! how nice!  I never had such a lot.  They 're bigger 'n'
+better 'n dandelions, are n't they?  What a good lady you must be to go
+'round giving folks posies like these!" cried Lizzie, trying to realize
+the astonishing fact.
+
+Then, while the new friend fanned her, she lay luxuriating in her roses,
+and listening to the sweet story of the Flower Mission which, like many
+other pleasant things, she knew nothing of in her prison.  Presently she
+told her own little tale, never guessing how pathetic it was, till
+lifting her hand to touch the new face, she found it wet with tears.
+
+"Are you sorry for me?" she asked.  "Folks are very kind, but I 'm a
+burden, you know, and I 'd better die and go to Billy; I was some use to
+him, but I never can be to any one else. I heard 'em say so, and poor
+mother would do better if I was n't here."
+
+"My child, I know a little blind girl who is no burden but a great help
+to her mother, and a happy, useful creature, as you might be if you were
+taught and helped as she was," went on the voice, sounding more than
+ever like a good fairy's as it told fresh wonders till Lizzie was sure
+it _must_ be all a dream.
+
+"Who taught her?  Could I do it?  Where's the place?" she asked, sitting
+erect in her eagerness, like a bird that hears a hand at the door of its
+cage.
+
+Then, with the comfortable arm around her, the roses stirring with the
+flutter of her heart, and the sightless eyes looking up as if they could
+see the face of the deliverer, Lizzie heard the wonderful story of the
+House Beautiful standing white and spacious on the hill, with the blue
+sea before it, the fresh wind always blowing, the green gardens and
+parks all about, and inside, music, happy voices, shining faces, busy
+hands, and year after year the patient teaching by those who dedicate
+themselves to this noble and tender task.
+
+"It must be better'n heaven!" cried Lizzie, as she heard of work and
+play, health and happiness, love and companionship, usefulness and
+independence,--all the dear rights and simple joys young creatures
+hunger for, and perish, soul and body, without.
+
+It was too much for her little mind to grasp at once, and she lay as if
+in a blissful dream long after the kind visitor had gone, promising to
+come again and to find some way for Lizzie to enter into that lovely
+place where darkness is changed to light.
+
+That visit was like magic medicine, and the child grew better at once,
+for hope was born in her heart.  The heavy gloom seemed to lift;
+discomforts were easier to bear; and solitude was peopled now with
+troops of happy children living in that wonderful place where blindness
+was not a burden.  She told it all to her mother, and the poor woman
+tried to believe it, but said sadly,--
+
+"Don't set your heart on it, child.  It's easy to promise and to forget.
+Rich folks don't trouble themselves about poor folks if they can help
+it."
+
+But Lizzie's faith never wavered, though the roses faded as day after
+day went by and no one came.  The mere thought that it was possible to
+teach blind people to work and study and play seemed to give her
+strength and courage.  She got up and sat at the window again, singing
+to herself as she watched and waited, with the dead flowers carefully
+arranged in Billy's mug, and a hopeful smile on the little white face
+behind the bars.
+
+Every one was glad she was better, and nodded to one another as they
+heard the soft crooning, like a dove's coo, in the pauses of the harsher
+noises that filled the street.  The workmen tossed her sweeties and
+whistled their gayest airs; the children brought their dilapidated toys
+to amuse her; and one woman came every day to put her baby in Lizzie's
+lap, it was such a pleasure to her to feel the soft little body in the
+loving arms that longed for Billy.
+
+Poor mother went to her work in better spirits, and the long hot days
+were less oppressive as she thought, while she scrubbed, of Lizzie up
+again; for she loved her helpless burden, heavy though she found it.
+
+When Saturday came around, it rained hard, and no one expected "the
+flower lady."  Even Lizzie said with a patient sigh and a hopeful
+smile,--
+
+"I don't believe she 'll come; but maybe it will clear up, and then I
+guess she will."
+
+It did not clear up, but the flower lady came; and as the child sat
+listening to the welcome sound of her steps, her quick ear caught the
+tread of two pairs of feet, the whisper of two voices, and presently two
+persons came in to fill her hands with midsummer flowers.
+
+"This is Minna, the little girl I told you of. She wanted to see you
+very much, so we paddled away like a pair of ducks, and here we are,"
+said Miss Grace, gayly; and as she spoke, Lizzie felt soft fingers glide
+over her face, and a pair of childish lips find and kiss her own. The
+groping touch, the hearty kiss, made the blind children friends at once,
+and dropping her flowers, Lizzie hugged the new-comer, trembling with
+excitement and delight.  Then they talked; and how the tongues went as
+one asked questions and the other answered them, while Miss Grace sat by
+enjoying the happiness of those who do _not_ forget the poor, but seek
+them out to save and bless.
+
+Minna had been for a year a pupil in the happy school, where she was
+taught to see with her hands, as one might say; and the tales she told
+of the good times there made Lizzie cry eagerly,--
+
+"Can I go?  Oh, _can_ go?"
+
+"Alas, no, not yet," answered Miss Grace, sadly.  "I find that children
+under ten cannot be taken, and there is no place for the little ones
+unless kind people care for them."
+
+Lizzie gave a wail, and hid her face in the pillow, feeling as if she
+could not bear the dreadful disappointment.
+
+Minna comforted her, and Miss Grace went on to say that generous people
+were trying to get another school for the small children; that all the
+blind children were working hard to help on the plan; that money was
+coming in; and soon they hoped to have a pleasant place for every child
+who needed help.
+
+Lizzie's tears stopped falling as she listened, for hope was not quite
+gone.
+
+"I 'll not be ten till next June, and I don't see how I _can_ wait 'most
+a year.  Will the little school be ready 'fore then?" she asked.
+
+"I fear not, dear, but I will see that the long waiting is made as easy
+as possible, and perhaps you can help us in some way," answered Miss
+Grace, anxious to atone for her mistake in speaking about the school
+before she had made sure that Lizzie could go.
+
+"Oh, I 'd love to help; only I can't do anything," sighed the child.
+
+"You can sing, and that is a lovely way to help.  I heard of 'the blind
+lark,' as they call you, and when I came to find her, your little voice
+led me straight to the door of the cage. That door I mean to open, and
+let you hop out into the sunshine; then, when you are well and strong, I
+hope you will help us get the home for other little children who else
+must wait years before _they_ find the light.  Will you?"
+
+As Miss Grace spoke, it was beautiful to see the clouds lift from
+Lizzie's wondering face, till it shone with the sweetest beauty any face
+can wear,--the happiness of helping others.  She forgot her own
+disappointment in the new hope that came, and held on to the bedpost as
+if the splendid plan were almost too much for her.
+
+"Could I help that way?" she cried. "Would anybody care to hear me sing?
+Oh, how I 'd love to do anything for the poor little ones who will have
+to wait."
+
+"You shall.  I 'm sure the hardest heart would be touched by your
+singing, if you look as you do now.  We need something new for our fair
+and concert, and by that time you will be ready," said Miss Grace,
+almost afraid she had said too much; for the child looked so frail, it
+seemed as if even joy would hurt her.
+
+Fortunately her mother came in just then; and while the lady talked to
+her, Minna's childish chatter soothed Lizzie so well that when they left
+she stood at the window smiling down at them and singing like the
+happiest bobolink that ever tilted on a willow branch in spring-time.
+
+All the promises were kept, and soon a new life began for Lizzie.  A
+better room and well-paid work were found for Mrs. Davis.  Minna came as
+often as she could to cheer up her little friend, and best of all, Miss
+Grace taught her to sing, that by and by the little voice might plead
+with its pathetic music for others less blest than she.  So the winter
+months went by, and Lizzie grew like mayflowers underneath the snow,
+getting ready to look up, sweet and rosy, when spring set her free and
+called her to be glad.  She counted the months and weeks, and when the
+time dwindled to days, she could hardly sleep or eat for thinking of the
+happy hour when she could go to be a pupil in the school where miracles
+were worked.
+
+Her birthday was in June, and thanks to Miss Grace, her coming was
+celebrated by one of the pretty festivals of the school, called Daisy
+Day. Lizzie knew nothing of this surprise, and when her friends led her
+up the long flight of steps she looked like a happy little soul climbing
+to the gates of heaven.
+
+Mr. Constantine, the ruler of this small kingdom, was a man whose
+fatherly heart had room for every suffering child in the world, and it
+rejoiced over every one who came, though the great house was
+overflowing, and many waited as Lizzie had done.
+
+He welcomed her so kindly that the strange place seemed like home at
+once, and Minna led her away to the little mates who proudly showed her
+their small possessions and filled her hands with the treasures children
+love, while pouring into her ears delightful tales of the study, work,
+and play that made their lives so happy.
+
+Lizzie was bewildered, and held fast to Minna, whose motherly care of
+her was sweet to see. Kind teachers explained rules and duties with the
+patience that soothes fear and wins love; and soon Lizzie began to feel
+that she was a "truly pupil" in this wonderful school where the blind
+could read, sew, study, sing, run, and play.  Boys raced along the
+galleries and up and down the stairs as boldly as if all had eyes; girls
+swept and dusted like tidy housewives; little fellows hammered and sawed
+in the workshop and never hurt themselves; small girls sewed on pretty
+work as busy as bees; and in the schoolroom lessons went on as if both
+teachers and pupils were blessed with eyes.
+
+Lizzie could not understand it, and was content to sit and listen
+wherever she was placed, while her little fingers fumbled at the new
+objects near her, and her hungry mind opened like a flower to the sun.
+She had no tasks that day, and in the afternoon was led away with a
+flock of children, all chattering like magpies, on the grand expedition.
+Every year, when the fields were white with daisies, these poor little
+souls were let loose among them to enjoy the holy day of this child's
+flower.  Ah, but was n't it a pretty sight to see the meeting between
+them, when the meadows were reached, and the children scattered far and
+wide with cries of joy as they ran and rolled in the white sea, or
+filled their eager hands, or softly felt for the dear daisies and kissed
+them like old friends? The flowers seemed to enjoy it too, as they
+danced and nodded, while the wind rippled the long grass like waves of a
+green sea, and the sun smiled as if he said,--
+
+"Here's the sort of thing I like to see.  Why don't I find more of it?"
+
+Lizzie's face looked like a daisy, it was so full of light as she stood
+looking up, with the wide brim of her new hat like the white petals all
+round it.  She did not run nor shout, but went slowly wading through the
+grass, feeling the flowers touch her hands, yet picking none, for it was
+happiness enough to know that they were there.  Presently she sat down
+and let them tap her cheeks and rustle about her ears as though telling
+secrets that made her smile. Then, as if weary with so much happiness,
+she lay back and let the daisies hide her with their pretty coverlet.
+
+Miss Grace was watching over her, but left her alone, and by and by,
+like a lark from its nest in the grass, the blind girl sent up her
+little voice, singing so sweetly that the children gathered around to
+hear, while they made chains and tied up their nosegays.
+
+This was Lizzie's first concert, and no little prima donna was ever more
+pelted with flowers than she; for when she had sung all her songs, new
+and old, a daisy crown was put upon her head, a tall flower for a
+sceptre in her hand, and all the boys and girls danced around her as if
+she had been Queen of the May.
+
+A little feast came out of the baskets, that they might be empty for the
+harvest to be carried home, and while they ate, stories were told and
+shouts of laughter filled the air, for all were as merry as if there was
+no darkness, pain, or want in the world.  Then they had games; and
+Lizzie was taught to play,--for till now she never knew what a good romp
+meant.  Her cheeks grew rosy, her sad little face waked up, she ran and
+tumbled with the rest, and actually screamed, to Minna's great delight.
+
+Two or three of the children could see a little, and these were very
+helpful in taking care of the little ones.  Miss Grace found them
+playing some game with Lizzie, and observed that all but she were
+blindfolded.  When she asked why, one whispered, "We thought we should
+play fairer if we were all alike."  And another added, "It seems somehow
+as if we were proud if we see better than the rest."
+
+Lizzie was much touched by this sweet spirit, and a little later showed
+that she had already learned one lesson in the school, when she gathered
+about her some who had never seen, and told them what she could remember
+of green fields and daisy-balls before the light went out forever.
+
+"Surely my little lark was worth saving, if only for this one happy
+day," thought Miss Grace, as she watched the awakened look in the blind
+faces, all leaning toward the speaker, whose childish story pleased them
+well.
+
+In all her long and useful life, Lizzie never forgot that Daisy Day, for
+it seemed as if she were born anew, and like a butterfly had left the
+dark chrysalis all behind her then.  It was the first page of the
+beautiful book just opening before the eyes of her little mind,--a
+lovely page, illustrated with flowers, kind faces, sunshine, and happy
+hopes.  The new life was so full, so free, she soon fell into her place
+and enjoyed it all.  People worked there so heartily, so helpfully, it
+was no wonder things went as if by magic, and the poor little creatures
+who came in so afflicted went out in some years independent people,
+ready to help themselves and often to benefit others.
+
+There is no need to tell all Lizzie learned and enjoyed that summer, nor
+how proud her mother was when she heard her read in the curious books,
+making eyes of the little fingers that felt their way along so fast;
+when she saw the neat stitches she set, the pretty clay things she
+modelled, the tidy way she washed dishes, swept, and dusted, and helped
+keep her room in order. But the poor woman's heart was too full for
+words when she heard the child sing,--not as before, in the dreary room,
+sad, soft lullabies to Billy, but beautiful, gay songs, with flutes and
+violins to lift and carry the little voice along on waves of music.
+
+Lizzie really had a great gift; but she was never happier than when they
+all sang together, or when she sat quietly listening to the band as they
+practised for the autumn concert.  She was to have a part in it; and the
+thought that she could help to earn money for the Kindergarten made the
+shy child bold and glad to do her part.  Many people knew her now, for
+she was very pretty, with the healthful roses in her cheeks, curly
+yellow hair, and great blue eyes that seemed to see.  Her mates and
+teachers were proud of her, for though she was not as quick as some of
+the pupils, her sweet temper, grateful heart, and friendly little ways
+made her very dear to all, aside from the musical talent she possessed.
+
+Every one was busy over the fair and the concert; and fingers flew,
+tongues chattered, feet trotted, and hearts beat fast with hope and fear
+as the time drew near, for all were eager to secure a home for the poor
+children still waiting in darkness.  It was a charity which appealed to
+all hearts when it was known; but in this busy world of ours, people
+have so many cares of their own that they are apt to forget the wants of
+others unless something brings these needs very clearly before their
+eyes.  Much money was needed, and many ways had been tried to add to the
+growing fund, that all might be well done.
+
+"We wish to interest children in this charity for children, so that they
+may gladly give a part of their abundance to these poor little souls who
+have nothing.  I think Lizzie will sing some of the pennies out of their
+pockets, which would otherwise go for bonbons.  Let us try; so make her
+neat and pretty, and we 'll have a special song for her."
+
+Mr. Constantine said this; and Miss Grace carried out his wish so well
+that when the time came, the little prima donna did her part better even
+than they had hoped.
+
+The sun shone splendidly on the opening day of the fair, and cars and
+carriages came rolling out from the city, full of friendly people with
+plump purses and the sympathetic interest we all take in such things
+when we take time to see, admire, and reproach ourselves that we do so
+little for them.
+
+There were many children; and when they had bought the pretty handiwork
+of the blind needle-women, eaten cake and ices, wondered at the strange
+maps and books, twirled the big globe in the hall, and tried to
+understand how so many blind people could be so busy and so happy, they
+all were seated at last to hear the music, full of expectation, for "the
+pretty little girl was going to sing."
+
+It was a charming concert, and every one enjoyed it, though many eyes
+grew dim as they wandered from the tall youths blowing the horns so
+sweetly to the small ones chirping away like so many sparrows, for the
+blind faces made the sight pathetic, and such music touched the hearts
+as no other music can.
+
+"Now she's coming!" whispered the eager children, as a little girl
+climbed up the steps and stood before them, waiting to begin.
+
+A slender little creature in a blue gown, with sunshine falling on her
+pretty hair, a pleading look in the soft eyes that had no sign of
+blindness but their steadfastness, and a smile on the lips that trembled
+at first, for Lizzie's heart beat fast, and only the thought, "I 'm
+helping the poor little ones," gave her courage for her task.
+
+But when the flutes and violins began to play like a whispering wind,
+she forgot the crowd before her, and lifting up her face, sang in clear
+sweet tones.
+
+    THE BLIND LARK'S SONG.
+
+    We are sitting in the shadow
+      Of a long and lonely night,
+    Waiting till some gentle angel
+      Comes to lead us to the light;
+    For we know there is a magic
+      That can give eyes to the blind.
+    Oh, well-filled hands, be generous!
+      Oh, pitying hearts, be kind!
+
+    Help stumbling feet that wander
+      To find the upward way;
+    Teach hands that now lie idle
+      The joys of work and play.
+    Let pity, love, and patience
+      Our tender teachers be,
+    That though the eyes be blinded,
+      The little souls may see.
+
+    Your world is large and beautiful,
+      Our prison dim and small;
+    We stand and wait, imploring,
+      "Is there not room for all?
+    Give us our children's garden,
+      Where we may safely bloom,
+    Forgetting in God's sunshine
+      Our lot of grief and gloom."
+
+    A little voice comes singing;
+      Oh, listen to its song!
+    A little child is pleading
+      For those who suffer wrong.
+    Grant them the patient magic
+      That gives eyes to the blind!
+    Oh, well-filled hands, be generous!
+      Oh, pitying hearts, be kind!
+
+
+It was a very simple little song, but it proved wonderfully effective,
+for Lizzie was so carried away by her own feeling that as she sang the
+last lines she stretched out her hands imploringly, and two great tears
+rolled down her cheeks.  For a minute many hands were too busy fumbling
+for handkerchiefs to clap, but the children were quick to answer that
+gesture and those tears; and one impetuous little lad tossed a small
+purse containing his last ten cents at Lizzie's feet, the first
+contribution won by her innocent appeal.  Then there was great applause,
+and many of the flowers just bought were thrown to the little lark, who
+was obliged to come back and sing again and again, smiling brightly as
+she dropped pretty courtesies, and sang song after song with all the
+added sweetness of a grateful heart.
+
+Hidden behind the organ, Miss Grace and Mr. Constantine shook hands
+joyfully, for this was the sort of interest they wanted, and they knew
+that while the children clapped and threw flowers, the wet-eyed mothers
+were thinking self-reproachfully, "I must help this lovely charity," and
+the stout old gentlemen who pounded with their canes were resolving to
+go home and write some generous checks, which would be money invested in
+God's savings-bank.
+
+It was a very happy time for all, and made strangers friends in the
+sweet way which teaches heart to speak to heart.  When the concert was
+over, Lizzie felt many hands press hers and leave something there, many
+childish lips kiss her own, with promises to "help about the
+Kindergarten," and her ears were full of kind voices thanking and
+praising her for doing her part so well.  Still later, when all were
+gone, she proudly put the rolls of bills into Mr. Constantine's hand,
+and throwing her arms about Miss Grace's neck, said, trembling with
+earnestness, "I 'm not a burden any more, and I can truly help!  How can
+I ever thank you both for making me so happy?"
+
+One can fancy what their answer was and how Lizzie helped; for long
+after the Kindergarten was filled with pale little flowers blooming
+slowly as she had done, the Blind Lark went on singing pennies out of
+pockets, and sweetly reminding people not to forget this noble charity.
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Chapter IV tailpiece]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Tino runs away from home.--PAGE 105.]
+
+
+
+                                   V.
+
+                          MUSIC AND MACARONI.
+
+
+Among the pretty villages that lie along the wonderful Cornice road
+which runs from Nice to Genoa, none was more beautiful than Valrose.  It
+deserved its name, for it was indeed a "valley of roses."  The little
+town with its old church nestled among the olive and orange trees that
+clothed the hillside, sloping up to purple mountains towering behind.
+Lower down stretched the vineyards; and the valley was a bed of flowers
+all the year round.  There were acres of violets, verbenas, mignonette,
+and every sweet-scented blossom that grows, while hedges of roses, and
+alleys of lemon-trees with their white stars made the air heavy with
+perfume. Across the plain, one saw the blue sea rolling to meet the
+bluer sky, sending fresh airs and soft rains to keep Valrose green and
+beautiful even through the summer heat.  Only one ugly thing marred the
+lovely landscape, and that was the factory, with its tall chimneys, its
+red walls, and ceaseless bustle.  But old ilex-trees tried to conceal
+its ugliness; the smoke curled gracefully from its chimney-tops; and the
+brown men talked in their musical language as they ran about the busy
+courtyard, or did strange things below in the still-room.  Handsome
+black-eyed girls sang at the open windows at their pretty work, and
+delicious odors filled the place; for here the flowers that bloomed
+outside were changed to all kinds of delicate perfumes to scent the hair
+of great ladies and the handkerchiefs of dainty gentlemen all the world
+over.
+
+The poor roses, violets, mignonette, orange-flowers, and their sisters,
+were brought here in great baskets to yield up their sweet souls in hot
+rooms where, fires burned and great vats boiled; then they were sent up
+to be imprisoned in pretty flasks of all imaginable shapes and colors by
+the girls, who put gilded labels on them, packed them in delicate boxes,
+and sent them away to comfort the sick, please the rich, and put money
+in the pockets of the merchants.
+
+Many children were employed in the light work of weeding beds, gathering
+flowers, and running errands; among these none were busier, happier, or
+more beloved than Florentino and his sister Stella.  They were orphans,
+but they lived with old Mariuccia in her little stone house near the
+church, contented with the small wages they earned, though their clothes
+were poor, their food salad, macaroni, rye bread, and thin wine, with
+now and then a taste of meat when Stella's lover or some richer friend
+gave them a treat on gala days.
+
+They worked hard, and had their dreams of what they would do when they
+had saved up a little store; Stella would marry her Beppo and settle in
+a home of her own; but Tino was more ambitious, for he possessed a sweet
+boyish voice and sang so well in the choir, at the merrymakings, and
+about his work, that he was called the "little nightingale," and much
+praised and petted, not only by his mates, but by the good priest who
+taught him music, and the travellers who often came to the factory and
+were not allowed to go till Tino had sung to them.
+
+All this made the lad vain; and he hoped one day to go away as Baptista
+had gone, who now sang in a fine church at Genoa and sent home gold
+napoleons to his old parents.  How this was to come about Tino had not
+the least idea, but he cheered his work with all manner of wild plans,
+and sang his best at Mass, hoping some stranger would hear, and take him
+away as Signor Pulci had taken big Tista, whose voice was not half so
+wonderful as his own, all had said.  No one came, however, and Tino at
+thirteen was still at work in the valley,--a happy little lad, singing
+all day long as he carried his fragrant loads to and fro, ate his dinner
+of bread and beans fried in oil, with a crust, under the ilex-trees, and
+slept like a dormouse at night on his clean straw in the loft at
+Mariuccia's, with the moon for his candle and the summer warmth for his
+coverlet.
+
+One day in September, as he stood winnowing mignonette seed in a quiet
+corner of the vast garden, he was thinking deeply over his hopes and
+plans, and practising the last chant Father Angelo had taught him, while
+he shook and held the sieve high, to let the wind blow away the dead
+husks, leaving the brown seeds behind.
+
+Suddenly, as he ended his lesson with a clear high note that seemed to
+rise and die softly away like the voice of an angel in the air, the
+sound of applause startled him; and turning, he saw a gentleman sitting
+on the rude bench behind him,--a well-dressed, handsome, smiling
+gentleman, who clapped his white hands and nodded and said gayly,
+"Bravo, my boy, that was well done!  You have a wonderful voice; sing
+again."
+
+But Tino was too abashed for the moment, and could only stand and stare
+at the stranger, a pretty picture of boyish confusion, pleasure, and
+shyness.
+
+"Come, tell me all about it, my friend.  Who taught you so well?  Why
+are you here, and not where you should be, learning to use this fine
+pipe of yours, and make fame and money by it?" said the gentleman, still
+smiling as he leaned easily in his seat and swung his gloves.
+
+Tino's heart began to beat fast as he thought, "Perhaps my chance has
+come at last!  I must make the most of it."  So taking courage, he told
+his little story; and when he ended, the stranger gave a nod, saying,--
+
+"Yes, you are the 'little nightingale' they spoke of up at the inn.  I
+came to find you. Now sing me something gay, some of your folk-songs.
+That sort will suit you best."
+
+Anxious to make the most of his chance, Tino took courage and sang away
+as easily as a bird on a bough, pouring out one after another the
+barcaroles, serenades, ballads, and drinking-songs he had learned from
+the people about him.
+
+The gentleman listened, laughed, and applauded as if well pleased, and
+when Tino stopped to take breath, he gave another nod more decided than
+the first, and said with his engaging smile,--
+
+"You are indeed a wonder, and quite wasted here.  If _I_ had you I
+should make a man of you, and put money in your pocket as fast as you
+opened your mouth."
+
+Tino's eyes sparkled at the word "money," for sweet as was the praise,
+the idea of having full pockets bewitched him, and he asked eagerly,
+"How, signor?"
+
+"Well," answered the gentleman, idly tapping his nose with a rose-bud
+which he had pulled as he came along, "I should take you to my hotel at
+Nice; wash, brush, and trim you up a little; put you into a velvet suit
+with a lace collar, silk stockings, and buckled shoes; teach you music,
+feed you well, and when I thought you fit carry you with me to the
+_salons_ of the great people, where I give concerts.  There you would
+sing these gay songs of yours, and be petted, praised, and pelted with
+bonbons, francs, and kisses perhaps,--for you are a pretty lad and these
+fine ladies and idle gentlemen are always ready to welcome a new
+favorite.  Would you fancy that sort of life better than this? You can
+have it if you like."
+
+Tino's black eyes shone; the color deepened in his brown cheeks; and he
+showed all his white teeth as he laughed and exclaimed with a gesture of
+delight,--
+
+"Mio Dio! but I _would_, signor!  I 'm tired of this work; I long to
+sing, to see the world, to be my own master, and let Stella and the old
+woman know that I am big enough to have my own way.  Do you really mean
+it?  When can I go?  I'm ready now, only I had better run and put on my
+holiday suit and get my guitar."
+
+"Good! there 's a lad of spirit.  I like that well.  A guitar too?
+Bravo, my little troubadour, we shall make a sensation in the
+drawing-rooms, and fill our pockets shortly.  But there is no haste, and
+it would be well to ask these friends of yours, or there might be
+trouble.  I don't _steal_ nightingales, I buy them; and I will give the
+old woman, whoever she may be, more than you would earn in a month.
+See, I too am a singer, and this I made at Genoa in a week."  As he
+spoke, Signor Mario pulled a well-filled purse from one pocket, a
+handful of gold and silver coin from the other, and chinked them before
+the boy's admiring eyes.
+
+"Let us go!" cried Tino, flinging down the sieve as if done with work
+forever.  "Stella is at home to-day; come at once to Mariuccia,--it is
+not far; and when they hear these fine plans, they will be glad to let
+me go, I am sure."
+
+Away he went across the field of flowers, through the courtyard, up the
+steep street, straight into the kitchen where his pretty sister sat
+eating artichokes and bread while the old woman twirled her distaff in
+the sun.  Both were used to strangers, for the cottage was a picturesque
+place, half hidden like a bird's nest in vines and fig-trees, with a gay
+little plot of flowers before it; travellers often came to taste
+Mariuccia's honey, for her bees fared well, and their combs were running
+over with the sweetness of violets and roses, put up in dainty little
+waxen boxes made by better workmen than any found at the factory.
+
+The two women listened respectfully while Signor Mario told his plan in
+his delightfully gracious way; and Stella was much impressed by the
+splendor of the prospect before her brother.  But the wise old woman
+shook her head, and declared decidedly that the boy was too young to
+leave home yet.  Father Angelo was teaching him well; he was safe and
+happy where he was; and there he should remain, for she had sworn by all
+the saints to his dying mother that she would guard him as the apple of
+her eye till he was old enough to take care of himself.
+
+In vain Mario shook his purse before her eyes, Stella pleaded, and Tino
+stormed; the faithful old soul would not give up, much as she needed
+money, loved Stella, and hated to cross the boy who was in truth "the
+apple of her eye" and the darling of her heart.  There was a lively
+scene in the little room, for every one talked at once, gesticulated
+wildly, and grew much excited in the discussion; but nothing came of it,
+and Signor Mario departed wrathfully, leaving Mariuccia looking as stern
+as fate with her distaff, Stella in tears, and Tino in such a rage he
+could only dash up to the loft and throw himself on his rude bed, there
+to kick and sob and tear his hair, and wish there might be ten thousand
+earthquakes to swallow that cruel old woman up in the twinkling of an
+eye.
+
+Stella came to beg him to be comforted and eat his supper, but he drew
+the wooden bolt and would not let her in, saying sternly,--
+
+"I _never_ will come down till Mariuccia says I may go; I will starve
+first.  I am not a child to be so treated.  Go away, and let me alone; I
+hate you both!"
+
+Poor Stella retired, heart-broken, and when all her entreaties failed to
+change their guardian's decision, she went to consult Father Angelo.  He
+agreed with the old woman that it was best to keep the boy safe at home,
+as they knew nothing of the strange gentleman nor what might befall Tino
+if he left the shelter of his own humble home and friends.
+
+Much disappointed, Stella went to pray devoutly in the church, and then,
+meeting her Beppo, soon forgot all about the poor little lad who had
+sobbed himself to sleep upon his straw.
+
+The house was quiet when he awoke; no lights shone from any neighbor's
+windows; and all was still except the nightingales singing in the
+valley.  The moon was up; and her friendly face looked in at the little
+window so brightly that the boy felt comforted, and lay staring at the
+soft light while his mind worked busily. Some evil spirit, some naughty
+Puck bent on mischief must have been abroad that night, for into Tino's
+head there suddenly popped a splendid idea; at least _he_ thought it so,
+and in his rebellious state found it all the more tempting because
+danger and disobedience and defiance all had a part in it.
+
+Why not run away?  Signor Mario was not to leave till next morning.
+Tino could easily slip out early and join the kind gentleman beyond the
+town.  This would show the women that he, Tino, had a will of his own
+and was not to be treated like a child any more.  It would give them a
+good fright, make a fine stir in the place, and add to his glory when he
+returned with plenty of money to display himself in the velvet suit and
+silk stockings,--a famous fellow who knew what he was about and did not
+mean to be insulted, or tied to an old woman's apron-string forever.
+
+The longer he thought the more delightful the idea became, and he
+resolved to carry it out, for the fine tales he had heard made him more
+discontented than ever with his present simple, care-free life.  Up he
+got, and by the light of the moon took from the old chest his best suit.
+Moving very softly, he put on the breeches and jacket of rough blue
+cloth, the coarse linen shirt, the red sash, and the sandals of russet
+leather that laced about his legs to the knee. A few clothes, with his
+rosary, he tied up in a handkerchief, and laid the little bundle ready
+with his Sunday hat, a broad-brimmed, pointed-crowned affair with a red
+band and cock's feather to adorn it.
+
+Then he sat at the window waiting for dawn to come, fearing to sleep
+lest he be too late. It seemed an almost endless night, the first he had
+ever spent awake, but red streaks came in the east at last, and he stole
+to the door, meaning to creep noiselessly downstairs, take a good hunch
+of bread and a gourd full of wine and slip off while the women slept.
+
+To his dismay he found the door barred on the outside.  His courage had
+ebbed a little as the time for action came; but at this new insult he
+got angry again, and every dutiful impulse flew away in a minute.
+
+"Ah, they think to keep me, do they? Behold, then, how I cheat the silly
+things! They have never seen me climb down the fig-tree, and thought me
+safe.  Now I will vanish, and leave them to tear their hair and weep for
+me in vain."
+
+Flinging out his bundle, and carefully lowering his old guitar, Tino
+leaned from the little window, caught the nearest branch of the tree
+that bent toward the wall, and swung himself down as nimbly as a
+squirrel.  Pausing only to pick several bunches of ripe grapes from the
+vine about the door, he went softly through the garden and ran away
+along the road toward Nice as fast as his legs could carry him.
+
+Not till he reached the top of the long hill a mile away, did he slacken
+his lively pace; then climbing a bank, he lay down to rest under some
+olive-trees, and ate his grapes as he watched the sun rise.  Travellers
+always left the Falcone Inn early to enjoy the morning freshness, so
+Tino knew that Signor Mario would soon appear; and when the horses
+paused to rest on the hill-top, the "little nightingale" would present
+himself as unexpectedly as if he had fallen from heaven.
+
+But Signor Mario was a lazy man; and Tino had time to work himself into
+a fever of expectation, doubt, and fear before the roll of wheels
+greeted his longing ears.  Yes, it was the delightful stranger!--reading
+papers and smoking as he rode, quite blind to the beauty all around him,
+blind also to the sudden appearance of a picturesque little figure by
+the roadside, as the carriage stopped.  Even when he looked, he did not
+recognize shabby Tino in the well-dressed beggar, as he thought him, who
+stood bare-headed and smiling, with hat in one hand, bundle in the
+other, and guitar slung on his back.  He waved his hand as if to say, "I
+have nothing for you," and was about to bid the man drive on, but Tino
+cried out boldly,--
+
+"Behold me, signor!  I am Tino, the singing boy of Valrose.  I have run
+away to join you if you will have me.  Ah, please do!  I wish so much to
+go with you."
+
+"Bravo!" cried Mario, well pleased.  "That is a lad of spirit; and I am
+glad to have you. I don't steal nightingales, as I told you down yonder;
+but if they get out of their cages and perch on my finger, I keep them.
+In with you, boy! there is no time to lose."
+
+In scrambled happy Tino, and settling himself and his property on the
+seat opposite, amused his new master with a lively account of his
+escape.  Mario laughed and praised him; Luigi, the servant, grinned as
+he listened from the coach-box; and the driver resolved to tell the tale
+at the Falcone, when he stopped there on his return to Genoa, so the
+lad's friends might know what had become of him.
+
+After a little chat Signor Mario returned to his newspapers, and Tino,
+tired with his long vigil and brisk run, curled himself up on the seat,
+pillowed his head on his bundle and fell fast asleep, rocked by the
+motion of the carriage as it rolled along the smooth road.
+
+When he waked, the sun was high, the carriage stood before a wayside
+inn, the man and horses were gone to their dinners, and the signor lay
+under some mulberry-trees in the garden while Luigi set forth upon the
+grass the contents of a well-filled hamper which they had brought with
+them, his master being one who looked well after his own comfort.  The
+sight of food drew Tino toward it as straight as a honey-jar draws
+flies, and he presented himself with his most engaging air.  Being in a
+good humor, the new master bade the hungry lad sit down and eat, which
+he did so heartily that larded fowl, melon, wine, and bread vanished as
+if by magic. Never had food tasted so good to Tino; and rejoicing with
+true boyish delight in the prospect of plenty to eat, he went off to
+play Morso with the driver, while the horses rested and Mario took a
+siesta on the grass.
+
+When they set forth again, Tino received his first music lesson from the
+new teacher, who was well pleased to find how quickly the boy caught the
+air of a Venetian boat-song, and how sweetly he sang it.  Then Tino
+strummed on his guitar and amused his hearers with all the melodies he
+knew, from church chants to drinking-songs.  Mario taught him how to
+handle his instrument gracefully, speak a few polite phrases, and sit
+properly instead of sprawling awkwardly or lounging idly.
+
+So the afternoon wore away; and at dusk they reached Nice.  To Tino it
+looked like an enchanted city as they drove down to it from the soft
+gloom and stillness of the country.  The sea broke gently on the curving
+shore, sparkling with the lights of the Promenade des Anglais which
+overlooks it.  A half circle of brilliant hotels came next; behind these
+the glimmer of villas scattered along the hillside shone like fireflies
+among gardens and orange groves; and higher still the stars burned in a
+violet sky. Soon the moon would be up, to hang like a great lamp from
+that splendid dome, turning sea and shore to a magic world by her light.
+Tino clapped his hands and looked about him with all the pleasure of his
+beauty-loving race as they rattled through the gay streets and stopped
+at one of the fine hotels.
+
+Here Mario put on his grand air, and was shown to the apartment he had
+ordered from Genoa.  Tino meekly followed; and Luigi brought up the rear
+with the luggage.  Tino felt as if he had got into a fairy tale when he
+found himself in a fine parlor where he could only sit and stare about
+him, while his master refreshed in the chamber beyond, and the man
+ordered dinner.  A large closet was given the boy to sleep in, with a
+mattress and blanket, a basin and pitcher, and a few pegs to hang his
+clothes on.  But it seemed very nice after the loft; and when he had
+washed his face, shaken the dust off, and smoothed his curly head as
+well as he could, he returned to the parlor to gloat over such a dinner
+as he had never eaten before.
+
+Mario was in a good humor and anxious to keep the lad so, therefore he
+plied him with good things to eat, fine promises, and the praise in
+which that vain little soul delighted.  Tino went to bed early, feeling
+that his fortune was made, and his master went off to amuse himself at a
+gaming-table, for that was his favorite pastime.
+
+Next day the new life began.  After a late breakfast, a music lesson was
+given which both interested and dismayed Tino, for his master was far
+less patient than good old Father Angelo, and swore at him when he
+failed to catch a new air as quickly as he expected.  Both were tired
+and rather cross when it ended, but Tino soon forgot the tweaking of his
+ear and the scolding, when he was sent away with Luigi to buy the velvet
+suit and sundry necessary articles for the young troubadour.
+
+It was a lovely day; and the gay city was all alive with the picturesque
+bustle which always fills it when the season begins.  Red-capped
+fishermen were launching their boats from the beach, flower-girls
+hastening from the gardens with their fragrant loads to sell on the
+Promenade, where invalids sunned themselves, nurses led their rosy
+troops to play, fine ladies strolled, and men of all nations paced to
+and fro at certain hours.  In the older part of the city, work of all
+sorts went on,--coral-carvers filled their windows with pretty
+ornaments; pastry-cooks tempted with dainty dishes; milliners showed
+hats fresh from Paris; and Turkish merchants hung out rich rugs and
+carpets at their doors. Church-bells chimed; priests with incense and
+banners went through the streets on holy errands; the Pifferoni piped
+gayly; orange-women and chestnut-sellers called their wares in musical
+voices; even the little scullions who go about scouring saucepans at
+back doors made a song of their cry, "Casserola!"
+
+Tino had a charming time, and could hardly believe his senses when one
+fine thing after another was bought for him and ordered home. Not only
+the suit, but two ruffled shirts, a crimson tie for the lace collar, a
+broad new ribbon for the guitar, handkerchiefs, hose, and delicate
+shoes, as if he was a gentleman's son.  When Luigi added a little mantle
+and a hat such as other well-dressed lads of his age wore, Tino
+exclaimed, "This also!  Dio mio, never have I known so kind a man as
+Signor Mario.  I shall serve him well and love him even better than you
+do."
+
+Luigi shrugged his shoulders and answered with a disagreeable laugh,
+"Long may you think so, poverino; I serve for money, not love, and look
+to it that I get my wages, else it would go ill with both of us.  Keep
+all you can get, boy; our master is apt to forget his servants."
+
+Tino did not like the look, half scornful, half pitiful, which Luigi
+gave him, and wondered why he did not love the good signor.  Later he
+found out; but all was pleasant now, and lunch at a cafe completed the
+delights of that long morning.
+
+The rooms were empty when they returned; and bidding him keep out of
+mischief, Luigi left Tino alone for several hours.  But he found plenty
+of amusement in examining all the wonders the apartment contained,
+receiving the precious parcels as they arrived, practising his new bow
+before the long mirror, and eating the nuts that he had bought of a
+jolly old woman at a street corner.
+
+Then he went to lounge on the balcony that ran along the front of the
+hotel, and watched the lively scene below, till sunset sent the
+promenaders home to dress for dinner.  Feeling a sudden pang of
+homesickness as he thought of Stella, Tino got his guitar and sang the
+old songs to comfort his loneliness.
+
+The first was hardly ended before one after the other five little heads
+popped out of a window farther down the balcony; and presently a group
+of pretty children were listening and smiling as the nice boy played and
+sang to them.  A gentleman looked out; and a lady evidently listened,
+for the end of a lace flounce lay on the threshold of the long window,
+and a pair of white hands clapped when he finished a gay air in his best
+style.
+
+This was his first taste of applause, and he liked it, and twanged away
+merrily till his master's voice called him in just as he was beginning
+to answer the questions the eager children asked him.
+
+"Go and dress!  I shall take you down to dinner with me presently.  But
+mind this, _I_ will answer questions; do _you_ keep quiet, and leave me
+to tell what I think best.  Remember, or I pack you home at once."
+
+Tino promised, and was soon absorbed in getting into his new clothes;
+Luigi came to help him, and when he was finished off, a very handsome
+lad emerged from the closet to make his best bow to his master, who,
+also in fine array, surveyed him with entire approval.
+
+"Very good!  I thought you would make a passable butterfly when you shed
+your grub's skin.  Stand up and keep your hands out of your pockets.
+Mind what I told you about supping soup noisily, and don't handle your
+fork like a shovel.  See what others do, smile, and hold your tongue.
+There is the gong. Let us go."
+
+Tino's heart beat as he followed Mario down the long hall to the great
+_salle a manger_ with its glittering _table d'hote_ and many guests.
+But the consciousness of new clothes sustained him, so he held up his
+head, turned out his toes, and took his place, trying to look as if
+everything was not very new and dazzling to him.
+
+Two elderly ladies sat opposite, and he heard one say to the other in
+bad Italian, "Behold the lovely boy, Maria; I should like to paint him."
+
+And the other answered, "We will be amiable to him, and perhaps we may
+get him for a model.  Just what I want for a little Saint John."
+
+Tino smiled at them till his black eyes sparkled and his white teeth
+shone, for he understood and enjoyed their praise.  The artistic ladies
+smiled back, and watched him with interest long after he had forgotten
+them, for that dinner was a serious affair to the boy, with a heavy
+silver spoon and fork to manage, a napkin to unfold, and three glasses
+to steer clear of for fear of a general upset, so awkward did he feel.
+
+Every one else was too busy to mind his mistakes; and the ladies set
+them down to bashfulness, as he got red in the face, and dared not look
+up after spilling his soup and dropping a roll.
+
+Presently, while waiting for dessert, he forgot himself in something
+Mario was saying to his neighbor on the other side:--
+
+"A poor little fellow whom I found starving in the streets at Genoa.  He
+has a voice; I have a heart, and I adore music.  I took him to myself,
+and shall do my best for him.  Ah, yes!  in this selfish world one must
+not forget the helpless and the poor."
+
+Tino stared, wondering what other boy the good signor had befriended,
+and was still more bewildered when Mario turned to him with a paternal
+air, to add in that pious tone so new to the boy,--
+
+"This is my little friend, and he will gladly come and sing to your
+young ladies after dinner. Many thanks for the honor; I shall bring him
+out at my parlor concerts, and so fit him for his place by and by.  Bow
+and smile, quick!"
+
+The last words were in a sharp whisper; and Tino obeyed with a sudden
+bob of the head that sent his curls over his eyes, and then laughed such
+a boyish laugh as he shook them back that the gentleman leaning forward
+to look at him joined in it, and the ladies smiled sympathetically as
+they pushed a dish of bonbons nearer to him.  Mario gave him an
+indulgent look, and went on in the same benevolent tone telling all he
+meant to do, till the kindly gentleman from Rome was much interested,
+having lads of his own and being fond of music.
+
+Tino listened to the fine tales told of him and hoped no one would ask
+him about Genoa, for he would surely betray that he had never been there
+and could not lie as glibly as Mario did. He felt rather like the little
+old woman who did not know whether she was herself or not, but consoled
+himself by smiling at the ladies and eating a whole plateful of little
+cakes standing near him.
+
+When they rose, Tino made his bow, and Mario walked down the long hall
+with his hand on the boy's shoulder and a friendly air very impressive
+to the spectators, who began at once to gossip about the pretty lad and
+his kind protector, just as the cunning gentleman planned to have them.
+
+As soon as they were out of sight, Mario's manner changed; and telling
+Tino to sit down and digest his dinner or he would n't be able to sing a
+note, he went to the balcony to smoke till the servant came to conduct
+them to Conte Alborghetti's salon.
+
+"Now mind, boy; do exactly as I tell you, or I 'll drop you like a hot
+chestnut and leave you to get home as you can," said Mario, in a sharp
+whisper, as they paused on the threshold of the door.
+
+"I will, signor, indeed I will!" murmured Tino, scared by the flash of
+his master's black eye and the grip of his hand, as he pulled the
+bashful boy forward.
+
+In they went, and for a moment Tino only perceived a large light room
+full of people, who all looked at him as he stood beside Mario with his
+guitar slung over his shoulder, red cheeks, and such a flutter at his
+heart that he felt sure he could never sing there.  The amiable host
+came to meet and present them to a group of ladies, while a flock of
+children drew near to look at and listen to the "nice singing boy from
+Genoa."
+
+Mario, having paid his thanks and compliments in his best manner, opened
+the little concert by a grand piece upon the piano, proving that he was
+a fine musician, though Tino already began to fancy he was not quite so
+good a man as he wished to appear.  Then he sang several airs from
+operas; and Tino forgot himself in listening delightedly to the mellow
+voice of his master, for the lad loved music and had never heard any
+like this before.
+
+When Tino's turn came, he had lost his first shyness, and though his
+lips were dry and breath short, and he gave the guitar an awkward bang
+against the piano as he pulled it round ready to play upon, the
+curiosity in the faces of the children and the kindly interest of the
+ladies gave him courage to start bravely off with "Bella Monica,"--the
+easiest as well as gayest of his songs.  It went well; and with each
+verse his voice grew clearer, his hand firmer, and his eyes fuller of
+boyish pleasure in his own power to please.
+
+For please he did, and when he ended with a loud twang and kissed his
+hand to the audience as he always used to do to the girls at home, every
+one clapped heartily, and the gentlemen cried, "Bravo, piccolo!  He
+sings in truth like a little nightingale; encore, encore!"
+
+These were sweet sounds to Tino; and he needed no urging to sing "Lucia"
+in his softest tones, "looking like one of Murillo's angels!" as a young
+lady said, while he sang away with his eyes piously lifted in the manner
+Mario had taught him.
+
+Then followed a grand march from the master while the boy rested; after
+which Tino gave more folk-songs, and ended with a national air in which
+all joined like patriotic and enthusiastic Italians, shouting the
+musical chorus, "Viva Italia!" till the room rang.
+
+Tino quite lost his head at that, and began to prance as if the music
+had got into his heels. Before Mario could stop him, he was showing one
+of the little girls how to dance the Salterello as the peasants dance it
+during Carnival; and all the children were capering gayly about the wide
+polished floor with Tino strumming and skipping like a young fawn from
+the woods.
+
+The elder people laughed and enjoyed the pretty sight till trays of ices
+and bonbons came in; and the little party ended in a general enjoyment
+of the good things children most delight in.  Tino heard his master
+receiving the compliments of the company, and saw the host slip a paper
+into his hand; but, boylike, he contented himself with a pocket full of
+sweetmeats, and the entreaties of his little patrons to come again soon,
+and so backed out of the room, after bowing till he was dizzy, and
+bumping against a marble table in a very painful manner.
+
+"Well, how do you like the life I promised you?  Is it all I said?  Do
+we begin to fill our pockets, and enjoy ourselves even sooner than I
+expected?" asked Mario, with a good-natured slap of the shoulder, as
+they reached his apartment again.
+
+"It is splendid!  I like it much, very much! and I thank you with all my
+heart," cried Tino, gratefully kissing the hand that could tweak
+sharply, as well as caress when things suited its owner.
+
+"You did well, even better than I hoped; but in some things we must
+improve.  Those legs must be taught to keep still; and you must not
+forget that you are a peasant when among your betters.  It passed very
+well to-night with those little persons, but in some places it would
+have put me in a fine scrape.  Capers! but I feared at one moment you
+would have embraced the young contessa, when she danced with you."
+
+Mario laughed as poor Tino blushed and stammered, "But, signor, she was
+so little, only ten years old, and I thought no harm to hold her up on
+that slippery floor.  See, she gave me all these, and bade me come
+again.  I would gladly have kissed her, she was so like little Annina at
+home."
+
+"Well, well, no harm is done; but I see the pretty brown girls down
+yonder have spoiled you, and I shall have to keep an eye on my gallant
+young troubadour.  Now to bed, and don't make yourself ill with all
+those confections.  Felice notte, Don Giovanni!" and away went Mario to
+lose at play every franc of the money the generous count had given him
+"for the poor lad."
+
+That was the beginning of a new and charming life for Tino, and for two
+months he was a busy and a happy boy, with only a homesick fit now and
+then when Mario was out of temper, or Luigi put more than his fair share
+of work upon his shoulders.  The parlor concerts went well, and the
+little nightingale was soon a favorite toy in many salons.  Night after
+night Tino sang and played, was petted and praised, and then trotted
+home to dream feverishly of new delights; for this exciting life was
+fast spoiling the simple lad who used to be so merry and busy at
+Valrose.  The more he had, the more he wanted, and soon grew
+discontented, jealous, and peevish.  He had cause to complain of some
+things; for none of the money earned ever came to him, and when he
+plucked up courage to ask for his promised share, Mario told him he only
+earned his food and clothes as yet.  Then Tino rebelled, and got a
+beating, which made him outwardly as meek as a lamb, but inwardly a very
+resentful, unhappy boy, and spoiled all his pleasure in music and
+success.
+
+He was neglected all day and left to do what he liked till needed at
+night, so he amused himself by lounging about the hotel or wandering on
+the beach to watch the fishermen cast their nets.  Lazy Luigi kept him
+doing errands when he could; but for hours the boy saw neither master
+nor man, and wondered where they were. At last he found out, and his
+dream of fame and fortune ended in smoke.
+
+Christmas week was a gay one for everybody, and Tino thought good times
+had come again; for he sang at several childrens' fetes, received some
+pretty gifts from the kind Alborghettis, and even Mario was amiable
+enough to give him a golden napoleon after a run of good luck at the
+cards.  Eager to show his people that he was getting on, Tino begged
+Antoine, the friendly waiter who had already written one letter to
+Stella for him, to write another, and send by a friend going that way a
+little parcel containing the money for Mariuccia, a fine Roman sash for
+Stella, and many affectionate messages to all his old friends.
+
+It was well he had that little satisfaction, for it was his last chance
+to send good news or exult over his grand success.  Troubles came with
+the new year; and in one week our poor little jay found himself stripped
+of all his borrowed plumes, and left a very forlorn bird indeed.
+
+Trotting about late at night in silk stockings, and getting wet more
+than once in the winter rains, gave Tino a bad cold.  No one cared for
+it; and he was soon as hoarse as a crow.  His master forced him to sing
+several times in spite of the pain he suffered, and when at the last
+concert he broke down completely, Mario swore at him for "a useless
+brat," and began to talk of going to Milan to find a new set of singers
+and patrons.  Had Tino been older, he would have discovered some time
+sooner that Signor Mario was losing favor in Nice, as he seldom paid a
+bill, and led a very gay, extravagant life.  But, boylike, Tino saw only
+his own small troubles, and suspected nothing when Luigi one day packed
+up the velvet suit and took it away "to be repaired," he said.  It _was_
+shabby, and Tino, lying on the sofa with a headache and sharp cough, was
+glad no one ordered him to go with it, for the Tramontana was blowing,
+and he longed for old Mariuccia's herb tea and Stella's cosseting, being
+quite ill by this time.
+
+That night as he lay awake in his closet coughing, feverish and
+restless, he heard his master and Luigi moving about till very late,
+evidently packing for Paris or Milan, and Tino wondered if he would like
+either place better than Nice, and wished they were not so far from
+Valrose.  In the midst of his meditations he fell asleep, and when he
+woke, it was morning.  He hurried up and went out to see what the order
+of the day was to be, rather pleased at the idea of travelling about the
+world.
+
+To his surprise no breakfast appeared; the room was in confusion, every
+sign of Mario had vanished but empty bottles and a long hotel bill lying
+unpaid upon the table.  Before Tino could collect his wits, Antoine came
+flying in to say with wild gesticulations and much French wrath that
+"the rascal Mario had gone in the night, leaving immense debts behind
+him, and the landlord in an apoplexy of rage."
+
+Poor Tino was so dismayed he could only sit and let the storm pelt about
+his ears; for not only did the waiter appear, but the chambermaid, the
+coachman, and at last the indignant host himself, all scolding at once
+as they rummaged the rooms, questioned the bewildered boy, and wrung
+their hands over the escape of these dishonest wretches.
+
+"You also, little beast, have grown fat upon my good fare! and who is to
+pay me for all you have eaten, not to mention the fine bed, the washing,
+the candles, and the coaches you have had?  Ah, great heavens! what is
+to become of us when such things occur?" and the poor landlord tore his
+hair with one hand while he shook his other fist at Tino.
+
+"Dear sir, take all I have; it is only an old guitar, and a few clothes.
+Not a centime do I own; but I will work for you.  I can clean saucepans
+and run errands.  Speak for me, Antoine; you are my only friend now."
+
+The lad looked so honest and ill and pathetic, as he spoke with his poor
+hoarse voice, and looked beseechingly about him, that Antoine's kind
+heart was melted, and he advised the boy to slip away home as soon as
+possible, and so escape all further violence and trouble.  He slipped
+two francs into Tino's empty pocket, and as soon as the room was
+cleared, helped him tie up the few old clothes that remained. The host
+carried off the guitar as the only thing he could seize, so Tino had
+less to take away than he brought, when Antoine led him out by the back
+way, with a good sandwich of bread and meat for his breakfast, and bade
+him go to the square and try to beg a ride to Valrose on some of the
+carriages often going thither on the way to Genoa.
+
+With many thanks Tino left the great hotel, feeling too miserable to
+care much what became of him, for all his fine dreams were spoiled like
+the basket of china the man kicked over in the "Arabian Nights," while
+dreaming he was a king.  How could he go home, sick, poor, and forsaken,
+after all the grand tales he had lately told in his letter?  How they
+would laugh at him, the men and girls at the factory!  How Mariuccia
+would wag her old head and say, "Ecco! is it not as I foretold?"  Even
+Stella would weep over him and be sorry to see her dear boy in such a
+sad plight, yet what could he do?  His voice was gone and his guitar, or
+he might sing about the streets, as Mario described his doing at Genoa,
+and so earn his daily bread till something turned up.  Now he was quite
+helpless, and much against his will, he went to see if any chance of
+getting home appeared.
+
+The day was showery, and no party was setting off for the famous drive
+along the Cornice road.  Tino was glad of it, and went to lie on a bench
+at the cafe where he had often been with Luigi.  His head ached, and his
+cough left him no peace, so he spent some of his money in syrup and
+water to quell the trouble, and with the rest paid for a good dinner and
+supper.
+
+He told his sad tale to the cook, and was allowed to sleep in the
+kitchen after scrubbing saucepans to pay for it.  But no one wanted him;
+and in the morning, after a cup of coffee and a roll he found himself
+cast upon the world again.  He would not beg, and as dinner time
+approached, hunger reminded him of a humble friend whom he had forgotten
+in his own days of plenty.
+
+He loved to stroll along the beach, and read the names on the boats
+drawn up there, for all were the names of saints; and it was almost as
+good as going to church to read the long list of Saint Brunos, Saint
+Francises, and Saint Ursulas. Among the fishermen was one who had always
+a kind word for the lad, who enjoyed a sail or a chat with Marco
+whenever nothing better turned up to amuse his leisure hours.  Now in
+his trouble he remembered him, and went to the beach to ask help, for he
+felt ill as well as sad and hungry.
+
+Yes, there sat the good fellow eating the bread and macaroni his little
+daughter had brought for his dinner, and a smile welcomed poor Tino as
+he sat down beside this only friend to tell his story.
+
+Marco growled in his black beard and shook his knife with an awful frown
+when he heard how the lad had been deserted.  Then he smiled, patted
+Tino's back, thrust the copper basin of food into one hand and a big
+lump of the brown-bread into the other, inviting him to eat in such a
+cordial way that the poor meal tasted better than the dainty fare at the
+hotel.
+
+A draught of red wine from the gourd cheered Tino up, as did the good
+and kind words, and when Marco bade him go home with little Manuela to
+the good wife, he gladly went, feeling that he must lie down somewhere,
+his head was so giddy and the pain in the breast so sharp.
+
+Buxom Teresa received him kindly, put him straight to bed in her own
+boy's little room, laid a cool cloth on his hot head, a warm one on his
+aching chest, and left him to sleep, much comforted by her motherly
+care.  It was well the good soul befriended him, for he needed help
+sorely, and would have fared ill if those humble folk had not taken him
+in.
+
+For a week or two he lay in Beppo's bed burning with fever, and when he
+could sit up again was too feeble to do anything but smile gratefully
+and try to help Manuela mend nets. Marco would hear of no thanks,
+saying, "Good deeds bring good luck.  Behold my haul of fish each day
+thou hast been here, poverino! I am well paid, and Saint Peter will
+bless my boat for thy sake."
+
+Tino was very happy in the little dark, shabby house that smelt of
+onions, fish, and tar, was full of brown children, and the constant
+clack of Teresa's lively tongue as she gossiped with her neighbors, or
+fried polenta for the hungry mouths that never seemed filled.
+
+But the time came when Tino could go about, and then he begged for work,
+anxious to be independent and earn a little so that in the spring he
+could go home without empty pockets.
+
+"I have taken thought for thee, my son, and work warm and easy is ready
+if thou wilt do it. My friend Tommaso Neri, makes the good macaroni near
+by.  He needs a boy to mind the fire and see to the donkey who grinds
+below there.  Food, shelter, and such wages as thou art able to earn, he
+will give thee.  Shall it be?"
+
+Tino gratefully accepted, and with hearty embraces all round went off
+one day to see his new place.  It was in the old part of Nice, a narrow,
+dirty street, a little shop with one window full of the cheaper sorts of
+this favorite food of all Italians, and behind the shop a room where an
+old woman sat spinning while two little boys played with pine cones and
+pretty bits of marble at her feet.
+
+A fat jolly man, with a shining face and loud voice, greeted Marco and
+the lad, saying he "was worn to a thread with much work, since that bad
+imp of a donkey-boy had run away leaving the blessed macaroni to spoil,
+and poor Carmelita to perish for want of care. Come below at once, and
+behold the desolation of the place."
+
+With that he led the way to the cellar, where a small furnace-fire
+burned, and an old gray donkey went round and round, turning a wheel
+which set some unseen machinery in motion with a dismal creaking sound.
+Down through many holes in one part of the wooden floor overhead came
+long pipes of macaroni, hardening as they hung quivering in the hot air
+till stiff enough to be cut off in handfuls and laid to dry on wire
+trays over the furnace.
+
+Tino had never seen the good macaroni made before, and was much
+interested in the process, though it was of the rudest kind.  In a room
+upstairs a great vat of flour and water was kept stirring round and
+round and forced down to the place below by the creaking wheel which
+patient Carmelita turned all day.  The cellar was dark but warm; and
+Tino felt that it would be comfortable there with the old donkey for a
+comrade, jolly Tommaso for a master, and enough to eat,--for it was
+evident the family lived well, so plump and shining were all the faces,
+so cheery the tempers of the old women and little lads.
+
+There Marco left him, well satisfied that he had done his best for the
+poor boy; and there Tino lived for three months, busy, well fed, and
+contented, till spring sunshine made him long for the sweet air, the
+green fields, and dear faces at Valrose.  Tommaso was lazy but kind, and
+if the day's work was done in time, let Tino out to see Marco's children
+or to run on the beach with little Jacopo and Seppi.  The grandmother
+gave him plenty of rye bread, thin wine, and macaroni fried in oil; old
+Carmelita learned to love him and to lean her gray head on his shoulder
+with joyful waggings of her long ears as he caressed her, and each week
+increased the little hoard in an old shoe hidden behind a beam.
+
+But it was a dull life for a boy who loved music, flowers, light, and
+freedom; and he soon grew tired of seeing only a procession of legs go
+by the low windows level with the street; the creak of the wheel was not
+half so welcome as the brisk rattle of the mill at home, and the fat
+little lads always climbing over him could not be so dear as sister
+Stella and pretty Annina, the wine-maker's daughter, at Valrose. Even
+the kind old woman who often saved an orange for him, and gave him a gay
+red cotton handkerchief on his birthday, was less to his taste than
+Mariuccia, who adored him in spite of her scolding and stern ways.
+
+So he looked about for travellers going to Genoa; and one happy day as
+he returned from church, he saw, sitting under two red umbrellas before
+two easels beside the road, the two elderly ladies of the hotel.  Both
+wore brown hats like mushrooms; both had gray curls bobbing in the wind;
+and both were painting away for dear life, trying to get a good sketch
+of the ruined gateway, where passion-flowers climbed, and roses nodded
+through the bars.
+
+Tino stopped to look, as many another passer-by had done; and glancing
+up to see if he admired their work, the good ladies recognized their
+"Saint John," as they called the pretty boy who had vanished before they
+could finish the pictures they had begun of him.
+
+They were so glad to see him that he opened his heart to them, and found
+to his great joy that in a week they were to drive to Genoa, and would
+gladly take him along if he would sit to them meantime.  Of course he
+agreed, and ran home to tell his master that he must go. Tommaso
+bewailed his loss, but would not keep him; and as Marco's son Beppo was
+willing to take his place till another lad could be found, Tino was free
+to sit in a sheepskin for the Misses Blair as often as they liked.
+
+It was a very happy week; and when the long-desired day came at last,
+Tino was so gay he danced and sang till the dingy cellar seemed to be
+full of birds in high spirits.  Poor Carmelita gratefully ate the
+cabbage he gave her as a farewell offering; the old woman found her box
+full of her favorite snuff; and each small boy grew more shiny than ever
+over a new toy presented by Tino.  Tommaso wept as he held him in his
+fat arms, and gave him a bundle of half-baked macaroni as a reward for
+his faithful service, while Marco and all his family stood at the hotel
+door to see the carriage depart.
+
+"Really quite like a wedding, with all those orange-flowers and roses,"
+said Miss Priscilla, as Teresa and Manuela threw great bunches of
+flowers into their laps, and kissed their hands to the departing
+travellers.
+
+Sitting proudly aloft, Tino waved his old hat to these good friends till
+he could see them no more, then having, with some difficulty, bestowed
+his long bundle from Tommaso, his basket of fish from Marco, his small
+parcel of clothes, and the immense bouquet the children had made for
+him, he gave himself up to the rapture of that lovely April day.
+
+The kind ladies had given him a new suit of clothes like the old ones,
+and paid him well besides; so he felt quite content with the picturesque
+peasant garments he wore, having had enough of fine feathers, and gayly
+jingled the money in his pocket, though it was not the fortune he had
+foolishly hoped to make so easily.  He was a wiser boy than the one who
+went over that road six months before, and decided that even if his
+voice did come back in time, he would be in no hurry to leave home till
+he was sure it was the wisest thing to do. He had some very serious
+thoughts and sensible plans in his young head, and for a time was silent
+and sober.  But soon the delicious air, the lovely scenery, and the many
+questions of the ladies raised his spirits, and he chattered away till
+they stopped for dinner.
+
+All that long bright day they drove along the wonderful road, and as
+night fell, saw Valrose lying green and peaceful in the valley as they
+paused on the hill-top to enjoy its beauty. Then they went slowly down
+to the Falcone, and the moment the luggage was taken in, rooms secured,
+and dinner ordered, Tino, who had been quivering with impatience, said
+eagerly,--
+
+"Dear signoras, now I go to my own people to embrace them; but in the
+morning we come to thank you for your great kindness to me."
+
+Miss Priscilla opened her mouth to send some message; but Tino was off
+like an arrow, and never stopped till he burst into the little kitchen
+where Mariuccia sat shelling dry beans, and Stella was packing
+mandarinas in dainty baskets for market.  Like an affectionate little
+bear did the boy fall upon and embrace the two astonished women; while
+Stella laughed and cried, and Mariuccia called on all the saints to
+behold how tall and fat and beautiful her angel had become, and to thank
+them for restoring him to their arms.  The neighbors rushed in; and till
+late that night there was the sound of many voices in the stone cottage
+under the old fig-tree.
+
+Tino's adventures were listened to with the deepest interest, and a very
+hearty welcome given him.  All were impressed with the splendors he had
+seen, afflicted by his trials, and grateful for his return.  No one
+laughed or reproached, but regarded him as a very remarkable fellow, and
+predicted that whether his voice came back or not, he was born for good
+luck and would prosper.  So at last he got to bed in the old loft, and
+fell asleep with the same friendly moon looking in at him as it did
+before, only now it saw a quiet face, a very happy heart, and a
+contented boy, glad to be safe again under the humble roof that was his
+home.
+
+Early next morning a little procession of three went to the Falcone
+bearing grateful offerings to the dear signoras who sat on the portico
+enjoying the balmy air that blew up from the acres of flowers below.
+First came Tino, bearing a great basket of the delicious little oranges
+which one never tastes in their perfection unless one eats them fresh
+from the tree; then Stella with two pretty boxes of perfume; and
+bringing up the rear, old Mariuccia with a blue jar of her best honey,
+which like all that of Valrose was famous.
+
+The ladies were much delighted with these gifts, and promised to stop
+and see the givers of them on their return from Genoa, if they came that
+way.  Tino took a grateful farewell of the good souls; Stella kissed
+their hands, with her dark eyes full of tender thanks, and Mariuccia
+begged the saints to have them in their special keeping by land and by
+sea, for their kindness to her boy.
+
+An hour later, as the travellers drove down the steep road from the
+village, they were startled by a sudden shower of violets and roses
+which rained upon them from a high bank beside the path.  Looking up,
+they saw Tino and his sister laughing, waving their hands, and tossing
+flowers as they called in their musical language,--
+
+"A rivederla, signoras!  Grazia, grazia!" till the carriage rolled round
+the corner looking as if it were Carnival-time, so full was it of
+fragrant violets and lovely roses.
+
+"Nice creatures! how prettily they do things! I hope we _shall_ see them
+again; and I wonder if the boy will ever be famous.  Such a pity to lose
+that sweet voice of his!" said Miss Maria, the younger of the sisters,
+as they drove along in a nest of sweet and pretty gifts.
+
+"I hope not, for he will be much safer and happier in this charming
+place than wandering about the world and getting into trouble as these
+singers always do.  _I_ hope he will be wise enough to be contented with
+the place in which his lot is cast," answered Miss Priscilla, who knew
+the world and had a good old-fashioned love for home and all it gives
+us.
+
+She was right; Tino _was_ wise, and though his voice did come back in
+time, it was no longer wonderful; and he was contented to live on at
+Valrose, a busy, happy, humble gardener all his life, saying with a
+laugh when asked about his runaway adventures,--
+
+"Ah, I have had enough of music and macaroni; I prefer my flowers and my
+freedom."
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: "Fortunately aunty came down in time to see what was
+going on, and found Lu busily buttoning the waterproof."--PAGE 152.]
+
+
+
+                                  VI.
+
+                         THE LITTLE RED PURSE.
+
+
+Among the presents which Lu found on her tenth birthday was a pretty red
+plush purse with a steel clasp and chain, just like mamma's, only much
+smaller.  In it were ten bright new cents, that being the sum Lu
+received each week to spend as she liked.  She enjoyed all her gifts
+very much; but this one seemed to please her even more than the French
+doll in blue silk, the pearl ring, or "Alice in Wonderland,"--three
+things which she had wanted for a long time.
+
+"It is _so_ cunning, and the snap makes such a loud noise, and the chain
+is so nice on my arm, and the plush so red and soft, I can't help loving
+my dear little purse.  I shall spend all the money for candy, and eat it
+every bit myself, because it is my birthday, and I must celebrate it,"
+said Lu, as she hovered like a bee round a honey-pot about the table
+where the gifts were spread.
+
+Now she was in a great hurry to go out shopping, with the new purse
+proudly carried in her small fat hand.  Aunty was soon ready, and away
+they went across the pleasant Park, where the pretty babies were
+enjoying the last warm days of autumn as they played among the fallen
+leaves.
+
+"You will be ill if you eat ten cents' worth of candy to-day," said
+aunty.
+
+"I 'll sprinkle it along through the day, and eat each kind seppyrut;
+then they won't intersturb me, I am sure," answered Lu, who still used
+funny words, and always got _interrupt_ and _disturb_ rather mixed.
+
+Just then a poor man who had lost his legs came creeping along with a
+tray of little flower-pots to sell.
+
+"Only five cents, miss.  Help an unfortnit man, please, mum."
+
+"Let me buy one for my baby-house.  It would be sweet.  Cora Pinky May
+would love to have that darling little rose in her best parlor," cried
+Lu, thinking of the fine new doll.
+
+Aunty much preferred to help the poor man than to buy candy, so the
+flower-pot was soon bought, though the "red, red rose" was unlike any
+ever seen in a garden.
+
+"Now I 'll have five cents for my treat, and no danger of being ill,"
+said Lu, as they went on again.
+
+But in a few moments a new beggar appeared, and Lu's tender heart would
+not let her pass the old woman without dropping two of her bright cents
+in the tin cup.
+
+"Do come to the candy-place at once, or I never shall get any," begged
+Lu, as the red purse grew lighter and lighter every minute.
+
+Three sticks of candy were all she could buy, but she felt that she
+could celebrate the birthday on that, and was ready to go home and begin
+at once.
+
+As they went on to get some flowers to dress the cake at tea-time, Lu
+suddenly stopped short, lifted both hands, and cried out in a tone of
+despair,--
+
+"My purse! my purse!  I 've lost it.  Oh, I 've lost it!"
+
+"Left it in the store probably.  Come and look for it," said aunty; and
+back they turned, just in time to meet a shabby little girl running
+after them with the precious thing in her hand.
+
+"Ain't this yours?  I thought you dropped it, and would hate to lose
+it," she said, smiling pleasantly.
+
+"Oh, I should.  It's spandy new, and I love it dearly.  I 've got no
+more money to pay you, only this candy; do take a stick," and Lu
+presented the red barley sugar.
+
+The little girl took it gladly, and ran off.
+
+"Well, two sticks will do.  I 'd rather lose every bit of it than my
+darling purse," said Lu, putting it carefully in her pocket.
+
+"I love to give things away and make people happy," began Lu, but
+stopped to watch a dog who came up to her, wagging his tail as if he
+knew what a kind little girl she was, and wanted to be made happy.  She
+put out her hand to pat him, quite forgetting the small parcel in it;
+but the dog snapped it up before she could save it.
+
+"Oh, my last stick!  I did n't mean to give it to him.  You naughty dog,
+drop it this minute!" cried poor Lu.
+
+But the beautiful pink cream candy was forever lost, and the ungrateful
+thief ran off, after a vain attempt to eat the flower-pot also.  It was
+so funny that aunty laughed, and Lu joined her, after shaking her finger
+at the dog, who barked and frisked as if he felt that he had done a
+clever thing.
+
+"Now _I_ am quite satisfied, and you will have a pleasanter birthday for
+having made four people and a dog happy, instead of yourself sick with
+too many goodies.  Charity is a nice sort of sweetie; and I hope you
+will buy that kind with your pocket-money now and then, my dear," said
+aunty, as they walked on again.
+
+"Could I do much with ten cents a week?" asked Lu.
+
+"Yes, indeed; you could buy a little book for lame Sammy, who loves to
+read, or a few flowers for my sick girl at the hospital, or a loaf of
+bread for some hungry person, or milk for a poor baby, or you could save
+up your money till Christmas, and get presents for children who
+otherwise would have none."
+
+"Could I do all those things?  I'd like to get presents best, and I
+will--I will!" cried Lu, charmed with the idea of playing Santa Claus.
+"I did n't think ten cents would be so useful.  How long to Christmas,
+aunty?"
+
+"About ten weeks.  If you save all your pocket-money till then, you will
+have a dollar to spend."
+
+"A truly dollar!  How fine!  But all that time I should n't have any
+candy.  I don't think I could get along without _some_.  Perhaps if I
+was _very_ good some one would give me a bit now and then;" and Lu
+looked up with her most engaging smile and a twinkle in her eye.
+
+"We will see about that.  Perhaps 'some one' will give extra cents for
+work you may do, and leave you to decide which kind of sweeties you
+would buy."
+
+"What can I do to earn money?" asked Lu.
+
+"Well, you can dry and fold the paper every morning for grandpa.  I will
+pay you a cent for that, because nurse is apt to forget it, and he likes
+to have it nicely ready for him after breakfast.  Then you might run up
+and down for mamma, and hem some towels for me, and take care of Jip and
+the parrot.  You will earn a good deal if you do your work regularly and
+well."
+
+"I shall have dreadful trials going by the candy-shops and never buying
+any.  I do long so to go in that I have to look away when you say No.  I
+want to be good and help poor people, but I 'm afraid it will be too
+hard for me," sighed Lu, foreseeing the temptations before her.
+
+"We might begin to-day, and try the new plan for a while.  If it is too
+hard, you can give it up; but I think you will soon like my way best,
+and have the merriest Christmas you ever knew with the money you save."
+
+Lu walked thoughtfully home, and put the empty purse away, resolved to
+see how long she could hold out, and how much she could earn. Mamma
+smiled when she heard the plan, but at once engaged the little girl to
+do errands about the house at a cent a job, privately quite sure that
+her pretty express would soon stop running. Grandpapa was pleased to
+find his paper ready, and nodded and patted Lu's curly head when she
+told him about her Christmas plans.  Mary, the maid, was glad to get rid
+of combing Jip and feeding Polly, and aunty made towel hemming pleasant
+by telling stories as the little needle-woman did two hems a day.
+
+Every cent went into the red purse, which Lu hung on one of the gilt
+pegs of the easel in the parlor, for she thought it very ornamental, and
+hoped contributions might drop in occasionally. None did; but as every
+one paid her in bright cents, there was soon a fine display, and the
+little bag grew heavy with delightful rapidity.
+
+Only once did Lu yield to temptation, and that was when two weeks of
+self-denial made her trials so great that she felt as if she really must
+reward herself, as no one else seemed to remember how much little girls
+loved candy.
+
+One day she looked pale, and did not want any dinner, saying she felt
+sick.  Mamma was away, so aunty put her on the bed and sat by her,
+feeling very anxious, as scarlet-fever was about.  By and by Lu took her
+handkerchief out, and there, sticking to it, was a large brown
+cough-drop.  Lu turned red, and hid her face, saying with a penitent
+sob, "I don't deserve to be cuddled.  I 've been selfish and silly, and
+spent some of my money for candy.  I had a little cold, and I thought
+cough-drops would do me good.  I ate a good many, and they were bitter
+and made me sick, and I 'm glad of it."
+
+Aunty wanted to laugh at the dear little sinner and her funny idea of
+choosing bitter candy as a sort of self-denial; but she comforted her
+kindly, and soon the invalid was skipping about again, declaring that
+she never would do so any more.
+
+Next day something happened which helped her very much, and made it
+easier to like the new kind of sweeties better than the old.  She was in
+the dining-room getting an apple for her lunch, when she saw a little
+girl come to the lower door to ask for cold food.  The cook was busy,
+and sent her away, telling her begging was forbidden.  Lu, peeping out,
+saw the little girl sit down on the steps to eat a cold potato as if she
+was very hungry, and while she ate she was trying to tie on a pair of
+very old boots some one had given her.  It was a rainy day, and she had
+only a shawl over her head; her hands were red with cold; her gown was a
+faded cotton one; and her big basket seemed to have very few scraps in
+it.  So poor, so sad, and tired did she look, that Lu could not bear to
+see it, and she called out in her pitiful child's voice,--
+
+"Come in and get warm, little girl.  Don't mind old Sarah.  I 'll give
+you something to eat, and lend you my rubber boots and waterproof to go
+home in."
+
+The poor child gladly went to sit by the comfortable fire, while Lu with
+hospitable haste got crackers and cheese and cake and apples, and her
+own silver mug of milk, for her guest, forgetting, in her zeal, to ask
+leave.  Fortunately aunty came down for her own lunch in time to see
+what was going on, and found Lu busily buttoning the waterproof, while
+the little girl surveyed her rubber boots and small umbrella with pride.
+
+"I 'm only _lending_ my things, and she will return them to-morrow,
+aunty.  They are too small for me, and the umbrella is broken; and I 'd
+love to _give_ them all to Lucy if I could. _She_ has to go out in the
+rain to get food for her family, like a bird, and I don't."
+
+"Birds don't need waterproofs and umbrellas," began aunty; and both
+children laughed at the idea of sparrows with such things, but looked a
+little anxious till aunty went on to say that Lucy could have these
+comforts, and to fill the basket with something better than cold
+potatoes, while she asked questions and heard the sad little story: how
+father was dead, and the baby sick, so mother could not work, and the
+boys had to pick up chips and cinders to burn, and Lucy begged food to
+eat.  Lu listened with tears in her blue eyes, and a great deal of pity
+as well as admiration for poor little Lucy, who was only nine, yet had
+so many cares and troubles in her life.  While aunty went to get some
+flannel for baby, Lu flew to her red purse and counted out ten cents
+from her store, feeling so rich, so glad to have it instead of an empty
+bonbon box, and a headache after a candy feast.
+
+"Buy some nice fresh milk for little Totty, and tell her I sent it--all
+myself--with my love.  Come again to-morrow, and I will tell mamma all
+about you, and you shall be my poor people, and I 'll help you if I
+can," she said, full of interest and good-will, for the sight of this
+child made her feel what poverty really was, and long to lighten it if
+she could.
+
+Lucy was smiling when she went away, snug and dry in her comfortable
+clothes, with the full basket on her arm; and all that day Lu talked and
+thought about her "own poor people," and what she hoped to do for them.
+Mamma inquired, and finding them worthy of help, let her little girl
+send many comforts to the children, and learn how to be wisely
+charitable.
+
+"I shall give _all_ my money to my 'Lucy children' on Christmas,"
+announced Lu, as that pleasant time drew near.  "I know what they want,
+and though I can't save money enough to give them half the things they
+need, maybe I can help a good deal, and really have a nice bundle to
+s'prise them with."
+
+This idea took possession of little Lu, and she worked like a beaver in
+all sorts of funny ways to fill her purse by Christmas-time.  One thing
+she did which amused her family very much, though they were obliged to
+stop it.  Lu danced very prettily, and often had what she called ballets
+before she went to bed, when she tripped about the parlor like a fairy
+in the gay costumes aunty made for her.  As the purse did not fill as
+fast as she hoped, Lu took it into her head one fine day to go round the
+square where she lived, with her tambourine, and dance as some of the
+girls with the hand-organ men did.  So she dressed herself in her red
+skirt and black velvet jacket, and with a fur cap on her head and a blue
+cloak over her shoulders, slipped out into the quiet square, and going
+to the farther corner, began to dance and beat her tambourine on the
+sidewalk before a house where some little children lived.
+
+As she expected, they soon came running to the window, and were charmed
+to see the pretty dancer whirling to and fro, with her ribbons flying
+and her tambourine bells ringing, till her breath was gone.  Then she
+held up the instrument and nodded smilingly at them; and they threw down
+cents wrapped in paper, thinking her music much better than any the
+organ men made.  Much encouraged, Lu went on from house to house, and
+was doing finely, when one of the ladies who looked out recognized the
+child, and asked her if her mother knew where she was.  Lu had to say
+"No;" and the lady sent a maid to take her home at once.
+
+That spoiled all the fun; and poor Lu did not hear the last of her prank
+for a long time.  But she had made forty-two cents, and felt comforted
+when she added that handsome sum to her store. As if to console her for
+this disappointment, after that day several bright ten-cent pieces got
+into the red purse in a most mysterious manner. Lu asked every one in
+the house, and all declared that they did not do it.  Grandpa could not
+get out of his chair without help, and nurse said she never took the
+purse to him; so of course it could not be he who slipped in those
+welcome bits of silver.  Lu asked him; but he was very deaf that day,
+and did not seem to understand her at all.
+
+"It must be fairies," she said, pondering over the puzzle, as she
+counted her treasure and packed it away, for now the little red purse
+was full.  "Aunty says there are no fairies; but I like to think so.
+Perhaps angels fly around at Christmas-time as they did long ago, and
+love to help poor people, and put those beautiful bright things here to
+show that they are pleased with me."  She liked that fancy, and aunty
+agreed that some good spirit must have done it, and was sure they would
+find out the secret some time.
+
+Lucy came regularly; and Lu always tried to see her, and so learned what
+she and Totty and Joe and Jimmy wanted, but never dreamed of receiving
+Christmas morning.  It did both little girls much good, for poor Lucy
+was comforted by the kindness of these friends, and Lu learned about far
+harder trials than the want of sugarplums.  The day before Christmas she
+went on a grand shopping expedition with aunty, for the purse now held
+three dollars and seven cents. She had spent some of it for trifles for
+her "Lucy children," and had not earned as much as she once hoped,
+various fits of idleness and other more amusing but less profitable work
+having lessened her wages.  But she had enough, thanks to the good
+spirit, to get toys and books and candy for her family, and went
+joyfully away Christmas Eve to carry her little basket of gifts,
+accompanied by aunty with a larger store of comforts for the grateful
+mother.
+
+When they got back, Lu entertained her mother with an account of the
+delight of the children, who never had such a Christmas before.
+
+"They could n't wait till morning, and I could n't either, and we opened
+the bundles right away; and they _screamed_, mamma, and jumped for joy
+and ate everything and hugged me.  And the mother cried, she was so
+pleased; and the boys can go to school all neat now, and so could Lucy,
+only she has to take care of Totty while her mother goes to work.  Oh,
+it was lovely!  I felt just like Santa Claus, only he does n't stay to
+see people enjoy their things, and I did."
+
+Here Lu stopped for breath, and when she got it, had a fine ballet as
+the only way to work off her excitement at the success of her "s'prise."
+It was a trial to go to bed, but she went at last, and dreamed that her
+"Lucy children" all had wings, and were flying round her bed with
+tambourines full of heavenly bonbons, which they showered down upon her;
+while aunty in an immense nightcap stood by clapping her hands and
+saying, "Eat all you like, dear; this sort won't hurt you."
+
+Morning came very soon; and she popped up her head to see a long knobby
+stocking hanging from the mantel-piece.  Out of bed skipped the little
+white figure, and back again, while cries of joy were heard as the
+treasures appeared one by one.  There was a tableful beside the
+stocking, and Lu was so busy looking at them that she was late to
+breakfast.  But aunty waited for her, and they went down together some
+time after the bell rang.
+
+"Let me peep and see if grandpa has found the silk handkerchief and
+spectacle-case I made for him," whispered Lu, as they passed the parlor
+door, which stood half open, leaving a wide crack for the blue eyes to
+spy through.
+
+The old gentleman sat in his easy-chair as usual, waiting while nurse
+got his breakfast; but what was he doing with his long staff?  Lu
+watched eagerly, and to her great surprise saw him lean forward, and
+with the hook at the end take the little red purse off the easel, open
+it, and slip in a small white parcel, then hang it on the gilt peg
+again, put away the cane, and sit rubbing his hands and laughing to
+himself at the success of his little trick, quite sure that this was a
+safe time to play it.  Lu was about to cry out, and rush in, but aunty
+whispered, "Don't spoil his fun yet.  Go and see what is in the purse,
+then thank him in the way he likes best."
+
+So Lu skipped into the parlor, trying to look very innocent, and ran to
+open the dear red purse, as she often did, eager to see if the good
+fairy had added to the charity fund.
+
+"Why, here 's a great gold medal, and some queer, shaky writing on the
+paper.  Please see what it is," said Lu, very loud, hoping grandpa would
+hear her this time, for his face was hidden behind the newspaper he
+pretended to read.
+
+"For Lu's poor's purse, from Santa Claus," read aunty, glad that at last
+the kind old fairy was discovered and ready for his reward.
+
+Lu had never seen a twenty-dollar gold-piece before; but she could not
+stop to find out whether the shining medal was money or a locket, and
+ran to grandpa, crying as she pulled away the paper and threw her arms
+about his neck,--
+
+"I 've found you out, I 've found you out, my dear old Santa Claus!
+Merry Christmas, grandpa, and lots of thanks and kisses!"
+
+It was pretty to see the rosy cheek against the wrinkled one, the golden
+and the silver heads close together, as the old man and the little girl
+kissed and laughed, and both talked at once for a few minutes.
+
+"Tell me all about it, you sly grandpa. What made you think of doing it
+that way, and not let any one know?" cried Lu, as the old gentleman
+stopped to rest after a kindly "cuddle," as Lu called these caresses.
+
+"Well, dear, I liked to see you trying to do good with your little
+pennies, and I wanted to help.  I 'm a feeble old man, tied to my chair
+and of no use now; but I like a bit of fun, and love to feel that it is
+not quite too late to make some one happy."
+
+"Why, grandpa, you do heaps of good, and make many, many people happy,"
+said Lu, with another hug.  "Mamma told me all about the hospital for
+little children you built, and the money you gave to the poor soldiers
+in the war, and ever so many more good things you 've done.  I won't
+have you say you are of no use now.  We want you to love and take care
+of; and we could n't do without you, could we, aunty?"
+
+Aunty sat on the arm of the chair with her arm round the old man's
+shoulder, and her only answer was a kiss.  But it was enough, and
+grandpa went on quite cheerfully, as he held two plump hands in his own,
+and watched the blooming face that looked up at him so eagerly:
+
+"When I was younger, I loved money, and wanted a great deal.  I cared
+for nothing else, and worked hard to get it, and did get it after years
+of worry.  But it cost me my health, and then I saw how foolish I had
+been, for all my money could not buy me any strength or pleasure and
+very little comfort.  I could not take it with me when I died, and did
+not know what to do with it, because there was so much.  So I tried to
+see if giving it away would not amuse me, and make me feel better about
+having wasted my life instead of using it wisely.  The more I gave away
+the better I felt; and now I'm quite jolly, though I'm only a helpless
+old baby just fit to play jokes and love little girls.  You have begun
+early at this pretty game of give-away, my dear, and aunty will see that
+you keep it up; so that when you are old you will have much treasure in
+the other world where the blessings of the poor are more precious than
+gold and silver."
+
+Nobody spoke for a minute as the feeble old voice stopped; and the
+sunshine fell on the white head like a blessing.  Then Lu said very
+soberly, as she turned the great coin in her hand, and saw the letters
+that told its worth,--
+
+"What shall I do with all this money?  I never had so much, and I 'd
+like to spend it in some very good and pleasant way.  Can you think of
+something, aunty, so I can begin at once to be like grandpa?"
+
+"How would you like to pay two dollars a month, so that Totty can go to
+the Sunnyside Nursery, and be taken care of every day while Lucy goes to
+school?  Then she will be safe and happy, and Lucy be learning, as she
+longs to do, and the mother free to work," said aunty, glad to have this
+dear child early learn to help those less blessed than herself.
+
+"Could I?  How splendid it would be to pay for a real live baby all
+myself!  How long would my money do it?" said Lu, charmed with the idea
+of a living dolly to care for.
+
+"All winter, and provide clothes besides. You can make them yourself,
+and go and see Totty, and call her your baby.  This will be a sweet
+charity for you; and to-day is a good day to begin it, for this is the
+birthday of the Divine Child, who was born in a poorer place even than
+Lucy's sister.  In His name pity and help this baby, and be sure He will
+bless you for it."
+
+Lu looked up at the fine picture of the Good Shepherd hanging over the
+sofa with holly-leaves glistening round it, and felt as if she too in
+her humble way was about to take a helpless little lamb in her arms and
+comfort it.  Her childish face was very sweet and sober as she said
+softly,--
+
+"Yes, I will spend my Christmas money so; for, aunty, I do think your
+sort of sweetie is better than mine, and making people happy a much
+wiser way to spend my pennies than in buying the nicest candy in the
+world."
+
+Little Lu remembered that morning long after the dear old grandfather
+was gone, and kept her Christmas promise so well that very soon a larger
+purse was needed for charity money, which she used so wisely and so
+happily.  But all her life in one corner of her desk lay carefully
+folded up, with the bit of paper inside, the little red purse.
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Chapter VI tailpiece]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: "Sophie came and sat beside her while she dried her curly
+hair."  PAGE 178.]
+
+
+
+                                  VII.
+
+                            SOPHIE'S SECRET.
+
+
+,, class:: center medium
+
+    I.
+
+
+A party of young girls, in their gay bathing-dresses, were sitting on
+the beach waiting for the tide to rise a little higher before they
+enjoyed the daily frolic which they called "mermaiding."
+
+"I wish we could have a clam-bake; but we have n't any clams, and don't
+know how to cook them if we had.  It's such a pity all the boys have
+gone off on that stupid fishing excursion," said one girl, in a
+yellow-and-black striped suit which made her look like a wasp.
+
+"What is a clam-bake?  I do not know that kind of fete," asked a pretty
+brown-eyed girl, with an accent that betrayed the foreigner.
+
+The girls laughed at such sad ignorance, and Sophie colored, wishing she
+had not spoken.
+
+"Poor thing! she has never tasted a clam. What _should_ we do if we went
+to Switzerland?" said the wasp, who loved to tease.
+
+"We should give you the best we had, and not laugh at your ignorance, if
+you did not know all our dishes.  In _my_ country, we have politeness,
+though not the clam-bake," answered Sophie, with a flash of the brown
+eyes which warned naughty Di to desist.
+
+"We might row to the light-house, and have a picnic supper.  Our mammas
+will let us do that alone," suggested Dora from the roof of the
+bath-house, where she perched like a flamingo.
+
+"That's a good idea," cried Fanny, a slender brown girl who sat dabbling
+her feet in the water, with her hair streaming in the wind. "Sophie
+should see that, and get some of the shells she likes so much."
+
+"You are kind to think of me.  I shall be glad to have a necklace of the
+pretty things, as a souvenir of this so charming place and my good
+friend," answered Sophie, with a grateful look at Fanny, whose many
+attentions had won the stranger's heart.
+
+"Those boys have n't left us a single boat, so we must dive off the
+rocks, and that is n't half so nice," said Di, to change the subject,
+being ashamed of her rudeness.
+
+"A boat is just coming round the Point; perhaps we can hire that, and
+have some fun," cried Dora, from her perch.  "There is only a girl in
+it; I 'll hail her when she is near enough."
+
+Sophie looked about her to see where the _hail_ was coming from; but the
+sky was clear, and she waited to see what new meaning this word might
+have, not daring to ask for fear of another laugh.
+
+While the girls watched the boat float around the farther horn of the
+crescent-shaped beach, we shall have time to say a few words about our
+little heroine.
+
+She was a sixteen-year-old Swiss girl, on a visit to some American
+friends, and had come to the seaside for a month with one of them who
+was an invalid.  This left Sophie to the tender mercies of the young
+people; and they gladly welcomed the pretty creature, with her fine
+manners, foreign ways, and many accomplishments.  But she had a quick
+temper, a funny little accent, and dressed so very plainly that the
+girls could not resist criticising and teasing her in a way that seemed
+very ill-bred and unkind to the new-comer.
+
+Their free and easy ways astonished her, their curious language
+bewildered her; and their ignorance of many things she had been taught
+made her wonder at the American education she had heard so much praised.
+All had studied French and German; yet few read or spoke either tongue
+correctly, or understood her easily when she tried to talk to them.
+Their music did not amount to much, and in the games they played, their
+want of useful information amazed Sophie.  One did not know the signs of
+the zodiac; another could only say of cotton that "it was stuff that
+grew down South;" and a third was not sure whether a frog was an animal
+or a reptile, while the handwriting and spelling displayed on these
+occasions left much to be desired.  Yet all were fifteen or sixteen, and
+would soon leave school "finished," as they expressed it, but not
+_furnished_, as they should have been, with a solid, sensible education.
+Dress was an all-absorbing topic, sweetmeats their delight; and in
+confidential moments sweethearts were discussed with great freedom.
+Fathers were conveniences, mothers comforters, brothers plagues, and
+sisters ornaments or playthings according to their ages.  They were not
+hard-hearted girls, only frivolous, idle, and fond of fun; and poor
+little Sophie amused them immensely till they learned to admire, love,
+and respect her.
+
+Coming straight from Paris, they expected to find that her trunks
+contained the latest fashions for demoiselles, and begged to see her
+dresses with girlish interest.  But when Sophie obligingly showed a few
+simple, but pretty and appropriate gowns and hats, they exclaimed with
+one voice,--
+
+"Why, you dress like a little girl!  Don't you have ruffles and lace on
+your dresses; and silks and high-heeled boots and long gloves and
+bustles and corsets, and things like ours?"
+
+"I _am_ a little girl," laughed Sophie, hardly understanding their
+dismay.  "What should I do with fine toilets at school?  My sisters go
+to balls in silk and lace; but I--not yet."
+
+"How queer!  Is your father poor?" asked Di, with Yankee bluntness.
+
+"We have enough," answered Sophie, slightly knitting her dark brows.
+
+"How many servants do you keep?"
+
+"But five, now that the little ones are grown up."
+
+"Have you a piano?" continued undaunted Di, while the others affected to
+be looking at the books and pictures strewn about by the hasty
+unpacking.
+
+"We have two pianos, four violins, three flutes, and an organ.  We love
+music, and all play, from papa to little Franz."
+
+"My gracious, how swell!  You must live in a big house to hold all that
+and eight brothers and sisters."
+
+"We are not peasants; we do not live in a hut.  _Voila_, this is my
+home."  And Sophie laid before them a fine photograph of a large and
+elegant house on lovely Lake Geneva.
+
+It was droll to see the change in the faces of the girls as they looked,
+admired, and slyly nudged one another, enjoying saucy Di's astonishment,
+for she had stoutly insisted that the Swiss girl was a poor relation.
+
+Sophie meanwhile was folding up her plain pique and muslin frocks, with
+a glimmer of mirthful satisfaction in her eyes, and a tender pride in
+the work of loving hands now far away.
+
+Kind Fanny saw a little quiver of the lips as she smoothed the blue
+corn-flowers in the best hat, and put her arm around Sophie,
+whispering,--
+
+"Never mind, dear, they don't mean to be rude; it's only our Yankee way
+of asking questions.  I like _all_ your things, and that hat is
+perfectly lovely."
+
+"Indeed, yes!  Dear mamma arranged it for me.  I was thinking of her and
+longing for my morning kiss."
+
+"Do you do that every day?" asked Fanny, forgetting herself in her
+sympathetic interest.
+
+"Surely, yes.  Papa and mamma sit always on the sofa, and we all have
+the hand-shake and the embrace each day before our morning coffee.  I do
+not see that here," answered Sophie, who sorely missed the affectionate
+respect foreign children give their parents.
+
+"Have n't time," said Fanny, smiling too, at the idea of American
+parents sitting still for five minutes in the busiest part of the busy
+day to kiss their sons and daughters.
+
+"It is what you call old-fashioned, but a sweet fashion to me; and since
+I have not the dear warm cheeks to kiss, I embrace my pictures often.
+See, I have them all."  And Sophie unfolded a Russia-leather case,
+displaying with pride a long row of handsome brothers and sisters with
+the parents in the midst.
+
+More exclamations from the girls, and increased interest in "Wilhelmina
+Tell," as they christened the loyal Swiss maiden, who was now accepted
+as a companion, and soon became a favorite with old and young.
+
+They could not resist teasing her, however,--her mistakes were so
+amusing, her little flashes of temper so dramatic, and her tongue so
+quick to give a sharp or witty answer when the new language did not
+perplex her.  But Fanny always took her part, and helped her in many
+ways.  Now they sat together on the rock, a pretty pair of mermaids with
+wind-tossed hair, wave-washed feet, and eyes fixed on the approaching
+boat.
+
+The girl who sat in it was a great contrast to the gay creatures grouped
+so picturesquely on the shore, for the old straw hat shaded a very
+anxious face, the brown calico gown covered a heart full of hopes and
+fears, and the boat that drifted so slowly with the incoming tide
+carried Tilly Reed like a young Columbus toward the new world she longed
+for, believed in, and was resolved to discover.
+
+It was a weather-beaten little boat, yet very pretty; for a pile of nets
+lay at one end, a creel of red lobsters at the other, and all between
+stood baskets of berries and water-lilies, purple marsh rosemary and
+orange butterfly-weed, shells and great smooth stones such as artists
+like to paint little sea-views on.  A tame gull perched on the prow; and
+the morning sunshine glittered from the blue water to the bluer sky.
+
+"Oh, how pretty!  Come on, please, and sell us some lilies," cried Dora,
+and roused Tilly from her waking dream.
+
+Pushing back her hat, she saw the girls beckoning, felt that the
+critical moment had come, and catching up her oars, rowed bravely on,
+though her cheeks reddened and her heart beat, for this venture was her
+last hope, and on its success depended the desire of her life.  As the
+boat approached, the watchers forgot its cargo to look with surprise and
+pleasure at its rower, for she was not the rough country lass they
+expected to see, but a really splendid girl of fifteen, tall,
+broad-shouldered, bright-eyed, and blooming, with a certain shy dignity
+of her own and a very sweet smile, as she nodded and pulled in with
+strong, steady strokes.  Before they could offer help, she had risen,
+planted an oar in the water, and leaping to the shore, pulled her boat
+high up on the beach, offering her wares with wistful eyes and a very
+expressive wave of both brown hands.
+
+"Everything is for sale, if you 'll buy," said she.
+
+Charmed with the novelty of this little adventure, the girls, after
+scampering to the bathing-houses for purses and portemonnaies, crowded
+around the boat like butterflies about a thistle, all eager to buy, and
+to discover who this bonny fisher-maiden might be.
+
+"Oh, see these beauties!"  "A dozen lilies for me!"  "All the yellow
+flowers for me, they'll be so becoming at the dance to-night!" "Ow! that
+lob bites awfully!"  "Where do you come from?"  "Why have we never seen
+you before?"
+
+These were some of the exclamations and questions showered upon Tilly,
+as she filled little birch-bark panniers with berries, dealt out
+flowers, or dispensed handfuls of shells.  Her eyes shone, her cheeks
+glowed, and her heart danced in her bosom; for this was a better
+beginning than she had dared to hope for, and as the dimes tinkled into
+the tin pail she used for her till, it was the sweetest music she had
+ever heard.  This hearty welcome banished her shyness; and in these
+eager, girlish customers she found it easy to confide.
+
+"I 'm from the light-house.  You have never seen me because I never came
+before, except with fish for the hotel.  But I mean to come every day,
+if folks will buy my things, for I want to make some money, and this is
+the only way in which I can do it."
+
+Sophie glanced at the old hat and worn shoes of the speaker, and
+dropping a bright half-dollar into the pail, said in her pretty way:
+
+"For me all these lovely shells.  I will make necklaces of them for my
+people at home as souvenirs of this charming place.  If you will bring
+me more, I shall be much grateful to you."
+
+"Oh, thank you!  I 'll bring heaps; I know where to find beauties in
+places where other folks can't go.  Please take these; you paid too much
+for the shells;" and quick to feel the kindness of the stranger, Tilly
+put into her hands a little bark canoe heaped with red raspberries.
+
+Not to be outdone by the foreigner, the other girls emptied their purses
+and Tilly's boat also of all but the lobsters, which were ordered for
+the hotel.
+
+"Is that jolly bird for sale?" asked Di, as the last berry vanished,
+pointing to the gull who was swimming near them while the chatter went
+on.
+
+"If you can catch him," laughed Tilly, whose spirits were now the gayest
+of the party.
+
+The girls dashed into the water, and with shrieks of merriment swam away
+to capture the gull, who paddled off as if he enjoyed the fun as much as
+they.
+
+Leaving them to splash vainly to and fro, Tilly swung the creel to her
+shoulder and went off to leave her lobsters, longing to dance and sing
+to the music of the silver clinking in her pocket.
+
+When she came back, the bird was far out of reach and the girls diving
+from her boat, which they had launched without leave.  Too happy to care
+what happened now, Tilly threw herself down on the warm sand to plan a
+new and still finer cargo for next day.
+
+Sophie came and sat beside her while she dried her curly hair, and in
+five minutes her sympathetic face and sweet ways had won Tilly to tell
+all her hopes and cares and dreams.
+
+"I want schooling, and I mean to have it. I 've got no folks of my own;
+and uncle has married again, so he does n't need me now. If I only had a
+little money, I could go to school somewhere, and take care of myself.
+Last summer I worked at the hotel, but I did n't make much, and had to
+have good clothes, and that took my wages pretty much.  Sewing is slow
+work, and baby-tending leaves me no time to study; so I 've kept on at
+home picking berries and doing what I could to pick up enough to buy
+books.  Aunt thinks I 'm a fool; but uncle, he says, 'Go ahead, girl,
+and see what you can do.'  And I mean to show him!"
+
+Tilly's brown hand came down on the sand with a resolute thump; and her
+clear young eyes looked bravely out across the wide sea, as if far away
+in the blue distance she saw her hope happily fulfilled.
+
+Sophie's eyes shone approval, for she understood this love of
+independence, and had come to America because she longed for new scenes
+and greater freedom than her native land could give her.  Education is a
+large word, and both girls felt that desire for self-improvement that
+comes to all energetic natures.  Sophie had laid a good foundation, but
+still desired more; while Tilly was just climbing up the first steep
+slope which rises to the heights few attain, yet all may strive for.
+
+"That is beautiful!  You will do it!  I am glad to help you if I may.
+See, I have many books; will you take some of them?  Come to my room
+to-morrow and take what will best please you.  We will say nothing of
+it, and it will make me a truly great pleasure."
+
+As Sophie spoke, her little white hand touched the strong, sunburned one
+that turned to meet and grasp hers with grateful warmth, while Tilly's
+face betrayed the hunger that possessed her, for it looked as a starving
+girl's would look when offered a generous meal.
+
+"I _will_ come.  Thank you so much!  I don't know anything, but just
+blunder along and do the best I can.  I got so discouraged I was real
+desperate, and thought I 'd have one try, and see if I could n't earn
+enough to get books to study this winter.  Folks buy berries at the
+cottages; so I just added flowers and shells, and I 'm going to bring my
+boxes of butterflies, birds' eggs, and seaweeds.  I 've got lots of such
+things; and people seem to like spending money down here.  I often wish
+I had a little of what they throw away."
+
+Tilly paused with a sigh, then laughed as an impatient movement caused a
+silver clink; and slapping her pocket, she added gayly,--
+
+"I won't blame 'em if they 'll only throw their money in here."
+
+Sophie's hand went involuntarily toward her own pocket, where lay a
+plump purse, for papa was generous, and simple Sophie had few wants. But
+something in the intelligent face opposite made her hesitate to offer as
+a gift what she felt sure Tilly would refuse, preferring to earn her
+education if she could.
+
+"Come often, then, and let me exchange these stupid bills for the lovely
+things you bring.  We will come this afternoon to see you if we may, and
+I shall like the butterflies.  I try to catch them; but people tell me I
+am too old to run, so I have not many."
+
+Proposed in this way, Tilly fell into the little trap, and presently
+rowed away with all her might to set her possessions in order, and put
+her precious earnings in a safe place.  The mermaids clung about the
+boat as long as they dared, making a pretty tableau for the artists on
+the rocks, then swam to shore, more than ever eager for the picnic on
+Light-house Island.
+
+They went, and had a merry time; while Tilly did the honors and showed
+them a room full of treasures gathered from earth, air, and water, for
+she led a lonely life, and found friends among the fishes, made
+playmates of the birds, and studied rocks and flowers, clouds and waves,
+when books were wanting.
+
+The girls bought gulls' wings for their hats, queer and lovely shells,
+eggs and insects, seaweeds and carved wood, and for their small
+brothers, birch baskets and toy ships, made by Uncle Hiram, who had been
+a sailor.
+
+When Tilly had sold nearly everything she possessed (for Fanny and
+Sophie bought whatever the others declined), she made a fire of
+drift-wood on the rocks, cooked fish for supper, and kept them till
+moonrise, telling sea stories or singing old songs, as if she could not
+do enough for these good fairies who had come to her when life looked
+hardest and the future very dark.  Then she rowed them home, and
+promising to bring loads of fruit and flowers every day, went back along
+a shining road, to find a great bundle of books in her dismantled room,
+and to fall asleep with wet eyelashes and a happy heart.
+
+
+
+,, class:: center medium
+
+    II.
+
+
+For a month Tilly went daily to the Point with a cargo of pretty
+merchandise, for her patrons increased; and soon the ladies engaged her
+berries, the boys ordered boats enough to supply a navy, the children
+clamored for shells, and the girls depended on her for bouquets and
+garlands for the dances that ended every summer day.  Uncle Hiram's fish
+was in demand when such a comely saleswoman offered it; so he let Tilly
+have her way, glad to see the old tobacco-pouch in which she kept her
+cash fill fast with well-earned money.
+
+She really began to feel that her dream was coming true, and she would
+be able to go to the town and study in some great school, eking out her
+little fund with light work.  The other girls soon lost their interest
+in her, but Sophie never did; and many a book went to the island in the
+empty baskets, many a helpful word was said over the lilies or wild
+honeysuckle Sophie loved to wear, and many a lesson was given in the
+bare room in the light-house tower which no one knew about but the gulls
+and the sea-winds sweeping by the little window where the two heads
+leaned together over one page.
+
+"You will do it, Tilly, I am very sure.  Such a will and such a memory
+will make a way for you; and one day I shall see you teaching as you
+wish.  Keep the brave heart, and all will be well with you," said
+Sophie, when the grand breaking-up came in September, and the girls were
+parting down behind the deserted bathhouses.
+
+"Oh, Miss Sophie, what should I have done without you?  Don't think I
+have n't seen and known all the kind things you have said and done for
+me.  I 'll never forget 'em; and I do hope I 'll be able to thank you
+some day," cried grateful Tilly, with tears in her clear eyes that
+seldom wept over her own troubles.
+
+"I am thanked if you do well.  Adieu; write to me, and remember always
+that I am your friend."
+
+Then they kissed with girlish warmth, and Tilly rowed away to the lonely
+island; while Sophie lingered on the shore, her handkerchief fluttering
+in the wind, till the boat vanished and the waves had washed away their
+footprints on the sand.
+
+
+
+,, class:: center medium
+
+    III.
+
+
+December snow was falling fast, and the wintry wind whistled through the
+streets; but it was warm and cosey in the luxurious parlor where Di and
+Do were sitting making Christmas presents, and planning what they would
+wear at the party Fanny was to give on Christmas Eve.
+
+"If I can get mamma to buy me a new dress, I shall have something
+yellow.  It is always becoming to brunettes, and I 'm so tired of red,"
+said Di, giving a last touch to the lace that trimmed a blue satin
+_sachet_ for Fanny.
+
+"That will be lovely.  I shall have pink, with roses of the same color.
+Under muslin it is perfectly sweet."  And Dora eyed the sunflower she
+was embroidering as if she already saw the new toilet before her.
+
+"Fan always wears blue, so we shall make a nice contrast.  She is coming
+over to show me about finishing off my banner-screen; and I asked Sophie
+to come with her.  I want to know what _she_ is going to wear," said Di,
+taking a little sniff at the violet-scented bag.
+
+"That old white cashmere.  Just think!  I asked her why she did n't get
+a new one, and she laughed and said she could n't afford it. Fan told me
+Sophie's father sent her a hundred dollars not long ago, yet she has n't
+got a thing that we know of.  I do think she 's mean."
+
+"She bought a great bundle of books.  I was there when the parcel came,
+and I peeped while she was out of the room, because she put it away in a
+great hurry.  I 'm afraid she _is_ mean, for she never buys a bit of
+candy, and she wears shabby boots and gloves, and she has made over her
+old hat instead of having that lovely one with the pheasant's breast in
+it."
+
+"She's very queer; but I can't help liking her, she's so pretty and
+bright and obliging. I 'd give anything if I could speak three languages
+and play as she does."
+
+"So would I.  It seems so elegant to be able to talk to foreigners.
+Papa had some Frenchmen to dinner the other day, and they were so
+pleased to find they need n't speak English to Sophie.  I could n't get
+on at all; and I was so mortified when papa said all the money he had
+spent on my languages was thrown away."
+
+"I would n't mind.  It's so much easier to learn those things abroad,
+she would be a goose if she did n't speak French better than we do.
+There's Fan! she looks as if something had happened.  I hope no one is
+ill and the party spoiled."
+
+As Dora spoke, both girls looked out to see Fanny shaking the snow from
+her seal-skin sack on the doorstep; then Do hastened to meet her, while
+Di hid the _sachet_, and was hard at work on an old-gold sofa cushion
+when the new-comer entered.
+
+"What's the matter?  Where's Sophie?" exclaimed the girls together, as
+Fan threw off her wraps and sat down with a tragic sigh.
+
+"She will be along in a few minutes.  I 'm disappointed in her!  I would
+n't have believed it if I had n't seen them.  Promise not to breathe a
+word to a living soul, and I 'll tell you something dreadful," began
+Fanny, in a tone that caused her friends to drop their work and draw
+their chairs nearer, as they solemnly vowed eternal silence.
+
+"I 've seen Sophie's Christmas presents,--all but mine; and they are
+just nothing at all!  She has n't bought a thing, not even ribbons,
+lace, or silk, to make up prettily as we do.  Only a painted shell for
+one, an acorn emery for another, her ivory fan with a new tassel for a
+third, and I suspect one of those nice handkerchiefs embroidered by the
+nuns for me, or her silver filigree necklace.  I saw the box in the
+drawer with the other things.  She's knit woollen cuffs and tippets for
+the children, and got some eight-cent calico gowns for the servants.  I
+don't know how people do things in Switzerland, but I do know that if
+_I_ had a hundred dollars in my pocket, I would be more generous than
+that!"
+
+As Fanny paused, out of breath, Di and Do groaned in sympathy, for this
+was indeed a sad state of things; because the girls had a code that
+Christmas being the season for gifts, extravagance would be forgiven
+then as at no other time.
+
+"I have a lovely smelling-bottle for her; but I 've a great mind not to
+give it now," cried Di, feeling defrauded of the bracelet she had
+plainly hinted she would like.
+
+"I shall heap coals of fire on her head by giving her _that_;" and Dora
+displayed a very useless but very pretty apron of muslin, lace, and
+carnation ribbon.
+
+"It is n't the worth of the things.  I don't care for that so much as I
+do for being disappointed in her; and I have been lately in more ways
+than one," said Fanny, listlessly taking up the screen she was to
+finish.  "She used to tell me everything, and now she does n't.  I 'm
+sure she has some sort of a secret; and I do think _I_ ought to know it.
+I found her smiling over a letter one day; and she whisked it into her
+pocket and never said a word about it.  I always stood by her, and I do
+feel hurt."
+
+"I should think you might!  It's real naughty of her, and I shall tell
+her so!  Perhaps she 'll confide in you then, and you can just give _me_
+a hint; I always liked Sophie, and never thought of not giving _my_
+present," said Dora, persuasively, for both girls were now dying with
+curiosity to know the secret.
+
+"I 'll have it out of her, without any dodging or bribing.  I 'm not
+afraid of any one, and I shall ask her straight out, no matter how much
+she scowls at me," said dauntless Di, with a threatening nod.
+
+"There she is!  Let us see you do it now!" cried Fanny, as the bell
+rang, and a clear voice was heard a moment later asking if Mademoiselle
+was in.
+
+"You shall!" and Di looked ready for any audacity.
+
+"I 'll wager a box of candy that you don't find out a thing," whispered
+Do.
+
+"Done!" answered Di, and then turned to meet Sophie, who came in looking
+as fresh as an Alpine rose with the wintry wind.
+
+"You dear thing! we were just talking of you. Sit here and get warm, and
+let us show you our gifts.  We are almost done, but it seems as if it
+got to be a harder job each Christmas.  Don't you find it so?"
+
+"But no; I think it the most charming work of all the year," answered
+Sophie, greeting her friend, and putting her well-worn boots toward the
+fire to dry.
+
+"Perhaps you don't make as much of Christmas as we do, or give such
+expensive presents. That would make a great difference, you know," said
+Di, as she lifted a cloth from the table where her own generous store of
+gifts was set forth.
+
+"I had a piano last year, a set of jewels, and many pretty trifles from
+all at home.  Here is one;" and pulling the fine gold chain hidden under
+her frills, Sophie showed a locket set thick with pearls, containing a
+picture of her mother.
+
+"It must be so nice to be rich, and able to make such fine presents.  I
+'ve got something for you; but I shall be ashamed of it after I see your
+gift to me, I 'm afraid."
+
+Fan and Dora were working as if their bread depended on it, while Di,
+with a naughty twinkle in her eye, affected to be rearranging her pretty
+table as she talked.
+
+"Do not fear that; my gifts this year are very simple ones.  I did not
+know your custom, and now it is too late.  My comfort is that you need
+nothing, and having so much, you will not care for my--what you
+call--coming short."
+
+Was it the fire that made Sophie's face look so hot, and a cold that
+gave a husky sort of tone to her usually clear voice?  A curious
+expression came into her face as her eyes roved from the table to the
+gay trifles in her friend's hands; and she opened her lips as if to add
+something impulsively.  But nothing came, and for a moment she looked
+straight out at the storm as if she had forgotten where she was.
+
+"'Shortcoming' is the proper way to speak it But never mind that, and
+tell me why you say 'too late'?" asked Di, bent on winning her wager.
+
+"Christmas comes in three days, and I have no time," began Sophie.
+
+"But with money one can buy plenty of lovely things in one day," said
+Di.
+
+"No, it is better to put a little love and hard work into what we give
+to friends, I have done that with my trifles, and another year I shall
+be more ready."
+
+There was an uncomfortable pause, for Sophie did not speak with her
+usual frankness, but looked both proud and ashamed, and seemed anxious
+to change the subject, as she began to admire Dora's work, which had
+made very little progress during the last fifteen minutes.
+
+Fanny glanced at Di with a smile that made the other toss her head and
+return to the charge with renewed vigor.
+
+"Sophie, will you do me a favor?"
+
+"With much pleasure."
+
+"Do has promised me a whole box of French bonbons, and if you will
+answer three questions, you shall have it."
+
+"_Allons_," said Sophie, smiling.
+
+"Haven't you a secret?" asked Di, gravely.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Will you tell us?"
+
+"No."
+
+Di paused before she asked her last question, and Fan and Dora waited
+breathlessly, while Sophie knit her brows and looked uneasy.
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"Because I do not wish to tell it."
+
+"Will you tell if we guess?"
+
+"Try."
+
+"You are engaged."
+
+At this absurd suggestion Sophie laughed gayly, and shook her curly
+head.
+
+"Do you think we are betrothed at sixteen in my country?"
+
+"I _know_ that is an engagement ring,--you made such a time about it
+when you lost it in the water, and cried for joy when Tilly dived and
+found it."
+
+"Ah, yes, I was truly glad.  Dear Tilly, never do I forget that
+kindness!" and Sophie kissed the little pearl ring in her impulsive way,
+while her eyes sparkled and the frown vanished.
+
+"I _know_ a sweetheart gave it," insisted Di, sure now she had found a
+clew to the secret.
+
+"He did," and Sophie hung her head in a sentimental way that made the
+three girls crowd nearer with faces full of interest.
+
+"Do tell us all about it, dear.  It's so interesting to hear
+love-stories.  What is his name?" cried Dora.
+
+"Hermann," simpered Sophie, drooping still more, while her lips trembled
+with suppressed emotion of some sort.
+
+"How lovely!" sighed Fanny, who was very romantic.
+
+"Tell on, do!  Is he handsome?"
+
+"To me the finest man in all the world," confessed Sophie, as she hid
+her face.
+
+"And you love him?"
+
+"I adore him!" and Sophie clasped her hands so dramatically that the
+girls were a little startled, yet charmed at this discovery.
+
+"Have you his picture?" asked Di, feeling that she had won her wager
+now.
+
+"Yes," and pulling out the locket again, Sophie showed in the other side
+the face of a fine old gentleman who looked very like herself.
+
+"It's your father!" exclaimed Fanny, rolling her blue eyes excitedly.
+"You are a humbug!" cried Dora.  "Then you fibbed about the ring," said
+Di, crossly.
+
+"Never!  It is mamma's betrothal ring; but her finger grew too plump,
+and when I left home she gave the ring to me as a charm to keep me safe.
+Ah, ha!  I have my little joke as well as you, and the laugh is for me
+this time."  And falling back among the sofa cushions, Sophie enjoyed it
+as only a gay girl could.  Do and Fanny joined her; but Di was much
+disgusted, and vowed she _would_ discover the secret and keep all the
+bonbons to herself.
+
+"You are most welcome; but I will not tell until I like, and then to
+Fanny first.  She will not have ridicule for what I do, but say it is
+well, and be glad with me.  Come now and work.  I will plait these
+ribbons, or paint a wild rose on this pretty fan.  It is too plain now.
+Will you that I do it, dear Di?"
+
+The kind tone and the prospect of such an ornament to her gift appeased
+Di somewhat; but the mirthful malice in Sophie's eyes made the other
+more than ever determined to be even with her by and by.
+
+Christmas Eve came, and found Di still in the dark, which fact nettled
+her sadly, for Sophie tormented her and amused the other girls by
+pretended confidences and dark hints at the mystery which might never,
+never be disclosed.
+
+Fan had determined to have an unusually jolly party; so she invited only
+her chosen friends, and opened the festivities with a Christmas tree, as
+the prettiest way of exchanging gifts and providing jokes for the
+evening in the shape of delusive bottles, animals full of candy, and
+every sort of musical instrument to be used in an impromptu concert
+afterward.  The presents to one another were done up in secure parcels,
+so that they might burst upon the public eye in all their freshness.  Di
+was very curious to know what Fan was going to give her,--for Fanny was
+a generous creature and loved to give.  Di was a little jealous of her
+love for Sophie, and could n't rest till she discovered which was to get
+the finer gift.
+
+So she went early and slipped into the room where the tree stood, to
+peep and pick a bit, as well as to hang up a few trifles of her own.
+She guessed several things by feeling the parcels; but one excited her
+curiosity intensely, and she could not resist turning it about and
+pulling up one corner of the lid.  It was a flat box, prettily
+ornamented with sea-weeds like red lace, and tied with scarlet ribbons.
+A tantalizing glimpse of jeweller's cotton, gold clasps, and something
+rose-colored conquered Di's last scruples; and she was just about to
+untie the ribbons when she heard Fanny's voice, and had only time to
+replace the box, pick up a paper that had fallen out of it, and fly up
+the back stairs to the dressing-room, where she found Sophie and Dora
+surveying each other as girls always do before they go down.
+
+"You look like a daisy," cried Di, admiring Dora with great interest,
+because she felt ashamed of her prying, and the stolen note in her
+pocket.
+
+"And you like a dandelion," returned Do, falling back a step to get a
+good view of Di's gold-colored dress and black velvet bows.
+
+"Sophie is a lily of the valley, all in green and white," added Fanny,
+coming in with her own blue skirts waving in the breeze.
+
+"It does me very well.  Little girls do not need grand toilets, and I am
+fine enough for a 'peasant,'" laughed Sophie, as she settled the fresh
+ribbons on her simple white cashmere and the holly wreath in her brown
+hair, but secretly longing for the fine dress she might have had.
+
+"Why didn't you wear your silver necklace? It would be lovely on your
+pretty neck," said Di, longing to know if she had given the trinket
+away.
+
+But Sophie was not to be caught, and said with a contented smile, "I do
+not care for ornaments unless some one I love gives me them. I had red
+roses for my _bouquet de corsage_; but the poor Madame Page was so
+_triste_, I left them on her table to remember her of me.  It seemed so
+heartless to go and dance while she had only pain; but she wished it."
+
+"Dear little Sophie, how good you are!" and warm-hearted Fan kissed the
+blooming face that needed no roses to make it sweet and gay.
+
+Half an hour later, twenty girls and boys were dancing round the
+brilliant tree.  Then its boughs were stripped.  Every one seemed
+contented; even Sophie's little gifts gave pleasure, because with each
+went a merry or affectionate verse, which made great fun on being read
+aloud.  She was quite loaded with pretty things, and had no words to
+express her gratitude and pleasure.
+
+"Ah, you are all so good to me! and I have nothing beautiful for you.  I
+receive much and give little, but I cannot help it!  Wait a little and I
+will redeem myself," she said to Fanny, with eyes full of tears, and a
+lap heaped with gay and useful things.
+
+"Never mind that now; but look at this, for here's still another
+offering of friendship, and a very charming one, to judge by the
+outside," answered Fan, bringing the white box with the sea-weed
+ornaments.
+
+Sophie opened it, and cries of admiration followed, for lying on the
+soft cotton was a lovely set of coral.  Rosy pink branches, highly
+polished and fastened with gold clasps, formed necklace, bracelets, and
+a spray for the bosom. No note or card appeared, and the girls crowded
+round to admire and wonder who could have sent so valuable a gift.
+
+"Can't you guess, Sophie?" cried Dora, longing to own the pretty things.
+
+"I should believe I knew, but it is too costly. How came the parcel,
+Fan?  I think you must know all," and Sophie turned the box about,
+searching vainly for a name.
+
+"An expressman left it, and Jane took off the wet paper and put it on my
+table with the other things.  Here's the wrapper; do you know that
+writing?" and Fan offered the brown paper which she had kept.
+
+"No; and the label is all mud, so I cannot see the place.  Ah, well, I
+shall discover some day, but I should like to thank this generous friend
+at once.  See now, how fine I am!  I do myself the honor to wear them at
+once."
+
+Smiling with girlish delight at her pretty ornaments, Sophie clasped the
+bracelets on her round arms, the necklace about her white throat, and
+set the rosy spray in the lace on her bosom. Then she took a little
+dance down the room and found herself before Di, who was looking at her
+with an expression of naughty satisfaction on her face.
+
+"Don't you wish you knew who sent them?"
+
+"Indeed, yes;" and Sophie paused abruptly.
+
+"Well, _I_ know, and _I_ won't tell till I like. It's my turn to have a
+secret; and I mean to keep it."
+
+"But it is not right," began Sophie, with indignation.
+
+"Tell me yours, and I 'll tell mine," said Di, teasingly.
+
+"I will not!  You have no right to touch my gifts, and I am sure you
+have done it, else how know you who sends this fine _cadeau_?" cried
+Sophie, with the flash Di liked to see.
+
+Here Fanny interposed, "If you have any note or card belonging to
+Sophie, give it up at once.  She shall not be tormented.  Out with it,
+Di.  I see your hand in your pocket, and I 'm sure you have been in
+mischief."
+
+"Take your old letter, then.  I know what's in it; and if I can't keep
+my secret for fun, Sophie shall not have hers.  That Tilly sent the
+coral, and Sophie spent her hundred dollars in books and clothes for
+that queer girl, who'd better stay among her lobsters than try to be a
+lady," cried Di, bent on telling all she knew, while Sophie was reading
+her letter eagerly.
+
+"Is it true?" asked Dora, for the four girls were in a corner together,
+and the rest of the company busy pulling crackers.
+
+"Just like her!  I thought it was that; but she would n't tell.  Tell us
+now, Sophie, for _I_ think it was truly sweet and beautiful to help that
+poor girl, and let us say hard things of you," cried Fanny, as her
+friend looked up with a face and a heart too full of happiness to help
+overflowing into words.
+
+"Yes; I will tell you now.  It was foolish, perhaps; but I did not want
+to be praised, and I loved to help that good Tilly.  You know she worked
+all summer and made a little sum.  So glad, so proud she was, and
+planned to study that she might go to school this winter.  Well, in
+October the uncle fell very ill, and Tilly gave all her money for the
+doctors.  The uncle had been kind to her, she did not forget; she was
+glad to help, and told no one but me.  Then I said, 'What better can I
+do with my father's gift than give it to the dear creature, and let her
+lose no time?'  I do it; she will not at first, but I write and say, 'It
+must be,' and she submits. She is made neat with some little dresses,
+and she goes at last, to be so happy and do so well that I am proud of
+her.  Is not that better than fine toilets and rich gifts to those who
+need nothing?  Truly, yes! yet I confess it cost me pain to give up my
+plans for Christmas, and to seem selfish or ungrateful.  Forgive me
+that."
+
+"Yes, indeed, you dear generous thing!" cried Fan and Dora, touched by
+the truth.
+
+"But how came Tilly to send you such a splendid present?" asked Di.
+"Should n't think you 'd like her to spend your money in such things."
+
+"She did not.  A sea-captain, a friend of the uncle, gave her these
+lovely ornaments, and she sends them to me with a letter that is more
+precious than all the coral in the sea.  I cannot read it; but of all my
+gifts _this_ is the dearest and the best!"
+
+Sophie had spoken eagerly, and her face, her voice, her gestures, made
+the little story eloquent; but with the last words she clasped the
+letter to her bosom as if it well repaid her for all the sacrifices she
+had made.  They might seem small to others, but she was sensitive and
+proud, anxious to be loved in the strange country, and fond of giving,
+so it cost her many tears to seem mean and thoughtless, to go poorly
+dressed, and be thought hardly of by those she wished to please.  She
+did not like to tell of her own generosity, because it seemed like
+boasting; and she was not sure that it had been wise to give so much.
+Therefore, she waited to see if Tilly was worthy of the trust reposed in
+her; and she now found a balm for many wounds in the loving letter that
+came with the beautiful and unexpected gift.
+
+Di listened with hot cheeks, and when Sophie paused, she whispered
+regretfully,--
+
+"Forgive me, I was wrong!  I 'll keep your gift all my life to remember
+you by, for you are the best and dearest girl I know."
+
+Then with a hasty kiss she ran away, carrying with great care the white
+shell on which Sophie had painted a dainty little picture of the
+mermaids waiting for the pretty boat that brought good fortune to poor
+Tilly, and this lesson to those who were hereafter her faithful friends.
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Chapter VII tailpiece]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: "Everything is quite clean; I am sure of that, for I
+washed the sheets and coverlet myself not long ago."--PAGE 207.]
+
+
+
+                                 VIII.
+
+                           DOLLY'S BEDSTEAD.
+
+
+"Aunt Pen, where is Ariadne to sleep, please?  I wanted to bring her
+cradle, but mamma said it would take up so much room I could not."
+
+And Alice looked about her for a resting-place for her dolly as
+anxiously as if Ariadne had been a live baby.
+
+"Can't she lie on the sofa?" asked Aunt Pen, with that sad want of
+interest in such important matters which grown-up people so often show.
+
+"No, indeed!  Some one would sit down on her, of course; and I won't
+have my darling smashed.  You would n't like it yourself, aunty, and I
+'m surprised at your proposing such a thing!" cried Alice, clasping her
+babe with a face full of maternal indignation.
+
+"I beg your pardon!  I really forgot that danger.  I 'm not so used to
+infants as you are, and that accounts for it.  Now I think of it,
+there's a little bedstead up garret, and you can have that.  You will
+find it done up in a paper in the great blue chest where all our old
+toys are kept."
+
+Appeased by Aunt Pen's apology, Alice trotted to the attic, found the
+bedstead, and came trotting back with a disappointed look on her face.
+
+"It is such a funny, old-fashioned thing I don't know that Ariadne will
+consent to lie in it.  Anyway, I must air the feather-bed and pillows
+first, or she will get cold.  I wish I could wash the sheets too, they
+are so yellow; but there is no time now," said the little girl, bustling
+round as she spoke, and laying the little bed-furniture out on the rug.
+
+"Everything is quite clean, my dear; I am sure of that, for I washed the
+sheets and coverlet myself not long ago, because I found a nest of
+little mice there the last time I looked," answered Aunt Pen, with her
+eyes fixed thoughtfully on the small bedstead.
+
+"I guess you used to be fond of it when you were a little girl; and
+that's why you keep it so nicely now, isn't it?" asked Alice, as she
+dusted the carved posts and patted the canvas sacking.
+
+"Yes, there's quite a little romance about that bed; and I love it so
+that I never can give it away, but keep it mended up and in order for
+the sake of old times and poor Val," said Aunt Pen, smiling and sighing
+in the same breath.
+
+"Oh, tell about it!  I do like to hear stories, and so does Ariadne!"
+cried Alice, hastily opening dolly's eyes, that she might express her
+interest in the only way permitted her.
+
+"Well, dear, I 'll tell you this true tale of long ago; and while you
+listen you can be making a new blanket for the bed.  Mrs. Mouse nibbled
+holes in the other one, and her babies made a mess of it, so I burned it
+up.  Here is a nice little square of flannel, and there are blue, red,
+and green worsteds for you to work round the edges with."
+
+"Now that is just splendid!  I love to work with crewels, and I 'll put
+little quirls and things in the corners.  I can do it all myself, so
+tell away, please, aunty."  And Alice settled herself with great
+satisfaction, while Ariadne sat bolt upright in her own armchair and
+stared at Aunt Pen in a way that would have been very embarrassing if
+her round blue eyes had had a particle of expression in them.
+
+"When I was about ten years old, it was the joy of my heart to go every
+Saturday afternoon to see my nurse, Betsey Brown.  She no longer lived
+out, but was married to a pilot, and had a home of her own down in what
+we used to call 'the watery part' of the city.  A funny little house, so
+close to the wharves that when one looked out there were masts going to
+and fro over the house-tops, and from the upper windows I could see the
+blue ocean.
+
+"Betsey had a boy with club feet, and a brother who was deformed; but
+Bobby was my pet playmate, and Valentine my best friend. My chief
+pleasure was in seeing him work at his turning-lathe, for he was very
+ingenious, and made all sorts of useful and pretty things.
+
+"But the best thing he did was to cure the lame feet of his little
+nephew.  In those days there were few doctors who attended to such
+troubles, and they were very expensive; so poor Bobby had gone hobbling
+about ever since he was born with his little feet turned in.
+
+"Uncle Val could sympathize with him; and though he knew there was no
+cure for his own crooked back, he did his best to help the boy. He made
+a very simple apparatus for straightening the crippled feet (just two
+wooden splints, with wooden screws to loosen or tighten the pressure),
+and with patience, hope, and faith, he worked over the child till the
+feet were right, and Bobby could run and play like other children."
+
+"Oh, Aunt Pen, was n't that lovely?  And did he really do it all
+himself?  How clever he must have been!" cried Alice, puckering the new
+blanket in the pleasant interest of the moment.
+
+"He was very clever for a lad of eighteen. But that was not all he did.
+Bobby's cure was a long one, and I only saw the happy end of it; yet I
+remember how we all rejoiced, and how proud Betsey was of her brother.
+My father wrote an account of it for some medical journal, and it was
+much talked about in our little circle; so much, indeed, that an aunt of
+ours who had a lame boy came to see Val and talked it all over with him.
+
+"Val was much pleased, and offered to try and cure her son if she would
+let the boy come and live with him; for it needed great skill and
+constant care to work the screws just right, and tend the poor little
+feet gently.
+
+"Aunt Dolly said no at once to that plan; for how could she let her
+precious boy go and live in that little house down in the poor part of
+the city?
+
+"There was no other way, however, for Val would not leave his sister and
+his beloved lathe, and was wise enough to see how impossible it would be
+to have his own way with the child in a house where every one obeyed his
+whims and petted him, as such afflicted children usually are petted.
+
+"So Val stood firm, and for a time nothing was done.
+
+"I was much interested in the affair, and every time I saw my cousin Gus
+I told him what nice times I had down there; how strong and lively Bobby
+was, and declared my firm belief that Val could cure every disease under
+the sun.
+
+"These glowing accounts made Gus want to go, and when he set his heart
+on anything he always got it; so in the end Aunt Dolly consented, and
+Gus went to board in the little house, much to the wonder of some folks.
+
+"The plan succeeded capitally, however, and Gus thrived like a dandelion
+in springtime; for simple food, plenty of air, no foolish indulgence,
+and the most faithful care, built up the little lad in a way that
+astonished and delighted us all.
+
+"The feet improved slowly; and Val was sure that in time they would be
+all right, for everything helped on the good work.
+
+"Dear me, what happy days I used to spend at Betsey's!  Sometimes Isaac,
+the jolly, bluff pilot, would take us out in his boat; and then what
+rosy cheeks and good appetites we got! Sometimes we played in Val's
+shop, and watched him make pretty things or helped him in some easy job,
+for he liked to have us near him.  And, oh, my heart, what delicious
+suppers Betsey used to get us in the front room, where all sorts of
+queer sea treasures were collected,--shells, coral, and seaweed; odd
+pictures of ships and fish, and old books full of sailor songs and
+thrilling tales of wrecks."
+
+"I wish I had been there!" interrupted Alice.  "Is the house all gone,
+aunty?"
+
+"All gone, dear, and every one of that merry party but myself," answered
+Aunt Pen, with a sigh.
+
+"Don't think about the sad part of it, but go on and tell about the bed,
+please," said Alice, feeling that it was about time this interesting
+piece of furniture appeared in the story.
+
+"Well, that was made to comfort me when Gus went home, as he did after
+staying two years.  Yes, he went home with straight feet, the heartiest,
+happiest little lad I ever saw.
+
+"I was heart-broken at losing my playmate, and mourned for him as
+bitterly as a child could, till Val comforted me, not only by the
+cunning bedstead for my doll, but by a hundred kindly words and acts,
+for which I never thanked him half enough.
+
+"Aunt Dolly and my father were so grateful and pleased at Val's success
+with Gus that they helped him in a plan he had some years later, when he
+took a larger house in a better place, and with Betsey as nurse, opened
+a small hospital for the cure of deformed feet.  It was an excellent
+plan; and all was going well, when poor Val wasted rapidly away, and
+died just as his work began to bring him money and some honor."
+
+"That was very bad!  But what became of Bobby and Gus?" asked Alice, who
+was not of an age to care much about the "sad part" of any story.
+
+"Bob became a sea-captain, and was an excellent fellow till he went down
+with his ship in a storm after rescuing all his crew, even to the
+cabin-boy.  I'm proud of Bob, and keep those two great pearly shells in
+memory of him, for he brought them to me after his first voyage."
+
+Aunt Pen's eyes lit up, and her voice rose as she spoke with real pride
+and affection of honest Captain Brown, who to her was always little Bob.
+
+"I like that, it was so brave and good; but I do wish he had been saved,
+for then I could have seen him.  And maybe he would have brought me a
+big green parrot that could say funny things.  What became of Gus?"
+asked Alice, after a moment spent in the delightful thought of owning a
+green parrot with a red tail.
+
+"Ah, my dear, I wish I knew!" exclaimed Aunt Pen, so earnestly that
+Alice dropped her work, astonished at the change in that usually quiet
+face.
+
+"Don't tell any more if you 'd rather not," said the little girl,
+feeling instinctively that she had touched some tender string.
+
+But Aunt Pen only stroked her curly head and went on in a softer tone,
+with her eyes fixed upon a faded picture that had hung over her
+work-table ever since Alice could remember.
+
+"I like to tell you, dear, because I want you to love the memory of this
+old friend of mine. Gus went to sea also, much against his mother's
+will, for the years spent in the little house near the wharf had given
+the boy a taste for salt water, and he could not overcome it, though he
+tried.
+
+"He sailed with Captain Bob all round the world, and would have been
+with him on that last voyage if a sudden whim had not kept him ashore.
+More than this we don't know; and for seven years have had no tidings of
+him. The others give him up, feeling sure that he was lost in the wild
+hill-country of India, whither he went in search of adventures.  I
+suppose they are right; but _I_ cannot make it true, and still hope to
+see the dear boy back, or at least to hear some news of him."
+
+"Would n't he be rather an old boy now, Aunt Pen?" asked Alice, softly;
+for she wanted to chase away the load of pain with a smile if she could.
+
+"Bless my heart, so he would!  Forty, at least.  Well, well, he never
+will seem old to me, though his hair should be gray when he comes home."
+And Aunt Pen did smile as her eyes went back to the faded picture with a
+tender look that made Alice say timidly, while she laid her blooming
+cheek against her aunt's hand,--
+
+"Would you mind if I asked if it was Gus who gave you this pretty ring,
+and was your sweetheart once?  Mamma told me you had one, and he was
+dead; so I must never ask why you did n't marry as she did."
+
+"Yes, he gave me this, and was to come back in a year or two; but I have
+never seen him since, and never shall, I fear, till we all meet over the
+great sea at last."
+
+There Aunt Pen broke down, and spreading her hands before her face, sat
+so still that Alice feared to stir.
+
+Even her careless child's heart was full of pity now; and two great
+tears rolled down upon the little blanket, to lie sparkling like drops
+of dew in the heart of the very remarkable red rose she was working in
+the middle.
+
+Then it was that Ariadne distinguished herself, and proved beyond a
+doubt that her blue china eyes were worth something.  A large, brown,
+breezy-looking man had been peeping in from the door for several
+moments, and listening in the most improper manner.  No one saw him but
+Ariadne, and how could she warn the others, poor thing, when she had n't
+a tongue in her head?  Don't tell me that dolls have n't hearts
+somewhere in their sawdust bosoms!  I know better; and I am firmly
+convinced that Ariadne's was full of sympathy for Aunt Pen; else why
+should she, a well-bred doll, suddenly and without the least apparent
+cause, slip out of her chair and fall upon her china nose with a loud
+whack?
+
+Alice jumped up to catch her darling, and Aunt Pen lifted her head to
+see what was the matter, and the big brown man, giving his hat a toss,
+came into the room like a whirlwind!
+
+Alice, Ariadne, bedstead, and blanket, were suddenly swept into a corner
+by some mysterious means, and lay there in a heap, while the two grown
+people fell into each other's arms, exclaiming,--
+
+"Pen!"
+
+"Gus!"
+
+I don't know which stared the hardest at this dreadful proceeding, Alice
+or Ariadne, but I do know that every one was very happy afterward, and
+that the precious little bedstead was not smashed, for I have seen it
+with my own eyes.
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Chapter VIII tailpiece]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: "Well, dear, this is the story."--PAGE 220.]
+
+
+
+                                  IX.
+
+                            TRUDEL'S SIEGE.
+
+
+"Grandmother, what is this curious picture about?" said little Gertrude,
+or "Trudel," as they called her, looking up from the red book that lay
+on her knee, one Sunday morning, when she and the grandmother sat sadly
+together in the neat kitchen; for the father was very ill, and the poor
+mother seldom left him.
+
+The old woman put on her round spectacles, which made her look as wise
+as an owl, and turned to answer the child, who had been as quiet as a
+mouse for a long time, looking at the strange pictures in the ancient
+book.
+
+"Ah, my dear, that tells about a very famous and glorious thing that
+happened long ago at the siege of Leyden.  You can read it for yourself
+some day."
+
+"Please tell me now.  Why are the houses half under water, and ships
+sailing among them, and people leaning over the walls of the city? And
+why is that boy waving his hands on the tower, where the men are running
+away in a great smoke?" asked Trudel, too curious to wait till she could
+read the long hard words on the yellow pages.
+
+"Well, dear, this is the story: and you shall hear how brave men and
+women, and children too, were in those days.  The cruel Spaniards came
+and besieged the city for many months; but the faithful people would not
+give up, though nearly starved to death.  When all the bread and meat
+were gone and the gardens empty, they ate grass and herbs and horses,
+and even dogs and cats, trying to hold out till help came to them."
+
+"Did little girls really eat their pussies?  Oh, I 'd die before I would
+kill my dear Jan," cried Trudel, hugging the pretty kitten that purred
+in her lap.
+
+"Yes, the children ate their pets.  And so would you if it would save
+your father or mother from starving.  _We_ know what hunger is; but we
+won't eat Jan yet."
+
+The old woman sighed as she glanced from the empty table to the hearth
+where no fire burned.
+
+"_Did_ help come in the ships?" asked the child, bending her face over
+the book to hide the tears that filled her eyes, for she was very
+hungry, and had had only a crust for breakfast.
+
+"Our good Prince of Orange was trying to help them; but the Spaniards
+were all around the city and he had not men enough to fight them by
+land, so he sent carrier-doves with letters to tell the people that he
+was going to cut through the great dikes that kept the sea out, and let
+the water flow over the country so as to drive the enemy from his camp,
+for the city stood upon high ground, and would be safe. Then the ships,
+with food, could sail over the drowned land and save the brave people."
+
+"Oh, I 'm glad!  I 'm glad!  These are the bad Spaniards running away,
+and these are poor people stretching out their hands for the bread.  But
+what is the boy doing, in the funny tower where the wall has tumbled
+down?" cried Trudel, much excited.
+
+"The smoke of burning houses rose between the city and the port so the
+people could not see that the Spaniards had run away; and they were
+afraid the ships could not get safely by.  But a boy who was scrambling
+about as boys always are wherever there is danger, fire, and fighting,
+saw the enemy go, and ran to the deserted tower to shout and beckon to
+the ships to come on at once,--for the wind had changed and soon the
+tide would flow back and leave them stranded."
+
+"Nice boy!  I wish I had been there to see him and help the poor
+people," said Trudel, patting the funny little figure sticking out of
+the pepper-pot tower like a jack-in-the-box.
+
+"If children keep their wits about them and are brave, they can always
+help in some way, my dear.  We don't have such dreadful wars now; but
+the dear God knows we have troubles enough, and need all our courage and
+faith to be patient in times like these;" and the grandmother folded her
+thin hands with another sigh, as she thought of her poor son dying for
+want of a few comforts, after working long and faithfully for a hard
+master who never came to offer any help, though a very rich man.
+
+"Did they eat the carrier-doves?" asked Trudel, still intent on the
+story.
+
+"No, child; they fed and cared for them while they lived, and when they
+died, stuffed and set them up in the Staat Haus, so grateful were the
+brave burghers for the good news the dear birds brought."
+
+"That is the best part of all.  I like that story very much!"  And
+Trudel turned the pages to find another, little dreaming what a
+carrier-dove she herself was soon to become.
+
+Poor Hans Dort and his family were nearly as distressed as the besieged
+people of Leyden, for poverty stood at the door, hunger and sickness
+were within, and no ship was anywhere seen coming to bring help.  The
+father, who was a linen-weaver, could no longer work in the great
+factory; the mother, who was a lace-maker, had to leave her work to
+nurse him; and the old woman could earn only a trifle by her knitting,
+being lame and feeble.  Little Trudel did what she could,--sold the
+stockings to get bread and medicine, picked up wood for the fire,
+gathered herbs for the poor soup, and ran errands for the market-women,
+who paid her with unsalable fruit, withered vegetables, and now and then
+a bit of meat.
+
+But market-day came but once a week; and it was very hard to find food
+for the hungry mouths meantime.  The Dorts were too proud to beg, so
+they suffered in silence, praying that help would come before it was too
+late to save the sick and old.
+
+No other picture in the quaint book interested Trudel so much as that of
+the siege of Leyden; and she went back to it, thinking over the story
+till hunger made her look about for something to eat as eagerly as the
+poor starving burghers.
+
+"Here, child, is a good crust.  It is too hard for me.  I kept it for
+you; it's the last except that bit for your mother," said the old woman,
+pulling a dry crust from her jacket with a smile; for though starving
+herself, the brave old soul thought only of her darling.
+
+Trudel's little white teeth gnawed savagely at the hard bread, and Jan
+ate the crumbs as if he too needed food.  As she saw him purring about
+her feet, there came into the child's head a sudden idea, born of the
+brave story and of the cares that made her old before her time.
+
+"Poor Jan gets thinner and thinner every day. If we are to eat him, we
+must do it soon, or he will not be worth cooking," she said with a
+curious look on the face that used to be so round and rosy, and now was
+white, thin, and anxious.
+
+"Bless the child! we won't eat the poor beast! but it would be kind to
+give him away to some one who could feed him well.  Go now, dear, and
+get a jug of fresh water.  The father will need it, and so will you, for
+that crust is a dry dinner for my darling."
+
+As she spoke, the old woman held the little girl close for a minute; and
+Trudel clung to her silently, finding the help she needed for her
+sacrifice in the love and the example grandma gave her.
+
+Then she ran away, with the brown jug in one hand, the pretty kitten on
+her arm, and courage in her little heart.  It was a poor neighborhood
+where the weavers and lace-makers lived; but nearly every one had a good
+dinner on Sunday, and on her way to the fountain Trudel saw many
+well-spread tables, smelled the good soup in many kettles, and looked
+enviously at the plump children sitting quietly on the doorsteps in
+round caps and wooden shoes, waiting to be called in to eat of the big
+loaves, the brown sausages, and the cabbage-soup smoking on the hearth.
+
+When she came to the baker's house, her heart began to beat; and she
+hugged Jan so close it was well he was thin, or he would have mewed
+under the tender farewell squeezes his little mistress gave him.  With a
+timid hand Trudel knocked, and then went in to find Vrow Hertz and her
+five boys and girls at table, with good roast meat and bread and cheese
+and beer before them.
+
+"Oh, the dear cat! the pretty cat!  Let me pat him!  Hear him mew, and
+see his soft white coat," cried the children, before Trudel could speak,
+for they admired the snow-white kitten very much, and had often begged
+for it.
+
+Trudel had made up her mind to give up to them at last her one treasure;
+but she wished to be paid for it, and was bound to tell her plan.  Jan
+helped her, for smelling the meat, he leaped from her arms to the table
+and began to gnaw a bone on Dirck's plate, which so amused the young
+people that they did not hear Trudel say to their mother in a low voice,
+with red cheeks and beseeching eyes,--
+
+"Dear Vrow Hertz, the father is very ill; the mother cannot work at her
+lace in the dark room; and grandma makes but little by knitting, though
+I help all I can.  We have no food; can you give me a loaf of bread in
+exchange for Jan? I have nothing else to sell, and the children want him
+much."
+
+Trudel's eyes were full and her lips trembled, as she ended with a look
+that went straight to stout Mother Hertz's kind heart, and told the
+whole sad story.
+
+"Bless the dear child!  Indeed, yes; a loaf and welcome; and see here, a
+good sausage also.  Brenda, go fill the jug with milk.  It is excellent
+for the sick man.  As for the cat, let it stay a while and get fat, then
+we will see.  It is a pretty beast and worth many loaves of bread; so
+come again, Trudel, and do not suffer hunger while I have much bread."
+
+As the kind woman spoke, she had bustled about, and before Trudel could
+get her breath, a big loaf, a long sausage, and a jug of fresh milk were
+in her apron and hands, and a motherly kiss made the gifts all the
+easier to take. Returning it heartily, and telling the children to be
+kind to Jan, she hastened home to burst into the quiet room, crying
+joyfully,--
+
+"See, grandmother, here is food,--all mine. I bought it!  Come, come,
+and eat!"
+
+"Now, dear Heaven, what do I see?  Where did the blessed bread come
+from?" asked the old woman, hugging the big loaf, and eying the sausage
+with such hunger in her face that Trudel ran for the knife and cup, and
+held a draught of fresh milk to her grandmother's lips before she could
+answer a single question.
+
+"Stay, child, let us give thanks before we eat. Never was food more
+welcome or hearts more grateful;" and folding her hands, the pious old
+woman blessed the meal that seemed to fall from heaven on that bare
+table.  Then Trudel cut the crusty slice for herself, a large soft one
+for grandmother, with a good bit of sausage, and refilled the cup.
+Another portion and cup went upstairs to mother, whom she found asleep,
+with the father's hot hand in hers.  So leaving the surprise for her
+waking, Trudel crept down to eat her own dinner, as hungry as a little
+wolf, amusing herself with making the old woman guess where and how she
+got this fine feast.
+
+"This is our siege, grandmother; and we are eating Jan," she said at
+last, with the merriest laugh she had given for weeks.
+
+"Eating Jan?" cried the old woman, staring at the sausage, as if for a
+moment she feared the kitten had been turned into that welcome shape by
+some miracle.  Still laughing, Trudel told her story, and was well
+rewarded for her childish sacrifice by the look in grandmother's face as
+she said with a tender kiss,--
+
+"Thou art a carrier-dove, my darling, coming home with good news and
+comfort under thy wing.  God bless thee, my brave little heart, and
+grant that our siege be not a long one before help comes to us!"
+
+Such a happy feast! and for dessert more kisses and praises for Trudel
+when the mother came down to hear the story and to tell how eagerly
+father had drank the fresh milk and gone to sleep again.  Trudel was
+very well pleased with her bargain; but at night she missed Jan's soft
+purr for her lullaby, and cried herself to sleep, grieving for her lost
+pet, being only a child, after all, though trying to be a brave little
+woman for the sake of those she loved.
+
+The big loaf and sausage took them nicely through the next day; but by
+Tuesday only crusts remained, and sorrel-soup, slightly flavored with
+the last scrap of sausage, was all they had to eat.
+
+On Wednesday morning, Trudel had plaited her long yellow braids with
+care, smoothed down her one blue skirt, and put on her little black silk
+cap, making ready for the day's work. She was weak and hungry, but
+showed a bright face as she took her old basket and said,--
+
+"Now I am off to market, grandmother, to sell the hose and get medicine
+and milk for father.  I shall try to pick up something for dinner.  The
+good neighbors often let me run errands for them, and give me a kuchen,
+a bit of cheese, or a taste of their nice coffee.  I will bring you
+something, and come as soon as I can."
+
+The old woman nodded and smiled, as she scoured the empty kettle till it
+shone, and watched the little figure trudge away with the big empty
+basket, and, she knew, with a still emptier little stomach.  "Coffee!"
+sighed the grandmother; "one sip of the blessed drink would put life
+into me.  When shall I ever taste it again?" and the poor soul sat down
+to her knitting with hands that trembled from weakness.
+
+The Platz was a busy and a noisy scene when Trudel arrived,--for the
+thrifty Dutchwomen were early afoot; and stalls, carts, baskets, and
+cans were already arranged to make the most attractive display of fruit,
+vegetables, fish, cheese, butter, eggs, milk, and poultry, and the small
+wares country people came to buy.
+
+Nodding and smiling, Trudel made her way through the bustle to the booth
+where old Vrow Schmidt bought and sold the blue woollen hose that adorn
+the stout legs of young and old.
+
+"Good-morning, child!  I am glad to see thee and thy well-knit
+stockings, for I have orders for three pairs, and promised thy
+grandmother's, they are always so excellent," said the rosy-faced woman,
+as Trudel approached.
+
+"I have but one pair.  We had no money to buy more yarn.  Father is so
+ill mother cannot work; and medicines cost a deal," said the child, with
+her large hungry eyes fixed on the breakfast the old woman was about to
+eat, first having made ready for the business of the day.
+
+"See, then, I shall give thee the yarn and wait for the hose; I can
+trust thee, and shall ask a good price for the good work.  Thou too wilt
+have the fever, I 'm afraid!--so pale and thin, poor child!  Here, drink
+from my cup, and take a bite of bread and cheese.  The morning air makes
+one hungry."
+
+Trudel eagerly accepted the "sup" and the "bite," and felt new strength
+flow into her as the warm draught and good brown bread went down her
+throat.
+
+"So many thanks!  I had no breakfast.  I came to see if I could get any
+errands here to-day, for I want to earn a bit if I can," she said with a
+sigh of satisfaction, as she slipped half of her generous slice and a
+good bit of cheese into her basket, regretting that the coffee could not
+be shared also.
+
+As if to answer her wish, a loud cry from fat Mother Kinkle, the
+fish-wife, rose at that moment, for a thievish cur had run off with a
+fish from her stall, while she gossiped with a neighbor.
+
+Down went Trudel's basket, and away went Trudel's wooden shoes
+clattering over the stones while she raced after the dog, dodging in and
+out among the stalls till she cornered the thief under Gretchen Horn's
+milk-cart; for at sight of the big dog who drew the four copper-cans,
+the cur lost heart and dropped the fish and ran away.
+
+"Well done!" said buxom Gretchen, when Trudel caught up the rescued
+treasure a good deal the worse for the dog's teeth and the dust it had
+been dragged through.
+
+All the market-women laughed as the little girl came back proudly
+bearing the fish, for the race had amused them.  But Mother Kinkle said
+with a sigh, when she saw the damage done her property,--
+
+"It is spoiled; no one will buy that torn, dirty thing.  Throw it on the
+muck-pile, child; your trouble was in vain, though I thank you for it."
+
+"Give it to me, please, if you don't want it. We can eat it, and would
+be glad of it at home," cried Trudel, hugging the slippery fish with
+joy, for she saw a dinner in it, and felt that her run was well paid.
+
+"Take it, then, and be off; I see Vrow von Decken's cook coming, and you
+are in the way," answered the old woman, who was not a very amiable
+person, as every one knew.
+
+"That's a fine reward to make a child for running the breath out of her
+body for you," said Dame Troost, the handsome farm-wife who sat close by
+among her fruit and vegetables, as fresh as her cabbages, and as rosy as
+her cherries.
+
+"Better it, then, and give her a feast fit for a burgomaster.  _You_ can
+afford it," growled Mother Kinkle, turning her back on the other woman
+in a huff.
+
+"That I will, for very shame at such meanness! Here, child, take these
+for thy fish-stew, and these for thy little self," said the kind soul,
+throwing half a dozen potatoes and onions into the basket, and handing
+Trudel a cabbage-leaf full of cherries.
+
+A happy girl was our little house-wife on her way home, when the milk
+and medicine and loaf of bread were bought; and a comfortable dinner was
+quickly cooked and gratefully eaten in Dort's poor house that day.
+
+"Surely the saints must help you, child, and open people's hearts to our
+need; for you come back each day with food for us,--like the ravens to
+the people in the wilderness," said the grandmother when they sat at
+table.
+
+"If they do, it is because you pray to them so heartily, mother.  But I
+think the sweet ways and thin face of my Trudel do much to win kindness,
+and the good God makes her our little house-mother, while I must sit
+idle," answered Vrow Dort; and she filled the child's platter again that
+she, at least, might have enough.
+
+"I like it!" cried Trudel, munching an onion with her bread, while her
+eyes shone and a pretty color came into her cheeks.  "I feel so old and
+brave now, so glad to help; and things happen, and I keep thinking what
+I will do next to get food.  It's like the birds out yonder in the
+hedge, trying to feed their little ones. I fly up and down, pick and
+scratch, get a bit here and a bit there, and then my dear _old_ birds
+have food to eat."
+
+It really was very much as Trudel said, for her small wits were getting
+very sharp with these new cares; she lay awake that night trying to plan
+how she should provide the next day's food for her family.
+
+"Where now, thou dear little mother-bird?" asked the "Grossmutter" next
+morning, when the child had washed the last dish, and was setting away
+the remains of the loaf.
+
+"To Gretti Jansen's, to see if she wants me to water her linen, as I
+used to do for play.  She is lame, and it tires her to go to the spring
+so often.  She will like me to help her, I hope; and I shall ask her for
+some food to pay me. Oh, I am very bold now!  Soon will I beg if no
+other way offers."  And Trudel shook her yellow head resolutely, and
+went to settle the stool at grandmother's feet, and to draw the curtain
+so that it would shield the old eyes from the summer sun.
+
+"Heaven grant it never comes to that!  It would be very hard to bear,
+yet perhaps we must if no help arrives.  The doctor's bill, the rent,
+the good food thy father will soon need, will take far more than we can
+earn; and what will become of us, the saints only know!" answered the
+old woman, knitting briskly in spite of her sad forebodings.
+
+"_I_ will do it all!  I don't know how, but I shall try; and, as you
+often say, 'Have faith and hold up thy hands; God will fill them.'"
+
+Then Trudel went away to her work, with a stout heart under her little
+blue bodice; and all that summer day she trudged to and fro along the
+webs of linen spread in the green meadow, watering them as fast as they
+dried, knitting busily under a tree during the intervals.
+
+Old Gretti was glad to have her, and at noon called her in to share the
+milk-soup, with cherries and herrings in it, and a pot of coffee,--as
+well as Dutch cheese, and bread full of coriander-seed. Though this was
+a feast to Trudel, one bowl of soup and a bit of bread was all she ate;
+then, with a face that was not half as "bold" as she tried to make it,
+she asked if she might run home and take the coffee to grandmother, who
+longed for and needed it so much.
+
+"Yes, indeed; there, let me fill that pewter jug with a good hot mess
+for the old lady, and take this also.  I have little to give, but I
+remember how good she was to me in the winter, when my poor legs were so
+bad, and no one else thought of me," said grateful Gretti, mixing more
+coffee, and tucking a bit of fresh butter into half a loaf of bread with
+a crusty end to cover the hole.
+
+Away ran Trudel; and when grandmother saw the "blessed coffee," as she
+called it, she could only sip and sigh for comfort and content, so glad
+was the poor old soul to taste her favorite drink again.  The mother
+smelled it, and came down to take her share, while Trudel skipped away
+to go on watering the linen till sunset with a happy heart, saying to
+herself while she trotted and splashed,--
+
+"This day is well over, and I have kept my word.  Now what _can_ I do
+to-morrow?  Gretti does n't want me; there is no market; I must not beg
+yet, and I cannot finish the hose so soon.
+
+"I know!  I 'll get water-cresses, and sell them from door to door.
+They are fresh now, and people like them.  Ah, thou dear duck, thank
+thee for reminding me of them," she cried, as she watched a mother-duck
+lead her brood along the brook's edge, picking and dabbling among the
+weeds to show them where to feed.
+
+Early next morning Trudel took her basket and went away to the meadows
+that lay just out of the town, where the rich folk had their summer
+houses, and fish-ponds, and gardens.  These gardens were gay now with
+tulips, the delight of Dutch people; for they know best how to cultivate
+them, and often make fortunes out of the splendid and costly flowers.
+
+When Trudel had looked long and carefully for cresses, and found very
+few, she sat down to rest, weary and disappointed, on a green bank from
+which she could overlook a fine garden all ablaze with tulips.  She
+admired them heartily, longed to have a bed of them her own, and feasted
+her childish eyes on the brilliant colors till they were dazzled, for
+the long beds of purple and yellow, red and white blossoms were splendid
+to see, and in the midst of all a mound of dragon-tulips rose like a
+queen's throne, scarlet, green, and gold all mingled on the ruffled
+leaves that waved in the wind.
+
+Suddenly it seemed as if one of the great flowers had blown over the
+wall and was hopping along the path in a very curious way!  In a minute,
+however, she saw that it was a gay parrot that had escaped, and would
+have flown away if its clipped wings and a broken chain on one leg had
+not kept it down.
+
+Trudel laughed to see the bird scuttle along, jabbering to itself, and
+looking very mischievous and naughty as it ran away.  She was just
+thinking she ought to stop it, when the garden-gate opened, and a pretty
+little boy came out, calling anxiously,--
+
+"Prince!  Prince!  Come back, you bad bird! I never will let you off
+your perch again, sly rascal!"
+
+"I will get him;" and Trudel ran down the bank after the runaway, for
+the lad was small and leaned upon a little crutch.
+
+"Be careful!  He will bite!" called the boy.
+
+"I 'm not afraid," answered Trudel; and she stepped on the chain, which
+brought the "Prince of Orange" to a very undignified and sudden halt.
+But when she tried to catch him up by his legs, the sharp black beak
+gave a nip and held tightly to her arm.  It hurt her much, but she did
+not let go, and carried her captive back to its master, who thanked her,
+and begged her to come in and chain up the bad bird, for he was
+evidently rather afraid of it.
+
+Glad to see more of the splendid garden, Trudel did what he asked, and
+with a good deal of fluttering, scolding, and pecking, the Prince was
+again settled on his perch.
+
+"Your arm is bleeding!  Let me tie it up for you; and here is my cake to
+pay you for helping me.  Mamma would have been very angry if Prince had
+been lost," said the boy, as he wet his little handkerchief in a tank of
+water near by, and tied up Trudel's arm.
+
+The tank was surrounded by pots of tulips; and on a rustic seat lay the
+lad's hat and a delicious large kuchen, covered with comfits and sugar.
+The hungry girl accepted it gladly, but only nibbled at it, remembering
+those at home. The boy thought she did not like it, and being a generous
+little fellow and very grateful for her help, he looked about for
+something else to give her.  Seeing her eyes fixed admiringly on a
+pretty red jar that held a dragon-tulip just ready to bloom, he said
+pleasantly,--
+
+"Would you like this also?  All these are mine, and I can do as I like
+with them.  Will you have it?"
+
+"Oh, yes, with thanks!  It is _so_ beautiful! I longed for one, but
+never thought to get it," cried Trudel, receiving the pot with delight.
+
+Then she hastened toward home to show her prize, only stopping to sell
+her little bunches of cresses for a few groschen, with which she bought
+a loaf and three herrings to eat with it.  The cake and the flower gave
+quite the air of a feast to the poor meal, but Trudel and the two women
+enjoyed it all, for the doctor said that the father was better, and now
+needed only good meat and wine to grow strong and well again.
+
+How to get these costly things no one knew, but trusted they would come,
+and all fell to work with lighter hearts.  The mother sat again at her
+lace-work, for now a ray of light could be allowed to fall on her pillow
+and bobbins by the window of the sick-room.  The old woman's fingers
+flew as she knit at one long blue stocking; and Trudel's little hands
+tugged away at the other, while she cheered her dull task by looking
+fondly at her dear tulip unfolding in the sun.
+
+She began to knit next day as soon as the breakfast of dry bread and
+water was done; but she took her work to the doorstep and thought busily
+as the needles clicked, for where _could_ she get money enough for meat
+and wine?  The pretty pot stood beside her, and the tulip showed its gay
+leaves now, just ready to bloom.  She was very proud of it, and smiled
+and nodded gayly when a neighbor said in passing, "A fine flower you
+have there."
+
+Soon she forgot it, however, so hard was her little brain at work, and
+for a long time she sat with her eyes fixed on her busy hands so
+intently that she neither heard steps approaching, nor saw a maid and a
+little girl looking over the low fence at her.  Suddenly some words in a
+strange language made her look up.  The child was pointing at the tulip
+and talking fast in English to the maid, who shook her head and tried to
+lead her on.
+
+She was a pretty little creature, all in white with a gay hat, curly
+locks, and a great doll in one arm, while the other held a box of
+bonbons. Trudel smiled when she saw the doll; and as if the friendly
+look decided her, the little girl ran up to the door, pointed to the
+flower, and asked a question in the queer tongue which Trudel could not
+understand.  The maid followed, and said in Dutch, "Fraeulein Maud
+wishes the flower.  Will you give it to her, child?"
+
+"Oh, no, no!  I love it.  I will keep it, for now Jan is gone, it is all
+I have!" answered Trudel, taking the pot in her lap to guard her one
+treasure.
+
+The child frowned, chattered eagerly, and offered the box of sweets, as
+if used to having her wishes gratified at once.  But Trudel shook her
+head, for much as she loved "sugar-drops," she loved the splendid flower
+better, like a true little Dutchwoman.
+
+Then Miss Maud offered the doll, bent on having her own way.  Trudel
+hesitated a moment, for the fine lady doll in pink silk, with a feather
+in her hat, and tiny shoes on her feet, was very tempting to her
+childish soul.  But she felt that so dainty a thing was not for her, and
+her old wooden darling, with the staring eyes and broken nose, was
+dearer to her than the delicate stranger could ever be.  So she smiled
+to soothe the disappointed child, but shook her head again.
+
+At that, the English lassie lost her temper, stamped her foot, scolded,
+and began to cry, ordering the maid to take the flower and come away at
+once.
+
+"She _will_ have it; and she must not cry. Here, child, will you sell it
+for this?" said the maid, pulling a handful of groschen out of her deep
+pocket, sure that Trudel would yield now.
+
+But the little house-mother's quick eye saw that the whole handful would
+not buy the meat and wine, much as it looked, and for the third time she
+shook her yellow head.  There was a longing look in her face, however;
+and the shrewd maid saw it, guessed that money would win the day, and
+diving again into her apron-pocket, brought out a silver gulden and held
+it up.
+
+"For this, then, little miser?  It is more than the silly flower is
+worth; but the young fraeulein must have all she wants, so take it and
+let us be done with the crying."
+
+A struggle went on in Trudel's mind; and for a moment she did not speak.
+She longed to keep her dear tulip, her one joy, and it seemed so hard to
+let it go before she had even seen it blossom once; but then the money
+would do much, and her loving little heart yearned to give poor father
+all he needed. Just then her mother's voice came down from the open
+window, softly singing an old hymn to lull the sick man to sleep.  That
+settled the matter for the dutiful daughter; tears rose to her eyes, and
+she found it very hard to say with a farewell caress of the blue and
+yellow pot as she gave it up,--
+
+"You may have it; but it _is_ worth more than a gulden, for it is a
+dragon-tulip, the finest we have.  Could you give a little more? my
+father is very sick, and we are very poor."
+
+The stout maid had a kind heart under her white muslin neckerchief; and
+while Miss Maud seized the flower, good Marta put another gulden into
+Trudel's hand before she hastened after her charge, who made off with
+her booty, as if fearing to lose it.
+
+Trudel watched the child with the half-opened tulip nodding over her
+shoulder, as though it sadly said "good-by" to its former mistress, till
+her dim eyes could see no longer.  Then she covered her face with her
+apron and sobbed very quietly, lest grandmother should hear and be
+troubled.  But Trudel was a brave child, and soon the tears stopped, the
+blue eyes looked gladly at the money in her hand, and presently, when
+the fresh wind had cooled her cheeks, she went in to show her treasure
+and cheer up the anxious hearts with her good news.
+
+She made light of the loss of her flower, and still knitting, went
+briskly off to get the meat and wine for father, and if the money held
+out, some coffee for grandmother, some eggs and white rolls for mother,
+who was weak and worn with her long nursing.
+
+"Surely, the dear God does help me," thought the pious little maid,
+while she trudged back with her parcels, quite cheery again, though no
+pretty kitten ran to meet her, and no gay tulip stood full-blown in the
+noonday sun.
+
+Still more happy was she over her small sacrifices when she saw her
+father sip a little of the good broth grandmother made with such care,
+and saw the color come into the pale cheeks of the dear mother after she
+had taken the eggs and fine bread, with a cup of coffee to strengthen
+and refresh her.
+
+"We have enough for to-day, and for father to-morrow; but on Sunday we
+must fast as well as pray, unless the hose be done and paid for in
+time," said the old woman next morning, surveying their small store of
+food with an anxious eye.
+
+"I will work hard, and go to Vrow Schmidt's the minute we are done.  But
+now I must run and get wood, else the broth will not be ready," answered
+Trudel, clattering on her wooden shoes in a great hurry.
+
+"If all else fails, I too shall make my sacrifice as well as you, my
+heart's darling.  I cannot knit as I once did, and if we are not done,
+or Vrow Schmidt be away, I will sell my ring and so feed the flock till
+Monday," said the grandmother, lifting up one thin old hand, where shone
+the wedding-ring she had worn so many years.
+
+"Ah, no,--not that!  It was so sad to see your gold beads go, and
+mother's ear-rings and father's coat and Jan and my lovely flower! We
+will not sell the dear old ring.  I will find a way.  Something will
+happen, as before; so wait a little, and trust to me," cried Trudel,
+with her arms about the grandmother, and such a resolute nod that the
+rusty little black cap fell over her nose and extinguished her.
+
+She laughed as she righted it, and went singing away, as if not a care
+lay heavy on her young heart.  But when she came to the long dike which
+kept the waters of the lake from overflowing the fields below, she
+walked slowly to rest her tired legs, and to refresh her eyes with the
+blue sheet of water on one side and the still bluer flax-fields on the
+other,--for they were in full bloom, and the delicate flowers danced
+like fairies in the wind.
+
+It was a lonely place, but Trudel liked it, and went on toward the wood,
+turning the heel of her stocking while she walked,--pausing now and then
+to look over at the sluice-gates which stood here and there ready to let
+off the water when autumn rains made the lake rise, or in the spring
+when the flax-fields were overflowed before the seed was sown.  At the
+last of these she paused to gather a bunch of yellow stone-crop growing
+from a niche in the strong wall which, with earth and beams, made the
+dike. As she stooped, the sound of voices in the arch below came up to
+her distinctly.  Few people came that way except little girls, like
+herself, to gather fagots in the wood, or truant lads to fish in the
+pond.  Thinking the hidden speakers must be some of these boys, she
+knelt down behind the shrubs that grew along the banks, and listened
+with a smile on her lips to hear what mischief the naughty fellows were
+planning.  But the smile soon changed to a look of terror; and she
+crouched low behind the bushes to catch all that was said in the echoing
+arch below.
+
+"How did I think of the thing?  Why, that is the best part of the joke!
+Mein Herr von Vost put it into my head himself," said a man's gruff
+voice, in answer to some question.  "This is the way it was: I sat at
+the window of the beer-house, and Von Vost met the burgomaster close by
+and said, 'My friend, I hear that the lower sluice-gate needs looking
+to.  Please see to it speedily, for an overflow now would ruin my
+flax-fields, and cause many of my looms to stand still next winter.'
+'So!  It shall be looked to next week.  Such a misfortune shall not
+befall you, my good neighbor,' said the burgomaster; and they parted.
+'Ah, ha!' thinks I to myself, 'here we have a fine way to revenge
+ourselves on Master von Vost, who turned us off and leaves us to starve.
+We have but to see that the old gate gives way _between_ now and
+_Monday_, and that hard man will suffer in the only place where he _can_
+feel,--his pocket.'"
+
+Here the gruff voice broke into a low laugh, and another man said
+slowly,--
+
+"A good plan; but is there no danger of being found out, Peit Stensen?"
+
+"Not a chance of it!  See here, Deitrich, a quiet blow or two, at night
+when none can hear it, will break away these rotten boards and let the
+water in.  The rest--it will do itself; and by morning those great
+fields will be many feet under water, and Von Vost's crop ruined.  Yes,
+we _will_ stop his looms for him, and other men besides you and I and
+Niklas Haas will stand idle with starving children round them.  Come,
+will you lend a hand?  Niklas is away looking for work, and Hans Dort is
+sick, or they might be glad to help us."
+
+"Hans would never do it.  He is sober, and so good a weaver he will
+never want work when he is well.  I _will_ be with you, Peit; but swear
+not to tell it, whatever happens, for you and I have bad names now, and
+it would go hard with us."
+
+"I 'll swear anything; but have no fear.  We will not only be revenged
+on the master, but get the job of repairing; since men are scarce and
+the need will be great when the flood is discovered.  See, then, how
+fine a plan it is! and meet me here at twelve to-night with a shovel and
+pick.  Mine are already hidden in the wood yonder.  Now, come and see
+where we must strike, and then slip home the other way; we must not be
+seen here by any one."
+
+There the voices stopped, and steps were heard going deeper into the
+arch.  Trudel, pale with fear, rose to her feet, slipped off her sabots,
+and ran away along the dike like a startled rabbit, never pausing till
+she was safely round the corner and out of sight.  Then she took breath,
+and tried to think what to do first.  It was of no use to go home and
+tell the story there.  Father was too ill to hear it or to help; and if
+she told the neighbors, the secret would soon be known everywhere and
+might bring danger on them all.  No, she must go at once to Mein Herr
+von Vost and tell him alone, begging him to let no one know what she had
+heard, but to prevent the mischief the men threatened, as if by
+accident.  Then all would be safe, and the pretty flax-fields kept from
+drowning.  It was a long way to the "master's," as he was called,
+because he owned the linen factories, where all day many looms jangled,
+and many men and women worked busily to fill his warehouses and ships
+with piles of the fine white cloth, famous all the world over.
+
+But forgetting the wood, father's broth, granny's coffee, and even the
+knitting which she still held, Trudel went as fast as she could toward
+the country-house, where Mein Herr von Vost would probably be at his
+breakfast.
+
+She was faint now with hunger and heat, for the day grew hot, and the
+anxiety she felt made her heart flutter while she hurried along the
+dusty road till she came to the pretty house in its gay garden, where
+some children were playing.  Anxious not to be seen, Trudel slipped up
+the steps, and in at the open window of a room where she saw the master
+and his wife sitting at table.  Both looked surprised to see a shabby,
+breathless little girl enter in that curious fashion; but something in
+her face told them that she came on an important errand, and putting
+down his cup, the gentleman said quickly,--
+
+"Well, girl, what is it?"
+
+In a few words Trudel told her story, adding with a beseeching gesture,
+"Dear sir, please do not tell that I betrayed bad Peit and Deitrich.
+They know father, and may do him some harm if they discover that I told
+you this.  We are so poor, so unhappy now, we cannot bear any more;" and
+quite overcome with the troubles that filled her little heart, and the
+fatigue and the hunger that weakened her little body, Trudel dropped
+down at Von Vost's feet as if she were dead.
+
+When she came to herself, she was lying on a velvet sofa and the
+sweet-faced lady was holding wine to her lips, while Mein Herr von Vost
+marched up and down the room with his flowered dressing-gown waving
+behind him, and a frown on his brow.  Trudel sat up and said she was
+quite well; but the little white face and the hungry eyes that wandered
+to the breakfast-table, told the truth, and the good frau had a plate of
+food and a cup of warm milk before her in a moment.
+
+"Eat, my poor child, and rest a little, while the master considers what
+is best to be done, and how to reward the brave little messenger who
+came so far to save his property," said the motherly lady, fanning
+Trudel, who ate heartily, hardly knowing what she ate, except that it
+was very delicious after so much bread and water.
+
+In a few moments Herr von Vost paused before the sofa and said kindly,
+though his eyes were stern and his face looked hard,--
+
+"See, then, thus shall I arrange the affair, and all will be well.  I
+will myself go to see the old gate, as if made anxious lest the
+burgomaster should forget his promise.  I find it in a dangerous state,
+and at once set my men at work. The rascals are disappointed of both
+revenge and wages, and I can soon take care of them in other ways, for
+they are drunken fellows, and are easily clapped into prison and kept
+safely there till ready to work and to stop plotting mischief.  No one
+shall know your part in it, my girl; but I do not forget it.  Tell your
+father his loom waits for him.  Meanwhile, here is something to help
+while he must be idle."
+
+Trudel's plate nearly fell out of her hands as a great gold-piece
+dropped into her lap; and she could only stammer her thanks with tears
+of joy, and a mouth full of bread and butter.
+
+"He is a kind man, but a busy one, and people call him 'hard.'  You will
+not find him so hereafter, for he never forgets a favor, nor do I.  Eat
+well, dear child, and wait till you are rested.  I will get a basket of
+comforts for the sick man.  Who else needs help at home?"
+
+So kindly did Frau von Vost look and speak that Trudel told all her sad
+tale freely, for the master had gone at once to see to the dike, after a
+nod and a pat on the child's head, which made her quite sure that he was
+not as hard as people said.
+
+When she had opened her heart to the friendly lady, Trudel was left to
+rest a few moments, and lay luxuriously on the yellow sofa staring at
+the handsome things about her, and eating pretzels till Frau von Vost
+returned with the promised basket, out of which peeped the neck of a
+wine-bottle, the legs of a chicken, glimpses of grapes, and many neat
+parcels of good things.
+
+"My servant goes to market and will carry this for you till you are near
+home.  Go, little Trudel; and God bless you for saving us from a great
+misfortune!" said the lady; and she kissed the happy child and led her
+to the back door, where stood the little cart with an old man to drive
+the fat horse, and many baskets to be filled in town.
+
+Such a lovely drive our Trudel had that day! no queen in a splendid
+chariot ever felt prouder, for all her cares were gone, gold was in her
+pocket, food at her feet, and friends secured to make times easier for
+all.  No need to tell how joyfully she was welcomed at home, nor what
+praises she received when her secret was confided to mother and
+grandmother, nor what a feast was spread in the poor house that
+day,--for patience, courage, and trust in God had won the battle, the
+enemy had fled, and Trudel's hard siege was over.
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Chapter IX tailpiece]
+
+
+
+
+
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LULU'S LIBRARY, VOLUME III (OF
+3) ***
+
+
+
+
+A Word from Project Gutenberg
+
+
+We will update this book if we find any errors.
+
+This book can be found under: http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/40683
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no one
+owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation (and
+you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without permission
+and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules, set forth in the
+General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to copying and
+distributing Project Gutenberg(tm) electronic works to protect the
+Project Gutenberg(tm) concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a
+registered trademark, and may not be used if you charge for the eBooks,
+unless you receive specific permission. If you do not charge anything
+for copies of this eBook, complying with the rules is very easy. You may
+use this eBook for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative
+works, reports, performances and research. They may be modified and
+printed and given away - you may do practically _anything_ with public
+domain eBooks.  Redistribution is subject to the trademark license,
+especially commercial redistribution.
+
+
+
+The Full Project Gutenberg License
+
+
+_Please read this before you distribute or use this work._
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg(tm) mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work (or
+any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg(tm) License available with this file or online at
+http://www.gutenberg.org/license.
+
+
+Section 1. General Terms of Use & Redistributing Project Gutenberg(tm)
+electronic works
+
+
+*1.A.* By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg(tm)
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all the
+terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy all
+copies of Project Gutenberg(tm) electronic works in your possession. If
+you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg(tm) electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+*1.B.* "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few things
+that you can do with most Project Gutenberg(tm) electronic works even
+without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See paragraph
+1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg(tm) electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg(tm) electronic
+works. See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+*1.C.* The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the
+Foundation" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of
+Project Gutenberg(tm) electronic works. Nearly all the individual works
+in the collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you
+from copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating
+derivative works based on the work as long as all references to Project
+Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the
+Project Gutenberg(tm) mission of promoting free access to electronic
+works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg(tm) works in compliance with
+the terms of this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg(tm) name
+associated with the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this
+agreement by keeping this work in the same format with its attached full
+Project Gutenberg(tm) License when you share it without charge with
+others.
+
+*1.D.* The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg(tm) work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+*1.E.* Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+*1.E.1.* The following sentence, with active links to, or other
+immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg(tm) License must appear
+prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg(tm) work (any work
+on which the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed,
+performed, viewed, copied or distributed:
+
+    This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+    almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away
+    or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License
+    included with this eBook or online at http://www.gutenberg.org
+
+*1.E.2.* If an individual Project Gutenberg(tm) electronic work is
+derived from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating
+that it is posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can
+be copied and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying
+any fees or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a
+work with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on
+the work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs
+1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg(tm) trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+*1.E.3.* If an individual Project Gutenberg(tm) electronic work is
+posted with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and
+distribution must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and
+any additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms
+will be linked to the Project Gutenberg(tm) License for all works posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of
+this work.
+
+*1.E.4.* Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project
+Gutenberg(tm) License terms from this work, or any files containing a
+part of this work or any other work associated with Project
+Gutenberg(tm).
+
+*1.E.5.* Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg(tm) License.
+
+*1.E.6.* You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg(tm) work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg(tm) web site
+(http://www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or
+expense to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a
+means of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other form. Any alternate format must include
+the full Project Gutenberg(tm) License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+*1.E.7.* Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg(tm) works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+*1.E.8.* You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg(tm) electronic works
+provided that
+
+  - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+    the use of Project Gutenberg(tm) works calculated using the method
+    you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed
+    to the owner of the Project Gutenberg(tm) trademark, but he has
+    agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project
+    Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid
+    within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are
+    legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty
+    payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project
+    Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in
+    Section 4, "Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg
+    Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+  - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+    you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+    does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg(tm)
+    License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all
+    copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue
+    all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg(tm)
+    works.
+
+  - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of
+    any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+    electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of
+    receipt of the work.
+
+  - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+    distribution of Project Gutenberg(tm) works.
+
+
+*1.E.9.* If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project
+Gutenberg(tm) electronic work or group of works on different terms than
+are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing
+from both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg(tm) trademark. Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3. below.
+
+*1.F.*
+
+*1.F.1.* Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg(tm) collection.
+Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg(tm) electronic works, and the
+medium on which they may be stored, may contain "Defects," such as, but
+not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or corrupt data, transcription
+errors, a copyright or other intellectual property infringement, a
+defective or damaged disk or other medium, a computer virus, or computer
+codes that damage or cannot be read by your equipment.
+
+*1.F.2.* LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg(tm) trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg(tm) electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal fees.
+YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY,
+BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE PROVIDED IN
+PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE TRADEMARK OWNER, AND
+ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR
+ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES
+EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.
+
+*1.F.3.* LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+*1.F.4.* Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS,' WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+*1.F.5.* Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+*1.F.6.* INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg(tm) electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg(tm) electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg(tm)
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg(tm) work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg(tm)
+
+
+Project Gutenberg(tm) is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg(tm)'s
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg(tm) collection will remain
+freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure and
+permanent future for Project Gutenberg(tm) and future generations. To
+learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and
+how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 and the
+Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org .
+
+
+Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the state
+of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal Revenue
+Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification number is
+64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/pglaf . Contributions to the
+Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the
+full extent permitted by U.S.  federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr.
+S. Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at 809
+North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official page
+at http://www.pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+
+    Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+    Chief Executive and Director
+    gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+
+Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation
+
+
+Project Gutenberg(tm) depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations where
+we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND
+DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular state
+visit http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make any
+statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from outside
+the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other ways
+including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To donate,
+please visit: http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate
+
+
+Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg(tm) electronic
+works.
+
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg(tm)
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg(tm) eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+Project Gutenberg(tm) eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. unless
+a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily keep eBooks
+in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+Each eBook is in a subdirectory of the same number as the eBook's eBook
+number, often in several formats including plain vanilla ASCII,
+compressed (zipped), HTML and others.
+
+Corrected _editions_ of our eBooks replace the old file and take over
+the old filename and etext number. The replaced older file is renamed.
+_Versions_ based on separate sources are treated as new eBooks receiving
+new filenames and etext numbers.
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+    http://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg(tm),
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
diff --git a/40683.zip b/40683.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e3d79b0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40683.zip