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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 76977 ***
+
+[Illustration: “Rosamond sat looking about the room.”--_Frontispiece._]
+
+
+
+
+                           LITTLE BUTTON ROSE
+
+                                   BY
+
+                            LOUISA M. ALCOTT
+
+                                AUTHOR OF
+             “LITTLE WOMEN,” “LITTLE MEN,” “JO’S BOYS,” ETC.
+
+
+                               Illustrated
+
+
+                                 BOSTON
+                       LITTLE, BROWN, AND COMPANY
+
+
+
+
+                           _Copyright, 1887_,
+                          BY LOUISA M. ALCOTT.
+
+                           _Copyright, 1901_,
+                          BY JOHN S. P. ALCOTT.
+
+
+                            University Press
+                JOHN WILSON AND SON, CAMBRIDGE, U. S. A.
+
+
+
+
+                           LITTLE BUTTON-ROSE
+
+
+“If you please, I’ve come,” said a small girl, as she walked into a
+large room where three ladies sat at work.
+
+One of the ladies was very thin, one very stout, and the youngest
+very pretty. The eldest put on her glasses, the stout one dropped her
+sewing, and the pretty one exclaimed,--
+
+“Why, it must be little Rosamond!”
+
+“Yes, I’ve come; the man is taking my trunk upstairs, and I’ve got a
+letter for Cousin Penelope,” said the child, with the sweet composure
+of one always sure of a welcome.
+
+The stout lady held out her hand for the letter; but the little girl,
+after a keen look at the three faces, went to the old lady, who
+received her with a kiss, saying,--
+
+“That’s right; but how did you know, dear?”
+
+“Oh, Papa said Cousin Penny is old, Cousin Henny fat, and Cousin Cicely
+rather pretty; so I knew in one minute,” replied Rosamond, in a tone of
+innocent satisfaction at her own cleverness, and quite unconscious of
+the effect of her speech.
+
+Miss Penelope hastily retired behind the letter, Miss Henrietta frowned
+so heavily that the gold-rimmed eye-glasses flew off her nose with a
+clash, and Cicely laughed outright, as she exclaimed,--
+
+“I’m afraid we have got an _enfant terrible_ among us, though I can’t
+complain of my share of the compliments.”
+
+“I never expected to find Clara’s child well mannered, and I see I was
+quite right. Take your hat off, Rosamond, and sit down. It tires Sister
+to lean on her in that way,” said Miss Henny in a severe tone, with no
+offer of any warmer welcome.
+
+Seeing that something was amiss, the child quietly obeyed, and perching
+herself in an ancient arm-chair crossed her short legs, folded her
+plump hands over the diminutive travelling-bag she carried, and sat
+looking about the room with a pair of very large blue eyes, quite
+unabashed, though rather pensive, as if the memory of some tender
+parting were still fresh in her little heart.
+
+While Miss Penny slowly reads the letter, Miss Henny works daisies on
+a bit of canvas with pettish jerks of her silk, and Miss Cicely leans
+in the sofa-corner, staring at the newcomer, we will briefly introduce
+our small heroine. Her father was cousin to the elder ladies, and being
+called suddenly across the water on business, took his wife with him,
+leaving the little girl to the care of these relatives, thinking her
+too young for so long a journey. Cicely, an orphan niece who lived with
+the old ladies, was to have the care of Rosy; and a summer in the quiet
+country town would do her good, while change of scene would console
+her for this first separation from her mother. How she fared remains
+to be seen; and we need only add that the child had been well trained,
+made the companion of a sweet and tender woman, and was very anxious to
+please the parents whom she passionately loved, by keeping the promises
+she had made them, and being “as brave as Papa, as patient and kind as
+dear Mamma.”
+
+“Well, what do you think of it, Missy?” asked Cicely, as the blue eyes
+came back to her, after roving round the spacious, old-fashioned, and
+rather gloomy room.
+
+“It’s a pretty large, dark place for a little girl to be all alone
+in;” and there was a suspicious quiver in the childish voice, as Rosy
+opened her bag to produce a very small handkerchief, evidently feeling
+that she might have sudden need of it if some one did not speak to her
+very soon.
+
+“We keep it dark on account of Sister’s eyes. When _I_ was a little
+girl, it wasn’t considered polite to say rude things about other
+people’s houses, especially if they were very handsome ones,” said Miss
+Henny, with a stern glance over the eye-glasses at the young offender,
+whose second remark was even more unfortunate than her first.
+
+“I didn’t mean to be rude, but I _must_ tell the truth. Little girls
+like bright places. I’m sorry about Cousin Penny’s eyes. I will read to
+her; I do to Mamma, and she says it is very well for a child only eight
+years old.”
+
+The gentle answer and the full eyes seemed to calm Miss Henny’s wrath,
+for her size was her tender point, and the old house her especial
+pride; so she dropped the awe-inspiring glasses, and said more kindly,--
+
+“There is a nice little room ready for you upstairs, and a garden to
+play in. Cicely will hear you read every day, and I will teach you to
+sew, for of course that _most_ useful part of your education has been
+neglected.”
+
+“No, ma’am, I sew my four patches every day, and make little wee
+stitches, and I can hem Papa’s hank’chifs, and I was learning to darn
+his socks with a big needle when--when they went away.”
+
+Rosy paused with a sudden choke; but too proud to break down, she only
+wiped two drops off her cheek with the long ends of her little gray
+silk glove, set her lips, and remained mistress of herself, privately
+planning to cry all she liked when she was safely in the “nice little
+room” promised her.
+
+Cicely, though a lazy, selfish young lady, was touched by the child’s
+pathetic face, and said in a friendly tone, as she patted the couch
+where she lay,--
+
+“Come here, dear, and sit by me, and tell me what kind of a kitten
+you’d like best. I know of a sweet yellow one, and two grays. Our Tabby
+is too old to play with you; so you will want a kitty, I’m sure.”
+
+“Oh yes, if I may!” and Rosy skipped to the new seat with a smile which
+plainly proved that this sort of welcome was just what she liked.
+
+“Now, Cicely, why will you put such an idea into Rosamond’s head when
+you know we can’t have kittens round the house for Sister to stumble
+over, not to mention the mischief the horrid things always do? Tabby
+is all the child needs, with her doll. Of course you have a doll?” and
+Miss Henny asked the question as solemnly as if she had said, “Have you
+a soul?”
+
+“Oh yes, I have nine in my trunk, and two little ones in my bag, and
+Mamma is going to send me a big, big one from London, as soon as she
+gets there, to sleep with me and be my little comfort,” cried Rosy,
+rapidly producing from her bag a tiny bride and groom, three seedcakes,
+a smelling-bottle, and a purse out of which fell a shower of bright
+cents, also crumbs all over the immaculate carpet.
+
+“Mercy on us, what a mess! Pick it all up, child, and don’t unpack any
+more in the parlor. One doll is quite enough for me,” said Miss Henny,
+with a sigh of resignation as if asking patience to bear this new
+calamity.
+
+Rosy echoed the sigh as she crept about reclaiming her precious
+pennies, and eating the crumbs as the only way of disposing of them.
+
+“Never mind, it’s only her way; the heat makes her a little cross, you
+see,” whispered Cicely, bending down to hold the bag, into which Rosy
+bundled her treasures in hot haste.
+
+“I thought fat people were always pleasant. I’m glad _you_ ain’t fat,”
+answered the little girl, in a tone which was perfectly audible.
+
+What would have happened I tremble to think, if Miss Penny had not
+finished the letter at that moment and handed it to her sister, saying
+as she held out her arms to the child,--
+
+“Now I know all about it, and you are to be my baby; so come and give
+me some sweet kisses, darling.”
+
+Down dropped the bag, and with a little sob of joy the child nestled
+close to the kind old heart that welcomed her so tenderly at last.
+
+“Papa calls me his button-rose, ’cause I’m so small and pink and sweet,
+and thorny too sometimes,” she said, looking up brightly, after a few
+moments of the fond and foolish cuddling all little creatures love
+and need so much when they leave the nest, and miss the brooding of
+motherly wings.
+
+“We’ll call you anything you like, darling; but Rosamond is a pretty
+old name, and I’m fond of it, for it was your grandmamma’s, and a
+sweeter woman never lived,” said Miss Penny, stroking the fresh
+cheeks, where the tears shone like dew on pink rose-leaves.
+
+“I shall call you Chicken Little, because we have Henny and Penny; and
+the girls and Tab downstairs can be Goosey-Loosey, Turkey-Lurkey, and
+Cocky-Locky. I’ll be Ducky-Lucky, and I’m sure Foxy-Loxy lives next
+door,” said Cicely, laughing at her own wit, while Miss Henny looked
+up, saying, with the first smile Rosy had seen,--
+
+“That’s true enough! and I hope Chicken Little will keep out of his
+way, no matter if the sky does fall.”
+
+“Who is it? A truly fox? I never saw one. Could I peep at him some
+time?” cried the child, much interested at once.
+
+“No, dear; it’s only a neighbor of ours who has treated us badly,
+at least we think so, and we don’t speak, though we used to be good
+friends some years ago. It’s sad to live so, but we don’t quite see how
+to help it yet. We are ready to do our part; but Mr. Dover should take
+the first step, as he was in the wrong.”
+
+“Please tell about it. I have horrid quarrels with Mamie Parsons
+sometimes, but we always kiss and make up, and feel all happy again.
+Can’t you, Cousin Penny?” asked the child, softly touching the little
+white curls under the lace cap.
+
+“Well, no, dear; grown people cannot settle differences in that pretty
+way. We must wait till he apologizes, and then we shall gladly be
+friends again. You see Mr. Dover was a missionary in India for many
+years, and we were very intimate with his mother. Our gardens join, and
+a gate in our fence led across their field to the back street, and was
+most convenient when we wanted to walk by the river or send the maids
+on errands in a hurry. The old lady was very neighborly, and we were
+quite comfortable till Thomas came home and made trouble. He’d lost his
+wife and children, poor man, and his liver was out of order, and living
+among the heathen so long had made him melancholy and queer; so he
+tried to amuse himself with gardening and keeping hens.”
+
+“I’m glad! I love flowers and biddies,” murmured Rosy, listening with
+deep interest to this delightful mixture of quarrels and heathen,
+sorrow, poultry, mysterious diseases, and gardens.
+
+“He had no right to shut up our gate and forbid our crossing that
+little field, and no _gentleman_ would have _dared_ to do it after all
+our kindness to his mother,” exclaimed Miss Henny, so suddenly and
+violently that Rosamond nearly fell off the old lady’s lap with the
+start she gave.
+
+“No, sister, I don’t agree there. Mr. Thomas had a perfect _right_ to
+do as he liked with his own land; but I think we should have had no
+trouble if you had been willing to sell him the corner of our garden
+where the old summer-house is, for his hens,” began Miss Penny in a
+mild tone.
+
+“Sister! you know the tender memories connected with that bower, and
+how terrible it would have been to _me_ to see it torn down, and
+noisy fowls clucking and pecking where I and my poor Calvin once sat
+together,” cried Miss Henny, trying to look sentimental, which was
+an impossible feat for a stout lady in a flowery muslin gown, and a
+fly-away cap full of blue ribbons, on a head once flaxen and now gray.
+
+“We won’t discuss the point, Henrietta,” said the elder lady with
+dignity; whereupon the other returned to the letter, bridling and
+tossing her head in a way which caused Rosy to stare, and resolve to
+imitate it when she played be a proud princess with her dolls.
+
+“Well, dear, that was the beginning of the trouble,” continued Miss
+Penny; “and now we don’t speak, and the old lady misses us, I’m sure,
+and I often long to run in and see her, and I’m so sorry you can’t
+enjoy the wonders of that house, for it’s full of beautiful and curious
+things, most instructive for children to observe. Mr. Thomas has been
+a great traveller, and has a tiger skin in the parlor so natural
+it’s quite startling to behold; also spears, and bows and arrows,
+and necklaces of shark’s teeth, from the Cannibal Islands, and the
+loveliest stuffed birds, my dear, all over the place, and pretty shells
+and baskets, and ivory toys, and odd dresses, and no end of wonderful
+treasures. Such a sad pity you can’t see them!” and Miss Penny looked
+quite distressed at the child’s loss.
+
+“Oh, but I guess I will see ’em! Every one is good to me, and old
+gentlemen like little girls. Papa says so, and _he_ always does what I
+want when I say ‘Please’ with my wheedulin smile, as he calls it,” said
+Rosy, giving them a sample of the most engaging sort.
+
+“You funny little thing, do try it, and soften the heart of that
+tiresome man! He has the finest roses in town and the most delicious
+fruit, and we never get any, though he sends quantities everywhere
+else. Such a fuss over an old earwiggy arbor! It is perfectly
+provoking, when we might enjoy so much over there; and who knows what
+might happen!”
+
+As Cicely spoke, she smoothed her brown curls and glanced at the
+mirror, quite conscious that a very pretty young lady of twenty was
+wasting her sweetness in the great gloomy house, with two elderly
+spinsters.
+
+“I’ll get some for you,” answered Rosy, with a nod of such calm
+conviction of her own power, that Cicely laughed again, and proposed
+that she should go at once and view the battle-field.
+
+“Could I _run_ in the garden? I’d love to, after riding so long,” asked
+Rosy, eager to be off; for her active legs ached for exercise, and the
+close, shady room oppressed her.
+
+“Yes, dear; but don’t get into mischief, or worry Tabby, or pick the
+flowers. Of course you wouldn’t touch green fruit, or climb trees, or
+soil your little frock. I’ll ring the bell for you to come in and be
+dressed for tea when it is time.”
+
+With these directions and a kiss, Miss Penny, as Cicely did not stir,
+let the child out at the back door of the long hall, and watched her
+walk demurely down the main path of the prim old garden, where no
+child had played for years, and even the toads and fat robins behaved
+in the most decorous manner.
+
+“It’s pretty dull, but it’s better than the parlor with all the staring
+pictures,” said Rosy to herself, after a voyage of discovery had shown
+her the few charms of the place. The sight of a large yellow cat
+reposing in the sun cheered her eyes at that moment, and she hastened
+to scrape acquaintance with the stately animal: for the snails were not
+social, and the toads stared even more fixedly at her than the painted
+eyes of her respected ancestors.
+
+But Tabby disliked children as much as her mistress, and after
+submitting ungraciously to a few caresses from the eager little hands,
+she rose and retired majestically to a safer perch on the top of the
+high wall which enclosed the garden. Being too lazy to jump, she walked
+up the shelves of an old flower-stand moulding in a corner, and by so
+doing, gave Rosy a brilliant idea, which she at once put into action
+by following Tabby’s example. Up this new sort of ladder she went, and
+peeped over the wall, delighted at this unexpected chance to behold the
+enemy’s territory.
+
+“Oh, what a pretty place!” she cried, clasping her grubby little hands
+with rapture, as the beauties of the forbidden land burst upon her view.
+
+It was indeed a paradise to a child’s eyes,--for flowers bloomed along
+the winding paths; ripening fruit lay rosy and tempting in the beds
+below; behind the wire walls that confined them clucked and strutted
+various sorts of poultry; cages of gay birds hung on the piazza; and
+through the open windows of the house one caught glimpses of curious
+curtains, bright weapons, and mysterious objects in the rooms beyond.
+
+A gray-headed gentleman in a queer nankeen coat lay asleep on a bamboo
+lounge under the great cherry-tree, with a purple silk handkerchief
+half over his face.
+
+“That’s the missionary man, I s’pose. He doesn’t look cross at all. If
+I could only get down there, I’d go and wake him with a softly kiss, as
+I do Papa, and ask to see his pretty things.”
+
+Being quite unconscious of fear, Rosy certainly would have carried out
+her daring plan, had it been possible; but no way of descending on the
+other side appeared, so she sighed and sat gazing wistfully, till
+Cousin Henny appeared for a breath of fresh air, and ordered her down
+at once.
+
+“Come and see if my balsam-seeds have started yet. I keep planting
+them, but they _won’t_ come up,” she said, pointing out a mound of
+earth newly dug and watered.
+
+Rosy obediently scrambled up, and was trying to decide whether some
+green sprouts were chickweed or the dilatory balsams when a sudden
+uproar in the next garden made her stop to listen, while Miss Henny
+said in a tone of great satisfaction, as the cackle of hens arose,--
+
+“Some trouble with those horrid fowls of his. I detest them, crowing
+in the night, and waking us at dawn with their noise. I wish some
+thief would steal every one of them. Nobody has a right to annoy their
+neighbors with troublesome pets.”
+
+Before Rosy could describe the beauties of the white bantams or the
+size of the big golden cock, a loud voice cried,--
+
+“You rascal! I’ll hang you if I catch you here again. Go home quicker
+than you came, and tell your mistress to teach you better manners if
+she values your life.”
+
+“It’s that man! Such language! I wonder who he’s caught? That bad boy
+who steals our plums, perhaps.”
+
+The words were hardly out of Miss Henny’s mouth when her question was
+answered in a sudden and dreadful way; for over the wall, hurled by a
+strong arm, flew Tabby, high in the air, to fall with a thump directly
+in the middle of the bed where they stood. Miss Henny uttered a shrill
+scream, caught up her stunned treasure, and rushed into the house as
+fast as her size and flounces permitted, leaving Rosy breathless with
+surprise and indignation.
+
+Burning to resent this terrible outrage, she climbed quickly up the
+steps, and astonished the irate old gentleman on the other side by the
+sudden apparition of a golden head, a red childish face, and a dirty
+little finger pointed sternly at him, as this small avenging angel
+demanded,--
+
+“Missionary man, how _could_ you kill my cousin’s cat?”
+
+“Bless my soul! who are you?” said the old gentleman, staring at this
+unexpected actor on the field of battle.
+
+“I’m Button-Rose, and I hate cruel people! Tabby’s dead, and now there
+isn’t any one to play with over here.”
+
+This sad prospect made the blue eyes fill with sudden tears; and the
+application of the dirty fingers added streaks of mud to the red
+cheeks, which much damaged the appearance of the angel, though it added
+pathos to the child’s reproach.
+
+“Cats have nine lives, and Tabby’s used to being chucked over the wall.
+I’ve done it several times, and it seems to agree with her, for she
+comes back to kill my chicks as bold as brass. See that!” and the old
+gentleman held up a downy dead chicken, as proof of Tabby’s sin.
+
+“Poor little chicky!” groaned Rosy, yearning to mourn over the dear
+departed and bury it with tender care. “It _was_ very naughty of Tab;
+but, sir, you know cats are made to catch things, and they can’t help
+it.”
+
+“They will have to help it, or I’ll drown the lot. This is a rare
+breed, and I’ve but two left after all my trouble, thanks to that
+rascal of yours! What are you going to do about it?” demanded Mr.
+Dover, in a tone that made Rosy feel as if she had committed the murder
+herself.
+
+“I’ll talk to Tabby and try to make her good, and I’ll shut her up in
+the old rabbit-house over here; then I hope she will be sorry and
+never do it any more,” she said, in such a remorseful tone that the old
+gentleman relented at once, ashamed to afflict such a tender little
+soul.
+
+“Try it,” he said, with a smile that made his yellow face pleasant all
+at once. Then, as if ready to change the subject, he asked, looking
+curiously at the little figure perched on the wall,--
+
+“Where did you come from? Never saw any children over there before.
+They don’t allow ’em.”
+
+Rosy introduced herself in a few words, and seeing that her new
+acquaintance seemed interested, she added with the wheedling smile Papa
+found so engaging,--
+
+“It’s pretty lonely here, I guess; so p’r’aps you’ll let me peep at
+your nice garden sometimes if it doesn’t trouble you, Sir?”
+
+“Poor little soul! it must be desperately dull with those three
+tabbies,” he said to himself, as he stroked the dead chicken in his
+hand, and watched the little face bent toward him.
+
+“Peep as much as you like, child; or, better still, come over and run
+about. _I_ like little girls,” he added aloud, with a nod and a wave of
+welcome.
+
+“I told ’em I was sure you did! I’d love to come, but they wouldn’t let
+me, I know. I’m so sorry about the fight. Couldn’t you make it up, and
+be pleasant again?” asked Rosy, clasping her hands with a beseeching
+gesture as her bright face grew sad and serious remembering the feud.
+
+“So they’ve told you that nonsense already, have they? Nice neighbors
+_they_ are,” said the old gentleman, frowning as if ill pleased at the
+news.
+
+“I’m glad I know; p’r’aps I can be a peacemaker. Mamma says they are
+good to have in families, and I’d like to be one if I could. Would you
+mind if I tried to peace-make a little, so I could come over? I do want
+to see the red birds and the tiger skin awfully, if you please.”
+
+“What do you know about ’em?” asked the old gentleman, sitting down on
+a garden chair, as if he didn’t mind continuing the chat with this new
+neighbor.
+
+Nearly tumbling off the wall in her earnestness, Rosy repeated all
+that Cousin Penny had said; and something in the reasonable words, the
+flattering description, of his treasures, and the sincere regret of
+the old lady seemed to have a good effect upon Mr. Dover, for when
+Rosy paused out of breath, he said in such an altered tone that it was
+evident the peace-making had already begun,--
+
+“Miss Carey is a gentlewoman! I always thought so. You tell her, with
+my compliments, that I’d be glad to see you any time if she has no
+objection. I’ll put my step-ladder there, and you can come over instead
+of the cat. But mind you don’t meddle, or I might give you a toss like
+Tabby.”
+
+“I’m not afraid,” laughed Rosy. “I’ll go and ask right away, and I
+won’t touch a thing, and I know you’ll like me for a friend. Papa says
+I’m a dear little one. Thank you very much, sir. Good-by till I come
+again;” and with a kiss of the hand, the yellow head sunk out of sight
+like the sun going down, leaving a sense of darkness behind when the
+beaming little face disappeared, though fresh stains of green mould
+from the wall made it rather like the tattooed countenances Mr. Dover
+used to see among his cannibal friends in Africa.
+
+He sat musing with the dead chicken in his hand, forgetful of time,
+till a ring of his own door-bell called him in to receive a note from
+Miss Penelope, thanking him for his invitation to little Rosamond, but
+declining it in the most polite and formal words.
+
+“I expected it! Bless the silly old souls! why can’t they be
+reasonable, and accept the olive branch when I offer it? I’ll be hanged
+if I do again! The fat one is at the bottom of this. Miss Pen would
+give in if that absurd Henrietta didn’t hold her back. Well, I’m sorry
+for the child, but that’s not my fault;” and throwing down the note,
+Mr. Dover went out to water his roses.
+
+For a week or two, Button-Rose hardly dared glance toward the forbidden
+spot from her window, as she was ordered to play in the front garden,
+and sent to take sober walks with Cicely, who loved to stop and gossip
+with her friends, while the poor child waited patiently till the long
+tales were told.
+
+Nursing Tabby was her chief consolation; and so kind was she, that
+the heart of the old cat softened to her, and she actually purred her
+thanks at last, for all the saucers of cream, bits of chicken, soft
+pats, and tender words bestowed upon her by the little girl.
+
+“Well, I declare! Tab won’t do that even for me,” said Miss Henny, one
+day, when she came upon the child sitting alone in the hall with a
+picture-book and the cat comfortably asleep in her lap.
+
+“Ammals always love me, if people don’t,” answered Button-Rose,
+soberly; for she had not yet forgiven the stout lady for denying her
+the delights offered by the “missionary man.”
+
+“That’s because _an-i-mals_ can’t see how naughty you are sometimes,”
+said Miss Henny tartly, not having recovered her temper even after many
+days.
+
+“I shall make _every_ one love me before I go away. Mamma told me to,
+and I shall. I know how;” and Button smiled with a wise little nod that
+was pretty to see, as she proudly cuddled her first conquest.
+
+“We shall see;” and Miss Henny ponderously departed, wondering what odd
+fancy the little thing would take into her head next.
+
+It was soon evident; for when she came down from her long nap, later
+in the afternoon, Miss Henny found Rosamond reading aloud to her
+sister in the great dim parlor. They made a curious contrast,--the
+pale, white-haired, feeble old lady, with her prim dress, high cap,
+knitting, and shaded eyes; and the child, rosy and round, quaint and
+sweet, a pretty little ornament for the old-fashioned room, as she sat
+among the tea-poys and samplers, ancient china and furniture, with the
+portraits of great grandfathers and grandmothers simpering and staring
+at her, as if pleased and surprised to see such a charming little
+descendant among them.
+
+“Bless the baby! what is she at now?” asked Miss Henny, feeling more
+amiable after her sleep.
+
+“I’m reading to Cousin Penny, ’cause no one else does, and her poor
+eyes hurt her, and she likes stories, and so do I,” answered Button,
+with one chubby finger on the place in her book, and eyes full of pride
+at the grown-up employment she had found for herself.
+
+“So kind of the little dear! She found me alone and wanted to amuse me;
+so I proposed a story to suit us both, and she does very well with a
+little help now and then. I haven’t read ‘Simple Susan’ for years, and
+really enjoy it. Maria Edgeworth was always a favorite of mine, and I
+still think her far superior to any modern writer for the young,” said
+Miss Penny, looking quite animated and happy in the new entertainment
+provided for her.
+
+“Go on, child; let me hear how well you can read;” and Miss Henny
+settled herself in the sofa-corner with her embroidery.
+
+So Button started bravely off, and tried so hard that she was soon out
+of breath. As she paused, she said with a gasp,--
+
+“Isn’t Susan a dear girl? She gives _all_ the best things to other
+people, and is kind to the old harper. She didn’t send him away, as you
+did the music-man to-day, and tell him to be still.”
+
+“Organs are a nuisance, and I never allow them here. Go on, and don’t
+criticise your elders, Rosamond.”
+
+“Mamma and I always talk over stories, and pick out the morals of ’em.
+_She_ likes it;” with which remark, made sweetly not pertly, Button
+went on to the end, with an occasional lift over a long word; and the
+old ladies were interested, in spite of themselves, in the simple tale
+read in that childish voice.
+
+“Thank you, dear, it is very nice, and we will have one every day.
+Now, what can I do for you?” asked Miss Penny, as the little girl
+pushed the curls off her forehead, with a sigh of mingled weariness and
+satisfaction.
+
+“Let me go in the back garden and peep through the knot-hole at the
+pretty roses. I do long to see if the moss ones are out, and the
+cherries ripe,” said Rosy, clasping her hands imploringly.
+
+“It can do no harm, Henrietta. Yes, dear, run away and get some catnip
+for Tabby, and see if the balsams are up yet.”
+
+That last suggestion won Miss Henny’s consent; and Button was off at
+once, skipping like a young colt all over the garden, which now seemed
+delightful to her.
+
+At the back of the summer-house was a narrow space between it and the
+fence where certain plump toads lived; peeping in to watch them, Rosy
+had spied a large knot-hole in the old boards, and through it found she
+could get a fine view of several rose-bushes, a tree, and one window
+of the “missionary man’s” house. She had longed for another peep since
+the flower-stand was gone, and climbing trees forbidden; now with joy
+she slipped into the damp nook, regardless of the speckled gentlemen
+who stared at her with dismay, and took a good look at the forbidden
+paradise beyond.
+
+Yes, the “moss ones” were in bloom, the cherries quite red, and at the
+window was the gray head of Mr. Dover, as he sat reading in his queer
+yellow dressing-gown.
+
+Button yearned to get in, and leaned so hard against the hateful fence
+that the rotten board cracked, a long bit fell out, and she nearly
+went after it, as it dropped upon the green bank below. Now the full
+splendor of the roses burst upon her, and a delightful gooseberry bush
+stood close by with purplish berries temptingly bobbing within reach.
+This obliging bush hid the hole, but left fine openings to see through;
+so the child popped her curly head out, and gazed delightedly at the
+chickens, the flowers, the fruit, and the unconscious old gentleman not
+far away.
+
+“I’ll have it for my secret; or maybe I’ll tell Cousin Penny, and beg
+her to let me peep if I truly promise never to go in,” thought Button,
+knowing well who her best friend was.
+
+At bedtime, when the dear old lady came to give the good-night kiss,
+which the others forgot, Rosy, as Miss Penny called her, made her
+request; and it was granted, for Miss Penny had a feeling that the
+little peacemaker would sooner or later heal the breach with her pretty
+magic, and so she was very ready to lend a hand in a quiet way.
+
+Next day at play-time, Button was hurrying down her last bit of
+gingerbread, which she was obliged to eat properly in the dining-room,
+instead of enjoying out-of-doors, when she heard a sudden flurry in the
+garden, and running to the window saw Roxy the maid chasing a chicken
+to and fro, while Miss Henny stood flapping her skirts on the steps,
+and crying, “Shoo!” till she was red in the face.
+
+“It’s the white banty, and it must have come in my hole! Oh dear, I
+hope they won’t catch it! Cousin Henny said she’d wring the neck of the
+first one that flied over the wall.”
+
+Away went Rosy, to join in the hunt; for Miss Henny was too fat to run,
+and Roxy found the lively fowl too much for her. It was a long and hard
+chase; feathers flew, the maid lost her breath, Rosy tumbled down, and
+Miss Henny screamed and scolded till she was forced to sit down and
+watch in silence.
+
+At last poor, hunted Banty ran into the arbor, for its clipped wings
+would not lift it over the wall. Button rushed after it, and dismal
+squalls plainly proclaimed that the naughty chicken was caught.
+
+Miss Henny waddled down the path, declaring that she _would_ wring
+its neck; and Roxy went puffing after her, glad to rest. But the old
+summer-house was empty. No little girl, no ruffled bantam, appeared.
+Both had vanished like magic; and mistress and maid stared at each
+other in amazement, till they saw that the long-disused window was
+open, and a gleam of light came in from the narrow opening behind.
+
+“My patience! if that child hasn’t crept out there, and bolted through
+that hole in the fence! Did you ever, Miss?” exclaimed Roxy, trying not
+to look pleased at being spared the distasteful task of killing the
+poor chicken.
+
+“Naughty girl!” began Miss Henny, when the sound of voices made both
+listen. “Slip in there, and see what is going on,” said the mistress,
+well knowing that her stout person never could be squeezed into the
+small space between house and fence.
+
+Roxy, being thin, easily obeyed, and in a whisper telephoned what went
+on beyond the hole, causing Miss Henny much vexation, surprise, and
+at last real pleasure, as the child performed her little part in the
+mission she had undertaken.
+
+“Oh, please, it’s all my fault! I kept the hole open, Mr. Thomas, and
+so Banty flied in. But it isn’t hurt a bit, and I’ve brought it home
+all safe, ’cause I know you love your chickies, and Tabby ate lots of
+’em,” said the childish voice in its most conciliatory tone.
+
+“Why didn’t you fling it over the wall, as I did the cat?” asked Mr.
+Dover, smiling, as he shut up the truant fowl, and turned to look at
+the rosy, breathless child, whose pink frock bore the marks of many a
+tumble on grass and gravel.
+
+“It would hurt Banty’s feelings, and yours too, and not be polite. So
+I came myself, to make some pollygies, and say it was my fault. But,
+please, could I keep the hole to peep through, if I always put up a
+board when I go away? It is so dull in there, and _so_ sweet in here!”
+
+“Don’t you think a little gate would be nicer,--one just big enough for
+you, with a hook to fasten it? We’ll call it a button-hole,” laughed
+Mr. Dover. “Then you could peep; or perhaps the ladies will think
+better of it, and show that they pardon my ill-treatment of Tabby by
+letting you come in and pick some cherries and roses now and then.”
+
+This charming proposal caused the little girl to clasp her hands and
+cry aloud,--
+
+“That would be perfully sp’endid! I know Cousin Penny would like it,
+and let me. P’r’aps she’d come herself; she’s so thin, she could, and
+she loves your mother and wants to see her. Only, Cousin Henny won’t
+let us be nice and friendly. S’pose you send _her_ some cherries; she
+loves good things to eat, and maybe she will say yes, if you send lots.”
+
+Mr. Dover laughed at this artless proposal, and Miss Henny smiled at
+the prospect of a gift of the luscious black-heart cherries she had
+been longing for. Roxy wisely repeated only the agreeable parts of the
+conversation; so nothing ruffled the lady’s temper. Now, whether Mr.
+Dover’s sharp eye caught a glimpse of the face among the gooseberry
+bushes, and suspected eavesdroppers, or whether the child’s earnest
+desire to make peace touched him, who shall say? Certain it is that
+his eyes twinkled like a boy’s, as he said rather loudly, in his most
+affable tone,--
+
+“I shall be most happy to send Miss Henrietta a basket of fruit. She
+used to be a charming young woman. It’s a pity she shuts herself up
+so much; but that sad little romance of hers has darkened her life, I
+suppose. Ah, well, I can sympathize with her!”
+
+Rosy stared at the sudden change in his manner, and was rather
+bewildered by his grown-up way of talking to her. But being intent
+on securing something nice to carry home, she stuck to the cherries,
+which she _did_ understand, and pointing to the piazza said with a
+business-like air,--
+
+“There’s a basket; so we might pick ’em right away. I love to go up in
+trees and throw ’em down; and I know Cousin Henny will like cherries
+ever so much, and not scold a bit when I take some to her.”
+
+“Then come on,” cried Mr. Thomas, relapsing into the hearty manner she
+liked so much; and away he went, quite briskly, down the path, with
+his yellow skirts waving in the wind, and Button skipping after him in
+great glee.
+
+“They actually _are_ a-picking cherries, Miss, up in the tree like a
+couple of robins a-chirpin’ and laughin’ as gay as can be,” reported
+Roxy, from her peep-hole.
+
+“Rip off the rest of that board, then I can see,” whispered Miss Henny,
+quivering with interest now; for she had heard Mr. Dover’s words, and
+her wrath was appeased by that flattering allusion to herself.
+
+Off came the rest of the board, and from the window, half hidden in
+woodbine, she could now see over the bushes into the next garden. The
+peep-hole commanded the tree, and she watched with eager eyes the
+filling of the basket to be sent her, planning the while a charming
+note of thanks.
+
+“Do look, Miss; they are resting now, and she’s on his knee. Ain’t it
+a pretty picter?” whispered Roxy, unmindful of the earwigs, ants, and
+daddy-long-legs promenading over her as she crouched in her mouldy
+corner, intent on the view beyond.
+
+[Illustration: “‘Do look, Miss! they are resting now.’”--PAGE 32.]
+
+“Very pretty! He lost several children in India and I suppose Rosy
+reminds him of them. Ah, poor man! I can sympathize with him, for _I_
+too have loved and lost,” sighed Miss Henny, pensively surveying the
+group on the rustic seat.
+
+They were playing cherry-bob; and the child’s laughter made pleasant
+music in the usually quiet place, while the man’s face lost its sad,
+stern look, and was both gay and tender, as he held the little creature
+close, and popped the ripe fruit into the red, laughing mouth.
+
+As the last sweet morsel disappeared Rosy said, with a long breath of
+perfect content,--
+
+“It’s _almost_ as good as having Papa to play with. I do hope the
+cousins _will_ let me come again! If they don’t, I think my heart will
+break, ’cause I get so homesick over there, and have so many trials,
+and no one but Cousin Penny ever cuddles me.”
+
+“Bless her heart! We’ll send her some flowers for that. You tell her
+that Mrs. Dover is poorly, and would like very much to see her; and
+so would Mr. Thomas, who enjoys her little niece immensely. Can you
+remember that?”
+
+“Every word! _She_ is very nice to me, and I love her, and I guess she
+will be glad to come. She likes _moss_-roses, and so do I,” added the
+unblushing little beggar, as Mr. Dover took out his knife and began to
+make the bouquet which was to be Miss Penny’s bribe. He could not bear
+to give up his little playmate, and was quite ready to try again, with
+this persistent and charming ally to help him heal the breach.
+
+“Shall you send anything to Cis? You needn’t mind about it, ’cause
+she can’t keep me at home, but it might please her, and make her stop
+rapping my head with her thimble when I ask questions, and slapping my
+fingers when I touch any of her pretty things,” suggested Button, as
+the flowers were added to the fruit, making a fine display.
+
+“I never send presents to _young_ ladies,” said Mr. Thomas shortly,
+adding, with both hands out, and his most inviting smile, “But I
+_always_ kiss nice little girls if they will allow me?”
+
+Button threw both arms about his neck and gave him a shower of grateful
+kisses, which were sweeter to the lonely old man than all the cherries
+that ever grew, or the finest flowers in his garden. Then Miss Rosamond
+proudly marched home, finding no trace of the watchers, for both
+had fled while the “cuddling” went on. Roxy was soberly setting the
+dinner-table, and Miss Henny in the parlor breathing hard behind a
+newspaper. Miss Penny and Cicely were spending the day out, so the
+roses had to wait; but the basket was most graciously received, also
+the carefully delivered message, and the child’s heart was rejoiced
+by free permission to go and see “our kind neighbor now and then, if
+Sister does not object.”
+
+Rosy was in great spirits, and prattled away as they sat at dinner,
+emboldened by the lady’s unusual amiability to ask all sorts of
+questions, some of which proved rather embarrassing to Miss Henny, and
+very amusing to Roxy, listening in the china-closet.
+
+“I wish _I_ had ’spepsia,” was the abrupt remark of the small person
+as her plate of drumsticks was removed and the pudding appeared,
+accompanied by the cherries.
+
+“Why, dear?” asked Miss Henny, busily arranging the small dish of
+delicate tidbits, which left little but the skeleton of the roast fowl
+for the kitchen.
+
+“Then I could have the nicest bits of chicken, and heaps of sauce on my
+pudding, and the butteryest slices of toast, and _all_ the cream for my
+tea, as you do. It isn’t a _very_ bad pain, is it?” asked Rosy, in such
+perfect good faith that Miss Henny’s sudden flush and Roxy’s hasty dive
+into the closet never suggested to her that this innocent speech was
+bringing the old lady’s besetting sin to light in the most open manner.
+
+“Yes, child, it is _very_ bad, and you may thank your stars that I
+try to keep you from it by feeding you on plain food. At my age, and
+suffering as I do, the best of everything is needed to keep up my
+strength,” said Miss Henny, tartly. But the largest plate of pudding,
+with “heaps of sauce,” went to the child this day, and when the fruit
+was served, an unusually small portion was put away for the invalid,
+who was obliged to sustain nature with frequent lunches through the day
+and evening.
+
+“I’m s’prised that you suffer much, Cousin Henny. How brave you must
+be, not to cry about it, and go round in horrid pain, as you do, and
+dress so nicely, and see people, and work ’broidering, and make calls!
+I hope I shall be brave if I ever _do_ have ’spepsia; but I guess I
+shan’t, you take such care to give me small pieces every time.”
+
+With which cheerful remark Rosy closed that part of the conversation
+and returned to the delights of her new friend’s garden. But from that
+day, among other changes which began about this time, the child’s
+cup and plate were well filled, and the dread of adding to her own
+sufferings seemed to curb the dyspeptic’s voracious appetite. “A cheild
+was amang them takin’ notes,” and every one involuntarily dreaded
+those clear eyes and that frank tongue, so innocently observing and
+criticising all that went on. Cicely had already been reminded of
+a neglected duty by Rosy’s reading to Miss Penny, and tried to be
+more faithful in that, as in other services which she owed the old
+lady. So the little missionary was evidently getting on, though quite
+unconscious of her work at home, so absorbed was she in her foreign
+mission; for, like many another missionary, the savage over the way
+was more interesting than the selfish, slothful, or neglected souls at
+home.
+
+Miss Penny was charmed with her flowers and the friendly message
+sent her, and to Rosy’s great delight went next day, in best bonnet
+and gown, to make a call upon the old lady “who was poorly,” for
+that appeal could not be resisted. Rosy also, in honor of the great
+occasion, wore _her_ best hat, and a white frock so stiff that she
+looked like a little opera dancer as the long black legs skipped along
+the street; for this was far too grand a visit to be paid through a
+hole in the wall.
+
+In the basket were certain delicacies for the old lady, and a card had
+been prepared, with the names of Miss Carey and Miss Rosamond Carey
+beautifully written on it by Cis, who was dying to go, but dared not
+after Rosy had told her Mr. Dover’s remark about young ladies.
+
+As the procession of two paused at the door, both the young and the old
+heart fluttered a little, for this was the first decided step toward
+reconciliation, and any check might spoil it all. The maid stared, but
+civilly led these unexpected guests in and departed with the card. Miss
+Penny settled herself in a large chair and looked about with pensive
+interest at the familiar room. But Rosy made a bee-line for the great
+tiger-skin, and regardless of her clean frock lay down on it to examine
+the head, which glared at her with yellow eyes, showing all its sharp
+teeth in the most delightfully natural manner.
+
+Mr. Dover came in with a formal bow, but Miss Penny put out both hands,
+and said in her sweet old voice,--
+
+“Let us be friends again for the sake of your mother.”
+
+That settled the matter at once, and Mr. Thomas was so eager to do his
+part that he not only shook the hands heartily, but kept them in his as
+he said like an honest man,--
+
+“My dear neighbor, I beg your pardon! _I_ was wrong, but I’m not too
+proud to own it and say I’m glad to let bygones be bygones for the sake
+of all. Now come and see my mother; she is longing for you.”
+
+What went on in the next room Rosy never knew or cared, for Mr. Thomas
+soon returned, and amused her so well, showing his treasures, that she
+forgot where she was till the maid came to say tea was ready.
+
+“Are we going to stay?” cried the little girl, beaming from under a
+Feejee crown of feathers, which produced as comical an effect upon her
+curly head as did the collar of shark’s teeth round her plump neck or
+the great Japanese war-fan in her hand.
+
+“Yes, we have tea at five; come and turn it out. I’ve ordered the
+little cups especially for you,” said her host, as he changed the small
+Amazon to a pretty child again and led her away to preside at the
+table, where the quaint china and silver, and the dainty cake and bread
+and butter proved much more attractive than the little old lady in a
+big cap who patted her head and smiled at her.
+
+Never had Rosy enjoyed such a delicious meal; for the rapture of
+pouring real tea out of a pot shaped like a silver melon, into cups as
+thin as egg-shells, and putting in sugar with tongs like claws, not to
+mention much thick cream, also spicy, plummy cakes that melted in one’s
+mouth, was too great for words.
+
+The little maid was so absorbed in her new duties that she never
+minded what the elders talked about, till the plates were empty, the
+pot ran dry, and no one could be prevailed on to have any more tea.
+Then she leaned back in her chair and remarked with an air of calm
+satisfaction, as she looked from one to the other, and smiled that
+engaging smile of hers,--
+
+“Isn’t being friends a great deal nicer than fighting and throwing cats
+over walls and calling bad names?”
+
+It was impossible not to laugh, and that cheerful sound seemed to tune
+every one to the sweetest harmony, while the little peacemaker was
+passed round as if a last course of kisses was absolutely necessary.
+
+Then the party broke up, and Mr. Dover escorted his guests to their
+own gate, to the great amazement of the neighbors and the very visible
+pride of Miss Button-Rose, who went up the walk with her head as high
+as if the wreath of daisies on her little hat had been a conqueror’s
+crown.
+
+Now that the first step had been taken, all would have gone smoothly
+if Cicely, offended because Mr. Thomas took no notice of _her_, had
+not put it into Miss Henny’s head that as the original quarrel began
+between her and their neighbor, it would not be dignified to give in
+till Mr. Dover had come and begged pardon of _her_ as well as of Miss
+Penny. This suited the foolish old lady, who never could forget certain
+plain words spoken in the heat of battle, though the kindly ones
+lately heard had much softened her heart toward the offender.
+
+“No, I shall not forget my dignity nor humble myself by going over
+there to apologize as Penelope has. _She_ can do as she likes; and now
+that he has asked to be forgiven, there is perhaps no harm in _her_
+seeing the old lady. But with me it is different. _I_ was insulted, and
+till Thomas Dover comes here and solemnly asks my pardon I will _not_
+cross his threshold, no matter what bribes he sends,” said Miss Henny,
+with an air of heroic firmness.
+
+But it did cost her a pang when her sister went every now and then to
+take tea with the old lady and came home full of pleasant news; while
+Rosy prattled of the fine things she saw, the nice things she had to
+eat, and never failed to bring some gift to share, or to display to the
+exiles from Paradise. They ate the “bribes,” however, as they called
+the fruit, admired the pretty trinkets and toys, and longed to share in
+the mild festivities of the pleasant house over the way, but stood firm
+in spite of all Rosy’s wiles, till something unexpected happened to
+touch their hearts, conquer their foolish pride, and crown the little
+peacemaker’s efforts with success.
+
+One August afternoon Cicely was discontentedly looking over her small
+store of ornaments as she made ready for a party. She loved gayety,
+and went about a great deal, leaving many duties undone, or asking the
+little girl to attend to them for her, neglecting, however, to show any
+gratitude for these small services so cheerfully done.
+
+As she sat tossing over her boxes, Button-Rose came in looking tired
+and listless, for it was a hot day, and she had been out twice to do
+errands for Cicely, besides trotting busily up and down to wait on
+the old ladies while the young one put fresh ribbons on her dress and
+curled her hair for the evening.
+
+“Could I lie on your sofa, please, Cis? My head aches, and my legs are
+_so_ tired,” said little Button, when her tap had been answered by a
+sharp “What do you want, child?”
+
+“No, I’m going to lie there myself and have a nap as soon as I’m done
+here. It’s cooler than the bed, and I must be fresh for to-night,” said
+Cicely, too intent on her own affairs to see how used up Rosy looked.
+
+“Then could I look at your pretty things if I don’t touch ’em?” asked
+the child, longing to peep into the interesting boxes scattered on the
+table.
+
+“No, you can’t! I’m busy, and don’t want you asking questions and
+meddling. Go away and let me alone.”
+
+Cicely spoke crossly, and waved her hand with a warning gesture,
+thereby upsetting the tray which held the beads of the necklace she had
+decided to wear for want of something better.
+
+“There, now see what you’ve done! Pick up every one, and be quick, for
+I’m in a hurry.”
+
+“But I didn’t touch ’em,” began poor Button, as she crept about hunting
+for the black and white beads that looked like very ugly marbles.
+
+“Don’t talk; pick them up and then scamper; you are always in
+mischief!” scolded Cis, vexed with herself, and the heat, and the
+accident, and the whole world just then.
+
+Rosy said no more, but several great tears dropped on the carpet as
+she groped in corners, under the bed, and behind the chairs for the
+runaways; and when the last was found she put it in her tyrant’s hand,
+saying, with a wistful look,--
+
+“I’m very sorry I troubled you. Seems to me if _I_ had a little cousin,
+I’d love to have her play with my things, and I wouldn’t be cross to
+her. Now I’ll go and try to _amoose_ myself with Bella; _she_ is always
+good to me.”
+
+“Run along then. Thank goodness that doll came when it did, for I’m
+tired of ‘amoosing’ small girls as well as old ladies,” said Cis, busy
+with her beads, yet sorry she had been so petulant with patient little
+Button, who seldom reproached her, being a cheery child, and blessed
+with a sweet temper.
+
+Rosy felt too languid to play; so when she had told Bella, the London
+doll, her trials, and comforted herself with some kisses on the waxen
+cheeks, she roamed away to the summer-house, which was cool and quiet,
+longing for some one to caress her; for the little heart was homesick
+and the little head ached badly.
+
+The “button-hole” had been made, the alley swept out, to the great
+dismay of the spiders, earwigs, and toads, who had fled to quieter
+quarters, and Rosy had leave to go and come when she liked if Mr.
+Dover did not object. He never did; and it was her greatest delight to
+walk in the pretty garden at her own sweet will, always with the hope
+of meeting its kindly owner, for now they were firm friends. She had
+been too busy for a run there that day; and now, as she peeped in, it
+looked so shady and inviting, and it seemed so natural to turn to her
+dear “missionary man” for entertainment, that she went straight up to
+his study window and peeped in.
+
+He too seemed out of sorts that hot afternoon, for he sat leaning
+his head on both hands at the desk strewn with piles of old letters.
+Button-Rose’s tender heart yearned over him at once, and stepping
+quietly in at the long open window she went to him, saying in her
+tenderest tone,--
+
+“Does your head ache, Sir? Let me soft it as I do Papa’s; he says that
+always makes it more better. Please let me? I’d love to dearly.”
+
+“Ah, my darling, I wish you could. But the pain is in my heart, and
+nothing will ever cure it,” sighed Mr. Thomas, as he drew her close and
+put his wrinkled yellow cheek to her soft one, which looked more like a
+damask rose than usual.
+
+“You have trials too, I s’pose. Mine trouble me to-day, so I came over
+to see you. Shall I go away?” asked Rosy with a sigh and the wistful
+look again.
+
+“No, stay, and we will comfort each other. Tell me your troubles,
+Button, and perhaps I can help them,” the kind old gentleman said as he
+took her on his knee and stroked the curly head with a paternal touch.
+
+So Rosy told her latest grief, and never saw the smile that crept about
+the lips that asked in a tone of deep interest,--
+
+“Well, what do you mean to do to that unkind Cicely?”
+
+“For a minute I wanted to slap her back when she tried to spat my
+hands. Then I ’membered that Mamma said a kiss for a blow was a good
+thing, so I picked up the beads and planned to do it; but Cis looked
+_so_ cross I couldn’t. If I had a pretty necklace I’d go and give it to
+her, and then maybe she’d love me better.”
+
+“My dear little missionary, you _shall_ have beads to win the heart of
+_your_ heathen, if that is all you need. See here; take anything you
+like, and give it with the kiss.”
+
+As he spoke, Mr. Dover pulled open a drawer in the desk and displayed a
+delightful collection of pretty, quaint, and curious trinkets picked up
+in foreign lands, and kept for keepsakes, since no little daughters of
+his own lived to wear them.
+
+“How perf’ly dorgeous!” cried Rosy, who often fell into baby talk when
+excited; and plunging in her hands, she revelled for some minutes
+in sandal-wood cases, carved ivory fans, silver bangles, barbaric
+brooches, and necklaces of coral, shells, amber, and golden coins, that
+jingled musically.
+
+“What _shall_ I take for her?” cried the little maid, bewildered by
+such a mine of wealth. “You pick out one, Mr. Thomas, that will please
+her so much, ’cause you never send her anything, and she don’t like
+it,” said Rosy, fearing that her own taste was not to be trusted, as
+she liked the shells and shark’s teeth ornaments best.
+
+“No, I’ll give _you_ one, and you shall do as you like about giving it
+to her. This, now, is really valuable and pretty, and any young lady
+would like to wear it. It makes me think of you, my Button, for it is
+like sunshine, and the word cut on the little heart means peace.”
+
+Mr. Dover held up a string of amber beads with its carved amulet, and
+swung it to and fro where the light shone through it till each bead
+looked like a drop of golden wine.
+
+“Yes, that is lovely, and it smells nice, too. She will be so s’prised
+and pleased; I’ll go and take it to her right away,” cried Rosy,
+forgetting to ask anything for herself, in her delight at this fine
+gift for Cis.
+
+But as she lifted her head after he had fastened the clasp about her
+neck, something in his face recalled the look it wore when she first
+came in, and putting both hands upon his shoulders, she said in her
+sweet little way,--
+
+“You’ve made my troubles go away, can’t I make yours? You are _so_ kind
+to me, I’d love to help you if I could.”
+
+“You do, my child, more than you know; for when I get you in my arms it
+seems as if one of my poor babies had come back to me, and for a minute
+I forget the three little graves far away in India.”
+
+“Three!” cried Button, like a sad, soft echo; and she clung to the poor
+man as if trying to fill the empty arms with the love and pity that
+overflowed the childish soul in her small body.
+
+This was the comfort Mr. Thomas wanted, and for a few moments he just
+cradled her on his hungry heart, crooning a Hindostanee lullaby, while
+a few slow tears came dropping down upon the yellow head, so like those
+hidden for years under the Indian flowers. Presently he seemed to
+come back from the happy past to which the old letters had carried
+him. He wiped his eyes, and Rosy’s also, with the big purple silk
+handkerchief, and pressing some very grateful kisses on the hot cheeks,
+said cheerfully again,--
+
+“God bless you, child, that’s done me good! But don’t let it sadden
+you, dear; forget all about it, and tell no one what a sentimental old
+fool I am.”
+
+“I never truly will! Only when you feel sorry about the poor little
+babies, let me come and give you cuddlings. They always make people
+feel more better, and I love ’em, and don’t get any now my dear people
+are away.”
+
+So the two made a tender little plan to comfort each other when hearts
+were heavy with longings for the absent, and parted at the small gate,
+both much cheered, and faster friends than ever.
+
+Rosy hastened in with her peace-offering, forgetful now of headache or
+loneliness as she sat patiently in the wide entry window-seat listening
+till some sound in Cicely’s room should show that she was awake. Before
+that happened, however, poor Button fell asleep herself, lulled by the
+quiet of the house,--for every one was napping,--and dreamed that Mr.
+Dover stood waving a rainbow over his head, while several Indian gods
+and three little girls were dancing round him, hand in hand, to the
+tune of “Ring around a rosy.”
+
+[Illustration: “Poor Button fell asleep.”--PAGE 49.]
+
+A loud yawn roused her, and there was Cis peeping out of her door to
+see what time it was by the old-fashioned clock on the landing. Up
+scrambled the child, feeling dizzy and heavy-eyed, but so eager to give
+pleasure that she lost no time in saying, as she swung the necklace in
+the sunshine,--
+
+“See! this is for you, if you like it more better than the
+thunder-and-lightning marbles, as Cousin Penny calls the one you were
+going to wear.”
+
+“How lovely! Where _did_ you get it, child?” cried Cis, wide awake at
+once, as she ran to the glass to try the effect of the new ornament on
+her white neck.
+
+“My dear Mr. Thomas gave it to me; but he said I could give it away if
+I liked, and I want you to have it, ’cause it’s ever so much prettier
+than any you’ve got.”
+
+“That’s very kind of you, Chicken, but why not keep it yourself? You
+like nice things as well as I do,” said Cicely, much impressed by the
+value of the gift, for it was real amber, and the clasp of gold.
+
+“Well, I’ve talked with Mr. Thomas about missionarying a great deal,
+and he told me how he made the _savinges_ good by giving them beads,
+and things to eat, and being patient and kind to them. So I thought
+I’d play be a missionary, and call this house Africa, and try to make
+the people here behave more better,” answered Rosy, with such engaging
+earnestness, as well as frankness, that Cis laughed, and exclaimed,--
+
+“You impertinent monkey, to call us heathen and try to convert us! How
+do you expect to do it?”
+
+“Oh, I’m getting on pretty well, only you don’t _convert_ as quick as
+some of the _savinges_ did. I’ll tell you about it;” and Button went on
+eagerly. “Cousin Penny is the good old one, but rather fussy and slow,
+so I’m kind and patient, and now she loves me and lets me do things I
+like. _She_ is my best one. Cousin Henny is my cannybel, ’cause she
+eats so much, and I please _her_ by bringing nice things and getting
+her cushions ready. You are my baddest one, who is cross to me, and
+fights, and raps my head, and slaps my hands; so I thought some beads
+would be nice for you, and I bringed these beauties. Mr. Thomas gave
+’em to me when I told him my trials.”
+
+Cicely looked angry, amused, and ashamed, as she listened to the
+funny yet rather pathetic little play with which the lonely child
+had tried to cheer herself and win the hearts of those about her.
+She had the grace to blush, and offer back the necklace, saying in a
+self-reproachful tone,--
+
+“Keep your beads, little missionary, I’ll be converted without them,
+and try to be kinder to you. I _am_ a selfish wretch, but you shall
+play be my little sister, and not have to go to strangers for comfort
+in your trials any more. Come, kiss me, dear, and we’ll begin now.”
+
+Rosy was in her arms at once, and clung there, saying with a face all
+smiles,--
+
+“That’s what I wanted! I thought I’d make a good _savinge_ of you if I
+tried _very_ hard. Please be kind to me just till Mamma comes back, and
+I’ll be the best little sister that ever was.”
+
+“Why didn’t you tell me all about it before?” asked Cicely, smoothing
+the tired head on her shoulder with a new gentleness; for this last
+innocent confession had touched her heart as well as her conscience.
+
+“You never seemed to care about my plays, and always said, ‘Don’t
+chatter, child; run away and take care of yourself.’ So I did; but it
+was pretty dull, with only Tabby to tell secrets to and Bella to kiss.
+Mr. Thomas said people over here didn’t like children very well, and I
+found they didn’t. _He_ does, dearly, so I went to him; but I like you
+now, you are so soft and kind to me.”
+
+“How hot your cheeks are! Come and let me cool them, and brush your
+hair for tea,” said Cis, as she touched the child’s feverish skin, and
+saw how heavy her eyes were.
+
+“I’m all burning up, and my head is _so_ funny. I don’t want any tea.
+I want to lie on your sofa and go to sleep again. Can I?” asked Rosy,
+with a dizzy look about the room, and a shiver at the idea of eating.
+
+“Yes, dear, I’ll put on your little wrapper, and make you all
+comfortable, and bring you some ice-water, for your lips are very dry.”
+
+As she spoke, Cicely bustled about the room, and soon had Rosy nicely
+settled with her best cologne-bottle and a fan; then she hastened down
+to report that something was wrong, with a fear in her own heart that
+if any harm did come to the child it would be her fault. Some days
+before Cicely had sent Button-Rose with a note to a friend’s house
+where she knew some of the younger children were ill. Since then she
+had heard that it was scarlet fever; but though Rosy had waited some
+time for an answer to the note, and seen one of the invalids, Cis had
+never mentioned the fact, being ashamed to confess her carelessness,
+hoping no harm was done. Now she felt that it _had_ come, and went to
+tell gentle Cousin Penny with tears of vain regret.
+
+Great was the lamentation when the doctor, who was sent for in hot
+haste, pronounced it scarlet fever; and deep was the self-reproach of
+the two older women for their blindness in not before remarking the
+languid air and want of appetite in the child. But Cicely was full of
+remorse; for every quick word, every rap of the hateful thimble, every
+service accepted without thanks, weighed heavily on her conscience
+now, as such things have an inconvenient way of doing when it is too
+late to undo them. Every one was devoted to the child, even lazy Miss
+Henny gave up her naps to sit by her at all hours, Miss Penny hovered
+over the little bed like a grandmother, and Cicely refused to think of
+pleasure till the danger was over.
+
+For soon Button-Rose was very ill, and the old house haunted by the
+dreadful fear that death would rob them of the little creature who
+grew so precious when the thought of losing her made their hearts
+stand still. How could they live without the sound of that sweet voice
+chirping about the house, the busy feet tripping up and down, the
+willing hands trying to help, the sunny face smiling at every one, and
+going away into corners to hide the tears that sometimes came to dim
+its brightness? What would comfort the absent mother for such a loss as
+this, and how could they answer to the father for the carelessness that
+risked the child’s life for a girl’s errand? No one dared to think, and
+all prayed heartily for Rosy’s life, as they watched and waited by the
+little bed where she lay so patiently, till the fever grew high and
+she began to babble about many things. Her childish trials were all
+told, her longings for Mamma, whose place no one could fill, her quaint
+little criticisms upon those about her, and her plans for making peace.
+These innocent revelations caused many tears, and wrought some changes
+in those who heard; for Miss Penny quite forgot her infirmities to live
+in the sick-room as the most experienced nurse and tenderest watcher.
+Miss Henny cooked her daintiest gruel, brewed her coolest drinks, and
+lost many pounds in weight by her indefatigable trotting up and down to
+minister to the invalid’s least caprice. Cicely was kept away for fear
+of infection, but _her_ penance was to wander about the great house,
+more silent than ever now, to answer the inquiries and listen to the
+sad forebodings of the neighbors, who came to offer help and sympathy;
+for all loved little Button-Rose, and grieved to think of any blight
+falling on the pretty blossom. To wile away the long hours, Cicely fell
+to dusting the empty rooms, setting closets and drawers to rights, and
+keeping all fresh and clean, to the great relief of the old cousins,
+who felt that everything would go to destruction in their absence. She
+read and sewed now, having no heart for jaunting about; and as she made
+the long neglected white pinafores, for Rosy, she thought much of the
+little girl who might never live to wear them.
+
+Meantime the fever took its course, and came at last to the fateful day
+when a few hours would settle the question of life or death. The hot
+flush died out of the cheeks that had lost their soft roundness now,
+the lips were parched, the half-shut eyes looked like sick violets, and
+all the pretty curls were tangled on the pillow. Rosy no longer sung
+to Bella, talked of “three dear little girls” and Mr. Thomas, tigers
+and bangles, Cis and necklaces, hens and gates. She ceased to call for
+Mamma, asked no more why her “missionary man” never came, and took no
+notice of the anxious old faces bending over her. She lay in a stupor,
+and the doctor held the little wasted hand, and tried to see the face
+of his watch with dim eyes as he counted the faint pulse, whispering
+solemnly,--
+
+“We can only hope and wait now. Sleep alone can save her.”
+
+As the sisters sat, one on either side the narrow bed that day, and
+Cicely walked restlessly up and down the long hall below, where both
+doors stood open to let in the cool evening air, as the sun went down,
+a quick but quiet step came up the steps, and Mr. Dover walked in
+without ringing. He had been away, and coming home an hour ago, heard
+the sad news. Losing not a moment, he hurried to ask about his little
+Button, and his face showed how great his love and fear were, as he
+said in a broken whisper,--
+
+“Will she live? My mother never told me how serious it was, or I should
+have returned at once.”
+
+“We hope so, Sir, but--” And there Cicely’s voice failed, as she hid
+her face and sobbed.
+
+“My dear girl, don’t give way. Keep up your heart, hope, pray, will
+that the darling _shall_ live, and that may do some good. We can’t let
+her go! we won’t let her go! Let me see her; I know much of fevers far
+worse than this, and might be able to suggest something,” begged Mr.
+Dover, throwing down his hat, and waving an immense fan with such an
+air of resolution and cheery good-will that tired Cis felt comforted at
+once, and led the way upstairs entirely forgetting the great feud, as
+he did.
+
+At the threshold of the door he paused, till the girl had whispered his
+name. Miss Penny, always a gentlewoman, rose at once and went to meet
+him, but Miss Henny did not even seem to see him, for just then, as if
+dimly feeling that her friend was near, Rosy stirred, and gave a long
+sigh.
+
+Silently the three stood and looked at the beloved little creature
+lying there in the mysterious shadow of death, and they so helpless to
+keep her if the hour for departure had come.
+
+“God help us!” sighed pious Miss Penny, folding her old hands, as if
+they did that often now.
+
+“Drifting away, I fear;” and Miss Henny’s plump face looked almost
+beautiful, with the tears on it, as she leaned nearer to listen to the
+faint breath at the child’s lips.
+
+“No; we will keep her, please the Lord! If we can make her sleep
+quietly for the next few hours she is safe. Let me try. Fan slowly with
+this, Miss Henrietta, and you, dear lady, pray that the precious little
+life may be given us.”
+
+As he spoke, Mr. Dover gave the great fan to Miss Henny, took the small
+cold hands in his, and sitting on the bedside held them close in his
+large warm ones, as if trying to pour life and strength into the frail
+body, as his eyes, fixed on the half-opened ones, seemed to call back
+the innocent soul hovering on the threshold of its prison, like the
+butterfly poised upon the chrysalis before it soars away.
+
+Miss Penny knelt down near by, and laying her white head on the other
+pillow, again besought God to spare this treasure to the father and
+mother over the sea. How long they remained so none of them ever knew,
+silent and motionless but for the slow waving of the noiseless fan,
+which went to and fro like the wing of a great white bird, as if Miss
+Henny’s stout arm could never tire. Miss Penny was so still she seemed
+to be asleep. Mr. Dover never stirred, but grew paler as the minutes
+passed; and Cicely, creeping now and then to look in and steal away,
+saw strange power in the black eyes that seemed to hold the fluttering
+spirit of the little child by the love and longing that made them both
+tender and commanding.
+
+A level ray of sunlight stole through the curtain at last and turned
+the tangles of bright hair to pure gold. Miss Henny rose to shut it
+out, and as if her movement broke the spell, Rosy took a long full
+breath, turned on the pillow, and putting one hand under her cheek,
+seemed to fall asleep as naturally as she used to do when well. Miss
+Penny looked up, touched the child’s forehead, and whispered, with a
+look of gratitude as bright as if the sunshine had touched her also,--
+
+“It is moist! this is real sleep! Oh, my baby! oh, my baby!” And the
+old head went down again with a stifled sob, for her experienced eye
+told her that the danger was passing by and Rosy would live.
+
+“The prayers of the righteous avail much,” murmured Mr. Dover, turning
+to the other lady, who stood beside her sister looking down at the
+little figure now lying so restfully between them.
+
+“How can we thank you?” she whispered, offering her hand, with the
+smile which had once made her pretty, and still touched the old face
+with something better than beauty.
+
+Mr. Dover took the hand and answered, with an eloquent look at the
+child,--
+
+“Let not the sun go down upon our wrath. Forgive me and be friends
+again, for her sake.”
+
+“I will!” And the plump hands gave the thin ones a hearty shake as the
+great feud ended forever over the bed of the little peacemaker whose
+childish play had turned to happy earnest.
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber’s Note
+
+Words in italics are marked with _underscores_.
+
+Words in small capitals are shown in UPPER CASE.
+
+Plate illustrations (printed separately and bound without page numbers)
+near pages 32 and 49 have captions quoting text from the story. The
+illustrations have been moved to be immediately after the paragraph
+being quoted.
+
+The image of the book cover was partially obscured in the top-left
+corner by labels. The obscured portion has been restored with reference
+to a scan of another copy of the same book.
+
+Inconsistent hyphenation and capitalisation have been retained.
+
+The name “Button-Rose” is hyphenated throughout the story and in the
+header on every page, however in the book title on the cover and on the
+title page it is “Button Rose” (no hyphen). These have also all been
+left unchanged.
+
+There is use of deliberate mis-spelling to emphasize childish or other
+pronunciation. This has been retained.
+
+
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 76977 ***
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+<body>
+<div style='text-align:center'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 76977 ***</div>
+
+<h1>LITTLE BUTTON ROSE</h1>
+
+<figure class="figfullpage portrait x-ebookmaker-drop">
+  <img src="images/cover_sm.jpg"
+      title="Little Button Rose"
+      alt="Little Button Rose book cover"
+      id="img_cover_sm">
+  <figcaption class="x-ebookmaker-drop">
+      <a href="images/cover.jpg" target="_blank" class="x-ebookmaker-drop">Larger image</a>
+  </figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+
+<div class="fmpage">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_i">[Pg i]</span></p>
+<figure class="figfullpage landscape">
+    <img src="images/i_frontis.jpg"
+        title=""
+        alt="Frontispiece: A scene from the beginning of the story. A small girl wearing a white dress sitting in a large chair with 3 women seated around her."
+        id="img_i_frontis">
+  <figcaption>
+      “Rosamond sat looking about the room.”&mdash;<i><a href="#frontis">Frontispiece</a>.</i>
+  </figcaption>
+</figure>
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+</div>
+
+<div class="fmpage">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_ii">[Pg ii]</span></p>
+
+<p class="fmblock" style="font-size: 2.5em; font-weight: 500;">
+    LITTLE BUTTON ROSE
+</p>
+
+<p class="fmblock" style="margin-top: 1.5em;">
+<span style="font-size: 1.0em; line-height: 3.0em;">BY</span><br>
+<span style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 1.0em;">LOUISA M. ALCOTT</span><br>
+<span class="allsmcap">
+<span style="font-size: 0.9em; line-height: 2.5em;">AUTHOR OF</span><br>
+<span style="font-size: 1.0em; line-height: 1.0em;">“LITTLE WOMEN,” “LITTLE MEN,” “JO’S BOYS,” ETC.</span>
+</span>
+</p>
+
+<p class="fmblock blackletter" style="margin-top: 5em;">Illustrated</p>
+
+<p class="fmblock" style="margin-top: 5em; line-height: 1.7em;">
+<span class="gesperrt">BOSTON</span><br>
+<span style="font-size: 1.1em;">LITTLE, BROWN, AND COMPANY</span>
+</p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="fmpage">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_iii">[Pg iii]</span></p>
+
+<p class="fmblock" style="margin-bottom: 1em;">
+<i>Copyright, 1887</i>,<br>
+<span class="smcap">By Louisa M. Alcott</span>.<br>
+</p>
+<p class="fmblock" style="margin-top: 1em;">
+<i>Copyright, 1901</i>,<br>
+<span class="smcap">By John S. P. Alcott</span>.
+</p>
+
+<p class="fmblock" style="margin-top: 4em;">
+<span class="blackletter">University Press</span><br>
+<span class="smcap">John Wilson and Son, Cambridge, U. S. A.</span>
+</p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="body">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</span></p>
+<h2 class="chapter">LITTLE BUTTON-ROSE</h2>
+
+
+<p>“If you please, I’ve come,” said a small
+girl, as she walked into a large room where
+three ladies sat at work.</p>
+
+<p>One of the ladies was very thin, one very
+stout, and the youngest very pretty. The eldest
+put on her glasses, the stout one dropped
+her sewing, and the pretty one exclaimed,—</p>
+
+<p>“Why, it must be little Rosamond!”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, I’ve come; the man is taking my
+trunk upstairs, and I’ve got a letter for Cousin
+Penelope,” said the child, with the sweet composure
+of one always sure of a welcome.</p>
+
+<p>The stout lady held out her hand for the
+letter; but the little girl, after a keen look at
+the three faces, went to the old lady, who
+received her with a kiss, saying,—</p>
+
+<p>“That’s right; but how did you know,
+dear?”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, Papa said Cousin Penny is old, Cousin
+Henny fat, and Cousin Cicely rather pretty; so
+I knew in one minute,” replied Rosamond, in a
+tone of innocent satisfaction at her own cleverness,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</span>and quite unconscious of the effect of her
+speech.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Penelope hastily retired behind the letter,
+Miss Henrietta frowned so heavily that the
+gold-rimmed eye-glasses flew off her nose with
+a clash, and Cicely laughed outright, as she
+exclaimed,—</p>
+
+<p>“I’m afraid we have got an <i lang="fr">enfant terrible</i>
+among us, though I can’t complain of my share
+of the compliments.”</p>
+
+<p>“I never expected to find Clara’s child well
+mannered, and I see I was quite right. Take
+your hat off, Rosamond, and sit down. It tires
+Sister to lean on her in that way,” said Miss
+Henny in a severe tone, with no offer of any
+warmer welcome.</p>
+
+<p>Seeing that something was amiss, the child
+quietly obeyed, and perching herself in an ancient
+arm-chair crossed her short legs, folded her
+plump hands over the diminutive travelling-bag
+she carried, and <a id="frontis"></a>sat looking about the room with a
+pair of very large blue eyes, quite unabashed,
+though rather pensive, as if the memory of some
+tender parting were still fresh in her little heart.</p>
+
+<p>While Miss Penny slowly reads the letter,
+Miss Henny works daisies on a bit of canvas
+with pettish jerks of her silk, and Miss Cicely
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</span>leans in the sofa-corner, staring at the newcomer,
+we will briefly introduce our small
+heroine. Her father was cousin to the elder
+ladies, and being called suddenly across the
+water on business, took his wife with him,
+leaving the little girl to the care of these
+relatives, thinking her too young for so long
+a journey. Cicely, an orphan niece who lived
+with the old ladies, was to have the care of
+Rosy; and a summer in the quiet country
+town would do her good, while change of
+scene would console her for this first separation
+from her mother. How she fared remains
+to be seen; and we need only add that
+the child had been well trained, made the companion
+of a sweet and tender woman, and was
+very anxious to please the parents whom she
+passionately loved, by keeping the promises she
+had made them, and being “as brave as Papa,
+as patient and kind as dear Mamma.”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, what do you think of it, Missy?”
+asked Cicely, as the blue eyes came back to
+her, after roving round the spacious, old-fashioned,
+and rather gloomy room.</p>
+
+<p>“It’s a pretty large, dark place for a little
+girl to be all alone in;” and there was a suspicious
+quiver in the childish voice, as Rosy
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</span>opened her bag to produce a very small handkerchief,
+evidently feeling that she might have
+sudden need of it if some one did not speak to
+her very soon.</p>
+
+<p>“We keep it dark on account of Sister’s
+eyes. When <em>I</em> was a little girl, it wasn’t considered
+polite to say rude things about other
+people’s houses, especially if they were very
+handsome ones,” said Miss Henny, with a
+stern glance over the eye-glasses at the young
+offender, whose second remark was even more
+unfortunate than her first.</p>
+
+<p>“I didn’t mean to be rude, but I <em>must</em> tell
+the truth. Little girls like bright places. I’m
+sorry about Cousin Penny’s eyes. I will read
+to her; I do to Mamma, and she says it is very
+well for a child only eight years old.”</p>
+
+<p>The gentle answer and the full eyes seemed
+to calm Miss Henny’s wrath, for her size was her
+tender point, and the old house her especial
+pride; so she dropped the awe-inspiring glasses,
+and said more kindly,—</p>
+
+<p>“There is a nice little room ready for you
+upstairs, and a garden to play in. Cicely will
+hear you read every day, and I will teach you
+to sew, for of course that <em>most</em> useful part of
+your education has been neglected.”</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</span></p>
+<p>“No, ma’am, I sew my four patches every
+day, and make little wee stitches, and I can
+hem Papa’s hank’chifs, and I was learning to
+darn his socks with a big needle when—when
+they went away.”</p>
+
+<p>Rosy paused with a sudden choke; but too
+proud to break down, she only wiped two drops
+off her cheek with the long ends of her little
+gray silk glove, set her lips, and remained mistress
+of herself, privately planning to cry all she
+liked when she was safely in the “nice little
+room” promised her.</p>
+
+<p>Cicely, though a lazy, selfish young lady, was
+touched by the child’s pathetic face, and said in
+a friendly tone, as she patted the couch where
+she lay,—</p>
+
+<p>“Come here, dear, and sit by me, and tell me
+what kind of a kitten you’d like best. I know
+of a sweet yellow one, and two grays. Our
+Tabby is too old to play with you; so you
+will want a kitty, I’m sure.”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh yes, if I may!” and Rosy skipped to the
+new seat with a smile which plainly proved that
+this sort of welcome was just what she liked.</p>
+
+<p>“Now, Cicely, why will you put such an
+idea into Rosamond’s head when you know
+we can’t have kittens round the house for
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</span>Sister to stumble over, not to mention the
+mischief the horrid things always do? Tabby
+is all the child needs, with her doll. Of course
+you have a doll?” and Miss Henny asked the
+question as solemnly as if she had said, “Have
+you a soul?”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh yes, I have nine in my trunk, and two
+little ones in my bag, and Mamma is going to
+send me a big, big one from London, as soon as
+she gets there, to sleep with me and be my
+little comfort,” cried Rosy, rapidly producing
+from her bag a tiny bride and groom, three
+seedcakes, a smelling-bottle, and a purse out
+of which fell a shower of bright cents, also
+crumbs all over the immaculate carpet.</p>
+
+<p>“Mercy on us, what a mess! Pick it all up,
+child, and don’t unpack any more in the parlor.
+One doll is quite enough for me,” said Miss
+Henny, with a sigh of resignation as if asking
+patience to bear this new calamity.</p>
+
+<p>Rosy echoed the sigh as she crept about
+reclaiming her precious pennies, and eating
+the crumbs as the only way of disposing of
+them.</p>
+
+<p>“Never mind, it’s only her way; the heat
+makes her a little cross, you see,” whispered
+Cicely, bending down to hold the bag, into
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</span>which Rosy bundled her treasures in hot
+haste.</p>
+
+<p>“I thought fat people were always pleasant.
+I’m glad <em>you</em> ain’t fat,” answered the little girl,
+in a tone which was perfectly audible.</p>
+
+<p>What would have happened I tremble to
+think, if Miss Penny had not finished the
+letter at that moment and handed it to her
+sister, saying as she held out her arms to
+the child,—</p>
+
+<p>“Now I know all about it, and you are to
+be my baby; so come and give me some sweet
+kisses, darling.”</p>
+
+<p>Down dropped the bag, and with a little sob
+of joy the child nestled close to the kind old
+heart that welcomed her so tenderly at last.</p>
+
+<p>“Papa calls me his button-rose, ’cause I’m
+so small and pink and sweet, and thorny too
+sometimes,” she said, looking up brightly, after
+a few moments of the fond and foolish cuddling
+all little creatures love and need so much when
+they leave the nest, and miss the brooding of
+motherly wings.</p>
+
+<p>“We’ll call you anything you like, darling;
+but Rosamond is a pretty old name, and I’m
+fond of it, for it was your grandmamma’s, and a
+sweeter woman never lived,” said Miss Penny,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</span>stroking the fresh cheeks, where the tears shone
+like dew on pink rose-leaves.</p>
+
+<p>“I shall call you Chicken Little, because we
+have Henny and Penny; and the girls and Tab
+downstairs can be Goosey-Loosey, Turkey-Lurkey,
+and Cocky-Locky. I’ll be Ducky-Lucky,
+and I’m sure Foxy-Loxy lives next
+door,” said Cicely, laughing at her own wit,
+while Miss Henny looked up, saying, with the
+first smile Rosy had seen,—</p>
+
+<p>“That’s true enough! and I hope Chicken
+Little will keep out of his way, no matter if the
+sky does fall.”</p>
+
+<p>“Who is it? A truly fox? I never saw
+one. Could I peep at him some time?” cried
+the child, much interested at once.</p>
+
+<p>“No, dear; it’s only a neighbor of ours who
+has treated us badly, at least we think so, and
+we don’t speak, though we used to be good
+friends some years ago. It’s sad to live so, but
+we don’t quite see how to help it yet. We are
+ready to do our part; but Mr. Dover should
+take the first step, as he was in the wrong.”</p>
+
+<p>“Please tell about it. I have horrid quarrels
+with Mamie Parsons sometimes, but we always
+kiss and make up, and feel all happy again.
+Can’t you, Cousin Penny?” asked the child,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</span>softly touching the little white curls under the
+lace cap.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, no, dear; grown people cannot settle
+differences in that pretty way. We must wait
+till he apologizes, and then we shall gladly be
+friends again. You see Mr. Dover was a missionary
+in India for many years, and we were
+very intimate with his mother. Our gardens
+join, and a gate in our fence led across their
+field to the back street, and was most convenient
+when we wanted to walk by the river or
+send the maids on errands in a hurry. The old
+lady was very neighborly, and we were quite
+comfortable till Thomas came home and made
+trouble. He’d lost his wife and children, poor
+man, and his liver was out of order, and living
+among the heathen so long had made him melancholy
+and queer; so he tried to amuse himself
+with gardening and keeping hens.”</p>
+
+<p>“I’m glad! I love flowers and biddies,”
+murmured Rosy, listening with deep interest
+to this delightful mixture of quarrels and
+heathen, sorrow, poultry, mysterious diseases,
+and gardens.</p>
+
+<p>“He had no right to shut up our gate and
+forbid our crossing that little field, and no
+<em>gentleman</em> would have <em>dared</em> to do it after all
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</span>our kindness to his mother,” exclaimed Miss
+Henny, so suddenly and violently that Rosamond
+nearly fell off the old lady’s lap with the
+start she gave.</p>
+
+<p>“No, sister, I don’t agree there. Mr. Thomas
+had a perfect <em>right</em> to do as he liked with his
+own land; but I think we should have had no
+trouble if you had been willing to sell him the
+corner of our garden where the old summer-house
+is, for his hens,” began Miss Penny in a
+mild tone.</p>
+
+<p>“Sister! you know the tender memories connected
+with that bower, and how terrible it
+would have been to <em>me</em> to see it torn down, and
+noisy fowls clucking and pecking where I and
+my poor Calvin once sat together,” cried Miss
+Henny, trying to look sentimental, which was
+an impossible feat for a stout lady in a flowery
+muslin gown, and a fly-away cap full of blue
+ribbons, on a head once flaxen and now gray.</p>
+
+<p>“We won’t discuss the point, Henrietta,”
+said the elder lady with dignity; whereupon
+the other returned to the letter, bridling and
+tossing her head in a way which caused Rosy
+to stare, and resolve to imitate it when she
+played be a proud princess with her dolls.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, dear, that was the beginning of the
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</span>trouble,” continued Miss Penny; “and now we
+don’t speak, and the old lady misses us, I’m
+sure, and I often long to run in and see her,
+and I’m so sorry you can’t enjoy the wonders
+of that house, for it’s full of beautiful and
+curious things, most instructive for children to
+observe. Mr. Thomas has been a great traveller,
+and has a tiger skin in the parlor so natural
+it’s quite startling to behold; also spears, and
+bows and arrows, and necklaces of shark’s teeth,
+from the Cannibal Islands, and the loveliest
+stuffed birds, my dear, all over the place, and
+pretty shells and baskets, and ivory toys, and
+odd dresses, and no end of wonderful treasures.
+Such a sad pity you can’t see them!” and Miss
+Penny looked quite distressed at the child’s
+loss.</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, but I guess I will see ’em! Every one
+is good to me, and old gentlemen like little
+girls. Papa says so, and <em>he</em> always does what I
+want when I say ‘Please’ with my wheedulin
+smile, as he calls it,” said Rosy, giving them
+a sample of the most engaging sort.</p>
+
+<p>“You funny little thing, do try it, and soften
+the heart of that tiresome man! He has the
+finest roses in town and the most delicious
+fruit, and we never get any, though he sends
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</span>quantities everywhere else. Such a fuss over
+an old earwiggy arbor! It is perfectly provoking,
+when we might enjoy so much over there;
+and who knows what might happen!”</p>
+
+<p>As Cicely spoke, she smoothed her brown
+curls and glanced at the mirror, quite conscious
+that a very pretty young lady of twenty was
+wasting her sweetness in the great gloomy
+house, with two elderly spinsters.</p>
+
+<p>“I’ll get some for you,” answered Rosy,
+with a nod of such calm conviction of her
+own power, that Cicely laughed again, and proposed
+that she should go at once and view the
+battle-field.</p>
+
+<p>“Could I <em>run</em> in the garden? I’d love to,
+after riding so long,” asked Rosy, eager to be
+off; for her active legs ached for exercise, and
+the close, shady room oppressed her.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, dear; but don’t get into mischief, or
+worry Tabby, or pick the flowers. Of course
+you wouldn’t touch green fruit, or climb trees,
+or soil your little frock. I’ll ring the bell for
+you to come in and be dressed for tea when it
+is time.”</p>
+
+<p>With these directions and a kiss, Miss Penny,
+as Cicely did not stir, let the child out at the
+back door of the long hall, and watched her
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</span>walk demurely down the main path of the prim
+old garden, where no child had played for years,
+and even the toads and fat robins behaved in
+the most decorous manner.</p>
+
+<p>“It’s pretty dull, but it’s better than the
+parlor with all the staring pictures,” said Rosy
+to herself, after a voyage of discovery had
+shown her the few charms of the place. The
+sight of a large yellow cat reposing in the sun
+cheered her eyes at that moment, and she hastened
+to scrape acquaintance with the stately
+animal: for the snails were not social, and the
+toads stared even more fixedly at her than the
+painted eyes of her respected ancestors.</p>
+
+<p>But Tabby disliked children as much as her
+mistress, and after submitting ungraciously to
+a few caresses from the eager little hands, she
+rose and retired majestically to a safer perch
+on the top of the high wall which enclosed the
+garden. Being too lazy to jump, she walked
+up the shelves of an old flower-stand moulding
+in a corner, and by so doing, gave Rosy a brilliant
+idea, which she at once put into action by
+following Tabby’s example. Up this new sort
+of ladder she went, and peeped over the wall,
+delighted at this unexpected chance to behold
+the enemy’s territory.</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</span></p>
+<p>“Oh, what a pretty place!” she cried, clasping
+her grubby little hands with rapture, as the
+beauties of the forbidden land burst upon her
+view.</p>
+
+<p>It was indeed a paradise to a child’s eyes,—for
+flowers bloomed along the winding paths;
+ripening fruit lay rosy and tempting in the beds
+below; behind the wire walls that confined
+them clucked and strutted various sorts of
+poultry; cages of gay birds hung on the piazza;
+and through the open windows of the house
+one caught glimpses of curious curtains, bright
+weapons, and mysterious objects in the rooms
+beyond.</p>
+
+<p>A gray-headed gentleman in a queer nankeen
+coat lay asleep on a bamboo lounge under the
+great cherry-tree, with a purple silk handkerchief
+half over his face.</p>
+
+<p>“That’s the missionary man, I s’pose. He
+doesn’t look cross at all. If I could only get
+down there, I’d go and wake him with a softly
+kiss, as I do Papa, and ask to see his pretty
+things.”</p>
+
+<p>Being quite unconscious of fear, Rosy certainly
+would have carried out her daring plan,
+had it been possible; but no way of descending
+on the other side appeared, so she sighed and
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</span>sat gazing wistfully, till Cousin Henny appeared
+for a breath of fresh air, and ordered
+her down at once.</p>
+
+<p>“Come and see if my balsam-seeds have
+started yet. I keep planting them, but they
+<em>won’t</em> come up,” she said, pointing out a mound
+of earth newly dug and watered.</p>
+
+<p>Rosy obediently scrambled up, and was trying
+to decide whether some green sprouts were
+chickweed or the dilatory balsams when a sudden
+uproar in the next garden made her stop to
+listen, while Miss Henny said in a tone of great
+satisfaction, as the cackle of hens arose,—</p>
+
+<p>“Some trouble with those horrid fowls of his.
+I detest them, crowing in the night, and waking
+us at dawn with their noise. I wish some
+thief would steal every one of them. Nobody
+has a right to annoy their neighbors with
+troublesome pets.”</p>
+
+<p>Before Rosy could describe the beauties of
+the white bantams or the size of the big golden
+cock, a loud voice cried,—</p>
+
+<p>“You rascal! I’ll hang you if I catch you
+here again. Go home quicker than you came,
+and tell your mistress to teach you better manners
+if she values your life.”</p>
+
+<p>“It’s that man! Such language! I wonder
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</span>who he’s caught? That bad boy who steals
+our plums, perhaps.”</p>
+
+<p>The words were hardly out of Miss Henny’s
+mouth when her question was answered in a
+sudden and dreadful way; for over the wall,
+hurled by a strong arm, flew Tabby, high in
+the air, to fall with a thump directly in the
+middle of the bed where they stood. Miss
+Henny uttered a shrill scream, caught up her
+stunned treasure, and rushed into the house as
+fast as her size and flounces permitted, leaving
+Rosy breathless with surprise and indignation.</p>
+
+<p>Burning to resent this terrible outrage, she
+climbed quickly up the steps, and astonished
+the irate old gentleman on the other side by
+the sudden apparition of a golden head, a red
+childish face, and a dirty little finger pointed
+sternly at him, as this small avenging angel
+demanded,—</p>
+
+<p>“Missionary man, how <em>could</em> you kill my
+cousin’s cat?”</p>
+
+<p>“Bless my soul! who are you?” said the old
+gentleman, staring at this unexpected actor on
+the field of battle.</p>
+
+<p>“I’m Button-Rose, and I hate cruel people!
+Tabby’s dead, and now there isn’t any one to
+play with over here.”</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</span></p>
+<p>This sad prospect made the blue eyes fill with
+sudden tears; and the application of the dirty
+fingers added streaks of mud to the red cheeks,
+which much damaged the appearance of the
+angel, though it added pathos to the child’s
+reproach.</p>
+
+<p>“Cats have nine lives, and Tabby’s used to
+being chucked over the wall. I’ve done it
+several times, and it seems to agree with her,
+for she comes back to kill my chicks as bold as
+brass. See that!” and the old gentleman held
+up a downy dead chicken, as proof of Tabby’s
+sin.</p>
+
+<p>“Poor little chicky!” groaned Rosy, yearning
+to mourn over the dear departed and bury
+it with tender care. “It <em>was</em> very naughty of
+Tab; but, sir, you know cats are made to catch
+things, and they can’t help it.”</p>
+
+<p>“They will have to help it, or I’ll drown the
+lot. This is a rare breed, and I’ve but two left
+after all my trouble, thanks to that rascal of
+yours! What are you going to do about it?”
+demanded Mr. Dover, in a tone that made Rosy
+feel as if she had committed the murder herself.</p>
+
+<p>“I’ll talk to Tabby and try to make her
+good, and I’ll shut her up in the old rabbit-house
+over here; then I hope she will be sorry
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</span>and never do it any more,” she said, in such a
+remorseful tone that the old gentleman relented
+at once, ashamed to afflict such a tender little
+soul.</p>
+
+<p>“Try it,” he said, with a smile that made his
+yellow face pleasant all at once. Then, as if
+ready to change the subject, he asked, looking
+curiously at the little figure perched on the
+wall,—</p>
+
+<p>“Where did you come from? Never saw
+any children over there before. They don’t
+allow ’em.”</p>
+
+<p>Rosy introduced herself in a few words, and
+seeing that her new acquaintance seemed interested,
+she added with the wheedling smile Papa
+found so engaging,—</p>
+
+<p>“It’s pretty lonely here, I guess; so p’r’aps
+you’ll let me peep at your nice garden sometimes
+if it doesn’t trouble you, Sir?”</p>
+
+<p>“Poor little soul! it must be desperately dull
+with those three tabbies,” he said to himself, as
+he stroked the dead chicken in his hand, and
+watched the little face bent toward him.</p>
+
+<p>“Peep as much as you like, child; or, better
+still, come over and run about. <em>I</em> like little
+girls,” he added aloud, with a nod and a wave
+of welcome.</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</span></p>
+<p>“I told ’em I was sure you did! I’d love to
+come, but they wouldn’t let me, I know. I’m
+so sorry about the fight. Couldn’t you make
+it up, and be pleasant again?” asked Rosy,
+clasping her hands with a beseeching gesture as
+her bright face grew sad and serious remembering
+the feud.</p>
+
+<p>“So they’ve told you that nonsense already,
+have they? Nice neighbors <em>they</em> are,” said the
+old gentleman, frowning as if ill pleased at the
+news.</p>
+
+<p>“I’m glad I know; p’r’aps I can be a peacemaker.
+Mamma says they are good to have
+in families, and I’d like to be one if I could.
+Would you mind if I tried to peace-make a
+little, so I could come over? I do want to see
+the red birds and the tiger skin awfully, if you
+please.”</p>
+
+<p>“What do you know about ’em?” asked the
+old gentleman, sitting down on a garden chair,
+as if he didn’t mind continuing the chat with
+this new neighbor.</p>
+
+<p>Nearly tumbling off the wall in her earnestness,
+Rosy repeated all that Cousin Penny had
+said; and something in the reasonable words,
+the flattering description, of his treasures, and
+the sincere regret of the old lady seemed to
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</span>have a good effect upon Mr. Dover, for when
+Rosy paused out of breath, he said in such an
+altered tone that it was evident the peace-making
+had already begun,—</p>
+
+<p>“Miss Carey is a gentlewoman! I always
+thought so. You tell her, with my compliments,
+that I’d be glad to see you any time if
+she has no objection. I’ll put my step-ladder
+there, and you can come over instead of the
+cat. But mind you don’t meddle, or I might
+give you a toss like Tabby.”</p>
+
+<p>“I’m not afraid,” laughed Rosy. “I’ll go
+and ask right away, and I won’t touch a thing,
+and I know you’ll like me for a friend. Papa
+says I’m a dear little one. Thank you very
+much, sir. Good-by till I come again;” and
+with a kiss of the hand, the yellow head sunk
+out of sight like the sun going down, leaving
+a sense of darkness behind when the beaming
+little face disappeared, though fresh stains of
+green mould from the wall made it rather like
+the tattooed countenances Mr. Dover used to
+see among his cannibal friends in Africa.</p>
+
+<p>He sat musing with the dead chicken in his
+hand, forgetful of time, till a ring of his own
+door-bell called him in to receive a note from
+Miss Penelope, thanking him for his invitation
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</span>to little Rosamond, but declining it in the most
+polite and formal words.</p>
+
+<p>“I expected it! Bless the silly old souls!
+why can’t they be reasonable, and accept the
+olive branch when I offer it? I’ll be hanged if
+I do again! The fat one is at the bottom of
+this. Miss Pen would give in if that absurd
+Henrietta didn’t hold her back. Well, I’m
+sorry for the child, but that’s not my fault;”
+and throwing down the note, Mr. Dover went
+out to water his roses.</p>
+
+<p>For a week or two, Button-Rose hardly dared
+glance toward the forbidden spot from her window,
+as she was ordered to play in the front
+garden, and sent to take sober walks with
+Cicely, who loved to stop and gossip with her
+friends, while the poor child waited patiently
+till the long tales were told.</p>
+
+<p>Nursing Tabby was her chief consolation;
+and so kind was she, that the heart of the old
+cat softened to her, and she actually purred her
+thanks at last, for all the saucers of cream, bits
+of chicken, soft pats, and tender words bestowed
+upon her by the little girl.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, I declare! Tab won’t do that even
+for me,” said Miss Henny, one day, when she
+came upon the child sitting alone in the hall
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</span>with a picture-book and the cat comfortably
+asleep in her lap.</p>
+
+<p>“Ammals always love me, if people don’t,”
+answered Button-Rose, soberly; for she had
+not yet forgiven the stout lady for denying
+her the delights offered by the “missionary
+man.”</p>
+
+<p>“That’s because <em>an-i-mals</em> can’t see how
+naughty you are sometimes,” said Miss Henny
+tartly, not having recovered her temper even
+after many days.</p>
+
+<p>“I shall make <em>every</em> one love me before I go
+away. Mamma told me to, and I shall. I
+know how;” and Button smiled with a wise
+little nod that was pretty to see, as she proudly
+cuddled her first conquest.</p>
+
+<p>“We shall see;” and Miss Henny ponderously
+departed, wondering what odd fancy the
+little thing would take into her head next.</p>
+
+<p>It was soon evident; for when she came
+down from her long nap, later in the afternoon,
+Miss Henny found Rosamond reading aloud to
+her sister in the great dim parlor. They made
+a curious contrast,—the pale, white-haired,
+feeble old lady, with her prim dress, high cap,
+knitting, and shaded eyes; and the child, rosy
+and round, quaint and sweet, a pretty little
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</span>ornament for the old-fashioned room, as she
+sat among the tea-poys and samplers, ancient
+china and furniture, with the portraits of great
+grandfathers and grandmothers simpering and
+staring at her, as if pleased and surprised to
+see such a charming little descendant among
+them.</p>
+
+<p>“Bless the baby! what is she at now?”
+asked Miss Henny, feeling more amiable after
+her sleep.</p>
+
+<p>“I’m reading to Cousin Penny, ’cause no
+one else does, and her poor eyes hurt her, and
+she likes stories, and so do I,” answered Button,
+with one chubby finger on the place in her
+book, and eyes full of pride at the grown-up
+employment she had found for herself.</p>
+
+<p>“So kind of the little dear! She found me
+alone and wanted to amuse me; so I proposed
+a story to suit us both, and she does very well
+with a little help now and then. I haven’t
+read ‘Simple Susan’ for years, and really enjoy
+it. Maria Edgeworth was always a favorite of
+mine, and I still think her far superior to any
+modern writer for the young,” said Miss Penny,
+looking quite animated and happy in the new
+entertainment provided for her.</p>
+
+<p>“Go on, child; let me hear how well you can
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</span>read;” and Miss Henny settled herself in the
+sofa-corner with her embroidery.</p>
+
+<p>So Button started bravely off, and tried so
+hard that she was soon out of breath. As she
+paused, she said with a gasp,—</p>
+
+<p>“Isn’t Susan a dear girl? She gives <em>all</em> the
+best things to other people, and is kind to the
+old harper. She didn’t send him away, as you
+did the music-man to-day, and tell him to be
+still.”</p>
+
+<p>“Organs are a nuisance, and I never allow
+them here. Go on, and don’t criticise your
+elders, Rosamond.”</p>
+
+<p>“Mamma and I always talk over stories, and
+pick out the morals of ’em. <em>She</em> likes it;”
+with which remark, made sweetly not pertly,
+Button went on to the end, with an occasional
+lift over a long word; and the old ladies were
+interested, in spite of themselves, in the simple
+tale read in that childish voice.</p>
+
+<p>“Thank you, dear, it is very nice, and we
+will have one every day. Now, what can I do
+for you?” asked Miss Penny, as the little girl
+pushed the curls off her forehead, with a sigh
+of mingled weariness and satisfaction.</p>
+
+<p>“Let me go in the back garden and peep
+through the knot-hole at the pretty roses. I
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</span>do long to see if the moss ones are out, and the
+cherries ripe,” said Rosy, clasping her hands
+imploringly.</p>
+
+<p>“It can do no harm, Henrietta. Yes, dear,
+run away and get some catnip for Tabby, and
+see if the balsams are up yet.”</p>
+
+<p>That last suggestion won Miss Henny’s consent;
+and Button was off at once, skipping like
+a young colt all over the garden, which now
+seemed delightful to her.</p>
+
+<p>At the back of the summer-house was a narrow
+space between it and the fence where certain
+plump toads lived; peeping in to watch
+them, Rosy had spied a large knot-hole in the
+old boards, and through it found she could get
+a fine view of several rose-bushes, a tree, and
+one window of the “missionary man’s” house.
+She had longed for another peep since the
+flower-stand was gone, and climbing trees forbidden;
+now with joy she slipped into the damp
+nook, regardless of the speckled gentlemen who
+stared at her with dismay, and took a good look
+at the forbidden paradise beyond.</p>
+
+<p>Yes, the “moss ones” were in bloom, the
+cherries quite red, and at the window was the
+gray head of Mr. Dover, as he sat reading in
+his queer yellow dressing-gown.</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</span></p>
+<p>Button yearned to get in, and leaned so hard
+against the hateful fence that the rotten board
+cracked, a long bit fell out, and she nearly
+went after it, as it dropped upon the green
+bank below. Now the full splendor of the
+roses burst upon her, and a delightful gooseberry
+bush stood close by with purplish berries
+temptingly bobbing within reach. This obliging
+bush hid the hole, but left fine openings to
+see through; so the child popped her curly head
+out, and gazed delightedly at the chickens, the
+flowers, the fruit, and the unconscious old gentleman
+not far away.</p>
+
+<p>“I’ll have it for my secret; or maybe I’ll
+tell Cousin Penny, and beg her to let me peep
+if I truly promise never to go in,” thought Button,
+knowing well who her best friend was.</p>
+
+<p>At bedtime, when the dear old lady came to
+give the good-night kiss, which the others forgot,
+Rosy, as Miss Penny called her, made her
+request; and it was granted, for Miss Penny
+had a feeling that the little peacemaker would
+sooner or later heal the breach with her pretty
+magic, and so she was very ready to lend a
+hand in a quiet way.</p>
+
+<p>Next day at play-time, Button was hurrying
+down her last bit of gingerbread, which she
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</span>was obliged to eat properly in the dining-room,
+instead of enjoying out-of-doors, when she
+heard a sudden flurry in the garden, and running
+to the window saw Roxy the maid chasing
+a chicken to and fro, while Miss Henny stood
+flapping her skirts on the steps, and crying,
+“Shoo!” till she was red in the face.</p>
+
+<p>“It’s the white banty, and it must have
+come in my hole! Oh dear, I hope they won’t
+catch it! Cousin Henny said she’d wring the
+neck of the first one that flied over the wall.”</p>
+
+<p>Away went Rosy, to join in the hunt; for
+Miss Henny was too fat to run, and Roxy
+found the lively fowl too much for her. It
+was a long and hard chase; feathers flew, the
+maid lost her breath, Rosy tumbled down, and
+Miss Henny screamed and scolded till she was
+forced to sit down and watch in silence.</p>
+
+<p>At last poor, hunted Banty ran into the arbor,
+for its clipped wings would not lift it over the
+wall. Button rushed after it, and dismal squalls
+plainly proclaimed that the naughty chicken was
+caught.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Henny waddled down the path, declaring
+that she <em>would</em> wring its neck; and Roxy
+went puffing after her, glad to rest. But the
+old summer-house was empty. No little girl,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</span>no ruffled bantam, appeared. Both had vanished
+like magic; and mistress and maid stared
+at each other in amazement, till they saw that
+the long-disused window was open, and a gleam
+of light came in from the narrow opening
+behind.</p>
+
+<p>“My patience! if that child hasn’t crept out
+there, and bolted through that hole in the fence!
+Did you ever, Miss?” exclaimed Roxy, trying
+not to look pleased at being spared the distasteful
+task of killing the poor chicken.</p>
+
+<p>“Naughty girl!” began Miss Henny, when
+the sound of voices made both listen. “Slip in
+there, and see what is going on,” said the mistress,
+well knowing that her stout person never
+could be squeezed into the small space between
+house and fence.</p>
+
+<p>Roxy, being thin, easily obeyed, and in a
+whisper telephoned what went on beyond the
+hole, causing Miss Henny much vexation, surprise,
+and at last real pleasure, as the child performed
+her little part in the mission she had
+undertaken.</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, please, it’s all my fault! I kept the
+hole open, Mr. Thomas, and so Banty flied in.
+But it isn’t hurt a bit, and I’ve brought it
+home all safe, ’cause I know you love your
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</span>chickies, and Tabby ate lots of ’em,” said the
+childish voice in its most conciliatory tone.</p>
+
+<p>“Why didn’t you fling it over the wall, as I
+did the cat?” asked Mr. Dover, smiling, as he
+shut up the truant fowl, and turned to look at
+the rosy, breathless child, whose pink frock
+bore the marks of many a tumble on grass and
+gravel.</p>
+
+<p>“It would hurt Banty’s feelings, and yours
+too, and not be polite. So I came myself, to
+make some pollygies, and say it was my fault.
+But, please, could I keep the hole to peep
+through, if I always put up a board when I go
+away? It is so dull in there, and <em>so</em> sweet in
+here!”</p>
+
+<p>“Don’t you think a little gate would be
+nicer,—one just big enough for you, with a
+hook to fasten it? We’ll call it a button-hole,”
+laughed Mr. Dover. “Then you could peep;
+or perhaps the ladies will think better of it,
+and show that they pardon my ill-treatment of
+Tabby by letting you come in and pick some
+cherries and roses now and then.”</p>
+
+<p>This charming proposal caused the little girl
+to clasp her hands and cry aloud,—</p>
+
+<p>“That would be perfully sp’endid! I know
+Cousin Penny would like it, and let me.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</span>P’r’aps she’d come herself; she’s so thin, she
+could, and she loves your mother and wants to
+see her. Only, Cousin Henny won’t let us be
+nice and friendly. S’pose you send <em>her</em> some
+cherries; she loves good things to eat, and
+maybe she will say yes, if you send lots.”</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Dover laughed at this artless proposal,
+and Miss Henny smiled at the prospect of a
+gift of the luscious black-heart cherries she had
+been longing for. Roxy wisely repeated only
+the agreeable parts of the conversation; so nothing
+ruffled the lady’s temper. Now, whether
+Mr. Dover’s sharp eye caught a glimpse of the
+face among the gooseberry bushes, and suspected
+eavesdroppers, or whether the child’s
+earnest desire to make peace touched him, who
+shall say? Certain it is that his eyes twinkled
+like a boy’s, as he said rather loudly, in his
+most affable tone,—</p>
+
+<p>“I shall be most happy to send Miss Henrietta
+a basket of fruit. She used to be a charming
+young woman. It’s a pity she shuts herself
+up so much; but that sad little romance of hers
+has darkened her life, I suppose. Ah, well, I
+can sympathize with her!”</p>
+
+<p>Rosy stared at the sudden change in his manner,
+and was rather bewildered by his grown-up
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</span>way of talking to her. But being intent on
+securing something nice to carry home, she
+stuck to the cherries, which she <em>did</em> understand,
+and pointing to the piazza said with a
+business-like air,—</p>
+
+<p>“There’s a basket; so we might pick ’em
+right away. I love to go up in trees and throw
+’em down; and I know Cousin Henny will like
+cherries ever so much, and not scold a bit when
+I take some to her.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then come on,” cried Mr. Thomas, relapsing
+into the hearty manner she liked so much;
+and away he went, quite briskly, down the
+path, with his yellow skirts waving in the wind,
+and Button skipping after him in great glee.</p>
+
+<p>“They actually <em>are</em> a-picking cherries, Miss,
+up in the tree like a couple of robins a-chirpin’
+and laughin’ as gay as can be,” reported Roxy,
+from her peep-hole.</p>
+
+<p>“Rip off the rest of that board, then I can
+see,” whispered Miss Henny, quivering with
+interest now; for she had heard Mr. Dover’s
+words, and her wrath was appeased by that flattering
+allusion to herself.</p>
+
+<p>Off came the rest of the board, and from the
+window, half hidden in woodbine, she could
+now see over the bushes into the next garden.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</span>The peep-hole commanded the tree, and she
+watched with eager eyes the filling of the
+basket to be sent her, planning the while a
+charming note of thanks.</p>
+
+<p><a id="i036"></a>“Do look, Miss; they are resting now, and
+she’s on his knee. Ain’t it a pretty picter?”
+whispered Roxy, unmindful of the earwigs,
+ants, and daddy-long-legs promenading over
+her as she crouched in her mouldy corner,
+intent on the view beyond.</p>
+
+<figure class="figfullpage portrait">
+    <img src="images/i_036.jpg"
+        title=""
+        alt="An old man with a beard is sitting in a tree with a girl on his knee. There is a basket hanging on a nearby branch and a ladder below them."
+        id="img_i_036">
+  <figcaption>
+      “‘Do look, Miss! they are resting now.’”&mdash;<span class="smcap"><a href="#i036">Page 32</a>.</span>
+  </figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p>“Very pretty! He lost several children in
+India and I suppose Rosy reminds him of them.
+Ah, poor man! I can sympathize with him, for
+<em>I</em> too have loved and lost,” sighed Miss Henny,
+pensively surveying the group on the rustic
+seat.</p>
+
+<p>They were playing cherry-bob; and the child’s
+laughter made pleasant music in the usually
+quiet place, while the man’s face lost its sad,
+stern look, and was both gay and tender, as he
+held the little creature close, and popped the
+ripe fruit into the red, laughing mouth.</p>
+
+<p>As the last sweet morsel disappeared Rosy
+said, with a long breath of perfect content,—</p>
+
+<p>“It’s <em>almost</em> as good as having Papa to play
+with. I do hope the cousins <em>will</em> let me come
+again! If they don’t, I think my heart will
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</span>break, ’cause I get so homesick over there, and
+have so many trials, and no one but Cousin
+Penny ever cuddles me.”</p>
+
+<p>“Bless her heart! We’ll send her some
+flowers for that. You tell her that Mrs. Dover
+is poorly, and would like very much to see
+her; and so would Mr. Thomas, who enjoys
+her little niece immensely. Can you remember
+that?”</p>
+
+<p>“Every word! <em>She</em> is very nice to me, and I
+love her, and I guess she will be glad to come.
+She likes <em>moss</em>-roses, and so do I,” added the
+unblushing little beggar, as Mr. Dover took out
+his knife and began to make the bouquet which
+was to be Miss Penny’s bribe. He could not
+bear to give up his little playmate, and was
+quite ready to try again, with this persistent
+and charming ally to help him heal the breach.</p>
+
+<p>“Shall you send anything to Cis? You
+needn’t mind about it, ’cause she can’t keep
+me at home, but it might please her, and make
+her stop rapping my head with her thimble
+when I ask questions, and slapping my fingers
+when I touch any of her pretty things,” suggested
+Button, as the flowers were added to the
+fruit, making a fine display.</p>
+
+<p>“I never send presents to <em>young</em> ladies,” said
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</span>Mr. Thomas shortly, adding, with both hands
+out, and his most inviting smile, “But I <em>always</em>
+kiss nice little girls if they will allow me?”</p>
+
+<p>Button threw both arms about his neck and
+gave him a shower of grateful kisses, which
+were sweeter to the lonely old man than all the
+cherries that ever grew, or the finest flowers
+in his garden. Then Miss Rosamond proudly
+marched home, finding no trace of the watchers,
+for both had fled while the “cuddling” went
+on. Roxy was soberly setting the dinner-table,
+and Miss Henny in the parlor breathing hard
+behind a newspaper. Miss Penny and Cicely
+were spending the day out, so the roses had
+to wait; but the basket was most graciously
+received, also the carefully delivered message,
+and the child’s heart was rejoiced by free permission
+to go and see “our kind neighbor now
+and then, if Sister does not object.”</p>
+
+<p>Rosy was in great spirits, and prattled away
+as they sat at dinner, emboldened by the lady’s
+unusual amiability to ask all sorts of questions,
+some of which proved rather embarrassing to
+Miss Henny, and very amusing to Roxy, listening
+in the china-closet.</p>
+
+<p>“I wish <em>I</em> had ’spepsia,” was the abrupt
+remark of the small person as her plate of
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</span>drumsticks was removed and the pudding appeared,
+accompanied by the cherries.</p>
+
+<p>“Why, dear?” asked Miss Henny, busily
+arranging the small dish of delicate tidbits,
+which left little but the skeleton of the roast
+fowl for the kitchen.</p>
+
+<p>“Then I could have the nicest bits of
+chicken, and heaps of sauce on my pudding,
+and the butteryest slices of toast, and <em>all</em> the
+cream for my tea, as you do. It isn’t a <em>very</em>
+bad pain, is it?” asked Rosy, in such perfect
+good faith that Miss Henny’s sudden flush and
+Roxy’s hasty dive into the closet never suggested
+to her that this innocent speech was
+bringing the old lady’s besetting sin to light in
+the most open manner.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, child, it is <em>very</em> bad, and you may
+thank your stars that I try to keep you from it
+by feeding you on plain food. At my age, and
+suffering as I do, the best of everything is
+needed to keep up my strength,” said Miss
+Henny, tartly. But the largest plate of pudding,
+with “heaps of sauce,” went to the child
+this day, and when the fruit was served, an
+unusually small portion was put away for the
+invalid, who was obliged to sustain nature with
+frequent lunches through the day and evening.</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</span></p>
+<p>“I’m s’prised that you suffer much, Cousin
+Henny. How brave you must be, not to cry
+about it, and go round in horrid pain, as you
+do, and dress so nicely, and see people, and
+work ’broidering, and make calls! I hope I
+shall be brave if I ever <em>do</em> have ’spepsia; but
+I guess I shan’t, you take such care to give
+me small pieces every time.”</p>
+
+<p>With which cheerful remark Rosy closed that
+part of the conversation and returned to the
+delights of her new friend’s garden. But from
+that day, among other changes which began
+about this time, the child’s cup and plate were
+well filled, and the dread of adding to her own
+sufferings seemed to curb the dyspeptic’s voracious
+appetite. “A cheild was amang them
+takin’ notes,” and every one involuntarily
+dreaded those clear eyes and that frank tongue,
+so innocently observing and criticising all that
+went on. Cicely had already been reminded
+of a neglected duty by Rosy’s reading to Miss
+Penny, and tried to be more faithful in that, as
+in other services which she owed the old lady.
+So the little missionary was evidently getting
+on, though quite unconscious of her work at
+home, so absorbed was she in her foreign mission;
+for, like many another missionary, the
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</span>savage over the way was more interesting than
+the selfish, slothful, or neglected souls at
+home.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Penny was charmed with her flowers
+and the friendly message sent her, and to
+Rosy’s great delight went next day, in best
+bonnet and gown, to make a call upon the old
+lady “who was poorly,” for that appeal could
+not be resisted. Rosy also, in honor of the
+great occasion, wore <em>her</em> best hat, and a white
+frock so stiff that she looked like a little opera
+dancer as the long black legs skipped along the
+street; for this was far too grand a visit to be
+paid through a hole in the wall.</p>
+
+<p>In the basket were certain delicacies for the
+old lady, and a card had been prepared, with
+the names of Miss Carey and Miss Rosamond
+Carey beautifully written on it by Cis, who was
+dying to go, but dared not after Rosy had told
+her Mr. Dover’s remark about young ladies.</p>
+
+<p>As the procession of two paused at the door,
+both the young and the old heart fluttered a
+little, for this was the first decided step toward
+reconciliation, and any check might spoil it all.
+The maid stared, but civilly led these unexpected
+guests in and departed with the card.
+Miss Penny settled herself in a large chair and
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</span>looked about with pensive interest at the familiar
+room. But Rosy made a bee-line for the
+great tiger-skin, and regardless of her clean
+frock lay down on it to examine the head,
+which glared at her with yellow eyes, showing
+all its sharp teeth in the most delightfully natural
+manner.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Dover came in with a formal bow, but
+Miss Penny put out both hands, and said in
+her sweet old voice,—</p>
+
+<p>“Let us be friends again for the sake of your
+mother.”</p>
+
+<p>That settled the matter at once, and Mr.
+Thomas was so eager to do his part that he not
+only shook the hands heartily, but kept them in
+his as he said like an honest man,—</p>
+
+<p>“My dear neighbor, I beg your pardon! <em>I</em>
+was wrong, but I’m not too proud to own it
+and say I’m glad to let bygones be bygones
+for the sake of all. Now come and see my
+mother; she is longing for you.”</p>
+
+<p>What went on in the next room Rosy never
+knew or cared, for Mr. Thomas soon returned,
+and amused her so well, showing his treasures,
+that she forgot where she was till the maid
+came to say tea was ready.</p>
+
+<p>“Are we going to stay?” cried the little girl,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</span>beaming from under a Feejee crown of feathers,
+which produced as comical an effect upon her
+curly head as did the collar of shark’s teeth
+round her plump neck or the great Japanese
+war-fan in her hand.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, we have tea at five; come and turn it
+out. I’ve ordered the little cups especially for
+you,” said her host, as he changed the small
+Amazon to a pretty child again and led her
+away to preside at the table, where the quaint
+china and silver, and the dainty cake and bread
+and butter proved much more attractive than
+the little old lady in a big cap who patted her
+head and smiled at her.</p>
+
+<p>Never had Rosy enjoyed such a delicious
+meal; for the rapture of pouring real tea out
+of a pot shaped like a silver melon, into cups
+as thin as egg-shells, and putting in sugar with
+tongs like claws, not to mention much thick
+cream, also spicy, plummy cakes that melted in
+one’s mouth, was too great for words.</p>
+
+<p>The little maid was so absorbed in her new
+duties that she never minded what the elders
+talked about, till the plates were empty, the
+pot ran dry, and no one could be prevailed on
+to have any more tea. Then she leaned back
+in her chair and remarked with an air of calm
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</span>satisfaction, as she looked from one to the other,
+and smiled that engaging smile of hers,—</p>
+
+<p>“Isn’t being friends a great deal nicer than
+fighting and throwing cats over walls and calling
+bad names?”</p>
+
+<p>It was impossible not to laugh, and that
+cheerful sound seemed to tune every one to the
+sweetest harmony, while the little peacemaker
+was passed round as if a last course of kisses
+was absolutely necessary.</p>
+
+<p>Then the party broke up, and Mr. Dover
+escorted his guests to their own gate, to the
+great amazement of the neighbors and the very
+visible pride of Miss Button-Rose, who went
+up the walk with her head as high as if the
+wreath of daisies on her little hat had been a
+conqueror’s crown.</p>
+
+<p>Now that the first step had been taken, all
+would have gone smoothly if Cicely, offended
+because Mr. Thomas took no notice of <em>her</em>, had
+not put it into Miss Henny’s head that as the
+original quarrel began between her and their
+neighbor, it would not be dignified to give in
+till Mr. Dover had come and begged pardon of
+<em>her</em> as well as of Miss Penny. This suited the
+foolish old lady, who never could forget certain
+plain words spoken in the heat of battle, though
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</span>the kindly ones lately heard had much softened
+her heart toward the offender.</p>
+
+<p>“No, I shall not forget my dignity nor
+humble myself by going over there to apologize
+as Penelope has. <em>She</em> can do as she likes; and
+now that he has asked to be forgiven, there is
+perhaps no harm in <em>her</em> seeing the old lady.
+But with me it is different. <em>I</em> was insulted,
+and till Thomas Dover comes here and solemnly
+asks my pardon I will <em>not</em> cross his threshold,
+no matter what bribes he sends,” said Miss
+Henny, with an air of heroic firmness.</p>
+
+<p>But it did cost her a pang when her sister
+went every now and then to take tea with the
+old lady and came home full of pleasant news;
+while Rosy prattled of the fine things she saw,
+the nice things she had to eat, and never failed
+to bring some gift to share, or to display to the
+exiles from Paradise. They ate the “bribes,”
+however, as they called the fruit, admired the
+pretty trinkets and toys, and longed to share in
+the mild festivities of the pleasant house over
+the way, but stood firm in spite of all Rosy’s
+wiles, till something unexpected happened to
+touch their hearts, conquer their foolish pride,
+and crown the little peacemaker’s efforts with
+success.</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</span></p>
+<p>One August afternoon Cicely was discontentedly
+looking over her small store of ornaments
+as she made ready for a party. She
+loved gayety, and went about a great deal,
+leaving many duties undone, or asking the
+little girl to attend to them for her, neglecting,
+however, to show any gratitude for these small
+services so cheerfully done.</p>
+
+<p>As she sat tossing over her boxes, Button-Rose
+came in looking tired and listless, for it
+was a hot day, and she had been out twice to
+do errands for Cicely, besides trotting busily up
+and down to wait on the old ladies while the
+young one put fresh ribbons on her dress and
+curled her hair for the evening.</p>
+
+<p>“Could I lie on your sofa, please, Cis? My
+head aches, and my legs are <em>so</em> tired,” said
+little Button, when her tap had been answered
+by a sharp “What do you want, child?”</p>
+
+<p>“No, I’m going to lie there myself and have
+a nap as soon as I’m done here. It’s cooler
+than the bed, and I must be fresh for to-night,”
+said Cicely, too intent on her own affairs to see
+how used up Rosy looked.</p>
+
+<p>“Then could I look at your pretty things if I
+don’t touch ’em?” asked the child, longing to
+peep into the interesting boxes scattered on the
+table.</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</span></p>
+<p>“No, you can’t! I’m busy, and don’t want
+you asking questions and meddling. Go away
+and let me alone.”</p>
+
+<p>Cicely spoke crossly, and waved her hand
+with a warning gesture, thereby upsetting the
+tray which held the beads of the necklace she
+had decided to wear for want of something
+better.</p>
+
+<p>“There, now see what you’ve done! Pick
+up every one, and be quick, for I’m in a
+hurry.”</p>
+
+<p>“But I didn’t touch ’em,” began poor Button,
+as she crept about hunting for the black
+and white beads that looked like very ugly
+marbles.</p>
+
+<p>“Don’t talk; pick them up and then scamper;
+you are always in mischief!” scolded Cis, vexed
+with herself, and the heat, and the accident,
+and the whole world just then.</p>
+
+<p>Rosy said no more, but several great tears
+dropped on the carpet as she groped in corners,
+under the bed, and behind the chairs for the
+runaways; and when the last was found she
+put it in her tyrant’s hand, saying, with a
+wistful look,—</p>
+
+<p>“I’m very sorry I troubled you. Seems to
+me if <em>I</em> had a little cousin, I’d love to have her
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</span>play with my things, and I wouldn’t be cross
+to her. Now I’ll go and try to <em>amoose</em> myself
+with Bella; <em>she</em> is always good to me.”</p>
+
+<p>“Run along then. Thank goodness that doll
+came when it did, for I’m tired of ‘amoosing’
+small girls as well as old ladies,” said Cis, busy
+with her beads, yet sorry she had been so petulant
+with patient little Button, who seldom
+reproached her, being a cheery child, and
+blessed with a sweet temper.</p>
+
+<p>Rosy felt too languid to play; so when she
+had told Bella, the London doll, her trials, and
+comforted herself with some kisses on the waxen
+cheeks, she roamed away to the summer-house,
+which was cool and quiet, longing for some one
+to caress her; for the little heart was homesick
+and the little head ached badly.</p>
+
+<p>The “button-hole” had been made, the alley
+swept out, to the great dismay of the spiders,
+earwigs, and toads, who had fled to quieter
+quarters, and Rosy had leave to go and come
+when she liked if Mr. Dover did not object.
+He never did; and it was her greatest delight
+to walk in the pretty garden at her own sweet
+will, always with the hope of meeting its kindly
+owner, for now they were firm friends. She
+had been too busy for a run there that day; and
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</span>now, as she peeped in, it looked so shady and
+inviting, and it seemed so natural to turn to
+her dear “missionary man” for entertainment,
+that she went straight up to his study window
+and peeped in.</p>
+
+<p>He too seemed out of sorts that hot afternoon,
+for he sat leaning his head on both hands
+at the desk strewn with piles of old letters.
+Button-Rose’s tender heart yearned over him
+at once, and stepping quietly in at the long
+open window she went to him, saying in her
+tenderest tone,—</p>
+
+<p>“Does your head ache, Sir? Let me soft it
+as I do Papa’s; he says that always makes
+it more better. Please let me? I’d love to
+dearly.”</p>
+
+<p>“Ah, my darling, I wish you could. But
+the pain is in my heart, and nothing will ever
+cure it,” sighed Mr. Thomas, as he drew her
+close and put his wrinkled yellow cheek to her
+soft one, which looked more like a damask rose
+than usual.</p>
+
+<p>“You have trials too, I s’pose. Mine trouble
+me to-day, so I came over to see you. Shall I
+go away?” asked Rosy with a sigh and the
+wistful look again.</p>
+
+<p>“No, stay, and we will comfort each other.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</span>Tell me your troubles, Button, and perhaps I
+can help them,” the kind old gentleman said as
+he took her on his knee and stroked the curly
+head with a paternal touch.</p>
+
+<p>So Rosy told her latest grief, and never saw
+the smile that crept about the lips that asked in
+a tone of deep interest,—</p>
+
+<p>“Well, what do you mean to do to that unkind
+Cicely?”</p>
+
+<p>“For a minute I wanted to slap her back
+when she tried to spat my hands. Then I
+’membered that Mamma said a kiss for a blow
+was a good thing, so I picked up the beads and
+planned to do it; but Cis looked <em>so</em> cross I
+couldn’t. If I had a pretty necklace I’d go
+and give it to her, and then maybe she’d love
+me better.”</p>
+
+<p>“My dear little missionary, you <em>shall</em> have
+beads to win the heart of <em>your</em> heathen, if that
+is all you need. See here; take anything you
+like, and give it with the kiss.”</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke, Mr. Dover pulled open a
+drawer in the desk and displayed a delightful
+collection of pretty, quaint, and curious trinkets
+picked up in foreign lands, and kept for keepsakes,
+since no little daughters of his own lived
+to wear them.</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</span></p>
+<p>“How perf’ly dorgeous!” cried Rosy, who
+often fell into baby talk when excited; and
+plunging in her hands, she revelled for some
+minutes in sandal-wood cases, carved ivory
+fans, silver bangles, barbaric brooches, and
+necklaces of coral, shells, amber, and golden
+coins, that jingled musically.</p>
+
+<p>“What <em>shall</em> I take for her?” cried the little
+maid, bewildered by such a mine of wealth.
+“You pick out one, Mr. Thomas, that will
+please her so much, ’cause you never send her
+anything, and she don’t like it,” said Rosy,
+fearing that her own taste was not to be trusted,
+as she liked the shells and shark’s teeth ornaments
+best.</p>
+
+<p>“No, I’ll give <em>you</em> one, and you shall do as
+you like about giving it to her. This, now, is
+really valuable and pretty, and any young lady
+would like to wear it. It makes me think of
+you, my Button, for it is like sunshine, and the
+word cut on the little heart means peace.”</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Dover held up a string of amber beads
+with its carved amulet, and swung it to and fro
+where the light shone through it till each bead
+looked like a drop of golden wine.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, that is lovely, and it smells nice, too.
+She will be so s’prised and pleased; I’ll go and
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</span>take it to her right away,” cried Rosy, forgetting
+to ask anything for herself, in her delight
+at this fine gift for Cis.</p>
+
+<p>But as she lifted her head after he had fastened
+the clasp about her neck, something in
+his face recalled the look it wore when she first
+came in, and putting both hands upon his shoulders,
+she said in her sweet little way,—</p>
+
+<p>“You’ve made my troubles go away, can’t I
+make yours? You are <em>so</em> kind to me, I’d love
+to help you if I could.”</p>
+
+<p>“You do, my child, more than you know;
+for when I get you in my arms it seems as if
+one of my poor babies had come back to me,
+and for a minute I forget the three little graves
+far away in India.”</p>
+
+<p>“Three!” cried Button, like a sad, soft echo;
+and she clung to the poor man as if trying to
+fill the empty arms with the love and pity
+that overflowed the childish soul in her small
+body.</p>
+
+<p>This was the comfort Mr. Thomas wanted,
+and for a few moments he just cradled her on
+his hungry heart, crooning a Hindostanee lullaby,
+while a few slow tears came dropping
+down upon the yellow head, so like those hidden
+for years under the Indian flowers. Presently
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</span>he seemed to come back from the happy
+past to which the old letters had carried him.
+He wiped his eyes, and Rosy’s also, with the
+big purple silk handkerchief, and pressing some
+very grateful kisses on the hot cheeks, said
+cheerfully again,—</p>
+
+<p>“God bless you, child, that’s done me good!
+But don’t let it sadden you, dear; forget all
+about it, and tell no one what a sentimental old
+fool I am.”</p>
+
+<p>“I never truly will! Only when you feel
+sorry about the poor little babies, let me come
+and give you cuddlings. They always make
+people feel more better, and I love ’em, and
+don’t get any now my dear people are away.”</p>
+
+<p>So the two made a tender little plan to comfort
+each other when hearts were heavy with
+longings for the absent, and parted at the small
+gate, both much cheered, and faster friends
+than ever.</p>
+
+<p>Rosy hastened in with her peace-offering,
+forgetful now of headache or loneliness as she
+sat patiently in the wide entry window-seat
+listening till some sound in Cicely’s room
+should show that she was awake. Before that
+happened, however, <a id="i054"></a>poor Button fell asleep
+herself, lulled by the quiet of the house,—for
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</span>every one was napping,—and dreamed that
+Mr. Dover stood waving a rainbow over his
+head, while several Indian gods and three little
+girls were dancing round him, hand in hand, to
+the tune of “Ring around a rosy.”</p>
+
+<figure class="figfullpage portrait">
+    <img src="images/i_054.jpg"
+        title=""
+        alt="A little girl holding a string of beads in her hand is sitting on a day-bed, leaning against some cushions at the end, fast asleep."
+        id="img_i_054">
+  <figcaption>
+      “Poor Button fell asleep.”&mdash;<span class="smcap"><a href="#i054">Page 49</a>.</span>
+  </figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p>A loud yawn roused her, and there was Cis
+peeping out of her door to see what time it was
+by the old-fashioned clock on the landing. Up
+scrambled the child, feeling dizzy and heavy-eyed,
+but so eager to give pleasure that she lost
+no time in saying, as she swung the necklace in
+the sunshine,—</p>
+
+<p>“See! this is for you, if you like it more
+better than the thunder-and-lightning marbles,
+as Cousin Penny calls the one you were going
+to wear.”</p>
+
+<p>“How lovely! Where <em>did</em> you get it, child?”
+cried Cis, wide awake at once, as she ran to the
+glass to try the effect of the new ornament on
+her white neck.</p>
+
+<p>“My dear Mr. Thomas gave it to me; but he
+said I could give it away if I liked, and I want
+you to have it, ’cause it’s ever so much prettier
+than any you’ve got.”</p>
+
+<p>“That’s very kind of you, Chicken, but why
+not keep it yourself? You like nice things as
+well as I do,” said Cicely, much impressed by
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</span>the value of the gift, for it was real amber, and
+the clasp of gold.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, I’ve talked with Mr. Thomas about
+missionarying a great deal, and he told me how
+he made the <em>savinges</em> good by giving them
+beads, and things to eat, and being patient and
+kind to them. So I thought I’d play be a missionary,
+and call this house Africa, and try to
+make the people here behave more better,”
+answered Rosy, with such engaging earnestness,
+as well as frankness, that Cis laughed, and
+exclaimed,—</p>
+
+<p>“You impertinent monkey, to call us heathen
+and try to convert us! How do you expect to
+do it?”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, I’m getting on pretty well, only you
+don’t <em>convert</em> as quick as some of the <em>savinges</em>
+did. I’ll tell you about it;” and Button went
+on eagerly. “Cousin Penny is the good old
+one, but rather fussy and slow, so I’m kind
+and patient, and now she loves me and lets me
+do things I like. <em>She</em> is my best one. Cousin
+Henny is my cannybel, ’cause she eats so much,
+and I please <em>her</em> by bringing nice things and getting
+her cushions ready. You are my baddest
+one, who is cross to me, and fights, and raps
+my head, and slaps my hands; so I thought
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</span>some beads would be nice for you, and I
+bringed these beauties. Mr. Thomas gave ’em
+to me when I told him my trials.”</p>
+
+<p>Cicely looked angry, amused, and ashamed,
+as she listened to the funny yet rather pathetic
+little play with which the lonely child had tried
+to cheer herself and win the hearts of those
+about her. She had the grace to blush, and
+offer back the necklace, saying in a self-reproachful
+tone,—</p>
+
+<p>“Keep your beads, little missionary, I’ll be
+converted without them, and try to be kinder
+to you. I <em>am</em> a selfish wretch, but you shall
+play be my little sister, and not have to go
+to strangers for comfort in your trials any
+more. Come, kiss me, dear, and we’ll begin
+now.”</p>
+
+<p>Rosy was in her arms at once, and clung
+there, saying with a face all smiles,—</p>
+
+<p>“That’s what I wanted! I thought I’d
+make a good <em>savinge</em> of you if I tried <em>very</em> hard.
+Please be kind to me just till Mamma comes
+back, and I’ll be the best little sister that ever
+was.”</p>
+
+<p>“Why didn’t you tell me all about it before?”
+asked Cicely, smoothing the tired head
+on her shoulder with a new gentleness; for this
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</span>last innocent confession had touched her heart
+as well as her conscience.</p>
+
+<p>“You never seemed to care about my plays,
+and always said, ‘Don’t chatter, child; run
+away and take care of yourself.’ So I did;
+but it was pretty dull, with only Tabby to tell
+secrets to and Bella to kiss. Mr. Thomas said
+people over here didn’t like children very well,
+and I found they didn’t. <em>He</em> does, dearly, so
+I went to him; but I like you now, you are so
+soft and kind to me.”</p>
+
+<p>“How hot your cheeks are! Come and let
+me cool them, and brush your hair for tea,”
+said Cis, as she touched the child’s feverish
+skin, and saw how heavy her eyes were.</p>
+
+<p>“I’m all burning up, and my head is <em>so</em>
+funny. I don’t want any tea. I want to lie
+on your sofa and go to sleep again. Can I?”
+asked Rosy, with a dizzy look about the room,
+and a shiver at the idea of eating.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, dear, I’ll put on your little wrapper,
+and make you all comfortable, and bring
+you some ice-water, for your lips are very
+dry.”</p>
+
+<p>As she spoke, Cicely bustled about the room,
+and soon had Rosy nicely settled with her best
+cologne-bottle and a fan; then she hastened
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</span>down to report that something was wrong, with
+a fear in her own heart that if any harm did
+come to the child it would be her fault. Some
+days before Cicely had sent Button-Rose with a
+note to a friend’s house where she knew some
+of the younger children were ill. Since then
+she had heard that it was scarlet fever; but
+though Rosy had waited some time for an
+answer to the note, and seen one of the invalids,
+Cis had never mentioned the fact, being
+ashamed to confess her carelessness, hoping no
+harm was done. Now she felt that it <em>had</em>
+come, and went to tell gentle Cousin Penny
+with tears of vain regret.</p>
+
+<p>Great was the lamentation when the doctor,
+who was sent for in hot haste, pronounced it
+scarlet fever; and deep was the self-reproach of
+the two older women for their blindness in not
+before remarking the languid air and want of
+appetite in the child. But Cicely was full of
+remorse; for every quick word, every rap of the
+hateful thimble, every service accepted without
+thanks, weighed heavily on her conscience now,
+as such things have an inconvenient way of
+doing when it is too late to undo them. Every
+one was devoted to the child, even lazy Miss
+Henny gave up her naps to sit by her at all
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</span>hours, Miss Penny hovered over the little bed
+like a grandmother, and Cicely refused to think
+of pleasure till the danger was over.</p>
+
+<p>For soon Button-Rose was very ill, and the
+old house haunted by the dreadful fear that
+death would rob them of the little creature who
+grew so precious when the thought of losing
+her made their hearts stand still. How could
+they live without the sound of that sweet voice
+chirping about the house, the busy feet tripping
+up and down, the willing hands trying to help,
+the sunny face smiling at every one, and going
+away into corners to hide the tears that sometimes
+came to dim its brightness? What would
+comfort the absent mother for such a loss as
+this, and how could they answer to the father
+for the carelessness that risked the child’s life
+for a girl’s errand? No one dared to think,
+and all prayed heartily for Rosy’s life, as they
+watched and waited by the little bed where she
+lay so patiently, till the fever grew high and
+she began to babble about many things. Her
+childish trials were all told, her longings for
+Mamma, whose place no one could fill, her
+quaint little criticisms upon those about her,
+and her plans for making peace. These innocent
+revelations caused many tears, and wrought
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</span>some changes in those who heard; for Miss
+Penny quite forgot her infirmities to live in the
+sick-room as the most experienced nurse and
+tenderest watcher. Miss Henny cooked her
+daintiest gruel, brewed her coolest drinks, and
+lost many pounds in weight by her indefatigable
+trotting up and down to minister to the
+invalid’s least caprice. Cicely was kept away
+for fear of infection, but <em>her</em> penance was to
+wander about the great house, more silent than
+ever now, to answer the inquiries and listen to
+the sad forebodings of the neighbors, who came
+to offer help and sympathy; for all loved little
+Button-Rose, and grieved to think of any blight
+falling on the pretty blossom. To wile away
+the long hours, Cicely fell to dusting the empty
+rooms, setting closets and drawers to rights,
+and keeping all fresh and clean, to the great
+relief of the old cousins, who felt that everything
+would go to destruction in their absence.
+She read and sewed now, having no heart for
+jaunting about; and as she made the long neglected
+white pinafores, for Rosy, she thought
+much of the little girl who might never live to
+wear them.</p>
+
+<p>Meantime the fever took its course, and came
+at last to the fateful day when a few hours
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</span>would settle the question of life or death. The
+hot flush died out of the cheeks that had lost
+their soft roundness now, the lips were parched,
+the half-shut eyes looked like sick violets, and
+all the pretty curls were tangled on the pillow.
+Rosy no longer sung to Bella, talked of “three
+dear little girls” and Mr. Thomas, tigers and
+bangles, Cis and necklaces, hens and gates.
+She ceased to call for Mamma, asked no more
+why her “missionary man” never came, and
+took no notice of the anxious old faces bending
+over her. She lay in a stupor, and the doctor
+held the little wasted hand, and tried to see the
+face of his watch with dim eyes as he counted
+the faint pulse, whispering solemnly,—</p>
+
+<p>“We can only hope and wait now. Sleep
+alone can save her.”</p>
+
+<p>As the sisters sat, one on either side the narrow
+bed that day, and Cicely walked restlessly
+up and down the long hall below, where both
+doors stood open to let in the cool evening air,
+as the sun went down, a quick but quiet step
+came up the steps, and Mr. Dover walked in
+without ringing. He had been away, and coming
+home an hour ago, heard the sad news.
+Losing not a moment, he hurried to ask about
+his little Button, and his face showed how great
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</span>his love and fear were, as he said in a broken
+whisper,—</p>
+
+<p>“Will she live? My mother never told me
+how serious it was, or I should have returned
+at once.”</p>
+
+<p>“We hope so, Sir, but—” And there
+Cicely’s voice failed, as she hid her face and
+sobbed.</p>
+
+<p>“My dear girl, don’t give way. Keep up
+your heart, hope, pray, will that the darling
+<em>shall</em> live, and that may do some good. We
+can’t let her go! we won’t let her go! Let me
+see her; I know much of fevers far worse than
+this, and might be able to suggest something,”
+begged Mr. Dover, throwing down his hat, and
+waving an immense fan with such an air of
+resolution and cheery good-will that tired Cis
+felt comforted at once, and led the way upstairs
+entirely forgetting the great feud, as he did.</p>
+
+<p>At the threshold of the door he paused, till
+the girl had whispered his name. Miss Penny,
+always a gentlewoman, rose at once and went
+to meet him, but Miss Henny did not even
+seem to see him, for just then, as if dimly feeling
+that her friend was near, Rosy stirred, and
+gave a long sigh.</p>
+
+<p>Silently the three stood and looked at the
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</span>beloved little creature lying there in the mysterious
+shadow of death, and they so helpless to
+keep her if the hour for departure had come.</p>
+
+<p>“God help us!” sighed pious Miss Penny,
+folding her old hands, as if they did that often
+now.</p>
+
+<p>“Drifting away, I fear;” and Miss Henny’s
+plump face looked almost beautiful, with the
+tears on it, as she leaned nearer to listen to
+the faint breath at the child’s lips.</p>
+
+<p>“No; we will keep her, please the Lord! If
+we can make her sleep quietly for the next
+few hours she is safe. Let me try. Fan
+slowly with this, Miss Henrietta, and you,
+dear lady, pray that the precious little life may
+be given us.”</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke, Mr. Dover gave the great fan
+to Miss Henny, took the small cold hands in
+his, and sitting on the bedside held them close
+in his large warm ones, as if trying to pour life
+and strength into the frail body, as his eyes,
+fixed on the half-opened ones, seemed to call
+back the innocent soul hovering on the threshold
+of its prison, like the butterfly poised upon
+the chrysalis before it soars away.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Penny knelt down near by, and laying
+her white head on the other pillow, again besought
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</span>God to spare this treasure to the father
+and mother over the sea. How long they remained
+so none of them ever knew, silent and
+motionless but for the slow waving of the noiseless
+fan, which went to and fro like the wing
+of a great white bird, as if Miss Henny’s stout
+arm could never tire. Miss Penny was so still
+she seemed to be asleep. Mr. Dover never
+stirred, but grew paler as the minutes passed;
+and Cicely, creeping now and then to look in
+and steal away, saw strange power in the black
+eyes that seemed to hold the fluttering spirit
+of the little child by the love and longing that
+made them both tender and commanding.</p>
+
+<p>A level ray of sunlight stole through the curtain
+at last and turned the tangles of bright
+hair to pure gold. Miss Henny rose to shut it
+out, and as if her movement broke the spell,
+Rosy took a long full breath, turned on the
+pillow, and putting one hand under her cheek,
+seemed to fall asleep as naturally as she used to
+do when well. Miss Penny looked up, touched
+the child’s forehead, and whispered, with a
+look of gratitude as bright as if the sunshine
+had touched her also,—</p>
+
+<p>“It is moist! this is real sleep! Oh, my
+baby! oh, my baby!” And the old head went
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</span>down again with a stifled sob, for her experienced
+eye told her that the danger was passing
+by and Rosy would live.</p>
+
+<p>“The prayers of the righteous avail much,”
+murmured Mr. Dover, turning to the other
+lady, who stood beside her sister looking down
+at the little figure now lying so restfully between
+them.</p>
+
+<p>“How can we thank you?” she whispered,
+offering her hand, with the smile which had
+once made her pretty, and still touched the old
+face with something better than beauty.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Dover took the hand and answered, with
+an eloquent look at the child,—</p>
+
+<p>“Let not the sun go down upon our wrath.
+Forgive me and be friends again, for her sake.”</p>
+
+<p>“I will!” And the plump hands gave the
+thin ones a hearty shake as the great feud
+ended forever over the bed of the little peacemaker
+whose childish play had turned to happy
+earnest.</p>
+</div>
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+
+
+
+<div class="transnote">
+<h2 class="nobreak" title="" id="Transcribers_Note">Transcriber’s Note</h2>
+
+
+<p>Plate illustrations (printed separately and bound without page numbers)
+near pages 32 and 49 have captions quoting text from the story. The
+illustrations have been moved to be immediately after the paragraph
+being quoted.</p>
+
+<p>The image of the book cover was partially obscured in the top-left
+corner by labels. The obscured portion has been restored with reference
+to a scan of another copy of the same book.</p>
+
+<p class="x-ebookmaker-drop">Image display sizes have been specified
+roughly in proportion to the original text and page size. Any image
+may be opened full size by right-clicking and selecting "Open image in
+a new tab," and a higher resolution version of the cover image can be
+viewed from the link under the image.</p>
+
+<p>Inconsistent hyphenation and capitalisation have been retained.</p>
+
+<p>The name “Button-Rose” is hyphenated throughout the story and in the
+header on every page, however in the book title on the cover and on the
+title page it is “Button Rose” (no hyphen). These have also all been
+left unchanged.</p>
+
+<p>There is use of deliberate mis-spelling to emphasize childish or
+other pronunciation. This has been retained.</p>
+</div>
+<div style='text-align:center'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 76977 ***</div>
+</body>
+</html>
+
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+This book, including all associated images, markup, improvements,
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+in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES.
+
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+
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+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for book #76977
+(https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/76977)