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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Aunt Jo's Scrap-Bag VI, by Louisa M. Alcott
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Aunt Jo's Scrap-Bag VI
+       An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving, Etc.
+
+Author: Louisa M. Alcott
+
+Release Date: December 19, 2008 [EBook #27567]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AUNT JO'S SCRAP-BAG VI ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Edwards, Katherine Ward and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by The Internet Archive)
+
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's note:
+
+  Hyphenation and spelling standardized. Otherwise, archaic and
+    variable spelling was preserved.
+
+  Missing quotation marks were added to standardize usage. Otherwise,
+    the editor's punctuation style was preserved.
+
+  Table of Contents' page numbers were updated.
+
+  Special notation:
+
+    Text in italics is enclosed by underscores (_italics_).
+
+    Text in bold face is enclosed by equal signs (=bold=).
+
+
+
+
+AUNT JO'S SCRAP-BAG
+
+Is now full, and contains
+
+    =I. MY BOYS=, and other stories.
+   =II. SHAWL-STRAPS=. Sketches of a European Trip.
+  =III. CUPID AND CHOW-CHOW=, and other stories.
+   =IV. MY GIRLS=, and other stories.
+    =V. JIMMY'S CRUISE IN THE PINAFORE=, and other stories.
+   =VI. AN OLD-FASHIONED THANKSGIVING=, and other stories.
+
+_Six volumes neatly bound in cloth. Price, $6.00._
+
+ROBERTS BROTHERS, PUBLISHERS, BOSTON.
+
+[Illustration: AN OLD-FASHIONED THANKSGIVING.
+
+"Suddenly Tilly threw down the axe, flung open the door, and ran
+straight into the arms of the bear."--PAGE 29.]
+
+[Illustration: HOW IT ALL HAPPENED.
+
+Dolly opened the door, and started back with a cry of astonishment at
+the lovely spectacle before her.--PAGE 47.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+AUNT JO'S SCRAP-BAG.
+
+AN OLD-FASHIONED THANKSGIVING,
+  Etc.
+
+[Illustration: SCRAP-BAG, VOL. VI.]
+
+BY LOUISA M. ALCOTT,
+
+AUTHOR OF "LITTLE WOMEN," "AN OLD-FASHIONED GIRL," "LITTLE MEN,"
+"HOSPITAL SKETCHES."
+
+  BOSTON:
+  ROBERTS BROTHERS.
+  1882.
+
+  _Copyright, 1882,_
+  BY LOUISA M. ALCOTT.
+
+  UNIVERSITY PRESS:
+  JOHN WILSON AND SON, CAMBRIDGE.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+                                                               PAGE.
+     I. AN OLD-FASHIONED THANKSGIVING                              7
+    II. HOW IT ALL HAPPENED                                       37
+   III. THE DOLLS' JOURNEY FROM MINNESOTA TO MAINE                53
+    IV. MORNING-GLORIES                                           78
+     V. SHADOW-CHILDREN                                          104
+    VI. POPPY'S PRANKS                                           124
+   VII. WHAT THE SWALLOWS DID                                    147
+  VIII. LITTLE GULLIVER                                          163
+    IX. THE WHALE'S STORY                                        178
+     X. A STRANGE ISLAND                                         192
+    XI. FANCY'S FRIEND                                           208
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+I.
+
+AN OLD-FASHIONED THANKSGIVING.
+
+
+Sixty years ago, up among the New Hampshire hills, lived Farmer Bassett,
+with a house full of sturdy sons and daughters growing up about him.
+They were poor in money, but rich in land and love, for the wide acres
+of wood, corn, and pasture land fed, warmed, and clothed the flock,
+while mutual patience, affection, and courage made the old farm-house a
+very happy home.
+
+November had come; the crops were in, and barn, buttery, and bin were
+overflowing with the harvest that rewarded the summer's hard work. The
+big kitchen was a jolly place just now, for in the great fireplace
+roared a cheerful fire; on the walls hung garlands of dried apples,
+onions, and corn; up aloft from the beams shone crook-necked squashes,
+juicy hams, and dried venison--for in those days deer still haunted the
+deep forests, and hunters flourished. Savory smells were in the air; on
+the crane hung steaming kettles, and down among the red embers copper
+sauce-pans simmered, all suggestive of some approaching feast.
+
+A white-headed baby lay in the old blue cradle that had rocked seven
+other babies, now and then lifting his head to look out, like a round,
+full moon, then subsided to kick and crow contentedly, and suck the rosy
+apple he had no teeth to bite. Two small boys sat on the wooden settle
+shelling corn for popping, and picking out the biggest nuts from the
+goodly store their own hands had gathered in October. Four young girls
+stood at the long dresser, busily chopping meat, pounding spice, and
+slicing apples; and the tongues of Tilly, Prue, Roxy, and Rhody went as
+fast as their hands. Farmer Bassett, and Eph, the oldest boy, were
+"chorin' 'round" outside, for Thanksgiving was at hand, and all must be
+in order for that time-honored day.
+
+To and fro, from table to hearth, bustled buxom Mrs. Bassett, flushed
+and floury, but busy and blithe as the queen bee of this busy little
+hive should be.
+
+"I do like to begin seasonable and have things to my mind. Thanksgivin'
+dinners can't be drove, and it does take a sight of victuals to fill all
+these hungry stomicks," said the good woman, as she gave a vigorous stir
+to the great kettle of cider apple-sauce, and cast a glance of
+housewifely pride at the fine array of pies set forth on the buttery
+shelves.
+
+"Only one more day and then it will be time to eat. I didn't take but
+one bowl of hasty pudding this morning, so I shall have plenty of room
+when the nice things come," confided Seth to Sol, as he cracked a large
+hazel-nut as easily as a squirrel.
+
+"No need of my starvin' beforehand. _I always_ have room enough, and I'd
+like to have Thanksgiving every day," answered Solomon, gloating like a
+young ogre over the little pig that lay near by, ready for roasting.
+
+"Sakes alive, I don't, boys! It's a marcy it don't come but once a year.
+I should be worn to a thread-paper with all this extra work atop of my
+winter weavin' and spinnin'," laughed their mother, as she plunged her
+plump arms into the long bread-trough and began to knead the dough as if
+a famine was at hand.
+
+Tilly, the oldest girl, a red-cheeked, black-eyed lass of fourteen, was
+grinding briskly at the mortar, for spices were costly, and not a grain
+must be wasted. Prue kept time with the chopper, and the twins sliced
+away at the apples till their little brown arms ached, for all knew how
+to work, and did so now with a will.
+
+"I think it's real fun to have Thanksgiving at home. I'm sorry Gran'ma
+is sick, so we can't go there as usual, but I like to mess 'round here,
+don't you, girls?" asked Tilly, pausing to take a sniff at the spicy
+pestle.
+
+"It will be kind of lonesome with only our own folks." "I like to see
+all the cousins and aunts, and have games, and sing," cried the twins,
+who were regular little romps, and could run, swim, coast and shout as
+well as their brothers.
+
+"I don't care a mite for all that. It will be so nice to eat dinner
+together, warm and comfortable at home," said quiet Prue, who loved her
+own cozy nooks like a cat.
+
+"Come, girls, fly 'round and get your chores done, so we can clear away
+for dinner jest as soon as I clap my bread into the oven," called Mrs.
+Bassett presently, as she rounded off the last loaf of brown bread which
+was to feed the hungry mouths that seldom tasted any other.
+
+"Here's a man comin' up the hill, lively!" "Guess it's Gad Hopkins. Pa
+told him to bring a dezzen oranges, if they warn't too high!" shouted
+Sol and Seth, running to the door, while the girls smacked their lips at
+the thought of this rare treat, and Baby threw his apple overboard, as
+if getting ready for a new cargo.
+
+But all were doomed to disappointment, for it was not Gad, with the
+much-desired fruit. It was a stranger, who threw himself off his horse
+and hurried up to Mr. Bassett in the yard, with some brief message that
+made the farmer drop his ax and look so sober that his wife guessed at
+once some bad news had come; and crying, "Mother's wuss! I know she
+is!" out ran the good woman, forgetful of the flour on her arms and the
+oven waiting for its most important batch.
+
+The man said old Mr. Chadwick, down to Keene, stopped him as he passed,
+and told him to tell Mrs. Bassett her mother was failin' fast, and she'd
+better come to-day. He knew no more, and having delivered his errand he
+rode away, saying it looked like snow and he must be jogging, or he
+wouldn't get home till night.
+
+"We must go right off, Eldad. Hitch up, and I'll be ready in less'n
+no time," said Mrs. Bassett, wasting not a minute in tears and
+lamentations, but pulling off her apron as she went in, with her mind in
+a sad jumble of bread, anxiety, turkey, sorrow, haste, and cider
+apple-sauce.
+
+A few words told the story, and the children left their work to help her
+get ready, mingling their grief for "Gran'ma" with regrets for the lost
+dinner.
+
+"I'm dreadful sorry, dears, but it can't be helped. I couldn't cook nor
+eat no way, now, and if that blessed woman gets better sudden, as she
+has before, we'll have cause for thanksgivin', and I'll give you a
+dinner you won't forget in a hurry," said Mrs. Bassett, as she tied on
+her brown silk pumpkin-hood, with a sob for the good old mother who had
+made it for her.
+
+Not a child complained after that, but ran about helpfully, bringing
+moccasins, heating the footstone, and getting ready for a long drive,
+because Gran'ma lived twenty miles away, and there were no railroads in
+those parts to whisk people to and fro like magic. By the time the old
+yellow sleigh was at the door, the bread was in the oven, and Mrs.
+Bassett was waiting, with her camlet cloak on, and the baby done up like
+a small bale of blankets.
+
+"Now, Eph, you must look after the cattle like a man, and keep up the
+fires, for there's a storm brewin', and neither the children nor dumb
+critters must suffer," said Mr. Bassett, as he turned up the collar of
+his rough coat and put on his blue mittens, while the old mare shook her
+bells as if she preferred a trip to Keene to hauling wood all day.
+
+"Tilly, put extry comfortables on the beds to-night, the wind is so
+searchin' up chamber. Have the baked beans and Injun-puddin' for dinner,
+and whatever you do, don't let the boys git at the mince-pies, or you'll
+have them down sick. I shall come back the minute I can leave Mother. Pa
+will come to-morrer, anyway, so keep snug and be good. I depend on you,
+my darter; use your jedgment, and don't let nothin' happen while
+Mother's away."
+
+"Yes'm, yes'm--good-bye, good-bye!" called the children, as Mrs. Bassett
+was packed into the sleigh and driven away, leaving a stream of
+directions behind her.
+
+Eph, the sixteen-year-old boy, immediately put on his biggest boots,
+assumed a sober, responsible manner, and surveyed his little
+responsibilities with a paternal air, drolly like his father's. Tilly
+tied on her mother's bunch of keys, rolled up the sleeves of her
+homespun gown, and began to order about the younger girls. They soon
+forgot poor Granny, and found it great fun to keep house all alone, for
+Mother seldom left home, but ruled her family in the good old-fashioned
+way. There were no servants, for the little daughters were Mrs.
+Bassett's only maids, and the stout boys helped their father, all
+working happily together with no wages but love; learning in the best
+manner the use of the heads and hands with which they were to make their
+own way in the world.
+
+The few flakes that caused the farmer to predict bad weather soon
+increased to a regular snow-storm, with gusts of wind, for up among the
+hills winter came early and lingered long. But the children were busy,
+gay, and warm in-doors, and never minded the rising gale nor the
+whirling white storm outside.
+
+Tilly got them a good dinner, and when it was over the two elder girls
+went to their spinning, for in the kitchen stood the big and little
+wheels, and baskets of wool-rolls, ready to be twisted into yarn for the
+winter's knitting, and each day brought its stint of work to the
+daughters, who hoped to be as thrifty as their mother.
+
+Eph kept up a glorious fire, and superintended the small boys, who
+popped corn and whittled boats on the hearth; while Roxy and Rhody
+dressed corn-cob dolls in the settle corner, and Bose, the brindled
+mastiff, lay on the braided mat, luxuriously warming his old legs. Thus
+employed, they made a pretty picture, these rosy boys and girls, in
+their homespun suits, with the rustic toys or tasks which most children
+nowadays would find very poor or tiresome.
+
+Tilly and Prue sang, as they stepped to and fro, drawing out
+the smoothly twisted threads to the musical hum of the great
+spinning-wheels. The little girls chattered like magpies over their
+dolls and the new bed-spread they were planning to make, all white
+dimity stars on a blue calico ground, as a Christmas present to Ma. The
+boys roared at Eph's jokes, and had rough and tumble games over Bose,
+who didn't mind them in the least; and so the afternoon wore pleasantly
+away.
+
+At sunset the boys went out to feed the cattle, bring in heaps of wood,
+and lock up for the night, as the lonely farm-house seldom had visitors
+after dark. The girls got the simple supper of brown bread and milk,
+baked apples, and a doughnut all 'round as a treat. Then they sat before
+the fire, the sisters knitting, the brothers with books or games, for
+Eph loved reading, and Sol and Seth never failed to play a few games of
+Morris with barley corns, on the little board they had made themselves
+at one corner of the dresser.
+
+"Read out a piece," said Tilly, from Mother's chair, where she sat in
+state, finishing off the sixth woolen sock she had knit that month.
+
+"It's the old history book, but here's a bit you may like, since it's
+about our folks," answered Eph, turning the yellow page to look at a
+picture of two quaintly dressed children in some ancient castle.
+
+"Yes, read that. I always like to hear about the Lady Matildy I was
+named for, and Lord Bassett, Pa's great-great-great-grandpa. He's only a
+farmer now, but it's nice to know that we were somebody two or three
+hundred years ago," said Tilly, bridling and tossing her curly head as
+she fancied the Lady Matilda might have done.
+
+"Don't read the queer words, 'cause we don't understand 'em. Tell it,"
+commanded Roxy, from the cradle, where she was drowsily cuddled with
+Rhody.
+
+"Well, a long time ago, when Charles the First was in prison, Lord
+Bassett was a true friend to him," began Eph, plunging into his story
+without delay. "The lord had some papers that would have hung a lot of
+people if the king's enemies got hold of 'em, so when he heard one day,
+all of a sudden, that soldiers were at the castle-gate to carry him
+off, he had just time to call his girl to him, and say: 'I may be going
+to my death, but I won't betray my master. There is no time to burn the
+papers, and I can not take them with me; they are hidden in the old
+leathern chair where I sit. No one knows this but you, and you must
+guard them till I come or send you a safe messenger to take them away.
+Promise me to be brave and silent, and I can go without fear.' You see,
+he wasn't afraid to die, but he _was_ to seem a traitor. Lady Matildy
+promised solemnly, and the words were hardly out of her mouth when the
+men came in, and her father was carried away a prisoner and sent off to
+the Tower.
+
+"But she didn't cry; she just called her brother, and sat down in that
+chair, with her head leaning back on those papers, like a queen, and
+waited while the soldiers hunted the house over for 'em: wasn't that a
+smart girl?" cried Tilly, beaming with pride, for she was named for this
+ancestress, and knew the story by heart.
+
+"I reckon she was scared, though, when the men came swearin' in and
+asked her if she knew anything about it. The boy did his part then, for
+_he_ didn't know, and fired up and stood before his sister; and he says,
+says he, as bold as a lion: 'If my lord had told us where the papers be,
+we would die before we would betray him. But we are children and know
+nothing, and it is cowardly of you to try to fright us with oaths and
+drawn swords!'"
+
+As Eph quoted from the book, Seth planted himself before Tilly, with the
+long poker in his hand, saying, as he flourished it valiantly:
+
+"Why didn't the boy take his father's sword and lay about him? I would,
+if any one was ha'sh to Tilly."
+
+"You bantam! He was only a bit of a boy, and couldn't do anything. Sit
+down and hear the rest of it," commanded Tilly, with a pat on the yellow
+head, and a private resolve that Seth should have the largest piece of
+pie at dinner next day, as reward for his chivalry.
+
+"Well, the men went off after turning the castle out of window, but they
+said they should come again; so faithful Matildy was full of trouble,
+and hardly dared to leave the room where the chair stood. All day she
+sat there, and at night her sleep was so full of fear about it, that she
+often got up and went to see that all was safe. The servants thought the
+fright had hurt her wits, and let her be, but Rupert, the boy, stood by
+her and never was afraid of her queer ways. She was 'a pious maid,' the
+book says, and often spent the long evenings reading the Bible, with her
+brother by her, all alone in the great room, with no one to help her
+bear her secret, and no good news of her father. At last, word came that
+the king was dead and his friends banished out of England. Then the
+poor children were in a sad plight, for they had no mother, and the
+servants all ran away, leaving only one faithful old man to help them."
+
+"But the father did come?" cried Roxy, eagerly.
+
+"You'll see," continued Eph, half telling, half reading.
+
+"Matilda was sure he would, so she sat on in the big chair, guarding the
+papers, and no one could get her away, till one day a man came with her
+father's ring and told her to give up the secret. She knew the ring, but
+would not tell until she had asked many questions, so as to be very
+sure, and while the man answered all about her father and the king, she
+looked at him sharply. Then she stood up and said, in a tremble, for
+there was something strange about the man: 'Sir, I doubt you in spite of
+the ring, and I will not answer till you pull off the false beard you
+wear, that I may see your face and know if you are my father's friend or
+foe.' Off came the disguise, and Matilda found it was my lord himself,
+come to take them with him out of England. He was very proud of that
+faithful girl, I guess, for the old chair still stands in the castle,
+and the name keeps in the family, Pa says, even over here, where some of
+the Bassetts came along with the Pilgrims."
+
+"Our Tilly would have been as brave, I know, and she looks like the old
+picter down to Grandma's, don't she, Eph?" cried Prue, who admired her
+bold, bright sister very much.
+
+"Well, I think you'd do the settin' part best, Prue, you are so patient.
+Till would fight like a wild cat, but she can't hold her tongue worth a
+cent," answered Eph; whereat Tilly pulled his hair, and the story ended
+with a general frolic.
+
+When the moon-faced clock behind the door struck nine, Tilly tucked up
+the children under the "extry comfortables," and having kissed them all
+around, as Mother did, crept into her own nest, never minding the little
+drifts of snow that sifted in upon her coverlet between the shingles of
+the roof, nor the storm that raged without.
+
+As if he felt the need of unusual vigilance, old Bose lay down on the
+mat before the door, and pussy had the warm hearth all to herself. If
+any late wanderer had looked in at midnight, he would have seen the fire
+blazing up again, and in the cheerful glow the old cat blinking her
+yellow eyes, as she sat bolt upright beside the spinning-wheel, like
+some sort of household goblin, guarding the children while they slept.
+
+When they woke, like early birds, it still snowed, but up the little
+Bassetts jumped, broke the ice in their pitchers, and went down with
+cheeks glowing like winter apples, after a brisk scrub and scramble
+into their clothes. Eph was off to the barn, and Tilly soon had a great
+kettle of mush ready, which, with milk warm from the cows, made a
+wholesome breakfast for the seven hearty children.
+
+"Now about dinner," said the young housekeeper, as the pewter spoons
+stopped clattering, and the earthen bowls stood empty.
+
+"Ma said, have what we liked, but she didn't expect us to have a real
+Thanksgiving dinner, because she won't be here to cook it, and we don't
+know how," began Prue, doubtfully.
+
+"I can roast a turkey and make a pudding as well as anybody, I guess.
+The pies are all ready, and if we can't boil vegetables and so on, we
+don't deserve any dinner," cried Tilly, burning to distinguish herself,
+and bound to enjoy to the utmost her brief authority.
+
+"Yes, yes!" cried all the boys, "let's have a dinner anyway; Ma won't
+care, and the good victuals will spoil if they ain't eaten right up."
+
+"Pa is coming to-night, so we won't have dinner till late; that will be
+real genteel and give us plenty of time," added Tilly, suddenly
+realizing the novelty of the task she had undertaken.
+
+"Did you ever roast a turkey?" asked Roxy, with an air of deep interest.
+
+"Should you darst to try?" said Rhody, in an awe-stricken tone.
+
+"You will see what I can do. Ma said I was to use my jedgment about
+things, and I'm going to. All you children have got to do is to keep out
+of the way, and let Prue and me work. Eph, I wish you'd put a fire in
+the best room, so the little ones can play in there. We shall want the
+settin'-room for the table, and I won't have 'em pickin' 'round when we
+get things fixed," commanded Tilly, bound to make her short reign a
+brilliant one.
+
+"I don't know about that. Ma didn't tell us to," began cautious Eph, who
+felt that this invasion of the sacred best parlor was a daring step.
+
+"Don't we always do it Sundays and Thanksgivings? Wouldn't Ma wish the
+children kept safe and warm anyhow? Can I get up a nice dinner with four
+rascals under my feet all the time? Come, now, if you want roast turkey
+and onions, plum-puddin' and mince-pie, you'll have to do as I tell you,
+and be lively about it."
+
+Tilly spoke with such spirit, and her last suggestion was so
+irresistible, that Eph gave in, and, laughing good-naturedly, tramped
+away to heat up the best room, devoutly hoping that nothing serious
+would happen to punish such audacity.
+
+The young folks delightedly trooped in to destroy the order of that prim
+apartment with housekeeping under the black horse-hair sofa, "horseback
+riders" on the arms of the best rocking-chair, and an Indian war-dance
+all over the well-waxed furniture. Eph, finding the society of the
+peaceful sheep and cows more to his mind than that of two excited
+sisters, lingered over his chores in the barn as long as possible, and
+left the girls in peace.
+
+Now Tilly and Prue were in their glory, and as soon as the breakfast
+things were out of the way, they prepared for a grand cooking-time. They
+were handy girls, though they had never heard of a cooking-school, never
+touched a piano, and knew nothing of embroidery beyond the samplers
+which hung framed in the parlor; one ornamented with a pink mourner
+under a blue weeping-willow, the other with this pleasing verse, each
+word being done in a different color, which gave the effect of a
+distracted rainbow:
+
+    "This sampler neat was worked by me,
+     In my twelfth year, Prudence B."
+
+Both rolled up their sleeves, put on their largest aprons, and got out
+all the spoons, dishes, pots, and pans they could find, "so as to have
+everything handy," as Prue said.
+
+"Now, sister, we'll have dinner at five; Pa will be here by that time if
+he is coming to-night, and be so surprised to find us all ready, for he
+won't have had any very nice victuals if Gran'ma is so sick," said Tilly
+importantly. "I shall give the children a piece at noon" (Tilly meant
+luncheon); "doughnuts and cheese, with apple-pie and cider will please
+'em. There's beans for Eph; he likes cold pork, so we won't stop to warm
+it up, for there's lots to do, and I don't mind saying to you I'm
+dreadful dubersome about the turkey."
+
+"It's all ready but the stuffing, and roasting is as easy as can be. I
+can baste first rate. Ma always likes to have me, I'm so patient and
+stiddy, she says," answered Prue, for the responsibility of this great
+undertaking did not rest upon her, so she took a cheerful view of
+things.
+
+"I know, but it's the stuffin' that troubles me," said Tilly, rubbing
+her round elbows as she eyed the immense fowl laid out on a platter
+before her. "I don't know how much I want, nor what sort of yarbs to put
+in, and he's so awful big, I'm kind of afraid of him."
+
+"I ain't! I fed him all summer, and he never gobbled at _me_. I feel
+real mean to be thinking of gobbling him, poor old chap," laughed Prue,
+patting her departed pet with an air of mingled affection and appetite.
+
+"Well, I'll get the puddin' off my mind fust, for it ought to bile all
+day. Put the big kettle on, and see that the spit is clean, while I get
+ready."
+
+Prue obediently tugged away at the crane, with its black hooks, from
+which hung the iron tea-kettle and three-legged pot; then she settled
+the long spit in the grooves made for it in the tall andirons, and put
+the dripping-pan underneath, for in those days meat was roasted as it
+should be, not baked in ovens.
+
+Meantime Tilly attacked the plum-pudding. She felt pretty sure of coming
+out right, here, for she had seen her mother do it so many times, it
+looked very easy. So in went suet and fruit; all sorts of spice, to be
+sure she got the right ones, and brandy instead of wine. But she forgot
+both sugar and salt, and tied it in the cloth so tightly that it had no
+room to swell, so it would come out as heavy as lead and as hard as a
+cannon-ball, if the bag did not burst and spoil it all. Happily
+unconscious of these mistakes, Tilly popped it into the pot, and proudly
+watched it bobbing about before she put the cover on and left it to its
+fate.
+
+"I can't remember what flavorin' Ma puts in," she said, when she had got
+her bread well soaked for the stuffing. "Sage and onions and apple-sauce
+go with goose, but I can't feel sure of anything but pepper and salt for
+a turkey."
+
+"Ma puts in some kind of mint, I know, but I forget whether it is
+spearmint, peppermint, or penny-royal," answered Prue, in a tone of
+doubt, but trying to show her knowledge of "yarbs," or, at least, of
+their names.
+
+"Seems to me it's sweet marjoram or summer savory. I guess we'll put
+both in, and then we are sure to be right. The best is up garret; you
+run and get some, while I mash the bread," commanded Tilly, diving into
+the mess.
+
+Away trotted Prue, but in her haste she got catnip and wormwood, for the
+garret was darkish, and Prue's little nose was so full of the smell of
+the onions she had been peeling, that everything smelt of them. Eager to
+be of use, she pounded up the herbs and scattered the mixture with a
+liberal hand into the bowl.
+
+"It doesn't smell just right, but I suppose it will when it is cooked,"
+said Tilly, as she filled the empty stomach, that seemed aching for
+food, and sewed it up with the blue yarn, which happened to be handy.
+She forgot to tie down his legs and wings, but she set him by till his
+hour came, well satisfied with her work.
+
+"Shall we roast the little pig, too? I think he'd look nice with a
+necklace of sausages, as Ma fixed one last Christmas," asked Prue,
+elated with their success.
+
+"I couldn't do it. I loved that little pig, and cried when he was
+killed. I should feel as if I was roasting the baby," answered Tilly,
+glancing toward the buttery where piggy hung, looking so pink and pretty
+it certainly did seem cruel to eat him.
+
+It took a long time to get all the vegetables ready, for, as the cellar
+was full, the girls thought they would have every sort. Eph helped, and
+by noon all was ready for cooking, and the cranberry-sauce, a good deal
+scorched, was cooling in the lean-to.
+
+Luncheon was a lively meal, and doughnuts and cheese vanished in such
+quantities that Tilly feared no one would have an appetite for her
+sumptuous dinner. The boys assured her they would be starving by five
+o'clock, and Sol mourned bitterly over the little pig that was not to be
+served up.
+
+"Now you all go and coast, while Prue and I set the table and get out
+the best chiny," said Tilly, bent on having her dinner look well, no
+matter what its other failings might be.
+
+Out came the rough sleds, on went the round hoods, old hats, red cloaks,
+and moccasins, and away trudged the four younger Bassetts, to disport
+themselves in the snow, and try the ice down by the old mill, where the
+great wheel turned and splashed so merrily in the summer-time.
+
+Eph took his fiddle and scraped away to his heart's content in the
+parlor, while the girls, after a short rest, set the table and made all
+ready to dish up the dinner when that exciting moment came. It was not
+at all the sort of table we see now, but would look very plain and
+countrified to us, with its green-handled knives and two-pronged steel
+forks; its red-and-white china, and pewter platters, scoured till they
+shone, with mugs and spoons to match, and a brown jug for the cider.
+The cloth was coarse, but white as snow, and the little maids had seen
+the blue-eyed flax grow, out of which their mother wove the linen they
+had watched and watered while it bleached in the green meadow. They had
+no napkins and little silver; but the best tankard and Ma's few wedding
+spoons were set forth in state. Nuts and apples at the corners gave an
+air, and the place of honor was left in the middle for the oranges yet
+to come.
+
+"Don't it look beautiful?" said Prue, when they paused to admire the
+general effect.
+
+"Pretty nice, I think. I wish Ma could see how well we can do it," began
+Tilly, when a loud howling startled both girls, and sent them flying to
+the window. The short afternoon had passed so quickly that twilight had
+come before they knew it, and now, as they looked out through the
+gathering dusk, they saw four small black figures tearing up the road,
+to come bursting in, all screaming at once: "The bear, the bear! Eph,
+get the gun! He's coming, he's coming!"
+
+Eph had dropped his fiddle, and got down his gun before the girls could
+calm the children enough to tell their story, which they did in a
+somewhat incoherent manner. "Down in the holler, coastin', we heard a
+growl," began Sol, with his eyes as big as saucers. "I see him fust
+lookin' over the wall," roared Seth, eager to get his share of honor.
+
+"Awful big and shaggy," quavered Roxy, clinging to Tilly, while Rhody
+hid in Prue's skirts, and piped out: "His great paws kept clawing at us,
+and I was so scared my legs would hardly go."
+
+"We ran away as fast as we could go, and he come growling after us. He's
+awful hungry, and he'll eat every one of us if he gets in," continued
+Sol, looking about him for a safe retreat.
+
+"Oh, Eph, don't let him eat us," cried both little girls, flying up
+stairs to hide under their mother's bed, as their surest shelter.
+
+"No danger of that, you little geese. I'll shoot him as soon as he
+comes. Get out of the way, boys," and Eph raised the window to get good
+aim.
+
+"There he is! Fire away, and don't miss!" cried Seth, hastily following
+Sol, who had climbed to the top of the dresser as a good perch from
+which to view the approaching fray.
+
+Prue retired to the hearth as if bent on dying at her post rather than
+desert the turkey, now "browning beautiful," as she expressed it. But
+Tilly boldly stood at the open window, ready to lend a hand if the enemy
+proved too much for Eph.
+
+All had seen bears, but none had ever come so near before, and even
+brave Eph felt that the big brown beast slowly trotting up the door-yard
+was an unusually formidable specimen. He was growling horribly, and
+stopped now and then as if to rest and shake himself.
+
+"Get the ax, Tilly, and if I should miss, stand ready to keep him off
+while I load again," said Eph, anxious to kill his first bear in style
+and alone; a girl's help didn't count.
+
+Tilly flew for the ax, and was at her brother's side by the time the
+bear was near enough to be dangerous. He stood on his hind legs, and
+seemed to sniff with relish the savory odors that poured out of the
+window.
+
+"Fire, Eph!" cried Tilly, firmly.
+
+"Wait till he rears again. I'll get a better shot, then," answered the
+boy, while Prue covered her ears to shut out the bang, and the small
+boys cheered from their dusty refuge up among the pumpkins.
+
+But a very singular thing happened next, and all who saw it stood
+amazed, for suddenly Tilly threw down the ax, flung open the door, and
+ran straight into the arms of the bear, who stood erect to receive her,
+while his growlings changed to a loud "Haw, haw!" that startled the
+children more than the report of a gun.
+
+"It's Gad Hopkins, tryin' to fool us!" cried Eph, much disgusted at the
+loss of his prey, for these hardy boys loved to hunt, and prided
+themselves on the number of wild animals and birds they could shoot in a
+year.
+
+"Oh, Gad, how could you scare us so?" laughed Tilly, still held fast in
+one shaggy arm of the bear, while the other drew a dozen oranges from
+some deep pocket in the buffalo-skin coat, and fired them into the
+kitchen with such good aim that Eph ducked, Prue screamed, and Sol and
+Seth came down much quicker than they went up.
+
+"Wal, you see I got upsot over yonder, and the old horse went home while
+I was floundering in a drift, so I tied on the buffalers to tote 'em
+easy, and come along till I see the children playin' in the holler. I
+jest meant to give 'em a little scare, but they run like partridges, and
+I kep' up the joke to see how Eph would like this sort of company," and
+Gad haw-hawed again.
+
+"You'd have had a warm welcome if we hadn't found you out. I'd have put
+a bullet through you in a jiffy, old chap," said Eph, coming out to
+shake hands with the young giant, who was only a year or two older than
+himself.
+
+"Come in and set up to dinner with us. Prue and I have done it all
+ourselves, and Pa will be along soon, I reckon," cried Tilly, trying to
+escape.
+
+"Couldn't, no ways. My folks will think I'm dead ef I don't get along
+home, sence the horse and sleigh have gone ahead empty. I've done my
+arrant and had my joke; now I want my pay, Tilly," and Gad took a hearty
+kiss from the rosy cheeks of his "little sweetheart," as he called her.
+His own cheeks tingled with the smart slap she gave him as she ran
+away, calling out that she hated bears and would bring her ax next time.
+
+"I ain't afeared; your sharp eyes found me out; and ef you run into a
+bear's arms you must expect a hug," answered Gad, as he pushed back the
+robe and settled his fur cap more becomingly.
+
+"I should have known you in a minute if I hadn't been asleep when the
+girls squalled. You did it well, though, and I advise you not to try it
+again in a hurry, or you'll get shot," said Eph, as they parted, he
+rather crestfallen and Gad in high glee.
+
+"My sakes alive--the turkey is burnt one side, and the kettles have
+biled over so the pies I put to warm are all ashes!" scolded Tilly, as
+the flurry subsided and she remembered her dinner.
+
+"Well, I can't help it. I couldn't think of victuals when I expected to
+be eaten alive myself, could I?" pleaded poor Prue, who had tumbled into
+the cradle when the rain of oranges began.
+
+Tilly laughed, and all the rest joined in, so good humor was restored,
+and the spirits of the younger ones were revived by sucks from the one
+orange which passed from hand to hand with great rapidity, while the
+older girls dished up the dinner. They were just struggling to get the
+pudding out of the cloth when Roxy called out, "Here's Pa!"
+
+"There's folks with him," added Rhody.
+
+"Lots of 'em! I see two big sleighs chock full," shouted Seth, peering
+through the dusk.
+
+"It looks like a semintary. Guess Gramma's dead and come up to be buried
+here," said Sol in a solemn tone. This startling suggestion made Tilly,
+Prue, and Eph hasten to look out, full of dismay at such an ending of
+their festival.
+
+"If that is a funeral, the mourners are uncommon jolly," said Eph,
+drily, as merry voices and loud laughter broke the white silence
+without.
+
+"I see Aunt Cinthy, and Cousin Hetty--and there's Mose and Amos. I do
+declare, Pa's bringin' 'em all home to have some fun here," cried Prue,
+as she recognized one familiar face after another.
+
+"Oh, my patience! Ain't I glad I got dinner, and don't I hope it will
+turn out good!" exclaimed Tilly, while the twins pranced with delight,
+and the small boys roared:
+
+"Hooray for Pa! Hooray for Thanksgivin'!"
+
+The cheer was answered heartily, and in came Father, Mother, Baby, aunts
+and cousins, all in great spirits, and all much surprised to find such a
+festive welcome awaiting them.
+
+"Ain't Gran'ma dead at all?" asked Sol, in the midst of the kissing and
+hand-shaking.
+
+"Bless your heart, no! It was all a mistake of old Mr. Chadwick's. He's
+as deaf as an adder, and when Mrs. Brooks told him Mother was mendin'
+fast, and she wanted me to come down to-day, certain sure, he got the
+message all wrong, and give it to the fust person passin' in such a way
+as to scare me 'most to death, and send us down in a hurry. Mother was
+sittin' up as chirk as you please, and dreadful sorry you didn't all
+come."
+
+"So, to keep the house quiet for her, and give you a taste of the fun,
+your Pa fetched us all up to spend the evenin', and we are goin' to have
+a jolly time on't, to jedge by the looks of things," said Aunt Cinthy,
+briskly finishing the tale when Mrs. Bassett paused for want of breath.
+
+"What in the world put it into your head we was comin', and set you to
+gettin' up such a supper?" asked Mr. Bassett, looking about him, well
+pleased and much surprised at the plentiful table.
+
+Tilly modestly began to tell, but the others broke in and sang her
+praises in a sort of chorus, in which bears, pigs, pies, and oranges
+were oddly mixed. Great satisfaction was expressed by all, and Tilly and
+Prue were so elated by the commendation of Ma and the aunts, that they
+set forth their dinner, sure everything was perfect.
+
+But when the eating began, which it did the moment wraps were off, then
+their pride got a fall; for the first person who tasted the stuffing (it
+was big Cousin Mose, and that made it harder to bear) nearly choked over
+the bitter morsel.
+
+"Tilly Bassett, whatever made you put wormwood and catnip in your
+stuffin'?" demanded Ma, trying not to be severe, for all the rest were
+laughing, and Tilly looked ready to cry.
+
+"I did it," said Prue, nobly taking all the blame, which caused Pa to
+kiss her on the spot, and declare that it didn't do a might of harm, for
+the turkey was all right.
+
+"I never see onions cooked better. All the vegetables is well done, and
+the dinner a credit to you, my dears," declared Aunt Cinthy, with her
+mouth full of the fragrant vegetable she praised.
+
+The pudding was an utter failure, in spite of the blazing brandy in
+which it lay--as hard and heavy as one of the stone balls on Squire
+Dunkin's great gate. It was speedily whisked out of sight, and all fell
+upon the pies, which were perfect. But Tilly and Prue were much
+depressed, and didn't recover their spirits till the dinner was over and
+the evening fun well under way.
+
+"Blind-man's buff," "Hunt the slipper," "Come, Philander," and other
+lively games soon set every one bubbling over with jollity, and when Eph
+struck up "Money Musk" on his fiddle, old and young fell into their
+places for a dance. All down the long kitchen they stood, Mr. and Mrs.
+Bassett at the top, the twins at the bottom, and then away they went,
+heeling and toeing, cutting pigeon-wings, and taking their steps in a
+way that would convulse modern children with their new-fangled romps
+called dancing. Mose and Tilly covered themselves with glory by the
+vigor with which they kept it up, till fat Aunt Cinthy fell into a
+chair, breathlessly declaring that a very little of such exercise was
+enough for a woman of her "heft."
+
+Apples and cider, chat and singing, finished the evening, and after a
+grand kissing all round, the guests drove away in the clear moonlight
+which came just in time to cheer their long drive.
+
+When the jingle of the last bell had died away, Mr. Bassett said
+soberly, as they stood together on the hearth: "Children, we have
+special cause to be thankful that the sorrow we expected was changed
+into joy, so we'll read a chapter 'fore we go to bed, and give thanks
+where thanks is due."
+
+Then Tilly set out the light-stand with the big Bible on it, and a
+candle on each side, and all sat quietly in the fire-light, smiling as
+they listened with happy hearts to the sweet old words that fit all
+times and seasons so beautifully.
+
+When the good-nights were over, and the children in bed, Prue put her
+arm around Tilly and whispered tenderly, for she felt her shake, and was
+sure she was crying:
+
+"Don't mind about the old stuffin' and puddin', deary--nobody cared, and
+Ma said we really did do surprisin' well for such young girls."
+
+The laughter Tilly was trying to smother broke out then, and was so
+infectious, Prue could not help joining her, even before she knew the
+cause of the merriment.
+
+"I was mad about the mistakes, but don't care enough to cry. I'm
+laughing to think how Gad fooled Eph and I found him out. I thought Mose
+and Amos would have died over it when I told them, it was so funny,"
+explained Tilly, when she got her breath.
+
+"I was so scared that when the first orange hit me, I thought it was a
+bullet, and scrabbled into the cradle as fast as I could. It was real
+mean to frighten the little ones so," laughed Prue, as Tilly gave a
+growl.
+
+Here a smart rap on the wall of the next room caused a sudden lull in
+the fun, and Mrs. Bassett's voice was heard, saying warningly, "Girls,
+go to sleep immediate, or you'll wake the baby."
+
+"Yes'm," answered two meek voices, and after a few irrepressible
+giggles, silence reigned, broken only by an occasional snore from the
+boys, or the soft scurry of mice in the buttery, taking their part in
+this old-fashioned Thanksgiving.
+
+
+
+
+II.
+
+HOW IT ALL HAPPENED.
+
+
+It was a small room, with nothing in it but a bed, two chairs, and a big
+chest. A few little gowns hung on the wall, and the only picture was the
+wintry sky, sparkling with stars, framed by the uncurtained window. But
+the moon, pausing to peep, saw something pretty and heard something
+pleasant. Two heads in little round nightcaps lay on one pillow, two
+pairs of wide-awake blue eyes stared up at the light, and two tongues
+were going like mill clappers.
+
+"I'm so glad we got our shirts done in time! It seemed as if we never
+should, and I don't think six cents is half enough for a great red
+flannel thing with four button-holes--do you?" said one little voice,
+rather wearily.
+
+"No; but then we each made four, and fifty cents is a good deal of
+money. Are you sorry we didn't keep our quarters for ourselves?" asked
+the other voice, with an under-tone of regret in it.
+
+"Yes, I am, till I think how pleased the children will be with our tree,
+for they don't expect anything, and will be so surprised. I wish we had
+more toys to put on it, for it looks so small and mean with only three
+or four things."
+
+"It won't hold any more, so I wouldn't worry about it. The toys are very
+red and yellow, and I guess the babies won't know how cheap they are,
+but like them as much as if they cost heaps of money."
+
+This was a cheery voice, and as it spoke the four blue eyes turned
+toward the chest under the window, and the kind moon did her best to
+light up the tiny tree standing there. A very pitiful little tree it
+was--only a branch of hemlock in an old flower-pot, propped up with bits
+of coal, and hung with a few penny toys earned by the patient fingers of
+the elder sisters, that the little ones should not be disappointed.
+
+But in spite of the magical moonlight the broken branch, with its scanty
+supply of fruit, looked pathetically poor, and one pair of eyes filled
+slowly with tears, while the other pair lost their happy look, as if a
+cloud had come over the sunshine.
+
+"Are you crying, Dolly?"
+
+"Not much, Polly."
+
+"What makes you, dear?"
+
+"I didn't know how poor we were till I saw the tree, and then I couldn't
+help it," sobbed the elder sister, for at twelve she already knew
+something of the cares of poverty, and missed the happiness that seemed
+to vanish out of all their lives when father died.
+
+"It's dreadful! I never thought we'd have to earn our tree, and only be
+able to get a broken branch, after all, with nothing on it but three
+sticks of candy, two squeaking dogs, a red cow, and an ugly bird with
+one feather in its tail;" and overcome by a sudden sense of destitution,
+Polly sobbed even more despairingly than Dolly.
+
+"Hush, dear; we must cry softly, or mother will hear, and come up, and
+then we shall have to tell. You know we said we wouldn't seem to mind
+not having any Christmas, she felt so sorry about it."
+
+"I _must_ cry, but I'll be quiet."
+
+So the two heads went under the pillow for a few minutes, and not a
+sound betrayed them as the little sisters cried softly in one another's
+arms, lest mother should discover that they were no longer careless
+children, but brave young creatures trying to bear their share of the
+burden cheerfully.
+
+When the shower was over, the faces came out shining like roses after
+rain, and the voices went on again as before.
+
+"Don't you wish there really was a Santa Claus, who knew what we wanted,
+and would come and put two silver half-dollars in our stockings, so we
+could go and see _Puss in Boots_ at the Museum to-morrow afternoon?"
+
+"Yes, indeed; but we didn't hang up any stockings, you know, because
+mother had nothing to put in them. It does seem as if rich people might
+think of poor people now and then. Such little bits of things would
+make us happy, and it couldn't be much trouble to take two small girls
+to the play, and give them candy now and then."
+
+"_I_ shall when I'm rich, like Mr. Chrome and Miss Kent. I shall go
+round every Christmas with a big basket of goodies, and give _all_ the
+poor children some."
+
+"P'r'aps if we sew ever so many flannel shirts we may be rich by-and-by.
+I should give mother a new bonnet first of all, for I heard Miss Kent
+say no lady would wear such a shabby one. Mrs. Smith said fine bonnets
+didn't make real ladies. I like her best, but I do want a locket like
+Miss Kent's."
+
+"I should give mother some new rubbers, and then I should buy a white
+apron, with frills like Miss Kent's, and bring home nice bunches of
+grapes and good things to eat, as Mr. Chrome does. I often smell them,
+but he never gives _me_ any; he only says, 'Hullo, chick!' and I'd
+rather have oranges any time."
+
+"It will take us a long while to get rich, I'm afraid. It makes me tired
+to think of it. I guess we'd better go to sleep now, dear."
+
+"Good-night, Dolly."
+
+"Good-night, Polly."
+
+Two soft kisses were heard, a nestling sound followed, and presently the
+little sisters lay fast asleep cheek against cheek, on the pillow wet
+with their tears, never dreaming what was going to happen to them
+to-morrow.
+
+Now Miss Kent's room was next to theirs, and as she sat sewing she could
+hear the children's talk, for they soon forgot to whisper. At first she
+smiled, then she looked sober, and when the prattle ceased she said to
+herself, as she glanced about her pleasant chamber:
+
+"Poor little things! they think I'm rich, and envy me, when I'm only a
+milliner earning my living. I ought to have taken more notice of them,
+for their mother has a hard time, I fancy, but never complains. I'm
+sorry they heard what I said, and if I knew how to do it without
+offending her, I'd trim a nice bonnet for a Christmas gift, for she _is_
+a lady, in spite of her old clothes. I can give the children some of the
+things they want anyhow, and I will. The idea of those mites making a
+fortune out of shirts at six cents apiece!"
+
+Miss Kent laughed at the innocent delusion, but sympathized with her
+little neighbors, for she knew all about hard times. She had good wages
+now, but spent them on herself, and liked to be fine rather than neat.
+Still, she was a good-hearted girl, and what she had overheard set her
+to thinking soberly, then to acting kindly, as we shall see.
+
+"If I hadn't spent all my money on my dress for the party to-morrow
+night, I'd give each of them a half-dollar. As I can not, I'll hunt up
+the other things they wanted, for it's a shame they shouldn't have a bit
+of Christmas, when they tried so hard to please the little ones."
+
+As she spoke she stirred about her room, and soon had a white apron, an
+old carnelian heart on a fresh blue ribbon, and two papers of bonbons
+ready. As no stockings were hung up, she laid a clean towel on the floor
+before the door, and spread forth the small gifts to look their best.
+
+Miss Kent was so busy that she did not hear a step come quietly up
+stairs, and Mr. Chrome, the artist, peeped at her through the balusters,
+wondering what she was about. He soon saw, and watched her with
+pleasure, thinking that she never looked prettier than now.
+
+Presently she caught him at it, and hastened to explain, telling what
+she had heard, and how she was trying to atone for her past neglect of
+these young neighbors. Then she said good-night, and both went into
+their rooms, she to sleep happily, and he to smoke as usual.
+
+But his eye kept turning to some of the "nice little bundles" that lay
+on his table, as if the story he had heard suggested how he might follow
+Miss Kent's example. I rather think he would not have disturbed himself
+if he had not heard the story told in such a soft voice, with a pair of
+bright eyes full of pity looking into his, for little girls were not
+particularly interesting to him, and he was usually too tired to notice
+the industrious creatures toiling up and down stairs on various errands,
+or sewing at the long red seams.
+
+Now that he knew something of their small troubles, he felt as if it
+would please Miss Kent, and be a good joke, to do his share of the
+pretty work she had begun.
+
+So presently he jumped up, and, opening his parcels, took out two
+oranges and two bunches of grapes, then he looked up two silver
+half-dollars, and stealing into the hall, laid the fruit upon the towel,
+and the money atop of the oranges. This addition improved the display
+very much, and Mr. Chrome was stealing back, well pleased, when his eye
+fell on Miss Kent's door, and he said to himself, "She too shall have a
+little surprise, for she is a dear, kind-hearted soul."
+
+In his room was a prettily painted plate, and this he filled with green
+and purple grapes, tucked a sentimental note underneath, and leaving it
+on her threshold, crept away as stealthily as a burglar.
+
+The house was very quiet when Mrs. Smith, the landlady, came up to turn
+off the gas. "Well, upon my word, here's fine doings, to be sure!" she
+said, when she saw the state of the upper hall. "Now I wouldn't have
+thought it of Miss Kent, she is such a giddy girl, nor of Mr. Chrome, he
+is so busy with his own affairs. I meant to give those children each a
+cake to-morrow, they are such good little things. I'll run down and get
+them now, as my contribution to this fine set out."
+
+Away trotted Mrs. Smith to her pantry, and picked out a couple of
+tempting cakes, shaped like hearts and full of plums. There was a goodly
+array of pies on the shelves, and she took two of them, saying, as she
+climbed the stairs again, "They remembered the children, so I'll
+remember them, and have my share of the fun."
+
+So up went the pies, for Mrs. Smith had not much to give, and her spirit
+was generous, though her pastry was not of the best. It looked very
+droll to see pies sitting about on the thresholds of closed doors, but
+the cakes were quite elegant, and filled up the corners of the towel
+handsomely, for the apron lay in the middle, with the oranges right and
+left, like two sentinels in yellow uniforms.
+
+It was very late when the flicker of a candle came up stairs, and a pale
+lady, with a sweet sad face, appeared, bringing a pair of red and a pair
+of blue mittens for her Dolly and Polly. Poor Mrs. Blake did have a hard
+time, for she stood all day in a great store that she might earn bread
+for the poor children who staid at home and took care of one another.
+Her heart was very heavy that night, because it was the first Christmas
+she had ever known without gifts and festivity of some sort. But Petkin,
+the youngest child, had been ill, times were very hard, the little
+mouths gaped for food like the bills of hungry birds, and there was no
+tender mate to help fill them.
+
+If any elves had been hovering about the dingy hall just then, they
+would have seen the mother's tired face brighten beautifully when she
+discovered the gifts, and found that her little girls had been so kindly
+remembered. Something more brilliant than the mock diamonds in Miss
+Kent's best earrings fell and glittered on the dusty floor as Mrs. Blake
+added the mittens to the other things, and went to her lonely room
+again, smiling as she thought how she could thank them all in a sweet
+and simple way.
+
+Her windows were full of flowers, for the delicate tastes of the poor
+lady found great comfort in their beauty. "I have nothing else to give,
+and these will show how grateful I am," she said, as she rejoiced that
+the scarlet geraniums were so full of gay clusters, the white
+chrysanthemum stars were all out, and the pink roses at their loveliest.
+
+They slept now, dreaming of a sunny morrow as they sat safely sheltered
+from the bitter cold. But that night was their last, for a gentle hand
+cut them all, and soon three pretty nosegays stood in a glass, waiting
+for dawn, to be laid at three doors, with a few grateful words which
+would surprise and delight the receivers, for flowers were rare in those
+hard-working lives, and kind deeds often come back to the givers in
+fairer shapes than they go.
+
+Now one would think that there had been gifts enough, and no more could
+possibly arrive, since all had added his or her mite except Betsey, the
+maid, who was off on a holiday, and the babies fast asleep in their
+trundle-bed, with nothing to give but love and kisses. Nobody dreamed
+that the old cat would take it into her head that her kittens were in
+danger, because Mrs. Smith had said she thought they were nearly old
+enough to be given away. But she must have understood, for when all was
+dark and still, the anxious mother went patting up stairs to the
+children's door, meaning to hide her babies under their bed, sure they
+would save them from destruction. Mrs. Blake had shut the door, however,
+so poor Puss was disappointed; but finding a soft, clean spot among a
+variety of curious articles, she laid her kits there, and kept them warm
+all night, with her head pillowed on the blue mittens.
+
+In the cold morning Dolly and Polly got up and scrambled into their
+clothes, not with joyful haste to see what their stockings held, for
+they had none, but because they had the little ones to dress while
+mother got the breakfast.
+
+Dolly opened the door, and started back with a cry of astonishment at
+the lovely spectacle before her. The other people had taken in their
+gifts, so nothing destroyed the magnificent effect of the treasures so
+curiously collected in the night. Puss had left her kits asleep, and
+gone down to get her own breakfast, and there, in the middle of the
+ruffled apron, as if in a dainty cradle, lay the two Maltese darlings,
+with white bibs and boots on, and white tips to the tiny tails curled
+round their little noses in the sweetest way.
+
+Polly and Dolly could only clasp their hands and look in rapturous
+silence for a minute; then they went down on their knees and revelled in
+the unexpected richness before them.
+
+"I do believe there _is_ a Santa Claus, and that he heard us, for here
+is everything we wanted," said Dolly, holding the carnelian heart in one
+hand and the plummy one in the other.
+
+"It must have been some kind of a fairy, for we didn't mention kittens,
+but we wanted one, and here are two darlings," cried Polly, almost
+purring with delight as the downy bunches unrolled and gaped till their
+bits of pink tongues were visible.
+
+"Mrs. Smith was one fairy, I guess, and Miss Kent was another, for that
+is her apron. I shouldn't wonder if Mr. Chrome gave us the oranges and
+the money: men always have lots, and his name is on this bit of paper,"
+said Dolly.
+
+"Oh, I'm _so_ glad! Now we shall have a Christmas like other people, and
+I'll never say again that rich folks don't remember poor folks. Come and
+show all our treasures to mother and the babies; they must have some,"
+answered Polly, feeling that the world was all right, and life not half
+as hard as she thought it last night.
+
+Shrieks of delight greeted the sisters, and all that morning there was
+joy and feasting in Mrs. Blake's room, and in the afternoon Dolly and
+Polly went to the Museum, and actually saw _Puss in Boots_; for their
+mother insisted on their going, having discovered how the hard-earned
+quarters had been spent. This was such unhoped-for bliss that they could
+hardly believe it, and kept smiling at one another so brightly that
+people wondered who the happy little girls in shabby cloaks could be who
+clapped their new mittens so heartily, and laughed till it was better
+than music to hear them.
+
+This was a very remarkable Christmas-day, and they long remembered it;
+for while they were absorbed in the fortunes of the Marquis of Carabas
+and the funny cat, who tucked his tail in his belt, washed his face so
+awkwardly, and didn't know how to purr, strange things were happening at
+home, and more surprises were in store for our little friends. You see,
+when people once begin to do kindnesses, it is so easy and pleasant they
+find it hard to leave off; and sometimes it beautifies them so that
+they find they love one another very much--as Mr. Chrome and Miss Kent
+did, though we have nothing to do with that except to tell how they made
+the poor little tree grow and blossom.
+
+They were very jolly at dinner, and talked a good deal about the Blakes,
+who ate in their own rooms. Miss Kent told what the children said, and
+it touched the soft spot in all their hearts to hear about the red
+shirts, though they laughed at Polly's lament over the bird with only
+one feather in its tail.
+
+"I'd give them a better tree if I had any place to put it, and knew how
+to trim it up," said Mr. Chrome, with a sudden burst of generosity,
+which so pleased Miss Kent that her eyes shone like Christmas candles.
+
+"Put it in the back parlor. All the Browns are away for a week, and
+we'll help you trim it--won't we, my dear?" cried Mrs. Smith, warmly;
+for she saw that he was in a sociable mood, and thought it a pity that
+the Blakes should not profit by it.
+
+"Yes, indeed; I should like it of all things, and it needn't cost much,
+for I have some skill in trimmings, as you know." And Miss Kent looked
+so gay and pretty as she spoke that Mr. Chrome made up his mind that
+millinery must be a delightful occupation.
+
+"Come on then, ladies, and we'll have a little frolic. I'm a lonely old
+bachelor, with nowhere to go to-day, and I'd like some fun."
+
+They had it, I assure you; for they all fell to work as busy as bees,
+flying and buzzing about with much laughter as they worked their
+pleasant miracle. Mr. Chrome acted more like the father of a large
+family than a crusty bachelor, Miss Kent's skillful fingers flew as they
+never did before, and Mrs. Smith trotted up and down as briskly as if
+she were sixteen instead of being a stout old woman of sixty.
+
+The children were so full of the play, and telling all about it, that
+they forgot their tree till after supper; but when they went to look for
+it they found it gone, and in its place a great paper hand with one
+finger pointing down stairs, and on it these mysterious words in red
+ink:
+
+"Look in the Browns' back parlor!"
+
+At the door of that interesting apartment they found their mother with
+Will and Petkin, for another hand had suddenly appeared to them pointing
+up. The door flew open quite as if it were a fairy play, and they went
+in to find a pretty tree planted in a red box on the centre table,
+lighted with candles, hung with gilded nuts, red apples, gay bonbons,
+and a gift for each.
+
+Mr. Chrome was hidden behind one folding-door, and fat Mrs. Smith
+squeezed behind the other, and they both thought it a great improvement
+upon the old-fashioned Santa Claus to have Miss Kent, in the white
+dress she made for the party, with Mrs. Blake's roses in her hair, step
+forward as the children gazed in silent rapture, and with a few sweet
+words welcome them to the little surprise their friends had made.
+
+There were many Christmas trees in the city that night, but none which
+gave such hearty pleasure as the one which so magically took the place
+of the broken branch and its few poor toys. They were all there,
+however, and Dolly and Polly were immensely pleased to see that of all
+her gifts Petkin chose the forlorn bird to carry to bed with her, the
+one yellow feather being just to her taste.
+
+Mrs. Blake put on her neat bonnet, and was so gratified that Miss Kent
+thought it the most successful one she ever trimmed. She was well paid
+for it by the thanks of one neighbor and the admiration of another; for
+when she went to her party Mr. Chrome went with her, and said something
+on the way which made her heart dance more lightly than her feet that
+night.
+
+Good Mrs. Smith felt that her house had covered itself with glory by
+this event, and Dolly and Polly declared that it was the most perfect
+and delightful surprise party ever seen.
+
+It was all over by nine o'clock, and with good-night kisses for every
+one the little girls climbed up to bed laden with treasures and too
+happy for many words. But as they tied their round caps Dolly said,
+thoughtfully:
+
+"On the whole, I think it's rather nice to be poor when people are kind
+to you."
+
+"Well, I'd _rather_ be rich; but if I can't be, it is very good fun to
+have Christmas trees like this one," answered truthful Polly, never
+guessing that they had planted the seed from which the little pine-tree
+grew so quickly and beautifully.
+
+When the moon came to look in at the window on her nightly round, two
+smiling faces lay on the pillow, which was no longer wet with tears, but
+rather knobby with the mine of riches hidden underneath,--first fruits
+of the neighborly friendship which flourished in that house until
+another and a merrier Christmas came.
+
+
+
+
+III.
+
+THE DOLLS' JOURNEY FROM MINNESOTA TO MAINE.
+
+
+Mr. Plum lived in St. Paul, Minnesota, U.S.A.
+
+There were six little Plums, all girls, varying in ages from fourteen to
+seven, and named Kate, Lucy, Susy, Lizzy, Marjory and Maggie. There was
+no mamma, but Mrs. Gibbs, the housekeeper, was a kind old soul, and papa
+did everything he could to make the small daughters good and happy.
+
+One stormy Saturday afternoon the children were all together in the
+school-room, and papa busy at his desk in the library, with the door
+open because he liked to hear the pleasant voices and catch glimpses of
+the droll plays that went on there.
+
+Kate lay on the sofa reading "The Daisy Chain" for the fourth time.
+Susy, Lucy and Lizzie were having a select tea party in their own
+recess, the entrance to which was barricaded with chairs to keep out the
+"babies," as they called the little ones, who were much offended at
+being excluded and sat up in the cushioned window-seat pensively
+watching the rain.
+
+"If it had only waited till to-morrow we should have had time for our
+journey; now we can't go till next Saturday. Flora is so disappointed
+she would cry if I had not taught her to behave," said Maggie with a
+sigh, as she surveyed the doll on her knee in its new summer suit.
+
+"So is Dora. Just see how sweet she looks with her hat and cape on and
+her travelling-bag all ready. Couldn't we play travel in the house? It
+is such a pity to wait when the children are in such a hurry to go,"
+answered Marjory, settling the tiny bag that held Dora's nightcap and
+gown as well as the morsels of cake that were to serve for her lunch.
+
+"No," said Maggie decidedly, "we can't do it, because there is no room
+for carriages, and boats, and railroads, and hotels, and accidents. It
+is a long journey from Minnesota to Maine, and we couldn't get it all
+into one room I'm sure."
+
+"I don't think papa would mind our coming into the library, if we didn't
+ring the car bells very loud or scream much when the accidents happen,"
+said Marjory, who hated to give up the plan they had been cherishing all
+the week.
+
+"What is it, little ones? Come and tell me what is the matter," called
+Mr. Plum, hearing his name and the magic word "railroad," for he was the
+president of one and had his hands full just then.
+
+Down jumped the little girls and ran to perch on either arm of his
+chair, pouring out their small tribulations as freely as if he had been
+the most sympathizing of mothers.
+
+"We planned to take a long, long journey round the garden with our dolls
+to-day, and play go to Maine and see Aunt Maria. You know she asked us,
+and we looked out the way on the map and got all ready, and now it rains
+and we are dreadfully disappointed," said Maggie, while Marjory sighed
+as she looked at the red D. worked on the inch square travelling-bag.
+
+"As you can't go, why not send the dolls to make aunty a visit, and she
+will send them back when they get homesick," proposed Mr. Plum, smiling,
+as if a sudden idea had popped into his head.
+
+"Really?" cried Maggie.
+
+"How could we?" asked Marjory.
+
+"They could go and come by mail, and tell you all about their adventures
+when they got back," said papa.
+
+Both children were speechless for a moment, then as the full splendor of
+this proposition dawned upon them they clapped their hands, crying
+eagerly:
+
+"We will! we will! Let's do it at once."
+
+"What? where? who?" asked Susy, Lucy and Lizzie, forgetting their tea
+party to run and see what was going on.
+
+They were told, and in their turn exclaimed so loudly that Kate came to
+join in the fun.
+
+After a great deal of talking and laughing, the dolls were prepared for
+the long journey. They were common wooden-headed dollies, a hand long,
+with stuffed bodies and stout legs ornamented with very small feet in
+red and blue boots. Dora was a blonde and Flora a brunette, otherwise
+they were just alike and nearly new. Usually when people go travelling
+they put on their hats and cloaks, but these pilgrims, by papa's advice,
+left all encumbrances behind them, for they were to travel in a peculiar
+way, and blue gingham dresses were chosen for the expedition.
+
+"It is possible that they may never come back. Accidents will happen you
+know. Are you prepared for that?" asked Mr. Plum, pausing with the brown
+paper spread out before him.
+
+"I am," answered Maggie firmly, as she laid Flora on the table, her
+black eyes staring as if rather alarmed at this sudden start.
+
+Marjory hesitated a moment, clasping Dora to her bosom with a face full
+of maternal anxiety. But Susy, Lucy and Lizzie cried: "Let her go, do
+let her go, and if she is lost papa will give you a new doll."
+
+"Good-by, my darling dear. Have a splendid time, and be sure you come
+back to me," whispered Marjory, with a tender farewell kiss as she gave
+up her child.
+
+All stood watching silently while papa tied the dolls back to back with
+the ribbon Kate pulled from her neck, then folded them carefully in
+strong brown paper, leaving their heads out that they might see the
+world as they went along. Being carefully fastened up with several turns
+of cord, Mr. Plum directed the precious parcel to "Miss Maria Plum,
+Portland, Maine. With care." Then it was weighed, stamped, and
+pronounced ready for the post.
+
+"I shall write and tell aunty they are coming, because she will want to
+be prepared for such distinguished visitors," said papa, taking up his
+pen with a glance at the six excited little faces round him.
+
+Silence reigned while the letter was written, and as he sealed it up Mr.
+Plum said solemnly, with his hand on the parcel:
+
+"For the last time, shall they go?"
+
+"Yes!" answered the Spartan mothers with one voice, while the other
+sisters danced round them, and Kate patted the curly heads approvingly.
+
+"Going, going, gone!" answered papa as he whisked on his coat and hat,
+and slammed the door behind him.
+
+The children clustered at the window to see him set out on this
+momentous errand, and he often looked back waving his umbrella at them,
+till he vanished round the corner, with a reassuring pat on the pocket
+out of which dear Do and Flo popped their heads for a last look at their
+sweet home.
+
+"Now let us take out poor old Lucinda and Rose Augusta to play with. I
+know their feelings were hurt at our leaving them for the new dolls,"
+said Maggie, rummaging in the baby-house, whither Margery soon followed
+her to reinstate the old darlings in the place of the departed new ones.
+
+"Safely off," reported Mr. Plum, when he came into tea, "and we may
+expect to hear from them in a week or two. Parcels go more slowly than
+letters, and this is Aunty's busy season, so wait patiently and see what
+will happen."
+
+"We will," said the little girls; and they did, but week after week went
+by and nothing was heard of the wanderers.
+
+We, however, can follow them and learn much that their anxious mothers
+never knew.
+
+As soon as Flora and Dora recovered from the bewilderment occasioned by
+the confusion of the post office, they found themselves in one of the
+many leathern mail bags rumbling Eastward. As it was perfectly dark they
+could not see their companions, so listened to the whispering and
+rustling that went on about them. The newspapers all talked politics,
+and some of them used such bad language that the dolls would have
+covered their ears, if their hands had not been tied down. The letters
+were better behaved and more interesting, for they told one another the
+news they carried, because nothing is private in America, and even
+gummed envelopes cannot keep gossip from leaking out.
+
+"It is very interesting, but I should enjoy it more if I was not
+grinding my nose against the rough side of this leather bag," whispered
+Dora, who lay undermost just then.
+
+"So should I, if a heavy book was not pinching my toes. I've tried to
+kick it away, but it won't stir, and keeps droning on about reports and
+tariffs and such dull things," answered Flora, with a groan.
+
+"Do you like travelling?" asked Dora, presently, when the letters and
+papers fell asleep, lulled by the motion of the cars.
+
+"Not yet, but I shall when I can look about me. This bundle near by says
+the mails are often sorted in the cars, and in that way we shall see
+something of the world, I hope," answered Flora, cheering up, for, like
+her mamma, she was of an enquiring turn.
+
+The dolls took a nap of some hours, and were roused by a general
+tumbling out on a long shelf, where many other parcels lay, and lively
+men sent letters and papers flying here and there as if a whirlwind was
+blowing. A long box lay beside the dolls who stood nearly erect leaning
+against a pile of papers. Several holes were cut in the lid, and out of
+one of them was thrust a little black nose, as if trying to get air.
+
+"Dear me! what can be in it?" said Flora, who was nearest.
+
+"I'm a poor little alligator, going to a boy in Chicago, if you please,
+and I want my mother," sobbed a voice from the box, and there was a rap
+on the lid as of an agitated tail.
+
+"Mercy on us! I hope we shall not have to travel with the monster,"
+whispered Dora, trying to see over her shoulder.
+
+"I'm not afraid. He can't be very dreadful, for the box is not any
+longer than we are. Natural history is very useful; I've heard mamma say
+so, and I shall talk with him while we rest here," answered Flo, nodding
+toward the eye which now took the place of the nose.
+
+So the little alligator told her something of his home on the banks of a
+great river, where he was just learning to play happily with his
+brothers and sisters, when he was caught and sent away to pine in
+captivity.
+
+The dolls comforted him as well as they could, and a pair of baby's
+shoes travelling in an envelope sympathized with him, while a shabby
+bundle directed to "Michael Dolan, at Mrs. Judy Quin's, next door to Mr.
+Pat Murphy, Boston, North street," told them to "Whisht and slape quite
+till they came forninst the place."
+
+"Such low people!" whispered Do to Flo, and both stood primly silent
+till they were tumbled into another mail bag, and went rattling on again
+with a new set of companions.
+
+"I hope that poor baby will go safely and the boy be good to him," said
+Flora, for the little alligator went with the live stock in some other
+way.
+
+"Thank goodness he didn't go with us! I shall dream about that black
+nose and winking eye, I'm sure. The dangers of travelling are great, but
+we are safe and comfortable now, I think," and Dora settled down in a
+cozy corner of the bag, wondering when they should reach Chicago.
+
+"I like adventures and hope we shall have some," answered Flora,
+briskly, little dreaming how soon her wish was to be granted.
+
+A few hours later there come a bump, a crash, a cry, and then all the
+mail bags rolled one over the other with the car down an embankment into
+a river.
+
+"Now we are dead!" shrieked the poor dolls, clinging together as they
+heard the splash of water, the shouting of men, the splintering of wood,
+and the hiss of steam.
+
+"Don't be frightened, ladies, mail bags are always looked after," said a
+large envelope with an official seal and the name of a Senator on it.
+
+"Any bones broken, dear madam?" asked a jaunty pink letter, with a scent
+of musk about it, evidently a love-letter.
+
+"I think one foot is hurt, and my clothes are dripping," sighed Dora,
+faintly.
+
+"Water won't hurt calico," called out a magazine full of fashion plates,
+adding dolefully, as its gay colors began to run, "I shall be in a nice
+mess if I ever get out of this. People will wear odd fashions if they
+follow me this time."
+
+"Hope they will telegraph news of this accident in time for the evening
+papers," said a dingy sheet called the "Barahoo Thunderbolt," as it lay
+atop of the heap in its yellow wrapper.
+
+"Be calm, my friends, and wait with fortitude for death or deliverance,
+as I do." With which philosophic remark "The St. Louis Cosmos" folded
+the pages which for the first time since the paper was started, were not
+dry.
+
+Here the water rose over the topmost letter and a moist silence
+prevailed till a sudden jerk fished up the bag, and before the dolls
+could recover their wits they were spread out on the floor of a mail car
+to dry, while several busy men sorted and saved such papers and letters
+as still held together.
+
+"Now we shall see something," said Flora, feeling the warm air blow over
+her as they spun along, for a slight accident like this did not delay
+the energetic Westerners a moment longer than absolutely necessary.
+
+"I can't see you, dear, but I hope you look better than I do, for the
+yellow of my hair has washed into my eyes and the red of my cheeks is
+quite gone, I'm sure," answered Dora, as her wet dress flopped in the
+breeze and the broken foot sticking up showed her that her blue boots
+were ruined.
+
+"I don't care a bit how I look. It's great fun now we are safe. Pop up
+your head and see the wide prairie flying past. I do hope that poor baby
+got away and swam home to his mother. The upset into the river was quite
+to his taste, I fancy," said Flora, who was much excited by her
+adventure and eager for more.
+
+Presently one of the men set the dolls up in the corner of a window to
+dry, and there they stood viewing the fine landscape with one eye while
+the other watched the scene of devastation within. Everything was in
+great confusion after the accident, so it is not strange that the dolls
+were not missed when they slowly slid lower and lower till a sudden
+lurch of the car sent them out of the window to roll into a green field
+where cows were feeding and children picking strawberries.
+
+"This is the end of us! Here we shall lie and mould forgotten by
+everybody," said Dora, who always took a tragical view of things.
+
+"Not a bit of it! I see cows eating toward us and they may give us a
+lift. I've heard of their tossing people up, though I don't know just
+how it's done. If they don't, we are in the path and some of those
+children are sure to find us," answered Flora cheerfully, though she
+stood on her head with a bunch of burrs pricking her nose.
+
+She was right. A bright-eyed little German girl presently came trotting
+along the path with a great basket full of berries on her head arranged
+in pretty pottles ready for the market. Seeing the red cow sniffing at a
+brown paper parcel she drove her away, picked it up and peeped in at the
+open end.
+
+The sight of two dolls in such a place made her feel as if fairies had
+dropped them there for her. She could not read the direction and hurried
+home to show her treasure to her brothers and sisters of whom there were
+eight.
+
+"What will become of us now!" exclaimed Dora, as eager hands slipped
+them out of the wrapper and smoothed their damp skirts in a room that
+seemed swarming with boys and girls of all sizes.
+
+"Don't worry, we shall get on nicely, I'm sure, and learn German of
+these young persons. It is a great relief to be able to stretch one's
+limbs and stand up, isn't it?" answered Flora, undismayed by anything
+that had happened as yet.
+
+"Yes, dear, I love you but I _am_ tired of being tied to you all day. I
+hope we shall live through this noise and get a little rest, but I give
+up the idea of ever seeing Portland," answered Dora, staring with all
+her blue eyes at the display of musical instruments about the room, and
+longing to stop her ears, for several of the children were playing on
+the violin, flute, horn or harp. They were street musicians, and even
+the baby seemed to be getting ready to take part in the concert, for he
+sat on the floor beside an immense bass horn taller than himself, with
+his rosy lips at the mouth piece and his cheeks puffed out in vain
+attempts to make a "boom! boom!" as brother Fritz did.
+
+Flora was delighted, and gave skips on her red boots in time to the
+lively tooting of the boys, while the girls gazed at the lovely dolls
+and jabbered away with their yellow braids quivering with excitement.
+
+The wrapper was laid aside till a neighbor who read English came in to
+translate it. Meantime they enjoyed the new toys immensely, and even
+despondent Dora was cheered up by the admiration she received; while
+they in their turn were deeply interested in the pretty dolls' furniture
+some of the children made.
+
+Beds, tables and chairs covered the long bench, and round it sat the
+neat-handed little maidens gluing, tacking and trimming, while they sang
+and chatted at their work as busy and happy as a hive of bees.
+
+All day the boys went about the streets playing, and in the evening
+trooped off to the beer gardens to play again, for they lived in
+Chicago, and the dolls had got so far on their way to Aunt Maria, as
+they soon discovered.
+
+For nearly two months they lived happily with Minna, Gretchen and
+Nanerl, then they set out on their travels again, and this was the way
+it happened. A little girl came to order a set of furniture for her new
+baby-house, and seeing two shabby dolls reposing in a fine bed she asked
+about them. Her mamma spoke German so Minna told how they were found,
+and showed the old wrapper, saying that they always meant to send the
+dolls on their way but grew so fond of them they kept putting it off.
+
+"I am going as far as New York very soon and will take them along if you
+like, for I think little Miss Maria Plum must have been expecting her
+dolls all this time. Shall I?" asked the mamma, as she read the address
+and saw the dash under "With care," as if the dollies were of great
+importance to some one.
+
+"Ja, ja," answered Minna, glad to oblige a lady who bought two whole
+sets of their best furniture and paid for it at once.
+
+So again the dolls were put in their brown paper cover and sent away
+with farewell kisses.
+
+"This now is genteel and just suits me," said Dora, as they drove along
+with little Clara to the handsome house where she was staying.
+
+"I have a feeling that she is a spoilt child, and we shall not be as
+happy with her as with the dear Poppleheimers. We shall see," answered
+Flora, wisely, for Clara had soon tossed the dolls into a corner and was
+fretting because mamma would not buy her the big horn to blow on.
+
+The party started for New York in a day or two, and to the delight of
+Flo and Do they were left out of the trunks for Clara to play with on
+the way, her own waxen Blanche Marie Annabel being too delicate to be
+used.
+
+"Oh my patience, this is worse than tumbling about in a mail-bag,"
+groaned Dora, after hours of great suffering, for Clara treated the poor
+dolls as if they had no feeling.
+
+She amused herself with knocking their heads together, shutting them in
+the window with their poor legs hanging out, swinging them by one arm,
+and drawing lines with a pencil all over their faces till they looked as
+if tattooed by savages. Even brave Flora was worn out and longed for
+rest, finding her only comfort in saying, "I told you so," when Clara
+banged them about, or dropped them on the dusty floor to be trampled on
+by passing feet.
+
+There they were left, and would have been swept away if a little dog had
+not found them as the passengers were leaving the car and carried them
+after his master, trotting soberly along with the bundle in his mouth,
+for fortunately Clara had put them into the paper before she left them,
+so they were still together in the trials of the journey.
+
+"Hullo, Jip, what have you got?" asked the young man as the little dog
+jumped up on the carriage seat and laid his load on his master's knee,
+panting and wagging his tail as if he had done something to be praised
+for.
+
+"Dolls, I declare! What can a bachelor do with the poor things? Wonder
+who Maria Plum is? Midge will like a look at them before we send them
+along;" and into the young man's pocket they went, trembling with fear
+of the dog, but very grateful for being rescued from destruction.
+
+Jip kept his eye on them, and gave an occasional poke with his cold nose
+to be sure they were there as they drove through the bustling streets of
+New York to a great house with an inscription over the door.
+
+"I do hope Midge will be a nicer girl than Clara. Children ought to be
+taught to be kind to dumb dolls as well as dumb animals," said Dora, as
+the young man ran up the steps and hurried along a wide hall.
+
+"I almost wish we were at home with our own kind little mothers," began
+Flo, for even her spirits were depressed by bad treatment, but just then
+a door opened and she cried out in amazement, "Bless my heart, this man
+has more children than even Mr. Poppleheimer!"
+
+She might well think so, for all down both sides of the long room stood
+little white beds with a small pale face on every pillow. All the eyes
+that were open brightened when Jip and his master came in, and several
+thin hands were outstretched to meet them.
+
+"I've been good, Doctor, let me pat him first," cried one childish
+voice.
+
+"Did you bring me a flower, please?" asked another feeble one.
+
+"I know he's got something nice for us, I see a bundle in his pocket,"
+and a little fellow who sat up among his pillows gave a joyful cough as
+he could not shout.
+
+"Two dollies for Midge to play with. Jip found them, but I think the
+little girl they are going to will lend them for a few days. We shall
+not need them longer I'm afraid," added the young man to a rosy faced
+nurse who came along with a bottle in her hand.
+
+"Dear no, the poor child is very low to-day. But she will love to look
+at the babies if she isn't strong enough to hold 'em," said the woman,
+leading the way to a corner where the palest of all the pale faces lay
+smiling on the pillow, and the thinnest of the thin hands were feebly
+put up to greet the Doctor.
+
+"So nice!" she whispered when the dolls were laid beside her, while Jip
+proudly beat his tail on the floor to let her know that she owed the
+welcome gift to him.
+
+For an hour Flo and Do lay on the arm of poor Midge who never moved
+except to touch them now and then with a tender little finger, or to
+kiss them softly, saying, "Dear babies, it is very nice not to be all
+alone. Are you comfy, darlings?" till she fell asleep still smiling.
+
+"Sister, do you think this can be the Heaven we hear people talk about?
+It is so still and white, and may be these children are angels,"
+whispered Dora, looking at the sweet face turned toward her with the
+long lashes lying on the colorless cheek, and the arms outstretched like
+wings.
+
+"No, dear, it is a hospital, I heard that man say so, and those are sick
+children come to be cured. It is a sweet place, I think, and this child
+much nicer than that horrid Clara," answered Flo, who was quicker to
+hear, see and understand what went on than Dora.
+
+"I love to lie here safe and warm, but there doesn't seem to be much
+breath to rock me," said Do, who lay nearest the little bosom that very
+slowly rose and fell with the feeble flutter of the heart below.
+
+"Hush, we may disturb her," and lively Flo controlled her curiosity,
+contenting herself with looking at the other children and listening to
+their quiet voices, for pain seemed to have hushed them all.
+
+For a week the dolls lay in Midge's bed, and though their breasts were
+full of saw-dust and their heads were only wood, the sweet patience of
+the little creature seemed to waken something like a heart in them, and
+set them thinking, for dolls don't live in vain, I am firmly persuaded.
+
+All day she tended them till the small hands could no longer hold them,
+and through the weary nights she tried to murmur bits of lullabies lest
+the dollies would not be able to sleep because of the crying or the
+moans some of the poor babies could not repress. She often sent one or
+the other to cheer up some little neighbor, and in this way Do and Flo
+became small sisters of charity, welcomed eagerly, reluctantly returned,
+and loved by all, although they never uttered a word and their dingy
+faces could not express the emotion that stirred their saw-dust bosoms.
+
+When Saturday night came they were laid in their usual place on Midge's
+arm. She was too weak to kiss them now, and nurse laid their battered
+cheeks against the lips that whispered faintly, "Be sure you send 'em to
+the little girl, and tell her--tell her--all about it." Then she turned
+her cheek to the pillow with a little sigh and lay so still the dolls
+thought she had gone to sleep.
+
+She had, but the sweet eyes did not open in the morning, and there was
+no breath in the little breast to rock the dolls any more.
+
+"I knew she was an angel, and now she has flown away," said Dora softly,
+as they watched the white image carried out in the weeping nurse's
+arms, with the early sunshine turning all the pretty hair to gold.
+
+"I think that is what they call dying, sister. It is a much lovelier way
+to end than as we do in the dust bin or rag-bag. I wonder if there is a
+little Heaven anywhere for good dolls?" answered Flora, with what looked
+like a tear on her cheek; but it was only a drop from the violets sent
+by the kind Doctor last night.
+
+"I hope so, for I think the souls of little children might miss us if
+they loved us as dear Midge did," whispered Dora, trying to kiss the
+blue flower in her hand, for the child had shared her last gift with
+these friends.
+
+"Why didn't you let her take them along, poor motherless baby?" asked
+the doctor when he saw the dolls lying as she had left them.
+
+"I promised her they should go to the girl they were sent to, and
+please, I'd like to keep my word to the little darling," answered Nurse
+with a sob.
+
+"You shall," said the Doctor, and put them in his breast pocket with the
+faded violets, for everybody loved the pauper child sent to die in a
+hospital, because Christian charity makes every man and woman father and
+mother to these little ones.
+
+All day the dolls went about in the busy Doctor's pocket, and I think
+the violets did them good, for the soft perfume clung to them long
+afterward like the memory of a lovely life, as short and sweet as that
+of the flowers.
+
+In the evening they were folded up in a fresh paper and re-directed
+carefully. The Doctor wrote a little note telling why he had kept them,
+and was just about to put on some stamps when a friend came in who was
+going to Boston in the morning.
+
+"Anything to take along, Fred?" asked the newcomer.
+
+"This parcel, if you will. I have a feeling that I'd rather not have it
+knock about in a mail-bag," and the Doctor told him why.
+
+It was pleasant to see how carefully the traveller put away the parcel
+after that, and to hear him say that he was going through Boston to the
+mountains for his holiday, and would deliver it in Portland to Miss Plum
+herself.
+
+"Now there is some chance of our getting there," said Flora, as they set
+off next day in a new Russia leather bag.
+
+On the way they overheard a long chat between some New York and Boston
+ladies which impressed them very much. Flora liked to hear the
+fashionable gossip about clothes and people and art and theatres, but
+Dora preferred the learned conversation of the young Boston ladies, who
+seemed to know a little of everything, or think they did.
+
+"I hope Mamma will give me an entirely new wardrobe when I get home; and
+we will have dolls' weddings and balls, and a play, and be as fine and
+fashionable as those ladies down there," said Flora, after listening a
+while.
+
+"You have got your head full of dressy ideas and high life, sister. I
+don't care for such things, but mean to cultivate my mind as fast as I
+can. That girl says she is in college, and named over more studies than
+I can count. I do wish we were to stop and see a little of the refined
+society of Boston," answered Dora, primly.
+
+"Pooh!" said Flo, "don't you try to be intellectual, for you are only a
+wooden-headed doll. I mean to be a real Westerner, and just enjoy myself
+as I please, without caring what other folks do or think. Boston is no
+better than the rest of the world, I guess."
+
+Groans from every article in the bag greeted this disrespectful speech,
+and an avalanche of Boston papers fell upon the audacious doll. But Flo
+was undaunted, and shouted from underneath the pile: "I don't care!
+Minnesota forever!" till her breath gave out.
+
+Dora was so mortified that she never said a word till they were let out
+in a room at the Parker House. Here she admired everything, and read all
+the evening in a volume of Emerson's Poems from the bag, for Mr. Mt.
+Vernon Beacon was a Boston man, and never went anywhere without a wise
+book or two in his pocket.
+
+Flo turned up her nose at all she saw, and devoted herself to a long
+chat with the smart bag which came from New York and was full of gossip.
+
+The next afternoon they really got to Portland, and as soon as Mr.
+Beacon had made his toilet he set out to find little Miss Plum. When the
+parlor door opened to admit her he was much embarrassed, for, advancing
+with a paternal smile and the dolls extended to the expected child, he
+found himself face to face with a pretty young lady, who looked as if
+she thought him a little mad.
+
+A few words explained the errand, however, and when she read the note
+Aunt Maria's bright eyes were full of tears as she said, hugging the
+dilapidated dolls:
+
+"I'll write the story of their travels, and send the dear old things
+back to the children as soon as possible."
+
+And so she did with Mr. Beacon's help, for he decided to try the air of
+Portland, and spent his vacation there. The dolls were re-painted and
+re-dressed till they were more beautiful than ever, and their clothes
+fine enough to suit even Flo.
+
+They were a good while doing this, and when all was ready, Aunt Maria
+took it into her head to run out to St. Paul and surprise the children.
+By a singular coincidence Mr. Beacon had railroad business in that
+direction, so they set off together, with two splendid dolls done up in
+a gay box.
+
+All that was ever known about that journey was that these travellers
+stopped at the hospital in New York, and went on better friends than
+before after hearing from the good Doctor all the pathetic story of
+little Midge.
+
+The young Plums had long ago given up the hope of ever seeing Do and Flo
+again, for they started in June and it was early in September when Aunt
+Maria appeared before them without the least warning, accompanied by a
+pleasant gentleman from Boston.
+
+Six kisses had hardly resounded from Aunty's blooming cheeks when a most
+attractive box was produced from the Russia leather bag, and the
+wandering dolls restored to the arms of their enraptured mammas.
+
+A small volume neatly written and adorned with a few pictures of the
+most exciting incidents of the trip also appeared.
+
+"Every one writes or prints a book in Boston, you know, so we did both,"
+said Aunt Maria, laughing, as she handed over the remarkable history
+which she had composed and Mr. Beacon illustrated.
+
+It was read with intense interest, and was as true as most stories are
+nowadays.
+
+"Nothing more delightful can happen now!" exclaimed the children, as
+they laid by the precious work and enthroned the travelled dolls in the
+place of honor on the roof of the baby-house.
+
+But something much more delightful did happen; for at Thanksgiving time
+there was a wedding at the Plums'. Not a doll's wedding, as Flo had
+planned, but a real one, for the gentleman from Boston actually married
+Aunt Maria.
+
+There were six bridesmaids, all in blue, and Flora and Dora, in the
+loveliest of new pink gowns, were set aloft among the roses on the
+wedding-cake, their proper place as everyone said, for there never would
+have been any marriage at all but for this Doll's Journey From Minnesota
+to Maine.
+
+
+
+
+VI.
+
+MORNING-GLORIES.
+
+
+"What's that?"--and Daisy sat up in her little bed to listen; for she
+had never heard a sound like it before.
+
+It was very early, and the house was still. The sun was just rising, and
+the morning-glories at the window were turning their blue and purple
+cups to catch the welcome light. The sky was full of rosy clouds; dew
+shone like diamonds on the waving grass, and the birds were singing as
+they only sing at dawn. But softer, sweeter than any bird-voice was the
+delicate music which Daisy heard. So airy and gay was the sound, it
+seemed impossible to lie still with that fairy dancing-tune echoing
+through the room. Out of bed scrambled Daisy, her sleepy eyes opening
+wider and wider with surprise and pleasure as she listened and wondered.
+
+"Where is it?" she said, popping her head out of the window. The
+morning-glories only danced lightly on their stems, the robins chirped
+shrilly in the garden below, and the wind gave Daisy a kiss; but none of
+them answered her, and still the lovely music sounded close beside her.
+
+"It's a new kind of bird, perhaps; or maybe it's a fairy hidden
+somewhere. Oh, if it _is_ how splendid it will be!" cried Daisy; and she
+began to look carefully in all the colored cups, under the leaves of the
+woodbine, and in the wren's nest close by. There was neither fairy nor
+bird to be seen; and Daisy stood wondering, when a voice cried out from
+below:
+
+"Why, little nightcap, what brings you out of your bed so early?"
+
+"O Aunt Wee! do you hear it--that pretty music playing somewhere near! I
+can't find it; but I think it's a fairy, don't you?" said Daisy, looking
+down at the young lady standing in the garden with her hands full of
+roses.
+
+Aunt Wee listened, smiled, and shook her head.
+
+"Don't you remember you said last night that you thought the world a
+very stupid, grown-up place, because there were no giants and fairies in
+it now? Well, perhaps there _are_ fairies, and they are going to show
+themselves to you, if you watch well."
+
+Daisy clapped her hands, and danced about on her little bare feet; for,
+of all things in the world, she most wanted to see a fairy.
+
+"What must I do to find them, Aunt Wee?" she cried, popping out her head
+again with her cap half off, and her curly hair blowing in the wind.
+
+"Why, you see, they frolic all night, and go to sleep at dawn; so we
+must get up very early, if we want to catch the elves awake. They are
+such delicate, fly-away little things, and we are so big and clumsy, we
+shall have to look carefully, and perhaps hunt a long time before we
+find even one," replied Aunt Wee, very gravely.
+
+"Mamma says I'm quick at finding things; and you know all about fairies,
+so I guess we'll catch one. Can't we begin now? It's very early, and
+this music has waked me up; so I don't want to sleep any more. Will you
+begin to hunt now?"
+
+"But you don't like to get up early, or to walk in the fields; and, if
+we mean to catch a fairy, we must be up and out by sunrise every fair
+morning till we get one. Can you do this, lazy Daisy?" And Aunt Wee
+smiled to herself as if something pleased her very much.
+
+"Oh! I will, truly, get up, and not fret a bit, if you'll only help me
+look. Please come now to dress me, and see if you can find what makes
+the music."
+
+Daisy was very much in earnest, and in such a hurry to be off that she
+could hardly stand still to have her hair brushed, and thought there
+were a great many unnecessary buttons and strings on her clothes that
+day. Usually she lay late, got up slowly and fretted at every thing as
+little girls are apt to do when they have had too much sleep. She wasn't
+a rosy, stout Daisy; but had been ill, and had fallen into a way of
+thinking she couldn't do anything but lie about, reading fairy-tales,
+and being petted by every one. Mamma and papa had tried all sorts of
+things to amuse and do her good; for she was their only little daughter,
+and they loved her very dearly. But nothing pleased her long; and she
+lounged about, pale and fretful, till Aunt Laura came. Daisy called her
+"Wee" when she was a baby, and couldn't talk plainly; and she still used
+the name because it suited the cheery little aunt so well.
+
+"I don't see anything, and the music has stopped. I think some elf just
+came to wake you up, and then flew away; so we won't waste any more time
+in looking here," said Wee, as she finished dressing Daisy, who flew
+about like a Will-o'-the-wisp all the while.
+
+"Do you think it will come again to-morrow?" asked Daisy anxiously.
+
+"I dare say you'll hear it, if you wake in time. Now get your hat, and
+we will see what we can find down by the brook. I saw a great many
+fireflies there last night, and fancy there was a ball; so we may find
+some drowsy elf among the buttercups and clover."
+
+Away rushed Daisy for her hat, and soon was walking gayly down the green
+lane, looking about her as if she had never been there before; for every
+thing seemed wonderfully fresh and lovely.
+
+"How pink the clouds are, and how the dew twinkles in the grass! I never
+saw it so before," she said.
+
+"Because by the time you are up the pretty pink clouds are gone, and the
+thirsty grass has drank the dew, or the sun has drawn it up to fall
+again at night for the flowers' evening bath," replied Wee, watching the
+soft color that began to touch Daisy's pale cheeks.
+
+"I think we'd better look under that cobweb spread like a tent over the
+white clovers. A fairy would be very likely to creep in there and
+sleep."
+
+Daisy knelt down and peeped carefully; but all she saw was a little
+brown spider, who looked very much surprised to see visitors so early.
+
+"I don't like spiders," said Daisy, much disappointed.
+
+"There are things about spiders as interesting to hear as fairy tales,"
+said Wee. "This is Mrs. Epeira Diadema; and she is a respectable,
+industrious little neighbor. She spreads her tent, but sits under a leaf
+near by, waiting for her breakfast. She wraps her eggs in a soft silken
+bag, and hides them in some safe chink, where they lie till spring. The
+eggs are prettily carved and ornamented, and so hard that the baby
+spiders have to force their way out by biting the shell open and poking
+their little heads through. The mother dies as soon as her eggs are
+safely placed, and the spiderlings have to take care of themselves."
+
+"How do you know about it, Aunt Wee? You talk as if Mrs. Eppyra--or
+whatever her name is--had told you herself. Did she?" asked Daisy,
+feeling more interested in the brown spider.
+
+"No; I read it in a book, and saw pictures of the eggs, web, and family.
+I had a live one in a bottle; and she spun silken ladders all up and
+down, and a little room to sleep in. She ate worms and bugs, and was
+very amiable and interesting till she fell ill and died."
+
+"I should like to see the book; and have a spider-bottle, so I could
+take care of the poor little orphans when they are born. Good-by, ma'am.
+I shall call again; for you are 'most as good as a fairy there in your
+pretty tent, with a white clover for your bed."
+
+Daisy walked on a few steps, and then stopped to say:
+
+"What does that bird mean by calling 'Hurry up, hurry up?' He keeps
+flying before us, and looking back as if he wanted to show me
+something."
+
+"Let me hear what he says. I may be able to understand him, or the
+bob-o-link that swings on the alder by the brook."
+
+Wee listened a moment, while the birds twittered and chirped with all
+their hearts. Presently Wee sang in a tone very like the bob-o-link's:
+
+        "Daisy and Wee,
+        Come here, and see
+    What a dainty feast is spread:
+        Down in the grass
+        Where fairies pass,
+    Here are berries ripe and red.
+
+        "All wet with dew,
+        They wait for you:
+    Come hither, and eat your fill,
+        While I gayly sing,
+        In my airy swing,
+    And the sun climbs up the hill."
+
+"Did he really say that?" cried Daisy, watching the bob-o-link, who sat
+swaying up and down on the green bough, and nodding his white-capped
+head at her in the most friendly manner.
+
+"Perhaps I didn't translate it rightly; for it is very hard to put
+bird-notes into our language, because we haven't words soft and sweet
+enough. But I really think there are berries over there, and we will see
+if what he says is true," said Wee.
+
+Over the wall they went, and there, on a sunny bank, found a bed of the
+reddest, ripest berries ever seen.
+
+"Thank you, thank you, for telling me to hurry up, and showing me such a
+splendid feast," said Daisy, with her mouth full, as she nodded back at
+the birds. "These are so much sweeter than those we buy. I'd carry some
+home to mamma, if I only had a basket."
+
+"You can pick this great leaf full, while I make you a basket," said
+Wee.
+
+Daisy soon filled the leaf, and then sat watching her aunt plait a
+pretty basket of rushes. While she waited she looked about, and kept
+finding something curious or pleasant to interest and amuse her. First
+she saw a tiny rainbow in a dewdrop that hung on a blade of grass; then
+she watched a frisky calf come down to drink on the other side of the
+brook, and laughed to see him scamper away with his tail in the air.
+Close by grew a pitcher-plant; and a yellow butterfly sat on the edge,
+bathing its feet, Daisy said. Presently she discovered a little ground
+bird sitting on her nest, and peeping anxiously, as if undecided whether
+to fly away or trust her.
+
+"I won't hurt you, little mother. Don't be afraid," whispered the child;
+and, as if it understood, the bird settled down on her nest with a
+comfortable chirp, while its mate hopped up to give her a nice plump
+worm for breakfast.
+
+"I love birds. Tell me something about them, Aunt Wee. You must know
+many things; for they like you, and come when you call."
+
+"Once upon a time," began Wee, while her fingers flew and the pretty
+basket grew, "there was a great snow-storm, and all the country was
+covered with a thick white quilt. It froze a little, so one could walk
+over it, and I went out for a run. Oh, so cold it was, with a sharp
+wind, and no sun or any thing green to make it pleasant! I went far away
+over the fields, and sat down to rest. While I sat there, a little bird
+came by, and stopped to rest also.
+
+"'How do you do?' said I.
+
+"'Chick-a-dee-dee,' said he.
+
+"'A cold day,' said I.
+
+"'Chick-a-dee-dee,' said he.
+
+"'Aren't you afraid of starving, now the ground is covered and the trees
+are bare?'
+
+"'Chick-a-dee-dee, ma'am, chick-a-dee-dee!'" answered the bird in the
+same cheerful tone. And it sounded as if he said, 'I shall be cared for.
+I'm not afraid.'
+
+"'What will you eat? There's nothing here or for miles round. I really
+think you'll starve, birdie,' said I.
+
+"Then he laughed, and gave me a merry look as he lit on a tall, dry weed
+near by. He shook it hard with his little bill; when down fell a shower
+of seeds, and there was dinner all ready on a snow-white cloth. All the
+while he ate he kept looking up at me with his quick, bright eyes; and,
+when he had done, he said, as plainly as a bird could say it:
+
+    "'Cold winds may blow,
+        And snows may fall,
+      But well we know
+        God cares for all.'"
+
+"I like that little story, and shall always think of it when I hear the
+chick-a-dee-dee." Daisy sat a moment with a thoughtful look in her eyes;
+then she said slowly, as if sorry for the words:
+
+"It isn't a stupid, grown-up world. It's a very pleasant, young world;
+and I like it a great deal better this morning than I did last night."
+
+"I'm glad of that; and, even if we don't find our fairy to-day, you will
+have found some sunshine, Daisy, and that is almost as good. Now put in
+the berries, and we'll go on."
+
+How they hunted! They climbed trees to peep into squirrel-holes and
+birds'-nests; they chased bees and butterflies to ask for news of the
+elves; they waded in the brook, hoping to catch a water-sprite; they ran
+after thistle-down, fancying a fairy might be astride; they searched the
+flowers and ferns, questioned sun and wind, listened to robin and
+thrush; but no one could tell them any thing of the little people,
+though all had gay and charming bits of news about themselves. And Daisy
+thought the world got younger and happier every minute.
+
+When they came in to breakfast, papa and mamma looked at Daisy, and then
+nodded with a smile at Aunt Wee; for, though Daisy's frock was soiled,
+her boots wet, and her hair tumbled, her cheeks were rosy, eyes bright,
+and voice so cheerful that they thought it better music than any in the
+summer world without.
+
+"Hunting fairies is a pleasant play, isn't it, Daisy?" said papa, as he
+tasted the berries, and admired the green basket.
+
+"Oh, yes! and we are going again to-morrow. Aunt Wee says we must try
+seven days at least. I like it, and mean to keep on till I really find
+my fairy."
+
+"I think you will find something better than 'little vanishers,' dear,"
+said mamma, filling up the bowl of bread and milk which Daisy was fast
+emptying; for she certainly _had_ found an appetite.
+
+"There it is again!" cried Daisy, flying out of bed the next morning
+still earlier than the day before. Yes, there it was, the fairy music,
+as blithe and sweet as ever; and the morning-glories rung their delicate
+bells as if keeping time. Daisy felt rather sleepy, but remembered her
+promise to Aunt Wee, and splashed into her tub, singing the bob-o-link's
+song as she bathed.
+
+"Where shall we go to-day?" she asked, as they went out into the garden.
+
+"I think we'd better try a new place; so we'll go to the farmyard; and,
+while we feed the hens, I'll listen to their chat, and perhaps can learn
+something from it," replied Wee soberly.
+
+"Do hens know about fairies? I thought they were very dull things, and
+didn't care for any thing but eating corn and laying eggs," said Daisy,
+surprised.
+
+"Oh, dear, no! they are very sensible creatures, and see a deal of the
+world in their daily walks. Hunting for insects gives them an excellent
+chance to see fairies, if there are any. Here is some corn for the
+biddies; and, after we have fed them, we will look for eggs, and so may
+find a brownie or two."
+
+Such a clatter as there was when they came to the barnyard; for every
+thing was just awake, and in the best spirits. Ducks were paddling off
+to the pond; geese to the meadow; and meek gray guinea-hens tripping
+away to hunt bugs in the garden. A splendid cock stood on the wall, and
+crowed so loud and clear that all the neighboring chanticleers replied.
+The motherly hens clucked and scratched with their busy broods about
+them, or sat and scolded in the coops because the chicks would gad
+abroad. Doves cooed on the sunny roof, and smoothed their gleaming
+feathers. Daisy's donkey nibbled a thistle by the wall, and a stately
+peacock marched before the door with all his plumage spread. It made
+Daisy laugh to see the airs the fowls put on as she scattered corn, and
+threw meal and water to the chicks. Some pushed and gobbled; some stood
+meekly outside the crowd, and got what they could; others seized a
+mouthful, and ran away to eat it in a corner. The chicks got into the
+pan entirely, and tumbled one over the other in their hurry to eat; but
+the mammas saw that none went hungry. And the polite cock waited upon
+them in the most gentlemanly manner, making queer little clucks and
+gurgles as if he said:
+
+"Allow me, madam, to offer you this kernel;" or, "Here, my dear, try
+that bit." And sometimes he pecked a little, with a loud quaver,
+evidently saying, "Come, come, children, behave yourselves, and don't
+eat like pigs."
+
+"What is she saying?" asked Daisy, pointing to an old gray hen in a
+black turban, who was walking about alone, muttering to herself, as hens
+often do in their promenades.
+
+"She says a cat has made a nest, and hatched three kits up on the loft,
+near her own nest; and she doesn't like it, because their mewing annoys
+her," said Wee, after listening a minute.
+
+"How nice! let's go and find them. But do you learn anything about the
+fairies from the hen's chat?"
+
+"No: they have been so busy setting, they have had no time for picnics
+yet. But they will let us know, if they discover any."
+
+In the barn, the cows were being milked; and Daisy had a mugful of it,
+warm and sweet, out of the foaming pail.
+
+"We'll take some to Mrs. Purr; for, I dare say, she doesn't like to
+leave the kits long, and will enjoy a sip of something comfortable,"
+said Wee, as Daisy climbed the ladder, and went rustling over the hay
+to a corner, whence came a joyful "Mew!" What a charming sight it was,
+to be sure! a snow-white cat lying in a cosy nest, and, by her, three
+snow-white kits, wagging three very small gray tails.
+
+"There never was any thing so lovely!" cried Daisy, as she sat with the
+three downy balls in her lap, while the mamma gratefully lapped the new
+milk from Aunt Wee's cup.
+
+"Are they better than fairies?"
+
+"Almost: for I know about pussies, and can cuddle them; but I couldn't a
+fairy, you know, and they might be afraid of me. These dears are not
+afraid, and I shall have such fun with them as they grow up. What
+_shall_ we name them, auntie?"
+
+"Snowball, Patpaw, and Wagtail would do, I think," said Wee, stroking
+the cat, who rubbed against her, purring very loud.
+
+"Yes: I like those names for my pets. But what is Mrs. Purr saying, with
+her mouth up to your ear?" asked Daisy, who firmly believed that Aunt
+Wee knew every thing.
+
+"She tells me that when she went on a grasshopper hunt the other day, as
+she ran through the meadow, she saw some lovely creatures all in blue,
+with gauze wings, flying about over the river, and sitting in the
+water-lilies. She thinks they may be fairies, and advises us to go and
+look."
+
+"So we will to-morrow," said Daisy. "Ask her, please, if I may take the
+kits into the house, if I'll be very careful and give them a nice big
+bed to sleep in."
+
+"She says you may; but she must go too, else the kits will cry," said
+Wee, after listening to Pussy's purr a minute.
+
+Much pleased with her new pets, Daisy took them in her apron, and,
+followed by their confiding mamma, marched to the house, and established
+them in the old cradle which used to be hers. Pussy got in also; and,
+when they were settled on a soft cushion, Daisy rocked them gently to
+and fro. At first Mrs. Purr opened her yellow eyes, and looked rather
+anxious: but, as nothing uncomfortable happened, she composed herself,
+and soon quite liked the motion; for she fell asleep, and made a pretty
+picture as she lay with her downy white babies on her downy white
+breast.
+
+When the sun rose next morning, he saw Daisy and Wee floating down the
+river in their boat. "Bless me! here's company," said the sun, and began
+at once to make them welcome in his most charming manner. He set the
+waves to sparkling with a sudden shimmer; he shot long rays of light
+through the dark hemlocks, till they looked like fairy trees; he touched
+Daisy's hair and it turned to gold; he chased away the shadows that
+lurked among the hills; he drew up the misty curtain that hovered over
+the river; and, with the warmth of his kisses, waked the sleeping
+lilies.
+
+"Look, look, Aunt Wee! how they open, one by one, as the light shines on
+them! We shan't have to wait any longer; for they get up with the sun,
+as you do." As she spoke, Daisy caught a half-open lily, and drew it up,
+fragrant and dripping, fresh from its sleep.
+
+"They look like a fleet of fairy ships, anchored in this quiet harbor,
+with sails half furled, and crews asleep. See the little sailors, in
+their yellow jackets, lifting up their heads as the wind blows its
+whistle, like a boatswain, to 'pipe all hands.'"
+
+Daisy laughed at Aunt Wee's fancy, and stirred up the crew of the
+Water-sprite, as she called her flower, till the white sails were all
+set, and it was ready for a summer voyage.
+
+"It is time we saw the fairies in blue, unless old Madam Purr deceived
+us. I hope we _shall_ find one; for, though I enjoy every thing we see,
+I do want my elf too."
+
+"What is that?" cried Wee; and Daisy flew up so quickly that the boat
+rocked like a cradle. A slender creature, in a blue dress, with gauzy
+wings, darted by, and vanished among the rushes that nodded by the bank.
+
+"Go nearer,--softly! softly!--and maybe it will fly out again. I really
+think it was a fairy; for I never saw any thing like it before,"
+whispered Daisy, much excited.
+
+Wee rowed in among the green rushes and purple water-weeds, and out flew
+half-a-dozen of the blue-bodied creatures. They didn't seem afraid, but
+skimmed about the boat, as if curious to see what it was; and Daisy sat,
+and stared with all her might. Presently one of the lovely things lit on
+the lily in her hand, and she held her breath to watch it. A little
+shadow of disappointment passed over her face as she looked; but it was
+gone at once, and her voice was full of delight as she said softly:
+
+"It's not a fairy, Aunt Wee; but it is very beautiful, with its slender
+blue body, its lacy wings, and bright eyes. What name does it have?"
+
+"We call it a dragon-fly; and it could tell you a pretty little story
+about itself, could you understand it. In May the tiny eggs are dropped
+on the water, and sink to the bottom, where little creatures are
+born,--ugly, brown things, with six legs and no wings. They feed on
+water-insects, and for a long time swim about in this state. When ready,
+they climb up the stem of some plant, and sit in the sun till the ugly
+brown shells drop away, and the lovely winged creatures appear. They
+grow in an hour to be perfect dragon-flies, and float away to lead happy
+lives in the sunshine by the river."
+
+As if only waiting till the story was done, the dragon-fly flew off with
+a whirr, and darted to and fro, hunting for its breakfast, glittering
+splendidly as it flashed among the leaves or darted close above the
+water. Daisy forgot her disappointment in a minute, and went fishing for
+lilies; while the turtles came up to sun themselves on the rocks, the
+merry little tadpoles wiggled in the shallow places, and a wild duck
+paddled by with a brood of ducklings following in her wake.
+
+"Oh, dear! it rains; and we can't go fairy-hunting at all," said Daisy
+next morning, as the patter on the window-pane woke her up, and Aunt Wee
+came in to dress her.
+
+"Yes, we can, dear; jump up, and see what a funny place I'll take you
+to."
+
+Daisy thought the rain would be a capital excuse for lying in bed; for
+she still liked to cuddle and drowse in her cosey, warm nest. But she
+was curious to know where the curious place was; so she got up and
+followed.
+
+"Why, Aunt Wee, this is the garret; and there isn't any thing nice or
+funny here," she said, as they climbed the stairs, and came into the big
+attic, filled with all manner of old things.
+
+"Isn't there? We'll soon see." And so they did: for Aunt Wee began to
+play; and presently Daisy was shouting with fun as she sat on an old
+saddle, with a hair-covered trunk for a horse, a big old-fashioned
+bonnet on her head, and a red silk petticoat for a habit. Then they went
+to sea in a great chest, and got wrecked on a desert island, where they
+built a fort with boxes and bags, hunted bears with rusty guns, and had
+to eat dried berries, herbs and nuts; for no other food could be found.
+Aunt Wee got an old fiddle, and had a dancing-school, where Daisy
+capered till she was tired. So they rummaged out some dusty books, and
+looked at pictures so quietly that a little mouse came out of a drawer
+and peeped about, thinking no one was there.
+
+"Let's find the nest, since we don't find any fairy," said Wee; and,
+opening the drawer, she turned over the things till she came to a pair
+of old velvet shoes; and there in the toe of one, nicely cuddled under a
+bit of flannel, lay four pink mites, which woke up, and stretched their
+tiny legs, and squeaked such small squeaks one could hardly hear them.
+
+"How cunning they are! I wish they would let me put them with the kits,
+and have a nursery full of babies. Wouldn't it be nice to see them all
+grow up?" said Daisy.
+
+"I'm afraid they wouldn't grow up, if Mrs. Purr lived with them," began
+Wee, but got no further; for just then the cat bounced into the drawer,
+and ate up the mouselings in four mouthfuls. Daisy screamed; the
+mother-mouse gave a doleful squeak, and ran into a hole; and Aunt Wee
+tried to save the little ones. But it was too late: Purr had got her
+breakfast, and sat washing her face after it, as if she had enjoyed it.
+
+"Never mind, Daisy: she would have caught them by and by, and it's as
+well to have them taken care of before they do any harm. There is the
+bell: don't cry, but come and tell papa what a fine romp we've had."
+
+"It doesn't rain, but it's dreadfully wet; so we'll go to the dairy, and
+see if any sprites are hiding there," said Wee next day; and to the
+dairy they went.
+
+A pleasant place it was,--so clean and cool, and as full of sweet odors
+as if the ghosts of buttercups and clover still haunted the milk which
+they had helped to make. Dolly was churning, and Polly was making up
+butter in nice little pats. Both were very kind, and let Daisy peep
+everywhere. All round on white shelves stood the shining pans, full of
+milk; the stone floor was wet; and a stream of water ran along a narrow
+bed through the room, and in it stood jars of butter, pots of cream, and
+cans of milk. The window was open, and hop-vines shook their green bells
+before it. The birds sang outside, and maids sang inside, as the churn
+and the wooden spatters kept time:
+
+    "Brindle and Bess,
+    White-star and Jess--
+      Come, butter, come!
+    Eat cowslips fine,
+    Red columbine--
+      Come, butter, come!
+    Grasses green and tall,
+    Clover, best of all,--
+      Come, butter, come!
+    And give every night
+    Milk sweet and white--
+      Come, butter, come!
+    Make the churn go,
+    See the lumps grow!--
+      Come, butter, come!"
+
+Daisy sang also, and turned the handle till she was tired; then she
+helped Polly with the butter, and made four little pats,--one stamped
+with a star for papa, one with a rose for mamma, a strawberry for Aunt
+Wee, and a cow for herself. She skimmed a pitcher of cream with a
+shallow shell, and liked the work so much she asked to have a little pan
+of milk put by for her to take care of every day. Dolly promised, and
+gave her a small shell and a low shelf all to herself. When she went in,
+she carried her pretty pats in one hand, the cream-pot in the other, and
+entered the breakfast room looking as brisk and rosy as a little
+milkmaid.
+
+It was a lovely morning when Daisy was next roused by the fairy music,
+and the ponies were standing at the door. "Are we going far?" she
+asked, as Wee put on her riding-skirt, and tied back her hair.
+
+"Up to the mountain-top: it's only a mile; and we shall have time, if we
+ride fast," answered Wee.
+
+Away they went, through the green lane, over the bridge, and up the
+steep hillside where the sheep fed and colts frisked as they passed by.
+Higher and higher climbed Dandy and Prance, the ponies; and gayer and
+gayer grew Daisy and Wee, as the fresh air blew over them, and the
+morning-red glowed on their faces. When they reached the top, they sat
+on a tall stone, and looked down into the valley on either side.
+
+"This seems like a place to find giants, not fairies, it is so high and
+big and splendid up here," said Daisy, as her eye roamed over river,
+forest, town, and hill.
+
+"There are giants here; and I brought you up to see them," answered Wee.
+
+"Mercy, me! where are they?" cried Daisy, looking very curious and
+rather frightened.
+
+"There is one of them." And Wee pointed to the waterfall that went
+dashing and foaming down into the valley. "That giant turns the wheels
+of all the mills you see. Some of them grind grain for our bread, some
+help to spin cloth for our clothes, some make paper, and others saw
+trees into boards. That is a beautiful and busy giant, Daisy."
+
+"So it is, and some day we'll go and see it work. Show me the others: I
+like your giants 'most as well as those in the fairy-books."
+
+"On this side you'll see another, called Steam. He is a very strong
+fellow; for, with the help of gunpowder, he will break the granite
+mountain in pieces, and carry it away. He works in the other mills, and
+takes heavy loads of stone, cloth, paper, and wood all over the country.
+Then, on the right of us is a third giant, called Electricity. He runs
+along those wires, and carries messages from one end of the world to the
+other. He goes under the sea and through the air; he brings news to
+every one; runs day and night, yet never tires; and often helps sick
+people with his lively magic."
+
+"I like him best, I think; for he is more like a real, wonderful giant.
+Is there any on that side of us?" asked Daisy, turning round to look
+behind her.
+
+"Yes: the best and most powerful of all lives in that big house with the
+bell on the roof," said Wee, smiling.
+
+"Why, that's only the schoolhouse."
+
+"Education is a long word, dear; but you know what it means, and, as you
+grow older, you will see what wonders it can work. It is a noble giant;
+for in this country rich and poor are helped by it, and no one need
+suffer for it unless they choose. It works more wonders than any other:
+it changes little children into wise, good men and women, who rule the
+world, and make happy homes everywhere; it helps write books, sing
+songs, paint pictures, do good deeds, and beautify the world. Love and
+respect it, my little Daisy, and be glad that you live now when such
+giants lend a hand to dwarfs like us."
+
+Daisy sat still a long time, looking all about her on the mountain-top;
+and, when she rode away, she carried a new thought in her mind, which
+she never forgot.
+
+"This is the last day of the seven, and no fairies have been found. Do
+you think I _ever_ shall see one?" said Daisy, on the Sunday morning
+that ended her week's hunt.
+
+"Not the kind you think of, for there are none such, Daisy; but you have
+found two better and more beautiful ones than any fanciful sprites,"
+said Wee.
+
+"Have I? Where are they? What are their names?"
+
+Aunt Wee drew her to the glass, and said, as she pointed to Daisy's
+face:
+
+"Here they are, and their names are Health and Happiness. There are many
+ways of losing them, and they are hard to catch when once lost. I wanted
+you to keep both, and tried to show you how. A happy, healthful hour in
+the morning sweetens and brightens the whole day; and there is no
+fairy-book half so wonderful as the lovely world all about us, if we
+only know how to read it."
+
+"Then all these mornings we were hunting after health and happiness,
+instead of fairies, were we?"
+
+"Yes: haven't you enjoyed it, and don't you think you have caught my
+fairies?"
+
+Daisy looked from a little picture of herself, which Wee had drawn some
+time ago, to her image in the glass. One was dull and sad, pale and
+cross; the other, rosy, gay, and smiling,--the likeness of a happy,
+hearty little girl, wide-awake and in good tune. She understood the kind
+joke; and, turning, kissed Aunt Wee, as she said, gratefully:
+
+"I think I have caught your elves, and I'll try to keep them all my
+life. But tell me one thing: was the music that woke me all a joke too?"
+
+"No, dear: here it is, and now it is your own; for you have learned to
+wake and listen to it."
+
+Daisy looked, and saw Aunt Wee lean from the window, and take out of a
+hollow nook, in the old tree close by, a little box. She set it on the
+table, touched a spring, and the airy music sounded more beautiful than
+ever.
+
+"Is it mine, all mine?" cried Daisy.
+
+"Yes: I hid it while I tried my little plan, and now you shall have it
+for your own. See, here is the best elf I can give you, and she will
+dance whenever you call her."
+
+Wee pushed a golden pin, and up sprang a tiny figure, all crimson and
+gold, with shining wings, and a garland on its dainty head. Softly
+played the hidden music, and airily danced the little sylph till the
+silvery chime died away; then, folding her delicate arms, she sank from
+sight, leaving Daisy breathless with delight.
+
+
+
+
+V.
+
+SHADOW-CHILDREN.
+
+
+Ned, Polly, and Will sat on the steps one sun-shiny morning, doing
+nothing, except wish they had something pleasant to do.
+
+"Something new, something never heard of before,--wouldn't that be
+jolly?" said Ned, with a great yawn.
+
+"It must be an amusing play, and one that we don't get tired of very
+soon," added Polly gravely.
+
+"And something that didn't be wrong, else mamma wouldn't like it," said
+little Will, who was very good for a small boy.
+
+As no one could suggest any thing to suit, they all sat silent a few
+minutes. Suddenly Ned said, rather crossly, "I wish my shadow wouldn't
+mock me. Every time I stretch or gape it does the same, and I don't like
+it."
+
+"Poor thing, it can't help that: it has to do just what you do, and be
+your slave all day. I'm glad I ain't a shadow," said Polly.
+
+"I try to run away from mine sometimes, but I can't ever. It will come
+after me; and in the night it scares me, if it gets big and black," said
+Will, looking behind him.
+
+"Wouldn't it be fun to see shadows going about alone, and doing things
+like people?" asked Polly.
+
+"I just wish they would. I'd like to see ours cut capers; that would be
+a jolly new game, wouldn't it?" said Ned.
+
+No one had time to speak; for suddenly the three little shadows on the
+sunny wall behind them stood up straight, and began to bow.
+
+"Mercy, me!" cried Polly, staring at them.
+
+"By Jove, that's odd!" said Ned, looking queer.
+
+"Are they alive?" asked Will, a little frightened.
+
+"Don't be alarmed: they won't hurt you," said a soft voice. "To-day is
+midsummer-day, and whoever wishes a wish can have it till midnight. You
+want to see your shadows by themselves; and you can, if you promise to
+follow them as they have followed you so long. They will not get you
+into harm; so you may safely try it, if you like. Do you agree for the
+day to do as they do, and so have your wish?"
+
+"Yes, we promise," answered the children.
+
+"Tell no one till night, and be faithful shadows to the shadows."
+
+The voice was silent, but with more funny little bows the shadows began
+to move off in different directions. The children knew their own: for
+Ned's was the tallest, and had its hands in its pockets; Polly's had a
+frock on, and two bows where its hair was tied up; while Will's was a
+plump little shadow in a blouse, with a curly head and a pug nose. Each
+child went after its shadow, laughing, and enjoying the fun.
+
+Ned's master went straight to the shed, took down a basket, and marched
+away to the garden, where it began to move its hands as if busily
+picking peas. Ned stopped laughing when he saw that, and looked rather
+ashamed; for he remembered that his mother had asked him to do that
+little job for her, and he had answered,--
+
+"Oh, bother the old peas! I'm busy, and I can't."
+
+"Who told you about this?" he asked, beginning to work.
+
+The shadow shook its head, and pointed first to Ned's new jacket, then
+to a set of nice garden tools near by, and then seemed to blow a kiss
+from its shadowy fingers towards mamma, who was just passing the open
+gate.
+
+"Oh! you mean that she does lots for me; so I ought to do what I can for
+her, and love her dearly," said Ned, getting a pleasanter face every
+minute.
+
+The shadow nodded, and worked away as busily as the bees, tumbling heels
+over head in the great yellow squash blossoms, and getting as dusty as
+little millers. Somehow Ned rather liked the work, with such an odd
+comrade near by; for, though the shadow didn't really help a bit, it
+seemed to try, and set an excellent example. When the basket was full,
+the shadow took one handle, and Ned the other; and they carried it in.
+
+"Thank you, dear. I was afraid we should have to give up our peas
+to-day: I'm so busy, I can't stop," said mamma, looking surprised and
+pleased.
+
+Ned couldn't stop to talk; for the shadow ran away to the woodpile, and
+began to chop with all its might.
+
+"Well, I suppose I must; but I never saw such a fellow for work as this
+shadow is. He isn't a bit like me, though he's been with me so long,"
+said Ned, swinging the real hatchet in time with the shadowy one.
+
+Polly's new mistress went to the dining-room, and fell to washing up the
+breakfast cups. Polly hated that work, and sulkily began to rattle the
+spoons and knock the things about. But the shadow wouldn't allow that;
+and Polly had to do just what it did, though she grumbled all the while.
+
+"She doesn't splash a bit, or make any clatter; so I guess she's a tidy
+creature," said Polly. "How long she does rub each spoon and glass. We
+never shall get done. What a fuss she makes with the napkins, laying
+them all even in the drawer. And now she's at the salt-cellars, doing
+them just as mamma likes. I wish she'd live here, and do my work for
+me. Why, what's that?" And Polly stopped fretting to listen; for she
+seemed to hear the sound of singing,--so sweet, and yet so very faint
+she could catch no words, and only make out a cheerful little tune.
+
+"Do you hear any one singing, mamma?" she asked.
+
+"No: I wish I did." And mamma sighed; for baby was poorly, piles of
+sewing lay waiting for her, Biddy was turning things topsy-turvy in the
+kitchen for want of a word from the mistress, and Polly was looking
+sullen.
+
+The little girl didn't say any more, but worked quietly and watched the
+shadow, feeling sure the faint song came from it. Presently she began to
+hum the tune she caught by snatches; and, before she knew it, she was
+singing away like a blackbird. Baby stopped crying, and mamma said,
+smiling:
+
+"Now I hear somebody singing, and it's the music I like best in the
+world."
+
+That pleased Polly; but, a minute after, she stopped smiling, for the
+shadow went and took baby, or seemed to, and Polly really did. Now, baby
+was heavy, and cross with its teeth; and Polly didn't feel like tending
+it one bit. Mamma hurried away to the kitchen; and Polly walked up and
+down the room with poor baby hanging over her arm, crying dismally, with
+a pin in its back, a wet bib under its chin, and nothing cold and hard
+to bite with its hot, aching gums, where the little teeth were trying to
+come through.
+
+"Do stop, you naughty, fretty baby. I'm tired of your screaming, and
+it's high time you went to sleep. Bless me! what's Miss Shadow doing
+with _her_ baby?" said Polly.
+
+Miss Shadow took out the big pin and laid it away, put on a dry bib, and
+gave _her_ baby a nice ivory ring to bite; then began to dance up and
+down the room, till the shadowy baby clapped its hands and kicked
+delightedly. Polly laughed, and did the same, feeling sorry she had been
+so pettish. Presently both babies grew quiet, went to sleep, and were
+laid in the cradle.
+
+"Now, I hope we shall rest a little," said Polly, stretching her arms.
+
+But, no: down sat the shadow, and began to sew, making her needle fly
+like a real little seamstress.
+
+"Oh, dear!" groaned Polly. "I promised to hem those handkerchiefs for
+Ned, and so I must; but I do think handkerchiefs are the most pokey
+things in the world to sew. I dare say you think you can sew faster than
+I can. Just wait a bit, and see what I can do, miss," she said to the
+shadow.
+
+It took some time to find her thimble and needles and spools, for Polly
+wasn't a very neat little girl; but she got settled at last, and
+stitched away as if bent on beating her dumb friend.
+
+Little Will's shadow went up to the nursery, and stopped before a basin
+of water. "Oh! ah! ain't this drefful?" cried Will, with a shiver; for
+he knew he'd got to have his face washed, because he wouldn't have it
+done properly when he got up, but ran away. Now, Will was a good child;
+but this one thing was his great trouble, and sometimes he couldn't bear
+it. Jane was so rough. She let soap get in his eyes, and water run down
+his neck, and she pinched his nose when she wiped him, and brushed his
+hair so hard that really it _was_ dreadful; and even a bigger boy would
+have found it hard to bear. He shivered and sighed: but Jane came in;
+and, when he saw that the shadow stood still and took the scrubbing like
+a little hero, he tried to do the same, and succeeded so well that Jane
+actually patted his head and called him "a deary;" which was something
+new, for old Nurse Jane was always very busy and rather cross.
+
+Feeling that nothing worse could possibly happen to him, Will ran after
+his shadow, as it flitted away into the barn, and began to feed the
+chickens.
+
+"There, now! I forgetted all about my chickeys, and the shadow 'membered
+'em; and I'm glad of it," said Will, scattering dabs of meal and water
+to the chirping, downy little creatures who pecked and fluttered at his
+feet. Little shadow hunted for eggs, drove the turkeys out of the
+garden, and picked a basket of chips: then it went to play with Sammy,
+a neighbor's child; for, being a small shadow, it hadn't many jobs to
+do, and plenty of active play was good for it.
+
+Sammy was a rough little boy and rather selfish: so, when they played
+ball, he wanted to throw all the time; and, when Will objected, he grew
+angry and struck him. The blow didn't hurt Will's cheek much, but it did
+his little feelings; and he lifted his hand to strike back, when he saw
+his shadow go and kiss Sammy's shadow. All his anger was gone in a
+minute, and he just put his arm round Sammy's neck and kissed him. This
+kiss for a blow made him so ashamed that he began to cry, and couldn't
+be comforted till he had given Will his best marble and a ride on his
+pony.
+
+About an hour before dinner, the three shadows and the children met in
+the garden, and had a grand game of play, after they had told each other
+what they had been doing since they parted. Now, the shadows didn't
+forget baby even then, but got out the wagon, and Miss Baby, all fresh
+from her nap, sat among her pillows like a queen, while Ned was horse,
+Polly footman, and Will driver; and in this way she travelled all round
+the garden and barn, up the lane and down to the brook, where she was
+much delighted with the water sparkling along and the fine splash of the
+stones they threw in.
+
+When the dinner-bell rang, mamma saw four clean, rosy faces and four
+smooth heads at the table; for the shadow-children made themselves neat,
+without being told. Every one was merry and hungry and good-natured.
+Even poor baby forgot her teeth, and played a regular rub-a-dub with her
+spoon on her mug, and tried to tell about the fine things she saw on her
+drive. The children said nothing about the new play, and no one observed
+the queer actions of their shadows but themselves. They saw that there
+was no gobbling, or stretching over, or spilling of things, among the
+shadows; but that they waited to be helped, served others first, and ate
+tidily, which was a great improvement upon the usual state of things.
+
+It was Saturday afternoon: the day was fine, and mamma told them they
+could go for a holiday frolic in the woods. "Don't go to the pond, and
+be home early," she said.
+
+"Yes, mamma; we'll remember," they answered, as they scampered away to
+get ready.
+
+"We shall go through the village, and Mary King will be looking out; so
+I shall wear my best hat. Mamma won't see me, if I slip down the back
+way; and I do so want Mary to know that my hat is prettier than hers,"
+said Polly, up in her little room.
+
+Now Polly was rather vain, and liked to prink; so she got out the new
+hat, and spent some time in smoothing her braids and putting on her
+blue ribbons. But when all was ready, and the boys getting impatient,
+she found her shadow, with a sun-bonnet on, standing by the door, as if
+to prevent her going out.
+
+"You tiresome thing! do you mean that I mustn't wear my hat, but that
+old bonnet?" asked Polly.
+
+The shadow nodded and beckoned, and patted its head, as if it was all
+right.
+
+"I wish I hadn't promised to do as you do; then I could do as I like,
+and not make a fright of myself," said Polly, rather sulkily, as she put
+away the hat, and tied on the old bonnet with a jerk.
+
+Once out in the lovely sunshine, she soon forgot the little
+disappointment; and, as they didn't go through the village, but by a
+green lane, where she found some big blackberries, she was quite
+contented. Polly had a basket to hold fruit or flowers, Ned his
+jackknife, and Will a long stick on which he rode, fancying that this
+sort of horse would help his short legs along; so they picked, whittled,
+and trotted their way to the wood, finding all manner of interesting
+things on the road.
+
+The wood was full of pleasant sights and sounds; for wild roses bloomed
+all along the path, ferns and scarlet berries filled the little dells,
+squirrels chattered, birds sang, and pines whispered musically
+overhead.
+
+"I'm going to stop here and rest, and make a wreath of these pretty wild
+roses for baby: it's her birthday, and it will please mamma," said
+Polly, sitting down on a mound of moss, with a lapful of flowers.
+
+"I'm going to cut a fishing-pole, and will be back in a minute." And Ned
+went crashing into the thickest part of the wood.
+
+"I shall see where that rabbit went to, and maybe I'll find some
+berries," said Will, trotting down the path the wild rabbit had gone.
+
+The sound of the boys' steps died away, and Polly was wondering how it
+would seem to live all alone in the wood, when a little girl came
+trudging by, with a great pail of berries on her arm. She was a poor
+child: her feet were bare, her gown was ragged, she wore an old shawl
+over her head, and walked as if lame. Polly sat behind the ferns, and
+the child did not see her till Polly called out. The sudden sound
+startled her; and she dropped her pail, spilling the berries all over
+the path. The little girl began to cry, and Polly to laugh, saying, in a
+scornful tone:
+
+"How silly to cry for a few berries!"
+
+"I've been all day picking 'em," said the girl; "and I'm so tired and
+hungry; 'cause I didn't dare to go home till my pail was full,--mother
+scolds if I do,--and now they're all spoilt. Oh, dear! dear me!" And
+she cried so hard that great tears fell on the moss.
+
+Polly was sorry now, and sat looking at her till she saw her shadow down
+on its knees, picking up the berries; then it seemed to fold its little
+handkerchief round the girl's bruised foot, and give her something from
+its pocket. Polly jumped up and imitated the kind shadow, even to giving
+the great piece of gingerbread she had brought for fear she should be
+hungry.
+
+"Take this," she said gently. "I'm sorry I frightened you. Here are the
+berries all picked up, and none the worse for falling in the grass. If
+you'll take them to the white house on the hill, my mamma will buy them,
+and then your mother won't scold you."
+
+"Oh, thank you, miss! It's ever so good. I'll take the berries to your
+mother, and bring her more whenever she likes," said the child
+gratefully, as she walked away munching the gingerbread, and smiling
+till there were little rainbows in her tears.
+
+Meanwhile Ned had poked about in the bushes, looking for a good pole.
+Presently he saw a willow down by the pond, and thought that would give
+him a nice, smooth pole. He forgot his promise, and down he went to the
+pond; where he cut his stick, and was whittling the end, when he saw a
+boat by the shore. It was untied, and oars lay in it, as if waiting for
+some one to come and row out.
+
+"I'll just take a little pull across, and get those cardinal-flowers for
+Polly," he said; and went to the boat.
+
+He got in, and was about to push off, when he saw his shadow standing on
+the shore.
+
+"Don't be a fool; get in, and come along," he said to it, remembering
+his promise now, but deciding to break it, and ask pardon afterwards.
+
+But the shadow shook its head; pointed to the swift stream that ran
+between the banks, the rocks and mud on the opposite side, and the leaky
+boat itself.
+
+"I ain't afraid: mamma won't mind, if I tell her I'm sorry; and it will
+be such fun to row alone. Be a good fellow, and let me go," said Ned,
+beckoning.
+
+But the shadow would not stir, and Ned was obliged to mind. He did so
+very reluctantly, and scolded the shadow well as he went back to Polly;
+though all the time he felt he was doing right, and knew he should be
+glad afterwards.
+
+Will trotted after the rabbit, but didn't find it; he found a
+bird's-nest instead with four little birds in it. He had an empty cage
+at home, and longed for something to put in it; for kittens didn't like
+it, and caterpillars and beetlebugs got away. He chose the biggest bird,
+and, holding him carefully, walked away to find Polly. The poor
+mother-bird chirped and fluttered in great distress; but Will kept on
+till his little shadow came before him, and tried to make him turn
+back.
+
+"No, no, I want him," said Will. "I won't hurt him, and his mother has
+three left: she won't mind if I take one."
+
+Here the mother-bird chirped so loud it was impossible to help seeing
+that she _did_ care very much; and the shadow stamped its foot and waved
+its hand, as if ordering the young robber to carry back the baby-bird.
+Will stood still, and thought a minute; but his little heart was a very
+kind one, and he soon turned about, saying pleasantly:
+
+"Yes, it _is_ naughty, and I won't do it. I'll ask mamma to get me a
+canary, and will let this birdie stay with his brothers."
+
+The shadow patted him on the shoulder, and seemed to be delighted as
+Will put the bird in the nest and walked on, feeling much happier than
+if he had kept it. A bush of purple berries grew by the path, and Will
+stopped to pick some. He didn't know what they were, and mamma had often
+told him never to eat strange things. But they smelt so good, and looked
+so nice, he couldn't resist, and lifted one to his mouth, when little
+shadow motioned for him to stop.
+
+"Oh, dear! you don't let me do any thing I want to," sighed Will. "I
+shall ask Polly if I tarn't eat these; and, if she says I may, I shall,
+so now."
+
+He ran off to ask Polly; but she said they were poisonous, and begged
+him to throw them away.
+
+"Good little shadow, to keep me safe!" cried Will. "I like you; and I'll
+mind better next time, 'cause you are always right."
+
+The shadow seemed to like this, and bobbed about so comically it made
+Will laugh till his eyes were full of tears. Ned came back, and they
+went on, having grand times in the wood. They found plenty of berries to
+fill the basket; they swung down on slender birches, and got rolls of
+white bark for canoes; they saw all sorts of wild-wood insects and
+birds; and frolicked till they were tired. As they crossed a field, a
+cow suddenly put down her head and ran at them, as if she was afraid
+they meant to hurt her calf. All turned, and ran as fast as they could
+toward the wall; but poor Will in his fright tumbled down, and lay
+screaming. Ned and Polly had reached the wall, and, looking back, saw
+that their shadows had not followed. Ned's stood before Will,
+brandishing his pole; and Polly's was flapping a shadowy sun-bonnet with
+all its might. As soon as they saw that, back they went,--Ned to
+threaten till he broke his pole, and Polly to flap till the strings came
+off. As if anxious to do its part, the bonnet flew up in the air, and
+coming down lit on the cross cow's head; which so astonished her that
+she ran away as hard as she could pelt.
+
+"Wasn't that funny?" said Will, when they had tumbled over the wall, and
+lay laughing in the grass on the safe side.
+
+"I'm glad I wore the old bonnet; for I suppose my best hat would have
+gone just the same," said Polly thankfully.
+
+"The calf doesn't know its own mother with that thing on," laughed Ned.
+
+"How brave and kind you were to come back and save me! I'd have been
+deaded if you hadn't," said Will, looking at his brother and sister with
+his little face full of grateful admiration.
+
+They turned towards home after this flurry, feeling quite like heroes.
+When they came to the corner where two roads met, Ned proposed they
+should take the river-road; for, though the longest, it was much the
+pleasantest.
+
+"We shan't be home at supper-time," said Polly. "You won't be able to do
+your jobs, Ned, nor I mine, and Will's chickens will have to go to bed
+hungry."
+
+"Never mind: it's a holiday, so let's enjoy it, and not bother,"
+answered Ned.
+
+"We promised mamma we'd come home early," said Will.
+
+They stood looking at the two roads,--one sandy, hot, and hilly; the
+other green and cool and level, along the river-side. They all chose the
+pleasant path, and walked on till Ned cried out, "Why, where are our
+shadows?"
+
+They looked behind, before, and on either side; but nowhere could they
+see them.
+
+"They were with us at the corner," said Will.
+
+"Let's run back, and try to find them," said Polly.
+
+"No, let 'em go: I'm tired of minding mine, and don't care if I never
+see it again," said Ned.
+
+"Don't say so; for I remember hearing about a man who sold his shadow,
+and then got into lots of trouble because he had none. We promised to
+follow them, and we must," said Polly.
+
+"I wish," began Ned in a pet; but Polly clapped her hand over his mouth,
+saying:
+
+"Pray, don't wish now; for it may come to pass as the man's wish in the
+fairy tale did, and the black pudding flew up and stuck tight to his
+wife's nose."
+
+This made Ned laugh, and they all turned back to the corner. Looking up
+the hilly road, they saw the three shadows trudging along, as if bent on
+getting home in good time. Without saying a word, the children followed;
+and, when they got to the garden gate, they all said at once:
+
+"Aren't you glad you came?"
+
+Under the elm-tree stood a pretty tea-table, covered with bread and
+butter, custards, and berries, and in the middle a fine cake with
+sugar-roses on the top; and mamma and baby, all nicely dressed, were
+waiting to welcome them to the birthday feast. Polly crowned the little
+queen, Ned gave her a willow whistle he had made, and Will some pretty,
+bright pebbles he had found; and Miss Baby was as happy as a bird, with
+her treasures.
+
+A pleasant supper-time; then the small duties for each one; and then the
+go-to-bed frolic. The nursery was a big room, and in the evening a
+bright wood fire always burned there for baby. Mamma sat before it,
+softly rubbing baby's little rosy limbs before she went to bed, singing
+and telling stories meanwhile to the three children who pranced about in
+their long nightgowns. This evening they had a gay time; for the shadows
+amused them by all sorts of antics, and kept them laughing till they
+were tired. As they sat resting on the big sofa, they heard a soft,
+sweet voice singing. It wasn't mamma; for she was only talking to baby,
+and this voice sang a real song. Presently they saw mamma's shadow on
+the wall, and found it was the shadow-mother singing to the
+shadow-children. They listened intently, and this is what they heard:
+
+    "Little shadows, little shadows,
+      Dancing on the chamber wall,
+    While I sit beside the hearthstone
+      Where the red flames rise and fall.
+    Caps and nightgowns, caps and nightgowns,
+      My three antic shadows wear;
+    And no sound they make in playing,
+      For the six small feet are bare.
+
+    "Dancing gayly, dancing gayly,
+      To and fro all together,
+    Like a family of daisies
+      Blown about in windy weather;
+    Nimble fairies, nimble fairies,
+      Playing pranks in the warm glow,
+    While I sing the nursery ditties
+      Childish phantoms love and know.
+
+    "Now what happens, now what happens?
+      One small shadow's tumbled down:
+    I can see it on the carpet,
+      Softly rubbing its hurt crown.
+    No one whimpers, no one whimpers;
+      A brave-hearted sprite is this:
+    See! the others offer comfort
+      In a silent, shadowy kiss.
+
+    "Hush! they're creeping; hush! they're creeping,
+      Up about my rocking-chair:
+    I can feel their loving fingers
+      Clasp my neck and touch my hair.
+    Little shadows, little shadows,
+      Take me captive, hold me tight,
+    As they climb and cling and whisper,
+      'Mother dear, good night! good night!'"
+
+As the song ended, the real children, as well as the shadows, lovingly
+kissed mamma, and said "Good-night;" then went away into their rooms,
+said their prayers, and nestled down into their beds. Ned slept alone in
+the room next that which Polly and Will had; and, after lying quiet a
+little while, he called out softly:
+
+"I say, Polly, are you asleep?"
+
+"No: I'm thinking what a queer day we've had," answered Polly.
+
+"It's been a good day, and I'm glad we tried our wish; for the shadows
+showed us, as well as they could, what we ought to do and be. I shan't
+forget it, shall you?" said Ned.
+
+"No: I'm much obliged for the lesson."
+
+"So is I," called out Will, in a very earnest, but rather a sleepy,
+little voice.
+
+"I wonder what mamma will say, when we tell her about it," said Ned.
+
+"And I wonder if our shadows will come back to us at midnight, and
+follow us as they used to do," added Polly.
+
+"I shall be very careful where I lead my shadow; 'cause he's a good
+little one, and set me a righter zarmple than ever I did him," said
+Will, and then dropped asleep.
+
+The others agreed with him, and resolved that their shadows should not
+be ashamed of them. All were fast asleep; and no one but the moon saw
+the shadows come stealing back at midnight, and, having danced about the
+little beds, vanish as the clock struck twelve.
+
+
+
+
+VI.
+
+POPPY'S PRANKS.
+
+
+She wasn't a wilfully naughty child, this harum-scarum Poppy, but very
+thoughtless and very curious. She wanted to see every thing, do every
+thing, and go every where: she feared nothing, and so was continually
+getting into scrapes.
+
+Her pranks began early; for, when she was about four, her mamma one day
+gave her a pair of green shoes with bright buttons. Poppy thought there
+never was any thing so splendid, and immediately wanted to go to walk.
+But mamma was busy, and Poppy couldn't go alone any farther than the
+garden. She showed her shoes to the servants, the cat, the doves, and
+the flowers; and then opened the gate that the people in the street
+might see the trim little feet she was so proud of. Now Poppy had been
+forbidden to go out; but, when she saw Kitty Allen, her neighbor,
+playing ball down the street, she forgot every thing but the desire to
+show her new shoes; and away she went marching primly along as vain as a
+little peacock, as she watched the bright buttons twinkle, and heard the
+charming creak. Kitty saw her coming; and, being an ill-natured little
+girl, took no notice, but called out to her brother Jack:
+
+"Ain't some folks grand? If I couldn't have red shoes for my best, I
+wouldn't have any, would you?"
+
+They both laughed, and this hurt Poppy's feelings dreadfully. She tossed
+her head, and tried to turn up her nose; but, it was so very small, it
+couldn't be very scornful. She said nothing, but walked gravely by, as
+if she was going on an errand, and hadn't heard a word. Round the corner
+she went, thinking she would wait till Kitty was gone; as she didn't
+like to pass again, fearing Jack might say something equally trying. An
+organ-man with a monkey was playing near by; and Poppy was soon so busy
+listening to the music, and watching the sad-looking monkey, that she
+forgot home, shoes, and Kitty altogether.
+
+She followed the man a long way; and, when she turned to go back, she
+took the wrong street, and found herself by the park. Being fond of
+dandelions, Poppy went in, and gathered her hands full, enjoying herself
+immensely; for Betsy, the maid, never let her play in the pond, or roll
+down the hill, or make dirt-pies, and now she did all these things,
+besides playing with strange children and talking with any one she
+pleased. If she had not had her luncheon just before she started, she
+would have been very hungry; for dinner-time came, without her knowing
+it.
+
+By three o'clock, she began to think it was time to go home, and boldly
+started off to find it. But poor little Poppy didn't know the way, and
+went all wrong. She was very tired now, and hot and hungry, and wanted
+to see mamma, and wondered why she didn't come to the brown house with
+the white garden-gate. On and on she went, up streets and down, amusing
+herself with looking in the shop-windows, and sitting to rest on
+doorsteps. Once she asked a pleasant-faced little girl to show her the
+way home; but, as she didn't know in what street it was, and said her
+father's name was "papa," the girl couldn't help her: so she gave her a
+bun and went away. Poppy ate her bun, and began to wonder what would
+become of her; for night was coming on, and there didn't seem to be any
+prospect of finding mamma or home or bed. Her courage was all gone now;
+and, coming to a quiet place, she sat down on some high steps, and cried
+till her little "hankchif," as she called it, was all wet.
+
+Nobody minded her: and she felt very forlorn till a big black dog came
+by, and seemed to understand the matter entirely; for he smelt of her
+face, licked her hands, and then lay down by her with such a friendly
+look in his brown eyes that Poppy was quite comforted. She told him her
+story, patted his big head; and then, being fairly tired out, laid her
+wet cheek on his soft back, and fell fast asleep.
+
+It was quite dark when she woke; but a lamp was lighted near by, and
+standing under it was a man ringing a great bell. Poppy sat up, and
+wondered if anybody's supper was ready. The man had a paper; and, when
+people stopped at the sound of the bell, he read in a loud voice:
+
+"Lost! a little girl, four years old; curly brown hair, blue eyes; had
+on a white frock and green shoes; calls herself Poppy."
+
+He got no farther; for a little voice cried out of the dark, in a tone
+of surprise:
+
+"Why, dats me!"
+
+The people all turned to look; and the big man put his bell in his
+pocket, took her up very kindly, and said he'd carry her home.
+
+"Is it far away?" asked Poppy, with a little sob.
+
+"Yes, my dear; but I am going to give you some supper fust, along of my
+little girl. I live close by; and, when we've had a bite, we'll go find
+your ma."
+
+Poppy was so tired and hungry, she was glad to find herself taken care
+of, and let the man do as he liked. He took her to a funny little house,
+and his wife gave her bread and molasses on a new tin plate with letters
+all round the edge. Poppy thought it very fine, and enjoyed her supper,
+though the man's little girl stared at her all the time with eyes as
+blue as her mug.
+
+While she ate, the man sent word to her father that she was found; and,
+when both papa and mamma came hurrying in all out of breath with joy,
+there sat Miss Poppy talking merrily, with her face well daubed with
+molasses, her gown torn, her hands very dirty, and her shoes--ah, the
+pretty new shoes!--all spoiled with mud and dust, scratched, and half
+worn out, the buttons dull, and the color quite gone. No one cared for
+it that night; for little runaway was kissed and petted, and taken home
+to her own cosey bed as tenderly as if she had done nothing naughty, and
+never frightened her parents out of their wits in her life.
+
+But the next day,--dear me! what a sad time it was, to be sure! When
+Poppy woke up, there hung the spoilt shoes over the mantle-piece; and,
+as soon as she was dressed, papa came in with a long cord, one end of
+which he tied round Poppy's waist, and the other to the arm of the sofa.
+
+"I'm very sorry to have to tie you up, like a little dog; but I must, or
+you will forget, and run away again, and make mamma ill."
+
+Then he went away without his morning kiss, and Poppy was so very
+unhappy she could hardly eat her breakfast. She felt better by and by,
+and tried to play; but the cord kept pulling her back. She couldn't get
+to the window; and, when she heard mamma passing the door, she tried to
+run and meet her, but had to stop halfway, for the cord jerked her over.
+Cousin Fanny came up, but Poppy was so ashamed to be tied that she
+crept under the sofa and hid. All day she was a prisoner, and was a very
+miserable little girl; but at night she was untied, and, when mamma took
+her in her lap for the first time that day, Poppy held her fast, and
+sobbed very penitently--
+
+"O mamma! I drefful sorry I runned away. Fordive me one time more, and I
+never will adain;" and she never did.
+
+Two or three years after this, Poppy went to live in the country, and
+tried some new pranks. One day she went with her sister Nelly to see a
+man plough, for that sort of thing was new to her. While the man worked,
+she saw him take out a piece of something brown, and bite off a bit.
+
+"What's that?" asked Poppy.
+
+"Tobaccer," said the man.
+
+"Is it nice?" asked Poppy.
+
+"Prime," said the man.
+
+"Could you let me taste it?" asked curious Poppy.
+
+"It will make you sick," said the man, laughing.
+
+"It doesn't make _you_ sick. I'd like to try," said Poppy, nothing
+daunted.
+
+He gave her a piece; and Poppy ate it, though it didn't taste good at
+all. She did it because Cy, her favorite playfellow, told her she'd die
+if she did, and tried to frighten her.
+
+"You darsn't eat any more," he said.
+
+"Yes, I dare. See if I don't." And Poppy took another piece, just to
+show how brave she was. Silly little Poppy!
+
+"I ain't sick, and I shan't die, so now."
+
+And Poppy pranced about as briskly as ever. But the man shook his head,
+Nelly watched her anxiously, and Cy kept saying:
+
+"Ain't you sick yet, say?"
+
+For a little while Poppy felt all right; but presently she grew rather
+pale, and began to look rather pensive. She stopped running, and walked
+slower and slower, while her eyes got dizzy, and her hands and feet very
+cold.
+
+"Ain't you sick now, say?" repeated Cy; and Poppy tried to answer, "Oh,
+dear! no;" but a dreadful feeling came over her, and she could only
+shake her head, and hold on to Nelly.
+
+"Better lay down a spell," said the man, looking a little troubled.
+
+"I don't wish to dirty my clean frock," said Poppy faintly, as she
+glanced over the wide-ploughed field, and longed for a bit of grass to
+drop on. She kept on bravely for another turn; but suddenly stopped,
+and, quite regardless of the clean pink gown, dropped down in a furrow,
+looking so white and queer that Nelly began to cry. Poppy lay a minute,
+then turned to Cy, and said very solemnly:
+
+"Cy, run home, and tell my mother I'm dying."
+
+Away rushed Cy in a great fright, and burst upon Poppy's mamma,
+exclaiming breathlessly:
+
+"O ma'am! Poppy's been and ate a lot of tobacco; and she's sick, layin'
+in the field; and she says 'Come quick, 'cause she's dyin.'"
+
+"Mercy on us! what will happen to that child next?" cried poor mamma,
+who was used to Poppy's mishaps. Papa was away, and there was no
+carriage to bring Poppy home in; so mamma took the little wheelbarrow,
+and trundled away to get the suffering Poppy.
+
+She couldn't speak when they got to her; and, only stopping to give the
+man a lecture, mamma picked up her silly little girl, and the procession
+moved off. First came Cy, as grave as a sexton; then the wheelbarrow
+with Poppy, white and limp and speechless, all in a bunch; then mamma,
+looking amused, anxious and angry; then Nelly, weeping as if her tender
+heart was entirely broken; while the man watched them, with a grin,
+saying to himself:
+
+"Twarn't my fault. The child was a reg'lar fool to swaller it."
+
+Poppy was dreadfully sick all night, but next day was ready for more
+adventures and experiments. She swung on the garret stairs, and tumbled
+down, nearly breaking her neck. She rubbed her eyes with red peppers, to
+see if it _really_ would make them smart, as Cy said; and was led home
+quite blind and roaring with pain. She got into the pigsty to catch a
+young piggy, and was taken out in a sad state of dirt. She slipped into
+the brook, and was half drowned; broke a window and her own head,
+swinging a little flat-iron on a string; dropped baby in the coal-hod;
+buried her doll, and spoilt her; cut off a bit of her finger, chopping
+wood; and broke a tooth, trying to turn heels over head on a haycock.
+These are only a few of her pranks, but one was nearly her last.
+
+She wanted to go bare-footed, as the little country boys and girls did;
+but mamma wasn't willing, and Poppy was much afflicted.
+
+"It doesn't hurt Cy, and it won't hurt me, just for a little while," she
+said.
+
+"Say no more, Poppy. I never wish to see you barefooted," replied mamma.
+
+"Well, you needn't: I'll go and do it in the barn," muttered Poppy, as
+she walked away.
+
+Into the barn she went, and played country girl to her heart's content,
+in spite of Nelly's warnings. Nelly never got into scrapes, being a
+highly virtuous young lady; but she enjoyed Poppy's pranks, and wept
+over her misfortunes with sisterly fidelity.
+
+"Now I'll be a bear, and jump at you as you go by," said Poppy, when
+they were tired of playing steam-engine with the old winnowing machine.
+So she got up on a beam; and Nelly, with a peck measure on her head for
+a hat, and a stick for a gun, went bear-hunting, and banged away at the
+swallows, the barrels, and the hencoops, till the bear was ready to eat
+her. Presently, with a loud roar, the bear leaped; but Nelly wasn't
+eaten that time, for Poppy cried out with pain:
+
+"Oh! I jumped on a pitchfork, and it's in my foot! Take it out! take it
+out!"
+
+Poor little foot! There was a deep purple hole in the sole, and the
+blood came, and Poppy fainted away, and Nelly screamed, and mamma ran,
+and the neighbors rushed in, and there was _such_ a flurry. Poppy was
+soon herself again, and lay on the sofa, with Nelly and Cy to amuse her.
+
+"What did the doctor say to mamma in the other room about me?" whispered
+Poppy, feeling very important at having such a bustle made on her
+account. Nelly sniffed, but said nothing; Cy, however, spoke up briskly:
+
+"He says you might have lockjaw."
+
+"Is that bad?" asked Poppy gravely.
+
+"Oh, ain't it, though! Your mouth shuts up, and you can't open it; and
+you have fits and die."
+
+"Always?" said Poppy, looking scared, and feeling of her mouth.
+
+"'Most always, I guess. That's why your ma cried, and Nelly keeps
+kissin' you."
+
+Cy felt sorry, but rather enjoyed the excitement, and was sure, that, if
+any one ever _could_ escape dying, it would be Poppy, for she always
+"came alive" again after her worst mishaps. She looked very solemn for a
+few minutes, and kept opening and shutting her mouth to see if it wasn't
+stiff. Presently she said, in a serious tone and with a pensive air:
+
+"Nelly, I'll give you my bead-ring: I shan't want it any more. And Cy
+may have the little horse: he lost his tail; but I put on the lamb's
+tail, and he is as good as ever. I wish to give away my things 'fore I
+die; and, Nelly, won't you bring me the scissors?"
+
+"What for?" said Nelly, sniffing more than ever.
+
+"To cut off my hair for mamma. She'll want it, and I like to cut
+things."
+
+Nelly got the scissors; and Poppy cut away all she could reach, giving
+directions about her property while she snipped.
+
+"I wish papa to have my pictures and my piece of poetry I made. Give
+baby my dolly and the quacking duck. Tell Billy, if he wants my
+collection of bright buttons, he can have 'em; and give Hattie the
+yellow plaster dog, with my love."
+
+Here mamma came in with a poultice, and couldn't help laughing, though
+tears stood in her eyes, as she saw Poppy's cropped head and heard her
+last wishes.
+
+"I don't think I shall lose my little girl yet, so we won't talk of it.
+But Poppy must keep quiet, and let Nelly wait on her for a few days."
+
+"Are fits bad, mamma? and does it hurt much to die?" asked Poppy
+thoughtfully.
+
+"If people are good while they live, it is not hard to die, dear," said
+mamma, with a kiss; and Poppy hugged her, saying softly:
+
+"Then I'll be very good; so I won't mind, if the jawlock does come."
+
+And Poppy _was_ good,--oh, dreadfully good! for a week. Quite an angel
+was Poppy; so meek and gentle, so generous and obedient, you really
+wouldn't have known her. She loved everybody, forgave her playmates all
+their sins against her, let Nelly take such of her precious treasures as
+she liked, and pensively hoped baby would remember her when she was
+gone. She hopped about with a crutch, and felt as if she was an object
+of public interest; for all the old ladies sent to know how she was, the
+children looked at her with respectful awe as one set apart and doomed
+to fits, and Cy continually begged to know if her mouth was stiff.
+
+Poppy didn't die, though she got all ready for it; and felt rather
+disappointed when the foot healed, the jaws remained as active as ever,
+and the fits didn't come. I think it did her good; for she never forgot
+that week, and, though she was near dying several times after, she never
+was so fit to go as she was then.
+
+"Burney's making jelly: let's go and get our scrapings," said Poppy to
+Nellie once, when mamma was away.
+
+But Burney was busy and cross, and cooks are not as patient as mothers;
+so when the children appeared, each armed with a spoon, and demanded
+their usual feast, she wouldn't hear of it, and ordered them off.
+
+"But we only want the scrapings of the pan, Burney: mamma always lets us
+have them, when we help her make jelly; don't she, Nelly?" said Poppy,
+trying to explain the case.
+
+"Yes; and makes us our little potful too," added Nelly, persuasively.
+
+"I don't want your help; so be off. Your ma can fuss with your pot, if
+she chooses. I've no time."
+
+"_I_ think Burney's the crossest woman in the world. It's mean to eat
+all the scrapings herself; isn't it Nelly?" said Poppy, very loud, as
+the cook shut the door in their faces. "Never mind: I know how to pay
+her," she added, in a whisper, as they sat on the stairs bewailing their
+wrongs. "She'll put her old jelly in the big closet, and lock the door;
+but we can climb the plum tree, and get in at the window, when she takes
+her nap."
+
+"Should we dare to eat any?" asked Nelly, timid, but longing for the
+forbidden fruit.
+
+"_I_ should; just as much as ever I like. It's mamma's jelly, and she
+won't mind. I don't care for old cross Burney," said Poppy, sliding down
+the banisters by way of soothing her ruffled spirit.
+
+So when Burney went to her room after dinner, the two rogues climbed in
+at the window; and, each taking a jar, sat on the shelf, dipping in
+their fingers and revelling rapturously. But Burney wasn't asleep, and,
+hearing a noise below, crept down to see what mischief was going on.
+Pausing in the entry to listen, she heard whispering, clattering of
+glasses, and smacking of lips in the big closet; and in a moment knew
+that her jelly was lost. She tried the door with her key; but sly Poppy
+had bolted it on the inside, and, feeling quite safe, defied Burney from
+among the jelly-pots, entirely reckless of consequences. Short-sighted
+Poppy! she forgot Cy; but Burney didn't, and sent him to climb in at the
+window, and undo the door. Feeling hurt that the young ladies hadn't
+asked him to the feast, Cy hardened his heart against them, and
+delivered them up to the enemy, regardless of Poppy's threats and
+Nelly's prayers.
+
+"Poppy proposed it, she broke the jar, and I didn't eat _much_. O
+Burney! don't hurt her, please, but let me 'splain it to mamma when she
+comes," sobbed Nelly, as Burney seized Poppy, and gave her a good
+shaking.
+
+"You go wash your face, Miss Nelly, and leave this naughty, naughty
+child to me," said Burney; and took Poppy, kicking and screaming, into
+the little library, where she--oh, dreadful to relate!--gave her a good
+spanking, and locked her up.
+
+Mamma never whipped, and Poppy was in a great rage at such an indignity.
+The minute she was left alone, she looked about to see how she could be
+revenged. A solar lamp stood on the table; and Poppy coolly tipped it
+over, with a fine smash, calling out to Burney that she'd have to pay
+for it, that mamma would be very angry, and that she, Poppy, was going
+to spoil every thing in the room. But Burney was gone, and no one came
+near her. She kicked the paint off the door, rattled the latch, called
+Burney a "pig," and Cy "a badder boy than the man who smothered the
+little princes in the Tower." Poppy was very fond of that story, and
+often played it with Nelly and the dolls. Having relieved her feelings
+in this way, Poppy rested, and then set about amusing herself. Observing
+that the spilt oil made the table shine, she took her handkerchief and
+polished up the furniture, as she had seen the maids do.
+
+"Now, that looks nice; and I know mamma will be pleased 'cause I'm so
+tidy," she said, surveying her work with pride, when she had thoroughly
+greased every table, chair, picture-frame, book-back, and ornament in
+the room. Plenty of oil still remained; and Poppy finished off by
+oiling her hair, till it shone finely, and smelt--dear me, how it did
+smell! If she had been a young whale, it couldn't have been worse. Poppy
+wasn't particular about smells; but she got some in her mouth, and
+didn't like the taste. There was no water to wash in; and her hands,
+face, and pinafore were in a high state of grease. She was rather lonely
+too; for, though mamma had got home, she didn't come to let Poppy out:
+so the young rebel thought it was about time to surrender. She could
+write pretty well, and was fond of sending penitent notes to mamma,
+after being naughty: for mamma always answered them so kindly, and was
+so forgiving, that Poppy's naughtiest mood was conquered by them sooner
+than by any punishment; and Poppy kept the notes carefully in a little
+cover, even after she was grown up. There was pen, ink, and paper in the
+room; so, after various trials, Poppy wrote her note:--
+
+    "dear Mamma.
+
+    "i am sorry i Took bernys gelli. i have braked The lamP. The oyl
+    maks A bad smel. i tHink i wil Bee sik iF i stay HeRe anny More.
+    i LoVe yoU--your Trying To Bee GooD
+
+    popy."
+
+When she had finished, she lowered her note by a string, and bobbed it
+up and down before the parlor window till Nelly saw and took it in.
+Every one laughed over it; for, besides the bad spelling and the funny
+periods, it was covered with oil-spots, blots, and tear marks; for Poppy
+got tender-hearted toward the end, and cried a few very repentant tears
+when she said, "I love you; your trying-to-be-good Poppy."
+
+Mamma went up at once, and ordered no further punishment, but a thorough
+scrubbing; which Poppy underwent very meekly, though Betsey put soap in
+her eyes, pulled her hair, and scolded all the time. They were not
+allowed any jelly for a long while; and Cy teased Poppy about her
+hair-oil till the joke was quite worn out, and even cross Burney was
+satisfied with the atonement.
+
+When Poppy was eight, she got so very wild that no one could manage her
+but mamma, and she was ill; so Poppy was sent away to grandpa's for a
+visit. Now, grandpa was a very stately old gentleman, and every one
+treated him with great respect; but Poppy wasn't at all afraid, and
+asked all manner of impolite questions.
+
+"Grandpa, why don't you have any hair on the top of your head?"--"O
+grandpa! you _do_ snore _so_ loud when you take naps!"--"What makes you
+turn out your feet so, when you walk?" and such things.
+
+If grandpa hadn't been the best-natured old gentleman in the world, he
+wouldn't have liked this: but he only laughed at Poppy, especially when
+she spoke of his legs; for he was rather proud of them, and always wore
+long black silk stockings, and told every one that the legs were so
+handsome an artist put them in a picture of General Washington; which
+was quite true, as any one may see when they look at the famous picture
+in Boston.
+
+Well, Poppy behaved herself respectably for a day or two; but the house
+was rather dull, she missed Nelly, wanted to run in the street, and
+longed to see mamma. She amused herself as well as she could with
+picture-books, patchwork, and the old cat; but, not being a quiet,
+proper, little Rosamond sort of a child, she got tired of hemming neat
+pocket-handkerchiefs, and putting her needle carefully away when she had
+done. She wanted to romp and shout, and slide down the banisters, and
+riot about; so, when she couldn't be quiet another minute, she went up
+into a great empty room at the top of the house, and cut up all sorts of
+capers. Her great delight was to lean out of the window as far as she
+could, and look at the people in the street, with her head upside down.
+It was very dangerous, for a fall would have killed her; but the danger
+was the fun, and Poppy hung out till her hands touched the ledge below,
+and her face was as red as any real poppy's.
+
+She was enjoying herself in this way one day, when an old gentleman,
+who lived near, came home to dinner, and saw her.
+
+"What in the world is that hanging out of the colonel's upper window?"
+said he, putting on his spectacles. "Bless my soul! that child will kill
+herself. Hallo, there! little girl; get in this minute!" he called to
+Poppy, flourishing his hat to make her see him.
+
+"What for?" answered Poppy, staring at him without moving an inch.
+
+"You'll fall, and break your neck!" screamed the old gentleman.
+
+"Oh, no, I shan't!" returned Poppy, much flattered by his interest, and
+hanging out still further.
+
+"Stop that, instantly, or I'll go in and inform the colonel!" roared the
+old gentleman, getting angry.
+
+"I don't care," shouted Poppy; and she didn't, for she knew grandpa
+wasn't at home.
+
+"Little gipsy! I'll settle her," muttered the old man, bustling up to
+the steps, and ringing the bell, as if the house was on fire.
+
+No one was in but the servants; and, when he'd told old Emily what the
+matter was, she went up to "settle" Poppy. But Poppy was already
+settled, demurely playing with her doll, and looking quite innocent.
+Emily scolded; and Poppy promised never to do it again, if she might
+stay and play in the big room. Being busy about dinner, Emily was glad
+to be rid of her, and left her, to go and tell the old gentleman it was
+all right.
+
+"Ain't they crosspatches?" said Poppy to her doll. "Never mind, dear:
+_you_ shall hang out, if I can't. I guess the old man won't order you
+in, any way."
+
+Full of this idea, Poppy took her long-suffering dolly, and, tying a
+string to her neck, danced her out of the window. Now this dolly had
+been through a great deal. Her head had been cut off (and put on again);
+she had been washed, buried, burnt, torn, soiled, and banged about till
+she was a mournful object. Poppy loved her very much; for she was two
+feet tall, and had once been very handsome: so her trials only endeared
+her to her little mamma. Away she went, skipping and prancing like
+mad,--a funny sight, for Poppy had taken off her clothes, and she hadn't
+a hair on her head.
+
+Poppy went to another window of the room for this performance, because
+in the opposite house lived five or six children, and she thought they
+would enjoy the fun.
+
+So they did, and so did the other people; for it was a boarding-house,
+and all the people were at home for dinner. They came to the windows,
+and looked and laughed at dolly's capers, and Poppy was in high feather
+at the success of her entertainment.
+
+All of a sudden she saw grandpa coming down the street, hands behind
+his back, feet turned out, gold-headed cane under his arm, and the
+handsome legs in the black silk stockings marching along in the most
+stately manner. Poppy whisked dolly in before grandpa saw her, and
+dodged down as he went by. This made the people laugh again, and grandpa
+wondered what the joke was. The minute he went in out flew dolly,
+dancing more frantically than ever; and the children shouted so loud
+that grandpa went to see what the matter was. The street was empty; yet
+there stood the people, staring out and laughing. Yes; they were
+actually looking and laughing at _his_ house; and he didn't see what
+there was to laugh at in that highly respectable mansion.
+
+He didn't like it; and, clapping on his hat, he went out to learn what
+the matter was. He looked over at the house, up at the sky, down at the
+ground, and through the street; but nothing funny appeared, for Poppy
+and dolly were hidden again, and the old gentleman was puzzled. He went
+in and sat down to watch, feeling rather disturbed. Presently the fun
+began again: the children clapped their hands, the people laughed, and
+every one looked over at the house, in what he thought a very
+impertinent way. This made him angry; and out he rushed a second time,
+saying, as he marched across the street:
+
+"If those saucy young fellows are making game of me, I'll soon stop
+it."
+
+Up to the door he went, gave a great pull at the bell, and, when the
+servant came, he demanded why every one was laughing at his house. One
+of the young men came and told him, and asked him to come in and see the
+fun. Poppy didn't see grandpa go in, for she hid, and when she looked
+out he was gone: so she boldly began the dancing; but, in the midst of a
+lively caper, dolly went bounce into the garden below, for the string
+fell from Poppy's hand when she suddenly saw grandpa at the window
+opposite, laughing as heartily as any one at her prank.
+
+She stared at him in a great fright, and looked so amazed that every one
+enjoyed that joke better than the other; and poor Poppy didn't hear the
+last of it for a long time.
+
+Her next performance was to fall into the pond on the Common. She was
+driving hoop down the hill, and went so fast she couldn't stop herself;
+so splashed into the water, hoop and all. How dreadful it was to feel
+the cold waves go over her head, shutting out the sun and air! The
+ground was gone, and she could find no place for her feet, and could
+only struggle and choke, and go down, down, with a loud roaring sound in
+her ears. That would have been the end of Poppy, if a little black boy
+hadn't jumped in and pulled her out. She was sick and dizzy, and looked
+like a drowned kitten; but a kind lady took her home in a carriage.
+After that mishap grandpa thought he wouldn't keep her any longer, for
+fear she should come to some worse harm. So Miss Poppy was sent home,
+much to her delight and much to mamma's also; for no matter where she
+went, or how naughty she was, mamma was always glad to see the little
+wanderer back, and to forgive and forget all Poppy's pranks.
+
+
+
+
+VII.
+
+WHAT THE SWALLOWS DID.
+
+
+A man lay on a pile of new-made hay, in a great barn, looking up at the
+swallows who darted and twittered above him. He envied the cheerful
+little creatures; for he wasn't a happy man, though he had many friends,
+much money, and the beautiful gift of writing songs that everybody loved
+to sing. He had lost his wife and little child, and would not be
+comforted; but lived alone, and went about with such a gloomy face that
+no one liked to speak to him. He took no notice of friends and
+neighbors; neither used his money for himself nor others; found no
+beauty in the world, no happiness anywhere; and wrote such sad songs it
+made one's heart ache to sing them.
+
+As he lay alone on the sweet-smelling hay, with the afternoon sunshine
+streaming in, and the busy birds chirping overhead, he said sadly to
+himself:
+
+"Happy swallows, I wish I were one of you; for you have no pains nor
+sorrows, and your cares are very light. All summer you live gayly
+together; and, when winter comes, you fly away to the lovely South,
+unseparated still."
+
+"Neighbors, do you hear what that lazy creature down there is saying?"
+cried a swallow, peeping over the edge of her nest, and addressing
+several others who sat on a beam near by.
+
+"We hear, Mrs. Skim; and quite agree with you that he knows very little
+about us and our affairs," answered one of the swallows with a shrill
+chirp, like a scornful laugh. "We work harder than he does any day. Did
+he build his own house, I should like to know? Does he get his daily
+bread for himself? How many of his neighbors does he help? How much of
+the world does he see, and who is the happier for his being alive?"
+
+"Cares indeed!" cried another; "I wish he'd undertake to feed and teach
+my brood. Much he knows about the anxieties of a parent." And the little
+mother bustled away to get supper for the young ones, whose bills were
+always gaping wide.
+
+"Sorrows we have, too," softly said the fourth swallow. "He would not
+envy _me_, if he knew how my nest fell, and all my children were killed;
+how my dear husband was shot, and my old mother died of fatigue on our
+spring journey from the South."
+
+"Dear neighbor Dart, he _would_ envy you, if he knew how patiently you
+bear your troubles; how tenderly you help us with our little ones; how
+cheerfully you serve your friends; how faithfully you love your lost
+mate; and how trustfully you wait to meet him again in a lovelier
+country than the South."
+
+As Skim spoke, she leaned down from her nest to kiss her neighbor; and,
+as the little beaks met, the other birds gave a grateful and approving
+murmur, for Neighbor Dart was much beloved by all the inhabitants of
+Twittertown.
+
+"I, for my part, don't envy _him_," said Gossip Wing, who was fond of
+speaking her mind. "Men and women call themselves superior beings; but,
+upon my word, I think they are vastly inferior to us. Now, look at that
+man, and see how he wastes his life. There never was any one with a
+better chance for doing good, and being happy; and yet he mopes and
+dawdles his time away most shamefully."
+
+"Ah! he has had a great sorrow, and it is hard to be gay with a heavy
+heart, an empty home; so don't be too severe, Sister Wing." And the
+white tie of the little widow's cap was stirred by a long sigh as Mrs.
+Dart glanced up at the nook where her nest once stood.
+
+"No, my dear, I won't; but really I do get out of patience when I see so
+much real misery which that man might help, if he'd only forget himself
+a little. It's my opinion he'd be much happier than he now is, wandering
+about with a dismal face and a sour temper."
+
+"I quite agree with you; and I dare say he'd thank any one for telling
+him how he may find comfort. Poor soul! I wish he could understand me;
+for I sympathize with him, and would gladly help him if I could."
+
+And, as she spoke, kind-hearted Widow Dart skimmed by him with a
+friendly chirp, which did comfort him; for, being a poet, he _could_
+understand them, and lay listening, well pleased while the little
+gossips chattered on together.
+
+"I am so tied at home just now, that I know nothing of what is going on,
+except the bits of news Skim brings me; so I enjoy your chat immensely.
+I'm interested in your views on this subject, and beg you'll tell me
+what you'd have that man do to better himself," said Mrs. Skim, settling
+herself on her eggs with an attentive air.
+
+"Well, my dear, I'll tell you; for I've seen a deal of the world, and
+any one is welcome to my experience," replied Mrs. Wing, in an important
+manner; for she was proud of her "views," and very fond of talking. "In
+my daily flights about the place, I see a great deal of poverty and
+trouble, and often wish I could lend a hand. Now, this man has plenty of
+money and time; and he might do more good than I can tell, if he'd only
+set about it. Because he is what they call a poet is no reason he should
+go moaning up and down, as if he had nothing to do but make songs. We
+sing, but we work also; and are wise enough to see the necessity of
+both, thank goodness!"
+
+"Yes, indeed, we do," cried all the birds in a chorus; for several more
+had stopped to hear what was going on.
+
+"Now, what I say is this," continued Mrs. Wing impressively. "If I were
+that man, I'd make myself useful at once. There is poor little Will
+getting more and more lame every day, because his mother can't send him
+where he can be cured. A trifle of that man's money would do it, and he
+ought to give it. Old Father Winter is half starved, alone there in his
+miserable hovel; and no one thinks of the good old man. Why don't that
+lazy creature take him home, and care for him, the little while he has
+to live? Pretty Nell is working day and night, to support her father,
+and is too proud to ask help, though her health and courage are going
+fast. The man might make hers the gayest heart alive, by a little help.
+There in a lonely garret lives a young man studying his life away,
+longing for books and a teacher. The man has a library full, and might
+keep the poor boy from despair by a little help and a friendly word. He
+mourns for his own lost baby: I advise him to adopt the orphan whom
+nobody will own, and who lies wailing all day untended on the poor-house
+floor. Yes: if he wants to forget sorrow and find peace, let him fill
+his empty heart and home with such as these, and life won't seem dark to
+him any more."
+
+"Dear me! how well you express yourself, Mrs. Wing; it's quite a
+pleasure to hear you; and I heartily wish some persons could hear you,
+it would do 'em a deal of good," said Mrs. Skim; while her husband gave
+an approving nod as he dived off the beam, and vanished through the open
+doors.
+
+"I know it would comfort that man to do these things; for I have tried
+the same cure in my small way, and found great satisfaction in it,"
+began little Madame Dart, in her soft voice; but Mrs. Wing broke in,
+saying with a pious expression of countenance:
+
+"I flew into church one day, and sat on the organ enjoying the music;
+for every one was singing, and I joined in, though I didn't know the
+air. Opposite me were two great tablets with golden letters on them. I
+can read a little, thanks to my friend, the learned raven; and so I
+spelt out some of the words. One was, 'Love thy neighbor;' and as I sat
+there, looking down on the people, I wondered how they could see those
+words week after week, and yet pay so little heed to them. Goodness
+knows, _I_ don't consider myself a perfect bird; far from it; for I know
+I am a poor, erring fowl; but I believe I may say I _do_ love my
+neighbor, though I _am_ 'an inferior creature.'" And Mrs. Wing bridled
+up, as if she resented the phrase immensely.
+
+"Indeed you do, gossip," cried Dart and Skim; for Wing was an excellent
+bird, in spite of the good opinion she had of herself.
+
+"Thank you: well, then, such being the known fact, I may give advice on
+the subject as one having authority; and, if it were possible, I'd give
+that man a bit of my mind."
+
+"You have, madam, you have; and I shall not forget it. Thank you,
+neighbors, and good night," said the man, as he left the barn, with the
+first smile on his face which it had worn for many days.
+
+"Mercy on us! I do believe the creature heard every thing we said,"
+cried Mrs. Wing, nearly tumbling off the beam, in her surprise.
+
+"He certainly did; so I'm glad I was guarded in my remarks," replied
+Mrs. Skim, laughing at her neighbor's dismay.
+
+"Dear me! dear me! what did I say?" cried Mrs. Wing, in a great twitter.
+
+"You spoke with more than your usual bluntness, and some of your
+expressions were rather strong, I must confess; but I don't think any
+harm will come of it. We are of too little consequence for our
+criticisms or opinions to annoy him," said Mrs. Dart consolingly.
+
+"I don't know that, ma'am," returned Mrs. Wing, sharply: for she was
+much ruffled and out of temper. "A cat may look at a king; and a bird
+may teach a man, if the bird is the wisest. He may destroy my nest, and
+take my life; but I feel that I have done my duty, and shall meet
+affliction with a firmness which will be an example to that indolent,
+ungrateful man."
+
+In spite of her boasted firmness, Mrs. Wing dropped her voice, and
+peeped over the beam, to be sure the man was gone before she called him
+names; and then flew away, to discover what he meant to do about it.
+
+For several days, there was much excitement in Twittertown; for news of
+what had happened flew from nest to nest, and every bird was anxious to
+know what revenge the man would take for the impertinent remarks which
+had been made about him.
+
+Mrs. Wing was in a dreadful state of mind, expecting an assault, and the
+destruction of her entire family. Every one blamed her. Her husband
+lectured; the young birds chirped, "Chatterbox, chatterbox," as she
+passed; and her best friends were a little cool. All this made her very
+meek for a time; and she scarcely opened her bill, except to eat.
+
+A guard was set day and night, to see if any danger approached; and a
+row of swallows might be seen on the ridgepole at all hours. If any one
+entered the barn, dozens of little black heads peeped cautiously over
+the edges of the nests, and there was much flying to and fro with
+reports and rumors; for all the birds in the town soon knew that
+something had happened.
+
+The day after the imprudent conversation, a chimney-swallow came to call
+on Mrs. Wing; and, the moment she was seated on the beam, she began:
+
+"My dear creature, I feel for you in your trying position,--indeed I do,
+and came over at once to warn you of your danger."
+
+"Mercy on us! what is coming?" cried Mrs. Wing, covering her brood with
+trembling wings, and looking quite wild with alarm.
+
+"Be calm, my friend, and bear with firmness the consequences of your
+folly," replied Mrs. Sooty-back, who didn't like Mrs. Wing, because
+she prided herself on her family, and rather looked down on
+chimney-swallows. "You know, ma'am, I live at the great house, and am in
+the way of seeing and hearing all that goes on there. No fire is lighted
+in the study now; but my landlord still sits on the hearth, and I can
+overhear every word he says. Last evening, after my darlings were
+asleep, and my husband gone out, I went down and sat on the andiron, as
+I often do; for the fireplace is full of oak boughs, and I can peep out
+unseen. My landlord sat there, looking a trifle more cheerful than
+usual, and I heard him say, in a very decided tone:
+
+"'I'll catch them, one and all, and keep them here; that is better than
+pulling the place down, as I planned at first. Those swallows little
+know what they have done; but I'll show them I don't forget.'"
+
+On hearing this a general wail arose, and Mrs. Wing fainted entirely
+away. Madam Sooty-back was quite satisfied with the effect she had
+produced, and departed, saying loftily:
+
+"I'm sorry for you, Mrs. Wing, and forgive your rude speech about my
+being related to chimney-sweeps. One can't expect good manners from
+persons brought up in mud houses, and entirely shut out from good
+society. If I hear any thing more, I'll let you know."
+
+Away she flew; and poor Mrs. Wing would have had another fit, if they
+hadn't tickled her with a feather, and fanned her so violently that she
+was nearly blown off her nest by the breeze they raised.
+
+"What shall we do?" she cried.
+
+"Nothing, but wait. I dare say, Mrs. Sooty-back is mistaken; at any
+rate, we can't get away without leaving our children, for they can't fly
+yet. Let us wait, and see what happens. If the worst comes, we shall
+have done our duty, and will all die together."
+
+As no one could suggest any thing better, Mrs. Dart's advice was taken,
+and they waited. On the afternoon of the same day, Dr. Banks, a
+sand-swallow, who lived in a subterranean village over by the great
+sand-bank, looked in to see Mrs. Wing, and cheered her by the following
+bit of news:
+
+"The man was down at the poor-house to-day, and took away little Nan,
+the orphan baby. I saw him carry her to Will's mother, and heard him ask
+her to take care of it for a time. He paid her well, and she seemed glad
+to do it; for Will needs help, and now he can have it. An excellent
+arrangement, I think. Bless me, ma'am! what's the matter? Your pulse is
+altogether too fast, and you look feverish."
+
+No wonder the doctor looked surprised; for Mrs. Wing suddenly gave a
+skip, and flapped her wings, with a shrill chirp, exclaiming, as she
+looked about her triumphantly:
+
+"Now, who was right? Who has done good, not harm, by what you call
+'gossip'? Who has been a martyr, and patiently borne all kinds of blame,
+injustice, and disrespect? Yes, indeed! the man saw the sense of my
+words; he took my advice; he will show his gratitude by some good turn
+yet; and, if half a dozen poor souls are helped, it will be my doing,
+and mine alone."
+
+Here she had to stop for breath; and her neighbors all looked at one
+another, feeling undecided whether to own they were wrong, or to put
+Mrs. Wing down. Every one twittered and chirped, and made a great noise;
+but no one would give up, and all went to roost in a great state of
+uncertainty. But, the next day, it became evident that Mrs. Wing was
+right; for Major Bumble-bee came buzzing in to tell them that old Daddy
+Winter's hut was empty, and his white head had been seen in the sunny
+porch of the great house.
+
+After this the swallows gave in; and, as no harm came to them, they had
+a jubilee in honor of the occasion. Mrs. Wing was president, and
+received a vote of thanks for the good she had done, and the credit she
+had bestowed upon the town by her wisdom and courage. She was much
+elated by all this; but her fright had been of service, and she bore her
+honors more meekly than one would have supposed. To be sure, she cut
+Mrs. Sooty-back when they met; assumed an injured air, when some of her
+neighbors passed her; and said, "I told you so," a dozen times a day to
+her husband, who got so many curtain lectures that he took to sleeping
+on the highest rafter, pretending that the children's noise disturbed
+him.
+
+All sorts of charming things happened after that, and such a fine summer
+never was known before; for not only did the birds rejoice, but people
+also. A good spirit seemed to haunt the town, leaving help and happiness
+wherever it passed. Some unseen hand scattered crumbs over the barn
+floor, and left food at many doors. No dog or boy or gun marred the
+tranquillity of the birds, insects, and flowers who lived on the great
+estate. No want, care, or suffering, that love or money could prevent,
+befell the poor folk whose cottages stood near the old house. Sunshine
+and peace seemed to reign there; for its gloomy master was a changed man
+now, and the happiness he earned for himself, by giving it to others,
+flowed out in beautiful, blithe songs, and went singing away into the
+world, making him friends, and bringing him honor in high places as well
+as low.
+
+He did not forget the wife and little child whom he had loved so well;
+but he mourned no longer, for cheerful daisies grew above their graves,
+and he knew that he should meet them in the lovely land where death can
+never come. So, while he waited for that happy time to come, he made his
+life a cheery song,--as every one may do, if they will; and went about
+dropping kind words and deeds as silently and sweetly as the sky drops
+sunshine and dew. Every one was his friend, but his favorites were the
+swallows. Every day he went to see them, carrying grain and crumbs,
+hearing their chat, sharing their joys and sorrows, and never tiring of
+their small friendship; for to them, he thought, he owed all the content
+now his.
+
+When autumn leaves were red, and autumn winds blew cold, the inhabitants
+of Twittertown prepared for their journey to the South. They lingered
+longer than usual this year, feeling sorry to leave their friend. But
+the fields were bare, the frosts began to pinch, and the young ones
+longed to see the world; so they must go. The day they started, the
+whole flock flew to the great house, to say good-by. Some dived and
+darted round and round it, some hopped to and fro on the sere lawn, some
+perched on the chimney-tops, and some clung to the window ledges; all
+twittering a loving farewell.
+
+Chirp, Dart, and Wing peeped everywhere, and everywhere found something
+to rejoice over. In a cosey room, by a bright fire, sat Daddy Winter and
+Nell's old father, telling stories of their youth, and basking in the
+comfortable warmth. In the study, surrounded by the books he loved, was
+the poor young man, happy as a king now, and learning many things which
+no book could teach him; for he had found a friend. Then, down below was
+Will's mother, working like a bee; for she was housekeeper, and enjoyed
+her tasks as much as any mother-bird enjoys filling the little mouths of
+her brood. Close by was pretty Nell, prettier than ever now; for her
+heavy care was gone, and she sung as she sewed, thinking of the old
+father, whom nothing could trouble any more.
+
+But the pleasantest sight the three gossips saw was the man with Baby
+Nan on his arm and Will at his side, playing in the once dreary nursery.
+How they laughed and danced! for Will was up from his bed at last, and
+hopped nimbly on his crutches, knowing that soon even they would be
+unneeded. Little Nan was as plump and rosy as a baby should be, and
+babbled like a brook, as the man went to and fro, cradling her in his
+strong arms, feeling as if his own little daughter had come back when he
+heard the baby voice call him father.
+
+"Ah, how sweet it is!" cried Mrs. Dart, glad to see that he had found
+comfort for his grief.
+
+"Yes; indeed: it does one's heart good to see such a happy family,"
+added Mrs. Skim, who was a very motherly bird.
+
+"I don't wish to boast; but I _will_ say that I am satisfied with my
+summer's work, and go South feeling that I leave an enviable reputation
+behind me." And Mrs. Wing plumed herself with an air of immense
+importance, as she nodded and bridled from her perch on the window-sill.
+
+The man saw the three, and hastened to feed them for the last time,
+knowing that they were about to go. Gratefully they ate, and chirped
+their thanks; and then, as they flew away, the little gossips heard
+their friend singing his good-by:
+
+    "Swallow, swallow, neighbor swallow,
+      Starting on your autumn flight,
+    Pause a moment at my window,
+      Twitter softly your good-night;
+    For the summer days are over,
+      All your duties are well done,
+    And the happy homes you builded
+      Have grown empty, one by one.
+
+    "Swallow, swallow, neighbor swallow,
+      Are you ready for your flight?
+    Are all the feather cloaks completed?
+      Are the little caps all right?
+    Are the young wings strong and steady
+      For the journey through the sky?
+    Come again in early spring-time;
+      And till then, good-by, good-by!"
+
+
+
+
+VIII.
+
+LITTLE GULLIVER.
+
+
+Up in the light-house tower lived Davy, with Old Dan the keeper. Most
+little boys would have found it very lonely; but Davy had three friends,
+and was as happy as the day was long. One of Davy's friends was the
+great lamp, which was lighted at sunset, and burnt all night, to guide
+the ships into the harbor. To Dan it was only a lamp; but to the boy it
+seemed a living thing, and he loved and tended it faithfully. Every day
+he helped Dan clear the big wick, polish the brass work, and wash the
+glass lantern which protected the flame. Every evening he went up to see
+it lighted, and always fell asleep, thinking, "No matter how dark or
+wild the night, my good Shine will save the ships that pass, and burn
+till morning."
+
+Davy's second friend was Nep, the Newfoundland, who was washed ashore
+from a wreck, and had never left the island since. Nep was rough and
+big, but had such a loyal and loving heart that no one could look in his
+soft brown eyes and not trust him. He followed Davy's steps all day,
+slept at his feet all night, and more than once had saved his life when
+Davy fell among the rocks, or got caught by the rising tide.
+
+But the dearest friend of all was a sea-gull. Davy found him, with a
+broken wing, and nursed him carefully till he was well; then let him go,
+though he was very fond of "Little Gulliver," as he called him in fun.
+But the bird never forgot the boy, and came daily to talk with him,
+telling all manner of wild stories about his wanderings by land and sea,
+and whiling away many an hour that otherwise would have been very
+lonely.
+
+Old Dan was Davy's uncle,--a grim, gray man, who said little, did his
+work faithfully, and was both father and mother to Davy, who had no
+parents, and no friends beyond the island. That was his world; and he
+led a quiet life among his playfellows,--the winds and waves. He seldom
+went to the main land, three miles away; for he was happier at home. He
+watched the sea-anemones open below the water, looking like
+fairy-plants, brilliant and strange. He found curious and pretty shells,
+and sometimes more valuable treasures, washed up from some wreck. He saw
+little yellow crabs, ugly lobsters, and queer horse-shoes with their
+stiff tails. Sometimes a whale or a shark swam by, and often sleek black
+seals came up to bask on the warm rocks. He gathered lovely sea-weeds of
+all kinds, from tiny red cobwebs to great scalloped leaves of kelp,
+longer than himself. He heard the waves dash and roar unceasingly; the
+winds howl or sigh over the island; and the gulls scream shrilly as they
+dipped and dived, or sailed away to follow the ships that came and went
+from all parts of the world.
+
+With Nep and Gulliver he roamed about his small kingdom, never tired of
+its wonders; or, if storms raged, he sat up in the tower, safe and dry,
+watching the tumult of sea and sky. Often in long winter nights he lay
+awake, listening to the wind and rain, that made the tower rock with
+their violence; but he never was afraid, for Nep nestled at his feet,
+Dan sat close by, and overhead the great lamp shone far out into the
+night, to cheer and guide all wanderers on the sea.
+
+Close by the tower hung the fog-bell, which, being wound up, would ring
+all night, warningly. One day Dan found that something among the chains
+was broken; and, having vainly tried to mend it, he decided to go to the
+town, and get what was needed. He went once a week, usually, and left
+Davy behind; for in the daytime there was nothing to do, and the boy was
+not afraid to stay.
+
+"A heavy fog is blowing up: we shall want the bell to-night, and I must
+be off at once. I shall be back before dark, of course; so take care of
+yourself, boy," said Dan.
+
+Away went the little boat; and the fog shut down over it, as if a misty
+wall had parted Davy from his uncle. As it was dull weather, he sat and
+read for an hour or two; then fell asleep, and forgot everything till
+Nep's cold nose on his hand waked him up. It was nearly dark; and,
+hoping to find Dan had come, he ran down to the landing-place. But no
+boat was there, and the fog was thicker than ever.
+
+Dan never had been gone so long before, and Davy was afraid something
+had happened to him. For a few minutes he was in great trouble; then he
+cheered up, and took courage.
+
+"It is sunset by the clock; so I'll light the lamp, and, if Dan is lost
+in the fog, it will guide him home," said Davy.
+
+Up he went, and soon the great star shone out above the black-topped
+light-house, glimmering through the fog, as if eager to be seen. Davy
+had his supper, but no Dan came. He waited hour after hour, and waited
+all in vain. The fog thickened, till the lamp was hardly seen; and no
+bell rung to warn the ships of the dangerous rocks. Poor Davy could not
+sleep, but all night long wandered from the tower to the door, watching,
+calling, and wondering; but Dan did not come.
+
+At sunrise he put out the light, and, having trimmed it for the next
+night, ate a little breakfast, and roved about the island hoping to see
+some sign of Dan. The sun drew up the fog at last; and he could see the
+blue bay, the distant town, and a few fishing-boats going out to sea.
+But nowhere was the island-boat with gray Old Dan in it; and Davy's
+heart grew heavier and heavier, as the day passed, and still no one
+came. In the afternoon Gulliver appeared: to him Davy told his trouble,
+and the three friends took counsel together.
+
+"There is no other boat; and I couldn't row so far, if there was: so I
+can't go to find Dan," said David sorrowfully.
+
+"I'd gladly swim to town, if I could; but it's impossible to do it, with
+wind and tide against me. I've howled all day, hoping some one would
+hear me; but no one does, and I'm discouraged," said Nep, with an
+anxious expression.
+
+"I can do something for you; and I will, with all my heart. I'll fly to
+town, if I don't see him in the bay, and try to learn what has become of
+Dan. Then I'll come and tell you, and we will see what is to be done
+next. Cheer up, Davy dear: I'll bring you tidings, if any can be had."
+With these cheerful words, away sailed Gulliver, leaving Nep and his
+master to watch and wait again.
+
+The wind blew hard, and the broken wing was not quite well yet, else
+Gulliver would have been able to steer clear of a boat that came swiftly
+by. A sudden gust drove the gull so violently against the sail that he
+dropped breathless into the boat; and a little girl caught him, before
+he could recover himself.
+
+"Oh, what a lovely bird! See his black cap, his white breast,
+dove-colored wings, red legs and bill, and soft, bright eyes. I wanted a
+gull; and I'll keep this one, for I don't think he is much hurt."
+
+Poor Gulliver struggled, pecked and screamed; but little Dora held him
+fast, and shut him in a basket till they reached the shore. Then she put
+him in a lobster pot,--a large wooden thing, something like a cage,--and
+left him on the lawn, where he could catch glimpses of the sea, and
+watch the light-house tower, as he sat alone in this dreadful prison. If
+Dora had known the truth, she would have let him go, and done her best
+to help him; but she could not understand his speech, as Davy did, for
+very few people have the power of talking with birds, beasts, insects,
+and plants. To her, his prayers and cries were only harsh screams; and,
+when he sat silent, with drooping head and ruffled feathers, she thought
+he was sleepy: but he was mourning for Davy, and wondering what his
+little friend would do.
+
+For three long days and nights he was a prisoner, and suffered much. The
+house was full of happy people, but no one took pity upon him. Ladies
+and gentlemen talked learnedly about him; boys poked and pulled him;
+little girls admired him, and begged his wings for their hats, if he
+died. Cats prowled about his cage; dogs barked at him; hens cackled over
+him; and a shrill canary jeered at him from the pretty pagoda in which
+it hung, high above danger. In the evening there was music; and the poor
+bird's heart ached as the sweet sounds came to him, reminding him of the
+airier melodies he loved. Through the stillness of the night, he heard
+the waves break on the shore; the wind came singing up from the sea; the
+moon shone kindly on him, and he saw the water-fairies dancing on the
+sand. But for three days no one spoke a friendly word to him, and he
+pined away with a broken heart.
+
+On the fourth night, when all was quiet, little Gulliver saw a black
+shadow steal across the lawn, and heard a soft voice say to him:
+
+"Poor bird, you'll die, if yer stays here; so I'se gwine to let yer go.
+Specs little missy'll scold dreffle; but Moppet'll take de scoldin for
+yer. Hi, dere! you is peart nuff now, kase you's in a hurry to go; but
+jes wait till I gits de knots out of de string dat ties de door, and den
+away you flies."
+
+"But, dear, kind Moppet, won't you be hurt for doing this? Why do you
+care so much for me? I can only thank you, and fly away."
+
+As Gulliver spoke, he looked up at the little black face bent over him,
+and saw tears in the child's sad eyes; but she smiled at him, and shook
+her fuzzy head, as she whispered kindly:
+
+"I don't want no tanks, birdie: I loves to let you go, kase you's a
+slave, like I was once; and it's a dreffle hard ting, I knows. I got
+away, and I means you shall. I'se watched you, deary, all dese days; and
+I tried to come 'fore, but dey didn't give me no chance."
+
+"Do you live here? I never see you playing with the other children,"
+said the gull, as Moppet's nimble fingers picked away at the knots.
+
+"Yes: I lives here, and helps de cook. You didn't see me, kase I never
+plays; de chilen don't like me."
+
+"Why not?" asked Gulliver, wondering.
+
+"I'se black," said Moppet, with a sob.
+
+"But that's silly in them," cried the bird, who had never heard of such
+a thing. "Color makes no difference; the peeps are gray, the seals
+black, and the crabs yellow; but we don't care, and are all friends. It
+is very unkind to treat you so. Haven't you any friends to love you,
+dear?"
+
+"Nobody in de world keres fer me. Dey sold me way from my mammy when I
+was a baby, and I'se knocked roun eber since. De oder chilen has folks
+to lub an kere fer em, but Moppet's got no friends;" and here the black
+eyes grew so dim with tears that the poor child couldn't see that the
+last knot was out.
+
+Gulliver saw it, and, pushing up the door, flew from his prison with a
+glad cry; and, hopping into Moppet's hand, looked into the little dark
+face with such grateful confidence that it cleared at once, and the
+brightest smile it had worn for months broke over it as the bird nestled
+its soft head against her cheek, saying gently:
+
+"I'm your friend, dear; I love you, and I never shall forget what you
+have done for me to-night. How can I thank you before I go?"
+
+For a minute, Moppet could only hug the bird, and cry; for these were
+the first kind words she had heard for a long time, and they went
+straight to her lonely little heart.
+
+"O my deary! I'se paid by dem words, and I don't want no tanks. Jes lub
+me, and come sometimes to see me ef you can, it's so hard livin' in dis
+yere place. I don't tink I'll bar it long. I wish I was a bird to fly
+away, or a oyster safe in de mud, and free to do as I's a mind."
+
+"I wish you could go and live with Davy on the island; he is so kind, so
+happy, and as free as the wind. Can't you get away, Moppet?" whispered
+Gulliver, longing to help this poor, friendless little soul. He told her
+all his story; and they agreed that he should fly at once to the island,
+and see if Dan was there; if not, he was to come back, and Moppet would
+try to get some one to help find him. When this was done, Davy and Dan
+were to take Moppet, if they could, and make her happy on the island.
+Full of hope and joy, Gulliver said good-by, and spread his wings; but,
+alas for the poor bird! he was too weak to fly. For three days he had
+hardly eaten any thing, had found no salt water to bathe in, and had sat
+moping in the cage till his strength was all gone.
+
+"What shall I do? what shall I do?" he cried, fluttering his feeble
+wings, and running to and fro in despair.
+
+"Hush, birdie, I'll take kere ob you till you's fit to fly. I knows a
+nice, quiet little cove down yonder, where no one goes; and dare you kin
+stay till you's better. I'll come and feed you, and you kin paddle, and
+rest, and try your wings, safe and free, honey."
+
+As Moppet spoke, she took Gulliver in her arms, and stole away in the
+dim light, over the hill, down to the lonely spot where nothing went but
+the winds and waves, the gulls, and little Moppet, when hard words and
+blows made heart and body ache. Here she left the bird, and, with a
+loving "Good-night," crept home to her bed in the garret, feeling as
+rich as a queen, and much happier; for she had done a kind thing, and
+made a friend.
+
+Next day, a great storm came: the wind blew a hurricane, the rain
+poured, and the sea thundered on the coast. If he had been well,
+Gulliver wouldn't have minded at all; but, being sick and sad, he spent
+an anxious day, sitting in a cranny of the rock, thinking of Davy and
+Moppet. It was so rough, even in the cove, that he could neither swim
+nor fly, so feeble was he; and could find no food but such trifles as he
+could pick up among the rocks. At nightfall the storm raged fiercer than
+ever, and he gave up seeing Moppet; for he was sure she wouldn't come
+through the pelting rain just to feed him. So he put his head under his
+wing, and tried to sleep; but he was so wet and weak, so hungry and
+anxious, no sleep came.
+
+"What has happened to Davy alone on the island all this while? He will
+fall ill with loneliness and trouble; the lamp won't be lighted, the
+ships will be wrecked, and many people will suffer. O Dan, Dan, if we
+could only find you, how happy we should be!"
+
+As Gulliver spoke, a voice cried through the darkness:
+
+"Is you dere, honey?" and Moppet came climbing over the rocks, with a
+basket full of such bits as she could get. "Poor birdie, is you
+starvin'? Here, jes go at dis, and joy yourself. Dere's fish and tings I
+tink you'd like. How is you now, dear?"
+
+"Better, Moppet; but, it's so stormy, I can't get to Davy; and I worry
+about him," began Gulliver, pecking away at his supper: but he stopped
+suddenly, for a faint sound came up from below, as if some one called,
+"Help, help!"
+
+"Hi! what's dat?" said Moppet, listening.
+
+"Davy, Davy!" called the voice.
+
+"It's Dan. Hurrah, we've found him!" and Gulliver dived off the rock so
+reckless that he went splash into the water. But that didn't matter to
+him; and he paddled away, like a little steamer with all the engines in
+full blast. Down by the sea-side, between two stones, lay Dan, so
+bruised and hurt he couldn't move, and so faint with hunger and pain he
+could hardly speak. As soon as Gulliver called, Moppet scrambled down,
+and fed the poor man with her scraps, brought him rain-water from a
+crevice near by, and bound up his wounded head with her little apron.
+Then Dan told them how his boat had been run down by a ship in the fog;
+how he was hurt, and cast ashore in the lonely cove; how he had lain
+there half dead, for no one heard his shouts, and he couldn't move; how
+the storm brought him back to life, when he was almost gone, and the
+sound of Moppet's voice told him help was near.
+
+How glad they all were then! Moppet danced for joy; Gulliver screamed
+and flapped his wings; and Dan smiled, in spite of pain, to think he
+should see Davy again. He couldn't understand Gulliver; but Moppet told
+him all the story, and, when he heard it, he was more troubled for the
+boy than for himself.
+
+"What will he do? He may get killed or scared, or try to come ashore. Is
+the lamp alight?" he cried, trying to move, and falling back with a moan
+of pain.
+
+Gulliver flew up to the highest rock, and looked out across the dark
+sea. Yes, there it was,--the steady star shining through the storm, and
+saying plainly, "All is well."
+
+"Thank heaven! if the lamp is burning, Davy is alive. Now, how shall I
+get to him?" said Dan.
+
+"Never you fret, massa: Moppet'll see to dat. You jes lay still till I
+comes. Dere's folks in de house as'll tend to you, ef I tells em who and
+where you is."
+
+Off she ran, and soon came back with help. Dan was taken to the house,
+and carefully tended; Moppet wasn't scolded for being out so late; and,
+in the flurry, no one thought of the gull. Next morning, the cage was
+found blown over, and every one fancied the bird had flown away. Dora
+was already tired of him; so he was soon forgotten by all but Moppet.
+
+In the morning it was clear; and Gulliver flew gladly to the tower where
+Davy still watched and waited, with a pale face and heavy heart, for the
+three days had been very hard to bear, and, but for Nep and Shine, he
+would have lost his courage entirely. Gulliver flew straight into his
+bosom, and, sitting there, told his adventures; while Davy laughed and
+cried, and Nep stood by, wagging his tail for joy, while his eyes were
+full of sympathy. The three had a very happy hour together, and then
+came a boat to carry Davy ashore, while another keeper took charge of
+the light till Dan was well.
+
+Nobody ever knew the best part of the story but Moppet, Davy, and
+Gulliver. Other people didn't dream that the boy's pet gull had any
+thing to do with the finding of the man, or the good fortune that came
+to Moppet. While Dan lay sick, she tended him, like a loving little
+daughter; and, when he was well, he took her for his own. He did not
+mind the black skin: he only saw the loneliness of the child, the tender
+heart, the innocent, white soul; and he was as glad to be a friend to
+her as if she had been as blithe and pretty as Dora.
+
+It was a happy day when Dan and Davy, Moppet, Gulliver, and Nep sailed
+away to the island; for that was still to be their home, with stout
+young Ben to help.
+
+The sun was setting; and they floated through waves as rosy as the rosy
+sky. A fresh wind filled the sail, and ruffled Gulliver's white breast
+as he sat on the mast-head crooning a cheery song to himself. Dan held
+the tiller, and Davy lay at his feet, with Nep bolt upright beside him;
+but the happiest face of all was Moppet's. Kneeling at the bow, she
+leaned forward, with her lips apart, her fuzzy hair blown back, and her
+eyes fixed on the island which was to be her home. Like a little black
+figure-head of Hope, she leaned and looked, as the boat flew on, bearing
+her away from the old life into the new.
+
+As the sun sunk, out shone the lamp with sudden brightness, as if the
+island bade them welcome. Dan furled the sail; and, drifting with the
+tide, they floated in, till the waves broke softly on the shore, and
+left them safe at home.
+
+
+
+
+IX.
+
+THE WHALE'S STORY.
+
+
+Freddy sat thinking on the seat under the trees. It was a wide, white
+seat, about four feet long, sloping from the sides to the middle,
+something like a swing; and was not only comfortable but curious, for it
+was made of a whale's bone. Freddy often sat there, and thought about it
+for he was very much interested in it, and nobody could tell him any
+thing of it, except that it had been there a long time.
+
+"Poor old whale, I wonder how you got here, where you came from, and if
+you were a good and happy creature while you lived," said Freddy,
+patting the old bone with his little hand.
+
+It gave a great creak; and a sudden gust of air stirred the trees, as if
+some monster groaned and sighed. Then Freddy heard a strange voice, very
+loud, yet cracked and queer, as if some one tried to talk with a broken
+jaw.
+
+"Freddy ahoy!" called the big voice. "I'll tell you all about it; for
+you are the only person who ever pitied me, or cared to know any thing
+about me."
+
+"Why, can you talk?" asked Freddy, very much astonished and a little
+frightened.
+
+"Of course I can, for this is a part of my jaw-bone. I should talk
+better if my whole mouth was here; but I'm afraid my voice would then be
+so loud you wouldn't be able to hear it. I don't think any one but you
+would understand me, any way. It isn't every one that can, you know; but
+you are a thoughtful little chap, with a lively fancy as well as a kind
+heart, so you shall hear my story."
+
+"Thank you, I should like it very much, if you would please to speak a
+little lower, and not sigh; for your voice almost stuns me, and your
+breath nearly blows me away," said Freddy.
+
+"I'll try: but it's hard to suit my tone to such a mite, or to help
+groaning when I think of my sad fate; though I deserve it, perhaps,"
+said the bone, more gently.
+
+"Were you a naughty whale?" asked Freddy.
+
+"I was proud, very proud, and foolish; and so I suffered for it. I dare
+say you know a good deal about us. I see you reading often, and you seem
+a sensible child."
+
+"No: I haven't read about you yet, and I only know that you are the
+biggest fish there is," replied Freddy.
+
+The bone creaked and shook, as if it was laughing, and said in a tone
+that showed it hadn't got over its pride yet:
+
+"You're wrong there, my dear; we are not fishes at all, though stupid
+mortals have called us so for a long time. We can't live without air; we
+have warm, red blood; and we don't lay eggs,--so we are _not_ fishes. We
+certainly _are_ the biggest creatures in the sea and out of it. Why,
+bless you! some of us are nearly a hundred feet long; our tails alone
+are fifteen or twenty feet wide; the biggest of us weigh five hundred
+thousand pounds, and have in them the fat, bone, and muscle of a
+thousand cattle. The lower jaw of one of my family made an arch large
+enough for a man on horseback to ride under easily, and my cousins of
+the sperm-family usually yield eighty barrels of oil."
+
+"Gracious me, what monsters you are!" cried Freddy, taking a long
+breath, while his eyes got bigger and bigger as he listened.
+
+"Ah! you may well say so; we are a very wonderful and interesting
+family. All our branches are famous in one way or another. Fin-backs,
+sperms, and rights are the largest; then come the norwhals, the
+dolphins, and porpoises,--which last, I dare say, you've seen."
+
+"Yes: but tell me about the big ones, please. Which were you?" cried
+Freddy.
+
+"I was a Right whale, from Greenland. The Sperms live in warm places;
+but to us the torrid zone is like a sea of fire, and we don't pass it.
+Our cousins do; and go to the East Indies by way of the North Pole,
+which is more than your famous Parrys and Franklins could do."
+
+"I don't know about that; but I'd like to hear what you eat, and how you
+live, and why you came here," said Freddy, who thought the whale rather
+inclined to boast.
+
+"Well, we haven't got any teeth,--our branch of the family; and we live
+on creatures so small, that you could only see them with a microscope.
+Yes, you may stare; but it's true, my dear. The roofs of our mouths are
+made of whalebone, in broad pieces from six to eight feet long, arranged
+one against the other; so they make an immense sieve. The tongue, which
+makes about five barrels of oil, lies below, like a cushion of white
+satin. When we want to feed, we rush through the water, which is full of
+the little things we eat, and catch them in our sieve, spurting the
+water through two holes in our heads. Then we collect the food with our
+tongue, and swallow it; for, though we are so big, our throats are
+small. We roam about in the ocean, leaping and floating, feeding and
+spouting, flying from our enemies, or fighting bravely to defend our
+young ones."
+
+"Have you got any enemies? I shouldn't think you could have, you are so
+large," said Freddy.
+
+"But we have, and many too,--three who attack us in the water, and
+several more that men use against us. The killer, the sword-fish, and
+the thrasher trouble us at home. The killer fastens to us, and won't be
+shaken off till he has worried us to death; the sword-fish stabs us with
+his sword; and the thrasher whips us to death with his own slender, but
+strong and heavy body. Then, men harpoon us, shoot or entrap us; and
+make us into oil and candles and seats, and stiffening for gowns and
+umbrellas," said the bone, in a tone of scorn.
+
+Freddy laughed at the idea, and asked, "How about candles? I know about
+oil and seats and umbrellas; but I thought candles were made of wax."
+
+"I can't say much on that point: I only know that, when a sperm whale is
+killed, they make oil out of the fat part as they do of ours; but the
+Sperms have a sort of cistern in their heads, full of stuff like cream,
+and rose-colored. They cut a hole in the skull, and dip it out; and
+sometimes get sixteen or twenty barrels. This is made into what you call
+spermaceti candles. _We_ don't have any such nonsense about us; but the
+Sperms always were a light-headed set."
+
+Here the bone laughed, in a cracked sort of roar, which sent Freddy
+flying off the seat on to the grass, where he stayed, laughing also,
+though he didn't see any joke.
+
+"I beg your pardon, child. It isn't often that I laugh; for I've a
+heavy heart somewhere, and have known trouble enough to make me as sad
+as the sea is sometimes."
+
+"Tell me about your troubles; I pity you very much, and like to hear you
+talk," said Freddy, kindly.
+
+"Unfortunately we are very easily killed, in spite of our size; and have
+various afflictions besides death. We grow blind; our jaws are deformed
+sometimes; our tails, with which we swim, get hurt; and we have
+dyspepsia."
+
+Freddy shouted at that; for he knew what dyspepsia was, because at the
+sea-side there were many sickly people who were always groaning about
+that disease.
+
+"It's no laughing matter, I assure you," said the whale's bone. "We
+suffer a great deal, and get thin and weak and miserable. I've sometimes
+thought that's the reason we are blue."
+
+"Perhaps, as you have no teeth, you don't chew your food enough, and so
+have dyspepsia, like an old gentleman I know," said Freddy.
+
+"That's not the reason; my cousins, the Sperms, have teeth, and
+dyspepsia also."
+
+"Are they blue?"
+
+"No, black and white. But I was going to tell you my troubles. My father
+was harpooned when I was very young, and I remember how bravely he
+died. The Rights usually run away when they see a whaler coming; not
+from cowardice,--oh, dear, no!--but discretion. The Sperms stay and
+fight, and are killed off very fast; for they are a very headstrong
+family. We fight when we can't help it; and my father died like a hero.
+They chased him five hours before they stuck him; he tried to get away,
+and dragged three or four boats and sixteen hundred fathoms of line from
+eight in the morning till four at night. Then they got out another line,
+and he towed the ship itself for more than an hour. There were fifteen
+harpoons in him: he chewed up a boat, pitched several men overboard, and
+damaged the vessel, before they killed him. Ah! he was a father to be
+proud of."
+
+Freddy sat respectfully silent for a few minutes, as the old bone seemed
+to feel a great deal on the subject. Presently he went on again:
+
+"The Sperms live in herds; but the Rights go in pairs, and are very fond
+of one another. My wife was a charming creature, and we were very happy,
+till one sad day, when she was playing with our child,--a sweet little
+whaleling only twelve feet long, and weighing but a ton,--my son was
+harpooned. His mamma, instead of flying, wrapped her fins round him, and
+dived as far as the line allowed. Then she came up, and dashed at the
+boats in great rage and anguish, entirely regardless of the danger she
+was in. The men struck my son, in order to get her, and they soon
+succeeded; but even then, in spite of her suffering, she did not try to
+escape, but clung to little Spouter till both were killed. Alas! alas!"
+
+Here the poor bone creaked so dismally, Freddy feared it would tumble to
+pieces, and bring the story to an end too soon.
+
+"Don't think of those sorrowful things," he said; "tell me how you came
+to be here. Were you harpooned?"
+
+"Not I; for I've been very careful all my life to keep out of the way of
+danger: I'm not like one of my relations, who attacked a ship, gave it
+such a dreadful blow that he made a great hole, the water rushed in, and
+the vessel was wrecked. But he paid dearly for that prank; for a few
+months afterward another ship harpooned him very easily, finding two
+spears still in him, and a wound in his head. I forgot to mention, that
+the Sperms have fine ivory teeth, and make ambergris,--a sort of stuff
+that smells very nice, and costs a great deal. I give you these little
+facts about my family, as you seem interested, and it's always well to
+improve the minds of young people."
+
+"You are very kind; but will you be good enough to tell about yourself?"
+said Freddy again; for the bone seemed to avoid that part of the story,
+as if he didn't want to tell it.
+
+"Well, if I must, I must; but I'm sorry to confess what a fool I've
+been. You know what coral is, don't you?"
+
+"No," said Freddy, wondering why it asked.
+
+"Then I must tell you, I suppose. There is a bit in the house
+there,--that rough, white, stony stuff on the table in the parlor. It's
+full of little holes, you know. Well, those holes are the front doors of
+hundreds of little polypes, or coral worms, who build the great branches
+of coral, and live there. They are of various shapes and colors,--some
+like stars; some fine as a thread, and blue or yellow; others like
+snails and tiny lobsters. Some people say the real coral-makers are
+shaped like little oblong bags of jelly, closed at one end, the other
+open, with six or eight little feelers, like a star, all around it. The
+other creatures are boarders or visitors: these are the real workers,
+and, when they sit in their cells and put out their feelers, they make
+all manner of lovely colors under the water,--crimson, green, orange,
+and violet. But if they are taken up or touched, the coral people go in
+doors, and the beautiful hues disappear. They say there are many coral
+reefs and islands built by these industrious people, in the South Seas;
+but I can't go there to see, and I am contented with those I find in the
+northern latitudes. I knew such a community of coral builders, and used
+to watch them long ago, when they began to work. It was a charming
+spot, down under the sea; for all manner of lovely plants grew there;
+splendid fishes sailed to and fro; wonderful shells lay about; crimson
+and yellow prawns, long, gliding green worms, and purple sea-urchins,
+were there. When I asked the polypes what they were doing, and they
+answered, 'Building an island,' I laughed at them; for the idea that
+these tiny, soft atoms could make any thing was ridiculous. 'You may
+roar; but you'll see that we are right, if you live long enough,' said
+they. 'Our family have built thousands of islands and long reefs, that
+the sea can't get over, strong as it is.' That amused me immensely; but
+I wouldn't believe it, and laughed more than ever."
+
+"It does seem very strange," said Freddy, looking at the branch of coral
+which he had brought out to examine.
+
+"Doesn't it? and isn't it hard to believe? I used to go, now and then,
+to see how the little fellows got on, and always found them hard at it.
+For a long while there was only a little plant without leaves, growing
+slowly taller and taller; for they always build upward toward the light.
+By and by, the small shrub was a tree: flying-fish roosted in its
+branches; sea-cows lay under its shadow; and thousands of jolly little
+polypes lived and worked in its white chambers. I was glad to see them
+getting on so well; but still I didn't believe in the island story, and
+used to joke them about their ambition. They were very good-natured, and
+only answered me, 'Wait a little longer, Friend Right.' I had my own
+affairs to attend to; so, for years at a time, I forgot the
+coral-workers, and spent most of my life up Greenland way, for warm
+climates don't agree with my constitution. When I came back, after a
+long absence, I was astonished to see the tree grown into a large
+umbrella-shaped thing, rising above the water. Sea-weed had washed up
+and clung there; sea-birds had made nests there; land-birds and the
+winds had carried seeds there, which had sprung up; trunks of trees had
+been cast there by the sea; lizards, insects, and little animals came
+with the trees, and were the first inhabitants; and, behold! it _was_ an
+island."
+
+"What did you say then?" asked Freddy.
+
+"I was angry, and didn't want to own that I was wrong; so I insisted
+that it wasn't a real island, without people on it. 'Wait a little
+longer,' answered the polypes; and went on, building broader and broader
+foundations. I flounced away in a rage, and didn't go back for a great
+while. I hoped something would happen to the coral builders and their
+island; but I was so curious that I couldn't keep away, and, on going
+back there, I found a settlement of fishermen, and the beginning of a
+thriving town. Now I should have been in a towering passion at this, if
+in my travels I hadn't discovered a race of little creatures as much
+smaller than polypes as a mouse is smaller than an elephant. I heard two
+learned men talking about diatoms, as they sailed to Labrador; and I
+listened. They said these people lived in both salt and fresh water, and
+were found in all parts of the world. They were a glassy shell, holding
+a soft, golden-yellow substance, and that they were so countless that
+banks were made of them, and that a town here in these United States was
+founded on them. They were the food of many little sea-animals, who, in
+turn, fed us big creatures, and were very interesting and wonderful. I
+saved up this story; and, when the polypes asked if they hadn't done
+what they intended, I told them I didn't think it so very remarkable,
+for the tiny diatoms made cities, and were far more astonishing animals
+than they. I thought that would silence them; but they just turned
+round, and informed me that my diatoms were plants, not animals,--so my
+story was all humbug. Then I _was_ mad; and couldn't get over the fact
+that these little rascals had done what we, the kings of the sea,
+couldn't do. I wasn't content with being the biggest creature there: I
+wanted to be the most skilful also. I didn't remember that every thing
+has its own place and use, and should be happy in doing the work for
+which it was made. I fretted over the matter a long while, and at last
+decided to make an island myself."
+
+"How could you?" asked Freddy.
+
+"I had my plans; and thought them very wise ones. I was so bent on
+outdoing the polypes that I didn't much care what happened; and so I
+went to work in my clumsy way. I couldn't pile up stones, or build
+millions of cells; so I just made an island of myself. I swam up into
+the harbor yonder one night; covered my back with sea-weed; and lay
+still on the top of the water. In the morning the gulls came to see what
+it was, and pecked away at the weeds, telling me very soon that they
+knew what I was after, and that I couldn't gull them. All the people on
+shore turned out to see the wonder also; for a fisherman had carried the
+tidings, and every one was wild to behold the new island. After staring
+and chattering a long while, boats came off to examine the mystery.
+Loads of scientific gentlemen worked away at me with microscopes,
+hammers, acids, and all sorts of tests, to decide what I was; and kept
+up such a fire of long words that I was 'most dead. They couldn't make
+up their minds; and meanwhile news of the strange thing spread, and
+every sort of person came to see me. The gulls kept telling them the
+joke; but they didn't understand, and I got on capitally. Every night I
+dined and fed and frolicked till dawn; then put on my sea-weeds, and
+lay still to be stared at. I wanted some one to come and live on me;
+then I should be equal to the island of the polypes. But no one came,
+and I was beginning to be tired of fooling people, when I was fooled
+myself. An old sailor came to visit me: he had been a whaler, and he
+soon guessed the secret. But he said nothing till he was safely out of
+danger; then he got all ready, and one day, as I lay placidly in the
+sun, a horrible harpoon came flying through the air, and sunk deep into
+my back. I forgot every thing but the pain, and dived for my life. Alas!
+the tide was low; the harbor-bar couldn't be passed; and I found
+hundreds of boats chasing me, till I was driven ashore down there on the
+flats. Big and strong as we are, once out of water, and we are perfectly
+helpless. I was soon despatched; and my bones left to whiten on the
+sand. This was long ago; and, one by one, all my relics have been
+carried off or washed away. My jaw-bone has been used as a seat here,
+till it's worn out; but I couldn't crumble away till I'd told some one
+my story. Remember, child, pride goeth before a fall."
+
+Then, with a great creak, the bone tumbled to pieces; and found a
+peaceful grave in the long green grass.
+
+
+
+
+X.
+
+A STRANGE ISLAND.
+
+
+One day I lay rocking in my boat, reading a very famous book, which all
+children know and love; and the name of which I'll tell you by and by.
+So busily was I reading, that I never minded the tide; and presently
+discovered that I was floating out to sea, with neither sail nor oar. At
+first I was very much frightened; for there was no one in sight on land
+or sea, and I didn't know where I might drift to. But the water was
+calm, the sky clear, and the wind blew balmily; so I waited for what
+should happen.
+
+Presently I saw a speck on the sea, and eagerly watched it; for it drew
+rapidly near, and seemed to be going my way. When it came closer, I was
+much amazed; for, of all the queer boats I ever saw, this was the
+queerest. It was a great wooden bowl, very cracked and old; and in it
+sat three gray-headed little gentlemen with spectacles, all reading
+busily, and letting the boat go where it pleased. Now, right in their
+way was a rock; and I called out, "Sir, sir, take care."
+
+But my call came too late: crash went the bowl, out came the bottom, and
+down plumped all the little gentlemen into the sea. I tried not to
+laugh, as the books, wigs, and spectacles flew about; and, urging my
+boat nearer, I managed to fish them up, dripping and sneezing, and
+looking like drowned kittens. When the flurry was over, and they had got
+their breath, I asked who they were, and where they were going.
+
+"We are from Gotham, ma'am," said the fattest one, wiping a very wet
+face on a very wet handkerchief. "We were going to that island yonder.
+We have often tried, but never got there: it's always so, and I begin to
+think the thing can't be done."
+
+I looked where he pointed; and, sure enough, there was an island where I
+had never seen one before. I rubbed my eyes, and looked again. Yes:
+there it was,--a little island, with trees and people on it; for I saw
+smoke coming out of the chimney of a queerly-shaped house on the shore.
+
+"What is the name of it?" I asked.
+
+The little old gentleman put his finger on his lips, and said, with a
+mysterious nod:
+
+"I couldn't tell you, ma'am. It's a secret; but, if you manage to land
+there, you will soon know."
+
+The other old men nodded at the same time; and then all went to reading
+again, with the water still dropping off the ends of their noses. This
+made me very curious; and, as the tide drifted us nearer and nearer, I
+looked well about me, and saw several things that filled me with a
+strong desire to land on the island. The odd house, I found, was built
+like a high-heeled shoe; and at every window I saw children's heads.
+Some were eating broth; some were crying; and some had nightcaps on. I
+caught sight of a distracted old lady flying about, with a ladle in one
+hand, and a rod in the other; but the house was so full of children
+(even up to the skylight,--out of which they popped their heads, and
+nodded at me) that I couldn't see much of the mamma of this large
+family: one seldom can, you know.
+
+I had hardly got over my surprise at this queer sight, when I saw a cow
+fly up through the air, over the new moon that hung there, and come down
+and disappear in the woods. I really didn't know what to make of this,
+but had no time to ask the old men what it meant; for a cat, playing a
+fiddle, was seen on the shore. A little dog stood by, listening and
+laughing; while a dish and a spoon ran away over the beach with all
+their might. If the boat had not floated up to the land, I think I
+should have swam there,--I was so anxious to see what was going on; for
+there was a great racket on the island, and such a remarkable collection
+of creatures, it was impossible to help staring.
+
+As soon as we landed, three other gentlemen came to welcome the ones I
+had saved, and seemed very glad to see them. They appeared to have just
+landed from a tub in which was a drum, rub-a-dub-dubbing all by itself.
+One of the new men had a white frock on, and carried a large knife; the
+second had dough on his hands, flour on his coat, and a hot-looking
+face; the third was very greasy, had a bundle of candles under his arm,
+and a ball of wicking half out of his pocket. The six shook hands, and
+walked away together, talking about a fair; and left me to take care of
+myself.
+
+I walked on through a pleasant meadow, where a pretty little girl was
+looking sadly up at a row of sheep's tails hung on a tree. I also saw a
+little boy in blue, asleep by a haycock; and another boy taking aim at a
+cock-sparrow, who clapped his wings and flew away. Presently I saw two
+more little girls: one sat by a fire warming her toes; and, when I asked
+what her name was, she said pleasantly:
+
+"Polly Flinders, ma'am."
+
+The other one sat on a tuft of grass, eating something that looked very
+nice; but, all of a sudden, she dropped her bowl, and ran away, looking
+very much frightened.
+
+"What's the matter with her?" I asked of a gay young frog who came
+tripping along with his hat under his arm.
+
+"Miss Muffit is a fashionable lady, and afraid of spiders, madam; also
+of frogs." And he puffed himself angrily up, till his eyes quite
+goggled in his head.
+
+"And, pray, who are you, sir?" I asked, staring at his white vest, green
+coat, and fine cravat.
+
+"Excuse me, if I don't give my name, ma'am. My false friend, the rat,
+got me into a sad scrape once; and Rowley insists upon it that a duck
+destroyed me, which is all gammon, ma'am,--all gammon."
+
+With that, the frog skipped away; and I turned into a narrow lane, which
+seemed to lead toward some music. I had not gone far, when I heard the
+rumbling of a wheelbarrow, and saw a little man wheeling a little woman
+along. The little man looked very hot and tired; but the little woman
+looked very nice, in a smart bonnet and shawl, and kept looking at a new
+gold ring on her finger, as she rode along under her little umbrella. I
+was wondering who they were, when down went the wheelbarrow; and the
+little lady screamed so dismally that I ran away, lest I should get into
+trouble,--being a stranger.
+
+Turning a corner, I came upon a very charming scene, and slipped into a
+quiet nook to see what was going on. It was evidently a wedding; and I
+was just in time to see it, for the procession was passing at that
+moment. First came a splendid cock-a-doodle, all in black and gold, like
+a herald, blowing his trumpet, and marching with a very dignified step.
+Then came a rook, in black, like a minister, with spectacles and white
+cravat. A lark and bullfinch followed,--friends, I suppose; and then the
+bride and bridegroom. Miss Wren was evidently a Quakeress; for she wore
+a sober dress, and a little white veil, through which her bright eyes
+shone. The bridegroom was a military man, in his scarlet uniform,--a
+plump, bold-looking bird, very happy and proud just then. A goldfinch
+gave away the bride, and a linnet was bridesmaid. The ceremony was very
+fine; and, as soon as it was over, the blackbird, thrush and nightingale
+burst out in a lovely song.
+
+A splendid dinner followed, at which was nearly every bird that flies;
+so you may imagine the music there was. They had currant-pie in
+abundance; and cherry-wine, which excited a cuckoo so much, that he
+became quite rude, and so far forgot himself as to pull the bride about.
+This made the groom so angry that he begged his friend, the sparrow, to
+bring his bow and arrow, and punish the ruffian. But, alas! Sparrow had
+also taken a drop too much: he aimed wrong, and, with a dreadful cry,
+Mr. Robin sank dying into the arms of his wife, little Jane.
+
+It was too much for me; and, taking advantage of the confusion that
+followed, I left the tragical scene as fast as possible.
+
+A little farther on, I was shocked to see a goose dragging an old man
+down some steps that led to a little house.
+
+"Dear me! what's the matter here?" I cried.
+
+"He won't say his prayers," screamed the goose.
+
+"But perhaps he was never taught," said I.
+
+"It's never too late to learn: he's had his chance; he won't be pious
+and good, so away with him. Don't interfere, whatever you do: hold your
+tongue, and go about your business," scolded the goose, who certainly
+had a dreadful temper.
+
+I dared say no more; and, when the poor old man had been driven away by
+this foul proceeding, I went up the steps and peeped in; for I heard
+some one crying, and thought the cross bird, perhaps, had hurt some one
+else. A little old woman stood there, wringing her hands in great
+distress; while a small dog was barking at her with all his might.
+
+"Bless me! the fashions have got even here," thought I; for the old
+woman was dressed in the latest style,--or, rather, she had overdone it
+sadly; for her gown was nearly up to her knees, and she was nearly as
+ridiculous an object as some of the young ladies I had seen at home. She
+had a respectable bonnet on, however, instead of a straw saucer; and her
+hair was neatly put under a cap,--not made into a knob on the top of her
+head.
+
+"My dear soul, what's the trouble?" said I, quite touched by her tears.
+
+"Lud a mercy, ma'am! I've been to market with my butter and eggs,--for
+the price of both is so high, one can soon get rich nowadays,--and,
+being tired, I stopped to rest a bit, but fell asleep by the road.
+Somebody--I think it's a rogue of a peddler who sold me wooden nutmegs,
+and a clock that wouldn't go, and some pans that came to bits the first
+time I used them--somebody cut my new gown and petticoat off all round,
+in the shameful way you see. I thought I never should get home; for I
+was such a fright, I actually didn't know myself. But, thinks I, my
+doggy will know me; and then I shall be sure I'm I, and not some
+boldfaced creature in short skirts. But, oh, ma'am! doggy _don't_ know
+me; and I ain't myself, and I don't know what to do."
+
+"He's a foolish little beast; so don't mind him, but have a cup of tea,
+and go to bed. You can make your gown decent to-morrow; and, if I see
+the tricksy peddler, I'll give him a scolding."
+
+This seemed to comfort the old woman; though doggy still barked.
+
+"My next neighbor has a dog who never behaves in this way," she said, as
+she put her teapot on the coals. "He's a remarkable beast; and you'd
+better stop to see him as you pass, ma'am. He's always up to some funny
+prank or other."
+
+I said I would; and, as I went by the next house, I took a look in at
+the window. The closet was empty, I observed; but the dog sat smoking a
+pipe, looking as grave as a judge.
+
+"Where is your mistress?" asked I.
+
+"Gone for some tripe," answered the dog, politely taking the pipe out of
+his mouth, and adding, "I hope the smoke doesn't annoy you."
+
+"I don't approve of smoking," said I.
+
+"Sorry to hear it," said the dog, coolly.
+
+I was going to lecture him on this bad habit; but I saw his mistress
+coming with a dish in her hand, and, fearing she might think me rude to
+peep in at her windows, I walked on, wondering what we were coming to
+when even four-legged puppies smoked.
+
+At the door of the next little house, I saw a market-wagon loaded with
+vegetables, and a smart young pig just driving it away. I had heard of
+this interesting family, and took a look as I passed by. A second tidy
+pig sat blowing the fire; and a third was eating roast-beef, as if he
+had just come in from his work. The fourth, I was grieved to see, looked
+very sulky; for it was evident he had been naughty, and so lost his
+dinner. The little pig was at the door, crying to get in; and it was
+sweet to see how kindly the others let him in, wiped his tears, tied on
+his bib, and brought him his bread and milk. I was very glad to see
+these young orphans doing so well, and I knew my friends at home would
+enjoy hearing from them.
+
+A loud scream made me jump; and the sudden splash of water made me run
+along, without stopping to pick up a boy and girl who came tumbling down
+the hill, with an empty pail, bumping their heads as they rolled.
+Smelling something nice, and feeling hungry, I stepped into a large room
+near by,--a sort of eating-house, I fancy; for various parties seemed to
+be enjoying themselves in their different ways. A small boy sat near the
+door, eating a large pie; and he gave me a fine plum which he had just
+pulled out. At one table was a fat gentleman cutting another pie, which
+had a dark crust, through which appeared the heads of a flock of birds,
+all singing gayly.
+
+"There's no end to the improvements in cooking, and no accounting for
+tastes," I added, looking at a handsomely-dressed lady, who sat near,
+eating bread and honey.
+
+As I passed this party, I saw behind the lady's chair a maid, with a
+clothes-pin in her hand, and no nose. She sobbingly told me a bird had
+nipped it off; and I gave her a bit of court-plaster, which I
+fortunately had in my pocket.
+
+Another couple were dividing their meat in a queer way; for one took all
+the fat, and the other all the lean. The next people were odder still;
+for the man looked rather guilty, and seemed to be hiding a three-peck
+measure under his chair, while he waited for his wife to bring on some
+cold barley-pudding, which, to my surprise, she was frying herself. I
+also saw a queer moonstruck-looking man inquiring the way to Norridge;
+and another man making wry faces over some plum-pudding, with which he
+had burnt his mouth, because his friend came down too soon.
+
+I ordered pease-porridge hot, and they brought it cold; but I didn't
+wait for any thing else, being in a hurry to see all there was to be
+seen on this strange island. Feeling refreshed, I strolled on, passing a
+jolly old gentleman smoking and drinking, while three fiddlers played
+before him. As I turned into a road that led toward a hill, a little
+boy, riding a dapple-gray pony, and an old lady on a white horse, with
+bells ringing somewhere, trotted by me, followed by a little girl, who
+wished to know where she could buy a penny bun. I told her the best were
+at Newmarch's, in Bedford Street, and she ran on, much pleased; but I'm
+afraid she never found that best of bake-shops. I was going quietly
+along, when the sound of another horse coming made me look round; and
+there I saw a dreadful sight,--a wild horse, tearing over the ground,
+with fiery eyes and streaming tail. On his back sat a crazy man, beating
+him with a broom; a crazy woman was behind him, with her bonnet on wrong
+side before, holding one crazy child in her lap, while another stood on
+the horse; a third was hanging on by one foot, and all were howling at
+the top of their voices as they rushed by. I scrambled over the wall to
+get out of the way, and there I saw more curious sights. Two blind men
+were sitting on the grass, trying to see two lame men who were hobbling
+along as hard as they could; and, near by, a bull was fighting a bee in
+the most violent manner. This rather alarmed me; and I scrambled back
+into the road again, just as a very fine lady jumped over a
+barberry-bush near by, and a gentleman went flying after, with a ring in
+one hand and a stick in the other.
+
+"What very odd people they have here!" I thought. Close by was a tidy
+little house under the hill, and in it a tidy little woman who sold
+things to eat. Being rather hungry, in spite of my porridge, I bought a
+baked apple and a cranberry-pie; for she said they were good, and I
+found she told the truth. As I sat eating my pie, some dogs began to
+bark; and by came a troop of beggars, some in rags, and some in old
+velvet gowns. A drunken grenadier was with them, who wanted a pot of
+beer; but as he had no money, the old woman sent him about his business.
+
+On my way up the hill, I saw a little boy crying over a dead pig, and
+his sister, who seemed to be dead also. I asked his name, and he sobbed
+out, "Johnny Pringle, ma'am;" and went on crying so hard I could do
+nothing to comfort him. While I stood talking to him, a sudden gust of
+wind blew up the road, and down came the bough of a tree; and, to my
+surprise, a cradle with a baby in it also. The baby screamed dreadfully,
+and I didn't know how to quiet it; so I ran back to the old woman, and
+left it with her, asking if that was the way babies were taken care of
+there.
+
+"Bless you, my dear! its ma is making patty-cakes; and put it up there
+to be out of the way of Tom Tinker's dog. I'll soon hush it up," said
+the old woman; and, trotting it on her knee, she began to sing:
+
+    "Hey! my kitten, my kitten,
+    Hey! my kitten, my deary."
+
+Feeling that the child was in good hands, I hurried away, for I saw
+something was going on upon the hill-top. When I got to the hill-top, I
+was shocked to find some people tossing an old woman in a blanket. I
+begged them to stop; but one of the men, who, I found, was a Welchman,
+by the name of Taffy, told me the old lady liked it.
+
+"But why does she like it?" I asked in great surprise.
+
+"Tom, the piper's son, will tell you: it's my turn to toss now," said
+the man.
+
+"Why, you see, ma'am," said Tom, "she is one of those dreadfully nice
+old women, who are always fussing and scrubbing, and worrying people to
+death, with everlastingly cleaning house. Now and then we get so tired
+out with her that we propose to her to clean the sky itself. She likes
+that; and, as this is the only way we can get her up, we toss till she
+sticks somewhere, and then leave her to sweep cobwebs till she is ready
+to come back and behave herself."
+
+"Well, that is the oddest thing I ever heard. I know just such an old
+lady, and when I go home I'll try your plan. It seems to me that you
+have a great many queer old ladies on this island," I said to another
+man, whom they called Peter, and who stood eating pumpkin all the time.
+
+"Well, we do have rather a nice collection; but you haven't seen the
+best of all. We expect her every minute; and Margery Daw is to let us
+know the minute she lights on the island," replied Peter, with his mouth
+full.
+
+"Lights?" said I, "you speak as if she flew."
+
+"She rides on a bird. Hurrah! the old sweeper has lit. Now the cobwebs
+will fly. Don't hurry back," shouted the man; and a faint, far-off voice
+answered, "I shall be back again by and by."
+
+The people folded up the blanket, looking much relieved; and I was
+examining a very odd house which was built by an ancient king called
+Boggen, when Margery Daw, a dirty little girl, came up the hill,
+screaming, at the top of her voice:
+
+"She's come! she's come!"
+
+Every one looked up; and I saw a large white bird slowly flying over the
+island. On its back sat the nicest old woman that ever was seen: all the
+others were nothing compared to her. She had a pointed hat on over her
+cap, a red cloak, high-heeled shoes, and a crutch in her hand. She
+smiled and nodded as the bird approached; and every one ran and nodded,
+and screamed, "Welcome! welcome, mother!"
+
+As soon as she touched the ground, she was so surrounded that I could
+only see the top of her hat; for hundreds and hundreds of little
+children suddenly appeared, like a great flock of birds,--rosy, happy,
+pretty children; but all looked unreal, and among them I saw some who
+looked like little people I had known long ago.
+
+"Who are they?" I asked of a bonny lass, who was sitting on a cushion,
+eating strawberries and cream.
+
+"They are the phantoms of all the little people who ever read and loved
+our mother's songs," said the maid.
+
+"What did she write?" I asked, feeling very queer, and as if I was going
+to remember something.
+
+"Songs that are immortal; and you have them in your hand," replied the
+bonny maid, smiling at my stupidity.
+
+I looked; and there, on the cover of the book I had been reading so
+busily when the tide carried me away, I saw the words "Mother Goose's
+Melodies." I was so delighted that I had seen her I gave a shout, and
+tried to get near enough to hug and kiss the dear old soul, as the swarm
+of children were doing; but my cry woke me, and I was _so_ sorry to find
+it all a dream!
+
+
+
+
+XI.
+
+FANCY'S FRIEND.
+
+
+It was a wagon, shaped like a great square basket, on low wheels, and
+drawn by a stout donkey. There was one seat, on which Miss Fairbairn the
+governess sat; and all round her, leaning over the edge of the basket,
+were children, with little wooden shovels and baskets in their hands,
+going down to play on the beach. Away they went, over the common,
+through the stony lane, out upon the wide, smooth sands. All the
+children but one immediately fell to digging holes, and making ponds,
+castles, or forts. They did this every day, and were never tired of it;
+but little Fancy made new games for herself, and seldom dug in the sand.
+She had a garden of sea-weed, which the waves watered every day: she had
+a palace of pretty shells, where she kept all sorts of little
+water-creatures as fairy tenants; she had friends and playmates among
+the gulls and peeps, and learned curious things by watching crabs,
+horse-shoes, and jelly-fishes; and every day she looked for a mermaid.
+
+It was of no use to tell her that there were no mermaids: Fancy firmly
+believed in them, and was sure she would see one some day. The other
+children called the seals mermaids; and were contented with the queer,
+shiny creatures who played in the water, lay on the rocks, and peeped at
+them with soft, bright eyes as they sailed by. Fancy was not satisfied
+with seals,--they were not pretty and graceful enough for her,--and she
+waited and watched for a real mermaid. On this day she took a breezy run
+with the beach-birds along the shore; she planted a pretty red weed in
+her garden; and let out the water-beetles and snails who had passed the
+night in her palace. Then she went to a rock that stood near the quiet
+nook where she played alone, and sat there looking for a mermaid as the
+tide came in; for it brought her many curious things, and it might
+perhaps bring a mermaid.
+
+As she looked across the waves that came tumbling one over the other,
+she saw something that was neither boat nor buoy nor seal. It was a
+queer-looking thing, with a wild head, a long waving tail, and something
+like arms that seemed to paddle it along. The waves tumbled it about, so
+Fancy could not see very well: but, the longer she looked, the surer she
+was that this curious thing was a mermaid; and she waited eagerly for it
+to reach the shore. Nearer and nearer it came, till a great wave threw
+it upon the sand; and Fancy saw that it was only a long piece of kelp,
+torn up by the roots. She was very much disappointed; but, all of a
+sudden, her face cleared up, she clapped her hands, and began to dance
+round the kelp, saying:
+
+"I'll make a mermaid myself, since none will come to me."
+
+Away she ran, higher up the beach, and, after thinking a minute, began
+her work. Choosing a smooth, hard place, she drew with a stick the
+outline of her mermaid; then she made the hair of the brown marsh-grass
+growing near by, arranging it in long locks on either side the face,
+which was made of her prettiest pink and white shells,--for she pulled
+down her palace to get them. The eyes were two gray pebbles; the neck
+and arms of larger, white shells; and the dress of sea-weed,--red,
+green, purple, and yellow; very splendid, for Fancy emptied her garden
+to dress her mermaid.
+
+"People say that mermaids always have tails; and I might make one out of
+this great leaf of kelp. But it isn't pretty, and I don't like it; for I
+want mine to be beautiful: so I won't have any tail," said Fancy, and
+put two slender white shells for feet, at the lower edge of the fringed
+skirt. She laid a wreath of little star-fish across the brown hair, a
+belt of small orange-crabs round the waist, buttoned the dress with
+violet snail-shells, and hung a tiny white pebble, like a pearl, in
+either ear.
+
+"Now she must have a glass and a comb in her hand, as the song says,
+and then she will be done," said Fancy, looking about her, well pleased.
+
+Presently she found the skeleton of a little fish, and his backbone made
+an excellent comb; while a transparent jelly-fish served for a glass,
+with a frame of cockle-shells round it. Placing these in the hands of
+her mermaid, and some red coral bracelets on her wrists, Fancy
+pronounced her done; and danced about her, singing:
+
+    "My pretty little mermaid,
+      Oh! come, and play with me:
+    I'll love you, I'll welcome you;
+      And happy we shall be."
+
+Now, while she had been working, the tide had crept higher and higher;
+and, as she sung, one wave ran up and wet her feet.
+
+"Oh, what a pity I didn't put her farther up!" cried Fancy; "the tide
+will wash her all away; and I meant to keep her fresh, and show her to
+Aunt Fiction. My poor mermaid!--I shall lose her; but perhaps she will
+be happier in the sea: so I will let her go."
+
+Mounting her rock, Fancy waited to see her work destroyed. But the sea
+seemed to pity her; and wave after wave came up, without doing any harm.
+At last one broke quite over the mermaid, and Fancy thought that would
+be the end of her. But, no: instead of scattering shells, stones, and
+weeds, the waves lifted the whole figure, without displacing any thing,
+and gently bore it back into the sea.
+
+"Good by! good by!" cried Fancy, as the little figure floated away;
+then, as it disappeared, she put her hands before her face,--for she
+loved her mermaid, and had given all her treasures to adorn her; and now
+to lose her so soon seemed hard,--and Fancy's eyes were full of tears.
+Another great wave came rolling in; but she did not look up to see it
+break, and, a minute after, she heard steps tripping toward her over the
+sand. Still she did not stir; for, just then, none of her playmates
+could take the place of her new friend, and she didn't want to see them.
+
+"Fancy! Fancy!" called a breezy voice, sweeter than any she had ever
+heard. But she did not raise her head, nor care to know who called. The
+steps came quite close; and the touch of a cold, wet hand fell on her
+own. Then she looked up, and saw a strange little girl standing by her,
+who smiled, showing teeth like little pearls, and said, in the breezy
+voice:
+
+"You wanted me to play with you, so I came."
+
+"Who are you?" asked Fancy, wondering where she had seen the child
+before.
+
+"I'm your mermaid," said the child.
+
+"But the water carried her away," cried Fancy.
+
+"The waves only carried me out for the sea to give me life, and then
+brought me back to you," answered the new comer.
+
+"But are you really a mermaid?" asked Fancy, beginning to smile and
+believe.
+
+"I am really the one you made: look, and see if I'm not;" and the little
+creature turned slowly round, that Fancy might be sure it was her own
+work.
+
+She certainly was very like the figure that once lay on the sand,--only
+she was not now made of stones and shells. There was the long brown hair
+blowing about her face, with a wreath of starry shells in it. Her eyes
+were gray, her cheeks and lips rosy, her neck and arms white; and from
+under her striped dress peeped little bare feet. She had pearls in her
+ears, coral bracelets, a golden belt, and a glass and comb in her hands.
+
+"Yes," said Fancy, drawing near, "you _are_ my little mermaid; but how
+does it happen that you come to me at last?"
+
+"Dear friend," answered the water-child, "you believed in me, watched
+and waited long for me, shaped the image of the thing you wanted out of
+your dearest treasures, and promised to love and welcome me. I could not
+help coming; and the sea, that is as fond of you as you are of it,
+helped me to grant your wish."
+
+"Oh, I'm glad, I'm glad! Dear little mermaid, what is your name?" cried
+Fancy, kissing the cool cheek of her new friend, and putting her arms
+about her neck.
+
+"Call me by my German cousin's pretty name,--Lorelei," answered the
+mermaid, kissing back as warmly as she could.
+
+"Will you come home and live with me, dear Lorelei?" asked Fancy, still
+holding her fast.
+
+"If you will promise to tell no one who and what I am, I will stay with
+you as long as you love and believe in me. As soon as you betray me, or
+lose your faith and fondness, I shall vanish, never to come back again,"
+answered Lorelei.
+
+"I promise: but won't people wonder who you are? and, if they ask me,
+what shall I say?" said Fancy.
+
+"Tell them you found me on the shore; and leave the rest to me. But you
+must not expect other people to like and believe in me as you do. They
+will say hard things of me; will blame you for loving me; and try to
+part us. Can you bear this, and keep your promise faithfully?"
+
+"I think I can. But why won't they like you?" said Fancy, looking
+troubled.
+
+"Because they are not like you, dear," answered the mermaid, with salt
+tears in her soft eyes. "They have not your power of seeing beauty in
+all things, of enjoying invisible delights, and living in a world of
+your own. Your Aunt Fiction will like me; but your Uncle Fact won't. He
+will want to know all about me; will think I'm a little vagabond; and
+want me to be sent away somewhere, to be made like other children. I
+shall keep out of his way as much as I can; for I'm afraid of him."
+
+"I'll take care of you, Lorelei dear; and no one shall trouble you. I
+hear Miss Fairbairn calling; so I must go. Give me your hand, and don't
+be afraid."
+
+Hand in hand the two went toward the other children, who stopped
+digging, and stared at the new child. Miss Fairbairn, who was very wise
+and good, but rather prim, stared too, and said, with surprise:
+
+"Why, my dear, where did you find that queer child?"
+
+"Down on the beach. Isn't she pretty?" answered Fancy, feeling very
+proud of her new friend.
+
+"She hasn't got any shoes on; so she's a beggar, and we mustn't play
+with her," said one boy, who had been taught that to be poor was a very
+dreadful thing.
+
+"What pretty earrings and bracelets she's got!" said a little girl, who
+thought a great deal of her dress.
+
+"She doesn't look as if she knew much," said another child, who was kept
+studying so hard that she never had time to dig and run, and make
+dirt-pies, till she fell ill, and had to be sent to the sea-side.
+
+"What's your name? and who are your parents?" asked Miss Fairbairn.
+
+"I've got no parents; and my name is Lorelei," answered the mermaiden.
+
+"You mean Luly; mind your pronunciation, child," said Miss Fairbairn,
+who corrected every one she met in something or other. "Where do you
+live?"
+
+"I haven't got any home now," said Lorelei, smiling at the lady's tone.
+
+"Yes, you have: my home is yours; and you are going to stay with me
+always," cried Fancy, heartily. "She is my little sister, Miss
+Fairbairn: I found her; and I'm going to keep her, and make her happy."
+
+"Your uncle won't like it, my dear." And Miss Fairbairn shook her head
+gravely.
+
+"Aunt will; and Uncle won't mind, if I learn my lessons well, and
+remember the multiplication table all right. He was going to give me
+some money, so I might learn to keep accounts; but I'll tell him to keep
+the money, and let me have Lorelei instead."
+
+"Oh, how silly!" cried the boy who didn't like bare feet.
+
+"No, she isn't; for, if she's kind to the girl, maybe she'll get some of
+her pretty things," said the vain little girl.
+
+"Keeping accounts is a very useful and important thing. I keep mine; and
+mamma says I have great arth-met-i-cal talent," added the pale child,
+who studied too much.
+
+"Come, children; it's time for dinner. Fancy, you can take the girl to
+the house; and your uncle will do what he thinks best about letting you
+keep her," said Miss Fairbairn, piling them into the basket-wagon.
+
+Fancy kept Lorelei close beside her; and as soon as they reached the
+great hotel, where they all were staying with mothers and fathers,
+uncles or aunts, she took her to kind Aunt Fiction, who was interested
+at once in the friendless child so mysteriously found. She was satisfied
+with the little she could discover, and promised to keep her,--for a
+time, at least.
+
+"We can imagine all kinds of romantic things about her; and, by and by,
+some interesting story may be found out concerning her. I can make her
+useful in many ways; and she shall stay."
+
+As Aunt Fiction laid her hand on the mermaid's head, as if claiming her
+for her own, Uncle Fact came stalking in, with his note-book in his
+hand, and his spectacles on his nose. Now, though they were married,
+these two persons were very unlike. Aunt Fiction was a graceful,
+picturesque woman; who told stories charmingly, wrote poetry and novels,
+was very much beloved by young folks, and was the friend of some of the
+most famous people in the world. Uncle Fact was a grim, grave, decided
+man; whom it was impossible to bend or change. He was very useful to
+every one; knew an immense deal; and was always taking notes of things
+he saw and heard, to be put in a great encyclopædia he was making. He
+didn't like romance, loved the truth, and wanted to get to the bottom of
+every thing. He was always trying to make little Fancy more sober,
+well-behaved, and learned; for she was a freakish, dreamy, yet very
+lovable and charming child. Aunt Fiction petted her to her heart's
+content, and might have done her harm, if Uncle Fact had not had a hand
+in her education; for the lessons of both were necessary to her, as to
+all of us.
+
+"Well, well, well! who is this?" he said briskly, as he turned his keen
+eyes and powerful glasses on the new comer.
+
+Aunt Fiction told him all the children had said; but he answered
+impatiently:
+
+"Tut, tut! my dear: I want the facts of the case. You are apt to
+exaggerate; and Fancy is not to be relied on. If the child isn't a fool,
+she must know more about herself than she pretends. Now, answer truly,
+Luly, where did you come from?"
+
+But the little mermaid only shook her head, and answered as before,
+"Fancy found me on the beach, and wants me to stay with her. I'll do
+her no harm: please, let me stay."
+
+"She has evidently been washed ashore from some wreck, and has forgotten
+all about herself. Her wonderful beauty, her accent, and these ornaments
+show that she is some foreign child," said Aunt Fiction, pointing to the
+earrings.
+
+"Nonsense! my dear: those are white pebbles, not pearls; and, if you
+examine them, you will find that those bracelets are the ones you gave
+Fancy as a reward for so well remembering the facts I told her about
+coral," said the uncle, who had turned Lorelei round and round, pinched
+her cheek, felt her hair, and examined her frock through the glasses
+which nothing escaped.
+
+"She may stay, and be my little playmate, mayn't she? I'll take care of
+her; and we shall be very happy together," cried Fancy eagerly.
+
+"One can't be sure of that till one has tried. You say you will take
+care of her: have you got any money to pay her board, and buy her
+clothes?" asked her uncle.
+
+"No; but I thought you'd help me," answered Fancy wistfully.
+
+"Never say you'll do a thing till you are sure you can," said Uncle
+Fact, as he took notes of the affair, thinking they might be useful by
+and by. "I've no objection to your keeping the girl, if, after making
+inquiries about her, she proves to be a clever child. She can stay
+awhile; and, when we go back to town, I'll put her in one of our charity
+schools, where she can be taught to earn her living. Can you read,
+Luly?"
+
+"No," said the mermaid, opening her eyes.
+
+"Can you write and cipher?"
+
+"What is that?" asked Lorelei innocently.
+
+"Dear me! what ignorance!" cried Uncle Fact.
+
+"Can you sew, or tend babies?" asked Aunt Fiction gently.
+
+"I can do nothing but play and sing, and comb my hair."
+
+"I see! I see!--some hand-organ man's girl. Well, I'm glad you keep your
+hair smooth,--that's more than Fancy does," said Uncle Fact.
+
+"Let us hear you sing," whispered his little niece; and, in a voice as
+musical as the sound of ripples breaking on the shore, Lorelei sung a
+little song that made Fancy dance with delight, charmed Aunt Fiction,
+and softened Uncle Fact's hard face in spite of himself.
+
+"Very well, very well, indeed: you have a good voice. I'll see that you
+have proper teaching; and, by and by, you can get your living by giving
+singing-lessons," he said, turning over the leaves of his book, to look
+for the name of a skilful teacher; for he had lists of every useful
+person, place, and thing under the sun.
+
+Lorelei laughed at the idea; and Fancy thought singing for gold, not
+love, a hard way to get one's living.
+
+Inquiries were made; but nothing more was discovered, and neither of the
+children would speak: so the strange child lived with Fancy, and made
+her very happy. The other children didn't care much about her; for with
+them she was shy and cold, because she knew, if the truth was told, they
+would not believe in her. Fancy had always played a good deal by
+herself, because she never found a mate to suit her; now she had one,
+and they enjoyed each other very much. Lorelei taught her many things
+besides new games; and Aunt Fiction was charmed with the pretty stories
+Fancy repeated to her, while Uncle Fact was astonished at the knowledge
+of marine plants and animals which she gained without any books. Lorelei
+taught her to swim, like a fish; and the two played such wonderful
+pranks in the water that people used to come down to the beach when they
+bathed. In return, Fancy tried to teach her friend to read and write and
+sew; but Lorelei couldn't learn much, though she loved her little
+teacher dearly, and every evening sung her to sleep with beautiful
+lullabies.
+
+There was a great deal of talk about the curious stranger; for her ways
+were odd, and no one knew what to make of her. She would eat nothing
+but fruit and shell-fish, and drink nothing but salt water. She didn't
+like tight clothes; but would have run about in a loose, green robe,
+with bare feet and flying hair, if Uncle Fact would have allowed it.
+Morning, noon, and night, she plunged into the sea,--no matter what the
+weather might be; and she would sleep on no bed but one stuffed with
+dried sea-weed. She made lovely chains of shells; found splendid bits of
+coral; and dived where no one else dared, to bring up wonderful plants
+and mosses. People offered money for these things; but she gave them all
+to Fancy and Aunt Fiction, of whom she was very fond. It was curious to
+see the sort of people who liked both Fancy and her friend,--poets,
+artists; delicate, thoughtful children; and a few old people, who had
+kept their hearts young in spite of care and time and trouble. Dashing
+young gentlemen, fine young ladies, worldly-minded and money-loving men
+and women, and artificial, unchildlike children, the two friends avoided
+carefully; and these persons either made fun of them, neglected them
+entirely, or seemed to be unconscious that they were alive. The others
+they knew at a glance; for their faces warmed and brightened when the
+children came, they listened to their songs and stories, joined in their
+plays, and found rest and refreshment in their sweet society.
+
+"This will do for a time; as Fancy is getting strong, and not entirely
+wasting her days, thanks to me! But our holiday is nearly over; and, as
+soon as I get back to town, I'll take that child to the Ragged Refuge,
+and see what they can make of her," said Uncle Fact, who was never quite
+satisfied about Lorelei; because he could find out so little concerning
+her. He was walking over the beach as he said this, after a hard day's
+work on his encyclopædia. He sat down on a rock in a quiet place; and,
+instead of enjoying the lovely sunset, he fell to studying the course of
+the clouds, the state of the tide, and the temperature of the air, till
+the sound of voices made him peep over the rock. Fancy and her friend
+were playing there, and the old gentleman waited to see what they were
+about. Both were sitting with their little bare feet in the water;
+Lorelei was stringing pearls, and Fancy plaiting a crown of pretty green
+rushes.
+
+"I wish I could go home, and get you a string of finer pearls than
+these," said Lorelei; "but it is too far away, and I cannot swim now as
+I used to do."
+
+"I must look into this. The girl evidently knows all about herself, and
+can tell, if she chooses," muttered Uncle Fact, getting rather excited
+over this discovery.
+
+"Never mind the pearls: I'd rather have you, dear," said Fancy lovingly.
+"Tell me a story while we work, or sing me a song; and I'll give you my
+crown."
+
+"I'll sing you a little song that has got what your uncle calls a moral
+to it," said Lorelei, laughing mischievously. Then, in her breezy little
+voice, she sang the story of--
+
+THE ROCK AND THE BUBBLE.
+
+        Oh! a bare, brown rock
+          Stood up in the sea,
+        The waves at its feet
+          Dancing merrily.
+
+        A little bubble
+          Came sailing by,
+        And thus to the rock
+          Did it gayly cry,--
+
+        "Ho! clumsy brown stone,
+          Quick, make way for me:
+        I'm the fairest thing
+          That floats on the sea.
+
+        "See my rainbow-robe,
+          See my crown of light,
+        My glittering form,
+          So airy and bright.
+
+        "O'er the waters blue,
+          I'm floating away,
+        To dance by the shore
+          With the foam and spray.
+
+        "Now, make way, make way;
+          For the waves are strong,
+        And their rippling feet
+          Bear me fast along."
+
+        But the great rock stood
+          Straight up in the sea:
+        It looked gravely down,
+          And said pleasantly,--
+
+        "Little friend, you must
+          Go some other way;
+        For I have not stirred
+          This many a long day.
+
+        "Great billows have dashed,
+          And angry winds blown;
+        But my sturdy form
+          Is not overthrown.
+
+        "Nothing can stir me
+          In the air or sea;
+        Then, how can I move,
+          Little friend, for thee?"
+
+        Then the waves all laughed,
+          In their voices sweet;
+        And the sea-birds looked,
+          From their rocky seat,
+
+        At the bubble gay,
+          Who angrily cried,
+        While its round cheek glowed
+          With a foolish pride,--
+
+        "You _shall_ move for me;
+          And you shall not mock
+        At the words I say,
+          You ugly, rough rock!
+
+        "Be silent, wild birds!
+          Why stare you so?
+        Stop laughing, rude waves,
+          And help me to go!
+
+        "For I am the queen
+          Of the ocean here,
+        And this cruel stone
+          Cannot make me fear."
+
+        Dashing fiercely up,
+          With a scornful word,
+        Foolish bubble broke;
+          But rock never stirred.
+
+        Then said the sea-birds,
+          Sitting in their nests,
+        To the little ones
+          Leaning on their breasts,--
+
+        "Be not like Bubble,
+          Headstrong, rude, and vain,
+        Seeking by violence
+          Your object to gain;
+
+        "But be like the rock,
+          Steadfast, true, and strong,
+        Yet cheerful and kind,
+          And firm against wrong.
+
+        "Heed, little birdlings,
+          And wiser you'll be
+        For the lesson learned
+          To-day by the sea."
+
+"Well, to be sure the song _has_ got a moral, if that silly Fancy only
+sees it," said Uncle Fact, popping up his bald head again as the song
+ended.
+
+"I thank you: that's a good little song for me. But, Lorelei, are you
+sorry you came to be my friend?" cried Fancy; for, as she bent to lay
+the crown on the other's head, she saw that she was looking wistfully
+down into the water that kissed her feet.
+
+"Not yet: while you love me, I am happy, and never regret that I ceased
+to be a mermaid for your sake," answered Lorelei, laying her soft cheek
+against her friend's.
+
+"How happy I was the day my play-mermaid changed to a real one!" said
+Fancy. "I often want to tell people all about that wonderful thing, and
+let them know who you really are: then they'd love you as I do, instead
+of calling you a little vagabond."
+
+"Few would believe our story; and those that did would wonder at
+me,--not love me as you do. They would put me in a cage, and make a show
+of me; and I should be so miserable I should die. So don't tell who I
+am, will you?" said Lorelei earnestly.
+
+"Never," cried Fancy, clinging to her. "But, my deary, what will you do
+when uncle sends you away from me, as he means to do as soon as we go
+home? I can see you sometimes; but we cannot be always together, and
+there is no ocean for you to enjoy in the city."
+
+"I shall bear it, if I can, for your sake; if I cannot, I shall come
+back here, and wait till you come again next year."
+
+"No, no! I will not be parted from you; and, if uncle takes you away,
+I'll come here, and be a mermaid with you," cried Fancy.
+
+The little friends threw their arms about each other, and were so full
+of their own feelings that they never saw Uncle Fact's tall shadow flit
+across them, as he stole away over the soft sand. Poor old gentleman! he
+was in a sad state of mind, and didn't know what to do; for in all his
+long life he had never been so puzzled before.
+
+"A mermaid indeed!" he muttered. "I always thought that child was a
+fool, and now I'm sure of it. She thinks she is a mermaid, and has made
+Fancy believe it. I've told my wife a dozen times that she let Fancy
+read too many fairy tales and wonder-books. Her head is full of
+nonsense, and she is just ready to believe any ridiculous story that is
+told her. Now, what on earth shall I do? If I put Luly in an asylum,
+Fancy will break her heart, and very likely they will both run away. If
+I leave them together, Luly will soon make Fancy as crazy as she is
+herself, and I shall be mortified by having a niece who insists that her
+playmate is a mermaid. Bless my soul! how absurd it all is!"
+
+Aunt Fiction had gone to town to see her publishers about a novel she
+had written, and he didn't like to tell the queer story to any one else;
+so Uncle Fact thought it over, and decided to settle the matter at
+once. When the children came in, he sent Fancy to wait for him in the
+library, while he talked alone with Lorelei. He did his best; but he
+could do nothing with her,--she danced and laughed, and told the same
+tale as before, till the old gentleman confessed that he had heard their
+talk on the rocks: then she grew very sad, and owned that she _was_ a
+mermaid. This made him angry, and he wouldn't believe it for an instant;
+but told her it was impossible, and she must say something else.
+
+Lorelei could say nothing else, and wept bitterly when he would not
+listen; so he locked her up and went to Fancy, who felt as if something
+dreadful was going to happen when she saw his face. He told her all he
+knew, and insisted that Lorelei was foolish or naughty to persist in
+such a ridiculous story.
+
+"But, uncle, I really did make a mermaid; and she really did come alive,
+for I saw the figure float away, and then Lorelei appeared," said Fancy,
+very earnestly.
+
+"It's very likely you made a figure, and called it a mermaid: it would
+be just the sort of thing you'd do," said her uncle. "But it is
+impossible that any coming alive took place, and I won't hear any such
+nonsense. You didn't see this girl come out of the water; for she says
+you never looked up, till she touched you. She was a real child, who
+came over the beach from somewhere; and you fancied she looked like
+your figure, and believed the silly tale she told you. It is my belief
+that she is a sly, bad child; and the sooner she is sent away the better
+for you."
+
+Uncle Fact was so angry and talked so loud, that Fancy felt frightened
+and bewildered; and began to think he might be right about the mermaid
+part, though she hated to give up the little romance.
+
+"If I agree that she _is_ a real child, won't you let her stay, uncle?"
+she said, forgetting that, if she lost her faith, her friend was lost
+also.
+
+"Ah! then you have begun to come to your senses, have you? and are ready
+to own that you don't believe in mermaids and such rubbish?" cried Uncle
+Fact, stopping in his tramp up and down the room.
+
+"Why, if you say there never were and never can be any, I suppose I
+_must_ give up my fancy; but I'm sorry," sighed the child.
+
+"That's my sensible girl! Now, think a minute, my dear, and you will
+also own that it is best to give up the child as well as the mermaid,"
+said her uncle briskly.
+
+"Oh! no: we love one another; and she is good, and I can't give her up,"
+cried Fancy.
+
+"Answer me a few questions; and I'll prove that she isn't good, that you
+don't love her, and that you _can_ give her up," said Uncle Fact, and
+numbered off the questions on his fingers as he spoke.
+
+"Didn't Luly want you to deceive us, and every one else, about who she
+was?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Don't you like to be with her better than with your aunt or myself?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Hadn't you rather hear her songs and stories than learn your lessons?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Isn't it wrong to deceive people, to love strangers more than those who
+are a father and mother to you, and to like silly tales better than
+useful lessons?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Very well. Then, don't you see, that, if Luly makes you do these wrong
+and ungrateful things, she is not a good child, nor a fit playmate for
+you?"
+
+Fancy didn't answer; for she couldn't feel that it was so, though he
+made it seem so. When Uncle Fact talked in that way, she always got
+confused and gave up; for she didn't know how to argue. He was right in
+a certain way; but she felt as if she was right also in another way,
+though she could not prove it: so she hung her head, and let her tears
+drop on the carpet one by one.
+
+Uncle Fact didn't mean to be unkind, but he did mean to have his own
+way; and, when he saw the little girl's sad face, he took her on his
+knee, and said, more mildly:
+
+"Do you remember the story about the German Lorelei, who sung so
+sweetly, and lured people to death in the Rhine?"
+
+"Yes, uncle; and I like it," answered Fancy, looking up.
+
+"Well, my dear, your Lorelei will lead you into trouble, if you follow
+her. Suppose she is what you think her,--a mermaid: it is her delight to
+draw people into the water, where, of course, they drown. If she is what
+I think her,--a sly, bad child, who sees that you are very simple, and
+who means to get taken care of without doing any thing useful,--she will
+spoil you in a worse way than if you followed her into the sea. I've got
+no little daughter of my own, and I want to keep you as safe and happy
+as if you were mine. I don't like this girl, and I want you to give her
+up for my sake. Will you, Fancy?"
+
+While her uncle said these things, all the beauty seemed to fall away
+from her friend, all the sweetness from their love, and all her faith in
+the little dream which had made her so happy. Mermaids became
+treacherous, unlovely, unreal creatures; and Lorelei seemed like a
+naughty, selfish child, who deceived her, and made her do wrong things.
+Her uncle had been very kind to her all her life; and she loved him, was
+grateful, and wanted to show that she was, by pleasing him. But her
+heart clung to the friend she had made, trusted, and loved; and it
+seemed impossible to give up the shadow, even though the substance was
+gone. She put her hands before her face for a moment; then laid her arms
+about the old man's neck, and whispered, with a little sob:
+
+"I'll give her up; but you'll be kind to her, because I was fond of her
+once."
+
+As the last word left Fancy's lips, a long, sad cry sounded through the
+room; Lorelei sprung in, gave her one kiss, and was seen to run swiftly
+toward the beach, wringing her hands. Fancy flew after; but, when she
+reached the shore, there was nothing to be seen but the scattered
+pebbles, shells, and weeds that made the mock mermaid, floating away on
+a receding wave.
+
+"Do you believe now?" cried Fancy, weeping bitterly, as she pointed to
+the wreck of her friend, and turned reproachfully toward Uncle Fact, who
+had followed in great astonishment.
+
+The old gentleman looked well about him; then shook his head, and
+answered decidedly:
+
+"No, my dear, I _don't_. It's an odd affair; but, I've no doubt, it will
+be cleared up in a natural way sometime or other."
+
+But there he was mistaken; for this mystery never _was_ cleared up.
+Other people soon forgot it, and Fancy never spoke of it; yet she made
+very few friends, and, though she learned to love and value Uncle Fact
+as well as Aunt Fiction, she could not forget her dearest playmate. Year
+after year she came back to the sea-side; and the first thing she always
+did was to visit the place where she used to play, and stretch her arms
+toward the sea, crying tenderly:
+
+"O my little friend! come back to me!"
+
+But Lorelei never came again.
+
+
+THE END.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+LOUISA M. ALCOTT'S FAMOUS BOOKS
+
+[Illustration: "Sing, Tessa; sing!" cried Tommo, twanging away with all
+his might.--PAGE 47.]
+
+AUNT JO'S SCRAP-BAG: Containing "My Boys," "Shawl-Straps," "Cupid and
+Chow-Chow," "My Girls," "Jimmy's Cruise in the Pinafore," "An
+Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving." 6 vols. Price of each, $1.00.
+
+ROBERTS BROTHERS, PUBLISHERS, _Boston_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+LOUISE CHANDLER MOULTON'S STORIES.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+BED-TIME STORIES.
+
+    MORE BED-TIME STORIES.
+
+        NEW BED-TIME STORIES.
+
+WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY ADDIE LEDYARD.
+
+Three volumes in a box. Price, $3.75.
+
+_ROBERTS BROTHERS_, _Publishers_, BOSTON.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+AUNT JO'S SCRAP-BAG.
+
+CUPID AND CHOW-CHOW, ETC.
+
+[Illustration: SCRAP-BAG. VOL III.]
+
+BY LOUISA M. ALCOTT,
+
+AUTHOR OF "LITTLE WOMEN," "AN OLD-FASHIONED GIRL," "LITTLE MEN,"
+"HOSPITAL SKETCHES."
+
+
+BOSTON:
+
+ROBERTS BROTHERS.
+
+1881.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+Jean Ingelow's Prose Story Books.
+
+In 5 vols. 16mo, uniformly bound.
+
+STUDIES FOR STORIES FROM GIRLS' LIVES. Illustrated, Price, $1.25.
+
+    "A rare source of delight for all who can find pleasure in
+    really good works of prose fiction.... They are prose poems,
+    carefully meditated, and exquisitely couched in by a teacher
+    ready to sympathize with every joy and sorrow."--_Athenæum._
+
+STORIES TOLD TO A CHILD. Illustrated. Price, $1.25.
+
+STORIES TOLD TO A CHILD. Second Series. Illustrated. Price, $1.25.
+
+    "This is one of the most charming juvenile books ever laid on
+    our table. Jean Ingelow, the noble English poet, second only to
+    Mrs. Browning, bends easily and gracefully from the heights of
+    thought and fine imagination to commune with the minds and
+    hearts of children; to sympathize with their little joys and
+    sorrows; to feel for their temptations. She is a safe guide for
+    the little pilgrims; for her paths, though 'paths of
+    pleasantness,' lead straight upward."--_Grace Greenwood in "The
+    Little Pilgrim."_
+
+
+A SISTER'S BYE-HOURS. Illustrated. Price, $1.25.
+
+    "Seven short stories of domestic life by one of the most popular
+    of the young authors of the day,--an author who has her heart in
+    what she writes,--Jean Ingelow. And there is heart in these
+    stories, and healthy moral lessons, too. They are written in the
+    author's most graceful and affecting style, will be read with
+    real pleasure, and, when read, will leave more than momentary
+    impressions."--_Brooklyn Union._
+
+
+MOPSA THE FAIRY. A Story. With Eight Illustrations. Price, $1.25.
+
+    "Miss Ingelow is, to our mind, the most charming of all living
+    writers for children, and 'Mopsa' alone ought to give her a kind
+    of pre-emptive right to the love and gratitude of our young
+    folks. It requires genius to conceive a purely imaginary work
+    which must of necessity deal with the supernatural, without
+    running into a mere riot of fantastic absurdity; but genius Miss
+    Ingelow has, and the story of Jack is as careless and joyous,
+    but as delicate, as a picture of childhood.
+
+    "The young people should be grateful to Jean Ingelow and those
+    other noble writers, who, in our day, have taken upon themselves
+    the task of supplying them with literature, if for no other
+    reason, that these writers have saved them from the ineffable
+    didacticism which, till within the last few years, was
+    considered the only food fit for the youthful
+    mind."--_Eclectic._
+
+_Sold everywhere. Mailed, postpaid, by the Publishers._
+
+ROBERTS BROTHERS, BOSTON.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+_Messrs. Roberts Brothers' Publications._
+
+CASTLE BLAIR:
+
+A STORY OF YOUTHFUL DAYS.
+
+BY FLORA L. SHAW.
+
+16mo. Cloth. Price $1.00
+
+    "There is quite a lovely little book just come out about
+    children,--'Castle Blair!' ... The book is good, and lovely, and
+    true, having the best description of a noble child in it
+    (Winnie) that I ever read; and nearly the best description of
+    the next best thing,--a noble dog," says John Ruskin, the
+    distinguished art critic.
+
+    "'Castle Blair,' a story of youthful days, by Flora L. Shaw, is
+    an Irish story. A charming young girl--half French, half
+    English--comes from France, at the age of eighteen, to live with
+    her bachelor uncle at Castle Blair, which is in possession of
+    five children of an absent brother of this uncle. The children
+    are in a somewhat wild and undisciplined condition, but they are
+    as interesting children as can be imagined, and some of them
+    winning to an extraordinary degree. They are natural children,
+    in manner and in talk; but the book differs from some American
+    books about children, in that it is pervaded by an air of
+    refinement and good-breeding. The story is altogether
+    delightful, quite worthy, from an American point of view, of all
+    Mr. Ruskin says of it; and if circulation were determined by
+    merit, it would speedily outstrip a good many now popular
+    children's books which have a vein of commonness, if not of
+    vulgarity."--_Hartford Courant._
+
+    "It is not too much to say that nothing more interesting or more
+    wholesome is offered this year for older boys and girls. It is a
+    charming story, in which the author has delineated character as
+    carefully, and with as keen an artistic sense, as if she had
+    been writing a novel. Her book is a novel, indeed, with children
+    and the lives of children, instead of men and women and their
+    lives, for its theme."--_New York Evening Post._
+
+_Our publications are to be had of all Booksellers. When not to be
+found, send directly to_
+
+ROBERTS BROTHERS, PUBLISHERS, =BOSTON.=
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+_Messrs. Roberts Brothers' Publications._
+
+NELLY'S SILVER MINE.
+
+BY H. H.
+
+With Illustrations. 16mo, cloth. Price $1.50.
+
+    "The sketches of life, especially of its odd and out-of-the-way
+    aspects, by H. H. always possess so vivid a reality that they
+    appear more like the actual scenes than any copy by pencil or
+    photograph. They form a series of living pictures, radiant with
+    sunlight and fresh as morning dew. In this new story the fruits
+    of her fine genius are of Colorado growth, and though without
+    the antique flavor of her recollections of Rome and Venice, are
+    as delicious to the taste as they are tempting to the eye, and
+    afford a natural feast of exquisite quality."--_N. Y. Tribune._
+
+    "This charming little book, written for children's entertainment
+    and instruction, is equally delightful to the fathers and
+    mothers. It is life in New England, and the racy history of a
+    long railway journey to the wilds of Colorado. The children are
+    neither imps nor angels, but just such children as are found in
+    every happy home. The pictures are so graphically drawn that we
+    feel well acquainted with Rob and Nelly, have travelled with
+    them and climbed mountains and found silver mines, and know all
+    about the rude life made beautiful by a happy family, and can
+    say of Nelly, with their German neighbor, Mr. Kleesman, 'Ach
+    well, she haf better than any silver mine in her own
+    self.'"--_Chicago Inter-Ocean._
+
+    "In 'Nelly's Silver Mine' Mrs. Helen Hunt Jackson has given us a
+    true classic for the nursery and the school-room, but its
+    readers will not be confined to any locality. Its vivid
+    portraiture of Colorado life and its truth to child-nature give
+    it a charm which the most experienced cannot fail to feel. It
+    will stand by the side of Miss Edgeworth and Mrs. Barbauld in
+    all the years to come."--_Mrs. Caroline H. Dall._
+
+    "We heartily commend the book for its healthy spirit, its lively
+    narrative, and its freedom from most of the faults of books for
+    children."--_Atlantic Monthly._
+
+_Our publications are to be had of all Booksellers. When not to be
+found, send directly to_
+
+ROBERTS BROTHERS, BOSTON.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Aunt Jo's Scrap-Bag VI, by Louisa M. Alcott
+
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+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Aunt Jo's Scrap-Bag VI, by Louisa M. Alcott
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Aunt Jo's Scrap-Bag VI
+       An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving, Etc.
+
+Author: Louisa M. Alcott
+
+Release Date: December 19, 2008 [EBook #27567]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AUNT JO'S SCRAP-BAG VI ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Edwards, Katherine Ward and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by The Internet Archive)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+<p class="adheadline">AUNT JO'S SCRAP-BAG</p>
+
+<p class="center">Is now full, and contains</p>
+
+<ol class="TOC" style="margin-left: 25%; margin-right: 0;">
+<li><b>MY BOYS</b>, and other stories.</li>
+<li><b>SHAWL-STRAPS.</b> Sketches of a European Trip.</li>
+<li><b>CUPID AND CHOW-CHOW</b>, and other stories.</li>
+<li><b>MY GIRLS</b>, and other stories.</li>
+<li><b>JIMMY'S CRUISE IN THE PINAFORE</b>, and other stories.</li>
+<li><b>AN OLD-FASHIONED THANKSGIVING</b>, and other stories.</li>
+</ol>
+
+<p class="adprice"><i>Six volumes neatly bound in cloth. Price, $6.00.</i></p>
+
+<p class="center">ROBERTS BROTHERS, <span class="smcap">Publishers, Boston</span>.</p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+<img src="images/i001.png" width="358" height="500" alt="Tilly hugs the bear." title="" />
+<p class="caption">AN OLD-FASHIONED THANKSGIVING.<br />
+<br />
+"Suddenly Tilly threw down the axe, flung open the door, and ran
+straight into the arms of the bear."&mdash;<span class="smcap"><a href="#Page_29">Page 29.</a></span></p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="short" />
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+<img src="images/i002.png" width="354" height="500" alt="The two little girls see the gifts on the landing." title="" />
+<p class="caption">HOW IT ALL HAPPENED.<br />
+<br />
+Dolly opened the door, and started back with a cry of astonishment at the
+lovely spectacle before her.&mdash;<span class="smcap"><a href="#Page_47">Page 47.</a></span></p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="short" />
+
+<h1 class="smcap">Aunt Jo's Scrap-Bag.</h1>
+
+<h2>AN OLD-FASHIONED THANKSGIVING,
+<span class="smcap">Etc.</span></h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter plain">
+<img src="images/i003.png" width="197" height="250" alt="Scrap-Bag Vol VI" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<h3 class="smcap">By LOUISA M. ALCOTT,</h3>
+
+<p class="center smaller">AUTHOR OF "LITTLE WOMEN," "AN OLD-FASHIONED GIRL," "LITTLE MEN,"
+"HOSPITAL SKETCHES."</p>
+
+<p class="center">BOSTON:<br />
+ROBERTS BROTHERS.<br />
+1882.</p>
+
+<p class="center smaller"><i>Copyright, 1882,</i><br />
+<span class="smcap">By Louisa M. Alcott.</span></p>
+
+<p class="center smaller smcap">University Press:<br />
+John Wilson and Son, Cambridge.</p>
+
+<hr />
+<h2>CONTENTS.</h2>
+
+<p class="TOC">&nbsp;<span class="ralign smcap">Page.</span></p>
+<ol class="TOC">
+<li><span class="smcap">An Old-fashioned Thanksgiving</span><span class="ralign"><a href="#Page_7">7</a></span></li>
+<li><span class="smcap">How it all Happened</span><span class="ralign"><a href="#Page_37">37</a></span></li>
+<li><span class="smcap">The Dolls' Journey from Minnesota to Maine</span><span class="ralign"><a href="#Page_53">53</a></span></li>
+<li><span class="smcap">Morning-Glories</span><span class="ralign"><a href="#Page_78">78</a></span></li>
+<li><span class="smcap">Shadow-Children</span><span class="ralign"><a href="#Page_104">104</a></span></li>
+<li><span class="smcap">Poppy's Pranks</span><span class="ralign"><a href="#Page_124">124</a></span></li>
+<li><span class="smcap">What the Swallows did</span><span class="ralign"><a href="#Page_147">147</a></span></li>
+<li><span class="smcap">Little Gulliver</span><span class="ralign"><a href="#Page_163">163</a></span></li>
+<li><span class="smcap">The Whale's Story</span><span class="ralign"><a href="#Page_178">178</a></span></li>
+<li><span class="smcap">A Strange Island</span><span class="ralign"><a href="#Page_192">192</a></span></li>
+<li><span class="smcap">Fancy's Friend</span><span class="ralign"><a href="#Page_208">208</a></span></li>
+</ol>
+<hr />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="I" id="I"></a>I.</h2>
+
+<h3>AN OLD-FASHIONED THANKSGIVING.</h3>
+
+<p class="cap"><span class="dcap">Sixty</span> years ago, up among the New Hampshire
+hills, lived Farmer Bassett, with a house full of
+sturdy sons and daughters growing up about him.
+They were poor in money, but rich in land and love,
+for the wide acres of wood, corn, and pasture land
+fed, warmed, and clothed the flock, while mutual
+patience, affection, and courage made the old farm-house
+a very happy home.</p>
+
+<p>November had come; the crops were in, and barn,
+buttery, and bin were overflowing with the harvest
+that rewarded the summer's hard work. The big
+kitchen was a jolly place just now, for in the great
+fireplace roared a cheerful fire; on the walls hung
+garlands of dried apples, onions, and corn; up aloft
+from the beams shone crook-necked squashes, juicy
+hams, and dried venison&mdash;for in those days deer
+still haunted the deep forests, and hunters flourished.
+Savory smells were in the air; on the crane hung<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span>
+steaming kettles, and down among the red embers
+copper sauce-pans simmered, all suggestive of some
+approaching feast.</p>
+
+<p>A white-headed baby lay in the old blue cradle
+that had rocked seven other babies, now and then
+lifting his head to look out, like a round, full moon,
+then subsided to kick and crow contentedly, and suck
+the rosy apple he had no teeth to bite. Two small
+boys sat on the wooden settle shelling corn for popping,
+and picking out the biggest nuts from the goodly
+store their own hands had gathered in October. Four
+young girls stood at the long dresser, busily chopping
+meat, pounding spice, and slicing apples; and the
+tongues of Tilly, Prue, Roxy, and Rhody went as
+fast as their hands. Farmer Bassett, and Eph,
+the oldest boy, were "chorin' 'round" outside, for
+Thanksgiving was at hand, and all must be in order
+for that time-honored day.</p>
+
+<p>To and fro, from table to hearth, bustled buxom
+Mrs. Bassett, flushed and floury, but busy and blithe
+as the queen bee of this busy little hive should be.</p>
+
+<p>"I do like to begin seasonable and have things to
+my mind. Thanksgivin' dinners can't be drove, and
+it does take a sight of victuals to fill all these hungry
+stomicks," said the good woman, as she gave a vigorous
+stir to the great kettle of cider apple-sauce,
+and cast a glance of housewifely pride at the fine
+array of pies set forth on the buttery shelves.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span>
+"Only one more day and then it will be time to
+eat. I didn't take but one bowl of hasty pudding
+this morning, so I shall have plenty of room when
+the nice things come," confided Seth to Sol, as he
+cracked a large hazel-nut as easily as a squirrel.</p>
+
+<p>"No need of my starvin' beforehand. <i>I always</i>
+have room enough, and I'd like to have Thanksgiving
+every day," answered Solomon, gloating like
+a young ogre over the little pig that lay near by,
+ready for roasting.</p>
+
+<p>"Sakes alive, I don't, boys! It's a marcy it don't
+come but once a year. I should be worn to a thread-paper
+with all this extra work atop of my winter
+weavin' and spinnin'," laughed their mother, as she
+plunged her plump arms into the long bread-trough
+and began to knead the dough as if a famine was at
+hand.</p>
+
+<p>Tilly, the oldest girl, a red-cheeked, black-eyed
+lass of fourteen, was grinding briskly at the mortar,
+for spices were costly, and not a grain must be
+wasted. Prue kept time with the chopper, and the
+twins sliced away at the apples till their little brown
+arms ached, for all knew how to work, and did so
+now with a will.</p>
+
+<p>"I think it's real fun to have Thanksgiving at
+home. I'm sorry Gran'ma is sick, so we can't go
+there as usual, but I like to mess 'round here, don't
+you, girls?" asked Tilly, pausing to take a sniff at
+the spicy pestle.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span>
+"It will be kind of lonesome with only our own
+folks." "I like to see all the cousins and aunts,
+and have games, and sing," cried the twins, who
+were regular little romps, and could run, swim, coast
+and shout as well as their brothers.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't care a mite for all that. It will be so
+nice to eat dinner together, warm and comfortable at
+home," said quiet Prue, who loved her own cozy
+nooks like a cat.</p>
+
+<p>"Come, girls, fly 'round and get your chores done,
+so we can clear away for dinner jest as soon as I
+clap my bread into the oven," called Mrs. Bassett
+presently, as she rounded off the last loaf of brown
+bread which was to feed the hungry mouths that
+seldom tasted any other.</p>
+
+<p>"Here's a man comin' up the hill, lively!"
+"Guess it's Gad Hopkins. Pa told him to bring a
+dezzen oranges, if they warn't too high!" shouted
+Sol and Seth, running to the door, while the girls
+smacked their lips at the thought of this rare treat,
+and Baby threw his apple overboard, as if getting
+ready for a new cargo.</p>
+
+<p>But all were doomed to disappointment, for it was
+not Gad, with the much-desired fruit. It was a
+stranger, who threw himself off his horse and hurried
+up to Mr. Bassett in the yard, with some brief
+message that made the farmer drop his ax and look
+so sober that his wife guessed at once some bad<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span>
+news had come; and crying, "Mother's wuss! I
+know she is!" out ran the good woman, forgetful of
+the flour on her arms and the oven waiting for its
+most important batch.</p>
+
+<p>The man said old Mr. Chadwick, down to Keene,
+stopped him as he passed, and told him to tell Mrs.
+Bassett her mother was failin' fast, and she'd better
+come to-day. He knew no more, and having delivered
+his errand he rode away, saying it looked like
+snow and he must be jogging, or he wouldn't get
+home till night.</p>
+
+<p>"We must go right off, Eldad. Hitch up, and
+I'll be ready in less'n no time," said Mrs. Bassett,
+wasting not a minute in tears and lamentations, but
+pulling off her apron as she went in, with her mind
+in a sad jumble of bread, anxiety, turkey, sorrow,
+haste, and cider apple-sauce.</p>
+
+<p>A few words told the story, and the children left
+their work to help her get ready, mingling their grief
+for "Gran'ma" with regrets for the lost dinner.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm dreadful sorry, dears, but it can't be helped.
+I couldn't cook nor eat no way, now, and if that
+blessed woman gets better sudden, as she has before,
+we'll have cause for thanksgivin', and I'll give
+you a dinner you won't forget in a hurry," said Mrs.
+Bassett, as she tied on her brown silk pumpkin-hood,
+with a sob for the good old mother who had made
+it for her.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span>
+Not a child complained after that, but ran about
+helpfully, bringing moccasins, heating the footstone,
+and getting ready for a long drive, because Gran'ma
+lived twenty miles away, and there were no railroads
+in those parts to whisk people to and fro like magic.
+By the time the old yellow sleigh was at the door,
+the bread was in the oven, and Mrs. Bassett was
+waiting, with her camlet cloak on, and the baby
+done up like a small bale of blankets.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, Eph, you must look after the cattle like a
+man, and keep up the fires, for there's a storm
+brewin', and neither the children nor dumb critters
+must suffer," said Mr. Bassett, as he turned up the
+collar of his rough coat and put on his blue mittens,
+while the old mare shook her bells as if she preferred
+a trip to Keene to hauling wood all day.</p>
+
+<p>"Tilly, put extry comfortables on the beds to-night,
+the wind is so searchin' up chamber. Have the
+baked beans and Injun-puddin' for dinner, and whatever
+you do, don't let the boys git at the mince-pies,
+or you'll have them down sick. I shall come back
+the minute I can leave Mother. Pa will come
+to-morrer, anyway, so keep snug and be good. I
+depend on you, my darter; use your jedgment, and
+don't let nothin' happen while Mother's away."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes'm, yes'm&mdash;good-bye, good-bye!" called the
+children, as Mrs. Bassett was packed into the sleigh
+and driven away, leaving a stream of directions
+behind her.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span>
+Eph, the sixteen-year-old boy, immediately put on
+his biggest boots, assumed a sober, responsible manner,
+and surveyed his little responsibilities with a
+paternal air, drolly like his father's. Tilly tied on
+her mother's bunch of keys, rolled up the sleeves of
+her homespun gown, and began to order about the
+younger girls. They soon forgot poor Granny, and
+found it great fun to keep house all alone, for Mother
+seldom left home, but ruled her family in the good
+old-fashioned way. There were no servants, for the
+little daughters were Mrs. Bassett's only maids, and
+the stout boys helped their father, all working happily
+together with no wages but love; learning in
+the best manner the use of the heads and hands
+with which they were to make their own way in the
+world.</p>
+
+<p>The few flakes that caused the farmer to predict
+bad weather soon increased to a regular snow-storm,
+with gusts of wind, for up among the hills winter
+came early and lingered long. But the children
+were busy, gay, and warm in-doors, and never minded
+the rising gale nor the whirling white storm outside.</p>
+
+<p>Tilly got them a good dinner, and when it was
+over the two elder girls went to their spinning, for
+in the kitchen stood the big and little wheels, and
+baskets of wool-rolls, ready to be twisted into yarn
+for the winter's knitting, and each day brought its
+stint of work to the daughters, who hoped to be as
+thrifty as their mother.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span>
+Eph kept up a glorious fire, and superintended
+the small boys, who popped corn and whittled boats
+on the hearth; while Roxy and Rhody dressed
+corn-cob dolls in the settle corner, and Bose, the
+brindled mastiff, lay on the braided mat, luxuriously
+warming his old legs. Thus employed, they made
+a pretty picture, these rosy boys and girls, in their
+homespun suits, with the rustic toys or tasks which
+most children nowadays would find very poor or
+tiresome.</p>
+
+<p>Tilly and Prue sang, as they stepped to and fro,
+drawing out the smoothly twisted threads to the
+musical hum of the great spinning-wheels. The
+little girls chattered like magpies over their dolls and
+the new bed-spread they were planning to make, all
+white dimity stars on a blue calico ground, as a
+Christmas present to Ma. The boys roared at Eph's
+jokes, and had rough and tumble games over Bose,
+who didn't mind them in the least; and so the afternoon
+wore pleasantly away.</p>
+
+<p>At sunset the boys went out to feed the cattle,
+bring in heaps of wood, and lock up for the night, as
+the lonely farm-house seldom had visitors after dark.
+The girls got the simple supper of brown bread and
+milk, baked apples, and a doughnut all 'round as a
+treat. Then they sat before the fire, the sisters knitting,
+the brothers with books or games, for Eph
+loved reading, and Sol and Seth never failed to play<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span>
+a few games of Morris with barley corns, on the
+little board they had made themselves at one corner
+of the dresser.</p>
+
+<p>"Read out a piece," said Tilly, from Mother's
+chair, where she sat in state, finishing off the sixth
+woolen sock she had knit that month.</p>
+
+<p>"It's the old history book, but here's a bit you
+may like, since it's about our folks," answered
+Eph, turning the yellow page to look at a picture
+of two quaintly dressed children in some ancient
+castle.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, read that. I always like to hear about the
+Lady Matildy I was named for, and Lord Bassett,
+Pa's great-great-great-grandpa. He's only a farmer
+now, but it's nice to know that we were somebody
+two or three hundred years ago," said Tilly, bridling
+and tossing her curly head as she fancied the Lady
+Matilda might have done.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't read the queer words, 'cause we don't
+understand 'em. Tell it," commanded Roxy, from
+the cradle, where she was drowsily cuddled with
+Rhody.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, a long time ago, when Charles the First
+was in prison, Lord Bassett was a true friend to
+him," began Eph, plunging into his story without
+delay. "The lord had some papers that would have
+hung a lot of people if the king's enemies got hold
+of 'em, so when he heard one day, all of a sudden,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span>
+that soldiers were at the castle-gate to carry him off,
+he had just time to call his girl to him, and say: 'I
+may be going to my death, but I won't betray my
+master. There is no time to burn the papers, and I
+can not take them with me; they are hidden in the
+old leathern chair where I sit. No one knows this
+but you, and you must guard them till I come or
+send you a safe messenger to take them away.
+Promise me to be brave and silent, and I can go
+without fear.' You see, he wasn't afraid to die, but
+he <i>was</i> to seem a traitor. Lady Matildy promised
+solemnly, and the words were hardly out of her
+mouth when the men came in, and her father was
+carried away a prisoner and sent off to the Tower.</p>
+
+<p>"But she didn't cry; she just called her brother,
+and sat down in that chair, with her head leaning
+back on those papers, like a queen, and waited while
+the soldiers hunted the house over for 'em: wasn't
+that a smart girl?" cried Tilly, beaming with pride,
+for she was named for this ancestress, and knew the
+story by heart.</p>
+
+<p>"I reckon she was scared, though, when the men
+came swearin' in and asked her if she knew anything
+about it. The boy did his part then, for <i>he</i> didn't
+know, and fired up and stood before his sister; and
+he says, says he, as bold as a lion: 'If my lord had
+told us where the papers be, we would die before we
+would betray him. But we are children and know<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span>
+nothing, and it is cowardly of you to try to fright us
+with oaths and drawn swords!'"</p>
+
+<p>As Eph quoted from the book, Seth planted himself
+before Tilly, with the long poker in his hand,
+saying, as he flourished it valiantly:</p>
+
+<p>"Why didn't the boy take his father's sword and
+lay about him? I would, if any one was ha'sh to
+Tilly."</p>
+
+<p>"You bantam! He was only a bit of a boy, and
+couldn't do anything. Sit down and hear the rest of
+it," commanded Tilly, with a pat on the yellow head,
+and a private resolve that Seth should have the
+largest piece of pie at dinner next day, as reward for
+his chivalry.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, the men went off after turning the castle
+out of window, but they said they should come again;
+so faithful Matildy was full of trouble, and hardly
+dared to leave the room where the chair stood. All
+day she sat there, and at night her sleep was so full
+of fear about it, that she often got up and went to
+see that all was safe. The servants thought the
+fright had hurt her wits, and let her be, but Rupert,
+the boy, stood by her and never was afraid of her
+queer ways. She was 'a pious maid,' the book says,
+and often spent the long evenings reading the Bible,
+with her brother by her, all alone in the great room,
+with no one to help her bear her secret, and no good
+news of her father. At last, word came that the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span>
+king was dead and his friends banished out of England.
+Then the poor children were in a sad plight,
+for they had no mother, and the servants all ran
+away, leaving only one faithful old man to help
+them."</p>
+
+<p>"But the father did come?" cried Roxy, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>"You'll see," continued Eph, half telling, half
+reading.</p>
+
+<p>"Matilda was sure he would, so she sat on in the
+big chair, guarding the papers, and no one could get
+her away, till one day a man came with her father's
+ring and told her to give up the secret. She knew
+the ring, but would not tell until she had asked many
+questions, so as to be very sure, and while the man
+answered all about her father and the king, she
+looked at him sharply. Then she stood up and
+said, in a tremble, for there was something strange
+about the man: 'Sir, I doubt you in spite of the
+ring, and I will not answer till you pull off the false
+beard you wear, that I may see your face and know
+if you are my father's friend or foe.' Off came the
+disguise, and Matilda found it was my lord himself,
+come to take them with him out of England. He
+was very proud of that faithful girl, I guess, for the
+old chair still stands in the castle, and the name
+keeps in the family, Pa says, even over here, where
+some of the Bassetts came along with the Pilgrims."</p>
+
+<p>"Our Tilly would have been as brave, I know, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span>
+she looks like the old picter down to Grandma's,
+don't she, Eph?" cried Prue, who admired her bold,
+bright sister very much.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I think you'd do the settin' part best, Prue,
+you are so patient. Till would fight like a wild cat,
+but she can't hold her tongue worth a cent," answered
+Eph; whereat Tilly pulled his hair, and the story
+ended with a general frolic.</p>
+
+<p>When the moon-faced clock behind the door
+struck nine, Tilly tucked up the children under the
+"extry comfortables," and having kissed them all
+around, as Mother did, crept into her own nest, never
+minding the little drifts of snow that sifted in upon
+her coverlet between the shingles of the roof, nor the
+storm that raged without.</p>
+
+<p>As if he felt the need of unusual vigilance, old
+Bose lay down on the mat before the door, and pussy
+had the warm hearth all to herself. If any late wanderer
+had looked in at midnight, he would have seen
+the fire blazing up again, and in the cheerful glow
+the old cat blinking her yellow eyes, as she sat bolt
+upright beside the spinning-wheel, like some sort of
+household goblin, guarding the children while they
+slept.</p>
+
+<p>When they woke, like early birds, it still snowed,
+but up the little Bassetts jumped, broke the ice in
+their pitchers, and went down with cheeks glowing
+like winter apples, after a brisk scrub and scramble<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span>
+into their clothes. Eph was off to the barn, and
+Tilly soon had a great kettle of mush ready, which,
+with milk warm from the cows, made a wholesome
+breakfast for the seven hearty children.</p>
+
+<p>"Now about dinner," said the young housekeeper,
+as the pewter spoons stopped clattering, and the
+earthen bowls stood empty.</p>
+
+<p>"Ma said, have what we liked, but she didn't
+expect us to have a real Thanksgiving dinner,
+because she won't be here to cook it, and we don't
+know how," began Prue, doubtfully.</p>
+
+<p>"I can roast a turkey and make a pudding as well
+as anybody, I guess. The pies are all ready, and if
+we can't boil vegetables and so on, we don't deserve
+any dinner," cried Tilly, burning to distinguish herself,
+and bound to enjoy to the utmost her brief
+authority.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes!" cried all the boys, "let's have a dinner
+anyway; Ma won't care, and the good victuals
+will spoil if they ain't eaten right up."</p>
+
+<p>"Pa is coming to-night, so we won't have dinner
+till late; that will be real genteel and give us plenty
+of time," added Tilly, suddenly realizing the novelty
+of the task she had undertaken.</p>
+
+<p>"Did you ever roast a turkey?" asked Roxy, with
+an air of deep interest.</p>
+
+<p>"Should you darst to try?" said Rhody, in an
+awe-stricken tone.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span>
+"You will see what I can do. Ma said I was to
+use my jedgment about things, and I'm going to.
+All you children have got to do is to keep out of the
+way, and let Prue and me work. Eph, I wish you'd
+put a fire in the best room, so the little ones can play
+in there. We shall want the settin'-room for the
+table, and I won't have 'em pickin' 'round when we
+get things fixed," commanded Tilly, bound to make
+her short reign a brilliant one.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know about that. Ma didn't tell us to,"
+began cautious Eph, who felt that this invasion of
+the sacred best parlor was a daring step.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't we always do it Sundays and Thanksgivings?
+Wouldn't Ma wish the children kept safe
+and warm anyhow? Can I get up a nice dinner with
+four rascals under my feet all the time? Come, now,
+if you want roast turkey and onions, plum-puddin'
+and mince-pie, you'll have to do as I tell you, and be
+lively about it."</p>
+
+<p>Tilly spoke with such spirit, and her last suggestion
+was so irresistible, that Eph gave in, and, laughing
+good-naturedly, tramped away to heat up the
+best room, devoutly hoping that nothing serious
+would happen to punish such audacity.</p>
+
+<p>The young folks delightedly trooped in to destroy
+the order of that prim apartment with housekeeping
+under the black horse-hair sofa, "horseback
+riders" on the arms of the best rocking-chair, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span>
+an Indian war-dance all over the well-waxed furniture.
+Eph, finding the society of the peaceful sheep
+and cows more to his mind than that of two excited
+sisters, lingered over his chores in the barn as long
+as possible, and left the girls in peace.</p>
+
+<p>Now Tilly and Prue were in their glory, and as
+soon as the breakfast things were out of the way,
+they prepared for a grand cooking-time. They were
+handy girls, though they had never heard of a cooking-school,
+never touched a piano, and knew nothing
+of embroidery beyond the samplers which hung
+framed in the parlor; one ornamented with a pink
+mourner under a blue weeping-willow, the other with
+this pleasing verse, each word being done in a different
+color, which gave the effect of a distracted rainbow:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"This sampler neat was worked by me,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">&nbsp;In my twelfth year, Prudence B."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Both rolled up their sleeves, put on their largest
+aprons, and got out all the spoons, dishes, pots, and
+pans they could find, "so as to have everything
+handy," as Prue said.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, sister, we'll have dinner at five; Pa will be
+here by that time if he is coming to-night, and be so
+surprised to find us all ready, for he won't have had
+any very nice victuals if Gran'ma is so sick," said
+Tilly importantly. "I shall give the children a piece
+at noon" (Tilly meant luncheon); "doughnuts and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span>
+cheese, with apple-pie and cider will please 'em.
+There's beans for Eph; he likes cold pork, so we
+won't stop to warm it up, for there's lots to do, and I
+don't mind saying to you I'm dreadful dubersome
+about the turkey."</p>
+
+<p>"It's all ready but the stuffing, and roasting is as
+easy as can be. I can baste first rate. Ma always
+likes to have me, I'm so patient and stiddy, she
+says," answered Prue, for the responsibility of this
+great undertaking did not rest upon her, so she took
+a cheerful view of things.</p>
+
+<p>"I know, but it's the stuffin' that troubles me,"
+said Tilly, rubbing her round elbows as she eyed the
+immense fowl laid out on a platter before her. "I
+don't know how much I want, nor what sort of yarbs
+to put in, and he's so awful big, I'm kind of afraid
+of him."</p>
+
+<p>"I ain't! I fed him all summer, and he never
+gobbled at <i>me</i>. I feel real mean to be thinking of
+gobbling him, poor old chap," laughed Prue, patting
+her departed pet with an air of mingled affection and
+appetite.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I'll get the puddin' off my mind fust, for it
+ought to bile all day. Put the big kettle on, and see
+that the spit is clean, while I get ready."</p>
+
+<p>Prue obediently tugged away at the crane, with its
+black hooks, from which hung the iron tea-kettle and
+three-legged pot; then she settled the long spit in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span>
+grooves made for it in the tall andirons, and put the
+dripping-pan underneath, for in those days meat was
+roasted as it should be, not baked in ovens.</p>
+
+<p>Meantime Tilly attacked the plum-pudding. She
+felt pretty sure of coming out right, here, for she had
+seen her mother do it so many times, it looked very
+easy. So in went suet and fruit; all sorts of spice,
+to be sure she got the right ones, and brandy instead
+of wine. But she forgot both sugar and salt, and
+tied it in the cloth so tightly that it had no room to
+swell, so it would come out as heavy as lead and as
+hard as a cannon-ball, if the bag did not burst and
+spoil it all. Happily unconscious of these mistakes,
+Tilly popped it into the pot, and proudly watched it
+bobbing about before she put the cover on and left
+it to its fate.</p>
+
+<p>"I can't remember what flavorin' Ma puts in,"
+she said, when she had got her bread well soaked
+for the stuffing. "Sage and onions and apple-sauce
+go with goose, but I can't feel sure of anything but
+pepper and salt for a turkey."</p>
+
+<p>"Ma puts in some kind of mint, I know, but I
+forget whether it is spearmint, peppermint, or penny-royal,"
+answered Prue, in a tone of doubt, but trying
+to show her knowledge of "yarbs," or, at least, of
+their names.</p>
+
+<p>"Seems to me it's sweet marjoram or summer
+savory. I guess we'll put both in, and then we are<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span>
+sure to be right. The best is up garret; you run
+and get some, while I mash the bread," commanded
+Tilly, diving into the mess.</p>
+
+<p>Away trotted Prue, but in her haste she got catnip
+and wormwood, for the garret was darkish, and
+Prue's little nose was so full of the smell of the
+onions she had been peeling, that everything smelt
+of them. Eager to be of use, she pounded up the
+herbs and scattered the mixture with a liberal hand
+into the bowl.</p>
+
+<p>"It doesn't smell just right, but I suppose it will
+when it is cooked," said Tilly, as she filled the empty
+stomach, that seemed aching for food, and sewed it
+up with the blue yarn, which happened to be handy.
+She forgot to tie down his legs and wings, but she
+set him by till his hour came, well satisfied with her
+work.</p>
+
+<p>"Shall we roast the little pig, too? I think he'd
+look nice with a necklace of sausages, as Ma fixed
+one last Christmas," asked Prue, elated with their
+success.</p>
+
+<p>"I couldn't do it. I loved that little pig, and
+cried when he was killed. I should feel as if I was
+roasting the baby," answered Tilly, glancing toward
+the buttery where piggy hung, looking so pink and
+pretty it certainly did seem cruel to eat him.</p>
+
+<p>It took a long time to get all the vegetables ready,
+for, as the cellar was full, the girls thought they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span>
+would have every sort. Eph helped, and by noon
+all was ready for cooking, and the cranberry-sauce,
+a good deal scorched, was cooling in the lean-to.</p>
+
+<p>Luncheon was a lively meal, and doughnuts and
+cheese vanished in such quantities that Tilly feared
+no one would have an appetite for her sumptuous
+dinner. The boys assured her they would be starving
+by five o'clock, and Sol mourned bitterly over
+the little pig that was not to be served up.</p>
+
+<p>"Now you all go and coast, while Prue and I set
+the table and get out the best chiny," said Tilly,
+bent on having her dinner look well, no matter what
+its other failings might be.</p>
+
+<p>Out came the rough sleds, on went the round
+hoods, old hats, red cloaks, and moccasins, and away
+trudged the four younger Bassetts, to disport themselves
+in the snow, and try the ice down by the old
+mill, where the great wheel turned and splashed so
+merrily in the summer-time.</p>
+
+<p>Eph took his fiddle and scraped away to his
+heart's content in the parlor, while the girls, after a
+short rest, set the table and made all ready to dish
+up the dinner when that exciting moment came. It
+was not at all the sort of table we see now, but would
+look very plain and countrified to us, with its green-handled
+knives and two-pronged steel forks; its red-and-white
+china, and pewter platters, scoured till
+they shone, with mugs and spoons to match, and a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span>
+brown jug for the cider. The cloth was coarse, but
+white as snow, and the little maids had seen the
+blue-eyed flax grow, out of which their mother wove
+the linen they had watched and watered while it
+bleached in the green meadow. They had no napkins
+and little silver; but the best tankard and Ma's
+few wedding spoons were set forth in state. Nuts
+and apples at the corners gave an air, and the place
+of honor was left in the middle for the oranges yet
+to come.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't it look beautiful?" said Prue, when they
+paused to admire the general effect.</p>
+
+<p>"Pretty nice, I think. I wish Ma could see how
+well we can do it," began Tilly, when a loud howling
+startled both girls, and sent them flying to the window.
+The short afternoon had passed so quickly
+that twilight had come before they knew it, and now,
+as they looked out through the gathering dusk, they
+saw four small black figures tearing up the road, to
+come bursting in, all screaming at once: "The bear,
+the bear! Eph, get the gun! He's coming, he's
+coming!"</p>
+
+<p>Eph had dropped his fiddle, and got down his gun
+before the girls could calm the children enough to
+tell their story, which they did in a somewhat incoherent
+manner. "Down in the holler, coastin', we
+heard a growl," began Sol, with his eyes as big as
+saucers. "I see him fust lookin' over the wall,"
+roared Seth, eager to get his share of honor.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span>
+"Awful big and shaggy," quavered Roxy, clinging
+to Tilly, while Rhody hid in Prue's skirts, and piped
+out: "His great paws kept clawing at us, and I was
+so scared my legs would hardly go."</p>
+
+<p>"We ran away as fast as we could go, and he come
+growling after us. He's awful hungry, and he'll eat
+every one of us if he gets in," continued Sol, looking
+about him for a safe retreat.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Eph, don't let him eat us," cried both little
+girls, flying up stairs to hide under their mother's
+bed, as their surest shelter.</p>
+
+<p>"No danger of that, you little geese. I'll shoot
+him as soon as he comes. Get out of the way,
+boys," and Eph raised the window to get good aim.</p>
+
+<p>"There he is! Fire away, and don't miss!" cried
+Seth, hastily following Sol, who had climbed to the
+top of the dresser as a good perch from which to
+view the approaching fray.</p>
+
+<p>Prue retired to the hearth as if bent on dying at
+her post rather than desert the turkey, now "browning
+beautiful," as she expressed it. But Tilly boldly
+stood at the open window, ready to lend a hand if
+the enemy proved too much for Eph.</p>
+
+<p>All had seen bears, but none had ever come so
+near before, and even brave Eph felt that the big
+brown beast slowly trotting up the door-yard was an
+unusually formidable specimen. He was growling
+horribly, and stopped now and then as if to rest
+and shake himself.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span>
+"Get the ax, Tilly, and if I should miss, stand
+ready to keep him off while I load again," said Eph,
+anxious to kill his first bear in style and alone; a
+girl's help didn't count.</p>
+
+<p>Tilly flew for the ax, and was at her brother's side
+by the time the bear was near enough to be dangerous.
+He stood on his hind legs, and seemed to
+sniff with relish the savory odors that poured out of
+the window.</p>
+
+<p>"Fire, Eph!" cried Tilly, firmly.</p>
+
+<p>"Wait till he rears again. I'll get a better shot,
+then," answered the boy, while Prue covered her
+ears to shut out the bang, and the small boys cheered
+from their dusty refuge up among the pumpkins.</p>
+
+<p>But a very singular thing happened next, and all
+who saw it stood amazed, for suddenly Tilly threw
+down the ax, flung open the door, and ran straight
+into the arms of the bear, who stood erect to receive
+her, while his growlings changed to a loud "Haw,
+haw!" that startled the children more than the
+report of a gun.</p>
+
+<p>"It's Gad Hopkins, tryin' to fool us!" cried Eph,
+much disgusted at the loss of his prey, for these
+hardy boys loved to hunt, and prided themselves on
+the number of wild animals and birds they could
+shoot in a year.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Gad, how could you scare us so?" laughed
+Tilly, still held fast in one shaggy arm of the bear,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span>
+while the other drew a dozen oranges from some
+deep pocket in the buffalo-skin coat, and fired them
+into the kitchen with such good aim that Eph
+ducked, Prue screamed, and Sol and Seth came
+down much quicker than they went up.</p>
+
+<p>"Wal, you see I got upsot over yonder, and the
+old horse went home while I was floundering in a
+drift, so I tied on the buffalers to tote 'em easy, and
+come along till I see the children playin' in the
+holler. I jest meant to give 'em a little scare, but
+they run like partridges, and I kep' up the joke to
+see how Eph would like this sort of company," and
+Gad haw-hawed again.</p>
+
+<p>"You'd have had a warm welcome if we hadn't
+found you out. I'd have put a bullet through you in
+a jiffy, old chap," said Eph, coming out to shake
+hands with the young giant, who was only a year or
+two older than himself.</p>
+
+<p>"Come in and set up to dinner with us. Prue
+and I have done it all ourselves, and Pa will be along
+soon, I reckon," cried Tilly, trying to escape.</p>
+
+<p>"Couldn't, no ways. My folks will think I'm
+dead ef I don't get along home, sence the horse and
+sleigh have gone ahead empty. I've done my arrant
+and had my joke; now I want my pay, Tilly," and
+Gad took a hearty kiss from the rosy cheeks of his
+"little sweetheart," as he called her. His own
+cheeks tingled with the smart slap she gave him as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span>
+she ran away, calling out that she hated bears and
+would bring her ax next time.</p>
+
+<p>"I ain't afeared; your sharp eyes found me out;
+and ef you run into a bear's arms you must expect a
+hug," answered Gad, as he pushed back the robe
+and settled his fur cap more becomingly.</p>
+
+<p>"I should have known you in a minute if I hadn't
+been asleep when the girls squalled. You did it
+well, though, and I advise you not to try it again in
+a hurry, or you'll get shot," said Eph, as they parted,
+he rather crestfallen and Gad in high glee.</p>
+
+<p>"My sakes alive&mdash;the turkey is burnt one side,
+and the kettles have biled over so the pies I put to
+warm are all ashes!" scolded Tilly, as the flurry
+subsided and she remembered her dinner.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I can't help it. I couldn't think of
+victuals when I expected to be eaten alive myself,
+could I?" pleaded poor Prue, who had tumbled
+into the cradle when the rain of oranges began.</p>
+
+<p>Tilly laughed, and all the rest joined in, so good
+humor was restored, and the spirits of the younger
+ones were revived by sucks from the one orange
+which passed from hand to hand with great rapidity,
+while the older girls dished up the dinner. They
+were just struggling to get the pudding out of the
+cloth when Roxy called out, "Here's Pa!"</p>
+
+<p>"There's folks with him," added Rhody.</p>
+
+<p>"Lots of 'em! I see two big sleighs chock full,"
+shouted Seth, peering through the dusk.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span>
+"It looks like a semintary. Guess Gramma's
+dead and come up to be buried here," said Sol in a
+solemn tone. This startling suggestion made Tilly,
+Prue, and Eph hasten to look out, full of dismay at
+such an ending of their festival.</p>
+
+<p>"If that is a funeral, the mourners are uncommon
+jolly," said Eph, drily, as merry voices and loud
+laughter broke the white silence without.</p>
+
+<p>"I see Aunt Cinthy, and Cousin Hetty&mdash;and
+there's Mose and Amos. I do declare, Pa's bringin'
+'em all home to have some fun here," cried Prue, as
+she recognized one familiar face after another.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, my patience! Ain't I glad I got dinner,
+and don't I hope it will turn out good!" exclaimed
+Tilly, while the twins pranced with delight, and the
+small boys roared:</p>
+
+<p>"Hooray for Pa! Hooray for Thanksgivin'!"</p>
+
+<p>The cheer was answered heartily, and in came
+Father, Mother, Baby, aunts and cousins, all in great
+spirits, and all much surprised to find such a festive
+welcome awaiting them.</p>
+
+<p>"Ain't Gran'ma dead at all?" asked Sol, in the
+midst of the kissing and hand-shaking.</p>
+
+<p>"Bless your heart, no! It was all a mistake of
+old Mr. Chadwick's. He's as deaf as an adder, and
+when Mrs. Brooks told him Mother was mendin'
+fast, and she wanted me to come down to-day, certain
+sure, he got the message all wrong, and give it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span>
+to the fust person passin' in such a way as to scare
+me 'most to death, and send us down in a hurry.
+Mother was sittin' up as chirk as you please, and
+dreadful sorry you didn't all come."</p>
+
+<p>"So, to keep the house quiet for her, and give you
+a taste of the fun, your Pa fetched us all up to spend
+the evenin', and we are goin' to have a jolly time
+on't, to jedge by the looks of things," said Aunt
+Cinthy, briskly finishing the tale when Mrs. Bassett
+paused for want of breath.</p>
+
+<p>"What in the world put it into your head we was
+comin', and set you to gettin' up such a supper?"
+asked Mr. Bassett, looking about him, well pleased
+and much surprised at the plentiful table.</p>
+
+<p>Tilly modestly began to tell, but the others broke
+in and sang her praises in a sort of chorus, in which
+bears, pigs, pies, and oranges were oddly mixed.
+Great satisfaction was expressed by all, and Tilly
+and Prue were so elated by the commendation of
+Ma and the aunts, that they set forth their dinner,
+sure everything was perfect.</p>
+
+<p>But when the eating began, which it did the
+moment wraps were off, then their pride got a fall;
+for the first person who tasted the stuffing (it was
+big Cousin Mose, and that made it harder to bear)
+nearly choked over the bitter morsel.</p>
+
+<p>"Tilly Bassett, whatever made you put wormwood
+and catnip in your stuffin'?" demanded Ma, trying<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span>
+not to be severe, for all the rest were laughing, and
+Tilly looked ready to cry.</p>
+
+<p>"I did it," said Prue, nobly taking all the blame,
+which caused Pa to kiss her on the spot, and declare
+that it didn't do a might of harm, for the turkey was
+all right.</p>
+
+<p>"I never see onions cooked better. All the vegetables
+is well done, and the dinner a credit to you,
+my dears," declared Aunt Cinthy, with her mouth full
+of the fragrant vegetable she praised.</p>
+
+<p>The pudding was an utter failure, in spite of the
+blazing brandy in which it lay&mdash;as hard and heavy
+as one of the stone balls on Squire Dunkin's great
+gate. It was speedily whisked out of sight, and all
+fell upon the pies, which were perfect. But Tilly
+and Prue were much depressed, and didn't recover
+their spirits till the dinner was over and the evening
+fun well under way.</p>
+
+<p>"Blind-man's buff," "Hunt the slipper," "Come,
+Philander," and other lively games soon set every
+one bubbling over with jollity, and when Eph struck
+up "Money Musk" on his fiddle, old and young fell
+into their places for a dance. All down the long
+kitchen they stood, Mr. and Mrs. Bassett at the top,
+the twins at the bottom, and then away they went,
+heeling and toeing, cutting pigeon-wings, and taking
+their steps in a way that would convulse modern
+children with their new-fangled romps called dancing.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span>
+Mose and Tilly covered themselves with glory by the
+vigor with which they kept it up, till fat Aunt Cinthy
+fell into a chair, breathlessly declaring that a very
+little of such exercise was enough for a woman of
+her "heft."</p>
+
+<p>Apples and cider, chat and singing, finished the
+evening, and after a grand kissing all round, the
+guests drove away in the clear moonlight which
+came just in time to cheer their long drive.</p>
+
+<p>When the jingle of the last bell had died away,
+Mr. Bassett said soberly, as they stood together on
+the hearth: "Children, we have special cause to be
+thankful that the sorrow we expected was changed
+into joy, so we'll read a chapter 'fore we go to bed,
+and give thanks where thanks is due."</p>
+
+<p>Then Tilly set out the light-stand with the big
+Bible on it, and a candle on each side, and all sat
+quietly in the fire-light, smiling as they listened with
+happy hearts to the sweet old words that fit all times
+and seasons so beautifully.</p>
+
+<p>When the good-nights were over, and the children
+in bed, Prue put her arm around Tilly and whispered
+tenderly, for she felt her shake, and was sure she
+was crying:</p>
+
+<p>"Don't mind about the old stuffin' and puddin',
+deary&mdash;nobody cared, and Ma said we really did do
+surprisin' well for such young girls."</p>
+
+<p>The laughter Tilly was trying to smother broke<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span>
+out then, and was so infectious, Prue could not help
+joining her, even before she knew the cause of the
+merriment.</p>
+
+<p>"I was mad about the mistakes, but don't care
+enough to cry. I'm laughing to think how Gad
+fooled Eph and I found him out. I thought Mose
+and Amos would have died over it when I told them,
+it was so funny," explained Tilly, when she got her
+breath.</p>
+
+<p>"I was so scared that when the first orange hit
+me, I thought it was a bullet, and scrabbled into the
+cradle as fast as I could. It was real mean to
+frighten the little ones so," laughed Prue, as Tilly
+gave a growl.</p>
+
+<p>Here a smart rap on the wall of the next room
+caused a sudden lull in the fun, and Mrs. Bassett's
+voice was heard, saying warningly, "Girls, go to
+sleep immediate, or you'll wake the baby."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes'm," answered two meek voices, and after a
+few irrepressible giggles, silence reigned, broken
+only by an occasional snore from the boys, or the
+soft scurry of mice in the buttery, taking their part
+in this old-fashioned Thanksgiving.</p>
+<hr />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="II" id="II"></a>II.</h2>
+
+<h3>HOW IT ALL HAPPENED.</h3>
+
+<p class="cap"><span class="dcap">It</span> was a small room, with nothing in it but a bed,
+two chairs, and a big chest. A few little gowns
+hung on the wall, and the only picture was the wintry
+sky, sparkling with stars, framed by the uncurtained
+window. But the moon, pausing to peep, saw something
+pretty and heard something pleasant. Two
+heads in little round nightcaps lay on one pillow,
+two pairs of wide-awake blue eyes stared up at the
+light, and two tongues were going like mill clappers.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm so glad we got our shirts done in time! It
+seemed as if we never should, and I don't think six
+cents is half enough for a great red flannel thing
+with four button-holes&mdash;do you?" said one little
+voice, rather wearily.</p>
+
+<p>"No; but then we each made four, and fifty cents
+is a good deal of money. Are you sorry we didn't
+keep our quarters for ourselves?" asked the other
+voice, with an under-tone of regret in it.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I am, till I think how pleased the children
+will be with our tree, for they don't expect anything,
+and will be so surprised. I wish we had more toys
+to put on it, for it looks so small and mean with only
+three or four things."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span>
+"It won't hold any more, so I wouldn't worry
+about it. The toys are very red and yellow, and I
+guess the babies won't know how cheap they are,
+but like them as much as if they cost heaps of
+money."</p>
+
+<p>This was a cheery voice, and as it spoke the four
+blue eyes turned toward the chest under the window,
+and the kind moon did her best to light up the tiny
+tree standing there. A very pitiful little tree it
+was&mdash;only a branch of hemlock in an old flower-pot,
+propped up with bits of coal, and hung with a few
+penny toys earned by the patient fingers of the elder
+sisters, that the little ones should not be disappointed.</p>
+
+<p>But in spite of the magical moonlight the broken
+branch, with its scanty supply of fruit, looked pathetically
+poor, and one pair of eyes filled slowly with
+tears, while the other pair lost their happy look, as if
+a cloud had come over the sunshine.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you crying, Dolly?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not much, Polly."</p>
+
+<p>"What makes you, dear?"</p>
+
+<p>"I didn't know how poor we were till I saw the
+tree, and then I couldn't help it," sobbed the elder
+sister, for at twelve she already knew something of
+the cares of poverty, and missed the happiness that
+seemed to vanish out of all their lives when father
+died.</p>
+
+<p>"It's dreadful! I never thought we'd have to earn<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span>
+our tree, and only be able to get a broken branch,
+after all, with nothing on it but three sticks of candy,
+two squeaking dogs, a red cow, and an ugly bird
+with one feather in its tail;" and overcome by a
+sudden sense of destitution, Polly sobbed even more
+despairingly than Dolly.</p>
+
+<p>"Hush, dear; we must cry softly, or mother will
+hear, and come up, and then we shall have to tell.
+You know we said we wouldn't seem to mind not
+having any Christmas, she felt so sorry about it."</p>
+
+<p>"I <i>must</i> cry, but I'll be quiet."</p>
+
+<p>So the two heads went under the pillow for a few
+minutes, and not a sound betrayed them as the little
+sisters cried softly in one another's arms, lest mother
+should discover that they were no longer careless
+children, but brave young creatures trying to bear
+their share of the burden cheerfully.</p>
+
+<p>When the shower was over, the faces came out
+shining like roses after rain, and the voices went on
+again as before.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you wish there really was a Santa Claus,
+who knew what we wanted, and would come and put
+two silver half-dollars in our stockings, so we could
+go and see <i>Puss in Boots</i> at the Museum to-morrow
+afternoon?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, indeed; but we didn't hang up any stockings,
+you know, because mother had nothing to put
+in them. It does seem as if rich people might think<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span>
+of poor people now and then. Such little bits of
+things would make us happy, and it couldn't be
+much trouble to take two small girls to the play, and
+give them candy now and then."</p>
+
+<p>"<i>I</i> shall when I'm rich, like Mr. Chrome and Miss
+Kent. I shall go round every Christmas with a big
+basket of goodies, and give <i>all</i> the poor children
+some."</p>
+
+<p>"P'r'aps if we sew ever so many flannel shirts we
+may be rich by-and-by. I should give mother a new
+bonnet first of all, for I heard Miss Kent say no lady
+would wear such a shabby one. Mrs. Smith said fine
+bonnets didn't make real ladies. I like her best, but
+I do want a locket like Miss Kent's."</p>
+
+<p>"I should give mother some new rubbers, and
+then I should buy a white apron, with frills like Miss
+Kent's, and bring home nice bunches of grapes and
+good things to eat, as Mr. Chrome does. I often
+smell them, but he never gives <i>me</i> any; he only says,
+'Hullo, chick!' and I'd rather have oranges any
+time."</p>
+
+<p>"It will take us a long while to get rich, I'm
+afraid. It makes me tired to think of it. I guess
+we'd better go to sleep now, dear."</p>
+
+<p>"Good-night, Dolly."</p>
+
+<p>"Good-night, Polly."</p>
+
+<p>Two soft kisses were heard, a nestling sound followed,
+and presently the little sisters lay fast asleep<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span>
+cheek against cheek, on the pillow wet with their
+tears, never dreaming what was going to happen to
+them to-morrow.</p>
+
+<p>Now Miss Kent's room was next to theirs, and as
+she sat sewing she could hear the children's talk, for
+they soon forgot to whisper. At first she smiled,
+then she looked sober, and when the prattle ceased
+she said to herself, as she glanced about her pleasant
+chamber:</p>
+
+<p>"Poor little things! they think I'm rich, and envy
+me, when I'm only a milliner earning my living. I
+ought to have taken more notice of them, for their
+mother has a hard time, I fancy, but never complains.
+I'm sorry they heard what I said, and if I
+knew how to do it without offending her, I'd trim a
+nice bonnet for a Christmas gift, for she <i>is</i> a lady, in
+spite of her old clothes. I can give the children
+some of the things they want anyhow, and I will.
+The idea of those mites making a fortune out of
+shirts at six cents apiece!"</p>
+
+<p>Miss Kent laughed at the innocent delusion, but
+sympathized with her little neighbors, for she knew
+all about hard times. She had good wages now, but
+spent them on herself, and liked to be fine rather
+than neat. Still, she was a good-hearted girl, and
+what she had overheard set her to thinking soberly,
+then to acting kindly, as we shall see.</p>
+
+<p>"If I hadn't spent all my money on my dress for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span>
+the party to-morrow night, I'd give each of them a
+half-dollar. As I can not, I'll hunt up the other
+things they wanted, for it's a shame they shouldn't
+have a bit of Christmas, when they tried so hard to
+please the little ones."</p>
+
+<p>As she spoke she stirred about her room, and soon
+had a white apron, an old carnelian heart on a fresh
+blue ribbon, and two papers of bonbons ready. As
+no stockings were hung up, she laid a clean towel on
+the floor before the door, and spread forth the small
+gifts to look their best.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Kent was so busy that she did not hear a
+step come quietly up stairs, and Mr. Chrome, the
+artist, peeped at her through the balusters, wondering
+what she was about. He soon saw, and watched
+her with pleasure, thinking that she never looked
+prettier than now.</p>
+
+<p>Presently she caught him at it, and hastened to
+explain, telling what she had heard, and how she was
+trying to atone for her past neglect of these young
+neighbors. Then she said good-night, and both
+went into their rooms, she to sleep happily, and he
+to smoke as usual.</p>
+
+<p>But his eye kept turning to some of the "nice
+little bundles" that lay on his table, as if the story
+he had heard suggested how he might follow Miss
+Kent's example. I rather think he would not have
+disturbed himself if he had not heard the story told<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span>
+in such a soft voice, with a pair of bright eyes full of
+pity looking into his, for little girls were not particularly
+interesting to him, and he was usually too tired
+to notice the industrious creatures toiling up and
+down stairs on various errands, or sewing at the long
+red seams.</p>
+
+<p>Now that he knew something of their small
+troubles, he felt as if it would please Miss Kent,
+and be a good joke, to do his share of the pretty
+work she had begun.</p>
+
+<p>So presently he jumped up, and, opening his parcels,
+took out two oranges and two bunches of
+grapes, then he looked up two silver half-dollars, and
+stealing into the hall, laid the fruit upon the towel,
+and the money atop of the oranges. This addition
+improved the display very much, and Mr. Chrome
+was stealing back, well pleased, when his eye fell on
+Miss Kent's door, and he said to himself, "She too
+shall have a little surprise, for she is a dear, kind-hearted
+soul."</p>
+
+<p>In his room was a prettily painted plate, and this
+he filled with green and purple grapes, tucked a sentimental
+note underneath, and leaving it on her
+threshold, crept away as stealthily as a burglar.</p>
+
+<p>The house was very quiet when Mrs. Smith, the
+landlady, came up to turn off the gas. "Well, upon
+my word, here's fine doings, to be sure!" she said,
+when she saw the state of the upper hall. "Now I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span>
+wouldn't have thought it of Miss Kent, she is such
+a giddy girl, nor of Mr. Chrome, he is so busy with
+his own affairs. I meant to give those children each
+a cake to-morrow, they are such good little things.
+I'll run down and get them now, as my contribution
+to this fine set out."</p>
+
+<p>Away trotted Mrs. Smith to her pantry, and picked
+out a couple of tempting cakes, shaped like hearts
+and full of plums. There was a goodly array of pies
+on the shelves, and she took two of them, saying, as
+she climbed the stairs again, "They remembered
+the children, so I'll remember them, and have my
+share of the fun."</p>
+
+<p>So up went the pies, for Mrs. Smith had not much
+to give, and her spirit was generous, though her
+pastry was not of the best. It looked very droll to
+see pies sitting about on the thresholds of closed
+doors, but the cakes were quite elegant, and filled
+up the corners of the towel handsomely, for the
+apron lay in the middle, with the oranges right and
+left, like two sentinels in yellow uniforms.</p>
+
+<p>It was very late when the flicker of a candle came
+up stairs, and a pale lady, with a sweet sad face,
+appeared, bringing a pair of red and a pair of blue
+mittens for her Dolly and Polly. Poor Mrs. Blake
+did have a hard time, for she stood all day in a great
+store that she might earn bread for the poor children
+who staid at home and took care of one another.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span>
+Her heart was very heavy that night, because it was
+the first Christmas she had ever known without gifts
+and festivity of some sort. But Petkin, the youngest
+child, had been ill, times were very hard, the little
+mouths gaped for food like the bills of hungry birds,
+and there was no tender mate to help fill them.</p>
+
+<p>If any elves had been hovering about the dingy
+hall just then, they would have seen the mother's
+tired face brighten beautifully when she discovered
+the gifts, and found that her little girls had been so
+kindly remembered. Something more brilliant than
+the mock diamonds in Miss Kent's best earrings fell
+and glittered on the dusty floor as Mrs. Blake added
+the mittens to the other things, and went to her
+lonely room again, smiling as she thought how she
+could thank them all in a sweet and simple way.</p>
+
+<p>Her windows were full of flowers, for the delicate
+tastes of the poor lady found great comfort in their
+beauty. "I have nothing else to give, and these will
+show how grateful I am," she said, as she rejoiced
+that the scarlet geraniums were so full of gay clusters,
+the white chrysanthemum stars were all out, and
+the pink roses at their loveliest.</p>
+
+<p>They slept now, dreaming of a sunny morrow as
+they sat safely sheltered from the bitter cold. But
+that night was their last, for a gentle hand cut them
+all, and soon three pretty nosegays stood in a glass,
+waiting for dawn, to be laid at three doors, with a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span>
+few grateful words which would surprise and delight
+the receivers, for flowers were rare in those hard-working
+lives, and kind deeds often come back to
+the givers in fairer shapes than they go.</p>
+
+<p>Now one would think that there had been gifts
+enough, and no more could possibly arrive, since all
+had added his or her mite except Betsey, the maid,
+who was off on a holiday, and the babies fast
+asleep in their trundle-bed, with nothing to give but
+love and kisses. Nobody dreamed that the old cat
+would take it into her head that her kittens were in
+danger, because Mrs. Smith had said she thought
+they were nearly old enough to be given away. But
+she must have understood, for when all was dark and
+still, the anxious mother went patting up stairs to the
+children's door, meaning to hide her babies under
+their bed, sure they would save them from destruction.
+Mrs. Blake had shut the door, however, so
+poor Puss was disappointed; but finding a soft,
+clean spot among a variety of curious articles, she
+laid her kits there, and kept them warm all night,
+with her head pillowed on the blue mittens.</p>
+
+<p>In the cold morning Dolly and Polly got up and
+scrambled into their clothes, not with joyful haste to
+see what their stockings held, for they had none, but
+because they had the little ones to dress while mother
+got the breakfast.</p>
+
+<p>Dolly opened the door, and started back with a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span>
+cry of astonishment at the lovely spectacle before
+her. The other people had taken in their gifts, so
+nothing destroyed the magnificent effect of the treasures
+so curiously collected in the night. Puss had
+left her kits asleep, and gone down to get her own
+breakfast, and there, in the middle of the ruffled
+apron, as if in a dainty cradle, lay the two Maltese
+darlings, with white bibs and boots on, and white
+tips to the tiny tails curled round their little noses in
+the sweetest way.</p>
+
+<p>Polly and Dolly could only clasp their hands and
+look in rapturous silence for a minute; then they
+went down on their knees and revelled in the unexpected
+richness before them.</p>
+
+<p>"I do believe there <i>is</i> a Santa Claus, and that he
+heard us, for here is everything we wanted," said
+Dolly, holding the carnelian heart in one hand and
+the plummy one in the other.</p>
+
+<p>"It must have been some kind of a fairy, for we
+didn't mention kittens, but we wanted one, and here
+are two darlings," cried Polly, almost purring with
+delight as the downy bunches unrolled and gaped
+till their bits of pink tongues were visible.</p>
+
+<p>"Mrs. Smith was one fairy, I guess, and Miss
+Kent was another, for that is her apron. I shouldn't
+wonder if Mr. Chrome gave us the oranges and the
+money: men always have lots, and his name is on
+this bit of paper," said Dolly.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span>
+"Oh, I'm <i>so</i> glad! Now we shall have a Christmas
+like other people, and I'll never say again that
+rich folks don't remember poor folks. Come and
+show all our treasures to mother and the babies;
+they must have some," answered Polly, feeling that
+the world was all right, and life not half as hard as
+she thought it last night.</p>
+
+<p>Shrieks of delight greeted the sisters, and all that
+morning there was joy and feasting in Mrs. Blake's
+room, and in the afternoon Dolly and Polly went to
+the Museum, and actually saw <i>Puss in Boots</i>; for
+their mother insisted on their going, having discovered
+how the hard-earned quarters had been spent.
+This was such unhoped-for bliss that they could
+hardly believe it, and kept smiling at one another so
+brightly that people wondered who the happy little
+girls in shabby cloaks could be who clapped their
+new mittens so heartily, and laughed till it was better
+than music to hear them.</p>
+
+<p>This was a very remarkable Christmas-day, and
+they long remembered it; for while they were absorbed
+in the fortunes of the Marquis of Carabas
+and the funny cat, who tucked his tail in his belt,
+washed his face so awkwardly, and didn't know how
+to purr, strange things were happening at home, and
+more surprises were in store for our little friends.
+You see, when people once begin to do kindnesses,
+it is so easy and pleasant they find it hard to leave<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span>
+off; and sometimes it beautifies them so that they
+find they love one another very much&mdash;as Mr.
+Chrome and Miss Kent did, though we have nothing
+to do with that except to tell how they made the
+poor little tree grow and blossom.</p>
+
+<p>They were very jolly at dinner, and talked a good
+deal about the Blakes, who ate in their own rooms.
+Miss Kent told what the children said, and it
+touched the soft spot in all their hearts to hear
+about the red shirts, though they laughed at Polly's
+lament over the bird with only one feather in its tail.</p>
+
+<p>"I'd give them a better tree if I had any place to
+put it, and knew how to trim it up," said Mr.
+Chrome, with a sudden burst of generosity, which
+so pleased Miss Kent that her eyes shone like
+Christmas candles.</p>
+
+<p>"Put it in the back parlor. All the Browns are
+away for a week, and we'll help you trim it&mdash;won't
+we, my dear?" cried Mrs. Smith, warmly; for she
+saw that he was in a sociable mood, and thought it
+a pity that the Blakes should not profit by it.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, indeed; I should like it of all things, and
+it needn't cost much, for I have some skill in trimmings,
+as you know." And Miss Kent looked so gay
+and pretty as she spoke that Mr. Chrome made up
+his mind that millinery must be a delightful occupation.</p>
+
+<p>"Come on then, ladies, and we'll have a little<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span>
+frolic. I'm a lonely old bachelor, with nowhere to
+go to-day, and I'd like some fun."</p>
+
+<p>They had it, I assure you; for they all fell to work
+as busy as bees, flying and buzzing about with much
+laughter as they worked their pleasant miracle. Mr.
+Chrome acted more like the father of a large family
+than a crusty bachelor, Miss Kent's skillful fingers
+flew as they never did before, and Mrs. Smith trotted
+up and down as briskly as if she were sixteen instead
+of being a stout old woman of sixty.</p>
+
+<p>The children were so full of the play, and telling
+all about it, that they forgot their tree till after supper;
+but when they went to look for it they found it
+gone, and in its place a great paper hand with one
+finger pointing down stairs, and on it these mysterious
+words in red ink:</p>
+
+<p>"Look in the Browns' back parlor!"</p>
+
+<p>At the door of that interesting apartment they
+found their mother with Will and Petkin, for another
+hand had suddenly appeared to them pointing up.
+The door flew open quite as if it were a fairy play,
+and they went in to find a pretty tree planted in a
+red box on the centre table, lighted with candles,
+hung with gilded nuts, red apples, gay bonbons, and
+a gift for each.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Chrome was hidden behind one folding-door,
+and fat Mrs. Smith squeezed behind the other, and
+they both thought it a great improvement upon the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span>
+old-fashioned Santa Claus to have Miss Kent, in the
+white dress she made for the party, with Mrs. Blake's
+roses in her hair, step forward as the children gazed
+in silent rapture, and with a few sweet words welcome
+them to the little surprise their friends had
+made.</p>
+
+<p>There were many Christmas trees in the city that
+night, but none which gave such hearty pleasure as
+the one which so magically took the place of the
+broken branch and its few poor toys. They were all
+there, however, and Dolly and Polly were immensely
+pleased to see that of all her gifts Petkin chose the
+forlorn bird to carry to bed with her, the one yellow
+feather being just to her taste.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Blake put on her neat bonnet, and was so
+gratified that Miss Kent thought it the most successful
+one she ever trimmed. She was well paid for
+it by the thanks of one neighbor and the admiration
+of another; for when she went to her party
+Mr. Chrome went with her, and said something on
+the way which made her heart dance more lightly
+than her feet that night.</p>
+
+<p>Good Mrs. Smith felt that her house had covered
+itself with glory by this event, and Dolly and Polly
+declared that it was the most perfect and delightful
+surprise party ever seen.</p>
+
+<p>It was all over by nine o'clock, and with good-night
+kisses for every one the little girls climbed up<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span>
+to bed laden with treasures and too happy for many
+words. But as they tied their round caps Dolly
+said, thoughtfully:</p>
+
+<p>"On the whole, I think it's rather nice to be poor
+when people are kind to you."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I'd <i>rather</i> be rich; but if I can't be, it is
+very good fun to have Christmas trees like this one,"
+answered truthful Polly, never guessing that they
+had planted the seed from which the little pine-tree
+grew so quickly and beautifully.</p>
+
+<p>When the moon came to look in at the window on
+her nightly round, two smiling faces lay on the pillow,
+which was no longer wet with tears, but rather
+knobby with the mine of riches hidden underneath,&mdash;first
+fruits of the neighborly friendship which
+flourished in that house until another and a merrier
+Christmas came.</p>
+<hr />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="III" id="III"></a>III.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE DOLLS' JOURNEY FROM MINNESOTA
+TO MAINE.</h3>
+
+<p>Mr. Plum lived in St. Paul, Minnesota, U.S.A.</p>
+
+<p>There were six little Plums, all girls, varying
+in ages from fourteen to seven, and named Kate,
+Lucy, Susy, Lizzy, Marjory and Maggie. There was
+no mamma, but Mrs. Gibbs, the housekeeper, was a
+kind old soul, and papa did everything he could to
+make the small daughters good and happy.</p>
+
+<p>One stormy Saturday afternoon the children were
+all together in the school-room, and papa busy at his
+desk in the library, with the door open because he
+liked to hear the pleasant voices and catch glimpses
+of the droll plays that went on there.</p>
+
+<p>Kate lay on the sofa reading "The Daisy Chain"
+for the fourth time. Susy, Lucy and Lizzie were
+having a select tea party in their own recess, the
+entrance to which was barricaded with chairs to keep
+out the "babies," as they called the little ones, who
+were much offended at being excluded and sat up in
+the cushioned window-seat pensively watching the
+rain.</p>
+
+<p>"If it had only waited till to-morrow we should
+have had time for our journey; now we can't go till<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span>
+next Saturday. Flora is so disappointed she would
+cry if I had not taught her to behave," said Maggie
+with a sigh, as she surveyed the doll on her knee in
+its new summer suit.</p>
+
+<p>"So is Dora. Just see how sweet she looks with
+her hat and cape on and her travelling-bag all ready.
+Couldn't we play travel in the house? It is such a
+pity to wait when the children are in such a hurry to
+go," answered Marjory, settling the tiny bag that
+held Dora's nightcap and gown as well as the
+morsels of cake that were to serve for her lunch.</p>
+
+<p>"No," said Maggie decidedly, "we can't do it,
+because there is no room for carriages, and boats,
+and railroads, and hotels, and accidents. It is a
+long journey from Minnesota to Maine, and we
+couldn't get it all into one room I'm sure."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't think papa would mind our coming into
+the library, if we didn't ring the car bells very loud
+or scream much when the accidents happen," said
+Marjory, who hated to give up the plan they had
+been cherishing all the week.</p>
+
+<p>"What is it, little ones? Come and tell me what
+is the matter," called Mr. Plum, hearing his name
+and the magic word "railroad," for he was the president
+of one and had his hands full just then.</p>
+
+<p>Down jumped the little girls and ran to perch on
+either arm of his chair, pouring out their small tribulations
+as freely as if he had been the most sympathizing
+of mothers.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span>
+"We planned to take a long, long journey round
+the garden with our dolls to-day, and play go to
+Maine and see Aunt Maria. You know she asked
+us, and we looked out the way on the map and
+got all ready, and now it rains and we are dreadfully
+disappointed," said Maggie, while Marjory sighed as
+she looked at the red D. worked on the inch square
+travelling-bag.</p>
+
+<p>"As you can't go, why not send the dolls to make
+aunty a visit, and she will send them back when they
+get homesick," proposed Mr. Plum, smiling, as if a
+sudden idea had popped into his head.</p>
+
+<p>"Really?" cried Maggie.</p>
+
+<p>"How could we?" asked Marjory.</p>
+
+<p>"They could go and come by mail, and tell you all
+about their adventures when they got back," said
+papa.</p>
+
+<p>Both children were speechless for a moment, then
+as the full splendor of this proposition dawned upon
+them they clapped their hands, crying eagerly:</p>
+
+<p>"We will! we will! Let's do it at once."</p>
+
+<p>"What? where? who?" asked Susy, Lucy and
+Lizzie, forgetting their tea party to run and see what
+was going on.</p>
+
+<p>They were told, and in their turn exclaimed so
+loudly that Kate came to join in the fun.</p>
+
+<p>After a great deal of talking and laughing, the
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span>dolls were prepared for the long journey. They
+were common wooden-headed dollies, a hand long,
+with stuffed bodies and stout legs ornamented with
+very small feet in red and blue boots. Dora was a
+blonde and Flora a brunette, otherwise they were
+just alike and nearly new. Usually when people go
+travelling they put on their hats and cloaks, but
+these pilgrims, by papa's advice, left all encumbrances
+behind them, for they were to travel in a
+peculiar way, and blue gingham dresses were chosen
+for the expedition.</p>
+
+<p>"It is possible that they may never come back.
+Accidents will happen you know. Are you prepared
+for that?" asked Mr. Plum, pausing with the brown
+paper spread out before him.</p>
+
+<p>"I am," answered Maggie firmly, as she laid Flora
+on the table, her black eyes staring as if rather
+alarmed at this sudden start.</p>
+
+<p>Marjory hesitated a moment, clasping Dora to her
+bosom with a face full of maternal anxiety. But
+Susy, Lucy and Lizzie cried: "Let her go, do let
+her go, and if she is lost papa will give you a new
+doll."</p>
+
+<p>"Good-by, my darling dear. Have a splendid
+time, and be sure you come back to me," whispered
+Marjory, with a tender farewell kiss as she gave up
+her child.</p>
+
+<p>All stood watching silently while papa tied the
+dolls back to back with the ribbon Kate pulled from<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span>
+her neck, then folded them carefully in strong brown
+paper, leaving their heads out that they might see
+the world as they went along. Being carefully
+fastened up with several turns of cord, Mr. Plum
+directed the precious parcel to "Miss Maria Plum,
+Portland, Maine. With care." Then it was weighed,
+stamped, and pronounced ready for the post.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall write and tell aunty they are coming,
+because she will want to be prepared for such distinguished
+visitors," said papa, taking up his pen
+with a glance at the six excited little faces round
+him.</p>
+
+<p>Silence reigned while the letter was written, and
+as he sealed it up Mr. Plum said solemnly, with his
+hand on the parcel:</p>
+
+<p>"For the last time, shall they go?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes!" answered the Spartan mothers with one
+voice, while the other sisters danced round them,
+and Kate patted the curly heads approvingly.</p>
+
+<p>"Going, going, gone!" answered papa as he
+whisked on his coat and hat, and slammed the door
+behind him.</p>
+
+<p>The children clustered at the window to see him
+set out on this momentous errand, and he often
+looked back waving his umbrella at them, till he
+vanished round the corner, with a reassuring pat on
+the pocket out of which dear Do and Flo popped
+their heads for a last look at their sweet home.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span>
+"Now let us take out poor old Lucinda and Rose
+Augusta to play with. I know their feelings were
+hurt at our leaving them for the new dolls," said
+Maggie, rummaging in the baby-house, whither
+Margery soon followed her to reinstate the old
+darlings in the place of the departed new ones.</p>
+
+<p>"Safely off," reported Mr. Plum, when he came
+into tea, "and we may expect to hear from them in
+a week or two. Parcels go more slowly than letters,
+and this is Aunty's busy season, so wait patiently
+and see what will happen."</p>
+
+<p>"We will," said the little girls; and they did, but
+week after week went by and nothing was heard of
+the wanderers.</p>
+
+<p>We, however, can follow them and learn much
+that their anxious mothers never knew.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as Flora and Dora recovered from the
+bewilderment occasioned by the confusion of the
+post office, they found themselves in one of the
+many leathern mail bags rumbling Eastward. As it
+was perfectly dark they could not see their companions,
+so listened to the whispering and rustling
+that went on about them. The newspapers all
+talked politics, and some of them used such bad
+language that the dolls would have covered their
+ears, if their hands had not been tied down. The
+letters were better behaved and more interesting, for
+they told one another the news they carried, because<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span>
+nothing is private in America, and even gummed
+envelopes cannot keep gossip from leaking out.</p>
+
+<p>"It is very interesting, but I should enjoy it more
+if I was not grinding my nose against the rough side
+of this leather bag," whispered Dora, who lay undermost
+just then.</p>
+
+<p>"So should I, if a heavy book was not pinching
+my toes. I've tried to kick it away, but it won't
+stir, and keeps droning on about reports and tariffs
+and such dull things," answered Flora, with a groan.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you like travelling?" asked Dora, presently,
+when the letters and papers fell asleep, lulled by the
+motion of the cars.</p>
+
+<p>"Not yet, but I shall when I can look about me.
+This bundle near by says the mails are often sorted
+in the cars, and in that way we shall see something
+of the world, I hope," answered Flora, cheering up,
+for, like her mamma, she was of an enquiring turn.</p>
+
+<p>The dolls took a nap of some hours, and were
+roused by a general tumbling out on a long shelf,
+where many other parcels lay, and lively men sent
+letters and papers flying here and there as if a whirlwind
+was blowing. A long box lay beside the dolls
+who stood nearly erect leaning against a pile of
+papers. Several holes were cut in the lid, and out
+of one of them was thrust a little black nose, as if
+trying to get air.</p>
+
+<p>"Dear me! what can be in it?" said Flora, who
+was nearest.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span>
+"I'm a poor little alligator, going to a boy in
+Chicago, if you please, and I want my mother,"
+sobbed a voice from the box, and there was a rap on
+the lid as of an agitated tail.</p>
+
+<p>"Mercy on us! I hope we shall not have to travel
+with the monster," whispered Dora, trying to see
+over her shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm not afraid. He can't be very dreadful, for
+the box is not any longer than we are. Natural history
+is very useful; I've heard mamma say so, and I
+shall talk with him while we rest here," answered
+Flo, nodding toward the eye which now took the
+place of the nose.</p>
+
+<p>So the little alligator told her something of his
+home on the banks of a great river, where he was
+just learning to play happily with his brothers and
+sisters, when he was caught and sent away to pine in
+captivity.</p>
+
+<p>The dolls comforted him as well as they could,
+and a pair of baby's shoes travelling in an envelope
+sympathized with him, while a shabby bundle directed
+to "Michael Dolan, at Mrs. Judy Quin's, next door
+to Mr. Pat Murphy, Boston, North street," told them
+to "Whisht and slape quite till they came forninst
+the place."</p>
+
+<p>"Such low people!" whispered Do to Flo, and
+both stood primly silent till they were tumbled into
+another mail bag, and went rattling on again with a
+new set of companions.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span>
+"I hope that poor baby will go safely and the boy
+be good to him," said Flora, for the little alligator
+went with the live stock in some other way.</p>
+
+<p>"Thank goodness he didn't go with us! I shall
+dream about that black nose and winking eye, I'm
+sure. The dangers of travelling are great, but we
+are safe and comfortable now, I think," and Dora
+settled down in a cozy corner of the bag, wondering
+when they should reach Chicago.</p>
+
+<p>"I like adventures and hope we shall have some,"
+answered Flora, briskly, little dreaming how soon
+her wish was to be granted.</p>
+
+<p>A few hours later there come a bump, a crash, a
+cry, and then all the mail bags rolled one over the
+other with the car down an embankment into a
+river.</p>
+
+<p>"Now we are dead!" shrieked the poor dolls,
+clinging together as they heard the splash of water,
+the shouting of men, the splintering of wood, and
+the hiss of steam.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't be frightened, ladies, mail bags are always
+looked after," said a large envelope with an official
+seal and the name of a Senator on it.</p>
+
+<p>"Any bones broken, dear madam?" asked a
+jaunty pink letter, with a scent of musk about it,
+evidently a love-letter.</p>
+
+<p>"I think one foot is hurt, and my clothes are
+dripping," sighed Dora, faintly.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span>
+"Water won't hurt calico," called out a magazine
+full of fashion plates, adding dolefully, as its gay
+colors began to run, "I shall be in a nice mess if I
+ever get out of this. People will wear odd fashions
+if they follow me this time."</p>
+
+<p>"Hope they will telegraph news of this accident
+in time for the evening papers," said a dingy sheet
+called the "Barahoo Thunderbolt," as it lay atop of
+the heap in its yellow wrapper.</p>
+
+<p>"Be calm, my friends, and wait with fortitude for
+death or deliverance, as I do." With which philosophic
+remark "The St. Louis Cosmos" folded the
+pages which for the first time since the paper was
+started, were not dry.</p>
+
+<p>Here the water rose over the topmost letter and a
+moist silence prevailed till a sudden jerk fished up
+the bag, and before the dolls could recover their
+wits they were spread out on the floor of a mail car
+to dry, while several busy men sorted and saved such
+papers and letters as still held together.</p>
+
+<p>"Now we shall see something," said Flora, feeling
+the warm air blow over her as they spun along, for a
+slight accident like this did not delay the energetic
+Westerners a moment longer than absolutely necessary.</p>
+
+<p>"I can't see you, dear, but I hope you look better
+than I do, for the yellow of my hair has washed into
+my eyes and the red of my cheeks is quite gone, I'm<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span>
+sure," answered Dora, as her wet dress flopped in
+the breeze and the broken foot sticking up showed
+her that her blue boots were ruined.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't care a bit how I look. It's great fun
+now we are safe. Pop up your head and see the
+wide prairie flying past. I do hope that poor baby
+got away and swam home to his mother. The upset
+into the river was quite to his taste, I fancy," said
+Flora, who was much excited by her adventure and
+eager for more.</p>
+
+<p>Presently one of the men set the dolls up in the
+corner of a window to dry, and there they stood
+viewing the fine landscape with one eye while the
+other watched the scene of devastation within.
+Everything was in great confusion after the accident,
+so it is not strange that the dolls were not missed
+when they slowly slid lower and lower till a sudden
+lurch of the car sent them out of the window to roll
+into a green field where cows were feeding and children
+picking strawberries.</p>
+
+<p>"This is the end of us! Here we shall lie and
+mould forgotten by everybody," said Dora, who
+always took a tragical view of things.</p>
+
+<p>"Not a bit of it! I see cows eating toward us and
+they may give us a lift. I've heard of their tossing
+people up, though I don't know just how it's done.
+If they don't, we are in the path and some of those
+children are sure to find us," answered Flora cheer<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span>fully,
+though she stood on her head with a bunch of
+burrs pricking her nose.</p>
+
+<p>She was right. A bright-eyed little German girl
+presently came trotting along the path with a great
+basket full of berries on her head arranged in pretty
+pottles ready for the market. Seeing the red cow
+sniffing at a brown paper parcel she drove her away,
+picked it up and peeped in at the open end.</p>
+
+<p>The sight of two dolls in such a place made her
+feel as if fairies had dropped them there for her.
+She could not read the direction and hurried home
+to show her treasure to her brothers and sisters of
+whom there were eight.</p>
+
+<p>"What will become of us now!" exclaimed Dora,
+as eager hands slipped them out of the wrapper and
+smoothed their damp skirts in a room that seemed
+swarming with boys and girls of all sizes.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't worry, we shall get on nicely, I'm sure,
+and learn German of these young persons. It is a
+great relief to be able to stretch one's limbs and stand
+up, isn't it?" answered Flora, undismayed by anything
+that had happened as yet.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, dear, I love you but I <i>am</i> tired of being tied
+to you all day. I hope we shall live through this
+noise and get a little rest, but I give up the idea of
+ever seeing Portland," answered Dora, staring with
+all her blue eyes at the display of musical instruments
+about the room, and longing to stop her ears,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span>
+for several of the children were playing on the violin,
+flute, horn or harp. They were street musicians, and
+even the baby seemed to be getting ready to take
+part in the concert, for he sat on the floor beside an
+immense bass horn taller than himself, with his rosy
+lips at the mouth piece and his cheeks puffed out in
+vain attempts to make a "boom! boom!" as brother
+Fritz did.</p>
+
+<p>Flora was delighted, and gave skips on her red
+boots in time to the lively tooting of the boys, while
+the girls gazed at the lovely dolls and jabbered away
+with their yellow braids quivering with excitement.</p>
+
+<p>The wrapper was laid aside till a neighbor who
+read English came in to translate it. Meantime they
+enjoyed the new toys immensely, and even despondent
+Dora was cheered up by the admiration she
+received; while they in their turn were deeply interested
+in the pretty dolls' furniture some of the children
+made.</p>
+
+<p>Beds, tables and chairs covered the long bench, and
+round it sat the neat-handed little maidens gluing,
+tacking and trimming, while they sang and chatted at
+their work as busy and happy as a hive of bees.</p>
+
+<p>All day the boys went about the streets playing,
+and in the evening trooped off to the beer gardens
+to play again, for they lived in Chicago, and the
+dolls had got so far on their way to Aunt Maria, as
+they soon discovered.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span>
+For nearly two months they lived happily with
+Minna, Gretchen and Nanerl, then they set out on
+their travels again, and this was the way it happened.
+A little girl came to order a set of furniture for her
+new baby-house, and seeing two shabby dolls reposing
+in a fine bed she asked about them. Her mamma
+spoke German so Minna told how they were
+found, and showed the old wrapper, saying that they
+always meant to send the dolls on their way but
+grew so fond of them they kept putting it off.</p>
+
+<p>"I am going as far as New York very soon and
+will take them along if you like, for I think little
+Miss Maria Plum must have been expecting her
+dolls all this time. Shall I?" asked the mamma, as
+she read the address and saw the dash under "With
+care," as if the dollies were of great importance to
+some one.</p>
+
+<p>"Ja, ja," answered Minna, glad to oblige a lady
+who bought two whole sets of their best furniture
+and paid for it at once.</p>
+
+<p>So again the dolls were put in their brown paper
+cover and sent away with farewell kisses.</p>
+
+<p>"This now is genteel and just suits me," said
+Dora, as they drove along with little Clara to the
+handsome house where she was staying.</p>
+
+<p>"I have a feeling that she is a spoilt child, and we
+shall not be as happy with her as with the dear
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span>Poppleheimers. We shall see," answered Flora,
+wisely, for Clara had soon tossed the dolls into a
+corner and was fretting because mamma would not
+buy her the big horn to blow on.</p>
+
+<p>The party started for New York in a day or two,
+and to the delight of Flo and Do they were left out
+of the trunks for Clara to play with on the way, her
+own waxen Blanche Marie Annabel being too
+delicate to be used.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh my patience, this is worse than tumbling
+about in a mail-bag," groaned Dora, after hours of
+great suffering, for Clara treated the poor dolls as if
+they had no feeling.</p>
+
+<p>She amused herself with knocking their heads
+together, shutting them in the window with their
+poor legs hanging out, swinging them by one arm,
+and drawing lines with a pencil all over their faces
+till they looked as if tattooed by savages. Even
+brave Flora was worn out and longed for rest, finding
+her only comfort in saying, "I told you so," when
+Clara banged them about, or dropped them on the
+dusty floor to be trampled on by passing feet.</p>
+
+<p>There they were left, and would have been swept
+away if a little dog had not found them as the
+passengers were leaving the car and carried them
+after his master, trotting soberly along with the
+bundle in his mouth, for fortunately Clara had put
+them into the paper before she left them, so they
+were still together in the trials of the journey.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span>
+"Hullo, Jip, what have you got?" asked the
+young man as the little dog jumped up on the
+carriage seat and laid his load on his master's knee,
+panting and wagging his tail as if he had done
+something to be praised for.</p>
+
+<p>"Dolls, I declare! What can a bachelor do with
+the poor things? Wonder who Maria Plum is?
+Midge will like a look at them before we send them
+along;" and into the young man's pocket they went,
+trembling with fear of the dog, but very grateful for
+being rescued from destruction.</p>
+
+<p>Jip kept his eye on them, and gave an occasional
+poke with his cold nose to be sure they were
+there as they drove through the bustling streets of
+New York to a great house with an inscription over
+the door.</p>
+
+<p>"I do hope Midge will be a nicer girl than Clara.
+Children ought to be taught to be kind to dumb
+dolls as well as dumb animals," said Dora, as the
+young man ran up the steps and hurried along a wide
+hall.</p>
+
+<p>"I almost wish we were at home with our own kind
+little mothers," began Flo, for even her spirits were
+depressed by bad treatment, but just then a door
+opened and she cried out in amazement, "Bless my
+heart, this man has more children than even Mr.
+Poppleheimer!"</p>
+
+<p>She might well think so, for all down both sides of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span>
+the long room stood little white beds with a small
+pale face on every pillow. All the eyes that were
+open brightened when Jip and his master came in,
+and several thin hands were outstretched to meet
+them.</p>
+
+<p>"I've been good, Doctor, let me pat him first,"
+cried one childish voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Did you bring me a flower, please?" asked
+another feeble one.</p>
+
+<p>"I know he's got something nice for us, I see a
+bundle in his pocket," and a little fellow who sat up
+among his pillows gave a joyful cough as he could
+not shout.</p>
+
+<p>"Two dollies for Midge to play with. Jip found
+them, but I think the little girl they are going to will
+lend them for a few days. We shall not need them
+longer I'm afraid," added the young man to a rosy
+faced nurse who came along with a bottle in her
+hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Dear no, the poor child is very low to-day. But
+she will love to look at the babies if she isn't strong
+enough to hold 'em," said the woman, leading the
+way to a corner where the palest of all the pale faces
+lay smiling on the pillow, and the thinnest of the
+thin hands were feebly put up to greet the Doctor.</p>
+
+<p>"So nice!" she whispered when the dolls were
+laid beside her, while Jip proudly beat his tail on
+the floor to let her know that she owed the welcome
+gift to him.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span>
+For an hour Flo and Do lay on the arm of poor
+Midge who never moved except to touch them now
+and then with a tender little finger, or to kiss them
+softly, saying, "Dear babies, it is very nice not to be
+all alone. Are you comfy, darlings?" till she fell
+asleep still smiling.</p>
+
+<p>"Sister, do you think this can be the Heaven we
+hear people talk about? It is so still and white, and
+may be these children are angels," whispered Dora,
+looking at the sweet face turned toward her with the
+long lashes lying on the colorless cheek, and the
+arms outstretched like wings.</p>
+
+<p>"No, dear, it is a hospital, I heard that man
+say so, and those are sick children come to be cured.
+It is a sweet place, I think, and this child much
+nicer than that horrid Clara," answered Flo, who was
+quicker to hear, see and understand what went on
+than Dora.</p>
+
+<p>"I love to lie here safe and warm, but there
+doesn't seem to be much breath to rock me," said Do,
+who lay nearest the little bosom that very slowly rose
+and fell with the feeble flutter of the heart below.</p>
+
+<p>"Hush, we may disturb her," and lively Flo controlled
+her curiosity, contenting herself with looking
+at the other children and listening to their quiet
+voices, for pain seemed to have hushed them all.</p>
+
+<p>For a week the dolls lay in Midge's bed, and
+though their breasts were full of saw-dust and their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span>
+heads were only wood, the sweet patience of the little
+creature seemed to waken something like a heart in
+them, and set them thinking, for dolls don't live in
+vain, I am firmly persuaded.</p>
+
+<p>All day she tended them till the small hands could
+no longer hold them, and through the weary nights
+she tried to murmur bits of lullabies lest the dollies
+would not be able to sleep because of the crying or
+the moans some of the poor babies could not repress.
+She often sent one or the other to cheer up some
+little neighbor, and in this way Do and Flo became
+small sisters of charity, welcomed eagerly, reluctantly
+returned, and loved by all, although they never
+uttered a word and their dingy faces could not express
+the emotion that stirred their saw-dust bosoms.</p>
+
+<p>When Saturday night came they were laid in their
+usual place on Midge's arm. She was too weak to
+kiss them now, and nurse laid their battered cheeks
+against the lips that whispered faintly, "Be sure you
+send 'em to the little girl, and tell her&mdash;tell her&mdash;all
+about it." Then she turned her cheek to the pillow
+with a little sigh and lay so still the dolls thought
+she had gone to sleep.</p>
+
+<p>She had, but the sweet eyes did not open in the
+morning, and there was no breath in the little
+breast to rock the dolls any more.</p>
+
+<p>"I knew she was an angel, and now she has flown
+away," said Dora softly, as they watched the white<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span>
+image carried out in the weeping nurse's arms, with
+the early sunshine turning all the pretty hair to
+gold.</p>
+
+<p>"I think that is what they call dying, sister. It is
+a much lovelier way to end than as we do in the dust
+bin or rag-bag. I wonder if there is a little Heaven
+anywhere for good dolls?" answered Flora, with
+what looked like a tear on her cheek; but it was
+only a drop from the violets sent by the kind Doctor
+last night.</p>
+
+<p>"I hope so, for I think the souls of little children
+might miss us if they loved us as dear Midge did,"
+whispered Dora, trying to kiss the blue flower in her
+hand, for the child had shared her last gift with these
+friends.</p>
+
+<p>"Why didn't you let her take them along, poor
+motherless baby?" asked the doctor when he saw
+the dolls lying as she had left them.</p>
+
+<p>"I promised her they should go to the girl they
+were sent to, and please, I'd like to keep my word to
+the little darling," answered Nurse with a sob.</p>
+
+<p>"You shall," said the Doctor, and put them in his
+breast pocket with the faded violets, for everybody
+loved the pauper child sent to die in a hospital, because
+Christian charity makes every man and woman
+father and mother to these little ones.</p>
+
+<p>All day the dolls went about in the busy Doctor's
+pocket, and I think the violets did them good, for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span>
+the soft perfume clung to them long afterward like
+the memory of a lovely life, as short and sweet as
+that of the flowers.</p>
+
+<p>In the evening they were folded up in a fresh
+paper and re-directed carefully. The Doctor wrote
+a little note telling why he had kept them, and was
+just about to put on some stamps when a friend came
+in who was going to Boston in the morning.</p>
+
+<p>"Anything to take along, Fred?" asked the newcomer.</p>
+
+<p>"This parcel, if you will. I have a feeling that
+I'd rather not have it knock about in a mail-bag,"
+and the Doctor told him why.</p>
+
+<p>It was pleasant to see how carefully the traveller
+put away the parcel after that, and to hear him say
+that he was going through Boston to the mountains
+for his holiday, and would deliver it in Portland to
+Miss Plum herself.</p>
+
+<p>"Now there is some chance of our getting there,"
+said Flora, as they set off next day in a new Russia
+leather bag.</p>
+
+<p>On the way they overheard a long chat between
+some New York and Boston ladies which impressed
+them very much. Flora liked to hear the fashionable
+gossip about clothes and people and art and
+theatres, but Dora preferred the learned conversation
+of the young Boston ladies, who seemed to know
+a little of everything, or think they did.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span>
+"I hope Mamma will give me an entirely new
+wardrobe when I get home; and we will have dolls'
+weddings and balls, and a play, and be as fine and
+fashionable as those ladies down there," said Flora,
+after listening a while.</p>
+
+<p>"You have got your head full of dressy ideas and
+high life, sister. I don't care for such things, but
+mean to cultivate my mind as fast as I can. That
+girl says she is in college, and named over more
+studies than I can count. I do wish we were to stop
+and see a little of the refined society of Boston,"
+answered Dora, primly.</p>
+
+<p>"Pooh!" said Flo, "don't you try to be intellectual,
+for you are only a wooden-headed doll. I mean
+to be a real Westerner, and just enjoy myself as I
+please, without caring what other folks do or think.
+Boston is no better than the rest of the world, I
+guess."</p>
+
+<p>Groans from every article in the bag greeted this
+disrespectful speech, and an avalanche of Boston
+papers fell upon the audacious doll. But Flo was
+undaunted, and shouted from underneath the pile:
+"I don't care! Minnesota forever!" till her breath
+gave out.</p>
+
+<p>Dora was so mortified that she never said a word
+till they were let out in a room at the Parker House.
+Here she admired everything, and read all the evening
+in a volume of Emerson's Poems from the bag,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span>
+for Mr. Mt. Vernon Beacon was a Boston man, and
+never went anywhere without a wise book or two in
+his pocket.</p>
+
+<p>Flo turned up her nose at all she saw, and devoted
+herself to a long chat with the smart bag which came
+from New York and was full of gossip.</p>
+
+<p>The next afternoon they really got to Portland,
+and as soon as Mr. Beacon had made his toilet he
+set out to find little Miss Plum. When the parlor
+door opened to admit her he was much embarrassed,
+for, advancing with a paternal smile and the dolls
+extended to the expected child, he found himself
+face to face with a pretty young lady, who looked as
+if she thought him a little mad.</p>
+
+<p>A few words explained the errand, however, and
+when she read the note Aunt Maria's bright eyes
+were full of tears as she said, hugging the dilapidated
+dolls:</p>
+
+<p>"I'll write the story of their travels, and send the
+dear old things back to the children as soon as
+possible."</p>
+
+<p>And so she did with Mr. Beacon's help, for he
+decided to try the air of Portland, and spent his
+vacation there. The dolls were re-painted and re-dressed
+till they were more beautiful than ever, and
+their clothes fine enough to suit even Flo.</p>
+
+<p>They were a good while doing this, and when all
+was ready, Aunt Maria took it into her head to run<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span>
+out to St. Paul and surprise the children. By a singular
+coincidence Mr. Beacon had railroad business
+in that direction, so they set off together, with two
+splendid dolls done up in a gay box.</p>
+
+<p>All that was ever known about that journey was
+that these travellers stopped at the hospital in New
+York, and went on better friends than before after
+hearing from the good Doctor all the pathetic story
+of little Midge.</p>
+
+<p>The young Plums had long ago given up the hope
+of ever seeing Do and Flo again, for they started in
+June and it was early in September when Aunt Maria
+appeared before them without the least warning,
+accompanied by a pleasant gentleman from Boston.</p>
+
+<p>Six kisses had hardly resounded from Aunty's
+blooming cheeks when a most attractive box was
+produced from the Russia leather bag, and the wandering
+dolls restored to the arms of their enraptured
+mammas.</p>
+
+<p>A small volume neatly written and adorned with a
+few pictures of the most exciting incidents of the
+trip also appeared.</p>
+
+<p>"Every one writes or prints a book in Boston, you
+know, so we did both," said Aunt Maria, laughing,
+as she handed over the remarkable history which she
+had composed and Mr. Beacon illustrated.</p>
+
+<p>It was read with intense interest, and was as true
+as most stories are nowadays.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span>
+"Nothing more delightful can happen now!" exclaimed
+the children, as they laid by the precious
+work and enthroned the travelled dolls in the place
+of honor on the roof of the baby-house.</p>
+
+<p>But something much more delightful did happen;
+for at Thanksgiving time there was a wedding at the
+Plums'. Not a doll's wedding, as Flo had planned,
+but a real one, for the gentleman from Boston
+actually married Aunt Maria.</p>
+
+<p>There were six bridesmaids, all in blue, and Flora
+and Dora, in the loveliest of new pink gowns, were
+set aloft among the roses on the wedding-cake, their
+proper place as everyone said, for there never would
+have been any marriage at all but for this Doll's
+Journey From Minnesota to Maine.</p>
+<hr />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="IV" id="IV"></a>IV.</h2>
+
+<h3>MORNING-GLORIES.</h3>
+
+<p>"What's that?"&mdash;and Daisy sat up in her
+little bed to listen; for she had never
+heard a sound like it before.</p>
+
+<p>It was very early, and the house was still. The
+sun was just rising, and the morning-glories at the
+window were turning their blue and purple cups to
+catch the welcome light. The sky was full of rosy
+clouds; dew shone like diamonds on the waving
+grass, and the birds were singing as they only sing
+at dawn. But softer, sweeter than any bird-voice
+was the delicate music which Daisy heard. So airy
+and gay was the sound, it seemed impossible to lie
+still with that fairy dancing-tune echoing through the
+room. Out of bed scrambled Daisy, her sleepy eyes
+opening wider and wider with surprise and pleasure
+as she listened and wondered.</p>
+
+<p>"Where is it?" she said, popping her head out
+of the window. The morning-glories only danced
+lightly on their stems, the robins chirped shrilly in
+the garden below, and the wind gave Daisy a kiss;
+but none of them answered her, and still the lovely
+music sounded close beside her.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span>
+"It's a new kind of bird, perhaps; or maybe it's
+a fairy hidden somewhere. Oh, if it <i>is</i> how splendid
+it will be!" cried Daisy; and she began to look
+carefully in all the colored cups, under the leaves
+of the woodbine, and in the wren's nest close by.
+There was neither fairy nor bird to be seen; and
+Daisy stood wondering, when a voice cried out from
+below:</p>
+
+<p>"Why, little nightcap, what brings you out of your
+bed so early?"</p>
+
+<p>"O Aunt Wee! do you hear it&mdash;that pretty music
+playing somewhere near! I can't find it; but I
+think it's a fairy, don't you?" said Daisy, looking
+down at the young lady standing in the garden with
+her hands full of roses.</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Wee listened, smiled, and shook her head.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you remember you said last night that you
+thought the world a very stupid, grown-up place,
+because there were no giants and fairies in it now?
+Well, perhaps there <i>are</i> fairies, and they are going to
+show themselves to you, if you watch well."</p>
+
+<p>Daisy clapped her hands, and danced about on
+her little bare feet; for, of all things in the world,
+she most wanted to see a fairy.</p>
+
+<p>"What must I do to find them, Aunt Wee?" she
+cried, popping out her head again with her cap half
+off, and her curly hair blowing in the wind.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, you see, they frolic all night, and go to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span>
+sleep at dawn; so we must get up very early, if we
+want to catch the elves awake. They are such
+delicate, fly-away little things, and we are so big and
+clumsy, we shall have to look carefully, and perhaps
+hunt a long time before we find even one," replied
+Aunt Wee, very gravely.</p>
+
+<p>"Mamma says I'm quick at finding things; and
+you know all about fairies, so I guess we'll catch
+one. Can't we begin now? It's very early, and
+this music has waked me up; so I don't want to
+sleep any more. Will you begin to hunt now?"</p>
+
+<p>"But you don't like to get up early, or to walk in
+the fields; and, if we mean to catch a fairy, we must
+be up and out by sunrise every fair morning till we
+get one. Can you do this, lazy Daisy?" And Aunt
+Wee smiled to herself as if something pleased her
+very much.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! I will, truly, get up, and not fret a bit, if
+you'll only help me look. Please come now to dress
+me, and see if you can find what makes the music."</p>
+
+<p>Daisy was very much in earnest, and in such a
+hurry to be off that she could hardly stand still to
+have her hair brushed, and thought there were a
+great many unnecessary buttons and strings on her
+clothes that day. Usually she lay late, got up slowly
+and fretted at every thing as little girls are apt to
+do when they have had too much sleep. She wasn't
+a rosy, stout Daisy; but had been ill, and had fallen<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span>
+into a way of thinking she couldn't do anything but
+lie about, reading fairy-tales, and being petted by
+every one. Mamma and papa had tried all sorts of
+things to amuse and do her good; for she was their
+only little daughter, and they loved her very dearly.
+But nothing pleased her long; and she lounged
+about, pale and fretful, till Aunt Laura came. Daisy
+called her "Wee" when she was a baby, and couldn't
+talk plainly; and she still used the name because it
+suited the cheery little aunt so well.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't see anything, and the music has stopped.
+I think some elf just came to wake you up, and then
+flew away; so we won't waste any more time in
+looking here," said Wee, as she finished dressing
+Daisy, who flew about like a Will-o'-the-wisp all the
+while.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think it will come again to-morrow?"
+asked Daisy anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>"I dare say you'll hear it, if you wake in time.
+Now get your hat, and we will see what we can find
+down by the brook. I saw a great many fireflies
+there last night, and fancy there was a ball; so we
+may find some drowsy elf among the buttercups and
+clover."</p>
+
+<p>Away rushed Daisy for her hat, and soon was
+walking gayly down the green lane, looking about
+her as if she had never been there before; for every
+thing seemed wonderfully fresh and lovely.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span>
+"How pink the clouds are, and how the dew
+twinkles in the grass! I never saw it so before,"
+she said.</p>
+
+<p>"Because by the time you are up the pretty pink
+clouds are gone, and the thirsty grass has drank the
+dew, or the sun has drawn it up to fall again at night
+for the flowers' evening bath," replied Wee, watching
+the soft color that began to touch Daisy's pale
+cheeks.</p>
+
+<p>"I think we'd better look under that cobweb
+spread like a tent over the white clovers. A fairy
+would be very likely to creep in there and sleep."</p>
+
+<p>Daisy knelt down and peeped carefully; but all
+she saw was a little brown spider, who looked very
+much surprised to see visitors so early.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't like spiders," said Daisy, much disappointed.</p>
+
+<p>"There are things about spiders as interesting to
+hear as fairy tales," said Wee. "This is Mrs.
+Epeira Diadema; and she is a respectable, industrious
+little neighbor. She spreads her tent, but sits
+under a leaf near by, waiting for her breakfast. She
+wraps her eggs in a soft silken bag, and hides them
+in some safe chink, where they lie till spring. The
+eggs are prettily carved and ornamented, and so
+hard that the baby spiders have to force their way
+out by biting the shell open and poking their little
+heads through. The mother dies as soon as her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span>
+eggs are safely placed, and the spiderlings have to
+take care of themselves."</p>
+
+<p>"How do you know about it, Aunt Wee? You
+talk as if Mrs. Eppyra&mdash;or whatever her name is&mdash;had
+told you herself. Did she?" asked Daisy,
+feeling more interested in the brown spider.</p>
+
+<p>"No; I read it in a book, and saw pictures of the
+eggs, web, and family. I had a live one in a bottle;
+and she spun silken ladders all up and down, and a
+little room to sleep in. She ate worms and bugs,
+and was very amiable and interesting till she fell ill
+and died."</p>
+
+<p>"I should like to see the book; and have a spider-bottle,
+so I could take care of the poor little orphans
+when they are born. Good-by, ma'am. I shall call
+again; for you are 'most as good as a fairy there in
+your pretty tent, with a white clover for your bed."</p>
+
+<p>Daisy walked on a few steps, and then stopped to
+say:</p>
+
+<p>"What does that bird mean by calling 'Hurry up,
+hurry up?' He keeps flying before us, and looking
+back as if he wanted to show me something."</p>
+
+<p>"Let me hear what he says. I may be able to
+understand him, or the bob-o-link that swings on the
+alder by the brook."</p>
+
+<p>Wee listened a moment, while the birds twittered
+and chirped with all their hearts. Presently Wee
+sang in a tone very like the bob-o-link's:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i4">"Daisy and Wee,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Come here, and see<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">What a dainty feast is spread:<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Down in the grass<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Where fairies pass,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Here are berries ripe and red.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i4">"All wet with dew,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">They wait for you:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Come hither, and eat your fill,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">While I gayly sing,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">In my airy swing,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And the sun climbs up the hill."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>"Did he really say that?" cried Daisy, watching
+the bob-o-link, who sat swaying up and down on the
+green bough, and nodding his white-capped head at
+her in the most friendly manner.</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps I didn't translate it rightly; for it is
+very hard to put bird-notes into our language,
+because we haven't words soft and sweet enough.
+But I really think there are berries over there, and
+we will see if what he says is true," said Wee.</p>
+
+<p>Over the wall they went, and there, on a sunny
+bank, found a bed of the reddest, ripest berries ever
+seen.</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, thank you, for telling me to hurry
+up, and showing me such a splendid feast," said
+Daisy, with her mouth full, as she nodded back at
+the birds. "These are so much sweeter than those
+we buy. I'd carry some home to mamma, if I only
+had a basket."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span>
+"You can pick this great leaf full, while I make
+you a basket," said Wee.</p>
+
+<p>Daisy soon filled the leaf, and then sat watching
+her aunt plait a pretty basket of rushes. While she
+waited she looked about, and kept finding something
+curious or pleasant to interest and amuse her. First
+she saw a tiny rainbow in a dewdrop that hung on a
+blade of grass; then she watched a frisky calf come
+down to drink on the other side of the brook, and
+laughed to see him scamper away with his tail in the
+air. Close by grew a pitcher-plant; and a yellow
+butterfly sat on the edge, bathing its feet, Daisy said.
+Presently she discovered a little ground bird sitting
+on her nest, and peeping anxiously, as if undecided
+whether to fly away or trust her.</p>
+
+<p>"I won't hurt you, little mother. Don't be
+afraid," whispered the child; and, as if it understood,
+the bird settled down on her nest with a
+comfortable chirp, while its mate hopped up to give
+her a nice plump worm for breakfast.</p>
+
+<p>"I love birds. Tell me something about them,
+Aunt Wee. You must know many things; for they
+like you, and come when you call."</p>
+
+<p>"Once upon a time," began Wee, while her fingers
+flew and the pretty basket grew, "there was a great
+snow-storm, and all the country was covered with a
+thick white quilt. It froze a little, so one could
+walk over it, and I went out for a run. Oh, so cold<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span>
+it was, with a sharp wind, and no sun or any thing
+green to make it pleasant! I went far away over the
+fields, and sat down to rest. While I sat there, a
+little bird came by, and stopped to rest also.</p>
+
+<p>"'How do you do?' said I.</p>
+
+<p>"'Chick-a-dee-dee,' said he.</p>
+
+<p>"'A cold day,' said I.</p>
+
+<p>"'Chick-a-dee-dee,' said he.</p>
+
+<p>"'Aren't you afraid of starving, now the ground is
+covered and the trees are bare?'</p>
+
+<p>"'Chick-a-dee-dee, ma'am, chick-a-dee-dee!'" answered
+the bird in the same cheerful tone. And it
+sounded as if he said, 'I shall be cared for. I'm
+not afraid.'</p>
+
+<p>"'What will you eat? There's nothing here or for
+miles round. I really think you'll starve, birdie,'
+said I.</p>
+
+<p>"Then he laughed, and gave me a merry look as
+he lit on a tall, dry weed near by. He shook it hard
+with his little bill; when down fell a shower of seeds,
+and there was dinner all ready on a snow-white cloth.
+All the while he ate he kept looking up at me with
+his quick, bright eyes; and, when he had done, he
+said, as plainly as a bird could say it:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"'Cold winds may blow,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And snows may fall,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">&nbsp;But well we know<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">God cares for all.'"<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span>
+"I like that little story, and shall always think of
+it when I hear the chick-a-dee-dee." Daisy sat a
+moment with a thoughtful look in her eyes; then she
+said slowly, as if sorry for the words:</p>
+
+<p>"It isn't a stupid, grown-up world. It's a very
+pleasant, young world; and I like it a great deal
+better this morning than I did last night."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm glad of that; and, even if we don't find our
+fairy to-day, you will have found some sunshine,
+Daisy, and that is almost as good. Now put in the
+berries, and we'll go on."</p>
+
+<p>How they hunted! They climbed trees to peep
+into squirrel-holes and birds'-nests; they chased bees
+and butterflies to ask for news of the elves; they
+waded in the brook, hoping to catch a water-sprite;
+they ran after thistle-down, fancying a fairy might be
+astride; they searched the flowers and ferns, questioned
+sun and wind, listened to robin and thrush;
+but no one could tell them any thing of the little
+people, though all had gay and charming bits of
+news about themselves. And Daisy thought the
+world got younger and happier every minute.</p>
+
+<p>When they came in to breakfast, papa and mamma
+looked at Daisy, and then nodded with a smile at
+Aunt Wee; for, though Daisy's frock was soiled, her
+boots wet, and her hair tumbled, her cheeks were
+rosy, eyes bright, and voice so cheerful that they
+thought it better music than any in the summer
+world without.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span>
+"Hunting fairies is a pleasant play, isn't it,
+Daisy?" said papa, as he tasted the berries, and
+admired the green basket.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes! and we are going again to-morrow.
+Aunt Wee says we must try seven days at least. I
+like it, and mean to keep on till I really find my
+fairy."</p>
+
+<p>"I think you will find something better than
+'little vanishers,' dear," said mamma, filling up the
+bowl of bread and milk which Daisy was fast emptying;
+for she certainly <i>had</i> found an appetite.</p>
+
+<p>"There it is again!" cried Daisy, flying out of
+bed the next morning still earlier than the day before.
+Yes, there it was, the fairy music, as blithe and sweet
+as ever; and the morning-glories rung their delicate
+bells as if keeping time. Daisy felt rather sleepy,
+but remembered her promise to Aunt Wee, and
+splashed into her tub, singing the bob-o-link's song
+as she bathed.</p>
+
+<p>"Where shall we go to-day?" she asked, as they
+went out into the garden.</p>
+
+<p>"I think we'd better try a new place; so we'll go
+to the farmyard; and, while we feed the hens, I'll
+listen to their chat, and perhaps can learn something
+from it," replied Wee soberly.</p>
+
+<p>"Do hens know about fairies? I thought they
+were very dull things, and didn't care for any thing
+but eating corn and laying eggs," said Daisy,
+surprised.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span>
+"Oh, dear, no! they are very sensible creatures,
+and see a deal of the world in their daily walks.
+Hunting for insects gives them an excellent chance
+to see fairies, if there are any. Here is some corn
+for the biddies; and, after we have fed them, we will
+look for eggs, and so may find a brownie or two."</p>
+
+<p>Such a clatter as there was when they came to the
+barnyard; for every thing was just awake, and in the
+best spirits. Ducks were paddling off to the pond;
+geese to the meadow; and meek gray guinea-hens
+tripping away to hunt bugs in the garden. A splendid
+cock stood on the wall, and crowed so loud and
+clear that all the neighboring chanticleers replied.
+The motherly hens clucked and scratched with their
+busy broods about them, or sat and scolded in
+the coops because the chicks would gad abroad.
+Doves cooed on the sunny roof, and smoothed their
+gleaming feathers. Daisy's donkey nibbled a thistle
+by the wall, and a stately peacock marched before
+the door with all his plumage spread. It made
+Daisy laugh to see the airs the fowls put on as she
+scattered corn, and threw meal and water to the
+chicks. Some pushed and gobbled; some stood
+meekly outside the crowd, and got what they could;
+others seized a mouthful, and ran away to eat it in a
+corner. The chicks got into the pan entirely, and
+tumbled one over the other in their hurry to eat; but
+the mammas saw that none went hungry. And the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span>
+polite cock waited upon them in the most gentlemanly
+manner, making queer little clucks and gurgles
+as if he said:</p>
+
+<p>"Allow me, madam, to offer you this kernel;" or,
+"Here, my dear, try that bit." And sometimes he
+pecked a little, with a loud quaver, evidently saying,
+"Come, come, children, behave yourselves, and
+don't eat like pigs."</p>
+
+<p>"What is she saying?" asked Daisy, pointing to
+an old gray hen in a black turban, who was walking
+about alone, muttering to herself, as hens often do in
+their promenades.</p>
+
+<p>"She says a cat has made a nest, and hatched
+three kits up on the loft, near her own nest; and
+she doesn't like it, because their mewing annoys
+her," said Wee, after listening a minute.</p>
+
+<p>"How nice! let's go and find them. But do you
+learn anything about the fairies from the hen's
+chat?"</p>
+
+<p>"No: they have been so busy setting, they have
+had no time for picnics yet. But they will let us
+know, if they discover any."</p>
+
+<p>In the barn, the cows were being milked; and
+Daisy had a mugful of it, warm and sweet, out of
+the foaming pail.</p>
+
+<p>"We'll take some to Mrs. Purr; for, I dare say,
+she doesn't like to leave the kits long, and will enjoy
+a sip of something comfortable," said Wee, as Daisy<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span>
+climbed the ladder, and went rustling over the hay
+to a corner, whence came a joyful "Mew!" What
+a charming sight it was, to be sure! a snow-white
+cat lying in a cosy nest, and, by her, three snow-white
+kits, wagging three very small gray tails.</p>
+
+<p>"There never was any thing so lovely!" cried
+Daisy, as she sat with the three downy balls in her
+lap, while the mamma gratefully lapped the new milk
+from Aunt Wee's cup.</p>
+
+<p>"Are they better than fairies?"</p>
+
+<p>"Almost: for I know about pussies, and can cuddle
+them; but I couldn't a fairy, you know, and they
+might be afraid of me. These dears are not afraid,
+and I shall have such fun with them as they grow up.
+What <i>shall</i> we name them, auntie?"</p>
+
+<p>"Snowball, Patpaw, and Wagtail would do, I
+think," said Wee, stroking the cat, who rubbed
+against her, purring very loud.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes: I like those names for my pets. But what
+is Mrs. Purr saying, with her mouth up to your ear?"
+asked Daisy, who firmly believed that Aunt Wee
+knew every thing.</p>
+
+<p>"She tells me that when she went on a grasshopper
+hunt the other day, as she ran through the
+meadow, she saw some lovely creatures all in blue,
+with gauze wings, flying about over the river, and
+sitting in the water-lilies. She thinks they may be
+fairies, and advises us to go and look."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span>
+"So we will to-morrow," said Daisy. "Ask her,
+please, if I may take the kits into the house, if I'll
+be very careful and give them a nice big bed to
+sleep in."</p>
+
+<p>"She says you may; but she must go too, else the
+kits will cry," said Wee, after listening to Pussy's
+purr a minute.</p>
+
+<p>Much pleased with her new pets, Daisy took them
+in her apron, and, followed by their confiding
+mamma, marched to the house, and established
+them in the old cradle which used to be hers.
+Pussy got in also; and, when they were settled on a
+soft cushion, Daisy rocked them gently to and fro.
+At first Mrs. Purr opened her yellow eyes, and
+looked rather anxious: but, as nothing uncomfortable
+happened, she composed herself, and soon quite
+liked the motion; for she fell asleep, and made a
+pretty picture as she lay with her downy white babies
+on her downy white breast.</p>
+
+<p>When the sun rose next morning, he saw Daisy
+and Wee floating down the river in their boat.
+"Bless me! here's company," said the sun, and
+began at once to make them welcome in his most
+charming manner. He set the waves to sparkling
+with a sudden shimmer; he shot long rays of light
+through the dark hemlocks, till they looked like
+fairy trees; he touched Daisy's hair and it turned to
+gold; he chased away the shadows that lurked<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span>
+among the hills; he drew up the misty curtain that
+hovered over the river; and, with the warmth of his
+kisses, waked the sleeping lilies.</p>
+
+<p>"Look, look, Aunt Wee! how they open, one by
+one, as the light shines on them! We shan't have
+to wait any longer; for they get up with the sun, as
+you do." As she spoke, Daisy caught a half-open
+lily, and drew it up, fragrant and dripping, fresh
+from its sleep.</p>
+
+<p>"They look like a fleet of fairy ships, anchored in
+this quiet harbor, with sails half furled, and crews
+asleep. See the little sailors, in their yellow jackets,
+lifting up their heads as the wind blows its whistle,
+like a boatswain, to 'pipe all hands.'"</p>
+
+<p>Daisy laughed at Aunt Wee's fancy, and stirred up
+the crew of the Water-sprite, as she called her flower,
+till the white sails were all set, and it was ready for
+a summer voyage.</p>
+
+<p>"It is time we saw the fairies in blue, unless old
+Madam Purr deceived us. I hope we <i>shall</i> find one;
+for, though I enjoy every thing we see, I do want my
+elf too."</p>
+
+<p>"What is that?" cried Wee; and Daisy flew up so
+quickly that the boat rocked like a cradle. A slender
+creature, in a blue dress, with gauzy wings, darted
+by, and vanished among the rushes that nodded by
+the bank.</p>
+
+<p>"Go nearer,&mdash;softly! softly!&mdash;and maybe it will<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span>
+fly out again. I really think it was a fairy; for I
+never saw any thing like it before," whispered Daisy,
+much excited.</p>
+
+<p>Wee rowed in among the green rushes and purple
+water-weeds, and out flew half-a-dozen of the blue-bodied
+creatures. They didn't seem afraid, but
+skimmed about the boat, as if curious to see what it
+was; and Daisy sat, and stared with all her might.
+Presently one of the lovely things lit on the lily in
+her hand, and she held her breath to watch it. A
+little shadow of disappointment passed over her face
+as she looked; but it was gone at once, and her
+voice was full of delight as she said softly:</p>
+
+<p>"It's not a fairy, Aunt Wee; but it is very beautiful,
+with its slender blue body, its lacy wings, and
+bright eyes. What name does it have?"</p>
+
+<p>"We call it a dragon-fly; and it could tell you a
+pretty little story about itself, could you understand
+it. In May the tiny eggs are dropped on the water,
+and sink to the bottom, where little creatures are
+born,&mdash;ugly, brown things, with six legs and no
+wings. They feed on water-insects, and for a long
+time swim about in this state. When ready, they
+climb up the stem of some plant, and sit in the sun
+till the ugly brown shells drop away, and the lovely
+winged creatures appear. They grow in an hour to
+be perfect dragon-flies, and float away to lead happy
+lives in the sunshine by the river."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span>
+As if only waiting till the story was done, the
+dragon-fly flew off with a whirr, and darted to and
+fro, hunting for its breakfast, glittering splendidly as
+it flashed among the leaves or darted close above
+the water. Daisy forgot her disappointment in a
+minute, and went fishing for lilies; while the turtles
+came up to sun themselves on the rocks, the merry
+little tadpoles wiggled in the shallow places, and a
+wild duck paddled by with a brood of ducklings
+following in her wake.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, dear! it rains; and we can't go fairy-hunting
+at all," said Daisy next morning, as the patter on the
+window-pane woke her up, and Aunt Wee came in
+to dress her.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, we can, dear; jump up, and see what a
+funny place I'll take you to."</p>
+
+<p>Daisy thought the rain would be a capital excuse
+for lying in bed; for she still liked to cuddle and
+drowse in her cosey, warm nest. But she was curious
+to know where the curious place was; so she got
+up and followed.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Aunt Wee, this is the garret; and there
+isn't any thing nice or funny here," she said, as they
+climbed the stairs, and came into the big attic, filled
+with all manner of old things.</p>
+
+<p>"Isn't there? We'll soon see." And so they
+did: for Aunt Wee began to play; and presently
+Daisy was shouting with fun as she sat on an old<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span>
+saddle, with a hair-covered trunk for a horse, a big
+old-fashioned bonnet on her head, and a red silk
+petticoat for a habit. Then they went to sea in a
+great chest, and got wrecked on a desert island,
+where they built a fort with boxes and bags, hunted
+bears with rusty guns, and had to eat dried berries,
+herbs and nuts; for no other food could be found.
+Aunt Wee got an old fiddle, and had a dancing-school,
+where Daisy capered till she was tired. So
+they rummaged out some dusty books, and looked at
+pictures so quietly that a little mouse came out of a
+drawer and peeped about, thinking no one was
+there.</p>
+
+<p>"Let's find the nest, since we don't find any
+fairy," said Wee; and, opening the drawer, she
+turned over the things till she came to a pair of old
+velvet shoes; and there in the toe of one, nicely
+cuddled under a bit of flannel, lay four pink mites,
+which woke up, and stretched their tiny legs, and
+squeaked such small squeaks one could hardly hear
+them.</p>
+
+<p>"How cunning they are! I wish they would let
+me put them with the kits, and have a nursery full
+of babies. Wouldn't it be nice to see them all grow
+up?" said Daisy.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm afraid they wouldn't grow up, if Mrs. Purr
+lived with them," began Wee, but got no further; for
+just then the cat bounced into the drawer, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span>
+ate up the mouselings in four mouthfuls. Daisy
+screamed; the mother-mouse gave a doleful squeak,
+and ran into a hole; and Aunt Wee tried to save the
+little ones. But it was too late: Purr had got her
+breakfast, and sat washing her face after it, as if she
+had enjoyed it.</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind, Daisy: she would have caught them
+by and by, and it's as well to have them taken care
+of before they do any harm. There is the bell:
+don't cry, but come and tell papa what a fine romp
+we've had."</p>
+
+<p>"It doesn't rain, but it's dreadfully wet; so we'll
+go to the dairy, and see if any sprites are hiding
+there," said Wee next day; and to the dairy they
+went.</p>
+
+<p>A pleasant place it was,&mdash;so clean and cool, and
+as full of sweet odors as if the ghosts of buttercups
+and clover still haunted the milk which they had
+helped to make. Dolly was churning, and Polly was
+making up butter in nice little pats. Both were very
+kind, and let Daisy peep everywhere. All round on
+white shelves stood the shining pans, full of milk;
+the stone floor was wet; and a stream of water ran
+along a narrow bed through the room, and in it stood
+jars of butter, pots of cream, and cans of milk. The
+window was open, and hop-vines shook their green
+bells before it. The birds sang outside, and maids
+sang inside, as the churn and the wooden spatters
+kept time:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span>
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Brindle and Bess,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">White-star and Jess&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Come, butter, come!<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Eat cowslips fine,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Red columbine&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Come, butter, come!<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Grasses green and tall,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Clover, best of all,&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Come, butter, come!<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And give every night<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Milk sweet and white&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Come, butter, come!<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Make the churn go,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">See the lumps grow!&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Come, butter, come!"<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Daisy sang also, and turned the handle till she was
+tired; then she helped Polly with the butter, and
+made four little pats,&mdash;one stamped with a star for
+papa, one with a rose for mamma, a strawberry for
+Aunt Wee, and a cow for herself. She skimmed a
+pitcher of cream with a shallow shell, and liked the
+work so much she asked to have a little pan of milk
+put by for her to take care of every day. Dolly
+promised, and gave her a small shell and a low shelf
+all to herself. When she went in, she carried her
+pretty pats in one hand, the cream-pot in the other,
+and entered the breakfast room looking as brisk and
+rosy as a little milkmaid.</p>
+
+<p>It was a lovely morning when Daisy was next
+roused by the fairy music, and the ponies were
+standing at the door. "Are we going far?" she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span>
+asked, as Wee put on her riding-skirt, and tied
+back her hair.</p>
+
+<p>"Up to the mountain-top: it's only a mile; and
+we shall have time, if we ride fast," answered Wee.</p>
+
+<p>Away they went, through the green lane, over the
+bridge, and up the steep hillside where the sheep fed
+and colts frisked as they passed by. Higher and
+higher climbed Dandy and Prance, the ponies; and
+gayer and gayer grew Daisy and Wee, as the fresh
+air blew over them, and the morning-red glowed on
+their faces. When they reached the top, they sat on
+a tall stone, and looked down into the valley on
+either side.</p>
+
+<p>"This seems like a place to find giants, not fairies,
+it is so high and big and splendid up here," said
+Daisy, as her eye roamed over river, forest, town,
+and hill.</p>
+
+<p>"There are giants here; and I brought you up to
+see them," answered Wee.</p>
+
+<p>"Mercy, me! where are they?" cried Daisy,
+looking very curious and rather frightened.</p>
+
+<p>"There is one of them." And Wee pointed to
+the waterfall that went dashing and foaming down
+into the valley. "That giant turns the wheels of all
+the mills you see. Some of them grind grain for our
+bread, some help to spin cloth for our clothes, some
+make paper, and others saw trees into boards. That
+is a beautiful and busy giant, Daisy."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span>
+"So it is, and some day we'll go and see it work.
+Show me the others: I like your giants 'most as
+well as those in the fairy-books."</p>
+
+<p>"On this side you'll see another, called Steam.
+He is a very strong fellow; for, with the help of
+gunpowder, he will break the granite mountain in
+pieces, and carry it away. He works in the other
+mills, and takes heavy loads of stone, cloth, paper,
+and wood all over the country. Then, on the right
+of us is a third giant, called Electricity. He runs
+along those wires, and carries messages from one
+end of the world to the other. He goes under the
+sea and through the air; he brings news to every
+one; runs day and night, yet never tires; and often
+helps sick people with his lively magic."</p>
+
+<p>"I like him best, I think; for he is more like a
+real, wonderful giant. Is there any on that side
+of us?" asked Daisy, turning round to look behind
+her.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes: the best and most powerful of all lives in
+that big house with the bell on the roof," said Wee,
+smiling.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, that's only the schoolhouse."</p>
+
+<p>"Education is a long word, dear; but you know
+what it means, and, as you grow older, you will see
+what wonders it can work. It is a noble giant; for
+in this country rich and poor are helped by it, and
+no one need suffer for it unless they choose. It<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span>
+works more wonders than any other: it changes little
+children into wise, good men and women, who rule
+the world, and make happy homes everywhere; it
+helps write books, sing songs, paint pictures, do
+good deeds, and beautify the world. Love and
+respect it, my little Daisy, and be glad that you
+live now when such giants lend a hand to dwarfs
+like us."</p>
+
+<p>Daisy sat still a long time, looking all about her
+on the mountain-top; and, when she rode away, she
+carried a new thought in her mind, which she never
+forgot.</p>
+
+<p>"This is the last day of the seven, and no fairies
+have been found. Do you think I <i>ever</i> shall see
+one?" said Daisy, on the Sunday morning that
+ended her week's hunt.</p>
+
+<p>"Not the kind you think of, for there are none
+such, Daisy; but you have found two better and
+more beautiful ones than any fanciful sprites," said
+Wee.</p>
+
+<p>"Have I? Where are they? What are their
+names?"</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Wee drew her to the glass, and said, as she
+pointed to Daisy's face:</p>
+
+<p>"Here they are, and their names are Health and
+Happiness. There are many ways of losing them,
+and they are hard to catch when once lost. I
+wanted you to keep both, and tried to show you<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span>
+how. A happy, healthful hour in the morning
+sweetens and brightens the whole day; and there is
+no fairy-book half so wonderful as the lovely world
+all about us, if we only know how to read it."</p>
+
+<p>"Then all these mornings we were hunting after
+health and happiness, instead of fairies, were we?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes: haven't you enjoyed it, and don't you think
+you have caught my fairies?"</p>
+
+<p>Daisy looked from a little picture of herself, which
+Wee had drawn some time ago, to her image in the
+glass. One was dull and sad, pale and cross; the
+other, rosy, gay, and smiling,&mdash;the likeness of a
+happy, hearty little girl, wide-awake and in good
+tune. She understood the kind joke; and, turning,
+kissed Aunt Wee, as she said, gratefully:</p>
+
+<p>"I think I have caught your elves, and I'll try to
+keep them all my life. But tell me one thing: was
+the music that woke me all a joke too?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, dear: here it is, and now it is your own;
+for you have learned to wake and listen to it."</p>
+
+<p>Daisy looked, and saw Aunt Wee lean from the
+window, and take out of a hollow nook, in the old
+tree close by, a little box. She set it on the table,
+touched a spring, and the airy music sounded more
+beautiful than ever.</p>
+
+<p>"Is it mine, all mine?" cried Daisy.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes: I hid it while I tried my little plan, and
+now you shall have it for your own. See, here is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span>
+the best elf I can give you, and she will dance
+whenever you call her."</p>
+
+<p>Wee pushed a golden pin, and up sprang a tiny
+figure, all crimson and gold, with shining wings, and
+a garland on its dainty head. Softly played the
+hidden music, and airily danced the little sylph till
+the silvery chime died away; then, folding her
+delicate arms, she sank from sight, leaving Daisy
+breathless with delight.</p>
+<hr />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="V" id="V"></a>V.</h2>
+
+<h3>SHADOW-CHILDREN.</h3>
+
+<p>Ned, Polly, and Will sat on the steps one sun-shiny
+morning, doing nothing, except wish
+they had something pleasant to do.</p>
+
+<p>"Something new, something never heard of before,&mdash;wouldn't
+that be jolly?" said Ned, with a
+great yawn.</p>
+
+<p>"It must be an amusing play, and one that we
+don't get tired of very soon," added Polly gravely.</p>
+
+<p>"And something that didn't be wrong, else
+mamma wouldn't like it," said little Will, who was
+very good for a small boy.</p>
+
+<p>As no one could suggest any thing to suit, they all
+sat silent a few minutes. Suddenly Ned said, rather
+crossly, "I wish my shadow wouldn't mock me.
+Every time I stretch or gape it does the same, and I
+don't like it."</p>
+
+<p>"Poor thing, it can't help that: it has to do just
+what you do, and be your slave all day. I'm glad I
+ain't a shadow," said Polly.</p>
+
+<p>"I try to run away from mine sometimes, but I
+can't ever. It will come after me; and in the night
+it scares me, if it gets big and black," said Will,
+looking behind him.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span>
+"Wouldn't it be fun to see shadows going about
+alone, and doing things like people?" asked Polly.</p>
+
+<p>"I just wish they would. I'd like to see ours cut
+capers; that would be a jolly new game, wouldn't
+it?" said Ned.</p>
+
+<p>No one had time to speak; for suddenly the three
+little shadows on the sunny wall behind them stood
+up straight, and began to bow.</p>
+
+<p>"Mercy, me!" cried Polly, staring at them.</p>
+
+<p>"By Jove, that's odd!" said Ned, looking queer.</p>
+
+<p>"Are they alive?" asked Will, a little frightened.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't be alarmed: they won't hurt you," said a
+soft voice. "To-day is midsummer-day, and whoever
+wishes a wish can have it till midnight. You
+want to see your shadows by themselves; and you
+can, if you promise to follow them as they have
+followed you so long. They will not get you into
+harm; so you may safely try it, if you like. Do you
+agree for the day to do as they do, and so have your
+wish?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, we promise," answered the children.</p>
+
+<p>"Tell no one till night, and be faithful shadows to
+the shadows."</p>
+
+<p>The voice was silent, but with more funny little
+bows the shadows began to move off in different
+directions. The children knew their own: for
+Ned's was the tallest, and had its hands in its pockets;
+Polly's had a frock on, and two bows where its<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span>
+hair was tied up; while Will's was a plump little
+shadow in a blouse, with a curly head and a pug
+nose. Each child went after its shadow, laughing,
+and enjoying the fun.</p>
+
+<p>Ned's master went straight to the shed, took down
+a basket, and marched away to the garden, where it
+began to move its hands as if busily picking peas.
+Ned stopped laughing when he saw that, and looked
+rather ashamed; for he remembered that his mother
+had asked him to do that little job for her, and he
+had answered,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, bother the old peas! I'm busy, and I
+can't."</p>
+
+<p>"Who told you about this?" he asked, beginning
+to work.</p>
+
+<p>The shadow shook its head, and pointed first to
+Ned's new jacket, then to a set of nice garden tools
+near by, and then seemed to blow a kiss from its
+shadowy fingers towards mamma, who was just
+passing the open gate.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! you mean that she does lots for me; so I
+ought to do what I can for her, and love her dearly,"
+said Ned, getting a pleasanter face every minute.</p>
+
+<p>The shadow nodded, and worked away as busily
+as the bees, tumbling heels over head in the great
+yellow squash blossoms, and getting as dusty as
+little millers. Somehow Ned rather liked the work,
+with such an odd comrade near by; for, though the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span>
+shadow didn't really help a bit, it seemed to try, and
+set an excellent example. When the basket was full,
+the shadow took one handle, and Ned the other;
+and they carried it in.</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, dear. I was afraid we should have
+to give up our peas to-day: I'm so busy, I can't
+stop," said mamma, looking surprised and pleased.</p>
+
+<p>Ned couldn't stop to talk; for the shadow ran
+away to the woodpile, and began to chop with all its
+might.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I suppose I must; but I never saw such a
+fellow for work as this shadow is. He isn't a bit like
+me, though he's been with me so long," said Ned,
+swinging the real hatchet in time with the shadowy
+one.</p>
+
+<p>Polly's new mistress went to the dining-room, and
+fell to washing up the breakfast cups. Polly hated
+that work, and sulkily began to rattle the spoons and
+knock the things about. But the shadow wouldn't
+allow that; and Polly had to do just what it did,
+though she grumbled all the while.</p>
+
+<p>"She doesn't splash a bit, or make any clatter; so
+I guess she's a tidy creature," said Polly. "How
+long she does rub each spoon and glass. We never
+shall get done. What a fuss she makes with the
+napkins, laying them all even in the drawer. And
+now she's at the salt-cellars, doing them just as
+mamma likes. I wish she'd live here, and do my<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span>
+work for me. Why, what's that?" And Polly
+stopped fretting to listen; for she seemed to hear
+the sound of singing,&mdash;so sweet, and yet so very
+faint she could catch no words, and only make out
+a cheerful little tune.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you hear any one singing, mamma?" she
+asked.</p>
+
+<p>"No: I wish I did." And mamma sighed; for
+baby was poorly, piles of sewing lay waiting for
+her, Biddy was turning things topsy-turvy in the
+kitchen for want of a word from the mistress, and
+Polly was looking sullen.</p>
+
+<p>The little girl didn't say any more, but worked
+quietly and watched the shadow, feeling sure the
+faint song came from it. Presently she began to
+hum the tune she caught by snatches; and, before
+she knew it, she was singing away like a blackbird.
+Baby stopped crying, and mamma said, smiling:</p>
+
+<p>"Now I hear somebody singing, and it's the
+music I like best in the world."</p>
+
+<p>That pleased Polly; but, a minute after, she
+stopped smiling, for the shadow went and took
+baby, or seemed to, and Polly really did. Now,
+baby was heavy, and cross with its teeth; and Polly
+didn't feel like tending it one bit. Mamma hurried
+away to the kitchen; and Polly walked up and down
+the room with poor baby hanging over her arm, crying
+dismally, with a pin in its back, a wet bib under<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span>
+its chin, and nothing cold and hard to bite with its
+hot, aching gums, where the little teeth were trying
+to come through.</p>
+
+<p>"Do stop, you naughty, fretty baby. I'm tired of
+your screaming, and it's high time you went to sleep.
+Bless me! what's Miss Shadow doing with <i>her</i>
+baby?" said Polly.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Shadow took out the big pin and laid it
+away, put on a dry bib, and gave <i>her</i> baby a nice
+ivory ring to bite; then began to dance up and down
+the room, till the shadowy baby clapped its hands
+and kicked delightedly. Polly laughed, and did the
+same, feeling sorry she had been so pettish. Presently
+both babies grew quiet, went to sleep, and
+were laid in the cradle.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, I hope we shall rest a little," said Polly,
+stretching her arms.</p>
+
+<p>But, no: down sat the shadow, and began to sew,
+making her needle fly like a real little seamstress.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, dear!" groaned Polly. "I promised to hem
+those handkerchiefs for Ned, and so I must; but I
+do think handkerchiefs are the most pokey things in
+the world to sew. I dare say you think you can sew
+faster than I can. Just wait a bit, and see what I
+can do, miss," she said to the shadow.</p>
+
+<p>It took some time to find her thimble and needles
+and spools, for Polly wasn't a very neat little girl;
+but she got settled at last, and stitched away as if
+bent on beating her dumb friend.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span>
+Little Will's shadow went up to the nursery, and
+stopped before a basin of water. "Oh! ah! ain't
+this drefful?" cried Will, with a shiver; for he knew
+he'd got to have his face washed, because he
+wouldn't have it done properly when he got up, but
+ran away. Now, Will was a good child; but this
+one thing was his great trouble, and sometimes he
+couldn't bear it. Jane was so rough. She let soap
+get in his eyes, and water run down his neck, and
+she pinched his nose when she wiped him, and
+brushed his hair so hard that really it <i>was</i> dreadful;
+and even a bigger boy would have found it hard to
+bear. He shivered and sighed: but Jane came in;
+and, when he saw that the shadow stood still and
+took the scrubbing like a little hero, he tried to do
+the same, and succeeded so well that Jane actually
+patted his head and called him "a deary;" which
+was something new, for old Nurse Jane was always
+very busy and rather cross.</p>
+
+<p>Feeling that nothing worse could possibly happen
+to him, Will ran after his shadow, as it flitted away
+into the barn, and began to feed the chickens.</p>
+
+<p>"There, now! I forgetted all about my chickeys,
+and the shadow 'membered 'em; and I'm glad of it,"
+said Will, scattering dabs of meal and water to the
+chirping, downy little creatures who pecked and
+fluttered at his feet. Little shadow hunted for eggs,
+drove the turkeys out of the garden, and picked a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span>
+basket of chips: then it went to play with Sammy, a
+neighbor's child; for, being a small shadow, it hadn't
+many jobs to do, and plenty of active play was good
+for it.</p>
+
+<p>Sammy was a rough little boy and rather selfish:
+so, when they played ball, he wanted to throw all the
+time; and, when Will objected, he grew angry and
+struck him. The blow didn't hurt Will's cheek
+much, but it did his little feelings; and he lifted his
+hand to strike back, when he saw his shadow go and
+kiss Sammy's shadow. All his anger was gone in a
+minute, and he just put his arm round Sammy's neck
+and kissed him. This kiss for a blow made him so
+ashamed that he began to cry, and couldn't be comforted
+till he had given Will his best marble and a
+ride on his pony.</p>
+
+<p>About an hour before dinner, the three shadows
+and the children met in the garden, and had a grand
+game of play, after they had told each other what
+they had been doing since they parted. Now, the
+shadows didn't forget baby even then, but got out
+the wagon, and Miss Baby, all fresh from her nap,
+sat among her pillows like a queen, while Ned was
+horse, Polly footman, and Will driver; and in this
+way she travelled all round the garden and barn, up
+the lane and down to the brook, where she was much
+delighted with the water sparkling along and the fine
+splash of the stones they threw in.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span>
+When the dinner-bell rang, mamma saw four clean,
+rosy faces and four smooth heads at the table; for
+the shadow-children made themselves neat, without
+being told. Every one was merry and hungry and
+good-natured. Even poor baby forgot her teeth, and
+played a regular rub-a-dub with her spoon on her
+mug, and tried to tell about the fine things she saw
+on her drive. The children said nothing about the
+new play, and no one observed the queer actions of
+their shadows but themselves. They saw that there
+was no gobbling, or stretching over, or spilling of
+things, among the shadows; but that they waited to
+be helped, served others first, and ate tidily, which
+was a great improvement upon the usual state of
+things.</p>
+
+<p>It was Saturday afternoon: the day was fine, and
+mamma told them they could go for a holiday frolic
+in the woods. "Don't go to the pond, and be home
+early," she said.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, mamma; we'll remember," they answered,
+as they scampered away to get ready.</p>
+
+<p>"We shall go through the village, and Mary King
+will be looking out; so I shall wear my best hat.
+Mamma won't see me, if I slip down the back way;
+and I do so want Mary to know that my hat is
+prettier than hers," said Polly, up in her little room.</p>
+
+<p>Now Polly was rather vain, and liked to prink; so
+she got out the new hat, and spent some time in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span>
+smoothing her braids and putting on her blue
+ribbons. But when all was ready, and the boys
+getting impatient, she found her shadow, with a sun-bonnet
+on, standing by the door, as if to prevent
+her going out.</p>
+
+<p>"You tiresome thing! do you mean that I mustn't
+wear my hat, but that old bonnet?" asked Polly.</p>
+
+<p>The shadow nodded and beckoned, and patted its
+head, as if it was all right.</p>
+
+<p>"I wish I hadn't promised to do as you do; then
+I could do as I like, and not make a fright of
+myself," said Polly, rather sulkily, as she put away
+the hat, and tied on the old bonnet with a jerk.</p>
+
+<p>Once out in the lovely sunshine, she soon forgot
+the little disappointment; and, as they didn't go
+through the village, but by a green lane, where she
+found some big blackberries, she was quite contented.
+Polly had a basket to hold fruit or flowers,
+Ned his jackknife, and Will a long stick on which he
+rode, fancying that this sort of horse would help his
+short legs along; so they picked, whittled, and
+trotted their way to the wood, finding all manner of
+interesting things on the road.</p>
+
+<p>The wood was full of pleasant sights and sounds;
+for wild roses bloomed all along the path, ferns and
+scarlet berries filled the little dells, squirrels chattered,
+birds sang, and pines whispered musically
+overhead.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span>
+"I'm going to stop here and rest, and make a
+wreath of these pretty wild roses for baby: it's her
+birthday, and it will please mamma," said Polly,
+sitting down on a mound of moss, with a lapful of
+flowers.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm going to cut a fishing-pole, and will be back
+in a minute." And Ned went crashing into the
+thickest part of the wood.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall see where that rabbit went to, and
+maybe I'll find some berries," said Will, trotting
+down the path the wild rabbit had gone.</p>
+
+<p>The sound of the boys' steps died away, and
+Polly was wondering how it would seem to live all
+alone in the wood, when a little girl came trudging
+by, with a great pail of berries on her arm. She was
+a poor child: her feet were bare, her gown was
+ragged, she wore an old shawl over her head, and
+walked as if lame. Polly sat behind the ferns, and
+the child did not see her till Polly called out. The
+sudden sound startled her; and she dropped her
+pail, spilling the berries all over the path. The little
+girl began to cry, and Polly to laugh, saying, in a
+scornful tone:</p>
+
+<p>"How silly to cry for a few berries!"</p>
+
+<p>"I've been all day picking 'em," said the girl;
+"and I'm so tired and hungry; 'cause I didn't dare
+to go home till my pail was full,&mdash;mother scolds if I
+do,&mdash;and now they're all spoilt. Oh, dear! dear<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span>
+me!" And she cried so hard that great tears fell on
+the moss.</p>
+
+<p>Polly was sorry now, and sat looking at her till she
+saw her shadow down on its knees, picking up the
+berries; then it seemed to fold its little handkerchief
+round the girl's bruised foot, and give her
+something from its pocket. Polly jumped up and
+imitated the kind shadow, even to giving the great
+piece of gingerbread she had brought for fear she
+should be hungry.</p>
+
+<p>"Take this," she said gently. "I'm sorry I
+frightened you. Here are the berries all picked up,
+and none the worse for falling in the grass. If you'll
+take them to the white house on the hill, my mamma
+will buy them, and then your mother won't scold
+you."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, thank you, miss! It's ever so good. I'll
+take the berries to your mother, and bring her more
+whenever she likes," said the child gratefully, as she
+walked away munching the gingerbread, and smiling
+till there were little rainbows in her tears.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile Ned had poked about in the bushes,
+looking for a good pole. Presently he saw a willow
+down by the pond, and thought that would give him
+a nice, smooth pole. He forgot his promise, and
+down he went to the pond; where he cut his stick,
+and was whittling the end, when he saw a boat by
+the shore. It was untied, and oars lay in it, as if
+waiting for some one to come and row out.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span>
+"I'll just take a little pull across, and get those
+cardinal-flowers for Polly," he said; and went to the
+boat.</p>
+
+<p>He got in, and was about to push off, when he saw
+his shadow standing on the shore.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't be a fool; get in, and come along," he
+said to it, remembering his promise now, but deciding
+to break it, and ask pardon afterwards.</p>
+
+<p>But the shadow shook its head; pointed to the
+swift stream that ran between the banks, the rocks
+and mud on the opposite side, and the leaky boat
+itself.</p>
+
+<p>"I ain't afraid: mamma won't mind, if I tell her
+I'm sorry; and it will be such fun to row alone. Be
+a good fellow, and let me go," said Ned, beckoning.</p>
+
+<p>But the shadow would not stir, and Ned was
+obliged to mind. He did so very reluctantly, and
+scolded the shadow well as he went back to Polly;
+though all the time he felt he was doing right, and
+knew he should be glad afterwards.</p>
+
+<p>Will trotted after the rabbit, but didn't find it; he
+found a bird's-nest instead with four little birds in it.
+He had an empty cage at home, and longed for
+something to put in it; for kittens didn't like it, and
+caterpillars and beetlebugs got away. He chose the
+biggest bird, and, holding him carefully, walked
+away to find Polly. The poor mother-bird chirped
+and fluttered in great distress; but Will kept on till<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span>
+his little shadow came before him, and tried to make
+him turn back.</p>
+
+<p>"No, no, I want him," said Will. "I won't hurt
+him, and his mother has three left: she won't mind
+if I take one."</p>
+
+<p>Here the mother-bird chirped so loud it was
+impossible to help seeing that she <i>did</i> care very
+much; and the shadow stamped its foot and waved
+its hand, as if ordering the young robber to carry
+back the baby-bird. Will stood still, and thought a
+minute; but his little heart was a very kind one, and
+he soon turned about, saying pleasantly:</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, it <i>is</i> naughty, and I won't do it. I'll ask
+mamma to get me a canary, and will let this birdie
+stay with his brothers."</p>
+
+<p>The shadow patted him on the shoulder, and
+seemed to be delighted as Will put the bird in the
+nest and walked on, feeling much happier than if he
+had kept it. A bush of purple berries grew by the
+path, and Will stopped to pick some. He didn't
+know what they were, and mamma had often told
+him never to eat strange things. But they smelt so
+good, and looked so nice, he couldn't resist, and
+lifted one to his mouth, when little shadow motioned
+for him to stop.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, dear! you don't let me do any thing I want
+to," sighed Will. "I shall ask Polly if I tarn't eat
+these; and, if she says I may, I shall, so now."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span>
+He ran off to ask Polly; but she said they were
+poisonous, and begged him to throw them away.</p>
+
+<p>"Good little shadow, to keep me safe!" cried
+Will. "I like you; and I'll mind better next time,
+'cause you are always right."</p>
+
+<p>The shadow seemed to like this, and bobbed
+about so comically it made Will laugh till his eyes
+were full of tears. Ned came back, and they went
+on, having grand times in the wood. They found
+plenty of berries to fill the basket; they swung
+down on slender birches, and got rolls of white bark
+for canoes; they saw all sorts of wild-wood insects
+and birds; and frolicked till they were tired. As
+they crossed a field, a cow suddenly put down her
+head and ran at them, as if she was afraid they
+meant to hurt her calf. All turned, and ran as fast
+as they could toward the wall; but poor Will in his
+fright tumbled down, and lay screaming. Ned and
+Polly had reached the wall, and, looking back, saw
+that their shadows had not followed. Ned's stood
+before Will, brandishing his pole; and Polly's was
+flapping a shadowy sun-bonnet with all its might.
+As soon as they saw that, back they went,&mdash;Ned to
+threaten till he broke his pole, and Polly to flap till
+the strings came off. As if anxious to do its part,
+the bonnet flew up in the air, and coming down lit
+on the cross cow's head; which so astonished her
+that she ran away as hard as she could pelt.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span>
+"Wasn't that funny?" said Will, when they had
+tumbled over the wall, and lay laughing in the grass
+on the safe side.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm glad I wore the old bonnet; for I suppose
+my best hat would have gone just the same," said
+Polly thankfully.</p>
+
+<p>"The calf doesn't know its own mother with that
+thing on," laughed Ned.</p>
+
+<p>"How brave and kind you were to come back and
+save me! I'd have been deaded if you hadn't," said
+Will, looking at his brother and sister with his little
+face full of grateful admiration.</p>
+
+<p>They turned towards home after this flurry, feeling
+quite like heroes. When they came to the corner
+where two roads met, Ned proposed they should
+take the river-road; for, though the longest, it was
+much the pleasantest.</p>
+
+<p>"We shan't be home at supper-time," said Polly.
+"You won't be able to do your jobs, Ned, nor I
+mine, and Will's chickens will have to go to bed
+hungry."</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind: it's a holiday, so let's enjoy it, and
+not bother," answered Ned.</p>
+
+<p>"We promised mamma we'd come home early,"
+said Will.</p>
+
+<p>They stood looking at the two roads,&mdash;one sandy,
+hot, and hilly; the other green and cool and level,
+along the river-side. They all chose the pleasant<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span>
+path, and walked on till Ned cried out, "Why,
+where are our shadows?"</p>
+
+<p>They looked behind, before, and on either side;
+but nowhere could they see them.</p>
+
+<p>"They were with us at the corner," said Will.</p>
+
+<p>"Let's run back, and try to find them," said Polly.</p>
+
+<p>"No, let 'em go: I'm tired of minding mine, and
+don't care if I never see it again," said Ned.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't say so; for I remember hearing about a
+man who sold his shadow, and then got into lots of
+trouble because he had none. We promised to
+follow them, and we must," said Polly.</p>
+
+<p>"I wish," began Ned in a pet; but Polly clapped
+her hand over his mouth, saying:</p>
+
+<p>"Pray, don't wish now; for it may come to pass
+as the man's wish in the fairy tale did, and the black
+pudding flew up and stuck tight to his wife's nose."</p>
+
+<p>This made Ned laugh, and they all turned back to
+the corner. Looking up the hilly road, they saw the
+three shadows trudging along, as if bent on getting
+home in good time. Without saying a word, the
+children followed; and, when they got to the garden
+gate, they all said at once:</p>
+
+<p>"Aren't you glad you came?"</p>
+
+<p>Under the elm-tree stood a pretty tea-table, covered
+with bread and butter, custards, and berries, and in
+the middle a fine cake with sugar-roses on the top;
+and mamma and baby, all nicely dressed, were wait<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span>ing
+to welcome them to the birthday feast. Polly
+crowned the little queen, Ned gave her a willow
+whistle he had made, and Will some pretty, bright
+pebbles he had found; and Miss Baby was as happy
+as a bird, with her treasures.</p>
+
+<p>A pleasant supper-time; then the small duties for
+each one; and then the go-to-bed frolic. The
+nursery was a big room, and in the evening a bright
+wood fire always burned there for baby. Mamma
+sat before it, softly rubbing baby's little rosy limbs
+before she went to bed, singing and telling stories
+meanwhile to the three children who pranced about
+in their long nightgowns. This evening they had a
+gay time; for the shadows amused them by all sorts
+of antics, and kept them laughing till they were
+tired. As they sat resting on the big sofa, they
+heard a soft, sweet voice singing. It wasn't mamma;
+for she was only talking to baby, and this voice sang
+a real song. Presently they saw mamma's shadow
+on the wall, and found it was the shadow-mother
+singing to the shadow-children. They listened
+intently, and this is what they heard:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Little shadows, little shadows,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Dancing on the chamber wall,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">While I sit beside the hearthstone<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Where the red flames rise and fall.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Caps and nightgowns, caps and nightgowns,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">My three antic shadows wear;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And no sound they make in playing,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">For the six small feet are bare.<br /></span>
+</div>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span>
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Dancing gayly, dancing gayly,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">To and fro all together,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Like a family of daisies<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Blown about in windy weather;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Nimble fairies, nimble fairies,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Playing pranks in the warm glow,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">While I sing the nursery ditties<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Childish phantoms love and know.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Now what happens, now what happens?<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">One small shadow's tumbled down:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">I can see it on the carpet,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Softly rubbing its hurt crown.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">No one whimpers, no one whimpers;<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">A brave-hearted sprite is this:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">See! the others offer comfort<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">In a silent, shadowy kiss.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Hush! they're creeping; hush! they're creeping,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Up about my rocking-chair:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">I can feel their loving fingers<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Clasp my neck and touch my hair.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Little shadows, little shadows,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Take me captive, hold me tight,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">As they climb and cling and whisper,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">'Mother dear, good night! good night!'"<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>As the song ended, the real children, as well as the
+shadows, lovingly kissed mamma, and said "Good-night;"
+then went away into their rooms, said their
+prayers, and nestled down into their beds. Ned
+slept alone in the room next that which Polly and
+Will had; and, after lying quiet a little while, he
+called out softly:</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span>
+"I say, Polly, are you asleep?"</p>
+
+<p>"No: I'm thinking what a queer day we've had,"
+answered Polly.</p>
+
+<p>"It's been a good day, and I'm glad we tried our
+wish; for the shadows showed us, as well as they
+could, what we ought to do and be. I shan't forget
+it, shall you?" said Ned.</p>
+
+<p>"No: I'm much obliged for the lesson."</p>
+
+<p>"So is I," called out Will, in a very earnest, but
+rather a sleepy, little voice.</p>
+
+<p>"I wonder what mamma will say, when we tell her
+about it," said Ned.</p>
+
+<p>"And I wonder if our shadows will come back to
+us at midnight, and follow us as they used to do,"
+added Polly.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall be very careful where I lead my shadow;
+'cause he's a good little one, and set me a righter
+zarmple than ever I did him," said Will, and then
+dropped asleep.</p>
+
+<p>The others agreed with him, and resolved that
+their shadows should not be ashamed of them. All
+were fast asleep; and no one but the moon saw the
+shadows come stealing back at midnight, and, having
+danced about the little beds, vanish as the clock
+struck twelve.</p>
+<hr />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="VI" id="VI"></a>VI.</h2>
+
+<h3>POPPY'S PRANKS.</h3>
+
+<p class="cap"><span class="dcap">She</span> wasn't a wilfully naughty child, this harum-scarum
+Poppy, but very thoughtless and very
+curious. She wanted to see every thing, do every
+thing, and go every where: she feared nothing, and
+so was continually getting into scrapes.</p>
+
+<p>Her pranks began early; for, when she was about
+four, her mamma one day gave her a pair of green
+shoes with bright buttons. Poppy thought there
+never was any thing so splendid, and immediately
+wanted to go to walk. But mamma was busy, and
+Poppy couldn't go alone any farther than the garden.
+She showed her shoes to the servants, the cat, the
+doves, and the flowers; and then opened the gate
+that the people in the street might see the trim little
+feet she was so proud of. Now Poppy had been
+forbidden to go out; but, when she saw Kitty Allen,
+her neighbor, playing ball down the street, she forgot
+every thing but the desire to show her new shoes;
+and away she went marching primly along as vain
+as a little peacock, as she watched the bright buttons
+twinkle, and heard the charming creak. Kitty saw
+her coming; and, being an ill-natured little girl, took
+no notice, but called out to her brother Jack:</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span>
+"Ain't some folks grand? If I couldn't have red
+shoes for my best, I wouldn't have any, would you?"</p>
+
+<p>They both laughed, and this hurt Poppy's feelings
+dreadfully. She tossed her head, and tried to turn
+up her nose; but, it was so very small, it couldn't be
+very scornful. She said nothing, but walked gravely
+by, as if she was going on an errand, and hadn't
+heard a word. Round the corner she went, thinking
+she would wait till Kitty was gone; as she didn't like
+to pass again, fearing Jack might say something
+equally trying. An organ-man with a monkey was
+playing near by; and Poppy was soon so busy listening
+to the music, and watching the sad-looking
+monkey, that she forgot home, shoes, and Kitty
+altogether.</p>
+
+<p>She followed the man a long way; and, when she
+turned to go back, she took the wrong street, and
+found herself by the park. Being fond of dandelions,
+Poppy went in, and gathered her hands full,
+enjoying herself immensely; for Betsy, the maid,
+never let her play in the pond, or roll down the hill,
+or make dirt-pies, and now she did all these things,
+besides playing with strange children and talking
+with any one she pleased. If she had not had her
+luncheon just before she started, she would have
+been very hungry; for dinner-time came, without her
+knowing it.</p>
+
+<p>By three o'clock, she began to think it was time to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span>
+go home, and boldly started off to find it. But poor
+little Poppy didn't know the way, and went all
+wrong. She was very tired now, and hot and
+hungry, and wanted to see mamma, and wondered
+why she didn't come to the brown house with the
+white garden-gate. On and on she went, up streets
+and down, amusing herself with looking in the shop-windows,
+and sitting to rest on doorsteps. Once she
+asked a pleasant-faced little girl to show her the
+way home; but, as she didn't know in what street it
+was, and said her father's name was "papa," the girl
+couldn't help her: so she gave her a bun and went
+away. Poppy ate her bun, and began to wonder
+what would become of her; for night was coming
+on, and there didn't seem to be any prospect of
+finding mamma or home or bed. Her courage was
+all gone now; and, coming to a quiet place, she sat
+down on some high steps, and cried till her little
+"hankchif," as she called it, was all wet.</p>
+
+<p>Nobody minded her: and she felt very forlorn till
+a big black dog came by, and seemed to understand
+the matter entirely; for he smelt of her face, licked
+her hands, and then lay down by her with such a
+friendly look in his brown eyes that Poppy was quite
+comforted. She told him her story, patted his big
+head; and then, being fairly tired out, laid her wet
+cheek on his soft back, and fell fast asleep.</p>
+
+<p>It was quite dark when she woke; but a lamp was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span>
+lighted near by, and standing under it was a man
+ringing a great bell. Poppy sat up, and wondered if
+anybody's supper was ready. The man had a paper;
+and, when people stopped at the sound of the bell,
+he read in a loud voice:</p>
+
+<p>"Lost! a little girl, four years old; curly brown
+hair, blue eyes; had on a white frock and green
+shoes; calls herself Poppy."</p>
+
+<p>He got no farther; for a little voice cried out of
+the dark, in a tone of surprise:</p>
+
+<p>"Why, dats me!"</p>
+
+<p>The people all turned to look; and the big man
+put his bell in his pocket, took her up very kindly,
+and said he'd carry her home.</p>
+
+<p>"Is it far away?" asked Poppy, with a little sob.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, my dear; but I am going to give you some
+supper fust, along of my little girl. I live close by;
+and, when we've had a bite, we'll go find your ma."</p>
+
+<p>Poppy was so tired and hungry, she was glad to
+find herself taken care of, and let the man do as he
+liked. He took her to a funny little house, and his
+wife gave her bread and molasses on a new tin plate
+with letters all round the edge. Poppy thought it
+very fine, and enjoyed her supper, though the man's
+little girl stared at her all the time with eyes as blue
+as her mug.</p>
+
+<p>While she ate, the man sent word to her father
+that she was found; and, when both papa and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span>
+mamma came hurrying in all out of breath with joy,
+there sat Miss Poppy talking merrily, with her face
+well daubed with molasses, her gown torn, her hands
+very dirty, and her shoes&mdash;ah, the pretty new shoes!&mdash;all
+spoiled with mud and dust, scratched, and half
+worn out, the buttons dull, and the color quite gone.
+No one cared for it that night; for little runaway was
+kissed and petted, and taken home to her own cosey
+bed as tenderly as if she had done nothing naughty,
+and never frightened her parents out of their wits in
+her life.</p>
+
+<p>But the next day,&mdash;dear me! what a sad time it
+was, to be sure! When Poppy woke up, there hung
+the spoilt shoes over the mantle-piece; and, as
+soon as she was dressed, papa came in with a long
+cord, one end of which he tied round Poppy's waist,
+and the other to the arm of the sofa.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm very sorry to have to tie you up, like a little
+dog; but I must, or you will forget, and run away
+again, and make mamma ill."</p>
+
+<p>Then he went away without his morning kiss, and
+Poppy was so very unhappy she could hardly eat her
+breakfast. She felt better by and by, and tried to
+play; but the cord kept pulling her back. She
+couldn't get to the window; and, when she heard
+mamma passing the door, she tried to run and meet
+her, but had to stop halfway, for the cord jerked her
+over. Cousin Fanny came up, but Poppy was so<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span>
+ashamed to be tied that she crept under the sofa and
+hid. All day she was a prisoner, and was a very
+miserable little girl; but at night she was untied,
+and, when mamma took her in her lap for the first
+time that day, Poppy held her fast, and sobbed very
+penitently&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"O mamma! I drefful sorry I runned away.
+Fordive me one time more, and I never will adain;"
+and she never did.</p>
+
+<p>Two or three years after this, Poppy went to live
+in the country, and tried some new pranks. One
+day she went with her sister Nelly to see a man
+plough, for that sort of thing was new to her. While
+the man worked, she saw him take out a piece of
+something brown, and bite off a bit.</p>
+
+<p>"What's that?" asked Poppy.</p>
+
+<p>"Tobaccer," said the man.</p>
+
+<p>"Is it nice?" asked Poppy.</p>
+
+<p>"Prime," said the man.</p>
+
+<p>"Could you let me taste it?" asked curious
+Poppy.</p>
+
+<p>"It will make you sick," said the man, laughing.</p>
+
+<p>"It doesn't make <i>you</i> sick. I'd like to try," said
+Poppy, nothing daunted.</p>
+
+<p>He gave her a piece; and Poppy ate it, though it
+didn't taste good at all. She did it because Cy, her
+favorite playfellow, told her she'd die if she did, and
+tried to frighten her.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span>
+"You darsn't eat any more," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I dare. See if I don't." And Poppy took
+another piece, just to show how brave she was.
+Silly little Poppy!</p>
+
+<p>"I ain't sick, and I shan't die, so now."</p>
+
+<p>And Poppy pranced about as briskly as ever.
+But the man shook his head, Nelly watched her
+anxiously, and Cy kept saying:</p>
+
+<p>"Ain't you sick yet, say?"</p>
+
+<p>For a little while Poppy felt all right; but presently
+she grew rather pale, and began to look rather
+pensive. She stopped running, and walked slower
+and slower, while her eyes got dizzy, and her hands
+and feet very cold.</p>
+
+<p>"Ain't you sick now, say?" repeated Cy; and
+Poppy tried to answer, "Oh, dear! no;" but a
+dreadful feeling came over her, and she could only
+shake her head, and hold on to Nelly.</p>
+
+<p>"Better lay down a spell," said the man, looking
+a little troubled.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't wish to dirty my clean frock," said
+Poppy faintly, as she glanced over the wide-ploughed
+field, and longed for a bit of grass to drop on. She
+kept on bravely for another turn; but suddenly
+stopped, and, quite regardless of the clean pink
+gown, dropped down in a furrow, looking so white
+and queer that Nelly began to cry. Poppy lay a
+minute, then turned to Cy, and said very solemnly:</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span>
+"Cy, run home, and tell my mother I'm dying."</p>
+
+<p>Away rushed Cy in a great fright, and burst upon
+Poppy's mamma, exclaiming breathlessly:</p>
+
+<p>"O ma'am! Poppy's been and ate a lot of
+tobacco; and she's sick, layin' in the field; and she
+says 'Come quick, 'cause she's dyin.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Mercy on us! what will happen to that child
+next?" cried poor mamma, who was used to Poppy's
+mishaps. Papa was away, and there was no carriage
+to bring Poppy home in; so mamma took the little
+wheelbarrow, and trundled away to get the suffering
+Poppy.</p>
+
+<p>She couldn't speak when they got to her; and,
+only stopping to give the man a lecture, mamma
+picked up her silly little girl, and the procession
+moved off. First came Cy, as grave as a sexton;
+then the wheelbarrow with Poppy, white and limp
+and speechless, all in a bunch; then mamma, looking
+amused, anxious and angry; then Nelly, weeping
+as if her tender heart was entirely broken; while the
+man watched them, with a grin, saying to himself:</p>
+
+<p>"Twarn't my fault. The child was a reg'lar fool
+to swaller it."</p>
+
+<p>Poppy was dreadfully sick all night, but next day
+was ready for more adventures and experiments.
+She swung on the garret stairs, and tumbled down,
+nearly breaking her neck. She rubbed her eyes with
+red peppers, to see if it <i>really</i> would make them<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span>
+smart, as Cy said; and was led home quite blind
+and roaring with pain. She got into the pigsty to
+catch a young piggy, and was taken out in a sad state
+of dirt. She slipped into the brook, and was half
+drowned; broke a window and her own head, swinging
+a little flat-iron on a string; dropped baby in the
+coal-hod; buried her doll, and spoilt her; cut off a
+bit of her finger, chopping wood; and broke a tooth,
+trying to turn heels over head on a haycock. These
+are only a few of her pranks, but one was nearly her
+last.</p>
+
+<p>She wanted to go bare-footed, as the little country
+boys and girls did; but mamma wasn't willing, and
+Poppy was much afflicted.</p>
+
+<p>"It doesn't hurt Cy, and it won't hurt me, just for a
+little while," she said.</p>
+
+<p>"Say no more, Poppy. I never wish to see you
+barefooted," replied mamma.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you needn't: I'll go and do it in the barn,"
+muttered Poppy, as she walked away.</p>
+
+<p>Into the barn she went, and played country girl to
+her heart's content, in spite of Nelly's warnings.
+Nelly never got into scrapes, being a highly virtuous
+young lady; but she enjoyed Poppy's pranks, and
+wept over her misfortunes with sisterly fidelity.</p>
+
+<p>"Now I'll be a bear, and jump at you as you go
+by," said Poppy, when they were tired of playing
+steam-engine with the old winnowing machine. So<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span>
+she got up on a beam; and Nelly, with a peck measure
+on her head for a hat, and a stick for a gun, went
+bear-hunting, and banged away at the swallows, the
+barrels, and the hencoops, till the bear was ready to
+eat her. Presently, with a loud roar, the bear
+leaped; but Nelly wasn't eaten that time, for Poppy
+cried out with pain:</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! I jumped on a pitchfork, and it's in my
+foot! Take it out! take it out!"</p>
+
+<p>Poor little foot! There was a deep purple hole in
+the sole, and the blood came, and Poppy fainted
+away, and Nelly screamed, and mamma ran, and the
+neighbors rushed in, and there was <i>such</i> a flurry.
+Poppy was soon herself again, and lay on the sofa,
+with Nelly and Cy to amuse her.</p>
+
+<p>"What did the doctor say to mamma in the other
+room about me?" whispered Poppy, feeling very
+important at having such a bustle made on her
+account. Nelly sniffed, but said nothing; Cy, however,
+spoke up briskly:</p>
+
+<p>"He says you might have lockjaw."</p>
+
+<p>"Is that bad?" asked Poppy gravely.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, ain't it, though! Your mouth shuts up, and
+you can't open it; and you have fits and die."</p>
+
+<p>"Always?" said Poppy, looking scared, and feeling
+of her mouth.</p>
+
+<p>"'Most always, I guess. That's why your ma
+cried, and Nelly keeps kissin' you."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span>
+Cy felt sorry, but rather enjoyed the excitement,
+and was sure, that, if any one ever <i>could</i> escape
+dying, it would be Poppy, for she always "came
+alive" again after her worst mishaps. She looked
+very solemn for a few minutes, and kept opening and
+shutting her mouth to see if it wasn't stiff. Presently
+she said, in a serious tone and with a pensive air:</p>
+
+<p>"Nelly, I'll give you my bead-ring: I shan't want
+it any more. And Cy may have the little horse: he
+lost his tail; but I put on the lamb's tail, and he is
+as good as ever. I wish to give away my things
+'fore I die; and, Nelly, won't you bring me the
+scissors?"</p>
+
+<p>"What for?" said Nelly, sniffing more than ever.</p>
+
+<p>"To cut off my hair for mamma. She'll want it,
+and I like to cut things."</p>
+
+<p>Nelly got the scissors; and Poppy cut away all she
+could reach, giving directions about her property
+while she snipped.</p>
+
+<p>"I wish papa to have my pictures and my piece of
+poetry I made. Give baby my dolly and the quacking
+duck. Tell Billy, if he wants my collection of
+bright buttons, he can have 'em; and give Hattie the
+yellow plaster dog, with my love."</p>
+
+<p>Here mamma came in with a poultice, and couldn't
+help laughing, though tears stood in her eyes, as she
+saw Poppy's cropped head and heard her last wishes.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't think I shall lose my little girl yet, so we<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span>
+won't talk of it. But Poppy must keep quiet, and
+let Nelly wait on her for a few days."</p>
+
+<p>"Are fits bad, mamma? and does it hurt much to
+die?" asked Poppy thoughtfully.</p>
+
+<p>"If people are good while they live, it is not hard
+to die, dear," said mamma, with a kiss; and Poppy
+hugged her, saying softly:</p>
+
+<p>"Then I'll be very good; so I won't mind, if the
+jawlock does come."</p>
+
+<p>And Poppy <i>was</i> good,&mdash;oh, dreadfully good! for a
+week. Quite an angel was Poppy; so meek and
+gentle, so generous and obedient, you really wouldn't
+have known her. She loved everybody, forgave her
+playmates all their sins against her, let Nelly take
+such of her precious treasures as she liked, and
+pensively hoped baby would remember her when she
+was gone. She hopped about with a crutch, and felt
+as if she was an object of public interest; for all the
+old ladies sent to know how she was, the children
+looked at her with respectful awe as one set apart
+and doomed to fits, and Cy continually begged to
+know if her mouth was stiff.</p>
+
+<p>Poppy didn't die, though she got all ready for it;
+and felt rather disappointed when the foot healed,
+the jaws remained as active as ever, and the fits
+didn't come. I think it did her good; for she never
+forgot that week, and, though she was near dying
+several times after, she never was so fit to go as she
+was then.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span>
+"Burney's making jelly: let's go and get our
+scrapings," said Poppy to Nellie once, when mamma
+was away.</p>
+
+<p>But Burney was busy and cross, and cooks are not
+as patient as mothers; so when the children appeared,
+each armed with a spoon, and demanded
+their usual feast, she wouldn't hear of it, and ordered
+them off.</p>
+
+<p>"But we only want the scrapings of the pan,
+Burney: mamma always lets us have them, when we
+help her make jelly; don't she, Nelly?" said Poppy,
+trying to explain the case.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; and makes us our little potful too," added
+Nelly, persuasively.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't want your help; so be off. Your ma can
+fuss with your pot, if she chooses. I've no time."</p>
+
+<p>"<i>I</i> think Burney's the crossest woman in the
+world. It's mean to eat all the scrapings herself;
+isn't it Nelly?" said Poppy, very loud, as the cook
+shut the door in their faces. "Never mind: I know
+how to pay her," she added, in a whisper, as they sat
+on the stairs bewailing their wrongs. "She'll put
+her old jelly in the big closet, and lock the door; but
+we can climb the plum tree, and get in at the window,
+when she takes her nap."</p>
+
+<p>"Should we dare to eat any?" asked Nelly, timid,
+but longing for the forbidden fruit.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>I</i> should; just as much as ever I like. It's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span>
+mamma's jelly, and she won't mind. I don't care
+for old cross Burney," said Poppy, sliding down the
+banisters by way of soothing her ruffled spirit.</p>
+
+<p>So when Burney went to her room after dinner,
+the two rogues climbed in at the window; and, each
+taking a jar, sat on the shelf, dipping in their fingers
+and revelling rapturously. But Burney wasn't asleep,
+and, hearing a noise below, crept down to see what
+mischief was going on. Pausing in the entry to
+listen, she heard whispering, clattering of glasses,
+and smacking of lips in the big closet; and in a
+moment knew that her jelly was lost. She tried the
+door with her key; but sly Poppy had bolted it on
+the inside, and, feeling quite safe, defied Burney
+from among the jelly-pots, entirely reckless of consequences.
+Short-sighted Poppy! she forgot Cy; but
+Burney didn't, and sent him to climb in at the
+window, and undo the door. Feeling hurt that the
+young ladies hadn't asked him to the feast, Cy
+hardened his heart against them, and delivered
+them up to the enemy, regardless of Poppy's threats
+and Nelly's prayers.</p>
+
+<p>"Poppy proposed it, she broke the jar, and
+I didn't eat <i>much</i>. O Burney! don't hurt her,
+please, but let me 'splain it to mamma when she
+comes," sobbed Nelly, as Burney seized Poppy, and
+gave her a good shaking.</p>
+
+<p>"You go wash your face, Miss Nelly, and leave<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span>
+this naughty, naughty child to me," said Burney;
+and took Poppy, kicking and screaming, into the
+little library, where she&mdash;oh, dreadful to relate!&mdash;gave
+her a good spanking, and locked her up.</p>
+
+<p>Mamma never whipped, and Poppy was in a great
+rage at such an indignity. The minute she was left
+alone, she looked about to see how she could be
+revenged. A solar lamp stood on the table; and
+Poppy coolly tipped it over, with a fine smash, calling
+out to Burney that she'd have to pay for it, that
+mamma would be very angry, and that she, Poppy,
+was going to spoil every thing in the room. But
+Burney was gone, and no one came near her. She
+kicked the paint off the door, rattled the latch, called
+Burney a "pig," and Cy "a badder boy than the man
+who smothered the little princes in the Tower."
+Poppy was very fond of that story, and often played
+it with Nelly and the dolls. Having relieved her
+feelings in this way, Poppy rested, and then set
+about amusing herself. Observing that the spilt oil
+made the table shine, she took her handkerchief and
+polished up the furniture, as she had seen the maids
+do.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, that looks nice; and I know mamma will
+be pleased 'cause I'm so tidy," she said, surveying
+her work with pride, when she had thoroughly
+greased every table, chair, picture-frame, book-back,
+and ornament in the room. Plenty of oil still re<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span>mained;
+and Poppy finished off by oiling her hair,
+till it shone finely, and smelt&mdash;dear me, how it did
+smell! If she had been a young whale, it couldn't
+have been worse. Poppy wasn't particular about
+smells; but she got some in her mouth, and didn't
+like the taste. There was no water to wash in; and
+her hands, face, and pinafore were in a high state of
+grease. She was rather lonely too; for, though
+mamma had got home, she didn't come to let Poppy
+out: so the young rebel thought it was about time to
+surrender. She could write pretty well, and was
+fond of sending penitent notes to mamma, after
+being naughty: for mamma always answered them so
+kindly, and was so forgiving, that Poppy's naughtiest
+mood was conquered by them sooner than by any
+punishment; and Poppy kept the notes carefully in
+a little cover, even after she was grown up. There
+was pen, ink, and paper in the room; so, after
+various trials, Poppy wrote her note:&mdash;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"dear Mamma.</p>
+
+<p style="margin-bottom: 0;">"i am sorry i Took bernys gelli. i have braked
+The lamP. The oyl maks A bad smel. i tHink i
+wil Bee sik iF i stay HeRe anny More. i LoVe
+yoU&mdash;your Trying To Bee GooD</p>
+
+<p class="ralign" style="margin-top: 0;">popy."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>When she had finished, she lowered her note by a
+string, and bobbed it up and down before the parlor<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span>
+window till Nelly saw and took it in. Every one
+laughed over it; for, besides the bad spelling and
+the funny periods, it was covered with oil-spots,
+blots, and tear marks; for Poppy got tender-hearted
+toward the end, and cried a few very repentant tears
+when she said, "I love you; your trying-to-be-good
+Poppy."</p>
+
+<p>Mamma went up at once, and ordered no further
+punishment, but a thorough scrubbing; which Poppy
+underwent very meekly, though Betsey put soap in
+her eyes, pulled her hair, and scolded all the time.
+They were not allowed any jelly for a long while;
+and Cy teased Poppy about her hair-oil till the joke
+was quite worn out, and even cross Burney was satisfied
+with the atonement.</p>
+
+<p>When Poppy was eight, she got so very wild that
+no one could manage her but mamma, and she was
+ill; so Poppy was sent away to grandpa's for a visit.
+Now, grandpa was a very stately old gentleman, and
+every one treated him with great respect; but Poppy
+wasn't at all afraid, and asked all manner of impolite
+questions.</p>
+
+<p>"Grandpa, why don't you have any hair on the top
+of your head?"&mdash;"O grandpa! you <i>do</i> snore <i>so</i> loud
+when you take naps!"&mdash;"What makes you turn out
+your feet so, when you walk?" and such things.</p>
+
+<p>If grandpa hadn't been the best-natured old
+gentleman in the world, he wouldn't have liked this:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span>
+but he only laughed at Poppy, especially when she
+spoke of his legs; for he was rather proud of them,
+and always wore long black silk stockings, and told
+every one that the legs were so handsome an artist
+put them in a picture of General Washington; which
+was quite true, as any one may see when they look
+at the famous picture in Boston.</p>
+
+<p>Well, Poppy behaved herself respectably for a day
+or two; but the house was rather dull, she missed
+Nelly, wanted to run in the street, and longed to see
+mamma. She amused herself as well as she could
+with picture-books, patchwork, and the old cat; but,
+not being a quiet, proper, little Rosamond sort of a
+child, she got tired of hemming neat pocket-handkerchiefs,
+and putting her needle carefully away
+when she had done. She wanted to romp and shout,
+and slide down the banisters, and riot about; so,
+when she couldn't be quiet another minute, she went
+up into a great empty room at the top of the house,
+and cut up all sorts of capers. Her great delight
+was to lean out of the window as far as she could,
+and look at the people in the street, with her head
+upside down. It was very dangerous, for a fall
+would have killed her; but the danger was the fun,
+and Poppy hung out till her hands touched the
+ledge below, and her face was as red as any real
+poppy's.</p>
+
+<p>She was enjoying herself in this way one day,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span>
+when an old gentleman, who lived near, came home
+to dinner, and saw her.</p>
+
+<p>"What in the world is that hanging out of the
+colonel's upper window?" said he, putting on his
+spectacles. "Bless my soul! that child will kill
+herself. Hallo, there! little girl; get in this minute!"
+he called to Poppy, flourishing his hat to make
+her see him.</p>
+
+<p>"What for?" answered Poppy, staring at him
+without moving an inch.</p>
+
+<p>"You'll fall, and break your neck!" screamed the
+old gentleman.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no, I shan't!" returned Poppy, much flattered
+by his interest, and hanging out still further.</p>
+
+<p>"Stop that, instantly, or I'll go in and inform the
+colonel!" roared the old gentleman, getting angry.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't care," shouted Poppy; and she didn't,
+for she knew grandpa wasn't at home.</p>
+
+<p>"Little gipsy! I'll settle her," muttered the old
+man, bustling up to the steps, and ringing the bell,
+as if the house was on fire.</p>
+
+<p>No one was in but the servants; and, when he'd
+told old Emily what the matter was, she went up to
+"settle" Poppy. But Poppy was already settled,
+demurely playing with her doll, and looking quite
+innocent. Emily scolded; and Poppy promised
+never to do it again, if she might stay and play in
+the big room. Being busy about dinner, Emily was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span>
+glad to be rid of her, and left her, to go and tell the
+old gentleman it was all right.</p>
+
+<p>"Ain't they crosspatches?" said Poppy to her
+doll. "Never mind, dear: <i>you</i> shall hang out, if I
+can't. I guess the old man won't order you in, any
+way."</p>
+
+<p>Full of this idea, Poppy took her long-suffering
+dolly, and, tying a string to her neck, danced her out
+of the window. Now this dolly had been through a
+great deal. Her head had been cut off (and put on
+again); she had been washed, buried, burnt, torn,
+soiled, and banged about till she was a mournful
+object. Poppy loved her very much; for she was
+two feet tall, and had once been very handsome: so
+her trials only endeared her to her little mamma.
+Away she went, skipping and prancing like mad,&mdash;a
+funny sight, for Poppy had taken off her clothes, and
+she hadn't a hair on her head.</p>
+
+<p>Poppy went to another window of the room for
+this performance, because in the opposite house lived
+five or six children, and she thought they would
+enjoy the fun.</p>
+
+<p>So they did, and so did the other people; for it
+was a boarding-house, and all the people were at
+home for dinner. They came to the windows, and
+looked and laughed at dolly's capers, and Poppy was
+in high feather at the success of her entertainment.</p>
+
+<p>All of a sudden she saw grandpa coming down the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span>
+street, hands behind his back, feet turned out, gold-headed
+cane under his arm, and the handsome legs
+in the black silk stockings marching along in the
+most stately manner. Poppy whisked dolly in before
+grandpa saw her, and dodged down as he went by.
+This made the people laugh again, and grandpa
+wondered what the joke was. The minute he went
+in out flew dolly, dancing more frantically than ever;
+and the children shouted so loud that grandpa went
+to see what the matter was. The street was empty;
+yet there stood the people, staring out and laughing.
+Yes; they were actually looking and laughing at <i>his</i>
+house; and he didn't see what there was to laugh at
+in that highly respectable mansion.</p>
+
+<p>He didn't like it; and, clapping on his hat, he
+went out to learn what the matter was. He looked
+over at the house, up at the sky, down at the ground,
+and through the street; but nothing funny appeared,
+for Poppy and dolly were hidden again, and the old
+gentleman was puzzled. He went in and sat down
+to watch, feeling rather disturbed. Presently the fun
+began again: the children clapped their hands, the
+people laughed, and every one looked over at the
+house, in what he thought a very impertinent way.
+This made him angry; and out he rushed a second
+time, saying, as he marched across the street:</p>
+
+<p>"If those saucy young fellows are making game
+of me, I'll soon stop it."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span>
+Up to the door he went, gave a great pull at the
+bell, and, when the servant came, he demanded why
+every one was laughing at his house. One of the
+young men came and told him, and asked him to
+come in and see the fun. Poppy didn't see grandpa
+go in, for she hid, and when she looked out he was
+gone: so she boldly began the dancing; but, in the
+midst of a lively caper, dolly went bounce into the
+garden below, for the string fell from Poppy's hand
+when she suddenly saw grandpa at the window opposite,
+laughing as heartily as any one at her prank.</p>
+
+<p>She stared at him in a great fright, and looked so
+amazed that every one enjoyed that joke better than
+the other; and poor Poppy didn't hear the last of it
+for a long time.</p>
+
+<p>Her next performance was to fall into the pond on
+the Common. She was driving hoop down the hill,
+and went so fast she couldn't stop herself; so
+splashed into the water, hoop and all. How dreadful
+it was to feel the cold waves go over her head,
+shutting out the sun and air! The ground was
+gone, and she could find no place for her feet, and
+could only struggle and choke, and go down, down,
+with a loud roaring sound in her ears. That would
+have been the end of Poppy, if a little black boy
+hadn't jumped in and pulled her out. She was sick
+and dizzy, and looked like a drowned kitten; but a
+kind lady took her home in a carriage. After that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span>
+mishap grandpa thought he wouldn't keep her any
+longer, for fear she should come to some worse harm.
+So Miss Poppy was sent home, much to her delight
+and much to mamma's also; for no matter where
+she went, or how naughty she was, mamma was
+always glad to see the little wanderer back, and to
+forgive and forget all Poppy's pranks.</p>
+<hr />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="VII" id="VII"></a>VII.</h2>
+
+<h3>WHAT THE SWALLOWS DID.</h3>
+
+<p class="cap"><span class="dcap">A man</span> lay on a pile of new-made hay, in a great
+barn, looking up at the swallows who darted
+and twittered above him. He envied the cheerful
+little creatures; for he wasn't a happy man, though
+he had many friends, much money, and the beautiful
+gift of writing songs that everybody loved to sing.
+He had lost his wife and little child, and would not
+be comforted; but lived alone, and went about with
+such a gloomy face that no one liked to speak to
+him. He took no notice of friends and neighbors;
+neither used his money for himself nor others; found
+no beauty in the world, no happiness anywhere; and
+wrote such sad songs it made one's heart ache to
+sing them.</p>
+
+<p>As he lay alone on the sweet-smelling hay, with
+the afternoon sunshine streaming in, and the busy
+birds chirping overhead, he said sadly to himself:</p>
+
+<p>"Happy swallows, I wish I were one of you; for
+you have no pains nor sorrows, and your cares are
+very light. All summer you live gayly together;
+and, when winter comes, you fly away to the lovely
+South, unseparated still."</p>
+
+<p>"Neighbors, do you hear what that lazy creature<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span>
+down there is saying?" cried a swallow, peeping
+over the edge of her nest, and addressing several
+others who sat on a beam near by.</p>
+
+<p>"We hear, Mrs. Skim; and quite agree with you
+that he knows very little about us and our affairs,"
+answered one of the swallows with a shrill chirp,
+like a scornful laugh. "We work harder than he
+does any day. Did he build his own house, I should
+like to know? Does he get his daily bread for himself?
+How many of his neighbors does he help?
+How much of the world does he see, and who is the
+happier for his being alive?"</p>
+
+<p>"Cares indeed!" cried another; "I wish he'd
+undertake to feed and teach my brood. Much he
+knows about the anxieties of a parent." And the
+little mother bustled away to get supper for the
+young ones, whose bills were always gaping wide.</p>
+
+<p>"Sorrows we have, too," softly said the fourth
+swallow. "He would not envy <i>me</i>, if he knew how
+my nest fell, and all my children were killed; how
+my dear husband was shot, and my old mother died
+of fatigue on our spring journey from the South."</p>
+
+<p>"Dear neighbor Dart, he <i>would</i> envy you, if he
+knew how patiently you bear your troubles; how
+tenderly you help us with our little ones; how cheerfully
+you serve your friends; how faithfully you love
+your lost mate; and how trustfully you wait to meet
+him again in a lovelier country than the South."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span>
+As Skim spoke, she leaned down from her nest to
+kiss her neighbor; and, as the little beaks met, the
+other birds gave a grateful and approving murmur,
+for Neighbor Dart was much beloved by all the
+inhabitants of Twittertown.</p>
+
+<p>"I, for my part, don't envy <i>him</i>," said Gossip
+Wing, who was fond of speaking her mind. "Men
+and women call themselves superior beings; but,
+upon my word, I think they are vastly inferior to us.
+Now, look at that man, and see how he wastes his
+life. There never was any one with a better chance
+for doing good, and being happy; and yet he mopes
+and dawdles his time away most shamefully."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! he has had a great sorrow, and it is hard to
+be gay with a heavy heart, an empty home; so don't
+be too severe, Sister Wing." And the white tie of
+the little widow's cap was stirred by a long sigh as
+Mrs. Dart glanced up at the nook where her nest
+once stood.</p>
+
+<p>"No, my dear, I won't; but really I do get out of
+patience when I see so much real misery which that
+man might help, if he'd only forget himself a little.
+It's my opinion he'd be much happier than he now
+is, wandering about with a dismal face and a sour
+temper."</p>
+
+<p>"I quite agree with you; and I dare say he'd
+thank any one for telling him how he may find comfort.
+Poor soul! I wish he could understand me;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span>
+for I sympathize with him, and would gladly help
+him if I could."</p>
+
+<p>And, as she spoke, kind-hearted Widow Dart
+skimmed by him with a friendly chirp, which did
+comfort him; for, being a poet, he <i>could</i> understand
+them, and lay listening, well pleased while the little
+gossips chattered on together.</p>
+
+<p>"I am so tied at home just now, that I know
+nothing of what is going on, except the bits of news
+Skim brings me; so I enjoy your chat immensely.
+I'm interested in your views on this subject, and beg
+you'll tell me what you'd have that man do to better
+himself," said Mrs. Skim, settling herself on her eggs
+with an attentive air.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, my dear, I'll tell you; for I've seen a deal
+of the world, and any one is welcome to my experience,"
+replied Mrs. Wing, in an important manner;
+for she was proud of her "views," and very fond of
+talking. "In my daily flights about the place, I see
+a great deal of poverty and trouble, and often wish
+I could lend a hand. Now, this man has plenty of
+money and time; and he might do more good than
+I can tell, if he'd only set about it. Because he is
+what they call a poet is no reason he should go
+moaning up and down, as if he had nothing to do
+but make songs. We sing, but we work also; and
+are wise enough to see the necessity of both, thank
+goodness!"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span>
+"Yes, indeed, we do," cried all the birds in a
+chorus; for several more had stopped to hear what
+was going on.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, what I say is this," continued Mrs. Wing
+impressively. "If I were that man, I'd make myself
+useful at once. There is poor little Will getting
+more and more lame every day, because his mother
+can't send him where he can be cured. A trifle of
+that man's money would do it, and he ought to give
+it. Old Father Winter is half starved, alone there
+in his miserable hovel; and no one thinks of the
+good old man. Why don't that lazy creature take
+him home, and care for him, the little while he has
+to live? Pretty Nell is working day and night, to
+support her father, and is too proud to ask help,
+though her health and courage are going fast. The
+man might make hers the gayest heart alive, by a
+little help. There in a lonely garret lives a young
+man studying his life away, longing for books and a
+teacher. The man has a library full, and might keep
+the poor boy from despair by a little help and a
+friendly word. He mourns for his own lost baby: I
+advise him to adopt the orphan whom nobody will
+own, and who lies wailing all day untended on the
+poor-house floor. Yes: if he wants to forget sorrow
+and find peace, let him fill his empty heart and home
+with such as these, and life won't seem dark to him
+any more."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span>
+"Dear me! how well you express yourself, Mrs.
+Wing; it's quite a pleasure to hear you; and I
+heartily wish some persons could hear you, it would
+do 'em a deal of good," said Mrs. Skim; while her
+husband gave an approving nod as he dived off the
+beam, and vanished through the open doors.</p>
+
+<p>"I know it would comfort that man to do these
+things; for I have tried the same cure in my small
+way, and found great satisfaction in it," began little
+Madame Dart, in her soft voice; but Mrs. Wing
+broke in, saying with a pious expression of countenance:</p>
+
+<p>"I flew into church one day, and sat on the
+organ enjoying the music; for every one was singing,
+and I joined in, though I didn't know the air. Opposite
+me were two great tablets with golden letters on
+them. I can read a little, thanks to my friend, the
+learned raven; and so I spelt out some of the words.
+One was, 'Love thy neighbor;' and as I sat there,
+looking down on the people, I wondered how they
+could see those words week after week, and yet pay
+so little heed to them. Goodness knows, <i>I</i> don't
+consider myself a perfect bird; far from it; for I
+know I am a poor, erring fowl; but I believe I may
+say I <i>do</i> love my neighbor, though I <i>am</i> 'an inferior
+creature.'" And Mrs. Wing bridled up, as if she
+resented the phrase immensely.</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed you do, gossip," cried Dart and Skim;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span>
+for Wing was an excellent bird, in spite of the good
+opinion she had of herself.</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you: well, then, such being the known
+fact, I may give advice on the subject as one having
+authority; and, if it were possible, I'd give that man
+a bit of my mind."</p>
+
+<p>"You have, madam, you have; and I shall not
+forget it. Thank you, neighbors, and good night,"
+said the man, as he left the barn, with the first smile
+on his face which it had worn for many days.</p>
+
+<p>"Mercy on us! I do believe the creature heard
+every thing we said," cried Mrs. Wing, nearly
+tumbling off the beam, in her surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"He certainly did; so I'm glad I was guarded in
+my remarks," replied Mrs. Skim, laughing at her
+neighbor's dismay.</p>
+
+<p>"Dear me! dear me! what did I say?" cried
+Mrs. Wing, in a great twitter.</p>
+
+<p>"You spoke with more than your usual bluntness,
+and some of your expressions were rather strong, I
+must confess; but I don't think any harm will come
+of it. We are of too little consequence for our criticisms
+or opinions to annoy him," said Mrs. Dart
+consolingly.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know that, ma'am," returned Mrs. Wing,
+sharply: for she was much ruffled and out of temper.
+"A cat may look at a king; and a bird may teach a
+man, if the bird is the wisest. He may destroy my<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span>
+nest, and take my life; but I feel that I have done
+my duty, and shall meet affliction with a firmness
+which will be an example to that indolent, ungrateful
+man."</p>
+
+<p>In spite of her boasted firmness, Mrs. Wing
+dropped her voice, and peeped over the beam, to
+be sure the man was gone before she called him
+names; and then flew away, to discover what he
+meant to do about it.</p>
+
+<p>For several days, there was much excitement in
+Twittertown; for news of what had happened flew
+from nest to nest, and every bird was anxious to
+know what revenge the man would take for the
+impertinent remarks which had been made about
+him.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Wing was in a dreadful state of mind, expecting
+an assault, and the destruction of her entire
+family. Every one blamed her. Her husband
+lectured; the young birds chirped, "Chatterbox,
+chatterbox," as she passed; and her best friends
+were a little cool. All this made her very meek for
+a time; and she scarcely opened her bill, except to
+eat.</p>
+
+<p>A guard was set day and night, to see if any
+danger approached; and a row of swallows might
+be seen on the ridgepole at all hours. If any one
+entered the barn, dozens of little black heads peeped
+cautiously over the edges of the nests, and there was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span>
+much flying to and fro with reports and rumors; for
+all the birds in the town soon knew that something
+had happened.</p>
+
+<p>The day after the imprudent conversation, a chimney-swallow
+came to call on Mrs. Wing; and, the
+moment she was seated on the beam, she began:</p>
+
+<p>"My dear creature, I feel for you in your trying
+position,&mdash;indeed I do, and came over at once to
+warn you of your danger."</p>
+
+<p>"Mercy on us! what is coming?" cried Mrs.
+Wing, covering her brood with trembling wings, and
+looking quite wild with alarm.</p>
+
+<p>"Be calm, my friend, and bear with firmness the
+consequences of your folly," replied Mrs. Sooty-back,
+who didn't like Mrs. Wing, because she prided
+herself on her family, and rather looked down on
+chimney-swallows. "You know, ma'am, I live at
+the great house, and am in the way of seeing and
+hearing all that goes on there. No fire is lighted in
+the study now; but my landlord still sits on the
+hearth, and I can overhear every word he says. Last
+evening, after my darlings were asleep, and my husband
+gone out, I went down and sat on the andiron,
+as I often do; for the fireplace is full of oak boughs,
+and I can peep out unseen. My landlord sat there,
+looking a trifle more cheerful than usual, and I
+heard him say, in a very decided tone:</p>
+
+<p>"'I'll catch them, one and all, and keep them<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span>
+here; that is better than pulling the place down, as
+I planned at first. Those swallows little know what
+they have done; but I'll show them I don't forget.'"</p>
+
+<p>On hearing this a general wail arose, and Mrs.
+Wing fainted entirely away. Madam Sooty-back
+was quite satisfied with the effect she had produced,
+and departed, saying loftily:</p>
+
+<p>"I'm sorry for you, Mrs. Wing, and forgive your
+rude speech about my being related to chimney-sweeps.
+One can't expect good manners from
+persons brought up in mud houses, and entirely
+shut out from good society. If I hear any thing
+more, I'll let you know."</p>
+
+<p>Away she flew; and poor Mrs. Wing would have
+had another fit, if they hadn't tickled her with a
+feather, and fanned her so violently that she was
+nearly blown off her nest by the breeze they raised.</p>
+
+<p>"What shall we do?" she cried.</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing, but wait. I dare say, Mrs. Sooty-back
+is mistaken; at any rate, we can't get away without
+leaving our children, for they can't fly yet. Let us
+wait, and see what happens. If the worst comes,
+we shall have done our duty, and will all die
+together."</p>
+
+<p>As no one could suggest any thing better, Mrs.
+Dart's advice was taken, and they waited. On the
+afternoon of the same day, Dr. Banks, a sand-swallow,
+who lived in a subterranean village over by the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span>
+great sand-bank, looked in to see Mrs. Wing, and
+cheered her by the following bit of news:</p>
+
+<p>"The man was down at the poor-house to-day, and
+took away little Nan, the orphan baby. I saw him
+carry her to Will's mother, and heard him ask her to
+take care of it for a time. He paid her well, and
+she seemed glad to do it; for Will needs help, and
+now he can have it. An excellent arrangement, I
+think. Bless me, ma'am! what's the matter? Your
+pulse is altogether too fast, and you look feverish."</p>
+
+<p>No wonder the doctor looked surprised; for Mrs.
+Wing suddenly gave a skip, and flapped her wings,
+with a shrill chirp, exclaiming, as she looked about
+her triumphantly:</p>
+
+<p>"Now, who was right? Who has done good, not
+harm, by what you call 'gossip'? Who has been a
+martyr, and patiently borne all kinds of blame,
+injustice, and disrespect? Yes, indeed! the man
+saw the sense of my words; he took my advice; he
+will show his gratitude by some good turn yet; and,
+if half a dozen poor souls are helped, it will be my
+doing, and mine alone."</p>
+
+<p>Here she had to stop for breath; and her neighbors
+all looked at one another, feeling undecided
+whether to own they were wrong, or to put Mrs.
+Wing down. Every one twittered and chirped, and
+made a great noise; but no one would give up, and
+all went to roost in a great state of uncertainty. But,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span>
+the next day, it became evident that Mrs. Wing was
+right; for Major Bumble-bee came buzzing in to tell
+them that old Daddy Winter's hut was empty, and
+his white head had been seen in the sunny porch of
+the great house.</p>
+
+<p>After this the swallows gave in; and, as no harm
+came to them, they had a jubilee in honor of the
+occasion. Mrs. Wing was president, and received a
+vote of thanks for the good she had done, and the
+credit she had bestowed upon the town by her
+wisdom and courage. She was much elated by all
+this; but her fright had been of service, and she
+bore her honors more meekly than one would have
+supposed. To be sure, she cut Mrs. Sooty-back
+when they met; assumed an injured air, when some
+of her neighbors passed her; and said, "I told you
+so," a dozen times a day to her husband, who got so
+many curtain lectures that he took to sleeping on the
+highest rafter, pretending that the children's noise
+disturbed him.</p>
+
+<p>All sorts of charming things happened after that,
+and such a fine summer never was known before; for
+not only did the birds rejoice, but people also. A
+good spirit seemed to haunt the town, leaving help
+and happiness wherever it passed. Some unseen
+hand scattered crumbs over the barn floor, and left
+food at many doors. No dog or boy or gun marred
+the tranquillity of the birds, insects, and flowers who<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span>
+lived on the great estate. No want, care, or suffering,
+that love or money could prevent, befell the
+poor folk whose cottages stood near the old house.
+Sunshine and peace seemed to reign there; for its
+gloomy master was a changed man now, and the
+happiness he earned for himself, by giving it to
+others, flowed out in beautiful, blithe songs, and went
+singing away into the world, making him friends, and
+bringing him honor in high places as well as low.</p>
+
+<p>He did not forget the wife and little child whom
+he had loved so well; but he mourned no longer, for
+cheerful daisies grew above their graves, and he
+knew that he should meet them in the lovely land
+where death can never come. So, while he waited
+for that happy time to come, he made his life a
+cheery song,&mdash;as every one may do, if they will;
+and went about dropping kind words and deeds as
+silently and sweetly as the sky drops sunshine and
+dew. Every one was his friend, but his favorites
+were the swallows. Every day he went to see them,
+carrying grain and crumbs, hearing their chat, sharing
+their joys and sorrows, and never tiring of their
+small friendship; for to them, he thought, he owed
+all the content now his.</p>
+
+<p>When autumn leaves were red, and autumn winds
+blew cold, the inhabitants of Twittertown prepared
+for their journey to the South. They lingered longer
+than usual this year, feeling sorry to leave their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span>
+friend. But the fields were bare, the frosts began to
+pinch, and the young ones longed to see the world;
+so they must go. The day they started, the whole
+flock flew to the great house, to say good-by. Some
+dived and darted round and round it, some hopped
+to and fro on the sere lawn, some perched on the
+chimney-tops, and some clung to the window ledges;
+all twittering a loving farewell.</p>
+
+<p>Chirp, Dart, and Wing peeped everywhere, and
+everywhere found something to rejoice over. In a
+cosey room, by a bright fire, sat Daddy Winter and
+Nell's old father, telling stories of their youth, and
+basking in the comfortable warmth. In the study,
+surrounded by the books he loved, was the poor
+young man, happy as a king now, and learning many
+things which no book could teach him; for he had
+found a friend. Then, down below was Will's
+mother, working like a bee; for she was housekeeper,
+and enjoyed her tasks as much as any
+mother-bird enjoys filling the little mouths of her
+brood. Close by was pretty Nell, prettier than ever
+now; for her heavy care was gone, and she sung as
+she sewed, thinking of the old father, whom nothing
+could trouble any more.</p>
+
+<p>But the pleasantest sight the three gossips saw
+was the man with Baby Nan on his arm and Will at
+his side, playing in the once dreary nursery. How
+they laughed and danced! for Will was up from his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span>
+bed at last, and hopped nimbly on his crutches,
+knowing that soon even they would be unneeded.
+Little Nan was as plump and rosy as a baby should
+be, and babbled like a brook, as the man went to
+and fro, cradling her in his strong arms, feeling as if
+his own little daughter had come back when he
+heard the baby voice call him father.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, how sweet it is!" cried Mrs. Dart, glad to
+see that he had found comfort for his grief.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; indeed: it does one's heart good to see
+such a happy family," added Mrs. Skim, who was a
+very motherly bird.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't wish to boast; but I <i>will</i> say that I am
+satisfied with my summer's work, and go South feeling
+that I leave an enviable reputation behind me."
+And Mrs. Wing plumed herself with an air of immense
+importance, as she nodded and bridled from
+her perch on the window-sill.</p>
+
+<p>The man saw the three, and hastened to feed
+them for the last time, knowing that they were about
+to go. Gratefully they ate, and chirped their thanks;
+and then, as they flew away, the little gossips heard
+their friend singing his good-by:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Swallow, swallow, neighbor swallow,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Starting on your autumn flight,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Pause a moment at my window,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Twitter softly your good-night;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">For the summer days are over,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">All your duties are well done,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And the happy homes you builded<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Have grown empty, one by one.<br /></span>
+</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span>
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Swallow, swallow, neighbor swallow,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Are you ready for your flight?<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Are all the feather cloaks completed?<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Are the little caps all right?<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Are the young wings strong and steady<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">For the journey through the sky?<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Come again in early spring-time;<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And till then, good-by, good-by!"<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="VIII" id="VIII"></a>VIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>LITTLE GULLIVER.</h3>
+
+<p class="cap"><span class="dcap">Up</span> in the light-house tower lived Davy, with Old
+Dan the keeper. Most little boys would have
+found it very lonely; but Davy had three friends,
+and was as happy as the day was long. One of
+Davy's friends was the great lamp, which was lighted
+at sunset, and burnt all night, to guide the ships
+into the harbor. To Dan it was only a lamp; but to
+the boy it seemed a living thing, and he loved and
+tended it faithfully. Every day he helped Dan clear
+the big wick, polish the brass work, and wash the
+glass lantern which protected the flame. Every
+evening he went up to see it lighted, and always fell
+asleep, thinking, "No matter how dark or wild the
+night, my good Shine will save the ships that pass,
+and burn till morning."</p>
+
+<p>Davy's second friend was Nep, the Newfoundland,
+who was washed ashore from a wreck, and had
+never left the island since. Nep was rough and big,
+but had such a loyal and loving heart that no one
+could look in his soft brown eyes and not trust him.
+He followed Davy's steps all day, slept at his feet all
+night, and more than once had saved his life when<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span>
+Davy fell among the rocks, or got caught by the
+rising tide.</p>
+
+<p>But the dearest friend of all was a sea-gull. Davy
+found him, with a broken wing, and nursed him carefully
+till he was well; then let him go, though he was
+very fond of "Little Gulliver," as he called him in
+fun. But the bird never forgot the boy, and came
+daily to talk with him, telling all manner of wild
+stories about his wanderings by land and sea, and
+whiling away many an hour that otherwise would
+have been very lonely.</p>
+
+<p>Old Dan was Davy's uncle,&mdash;a grim, gray man,
+who said little, did his work faithfully, and was both
+father and mother to Davy, who had no parents, and
+no friends beyond the island. That was his world;
+and he led a quiet life among his playfellows,&mdash;the
+winds and waves. He seldom went to the main
+land, three miles away; for he was happier at home.
+He watched the sea-anemones open below the water,
+looking like fairy-plants, brilliant and strange. He
+found curious and pretty shells, and sometimes more
+valuable treasures, washed up from some wreck. He
+saw little yellow crabs, ugly lobsters, and queer
+horse-shoes with their stiff tails. Sometimes a whale
+or a shark swam by, and often sleek black seals
+came up to bask on the warm rocks. He gathered
+lovely sea-weeds of all kinds, from tiny red cobwebs
+to great scalloped leaves of kelp, longer than him<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span>self.
+He heard the waves dash and roar unceasingly;
+the winds howl or sigh over the island; and
+the gulls scream shrilly as they dipped and dived, or
+sailed away to follow the ships that came and went
+from all parts of the world.</p>
+
+<p>With Nep and Gulliver he roamed about his small
+kingdom, never tired of its wonders; or, if storms
+raged, he sat up in the tower, safe and dry, watching
+the tumult of sea and sky. Often in long winter
+nights he lay awake, listening to the wind and rain,
+that made the tower rock with their violence; but he
+never was afraid, for Nep nestled at his feet, Dan sat
+close by, and overhead the great lamp shone far out
+into the night, to cheer and guide all wanderers on
+the sea.</p>
+
+<p>Close by the tower hung the fog-bell, which, being
+wound up, would ring all night, warningly. One day
+Dan found that something among the chains was
+broken; and, having vainly tried to mend it, he
+decided to go to the town, and get what was needed.
+He went once a week, usually, and left Davy behind;
+for in the daytime there was nothing to do, and the
+boy was not afraid to stay.</p>
+
+<p>"A heavy fog is blowing up: we shall want the
+bell to-night, and I must be off at once. I shall be
+back before dark, of course; so take care of yourself,
+boy," said Dan.</p>
+
+<p>Away went the little boat; and the fog shut down<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span>
+over it, as if a misty wall had parted Davy from his
+uncle. As it was dull weather, he sat and read for
+an hour or two; then fell asleep, and forgot everything
+till Nep's cold nose on his hand waked him up.
+It was nearly dark; and, hoping to find Dan had
+come, he ran down to the landing-place. But no
+boat was there, and the fog was thicker than ever.</p>
+
+<p>Dan never had been gone so long before, and
+Davy was afraid something had happened to him.
+For a few minutes he was in great trouble; then he
+cheered up, and took courage.</p>
+
+<p>"It is sunset by the clock; so I'll light the lamp,
+and, if Dan is lost in the fog, it will guide him
+home," said Davy.</p>
+
+<p>Up he went, and soon the great star shone out
+above the black-topped light-house, glimmering
+through the fog, as if eager to be seen. Davy
+had his supper, but no Dan came. He waited hour
+after hour, and waited all in vain. The fog thickened,
+till the lamp was hardly seen; and no bell
+rung to warn the ships of the dangerous rocks.
+Poor Davy could not sleep, but all night long
+wandered from the tower to the door, watching,
+calling, and wondering; but Dan did not come.</p>
+
+<p>At sunrise he put out the light, and, having
+trimmed it for the next night, ate a little breakfast,
+and roved about the island hoping to see some sign
+of Dan. The sun drew up the fog at last; and he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span>
+could see the blue bay, the distant town, and a few
+fishing-boats going out to sea. But nowhere was the
+island-boat with gray Old Dan in it; and Davy's
+heart grew heavier and heavier, as the day passed,
+and still no one came. In the afternoon Gulliver
+appeared: to him Davy told his trouble, and the
+three friends took counsel together.</p>
+
+<p>"There is no other boat; and I couldn't row so
+far, if there was: so I can't go to find Dan," said
+David sorrowfully.</p>
+
+<p>"I'd gladly swim to town, if I could; but it's
+impossible to do it, with wind and tide against me.
+I've howled all day, hoping some one would hear me;
+but no one does, and I'm discouraged," said Nep,
+with an anxious expression.</p>
+
+<p>"I can do something for you; and I will, with all
+my heart. I'll fly to town, if I don't see him in the
+bay, and try to learn what has become of Dan.
+Then I'll come and tell you, and we will see what is
+to be done next. Cheer up, Davy dear: I'll bring
+you tidings, if any can be had." With these cheerful
+words, away sailed Gulliver, leaving Nep and his
+master to watch and wait again.</p>
+
+<p>The wind blew hard, and the broken wing was not
+quite well yet, else Gulliver would have been able to
+steer clear of a boat that came swiftly by. A sudden
+gust drove the gull so violently against the sail that
+he dropped breathless into the boat; and a little
+girl caught him, before he could recover himself.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span>
+"Oh, what a lovely bird! See his black cap, his
+white breast, dove-colored wings, red legs and bill,
+and soft, bright eyes. I wanted a gull; and I'll
+keep this one, for I don't think he is much hurt."</p>
+
+<p>Poor Gulliver struggled, pecked and screamed;
+but little Dora held him fast, and shut him in a
+basket till they reached the shore. Then she put
+him in a lobster pot,&mdash;a large wooden thing, something
+like a cage,&mdash;and left him on the lawn, where
+he could catch glimpses of the sea, and watch the
+light-house tower, as he sat alone in this dreadful
+prison. If Dora had known the truth, she would
+have let him go, and done her best to help him; but
+she could not understand his speech, as Davy did,
+for very few people have the power of talking with
+birds, beasts, insects, and plants. To her, his prayers
+and cries were only harsh screams; and, when he
+sat silent, with drooping head and ruffled feathers,
+she thought he was sleepy: but he was mourning for
+Davy, and wondering what his little friend would do.</p>
+
+<p>For three long days and nights he was a prisoner,
+and suffered much. The house was full of happy
+people, but no one took pity upon him. Ladies and
+gentlemen talked learnedly about him; boys poked
+and pulled him; little girls admired him, and begged
+his wings for their hats, if he died. Cats prowled
+about his cage; dogs barked at him; hens cackled
+over him; and a shrill canary jeered at him from the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span>
+pretty pagoda in which it hung, high above danger.
+In the evening there was music; and the poor bird's
+heart ached as the sweet sounds came to him, reminding
+him of the airier melodies he loved.
+Through the stillness of the night, he heard the
+waves break on the shore; the wind came singing
+up from the sea; the moon shone kindly on him, and
+he saw the water-fairies dancing on the sand. But
+for three days no one spoke a friendly word to him,
+and he pined away with a broken heart.</p>
+
+<p>On the fourth night, when all was quiet, little
+Gulliver saw a black shadow steal across the lawn,
+and heard a soft voice say to him:</p>
+
+<p>"Poor bird, you'll die, if yer stays here; so I'se
+gwine to let yer go. Specs little missy'll scold
+dreffle; but Moppet'll take de scoldin for yer. Hi,
+dere! you is peart nuff now, kase you's in a hurry to
+go; but jes wait till I gits de knots out of de string
+dat ties de door, and den away you flies."</p>
+
+<p>"But, dear, kind Moppet, won't you be hurt for
+doing this? Why do you care so much for me? I
+can only thank you, and fly away."</p>
+
+<p>As Gulliver spoke, he looked up at the little black
+face bent over him, and saw tears in the child's sad
+eyes; but she smiled at him, and shook her fuzzy
+head, as she whispered kindly:</p>
+
+<p>"I don't want no tanks, birdie: I loves to let you
+go, kase you's a slave, like I was once; and it's a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span>
+dreffle hard ting, I knows. I got away, and I means
+you shall. I'se watched you, deary, all dese days;
+and I tried to come 'fore, but dey didn't give me no
+chance."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you live here? I never see you playing with
+the other children," said the gull, as Moppet's nimble
+fingers picked away at the knots.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes: I lives here, and helps de cook. You
+didn't see me, kase I never plays; de chilen don't
+like me."</p>
+
+<p>"Why not?" asked Gulliver, wondering.</p>
+
+<p>"I'se black," said Moppet, with a sob.</p>
+
+<p>"But that's silly in them," cried the bird, who had
+never heard of such a thing. "Color makes no
+difference; the peeps are gray, the seals black, and
+the crabs yellow; but we don't care, and are all
+friends. It is very unkind to treat you so. Haven't
+you any friends to love you, dear?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nobody in de world keres fer me. Dey sold me
+way from my mammy when I was a baby, and I'se
+knocked roun eber since. De oder chilen has folks
+to lub an kere fer em, but Moppet's got no friends;"
+and here the black eyes grew so dim with tears that
+the poor child couldn't see that the last knot was
+out.</p>
+
+<p>Gulliver saw it, and, pushing up the door, flew
+from his prison with a glad cry; and, hopping into
+Moppet's hand, looked into the little dark face with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span>
+such grateful confidence that it cleared at once, and
+the brightest smile it had worn for months broke
+over it as the bird nestled its soft head against her
+cheek, saying gently:</p>
+
+<p>"I'm your friend, dear; I love you, and I never
+shall forget what you have done for me to-night.
+How can I thank you before I go?"</p>
+
+<p>For a minute, Moppet could only hug the bird,
+and cry; for these were the first kind words she had
+heard for a long time, and they went straight to her
+lonely little heart.</p>
+
+<p>"O my deary! I'se paid by dem words, and I
+don't want no tanks. Jes lub me, and come sometimes
+to see me ef you can, it's so hard livin' in dis
+yere place. I don't tink I'll bar it long. I wish I
+was a bird to fly away, or a oyster safe in de mud,
+and free to do as I's a mind."</p>
+
+<p>"I wish you could go and live with Davy on the
+island; he is so kind, so happy, and as free as the
+wind. Can't you get away, Moppet?" whispered
+Gulliver, longing to help this poor, friendless little
+soul. He told her all his story; and they agreed
+that he should fly at once to the island, and see if
+Dan was there; if not, he was to come back, and
+Moppet would try to get some one to help find him.
+When this was done, Davy and Dan were to take
+Moppet, if they could, and make her happy on the
+island. Full of hope and joy, Gulliver said good-by,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span>
+and spread his wings; but, alas for the poor bird!
+he was too weak to fly. For three days he had hardly
+eaten any thing, had found no salt water to bathe in,
+and had sat moping in the cage till his strength was
+all gone.</p>
+
+<p>"What shall I do? what shall I do?" he cried,
+fluttering his feeble wings, and running to and fro in
+despair.</p>
+
+<p>"Hush, birdie, I'll take kere ob you till you's fit to
+fly. I knows a nice, quiet little cove down yonder,
+where no one goes; and dare you kin stay till you's
+better. I'll come and feed you, and you kin paddle,
+and rest, and try your wings, safe and free, honey."</p>
+
+<p>As Moppet spoke, she took Gulliver in her arms,
+and stole away in the dim light, over the hill, down
+to the lonely spot where nothing went but the winds
+and waves, the gulls, and little Moppet, when hard
+words and blows made heart and body ache. Here
+she left the bird, and, with a loving "Good-night,"
+crept home to her bed in the garret, feeling as rich
+as a queen, and much happier; for she had done a
+kind thing, and made a friend.</p>
+
+<p>Next day, a great storm came: the wind blew a
+hurricane, the rain poured, and the sea thundered on
+the coast. If he had been well, Gulliver wouldn't
+have minded at all; but, being sick and sad, he spent
+an anxious day, sitting in a cranny of the rock, thinking
+of Davy and Moppet. It was so rough, even in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span>
+the cove, that he could neither swim nor fly, so feeble
+was he; and could find no food but such trifles as he
+could pick up among the rocks. At nightfall the
+storm raged fiercer than ever, and he gave up seeing
+Moppet; for he was sure she wouldn't come through
+the pelting rain just to feed him. So he put his
+head under his wing, and tried to sleep; but he was
+so wet and weak, so hungry and anxious, no sleep
+came.</p>
+
+<p>"What has happened to Davy alone on the island
+all this while? He will fall ill with loneliness and
+trouble; the lamp won't be lighted, the ships will be
+wrecked, and many people will suffer. O Dan, Dan,
+if we could only find you, how happy we should be!"</p>
+
+<p>As Gulliver spoke, a voice cried through the darkness:</p>
+
+<p>"Is you dere, honey?" and Moppet came climbing
+over the rocks, with a basket full of such bits as she
+could get. "Poor birdie, is you starvin'? Here, jes
+go at dis, and joy yourself. Dere's fish and tings I
+tink you'd like. How is you now, dear?"</p>
+
+<p>"Better, Moppet; but, it's so stormy, I can't get
+to Davy; and I worry about him," began Gulliver,
+pecking away at his supper: but he stopped suddenly,
+for a faint sound came up from below, as if
+some one called, "Help, help!"</p>
+
+<p>"Hi! what's dat?" said Moppet, listening.</p>
+
+<p>"Davy, Davy!" called the voice.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span>
+"It's Dan. Hurrah, we've found him!" and
+Gulliver dived off the rock so reckless that he went
+splash into the water. But that didn't matter to
+him; and he paddled away, like a little steamer with
+all the engines in full blast. Down by the sea-side,
+between two stones, lay Dan, so bruised and hurt he
+couldn't move, and so faint with hunger and pain he
+could hardly speak. As soon as Gulliver called,
+Moppet scrambled down, and fed the poor man with
+her scraps, brought him rain-water from a crevice
+near by, and bound up his wounded head with her
+little apron. Then Dan told them how his boat had
+been run down by a ship in the fog; how he was
+hurt, and cast ashore in the lonely cove; how he had
+lain there half dead, for no one heard his shouts, and
+he couldn't move; how the storm brought him back
+to life, when he was almost gone, and the sound of
+Moppet's voice told him help was near.</p>
+
+<p>How glad they all were then! Moppet danced for
+joy; Gulliver screamed and flapped his wings; and
+Dan smiled, in spite of pain, to think he should see
+Davy again. He couldn't understand Gulliver; but
+Moppet told him all the story, and, when he heard
+it, he was more troubled for the boy than for himself.</p>
+
+<p>"What will he do? He may get killed or scared,
+or try to come ashore. Is the lamp alight?" he
+cried, trying to move, and falling back with a moan
+of pain.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span>
+Gulliver flew up to the highest rock, and looked
+out across the dark sea. Yes, there it was,&mdash;the
+steady star shining through the storm, and saying
+plainly, "All is well."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank heaven! if the lamp is burning, Davy is
+alive. Now, how shall I get to him?" said Dan.</p>
+
+<p>"Never you fret, massa: Moppet'll see to dat.
+You jes lay still till I comes. Dere's folks in de
+house as'll tend to you, ef I tells em who and where
+you is."</p>
+
+<p>Off she ran, and soon came back with help. Dan
+was taken to the house, and carefully tended; Moppet
+wasn't scolded for being out so late; and, in the
+flurry, no one thought of the gull. Next morning,
+the cage was found blown over, and every one
+fancied the bird had flown away. Dora was already
+tired of him; so he was soon forgotten by all but
+Moppet.</p>
+
+<p>In the morning it was clear; and Gulliver flew
+gladly to the tower where Davy still watched and
+waited, with a pale face and heavy heart, for the
+three days had been very hard to bear, and, but for
+Nep and Shine, he would have lost his courage
+entirely. Gulliver flew straight into his bosom, and,
+sitting there, told his adventures; while Davy
+laughed and cried, and Nep stood by, wagging his
+tail for joy, while his eyes were full of sympathy.
+The three had a very happy hour together, and then<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span>
+came a boat to carry Davy ashore, while another
+keeper took charge of the light till Dan was well.</p>
+
+<p>Nobody ever knew the best part of the story but
+Moppet, Davy, and Gulliver. Other people didn't
+dream that the boy's pet gull had any thing to do
+with the finding of the man, or the good fortune that
+came to Moppet. While Dan lay sick, she tended
+him, like a loving little daughter; and, when he was
+well, he took her for his own. He did not mind the
+black skin: he only saw the loneliness of the child,
+the tender heart, the innocent, white soul; and he
+was as glad to be a friend to her as if she had been
+as blithe and pretty as Dora.</p>
+
+<p>It was a happy day when Dan and Davy, Moppet,
+Gulliver, and Nep sailed away to the island; for
+that was still to be their home, with stout young Ben
+to help.</p>
+
+<p>The sun was setting; and they floated through
+waves as rosy as the rosy sky. A fresh wind filled
+the sail, and ruffled Gulliver's white breast as he sat
+on the mast-head crooning a cheery song to himself.
+Dan held the tiller, and Davy lay at his feet, with
+Nep bolt upright beside him; but the happiest face
+of all was Moppet's. Kneeling at the bow, she
+leaned forward, with her lips apart, her fuzzy hair
+blown back, and her eyes fixed on the island which
+was to be her home. Like a little black figure-head
+of Hope, she leaned and looked, as the boat flew on,
+bearing her away from the old life into the new.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span>
+As the sun sunk, out shone the lamp with sudden
+brightness, as if the island bade them welcome.
+Dan furled the sail; and, drifting with the tide, they
+floated in, till the waves broke softly on the shore,
+and left them safe at home.</p>
+<hr />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="IX" id="IX"></a>IX.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE WHALE'S STORY.</h3>
+
+<p class="cap"><span class="dcap">Freddy</span> sat thinking on the seat under the
+trees. It was a wide, white seat, about four
+feet long, sloping from the sides to the middle, something
+like a swing; and was not only comfortable
+but curious, for it was made of a whale's bone.
+Freddy often sat there, and thought about it for he
+was very much interested in it, and nobody could
+tell him any thing of it, except that it had been
+there a long time.</p>
+
+<p>"Poor old whale, I wonder how you got here,
+where you came from, and if you were a good and
+happy creature while you lived," said Freddy, patting
+the old bone with his little hand.</p>
+
+<p>It gave a great creak; and a sudden gust of air
+stirred the trees, as if some monster groaned and
+sighed. Then Freddy heard a strange voice, very
+loud, yet cracked and queer, as if some one tried to
+talk with a broken jaw.</p>
+
+<p>"Freddy ahoy!" called the big voice. "I'll tell
+you all about it; for you are the only person who
+ever pitied me, or cared to know any thing about
+me."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span>
+"Why, can you talk?" asked Freddy, very much
+astonished and a little frightened.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course I can, for this is a part of my jaw-bone.
+I should talk better if my whole mouth was
+here; but I'm afraid my voice would then be so loud
+you wouldn't be able to hear it. I don't think any
+one but you would understand me, any way. It isn't
+every one that can, you know; but you are a thoughtful
+little chap, with a lively fancy as well as a kind
+heart, so you shall hear my story."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, I should like it very much, if you
+would please to speak a little lower, and not sigh;
+for your voice almost stuns me, and your breath
+nearly blows me away," said Freddy.</p>
+
+<p>"I'll try: but it's hard to suit my tone to such a
+mite, or to help groaning when I think of my sad
+fate; though I deserve it, perhaps," said the bone,
+more gently.</p>
+
+<p>"Were you a naughty whale?" asked Freddy.</p>
+
+<p>"I was proud, very proud, and foolish; and so I
+suffered for it. I dare say you know a good deal
+about us. I see you reading often, and you seem a
+sensible child."</p>
+
+<p>"No: I haven't read about you yet, and I only
+know that you are the biggest fish there is," replied
+Freddy.</p>
+
+<p>The bone creaked and shook, as if it was laughing,
+and said in a tone that showed it hadn't got
+over its pride yet:</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span>
+"You're wrong there, my dear; we are not fishes
+at all, though stupid mortals have called us so for a
+long time. We can't live without air; we have warm,
+red blood; and we don't lay eggs,&mdash;so we are <i>not</i>
+fishes. We certainly <i>are</i> the biggest creatures in the
+sea and out of it. Why, bless you! some of us are
+nearly a hundred feet long; our tails alone are
+fifteen or twenty feet wide; the biggest of us weigh
+five hundred thousand pounds, and have in them the
+fat, bone, and muscle of a thousand cattle. The
+lower jaw of one of my family made an arch large
+enough for a man on horseback to ride under easily,
+and my cousins of the sperm-family usually yield
+eighty barrels of oil."</p>
+
+<p>"Gracious me, what monsters you are!" cried
+Freddy, taking a long breath, while his eyes got
+bigger and bigger as he listened.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! you may well say so; we are a very wonderful
+and interesting family. All our branches are
+famous in one way or another. Fin-backs, sperms,
+and rights are the largest; then come the norwhals,
+the dolphins, and porpoises,&mdash;which last, I dare say,
+you've seen."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes: but tell me about the big ones, please.
+Which were you?" cried Freddy.</p>
+
+<p>"I was a Right whale, from Greenland. The
+Sperms live in warm places; but to us the torrid zone
+is like a sea of fire, and we don't pass it. Our<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span>
+cousins do; and go to the East Indies by way of the
+North Pole, which is more than your famous Parrys
+and Franklins could do."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know about that; but I'd like to hear
+what you eat, and how you live, and why you came
+here," said Freddy, who thought the whale rather
+inclined to boast.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, we haven't got any teeth,&mdash;our branch of
+the family; and we live on creatures so small, that
+you could only see them with a microscope. Yes,
+you may stare; but it's true, my dear. The roofs of
+our mouths are made of whalebone, in broad pieces
+from six to eight feet long, arranged one against the
+other; so they make an immense sieve. The tongue,
+which makes about five barrels of oil, lies below,
+like a cushion of white satin. When we want to
+feed, we rush through the water, which is full of the
+little things we eat, and catch them in our sieve,
+spurting the water through two holes in our heads.
+Then we collect the food with our tongue, and
+swallow it; for, though we are so big, our throats
+are small. We roam about in the ocean, leaping and
+floating, feeding and spouting, flying from our enemies,
+or fighting bravely to defend our young ones."</p>
+
+<p>"Have you got any enemies? I shouldn't think
+you could have, you are so large," said Freddy.</p>
+
+<p>"But we have, and many too,&mdash;three who attack
+us in the water, and several more that men use<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span>
+against us. The killer, the sword-fish, and the
+thrasher trouble us at home. The killer fastens to
+us, and won't be shaken off till he has worried us to
+death; the sword-fish stabs us with his sword; and
+the thrasher whips us to death with his own slender,
+but strong and heavy body. Then, men harpoon
+us, shoot or entrap us; and make us into oil and
+candles and seats, and stiffening for gowns and
+umbrellas," said the bone, in a tone of scorn.</p>
+
+<p>Freddy laughed at the idea, and asked, "How
+about candles? I know about oil and seats and
+umbrellas; but I thought candles were made of
+wax."</p>
+
+<p>"I can't say much on that point: I only know
+that, when a sperm whale is killed, they make oil out
+of the fat part as they do of ours; but the Sperms
+have a sort of cistern in their heads, full of stuff like
+cream, and rose-colored. They cut a hole in the
+skull, and dip it out; and sometimes get sixteen or
+twenty barrels. This is made into what you call
+spermaceti candles. <i>We</i> don't have any such nonsense
+about us; but the Sperms always were a light-headed
+set."</p>
+
+<p>Here the bone laughed, in a cracked sort of roar,
+which sent Freddy flying off the seat on to the grass,
+where he stayed, laughing also, though he didn't see
+any joke.</p>
+
+<p>"I beg your pardon, child. It isn't often that I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span>
+laugh; for I've a heavy heart somewhere, and have
+known trouble enough to make me as sad as the sea
+is sometimes."</p>
+
+<p>"Tell me about your troubles; I pity you very
+much, and like to hear you talk," said Freddy,
+kindly.</p>
+
+<p>"Unfortunately we are very easily killed, in spite
+of our size; and have various afflictions besides
+death. We grow blind; our jaws are deformed
+sometimes; our tails, with which we swim, get hurt;
+and we have dyspepsia."</p>
+
+<p>Freddy shouted at that; for he knew what dyspepsia
+was, because at the sea-side there were many
+sickly people who were always groaning about that
+disease.</p>
+
+<p>"It's no laughing matter, I assure you," said the
+whale's bone. "We suffer a great deal, and get thin
+and weak and miserable. I've sometimes thought
+that's the reason we are blue."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps, as you have no teeth, you don't chew
+your food enough, and so have dyspepsia, like an old
+gentleman I know," said Freddy.</p>
+
+<p>"That's not the reason; my cousins, the Sperms,
+have teeth, and dyspepsia also."</p>
+
+<p>"Are they blue?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, black and white. But I was going to tell
+you my troubles. My father was harpooned when
+I was very young, and I remember how bravely he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span>
+died. The Rights usually run away when they see
+a whaler coming; not from cowardice,&mdash;oh, dear,
+no!&mdash;but discretion. The Sperms stay and fight,
+and are killed off very fast; for they are a very
+headstrong family. We fight when we can't help it;
+and my father died like a hero. They chased him
+five hours before they stuck him; he tried to get
+away, and dragged three or four boats and sixteen
+hundred fathoms of line from eight in the morning
+till four at night. Then they got out another line,
+and he towed the ship itself for more than an hour.
+There were fifteen harpoons in him: he chewed up
+a boat, pitched several men overboard, and damaged
+the vessel, before they killed him. Ah! he was a
+father to be proud of."</p>
+
+<p>Freddy sat respectfully silent for a few minutes,
+as the old bone seemed to feel a great deal on the
+subject. Presently he went on again:</p>
+
+<p>"The Sperms live in herds; but the Rights go in
+pairs, and are very fond of one another. My wife
+was a charming creature, and we were very happy,
+till one sad day, when she was playing with our
+child,&mdash;a sweet little whaleling only twelve feet long,
+and weighing but a ton,&mdash;my son was harpooned.
+His mamma, instead of flying, wrapped her fins
+round him, and dived as far as the line allowed.
+Then she came up, and dashed at the boats in great
+rage and anguish, entirely regardless of the danger<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span>
+she was in. The men struck my son, in order to get
+her, and they soon succeeded; but even then, in
+spite of her suffering, she did not try to escape, but
+clung to little Spouter till both were killed. Alas!
+alas!"</p>
+
+<p>Here the poor bone creaked so dismally, Freddy
+feared it would tumble to pieces, and bring the story
+to an end too soon.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't think of those sorrowful things," he said;
+"tell me how you came to be here. Were you
+harpooned?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not I; for I've been very careful all my life to
+keep out of the way of danger: I'm not like one of
+my relations, who attacked a ship, gave it such a
+dreadful blow that he made a great hole, the water
+rushed in, and the vessel was wrecked. But he
+paid dearly for that prank; for a few months afterward
+another ship harpooned him very easily, finding
+two spears still in him, and a wound in his head. I
+forgot to mention, that the Sperms have fine ivory
+teeth, and make ambergris,&mdash;a sort of stuff that
+smells very nice, and costs a great deal. I give you
+these little facts about my family, as you seem interested,
+and it's always well to improve the minds of
+young people."</p>
+
+<p>"You are very kind; but will you be good enough
+to tell about yourself?" said Freddy again; for the
+bone seemed to avoid that part of the story, as if he
+didn't want to tell it.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span>
+"Well, if I must, I must; but I'm sorry to confess
+what a fool I've been. You know what coral is,
+don't you?"</p>
+
+<p>"No," said Freddy, wondering why it asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Then I must tell you, I suppose. There is a bit
+in the house there,&mdash;that rough, white, stony stuff on
+the table in the parlor. It's full of little holes, you
+know. Well, those holes are the front doors of
+hundreds of little polypes, or coral worms, who
+build the great branches of coral, and live there.
+They are of various shapes and colors,&mdash;some like
+stars; some fine as a thread, and blue or yellow;
+others like snails and tiny lobsters. Some people
+say the real coral-makers are shaped like little
+oblong bags of jelly, closed at one end, the other
+open, with six or eight little feelers, like a star, all
+around it. The other creatures are boarders or
+visitors: these are the real workers, and, when they
+sit in their cells and put out their feelers, they make
+all manner of lovely colors under the water,&mdash;crimson,
+green, orange, and violet. But if they are taken
+up or touched, the coral people go in doors, and the
+beautiful hues disappear. They say there are many
+coral reefs and islands built by these industrious
+people, in the South Seas; but I can't go there to
+see, and I am contented with those I find in the
+northern latitudes. I knew such a community of
+coral builders, and used to watch them long ago,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span>
+when they began to work. It was a charming spot,
+down under the sea; for all manner of lovely plants
+grew there; splendid fishes sailed to and fro; wonderful
+shells lay about; crimson and yellow prawns,
+long, gliding green worms, and purple sea-urchins,
+were there. When I asked the polypes what they
+were doing, and they answered, 'Building an island,'
+I laughed at them; for the idea that these tiny, soft
+atoms could make any thing was ridiculous. 'You
+may roar; but you'll see that we are right, if you
+live long enough,' said they. 'Our family have built
+thousands of islands and long reefs, that the sea
+can't get over, strong as it is.' That amused me
+immensely; but I wouldn't believe it, and laughed
+more than ever."</p>
+
+<p>"It does seem very strange," said Freddy, looking
+at the branch of coral which he had brought out to
+examine.</p>
+
+<p>"Doesn't it? and isn't it hard to believe? I used
+to go, now and then, to see how the little fellows got
+on, and always found them hard at it. For a long
+while there was only a little plant without leaves,
+growing slowly taller and taller; for they always
+build upward toward the light. By and by, the
+small shrub was a tree: flying-fish roosted in its
+branches; sea-cows lay under its shadow; and thousands
+of jolly little polypes lived and worked in its
+white chambers. I was glad to see them getting on<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span>
+so well; but still I didn't believe in the island story,
+and used to joke them about their ambition. They
+were very good-natured, and only answered me,
+'Wait a little longer, Friend Right.' I had my own
+affairs to attend to; so, for years at a time, I forgot
+the coral-workers, and spent most of my life up
+Greenland way, for warm climates don't agree with
+my constitution. When I came back, after a long
+absence, I was astonished to see the tree grown into
+a large umbrella-shaped thing, rising above the
+water. Sea-weed had washed up and clung there;
+sea-birds had made nests there; land-birds and the
+winds had carried seeds there, which had sprung up;
+trunks of trees had been cast there by the sea;
+lizards, insects, and little animals came with the
+trees, and were the first inhabitants; and, behold! it
+<i>was</i> an island."</p>
+
+<p>"What did you say then?" asked Freddy.</p>
+
+<p>"I was angry, and didn't want to own that I was
+wrong; so I insisted that it wasn't a real island,
+without people on it. 'Wait a little longer,' answered
+the polypes; and went on, building broader
+and broader foundations. I flounced away in a
+rage, and didn't go back for a great while. I hoped
+something would happen to the coral builders and
+their island; but I was so curious that I couldn't
+keep away, and, on going back there, I found a
+settlement of fishermen, and the beginning of a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span>
+thriving town. Now I should have been in a towering
+passion at this, if in my travels I hadn't discovered
+a race of little creatures as much smaller
+than polypes as a mouse is smaller than an elephant.
+I heard two learned men talking about diatoms, as
+they sailed to Labrador; and I listened. They said
+these people lived in both salt and fresh water, and
+were found in all parts of the world. They were a
+glassy shell, holding a soft, golden-yellow substance,
+and that they were so countless that banks were
+made of them, and that a town here in these United
+States was founded on them. They were the food of
+many little sea-animals, who, in turn, fed us big
+creatures, and were very interesting and wonderful.
+I saved up this story; and, when the polypes asked
+if they hadn't done what they intended, I told them
+I didn't think it so very remarkable, for the tiny
+diatoms made cities, and were far more astonishing
+animals than they. I thought that would silence
+them; but they just turned round, and informed me
+that my diatoms were plants, not animals,&mdash;so my
+story was all humbug. Then I <i>was</i> mad; and
+couldn't get over the fact that these little rascals had
+done what we, the kings of the sea, couldn't do. I
+wasn't content with being the biggest creature there:
+I wanted to be the most skilful also. I didn't
+remember that every thing has its own place and
+use, and should be happy in doing the work for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span>
+which it was made. I fretted over the matter a long
+while, and at last decided to make an island myself."</p>
+
+<p>"How could you?" asked Freddy.</p>
+
+<p>"I had my plans; and thought them very wise ones.
+I was so bent on outdoing the polypes that I didn't
+much care what happened; and so I went to work
+in my clumsy way. I couldn't pile up stones, or
+build millions of cells; so I just made an island of
+myself. I swam up into the harbor yonder one
+night; covered my back with sea-weed; and lay still
+on the top of the water. In the morning the gulls
+came to see what it was, and pecked away at the
+weeds, telling me very soon that they knew what I
+was after, and that I couldn't gull them. All the
+people on shore turned out to see the wonder also;
+for a fisherman had carried the tidings, and every
+one was wild to behold the new island. After staring
+and chattering a long while, boats came off to
+examine the mystery. Loads of scientific gentlemen
+worked away at me with microscopes, hammers,
+acids, and all sorts of tests, to decide what I was;
+and kept up such a fire of long words that I was
+'most dead. They couldn't make up their minds;
+and meanwhile news of the strange thing spread, and
+every sort of person came to see me. The gulls kept
+telling them the joke; but they didn't understand,
+and I got on capitally. Every night I dined and fed
+and frolicked till dawn; then put on my sea-weeds,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span>
+and lay still to be stared at. I wanted some one to
+come and live on me; then I should be equal to the
+island of the polypes. But no one came, and I was
+beginning to be tired of fooling people, when I was
+fooled myself. An old sailor came to visit me: he
+had been a whaler, and he soon guessed the secret.
+But he said nothing till he was safely out of danger;
+then he got all ready, and one day, as I lay placidly
+in the sun, a horrible harpoon came flying through
+the air, and sunk deep into my back. I forgot every
+thing but the pain, and dived for my life. Alas! the
+tide was low; the harbor-bar couldn't be passed; and
+I found hundreds of boats chasing me, till I was
+driven ashore down there on the flats. Big and
+strong as we are, once out of water, and we are
+perfectly helpless. I was soon despatched; and my
+bones left to whiten on the sand. This was long
+ago; and, one by one, all my relics have been
+carried off or washed away. My jaw-bone has been
+used as a seat here, till it's worn out; but I couldn't
+crumble away till I'd told some one my story. Remember,
+child, pride goeth before a fall."</p>
+
+<p>Then, with a great creak, the bone tumbled to
+pieces; and found a peaceful grave in the long green
+grass.</p>
+<hr />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="X" id="X"></a>X.</h2>
+
+<h3>A STRANGE ISLAND.</h3>
+
+<p class="cap"><span class="dcap">One</span> day I lay rocking in my boat, reading a
+very famous book, which all children know
+and love; and the name of which I'll tell you by and
+by. So busily was I reading, that I never minded
+the tide; and presently discovered that I was floating
+out to sea, with neither sail nor oar. At first I
+was very much frightened; for there was no one in
+sight on land or sea, and I didn't know where I
+might drift to. But the water was calm, the sky
+clear, and the wind blew balmily; so I waited for
+what should happen.</p>
+
+<p>Presently I saw a speck on the sea, and eagerly
+watched it; for it drew rapidly near, and seemed to
+be going my way. When it came closer, I was much
+amazed; for, of all the queer boats I ever saw, this
+was the queerest. It was a great wooden bowl,
+very cracked and old; and in it sat three gray-headed
+little gentlemen with spectacles, all reading
+busily, and letting the boat go where it pleased.
+Now, right in their way was a rock; and I called
+out, "Sir, sir, take care."</p>
+
+<p>But my call came too late: crash went the bowl,
+out came the bottom, and down plumped all the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span>
+little gentlemen into the sea. I tried not to laugh,
+as the books, wigs, and spectacles flew about; and,
+urging my boat nearer, I managed to fish them up,
+dripping and sneezing, and looking like drowned
+kittens. When the flurry was over, and they had got
+their breath, I asked who they were, and where they
+were going.</p>
+
+<p>"We are from Gotham, ma'am," said the fattest
+one, wiping a very wet face on a very wet handkerchief.
+"We were going to that island yonder. We
+have often tried, but never got there: it's always so,
+and I begin to think the thing can't be done."</p>
+
+<p>I looked where he pointed; and, sure enough,
+there was an island where I had never seen one
+before. I rubbed my eyes, and looked again.
+Yes: there it was,&mdash;a little island, with trees and
+people on it; for I saw smoke coming out of the
+chimney of a queerly-shaped house on the shore.</p>
+
+<p>"What is the name of it?" I asked.</p>
+
+<p>The little old gentleman put his finger on his lips,
+and said, with a mysterious nod:</p>
+
+<p>"I couldn't tell you, ma'am. It's a secret; but, if
+you manage to land there, you will soon know."</p>
+
+<p>The other old men nodded at the same time; and
+then all went to reading again, with the water still
+dropping off the ends of their noses. This made me
+very curious; and, as the tide drifted us nearer and
+nearer, I looked well about me, and saw several<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span>
+things that filled me with a strong desire to land on
+the island. The odd house, I found, was built like
+a high-heeled shoe; and at every window I saw
+children's heads. Some were eating broth; some
+were crying; and some had nightcaps on. I caught
+sight of a distracted old lady flying about, with a
+ladle in one hand, and a rod in the other; but the
+house was so full of children (even up to the skylight,&mdash;out
+of which they popped their heads, and
+nodded at me) that I couldn't see much of the
+mamma of this large family: one seldom can, you
+know.</p>
+
+<p>I had hardly got over my surprise at this queer
+sight, when I saw a cow fly up through the air, over
+the new moon that hung there, and come down and
+disappear in the woods. I really didn't know what
+to make of this, but had no time to ask the old men
+what it meant; for a cat, playing a fiddle, was seen
+on the shore. A little dog stood by, listening and
+laughing; while a dish and a spoon ran away over
+the beach with all their might. If the boat had not
+floated up to the land, I think I should have swam
+there,&mdash;I was so anxious to see what was going on;
+for there was a great racket on the island, and such
+a remarkable collection of creatures, it was impossible
+to help staring.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as we landed, three other gentlemen came
+to welcome the ones I had saved, and seemed very<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span>
+glad to see them. They appeared to have just
+landed from a tub in which was a drum, rub-a-dub-dubbing
+all by itself. One of the new men had a
+white frock on, and carried a large knife; the second
+had dough on his hands, flour on his coat, and a hot-looking
+face; the third was very greasy, had a
+bundle of candles under his arm, and a ball of wicking
+half out of his pocket. The six shook hands,
+and walked away together, talking about a fair; and
+left me to take care of myself.</p>
+
+<p>I walked on through a pleasant meadow, where a
+pretty little girl was looking sadly up at a row of
+sheep's tails hung on a tree. I also saw a little boy
+in blue, asleep by a haycock; and another boy
+taking aim at a cock-sparrow, who clapped his wings
+and flew away. Presently I saw two more little
+girls: one sat by a fire warming her toes; and, when
+I asked what her name was, she said pleasantly:</p>
+
+<p>"Polly Flinders, ma'am."</p>
+
+<p>The other one sat on a tuft of grass, eating something
+that looked very nice; but, all of a sudden,
+she dropped her bowl, and ran away, looking very
+much frightened.</p>
+
+<p>"What's the matter with her?" I asked of a gay
+young frog who came tripping along with his hat
+under his arm.</p>
+
+<p>"Miss Muffit is a fashionable lady, and afraid of
+spiders, madam; also of frogs." And he puffed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span>
+himself angrily up, till his eyes quite goggled in his
+head.</p>
+
+<p>"And, pray, who are you, sir?" I asked, staring at
+his white vest, green coat, and fine cravat.</p>
+
+<p>"Excuse me, if I don't give my name, ma'am.
+My false friend, the rat, got me into a sad scrape
+once; and Rowley insists upon it that a duck destroyed
+me, which is all gammon, ma'am,&mdash;all
+gammon."</p>
+
+<p>With that, the frog skipped away; and I turned
+into a narrow lane, which seemed to lead toward
+some music. I had not gone far, when I heard the
+rumbling of a wheelbarrow, and saw a little man
+wheeling a little woman along. The little man
+looked very hot and tired; but the little woman
+looked very nice, in a smart bonnet and shawl, and
+kept looking at a new gold ring on her finger, as she
+rode along under her little umbrella. I was wondering
+who they were, when down went the wheelbarrow;
+and the little lady screamed so dismally
+that I ran away, lest I should get into trouble,&mdash;being
+a stranger.</p>
+
+<p>Turning a corner, I came upon a very charming
+scene, and slipped into a quiet nook to see what was
+going on. It was evidently a wedding; and I was
+just in time to see it, for the procession was passing
+at that moment. First came a splendid cock-a-doodle,
+all in black and gold, like a herald, blowing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span>
+his trumpet, and marching with a very dignified step.
+Then came a rook, in black, like a minister, with
+spectacles and white cravat. A lark and bullfinch
+followed,&mdash;friends, I suppose; and then the bride
+and bridegroom. Miss Wren was evidently a Quakeress;
+for she wore a sober dress, and a little white
+veil, through which her bright eyes shone. The
+bridegroom was a military man, in his scarlet uniform,&mdash;a
+plump, bold-looking bird, very happy and
+proud just then. A goldfinch gave away the bride,
+and a linnet was bridesmaid. The ceremony was
+very fine; and, as soon as it was over, the blackbird,
+thrush and nightingale burst out in a lovely song.</p>
+
+<p>A splendid dinner followed, at which was nearly
+every bird that flies; so you may imagine the music
+there was. They had currant-pie in abundance; and
+cherry-wine, which excited a cuckoo so much, that
+he became quite rude, and so far forgot himself as to
+pull the bride about. This made the groom so angry
+that he begged his friend, the sparrow, to bring his
+bow and arrow, and punish the ruffian. But, alas!
+Sparrow had also taken a drop too much: he aimed
+wrong, and, with a dreadful cry, Mr. Robin sank
+dying into the arms of his wife, little Jane.</p>
+
+<p>It was too much for me; and, taking advantage of
+the confusion that followed, I left the tragical scene
+as fast as possible.</p>
+
+<p>A little farther on, I was shocked to see a goose<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span>
+dragging an old man down some steps that led to a
+little house.</p>
+
+<p>"Dear me! what's the matter here?" I cried.</p>
+
+<p>"He won't say his prayers," screamed the goose.</p>
+
+<p>"But perhaps he was never taught," said I.</p>
+
+<p>"It's never too late to learn: he's had his chance;
+he won't be pious and good, so away with him.
+Don't interfere, whatever you do: hold your tongue,
+and go about your business," scolded the goose, who
+certainly had a dreadful temper.</p>
+
+<p>I dared say no more; and, when the poor old man
+had been driven away by this foul proceeding, I
+went up the steps and peeped in; for I heard some
+one crying, and thought the cross bird, perhaps, had
+hurt some one else. A little old woman stood there,
+wringing her hands in great distress; while a small
+dog was barking at her with all his might.</p>
+
+<p>"Bless me! the fashions have got even here,"
+thought I; for the old woman was dressed in the
+latest style,&mdash;or, rather, she had overdone it sadly;
+for her gown was nearly up to her knees, and she
+was nearly as ridiculous an object as some of the
+young ladies I had seen at home. She had a respectable
+bonnet on, however, instead of a straw
+saucer; and her hair was neatly put under a cap,&mdash;not
+made into a knob on the top of her head.</p>
+
+<p>"My dear soul, what's the trouble?" said I, quite
+touched by her tears.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span>
+"Lud a mercy, ma'am! I've been to market with
+my butter and eggs,&mdash;for the price of both is so high,
+one can soon get rich nowadays,&mdash;and, being tired,
+I stopped to rest a bit, but fell asleep by the road.
+Somebody&mdash;I think it's a rogue of a peddler who
+sold me wooden nutmegs, and a clock that wouldn't
+go, and some pans that came to bits the first time I
+used them&mdash;somebody cut my new gown and petticoat
+off all round, in the shameful way you see. I
+thought I never should get home; for I was such a
+fright, I actually didn't know myself. But, thinks I,
+my doggy will know me; and then I shall be sure
+I'm I, and not some boldfaced creature in short
+skirts. But, oh, ma'am! doggy <i>don't</i> know me; and
+I ain't myself, and I don't know what to do."</p>
+
+<p>"He's a foolish little beast; so don't mind him,
+but have a cup of tea, and go to bed. You can
+make your gown decent to-morrow; and, if I see the
+tricksy peddler, I'll give him a scolding."</p>
+
+<p>This seemed to comfort the old woman; though
+doggy still barked.</p>
+
+<p>"My next neighbor has a dog who never behaves
+in this way," she said, as she put her teapot on the
+coals. "He's a remarkable beast; and you'd better
+stop to see him as you pass, ma'am. He's always
+up to some funny prank or other."</p>
+
+<p>I said I would; and, as I went by the next house,
+I took a look in at the window. The closet was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span>
+empty, I observed; but the dog sat smoking a pipe,
+looking as grave as a judge.</p>
+
+<p>"Where is your mistress?" asked I.</p>
+
+<p>"Gone for some tripe," answered the dog, politely
+taking the pipe out of his mouth, and adding, "I
+hope the smoke doesn't annoy you."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't approve of smoking," said I.</p>
+
+<p>"Sorry to hear it," said the dog, coolly.</p>
+
+<p>I was going to lecture him on this bad habit; but
+I saw his mistress coming with a dish in her hand,
+and, fearing she might think me rude to peep in at
+her windows, I walked on, wondering what we were
+coming to when even four-legged puppies smoked.</p>
+
+<p>At the door of the next little house, I saw a market-wagon
+loaded with vegetables, and a smart young
+pig just driving it away. I had heard of this interesting
+family, and took a look as I passed by. A
+second tidy pig sat blowing the fire; and a third was
+eating roast-beef, as if he had just come in from his
+work. The fourth, I was grieved to see, looked very
+sulky; for it was evident he had been naughty, and
+so lost his dinner. The little pig was at the door,
+crying to get in; and it was sweet to see how kindly
+the others let him in, wiped his tears, tied on his bib,
+and brought him his bread and milk. I was very
+glad to see these young orphans doing so well, and
+I knew my friends at home would enjoy hearing
+from them.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span>
+A loud scream made me jump; and the sudden
+splash of water made me run along, without stopping
+to pick up a boy and girl who came tumbling down
+the hill, with an empty pail, bumping their heads as
+they rolled. Smelling something nice, and feeling
+hungry, I stepped into a large room near by,&mdash;a sort
+of eating-house, I fancy; for various parties seemed
+to be enjoying themselves in their different ways. A
+small boy sat near the door, eating a large pie; and
+he gave me a fine plum which he had just pulled out.
+At one table was a fat gentleman cutting another
+pie, which had a dark crust, through which appeared
+the heads of a flock of birds, all singing gayly.</p>
+
+<p>"There's no end to the improvements in cooking,
+and no accounting for tastes," I added, looking at a
+handsomely-dressed lady, who sat near, eating bread
+and honey.</p>
+
+<p>As I passed this party, I saw behind the lady's
+chair a maid, with a clothes-pin in her hand, and no
+nose. She sobbingly told me a bird had nipped it
+off; and I gave her a bit of court-plaster, which I
+fortunately had in my pocket.</p>
+
+<p>Another couple were dividing their meat in a
+queer way; for one took all the fat, and the other
+all the lean. The next people were odder still;
+for the man looked rather guilty, and seemed
+to be hiding a three-peck measure under his chair,
+while he waited for his wife to bring on some cold<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span>
+barley-pudding, which, to my surprise, she was frying
+herself. I also saw a queer moonstruck-looking man
+inquiring the way to Norridge; and another man
+making wry faces over some plum-pudding, with
+which he had burnt his mouth, because his friend
+came down too soon.</p>
+
+<p>I ordered pease-porridge hot, and they brought it
+cold; but I didn't wait for any thing else, being in a
+hurry to see all there was to be seen on this strange
+island. Feeling refreshed, I strolled on, passing a
+jolly old gentleman smoking and drinking, while
+three fiddlers played before him. As I turned into
+a road that led toward a hill, a little boy, riding a
+dapple-gray pony, and an old lady on a white horse,
+with bells ringing somewhere, trotted by me, followed
+by a little girl, who wished to know where she could
+buy a penny bun. I told her the best were at Newmarch's,
+in Bedford Street, and she ran on, much
+pleased; but I'm afraid she never found that best of
+bake-shops. I was going quietly along, when the
+sound of another horse coming made me look
+round; and there I saw a dreadful sight,&mdash;a wild
+horse, tearing over the ground, with fiery eyes and
+streaming tail. On his back sat a crazy man, beating
+him with a broom; a crazy woman was behind
+him, with her bonnet on wrong side before, holding
+one crazy child in her lap, while another stood on
+the horse; a third was hanging on by one foot, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span>
+all were howling at the top of their voices as they
+rushed by. I scrambled over the wall to get out of
+the way, and there I saw more curious sights. Two
+blind men were sitting on the grass, trying to see two
+lame men who were hobbling along as hard as they
+could; and, near by, a bull was fighting a bee in the
+most violent manner. This rather alarmed me; and
+I scrambled back into the road again, just as a very
+fine lady jumped over a barberry-bush near by, and
+a gentleman went flying after, with a ring in one
+hand and a stick in the other.</p>
+
+<p>"What very odd people they have here!" I
+thought. Close by was a tidy little house under the
+hill, and in it a tidy little woman who sold things to
+eat. Being rather hungry, in spite of my porridge,
+I bought a baked apple and a cranberry-pie; for she
+said they were good, and I found she told the truth.
+As I sat eating my pie, some dogs began to bark;
+and by came a troop of beggars, some in rags, and
+some in old velvet gowns. A drunken grenadier was
+with them, who wanted a pot of beer; but as he
+had no money, the old woman sent him about his
+business.</p>
+
+<p>On my way up the hill, I saw a little boy crying
+over a dead pig, and his sister, who seemed to be
+dead also. I asked his name, and he sobbed out,
+"Johnny Pringle, ma'am;" and went on crying so
+hard I could do nothing to comfort him. While I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span>
+stood talking to him, a sudden gust of wind blew up
+the road, and down came the bough of a tree; and,
+to my surprise, a cradle with a baby in it also. The
+baby screamed dreadfully, and I didn't know how to
+quiet it; so I ran back to the old woman, and left it
+with her, asking if that was the way babies were
+taken care of there.</p>
+
+<p>"Bless you, my dear! its ma is making patty-cakes;
+and put it up there to be out of the way of
+Tom Tinker's dog. I'll soon hush it up," said the
+old woman; and, trotting it on her knee, she began
+to sing:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Hey! my kitten, my kitten,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">&nbsp;Hey! my kitten, my deary."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Feeling that the child was in good hands, I hurried
+away, for I saw something was going on upon the
+hill-top. When I got to the hill-top, I was shocked
+to find some people tossing an old woman in a
+blanket. I begged them to stop; but one of the
+men, who, I found, was a Welchman, by the name of
+Taffy, told me the old lady liked it.</p>
+
+<p>"But why does she like it?" I asked in great
+surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"Tom, the piper's son, will tell you: it's my turn
+to toss now," said the man.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, you see, ma'am," said Tom, "she is one of
+those dreadfully nice old women, who are always<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span>
+fussing and scrubbing, and worrying people to death,
+with everlastingly cleaning house. Now and then
+we get so tired out with her that we propose to her
+to clean the sky itself. She likes that; and, as this
+is the only way we can get her up, we toss till she
+sticks somewhere, and then leave her to sweep
+cobwebs till she is ready to come back and behave
+herself."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, that is the oddest thing I ever heard. I
+know just such an old lady, and when I go home I'll
+try your plan. It seems to me that you have a great
+many queer old ladies on this island," I said to
+another man, whom they called Peter, and who stood
+eating pumpkin all the time.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, we do have rather a nice collection; but
+you haven't seen the best of all. We expect her
+every minute; and Margery Daw is to let us know
+the minute she lights on the island," replied Peter,
+with his mouth full.</p>
+
+<p>"Lights?" said I, "you speak as if she flew."</p>
+
+<p>"She rides on a bird. Hurrah! the old sweeper
+has lit. Now the cobwebs will fly. Don't hurry
+back," shouted the man; and a faint, far-off voice
+answered, "I shall be back again by and by."</p>
+
+<p>The people folded up the blanket, looking much
+relieved; and I was examining a very odd house
+which was built by an ancient king called Boggen,
+when Margery Daw, a dirty little girl, came up the
+hill, screaming, at the top of her voice:</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span>
+"She's come! she's come!"</p>
+
+<p>Every one looked up; and I saw a large white bird
+slowly flying over the island. On its back sat the
+nicest old woman that ever was seen: all the others
+were nothing compared to her. She had a pointed
+hat on over her cap, a red cloak, high-heeled shoes,
+and a crutch in her hand. She smiled and nodded
+as the bird approached; and every one ran and nodded,
+and screamed, "Welcome! welcome, mother!"</p>
+
+<p>As soon as she touched the ground, she was so
+surrounded that I could only see the top of her hat;
+for hundreds and hundreds of little children suddenly
+appeared, like a great flock of birds,&mdash;rosy, happy,
+pretty children; but all looked unreal, and among
+them I saw some who looked like little people I
+had known long ago.</p>
+
+<p>"Who are they?" I asked of a bonny lass, who
+was sitting on a cushion, eating strawberries and
+cream.</p>
+
+<p>"They are the phantoms of all the little people
+who ever read and loved our mother's songs," said
+the maid.</p>
+
+<p>"What did she write?" I asked, feeling very
+queer, and as if I was going to remember something.</p>
+
+<p>"Songs that are immortal; and you have them in
+your hand," replied the bonny maid, smiling at my
+stupidity.</p>
+
+<p>I looked; and there, on the cover of the book I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span>
+had been reading so busily when the tide carried me
+away, I saw the words "Mother Goose's Melodies."
+I was so delighted that I had seen her I gave a
+shout, and tried to get near enough to hug and kiss
+the dear old soul, as the swarm of children were
+doing; but my cry woke me, and I was <i>so</i> sorry to
+find it all a dream!</p>
+<hr />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XI" id="XI"></a>XI.</h2>
+
+<h3>FANCY'S FRIEND.</h3>
+
+<p class="cap"><span class="dcap">It</span> was a wagon, shaped like a great square basket,
+on low wheels, and drawn by a stout donkey.
+There was one seat, on which Miss Fairbairn the
+governess sat; and all round her, leaning over the
+edge of the basket, were children, with little wooden
+shovels and baskets in their hands, going down to
+play on the beach. Away they went, over the common,
+through the stony lane, out upon the wide,
+smooth sands. All the children but one immediately
+fell to digging holes, and making ponds, castles, or
+forts. They did this every day, and were never tired
+of it; but little Fancy made new games for herself,
+and seldom dug in the sand. She had a garden of
+sea-weed, which the waves watered every day: she
+had a palace of pretty shells, where she kept all sorts
+of little water-creatures as fairy tenants; she had
+friends and playmates among the gulls and peeps,
+and learned curious things by watching crabs, horse-shoes,
+and jelly-fishes; and every day she looked for
+a mermaid.</p>
+
+<p>It was of no use to tell her that there were no
+mermaids: Fancy firmly believed in them, and was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span>
+sure she would see one some day. The other children
+called the seals mermaids; and were contented
+with the queer, shiny creatures who played in the
+water, lay on the rocks, and peeped at them with
+soft, bright eyes as they sailed by. Fancy was not
+satisfied with seals,&mdash;they were not pretty and graceful
+enough for her,&mdash;and she waited and watched for
+a real mermaid. On this day she took a breezy run
+with the beach-birds along the shore; she planted a
+pretty red weed in her garden; and let out the water-beetles
+and snails who had passed the night in her
+palace. Then she went to a rock that stood near
+the quiet nook where she played alone, and sat there
+looking for a mermaid as the tide came in; for it
+brought her many curious things, and it might perhaps
+bring a mermaid.</p>
+
+<p>As she looked across the waves that came tumbling
+one over the other, she saw something that was
+neither boat nor buoy nor seal. It was a queer-looking
+thing, with a wild head, a long waving tail, and
+something like arms that seemed to paddle it along.
+The waves tumbled it about, so Fancy could not see
+very well: but, the longer she looked, the surer she
+was that this curious thing was a mermaid; and she
+waited eagerly for it to reach the shore. Nearer and
+nearer it came, till a great wave threw it upon the
+sand; and Fancy saw that it was only a long piece
+of kelp, torn up by the roots. She was very much<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span>
+disappointed; but, all of a sudden, her face cleared
+up, she clapped her hands, and began to dance round
+the kelp, saying:</p>
+
+<p>"I'll make a mermaid myself, since none will come
+to me."</p>
+
+<p>Away she ran, higher up the beach, and, after
+thinking a minute, began her work. Choosing a
+smooth, hard place, she drew with a stick the outline
+of her mermaid; then she made the hair of the
+brown marsh-grass growing near by, arranging it in
+long locks on either side the face, which was made
+of her prettiest pink and white shells,&mdash;for she pulled
+down her palace to get them. The eyes were two
+gray pebbles; the neck and arms of larger, white
+shells; and the dress of sea-weed,&mdash;red, green, purple,
+and yellow; very splendid, for Fancy emptied
+her garden to dress her mermaid.</p>
+
+<p>"People say that mermaids always have tails; and
+I might make one out of this great leaf of kelp. But
+it isn't pretty, and I don't like it; for I want mine to
+be beautiful: so I won't have any tail," said Fancy,
+and put two slender white shells for feet, at the lower
+edge of the fringed skirt. She laid a wreath of little
+star-fish across the brown hair, a belt of small orange-crabs
+round the waist, buttoned the dress with violet
+snail-shells, and hung a tiny white pebble, like a
+pearl, in either ear.</p>
+
+<p>"Now she must have a glass and a comb in her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span>
+hand, as the song says, and then she will be done,"
+said Fancy, looking about her, well pleased.</p>
+
+<p>Presently she found the skeleton of a little fish,
+and his backbone made an excellent comb; while a
+transparent jelly-fish served for a glass, with a frame
+of cockle-shells round it. Placing these in the hands
+of her mermaid, and some red coral bracelets on her
+wrists, Fancy pronounced her done; and danced
+about her, singing:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"My pretty little mermaid,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Oh! come, and play with me:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">I'll love you, I'll welcome you;<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And happy we shall be."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Now, while she had been working, the tide had
+crept higher and higher; and, as she sung, one wave
+ran up and wet her feet.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, what a pity I didn't put her farther up!"
+cried Fancy; "the tide will wash her all away; and
+I meant to keep her fresh, and show her to Aunt
+Fiction. My poor mermaid!&mdash;I shall lose her; but
+perhaps she will be happier in the sea: so I will let
+her go."</p>
+
+<p>Mounting her rock, Fancy waited to see her work
+destroyed. But the sea seemed to pity her; and
+wave after wave came up, without doing any harm.
+At last one broke quite over the mermaid, and Fancy
+thought that would be the end of her. But, no:
+instead of scattering shells, stones, and weeds, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span>
+waves lifted the whole figure, without displacing any
+thing, and gently bore it back into the sea.</p>
+
+<p>"Good by! good by!" cried Fancy, as the little
+figure floated away; then, as it disappeared, she put
+her hands before her face,&mdash;for she loved her mermaid,
+and had given all her treasures to adorn her;
+and now to lose her so soon seemed hard,&mdash;and
+Fancy's eyes were full of tears. Another great wave
+came rolling in; but she did not look up to see it
+break, and, a minute after, she heard steps tripping
+toward her over the sand. Still she did not stir;
+for, just then, none of her playmates could take the
+place of her new friend, and she didn't want to see
+them.</p>
+
+<p>"Fancy! Fancy!" called a breezy voice, sweeter
+than any she had ever heard. But she did not raise
+her head, nor care to know who called. The steps
+came quite close; and the touch of a cold, wet hand
+fell on her own. Then she looked up, and saw a
+strange little girl standing by her, who smiled,
+showing teeth like little pearls, and said, in the
+breezy voice:</p>
+
+<p>"You wanted me to play with you, so I came."</p>
+
+<p>"Who are you?" asked Fancy, wondering where
+she had seen the child before.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm your mermaid," said the child.</p>
+
+<p>"But the water carried her away," cried Fancy.</p>
+
+<p>"The waves only carried me out for the sea to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span>
+give me life, and then brought me back to you,"
+answered the newcomer.</p>
+
+<p>"But are you really a mermaid?" asked Fancy,
+beginning to smile and believe.</p>
+
+<p>"I am really the one you made: look, and see if
+I'm not;" and the little creature turned slowly
+round, that Fancy might be sure it was her own
+work.</p>
+
+<p>She certainly was very like the figure that once lay
+on the sand,&mdash;only she was not now made of stones
+and shells. There was the long brown hair blowing
+about her face, with a wreath of starry shells in it.
+Her eyes were gray, her cheeks and lips rosy, her
+neck and arms white; and from under her striped
+dress peeped little bare feet. She had pearls in her
+ears, coral bracelets, a golden belt, and a glass and
+comb in her hands.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," said Fancy, drawing near, "you <i>are</i> my
+little mermaid; but how does it happen that you
+come to me at last?"</p>
+
+<p>"Dear friend," answered the water-child, "you
+believed in me, watched and waited long for me,
+shaped the image of the thing you wanted out of
+your dearest treasures, and promised to love and
+welcome me. I could not help coming; and the sea,
+that is as fond of you as you are of it, helped me to
+grant your wish."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I'm glad, I'm glad! Dear little mermaid,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span>
+what is your name?" cried Fancy, kissing the cool
+cheek of her new friend, and putting her arms about
+her neck.</p>
+
+<p>"Call me by my German cousin's pretty name,&mdash;Lorelei,"
+answered the mermaid, kissing back as
+warmly as she could.</p>
+
+<p>"Will you come home and live with me, dear
+Lorelei?" asked Fancy, still holding her fast.</p>
+
+<p>"If you will promise to tell no one who and what
+I am, I will stay with you as long as you love and
+believe in me. As soon as you betray me, or lose
+your faith and fondness, I shall vanish, never to
+come back again," answered Lorelei.</p>
+
+<p>"I promise: but won't people wonder who you
+are? and, if they ask me, what shall I say?" said
+Fancy.</p>
+
+<p>"Tell them you found me on the shore; and leave
+the rest to me. But you must not expect other people
+to like and believe in me as you do. They will
+say hard things of me; will blame you for loving
+me; and try to part us. Can you bear this, and
+keep your promise faithfully?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think I can. But why won't they like you?"
+said Fancy, looking troubled.</p>
+
+<p>"Because they are not like you, dear," answered
+the mermaid, with salt tears in her soft eyes. "They
+have not your power of seeing beauty in all things,
+of enjoying invisible delights, and living in a world<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span>
+of your own. Your Aunt Fiction will like me; but
+your Uncle Fact won't. He will want to know all
+about me; will think I'm a little vagabond; and
+want me to be sent away somewhere, to be made
+like other children. I shall keep out of his way as
+much as I can; for I'm afraid of him."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll take care of you, Lorelei dear; and no one
+shall trouble you. I hear Miss Fairbairn calling;
+so I must go. Give me your hand, and don't be
+afraid."</p>
+
+<p>Hand in hand the two went toward the other
+children, who stopped digging, and stared at the
+new child. Miss Fairbairn, who was very wise and
+good, but rather prim, stared too, and said, with
+surprise:</p>
+
+<p>"Why, my dear, where did you find that queer
+child?"</p>
+
+<p>"Down on the beach. Isn't she pretty?" answered
+Fancy, feeling very proud of her new friend.</p>
+
+<p>"She hasn't got any shoes on; so she's a beggar,
+and we mustn't play with her," said one boy, who
+had been taught that to be poor was a very dreadful
+thing.</p>
+
+<p>"What pretty earrings and bracelets she's got!"
+said a little girl, who thought a great deal of her
+dress.</p>
+
+<p>"She doesn't look as if she knew much," said another
+child, who was kept studying so hard that she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span>
+never had time to dig and run, and make dirt-pies,
+till she fell ill, and had to be sent to the sea-side.</p>
+
+<p>"What's your name? and who are your parents?"
+asked Miss Fairbairn.</p>
+
+<p>"I've got no parents; and my name is Lorelei,"
+answered the mermaiden.</p>
+
+<p>"You mean Luly; mind your pronunciation,
+child," said Miss Fairbairn, who corrected every
+one she met in something or other. "Where do you
+live?"</p>
+
+<p>"I haven't got any home now," said Lorelei, smiling
+at the lady's tone.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, you have: my home is yours; and you are
+going to stay with me always," cried Fancy, heartily.
+"She is my little sister, Miss Fairbairn: I found
+her; and I'm going to keep her, and make her
+happy."</p>
+
+<p>"Your uncle won't like it, my dear." And Miss
+Fairbairn shook her head gravely.</p>
+
+<p>"Aunt will; and Uncle won't mind, if I learn my
+lessons well, and remember the multiplication table
+all right. He was going to give me some money, so
+I might learn to keep accounts; but I'll tell him to
+keep the money, and let me have Lorelei instead."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, how silly!" cried the boy who didn't like
+bare feet.</p>
+
+<p>"No, she isn't; for, if she's kind to the girl,
+maybe she'll get some of her pretty things," said the
+vain little girl.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span>
+"Keeping accounts is a very useful and important
+thing. I keep mine; and mamma says I have great
+arth-met-i-cal talent," added the pale child, who
+studied too much.</p>
+
+<p>"Come, children; it's time for dinner. Fancy,
+you can take the girl to the house; and your uncle
+will do what he thinks best about letting you keep
+her," said Miss Fairbairn, piling them into the
+basket-wagon.</p>
+
+<p>Fancy kept Lorelei close beside her; and as soon
+as they reached the great hotel, where they all were
+staying with mothers and fathers, uncles or aunts,
+she took her to kind Aunt Fiction, who was interested
+at once in the friendless child so mysteriously
+found. She was satisfied with the little she could
+discover, and promised to keep her,&mdash;for a time, at
+least.</p>
+
+<p>"We can imagine all kinds of romantic things
+about her; and, by and by, some interesting story
+may be found out concerning her. I can make her
+useful in many ways; and she shall stay."</p>
+
+<p>As Aunt Fiction laid her hand on the mermaid's
+head, as if claiming her for her own, Uncle Fact
+came stalking in, with his note-book in his hand, and
+his spectacles on his nose. Now, though they were
+married, these two persons were very unlike. Aunt
+Fiction was a graceful, picturesque woman; who told
+stories charmingly, wrote poetry and novels, was very<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span>
+much beloved by young folks, and was the friend of
+some of the most famous people in the world. Uncle
+Fact was a grim, grave, decided man; whom it was
+impossible to bend or change. He was very useful
+to every one; knew an immense deal; and was
+always taking notes of things he saw and heard, to
+be put in a great encyclopædia he was making. He
+didn't like romance, loved the truth, and wanted to
+get to the bottom of every thing. He was always
+trying to make little Fancy more sober, well-behaved,
+and learned; for she was a freakish, dreamy, yet very
+lovable and charming child. Aunt Fiction petted
+her to her heart's content, and might have done her
+harm, if Uncle Fact had not had a hand in her education;
+for the lessons of both were necessary to
+her, as to all of us.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, well, well! who is this?" he said briskly,
+as he turned his keen eyes and powerful glasses on
+the newcomer.</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Fiction told him all the children had said;
+but he answered impatiently:</p>
+
+<p>"Tut, tut! my dear: I want the facts of the case.
+You are apt to exaggerate; and Fancy is not to
+be relied on. If the child isn't a fool, she must
+know more about herself than she pretends. Now,
+answer truly, Luly, where did you come from?"</p>
+
+<p>But the little mermaid only shook her head, and
+answered as before, "Fancy found me on the beach,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span>
+and wants me to stay with her. I'll do her no harm:
+please, let me stay."</p>
+
+<p>"She has evidently been washed ashore from some
+wreck, and has forgotten all about herself. Her
+wonderful beauty, her accent, and these ornaments
+show that she is some foreign child," said Aunt
+Fiction, pointing to the earrings.</p>
+
+<p>"Nonsense! my dear: those are white pebbles,
+not pearls; and, if you examine them, you will find
+that those bracelets are the ones you gave Fancy as a
+reward for so well remembering the facts I told her
+about coral," said the uncle, who had turned Lorelei
+round and round, pinched her cheek, felt her hair,
+and examined her frock through the glasses which
+nothing escaped.</p>
+
+<p>"She may stay, and be my little playmate, mayn't
+she? I'll take care of her; and we shall be very
+happy together," cried Fancy eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>"One can't be sure of that till one has tried. You
+say you will take care of her: have you got any
+money to pay her board, and buy her clothes?" asked
+her uncle.</p>
+
+<p>"No; but I thought you'd help me," answered
+Fancy wistfully.</p>
+
+<p>"Never say you'll do a thing till you are sure you
+can," said Uncle Fact, as he took notes of the affair,
+thinking they might be useful by and by. "I've no
+objection to your keeping the girl, if, after making<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span>
+inquiries about her, she proves to be a clever child.
+She can stay awhile; and, when we go back to town,
+I'll put her in one of our charity schools, where she
+can be taught to earn her living. Can you read,
+Luly?"</p>
+
+<p>"No," said the mermaid, opening her eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Can you write and cipher?"</p>
+
+<p>"What is that?" asked Lorelei innocently.</p>
+
+<p>"Dear me! what ignorance!" cried Uncle Fact.</p>
+
+<p>"Can you sew, or tend babies?" asked Aunt
+Fiction gently.</p>
+
+<p>"I can do nothing but play and sing, and comb
+my hair."</p>
+
+<p>"I see! I see!&mdash;some hand-organ man's girl.
+Well, I'm glad you keep your hair smooth,&mdash;that's
+more than Fancy does," said Uncle Fact.</p>
+
+<p>"Let us hear you sing," whispered his little niece;
+and, in a voice as musical as the sound of ripples
+breaking on the shore, Lorelei sung a little song
+that made Fancy dance with delight, charmed Aunt
+Fiction, and softened Uncle Fact's hard face in spite
+of himself.</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, very well, indeed: you have a good
+voice. I'll see that you have proper teaching; and,
+by and by, you can get your living by giving singing-lessons,"
+he said, turning over the leaves of his
+book, to look for the name of a skilful teacher; for
+he had lists of every useful person, place, and thing
+under the sun.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span>
+Lorelei laughed at the idea; and Fancy thought
+singing for gold, not love, a hard way to get one's
+living.</p>
+
+<p>Inquiries were made; but nothing more was discovered,
+and neither of the children would speak: so
+the strange child lived with Fancy, and made her
+very happy. The other children didn't care much
+about her; for with them she was shy and cold,
+because she knew, if the truth was told, they would
+not believe in her. Fancy had always played a good
+deal by herself, because she never found a mate to
+suit her; now she had one, and they enjoyed each
+other very much. Lorelei taught her many things
+besides new games; and Aunt Fiction was charmed
+with the pretty stories Fancy repeated to her, while
+Uncle Fact was astonished at the knowledge of
+marine plants and animals which she gained without
+any books. Lorelei taught her to swim, like a fish;
+and the two played such wonderful pranks in the
+water that people used to come down to the beach
+when they bathed. In return, Fancy tried to teach
+her friend to read and write and sew; but Lorelei
+couldn't learn much, though she loved her little
+teacher dearly, and every evening sung her to sleep
+with beautiful lullabies.</p>
+
+<p>There was a great deal of talk about the curious
+stranger; for her ways were odd, and no one knew
+what to make of her. She would eat nothing but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span>
+fruit and shell-fish, and drink nothing but salt water.
+She didn't like tight clothes; but would have run
+about in a loose, green robe, with bare feet and
+flying hair, if Uncle Fact would have allowed it.
+Morning, noon, and night, she plunged into the
+sea,&mdash;no matter what the weather might be; and she
+would sleep on no bed but one stuffed with dried
+sea-weed. She made lovely chains of shells; found
+splendid bits of coral; and dived where no one else
+dared, to bring up wonderful plants and mosses.
+People offered money for these things; but she gave
+them all to Fancy and Aunt Fiction, of whom she
+was very fond. It was curious to see the sort of
+people who liked both Fancy and her friend,&mdash;poets,
+artists; delicate, thoughtful children; and a few old
+people, who had kept their hearts young in spite of
+care and time and trouble. Dashing young gentlemen,
+fine young ladies, worldly-minded and money-loving
+men and women, and artificial, unchildlike
+children, the two friends avoided carefully; and
+these persons either made fun of them, neglected
+them entirely, or seemed to be unconscious that they
+were alive. The others they knew at a glance; for
+their faces warmed and brightened when the children
+came, they listened to their songs and stories, joined
+in their plays, and found rest and refreshment in
+their sweet society.</p>
+
+<p>"This will do for a time; as Fancy is getting<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span>
+strong, and not entirely wasting her days, thanks to
+me! But our holiday is nearly over; and, as soon
+as I get back to town, I'll take that child to the
+Ragged Refuge, and see what they can make of her,"
+said Uncle Fact, who was never quite satisfied about
+Lorelei; because he could find out so little concerning
+her. He was walking over the beach as he said
+this, after a hard day's work on his encyclopædia.
+He sat down on a rock in a quiet place; and, instead
+of enjoying the lovely sunset, he fell to studying the
+course of the clouds, the state of the tide, and the
+temperature of the air, till the sound of voices made
+him peep over the rock. Fancy and her friend were
+playing there, and the old gentleman waited to see
+what they were about. Both were sitting with their
+little bare feet in the water; Lorelei was stringing
+pearls, and Fancy plaiting a crown of pretty green
+rushes.</p>
+
+<p>"I wish I could go home, and get you a string of
+finer pearls than these," said Lorelei; "but it is too
+far away, and I cannot swim now as I used to do."</p>
+
+<p>"I must look into this. The girl evidently knows
+all about herself, and can tell, if she chooses," muttered
+Uncle Fact, getting rather excited over this
+discovery.</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind the pearls: I'd rather have you,
+dear," said Fancy lovingly. "Tell me a story while
+we work, or sing me a song; and I'll give you my
+crown."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span>
+"I'll sing you a little song that has got what your
+uncle calls a moral to it," said Lorelei, laughing
+mischievously. Then, in her breezy little voice, she
+sang the story of&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>THE ROCK AND THE BUBBLE.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Oh! a bare, brown rock<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Stood up in the sea,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The waves at its feet<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Dancing merrily.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">A little bubble<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Came sailing by,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And thus to the rock<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Did it gayly cry,&mdash;<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Ho! clumsy brown stone,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Quick, make way for me:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">I'm the fairest thing<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">That floats on the sea.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"See my rainbow-robe,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">See my crown of light,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">My glittering form,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">So airy and bright.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"O'er the waters blue,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">I'm floating away,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To dance by the shore<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">With the foam and spray.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Now, make way, make way;<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">For the waves are strong,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And their rippling feet<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Bear me fast along."<br /></span>
+</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span>
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">But the great rock stood<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Straight up in the sea:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">It looked gravely down,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And said pleasantly,&mdash;<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Little friend, you must<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Go some other way;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">For I have not stirred<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">This many a long day.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Great billows have dashed,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And angry winds blown;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But my sturdy form<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Is not overthrown.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Nothing can stir me<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">In the air or sea;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Then, how can I move,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Little friend, for thee?"<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Then the waves all laughed,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">In their voices sweet;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And the sea-birds looked,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">From their rocky seat,<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">At the bubble gay,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Who angrily cried,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">While its round cheek glowed<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">With a foolish pride,&mdash;<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"You <i>shall</i> move for me;<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And you shall not mock<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">At the words I say,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">You ugly, rough rock!<br /></span>
+</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span>
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Be silent, wild birds!<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Why stare you so?<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Stop laughing, rude waves,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And help me to go!<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"For I am the queen<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Of the ocean here,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And this cruel stone<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Cannot make me fear."<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Dashing fiercely up,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">With a scornful word,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Foolish bubble broke;<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">But rock never stirred.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Then said the sea-birds,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Sitting in their nests,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To the little ones<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Leaning on their breasts,&mdash;<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Be not like Bubble,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Headstrong, rude, and vain,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Seeking by violence<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Your object to gain;<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"But be like the rock,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Steadfast, true, and strong,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Yet cheerful and kind,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And firm against wrong.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Heed, little birdlings,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And wiser you'll be<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">For the lesson learned<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">To-day by the sea."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>"Well, to be sure the song <i>has</i> got a moral, if that
+silly Fancy only sees it," said Uncle Fact, popping
+up his bald head again as the song ended.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span>
+"I thank you: that's a good little song for me.
+But, Lorelei, are you sorry you came to be my
+friend?" cried Fancy; for, as she bent to lay the
+crown on the other's head, she saw that she was
+looking wistfully down into the water that kissed
+her feet.</p>
+
+<p>"Not yet: while you love me, I am happy, and
+never regret that I ceased to be a mermaid for your
+sake," answered Lorelei, laying her soft cheek
+against her friend's.</p>
+
+<p>"How happy I was the day my play-mermaid
+changed to a real one!" said Fancy. "I often want
+to tell people all about that wonderful thing, and let
+them know who you really are: then they'd love you
+as I do, instead of calling you a little vagabond."</p>
+
+<p>"Few would believe our story; and those that did
+would wonder at me,&mdash;not love me as you do. They
+would put me in a cage, and make a show of me;
+and I should be so miserable I should die. So don't
+tell who I am, will you?" said Lorelei earnestly.</p>
+
+<p>"Never," cried Fancy, clinging to her.
+"But, my deary, what will you do when uncle
+sends you away from me, as he means to do as soon
+as we go home? I can see you sometimes; but we
+cannot be always together, and there is no ocean for
+you to enjoy in the city."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall bear it, if I can, for your sake; if I cannot,
+I shall come back here, and wait till you come
+again next year."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span>
+"No, no! I will not be parted from you; and, if
+uncle takes you away, I'll come here, and be a mermaid
+with you," cried Fancy.</p>
+
+<p>The little friends threw their arms about each
+other, and were so full of their own feelings that they
+never saw Uncle Fact's tall shadow flit across them,
+as he stole away over the soft sand. Poor old
+gentleman! he was in a sad state of mind, and
+didn't know what to do; for in all his long life he
+had never been so puzzled before.</p>
+
+<p>"A mermaid indeed!" he muttered. "I always
+thought that child was a fool, and now I'm sure of it.
+She thinks she is a mermaid, and has made Fancy
+believe it. I've told my wife a dozen times that she
+let Fancy read too many fairy tales and wonder-books.
+Her head is full of nonsense, and she is just
+ready to believe any ridiculous story that is told her.
+Now, what on earth shall I do? If I put Luly in an
+asylum, Fancy will break her heart, and very likely
+they will both run away. If I leave them together,
+Luly will soon make Fancy as crazy as she is herself,
+and I shall be mortified by having a niece who insists
+that her playmate is a mermaid. Bless my soul! how
+absurd it all is!"</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Fiction had gone to town to see her publishers
+about a novel she had written, and he didn't like
+to tell the queer story to any one else; so Uncle Fact
+thought it over, and decided to settle the matter at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span>
+once. When the children came in, he sent Fancy to
+wait for him in the library, while he talked alone
+with Lorelei. He did his best; but he could do
+nothing with her,&mdash;she danced and laughed, and told
+the same tale as before, till the old gentleman confessed
+that he had heard their talk on the rocks:
+then she grew very sad, and owned that she <i>was</i> a
+mermaid. This made him angry, and he wouldn't
+believe it for an instant; but told her it was impossible,
+and she must say something else.</p>
+
+<p>Lorelei could say nothing else, and wept bitterly
+when he would not listen; so he locked her up and
+went to Fancy, who felt as if something dreadful was
+going to happen when she saw his face. He told her
+all he knew, and insisted that Lorelei was foolish or
+naughty to persist in such a ridiculous story.</p>
+
+<p>"But, uncle, I really did make a mermaid; and
+she really did come alive, for I saw the figure float
+away, and then Lorelei appeared," said Fancy, very
+earnestly.</p>
+
+<p>"It's very likely you made a figure, and called it a
+mermaid: it would be just the sort of thing you'd
+do," said her uncle. "But it is impossible that any
+coming alive took place, and I won't hear any such
+nonsense. You didn't see this girl come out of the
+water; for she says you never looked up, till she
+touched you. She was a real child, who came over
+the beach from somewhere; and you fancied she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span>
+looked like your figure, and believed the silly tale
+she told you. It is my belief that she is a sly, bad
+child; and the sooner she is sent away the better for
+you."</p>
+
+<p>Uncle Fact was so angry and talked so loud, that
+Fancy felt frightened and bewildered; and began to
+think he might be right about the mermaid part,
+though she hated to give up the little romance.</p>
+
+<p>"If I agree that she <i>is</i> a real child, won't you let
+her stay, uncle?" she said, forgetting that, if she lost
+her faith, her friend was lost also.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! then you have begun to come to your
+senses, have you? and are ready to own that you
+don't believe in mermaids and such rubbish?" cried
+Uncle Fact, stopping in his tramp up and down the
+room.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, if you say there never were and never can
+be any, I suppose I <i>must</i> give up my fancy; but I'm
+sorry," sighed the child.</p>
+
+<p>"That's my sensible girl! Now, think a minute,
+my dear, and you will also own that it is best to give
+up the child as well as the mermaid," said her uncle
+briskly.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! no: we love one another; and she is good,
+and I can't give her up," cried Fancy.</p>
+
+<p>"Answer me a few questions; and I'll prove that
+she isn't good, that you don't love her, and that you
+<i>can</i> give her up," said Uncle Fact, and numbered off
+the questions on his fingers as he spoke.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span>
+"Didn't Luly want you to deceive us, and every
+one else, about who she was?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you like to be with her better than with
+your aunt or myself?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Hadn't you rather hear her songs and stories
+than learn your lessons?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Isn't it wrong to deceive people, to love strangers
+more than those who are a father and mother
+to you, and to like silly tales better than useful
+lessons?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well. Then, don't you see, that, if Luly
+makes you do these wrong and ungrateful things,
+she is not a good child, nor a fit playmate for you?"</p>
+
+<p>Fancy didn't answer; for she couldn't feel that
+it was so, though he made it seem so. When Uncle
+Fact talked in that way, she always got confused and
+gave up; for she didn't know how to argue. He was
+right in a certain way; but she felt as if she was
+right also in another way, though she could not prove
+it: so she hung her head, and let her tears drop on
+the carpet one by one.</p>
+
+<p>Uncle Fact didn't mean to be unkind, but he did
+mean to have his own way; and, when he saw the
+little girl's sad face, he took her on his knee, and
+said, more mildly:</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span>
+"Do you remember the story about the German
+Lorelei, who sung so sweetly, and lured people to
+death in the Rhine?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, uncle; and I like it," answered Fancy,
+looking up.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, my dear, your Lorelei will lead you into
+trouble, if you follow her. Suppose she is what you
+think her,&mdash;a mermaid: it is her delight to draw
+people into the water, where, of course, they drown.
+If she is what I think her,&mdash;a sly, bad child, who
+sees that you are very simple, and who means to get
+taken care of without doing any thing useful,&mdash;she
+will spoil you in a worse way than if you followed
+her into the sea. I've got no little daughter of my
+own, and I want to keep you as safe and happy as
+if you were mine. I don't like this girl, and I want
+you to give her up for my sake. Will you, Fancy?"</p>
+
+<p>While her uncle said these things, all the beauty
+seemed to fall away from her friend, all the sweetness
+from their love, and all her faith in the little
+dream which had made her so happy. Mermaids
+became treacherous, unlovely, unreal creatures; and
+Lorelei seemed like a naughty, selfish child, who
+deceived her, and made her do wrong things. Her
+uncle had been very kind to her all her life; and she
+loved him, was grateful, and wanted to show that she
+was, by pleasing him. But her heart clung to the
+friend she had made, trusted, and loved; and it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span>
+seemed impossible to give up the shadow, even
+though the substance was gone. She put her hands
+before her face for a moment; then laid her arms
+about the old man's neck, and whispered, with a
+little sob:</p>
+
+<p>"I'll give her up; but you'll be kind to her,
+because I was fond of her once."</p>
+
+<p>As the last word left Fancy's lips, a long, sad cry
+sounded through the room; Lorelei sprung in, gave
+her one kiss, and was seen to run swiftly toward the
+beach, wringing her hands. Fancy flew after; but,
+when she reached the shore, there was nothing to be
+seen but the scattered pebbles, shells, and weeds
+that made the mock mermaid, floating away on a
+receding wave.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you believe now?" cried Fancy, weeping
+bitterly, as she pointed to the wreck of her friend,
+and turned reproachfully toward Uncle Fact, who
+had followed in great astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>The old gentleman looked well about him; then
+shook his head, and answered decidedly:</p>
+
+<p>"No, my dear, I <i>don't</i>. It's an odd affair; but,
+I've no doubt, it will be cleared up in a natural way
+sometime or other."</p>
+
+<p>But there he was mistaken; for this mystery never
+<i>was</i> cleared up. Other people soon forgot it, and
+Fancy never spoke of it; yet she made very few
+friends, and, though she learned to love and value<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span>
+Uncle Fact as well as Aunt Fiction, she could not
+forget her dearest playmate. Year after year she
+came back to the sea-side; and the first thing she
+always did was to visit the place where she used to
+play, and stretch her arms toward the sea, crying
+tenderly:</p>
+
+<p>"O my little friend! come back to me!"</p>
+
+<p>But Lorelei never came again.</p>
+
+<p class="center">THE END.</p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<p class="adbook">LOUISA M. ALCOTT'S FAMOUS BOOKS</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+<img src="images/i004.png" width="295" height="400" alt="He strums a harp while the little girl sings." title="" />
+<p class="caption">&quot;Sing, Tessa; sing!&quot; cried Tommo, twanging away with all his might.&mdash;Page 47.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="hang1st">AUNT JO'S SCRAP-BAG: Containing "My Boys,"
+"Shawl-Straps," "Cupid and Chow-Chow," "My Girls," "Jimmy's
+Cruise in the Pinafore," "An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving." 6 vols.
+Price of each, $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class="center">ROBERTS BROTHERS, <span class="smcap">Publishers</span>,
+<i>Boston</i>.</p>
+
+<hr class="short" />
+
+<p class="adbook">LOUISE CHANDLER MOULTON'S STORIES.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" >
+<img src="images/i005.png" width="363" height="400" alt="The rich girl gives the ragged girl a doll." title="" />
+</div>
+
+<p class="larger">
+BED-TIME STORIES.<br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">MORE BED-TIME STORIES.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">NEW BED-TIME STORIES.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="center">WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY ADDIE LEDYARD.</p>
+<p class="adprice">Three volumes in a box. Price, $3.75.</p>
+
+<p class="center"><i>ROBERTS BROTHERS, Publishers</i>,
+BOSTON.</p>
+
+<hr class="short" />
+
+<p class="adheadline smcap">Aunt Jo's Scrap-Bag.</p>
+
+<p class="center larger">CUPID AND CHOW-CHOW, Etc.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter plain">
+<img src="images/i006.png" width="193" height="250" alt="Scrap-Bag Vol III." title="" />
+</div>
+
+<p class="center larger smcap">By LOUISA M. ALCOTT,</p>
+
+<p class="center smaller">AUTHOR OF "LITTLE WOMEN," "AN OLD-FASHIONED GIRL," "LITTLE MEN,"
+"HOSPITAL SKETCHES."</p>
+
+<p class="center">BOSTON:<br />
+ROBERTS BROTHERS.<br />
+1881.</p>
+
+<hr class="short" />
+
+<p class="adbook">Jean Ingelow's Prose Story Books.</p>
+
+<p class="adprice"><b>In 5 vols. 16mo, uniformly bound.</b></p>
+
+<p>STUDIES FOR STORIES FROM GIRLS' LIVES. Illustrated,
+Price, $1.25.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"A rare source of delight for all who can find pleasure in really good works of
+prose fiction.... They are prose poems, carefully meditated, and exquisitely
+couched in by a teacher ready to sympathize with every joy and sorrow."&mdash;<i>Athenæum.</i></p></blockquote>
+
+<p>STORIES TOLD TO A CHILD. Illustrated. Price, $1.25.</p>
+
+<p>STORIES TOLD TO A CHILD. Second Series. Illustrated.
+Price, $1.25.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"This is one of the most charming juvenile books ever laid on our table.
+Jean Ingelow, the noble English poet, second only to Mrs. Browning, bends easily
+and gracefully from the heights of thought and fine imagination to commune
+with the minds and hearts of children; to sympathize with their little joys and
+sorrows; to feel for their temptations. She is a safe guide for the little pilgrims;
+for her paths, though 'paths of pleasantness,' lead straight upward."&mdash;<i>Grace
+Greenwood in "The Little Pilgrim."</i></p></blockquote>
+
+<p>A SISTER'S BYE-HOURS. Illustrated. Price, $1.25.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"Seven short stories of domestic life by one of the most popular of the young
+authors of the day,&mdash;an author who has her heart in what she writes,&mdash;Jean
+Ingelow. And there is heart in these stories, and healthy moral lessons, too.
+They are written in the author's most graceful and affecting style, will be read
+with real pleasure, and, when read, will leave more than momentary impressions."&mdash;<i>Brooklyn
+Union.</i></p></blockquote>
+
+<p>MOPSA THE FAIRY. A Story. With Eight Illustrations.
+Price, $1.25.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"Miss Ingelow is, to our mind, the most charming of all living writers for
+children, and 'Mopsa' alone ought to give her a kind of pre-emptive right to the
+love and gratitude of our young folks. It requires genius to conceive a purely
+imaginary work which must of necessity deal with the supernatural, without
+running into a mere riot of fantastic absurdity; but genius Miss Ingelow has,
+and the story of Jack is as careless and joyous, but as delicate, as a picture of
+childhood.</p>
+
+<p>"The young people should be grateful to Jean Ingelow and those other noble
+writers, who, in our day, have taken upon themselves the task of supplying them
+with literature, if for no other reason, that these writers have saved them from
+the ineffable didacticism which, till within the last few years, was considered the
+only food fit for the youthful mind."&mdash;<i>Eclectic.</i></p></blockquote>
+
+<p class="adprice"><i>Sold everywhere. Mailed, postpaid, by the Publishers.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ralign">ROBERTS BROTHERS, <span class="smcap">Boston</span>.</p>
+
+<hr class="short" />
+
+<p class="center"><i>Messrs. Roberts Brothers' Publications.</i></p>
+
+<p class="adheadline">CASTLE BLAIR:</p>
+
+<p class="adheadline">A STORY OF YOUTHFUL DAYS.</p>
+
+<p class="center smcap larger">By FLORA L. SHAW.</p>
+
+<p class="adprice">16mo. Cloth. Price $1.00</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"There is quite a lovely little book just come out about children,&mdash;'Castle
+Blair!' ... The book is good, and lovely, and true, having the
+best description of a noble child in it (Winnie) that I ever read; and nearly
+the best description of the next best thing,&mdash;a noble dog," says John
+Ruskin, the distinguished art critic.</p>
+
+<p>"'Castle Blair,' a story of youthful days, by Flora L. Shaw, is an Irish
+story. A charming young girl&mdash;half French, half English&mdash;comes from
+France, at the age of eighteen, to live with her bachelor uncle at Castle
+Blair, which is in possession of five children of an absent brother of this
+uncle. The children are in a somewhat wild and undisciplined condition,
+but they are as interesting children as can be imagined, and some of them
+winning to an extraordinary degree. They are natural children, in manner
+and in talk; but the book differs from some American books about children,
+in that it is pervaded by an air of refinement and good-breeding. The story is
+altogether delightful, quite worthy, from an American point of view, of all
+Mr. Ruskin says of it; and if circulation were determined by merit, it
+would speedily outstrip a good many now popular children's books which
+have a vein of commonness, if not of vulgarity."&mdash;<i>Hartford Courant.</i></p>
+
+<p>"It is not too much to say that nothing more interesting or more wholesome
+is offered this year for older boys and girls. It is a charming story,
+in which the author has delineated character as carefully, and with as keen
+an artistic sense, as if she had been writing a novel. Her book is a novel,
+indeed, with children and the lives of children, instead of men and women
+and their lives, for its theme."&mdash;<i>New York Evening Post.</i></p></blockquote>
+
+<p><i>Our publications are to be had of all Booksellers. When
+not to be found, send directly to</i></p>
+
+<p class="center">ROBERTS BROTHERS, <span class="smcap">Publishers</span>,
+<b>BOSTON.</b></p>
+
+<hr class="short" />
+
+<p class="center"><i>Messrs. Roberts Brothers' Publications.</i></p>
+
+<p class="adheadline smcap">Nelly's Silver Mine.</p>
+
+<p class="center larger smcap">By H. H.</p>
+
+<p class="adprice">With Illustrations. 16mo, cloth. Price $1.50.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"The sketches of life, especially of its odd and out-of-the-way aspects, by H.&nbsp;H.
+always possess so vivid a reality that they appear more like the actual scenes than
+any copy by pencil or photograph. They form a series of living pictures, radiant
+with sunlight and fresh as morning dew. In this new story the fruits of her fine
+genius are of Colorado growth, and though without the antique flavor of her recollections
+of Rome and Venice, are as delicious to the taste as they are tempting to
+the eye, and afford a natural feast of exquisite quality."&mdash;<i>N.Y. Tribune.</i></p>
+
+<p>"This charming little book, written for children's entertainment and instruction,
+is equally delightful to the fathers and mothers. It is life in New England,
+and the racy history of a long railway journey to the wilds of Colorado. The
+children are neither imps nor angels, but just such children as are found in every
+happy home. The pictures are so graphically drawn that we feel well acquainted
+with Rob and Nelly, have travelled with them and climbed mountains and found
+silver mines, and know all about the rude life made beautiful by a happy family,
+and can say of Nelly, with their German neighbor, Mr. Kleesman, 'Ach well, she
+haf better than any silver mine in her own self.'"&mdash;<i>Chicago Inter-Ocean.</i></p>
+
+<p>"In 'Nelly's Silver Mine' Mrs. Helen Hunt Jackson has given us a true
+classic for the nursery and the school-room, but its readers will not be confined to
+any locality. Its vivid portraiture of Colorado life and its truth to child-nature
+give it a charm which the most experienced cannot fail to feel. It will stand by
+the side of Miss Edgeworth and Mrs. Barbauld in all the years to come."&mdash;<i>Mrs.
+Caroline H. Dall.</i></p>
+
+<p>"We heartily commend the book for its healthy spirit, its lively narrative, and
+its freedom from most of the faults of books for children."&mdash;<i>Atlantic Monthly.</i></p>
+</blockquote>
+
+<p><i>Our publications are to be had of all Booksellers. When
+not to be found, send directly to</i></p>
+
+<p class="center">ROBERTS BROTHERS, <span class="smcap">Boston</span>.</p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<div class="trnote">
+<a id="transnote" name="transnote"></a>
+<p><b>Transcriber's Note</b></p>
+
+<p>Hyphenation and spelling standardized.
+     Otherwise, archaic and variable spelling was preserved.</p>
+<p>Missing quotation marks were added to standardize usage. Otherwise,
+     the editor's punctuation style was preserved.</p>
+<p>Table of Contents' page numbers were updated.
+</p>
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Aunt Jo's Scrap-Bag VI, by Louisa M. Alcott
+
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+</body>
+</html>
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Aunt Jo's Scrap-Bag VI, by Louisa M. Alcott
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Aunt Jo's Scrap-Bag VI
+       An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving, Etc.
+
+Author: Louisa M. Alcott
+
+Release Date: December 19, 2008 [EBook #27567]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AUNT JO'S SCRAP-BAG VI ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Edwards, Katherine Ward and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by The Internet Archive)
+
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's note:
+
+  Hyphenation and spelling standardized. Otherwise, archaic and
+    variable spelling was preserved.
+
+  Missing quotation marks were added to standardize usage. Otherwise,
+    the editor's punctuation style was preserved.
+
+  Table of Contents' page numbers were updated.
+
+  Special notation:
+
+    Text in italics is enclosed by underscores (_italics_).
+
+    Text in bold face is enclosed by equal signs (=bold=).
+
+
+
+
+AUNT JO'S SCRAP-BAG
+
+Is now full, and contains
+
+    =I. MY BOYS=, and other stories.
+   =II. SHAWL-STRAPS=. Sketches of a European Trip.
+  =III. CUPID AND CHOW-CHOW=, and other stories.
+   =IV. MY GIRLS=, and other stories.
+    =V. JIMMY'S CRUISE IN THE PINAFORE=, and other stories.
+   =VI. AN OLD-FASHIONED THANKSGIVING=, and other stories.
+
+_Six volumes neatly bound in cloth. Price, $6.00._
+
+ROBERTS BROTHERS, PUBLISHERS, BOSTON.
+
+[Illustration: AN OLD-FASHIONED THANKSGIVING.
+
+"Suddenly Tilly threw down the axe, flung open the door, and ran
+straight into the arms of the bear."--PAGE 29.]
+
+[Illustration: HOW IT ALL HAPPENED.
+
+Dolly opened the door, and started back with a cry of astonishment at
+the lovely spectacle before her.--PAGE 47.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+AUNT JO'S SCRAP-BAG.
+
+AN OLD-FASHIONED THANKSGIVING,
+  Etc.
+
+[Illustration: SCRAP-BAG, VOL. VI.]
+
+BY LOUISA M. ALCOTT,
+
+AUTHOR OF "LITTLE WOMEN," "AN OLD-FASHIONED GIRL," "LITTLE MEN,"
+"HOSPITAL SKETCHES."
+
+  BOSTON:
+  ROBERTS BROTHERS.
+  1882.
+
+  _Copyright, 1882,_
+  BY LOUISA M. ALCOTT.
+
+  UNIVERSITY PRESS:
+  JOHN WILSON AND SON, CAMBRIDGE.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+                                                               PAGE.
+     I. AN OLD-FASHIONED THANKSGIVING                              7
+    II. HOW IT ALL HAPPENED                                       37
+   III. THE DOLLS' JOURNEY FROM MINNESOTA TO MAINE                53
+    IV. MORNING-GLORIES                                           78
+     V. SHADOW-CHILDREN                                          104
+    VI. POPPY'S PRANKS                                           124
+   VII. WHAT THE SWALLOWS DID                                    147
+  VIII. LITTLE GULLIVER                                          163
+    IX. THE WHALE'S STORY                                        178
+     X. A STRANGE ISLAND                                         192
+    XI. FANCY'S FRIEND                                           208
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+I.
+
+AN OLD-FASHIONED THANKSGIVING.
+
+
+Sixty years ago, up among the New Hampshire hills, lived Farmer Bassett,
+with a house full of sturdy sons and daughters growing up about him.
+They were poor in money, but rich in land and love, for the wide acres
+of wood, corn, and pasture land fed, warmed, and clothed the flock,
+while mutual patience, affection, and courage made the old farm-house a
+very happy home.
+
+November had come; the crops were in, and barn, buttery, and bin were
+overflowing with the harvest that rewarded the summer's hard work. The
+big kitchen was a jolly place just now, for in the great fireplace
+roared a cheerful fire; on the walls hung garlands of dried apples,
+onions, and corn; up aloft from the beams shone crook-necked squashes,
+juicy hams, and dried venison--for in those days deer still haunted the
+deep forests, and hunters flourished. Savory smells were in the air; on
+the crane hung steaming kettles, and down among the red embers copper
+sauce-pans simmered, all suggestive of some approaching feast.
+
+A white-headed baby lay in the old blue cradle that had rocked seven
+other babies, now and then lifting his head to look out, like a round,
+full moon, then subsided to kick and crow contentedly, and suck the rosy
+apple he had no teeth to bite. Two small boys sat on the wooden settle
+shelling corn for popping, and picking out the biggest nuts from the
+goodly store their own hands had gathered in October. Four young girls
+stood at the long dresser, busily chopping meat, pounding spice, and
+slicing apples; and the tongues of Tilly, Prue, Roxy, and Rhody went as
+fast as their hands. Farmer Bassett, and Eph, the oldest boy, were
+"chorin' 'round" outside, for Thanksgiving was at hand, and all must be
+in order for that time-honored day.
+
+To and fro, from table to hearth, bustled buxom Mrs. Bassett, flushed
+and floury, but busy and blithe as the queen bee of this busy little
+hive should be.
+
+"I do like to begin seasonable and have things to my mind. Thanksgivin'
+dinners can't be drove, and it does take a sight of victuals to fill all
+these hungry stomicks," said the good woman, as she gave a vigorous stir
+to the great kettle of cider apple-sauce, and cast a glance of
+housewifely pride at the fine array of pies set forth on the buttery
+shelves.
+
+"Only one more day and then it will be time to eat. I didn't take but
+one bowl of hasty pudding this morning, so I shall have plenty of room
+when the nice things come," confided Seth to Sol, as he cracked a large
+hazel-nut as easily as a squirrel.
+
+"No need of my starvin' beforehand. _I always_ have room enough, and I'd
+like to have Thanksgiving every day," answered Solomon, gloating like a
+young ogre over the little pig that lay near by, ready for roasting.
+
+"Sakes alive, I don't, boys! It's a marcy it don't come but once a year.
+I should be worn to a thread-paper with all this extra work atop of my
+winter weavin' and spinnin'," laughed their mother, as she plunged her
+plump arms into the long bread-trough and began to knead the dough as if
+a famine was at hand.
+
+Tilly, the oldest girl, a red-cheeked, black-eyed lass of fourteen, was
+grinding briskly at the mortar, for spices were costly, and not a grain
+must be wasted. Prue kept time with the chopper, and the twins sliced
+away at the apples till their little brown arms ached, for all knew how
+to work, and did so now with a will.
+
+"I think it's real fun to have Thanksgiving at home. I'm sorry Gran'ma
+is sick, so we can't go there as usual, but I like to mess 'round here,
+don't you, girls?" asked Tilly, pausing to take a sniff at the spicy
+pestle.
+
+"It will be kind of lonesome with only our own folks." "I like to see
+all the cousins and aunts, and have games, and sing," cried the twins,
+who were regular little romps, and could run, swim, coast and shout as
+well as their brothers.
+
+"I don't care a mite for all that. It will be so nice to eat dinner
+together, warm and comfortable at home," said quiet Prue, who loved her
+own cozy nooks like a cat.
+
+"Come, girls, fly 'round and get your chores done, so we can clear away
+for dinner jest as soon as I clap my bread into the oven," called Mrs.
+Bassett presently, as she rounded off the last loaf of brown bread which
+was to feed the hungry mouths that seldom tasted any other.
+
+"Here's a man comin' up the hill, lively!" "Guess it's Gad Hopkins. Pa
+told him to bring a dezzen oranges, if they warn't too high!" shouted
+Sol and Seth, running to the door, while the girls smacked their lips at
+the thought of this rare treat, and Baby threw his apple overboard, as
+if getting ready for a new cargo.
+
+But all were doomed to disappointment, for it was not Gad, with the
+much-desired fruit. It was a stranger, who threw himself off his horse
+and hurried up to Mr. Bassett in the yard, with some brief message that
+made the farmer drop his ax and look so sober that his wife guessed at
+once some bad news had come; and crying, "Mother's wuss! I know she
+is!" out ran the good woman, forgetful of the flour on her arms and the
+oven waiting for its most important batch.
+
+The man said old Mr. Chadwick, down to Keene, stopped him as he passed,
+and told him to tell Mrs. Bassett her mother was failin' fast, and she'd
+better come to-day. He knew no more, and having delivered his errand he
+rode away, saying it looked like snow and he must be jogging, or he
+wouldn't get home till night.
+
+"We must go right off, Eldad. Hitch up, and I'll be ready in less'n
+no time," said Mrs. Bassett, wasting not a minute in tears and
+lamentations, but pulling off her apron as she went in, with her mind in
+a sad jumble of bread, anxiety, turkey, sorrow, haste, and cider
+apple-sauce.
+
+A few words told the story, and the children left their work to help her
+get ready, mingling their grief for "Gran'ma" with regrets for the lost
+dinner.
+
+"I'm dreadful sorry, dears, but it can't be helped. I couldn't cook nor
+eat no way, now, and if that blessed woman gets better sudden, as she
+has before, we'll have cause for thanksgivin', and I'll give you a
+dinner you won't forget in a hurry," said Mrs. Bassett, as she tied on
+her brown silk pumpkin-hood, with a sob for the good old mother who had
+made it for her.
+
+Not a child complained after that, but ran about helpfully, bringing
+moccasins, heating the footstone, and getting ready for a long drive,
+because Gran'ma lived twenty miles away, and there were no railroads in
+those parts to whisk people to and fro like magic. By the time the old
+yellow sleigh was at the door, the bread was in the oven, and Mrs.
+Bassett was waiting, with her camlet cloak on, and the baby done up like
+a small bale of blankets.
+
+"Now, Eph, you must look after the cattle like a man, and keep up the
+fires, for there's a storm brewin', and neither the children nor dumb
+critters must suffer," said Mr. Bassett, as he turned up the collar of
+his rough coat and put on his blue mittens, while the old mare shook her
+bells as if she preferred a trip to Keene to hauling wood all day.
+
+"Tilly, put extry comfortables on the beds to-night, the wind is so
+searchin' up chamber. Have the baked beans and Injun-puddin' for dinner,
+and whatever you do, don't let the boys git at the mince-pies, or you'll
+have them down sick. I shall come back the minute I can leave Mother. Pa
+will come to-morrer, anyway, so keep snug and be good. I depend on you,
+my darter; use your jedgment, and don't let nothin' happen while
+Mother's away."
+
+"Yes'm, yes'm--good-bye, good-bye!" called the children, as Mrs. Bassett
+was packed into the sleigh and driven away, leaving a stream of
+directions behind her.
+
+Eph, the sixteen-year-old boy, immediately put on his biggest boots,
+assumed a sober, responsible manner, and surveyed his little
+responsibilities with a paternal air, drolly like his father's. Tilly
+tied on her mother's bunch of keys, rolled up the sleeves of her
+homespun gown, and began to order about the younger girls. They soon
+forgot poor Granny, and found it great fun to keep house all alone, for
+Mother seldom left home, but ruled her family in the good old-fashioned
+way. There were no servants, for the little daughters were Mrs.
+Bassett's only maids, and the stout boys helped their father, all
+working happily together with no wages but love; learning in the best
+manner the use of the heads and hands with which they were to make their
+own way in the world.
+
+The few flakes that caused the farmer to predict bad weather soon
+increased to a regular snow-storm, with gusts of wind, for up among the
+hills winter came early and lingered long. But the children were busy,
+gay, and warm in-doors, and never minded the rising gale nor the
+whirling white storm outside.
+
+Tilly got them a good dinner, and when it was over the two elder girls
+went to their spinning, for in the kitchen stood the big and little
+wheels, and baskets of wool-rolls, ready to be twisted into yarn for the
+winter's knitting, and each day brought its stint of work to the
+daughters, who hoped to be as thrifty as their mother.
+
+Eph kept up a glorious fire, and superintended the small boys, who
+popped corn and whittled boats on the hearth; while Roxy and Rhody
+dressed corn-cob dolls in the settle corner, and Bose, the brindled
+mastiff, lay on the braided mat, luxuriously warming his old legs. Thus
+employed, they made a pretty picture, these rosy boys and girls, in
+their homespun suits, with the rustic toys or tasks which most children
+nowadays would find very poor or tiresome.
+
+Tilly and Prue sang, as they stepped to and fro, drawing out
+the smoothly twisted threads to the musical hum of the great
+spinning-wheels. The little girls chattered like magpies over their
+dolls and the new bed-spread they were planning to make, all white
+dimity stars on a blue calico ground, as a Christmas present to Ma. The
+boys roared at Eph's jokes, and had rough and tumble games over Bose,
+who didn't mind them in the least; and so the afternoon wore pleasantly
+away.
+
+At sunset the boys went out to feed the cattle, bring in heaps of wood,
+and lock up for the night, as the lonely farm-house seldom had visitors
+after dark. The girls got the simple supper of brown bread and milk,
+baked apples, and a doughnut all 'round as a treat. Then they sat before
+the fire, the sisters knitting, the brothers with books or games, for
+Eph loved reading, and Sol and Seth never failed to play a few games of
+Morris with barley corns, on the little board they had made themselves
+at one corner of the dresser.
+
+"Read out a piece," said Tilly, from Mother's chair, where she sat in
+state, finishing off the sixth woolen sock she had knit that month.
+
+"It's the old history book, but here's a bit you may like, since it's
+about our folks," answered Eph, turning the yellow page to look at a
+picture of two quaintly dressed children in some ancient castle.
+
+"Yes, read that. I always like to hear about the Lady Matildy I was
+named for, and Lord Bassett, Pa's great-great-great-grandpa. He's only a
+farmer now, but it's nice to know that we were somebody two or three
+hundred years ago," said Tilly, bridling and tossing her curly head as
+she fancied the Lady Matilda might have done.
+
+"Don't read the queer words, 'cause we don't understand 'em. Tell it,"
+commanded Roxy, from the cradle, where she was drowsily cuddled with
+Rhody.
+
+"Well, a long time ago, when Charles the First was in prison, Lord
+Bassett was a true friend to him," began Eph, plunging into his story
+without delay. "The lord had some papers that would have hung a lot of
+people if the king's enemies got hold of 'em, so when he heard one day,
+all of a sudden, that soldiers were at the castle-gate to carry him
+off, he had just time to call his girl to him, and say: 'I may be going
+to my death, but I won't betray my master. There is no time to burn the
+papers, and I can not take them with me; they are hidden in the old
+leathern chair where I sit. No one knows this but you, and you must
+guard them till I come or send you a safe messenger to take them away.
+Promise me to be brave and silent, and I can go without fear.' You see,
+he wasn't afraid to die, but he _was_ to seem a traitor. Lady Matildy
+promised solemnly, and the words were hardly out of her mouth when the
+men came in, and her father was carried away a prisoner and sent off to
+the Tower.
+
+"But she didn't cry; she just called her brother, and sat down in that
+chair, with her head leaning back on those papers, like a queen, and
+waited while the soldiers hunted the house over for 'em: wasn't that a
+smart girl?" cried Tilly, beaming with pride, for she was named for this
+ancestress, and knew the story by heart.
+
+"I reckon she was scared, though, when the men came swearin' in and
+asked her if she knew anything about it. The boy did his part then, for
+_he_ didn't know, and fired up and stood before his sister; and he says,
+says he, as bold as a lion: 'If my lord had told us where the papers be,
+we would die before we would betray him. But we are children and know
+nothing, and it is cowardly of you to try to fright us with oaths and
+drawn swords!'"
+
+As Eph quoted from the book, Seth planted himself before Tilly, with the
+long poker in his hand, saying, as he flourished it valiantly:
+
+"Why didn't the boy take his father's sword and lay about him? I would,
+if any one was ha'sh to Tilly."
+
+"You bantam! He was only a bit of a boy, and couldn't do anything. Sit
+down and hear the rest of it," commanded Tilly, with a pat on the yellow
+head, and a private resolve that Seth should have the largest piece of
+pie at dinner next day, as reward for his chivalry.
+
+"Well, the men went off after turning the castle out of window, but they
+said they should come again; so faithful Matildy was full of trouble,
+and hardly dared to leave the room where the chair stood. All day she
+sat there, and at night her sleep was so full of fear about it, that she
+often got up and went to see that all was safe. The servants thought the
+fright had hurt her wits, and let her be, but Rupert, the boy, stood by
+her and never was afraid of her queer ways. She was 'a pious maid,' the
+book says, and often spent the long evenings reading the Bible, with her
+brother by her, all alone in the great room, with no one to help her
+bear her secret, and no good news of her father. At last, word came that
+the king was dead and his friends banished out of England. Then the
+poor children were in a sad plight, for they had no mother, and the
+servants all ran away, leaving only one faithful old man to help them."
+
+"But the father did come?" cried Roxy, eagerly.
+
+"You'll see," continued Eph, half telling, half reading.
+
+"Matilda was sure he would, so she sat on in the big chair, guarding the
+papers, and no one could get her away, till one day a man came with her
+father's ring and told her to give up the secret. She knew the ring, but
+would not tell until she had asked many questions, so as to be very
+sure, and while the man answered all about her father and the king, she
+looked at him sharply. Then she stood up and said, in a tremble, for
+there was something strange about the man: 'Sir, I doubt you in spite of
+the ring, and I will not answer till you pull off the false beard you
+wear, that I may see your face and know if you are my father's friend or
+foe.' Off came the disguise, and Matilda found it was my lord himself,
+come to take them with him out of England. He was very proud of that
+faithful girl, I guess, for the old chair still stands in the castle,
+and the name keeps in the family, Pa says, even over here, where some of
+the Bassetts came along with the Pilgrims."
+
+"Our Tilly would have been as brave, I know, and she looks like the old
+picter down to Grandma's, don't she, Eph?" cried Prue, who admired her
+bold, bright sister very much.
+
+"Well, I think you'd do the settin' part best, Prue, you are so patient.
+Till would fight like a wild cat, but she can't hold her tongue worth a
+cent," answered Eph; whereat Tilly pulled his hair, and the story ended
+with a general frolic.
+
+When the moon-faced clock behind the door struck nine, Tilly tucked up
+the children under the "extry comfortables," and having kissed them all
+around, as Mother did, crept into her own nest, never minding the little
+drifts of snow that sifted in upon her coverlet between the shingles of
+the roof, nor the storm that raged without.
+
+As if he felt the need of unusual vigilance, old Bose lay down on the
+mat before the door, and pussy had the warm hearth all to herself. If
+any late wanderer had looked in at midnight, he would have seen the fire
+blazing up again, and in the cheerful glow the old cat blinking her
+yellow eyes, as she sat bolt upright beside the spinning-wheel, like
+some sort of household goblin, guarding the children while they slept.
+
+When they woke, like early birds, it still snowed, but up the little
+Bassetts jumped, broke the ice in their pitchers, and went down with
+cheeks glowing like winter apples, after a brisk scrub and scramble
+into their clothes. Eph was off to the barn, and Tilly soon had a great
+kettle of mush ready, which, with milk warm from the cows, made a
+wholesome breakfast for the seven hearty children.
+
+"Now about dinner," said the young housekeeper, as the pewter spoons
+stopped clattering, and the earthen bowls stood empty.
+
+"Ma said, have what we liked, but she didn't expect us to have a real
+Thanksgiving dinner, because she won't be here to cook it, and we don't
+know how," began Prue, doubtfully.
+
+"I can roast a turkey and make a pudding as well as anybody, I guess.
+The pies are all ready, and if we can't boil vegetables and so on, we
+don't deserve any dinner," cried Tilly, burning to distinguish herself,
+and bound to enjoy to the utmost her brief authority.
+
+"Yes, yes!" cried all the boys, "let's have a dinner anyway; Ma won't
+care, and the good victuals will spoil if they ain't eaten right up."
+
+"Pa is coming to-night, so we won't have dinner till late; that will be
+real genteel and give us plenty of time," added Tilly, suddenly
+realizing the novelty of the task she had undertaken.
+
+"Did you ever roast a turkey?" asked Roxy, with an air of deep interest.
+
+"Should you darst to try?" said Rhody, in an awe-stricken tone.
+
+"You will see what I can do. Ma said I was to use my jedgment about
+things, and I'm going to. All you children have got to do is to keep out
+of the way, and let Prue and me work. Eph, I wish you'd put a fire in
+the best room, so the little ones can play in there. We shall want the
+settin'-room for the table, and I won't have 'em pickin' 'round when we
+get things fixed," commanded Tilly, bound to make her short reign a
+brilliant one.
+
+"I don't know about that. Ma didn't tell us to," began cautious Eph, who
+felt that this invasion of the sacred best parlor was a daring step.
+
+"Don't we always do it Sundays and Thanksgivings? Wouldn't Ma wish the
+children kept safe and warm anyhow? Can I get up a nice dinner with four
+rascals under my feet all the time? Come, now, if you want roast turkey
+and onions, plum-puddin' and mince-pie, you'll have to do as I tell you,
+and be lively about it."
+
+Tilly spoke with such spirit, and her last suggestion was so
+irresistible, that Eph gave in, and, laughing good-naturedly, tramped
+away to heat up the best room, devoutly hoping that nothing serious
+would happen to punish such audacity.
+
+The young folks delightedly trooped in to destroy the order of that prim
+apartment with housekeeping under the black horse-hair sofa, "horseback
+riders" on the arms of the best rocking-chair, and an Indian war-dance
+all over the well-waxed furniture. Eph, finding the society of the
+peaceful sheep and cows more to his mind than that of two excited
+sisters, lingered over his chores in the barn as long as possible, and
+left the girls in peace.
+
+Now Tilly and Prue were in their glory, and as soon as the breakfast
+things were out of the way, they prepared for a grand cooking-time. They
+were handy girls, though they had never heard of a cooking-school, never
+touched a piano, and knew nothing of embroidery beyond the samplers
+which hung framed in the parlor; one ornamented with a pink mourner
+under a blue weeping-willow, the other with this pleasing verse, each
+word being done in a different color, which gave the effect of a
+distracted rainbow:
+
+    "This sampler neat was worked by me,
+     In my twelfth year, Prudence B."
+
+Both rolled up their sleeves, put on their largest aprons, and got out
+all the spoons, dishes, pots, and pans they could find, "so as to have
+everything handy," as Prue said.
+
+"Now, sister, we'll have dinner at five; Pa will be here by that time if
+he is coming to-night, and be so surprised to find us all ready, for he
+won't have had any very nice victuals if Gran'ma is so sick," said Tilly
+importantly. "I shall give the children a piece at noon" (Tilly meant
+luncheon); "doughnuts and cheese, with apple-pie and cider will please
+'em. There's beans for Eph; he likes cold pork, so we won't stop to warm
+it up, for there's lots to do, and I don't mind saying to you I'm
+dreadful dubersome about the turkey."
+
+"It's all ready but the stuffing, and roasting is as easy as can be. I
+can baste first rate. Ma always likes to have me, I'm so patient and
+stiddy, she says," answered Prue, for the responsibility of this great
+undertaking did not rest upon her, so she took a cheerful view of
+things.
+
+"I know, but it's the stuffin' that troubles me," said Tilly, rubbing
+her round elbows as she eyed the immense fowl laid out on a platter
+before her. "I don't know how much I want, nor what sort of yarbs to put
+in, and he's so awful big, I'm kind of afraid of him."
+
+"I ain't! I fed him all summer, and he never gobbled at _me_. I feel
+real mean to be thinking of gobbling him, poor old chap," laughed Prue,
+patting her departed pet with an air of mingled affection and appetite.
+
+"Well, I'll get the puddin' off my mind fust, for it ought to bile all
+day. Put the big kettle on, and see that the spit is clean, while I get
+ready."
+
+Prue obediently tugged away at the crane, with its black hooks, from
+which hung the iron tea-kettle and three-legged pot; then she settled
+the long spit in the grooves made for it in the tall andirons, and put
+the dripping-pan underneath, for in those days meat was roasted as it
+should be, not baked in ovens.
+
+Meantime Tilly attacked the plum-pudding. She felt pretty sure of coming
+out right, here, for she had seen her mother do it so many times, it
+looked very easy. So in went suet and fruit; all sorts of spice, to be
+sure she got the right ones, and brandy instead of wine. But she forgot
+both sugar and salt, and tied it in the cloth so tightly that it had no
+room to swell, so it would come out as heavy as lead and as hard as a
+cannon-ball, if the bag did not burst and spoil it all. Happily
+unconscious of these mistakes, Tilly popped it into the pot, and proudly
+watched it bobbing about before she put the cover on and left it to its
+fate.
+
+"I can't remember what flavorin' Ma puts in," she said, when she had got
+her bread well soaked for the stuffing. "Sage and onions and apple-sauce
+go with goose, but I can't feel sure of anything but pepper and salt for
+a turkey."
+
+"Ma puts in some kind of mint, I know, but I forget whether it is
+spearmint, peppermint, or penny-royal," answered Prue, in a tone of
+doubt, but trying to show her knowledge of "yarbs," or, at least, of
+their names.
+
+"Seems to me it's sweet marjoram or summer savory. I guess we'll put
+both in, and then we are sure to be right. The best is up garret; you
+run and get some, while I mash the bread," commanded Tilly, diving into
+the mess.
+
+Away trotted Prue, but in her haste she got catnip and wormwood, for the
+garret was darkish, and Prue's little nose was so full of the smell of
+the onions she had been peeling, that everything smelt of them. Eager to
+be of use, she pounded up the herbs and scattered the mixture with a
+liberal hand into the bowl.
+
+"It doesn't smell just right, but I suppose it will when it is cooked,"
+said Tilly, as she filled the empty stomach, that seemed aching for
+food, and sewed it up with the blue yarn, which happened to be handy.
+She forgot to tie down his legs and wings, but she set him by till his
+hour came, well satisfied with her work.
+
+"Shall we roast the little pig, too? I think he'd look nice with a
+necklace of sausages, as Ma fixed one last Christmas," asked Prue,
+elated with their success.
+
+"I couldn't do it. I loved that little pig, and cried when he was
+killed. I should feel as if I was roasting the baby," answered Tilly,
+glancing toward the buttery where piggy hung, looking so pink and pretty
+it certainly did seem cruel to eat him.
+
+It took a long time to get all the vegetables ready, for, as the cellar
+was full, the girls thought they would have every sort. Eph helped, and
+by noon all was ready for cooking, and the cranberry-sauce, a good deal
+scorched, was cooling in the lean-to.
+
+Luncheon was a lively meal, and doughnuts and cheese vanished in such
+quantities that Tilly feared no one would have an appetite for her
+sumptuous dinner. The boys assured her they would be starving by five
+o'clock, and Sol mourned bitterly over the little pig that was not to be
+served up.
+
+"Now you all go and coast, while Prue and I set the table and get out
+the best chiny," said Tilly, bent on having her dinner look well, no
+matter what its other failings might be.
+
+Out came the rough sleds, on went the round hoods, old hats, red cloaks,
+and moccasins, and away trudged the four younger Bassetts, to disport
+themselves in the snow, and try the ice down by the old mill, where the
+great wheel turned and splashed so merrily in the summer-time.
+
+Eph took his fiddle and scraped away to his heart's content in the
+parlor, while the girls, after a short rest, set the table and made all
+ready to dish up the dinner when that exciting moment came. It was not
+at all the sort of table we see now, but would look very plain and
+countrified to us, with its green-handled knives and two-pronged steel
+forks; its red-and-white china, and pewter platters, scoured till they
+shone, with mugs and spoons to match, and a brown jug for the cider.
+The cloth was coarse, but white as snow, and the little maids had seen
+the blue-eyed flax grow, out of which their mother wove the linen they
+had watched and watered while it bleached in the green meadow. They had
+no napkins and little silver; but the best tankard and Ma's few wedding
+spoons were set forth in state. Nuts and apples at the corners gave an
+air, and the place of honor was left in the middle for the oranges yet
+to come.
+
+"Don't it look beautiful?" said Prue, when they paused to admire the
+general effect.
+
+"Pretty nice, I think. I wish Ma could see how well we can do it," began
+Tilly, when a loud howling startled both girls, and sent them flying to
+the window. The short afternoon had passed so quickly that twilight had
+come before they knew it, and now, as they looked out through the
+gathering dusk, they saw four small black figures tearing up the road,
+to come bursting in, all screaming at once: "The bear, the bear! Eph,
+get the gun! He's coming, he's coming!"
+
+Eph had dropped his fiddle, and got down his gun before the girls could
+calm the children enough to tell their story, which they did in a
+somewhat incoherent manner. "Down in the holler, coastin', we heard a
+growl," began Sol, with his eyes as big as saucers. "I see him fust
+lookin' over the wall," roared Seth, eager to get his share of honor.
+
+"Awful big and shaggy," quavered Roxy, clinging to Tilly, while Rhody
+hid in Prue's skirts, and piped out: "His great paws kept clawing at us,
+and I was so scared my legs would hardly go."
+
+"We ran away as fast as we could go, and he come growling after us. He's
+awful hungry, and he'll eat every one of us if he gets in," continued
+Sol, looking about him for a safe retreat.
+
+"Oh, Eph, don't let him eat us," cried both little girls, flying up
+stairs to hide under their mother's bed, as their surest shelter.
+
+"No danger of that, you little geese. I'll shoot him as soon as he
+comes. Get out of the way, boys," and Eph raised the window to get good
+aim.
+
+"There he is! Fire away, and don't miss!" cried Seth, hastily following
+Sol, who had climbed to the top of the dresser as a good perch from
+which to view the approaching fray.
+
+Prue retired to the hearth as if bent on dying at her post rather than
+desert the turkey, now "browning beautiful," as she expressed it. But
+Tilly boldly stood at the open window, ready to lend a hand if the enemy
+proved too much for Eph.
+
+All had seen bears, but none had ever come so near before, and even
+brave Eph felt that the big brown beast slowly trotting up the door-yard
+was an unusually formidable specimen. He was growling horribly, and
+stopped now and then as if to rest and shake himself.
+
+"Get the ax, Tilly, and if I should miss, stand ready to keep him off
+while I load again," said Eph, anxious to kill his first bear in style
+and alone; a girl's help didn't count.
+
+Tilly flew for the ax, and was at her brother's side by the time the
+bear was near enough to be dangerous. He stood on his hind legs, and
+seemed to sniff with relish the savory odors that poured out of the
+window.
+
+"Fire, Eph!" cried Tilly, firmly.
+
+"Wait till he rears again. I'll get a better shot, then," answered the
+boy, while Prue covered her ears to shut out the bang, and the small
+boys cheered from their dusty refuge up among the pumpkins.
+
+But a very singular thing happened next, and all who saw it stood
+amazed, for suddenly Tilly threw down the ax, flung open the door, and
+ran straight into the arms of the bear, who stood erect to receive her,
+while his growlings changed to a loud "Haw, haw!" that startled the
+children more than the report of a gun.
+
+"It's Gad Hopkins, tryin' to fool us!" cried Eph, much disgusted at the
+loss of his prey, for these hardy boys loved to hunt, and prided
+themselves on the number of wild animals and birds they could shoot in a
+year.
+
+"Oh, Gad, how could you scare us so?" laughed Tilly, still held fast in
+one shaggy arm of the bear, while the other drew a dozen oranges from
+some deep pocket in the buffalo-skin coat, and fired them into the
+kitchen with such good aim that Eph ducked, Prue screamed, and Sol and
+Seth came down much quicker than they went up.
+
+"Wal, you see I got upsot over yonder, and the old horse went home while
+I was floundering in a drift, so I tied on the buffalers to tote 'em
+easy, and come along till I see the children playin' in the holler. I
+jest meant to give 'em a little scare, but they run like partridges, and
+I kep' up the joke to see how Eph would like this sort of company," and
+Gad haw-hawed again.
+
+"You'd have had a warm welcome if we hadn't found you out. I'd have put
+a bullet through you in a jiffy, old chap," said Eph, coming out to
+shake hands with the young giant, who was only a year or two older than
+himself.
+
+"Come in and set up to dinner with us. Prue and I have done it all
+ourselves, and Pa will be along soon, I reckon," cried Tilly, trying to
+escape.
+
+"Couldn't, no ways. My folks will think I'm dead ef I don't get along
+home, sence the horse and sleigh have gone ahead empty. I've done my
+arrant and had my joke; now I want my pay, Tilly," and Gad took a hearty
+kiss from the rosy cheeks of his "little sweetheart," as he called her.
+His own cheeks tingled with the smart slap she gave him as she ran
+away, calling out that she hated bears and would bring her ax next time.
+
+"I ain't afeared; your sharp eyes found me out; and ef you run into a
+bear's arms you must expect a hug," answered Gad, as he pushed back the
+robe and settled his fur cap more becomingly.
+
+"I should have known you in a minute if I hadn't been asleep when the
+girls squalled. You did it well, though, and I advise you not to try it
+again in a hurry, or you'll get shot," said Eph, as they parted, he
+rather crestfallen and Gad in high glee.
+
+"My sakes alive--the turkey is burnt one side, and the kettles have
+biled over so the pies I put to warm are all ashes!" scolded Tilly, as
+the flurry subsided and she remembered her dinner.
+
+"Well, I can't help it. I couldn't think of victuals when I expected to
+be eaten alive myself, could I?" pleaded poor Prue, who had tumbled into
+the cradle when the rain of oranges began.
+
+Tilly laughed, and all the rest joined in, so good humor was restored,
+and the spirits of the younger ones were revived by sucks from the one
+orange which passed from hand to hand with great rapidity, while the
+older girls dished up the dinner. They were just struggling to get the
+pudding out of the cloth when Roxy called out, "Here's Pa!"
+
+"There's folks with him," added Rhody.
+
+"Lots of 'em! I see two big sleighs chock full," shouted Seth, peering
+through the dusk.
+
+"It looks like a semintary. Guess Gramma's dead and come up to be buried
+here," said Sol in a solemn tone. This startling suggestion made Tilly,
+Prue, and Eph hasten to look out, full of dismay at such an ending of
+their festival.
+
+"If that is a funeral, the mourners are uncommon jolly," said Eph,
+drily, as merry voices and loud laughter broke the white silence
+without.
+
+"I see Aunt Cinthy, and Cousin Hetty--and there's Mose and Amos. I do
+declare, Pa's bringin' 'em all home to have some fun here," cried Prue,
+as she recognized one familiar face after another.
+
+"Oh, my patience! Ain't I glad I got dinner, and don't I hope it will
+turn out good!" exclaimed Tilly, while the twins pranced with delight,
+and the small boys roared:
+
+"Hooray for Pa! Hooray for Thanksgivin'!"
+
+The cheer was answered heartily, and in came Father, Mother, Baby, aunts
+and cousins, all in great spirits, and all much surprised to find such a
+festive welcome awaiting them.
+
+"Ain't Gran'ma dead at all?" asked Sol, in the midst of the kissing and
+hand-shaking.
+
+"Bless your heart, no! It was all a mistake of old Mr. Chadwick's. He's
+as deaf as an adder, and when Mrs. Brooks told him Mother was mendin'
+fast, and she wanted me to come down to-day, certain sure, he got the
+message all wrong, and give it to the fust person passin' in such a way
+as to scare me 'most to death, and send us down in a hurry. Mother was
+sittin' up as chirk as you please, and dreadful sorry you didn't all
+come."
+
+"So, to keep the house quiet for her, and give you a taste of the fun,
+your Pa fetched us all up to spend the evenin', and we are goin' to have
+a jolly time on't, to jedge by the looks of things," said Aunt Cinthy,
+briskly finishing the tale when Mrs. Bassett paused for want of breath.
+
+"What in the world put it into your head we was comin', and set you to
+gettin' up such a supper?" asked Mr. Bassett, looking about him, well
+pleased and much surprised at the plentiful table.
+
+Tilly modestly began to tell, but the others broke in and sang her
+praises in a sort of chorus, in which bears, pigs, pies, and oranges
+were oddly mixed. Great satisfaction was expressed by all, and Tilly and
+Prue were so elated by the commendation of Ma and the aunts, that they
+set forth their dinner, sure everything was perfect.
+
+But when the eating began, which it did the moment wraps were off, then
+their pride got a fall; for the first person who tasted the stuffing (it
+was big Cousin Mose, and that made it harder to bear) nearly choked over
+the bitter morsel.
+
+"Tilly Bassett, whatever made you put wormwood and catnip in your
+stuffin'?" demanded Ma, trying not to be severe, for all the rest were
+laughing, and Tilly looked ready to cry.
+
+"I did it," said Prue, nobly taking all the blame, which caused Pa to
+kiss her on the spot, and declare that it didn't do a might of harm, for
+the turkey was all right.
+
+"I never see onions cooked better. All the vegetables is well done, and
+the dinner a credit to you, my dears," declared Aunt Cinthy, with her
+mouth full of the fragrant vegetable she praised.
+
+The pudding was an utter failure, in spite of the blazing brandy in
+which it lay--as hard and heavy as one of the stone balls on Squire
+Dunkin's great gate. It was speedily whisked out of sight, and all fell
+upon the pies, which were perfect. But Tilly and Prue were much
+depressed, and didn't recover their spirits till the dinner was over and
+the evening fun well under way.
+
+"Blind-man's buff," "Hunt the slipper," "Come, Philander," and other
+lively games soon set every one bubbling over with jollity, and when Eph
+struck up "Money Musk" on his fiddle, old and young fell into their
+places for a dance. All down the long kitchen they stood, Mr. and Mrs.
+Bassett at the top, the twins at the bottom, and then away they went,
+heeling and toeing, cutting pigeon-wings, and taking their steps in a
+way that would convulse modern children with their new-fangled romps
+called dancing. Mose and Tilly covered themselves with glory by the
+vigor with which they kept it up, till fat Aunt Cinthy fell into a
+chair, breathlessly declaring that a very little of such exercise was
+enough for a woman of her "heft."
+
+Apples and cider, chat and singing, finished the evening, and after a
+grand kissing all round, the guests drove away in the clear moonlight
+which came just in time to cheer their long drive.
+
+When the jingle of the last bell had died away, Mr. Bassett said
+soberly, as they stood together on the hearth: "Children, we have
+special cause to be thankful that the sorrow we expected was changed
+into joy, so we'll read a chapter 'fore we go to bed, and give thanks
+where thanks is due."
+
+Then Tilly set out the light-stand with the big Bible on it, and a
+candle on each side, and all sat quietly in the fire-light, smiling as
+they listened with happy hearts to the sweet old words that fit all
+times and seasons so beautifully.
+
+When the good-nights were over, and the children in bed, Prue put her
+arm around Tilly and whispered tenderly, for she felt her shake, and was
+sure she was crying:
+
+"Don't mind about the old stuffin' and puddin', deary--nobody cared, and
+Ma said we really did do surprisin' well for such young girls."
+
+The laughter Tilly was trying to smother broke out then, and was so
+infectious, Prue could not help joining her, even before she knew the
+cause of the merriment.
+
+"I was mad about the mistakes, but don't care enough to cry. I'm
+laughing to think how Gad fooled Eph and I found him out. I thought Mose
+and Amos would have died over it when I told them, it was so funny,"
+explained Tilly, when she got her breath.
+
+"I was so scared that when the first orange hit me, I thought it was a
+bullet, and scrabbled into the cradle as fast as I could. It was real
+mean to frighten the little ones so," laughed Prue, as Tilly gave a
+growl.
+
+Here a smart rap on the wall of the next room caused a sudden lull in
+the fun, and Mrs. Bassett's voice was heard, saying warningly, "Girls,
+go to sleep immediate, or you'll wake the baby."
+
+"Yes'm," answered two meek voices, and after a few irrepressible
+giggles, silence reigned, broken only by an occasional snore from the
+boys, or the soft scurry of mice in the buttery, taking their part in
+this old-fashioned Thanksgiving.
+
+
+
+
+II.
+
+HOW IT ALL HAPPENED.
+
+
+It was a small room, with nothing in it but a bed, two chairs, and a big
+chest. A few little gowns hung on the wall, and the only picture was the
+wintry sky, sparkling with stars, framed by the uncurtained window. But
+the moon, pausing to peep, saw something pretty and heard something
+pleasant. Two heads in little round nightcaps lay on one pillow, two
+pairs of wide-awake blue eyes stared up at the light, and two tongues
+were going like mill clappers.
+
+"I'm so glad we got our shirts done in time! It seemed as if we never
+should, and I don't think six cents is half enough for a great red
+flannel thing with four button-holes--do you?" said one little voice,
+rather wearily.
+
+"No; but then we each made four, and fifty cents is a good deal of
+money. Are you sorry we didn't keep our quarters for ourselves?" asked
+the other voice, with an under-tone of regret in it.
+
+"Yes, I am, till I think how pleased the children will be with our tree,
+for they don't expect anything, and will be so surprised. I wish we had
+more toys to put on it, for it looks so small and mean with only three
+or four things."
+
+"It won't hold any more, so I wouldn't worry about it. The toys are very
+red and yellow, and I guess the babies won't know how cheap they are,
+but like them as much as if they cost heaps of money."
+
+This was a cheery voice, and as it spoke the four blue eyes turned
+toward the chest under the window, and the kind moon did her best to
+light up the tiny tree standing there. A very pitiful little tree it
+was--only a branch of hemlock in an old flower-pot, propped up with bits
+of coal, and hung with a few penny toys earned by the patient fingers of
+the elder sisters, that the little ones should not be disappointed.
+
+But in spite of the magical moonlight the broken branch, with its scanty
+supply of fruit, looked pathetically poor, and one pair of eyes filled
+slowly with tears, while the other pair lost their happy look, as if a
+cloud had come over the sunshine.
+
+"Are you crying, Dolly?"
+
+"Not much, Polly."
+
+"What makes you, dear?"
+
+"I didn't know how poor we were till I saw the tree, and then I couldn't
+help it," sobbed the elder sister, for at twelve she already knew
+something of the cares of poverty, and missed the happiness that seemed
+to vanish out of all their lives when father died.
+
+"It's dreadful! I never thought we'd have to earn our tree, and only be
+able to get a broken branch, after all, with nothing on it but three
+sticks of candy, two squeaking dogs, a red cow, and an ugly bird with
+one feather in its tail;" and overcome by a sudden sense of destitution,
+Polly sobbed even more despairingly than Dolly.
+
+"Hush, dear; we must cry softly, or mother will hear, and come up, and
+then we shall have to tell. You know we said we wouldn't seem to mind
+not having any Christmas, she felt so sorry about it."
+
+"I _must_ cry, but I'll be quiet."
+
+So the two heads went under the pillow for a few minutes, and not a
+sound betrayed them as the little sisters cried softly in one another's
+arms, lest mother should discover that they were no longer careless
+children, but brave young creatures trying to bear their share of the
+burden cheerfully.
+
+When the shower was over, the faces came out shining like roses after
+rain, and the voices went on again as before.
+
+"Don't you wish there really was a Santa Claus, who knew what we wanted,
+and would come and put two silver half-dollars in our stockings, so we
+could go and see _Puss in Boots_ at the Museum to-morrow afternoon?"
+
+"Yes, indeed; but we didn't hang up any stockings, you know, because
+mother had nothing to put in them. It does seem as if rich people might
+think of poor people now and then. Such little bits of things would
+make us happy, and it couldn't be much trouble to take two small girls
+to the play, and give them candy now and then."
+
+"_I_ shall when I'm rich, like Mr. Chrome and Miss Kent. I shall go
+round every Christmas with a big basket of goodies, and give _all_ the
+poor children some."
+
+"P'r'aps if we sew ever so many flannel shirts we may be rich by-and-by.
+I should give mother a new bonnet first of all, for I heard Miss Kent
+say no lady would wear such a shabby one. Mrs. Smith said fine bonnets
+didn't make real ladies. I like her best, but I do want a locket like
+Miss Kent's."
+
+"I should give mother some new rubbers, and then I should buy a white
+apron, with frills like Miss Kent's, and bring home nice bunches of
+grapes and good things to eat, as Mr. Chrome does. I often smell them,
+but he never gives _me_ any; he only says, 'Hullo, chick!' and I'd
+rather have oranges any time."
+
+"It will take us a long while to get rich, I'm afraid. It makes me tired
+to think of it. I guess we'd better go to sleep now, dear."
+
+"Good-night, Dolly."
+
+"Good-night, Polly."
+
+Two soft kisses were heard, a nestling sound followed, and presently the
+little sisters lay fast asleep cheek against cheek, on the pillow wet
+with their tears, never dreaming what was going to happen to them
+to-morrow.
+
+Now Miss Kent's room was next to theirs, and as she sat sewing she could
+hear the children's talk, for they soon forgot to whisper. At first she
+smiled, then she looked sober, and when the prattle ceased she said to
+herself, as she glanced about her pleasant chamber:
+
+"Poor little things! they think I'm rich, and envy me, when I'm only a
+milliner earning my living. I ought to have taken more notice of them,
+for their mother has a hard time, I fancy, but never complains. I'm
+sorry they heard what I said, and if I knew how to do it without
+offending her, I'd trim a nice bonnet for a Christmas gift, for she _is_
+a lady, in spite of her old clothes. I can give the children some of the
+things they want anyhow, and I will. The idea of those mites making a
+fortune out of shirts at six cents apiece!"
+
+Miss Kent laughed at the innocent delusion, but sympathized with her
+little neighbors, for she knew all about hard times. She had good wages
+now, but spent them on herself, and liked to be fine rather than neat.
+Still, she was a good-hearted girl, and what she had overheard set her
+to thinking soberly, then to acting kindly, as we shall see.
+
+"If I hadn't spent all my money on my dress for the party to-morrow
+night, I'd give each of them a half-dollar. As I can not, I'll hunt up
+the other things they wanted, for it's a shame they shouldn't have a bit
+of Christmas, when they tried so hard to please the little ones."
+
+As she spoke she stirred about her room, and soon had a white apron, an
+old carnelian heart on a fresh blue ribbon, and two papers of bonbons
+ready. As no stockings were hung up, she laid a clean towel on the floor
+before the door, and spread forth the small gifts to look their best.
+
+Miss Kent was so busy that she did not hear a step come quietly up
+stairs, and Mr. Chrome, the artist, peeped at her through the balusters,
+wondering what she was about. He soon saw, and watched her with
+pleasure, thinking that she never looked prettier than now.
+
+Presently she caught him at it, and hastened to explain, telling what
+she had heard, and how she was trying to atone for her past neglect of
+these young neighbors. Then she said good-night, and both went into
+their rooms, she to sleep happily, and he to smoke as usual.
+
+But his eye kept turning to some of the "nice little bundles" that lay
+on his table, as if the story he had heard suggested how he might follow
+Miss Kent's example. I rather think he would not have disturbed himself
+if he had not heard the story told in such a soft voice, with a pair of
+bright eyes full of pity looking into his, for little girls were not
+particularly interesting to him, and he was usually too tired to notice
+the industrious creatures toiling up and down stairs on various errands,
+or sewing at the long red seams.
+
+Now that he knew something of their small troubles, he felt as if it
+would please Miss Kent, and be a good joke, to do his share of the
+pretty work she had begun.
+
+So presently he jumped up, and, opening his parcels, took out two
+oranges and two bunches of grapes, then he looked up two silver
+half-dollars, and stealing into the hall, laid the fruit upon the towel,
+and the money atop of the oranges. This addition improved the display
+very much, and Mr. Chrome was stealing back, well pleased, when his eye
+fell on Miss Kent's door, and he said to himself, "She too shall have a
+little surprise, for she is a dear, kind-hearted soul."
+
+In his room was a prettily painted plate, and this he filled with green
+and purple grapes, tucked a sentimental note underneath, and leaving it
+on her threshold, crept away as stealthily as a burglar.
+
+The house was very quiet when Mrs. Smith, the landlady, came up to turn
+off the gas. "Well, upon my word, here's fine doings, to be sure!" she
+said, when she saw the state of the upper hall. "Now I wouldn't have
+thought it of Miss Kent, she is such a giddy girl, nor of Mr. Chrome, he
+is so busy with his own affairs. I meant to give those children each a
+cake to-morrow, they are such good little things. I'll run down and get
+them now, as my contribution to this fine set out."
+
+Away trotted Mrs. Smith to her pantry, and picked out a couple of
+tempting cakes, shaped like hearts and full of plums. There was a goodly
+array of pies on the shelves, and she took two of them, saying, as she
+climbed the stairs again, "They remembered the children, so I'll
+remember them, and have my share of the fun."
+
+So up went the pies, for Mrs. Smith had not much to give, and her spirit
+was generous, though her pastry was not of the best. It looked very
+droll to see pies sitting about on the thresholds of closed doors, but
+the cakes were quite elegant, and filled up the corners of the towel
+handsomely, for the apron lay in the middle, with the oranges right and
+left, like two sentinels in yellow uniforms.
+
+It was very late when the flicker of a candle came up stairs, and a pale
+lady, with a sweet sad face, appeared, bringing a pair of red and a pair
+of blue mittens for her Dolly and Polly. Poor Mrs. Blake did have a hard
+time, for she stood all day in a great store that she might earn bread
+for the poor children who staid at home and took care of one another.
+Her heart was very heavy that night, because it was the first Christmas
+she had ever known without gifts and festivity of some sort. But Petkin,
+the youngest child, had been ill, times were very hard, the little
+mouths gaped for food like the bills of hungry birds, and there was no
+tender mate to help fill them.
+
+If any elves had been hovering about the dingy hall just then, they
+would have seen the mother's tired face brighten beautifully when she
+discovered the gifts, and found that her little girls had been so kindly
+remembered. Something more brilliant than the mock diamonds in Miss
+Kent's best earrings fell and glittered on the dusty floor as Mrs. Blake
+added the mittens to the other things, and went to her lonely room
+again, smiling as she thought how she could thank them all in a sweet
+and simple way.
+
+Her windows were full of flowers, for the delicate tastes of the poor
+lady found great comfort in their beauty. "I have nothing else to give,
+and these will show how grateful I am," she said, as she rejoiced that
+the scarlet geraniums were so full of gay clusters, the white
+chrysanthemum stars were all out, and the pink roses at their loveliest.
+
+They slept now, dreaming of a sunny morrow as they sat safely sheltered
+from the bitter cold. But that night was their last, for a gentle hand
+cut them all, and soon three pretty nosegays stood in a glass, waiting
+for dawn, to be laid at three doors, with a few grateful words which
+would surprise and delight the receivers, for flowers were rare in those
+hard-working lives, and kind deeds often come back to the givers in
+fairer shapes than they go.
+
+Now one would think that there had been gifts enough, and no more could
+possibly arrive, since all had added his or her mite except Betsey, the
+maid, who was off on a holiday, and the babies fast asleep in their
+trundle-bed, with nothing to give but love and kisses. Nobody dreamed
+that the old cat would take it into her head that her kittens were in
+danger, because Mrs. Smith had said she thought they were nearly old
+enough to be given away. But she must have understood, for when all was
+dark and still, the anxious mother went patting up stairs to the
+children's door, meaning to hide her babies under their bed, sure they
+would save them from destruction. Mrs. Blake had shut the door, however,
+so poor Puss was disappointed; but finding a soft, clean spot among a
+variety of curious articles, she laid her kits there, and kept them warm
+all night, with her head pillowed on the blue mittens.
+
+In the cold morning Dolly and Polly got up and scrambled into their
+clothes, not with joyful haste to see what their stockings held, for
+they had none, but because they had the little ones to dress while
+mother got the breakfast.
+
+Dolly opened the door, and started back with a cry of astonishment at
+the lovely spectacle before her. The other people had taken in their
+gifts, so nothing destroyed the magnificent effect of the treasures so
+curiously collected in the night. Puss had left her kits asleep, and
+gone down to get her own breakfast, and there, in the middle of the
+ruffled apron, as if in a dainty cradle, lay the two Maltese darlings,
+with white bibs and boots on, and white tips to the tiny tails curled
+round their little noses in the sweetest way.
+
+Polly and Dolly could only clasp their hands and look in rapturous
+silence for a minute; then they went down on their knees and revelled in
+the unexpected richness before them.
+
+"I do believe there _is_ a Santa Claus, and that he heard us, for here
+is everything we wanted," said Dolly, holding the carnelian heart in one
+hand and the plummy one in the other.
+
+"It must have been some kind of a fairy, for we didn't mention kittens,
+but we wanted one, and here are two darlings," cried Polly, almost
+purring with delight as the downy bunches unrolled and gaped till their
+bits of pink tongues were visible.
+
+"Mrs. Smith was one fairy, I guess, and Miss Kent was another, for that
+is her apron. I shouldn't wonder if Mr. Chrome gave us the oranges and
+the money: men always have lots, and his name is on this bit of paper,"
+said Dolly.
+
+"Oh, I'm _so_ glad! Now we shall have a Christmas like other people, and
+I'll never say again that rich folks don't remember poor folks. Come and
+show all our treasures to mother and the babies; they must have some,"
+answered Polly, feeling that the world was all right, and life not half
+as hard as she thought it last night.
+
+Shrieks of delight greeted the sisters, and all that morning there was
+joy and feasting in Mrs. Blake's room, and in the afternoon Dolly and
+Polly went to the Museum, and actually saw _Puss in Boots_; for their
+mother insisted on their going, having discovered how the hard-earned
+quarters had been spent. This was such unhoped-for bliss that they could
+hardly believe it, and kept smiling at one another so brightly that
+people wondered who the happy little girls in shabby cloaks could be who
+clapped their new mittens so heartily, and laughed till it was better
+than music to hear them.
+
+This was a very remarkable Christmas-day, and they long remembered it;
+for while they were absorbed in the fortunes of the Marquis of Carabas
+and the funny cat, who tucked his tail in his belt, washed his face so
+awkwardly, and didn't know how to purr, strange things were happening at
+home, and more surprises were in store for our little friends. You see,
+when people once begin to do kindnesses, it is so easy and pleasant they
+find it hard to leave off; and sometimes it beautifies them so that
+they find they love one another very much--as Mr. Chrome and Miss Kent
+did, though we have nothing to do with that except to tell how they made
+the poor little tree grow and blossom.
+
+They were very jolly at dinner, and talked a good deal about the Blakes,
+who ate in their own rooms. Miss Kent told what the children said, and
+it touched the soft spot in all their hearts to hear about the red
+shirts, though they laughed at Polly's lament over the bird with only
+one feather in its tail.
+
+"I'd give them a better tree if I had any place to put it, and knew how
+to trim it up," said Mr. Chrome, with a sudden burst of generosity,
+which so pleased Miss Kent that her eyes shone like Christmas candles.
+
+"Put it in the back parlor. All the Browns are away for a week, and
+we'll help you trim it--won't we, my dear?" cried Mrs. Smith, warmly;
+for she saw that he was in a sociable mood, and thought it a pity that
+the Blakes should not profit by it.
+
+"Yes, indeed; I should like it of all things, and it needn't cost much,
+for I have some skill in trimmings, as you know." And Miss Kent looked
+so gay and pretty as she spoke that Mr. Chrome made up his mind that
+millinery must be a delightful occupation.
+
+"Come on then, ladies, and we'll have a little frolic. I'm a lonely old
+bachelor, with nowhere to go to-day, and I'd like some fun."
+
+They had it, I assure you; for they all fell to work as busy as bees,
+flying and buzzing about with much laughter as they worked their
+pleasant miracle. Mr. Chrome acted more like the father of a large
+family than a crusty bachelor, Miss Kent's skillful fingers flew as they
+never did before, and Mrs. Smith trotted up and down as briskly as if
+she were sixteen instead of being a stout old woman of sixty.
+
+The children were so full of the play, and telling all about it, that
+they forgot their tree till after supper; but when they went to look for
+it they found it gone, and in its place a great paper hand with one
+finger pointing down stairs, and on it these mysterious words in red
+ink:
+
+"Look in the Browns' back parlor!"
+
+At the door of that interesting apartment they found their mother with
+Will and Petkin, for another hand had suddenly appeared to them pointing
+up. The door flew open quite as if it were a fairy play, and they went
+in to find a pretty tree planted in a red box on the centre table,
+lighted with candles, hung with gilded nuts, red apples, gay bonbons,
+and a gift for each.
+
+Mr. Chrome was hidden behind one folding-door, and fat Mrs. Smith
+squeezed behind the other, and they both thought it a great improvement
+upon the old-fashioned Santa Claus to have Miss Kent, in the white
+dress she made for the party, with Mrs. Blake's roses in her hair, step
+forward as the children gazed in silent rapture, and with a few sweet
+words welcome them to the little surprise their friends had made.
+
+There were many Christmas trees in the city that night, but none which
+gave such hearty pleasure as the one which so magically took the place
+of the broken branch and its few poor toys. They were all there,
+however, and Dolly and Polly were immensely pleased to see that of all
+her gifts Petkin chose the forlorn bird to carry to bed with her, the
+one yellow feather being just to her taste.
+
+Mrs. Blake put on her neat bonnet, and was so gratified that Miss Kent
+thought it the most successful one she ever trimmed. She was well paid
+for it by the thanks of one neighbor and the admiration of another; for
+when she went to her party Mr. Chrome went with her, and said something
+on the way which made her heart dance more lightly than her feet that
+night.
+
+Good Mrs. Smith felt that her house had covered itself with glory by
+this event, and Dolly and Polly declared that it was the most perfect
+and delightful surprise party ever seen.
+
+It was all over by nine o'clock, and with good-night kisses for every
+one the little girls climbed up to bed laden with treasures and too
+happy for many words. But as they tied their round caps Dolly said,
+thoughtfully:
+
+"On the whole, I think it's rather nice to be poor when people are kind
+to you."
+
+"Well, I'd _rather_ be rich; but if I can't be, it is very good fun to
+have Christmas trees like this one," answered truthful Polly, never
+guessing that they had planted the seed from which the little pine-tree
+grew so quickly and beautifully.
+
+When the moon came to look in at the window on her nightly round, two
+smiling faces lay on the pillow, which was no longer wet with tears, but
+rather knobby with the mine of riches hidden underneath,--first fruits
+of the neighborly friendship which flourished in that house until
+another and a merrier Christmas came.
+
+
+
+
+III.
+
+THE DOLLS' JOURNEY FROM MINNESOTA TO MAINE.
+
+
+Mr. Plum lived in St. Paul, Minnesota, U.S.A.
+
+There were six little Plums, all girls, varying in ages from fourteen to
+seven, and named Kate, Lucy, Susy, Lizzy, Marjory and Maggie. There was
+no mamma, but Mrs. Gibbs, the housekeeper, was a kind old soul, and papa
+did everything he could to make the small daughters good and happy.
+
+One stormy Saturday afternoon the children were all together in the
+school-room, and papa busy at his desk in the library, with the door
+open because he liked to hear the pleasant voices and catch glimpses of
+the droll plays that went on there.
+
+Kate lay on the sofa reading "The Daisy Chain" for the fourth time.
+Susy, Lucy and Lizzie were having a select tea party in their own
+recess, the entrance to which was barricaded with chairs to keep out the
+"babies," as they called the little ones, who were much offended at
+being excluded and sat up in the cushioned window-seat pensively
+watching the rain.
+
+"If it had only waited till to-morrow we should have had time for our
+journey; now we can't go till next Saturday. Flora is so disappointed
+she would cry if I had not taught her to behave," said Maggie with a
+sigh, as she surveyed the doll on her knee in its new summer suit.
+
+"So is Dora. Just see how sweet she looks with her hat and cape on and
+her travelling-bag all ready. Couldn't we play travel in the house? It
+is such a pity to wait when the children are in such a hurry to go,"
+answered Marjory, settling the tiny bag that held Dora's nightcap and
+gown as well as the morsels of cake that were to serve for her lunch.
+
+"No," said Maggie decidedly, "we can't do it, because there is no room
+for carriages, and boats, and railroads, and hotels, and accidents. It
+is a long journey from Minnesota to Maine, and we couldn't get it all
+into one room I'm sure."
+
+"I don't think papa would mind our coming into the library, if we didn't
+ring the car bells very loud or scream much when the accidents happen,"
+said Marjory, who hated to give up the plan they had been cherishing all
+the week.
+
+"What is it, little ones? Come and tell me what is the matter," called
+Mr. Plum, hearing his name and the magic word "railroad," for he was the
+president of one and had his hands full just then.
+
+Down jumped the little girls and ran to perch on either arm of his
+chair, pouring out their small tribulations as freely as if he had been
+the most sympathizing of mothers.
+
+"We planned to take a long, long journey round the garden with our dolls
+to-day, and play go to Maine and see Aunt Maria. You know she asked us,
+and we looked out the way on the map and got all ready, and now it rains
+and we are dreadfully disappointed," said Maggie, while Marjory sighed
+as she looked at the red D. worked on the inch square travelling-bag.
+
+"As you can't go, why not send the dolls to make aunty a visit, and she
+will send them back when they get homesick," proposed Mr. Plum, smiling,
+as if a sudden idea had popped into his head.
+
+"Really?" cried Maggie.
+
+"How could we?" asked Marjory.
+
+"They could go and come by mail, and tell you all about their adventures
+when they got back," said papa.
+
+Both children were speechless for a moment, then as the full splendor of
+this proposition dawned upon them they clapped their hands, crying
+eagerly:
+
+"We will! we will! Let's do it at once."
+
+"What? where? who?" asked Susy, Lucy and Lizzie, forgetting their tea
+party to run and see what was going on.
+
+They were told, and in their turn exclaimed so loudly that Kate came to
+join in the fun.
+
+After a great deal of talking and laughing, the dolls were prepared for
+the long journey. They were common wooden-headed dollies, a hand long,
+with stuffed bodies and stout legs ornamented with very small feet in
+red and blue boots. Dora was a blonde and Flora a brunette, otherwise
+they were just alike and nearly new. Usually when people go travelling
+they put on their hats and cloaks, but these pilgrims, by papa's advice,
+left all encumbrances behind them, for they were to travel in a peculiar
+way, and blue gingham dresses were chosen for the expedition.
+
+"It is possible that they may never come back. Accidents will happen you
+know. Are you prepared for that?" asked Mr. Plum, pausing with the brown
+paper spread out before him.
+
+"I am," answered Maggie firmly, as she laid Flora on the table, her
+black eyes staring as if rather alarmed at this sudden start.
+
+Marjory hesitated a moment, clasping Dora to her bosom with a face full
+of maternal anxiety. But Susy, Lucy and Lizzie cried: "Let her go, do
+let her go, and if she is lost papa will give you a new doll."
+
+"Good-by, my darling dear. Have a splendid time, and be sure you come
+back to me," whispered Marjory, with a tender farewell kiss as she gave
+up her child.
+
+All stood watching silently while papa tied the dolls back to back with
+the ribbon Kate pulled from her neck, then folded them carefully in
+strong brown paper, leaving their heads out that they might see the
+world as they went along. Being carefully fastened up with several turns
+of cord, Mr. Plum directed the precious parcel to "Miss Maria Plum,
+Portland, Maine. With care." Then it was weighed, stamped, and
+pronounced ready for the post.
+
+"I shall write and tell aunty they are coming, because she will want to
+be prepared for such distinguished visitors," said papa, taking up his
+pen with a glance at the six excited little faces round him.
+
+Silence reigned while the letter was written, and as he sealed it up Mr.
+Plum said solemnly, with his hand on the parcel:
+
+"For the last time, shall they go?"
+
+"Yes!" answered the Spartan mothers with one voice, while the other
+sisters danced round them, and Kate patted the curly heads approvingly.
+
+"Going, going, gone!" answered papa as he whisked on his coat and hat,
+and slammed the door behind him.
+
+The children clustered at the window to see him set out on this
+momentous errand, and he often looked back waving his umbrella at them,
+till he vanished round the corner, with a reassuring pat on the pocket
+out of which dear Do and Flo popped their heads for a last look at their
+sweet home.
+
+"Now let us take out poor old Lucinda and Rose Augusta to play with. I
+know their feelings were hurt at our leaving them for the new dolls,"
+said Maggie, rummaging in the baby-house, whither Margery soon followed
+her to reinstate the old darlings in the place of the departed new ones.
+
+"Safely off," reported Mr. Plum, when he came into tea, "and we may
+expect to hear from them in a week or two. Parcels go more slowly than
+letters, and this is Aunty's busy season, so wait patiently and see what
+will happen."
+
+"We will," said the little girls; and they did, but week after week went
+by and nothing was heard of the wanderers.
+
+We, however, can follow them and learn much that their anxious mothers
+never knew.
+
+As soon as Flora and Dora recovered from the bewilderment occasioned by
+the confusion of the post office, they found themselves in one of the
+many leathern mail bags rumbling Eastward. As it was perfectly dark they
+could not see their companions, so listened to the whispering and
+rustling that went on about them. The newspapers all talked politics,
+and some of them used such bad language that the dolls would have
+covered their ears, if their hands had not been tied down. The letters
+were better behaved and more interesting, for they told one another the
+news they carried, because nothing is private in America, and even
+gummed envelopes cannot keep gossip from leaking out.
+
+"It is very interesting, but I should enjoy it more if I was not
+grinding my nose against the rough side of this leather bag," whispered
+Dora, who lay undermost just then.
+
+"So should I, if a heavy book was not pinching my toes. I've tried to
+kick it away, but it won't stir, and keeps droning on about reports and
+tariffs and such dull things," answered Flora, with a groan.
+
+"Do you like travelling?" asked Dora, presently, when the letters and
+papers fell asleep, lulled by the motion of the cars.
+
+"Not yet, but I shall when I can look about me. This bundle near by says
+the mails are often sorted in the cars, and in that way we shall see
+something of the world, I hope," answered Flora, cheering up, for, like
+her mamma, she was of an enquiring turn.
+
+The dolls took a nap of some hours, and were roused by a general
+tumbling out on a long shelf, where many other parcels lay, and lively
+men sent letters and papers flying here and there as if a whirlwind was
+blowing. A long box lay beside the dolls who stood nearly erect leaning
+against a pile of papers. Several holes were cut in the lid, and out of
+one of them was thrust a little black nose, as if trying to get air.
+
+"Dear me! what can be in it?" said Flora, who was nearest.
+
+"I'm a poor little alligator, going to a boy in Chicago, if you please,
+and I want my mother," sobbed a voice from the box, and there was a rap
+on the lid as of an agitated tail.
+
+"Mercy on us! I hope we shall not have to travel with the monster,"
+whispered Dora, trying to see over her shoulder.
+
+"I'm not afraid. He can't be very dreadful, for the box is not any
+longer than we are. Natural history is very useful; I've heard mamma say
+so, and I shall talk with him while we rest here," answered Flo, nodding
+toward the eye which now took the place of the nose.
+
+So the little alligator told her something of his home on the banks of a
+great river, where he was just learning to play happily with his
+brothers and sisters, when he was caught and sent away to pine in
+captivity.
+
+The dolls comforted him as well as they could, and a pair of baby's
+shoes travelling in an envelope sympathized with him, while a shabby
+bundle directed to "Michael Dolan, at Mrs. Judy Quin's, next door to Mr.
+Pat Murphy, Boston, North street," told them to "Whisht and slape quite
+till they came forninst the place."
+
+"Such low people!" whispered Do to Flo, and both stood primly silent
+till they were tumbled into another mail bag, and went rattling on again
+with a new set of companions.
+
+"I hope that poor baby will go safely and the boy be good to him," said
+Flora, for the little alligator went with the live stock in some other
+way.
+
+"Thank goodness he didn't go with us! I shall dream about that black
+nose and winking eye, I'm sure. The dangers of travelling are great, but
+we are safe and comfortable now, I think," and Dora settled down in a
+cozy corner of the bag, wondering when they should reach Chicago.
+
+"I like adventures and hope we shall have some," answered Flora,
+briskly, little dreaming how soon her wish was to be granted.
+
+A few hours later there come a bump, a crash, a cry, and then all the
+mail bags rolled one over the other with the car down an embankment into
+a river.
+
+"Now we are dead!" shrieked the poor dolls, clinging together as they
+heard the splash of water, the shouting of men, the splintering of wood,
+and the hiss of steam.
+
+"Don't be frightened, ladies, mail bags are always looked after," said a
+large envelope with an official seal and the name of a Senator on it.
+
+"Any bones broken, dear madam?" asked a jaunty pink letter, with a scent
+of musk about it, evidently a love-letter.
+
+"I think one foot is hurt, and my clothes are dripping," sighed Dora,
+faintly.
+
+"Water won't hurt calico," called out a magazine full of fashion plates,
+adding dolefully, as its gay colors began to run, "I shall be in a nice
+mess if I ever get out of this. People will wear odd fashions if they
+follow me this time."
+
+"Hope they will telegraph news of this accident in time for the evening
+papers," said a dingy sheet called the "Barahoo Thunderbolt," as it lay
+atop of the heap in its yellow wrapper.
+
+"Be calm, my friends, and wait with fortitude for death or deliverance,
+as I do." With which philosophic remark "The St. Louis Cosmos" folded
+the pages which for the first time since the paper was started, were not
+dry.
+
+Here the water rose over the topmost letter and a moist silence
+prevailed till a sudden jerk fished up the bag, and before the dolls
+could recover their wits they were spread out on the floor of a mail car
+to dry, while several busy men sorted and saved such papers and letters
+as still held together.
+
+"Now we shall see something," said Flora, feeling the warm air blow over
+her as they spun along, for a slight accident like this did not delay
+the energetic Westerners a moment longer than absolutely necessary.
+
+"I can't see you, dear, but I hope you look better than I do, for the
+yellow of my hair has washed into my eyes and the red of my cheeks is
+quite gone, I'm sure," answered Dora, as her wet dress flopped in the
+breeze and the broken foot sticking up showed her that her blue boots
+were ruined.
+
+"I don't care a bit how I look. It's great fun now we are safe. Pop up
+your head and see the wide prairie flying past. I do hope that poor baby
+got away and swam home to his mother. The upset into the river was quite
+to his taste, I fancy," said Flora, who was much excited by her
+adventure and eager for more.
+
+Presently one of the men set the dolls up in the corner of a window to
+dry, and there they stood viewing the fine landscape with one eye while
+the other watched the scene of devastation within. Everything was in
+great confusion after the accident, so it is not strange that the dolls
+were not missed when they slowly slid lower and lower till a sudden
+lurch of the car sent them out of the window to roll into a green field
+where cows were feeding and children picking strawberries.
+
+"This is the end of us! Here we shall lie and mould forgotten by
+everybody," said Dora, who always took a tragical view of things.
+
+"Not a bit of it! I see cows eating toward us and they may give us a
+lift. I've heard of their tossing people up, though I don't know just
+how it's done. If they don't, we are in the path and some of those
+children are sure to find us," answered Flora cheerfully, though she
+stood on her head with a bunch of burrs pricking her nose.
+
+She was right. A bright-eyed little German girl presently came trotting
+along the path with a great basket full of berries on her head arranged
+in pretty pottles ready for the market. Seeing the red cow sniffing at a
+brown paper parcel she drove her away, picked it up and peeped in at the
+open end.
+
+The sight of two dolls in such a place made her feel as if fairies had
+dropped them there for her. She could not read the direction and hurried
+home to show her treasure to her brothers and sisters of whom there were
+eight.
+
+"What will become of us now!" exclaimed Dora, as eager hands slipped
+them out of the wrapper and smoothed their damp skirts in a room that
+seemed swarming with boys and girls of all sizes.
+
+"Don't worry, we shall get on nicely, I'm sure, and learn German of
+these young persons. It is a great relief to be able to stretch one's
+limbs and stand up, isn't it?" answered Flora, undismayed by anything
+that had happened as yet.
+
+"Yes, dear, I love you but I _am_ tired of being tied to you all day. I
+hope we shall live through this noise and get a little rest, but I give
+up the idea of ever seeing Portland," answered Dora, staring with all
+her blue eyes at the display of musical instruments about the room, and
+longing to stop her ears, for several of the children were playing on
+the violin, flute, horn or harp. They were street musicians, and even
+the baby seemed to be getting ready to take part in the concert, for he
+sat on the floor beside an immense bass horn taller than himself, with
+his rosy lips at the mouth piece and his cheeks puffed out in vain
+attempts to make a "boom! boom!" as brother Fritz did.
+
+Flora was delighted, and gave skips on her red boots in time to the
+lively tooting of the boys, while the girls gazed at the lovely dolls
+and jabbered away with their yellow braids quivering with excitement.
+
+The wrapper was laid aside till a neighbor who read English came in to
+translate it. Meantime they enjoyed the new toys immensely, and even
+despondent Dora was cheered up by the admiration she received; while
+they in their turn were deeply interested in the pretty dolls' furniture
+some of the children made.
+
+Beds, tables and chairs covered the long bench, and round it sat the
+neat-handed little maidens gluing, tacking and trimming, while they sang
+and chatted at their work as busy and happy as a hive of bees.
+
+All day the boys went about the streets playing, and in the evening
+trooped off to the beer gardens to play again, for they lived in
+Chicago, and the dolls had got so far on their way to Aunt Maria, as
+they soon discovered.
+
+For nearly two months they lived happily with Minna, Gretchen and
+Nanerl, then they set out on their travels again, and this was the way
+it happened. A little girl came to order a set of furniture for her new
+baby-house, and seeing two shabby dolls reposing in a fine bed she asked
+about them. Her mamma spoke German so Minna told how they were found,
+and showed the old wrapper, saying that they always meant to send the
+dolls on their way but grew so fond of them they kept putting it off.
+
+"I am going as far as New York very soon and will take them along if you
+like, for I think little Miss Maria Plum must have been expecting her
+dolls all this time. Shall I?" asked the mamma, as she read the address
+and saw the dash under "With care," as if the dollies were of great
+importance to some one.
+
+"Ja, ja," answered Minna, glad to oblige a lady who bought two whole
+sets of their best furniture and paid for it at once.
+
+So again the dolls were put in their brown paper cover and sent away
+with farewell kisses.
+
+"This now is genteel and just suits me," said Dora, as they drove along
+with little Clara to the handsome house where she was staying.
+
+"I have a feeling that she is a spoilt child, and we shall not be as
+happy with her as with the dear Poppleheimers. We shall see," answered
+Flora, wisely, for Clara had soon tossed the dolls into a corner and was
+fretting because mamma would not buy her the big horn to blow on.
+
+The party started for New York in a day or two, and to the delight of
+Flo and Do they were left out of the trunks for Clara to play with on
+the way, her own waxen Blanche Marie Annabel being too delicate to be
+used.
+
+"Oh my patience, this is worse than tumbling about in a mail-bag,"
+groaned Dora, after hours of great suffering, for Clara treated the poor
+dolls as if they had no feeling.
+
+She amused herself with knocking their heads together, shutting them in
+the window with their poor legs hanging out, swinging them by one arm,
+and drawing lines with a pencil all over their faces till they looked as
+if tattooed by savages. Even brave Flora was worn out and longed for
+rest, finding her only comfort in saying, "I told you so," when Clara
+banged them about, or dropped them on the dusty floor to be trampled on
+by passing feet.
+
+There they were left, and would have been swept away if a little dog had
+not found them as the passengers were leaving the car and carried them
+after his master, trotting soberly along with the bundle in his mouth,
+for fortunately Clara had put them into the paper before she left them,
+so they were still together in the trials of the journey.
+
+"Hullo, Jip, what have you got?" asked the young man as the little dog
+jumped up on the carriage seat and laid his load on his master's knee,
+panting and wagging his tail as if he had done something to be praised
+for.
+
+"Dolls, I declare! What can a bachelor do with the poor things? Wonder
+who Maria Plum is? Midge will like a look at them before we send them
+along;" and into the young man's pocket they went, trembling with fear
+of the dog, but very grateful for being rescued from destruction.
+
+Jip kept his eye on them, and gave an occasional poke with his cold nose
+to be sure they were there as they drove through the bustling streets of
+New York to a great house with an inscription over the door.
+
+"I do hope Midge will be a nicer girl than Clara. Children ought to be
+taught to be kind to dumb dolls as well as dumb animals," said Dora, as
+the young man ran up the steps and hurried along a wide hall.
+
+"I almost wish we were at home with our own kind little mothers," began
+Flo, for even her spirits were depressed by bad treatment, but just then
+a door opened and she cried out in amazement, "Bless my heart, this man
+has more children than even Mr. Poppleheimer!"
+
+She might well think so, for all down both sides of the long room stood
+little white beds with a small pale face on every pillow. All the eyes
+that were open brightened when Jip and his master came in, and several
+thin hands were outstretched to meet them.
+
+"I've been good, Doctor, let me pat him first," cried one childish
+voice.
+
+"Did you bring me a flower, please?" asked another feeble one.
+
+"I know he's got something nice for us, I see a bundle in his pocket,"
+and a little fellow who sat up among his pillows gave a joyful cough as
+he could not shout.
+
+"Two dollies for Midge to play with. Jip found them, but I think the
+little girl they are going to will lend them for a few days. We shall
+not need them longer I'm afraid," added the young man to a rosy faced
+nurse who came along with a bottle in her hand.
+
+"Dear no, the poor child is very low to-day. But she will love to look
+at the babies if she isn't strong enough to hold 'em," said the woman,
+leading the way to a corner where the palest of all the pale faces lay
+smiling on the pillow, and the thinnest of the thin hands were feebly
+put up to greet the Doctor.
+
+"So nice!" she whispered when the dolls were laid beside her, while Jip
+proudly beat his tail on the floor to let her know that she owed the
+welcome gift to him.
+
+For an hour Flo and Do lay on the arm of poor Midge who never moved
+except to touch them now and then with a tender little finger, or to
+kiss them softly, saying, "Dear babies, it is very nice not to be all
+alone. Are you comfy, darlings?" till she fell asleep still smiling.
+
+"Sister, do you think this can be the Heaven we hear people talk about?
+It is so still and white, and may be these children are angels,"
+whispered Dora, looking at the sweet face turned toward her with the
+long lashes lying on the colorless cheek, and the arms outstretched like
+wings.
+
+"No, dear, it is a hospital, I heard that man say so, and those are sick
+children come to be cured. It is a sweet place, I think, and this child
+much nicer than that horrid Clara," answered Flo, who was quicker to
+hear, see and understand what went on than Dora.
+
+"I love to lie here safe and warm, but there doesn't seem to be much
+breath to rock me," said Do, who lay nearest the little bosom that very
+slowly rose and fell with the feeble flutter of the heart below.
+
+"Hush, we may disturb her," and lively Flo controlled her curiosity,
+contenting herself with looking at the other children and listening to
+their quiet voices, for pain seemed to have hushed them all.
+
+For a week the dolls lay in Midge's bed, and though their breasts were
+full of saw-dust and their heads were only wood, the sweet patience of
+the little creature seemed to waken something like a heart in them, and
+set them thinking, for dolls don't live in vain, I am firmly persuaded.
+
+All day she tended them till the small hands could no longer hold them,
+and through the weary nights she tried to murmur bits of lullabies lest
+the dollies would not be able to sleep because of the crying or the
+moans some of the poor babies could not repress. She often sent one or
+the other to cheer up some little neighbor, and in this way Do and Flo
+became small sisters of charity, welcomed eagerly, reluctantly returned,
+and loved by all, although they never uttered a word and their dingy
+faces could not express the emotion that stirred their saw-dust bosoms.
+
+When Saturday night came they were laid in their usual place on Midge's
+arm. She was too weak to kiss them now, and nurse laid their battered
+cheeks against the lips that whispered faintly, "Be sure you send 'em to
+the little girl, and tell her--tell her--all about it." Then she turned
+her cheek to the pillow with a little sigh and lay so still the dolls
+thought she had gone to sleep.
+
+She had, but the sweet eyes did not open in the morning, and there was
+no breath in the little breast to rock the dolls any more.
+
+"I knew she was an angel, and now she has flown away," said Dora softly,
+as they watched the white image carried out in the weeping nurse's
+arms, with the early sunshine turning all the pretty hair to gold.
+
+"I think that is what they call dying, sister. It is a much lovelier way
+to end than as we do in the dust bin or rag-bag. I wonder if there is a
+little Heaven anywhere for good dolls?" answered Flora, with what looked
+like a tear on her cheek; but it was only a drop from the violets sent
+by the kind Doctor last night.
+
+"I hope so, for I think the souls of little children might miss us if
+they loved us as dear Midge did," whispered Dora, trying to kiss the
+blue flower in her hand, for the child had shared her last gift with
+these friends.
+
+"Why didn't you let her take them along, poor motherless baby?" asked
+the doctor when he saw the dolls lying as she had left them.
+
+"I promised her they should go to the girl they were sent to, and
+please, I'd like to keep my word to the little darling," answered Nurse
+with a sob.
+
+"You shall," said the Doctor, and put them in his breast pocket with the
+faded violets, for everybody loved the pauper child sent to die in a
+hospital, because Christian charity makes every man and woman father and
+mother to these little ones.
+
+All day the dolls went about in the busy Doctor's pocket, and I think
+the violets did them good, for the soft perfume clung to them long
+afterward like the memory of a lovely life, as short and sweet as that
+of the flowers.
+
+In the evening they were folded up in a fresh paper and re-directed
+carefully. The Doctor wrote a little note telling why he had kept them,
+and was just about to put on some stamps when a friend came in who was
+going to Boston in the morning.
+
+"Anything to take along, Fred?" asked the newcomer.
+
+"This parcel, if you will. I have a feeling that I'd rather not have it
+knock about in a mail-bag," and the Doctor told him why.
+
+It was pleasant to see how carefully the traveller put away the parcel
+after that, and to hear him say that he was going through Boston to the
+mountains for his holiday, and would deliver it in Portland to Miss Plum
+herself.
+
+"Now there is some chance of our getting there," said Flora, as they set
+off next day in a new Russia leather bag.
+
+On the way they overheard a long chat between some New York and Boston
+ladies which impressed them very much. Flora liked to hear the
+fashionable gossip about clothes and people and art and theatres, but
+Dora preferred the learned conversation of the young Boston ladies, who
+seemed to know a little of everything, or think they did.
+
+"I hope Mamma will give me an entirely new wardrobe when I get home; and
+we will have dolls' weddings and balls, and a play, and be as fine and
+fashionable as those ladies down there," said Flora, after listening a
+while.
+
+"You have got your head full of dressy ideas and high life, sister. I
+don't care for such things, but mean to cultivate my mind as fast as I
+can. That girl says she is in college, and named over more studies than
+I can count. I do wish we were to stop and see a little of the refined
+society of Boston," answered Dora, primly.
+
+"Pooh!" said Flo, "don't you try to be intellectual, for you are only a
+wooden-headed doll. I mean to be a real Westerner, and just enjoy myself
+as I please, without caring what other folks do or think. Boston is no
+better than the rest of the world, I guess."
+
+Groans from every article in the bag greeted this disrespectful speech,
+and an avalanche of Boston papers fell upon the audacious doll. But Flo
+was undaunted, and shouted from underneath the pile: "I don't care!
+Minnesota forever!" till her breath gave out.
+
+Dora was so mortified that she never said a word till they were let out
+in a room at the Parker House. Here she admired everything, and read all
+the evening in a volume of Emerson's Poems from the bag, for Mr. Mt.
+Vernon Beacon was a Boston man, and never went anywhere without a wise
+book or two in his pocket.
+
+Flo turned up her nose at all she saw, and devoted herself to a long
+chat with the smart bag which came from New York and was full of gossip.
+
+The next afternoon they really got to Portland, and as soon as Mr.
+Beacon had made his toilet he set out to find little Miss Plum. When the
+parlor door opened to admit her he was much embarrassed, for, advancing
+with a paternal smile and the dolls extended to the expected child, he
+found himself face to face with a pretty young lady, who looked as if
+she thought him a little mad.
+
+A few words explained the errand, however, and when she read the note
+Aunt Maria's bright eyes were full of tears as she said, hugging the
+dilapidated dolls:
+
+"I'll write the story of their travels, and send the dear old things
+back to the children as soon as possible."
+
+And so she did with Mr. Beacon's help, for he decided to try the air of
+Portland, and spent his vacation there. The dolls were re-painted and
+re-dressed till they were more beautiful than ever, and their clothes
+fine enough to suit even Flo.
+
+They were a good while doing this, and when all was ready, Aunt Maria
+took it into her head to run out to St. Paul and surprise the children.
+By a singular coincidence Mr. Beacon had railroad business in that
+direction, so they set off together, with two splendid dolls done up in
+a gay box.
+
+All that was ever known about that journey was that these travellers
+stopped at the hospital in New York, and went on better friends than
+before after hearing from the good Doctor all the pathetic story of
+little Midge.
+
+The young Plums had long ago given up the hope of ever seeing Do and Flo
+again, for they started in June and it was early in September when Aunt
+Maria appeared before them without the least warning, accompanied by a
+pleasant gentleman from Boston.
+
+Six kisses had hardly resounded from Aunty's blooming cheeks when a most
+attractive box was produced from the Russia leather bag, and the
+wandering dolls restored to the arms of their enraptured mammas.
+
+A small volume neatly written and adorned with a few pictures of the
+most exciting incidents of the trip also appeared.
+
+"Every one writes or prints a book in Boston, you know, so we did both,"
+said Aunt Maria, laughing, as she handed over the remarkable history
+which she had composed and Mr. Beacon illustrated.
+
+It was read with intense interest, and was as true as most stories are
+nowadays.
+
+"Nothing more delightful can happen now!" exclaimed the children, as
+they laid by the precious work and enthroned the travelled dolls in the
+place of honor on the roof of the baby-house.
+
+But something much more delightful did happen; for at Thanksgiving time
+there was a wedding at the Plums'. Not a doll's wedding, as Flo had
+planned, but a real one, for the gentleman from Boston actually married
+Aunt Maria.
+
+There were six bridesmaids, all in blue, and Flora and Dora, in the
+loveliest of new pink gowns, were set aloft among the roses on the
+wedding-cake, their proper place as everyone said, for there never would
+have been any marriage at all but for this Doll's Journey From Minnesota
+to Maine.
+
+
+
+
+VI.
+
+MORNING-GLORIES.
+
+
+"What's that?"--and Daisy sat up in her little bed to listen; for she
+had never heard a sound like it before.
+
+It was very early, and the house was still. The sun was just rising, and
+the morning-glories at the window were turning their blue and purple
+cups to catch the welcome light. The sky was full of rosy clouds; dew
+shone like diamonds on the waving grass, and the birds were singing as
+they only sing at dawn. But softer, sweeter than any bird-voice was the
+delicate music which Daisy heard. So airy and gay was the sound, it
+seemed impossible to lie still with that fairy dancing-tune echoing
+through the room. Out of bed scrambled Daisy, her sleepy eyes opening
+wider and wider with surprise and pleasure as she listened and wondered.
+
+"Where is it?" she said, popping her head out of the window. The
+morning-glories only danced lightly on their stems, the robins chirped
+shrilly in the garden below, and the wind gave Daisy a kiss; but none of
+them answered her, and still the lovely music sounded close beside her.
+
+"It's a new kind of bird, perhaps; or maybe it's a fairy hidden
+somewhere. Oh, if it _is_ how splendid it will be!" cried Daisy; and she
+began to look carefully in all the colored cups, under the leaves of the
+woodbine, and in the wren's nest close by. There was neither fairy nor
+bird to be seen; and Daisy stood wondering, when a voice cried out from
+below:
+
+"Why, little nightcap, what brings you out of your bed so early?"
+
+"O Aunt Wee! do you hear it--that pretty music playing somewhere near! I
+can't find it; but I think it's a fairy, don't you?" said Daisy, looking
+down at the young lady standing in the garden with her hands full of
+roses.
+
+Aunt Wee listened, smiled, and shook her head.
+
+"Don't you remember you said last night that you thought the world a
+very stupid, grown-up place, because there were no giants and fairies in
+it now? Well, perhaps there _are_ fairies, and they are going to show
+themselves to you, if you watch well."
+
+Daisy clapped her hands, and danced about on her little bare feet; for,
+of all things in the world, she most wanted to see a fairy.
+
+"What must I do to find them, Aunt Wee?" she cried, popping out her head
+again with her cap half off, and her curly hair blowing in the wind.
+
+"Why, you see, they frolic all night, and go to sleep at dawn; so we
+must get up very early, if we want to catch the elves awake. They are
+such delicate, fly-away little things, and we are so big and clumsy, we
+shall have to look carefully, and perhaps hunt a long time before we
+find even one," replied Aunt Wee, very gravely.
+
+"Mamma says I'm quick at finding things; and you know all about fairies,
+so I guess we'll catch one. Can't we begin now? It's very early, and
+this music has waked me up; so I don't want to sleep any more. Will you
+begin to hunt now?"
+
+"But you don't like to get up early, or to walk in the fields; and, if
+we mean to catch a fairy, we must be up and out by sunrise every fair
+morning till we get one. Can you do this, lazy Daisy?" And Aunt Wee
+smiled to herself as if something pleased her very much.
+
+"Oh! I will, truly, get up, and not fret a bit, if you'll only help me
+look. Please come now to dress me, and see if you can find what makes
+the music."
+
+Daisy was very much in earnest, and in such a hurry to be off that she
+could hardly stand still to have her hair brushed, and thought there
+were a great many unnecessary buttons and strings on her clothes that
+day. Usually she lay late, got up slowly and fretted at every thing as
+little girls are apt to do when they have had too much sleep. She wasn't
+a rosy, stout Daisy; but had been ill, and had fallen into a way of
+thinking she couldn't do anything but lie about, reading fairy-tales,
+and being petted by every one. Mamma and papa had tried all sorts of
+things to amuse and do her good; for she was their only little daughter,
+and they loved her very dearly. But nothing pleased her long; and she
+lounged about, pale and fretful, till Aunt Laura came. Daisy called her
+"Wee" when she was a baby, and couldn't talk plainly; and she still used
+the name because it suited the cheery little aunt so well.
+
+"I don't see anything, and the music has stopped. I think some elf just
+came to wake you up, and then flew away; so we won't waste any more time
+in looking here," said Wee, as she finished dressing Daisy, who flew
+about like a Will-o'-the-wisp all the while.
+
+"Do you think it will come again to-morrow?" asked Daisy anxiously.
+
+"I dare say you'll hear it, if you wake in time. Now get your hat, and
+we will see what we can find down by the brook. I saw a great many
+fireflies there last night, and fancy there was a ball; so we may find
+some drowsy elf among the buttercups and clover."
+
+Away rushed Daisy for her hat, and soon was walking gayly down the green
+lane, looking about her as if she had never been there before; for every
+thing seemed wonderfully fresh and lovely.
+
+"How pink the clouds are, and how the dew twinkles in the grass! I never
+saw it so before," she said.
+
+"Because by the time you are up the pretty pink clouds are gone, and the
+thirsty grass has drank the dew, or the sun has drawn it up to fall
+again at night for the flowers' evening bath," replied Wee, watching the
+soft color that began to touch Daisy's pale cheeks.
+
+"I think we'd better look under that cobweb spread like a tent over the
+white clovers. A fairy would be very likely to creep in there and
+sleep."
+
+Daisy knelt down and peeped carefully; but all she saw was a little
+brown spider, who looked very much surprised to see visitors so early.
+
+"I don't like spiders," said Daisy, much disappointed.
+
+"There are things about spiders as interesting to hear as fairy tales,"
+said Wee. "This is Mrs. Epeira Diadema; and she is a respectable,
+industrious little neighbor. She spreads her tent, but sits under a leaf
+near by, waiting for her breakfast. She wraps her eggs in a soft silken
+bag, and hides them in some safe chink, where they lie till spring. The
+eggs are prettily carved and ornamented, and so hard that the baby
+spiders have to force their way out by biting the shell open and poking
+their little heads through. The mother dies as soon as her eggs are
+safely placed, and the spiderlings have to take care of themselves."
+
+"How do you know about it, Aunt Wee? You talk as if Mrs. Eppyra--or
+whatever her name is--had told you herself. Did she?" asked Daisy,
+feeling more interested in the brown spider.
+
+"No; I read it in a book, and saw pictures of the eggs, web, and family.
+I had a live one in a bottle; and she spun silken ladders all up and
+down, and a little room to sleep in. She ate worms and bugs, and was
+very amiable and interesting till she fell ill and died."
+
+"I should like to see the book; and have a spider-bottle, so I could
+take care of the poor little orphans when they are born. Good-by, ma'am.
+I shall call again; for you are 'most as good as a fairy there in your
+pretty tent, with a white clover for your bed."
+
+Daisy walked on a few steps, and then stopped to say:
+
+"What does that bird mean by calling 'Hurry up, hurry up?' He keeps
+flying before us, and looking back as if he wanted to show me
+something."
+
+"Let me hear what he says. I may be able to understand him, or the
+bob-o-link that swings on the alder by the brook."
+
+Wee listened a moment, while the birds twittered and chirped with all
+their hearts. Presently Wee sang in a tone very like the bob-o-link's:
+
+        "Daisy and Wee,
+        Come here, and see
+    What a dainty feast is spread:
+        Down in the grass
+        Where fairies pass,
+    Here are berries ripe and red.
+
+        "All wet with dew,
+        They wait for you:
+    Come hither, and eat your fill,
+        While I gayly sing,
+        In my airy swing,
+    And the sun climbs up the hill."
+
+"Did he really say that?" cried Daisy, watching the bob-o-link, who sat
+swaying up and down on the green bough, and nodding his white-capped
+head at her in the most friendly manner.
+
+"Perhaps I didn't translate it rightly; for it is very hard to put
+bird-notes into our language, because we haven't words soft and sweet
+enough. But I really think there are berries over there, and we will see
+if what he says is true," said Wee.
+
+Over the wall they went, and there, on a sunny bank, found a bed of the
+reddest, ripest berries ever seen.
+
+"Thank you, thank you, for telling me to hurry up, and showing me such a
+splendid feast," said Daisy, with her mouth full, as she nodded back at
+the birds. "These are so much sweeter than those we buy. I'd carry some
+home to mamma, if I only had a basket."
+
+"You can pick this great leaf full, while I make you a basket," said
+Wee.
+
+Daisy soon filled the leaf, and then sat watching her aunt plait a
+pretty basket of rushes. While she waited she looked about, and kept
+finding something curious or pleasant to interest and amuse her. First
+she saw a tiny rainbow in a dewdrop that hung on a blade of grass; then
+she watched a frisky calf come down to drink on the other side of the
+brook, and laughed to see him scamper away with his tail in the air.
+Close by grew a pitcher-plant; and a yellow butterfly sat on the edge,
+bathing its feet, Daisy said. Presently she discovered a little ground
+bird sitting on her nest, and peeping anxiously, as if undecided whether
+to fly away or trust her.
+
+"I won't hurt you, little mother. Don't be afraid," whispered the child;
+and, as if it understood, the bird settled down on her nest with a
+comfortable chirp, while its mate hopped up to give her a nice plump
+worm for breakfast.
+
+"I love birds. Tell me something about them, Aunt Wee. You must know
+many things; for they like you, and come when you call."
+
+"Once upon a time," began Wee, while her fingers flew and the pretty
+basket grew, "there was a great snow-storm, and all the country was
+covered with a thick white quilt. It froze a little, so one could walk
+over it, and I went out for a run. Oh, so cold it was, with a sharp
+wind, and no sun or any thing green to make it pleasant! I went far away
+over the fields, and sat down to rest. While I sat there, a little bird
+came by, and stopped to rest also.
+
+"'How do you do?' said I.
+
+"'Chick-a-dee-dee,' said he.
+
+"'A cold day,' said I.
+
+"'Chick-a-dee-dee,' said he.
+
+"'Aren't you afraid of starving, now the ground is covered and the trees
+are bare?'
+
+"'Chick-a-dee-dee, ma'am, chick-a-dee-dee!'" answered the bird in the
+same cheerful tone. And it sounded as if he said, 'I shall be cared for.
+I'm not afraid.'
+
+"'What will you eat? There's nothing here or for miles round. I really
+think you'll starve, birdie,' said I.
+
+"Then he laughed, and gave me a merry look as he lit on a tall, dry weed
+near by. He shook it hard with his little bill; when down fell a shower
+of seeds, and there was dinner all ready on a snow-white cloth. All the
+while he ate he kept looking up at me with his quick, bright eyes; and,
+when he had done, he said, as plainly as a bird could say it:
+
+    "'Cold winds may blow,
+        And snows may fall,
+      But well we know
+        God cares for all.'"
+
+"I like that little story, and shall always think of it when I hear the
+chick-a-dee-dee." Daisy sat a moment with a thoughtful look in her eyes;
+then she said slowly, as if sorry for the words:
+
+"It isn't a stupid, grown-up world. It's a very pleasant, young world;
+and I like it a great deal better this morning than I did last night."
+
+"I'm glad of that; and, even if we don't find our fairy to-day, you will
+have found some sunshine, Daisy, and that is almost as good. Now put in
+the berries, and we'll go on."
+
+How they hunted! They climbed trees to peep into squirrel-holes and
+birds'-nests; they chased bees and butterflies to ask for news of the
+elves; they waded in the brook, hoping to catch a water-sprite; they ran
+after thistle-down, fancying a fairy might be astride; they searched the
+flowers and ferns, questioned sun and wind, listened to robin and
+thrush; but no one could tell them any thing of the little people,
+though all had gay and charming bits of news about themselves. And Daisy
+thought the world got younger and happier every minute.
+
+When they came in to breakfast, papa and mamma looked at Daisy, and then
+nodded with a smile at Aunt Wee; for, though Daisy's frock was soiled,
+her boots wet, and her hair tumbled, her cheeks were rosy, eyes bright,
+and voice so cheerful that they thought it better music than any in the
+summer world without.
+
+"Hunting fairies is a pleasant play, isn't it, Daisy?" said papa, as he
+tasted the berries, and admired the green basket.
+
+"Oh, yes! and we are going again to-morrow. Aunt Wee says we must try
+seven days at least. I like it, and mean to keep on till I really find
+my fairy."
+
+"I think you will find something better than 'little vanishers,' dear,"
+said mamma, filling up the bowl of bread and milk which Daisy was fast
+emptying; for she certainly _had_ found an appetite.
+
+"There it is again!" cried Daisy, flying out of bed the next morning
+still earlier than the day before. Yes, there it was, the fairy music,
+as blithe and sweet as ever; and the morning-glories rung their delicate
+bells as if keeping time. Daisy felt rather sleepy, but remembered her
+promise to Aunt Wee, and splashed into her tub, singing the bob-o-link's
+song as she bathed.
+
+"Where shall we go to-day?" she asked, as they went out into the garden.
+
+"I think we'd better try a new place; so we'll go to the farmyard; and,
+while we feed the hens, I'll listen to their chat, and perhaps can learn
+something from it," replied Wee soberly.
+
+"Do hens know about fairies? I thought they were very dull things, and
+didn't care for any thing but eating corn and laying eggs," said Daisy,
+surprised.
+
+"Oh, dear, no! they are very sensible creatures, and see a deal of the
+world in their daily walks. Hunting for insects gives them an excellent
+chance to see fairies, if there are any. Here is some corn for the
+biddies; and, after we have fed them, we will look for eggs, and so may
+find a brownie or two."
+
+Such a clatter as there was when they came to the barnyard; for every
+thing was just awake, and in the best spirits. Ducks were paddling off
+to the pond; geese to the meadow; and meek gray guinea-hens tripping
+away to hunt bugs in the garden. A splendid cock stood on the wall, and
+crowed so loud and clear that all the neighboring chanticleers replied.
+The motherly hens clucked and scratched with their busy broods about
+them, or sat and scolded in the coops because the chicks would gad
+abroad. Doves cooed on the sunny roof, and smoothed their gleaming
+feathers. Daisy's donkey nibbled a thistle by the wall, and a stately
+peacock marched before the door with all his plumage spread. It made
+Daisy laugh to see the airs the fowls put on as she scattered corn, and
+threw meal and water to the chicks. Some pushed and gobbled; some stood
+meekly outside the crowd, and got what they could; others seized a
+mouthful, and ran away to eat it in a corner. The chicks got into the
+pan entirely, and tumbled one over the other in their hurry to eat; but
+the mammas saw that none went hungry. And the polite cock waited upon
+them in the most gentlemanly manner, making queer little clucks and
+gurgles as if he said:
+
+"Allow me, madam, to offer you this kernel;" or, "Here, my dear, try
+that bit." And sometimes he pecked a little, with a loud quaver,
+evidently saying, "Come, come, children, behave yourselves, and don't
+eat like pigs."
+
+"What is she saying?" asked Daisy, pointing to an old gray hen in a
+black turban, who was walking about alone, muttering to herself, as hens
+often do in their promenades.
+
+"She says a cat has made a nest, and hatched three kits up on the loft,
+near her own nest; and she doesn't like it, because their mewing annoys
+her," said Wee, after listening a minute.
+
+"How nice! let's go and find them. But do you learn anything about the
+fairies from the hen's chat?"
+
+"No: they have been so busy setting, they have had no time for picnics
+yet. But they will let us know, if they discover any."
+
+In the barn, the cows were being milked; and Daisy had a mugful of it,
+warm and sweet, out of the foaming pail.
+
+"We'll take some to Mrs. Purr; for, I dare say, she doesn't like to
+leave the kits long, and will enjoy a sip of something comfortable,"
+said Wee, as Daisy climbed the ladder, and went rustling over the hay
+to a corner, whence came a joyful "Mew!" What a charming sight it was,
+to be sure! a snow-white cat lying in a cosy nest, and, by her, three
+snow-white kits, wagging three very small gray tails.
+
+"There never was any thing so lovely!" cried Daisy, as she sat with the
+three downy balls in her lap, while the mamma gratefully lapped the new
+milk from Aunt Wee's cup.
+
+"Are they better than fairies?"
+
+"Almost: for I know about pussies, and can cuddle them; but I couldn't a
+fairy, you know, and they might be afraid of me. These dears are not
+afraid, and I shall have such fun with them as they grow up. What
+_shall_ we name them, auntie?"
+
+"Snowball, Patpaw, and Wagtail would do, I think," said Wee, stroking
+the cat, who rubbed against her, purring very loud.
+
+"Yes: I like those names for my pets. But what is Mrs. Purr saying, with
+her mouth up to your ear?" asked Daisy, who firmly believed that Aunt
+Wee knew every thing.
+
+"She tells me that when she went on a grasshopper hunt the other day, as
+she ran through the meadow, she saw some lovely creatures all in blue,
+with gauze wings, flying about over the river, and sitting in the
+water-lilies. She thinks they may be fairies, and advises us to go and
+look."
+
+"So we will to-morrow," said Daisy. "Ask her, please, if I may take the
+kits into the house, if I'll be very careful and give them a nice big
+bed to sleep in."
+
+"She says you may; but she must go too, else the kits will cry," said
+Wee, after listening to Pussy's purr a minute.
+
+Much pleased with her new pets, Daisy took them in her apron, and,
+followed by their confiding mamma, marched to the house, and established
+them in the old cradle which used to be hers. Pussy got in also; and,
+when they were settled on a soft cushion, Daisy rocked them gently to
+and fro. At first Mrs. Purr opened her yellow eyes, and looked rather
+anxious: but, as nothing uncomfortable happened, she composed herself,
+and soon quite liked the motion; for she fell asleep, and made a pretty
+picture as she lay with her downy white babies on her downy white
+breast.
+
+When the sun rose next morning, he saw Daisy and Wee floating down the
+river in their boat. "Bless me! here's company," said the sun, and began
+at once to make them welcome in his most charming manner. He set the
+waves to sparkling with a sudden shimmer; he shot long rays of light
+through the dark hemlocks, till they looked like fairy trees; he touched
+Daisy's hair and it turned to gold; he chased away the shadows that
+lurked among the hills; he drew up the misty curtain that hovered over
+the river; and, with the warmth of his kisses, waked the sleeping
+lilies.
+
+"Look, look, Aunt Wee! how they open, one by one, as the light shines on
+them! We shan't have to wait any longer; for they get up with the sun,
+as you do." As she spoke, Daisy caught a half-open lily, and drew it up,
+fragrant and dripping, fresh from its sleep.
+
+"They look like a fleet of fairy ships, anchored in this quiet harbor,
+with sails half furled, and crews asleep. See the little sailors, in
+their yellow jackets, lifting up their heads as the wind blows its
+whistle, like a boatswain, to 'pipe all hands.'"
+
+Daisy laughed at Aunt Wee's fancy, and stirred up the crew of the
+Water-sprite, as she called her flower, till the white sails were all
+set, and it was ready for a summer voyage.
+
+"It is time we saw the fairies in blue, unless old Madam Purr deceived
+us. I hope we _shall_ find one; for, though I enjoy every thing we see,
+I do want my elf too."
+
+"What is that?" cried Wee; and Daisy flew up so quickly that the boat
+rocked like a cradle. A slender creature, in a blue dress, with gauzy
+wings, darted by, and vanished among the rushes that nodded by the bank.
+
+"Go nearer,--softly! softly!--and maybe it will fly out again. I really
+think it was a fairy; for I never saw any thing like it before,"
+whispered Daisy, much excited.
+
+Wee rowed in among the green rushes and purple water-weeds, and out flew
+half-a-dozen of the blue-bodied creatures. They didn't seem afraid, but
+skimmed about the boat, as if curious to see what it was; and Daisy sat,
+and stared with all her might. Presently one of the lovely things lit on
+the lily in her hand, and she held her breath to watch it. A little
+shadow of disappointment passed over her face as she looked; but it was
+gone at once, and her voice was full of delight as she said softly:
+
+"It's not a fairy, Aunt Wee; but it is very beautiful, with its slender
+blue body, its lacy wings, and bright eyes. What name does it have?"
+
+"We call it a dragon-fly; and it could tell you a pretty little story
+about itself, could you understand it. In May the tiny eggs are dropped
+on the water, and sink to the bottom, where little creatures are
+born,--ugly, brown things, with six legs and no wings. They feed on
+water-insects, and for a long time swim about in this state. When ready,
+they climb up the stem of some plant, and sit in the sun till the ugly
+brown shells drop away, and the lovely winged creatures appear. They
+grow in an hour to be perfect dragon-flies, and float away to lead happy
+lives in the sunshine by the river."
+
+As if only waiting till the story was done, the dragon-fly flew off with
+a whirr, and darted to and fro, hunting for its breakfast, glittering
+splendidly as it flashed among the leaves or darted close above the
+water. Daisy forgot her disappointment in a minute, and went fishing for
+lilies; while the turtles came up to sun themselves on the rocks, the
+merry little tadpoles wiggled in the shallow places, and a wild duck
+paddled by with a brood of ducklings following in her wake.
+
+"Oh, dear! it rains; and we can't go fairy-hunting at all," said Daisy
+next morning, as the patter on the window-pane woke her up, and Aunt Wee
+came in to dress her.
+
+"Yes, we can, dear; jump up, and see what a funny place I'll take you
+to."
+
+Daisy thought the rain would be a capital excuse for lying in bed; for
+she still liked to cuddle and drowse in her cosey, warm nest. But she
+was curious to know where the curious place was; so she got up and
+followed.
+
+"Why, Aunt Wee, this is the garret; and there isn't any thing nice or
+funny here," she said, as they climbed the stairs, and came into the big
+attic, filled with all manner of old things.
+
+"Isn't there? We'll soon see." And so they did: for Aunt Wee began to
+play; and presently Daisy was shouting with fun as she sat on an old
+saddle, with a hair-covered trunk for a horse, a big old-fashioned
+bonnet on her head, and a red silk petticoat for a habit. Then they went
+to sea in a great chest, and got wrecked on a desert island, where they
+built a fort with boxes and bags, hunted bears with rusty guns, and had
+to eat dried berries, herbs and nuts; for no other food could be found.
+Aunt Wee got an old fiddle, and had a dancing-school, where Daisy
+capered till she was tired. So they rummaged out some dusty books, and
+looked at pictures so quietly that a little mouse came out of a drawer
+and peeped about, thinking no one was there.
+
+"Let's find the nest, since we don't find any fairy," said Wee; and,
+opening the drawer, she turned over the things till she came to a pair
+of old velvet shoes; and there in the toe of one, nicely cuddled under a
+bit of flannel, lay four pink mites, which woke up, and stretched their
+tiny legs, and squeaked such small squeaks one could hardly hear them.
+
+"How cunning they are! I wish they would let me put them with the kits,
+and have a nursery full of babies. Wouldn't it be nice to see them all
+grow up?" said Daisy.
+
+"I'm afraid they wouldn't grow up, if Mrs. Purr lived with them," began
+Wee, but got no further; for just then the cat bounced into the drawer,
+and ate up the mouselings in four mouthfuls. Daisy screamed; the
+mother-mouse gave a doleful squeak, and ran into a hole; and Aunt Wee
+tried to save the little ones. But it was too late: Purr had got her
+breakfast, and sat washing her face after it, as if she had enjoyed it.
+
+"Never mind, Daisy: she would have caught them by and by, and it's as
+well to have them taken care of before they do any harm. There is the
+bell: don't cry, but come and tell papa what a fine romp we've had."
+
+"It doesn't rain, but it's dreadfully wet; so we'll go to the dairy, and
+see if any sprites are hiding there," said Wee next day; and to the
+dairy they went.
+
+A pleasant place it was,--so clean and cool, and as full of sweet odors
+as if the ghosts of buttercups and clover still haunted the milk which
+they had helped to make. Dolly was churning, and Polly was making up
+butter in nice little pats. Both were very kind, and let Daisy peep
+everywhere. All round on white shelves stood the shining pans, full of
+milk; the stone floor was wet; and a stream of water ran along a narrow
+bed through the room, and in it stood jars of butter, pots of cream, and
+cans of milk. The window was open, and hop-vines shook their green bells
+before it. The birds sang outside, and maids sang inside, as the churn
+and the wooden spatters kept time:
+
+    "Brindle and Bess,
+    White-star and Jess--
+      Come, butter, come!
+    Eat cowslips fine,
+    Red columbine--
+      Come, butter, come!
+    Grasses green and tall,
+    Clover, best of all,--
+      Come, butter, come!
+    And give every night
+    Milk sweet and white--
+      Come, butter, come!
+    Make the churn go,
+    See the lumps grow!--
+      Come, butter, come!"
+
+Daisy sang also, and turned the handle till she was tired; then she
+helped Polly with the butter, and made four little pats,--one stamped
+with a star for papa, one with a rose for mamma, a strawberry for Aunt
+Wee, and a cow for herself. She skimmed a pitcher of cream with a
+shallow shell, and liked the work so much she asked to have a little pan
+of milk put by for her to take care of every day. Dolly promised, and
+gave her a small shell and a low shelf all to herself. When she went in,
+she carried her pretty pats in one hand, the cream-pot in the other, and
+entered the breakfast room looking as brisk and rosy as a little
+milkmaid.
+
+It was a lovely morning when Daisy was next roused by the fairy music,
+and the ponies were standing at the door. "Are we going far?" she
+asked, as Wee put on her riding-skirt, and tied back her hair.
+
+"Up to the mountain-top: it's only a mile; and we shall have time, if we
+ride fast," answered Wee.
+
+Away they went, through the green lane, over the bridge, and up the
+steep hillside where the sheep fed and colts frisked as they passed by.
+Higher and higher climbed Dandy and Prance, the ponies; and gayer and
+gayer grew Daisy and Wee, as the fresh air blew over them, and the
+morning-red glowed on their faces. When they reached the top, they sat
+on a tall stone, and looked down into the valley on either side.
+
+"This seems like a place to find giants, not fairies, it is so high and
+big and splendid up here," said Daisy, as her eye roamed over river,
+forest, town, and hill.
+
+"There are giants here; and I brought you up to see them," answered Wee.
+
+"Mercy, me! where are they?" cried Daisy, looking very curious and
+rather frightened.
+
+"There is one of them." And Wee pointed to the waterfall that went
+dashing and foaming down into the valley. "That giant turns the wheels
+of all the mills you see. Some of them grind grain for our bread, some
+help to spin cloth for our clothes, some make paper, and others saw
+trees into boards. That is a beautiful and busy giant, Daisy."
+
+"So it is, and some day we'll go and see it work. Show me the others: I
+like your giants 'most as well as those in the fairy-books."
+
+"On this side you'll see another, called Steam. He is a very strong
+fellow; for, with the help of gunpowder, he will break the granite
+mountain in pieces, and carry it away. He works in the other mills, and
+takes heavy loads of stone, cloth, paper, and wood all over the country.
+Then, on the right of us is a third giant, called Electricity. He runs
+along those wires, and carries messages from one end of the world to the
+other. He goes under the sea and through the air; he brings news to
+every one; runs day and night, yet never tires; and often helps sick
+people with his lively magic."
+
+"I like him best, I think; for he is more like a real, wonderful giant.
+Is there any on that side of us?" asked Daisy, turning round to look
+behind her.
+
+"Yes: the best and most powerful of all lives in that big house with the
+bell on the roof," said Wee, smiling.
+
+"Why, that's only the schoolhouse."
+
+"Education is a long word, dear; but you know what it means, and, as you
+grow older, you will see what wonders it can work. It is a noble giant;
+for in this country rich and poor are helped by it, and no one need
+suffer for it unless they choose. It works more wonders than any other:
+it changes little children into wise, good men and women, who rule the
+world, and make happy homes everywhere; it helps write books, sing
+songs, paint pictures, do good deeds, and beautify the world. Love and
+respect it, my little Daisy, and be glad that you live now when such
+giants lend a hand to dwarfs like us."
+
+Daisy sat still a long time, looking all about her on the mountain-top;
+and, when she rode away, she carried a new thought in her mind, which
+she never forgot.
+
+"This is the last day of the seven, and no fairies have been found. Do
+you think I _ever_ shall see one?" said Daisy, on the Sunday morning
+that ended her week's hunt.
+
+"Not the kind you think of, for there are none such, Daisy; but you have
+found two better and more beautiful ones than any fanciful sprites,"
+said Wee.
+
+"Have I? Where are they? What are their names?"
+
+Aunt Wee drew her to the glass, and said, as she pointed to Daisy's
+face:
+
+"Here they are, and their names are Health and Happiness. There are many
+ways of losing them, and they are hard to catch when once lost. I wanted
+you to keep both, and tried to show you how. A happy, healthful hour in
+the morning sweetens and brightens the whole day; and there is no
+fairy-book half so wonderful as the lovely world all about us, if we
+only know how to read it."
+
+"Then all these mornings we were hunting after health and happiness,
+instead of fairies, were we?"
+
+"Yes: haven't you enjoyed it, and don't you think you have caught my
+fairies?"
+
+Daisy looked from a little picture of herself, which Wee had drawn some
+time ago, to her image in the glass. One was dull and sad, pale and
+cross; the other, rosy, gay, and smiling,--the likeness of a happy,
+hearty little girl, wide-awake and in good tune. She understood the kind
+joke; and, turning, kissed Aunt Wee, as she said, gratefully:
+
+"I think I have caught your elves, and I'll try to keep them all my
+life. But tell me one thing: was the music that woke me all a joke too?"
+
+"No, dear: here it is, and now it is your own; for you have learned to
+wake and listen to it."
+
+Daisy looked, and saw Aunt Wee lean from the window, and take out of a
+hollow nook, in the old tree close by, a little box. She set it on the
+table, touched a spring, and the airy music sounded more beautiful than
+ever.
+
+"Is it mine, all mine?" cried Daisy.
+
+"Yes: I hid it while I tried my little plan, and now you shall have it
+for your own. See, here is the best elf I can give you, and she will
+dance whenever you call her."
+
+Wee pushed a golden pin, and up sprang a tiny figure, all crimson and
+gold, with shining wings, and a garland on its dainty head. Softly
+played the hidden music, and airily danced the little sylph till the
+silvery chime died away; then, folding her delicate arms, she sank from
+sight, leaving Daisy breathless with delight.
+
+
+
+
+V.
+
+SHADOW-CHILDREN.
+
+
+Ned, Polly, and Will sat on the steps one sun-shiny morning, doing
+nothing, except wish they had something pleasant to do.
+
+"Something new, something never heard of before,--wouldn't that be
+jolly?" said Ned, with a great yawn.
+
+"It must be an amusing play, and one that we don't get tired of very
+soon," added Polly gravely.
+
+"And something that didn't be wrong, else mamma wouldn't like it," said
+little Will, who was very good for a small boy.
+
+As no one could suggest any thing to suit, they all sat silent a few
+minutes. Suddenly Ned said, rather crossly, "I wish my shadow wouldn't
+mock me. Every time I stretch or gape it does the same, and I don't like
+it."
+
+"Poor thing, it can't help that: it has to do just what you do, and be
+your slave all day. I'm glad I ain't a shadow," said Polly.
+
+"I try to run away from mine sometimes, but I can't ever. It will come
+after me; and in the night it scares me, if it gets big and black," said
+Will, looking behind him.
+
+"Wouldn't it be fun to see shadows going about alone, and doing things
+like people?" asked Polly.
+
+"I just wish they would. I'd like to see ours cut capers; that would be
+a jolly new game, wouldn't it?" said Ned.
+
+No one had time to speak; for suddenly the three little shadows on the
+sunny wall behind them stood up straight, and began to bow.
+
+"Mercy, me!" cried Polly, staring at them.
+
+"By Jove, that's odd!" said Ned, looking queer.
+
+"Are they alive?" asked Will, a little frightened.
+
+"Don't be alarmed: they won't hurt you," said a soft voice. "To-day is
+midsummer-day, and whoever wishes a wish can have it till midnight. You
+want to see your shadows by themselves; and you can, if you promise to
+follow them as they have followed you so long. They will not get you
+into harm; so you may safely try it, if you like. Do you agree for the
+day to do as they do, and so have your wish?"
+
+"Yes, we promise," answered the children.
+
+"Tell no one till night, and be faithful shadows to the shadows."
+
+The voice was silent, but with more funny little bows the shadows began
+to move off in different directions. The children knew their own: for
+Ned's was the tallest, and had its hands in its pockets; Polly's had a
+frock on, and two bows where its hair was tied up; while Will's was a
+plump little shadow in a blouse, with a curly head and a pug nose. Each
+child went after its shadow, laughing, and enjoying the fun.
+
+Ned's master went straight to the shed, took down a basket, and marched
+away to the garden, where it began to move its hands as if busily
+picking peas. Ned stopped laughing when he saw that, and looked rather
+ashamed; for he remembered that his mother had asked him to do that
+little job for her, and he had answered,--
+
+"Oh, bother the old peas! I'm busy, and I can't."
+
+"Who told you about this?" he asked, beginning to work.
+
+The shadow shook its head, and pointed first to Ned's new jacket, then
+to a set of nice garden tools near by, and then seemed to blow a kiss
+from its shadowy fingers towards mamma, who was just passing the open
+gate.
+
+"Oh! you mean that she does lots for me; so I ought to do what I can for
+her, and love her dearly," said Ned, getting a pleasanter face every
+minute.
+
+The shadow nodded, and worked away as busily as the bees, tumbling heels
+over head in the great yellow squash blossoms, and getting as dusty as
+little millers. Somehow Ned rather liked the work, with such an odd
+comrade near by; for, though the shadow didn't really help a bit, it
+seemed to try, and set an excellent example. When the basket was full,
+the shadow took one handle, and Ned the other; and they carried it in.
+
+"Thank you, dear. I was afraid we should have to give up our peas
+to-day: I'm so busy, I can't stop," said mamma, looking surprised and
+pleased.
+
+Ned couldn't stop to talk; for the shadow ran away to the woodpile, and
+began to chop with all its might.
+
+"Well, I suppose I must; but I never saw such a fellow for work as this
+shadow is. He isn't a bit like me, though he's been with me so long,"
+said Ned, swinging the real hatchet in time with the shadowy one.
+
+Polly's new mistress went to the dining-room, and fell to washing up the
+breakfast cups. Polly hated that work, and sulkily began to rattle the
+spoons and knock the things about. But the shadow wouldn't allow that;
+and Polly had to do just what it did, though she grumbled all the while.
+
+"She doesn't splash a bit, or make any clatter; so I guess she's a tidy
+creature," said Polly. "How long she does rub each spoon and glass. We
+never shall get done. What a fuss she makes with the napkins, laying
+them all even in the drawer. And now she's at the salt-cellars, doing
+them just as mamma likes. I wish she'd live here, and do my work for
+me. Why, what's that?" And Polly stopped fretting to listen; for she
+seemed to hear the sound of singing,--so sweet, and yet so very faint
+she could catch no words, and only make out a cheerful little tune.
+
+"Do you hear any one singing, mamma?" she asked.
+
+"No: I wish I did." And mamma sighed; for baby was poorly, piles of
+sewing lay waiting for her, Biddy was turning things topsy-turvy in the
+kitchen for want of a word from the mistress, and Polly was looking
+sullen.
+
+The little girl didn't say any more, but worked quietly and watched the
+shadow, feeling sure the faint song came from it. Presently she began to
+hum the tune she caught by snatches; and, before she knew it, she was
+singing away like a blackbird. Baby stopped crying, and mamma said,
+smiling:
+
+"Now I hear somebody singing, and it's the music I like best in the
+world."
+
+That pleased Polly; but, a minute after, she stopped smiling, for the
+shadow went and took baby, or seemed to, and Polly really did. Now, baby
+was heavy, and cross with its teeth; and Polly didn't feel like tending
+it one bit. Mamma hurried away to the kitchen; and Polly walked up and
+down the room with poor baby hanging over her arm, crying dismally, with
+a pin in its back, a wet bib under its chin, and nothing cold and hard
+to bite with its hot, aching gums, where the little teeth were trying to
+come through.
+
+"Do stop, you naughty, fretty baby. I'm tired of your screaming, and
+it's high time you went to sleep. Bless me! what's Miss Shadow doing
+with _her_ baby?" said Polly.
+
+Miss Shadow took out the big pin and laid it away, put on a dry bib, and
+gave _her_ baby a nice ivory ring to bite; then began to dance up and
+down the room, till the shadowy baby clapped its hands and kicked
+delightedly. Polly laughed, and did the same, feeling sorry she had been
+so pettish. Presently both babies grew quiet, went to sleep, and were
+laid in the cradle.
+
+"Now, I hope we shall rest a little," said Polly, stretching her arms.
+
+But, no: down sat the shadow, and began to sew, making her needle fly
+like a real little seamstress.
+
+"Oh, dear!" groaned Polly. "I promised to hem those handkerchiefs for
+Ned, and so I must; but I do think handkerchiefs are the most pokey
+things in the world to sew. I dare say you think you can sew faster than
+I can. Just wait a bit, and see what I can do, miss," she said to the
+shadow.
+
+It took some time to find her thimble and needles and spools, for Polly
+wasn't a very neat little girl; but she got settled at last, and
+stitched away as if bent on beating her dumb friend.
+
+Little Will's shadow went up to the nursery, and stopped before a basin
+of water. "Oh! ah! ain't this drefful?" cried Will, with a shiver; for
+he knew he'd got to have his face washed, because he wouldn't have it
+done properly when he got up, but ran away. Now, Will was a good child;
+but this one thing was his great trouble, and sometimes he couldn't bear
+it. Jane was so rough. She let soap get in his eyes, and water run down
+his neck, and she pinched his nose when she wiped him, and brushed his
+hair so hard that really it _was_ dreadful; and even a bigger boy would
+have found it hard to bear. He shivered and sighed: but Jane came in;
+and, when he saw that the shadow stood still and took the scrubbing like
+a little hero, he tried to do the same, and succeeded so well that Jane
+actually patted his head and called him "a deary;" which was something
+new, for old Nurse Jane was always very busy and rather cross.
+
+Feeling that nothing worse could possibly happen to him, Will ran after
+his shadow, as it flitted away into the barn, and began to feed the
+chickens.
+
+"There, now! I forgetted all about my chickeys, and the shadow 'membered
+'em; and I'm glad of it," said Will, scattering dabs of meal and water
+to the chirping, downy little creatures who pecked and fluttered at his
+feet. Little shadow hunted for eggs, drove the turkeys out of the
+garden, and picked a basket of chips: then it went to play with Sammy,
+a neighbor's child; for, being a small shadow, it hadn't many jobs to
+do, and plenty of active play was good for it.
+
+Sammy was a rough little boy and rather selfish: so, when they played
+ball, he wanted to throw all the time; and, when Will objected, he grew
+angry and struck him. The blow didn't hurt Will's cheek much, but it did
+his little feelings; and he lifted his hand to strike back, when he saw
+his shadow go and kiss Sammy's shadow. All his anger was gone in a
+minute, and he just put his arm round Sammy's neck and kissed him. This
+kiss for a blow made him so ashamed that he began to cry, and couldn't
+be comforted till he had given Will his best marble and a ride on his
+pony.
+
+About an hour before dinner, the three shadows and the children met in
+the garden, and had a grand game of play, after they had told each other
+what they had been doing since they parted. Now, the shadows didn't
+forget baby even then, but got out the wagon, and Miss Baby, all fresh
+from her nap, sat among her pillows like a queen, while Ned was horse,
+Polly footman, and Will driver; and in this way she travelled all round
+the garden and barn, up the lane and down to the brook, where she was
+much delighted with the water sparkling along and the fine splash of the
+stones they threw in.
+
+When the dinner-bell rang, mamma saw four clean, rosy faces and four
+smooth heads at the table; for the shadow-children made themselves neat,
+without being told. Every one was merry and hungry and good-natured.
+Even poor baby forgot her teeth, and played a regular rub-a-dub with her
+spoon on her mug, and tried to tell about the fine things she saw on her
+drive. The children said nothing about the new play, and no one observed
+the queer actions of their shadows but themselves. They saw that there
+was no gobbling, or stretching over, or spilling of things, among the
+shadows; but that they waited to be helped, served others first, and ate
+tidily, which was a great improvement upon the usual state of things.
+
+It was Saturday afternoon: the day was fine, and mamma told them they
+could go for a holiday frolic in the woods. "Don't go to the pond, and
+be home early," she said.
+
+"Yes, mamma; we'll remember," they answered, as they scampered away to
+get ready.
+
+"We shall go through the village, and Mary King will be looking out; so
+I shall wear my best hat. Mamma won't see me, if I slip down the back
+way; and I do so want Mary to know that my hat is prettier than hers,"
+said Polly, up in her little room.
+
+Now Polly was rather vain, and liked to prink; so she got out the new
+hat, and spent some time in smoothing her braids and putting on her
+blue ribbons. But when all was ready, and the boys getting impatient,
+she found her shadow, with a sun-bonnet on, standing by the door, as if
+to prevent her going out.
+
+"You tiresome thing! do you mean that I mustn't wear my hat, but that
+old bonnet?" asked Polly.
+
+The shadow nodded and beckoned, and patted its head, as if it was all
+right.
+
+"I wish I hadn't promised to do as you do; then I could do as I like,
+and not make a fright of myself," said Polly, rather sulkily, as she put
+away the hat, and tied on the old bonnet with a jerk.
+
+Once out in the lovely sunshine, she soon forgot the little
+disappointment; and, as they didn't go through the village, but by a
+green lane, where she found some big blackberries, she was quite
+contented. Polly had a basket to hold fruit or flowers, Ned his
+jackknife, and Will a long stick on which he rode, fancying that this
+sort of horse would help his short legs along; so they picked, whittled,
+and trotted their way to the wood, finding all manner of interesting
+things on the road.
+
+The wood was full of pleasant sights and sounds; for wild roses bloomed
+all along the path, ferns and scarlet berries filled the little dells,
+squirrels chattered, birds sang, and pines whispered musically
+overhead.
+
+"I'm going to stop here and rest, and make a wreath of these pretty wild
+roses for baby: it's her birthday, and it will please mamma," said
+Polly, sitting down on a mound of moss, with a lapful of flowers.
+
+"I'm going to cut a fishing-pole, and will be back in a minute." And Ned
+went crashing into the thickest part of the wood.
+
+"I shall see where that rabbit went to, and maybe I'll find some
+berries," said Will, trotting down the path the wild rabbit had gone.
+
+The sound of the boys' steps died away, and Polly was wondering how it
+would seem to live all alone in the wood, when a little girl came
+trudging by, with a great pail of berries on her arm. She was a poor
+child: her feet were bare, her gown was ragged, she wore an old shawl
+over her head, and walked as if lame. Polly sat behind the ferns, and
+the child did not see her till Polly called out. The sudden sound
+startled her; and she dropped her pail, spilling the berries all over
+the path. The little girl began to cry, and Polly to laugh, saying, in a
+scornful tone:
+
+"How silly to cry for a few berries!"
+
+"I've been all day picking 'em," said the girl; "and I'm so tired and
+hungry; 'cause I didn't dare to go home till my pail was full,--mother
+scolds if I do,--and now they're all spoilt. Oh, dear! dear me!" And
+she cried so hard that great tears fell on the moss.
+
+Polly was sorry now, and sat looking at her till she saw her shadow down
+on its knees, picking up the berries; then it seemed to fold its little
+handkerchief round the girl's bruised foot, and give her something from
+its pocket. Polly jumped up and imitated the kind shadow, even to giving
+the great piece of gingerbread she had brought for fear she should be
+hungry.
+
+"Take this," she said gently. "I'm sorry I frightened you. Here are the
+berries all picked up, and none the worse for falling in the grass. If
+you'll take them to the white house on the hill, my mamma will buy them,
+and then your mother won't scold you."
+
+"Oh, thank you, miss! It's ever so good. I'll take the berries to your
+mother, and bring her more whenever she likes," said the child
+gratefully, as she walked away munching the gingerbread, and smiling
+till there were little rainbows in her tears.
+
+Meanwhile Ned had poked about in the bushes, looking for a good pole.
+Presently he saw a willow down by the pond, and thought that would give
+him a nice, smooth pole. He forgot his promise, and down he went to the
+pond; where he cut his stick, and was whittling the end, when he saw a
+boat by the shore. It was untied, and oars lay in it, as if waiting for
+some one to come and row out.
+
+"I'll just take a little pull across, and get those cardinal-flowers for
+Polly," he said; and went to the boat.
+
+He got in, and was about to push off, when he saw his shadow standing on
+the shore.
+
+"Don't be a fool; get in, and come along," he said to it, remembering
+his promise now, but deciding to break it, and ask pardon afterwards.
+
+But the shadow shook its head; pointed to the swift stream that ran
+between the banks, the rocks and mud on the opposite side, and the leaky
+boat itself.
+
+"I ain't afraid: mamma won't mind, if I tell her I'm sorry; and it will
+be such fun to row alone. Be a good fellow, and let me go," said Ned,
+beckoning.
+
+But the shadow would not stir, and Ned was obliged to mind. He did so
+very reluctantly, and scolded the shadow well as he went back to Polly;
+though all the time he felt he was doing right, and knew he should be
+glad afterwards.
+
+Will trotted after the rabbit, but didn't find it; he found a
+bird's-nest instead with four little birds in it. He had an empty cage
+at home, and longed for something to put in it; for kittens didn't like
+it, and caterpillars and beetlebugs got away. He chose the biggest bird,
+and, holding him carefully, walked away to find Polly. The poor
+mother-bird chirped and fluttered in great distress; but Will kept on
+till his little shadow came before him, and tried to make him turn
+back.
+
+"No, no, I want him," said Will. "I won't hurt him, and his mother has
+three left: she won't mind if I take one."
+
+Here the mother-bird chirped so loud it was impossible to help seeing
+that she _did_ care very much; and the shadow stamped its foot and waved
+its hand, as if ordering the young robber to carry back the baby-bird.
+Will stood still, and thought a minute; but his little heart was a very
+kind one, and he soon turned about, saying pleasantly:
+
+"Yes, it _is_ naughty, and I won't do it. I'll ask mamma to get me a
+canary, and will let this birdie stay with his brothers."
+
+The shadow patted him on the shoulder, and seemed to be delighted as
+Will put the bird in the nest and walked on, feeling much happier than
+if he had kept it. A bush of purple berries grew by the path, and Will
+stopped to pick some. He didn't know what they were, and mamma had often
+told him never to eat strange things. But they smelt so good, and looked
+so nice, he couldn't resist, and lifted one to his mouth, when little
+shadow motioned for him to stop.
+
+"Oh, dear! you don't let me do any thing I want to," sighed Will. "I
+shall ask Polly if I tarn't eat these; and, if she says I may, I shall,
+so now."
+
+He ran off to ask Polly; but she said they were poisonous, and begged
+him to throw them away.
+
+"Good little shadow, to keep me safe!" cried Will. "I like you; and I'll
+mind better next time, 'cause you are always right."
+
+The shadow seemed to like this, and bobbed about so comically it made
+Will laugh till his eyes were full of tears. Ned came back, and they
+went on, having grand times in the wood. They found plenty of berries to
+fill the basket; they swung down on slender birches, and got rolls of
+white bark for canoes; they saw all sorts of wild-wood insects and
+birds; and frolicked till they were tired. As they crossed a field, a
+cow suddenly put down her head and ran at them, as if she was afraid
+they meant to hurt her calf. All turned, and ran as fast as they could
+toward the wall; but poor Will in his fright tumbled down, and lay
+screaming. Ned and Polly had reached the wall, and, looking back, saw
+that their shadows had not followed. Ned's stood before Will,
+brandishing his pole; and Polly's was flapping a shadowy sun-bonnet with
+all its might. As soon as they saw that, back they went,--Ned to
+threaten till he broke his pole, and Polly to flap till the strings came
+off. As if anxious to do its part, the bonnet flew up in the air, and
+coming down lit on the cross cow's head; which so astonished her that
+she ran away as hard as she could pelt.
+
+"Wasn't that funny?" said Will, when they had tumbled over the wall, and
+lay laughing in the grass on the safe side.
+
+"I'm glad I wore the old bonnet; for I suppose my best hat would have
+gone just the same," said Polly thankfully.
+
+"The calf doesn't know its own mother with that thing on," laughed Ned.
+
+"How brave and kind you were to come back and save me! I'd have been
+deaded if you hadn't," said Will, looking at his brother and sister with
+his little face full of grateful admiration.
+
+They turned towards home after this flurry, feeling quite like heroes.
+When they came to the corner where two roads met, Ned proposed they
+should take the river-road; for, though the longest, it was much the
+pleasantest.
+
+"We shan't be home at supper-time," said Polly. "You won't be able to do
+your jobs, Ned, nor I mine, and Will's chickens will have to go to bed
+hungry."
+
+"Never mind: it's a holiday, so let's enjoy it, and not bother,"
+answered Ned.
+
+"We promised mamma we'd come home early," said Will.
+
+They stood looking at the two roads,--one sandy, hot, and hilly; the
+other green and cool and level, along the river-side. They all chose the
+pleasant path, and walked on till Ned cried out, "Why, where are our
+shadows?"
+
+They looked behind, before, and on either side; but nowhere could they
+see them.
+
+"They were with us at the corner," said Will.
+
+"Let's run back, and try to find them," said Polly.
+
+"No, let 'em go: I'm tired of minding mine, and don't care if I never
+see it again," said Ned.
+
+"Don't say so; for I remember hearing about a man who sold his shadow,
+and then got into lots of trouble because he had none. We promised to
+follow them, and we must," said Polly.
+
+"I wish," began Ned in a pet; but Polly clapped her hand over his mouth,
+saying:
+
+"Pray, don't wish now; for it may come to pass as the man's wish in the
+fairy tale did, and the black pudding flew up and stuck tight to his
+wife's nose."
+
+This made Ned laugh, and they all turned back to the corner. Looking up
+the hilly road, they saw the three shadows trudging along, as if bent on
+getting home in good time. Without saying a word, the children followed;
+and, when they got to the garden gate, they all said at once:
+
+"Aren't you glad you came?"
+
+Under the elm-tree stood a pretty tea-table, covered with bread and
+butter, custards, and berries, and in the middle a fine cake with
+sugar-roses on the top; and mamma and baby, all nicely dressed, were
+waiting to welcome them to the birthday feast. Polly crowned the little
+queen, Ned gave her a willow whistle he had made, and Will some pretty,
+bright pebbles he had found; and Miss Baby was as happy as a bird, with
+her treasures.
+
+A pleasant supper-time; then the small duties for each one; and then the
+go-to-bed frolic. The nursery was a big room, and in the evening a
+bright wood fire always burned there for baby. Mamma sat before it,
+softly rubbing baby's little rosy limbs before she went to bed, singing
+and telling stories meanwhile to the three children who pranced about in
+their long nightgowns. This evening they had a gay time; for the shadows
+amused them by all sorts of antics, and kept them laughing till they
+were tired. As they sat resting on the big sofa, they heard a soft,
+sweet voice singing. It wasn't mamma; for she was only talking to baby,
+and this voice sang a real song. Presently they saw mamma's shadow on
+the wall, and found it was the shadow-mother singing to the
+shadow-children. They listened intently, and this is what they heard:
+
+    "Little shadows, little shadows,
+      Dancing on the chamber wall,
+    While I sit beside the hearthstone
+      Where the red flames rise and fall.
+    Caps and nightgowns, caps and nightgowns,
+      My three antic shadows wear;
+    And no sound they make in playing,
+      For the six small feet are bare.
+
+    "Dancing gayly, dancing gayly,
+      To and fro all together,
+    Like a family of daisies
+      Blown about in windy weather;
+    Nimble fairies, nimble fairies,
+      Playing pranks in the warm glow,
+    While I sing the nursery ditties
+      Childish phantoms love and know.
+
+    "Now what happens, now what happens?
+      One small shadow's tumbled down:
+    I can see it on the carpet,
+      Softly rubbing its hurt crown.
+    No one whimpers, no one whimpers;
+      A brave-hearted sprite is this:
+    See! the others offer comfort
+      In a silent, shadowy kiss.
+
+    "Hush! they're creeping; hush! they're creeping,
+      Up about my rocking-chair:
+    I can feel their loving fingers
+      Clasp my neck and touch my hair.
+    Little shadows, little shadows,
+      Take me captive, hold me tight,
+    As they climb and cling and whisper,
+      'Mother dear, good night! good night!'"
+
+As the song ended, the real children, as well as the shadows, lovingly
+kissed mamma, and said "Good-night;" then went away into their rooms,
+said their prayers, and nestled down into their beds. Ned slept alone in
+the room next that which Polly and Will had; and, after lying quiet a
+little while, he called out softly:
+
+"I say, Polly, are you asleep?"
+
+"No: I'm thinking what a queer day we've had," answered Polly.
+
+"It's been a good day, and I'm glad we tried our wish; for the shadows
+showed us, as well as they could, what we ought to do and be. I shan't
+forget it, shall you?" said Ned.
+
+"No: I'm much obliged for the lesson."
+
+"So is I," called out Will, in a very earnest, but rather a sleepy,
+little voice.
+
+"I wonder what mamma will say, when we tell her about it," said Ned.
+
+"And I wonder if our shadows will come back to us at midnight, and
+follow us as they used to do," added Polly.
+
+"I shall be very careful where I lead my shadow; 'cause he's a good
+little one, and set me a righter zarmple than ever I did him," said
+Will, and then dropped asleep.
+
+The others agreed with him, and resolved that their shadows should not
+be ashamed of them. All were fast asleep; and no one but the moon saw
+the shadows come stealing back at midnight, and, having danced about the
+little beds, vanish as the clock struck twelve.
+
+
+
+
+VI.
+
+POPPY'S PRANKS.
+
+
+She wasn't a wilfully naughty child, this harum-scarum Poppy, but very
+thoughtless and very curious. She wanted to see every thing, do every
+thing, and go every where: she feared nothing, and so was continually
+getting into scrapes.
+
+Her pranks began early; for, when she was about four, her mamma one day
+gave her a pair of green shoes with bright buttons. Poppy thought there
+never was any thing so splendid, and immediately wanted to go to walk.
+But mamma was busy, and Poppy couldn't go alone any farther than the
+garden. She showed her shoes to the servants, the cat, the doves, and
+the flowers; and then opened the gate that the people in the street
+might see the trim little feet she was so proud of. Now Poppy had been
+forbidden to go out; but, when she saw Kitty Allen, her neighbor,
+playing ball down the street, she forgot every thing but the desire to
+show her new shoes; and away she went marching primly along as vain as a
+little peacock, as she watched the bright buttons twinkle, and heard the
+charming creak. Kitty saw her coming; and, being an ill-natured little
+girl, took no notice, but called out to her brother Jack:
+
+"Ain't some folks grand? If I couldn't have red shoes for my best, I
+wouldn't have any, would you?"
+
+They both laughed, and this hurt Poppy's feelings dreadfully. She tossed
+her head, and tried to turn up her nose; but, it was so very small, it
+couldn't be very scornful. She said nothing, but walked gravely by, as
+if she was going on an errand, and hadn't heard a word. Round the corner
+she went, thinking she would wait till Kitty was gone; as she didn't
+like to pass again, fearing Jack might say something equally trying. An
+organ-man with a monkey was playing near by; and Poppy was soon so busy
+listening to the music, and watching the sad-looking monkey, that she
+forgot home, shoes, and Kitty altogether.
+
+She followed the man a long way; and, when she turned to go back, she
+took the wrong street, and found herself by the park. Being fond of
+dandelions, Poppy went in, and gathered her hands full, enjoying herself
+immensely; for Betsy, the maid, never let her play in the pond, or roll
+down the hill, or make dirt-pies, and now she did all these things,
+besides playing with strange children and talking with any one she
+pleased. If she had not had her luncheon just before she started, she
+would have been very hungry; for dinner-time came, without her knowing
+it.
+
+By three o'clock, she began to think it was time to go home, and boldly
+started off to find it. But poor little Poppy didn't know the way, and
+went all wrong. She was very tired now, and hot and hungry, and wanted
+to see mamma, and wondered why she didn't come to the brown house with
+the white garden-gate. On and on she went, up streets and down, amusing
+herself with looking in the shop-windows, and sitting to rest on
+doorsteps. Once she asked a pleasant-faced little girl to show her the
+way home; but, as she didn't know in what street it was, and said her
+father's name was "papa," the girl couldn't help her: so she gave her a
+bun and went away. Poppy ate her bun, and began to wonder what would
+become of her; for night was coming on, and there didn't seem to be any
+prospect of finding mamma or home or bed. Her courage was all gone now;
+and, coming to a quiet place, she sat down on some high steps, and cried
+till her little "hankchif," as she called it, was all wet.
+
+Nobody minded her: and she felt very forlorn till a big black dog came
+by, and seemed to understand the matter entirely; for he smelt of her
+face, licked her hands, and then lay down by her with such a friendly
+look in his brown eyes that Poppy was quite comforted. She told him her
+story, patted his big head; and then, being fairly tired out, laid her
+wet cheek on his soft back, and fell fast asleep.
+
+It was quite dark when she woke; but a lamp was lighted near by, and
+standing under it was a man ringing a great bell. Poppy sat up, and
+wondered if anybody's supper was ready. The man had a paper; and, when
+people stopped at the sound of the bell, he read in a loud voice:
+
+"Lost! a little girl, four years old; curly brown hair, blue eyes; had
+on a white frock and green shoes; calls herself Poppy."
+
+He got no farther; for a little voice cried out of the dark, in a tone
+of surprise:
+
+"Why, dats me!"
+
+The people all turned to look; and the big man put his bell in his
+pocket, took her up very kindly, and said he'd carry her home.
+
+"Is it far away?" asked Poppy, with a little sob.
+
+"Yes, my dear; but I am going to give you some supper fust, along of my
+little girl. I live close by; and, when we've had a bite, we'll go find
+your ma."
+
+Poppy was so tired and hungry, she was glad to find herself taken care
+of, and let the man do as he liked. He took her to a funny little house,
+and his wife gave her bread and molasses on a new tin plate with letters
+all round the edge. Poppy thought it very fine, and enjoyed her supper,
+though the man's little girl stared at her all the time with eyes as
+blue as her mug.
+
+While she ate, the man sent word to her father that she was found; and,
+when both papa and mamma came hurrying in all out of breath with joy,
+there sat Miss Poppy talking merrily, with her face well daubed with
+molasses, her gown torn, her hands very dirty, and her shoes--ah, the
+pretty new shoes!--all spoiled with mud and dust, scratched, and half
+worn out, the buttons dull, and the color quite gone. No one cared for
+it that night; for little runaway was kissed and petted, and taken home
+to her own cosey bed as tenderly as if she had done nothing naughty, and
+never frightened her parents out of their wits in her life.
+
+But the next day,--dear me! what a sad time it was, to be sure! When
+Poppy woke up, there hung the spoilt shoes over the mantle-piece; and,
+as soon as she was dressed, papa came in with a long cord, one end of
+which he tied round Poppy's waist, and the other to the arm of the sofa.
+
+"I'm very sorry to have to tie you up, like a little dog; but I must, or
+you will forget, and run away again, and make mamma ill."
+
+Then he went away without his morning kiss, and Poppy was so very
+unhappy she could hardly eat her breakfast. She felt better by and by,
+and tried to play; but the cord kept pulling her back. She couldn't get
+to the window; and, when she heard mamma passing the door, she tried to
+run and meet her, but had to stop halfway, for the cord jerked her over.
+Cousin Fanny came up, but Poppy was so ashamed to be tied that she
+crept under the sofa and hid. All day she was a prisoner, and was a very
+miserable little girl; but at night she was untied, and, when mamma took
+her in her lap for the first time that day, Poppy held her fast, and
+sobbed very penitently--
+
+"O mamma! I drefful sorry I runned away. Fordive me one time more, and I
+never will adain;" and she never did.
+
+Two or three years after this, Poppy went to live in the country, and
+tried some new pranks. One day she went with her sister Nelly to see a
+man plough, for that sort of thing was new to her. While the man worked,
+she saw him take out a piece of something brown, and bite off a bit.
+
+"What's that?" asked Poppy.
+
+"Tobaccer," said the man.
+
+"Is it nice?" asked Poppy.
+
+"Prime," said the man.
+
+"Could you let me taste it?" asked curious Poppy.
+
+"It will make you sick," said the man, laughing.
+
+"It doesn't make _you_ sick. I'd like to try," said Poppy, nothing
+daunted.
+
+He gave her a piece; and Poppy ate it, though it didn't taste good at
+all. She did it because Cy, her favorite playfellow, told her she'd die
+if she did, and tried to frighten her.
+
+"You darsn't eat any more," he said.
+
+"Yes, I dare. See if I don't." And Poppy took another piece, just to
+show how brave she was. Silly little Poppy!
+
+"I ain't sick, and I shan't die, so now."
+
+And Poppy pranced about as briskly as ever. But the man shook his head,
+Nelly watched her anxiously, and Cy kept saying:
+
+"Ain't you sick yet, say?"
+
+For a little while Poppy felt all right; but presently she grew rather
+pale, and began to look rather pensive. She stopped running, and walked
+slower and slower, while her eyes got dizzy, and her hands and feet very
+cold.
+
+"Ain't you sick now, say?" repeated Cy; and Poppy tried to answer, "Oh,
+dear! no;" but a dreadful feeling came over her, and she could only
+shake her head, and hold on to Nelly.
+
+"Better lay down a spell," said the man, looking a little troubled.
+
+"I don't wish to dirty my clean frock," said Poppy faintly, as she
+glanced over the wide-ploughed field, and longed for a bit of grass to
+drop on. She kept on bravely for another turn; but suddenly stopped,
+and, quite regardless of the clean pink gown, dropped down in a furrow,
+looking so white and queer that Nelly began to cry. Poppy lay a minute,
+then turned to Cy, and said very solemnly:
+
+"Cy, run home, and tell my mother I'm dying."
+
+Away rushed Cy in a great fright, and burst upon Poppy's mamma,
+exclaiming breathlessly:
+
+"O ma'am! Poppy's been and ate a lot of tobacco; and she's sick, layin'
+in the field; and she says 'Come quick, 'cause she's dyin.'"
+
+"Mercy on us! what will happen to that child next?" cried poor mamma,
+who was used to Poppy's mishaps. Papa was away, and there was no
+carriage to bring Poppy home in; so mamma took the little wheelbarrow,
+and trundled away to get the suffering Poppy.
+
+She couldn't speak when they got to her; and, only stopping to give the
+man a lecture, mamma picked up her silly little girl, and the procession
+moved off. First came Cy, as grave as a sexton; then the wheelbarrow
+with Poppy, white and limp and speechless, all in a bunch; then mamma,
+looking amused, anxious and angry; then Nelly, weeping as if her tender
+heart was entirely broken; while the man watched them, with a grin,
+saying to himself:
+
+"Twarn't my fault. The child was a reg'lar fool to swaller it."
+
+Poppy was dreadfully sick all night, but next day was ready for more
+adventures and experiments. She swung on the garret stairs, and tumbled
+down, nearly breaking her neck. She rubbed her eyes with red peppers, to
+see if it _really_ would make them smart, as Cy said; and was led home
+quite blind and roaring with pain. She got into the pigsty to catch a
+young piggy, and was taken out in a sad state of dirt. She slipped into
+the brook, and was half drowned; broke a window and her own head,
+swinging a little flat-iron on a string; dropped baby in the coal-hod;
+buried her doll, and spoilt her; cut off a bit of her finger, chopping
+wood; and broke a tooth, trying to turn heels over head on a haycock.
+These are only a few of her pranks, but one was nearly her last.
+
+She wanted to go bare-footed, as the little country boys and girls did;
+but mamma wasn't willing, and Poppy was much afflicted.
+
+"It doesn't hurt Cy, and it won't hurt me, just for a little while," she
+said.
+
+"Say no more, Poppy. I never wish to see you barefooted," replied mamma.
+
+"Well, you needn't: I'll go and do it in the barn," muttered Poppy, as
+she walked away.
+
+Into the barn she went, and played country girl to her heart's content,
+in spite of Nelly's warnings. Nelly never got into scrapes, being a
+highly virtuous young lady; but she enjoyed Poppy's pranks, and wept
+over her misfortunes with sisterly fidelity.
+
+"Now I'll be a bear, and jump at you as you go by," said Poppy, when
+they were tired of playing steam-engine with the old winnowing machine.
+So she got up on a beam; and Nelly, with a peck measure on her head for
+a hat, and a stick for a gun, went bear-hunting, and banged away at the
+swallows, the barrels, and the hencoops, till the bear was ready to eat
+her. Presently, with a loud roar, the bear leaped; but Nelly wasn't
+eaten that time, for Poppy cried out with pain:
+
+"Oh! I jumped on a pitchfork, and it's in my foot! Take it out! take it
+out!"
+
+Poor little foot! There was a deep purple hole in the sole, and the
+blood came, and Poppy fainted away, and Nelly screamed, and mamma ran,
+and the neighbors rushed in, and there was _such_ a flurry. Poppy was
+soon herself again, and lay on the sofa, with Nelly and Cy to amuse her.
+
+"What did the doctor say to mamma in the other room about me?" whispered
+Poppy, feeling very important at having such a bustle made on her
+account. Nelly sniffed, but said nothing; Cy, however, spoke up briskly:
+
+"He says you might have lockjaw."
+
+"Is that bad?" asked Poppy gravely.
+
+"Oh, ain't it, though! Your mouth shuts up, and you can't open it; and
+you have fits and die."
+
+"Always?" said Poppy, looking scared, and feeling of her mouth.
+
+"'Most always, I guess. That's why your ma cried, and Nelly keeps
+kissin' you."
+
+Cy felt sorry, but rather enjoyed the excitement, and was sure, that, if
+any one ever _could_ escape dying, it would be Poppy, for she always
+"came alive" again after her worst mishaps. She looked very solemn for a
+few minutes, and kept opening and shutting her mouth to see if it wasn't
+stiff. Presently she said, in a serious tone and with a pensive air:
+
+"Nelly, I'll give you my bead-ring: I shan't want it any more. And Cy
+may have the little horse: he lost his tail; but I put on the lamb's
+tail, and he is as good as ever. I wish to give away my things 'fore I
+die; and, Nelly, won't you bring me the scissors?"
+
+"What for?" said Nelly, sniffing more than ever.
+
+"To cut off my hair for mamma. She'll want it, and I like to cut
+things."
+
+Nelly got the scissors; and Poppy cut away all she could reach, giving
+directions about her property while she snipped.
+
+"I wish papa to have my pictures and my piece of poetry I made. Give
+baby my dolly and the quacking duck. Tell Billy, if he wants my
+collection of bright buttons, he can have 'em; and give Hattie the
+yellow plaster dog, with my love."
+
+Here mamma came in with a poultice, and couldn't help laughing, though
+tears stood in her eyes, as she saw Poppy's cropped head and heard her
+last wishes.
+
+"I don't think I shall lose my little girl yet, so we won't talk of it.
+But Poppy must keep quiet, and let Nelly wait on her for a few days."
+
+"Are fits bad, mamma? and does it hurt much to die?" asked Poppy
+thoughtfully.
+
+"If people are good while they live, it is not hard to die, dear," said
+mamma, with a kiss; and Poppy hugged her, saying softly:
+
+"Then I'll be very good; so I won't mind, if the jawlock does come."
+
+And Poppy _was_ good,--oh, dreadfully good! for a week. Quite an angel
+was Poppy; so meek and gentle, so generous and obedient, you really
+wouldn't have known her. She loved everybody, forgave her playmates all
+their sins against her, let Nelly take such of her precious treasures as
+she liked, and pensively hoped baby would remember her when she was
+gone. She hopped about with a crutch, and felt as if she was an object
+of public interest; for all the old ladies sent to know how she was, the
+children looked at her with respectful awe as one set apart and doomed
+to fits, and Cy continually begged to know if her mouth was stiff.
+
+Poppy didn't die, though she got all ready for it; and felt rather
+disappointed when the foot healed, the jaws remained as active as ever,
+and the fits didn't come. I think it did her good; for she never forgot
+that week, and, though she was near dying several times after, she never
+was so fit to go as she was then.
+
+"Burney's making jelly: let's go and get our scrapings," said Poppy to
+Nellie once, when mamma was away.
+
+But Burney was busy and cross, and cooks are not as patient as mothers;
+so when the children appeared, each armed with a spoon, and demanded
+their usual feast, she wouldn't hear of it, and ordered them off.
+
+"But we only want the scrapings of the pan, Burney: mamma always lets us
+have them, when we help her make jelly; don't she, Nelly?" said Poppy,
+trying to explain the case.
+
+"Yes; and makes us our little potful too," added Nelly, persuasively.
+
+"I don't want your help; so be off. Your ma can fuss with your pot, if
+she chooses. I've no time."
+
+"_I_ think Burney's the crossest woman in the world. It's mean to eat
+all the scrapings herself; isn't it Nelly?" said Poppy, very loud, as
+the cook shut the door in their faces. "Never mind: I know how to pay
+her," she added, in a whisper, as they sat on the stairs bewailing their
+wrongs. "She'll put her old jelly in the big closet, and lock the door;
+but we can climb the plum tree, and get in at the window, when she takes
+her nap."
+
+"Should we dare to eat any?" asked Nelly, timid, but longing for the
+forbidden fruit.
+
+"_I_ should; just as much as ever I like. It's mamma's jelly, and she
+won't mind. I don't care for old cross Burney," said Poppy, sliding down
+the banisters by way of soothing her ruffled spirit.
+
+So when Burney went to her room after dinner, the two rogues climbed in
+at the window; and, each taking a jar, sat on the shelf, dipping in
+their fingers and revelling rapturously. But Burney wasn't asleep, and,
+hearing a noise below, crept down to see what mischief was going on.
+Pausing in the entry to listen, she heard whispering, clattering of
+glasses, and smacking of lips in the big closet; and in a moment knew
+that her jelly was lost. She tried the door with her key; but sly Poppy
+had bolted it on the inside, and, feeling quite safe, defied Burney from
+among the jelly-pots, entirely reckless of consequences. Short-sighted
+Poppy! she forgot Cy; but Burney didn't, and sent him to climb in at the
+window, and undo the door. Feeling hurt that the young ladies hadn't
+asked him to the feast, Cy hardened his heart against them, and
+delivered them up to the enemy, regardless of Poppy's threats and
+Nelly's prayers.
+
+"Poppy proposed it, she broke the jar, and I didn't eat _much_. O
+Burney! don't hurt her, please, but let me 'splain it to mamma when she
+comes," sobbed Nelly, as Burney seized Poppy, and gave her a good
+shaking.
+
+"You go wash your face, Miss Nelly, and leave this naughty, naughty
+child to me," said Burney; and took Poppy, kicking and screaming, into
+the little library, where she--oh, dreadful to relate!--gave her a good
+spanking, and locked her up.
+
+Mamma never whipped, and Poppy was in a great rage at such an indignity.
+The minute she was left alone, she looked about to see how she could be
+revenged. A solar lamp stood on the table; and Poppy coolly tipped it
+over, with a fine smash, calling out to Burney that she'd have to pay
+for it, that mamma would be very angry, and that she, Poppy, was going
+to spoil every thing in the room. But Burney was gone, and no one came
+near her. She kicked the paint off the door, rattled the latch, called
+Burney a "pig," and Cy "a badder boy than the man who smothered the
+little princes in the Tower." Poppy was very fond of that story, and
+often played it with Nelly and the dolls. Having relieved her feelings
+in this way, Poppy rested, and then set about amusing herself. Observing
+that the spilt oil made the table shine, she took her handkerchief and
+polished up the furniture, as she had seen the maids do.
+
+"Now, that looks nice; and I know mamma will be pleased 'cause I'm so
+tidy," she said, surveying her work with pride, when she had thoroughly
+greased every table, chair, picture-frame, book-back, and ornament in
+the room. Plenty of oil still remained; and Poppy finished off by
+oiling her hair, till it shone finely, and smelt--dear me, how it did
+smell! If she had been a young whale, it couldn't have been worse. Poppy
+wasn't particular about smells; but she got some in her mouth, and
+didn't like the taste. There was no water to wash in; and her hands,
+face, and pinafore were in a high state of grease. She was rather lonely
+too; for, though mamma had got home, she didn't come to let Poppy out:
+so the young rebel thought it was about time to surrender. She could
+write pretty well, and was fond of sending penitent notes to mamma,
+after being naughty: for mamma always answered them so kindly, and was
+so forgiving, that Poppy's naughtiest mood was conquered by them sooner
+than by any punishment; and Poppy kept the notes carefully in a little
+cover, even after she was grown up. There was pen, ink, and paper in the
+room; so, after various trials, Poppy wrote her note:--
+
+    "dear Mamma.
+
+    "i am sorry i Took bernys gelli. i have braked The lamP. The oyl
+    maks A bad smel. i tHink i wil Bee sik iF i stay HeRe anny More.
+    i LoVe yoU--your Trying To Bee GooD
+
+    popy."
+
+When she had finished, she lowered her note by a string, and bobbed it
+up and down before the parlor window till Nelly saw and took it in.
+Every one laughed over it; for, besides the bad spelling and the funny
+periods, it was covered with oil-spots, blots, and tear marks; for Poppy
+got tender-hearted toward the end, and cried a few very repentant tears
+when she said, "I love you; your trying-to-be-good Poppy."
+
+Mamma went up at once, and ordered no further punishment, but a thorough
+scrubbing; which Poppy underwent very meekly, though Betsey put soap in
+her eyes, pulled her hair, and scolded all the time. They were not
+allowed any jelly for a long while; and Cy teased Poppy about her
+hair-oil till the joke was quite worn out, and even cross Burney was
+satisfied with the atonement.
+
+When Poppy was eight, she got so very wild that no one could manage her
+but mamma, and she was ill; so Poppy was sent away to grandpa's for a
+visit. Now, grandpa was a very stately old gentleman, and every one
+treated him with great respect; but Poppy wasn't at all afraid, and
+asked all manner of impolite questions.
+
+"Grandpa, why don't you have any hair on the top of your head?"--"O
+grandpa! you _do_ snore _so_ loud when you take naps!"--"What makes you
+turn out your feet so, when you walk?" and such things.
+
+If grandpa hadn't been the best-natured old gentleman in the world, he
+wouldn't have liked this: but he only laughed at Poppy, especially when
+she spoke of his legs; for he was rather proud of them, and always wore
+long black silk stockings, and told every one that the legs were so
+handsome an artist put them in a picture of General Washington; which
+was quite true, as any one may see when they look at the famous picture
+in Boston.
+
+Well, Poppy behaved herself respectably for a day or two; but the house
+was rather dull, she missed Nelly, wanted to run in the street, and
+longed to see mamma. She amused herself as well as she could with
+picture-books, patchwork, and the old cat; but, not being a quiet,
+proper, little Rosamond sort of a child, she got tired of hemming neat
+pocket-handkerchiefs, and putting her needle carefully away when she had
+done. She wanted to romp and shout, and slide down the banisters, and
+riot about; so, when she couldn't be quiet another minute, she went up
+into a great empty room at the top of the house, and cut up all sorts of
+capers. Her great delight was to lean out of the window as far as she
+could, and look at the people in the street, with her head upside down.
+It was very dangerous, for a fall would have killed her; but the danger
+was the fun, and Poppy hung out till her hands touched the ledge below,
+and her face was as red as any real poppy's.
+
+She was enjoying herself in this way one day, when an old gentleman,
+who lived near, came home to dinner, and saw her.
+
+"What in the world is that hanging out of the colonel's upper window?"
+said he, putting on his spectacles. "Bless my soul! that child will kill
+herself. Hallo, there! little girl; get in this minute!" he called to
+Poppy, flourishing his hat to make her see him.
+
+"What for?" answered Poppy, staring at him without moving an inch.
+
+"You'll fall, and break your neck!" screamed the old gentleman.
+
+"Oh, no, I shan't!" returned Poppy, much flattered by his interest, and
+hanging out still further.
+
+"Stop that, instantly, or I'll go in and inform the colonel!" roared the
+old gentleman, getting angry.
+
+"I don't care," shouted Poppy; and she didn't, for she knew grandpa
+wasn't at home.
+
+"Little gipsy! I'll settle her," muttered the old man, bustling up to
+the steps, and ringing the bell, as if the house was on fire.
+
+No one was in but the servants; and, when he'd told old Emily what the
+matter was, she went up to "settle" Poppy. But Poppy was already
+settled, demurely playing with her doll, and looking quite innocent.
+Emily scolded; and Poppy promised never to do it again, if she might
+stay and play in the big room. Being busy about dinner, Emily was glad
+to be rid of her, and left her, to go and tell the old gentleman it was
+all right.
+
+"Ain't they crosspatches?" said Poppy to her doll. "Never mind, dear:
+_you_ shall hang out, if I can't. I guess the old man won't order you
+in, any way."
+
+Full of this idea, Poppy took her long-suffering dolly, and, tying a
+string to her neck, danced her out of the window. Now this dolly had
+been through a great deal. Her head had been cut off (and put on again);
+she had been washed, buried, burnt, torn, soiled, and banged about till
+she was a mournful object. Poppy loved her very much; for she was two
+feet tall, and had once been very handsome: so her trials only endeared
+her to her little mamma. Away she went, skipping and prancing like
+mad,--a funny sight, for Poppy had taken off her clothes, and she hadn't
+a hair on her head.
+
+Poppy went to another window of the room for this performance, because
+in the opposite house lived five or six children, and she thought they
+would enjoy the fun.
+
+So they did, and so did the other people; for it was a boarding-house,
+and all the people were at home for dinner. They came to the windows,
+and looked and laughed at dolly's capers, and Poppy was in high feather
+at the success of her entertainment.
+
+All of a sudden she saw grandpa coming down the street, hands behind
+his back, feet turned out, gold-headed cane under his arm, and the
+handsome legs in the black silk stockings marching along in the most
+stately manner. Poppy whisked dolly in before grandpa saw her, and
+dodged down as he went by. This made the people laugh again, and grandpa
+wondered what the joke was. The minute he went in out flew dolly,
+dancing more frantically than ever; and the children shouted so loud
+that grandpa went to see what the matter was. The street was empty; yet
+there stood the people, staring out and laughing. Yes; they were
+actually looking and laughing at _his_ house; and he didn't see what
+there was to laugh at in that highly respectable mansion.
+
+He didn't like it; and, clapping on his hat, he went out to learn what
+the matter was. He looked over at the house, up at the sky, down at the
+ground, and through the street; but nothing funny appeared, for Poppy
+and dolly were hidden again, and the old gentleman was puzzled. He went
+in and sat down to watch, feeling rather disturbed. Presently the fun
+began again: the children clapped their hands, the people laughed, and
+every one looked over at the house, in what he thought a very
+impertinent way. This made him angry; and out he rushed a second time,
+saying, as he marched across the street:
+
+"If those saucy young fellows are making game of me, I'll soon stop
+it."
+
+Up to the door he went, gave a great pull at the bell, and, when the
+servant came, he demanded why every one was laughing at his house. One
+of the young men came and told him, and asked him to come in and see the
+fun. Poppy didn't see grandpa go in, for she hid, and when she looked
+out he was gone: so she boldly began the dancing; but, in the midst of a
+lively caper, dolly went bounce into the garden below, for the string
+fell from Poppy's hand when she suddenly saw grandpa at the window
+opposite, laughing as heartily as any one at her prank.
+
+She stared at him in a great fright, and looked so amazed that every one
+enjoyed that joke better than the other; and poor Poppy didn't hear the
+last of it for a long time.
+
+Her next performance was to fall into the pond on the Common. She was
+driving hoop down the hill, and went so fast she couldn't stop herself;
+so splashed into the water, hoop and all. How dreadful it was to feel
+the cold waves go over her head, shutting out the sun and air! The
+ground was gone, and she could find no place for her feet, and could
+only struggle and choke, and go down, down, with a loud roaring sound in
+her ears. That would have been the end of Poppy, if a little black boy
+hadn't jumped in and pulled her out. She was sick and dizzy, and looked
+like a drowned kitten; but a kind lady took her home in a carriage.
+After that mishap grandpa thought he wouldn't keep her any longer, for
+fear she should come to some worse harm. So Miss Poppy was sent home,
+much to her delight and much to mamma's also; for no matter where she
+went, or how naughty she was, mamma was always glad to see the little
+wanderer back, and to forgive and forget all Poppy's pranks.
+
+
+
+
+VII.
+
+WHAT THE SWALLOWS DID.
+
+
+A man lay on a pile of new-made hay, in a great barn, looking up at the
+swallows who darted and twittered above him. He envied the cheerful
+little creatures; for he wasn't a happy man, though he had many friends,
+much money, and the beautiful gift of writing songs that everybody loved
+to sing. He had lost his wife and little child, and would not be
+comforted; but lived alone, and went about with such a gloomy face that
+no one liked to speak to him. He took no notice of friends and
+neighbors; neither used his money for himself nor others; found no
+beauty in the world, no happiness anywhere; and wrote such sad songs it
+made one's heart ache to sing them.
+
+As he lay alone on the sweet-smelling hay, with the afternoon sunshine
+streaming in, and the busy birds chirping overhead, he said sadly to
+himself:
+
+"Happy swallows, I wish I were one of you; for you have no pains nor
+sorrows, and your cares are very light. All summer you live gayly
+together; and, when winter comes, you fly away to the lovely South,
+unseparated still."
+
+"Neighbors, do you hear what that lazy creature down there is saying?"
+cried a swallow, peeping over the edge of her nest, and addressing
+several others who sat on a beam near by.
+
+"We hear, Mrs. Skim; and quite agree with you that he knows very little
+about us and our affairs," answered one of the swallows with a shrill
+chirp, like a scornful laugh. "We work harder than he does any day. Did
+he build his own house, I should like to know? Does he get his daily
+bread for himself? How many of his neighbors does he help? How much of
+the world does he see, and who is the happier for his being alive?"
+
+"Cares indeed!" cried another; "I wish he'd undertake to feed and teach
+my brood. Much he knows about the anxieties of a parent." And the little
+mother bustled away to get supper for the young ones, whose bills were
+always gaping wide.
+
+"Sorrows we have, too," softly said the fourth swallow. "He would not
+envy _me_, if he knew how my nest fell, and all my children were killed;
+how my dear husband was shot, and my old mother died of fatigue on our
+spring journey from the South."
+
+"Dear neighbor Dart, he _would_ envy you, if he knew how patiently you
+bear your troubles; how tenderly you help us with our little ones; how
+cheerfully you serve your friends; how faithfully you love your lost
+mate; and how trustfully you wait to meet him again in a lovelier
+country than the South."
+
+As Skim spoke, she leaned down from her nest to kiss her neighbor; and,
+as the little beaks met, the other birds gave a grateful and approving
+murmur, for Neighbor Dart was much beloved by all the inhabitants of
+Twittertown.
+
+"I, for my part, don't envy _him_," said Gossip Wing, who was fond of
+speaking her mind. "Men and women call themselves superior beings; but,
+upon my word, I think they are vastly inferior to us. Now, look at that
+man, and see how he wastes his life. There never was any one with a
+better chance for doing good, and being happy; and yet he mopes and
+dawdles his time away most shamefully."
+
+"Ah! he has had a great sorrow, and it is hard to be gay with a heavy
+heart, an empty home; so don't be too severe, Sister Wing." And the
+white tie of the little widow's cap was stirred by a long sigh as Mrs.
+Dart glanced up at the nook where her nest once stood.
+
+"No, my dear, I won't; but really I do get out of patience when I see so
+much real misery which that man might help, if he'd only forget himself
+a little. It's my opinion he'd be much happier than he now is, wandering
+about with a dismal face and a sour temper."
+
+"I quite agree with you; and I dare say he'd thank any one for telling
+him how he may find comfort. Poor soul! I wish he could understand me;
+for I sympathize with him, and would gladly help him if I could."
+
+And, as she spoke, kind-hearted Widow Dart skimmed by him with a
+friendly chirp, which did comfort him; for, being a poet, he _could_
+understand them, and lay listening, well pleased while the little
+gossips chattered on together.
+
+"I am so tied at home just now, that I know nothing of what is going on,
+except the bits of news Skim brings me; so I enjoy your chat immensely.
+I'm interested in your views on this subject, and beg you'll tell me
+what you'd have that man do to better himself," said Mrs. Skim, settling
+herself on her eggs with an attentive air.
+
+"Well, my dear, I'll tell you; for I've seen a deal of the world, and
+any one is welcome to my experience," replied Mrs. Wing, in an important
+manner; for she was proud of her "views," and very fond of talking. "In
+my daily flights about the place, I see a great deal of poverty and
+trouble, and often wish I could lend a hand. Now, this man has plenty of
+money and time; and he might do more good than I can tell, if he'd only
+set about it. Because he is what they call a poet is no reason he should
+go moaning up and down, as if he had nothing to do but make songs. We
+sing, but we work also; and are wise enough to see the necessity of
+both, thank goodness!"
+
+"Yes, indeed, we do," cried all the birds in a chorus; for several more
+had stopped to hear what was going on.
+
+"Now, what I say is this," continued Mrs. Wing impressively. "If I were
+that man, I'd make myself useful at once. There is poor little Will
+getting more and more lame every day, because his mother can't send him
+where he can be cured. A trifle of that man's money would do it, and he
+ought to give it. Old Father Winter is half starved, alone there in his
+miserable hovel; and no one thinks of the good old man. Why don't that
+lazy creature take him home, and care for him, the little while he has
+to live? Pretty Nell is working day and night, to support her father,
+and is too proud to ask help, though her health and courage are going
+fast. The man might make hers the gayest heart alive, by a little help.
+There in a lonely garret lives a young man studying his life away,
+longing for books and a teacher. The man has a library full, and might
+keep the poor boy from despair by a little help and a friendly word. He
+mourns for his own lost baby: I advise him to adopt the orphan whom
+nobody will own, and who lies wailing all day untended on the poor-house
+floor. Yes: if he wants to forget sorrow and find peace, let him fill
+his empty heart and home with such as these, and life won't seem dark to
+him any more."
+
+"Dear me! how well you express yourself, Mrs. Wing; it's quite a
+pleasure to hear you; and I heartily wish some persons could hear you,
+it would do 'em a deal of good," said Mrs. Skim; while her husband gave
+an approving nod as he dived off the beam, and vanished through the open
+doors.
+
+"I know it would comfort that man to do these things; for I have tried
+the same cure in my small way, and found great satisfaction in it,"
+began little Madame Dart, in her soft voice; but Mrs. Wing broke in,
+saying with a pious expression of countenance:
+
+"I flew into church one day, and sat on the organ enjoying the music;
+for every one was singing, and I joined in, though I didn't know the
+air. Opposite me were two great tablets with golden letters on them. I
+can read a little, thanks to my friend, the learned raven; and so I
+spelt out some of the words. One was, 'Love thy neighbor;' and as I sat
+there, looking down on the people, I wondered how they could see those
+words week after week, and yet pay so little heed to them. Goodness
+knows, _I_ don't consider myself a perfect bird; far from it; for I know
+I am a poor, erring fowl; but I believe I may say I _do_ love my
+neighbor, though I _am_ 'an inferior creature.'" And Mrs. Wing bridled
+up, as if she resented the phrase immensely.
+
+"Indeed you do, gossip," cried Dart and Skim; for Wing was an excellent
+bird, in spite of the good opinion she had of herself.
+
+"Thank you: well, then, such being the known fact, I may give advice on
+the subject as one having authority; and, if it were possible, I'd give
+that man a bit of my mind."
+
+"You have, madam, you have; and I shall not forget it. Thank you,
+neighbors, and good night," said the man, as he left the barn, with the
+first smile on his face which it had worn for many days.
+
+"Mercy on us! I do believe the creature heard every thing we said,"
+cried Mrs. Wing, nearly tumbling off the beam, in her surprise.
+
+"He certainly did; so I'm glad I was guarded in my remarks," replied
+Mrs. Skim, laughing at her neighbor's dismay.
+
+"Dear me! dear me! what did I say?" cried Mrs. Wing, in a great twitter.
+
+"You spoke with more than your usual bluntness, and some of your
+expressions were rather strong, I must confess; but I don't think any
+harm will come of it. We are of too little consequence for our
+criticisms or opinions to annoy him," said Mrs. Dart consolingly.
+
+"I don't know that, ma'am," returned Mrs. Wing, sharply: for she was
+much ruffled and out of temper. "A cat may look at a king; and a bird
+may teach a man, if the bird is the wisest. He may destroy my nest, and
+take my life; but I feel that I have done my duty, and shall meet
+affliction with a firmness which will be an example to that indolent,
+ungrateful man."
+
+In spite of her boasted firmness, Mrs. Wing dropped her voice, and
+peeped over the beam, to be sure the man was gone before she called him
+names; and then flew away, to discover what he meant to do about it.
+
+For several days, there was much excitement in Twittertown; for news of
+what had happened flew from nest to nest, and every bird was anxious to
+know what revenge the man would take for the impertinent remarks which
+had been made about him.
+
+Mrs. Wing was in a dreadful state of mind, expecting an assault, and the
+destruction of her entire family. Every one blamed her. Her husband
+lectured; the young birds chirped, "Chatterbox, chatterbox," as she
+passed; and her best friends were a little cool. All this made her very
+meek for a time; and she scarcely opened her bill, except to eat.
+
+A guard was set day and night, to see if any danger approached; and a
+row of swallows might be seen on the ridgepole at all hours. If any one
+entered the barn, dozens of little black heads peeped cautiously over
+the edges of the nests, and there was much flying to and fro with
+reports and rumors; for all the birds in the town soon knew that
+something had happened.
+
+The day after the imprudent conversation, a chimney-swallow came to call
+on Mrs. Wing; and, the moment she was seated on the beam, she began:
+
+"My dear creature, I feel for you in your trying position,--indeed I do,
+and came over at once to warn you of your danger."
+
+"Mercy on us! what is coming?" cried Mrs. Wing, covering her brood with
+trembling wings, and looking quite wild with alarm.
+
+"Be calm, my friend, and bear with firmness the consequences of your
+folly," replied Mrs. Sooty-back, who didn't like Mrs. Wing, because
+she prided herself on her family, and rather looked down on
+chimney-swallows. "You know, ma'am, I live at the great house, and am in
+the way of seeing and hearing all that goes on there. No fire is lighted
+in the study now; but my landlord still sits on the hearth, and I can
+overhear every word he says. Last evening, after my darlings were
+asleep, and my husband gone out, I went down and sat on the andiron, as
+I often do; for the fireplace is full of oak boughs, and I can peep out
+unseen. My landlord sat there, looking a trifle more cheerful than
+usual, and I heard him say, in a very decided tone:
+
+"'I'll catch them, one and all, and keep them here; that is better than
+pulling the place down, as I planned at first. Those swallows little
+know what they have done; but I'll show them I don't forget.'"
+
+On hearing this a general wail arose, and Mrs. Wing fainted entirely
+away. Madam Sooty-back was quite satisfied with the effect she had
+produced, and departed, saying loftily:
+
+"I'm sorry for you, Mrs. Wing, and forgive your rude speech about my
+being related to chimney-sweeps. One can't expect good manners from
+persons brought up in mud houses, and entirely shut out from good
+society. If I hear any thing more, I'll let you know."
+
+Away she flew; and poor Mrs. Wing would have had another fit, if they
+hadn't tickled her with a feather, and fanned her so violently that she
+was nearly blown off her nest by the breeze they raised.
+
+"What shall we do?" she cried.
+
+"Nothing, but wait. I dare say, Mrs. Sooty-back is mistaken; at any
+rate, we can't get away without leaving our children, for they can't fly
+yet. Let us wait, and see what happens. If the worst comes, we shall
+have done our duty, and will all die together."
+
+As no one could suggest any thing better, Mrs. Dart's advice was taken,
+and they waited. On the afternoon of the same day, Dr. Banks, a
+sand-swallow, who lived in a subterranean village over by the great
+sand-bank, looked in to see Mrs. Wing, and cheered her by the following
+bit of news:
+
+"The man was down at the poor-house to-day, and took away little Nan,
+the orphan baby. I saw him carry her to Will's mother, and heard him ask
+her to take care of it for a time. He paid her well, and she seemed glad
+to do it; for Will needs help, and now he can have it. An excellent
+arrangement, I think. Bless me, ma'am! what's the matter? Your pulse is
+altogether too fast, and you look feverish."
+
+No wonder the doctor looked surprised; for Mrs. Wing suddenly gave a
+skip, and flapped her wings, with a shrill chirp, exclaiming, as she
+looked about her triumphantly:
+
+"Now, who was right? Who has done good, not harm, by what you call
+'gossip'? Who has been a martyr, and patiently borne all kinds of blame,
+injustice, and disrespect? Yes, indeed! the man saw the sense of my
+words; he took my advice; he will show his gratitude by some good turn
+yet; and, if half a dozen poor souls are helped, it will be my doing,
+and mine alone."
+
+Here she had to stop for breath; and her neighbors all looked at one
+another, feeling undecided whether to own they were wrong, or to put
+Mrs. Wing down. Every one twittered and chirped, and made a great noise;
+but no one would give up, and all went to roost in a great state of
+uncertainty. But, the next day, it became evident that Mrs. Wing was
+right; for Major Bumble-bee came buzzing in to tell them that old Daddy
+Winter's hut was empty, and his white head had been seen in the sunny
+porch of the great house.
+
+After this the swallows gave in; and, as no harm came to them, they had
+a jubilee in honor of the occasion. Mrs. Wing was president, and
+received a vote of thanks for the good she had done, and the credit she
+had bestowed upon the town by her wisdom and courage. She was much
+elated by all this; but her fright had been of service, and she bore her
+honors more meekly than one would have supposed. To be sure, she cut
+Mrs. Sooty-back when they met; assumed an injured air, when some of her
+neighbors passed her; and said, "I told you so," a dozen times a day to
+her husband, who got so many curtain lectures that he took to sleeping
+on the highest rafter, pretending that the children's noise disturbed
+him.
+
+All sorts of charming things happened after that, and such a fine summer
+never was known before; for not only did the birds rejoice, but people
+also. A good spirit seemed to haunt the town, leaving help and happiness
+wherever it passed. Some unseen hand scattered crumbs over the barn
+floor, and left food at many doors. No dog or boy or gun marred the
+tranquillity of the birds, insects, and flowers who lived on the great
+estate. No want, care, or suffering, that love or money could prevent,
+befell the poor folk whose cottages stood near the old house. Sunshine
+and peace seemed to reign there; for its gloomy master was a changed man
+now, and the happiness he earned for himself, by giving it to others,
+flowed out in beautiful, blithe songs, and went singing away into the
+world, making him friends, and bringing him honor in high places as well
+as low.
+
+He did not forget the wife and little child whom he had loved so well;
+but he mourned no longer, for cheerful daisies grew above their graves,
+and he knew that he should meet them in the lovely land where death can
+never come. So, while he waited for that happy time to come, he made his
+life a cheery song,--as every one may do, if they will; and went about
+dropping kind words and deeds as silently and sweetly as the sky drops
+sunshine and dew. Every one was his friend, but his favorites were the
+swallows. Every day he went to see them, carrying grain and crumbs,
+hearing their chat, sharing their joys and sorrows, and never tiring of
+their small friendship; for to them, he thought, he owed all the content
+now his.
+
+When autumn leaves were red, and autumn winds blew cold, the inhabitants
+of Twittertown prepared for their journey to the South. They lingered
+longer than usual this year, feeling sorry to leave their friend. But
+the fields were bare, the frosts began to pinch, and the young ones
+longed to see the world; so they must go. The day they started, the
+whole flock flew to the great house, to say good-by. Some dived and
+darted round and round it, some hopped to and fro on the sere lawn, some
+perched on the chimney-tops, and some clung to the window ledges; all
+twittering a loving farewell.
+
+Chirp, Dart, and Wing peeped everywhere, and everywhere found something
+to rejoice over. In a cosey room, by a bright fire, sat Daddy Winter and
+Nell's old father, telling stories of their youth, and basking in the
+comfortable warmth. In the study, surrounded by the books he loved, was
+the poor young man, happy as a king now, and learning many things which
+no book could teach him; for he had found a friend. Then, down below was
+Will's mother, working like a bee; for she was housekeeper, and enjoyed
+her tasks as much as any mother-bird enjoys filling the little mouths of
+her brood. Close by was pretty Nell, prettier than ever now; for her
+heavy care was gone, and she sung as she sewed, thinking of the old
+father, whom nothing could trouble any more.
+
+But the pleasantest sight the three gossips saw was the man with Baby
+Nan on his arm and Will at his side, playing in the once dreary nursery.
+How they laughed and danced! for Will was up from his bed at last, and
+hopped nimbly on his crutches, knowing that soon even they would be
+unneeded. Little Nan was as plump and rosy as a baby should be, and
+babbled like a brook, as the man went to and fro, cradling her in his
+strong arms, feeling as if his own little daughter had come back when he
+heard the baby voice call him father.
+
+"Ah, how sweet it is!" cried Mrs. Dart, glad to see that he had found
+comfort for his grief.
+
+"Yes; indeed: it does one's heart good to see such a happy family,"
+added Mrs. Skim, who was a very motherly bird.
+
+"I don't wish to boast; but I _will_ say that I am satisfied with my
+summer's work, and go South feeling that I leave an enviable reputation
+behind me." And Mrs. Wing plumed herself with an air of immense
+importance, as she nodded and bridled from her perch on the window-sill.
+
+The man saw the three, and hastened to feed them for the last time,
+knowing that they were about to go. Gratefully they ate, and chirped
+their thanks; and then, as they flew away, the little gossips heard
+their friend singing his good-by:
+
+    "Swallow, swallow, neighbor swallow,
+      Starting on your autumn flight,
+    Pause a moment at my window,
+      Twitter softly your good-night;
+    For the summer days are over,
+      All your duties are well done,
+    And the happy homes you builded
+      Have grown empty, one by one.
+
+    "Swallow, swallow, neighbor swallow,
+      Are you ready for your flight?
+    Are all the feather cloaks completed?
+      Are the little caps all right?
+    Are the young wings strong and steady
+      For the journey through the sky?
+    Come again in early spring-time;
+      And till then, good-by, good-by!"
+
+
+
+
+VIII.
+
+LITTLE GULLIVER.
+
+
+Up in the light-house tower lived Davy, with Old Dan the keeper. Most
+little boys would have found it very lonely; but Davy had three friends,
+and was as happy as the day was long. One of Davy's friends was the
+great lamp, which was lighted at sunset, and burnt all night, to guide
+the ships into the harbor. To Dan it was only a lamp; but to the boy it
+seemed a living thing, and he loved and tended it faithfully. Every day
+he helped Dan clear the big wick, polish the brass work, and wash the
+glass lantern which protected the flame. Every evening he went up to see
+it lighted, and always fell asleep, thinking, "No matter how dark or
+wild the night, my good Shine will save the ships that pass, and burn
+till morning."
+
+Davy's second friend was Nep, the Newfoundland, who was washed ashore
+from a wreck, and had never left the island since. Nep was rough and
+big, but had such a loyal and loving heart that no one could look in his
+soft brown eyes and not trust him. He followed Davy's steps all day,
+slept at his feet all night, and more than once had saved his life when
+Davy fell among the rocks, or got caught by the rising tide.
+
+But the dearest friend of all was a sea-gull. Davy found him, with a
+broken wing, and nursed him carefully till he was well; then let him go,
+though he was very fond of "Little Gulliver," as he called him in fun.
+But the bird never forgot the boy, and came daily to talk with him,
+telling all manner of wild stories about his wanderings by land and sea,
+and whiling away many an hour that otherwise would have been very
+lonely.
+
+Old Dan was Davy's uncle,--a grim, gray man, who said little, did his
+work faithfully, and was both father and mother to Davy, who had no
+parents, and no friends beyond the island. That was his world; and he
+led a quiet life among his playfellows,--the winds and waves. He seldom
+went to the main land, three miles away; for he was happier at home. He
+watched the sea-anemones open below the water, looking like
+fairy-plants, brilliant and strange. He found curious and pretty shells,
+and sometimes more valuable treasures, washed up from some wreck. He saw
+little yellow crabs, ugly lobsters, and queer horse-shoes with their
+stiff tails. Sometimes a whale or a shark swam by, and often sleek black
+seals came up to bask on the warm rocks. He gathered lovely sea-weeds of
+all kinds, from tiny red cobwebs to great scalloped leaves of kelp,
+longer than himself. He heard the waves dash and roar unceasingly; the
+winds howl or sigh over the island; and the gulls scream shrilly as they
+dipped and dived, or sailed away to follow the ships that came and went
+from all parts of the world.
+
+With Nep and Gulliver he roamed about his small kingdom, never tired of
+its wonders; or, if storms raged, he sat up in the tower, safe and dry,
+watching the tumult of sea and sky. Often in long winter nights he lay
+awake, listening to the wind and rain, that made the tower rock with
+their violence; but he never was afraid, for Nep nestled at his feet,
+Dan sat close by, and overhead the great lamp shone far out into the
+night, to cheer and guide all wanderers on the sea.
+
+Close by the tower hung the fog-bell, which, being wound up, would ring
+all night, warningly. One day Dan found that something among the chains
+was broken; and, having vainly tried to mend it, he decided to go to the
+town, and get what was needed. He went once a week, usually, and left
+Davy behind; for in the daytime there was nothing to do, and the boy was
+not afraid to stay.
+
+"A heavy fog is blowing up: we shall want the bell to-night, and I must
+be off at once. I shall be back before dark, of course; so take care of
+yourself, boy," said Dan.
+
+Away went the little boat; and the fog shut down over it, as if a misty
+wall had parted Davy from his uncle. As it was dull weather, he sat and
+read for an hour or two; then fell asleep, and forgot everything till
+Nep's cold nose on his hand waked him up. It was nearly dark; and,
+hoping to find Dan had come, he ran down to the landing-place. But no
+boat was there, and the fog was thicker than ever.
+
+Dan never had been gone so long before, and Davy was afraid something
+had happened to him. For a few minutes he was in great trouble; then he
+cheered up, and took courage.
+
+"It is sunset by the clock; so I'll light the lamp, and, if Dan is lost
+in the fog, it will guide him home," said Davy.
+
+Up he went, and soon the great star shone out above the black-topped
+light-house, glimmering through the fog, as if eager to be seen. Davy
+had his supper, but no Dan came. He waited hour after hour, and waited
+all in vain. The fog thickened, till the lamp was hardly seen; and no
+bell rung to warn the ships of the dangerous rocks. Poor Davy could not
+sleep, but all night long wandered from the tower to the door, watching,
+calling, and wondering; but Dan did not come.
+
+At sunrise he put out the light, and, having trimmed it for the next
+night, ate a little breakfast, and roved about the island hoping to see
+some sign of Dan. The sun drew up the fog at last; and he could see the
+blue bay, the distant town, and a few fishing-boats going out to sea.
+But nowhere was the island-boat with gray Old Dan in it; and Davy's
+heart grew heavier and heavier, as the day passed, and still no one
+came. In the afternoon Gulliver appeared: to him Davy told his trouble,
+and the three friends took counsel together.
+
+"There is no other boat; and I couldn't row so far, if there was: so I
+can't go to find Dan," said David sorrowfully.
+
+"I'd gladly swim to town, if I could; but it's impossible to do it, with
+wind and tide against me. I've howled all day, hoping some one would
+hear me; but no one does, and I'm discouraged," said Nep, with an
+anxious expression.
+
+"I can do something for you; and I will, with all my heart. I'll fly to
+town, if I don't see him in the bay, and try to learn what has become of
+Dan. Then I'll come and tell you, and we will see what is to be done
+next. Cheer up, Davy dear: I'll bring you tidings, if any can be had."
+With these cheerful words, away sailed Gulliver, leaving Nep and his
+master to watch and wait again.
+
+The wind blew hard, and the broken wing was not quite well yet, else
+Gulliver would have been able to steer clear of a boat that came swiftly
+by. A sudden gust drove the gull so violently against the sail that he
+dropped breathless into the boat; and a little girl caught him, before
+he could recover himself.
+
+"Oh, what a lovely bird! See his black cap, his white breast,
+dove-colored wings, red legs and bill, and soft, bright eyes. I wanted a
+gull; and I'll keep this one, for I don't think he is much hurt."
+
+Poor Gulliver struggled, pecked and screamed; but little Dora held him
+fast, and shut him in a basket till they reached the shore. Then she put
+him in a lobster pot,--a large wooden thing, something like a cage,--and
+left him on the lawn, where he could catch glimpses of the sea, and
+watch the light-house tower, as he sat alone in this dreadful prison. If
+Dora had known the truth, she would have let him go, and done her best
+to help him; but she could not understand his speech, as Davy did, for
+very few people have the power of talking with birds, beasts, insects,
+and plants. To her, his prayers and cries were only harsh screams; and,
+when he sat silent, with drooping head and ruffled feathers, she thought
+he was sleepy: but he was mourning for Davy, and wondering what his
+little friend would do.
+
+For three long days and nights he was a prisoner, and suffered much. The
+house was full of happy people, but no one took pity upon him. Ladies
+and gentlemen talked learnedly about him; boys poked and pulled him;
+little girls admired him, and begged his wings for their hats, if he
+died. Cats prowled about his cage; dogs barked at him; hens cackled over
+him; and a shrill canary jeered at him from the pretty pagoda in which
+it hung, high above danger. In the evening there was music; and the poor
+bird's heart ached as the sweet sounds came to him, reminding him of the
+airier melodies he loved. Through the stillness of the night, he heard
+the waves break on the shore; the wind came singing up from the sea; the
+moon shone kindly on him, and he saw the water-fairies dancing on the
+sand. But for three days no one spoke a friendly word to him, and he
+pined away with a broken heart.
+
+On the fourth night, when all was quiet, little Gulliver saw a black
+shadow steal across the lawn, and heard a soft voice say to him:
+
+"Poor bird, you'll die, if yer stays here; so I'se gwine to let yer go.
+Specs little missy'll scold dreffle; but Moppet'll take de scoldin for
+yer. Hi, dere! you is peart nuff now, kase you's in a hurry to go; but
+jes wait till I gits de knots out of de string dat ties de door, and den
+away you flies."
+
+"But, dear, kind Moppet, won't you be hurt for doing this? Why do you
+care so much for me? I can only thank you, and fly away."
+
+As Gulliver spoke, he looked up at the little black face bent over him,
+and saw tears in the child's sad eyes; but she smiled at him, and shook
+her fuzzy head, as she whispered kindly:
+
+"I don't want no tanks, birdie: I loves to let you go, kase you's a
+slave, like I was once; and it's a dreffle hard ting, I knows. I got
+away, and I means you shall. I'se watched you, deary, all dese days; and
+I tried to come 'fore, but dey didn't give me no chance."
+
+"Do you live here? I never see you playing with the other children,"
+said the gull, as Moppet's nimble fingers picked away at the knots.
+
+"Yes: I lives here, and helps de cook. You didn't see me, kase I never
+plays; de chilen don't like me."
+
+"Why not?" asked Gulliver, wondering.
+
+"I'se black," said Moppet, with a sob.
+
+"But that's silly in them," cried the bird, who had never heard of such
+a thing. "Color makes no difference; the peeps are gray, the seals
+black, and the crabs yellow; but we don't care, and are all friends. It
+is very unkind to treat you so. Haven't you any friends to love you,
+dear?"
+
+"Nobody in de world keres fer me. Dey sold me way from my mammy when I
+was a baby, and I'se knocked roun eber since. De oder chilen has folks
+to lub an kere fer em, but Moppet's got no friends;" and here the black
+eyes grew so dim with tears that the poor child couldn't see that the
+last knot was out.
+
+Gulliver saw it, and, pushing up the door, flew from his prison with a
+glad cry; and, hopping into Moppet's hand, looked into the little dark
+face with such grateful confidence that it cleared at once, and the
+brightest smile it had worn for months broke over it as the bird nestled
+its soft head against her cheek, saying gently:
+
+"I'm your friend, dear; I love you, and I never shall forget what you
+have done for me to-night. How can I thank you before I go?"
+
+For a minute, Moppet could only hug the bird, and cry; for these were
+the first kind words she had heard for a long time, and they went
+straight to her lonely little heart.
+
+"O my deary! I'se paid by dem words, and I don't want no tanks. Jes lub
+me, and come sometimes to see me ef you can, it's so hard livin' in dis
+yere place. I don't tink I'll bar it long. I wish I was a bird to fly
+away, or a oyster safe in de mud, and free to do as I's a mind."
+
+"I wish you could go and live with Davy on the island; he is so kind, so
+happy, and as free as the wind. Can't you get away, Moppet?" whispered
+Gulliver, longing to help this poor, friendless little soul. He told her
+all his story; and they agreed that he should fly at once to the island,
+and see if Dan was there; if not, he was to come back, and Moppet would
+try to get some one to help find him. When this was done, Davy and Dan
+were to take Moppet, if they could, and make her happy on the island.
+Full of hope and joy, Gulliver said good-by, and spread his wings; but,
+alas for the poor bird! he was too weak to fly. For three days he had
+hardly eaten any thing, had found no salt water to bathe in, and had sat
+moping in the cage till his strength was all gone.
+
+"What shall I do? what shall I do?" he cried, fluttering his feeble
+wings, and running to and fro in despair.
+
+"Hush, birdie, I'll take kere ob you till you's fit to fly. I knows a
+nice, quiet little cove down yonder, where no one goes; and dare you kin
+stay till you's better. I'll come and feed you, and you kin paddle, and
+rest, and try your wings, safe and free, honey."
+
+As Moppet spoke, she took Gulliver in her arms, and stole away in the
+dim light, over the hill, down to the lonely spot where nothing went but
+the winds and waves, the gulls, and little Moppet, when hard words and
+blows made heart and body ache. Here she left the bird, and, with a
+loving "Good-night," crept home to her bed in the garret, feeling as
+rich as a queen, and much happier; for she had done a kind thing, and
+made a friend.
+
+Next day, a great storm came: the wind blew a hurricane, the rain
+poured, and the sea thundered on the coast. If he had been well,
+Gulliver wouldn't have minded at all; but, being sick and sad, he spent
+an anxious day, sitting in a cranny of the rock, thinking of Davy and
+Moppet. It was so rough, even in the cove, that he could neither swim
+nor fly, so feeble was he; and could find no food but such trifles as he
+could pick up among the rocks. At nightfall the storm raged fiercer than
+ever, and he gave up seeing Moppet; for he was sure she wouldn't come
+through the pelting rain just to feed him. So he put his head under his
+wing, and tried to sleep; but he was so wet and weak, so hungry and
+anxious, no sleep came.
+
+"What has happened to Davy alone on the island all this while? He will
+fall ill with loneliness and trouble; the lamp won't be lighted, the
+ships will be wrecked, and many people will suffer. O Dan, Dan, if we
+could only find you, how happy we should be!"
+
+As Gulliver spoke, a voice cried through the darkness:
+
+"Is you dere, honey?" and Moppet came climbing over the rocks, with a
+basket full of such bits as she could get. "Poor birdie, is you
+starvin'? Here, jes go at dis, and joy yourself. Dere's fish and tings I
+tink you'd like. How is you now, dear?"
+
+"Better, Moppet; but, it's so stormy, I can't get to Davy; and I worry
+about him," began Gulliver, pecking away at his supper: but he stopped
+suddenly, for a faint sound came up from below, as if some one called,
+"Help, help!"
+
+"Hi! what's dat?" said Moppet, listening.
+
+"Davy, Davy!" called the voice.
+
+"It's Dan. Hurrah, we've found him!" and Gulliver dived off the rock so
+reckless that he went splash into the water. But that didn't matter to
+him; and he paddled away, like a little steamer with all the engines in
+full blast. Down by the sea-side, between two stones, lay Dan, so
+bruised and hurt he couldn't move, and so faint with hunger and pain he
+could hardly speak. As soon as Gulliver called, Moppet scrambled down,
+and fed the poor man with her scraps, brought him rain-water from a
+crevice near by, and bound up his wounded head with her little apron.
+Then Dan told them how his boat had been run down by a ship in the fog;
+how he was hurt, and cast ashore in the lonely cove; how he had lain
+there half dead, for no one heard his shouts, and he couldn't move; how
+the storm brought him back to life, when he was almost gone, and the
+sound of Moppet's voice told him help was near.
+
+How glad they all were then! Moppet danced for joy; Gulliver screamed
+and flapped his wings; and Dan smiled, in spite of pain, to think he
+should see Davy again. He couldn't understand Gulliver; but Moppet told
+him all the story, and, when he heard it, he was more troubled for the
+boy than for himself.
+
+"What will he do? He may get killed or scared, or try to come ashore. Is
+the lamp alight?" he cried, trying to move, and falling back with a moan
+of pain.
+
+Gulliver flew up to the highest rock, and looked out across the dark
+sea. Yes, there it was,--the steady star shining through the storm, and
+saying plainly, "All is well."
+
+"Thank heaven! if the lamp is burning, Davy is alive. Now, how shall I
+get to him?" said Dan.
+
+"Never you fret, massa: Moppet'll see to dat. You jes lay still till I
+comes. Dere's folks in de house as'll tend to you, ef I tells em who and
+where you is."
+
+Off she ran, and soon came back with help. Dan was taken to the house,
+and carefully tended; Moppet wasn't scolded for being out so late; and,
+in the flurry, no one thought of the gull. Next morning, the cage was
+found blown over, and every one fancied the bird had flown away. Dora
+was already tired of him; so he was soon forgotten by all but Moppet.
+
+In the morning it was clear; and Gulliver flew gladly to the tower where
+Davy still watched and waited, with a pale face and heavy heart, for the
+three days had been very hard to bear, and, but for Nep and Shine, he
+would have lost his courage entirely. Gulliver flew straight into his
+bosom, and, sitting there, told his adventures; while Davy laughed and
+cried, and Nep stood by, wagging his tail for joy, while his eyes were
+full of sympathy. The three had a very happy hour together, and then
+came a boat to carry Davy ashore, while another keeper took charge of
+the light till Dan was well.
+
+Nobody ever knew the best part of the story but Moppet, Davy, and
+Gulliver. Other people didn't dream that the boy's pet gull had any
+thing to do with the finding of the man, or the good fortune that came
+to Moppet. While Dan lay sick, she tended him, like a loving little
+daughter; and, when he was well, he took her for his own. He did not
+mind the black skin: he only saw the loneliness of the child, the tender
+heart, the innocent, white soul; and he was as glad to be a friend to
+her as if she had been as blithe and pretty as Dora.
+
+It was a happy day when Dan and Davy, Moppet, Gulliver, and Nep sailed
+away to the island; for that was still to be their home, with stout
+young Ben to help.
+
+The sun was setting; and they floated through waves as rosy as the rosy
+sky. A fresh wind filled the sail, and ruffled Gulliver's white breast
+as he sat on the mast-head crooning a cheery song to himself. Dan held
+the tiller, and Davy lay at his feet, with Nep bolt upright beside him;
+but the happiest face of all was Moppet's. Kneeling at the bow, she
+leaned forward, with her lips apart, her fuzzy hair blown back, and her
+eyes fixed on the island which was to be her home. Like a little black
+figure-head of Hope, she leaned and looked, as the boat flew on, bearing
+her away from the old life into the new.
+
+As the sun sunk, out shone the lamp with sudden brightness, as if the
+island bade them welcome. Dan furled the sail; and, drifting with the
+tide, they floated in, till the waves broke softly on the shore, and
+left them safe at home.
+
+
+
+
+IX.
+
+THE WHALE'S STORY.
+
+
+Freddy sat thinking on the seat under the trees. It was a wide, white
+seat, about four feet long, sloping from the sides to the middle,
+something like a swing; and was not only comfortable but curious, for it
+was made of a whale's bone. Freddy often sat there, and thought about it
+for he was very much interested in it, and nobody could tell him any
+thing of it, except that it had been there a long time.
+
+"Poor old whale, I wonder how you got here, where you came from, and if
+you were a good and happy creature while you lived," said Freddy,
+patting the old bone with his little hand.
+
+It gave a great creak; and a sudden gust of air stirred the trees, as if
+some monster groaned and sighed. Then Freddy heard a strange voice, very
+loud, yet cracked and queer, as if some one tried to talk with a broken
+jaw.
+
+"Freddy ahoy!" called the big voice. "I'll tell you all about it; for
+you are the only person who ever pitied me, or cared to know any thing
+about me."
+
+"Why, can you talk?" asked Freddy, very much astonished and a little
+frightened.
+
+"Of course I can, for this is a part of my jaw-bone. I should talk
+better if my whole mouth was here; but I'm afraid my voice would then be
+so loud you wouldn't be able to hear it. I don't think any one but you
+would understand me, any way. It isn't every one that can, you know; but
+you are a thoughtful little chap, with a lively fancy as well as a kind
+heart, so you shall hear my story."
+
+"Thank you, I should like it very much, if you would please to speak a
+little lower, and not sigh; for your voice almost stuns me, and your
+breath nearly blows me away," said Freddy.
+
+"I'll try: but it's hard to suit my tone to such a mite, or to help
+groaning when I think of my sad fate; though I deserve it, perhaps,"
+said the bone, more gently.
+
+"Were you a naughty whale?" asked Freddy.
+
+"I was proud, very proud, and foolish; and so I suffered for it. I dare
+say you know a good deal about us. I see you reading often, and you seem
+a sensible child."
+
+"No: I haven't read about you yet, and I only know that you are the
+biggest fish there is," replied Freddy.
+
+The bone creaked and shook, as if it was laughing, and said in a tone
+that showed it hadn't got over its pride yet:
+
+"You're wrong there, my dear; we are not fishes at all, though stupid
+mortals have called us so for a long time. We can't live without air; we
+have warm, red blood; and we don't lay eggs,--so we are _not_ fishes. We
+certainly _are_ the biggest creatures in the sea and out of it. Why,
+bless you! some of us are nearly a hundred feet long; our tails alone
+are fifteen or twenty feet wide; the biggest of us weigh five hundred
+thousand pounds, and have in them the fat, bone, and muscle of a
+thousand cattle. The lower jaw of one of my family made an arch large
+enough for a man on horseback to ride under easily, and my cousins of
+the sperm-family usually yield eighty barrels of oil."
+
+"Gracious me, what monsters you are!" cried Freddy, taking a long
+breath, while his eyes got bigger and bigger as he listened.
+
+"Ah! you may well say so; we are a very wonderful and interesting
+family. All our branches are famous in one way or another. Fin-backs,
+sperms, and rights are the largest; then come the norwhals, the
+dolphins, and porpoises,--which last, I dare say, you've seen."
+
+"Yes: but tell me about the big ones, please. Which were you?" cried
+Freddy.
+
+"I was a Right whale, from Greenland. The Sperms live in warm places;
+but to us the torrid zone is like a sea of fire, and we don't pass it.
+Our cousins do; and go to the East Indies by way of the North Pole,
+which is more than your famous Parrys and Franklins could do."
+
+"I don't know about that; but I'd like to hear what you eat, and how you
+live, and why you came here," said Freddy, who thought the whale rather
+inclined to boast.
+
+"Well, we haven't got any teeth,--our branch of the family; and we live
+on creatures so small, that you could only see them with a microscope.
+Yes, you may stare; but it's true, my dear. The roofs of our mouths are
+made of whalebone, in broad pieces from six to eight feet long, arranged
+one against the other; so they make an immense sieve. The tongue, which
+makes about five barrels of oil, lies below, like a cushion of white
+satin. When we want to feed, we rush through the water, which is full of
+the little things we eat, and catch them in our sieve, spurting the
+water through two holes in our heads. Then we collect the food with our
+tongue, and swallow it; for, though we are so big, our throats are
+small. We roam about in the ocean, leaping and floating, feeding and
+spouting, flying from our enemies, or fighting bravely to defend our
+young ones."
+
+"Have you got any enemies? I shouldn't think you could have, you are so
+large," said Freddy.
+
+"But we have, and many too,--three who attack us in the water, and
+several more that men use against us. The killer, the sword-fish, and
+the thrasher trouble us at home. The killer fastens to us, and won't be
+shaken off till he has worried us to death; the sword-fish stabs us with
+his sword; and the thrasher whips us to death with his own slender, but
+strong and heavy body. Then, men harpoon us, shoot or entrap us; and
+make us into oil and candles and seats, and stiffening for gowns and
+umbrellas," said the bone, in a tone of scorn.
+
+Freddy laughed at the idea, and asked, "How about candles? I know about
+oil and seats and umbrellas; but I thought candles were made of wax."
+
+"I can't say much on that point: I only know that, when a sperm whale is
+killed, they make oil out of the fat part as they do of ours; but the
+Sperms have a sort of cistern in their heads, full of stuff like cream,
+and rose-colored. They cut a hole in the skull, and dip it out; and
+sometimes get sixteen or twenty barrels. This is made into what you call
+spermaceti candles. _We_ don't have any such nonsense about us; but the
+Sperms always were a light-headed set."
+
+Here the bone laughed, in a cracked sort of roar, which sent Freddy
+flying off the seat on to the grass, where he stayed, laughing also,
+though he didn't see any joke.
+
+"I beg your pardon, child. It isn't often that I laugh; for I've a
+heavy heart somewhere, and have known trouble enough to make me as sad
+as the sea is sometimes."
+
+"Tell me about your troubles; I pity you very much, and like to hear you
+talk," said Freddy, kindly.
+
+"Unfortunately we are very easily killed, in spite of our size; and have
+various afflictions besides death. We grow blind; our jaws are deformed
+sometimes; our tails, with which we swim, get hurt; and we have
+dyspepsia."
+
+Freddy shouted at that; for he knew what dyspepsia was, because at the
+sea-side there were many sickly people who were always groaning about
+that disease.
+
+"It's no laughing matter, I assure you," said the whale's bone. "We
+suffer a great deal, and get thin and weak and miserable. I've sometimes
+thought that's the reason we are blue."
+
+"Perhaps, as you have no teeth, you don't chew your food enough, and so
+have dyspepsia, like an old gentleman I know," said Freddy.
+
+"That's not the reason; my cousins, the Sperms, have teeth, and
+dyspepsia also."
+
+"Are they blue?"
+
+"No, black and white. But I was going to tell you my troubles. My father
+was harpooned when I was very young, and I remember how bravely he
+died. The Rights usually run away when they see a whaler coming; not
+from cowardice,--oh, dear, no!--but discretion. The Sperms stay and
+fight, and are killed off very fast; for they are a very headstrong
+family. We fight when we can't help it; and my father died like a hero.
+They chased him five hours before they stuck him; he tried to get away,
+and dragged three or four boats and sixteen hundred fathoms of line from
+eight in the morning till four at night. Then they got out another line,
+and he towed the ship itself for more than an hour. There were fifteen
+harpoons in him: he chewed up a boat, pitched several men overboard, and
+damaged the vessel, before they killed him. Ah! he was a father to be
+proud of."
+
+Freddy sat respectfully silent for a few minutes, as the old bone seemed
+to feel a great deal on the subject. Presently he went on again:
+
+"The Sperms live in herds; but the Rights go in pairs, and are very fond
+of one another. My wife was a charming creature, and we were very happy,
+till one sad day, when she was playing with our child,--a sweet little
+whaleling only twelve feet long, and weighing but a ton,--my son was
+harpooned. His mamma, instead of flying, wrapped her fins round him, and
+dived as far as the line allowed. Then she came up, and dashed at the
+boats in great rage and anguish, entirely regardless of the danger she
+was in. The men struck my son, in order to get her, and they soon
+succeeded; but even then, in spite of her suffering, she did not try to
+escape, but clung to little Spouter till both were killed. Alas! alas!"
+
+Here the poor bone creaked so dismally, Freddy feared it would tumble to
+pieces, and bring the story to an end too soon.
+
+"Don't think of those sorrowful things," he said; "tell me how you came
+to be here. Were you harpooned?"
+
+"Not I; for I've been very careful all my life to keep out of the way of
+danger: I'm not like one of my relations, who attacked a ship, gave it
+such a dreadful blow that he made a great hole, the water rushed in, and
+the vessel was wrecked. But he paid dearly for that prank; for a few
+months afterward another ship harpooned him very easily, finding two
+spears still in him, and a wound in his head. I forgot to mention, that
+the Sperms have fine ivory teeth, and make ambergris,--a sort of stuff
+that smells very nice, and costs a great deal. I give you these little
+facts about my family, as you seem interested, and it's always well to
+improve the minds of young people."
+
+"You are very kind; but will you be good enough to tell about yourself?"
+said Freddy again; for the bone seemed to avoid that part of the story,
+as if he didn't want to tell it.
+
+"Well, if I must, I must; but I'm sorry to confess what a fool I've
+been. You know what coral is, don't you?"
+
+"No," said Freddy, wondering why it asked.
+
+"Then I must tell you, I suppose. There is a bit in the house
+there,--that rough, white, stony stuff on the table in the parlor. It's
+full of little holes, you know. Well, those holes are the front doors of
+hundreds of little polypes, or coral worms, who build the great branches
+of coral, and live there. They are of various shapes and colors,--some
+like stars; some fine as a thread, and blue or yellow; others like
+snails and tiny lobsters. Some people say the real coral-makers are
+shaped like little oblong bags of jelly, closed at one end, the other
+open, with six or eight little feelers, like a star, all around it. The
+other creatures are boarders or visitors: these are the real workers,
+and, when they sit in their cells and put out their feelers, they make
+all manner of lovely colors under the water,--crimson, green, orange,
+and violet. But if they are taken up or touched, the coral people go in
+doors, and the beautiful hues disappear. They say there are many coral
+reefs and islands built by these industrious people, in the South Seas;
+but I can't go there to see, and I am contented with those I find in the
+northern latitudes. I knew such a community of coral builders, and used
+to watch them long ago, when they began to work. It was a charming
+spot, down under the sea; for all manner of lovely plants grew there;
+splendid fishes sailed to and fro; wonderful shells lay about; crimson
+and yellow prawns, long, gliding green worms, and purple sea-urchins,
+were there. When I asked the polypes what they were doing, and they
+answered, 'Building an island,' I laughed at them; for the idea that
+these tiny, soft atoms could make any thing was ridiculous. 'You may
+roar; but you'll see that we are right, if you live long enough,' said
+they. 'Our family have built thousands of islands and long reefs, that
+the sea can't get over, strong as it is.' That amused me immensely; but
+I wouldn't believe it, and laughed more than ever."
+
+"It does seem very strange," said Freddy, looking at the branch of coral
+which he had brought out to examine.
+
+"Doesn't it? and isn't it hard to believe? I used to go, now and then,
+to see how the little fellows got on, and always found them hard at it.
+For a long while there was only a little plant without leaves, growing
+slowly taller and taller; for they always build upward toward the light.
+By and by, the small shrub was a tree: flying-fish roosted in its
+branches; sea-cows lay under its shadow; and thousands of jolly little
+polypes lived and worked in its white chambers. I was glad to see them
+getting on so well; but still I didn't believe in the island story, and
+used to joke them about their ambition. They were very good-natured, and
+only answered me, 'Wait a little longer, Friend Right.' I had my own
+affairs to attend to; so, for years at a time, I forgot the
+coral-workers, and spent most of my life up Greenland way, for warm
+climates don't agree with my constitution. When I came back, after a
+long absence, I was astonished to see the tree grown into a large
+umbrella-shaped thing, rising above the water. Sea-weed had washed up
+and clung there; sea-birds had made nests there; land-birds and the
+winds had carried seeds there, which had sprung up; trunks of trees had
+been cast there by the sea; lizards, insects, and little animals came
+with the trees, and were the first inhabitants; and, behold! it _was_ an
+island."
+
+"What did you say then?" asked Freddy.
+
+"I was angry, and didn't want to own that I was wrong; so I insisted
+that it wasn't a real island, without people on it. 'Wait a little
+longer,' answered the polypes; and went on, building broader and broader
+foundations. I flounced away in a rage, and didn't go back for a great
+while. I hoped something would happen to the coral builders and their
+island; but I was so curious that I couldn't keep away, and, on going
+back there, I found a settlement of fishermen, and the beginning of a
+thriving town. Now I should have been in a towering passion at this, if
+in my travels I hadn't discovered a race of little creatures as much
+smaller than polypes as a mouse is smaller than an elephant. I heard two
+learned men talking about diatoms, as they sailed to Labrador; and I
+listened. They said these people lived in both salt and fresh water, and
+were found in all parts of the world. They were a glassy shell, holding
+a soft, golden-yellow substance, and that they were so countless that
+banks were made of them, and that a town here in these United States was
+founded on them. They were the food of many little sea-animals, who, in
+turn, fed us big creatures, and were very interesting and wonderful. I
+saved up this story; and, when the polypes asked if they hadn't done
+what they intended, I told them I didn't think it so very remarkable,
+for the tiny diatoms made cities, and were far more astonishing animals
+than they. I thought that would silence them; but they just turned
+round, and informed me that my diatoms were plants, not animals,--so my
+story was all humbug. Then I _was_ mad; and couldn't get over the fact
+that these little rascals had done what we, the kings of the sea,
+couldn't do. I wasn't content with being the biggest creature there: I
+wanted to be the most skilful also. I didn't remember that every thing
+has its own place and use, and should be happy in doing the work for
+which it was made. I fretted over the matter a long while, and at last
+decided to make an island myself."
+
+"How could you?" asked Freddy.
+
+"I had my plans; and thought them very wise ones. I was so bent on
+outdoing the polypes that I didn't much care what happened; and so I
+went to work in my clumsy way. I couldn't pile up stones, or build
+millions of cells; so I just made an island of myself. I swam up into
+the harbor yonder one night; covered my back with sea-weed; and lay
+still on the top of the water. In the morning the gulls came to see what
+it was, and pecked away at the weeds, telling me very soon that they
+knew what I was after, and that I couldn't gull them. All the people on
+shore turned out to see the wonder also; for a fisherman had carried the
+tidings, and every one was wild to behold the new island. After staring
+and chattering a long while, boats came off to examine the mystery.
+Loads of scientific gentlemen worked away at me with microscopes,
+hammers, acids, and all sorts of tests, to decide what I was; and kept
+up such a fire of long words that I was 'most dead. They couldn't make
+up their minds; and meanwhile news of the strange thing spread, and
+every sort of person came to see me. The gulls kept telling them the
+joke; but they didn't understand, and I got on capitally. Every night I
+dined and fed and frolicked till dawn; then put on my sea-weeds, and
+lay still to be stared at. I wanted some one to come and live on me;
+then I should be equal to the island of the polypes. But no one came,
+and I was beginning to be tired of fooling people, when I was fooled
+myself. An old sailor came to visit me: he had been a whaler, and he
+soon guessed the secret. But he said nothing till he was safely out of
+danger; then he got all ready, and one day, as I lay placidly in the
+sun, a horrible harpoon came flying through the air, and sunk deep into
+my back. I forgot every thing but the pain, and dived for my life. Alas!
+the tide was low; the harbor-bar couldn't be passed; and I found
+hundreds of boats chasing me, till I was driven ashore down there on the
+flats. Big and strong as we are, once out of water, and we are perfectly
+helpless. I was soon despatched; and my bones left to whiten on the
+sand. This was long ago; and, one by one, all my relics have been
+carried off or washed away. My jaw-bone has been used as a seat here,
+till it's worn out; but I couldn't crumble away till I'd told some one
+my story. Remember, child, pride goeth before a fall."
+
+Then, with a great creak, the bone tumbled to pieces; and found a
+peaceful grave in the long green grass.
+
+
+
+
+X.
+
+A STRANGE ISLAND.
+
+
+One day I lay rocking in my boat, reading a very famous book, which all
+children know and love; and the name of which I'll tell you by and by.
+So busily was I reading, that I never minded the tide; and presently
+discovered that I was floating out to sea, with neither sail nor oar. At
+first I was very much frightened; for there was no one in sight on land
+or sea, and I didn't know where I might drift to. But the water was
+calm, the sky clear, and the wind blew balmily; so I waited for what
+should happen.
+
+Presently I saw a speck on the sea, and eagerly watched it; for it drew
+rapidly near, and seemed to be going my way. When it came closer, I was
+much amazed; for, of all the queer boats I ever saw, this was the
+queerest. It was a great wooden bowl, very cracked and old; and in it
+sat three gray-headed little gentlemen with spectacles, all reading
+busily, and letting the boat go where it pleased. Now, right in their
+way was a rock; and I called out, "Sir, sir, take care."
+
+But my call came too late: crash went the bowl, out came the bottom, and
+down plumped all the little gentlemen into the sea. I tried not to
+laugh, as the books, wigs, and spectacles flew about; and, urging my
+boat nearer, I managed to fish them up, dripping and sneezing, and
+looking like drowned kittens. When the flurry was over, and they had got
+their breath, I asked who they were, and where they were going.
+
+"We are from Gotham, ma'am," said the fattest one, wiping a very wet
+face on a very wet handkerchief. "We were going to that island yonder.
+We have often tried, but never got there: it's always so, and I begin to
+think the thing can't be done."
+
+I looked where he pointed; and, sure enough, there was an island where I
+had never seen one before. I rubbed my eyes, and looked again. Yes:
+there it was,--a little island, with trees and people on it; for I saw
+smoke coming out of the chimney of a queerly-shaped house on the shore.
+
+"What is the name of it?" I asked.
+
+The little old gentleman put his finger on his lips, and said, with a
+mysterious nod:
+
+"I couldn't tell you, ma'am. It's a secret; but, if you manage to land
+there, you will soon know."
+
+The other old men nodded at the same time; and then all went to reading
+again, with the water still dropping off the ends of their noses. This
+made me very curious; and, as the tide drifted us nearer and nearer, I
+looked well about me, and saw several things that filled me with a
+strong desire to land on the island. The odd house, I found, was built
+like a high-heeled shoe; and at every window I saw children's heads.
+Some were eating broth; some were crying; and some had nightcaps on. I
+caught sight of a distracted old lady flying about, with a ladle in one
+hand, and a rod in the other; but the house was so full of children
+(even up to the skylight,--out of which they popped their heads, and
+nodded at me) that I couldn't see much of the mamma of this large
+family: one seldom can, you know.
+
+I had hardly got over my surprise at this queer sight, when I saw a cow
+fly up through the air, over the new moon that hung there, and come down
+and disappear in the woods. I really didn't know what to make of this,
+but had no time to ask the old men what it meant; for a cat, playing a
+fiddle, was seen on the shore. A little dog stood by, listening and
+laughing; while a dish and a spoon ran away over the beach with all
+their might. If the boat had not floated up to the land, I think I
+should have swam there,--I was so anxious to see what was going on; for
+there was a great racket on the island, and such a remarkable collection
+of creatures, it was impossible to help staring.
+
+As soon as we landed, three other gentlemen came to welcome the ones I
+had saved, and seemed very glad to see them. They appeared to have just
+landed from a tub in which was a drum, rub-a-dub-dubbing all by itself.
+One of the new men had a white frock on, and carried a large knife; the
+second had dough on his hands, flour on his coat, and a hot-looking
+face; the third was very greasy, had a bundle of candles under his arm,
+and a ball of wicking half out of his pocket. The six shook hands, and
+walked away together, talking about a fair; and left me to take care of
+myself.
+
+I walked on through a pleasant meadow, where a pretty little girl was
+looking sadly up at a row of sheep's tails hung on a tree. I also saw a
+little boy in blue, asleep by a haycock; and another boy taking aim at a
+cock-sparrow, who clapped his wings and flew away. Presently I saw two
+more little girls: one sat by a fire warming her toes; and, when I asked
+what her name was, she said pleasantly:
+
+"Polly Flinders, ma'am."
+
+The other one sat on a tuft of grass, eating something that looked very
+nice; but, all of a sudden, she dropped her bowl, and ran away, looking
+very much frightened.
+
+"What's the matter with her?" I asked of a gay young frog who came
+tripping along with his hat under his arm.
+
+"Miss Muffit is a fashionable lady, and afraid of spiders, madam; also
+of frogs." And he puffed himself angrily up, till his eyes quite
+goggled in his head.
+
+"And, pray, who are you, sir?" I asked, staring at his white vest, green
+coat, and fine cravat.
+
+"Excuse me, if I don't give my name, ma'am. My false friend, the rat,
+got me into a sad scrape once; and Rowley insists upon it that a duck
+destroyed me, which is all gammon, ma'am,--all gammon."
+
+With that, the frog skipped away; and I turned into a narrow lane, which
+seemed to lead toward some music. I had not gone far, when I heard the
+rumbling of a wheelbarrow, and saw a little man wheeling a little woman
+along. The little man looked very hot and tired; but the little woman
+looked very nice, in a smart bonnet and shawl, and kept looking at a new
+gold ring on her finger, as she rode along under her little umbrella. I
+was wondering who they were, when down went the wheelbarrow; and the
+little lady screamed so dismally that I ran away, lest I should get into
+trouble,--being a stranger.
+
+Turning a corner, I came upon a very charming scene, and slipped into a
+quiet nook to see what was going on. It was evidently a wedding; and I
+was just in time to see it, for the procession was passing at that
+moment. First came a splendid cock-a-doodle, all in black and gold, like
+a herald, blowing his trumpet, and marching with a very dignified step.
+Then came a rook, in black, like a minister, with spectacles and white
+cravat. A lark and bullfinch followed,--friends, I suppose; and then the
+bride and bridegroom. Miss Wren was evidently a Quakeress; for she wore
+a sober dress, and a little white veil, through which her bright eyes
+shone. The bridegroom was a military man, in his scarlet uniform,--a
+plump, bold-looking bird, very happy and proud just then. A goldfinch
+gave away the bride, and a linnet was bridesmaid. The ceremony was very
+fine; and, as soon as it was over, the blackbird, thrush and nightingale
+burst out in a lovely song.
+
+A splendid dinner followed, at which was nearly every bird that flies;
+so you may imagine the music there was. They had currant-pie in
+abundance; and cherry-wine, which excited a cuckoo so much, that he
+became quite rude, and so far forgot himself as to pull the bride about.
+This made the groom so angry that he begged his friend, the sparrow, to
+bring his bow and arrow, and punish the ruffian. But, alas! Sparrow had
+also taken a drop too much: he aimed wrong, and, with a dreadful cry,
+Mr. Robin sank dying into the arms of his wife, little Jane.
+
+It was too much for me; and, taking advantage of the confusion that
+followed, I left the tragical scene as fast as possible.
+
+A little farther on, I was shocked to see a goose dragging an old man
+down some steps that led to a little house.
+
+"Dear me! what's the matter here?" I cried.
+
+"He won't say his prayers," screamed the goose.
+
+"But perhaps he was never taught," said I.
+
+"It's never too late to learn: he's had his chance; he won't be pious
+and good, so away with him. Don't interfere, whatever you do: hold your
+tongue, and go about your business," scolded the goose, who certainly
+had a dreadful temper.
+
+I dared say no more; and, when the poor old man had been driven away by
+this foul proceeding, I went up the steps and peeped in; for I heard
+some one crying, and thought the cross bird, perhaps, had hurt some one
+else. A little old woman stood there, wringing her hands in great
+distress; while a small dog was barking at her with all his might.
+
+"Bless me! the fashions have got even here," thought I; for the old
+woman was dressed in the latest style,--or, rather, she had overdone it
+sadly; for her gown was nearly up to her knees, and she was nearly as
+ridiculous an object as some of the young ladies I had seen at home. She
+had a respectable bonnet on, however, instead of a straw saucer; and her
+hair was neatly put under a cap,--not made into a knob on the top of her
+head.
+
+"My dear soul, what's the trouble?" said I, quite touched by her tears.
+
+"Lud a mercy, ma'am! I've been to market with my butter and eggs,--for
+the price of both is so high, one can soon get rich nowadays,--and,
+being tired, I stopped to rest a bit, but fell asleep by the road.
+Somebody--I think it's a rogue of a peddler who sold me wooden nutmegs,
+and a clock that wouldn't go, and some pans that came to bits the first
+time I used them--somebody cut my new gown and petticoat off all round,
+in the shameful way you see. I thought I never should get home; for I
+was such a fright, I actually didn't know myself. But, thinks I, my
+doggy will know me; and then I shall be sure I'm I, and not some
+boldfaced creature in short skirts. But, oh, ma'am! doggy _don't_ know
+me; and I ain't myself, and I don't know what to do."
+
+"He's a foolish little beast; so don't mind him, but have a cup of tea,
+and go to bed. You can make your gown decent to-morrow; and, if I see
+the tricksy peddler, I'll give him a scolding."
+
+This seemed to comfort the old woman; though doggy still barked.
+
+"My next neighbor has a dog who never behaves in this way," she said, as
+she put her teapot on the coals. "He's a remarkable beast; and you'd
+better stop to see him as you pass, ma'am. He's always up to some funny
+prank or other."
+
+I said I would; and, as I went by the next house, I took a look in at
+the window. The closet was empty, I observed; but the dog sat smoking a
+pipe, looking as grave as a judge.
+
+"Where is your mistress?" asked I.
+
+"Gone for some tripe," answered the dog, politely taking the pipe out of
+his mouth, and adding, "I hope the smoke doesn't annoy you."
+
+"I don't approve of smoking," said I.
+
+"Sorry to hear it," said the dog, coolly.
+
+I was going to lecture him on this bad habit; but I saw his mistress
+coming with a dish in her hand, and, fearing she might think me rude to
+peep in at her windows, I walked on, wondering what we were coming to
+when even four-legged puppies smoked.
+
+At the door of the next little house, I saw a market-wagon loaded with
+vegetables, and a smart young pig just driving it away. I had heard of
+this interesting family, and took a look as I passed by. A second tidy
+pig sat blowing the fire; and a third was eating roast-beef, as if he
+had just come in from his work. The fourth, I was grieved to see, looked
+very sulky; for it was evident he had been naughty, and so lost his
+dinner. The little pig was at the door, crying to get in; and it was
+sweet to see how kindly the others let him in, wiped his tears, tied on
+his bib, and brought him his bread and milk. I was very glad to see
+these young orphans doing so well, and I knew my friends at home would
+enjoy hearing from them.
+
+A loud scream made me jump; and the sudden splash of water made me run
+along, without stopping to pick up a boy and girl who came tumbling down
+the hill, with an empty pail, bumping their heads as they rolled.
+Smelling something nice, and feeling hungry, I stepped into a large room
+near by,--a sort of eating-house, I fancy; for various parties seemed to
+be enjoying themselves in their different ways. A small boy sat near the
+door, eating a large pie; and he gave me a fine plum which he had just
+pulled out. At one table was a fat gentleman cutting another pie, which
+had a dark crust, through which appeared the heads of a flock of birds,
+all singing gayly.
+
+"There's no end to the improvements in cooking, and no accounting for
+tastes," I added, looking at a handsomely-dressed lady, who sat near,
+eating bread and honey.
+
+As I passed this party, I saw behind the lady's chair a maid, with a
+clothes-pin in her hand, and no nose. She sobbingly told me a bird had
+nipped it off; and I gave her a bit of court-plaster, which I
+fortunately had in my pocket.
+
+Another couple were dividing their meat in a queer way; for one took all
+the fat, and the other all the lean. The next people were odder still;
+for the man looked rather guilty, and seemed to be hiding a three-peck
+measure under his chair, while he waited for his wife to bring on some
+cold barley-pudding, which, to my surprise, she was frying herself. I
+also saw a queer moonstruck-looking man inquiring the way to Norridge;
+and another man making wry faces over some plum-pudding, with which he
+had burnt his mouth, because his friend came down too soon.
+
+I ordered pease-porridge hot, and they brought it cold; but I didn't
+wait for any thing else, being in a hurry to see all there was to be
+seen on this strange island. Feeling refreshed, I strolled on, passing a
+jolly old gentleman smoking and drinking, while three fiddlers played
+before him. As I turned into a road that led toward a hill, a little
+boy, riding a dapple-gray pony, and an old lady on a white horse, with
+bells ringing somewhere, trotted by me, followed by a little girl, who
+wished to know where she could buy a penny bun. I told her the best were
+at Newmarch's, in Bedford Street, and she ran on, much pleased; but I'm
+afraid she never found that best of bake-shops. I was going quietly
+along, when the sound of another horse coming made me look round; and
+there I saw a dreadful sight,--a wild horse, tearing over the ground,
+with fiery eyes and streaming tail. On his back sat a crazy man, beating
+him with a broom; a crazy woman was behind him, with her bonnet on wrong
+side before, holding one crazy child in her lap, while another stood on
+the horse; a third was hanging on by one foot, and all were howling at
+the top of their voices as they rushed by. I scrambled over the wall to
+get out of the way, and there I saw more curious sights. Two blind men
+were sitting on the grass, trying to see two lame men who were hobbling
+along as hard as they could; and, near by, a bull was fighting a bee in
+the most violent manner. This rather alarmed me; and I scrambled back
+into the road again, just as a very fine lady jumped over a
+barberry-bush near by, and a gentleman went flying after, with a ring in
+one hand and a stick in the other.
+
+"What very odd people they have here!" I thought. Close by was a tidy
+little house under the hill, and in it a tidy little woman who sold
+things to eat. Being rather hungry, in spite of my porridge, I bought a
+baked apple and a cranberry-pie; for she said they were good, and I
+found she told the truth. As I sat eating my pie, some dogs began to
+bark; and by came a troop of beggars, some in rags, and some in old
+velvet gowns. A drunken grenadier was with them, who wanted a pot of
+beer; but as he had no money, the old woman sent him about his business.
+
+On my way up the hill, I saw a little boy crying over a dead pig, and
+his sister, who seemed to be dead also. I asked his name, and he sobbed
+out, "Johnny Pringle, ma'am;" and went on crying so hard I could do
+nothing to comfort him. While I stood talking to him, a sudden gust of
+wind blew up the road, and down came the bough of a tree; and, to my
+surprise, a cradle with a baby in it also. The baby screamed dreadfully,
+and I didn't know how to quiet it; so I ran back to the old woman, and
+left it with her, asking if that was the way babies were taken care of
+there.
+
+"Bless you, my dear! its ma is making patty-cakes; and put it up there
+to be out of the way of Tom Tinker's dog. I'll soon hush it up," said
+the old woman; and, trotting it on her knee, she began to sing:
+
+    "Hey! my kitten, my kitten,
+    Hey! my kitten, my deary."
+
+Feeling that the child was in good hands, I hurried away, for I saw
+something was going on upon the hill-top. When I got to the hill-top, I
+was shocked to find some people tossing an old woman in a blanket. I
+begged them to stop; but one of the men, who, I found, was a Welchman,
+by the name of Taffy, told me the old lady liked it.
+
+"But why does she like it?" I asked in great surprise.
+
+"Tom, the piper's son, will tell you: it's my turn to toss now," said
+the man.
+
+"Why, you see, ma'am," said Tom, "she is one of those dreadfully nice
+old women, who are always fussing and scrubbing, and worrying people to
+death, with everlastingly cleaning house. Now and then we get so tired
+out with her that we propose to her to clean the sky itself. She likes
+that; and, as this is the only way we can get her up, we toss till she
+sticks somewhere, and then leave her to sweep cobwebs till she is ready
+to come back and behave herself."
+
+"Well, that is the oddest thing I ever heard. I know just such an old
+lady, and when I go home I'll try your plan. It seems to me that you
+have a great many queer old ladies on this island," I said to another
+man, whom they called Peter, and who stood eating pumpkin all the time.
+
+"Well, we do have rather a nice collection; but you haven't seen the
+best of all. We expect her every minute; and Margery Daw is to let us
+know the minute she lights on the island," replied Peter, with his mouth
+full.
+
+"Lights?" said I, "you speak as if she flew."
+
+"She rides on a bird. Hurrah! the old sweeper has lit. Now the cobwebs
+will fly. Don't hurry back," shouted the man; and a faint, far-off voice
+answered, "I shall be back again by and by."
+
+The people folded up the blanket, looking much relieved; and I was
+examining a very odd house which was built by an ancient king called
+Boggen, when Margery Daw, a dirty little girl, came up the hill,
+screaming, at the top of her voice:
+
+"She's come! she's come!"
+
+Every one looked up; and I saw a large white bird slowly flying over the
+island. On its back sat the nicest old woman that ever was seen: all the
+others were nothing compared to her. She had a pointed hat on over her
+cap, a red cloak, high-heeled shoes, and a crutch in her hand. She
+smiled and nodded as the bird approached; and every one ran and nodded,
+and screamed, "Welcome! welcome, mother!"
+
+As soon as she touched the ground, she was so surrounded that I could
+only see the top of her hat; for hundreds and hundreds of little
+children suddenly appeared, like a great flock of birds,--rosy, happy,
+pretty children; but all looked unreal, and among them I saw some who
+looked like little people I had known long ago.
+
+"Who are they?" I asked of a bonny lass, who was sitting on a cushion,
+eating strawberries and cream.
+
+"They are the phantoms of all the little people who ever read and loved
+our mother's songs," said the maid.
+
+"What did she write?" I asked, feeling very queer, and as if I was going
+to remember something.
+
+"Songs that are immortal; and you have them in your hand," replied the
+bonny maid, smiling at my stupidity.
+
+I looked; and there, on the cover of the book I had been reading so
+busily when the tide carried me away, I saw the words "Mother Goose's
+Melodies." I was so delighted that I had seen her I gave a shout, and
+tried to get near enough to hug and kiss the dear old soul, as the swarm
+of children were doing; but my cry woke me, and I was _so_ sorry to find
+it all a dream!
+
+
+
+
+XI.
+
+FANCY'S FRIEND.
+
+
+It was a wagon, shaped like a great square basket, on low wheels, and
+drawn by a stout donkey. There was one seat, on which Miss Fairbairn the
+governess sat; and all round her, leaning over the edge of the basket,
+were children, with little wooden shovels and baskets in their hands,
+going down to play on the beach. Away they went, over the common,
+through the stony lane, out upon the wide, smooth sands. All the
+children but one immediately fell to digging holes, and making ponds,
+castles, or forts. They did this every day, and were never tired of it;
+but little Fancy made new games for herself, and seldom dug in the sand.
+She had a garden of sea-weed, which the waves watered every day: she had
+a palace of pretty shells, where she kept all sorts of little
+water-creatures as fairy tenants; she had friends and playmates among
+the gulls and peeps, and learned curious things by watching crabs,
+horse-shoes, and jelly-fishes; and every day she looked for a mermaid.
+
+It was of no use to tell her that there were no mermaids: Fancy firmly
+believed in them, and was sure she would see one some day. The other
+children called the seals mermaids; and were contented with the queer,
+shiny creatures who played in the water, lay on the rocks, and peeped at
+them with soft, bright eyes as they sailed by. Fancy was not satisfied
+with seals,--they were not pretty and graceful enough for her,--and she
+waited and watched for a real mermaid. On this day she took a breezy run
+with the beach-birds along the shore; she planted a pretty red weed in
+her garden; and let out the water-beetles and snails who had passed the
+night in her palace. Then she went to a rock that stood near the quiet
+nook where she played alone, and sat there looking for a mermaid as the
+tide came in; for it brought her many curious things, and it might
+perhaps bring a mermaid.
+
+As she looked across the waves that came tumbling one over the other,
+she saw something that was neither boat nor buoy nor seal. It was a
+queer-looking thing, with a wild head, a long waving tail, and something
+like arms that seemed to paddle it along. The waves tumbled it about, so
+Fancy could not see very well: but, the longer she looked, the surer she
+was that this curious thing was a mermaid; and she waited eagerly for it
+to reach the shore. Nearer and nearer it came, till a great wave threw
+it upon the sand; and Fancy saw that it was only a long piece of kelp,
+torn up by the roots. She was very much disappointed; but, all of a
+sudden, her face cleared up, she clapped her hands, and began to dance
+round the kelp, saying:
+
+"I'll make a mermaid myself, since none will come to me."
+
+Away she ran, higher up the beach, and, after thinking a minute, began
+her work. Choosing a smooth, hard place, she drew with a stick the
+outline of her mermaid; then she made the hair of the brown marsh-grass
+growing near by, arranging it in long locks on either side the face,
+which was made of her prettiest pink and white shells,--for she pulled
+down her palace to get them. The eyes were two gray pebbles; the neck
+and arms of larger, white shells; and the dress of sea-weed,--red,
+green, purple, and yellow; very splendid, for Fancy emptied her garden
+to dress her mermaid.
+
+"People say that mermaids always have tails; and I might make one out of
+this great leaf of kelp. But it isn't pretty, and I don't like it; for I
+want mine to be beautiful: so I won't have any tail," said Fancy, and
+put two slender white shells for feet, at the lower edge of the fringed
+skirt. She laid a wreath of little star-fish across the brown hair, a
+belt of small orange-crabs round the waist, buttoned the dress with
+violet snail-shells, and hung a tiny white pebble, like a pearl, in
+either ear.
+
+"Now she must have a glass and a comb in her hand, as the song says,
+and then she will be done," said Fancy, looking about her, well pleased.
+
+Presently she found the skeleton of a little fish, and his backbone made
+an excellent comb; while a transparent jelly-fish served for a glass,
+with a frame of cockle-shells round it. Placing these in the hands of
+her mermaid, and some red coral bracelets on her wrists, Fancy
+pronounced her done; and danced about her, singing:
+
+    "My pretty little mermaid,
+      Oh! come, and play with me:
+    I'll love you, I'll welcome you;
+      And happy we shall be."
+
+Now, while she had been working, the tide had crept higher and higher;
+and, as she sung, one wave ran up and wet her feet.
+
+"Oh, what a pity I didn't put her farther up!" cried Fancy; "the tide
+will wash her all away; and I meant to keep her fresh, and show her to
+Aunt Fiction. My poor mermaid!--I shall lose her; but perhaps she will
+be happier in the sea: so I will let her go."
+
+Mounting her rock, Fancy waited to see her work destroyed. But the sea
+seemed to pity her; and wave after wave came up, without doing any harm.
+At last one broke quite over the mermaid, and Fancy thought that would
+be the end of her. But, no: instead of scattering shells, stones, and
+weeds, the waves lifted the whole figure, without displacing any thing,
+and gently bore it back into the sea.
+
+"Good by! good by!" cried Fancy, as the little figure floated away;
+then, as it disappeared, she put her hands before her face,--for she
+loved her mermaid, and had given all her treasures to adorn her; and now
+to lose her so soon seemed hard,--and Fancy's eyes were full of tears.
+Another great wave came rolling in; but she did not look up to see it
+break, and, a minute after, she heard steps tripping toward her over the
+sand. Still she did not stir; for, just then, none of her playmates
+could take the place of her new friend, and she didn't want to see them.
+
+"Fancy! Fancy!" called a breezy voice, sweeter than any she had ever
+heard. But she did not raise her head, nor care to know who called. The
+steps came quite close; and the touch of a cold, wet hand fell on her
+own. Then she looked up, and saw a strange little girl standing by her,
+who smiled, showing teeth like little pearls, and said, in the breezy
+voice:
+
+"You wanted me to play with you, so I came."
+
+"Who are you?" asked Fancy, wondering where she had seen the child
+before.
+
+"I'm your mermaid," said the child.
+
+"But the water carried her away," cried Fancy.
+
+"The waves only carried me out for the sea to give me life, and then
+brought me back to you," answered the new comer.
+
+"But are you really a mermaid?" asked Fancy, beginning to smile and
+believe.
+
+"I am really the one you made: look, and see if I'm not;" and the little
+creature turned slowly round, that Fancy might be sure it was her own
+work.
+
+She certainly was very like the figure that once lay on the sand,--only
+she was not now made of stones and shells. There was the long brown hair
+blowing about her face, with a wreath of starry shells in it. Her eyes
+were gray, her cheeks and lips rosy, her neck and arms white; and from
+under her striped dress peeped little bare feet. She had pearls in her
+ears, coral bracelets, a golden belt, and a glass and comb in her hands.
+
+"Yes," said Fancy, drawing near, "you _are_ my little mermaid; but how
+does it happen that you come to me at last?"
+
+"Dear friend," answered the water-child, "you believed in me, watched
+and waited long for me, shaped the image of the thing you wanted out of
+your dearest treasures, and promised to love and welcome me. I could not
+help coming; and the sea, that is as fond of you as you are of it,
+helped me to grant your wish."
+
+"Oh, I'm glad, I'm glad! Dear little mermaid, what is your name?" cried
+Fancy, kissing the cool cheek of her new friend, and putting her arms
+about her neck.
+
+"Call me by my German cousin's pretty name,--Lorelei," answered the
+mermaid, kissing back as warmly as she could.
+
+"Will you come home and live with me, dear Lorelei?" asked Fancy, still
+holding her fast.
+
+"If you will promise to tell no one who and what I am, I will stay with
+you as long as you love and believe in me. As soon as you betray me, or
+lose your faith and fondness, I shall vanish, never to come back again,"
+answered Lorelei.
+
+"I promise: but won't people wonder who you are? and, if they ask me,
+what shall I say?" said Fancy.
+
+"Tell them you found me on the shore; and leave the rest to me. But you
+must not expect other people to like and believe in me as you do. They
+will say hard things of me; will blame you for loving me; and try to
+part us. Can you bear this, and keep your promise faithfully?"
+
+"I think I can. But why won't they like you?" said Fancy, looking
+troubled.
+
+"Because they are not like you, dear," answered the mermaid, with salt
+tears in her soft eyes. "They have not your power of seeing beauty in
+all things, of enjoying invisible delights, and living in a world of
+your own. Your Aunt Fiction will like me; but your Uncle Fact won't. He
+will want to know all about me; will think I'm a little vagabond; and
+want me to be sent away somewhere, to be made like other children. I
+shall keep out of his way as much as I can; for I'm afraid of him."
+
+"I'll take care of you, Lorelei dear; and no one shall trouble you. I
+hear Miss Fairbairn calling; so I must go. Give me your hand, and don't
+be afraid."
+
+Hand in hand the two went toward the other children, who stopped
+digging, and stared at the new child. Miss Fairbairn, who was very wise
+and good, but rather prim, stared too, and said, with surprise:
+
+"Why, my dear, where did you find that queer child?"
+
+"Down on the beach. Isn't she pretty?" answered Fancy, feeling very
+proud of her new friend.
+
+"She hasn't got any shoes on; so she's a beggar, and we mustn't play
+with her," said one boy, who had been taught that to be poor was a very
+dreadful thing.
+
+"What pretty earrings and bracelets she's got!" said a little girl, who
+thought a great deal of her dress.
+
+"She doesn't look as if she knew much," said another child, who was kept
+studying so hard that she never had time to dig and run, and make
+dirt-pies, till she fell ill, and had to be sent to the sea-side.
+
+"What's your name? and who are your parents?" asked Miss Fairbairn.
+
+"I've got no parents; and my name is Lorelei," answered the mermaiden.
+
+"You mean Luly; mind your pronunciation, child," said Miss Fairbairn,
+who corrected every one she met in something or other. "Where do you
+live?"
+
+"I haven't got any home now," said Lorelei, smiling at the lady's tone.
+
+"Yes, you have: my home is yours; and you are going to stay with me
+always," cried Fancy, heartily. "She is my little sister, Miss
+Fairbairn: I found her; and I'm going to keep her, and make her happy."
+
+"Your uncle won't like it, my dear." And Miss Fairbairn shook her head
+gravely.
+
+"Aunt will; and Uncle won't mind, if I learn my lessons well, and
+remember the multiplication table all right. He was going to give me
+some money, so I might learn to keep accounts; but I'll tell him to keep
+the money, and let me have Lorelei instead."
+
+"Oh, how silly!" cried the boy who didn't like bare feet.
+
+"No, she isn't; for, if she's kind to the girl, maybe she'll get some of
+her pretty things," said the vain little girl.
+
+"Keeping accounts is a very useful and important thing. I keep mine; and
+mamma says I have great arth-met-i-cal talent," added the pale child,
+who studied too much.
+
+"Come, children; it's time for dinner. Fancy, you can take the girl to
+the house; and your uncle will do what he thinks best about letting you
+keep her," said Miss Fairbairn, piling them into the basket-wagon.
+
+Fancy kept Lorelei close beside her; and as soon as they reached the
+great hotel, where they all were staying with mothers and fathers,
+uncles or aunts, she took her to kind Aunt Fiction, who was interested
+at once in the friendless child so mysteriously found. She was satisfied
+with the little she could discover, and promised to keep her,--for a
+time, at least.
+
+"We can imagine all kinds of romantic things about her; and, by and by,
+some interesting story may be found out concerning her. I can make her
+useful in many ways; and she shall stay."
+
+As Aunt Fiction laid her hand on the mermaid's head, as if claiming her
+for her own, Uncle Fact came stalking in, with his note-book in his
+hand, and his spectacles on his nose. Now, though they were married,
+these two persons were very unlike. Aunt Fiction was a graceful,
+picturesque woman; who told stories charmingly, wrote poetry and novels,
+was very much beloved by young folks, and was the friend of some of the
+most famous people in the world. Uncle Fact was a grim, grave, decided
+man; whom it was impossible to bend or change. He was very useful to
+every one; knew an immense deal; and was always taking notes of things
+he saw and heard, to be put in a great encyclopaedia he was making. He
+didn't like romance, loved the truth, and wanted to get to the bottom of
+every thing. He was always trying to make little Fancy more sober,
+well-behaved, and learned; for she was a freakish, dreamy, yet very
+lovable and charming child. Aunt Fiction petted her to her heart's
+content, and might have done her harm, if Uncle Fact had not had a hand
+in her education; for the lessons of both were necessary to her, as to
+all of us.
+
+"Well, well, well! who is this?" he said briskly, as he turned his keen
+eyes and powerful glasses on the new comer.
+
+Aunt Fiction told him all the children had said; but he answered
+impatiently:
+
+"Tut, tut! my dear: I want the facts of the case. You are apt to
+exaggerate; and Fancy is not to be relied on. If the child isn't a fool,
+she must know more about herself than she pretends. Now, answer truly,
+Luly, where did you come from?"
+
+But the little mermaid only shook her head, and answered as before,
+"Fancy found me on the beach, and wants me to stay with her. I'll do
+her no harm: please, let me stay."
+
+"She has evidently been washed ashore from some wreck, and has forgotten
+all about herself. Her wonderful beauty, her accent, and these ornaments
+show that she is some foreign child," said Aunt Fiction, pointing to the
+earrings.
+
+"Nonsense! my dear: those are white pebbles, not pearls; and, if you
+examine them, you will find that those bracelets are the ones you gave
+Fancy as a reward for so well remembering the facts I told her about
+coral," said the uncle, who had turned Lorelei round and round, pinched
+her cheek, felt her hair, and examined her frock through the glasses
+which nothing escaped.
+
+"She may stay, and be my little playmate, mayn't she? I'll take care of
+her; and we shall be very happy together," cried Fancy eagerly.
+
+"One can't be sure of that till one has tried. You say you will take
+care of her: have you got any money to pay her board, and buy her
+clothes?" asked her uncle.
+
+"No; but I thought you'd help me," answered Fancy wistfully.
+
+"Never say you'll do a thing till you are sure you can," said Uncle
+Fact, as he took notes of the affair, thinking they might be useful by
+and by. "I've no objection to your keeping the girl, if, after making
+inquiries about her, she proves to be a clever child. She can stay
+awhile; and, when we go back to town, I'll put her in one of our charity
+schools, where she can be taught to earn her living. Can you read,
+Luly?"
+
+"No," said the mermaid, opening her eyes.
+
+"Can you write and cipher?"
+
+"What is that?" asked Lorelei innocently.
+
+"Dear me! what ignorance!" cried Uncle Fact.
+
+"Can you sew, or tend babies?" asked Aunt Fiction gently.
+
+"I can do nothing but play and sing, and comb my hair."
+
+"I see! I see!--some hand-organ man's girl. Well, I'm glad you keep your
+hair smooth,--that's more than Fancy does," said Uncle Fact.
+
+"Let us hear you sing," whispered his little niece; and, in a voice as
+musical as the sound of ripples breaking on the shore, Lorelei sung a
+little song that made Fancy dance with delight, charmed Aunt Fiction,
+and softened Uncle Fact's hard face in spite of himself.
+
+"Very well, very well, indeed: you have a good voice. I'll see that you
+have proper teaching; and, by and by, you can get your living by giving
+singing-lessons," he said, turning over the leaves of his book, to look
+for the name of a skilful teacher; for he had lists of every useful
+person, place, and thing under the sun.
+
+Lorelei laughed at the idea; and Fancy thought singing for gold, not
+love, a hard way to get one's living.
+
+Inquiries were made; but nothing more was discovered, and neither of the
+children would speak: so the strange child lived with Fancy, and made
+her very happy. The other children didn't care much about her; for with
+them she was shy and cold, because she knew, if the truth was told, they
+would not believe in her. Fancy had always played a good deal by
+herself, because she never found a mate to suit her; now she had one,
+and they enjoyed each other very much. Lorelei taught her many things
+besides new games; and Aunt Fiction was charmed with the pretty stories
+Fancy repeated to her, while Uncle Fact was astonished at the knowledge
+of marine plants and animals which she gained without any books. Lorelei
+taught her to swim, like a fish; and the two played such wonderful
+pranks in the water that people used to come down to the beach when they
+bathed. In return, Fancy tried to teach her friend to read and write and
+sew; but Lorelei couldn't learn much, though she loved her little
+teacher dearly, and every evening sung her to sleep with beautiful
+lullabies.
+
+There was a great deal of talk about the curious stranger; for her ways
+were odd, and no one knew what to make of her. She would eat nothing
+but fruit and shell-fish, and drink nothing but salt water. She didn't
+like tight clothes; but would have run about in a loose, green robe,
+with bare feet and flying hair, if Uncle Fact would have allowed it.
+Morning, noon, and night, she plunged into the sea,--no matter what the
+weather might be; and she would sleep on no bed but one stuffed with
+dried sea-weed. She made lovely chains of shells; found splendid bits of
+coral; and dived where no one else dared, to bring up wonderful plants
+and mosses. People offered money for these things; but she gave them all
+to Fancy and Aunt Fiction, of whom she was very fond. It was curious to
+see the sort of people who liked both Fancy and her friend,--poets,
+artists; delicate, thoughtful children; and a few old people, who had
+kept their hearts young in spite of care and time and trouble. Dashing
+young gentlemen, fine young ladies, worldly-minded and money-loving men
+and women, and artificial, unchildlike children, the two friends avoided
+carefully; and these persons either made fun of them, neglected them
+entirely, or seemed to be unconscious that they were alive. The others
+they knew at a glance; for their faces warmed and brightened when the
+children came, they listened to their songs and stories, joined in their
+plays, and found rest and refreshment in their sweet society.
+
+"This will do for a time; as Fancy is getting strong, and not entirely
+wasting her days, thanks to me! But our holiday is nearly over; and, as
+soon as I get back to town, I'll take that child to the Ragged Refuge,
+and see what they can make of her," said Uncle Fact, who was never quite
+satisfied about Lorelei; because he could find out so little concerning
+her. He was walking over the beach as he said this, after a hard day's
+work on his encyclopaedia. He sat down on a rock in a quiet place; and,
+instead of enjoying the lovely sunset, he fell to studying the course of
+the clouds, the state of the tide, and the temperature of the air, till
+the sound of voices made him peep over the rock. Fancy and her friend
+were playing there, and the old gentleman waited to see what they were
+about. Both were sitting with their little bare feet in the water;
+Lorelei was stringing pearls, and Fancy plaiting a crown of pretty green
+rushes.
+
+"I wish I could go home, and get you a string of finer pearls than
+these," said Lorelei; "but it is too far away, and I cannot swim now as
+I used to do."
+
+"I must look into this. The girl evidently knows all about herself, and
+can tell, if she chooses," muttered Uncle Fact, getting rather excited
+over this discovery.
+
+"Never mind the pearls: I'd rather have you, dear," said Fancy lovingly.
+"Tell me a story while we work, or sing me a song; and I'll give you my
+crown."
+
+"I'll sing you a little song that has got what your uncle calls a moral
+to it," said Lorelei, laughing mischievously. Then, in her breezy little
+voice, she sang the story of--
+
+THE ROCK AND THE BUBBLE.
+
+        Oh! a bare, brown rock
+          Stood up in the sea,
+        The waves at its feet
+          Dancing merrily.
+
+        A little bubble
+          Came sailing by,
+        And thus to the rock
+          Did it gayly cry,--
+
+        "Ho! clumsy brown stone,
+          Quick, make way for me:
+        I'm the fairest thing
+          That floats on the sea.
+
+        "See my rainbow-robe,
+          See my crown of light,
+        My glittering form,
+          So airy and bright.
+
+        "O'er the waters blue,
+          I'm floating away,
+        To dance by the shore
+          With the foam and spray.
+
+        "Now, make way, make way;
+          For the waves are strong,
+        And their rippling feet
+          Bear me fast along."
+
+        But the great rock stood
+          Straight up in the sea:
+        It looked gravely down,
+          And said pleasantly,--
+
+        "Little friend, you must
+          Go some other way;
+        For I have not stirred
+          This many a long day.
+
+        "Great billows have dashed,
+          And angry winds blown;
+        But my sturdy form
+          Is not overthrown.
+
+        "Nothing can stir me
+          In the air or sea;
+        Then, how can I move,
+          Little friend, for thee?"
+
+        Then the waves all laughed,
+          In their voices sweet;
+        And the sea-birds looked,
+          From their rocky seat,
+
+        At the bubble gay,
+          Who angrily cried,
+        While its round cheek glowed
+          With a foolish pride,--
+
+        "You _shall_ move for me;
+          And you shall not mock
+        At the words I say,
+          You ugly, rough rock!
+
+        "Be silent, wild birds!
+          Why stare you so?
+        Stop laughing, rude waves,
+          And help me to go!
+
+        "For I am the queen
+          Of the ocean here,
+        And this cruel stone
+          Cannot make me fear."
+
+        Dashing fiercely up,
+          With a scornful word,
+        Foolish bubble broke;
+          But rock never stirred.
+
+        Then said the sea-birds,
+          Sitting in their nests,
+        To the little ones
+          Leaning on their breasts,--
+
+        "Be not like Bubble,
+          Headstrong, rude, and vain,
+        Seeking by violence
+          Your object to gain;
+
+        "But be like the rock,
+          Steadfast, true, and strong,
+        Yet cheerful and kind,
+          And firm against wrong.
+
+        "Heed, little birdlings,
+          And wiser you'll be
+        For the lesson learned
+          To-day by the sea."
+
+"Well, to be sure the song _has_ got a moral, if that silly Fancy only
+sees it," said Uncle Fact, popping up his bald head again as the song
+ended.
+
+"I thank you: that's a good little song for me. But, Lorelei, are you
+sorry you came to be my friend?" cried Fancy; for, as she bent to lay
+the crown on the other's head, she saw that she was looking wistfully
+down into the water that kissed her feet.
+
+"Not yet: while you love me, I am happy, and never regret that I ceased
+to be a mermaid for your sake," answered Lorelei, laying her soft cheek
+against her friend's.
+
+"How happy I was the day my play-mermaid changed to a real one!" said
+Fancy. "I often want to tell people all about that wonderful thing, and
+let them know who you really are: then they'd love you as I do, instead
+of calling you a little vagabond."
+
+"Few would believe our story; and those that did would wonder at
+me,--not love me as you do. They would put me in a cage, and make a show
+of me; and I should be so miserable I should die. So don't tell who I
+am, will you?" said Lorelei earnestly.
+
+"Never," cried Fancy, clinging to her. "But, my deary, what will you do
+when uncle sends you away from me, as he means to do as soon as we go
+home? I can see you sometimes; but we cannot be always together, and
+there is no ocean for you to enjoy in the city."
+
+"I shall bear it, if I can, for your sake; if I cannot, I shall come
+back here, and wait till you come again next year."
+
+"No, no! I will not be parted from you; and, if uncle takes you away,
+I'll come here, and be a mermaid with you," cried Fancy.
+
+The little friends threw their arms about each other, and were so full
+of their own feelings that they never saw Uncle Fact's tall shadow flit
+across them, as he stole away over the soft sand. Poor old gentleman! he
+was in a sad state of mind, and didn't know what to do; for in all his
+long life he had never been so puzzled before.
+
+"A mermaid indeed!" he muttered. "I always thought that child was a
+fool, and now I'm sure of it. She thinks she is a mermaid, and has made
+Fancy believe it. I've told my wife a dozen times that she let Fancy
+read too many fairy tales and wonder-books. Her head is full of
+nonsense, and she is just ready to believe any ridiculous story that is
+told her. Now, what on earth shall I do? If I put Luly in an asylum,
+Fancy will break her heart, and very likely they will both run away. If
+I leave them together, Luly will soon make Fancy as crazy as she is
+herself, and I shall be mortified by having a niece who insists that her
+playmate is a mermaid. Bless my soul! how absurd it all is!"
+
+Aunt Fiction had gone to town to see her publishers about a novel she
+had written, and he didn't like to tell the queer story to any one else;
+so Uncle Fact thought it over, and decided to settle the matter at
+once. When the children came in, he sent Fancy to wait for him in the
+library, while he talked alone with Lorelei. He did his best; but he
+could do nothing with her,--she danced and laughed, and told the same
+tale as before, till the old gentleman confessed that he had heard their
+talk on the rocks: then she grew very sad, and owned that she _was_ a
+mermaid. This made him angry, and he wouldn't believe it for an instant;
+but told her it was impossible, and she must say something else.
+
+Lorelei could say nothing else, and wept bitterly when he would not
+listen; so he locked her up and went to Fancy, who felt as if something
+dreadful was going to happen when she saw his face. He told her all he
+knew, and insisted that Lorelei was foolish or naughty to persist in
+such a ridiculous story.
+
+"But, uncle, I really did make a mermaid; and she really did come alive,
+for I saw the figure float away, and then Lorelei appeared," said Fancy,
+very earnestly.
+
+"It's very likely you made a figure, and called it a mermaid: it would
+be just the sort of thing you'd do," said her uncle. "But it is
+impossible that any coming alive took place, and I won't hear any such
+nonsense. You didn't see this girl come out of the water; for she says
+you never looked up, till she touched you. She was a real child, who
+came over the beach from somewhere; and you fancied she looked like
+your figure, and believed the silly tale she told you. It is my belief
+that she is a sly, bad child; and the sooner she is sent away the better
+for you."
+
+Uncle Fact was so angry and talked so loud, that Fancy felt frightened
+and bewildered; and began to think he might be right about the mermaid
+part, though she hated to give up the little romance.
+
+"If I agree that she _is_ a real child, won't you let her stay, uncle?"
+she said, forgetting that, if she lost her faith, her friend was lost
+also.
+
+"Ah! then you have begun to come to your senses, have you? and are ready
+to own that you don't believe in mermaids and such rubbish?" cried Uncle
+Fact, stopping in his tramp up and down the room.
+
+"Why, if you say there never were and never can be any, I suppose I
+_must_ give up my fancy; but I'm sorry," sighed the child.
+
+"That's my sensible girl! Now, think a minute, my dear, and you will
+also own that it is best to give up the child as well as the mermaid,"
+said her uncle briskly.
+
+"Oh! no: we love one another; and she is good, and I can't give her up,"
+cried Fancy.
+
+"Answer me a few questions; and I'll prove that she isn't good, that you
+don't love her, and that you _can_ give her up," said Uncle Fact, and
+numbered off the questions on his fingers as he spoke.
+
+"Didn't Luly want you to deceive us, and every one else, about who she
+was?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Don't you like to be with her better than with your aunt or myself?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Hadn't you rather hear her songs and stories than learn your lessons?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Isn't it wrong to deceive people, to love strangers more than those who
+are a father and mother to you, and to like silly tales better than
+useful lessons?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Very well. Then, don't you see, that, if Luly makes you do these wrong
+and ungrateful things, she is not a good child, nor a fit playmate for
+you?"
+
+Fancy didn't answer; for she couldn't feel that it was so, though he
+made it seem so. When Uncle Fact talked in that way, she always got
+confused and gave up; for she didn't know how to argue. He was right in
+a certain way; but she felt as if she was right also in another way,
+though she could not prove it: so she hung her head, and let her tears
+drop on the carpet one by one.
+
+Uncle Fact didn't mean to be unkind, but he did mean to have his own
+way; and, when he saw the little girl's sad face, he took her on his
+knee, and said, more mildly:
+
+"Do you remember the story about the German Lorelei, who sung so
+sweetly, and lured people to death in the Rhine?"
+
+"Yes, uncle; and I like it," answered Fancy, looking up.
+
+"Well, my dear, your Lorelei will lead you into trouble, if you follow
+her. Suppose she is what you think her,--a mermaid: it is her delight to
+draw people into the water, where, of course, they drown. If she is what
+I think her,--a sly, bad child, who sees that you are very simple, and
+who means to get taken care of without doing any thing useful,--she will
+spoil you in a worse way than if you followed her into the sea. I've got
+no little daughter of my own, and I want to keep you as safe and happy
+as if you were mine. I don't like this girl, and I want you to give her
+up for my sake. Will you, Fancy?"
+
+While her uncle said these things, all the beauty seemed to fall away
+from her friend, all the sweetness from their love, and all her faith in
+the little dream which had made her so happy. Mermaids became
+treacherous, unlovely, unreal creatures; and Lorelei seemed like a
+naughty, selfish child, who deceived her, and made her do wrong things.
+Her uncle had been very kind to her all her life; and she loved him, was
+grateful, and wanted to show that she was, by pleasing him. But her
+heart clung to the friend she had made, trusted, and loved; and it
+seemed impossible to give up the shadow, even though the substance was
+gone. She put her hands before her face for a moment; then laid her arms
+about the old man's neck, and whispered, with a little sob:
+
+"I'll give her up; but you'll be kind to her, because I was fond of her
+once."
+
+As the last word left Fancy's lips, a long, sad cry sounded through the
+room; Lorelei sprung in, gave her one kiss, and was seen to run swiftly
+toward the beach, wringing her hands. Fancy flew after; but, when she
+reached the shore, there was nothing to be seen but the scattered
+pebbles, shells, and weeds that made the mock mermaid, floating away on
+a receding wave.
+
+"Do you believe now?" cried Fancy, weeping bitterly, as she pointed to
+the wreck of her friend, and turned reproachfully toward Uncle Fact, who
+had followed in great astonishment.
+
+The old gentleman looked well about him; then shook his head, and
+answered decidedly:
+
+"No, my dear, I _don't_. It's an odd affair; but, I've no doubt, it will
+be cleared up in a natural way sometime or other."
+
+But there he was mistaken; for this mystery never _was_ cleared up.
+Other people soon forgot it, and Fancy never spoke of it; yet she made
+very few friends, and, though she learned to love and value Uncle Fact
+as well as Aunt Fiction, she could not forget her dearest playmate. Year
+after year she came back to the sea-side; and the first thing she always
+did was to visit the place where she used to play, and stretch her arms
+toward the sea, crying tenderly:
+
+"O my little friend! come back to me!"
+
+But Lorelei never came again.
+
+
+THE END.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+LOUISA M. ALCOTT'S FAMOUS BOOKS
+
+[Illustration: "Sing, Tessa; sing!" cried Tommo, twanging away with all
+his might.--PAGE 47.]
+
+AUNT JO'S SCRAP-BAG: Containing "My Boys," "Shawl-Straps," "Cupid and
+Chow-Chow," "My Girls," "Jimmy's Cruise in the Pinafore," "An
+Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving." 6 vols. Price of each, $1.00.
+
+ROBERTS BROTHERS, PUBLISHERS, _Boston_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+LOUISE CHANDLER MOULTON'S STORIES.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+BED-TIME STORIES.
+
+    MORE BED-TIME STORIES.
+
+        NEW BED-TIME STORIES.
+
+WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY ADDIE LEDYARD.
+
+Three volumes in a box. Price, $3.75.
+
+_ROBERTS BROTHERS_, _Publishers_, BOSTON.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+AUNT JO'S SCRAP-BAG.
+
+CUPID AND CHOW-CHOW, ETC.
+
+[Illustration: SCRAP-BAG. VOL III.]
+
+BY LOUISA M. ALCOTT,
+
+AUTHOR OF "LITTLE WOMEN," "AN OLD-FASHIONED GIRL," "LITTLE MEN,"
+"HOSPITAL SKETCHES."
+
+
+BOSTON:
+
+ROBERTS BROTHERS.
+
+1881.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+Jean Ingelow's Prose Story Books.
+
+In 5 vols. 16mo, uniformly bound.
+
+STUDIES FOR STORIES FROM GIRLS' LIVES. Illustrated, Price, $1.25.
+
+    "A rare source of delight for all who can find pleasure in
+    really good works of prose fiction.... They are prose poems,
+    carefully meditated, and exquisitely couched in by a teacher
+    ready to sympathize with every joy and sorrow."--_Athenaeum._
+
+STORIES TOLD TO A CHILD. Illustrated. Price, $1.25.
+
+STORIES TOLD TO A CHILD. Second Series. Illustrated. Price, $1.25.
+
+    "This is one of the most charming juvenile books ever laid on
+    our table. Jean Ingelow, the noble English poet, second only to
+    Mrs. Browning, bends easily and gracefully from the heights of
+    thought and fine imagination to commune with the minds and
+    hearts of children; to sympathize with their little joys and
+    sorrows; to feel for their temptations. She is a safe guide for
+    the little pilgrims; for her paths, though 'paths of
+    pleasantness,' lead straight upward."--_Grace Greenwood in "The
+    Little Pilgrim."_
+
+
+A SISTER'S BYE-HOURS. Illustrated. Price, $1.25.
+
+    "Seven short stories of domestic life by one of the most popular
+    of the young authors of the day,--an author who has her heart in
+    what she writes,--Jean Ingelow. And there is heart in these
+    stories, and healthy moral lessons, too. They are written in the
+    author's most graceful and affecting style, will be read with
+    real pleasure, and, when read, will leave more than momentary
+    impressions."--_Brooklyn Union._
+
+
+MOPSA THE FAIRY. A Story. With Eight Illustrations. Price, $1.25.
+
+    "Miss Ingelow is, to our mind, the most charming of all living
+    writers for children, and 'Mopsa' alone ought to give her a kind
+    of pre-emptive right to the love and gratitude of our young
+    folks. It requires genius to conceive a purely imaginary work
+    which must of necessity deal with the supernatural, without
+    running into a mere riot of fantastic absurdity; but genius Miss
+    Ingelow has, and the story of Jack is as careless and joyous,
+    but as delicate, as a picture of childhood.
+
+    "The young people should be grateful to Jean Ingelow and those
+    other noble writers, who, in our day, have taken upon themselves
+    the task of supplying them with literature, if for no other
+    reason, that these writers have saved them from the ineffable
+    didacticism which, till within the last few years, was
+    considered the only food fit for the youthful
+    mind."--_Eclectic._
+
+_Sold everywhere. Mailed, postpaid, by the Publishers._
+
+ROBERTS BROTHERS, BOSTON.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+_Messrs. Roberts Brothers' Publications._
+
+CASTLE BLAIR:
+
+A STORY OF YOUTHFUL DAYS.
+
+BY FLORA L. SHAW.
+
+16mo. Cloth. Price $1.00
+
+    "There is quite a lovely little book just come out about
+    children,--'Castle Blair!' ... The book is good, and lovely, and
+    true, having the best description of a noble child in it
+    (Winnie) that I ever read; and nearly the best description of
+    the next best thing,--a noble dog," says John Ruskin, the
+    distinguished art critic.
+
+    "'Castle Blair,' a story of youthful days, by Flora L. Shaw, is
+    an Irish story. A charming young girl--half French, half
+    English--comes from France, at the age of eighteen, to live with
+    her bachelor uncle at Castle Blair, which is in possession of
+    five children of an absent brother of this uncle. The children
+    are in a somewhat wild and undisciplined condition, but they are
+    as interesting children as can be imagined, and some of them
+    winning to an extraordinary degree. They are natural children,
+    in manner and in talk; but the book differs from some American
+    books about children, in that it is pervaded by an air of
+    refinement and good-breeding. The story is altogether
+    delightful, quite worthy, from an American point of view, of all
+    Mr. Ruskin says of it; and if circulation were determined by
+    merit, it would speedily outstrip a good many now popular
+    children's books which have a vein of commonness, if not of
+    vulgarity."--_Hartford Courant._
+
+    "It is not too much to say that nothing more interesting or more
+    wholesome is offered this year for older boys and girls. It is a
+    charming story, in which the author has delineated character as
+    carefully, and with as keen an artistic sense, as if she had
+    been writing a novel. Her book is a novel, indeed, with children
+    and the lives of children, instead of men and women and their
+    lives, for its theme."--_New York Evening Post._
+
+_Our publications are to be had of all Booksellers. When not to be
+found, send directly to_
+
+ROBERTS BROTHERS, PUBLISHERS, =BOSTON.=
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+_Messrs. Roberts Brothers' Publications._
+
+NELLY'S SILVER MINE.
+
+BY H. H.
+
+With Illustrations. 16mo, cloth. Price $1.50.
+
+    "The sketches of life, especially of its odd and out-of-the-way
+    aspects, by H. H. always possess so vivid a reality that they
+    appear more like the actual scenes than any copy by pencil or
+    photograph. They form a series of living pictures, radiant with
+    sunlight and fresh as morning dew. In this new story the fruits
+    of her fine genius are of Colorado growth, and though without
+    the antique flavor of her recollections of Rome and Venice, are
+    as delicious to the taste as they are tempting to the eye, and
+    afford a natural feast of exquisite quality."--_N. Y. Tribune._
+
+    "This charming little book, written for children's entertainment
+    and instruction, is equally delightful to the fathers and
+    mothers. It is life in New England, and the racy history of a
+    long railway journey to the wilds of Colorado. The children are
+    neither imps nor angels, but just such children as are found in
+    every happy home. The pictures are so graphically drawn that we
+    feel well acquainted with Rob and Nelly, have travelled with
+    them and climbed mountains and found silver mines, and know all
+    about the rude life made beautiful by a happy family, and can
+    say of Nelly, with their German neighbor, Mr. Kleesman, 'Ach
+    well, she haf better than any silver mine in her own
+    self.'"--_Chicago Inter-Ocean._
+
+    "In 'Nelly's Silver Mine' Mrs. Helen Hunt Jackson has given us a
+    true classic for the nursery and the school-room, but its
+    readers will not be confined to any locality. Its vivid
+    portraiture of Colorado life and its truth to child-nature give
+    it a charm which the most experienced cannot fail to feel. It
+    will stand by the side of Miss Edgeworth and Mrs. Barbauld in
+    all the years to come."--_Mrs. Caroline H. Dall._
+
+    "We heartily commend the book for its healthy spirit, its lively
+    narrative, and its freedom from most of the faults of books for
+    children."--_Atlantic Monthly._
+
+_Our publications are to be had of all Booksellers. When not to be
+found, send directly to_
+
+ROBERTS BROTHERS, BOSTON.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Aunt Jo's Scrap-Bag VI, by Louisa M. Alcott
+
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