AUNT JO'S SCRAP-BAG. 

VOL V. 

JIMMY'S CRUISE IN THE PINAFORE, ETC. 

BY LOUISA M. ALCOTT, AUTHOR OF "LITTLE WOMEN, " "AN OLD-FASHIONED GIRL, " "LITTLE MEN, ""HOSPITAL SKETCHES. "

BOSTON:ROBERTS BROTHERS. 1880. 

_Copyright_, BY LOUISA M. ALCOTT. 1879. 

UNIVERSITY PRESS:JOHN WILSON AND SON, CAMBRIDGE. 

 * * * * *

[Illustration: SIR JOSEPH PORTER, K. C. B. ]

 I am the monarch of the Sea, The ruler of the Queen's Navee, -- When at anchor here I ride, My bosom swells with pride, And I snap my fingers at a foeman's taunts. 

[Illustration: COUSIN HEBE. ]

And so do his sisters, and his cousins, and his aunts His sisters and his cousins! Whom he reckons by the dozens, And his aunts!

[Illustration: RALPH RACKSTRAW. ]

"I am the lowliest tar That sails the water. And you, proud maiden, are My captain's daughter. "

[Illustration: JOSEPHINE. ]

"Refrain, audacious tar. Your suit from pressing;Remember what you are, And whom addressing. "

[Illustration: LITTLE BUTTERCUP. ]

For I am called Little Buttercup, --dear Little Buttercup, Though I never could tell why;But still I'm called Buttercup, --poor Little Buttercup, Sweet Little Buttercup I!

[Illustration: CAPTAIN CORCORAN. ]

Fair moon, to thee I sing Bright regent of the heavens;Say, why is every thing Either at sixes or at sevens!

[Illustration: BILL BOBSTAY, THE BOS'N]

He is an Englishman! For he himself has said it, And it's greatly to his creditThat he is an Englishman. 

[Illustration: DICK DEADEYE. ]

"I'm ugly too, aint I?"

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CONTENTS. 

 I. JIMMY'S CRUISE IN THE PINAFORE 5

 II. TWO LITTLE TRAVELLERS 27

 III. A JOLLY FOURTH 38

 IV. SEVEN BLACK CATS 52

 V. ROSA'S TALE 67

 VI. LUNCH 89

 VII. A BRIGHT IDEA 105

VIII. HOW THEY CAMPED OUT 119

 IX. MY LITTLE SCHOOL-GIRL 141

 X. WHAT A SHOVEL DID 154

 XI. CLAMS 168

 XII. KITTY'S CATTLE SHOW 182

XIII. WHAT BECOMES OF THE PINS 189

[Illustration: TOM TUCKER, MIDSHIPMITE. ]

AUNT JO'S SCRAP-BAG. 

I. 

JIMMY'S CRUISE IN THE PINAFORE. 

HOW HE SHIPPED. 

A boy sat on a door-step in a despondent attitude, with his eyes fixedon a pair of very shabby shoes, and his elbows resting on his knees, asif to hide the big patches there. But it was not the fact that his toeswere nearly out and his clothes dilapidated which brought the wrinklesto his forehead and the tears to his eyes, for he was used to thatstate of things, and bore it without complaint. The prospect was a dullone for a lively lad full of the spring longings which sunny Aprilweather always brings. But it was not the narrow back-street where noisychildren played and two or three dusty trees tried to bud withoutsunshine, that made him look so dismal. Nor was it the knowledge that apile of vests was nearly ready for him to trudge away with before hecould really rest after doing many errands to save mother's weary feet. 

No, it was a burden that lay very heavily on his heart, and made itimpossible to even whistle as he waited. Above the sounds that filledthe street he heard a patient moan from the room within; and no matterwhat object his eyes rested on, he saw with sorrowful distinctness asmall white face turned wistfully toward the window, as if weary of thepillow where it had laid so long. 

Merry little Kitty, who used to sing and dance from morning till night, was now so feeble and wasted that he could carry her about like a baby. All day she lay moaning softly, and her one comfort was when "brother"could come and sing to her. That night he could not sing; his heart wasso full, because the doctor had said that the poor child must havecountry air as soon as possible, else she never would recover from thefever which left her such a sad little ghost of her former self. But, alas, there was no money for the trip, and mother was sewing day andnight to earn enough for a week at least of blessed country air andquiet. Jimmy did his best to help, but could find very little to do, andthe pennies came in so slowly he was almost in despair. 

There was no father to lend a strong hand, and Mrs. Nelson was one ofthe "silent poor, " who cannot ask for charity, no matter how much theymay need it. The twelve-year-old boy considered himself the man of thefamily, and manfully carried as many burdens as his young shoulderswould bear; but this was a very heavy one, so it is no wonder that helooked sober. Holding his curly head in his hands, as if to keep it fromflying asunder with the various plans working inside, he sat staring atthe dusty bricks in a desperate frame of mind. 

Warm days were coming, and every hour was precious, for poor Kitty pinedin the close room, and all he could do was to bring her dandelions andbits of green grass from the Common when she begged to go in the fieldsand pick "pretties" for herself. He loved the little sister dearly, and, as he remembered her longing, his eyes filled, and he doubled upboth fists with an air of determination, muttering to himself, --

"She _shall_ go! I don't see any other way, and I'll do it!"

The plan which had been uppermost lately was this. His father had been asailor, and Jimmy proposed to run away to sea as cabin boy. His wageswere to be paid before he went, so mother and Kitty could be in thecountry while he was gone, and in a few months he would come sailinggayly home to find the child her rosy self again. A very boyish andimpossible plan, but he meant it, and was in just the mood to carry itout, --for every other attempt to make money had failed. 

"I'll do it as sure as my name is Jim Nelson. I'll take a look at theships this very night, and go in the first one that will have me, " hesaid, with a resolute nod of the head, though his heart sank within himat the thought. "I wonder which kind of captains pay boys best? I guessI'll try a steamer; they make short trips. I heard the cannon to-day, soone is in, and I'll try for a place before I go to bed. "

Little did desperate Jimmy guess what ship he would really sail in, norwhat a prosperous voyage he was about to make; for help was coming thatvery minute, as it generally does, sooner or later, to generous peoplewho are very much in earnest. 

First a shrill whistle was heard, at the sound of which he looked upquickly; then a rosy-faced girl of about his own age came skipping downthe street, swinging her hat by one string; and, as Jimmy watched herapproach, a smile began to soften the grim look he wore, for WillyBryant was his best friend and neighbor, being full of courage, fun, andkindness. He nodded, and made room for her on the step, --the place sheusually occupied at spare moments when they got lessons and recountedtheir scrapes to each other. 

But to-night Willy seemed possessed of some unusually good piece of newswhich she chose to tell in her own lively fashion, for, instead ofsitting down, she began to dance a sailor's hornpipe, singing gayly, "I'm little Buttercup, sweet little Buttercup, " till her breath gaveout. 

"What makes you so jolly, Will?" asked Jimmy, as she dropped downbeside him and fanned herself with the ill-used hat. 

"Such fun--you'll never guess--just what we wanted--if your mother onlywill! You'll dance, too, when you know, " panted the girl, smiling like asubstantial sort of fairy come to bring good luck. 

"Fire away, then. It will have to be extra nice to set me off. I don'tfeel a bit like jigs now, " answered Jimmy, as the gloom obscured hisface again, like a cloud over the sun. 

"You know 'Pinafore'?" began Will, and getting a quick nod for ananswer, she poured forth the following tale with great rapidity: "Well, some folks are going to get it up with children to do it, and they wantany boys and girls that can sing to go and be looked at to-morrow, andthe good ones will be picked out, and dressed up, and taught how to act, and have the nicest time that ever was. Some of our girls are going, andso am I, and you sing and must come, too, and have some fun. Won't it bejolly?"

"I guess it would; but I can't. Mother needs me every minute out ofschool, " began Jimmy, with a shake of the head, having made up his mindsome time ago that he must learn to do without fun. 

"But we shall be paid for it, " cried Will, clapping her hands with thedouble delight of telling the best part of her story, and seeing Jimmy'ssober face clear suddenly as if the sun had burst forth with greatbrilliancy. 

"Really? How much? Can I sing well enough?" and he clutched her armexcitedly, for this unexpected ray of hope dazzled him. 

"Some of them will have ten dollars a week, and some more, --the realnice ones, like Lee, the singing boy, who is a wonder, " answered Will, in the tone of one well informed on such points. 

"Ten dollars!" gasped Jimmy, for the immensity of the sum took hisbreath away. "Could _I_ get that? How long? Where do we go? Do theyreally want us fellows? Are you sure it's all true?"

"It was all in the paper, and Miss Pym, the teacher who boards at ourhouse, told Ma about it. The folks advertised for school-children, sixtyof 'em, and will really pay; and Ma said I could go and try, and allthe money I get I'm going to put in a bank and have for my own. Don'tyou believe me now?"

Miss Pym and the newspapers settled the matter in Jimmy's mind, and madehim more anxious than before about the other point. 

"Do you think _I_ would have any chance?" he asked, still holding Will, who seemed inclined for another dance. 

"I know you would. Don't you do splendidly at school? And didn't theywant you for a choir boy, only your mother couldn't spare you?" answeredWill, decidedly; for Jimmy did love music, and had a sweet little pipeof his own, as she well knew. 

"Mother will have to spare me now, if they pay like that. I can work allday and do without sleep to earn money this way. Oh, Will, I'm so gladyou came, for I was just ready to run away to sea. There didn't seemanything else to do, " whispered Jimmy in a choky sort of tone, as hopesand fears struggled together in his boyish mind. 

"Run as fast as you like, and I'll go too. We'll sail in the 'Pinafore, 'and come home with our pockets full of money. 

"'Sing, hey, the merry maiden and the tar!'"

burst out Will, who was so full of spirits she could not keep stillanother minute. 

Jimmy joined in, and the fresh voices echoed through the street sopleasantly that Mrs. Peters stopped scolding her six squabblingchildren, while Kitty's moaning changed to a feeble little sound ofsatisfaction, for "brother's" lullabies were her chief comfort anddelight. 

"We shall lose school, you know, for we act in the afternoon, not theevening. I don't care; but you will, you like to study so well. Miss Pymdidn't like it at first, but Ma said it would help the poor folks, and alittle fun wouldn't hurt the children. I thought of you right away, andif you don't get as much money as I do, you shall have some of mine, soKitty can go away soon. "

Will's merry face grew very sweet and kind as she said that, and Jimmywas glad his mother called him just then, because he did not know howto thank this friend in need. When he came out with the parcel of vestshe looked like a different boy, for Mrs. Nelson had told him to go andfind out all about it, and had seemed as much dazzled by the prospect ashe did, sewing was such weary work. 

Their interview with Miss Pym was a most encouraging one, and it wassoon settled that Jimmy should go with Will to try for a place on themorrow. 

"And I'll get it, too!" he said to himself, as he kissed Kitty's thincheek, full of the sweet hope that he might be the means of bringingback life and color to the little face he loved so well. 

He was so excited he could not sleep, and beguiled the long hours byhumming under his breath all the airs he knew belonging to the alreadypopular opera. Next morning he flew about his work as if for a wager, and when Will came for him there was not a happier heart in all the citythan the hopeful one that thumped under Jimmy's threadbare best jacket. 

Such a crowd of girls and boys as they found at the hall where theywere told to apply for inspection; such a chirping and piping went onthere, it sounded like a big cage full of larks and linnets; and by andby, when the trial was over, such a smiling troop of children as wasleft to be drilled by the energetic gentlemen who had the matter inhand. Among this happy band stood our Jimmy, chosen for his good voice, and Will, because of her bright face and lively, self-possessed manners. They could hardly wait to be dismissed, and it was a race home to seewho should be first to tell the good news. Jimmy tried to be quiet onKitty's account, but failed entirely; and it was a pleasant sight to seethe boy run into his mother's arms, crying joyfully, --

"I'm in! I'm in! Ten dollars a week! Hurrah!"

"I can hardly believe it!" And weary Mrs. Nelson dropped her needle toindulge in a few moments of delightful repose. 

"If it goes well they may want us for a month or six weeks, " the mansaid. "Just think, maybe I'll get fifty or sixty dollars! and Baby willget well right off, " cried Jimmy, in an arithmetical sort of rapture, as he leaned above Kitty, who tried to clap her little hands withoutquite knowing what the joy was all about. 

HOW HE SAILED. 

After that day Jimmy led a very happy life, for he loved music andenjoyed the daily drill with his mates, though it was long before he sawthe inside of the theatre. Will knew a good deal about it, for anactor's family had boarded with her mother, and the little girl had beenbehind the scenes. But to Jimmy, who had only seen one fairy play, allwas very strange when at last he went upon the stage; for the glitteringworld he expected was gone, and all was dusty, dark, and queer, withtrap-doors underfoot, machinery overhead, and a wilderness of sceneryjumbled together in the drollest way. He was all eyes and ears, andenjoyed himself immensely as he came and went, sung and acted, with thetroop of lads who made up the sailor chorus. It was a real ship to him, in spite of painted cannon, shaky masts, and cabin doors that lednowhere. He longed to run up the rigging; but as that was forbidden, for fear of danger, he contented himself by obeying orders with nauticalobedience, singing with all his might, and taking great satisfaction inhis blue suit with the magical letters "H. M. S. Pinafore" round hiscap. 

Day by day all grew more and more interesting. His mother was nevertired of hearing his adventures, he sung Kitty to sleep with the newsongs, and the neighbors took such a friendly interest in his successthat they called him Lord Nelson, and predicted that he would be asfamous as his great namesake. 

When the grand day came at last, and the crew of jolly young tars stoodready to burst forth with the opening chorus, "We sail the ocean blue, Our saucy ship's a beauty;We're gallant men and true, And bound to do our duty!"

Jimmy hardly knew whether he stood on his head or his heels at first, for, in spite of many rehearsals, everything seemed changed. Instead ofdaylight, gas shone everywhere, the empty seats were full, theorchestra playing splendidly, and when the curtain rose, a sea offriendly faces welcomed them, and the pleasant sound of applause madethe hearts under the blue jackets dance gayly. 

How those boys did sing! how their eyes shone, and their feet kept timeto the familiar strains! with what a relish they hitched up theirtrousers and lurched about, or saluted and cheered as the play demanded. With what interest they watched the microscopic midshipmite, listened toRafe as his sweet voice melodiously told the story of his hapless love, and smiled on pretty Josephine, who was a regular bluebird without thescream. 

"Ain't this fun?" whispered Jimmy's next neighbor, taking advantage of ageneral burst of laughter, as the inimitable little bumboat womanadvertised her wares with captivating drollery. 

"Right down jolly!" answered Jimmy, feeling that a series of somersaultsacross the stage would be an immense relief to the pent-up emotions ofhis boyish soul. For under all the natural excitement of the hour deepdown lay the sweet certainty that he was earning health for Kitty, andit made his heart sing for joy more blithely than any jovial chorus towhich he lent his happy voice. 

But his bliss was not complete till the stately Sir Joseph, K. C. B. , had come aboard, followed by "his sisters and his cousins and hisaunts;" for among that flock of devoted relatives in white muslin andgay ribbons was Will. Standing in the front row, her bright face wasgood to see, for her black eyes sparkled, every hair on her head curledits best, her cherry bows streamed in the breeze, and her feet prancedirresistibly at the lively parts of the music. She longed to dance thehornpipe which the little Quaker aunt did so capitally, but, beingdenied that honor, distinguished herself by the comic vigor with whichshe "polished up the handle of the big front door, " and did the other"business" recorded by the gallant "ruler of the Queen's Navee. "

She and Jimmy nodded to each other behind the Admiral's august back, andwhile Captain Corcoran was singing to the moon, and Buttercup sufferingthe pangs of "Wemorse, " the young people had a gay time behind thescenes. Jimmy and Will sat upon a green baize bank to compare notes, while the relatives flew about like butterflies, and the sailors talkedbase-ball, jack-knives, and other congenial topics, when not envying SirJoseph his cocked hat, and the Captain his epaulettes. 

It was a very successful launch, and the merry little crew set sail witha fair wind and every prospect of a prosperous voyage. When the firstperformance was over, our two children left their fine feathers behindthem, like Cinderella when the magic hour struck, and went gayly home, feeling much elated, for they knew they should go back to freshtriumphs, and were earning money by their voices like Jenny Lind andMario. How they pitied other boys and girls who could not go in at thatmysterious little door; how important they felt as parts of thespectacle about which every one was talking, and what millionnaires theyconsidered themselves as they discussed their earnings and planned whatto do with the prospective fortunes. 

That was the beginning of many busy, happy weeks for both thechildren, --weeks which they long remembered with great pleasure, as didolder and wiser people; for that merry, innocent little opera provedthat theatres can be made the scenes of harmless amusement, and openedto a certain class of young people a new and profitable field for theirtalents. So popular did this small company become that the piece went onthrough the summer vacation, and was played in the morning as well asafternoon to satisfy the crowds who wished to see and hear it. 

Never had the dear old Boston Museum, which so many of us have loved andhaunted for years, seen such a pretty sight as one of those morningperformances. It was the perfection of harmless merry-making, and theaudience was as pleasant a spectacle as that upon the stage. Fathers andmothers stole an hour from their busy lives to come and be children withtheir children, irresistibly attracted and charmed by the innocent fun, the gay music that bewitched the ear one could hardly tell why, and theartless acting of those who are always playing parts, whether thenursery or the theatre is their stage. 

The windows stood open, and sunshine and fresh air came in to join therevel. Babies crowed and prattled, mammas chatted together, old peoplefound they had not forgotten how to laugh, and boys and girls rejoicedover the discovery of a new delight for holidays. It was good to bethere, and in spite of all the discussion in papers and parlors, no harmcame to the young mariners, but much careful training of various sorts, and well-earned wages that went into pockets which sorely needed asilver lining. 

HOW THE VOYAGE ENDED. 

So the good ship "Pinafore" sailed and sailed for many prosperous weeks, and when at last she came into port and dropped anchor for the seasonshe was received with a salute of general approbation for the successfulengagement out of which she came with her flags flying and not one ofher gallant crew killed or wounded. Well pleased with their share of theglory, officers and men went ashore to spend their prize money withtrue sailor generosity, all eager to ship again for another cruise inthe autumn. 

But long before that time Able Seaman James Nelson had sent his familyinto the country, mother begging Will to take good care of her dear boytill he could join them, and Kitty throwing kisses as she smiledgood-by, with cheeks already the rosier for the comforts "brother" hadearned for her. Jimmy would not desert his ship while she floated, butmanaged to spend his Sundays out of town, often taking Will with him asfirst mate; and, thanks to her lively tongue, friends were soon made forthe new-comers. Mrs. Nelson found plenty of sewing, Kitty grew strongand well in the fine air, and the farmer with whom they lived, seeingwhat a handy lad the boy was, offered him work and wages for the autumn, so all could be independent and together. With this comfortable prospectbefore him, Jimmy sang away like a contented blackbird, never tiring ofhis duty, for he was a general favorite, and Kitty literally strewed hisway with flowers gathered by her own grateful little hands. 

When the last day came, he was in such spirits that he was found doingdouble-shuffles in corners, hugging the midshipmite, who was a littlegirl of about Kitty's age, and treating his messmates to peanuts with alavish hand. Will had her hornpipe, also, when the curtain was down, kissed every one of the other "sisters, cousins, and aunts, " and joinedlustily in the rousing farewell cheers given by the crew. 

A few hours later, a cheerful-looking boy might have been seen trudgingtoward one of the railway-stations. A new hat, brave in blue streamers, was on his head; a red balloon struggled to escape from one hand; ashabby carpet-bag, stuffed full, was in the other; and a pair of shinyshoes creaked briskly, as if the feet inside were going on a verypleasant errand. 

About this young traveller, who walked with a sailor-like roll andlurch, revolved a little girl chattering like a magpie, and occasionallybreaking into song, as if she couldn't help it. 

"Be sure you come next Saturday; it won't be half such fun if you don'tgo halves, " said the boy, beaming at her as he hauled down theimpatient balloon, which seemed inclined to break from its moorings

"'Yes, I knowThat is so!'"

hummed the girl with a skip to starboard, that she might bear a handwith the bag. "Keep some cherries for me, and don't forget to give Kitthe doll I dressed for her. "

"I shouldn't have been going myself if it hadn't been for you, Will. Inever shall forget that, " said Jimmy, whom intense satisfaction renderedrather more sedate than his friend. 

"Running away to sea is great fun, 'With a tar that ploughs the water!'"

sung Will in spite of herself. 

"'And a gallant captain's daughter, '"

echoed Jimmy, smiling across the carpet-bag. Then both joined in anirrepressible chorus of "Dash it! Dash it!" as a big man nearly upsetthem and a dog barked madly at the balloon. 

Being safely landed in the train, Jimmy hung out of the window till thelast minute, discussing his new prospects with Will, who stood on tiptoeoutside, bubbling over with fun. 

"I'll teach you to make butter and cheese, and you shall be mydairy-woman, for I mean to be a farmer, " he said, just as the bell rang. 

"All right, I'd like that ever so much. " And then the irrepressiblemadcap burst out, to the great amusement of the passengers, --

"'For you might have been a Roosian, A Frenchman, Turk or Proosian, Or an Ital-i-an. '"

And Jimmy could not resist shouting back, as the train began to move, --

"'But in spite of all temptationsTo belong to other nations, I'm an Amer-i-can. '"

Then he subsided, to think over the happy holiday before him and therich cargo of comfort, independence, and pleasure he had brought homefrom his successful cruise in the "Pinafore. "

II. 

TWO LITTLE TRAVELLERS. 

The first of these true histories is about Annie Percival, --a very dearand lovely child, whose journey interested many other children, and isstill remembered with gratitude by those whom she visited on a far-offisland. 

Annie was six when she sailed away to Fayal with her mother, grandmamma, and "little Aunt Ruth, " as she called the young aunty who was still aschool-girl. Very cunning was Annie's outfit, and her little trunk was apretty as well as a curious sight, for everything was so small andcomplete it looked as if a doll was setting off for Europe. Such a weedressing-case, with bits of combs and brushes for the curly head; such acosey scarlet wrapper for the small woman to wear in her berth, withslippers to match when she trotted from state-room to state-room; suchpiles of tiny garments laid nicely in, and the owner's initials on theoutside of the trunk; not to mention the key on a ribbon in her pocket, as grown up as you please. 

I think the sight of that earnest, sunshiny face must have been verypleasant to all on board, no matter how seasick they might be, and thesound of the cheery little voice, as sweet as the chirp of a bird, especially when she sung the funny song about the "Owl and the pussy-catin the pea-green boat, " for she had charming ways, and was always makingquaint, wise, or loving remarks. 

Well, "they sailed and they sailed, " and came at last to Fayal, whereeverything was so new and strange that Annie's big brown eyes couldhardly spare time to sleep, so busy were they looking about. The donkeysamused her very much, so did the queer language and ways of thePortuguese people round her, especially the very droll names given tothe hens of a young friend. The biddies seemed to speak the same dialectas at home, but evidently they understood Spanish also, and knew theirown names, so it was fun to go and call Rio, Pico, Cappy, Clarissa, Whorfie, and poor Simonena, whose breast-bone grew out so that shecould not eat and had to be killed. 

But the thing which made the deepest impression on Annie was a visit toa charity-school at the old convent of San Antonio. It was kept by somekind ladies, and twenty-five girls were taught and cared for in the big, bare place, that looked rather gloomy and forlorn to people from happyBoston, where charitable institutions are on a noble scale, as everybodyknows. 

Annie watched all that went on with intelligent interest, and when theywere shown into the play-room she was much amazed and afflicted to findthat the children had nothing to play with but a heap of rags, out ofwhich they made queer dolls, with ravelled twine for hair, faces rudelydrawn on the cloth, and funny boots on the shapeless legs. No other toysappeared, but the girls sat on the floor of the great stone room, --forthere was no furniture, --playing contentedly with their poor dolls, andsmiling and nodding at "the little Americana, " who gravely regarded thissad spectacle, wondering how they could get on without china and waxenbabies, tea-sets, and pretty chairs and tables to keep house with. 

The girls thought that she envied them their dolls, and presently onecame shyly up to offer two of their best, leaving the teacher to explainin English their wish to be polite to their distinguished guest. Likethe little gentlewoman she was, Annie graciously accepted the ugly bitsof rag with answering nods and smiles, and carried them away with her ascarefully as if they were of great beauty and value. 

But when she was at home she expressed much concern and distress at thedestitute condition of the children. Nothing but rags to play withseemed a peculiarly touching state of poverty to her childish mind, andbeing a generous creature she yearned to give of her abundance to "allthe poor orphans who didn't have any nice dollies. " She had several petsof her own, but not enough to go round even if she sacrificed them, sokind grandmamma, who had been doing things of this sort all her life, relieved the child's perplexity by promising to send twenty-five finedolls to Fayal as soon as the party returned to Boston, where thesenecessaries of child-life are cheap and plenty. 

Thus comforted, Annie felt that she could enjoy her dear Horta and ChicaPico Fatiera, particular darlings rechristened since her arrival. Abundle of gay bits of silk, cloth, and flannel, and a present of moneyfor books, were sent out to the convent by the ladies. A treat of littlecheeses for the girls to eat with their dry bread was added, much toAnnie's satisfaction, and helped to keep alive her interest in theschool of San Antonio. 

After many pleasant adventures during the six months spent in the city, our party came sailing home again all the better for the trip, and Annieso full of tales to tell that it was a never-failing source of amusementto hear her hold forth to her younger brother in her pretty way, "splaining and 'scribing all about it. "

Grandmamma's promise was faithfully kept, and Annie brooded blissfullyover the twenty-five dolls till they were dressed, packed, and sent awayto Fayal. A letter of thanks soon came back from the teacher, tellinghow surprised and delighted the girls were, and how they talked ofAnnie as if she were a sort of fairy princess who in return for two poorrag-babies sent a miraculous shower of splendid china ladies with gaygowns and smiling faces. 

This childish charity was made memorable to all who knew of it by thefact that three months after she came home from that happy voyage Annietook the one from which there is no return. For this journey there wasneeded no preparation but a little white gown, a coverlet of flowers, and the casket where the treasure of many hearts was tenderly laid away. All alone, but not afraid, little Annie crossed the unknown sea thatrolls between our world and the Islands of the Blest, to be welcomedthere, I am sure, by spirits as innocent as her own, leaving behind hera very precious memory of her budding virtues and the relics of a short, sweet life. 

Every one mourned for her, and all her small treasures were so carefullykept that they still exist. Poor Horta, in the pincushion arm-chair, seems waiting patiently for the little mamma to come again; the tworag-dolls lie side by side in grandma's scrap-book, since there is nowno happy voice to wake them into life; and far away in the convent ofSan Antonio the orphans carefully keep their pretty gifts in memory ofthe sweet giver. To them she is a saint now, not a fairy princess; forwhen they heard of her death they asked if they might pray for the soulof the dear little Americana, and the teacher said, "Pray rather for thepoor mother who has lost so much. " So the grateful orphans prayed andthe mother was comforted, for now another little daughter lies in herarms and kisses away the lonely pain at her heart. 

 * * * * *

The second small traveller I want to tell about lived in the same cityas the first, and her name was Maggie Woods. Her father was anEnglishman who came to America to try his fortune, but did not find it;for, when Maggie was three months old, the great Chicago fire destroyedtheir home; soon after, the mother died; then the father was drowned, and Maggie was left all alone in a strange country. 

She had a good aunt in England, however, who took great pains todiscover the child after the death of the parents, and sent for her tocome home and be cared for. It was no easy matter to get a five-years'child across the Atlantic, for the aunt could not come to fetch her, andno one whom she knew was going over. But Maggie had found friends inChicago; the American consul at Manchester was interested in the case, and every one was glad to help the forlorn baby, who was too young tounderstand the pathos of her story. 

After letters had gone to and fro, it was decided to send the child toEngland in charge of the captain of a steamer, trusting to the kindnessof all fellow-travellers to help her on her way. 

The friends in Chicago bestirred themselves to get her ready, and thenit was that Annie's mother found that she could do something which wouldhave delighted her darling, had she been here to know of it. Laidtenderly away were many small garments belonging to the other littlepilgrim, whose journeying was so soon ended; and from among all theseprecious things Mrs. Percival carefully chose a comfortable outfit forthat cold March voyage. 

The little gray gown went, and the red hood, the warm socks, and thecosey wraps no longer needed by the quiet sleeper under the snow. Perhaps something of her loving nature lingered about the clothes, andhelped to keep the orphan warm and safe, for Annie's great delight wasto pet and help all who needed comfort and protection. 

When all was ready, Maggie's small effects were packed in a lightbasket, so that she could carry it herself if need be. A card brieflytelling the story was fastened on the corner, and a similar paperrecommending her to the protection of all kind people, was sewed to thebosom of her frock. Then, not in the least realizing what lay beforeher, the child was consigned to the conductor of the train to beforwarded to persons in New York who would see her safely on board thesteamer. 

I should dearly like to have seen the little maid and the big basket asthey set out on that long trip as tranquilly as if for a day's visit;and it is a comfort to know that before the train started, the personswho took her there had interested a motherly lady in the youngtraveller, who promised to watch over her while their ways were thesame. 

All went well, and Maggie was safely delivered to the New York friends, who forwarded her to the steamer, well supplied with toys and comfortsfor the voyage, and placed in charge of captain and stewardess. Shesailed on the 3d of March, and on the 12th landed at Liverpool, after apleasant trip, during which she was the pet of all on board. 

The aunt welcomed her joyfully, and the same day the child reached hernew home, the Commercial Inn, Compstall, after a journey of over fourthousand miles. The consul and owners of the steamer wanted to see theadventurous young lady who had come so far alone, and neighbors andstrangers made quite a lion of her, for all kindly hearts wereinterested, and the protective charity which had guided and guarded herin two hemispheres and across the wide sea, made all men fathers, allwomen mothers, to the little one till she was safe. 

Her picture lies before me as I write, --a pretty child standing in achair, with a basket of toys on the table before her; curly hair pushedback from the face, pensive eyes, and a pair of stout little feetcrossed one over the other as if glad to rest. I wish I could put thephotograph into the story, because the small heroine is an interestingone, and still lives with the good aunt, who is very fond and proud ofher, and writes pleasant accounts of her progress to the friends inAmerica. 

So ends the journey of my second small traveller, and when I think ofher safe and happy in a good home, I always fancy that (if such thingsmay be) in the land which is lovelier than even beautiful old England, Maggie's mother watches over little Annie. 

III. 

A JOLLY FOURTH. 

Door-step parties were the fashion that year, and it was while a dozenyoung folks sat chatting on Annie Hadwin's steps in the twilight thatthey laid the plan which turned out such a grand success in the end. 

"For my part, I am glad we are to be put on a short allowance ofgunpowder, and that crackers are forbidden, they are such a nuisance, burning holes in clothes, frightening horses, and setting houses afire, "said sober Fred from the gate, where he and several other fellows wereroosting socially together. 

"It won't seem a bit like a regular Fourth without the salutes threetimes during the day. They are afraid the old cannon will kick, and blowoff some other fellow's arm, as it did last year, " added Elly Dickens, the beau of the party, as he pulled down his neat wristbands, hopingMaud admired the new cuff-buttons in them. 

"What shall we do in the evening, since the ball is given up? Justbecause the old folks are too tired to enjoy dancing, we can't have any, and I think it is too bad, " said pretty Belle, impatiently, for shedanced like a fairy and was never tired. 

"The authorities didn't dare to stop our races in the morning. Therewould have been an insurrection if they had, " called out long Herbertfrom the grass, where he lay at the feet of black-eyed Julia. 

"We _must_ do something to finish off with. Come, somebody suggest anew, nice, safe, and jolly plan for the evening, " cried Grace, who likedfun, and had just slipped a little toad into Jack Spratt's pocket as apleasant surprise when he felt for his handkerchief. 

"Let us offer a prize for the brightest idea. Five minutes formeditation, then all suggest a plan, and the best one shall be adopted, "proposed Annie, glad to give a lively turn to her party. 

All agreed, and sudden silence followed the chatter, broken now andthen by an exclamation of "I've got it! No, I haven't, " which produced alaugh at the impetuous party. 

"Time's up, " announced Fred, looking at "the turnip, " as his bigold-fashioned watch was called. Every one had a proposal more or lessoriginal, and much discussion followed; but it was finally decided thatHerbert's idea of floating about in boats to enjoy the fireworks on thehill would be romantic, reposeful, and on the whole satisfactory. 

"Each boat might have a colored lantern; that would look pretty, andthen there would be no danger of running into our neighbors in thedark, " said Annie, who was a little timid on the water in a wherry. 

"Why not have lots, and make a regular 'feast of lanterns, ' as they doin China? I was reading about it the other day, and can show you how todo it. Won't it be gay?" And Fred the bookworm nearly tumbled off hisperch, as an excited gesture emptied his pockets of the library bookswhich served as ballast. 

"Yes! yes!" cried the other lads, with various demonstrations ofdelight as the new fancy grew upon their lively minds. 

"Fred and Annie must have the prize, for their idea is the mostbrilliant one. Nan can give the flag to the winner of the race, and'Deacon' can lead the boats, for _I_ think it would be fine to have aprocession on the river. Fireworks are an old story, so let us surprisethe town by something regularly splendid, " proposed Elly, fired in histurn with a bright idea. 

"We will! we will!" cried the rest, and at once plunged into the affairwith all the ardor of their years. 

"Let us dress up, " said Julia, who liked theatricals. 

"In different characters, " added Maud, thinking how well her long yellowhair would look as a mermaid. 

"And all sing as we go under the bridges, " put in Annie, who adoredmusic. 

"What a pity the boats can't dance, it would be so lovely to see themwaltzing round like fireflies!" said Belle, still longing for the ball. 

"A lot of fellows are coming up to spend the day with us, and we oughtto have some sort of a picnic; city folks think so much of such things, "said Herbert the hospitable, for his house and barn were the favoriteresorts of all his mates, and three gentle little sisters always cameinto his plans if possible. 

"I've got two girl cousins coming, and they would like it, I guess. Ishould any way, for Jack will go tagging after Grace and leave me totake care of them. Let's have a picnic, by all means, " said lazy Fred, who thought all girls but one great plagues. 

"I shouldn't wonder if all our people liked that plan, and we might havea town picnic as we did once before. Let every one ask his or hermother, and see if we can't do it, " suggested Annie, eager for a wholeday of merry-making. 

The door-step party was late in breaking up that night; and if half theplans proposed had been carried out, that town would have beenconsidered a large lunatic asylum. Wiser heads remodelled the wildplans, however, and more skilful hands lent their aid, so that only thepossible was attempted, though the older folks had bright ideas as wellas the boys and girls, and gave the finishing touches to the affair. 

The Fourth was a fine day, with a fresh air, cloudless sky, and no dust. The town was early astir, though neither sunrise cannon nor the Antiquesand Horribles disturbed the dawn with their clamor. The bells rangmerrily, and at eight all flocked to the Town Hall to hear theDeclaration of Independence read by the good and great man of the town, whose own wise and noble words go echoing round the world, teaching thesame lesson of justice, truth, and courage as that immortal protest. AnOde by the master of the revels was sung, then every one shouted Americawith hearty good-will, and before the echoes had fairly died away, thecrowd streamed forth to the river-side; for these energetic people werebound to make a day of it. 

At nine the races began, and both green banks of the stream were linedwith gay groups eagerly watching "our boys" as they swept by inwherries, paddled in canoes, or splashed and tumbled in and out of theirtubs amid shouts of laughter from the spectators. The older fellows didthe scientific, and their prizes were duly awarded by the judges. Butour young party had their share of fun, and Fred and Herbert, who werechums in everything, won the race for the little flag yearly given tothe lads for any success on the river. Then the weary heroes loaded thebig dory with a cargo of girls, and with the banner blowing gayly in thewind, rowed away to the wide meadow, where seven oaks cast shade enoughto shelter a large picnic. And a large one they had, for the mammas tookkindly to the children's suggestion, agreeing to club together in asocial lunch, each contributing her stores, her family, and her guests, all being happy together in the free and easy way so pleasant andpossible in summer weather. 

A merry company they were, and it was a comfortable sight to see thetired fathers lying in the shade, while the housewives forgot theircares for a day, the young folks made table-setting and dishwashing ajoke by doing it together, and the children frolicked to their hearts'content. Even the babies were trundled to the party by proud mammas andtook naps in their carriages, or held receptions for admiring friendsand neighbors with infantile dignity. 

A social, sensible time, and when sunset came all turned homeward tomake ready for the evening festivities. It was vaguely rumored that thepretty rustic bridge was to be illuminated, for the older people hadtaken up the idea and had _their_ surprises ready as well as the youngfolks. A band was stationed by the river-side, a pretty villa on thehill blazed out with lines of light, and elms and apple-trees bore redand golden lanterns, like glorified fruit. The clerk of the weather wasevidently interested in this novel entertainment, for the evening waswindless, dark, and cool, so the arch of light that spanned the shadowyriver shone splendidly. Fireworks soared up from the hill-top beyond, fireflies lent their dancing sparks to illuminate the meadows, and thethree bridges were laden with the crowds, who greeted each new surprisewith cries of admiration. 

Higher up the stream, where two branches met about a rocky island, elvesseemed gathering for a summer revel. 

From all the landings that lined either shore brilliant boats glided tothe rendezvous; some hung with luminous globes of blue and silver, somewith lanterns fiery-red, flower-shaped, golden, green, or variegated, asif a rainbow were festooned about the viewless masts. Up and down theyflashed, stealing out from dusky nooks and floating in their ownradiance, as they went to join the procession that wound about theisland like a splendid sea-serpent uncoiling itself from sleep anddarkness. 

"Isn't it beautiful?" cried even the soberest of the townsfolk, as allturned their backs on the shining bridge and bursting rockets to admirethe new spectacle, which was finer than its most enthusiastic advocateexpected. All felt proud of their success as they looked, and even thechildren forgot to shout while watching the pretty pageant thatpresently came floating by, with music, light, and half-seen figures socharming, grotesque, or romantic that the illusion was complete. 

First, a boat so covered with green boughs and twinkling yellow sparksthat it looked like a floating island by starlight or a cage ofsinging-birds, for music came from within and fresh voices, led byAnnie, sang sweetly as it sailed along. Then a gondola of lovelyVenetian ladies, rowed by the handsome artist, who was the pride of thetown. Next a canoe holding three dusky Indians, complete in war-paint, wampum, and tomahawks, paddled before the brilliant barge in whichCleopatra sat among red cushions, fanned by two pretty maids. Julia'sblack eyes sparkled as she glanced about her, feeling very queen-likewith a golden crown on her head, all the jewelry she could muster on herneck and arms, and grandmother's yellow brocade shining in the light. Belle and Grace waved their peacock fans like two comely little Egyptiandamsels, and the many-colored lanterns made a pretty picture of thewhole. 

A boatful of jolly little tars followed, with Tom Brown, Jr. , asskipper. Then a party of fairies in white, with silver wings and wands, and lanterns like moon and stars. 

Lou Pope, as Lady of the Lake, rowed her own boat, with Jack for a drolllittle Harper, twanging his zitter for want of a better instrument. 

A black craft hung with lurid red lanterns and manned by a crew offerocious pirates in scarlet shirts, dark beards, and an imposingdisplay of pistols and cutlasses in their belts, not to mention thewell-known skull and cross-bones on the flag flying at the masthead, produced a tremendous effect as the crew clashed their arms and roaredthe blood-thirstiest song they could find. All the boys cheered that, and all the horses pranced as the pirates fired off their pistols, causing timid ladies to shriek, and prudent drivers to retire from thebridges with their carriage-loads of company. 

A Chinese junk (or what was intended to look like one, but reallyresembled a mud-scow), with a party of Mandarins, rich in fans, umbrellas, and pigtails, taking tea on board in a blaze of fantasticlanterns, delighted the children. 

Then a long low boat came sliding by softly, lighted with pale bluelamps, and on a white couch lay "Elaine, " the letter in her hand, thegolden hair streaming to her knees, and at her feet the dwarfsorrowfully rowing her down to Camelot. Every one recognized that, forthe master of the revels got it up as no one else could; and Maudlaughed to herself as the floating tableau went under the bridge, andshe heard people rushing to the other side, waiting eagerly to see the"lily maid" appear and glide away, followed by applause, as one of theprettiest sights seen that night. 

There were eighty boats in all, and as the glittering train wound alongthe curves of the river smooth and dark as a mirror, the effect wastruly beautiful, especially when they all congregated below theilluminated bridge, making an island of many-colored light. An enchantedisland it seemed to lookers-on, for music and laughter came from it, anda strange mixture of picturesque faces and figures flitted to and fro. 

Elaine sat up and ate bonbons with the faithful dwarf; Ellen Douglasducked the Harper; the Chinamen invited Cleopatra to tea; the mermaidspelted the pirates with water-lilies; the gallant gondolier talked artwith the Venetian ladies; and the jolly little tars danced hornpipes, regardless of danger; while the three Indians, Fred, Herbert, and Elly, whooped and tomahawked right and left as if on the war-path. 

A regular Midsummer Night's Dream frolic, which every one enjoyedheartily, while the band played patriotic airs, the pretty villa shonelike a fairy palace, and the sky was full of dazzling meteors, fallingstars, and long-tailed comets, as the rockets whizzed and blazed fromthe hill-tops. 

Just as the fun was at its height the hurried clang of a bell startledthe merry-makers, and a cry of "Fire!" came from the town, causing ageneral stampede. "Post-office all afire! Men wanted!" shouted abreathless boy, racing through the crowd toward the river. Then greatwas the scampering, for shops stood thickly all about the post-office, and distracted merchants hastily collected their goods, while thefiremen smashed windows, ran up and down ladders, broke in doors, andpoured streams of water with generous impartiality over everybody andeverything in the neighborhood, and the boys flew about, as if thisunexpected display of fireworks suited them exactly. 

Such noble exertions could not fail of success, and the fire was happilyextinguished before the river was pumped dry. Then every one went home, and, feeling the need of refreshment after their labors, had supper allover again, to the great delight of the young folks, who considered thisa most appropriate finish to an exciting day. 

But the merriest party of all was the one gathered on Fred's piazza toeat cake and talk over the fun. Such a droll group as they were. TheIndians were sadly dilapidated as to feathers and paint, beside beingmuddy to the knees, having landed in hot haste. Poor Cleopatra had beendrenched by the hose, but though very damp still sparkled withunextinguishable gayety. Elaine had tied herself up in a big shawl, having lost her hat overboard. Jack and Grace wore one waterproof, andAnnie was hoarse with leading her choir of birds on the floating island. Also several of the pirates wore their beards twisted round behind forthe sake of convenience in eating. 

All were wet, warm, and weary, but all rejoiced over the success of theday's delights, and it was unanimously agreed that this had been thejolliest Fourth they had ever known. 

IV. 

SEVEN BLACK CATS. 

They all came uninvited, they all led eventful lives, and all diedtragical deaths; so out of the long list of cats whom I have loved andlost, these seven are the most interesting and memorable. 

I have no prejudice against color, but it so happened that our pussieswere usually gray or maltese. One white one, who _would_ live in thecoal-bin, was a failure, and we never repeated the experiment. Blackcats had not been offered us, so we had no experience of them tillnumber one came to us in this wise. 

Sitting at my window, I saw a very handsome puss come walking down thestreet in the most composed and dignified manner. I watched him withinterest, wondering where he was going. 

Pausing now and then, he examined the houses as he passed, as if lookingfor a particular number, till, coming to our gate, he pushed it open, and walked in. Straight up to the door he came, and finding it shut satdown to wait till some one opened it for him. 

Much amused, I went at once, and he came directly in, after a long stareat me, and a few wavings of his plumy tail. It was evidently the rightplace, and, following me into the parlor, he perched himself on the rug, blinked at the fire, looked round the room, washed his face, and then, lying down in a comfortable sprawl, he burst into a cheerful purr, as ifto say, --

"It's all right; the place suits me, and I'm going to stay. "

His coolness amused me very much, and his beauty made me glad to keephim. He was not a common cat, but, as we afterward discovered, a Russianpuss. His fur was very long, black, and glossy as satin; his tail like agraceful plume, and his eyes as round and yellow as two little moons. His paws were very dainty, and white socks and gloves, with a neatcollar and shirt-bosom, gave him the appearance of an elegant youngbeau, in full evening dress. His face was white, with black hair partedin the middle; and whiskers, fiercely curled up at the end, gave him amartial look. 

Every one admired him, and a vainer puss never caught a mouse. If he sawus looking at him, he instantly took an attitude; gazed pensively at thefire, as if unconscious of our praises; crouched like a tiger about tospring, and glared, and beat the floor with his tail; or lay luxuriouslyoutstretched, rolling up his yellow eyes with a sentimental expressionthat was very funny. 

We named him the Czar, and no tyrannical emperor of Russia ever carriedgreater desolation and terror to the souls of his serfs, than this royalcat did to the hearts and homes of the rats and mice over whom he ruled. 

The dear little mice who used to come out to play so confidingly in myroom, live in my best bonnet-box, and bring up their interesting youngfamilies in the storeroom, now fell an easy prey to the Czar, who madenothing of catching half a dozen a day. 

Brazen-faced old rats, gray in sin, who used to walk boldly in and outof the front door, ravage our closets, and racket about the walls bynight, now paused in their revels, and felt that their day was over. Czar did not know what fear was, and flew at the biggest, fiercest ratthat dared to show his long tail on the premises. He fought many agallant fight, and slew his thousands, always bringing his dead foe todisplay him to us, and receive our thanks. 

It was sometimes rather startling to find a large rat reposing in themiddle of your parlor; not always agreeable to have an excited catbounce into your lap, lugging a half-dead rat in his mouth; or to havevisitors received by the Czar, tossing a mouse on the door-steps, like aplayful child with its cup and ball. 

He was not fond of petting, but allowed one or two honored beings tocuddle him. My work-basket was his favorite bed, for a certain fatcushion suited him for a pillow, and, having coolly pulled out all thepins, the rascal would lay his handsome head on the red mound, and winkat me with an irresistibly saucy expression that made it impossible toscold. 

All summer we enjoyed his pranks and admired his manly virtues; but inthe winter we lost him, for, alas! he found his victor in the end, andfell a victim to his own rash daring. 

One morning after a heavy snow-fall, Czar went out to take a turn up anddown the path. As he sat with his back to the gate, meditativelywatching some doves on the shed-roof, a big bull-dog entered the yard, and basely attacked him in the rear. Taken by surprise, the dear fellowdid his best, and hit out bravely, till he was dragged into the deepsnow where he could not fight, and there so cruelly maltreated that hewould have been murdered outright, if I had not gone to the rescue. 

Catching up a broom, I belabored the dog so energetically that he wasforced to turn from the poor Czar to me. What would have become of me Idon't know, for the dog was in a rage, and evidently meditating a grabat my ankles, when his master appeared and ordered him off. 

Never was a boy better scolded than that one, for I poured forth vialsof wrath upon his head as I took up my bleeding pet, and pointed to hiswounds as indignantly as Antony did to Cæsar's. 

The boy fled affrighted, and I bore my poor Czar in to die. All day helay on his cushion, patient and quiet, with his torn neck tied up in asoft bandage, a saucer of cream close by, and an afflicted mistress totend and stroke him with tender lamentations. 

We had company in the evening, and my interesting patient was put intoanother room. Once, in the midst of conversation, I thought I heard aplaintive mew, but could not go to see, and soon forgot all about it;but when the guests left, my heart was rent by finding Czar stretchedout before the door quite dead. 

Feeling death approach, he had crept to say good-by, and with a farewellmew had died before the closed door, a brave and faithful cat to theend. 

He was buried with great pomp, and before his grave was green, littleBlot came to take his place, though she never filled it. Blot's careerwas a sad and brief one. Misfortune marked her for its own, and life wasone too many for her. 

I saw some boys pelting a wretched object with mud. I delivered alecture on cruelty to animals, confiscated the victim, and, wrappingher in a newspaper, bore the muddy little beast away in triumph. Beingwashed and dried, she turned out a thin black kit, with dirty blue bowstied in her ears. As I don't approve of ear-rings, I took hers out, andtried to fatten her up, for she was a forlorn creature at first. 

But Blot would not grow plump. Her early wrongs preyed upon her, and sheremained a thin, timid, melancholy little cat all her days. I could notwin her confidence. She had lost her faith in mankind, and I don't blameher. She always hid in corners, quaked when I touched her, took her foodby stealth, and sat in a forlorn bunch in cold nooks, down cellar orbehind the gate, mewing despondently to herself, as if her woes mustfind a vent. She would _not_ be easy and comfortable. No cushion couldallure, no soft beguilements win her to purr, no dainty fare fill outher rusty coat, no warmth or kindness banish the scared look from hersad green eyes, no ball or spool lure her to play, or cause her to wagher mortified thin tail with joy. 

Poor, dear little Blot! She was a pathetic spectacle, and her end wasquite in keeping with the rest of her hard fate. Trying one day to makeher come and be cuddled, she retreated to the hearth, and when I pursuedher, meaning to catch and pet her, she took a distracted skip right intoa bed of hot coals. One wild howl, and another still more distractedskip brought her out again, to writhe in agony with four burnt paws anda singed skin. 

"We must put the little sufferer out of her pain, " said a strong-mindedfriend; and quenched little Blot's life and suffering together in a pailof water. 

I laid her out sweetly in a nice box, with a doll's blanket folded roundher, and, bidding the poor dear a long farewell, confided her to oldMacCarty for burial. He was my sexton, and I could trust him to inter mydarlings decently, and not toss them disrespectfully into a dirt-cart orover a bridge. 

My dear Mother Bunch was an entire contrast to Blot. Such a fat, coseyold mamma you never saw, and her first appearance was so funny, I neverthink of her without laughing. 

In our back kitchen was an old sideboard, with two little doors in thelower part. Some bits of carpet were kept there, but we never expectedto let that small mansion till, opening the door one day, I found Mrs. Bunch and her young family comfortably settled. 

I had never seen this mild black cat before, and I fancy no one had everseen her three roly-poly, jet-black kits. Such a confiding puss I nevermet, for when I started back, surprised, Mrs. Bunch merely looked at mewith an insinuating purr, and began to pick at my carpet, as if tosay, --

"The house suited me; I'll take it, and pay rent by allowing you toadmire and pet my lovely babies. "

I never thought of turning her out, and there she remained for somemonths, with her children growing up around her, all as fat and funny, black and amiable, as herself. 

Three jollier kits were never born, and a more devoted mother neverlived. I put her name on the door of her house, and they lived on mostcomfortably together, even after they grew too big for theiraccommodations, and tails and legs hung out after the family hadretired. 

I really did hope they would escape the doom that seemed to pursue mycats, but they did not, for all came to grief in different ways. CuddleBunch had a fit, and fell out of the window, killing herself instantly. Othello, her brother, was shot by a bad boy, who fired pistols at allthe cats in the neighborhood, as good practice for future gunningexpeditions. 

Little Purr was caught in a trap, set for a woodchuck, and so hurt shehad to be gently chloroformed out of life. Mother Bunch still remained, and often used to go and sit sadly under the tree where her infants wereburied, --an afflicted, yet resigned parent. 

Her health declined, but we never had the heart to send her away, and itwouldn't have done any good if we had tried. We did it once, and it wasa dead failure. At one time the four cats were so wearing that myhonored father, who did not appreciate the dears, resolved to clear thehouse of the whole family; so he packed them in a basket, and carriedthem "over the hills and far away, " like the "Babes in the Wood. " Comingto a lonely spot, he let them out, and returned home, much relieved inmind. Judge of his amazement when the first thing he saw was Mrs. Bunchand her children, sitting on the steps resting after their run home. 

We all laughed at the old gentleman so that he left them in peace, andeven when the mamma alone remained, feeble and useless, her bereavementmade her sacred. 

When we shut up the house, and went to the city for the winter, we gaveMother Bunch to the care of a kind neighbor, who promised to guard herfaithfully. Returning in the spring, one of my first questions was, --

"How is old Pussy?"

Great was my anguish when my neighbor told me that she was no more. Itseems the dear thing pined for her old home, and kept returning to it inspite of age or bad weather. 

Several times she was taken back when she ran away, but at last theywere tired of fussing over her, and let her go. A storm came on, andwhen they went to see what had become of her, they found her frozen, inthe old sideboard, where I first discovered her with her kits abouther. 

As a delicate attention to me, Mrs. Bunch's skin was preserved, andpresented when the tale was told. I kept it some time, but the nextChristmas I made it into muffs for several dolls, who were sent me todress; and very nice little muffs the pretty black fur made, lined withcherry silk, and finished off with tiny tassels. 

I loved the dear old puss, but I knew the moths would get her skin if Ikept it, and preferred to rejoice the hearts of several small friendswith dolls in full winter costume. I am sure Mrs. Bunch would haveagreed with me, and not felt that I treated her remains with disrespect. 

The last of my cats was the blackest of all, and such a wild thing wecalled him the Imp. He tumbled into the garret one day through a brokenscuttle, and took possession of the house from that time forth, actingas if bewitched. 

He got into the furnace pipes, but could not get out, and kept me up onewhole night, giving him air and light, food and comfort, through alittle hole in the floor, while waiting for a carpenter to come and sawhim out. 

He got a sad pinch in his tail, which made it crooked forever after. Hefell into the soft-soap barrel, and was fished out a deplorablespectacle. He was half strangled by a fine collar we put on him, and wasfound hanging by it on a peg. 

People sat down on him, for he would lie in chairs. No one loved himmuch, for he was not amiable in temper, but bit and scratched iftouched, worried the bows off our slippers in his play, and if we didnot attend to him at once, he complained in the most tremendous bassgrowl I ever heard. 

He was not beautiful, but very impressive; being big, without a whitehair on him. One eye was blue and one green, and the green one wasalways half shut, as if he was winking at you, which gave him a rowdyair comical to see. Then he swaggered in his walk, never turned out forany one, and if offended fell into rages fit to daunt the bravest soul. 

Yes, the Imp was truly an awful animal; and when a mischievous cousin ofours told us he wanted a black cat, without a single white hair on it, to win a wager with, we at once offered ours. 

It seems that sailors are so superstitious they will not sail in a shipwith a black cat; and this rogue of a cousin was going to send puss offon a voyage, unknown to any one but the friend who took him, and whenthe trip was safely over, he was to be produced as a triumphant proof ofthe folly of the nautical superstition. 

So the Imp was delivered to his new master, and sailed away packed up inan old fishing-basket, with his head poked out of a hole in the cover. 

We waited anxiously to hear how the joke ended; but unfortunately thepassage was very rough, his guardian too ill to keep him safe and quiet, so the irrepressible fellow escaped from prison, and betrayed himself bygrowling dismally, as he went lurching across the deck to the greatdismay of the sailors. 

They chased, caught, and tossed the poor Imp overboard without loss oftime. And when the joke came out, they had the best of it, for theweather happened to improve, and the rest of the voyage was prosperous. So, of course, they laid it all to the loss of the cat, and were morefixed in their belief than ever. 

We were sorry that poor old Imp met so sad a fate, but did not mourn himlong, for he had not won our hearts as some of our other pets had. 

He was the last of the seven black cats, and we never had another; for Ireally did feel as if there was something uncanny about them after mytragical experiences with Czar, Blot, Mother Bunch's family, and themartyred Imp. 

V. 

ROSA'S TALE. 

"Now, I believe every one has had a Christmas present and a good time. Nobody has been forgotten, not even the cat, " said Mrs. Ward to herdaughter, as she looked at Pobbylinda, purring on the rug, with a newribbon round her neck and the remains of a chicken bone between herpaws. 

It was very late, for the Christmas-tree was stripped, the little folksabed, the baskets and bundles left at poor neighbors' doors, andeverything ready for the happy day which would begin as the clock strucktwelve. They were resting after their labors, while the yule log burneddown; but the mother's words reminded Belinda of one good friend who hadreceived no gift that night. 

"We've forgotten Rosa! Her mistress is away, but she _shall_ have apresent nevertheless. Late as it is, she will like some apples and cakeand a Merry Christmas from the family. "

Belinda jumped up as she spoke, and, having collected such remnants ofthe feast as a horse would relish, she put on her hood, lighted alantern, and trotted off to the barn. 

As she opened the door of the loose box in which Rosa was kept, she sawher eyes shining in the dark as she lifted her head with a startled air. Then, recognizing a friend, she rose and came rustling through the strawto greet her late visitor. She was evidently much pleased with theattention, and rubbed her nose against Miss Belinda gratefully, butseemed rather dainty, and poked over the contents of the basket, as if alittle suspicious, though apples were her favorite treat. 

Knowing that she would enjoy the little feast more if she had companywhile she ate it, for Rosa was a very social beast, Miss Belinda hung upthe lantern, and, sitting down on an inverted bucket, watched her as shemunched contentedly. 

"Now really, " said Miss Belinda, when telling her story afterwards, "Iam not sure whether I took a nap and dreamed what follows, or whetherit actually happened, for strange things do occur at Christmas time, asevery one knows. 

"As I sat there the town clock struck twelve, and the sound reminded meof the legend which affirms that all dumb animals are endowed withspeech for one hour after midnight on Christmas eve, in memory of theanimals about the manger when the blessed Child was born. 

"'I wish the pretty fancy was a fact, and our Rosa could speak, if onlyfor an hour, because I am sure she has an interesting history, and Ilong to know it. '

"I said this aloud, and to my utter amazement the bay mare stoppedeating, fixed her intelligent eyes upon my face, and answered in alanguage I understood perfectly well, --

"'You shall know it, for whether the legend is true or not I feel as ifI could confide in you and tell you all I feel. I was lying awakelistening to the fun in the house, thinking of my dear mistress over thesea and feeling very sad, for I heard you say I was to be sold. Thatnearly broke my heart, for no one has ever been so kind to me as MissMerry, and nowhere shall I be taken care of, nursed, and loved as I havebeen since she bought me. I know I am getting old, and stiff in theknees, and my forefoot is lame, and sometimes I'm cross when my shoulderaches; but I do try to be a patient, grateful beast. I've got fat withgood living, my work is not hard, I dearly love to carry those who havedone so much for me, and I'll tug for them till I die in harness, ifthey will only keep me. '

"I was so astonished at this address that I tumbled off the pail, andsat among the straw staring up at Rosa, as dumb as if I had lost thepower she had gained. She seemed to enjoy my surprise, and added to itby letting me hear a genuine _horse laugh_, hearty, shrill, and clear, as she shook her pretty head, and went on talking rapidly in thelanguage which I now perceived to be a mixture of English and thepeculiar dialect of the horse-country Gulliver visited. 

"'Thank you for remembering me to-night, and in return for the goodiesyou bring I'll tell my story as fast as I can, for I have often longedto recount the trials and triumphs of my life. Miss Merry came lastChristmas eve to bring me sugar, and I wanted to speak, but it was tooearly and I could not say a word, though my heart was full. '

"Rosa paused an instant, and her fine eyes dimmed as if with tendertears at the recollection of the happy year which had followed the dayshe was bought from the drudgery of a livery-stable to be a lady's pet. I stroked her neck as she stooped to sniff affectionately at my hood, and said eagerly, --

"'Tell away, dear, I'm full of interest, and understand every word yousay. '

"Thus encouraged, Rosa threw up her head, and began with an air of pridewhich plainly proved, what we had always suspected, that she belonged toa good family. 

"'My father was a famous racer, and I am very like him; the same color, spirit, and grace, and but for the cruelty of man I might have been asrenowned as he. I was a very happy colt, petted by my master, tamed bylove, and never struck a blow while he lived. I gained one race for him, and promised so well that when he died I brought a great price. Imourned for him, but was glad to be sent to my new owner's racing-stableand made much of, for people predicted that I should be anotherGoldsmith Maid or Flora Temple. Ah, how ambitious and proud I was inthose days! Vain of my good blood, my speed, and my beauty; for indeed I_was_ handsome then, though you may find it hard to believe now. ' AndRosa sighed regretfully as she stole a look at me, and took the attitudewhich showed to advantage the fine lines about her head and neck. 

"'I do not find it hard, for we have always said you had splendid pointsabout you. Miss Merry saw them, though you were a skeleton, when shebought you; so did the skilful Cornish blacksmith when he shod you. Andit is easy to see that you belong to a good family by the way you holdyour head without a check-rein and carry your tail like a plume, ' Isaid, with a look of admiration which comforted her as much as if shehad been a _passée_ belle. 

"'I must hurry over this part of my story, because, though brilliant, it was very brief, and ended in a way which made it the bitterestportion of my life, ' continued Rosa. 'I won several races, and greatfame was predicted for me. You may guess how high my reputation was whenI tell you that before my last fatal trial thousands were bet on me, andmy rival trembled in his shoes. I was full of spirit, eager to show myspeed and sure of success. Alas, how little I knew of the wickedness ofhuman nature then, how dearly I bought the knowledge, and how it haschanged my whole life! You do not know much about such matters, ofcourse, and I won't digress to tell you all the tricks of the trade;only beware of jockeys and never bet. 

"'I was kept carefully out of every one's way for weeks, and only takenout for exercise by my trainer. Poor Bill! I was fond of him, and he wasso good to me that I never have forgotten him, though he broke his neckyears ago. A few nights before the great race, as I was getting a goodsleep, carefully tucked away in my roomy stall, some one stole in andgave me a warm mash. It was dark, I was half awake, and I ate it like afool, though I knew by instinct that it was not Bill who fed it to me. Iwas a confiding creature then, and as all sorts of queer things had beendone to prepare me I thought it was all right. But it was not, and thatdeceit has caused me to be suspicious about my food ever since, for themash was dosed in some way; it made me very ill, and my enemies nearlytriumphed, thanks to this cowardly trick. 

"'Bill worked over me day and night, that I might be fit to run. I didmy best to seem well and gay, but there was not time for me to regain mylost strength and spirit, and pride alone kept me up. "I'll win for mymaster if I die in doing it, " I said to myself, and when the hour camepranced to my place trying to look as well as ever, though my heart wasvery heavy and I trembled with excitement. "Courage, my lass, and we'llbeat in spite of their black tricks, " whispered Bill, as he sprung tohis place. 

"'I lost the first heat, but won the second, and the sound of thecheering gave me strength to walk away without staggering, though mylegs shook under me. What a splendid minute that was when, encouragedand refreshed by my faithful Bill, I came on the track again! I knew myenemies began to fear, for I had borne myself so bravely they fancied Iwas quite well, and now, excited by that first success, I was mad withimpatience to be off and cover myself with glory. '

"Rosa looked as if the 'splendid minute' had come again, for she archedher neck, opened wide her red nostrils, and pawed the straw with onelittle foot, while her eyes shone with sudden fire, and her ears werepricked up as if to catch again the shouts she heard that day. 

"'I wish I had been there to see you!' I exclaimed, quite carried awayby her ardor. 

"'I wish you had, for I won, I won! The big black horse did his best, but I had vowed to win or die, and I kept my word, for I beat him by ahead, and then dropped as if dead. I might as well have died then, people thought, for the poison, the exertion, and the fall ruined me fora racer. My master cared no more for me, and would have had me shot ifBill had not saved my life. I was pronounced good for nothing, and hebought me cheap. I was lame and useless for a long time, but his patientcare did wonders, and just as I was able to be of use to him he waskilled. 

"'A gentleman in want of a saddle-horse purchased me because my easygait and quiet temper suited him; for I was meek enough now, and my sizefitted me to carry his delicate daughter. 

"'For more than a year I served little Miss Alice, rejoicing to see howrosy her pale cheeks became, how upright her feeble figure grew, thanksto the hours spent with me; for my canter rocked her as gently as if shewere in a cradle, and fresh air was the medicine she needed. She oftensaid she owed her life to me, and I liked to think so, for she made _my_life a very easy one. 

"'But somehow my good times never lasted long, and when Miss Alice wentWest I was sold. I had been so well treated that I _looked_ as handsomeand gay as ever, though my shoulder never was strong again, and I oftenhad despondent moods, longing for the excitement of the race-course withthe instinct of my kind; so I was glad when, attracted by my spirit andbeauty, a young army officer bought me and I went to the war. Ah! younever guessed that, did you? Yes, I did my part gallantly and saved mymaster's life more than once. You have observed how martial musicdelights me, but you don't know that it is because it reminds me of theproudest hour of my life. I've told you about the saddest; let me relatethis also, and give me a pat for the brave action which won my masterhis promotion, though I got no praise for my part of the achievement. 

"'In one of the hottest battles my captain was ordered to lead his mento a most perilous exploit. They hesitated, so did he; for it must costmany lives, and, brave as they were, they paused an instant. But _I_settled the point, for I was wild with the sound of drums, the smell ofpowder, the excitement of the hour, and, finding myself sharply reinedin, I rebelled, took the bit between my teeth, and dashed straight awayinto the midst of the fight, spite of all my rider could do. The menthought their captain led them on, and with a cheer they followed, carrying all before them. 

"'What happened just after that I never could remember, except that Igot a wound here in my neck and a cut on my flank; the scar is therestill, and I'm proud of it, though buyers always consider it a blemish. But when the battle was won my master was promoted on the field, and Icarried him up to the general as he sat among his officers under thetorn flags. 

"'Both of us were weary and wounded, both were full of pride at what wehad done; but _he_ got all the praise and the honor, _I_ only a carelessword and a better supper than usual. 

"'I thought no one knew what I had done, and resented the ingratitude ofyour race; for it was the horse, not the man, who led that forlorn hope, and I did think I should have a rosette at least, when others got starsand bars for far less dangerous deeds. Never mind, my master knew thetruth, and thanked me for my help by keeping me always with him till thesad day when he was shot in a skirmish, and lay for hours with none towatch and mourn over him but his faithful horse. 

"'Then I knew how much he loved and thanked me, for his hand stroked mewhile it had the strength, his eye turned to me till it grew too dim forseeing, and when help came, among the last words he whispered to acomrade were these, "Be kind to Rosa and send her safely home; she hasearned her rest. "

"'I _had_ earned it, but I did not get it, for when I was sent home theold mother's heart was broken at the loss of her son, and she did notlive long to cherish me. Then my hard times began, for my next owner wasa fast young man, who ill used me in many ways, till the spirit of myfather rose within me, and I gave my brutal master a grand runaway andsmash-up. 

"'To tame me down, I was sold for a car horse; and that almost killedme, for it was dreadful drudgery to tug, day after day, over the hardpavement with heavy loads behind me, uncongenial companions beside me, and no affection to cheer my life. 

"'I have often longed to ask why Mr. Bergh does not try to prevent suchcrowds from piling into those cars; and now I beg you to do what you canto stop such an unmerciful abuse. 

"'In snow-storms it was awful, and more than one of my mates droppeddead with overwork and discouragement. I used to wish I could do thesame, for my poor feet, badly shod, became so lame I could hardly walkat times, and the constant strain on the up grades brought back the oldtrouble in my shoulder worse than ever. 

"'Why they did not kill me I don't know, for I was a miserable creaturethen; but there must be something attractive about me, I fancy, forpeople always seem to think me worth saving. What can it be, ma'am?'

"'Now, Rosa, don't be affected; you know you are a very engaging littleanimal, and if you live to be forty will still have certain pretty waysabout you, that win the hearts of women, if not of men. _They_ see yourweak points, and take a money view of the case; but _we_ sympathize withyour afflictions, are amused with your coquettish airs, and like youraffectionate nature. Now hurry up and finish, for I find it a triflecold out here. '

"I laughed as I spoke, for Rosa eyed me with a sidelong glance andgently waved the docked tail, which was her delight; for the sly thingliked to be flattered and was as fond of compliments as a girl. 

"'Many thanks. I will come now to the most interesting portion of mynarrative. As I was saying, instead of knocking me on the head I waspacked off to New Hampshire, and had a fine rest among the green hills, with a dozen or so of weary friends. It was during this holiday that Iacquired the love of nature which Miss Merry detected and liked in me, when she found me ready to study sunsets with her, to admire newlandscapes, and enjoy bright summer weather. 

"'In the autumn a livery-stable keeper bought me, and through the winterfed me up till I was quite presentable in the spring. It was a smalltown, but through the summer many city people visited there, so I waskept on the trot while the season lasted, because ladies could drive me. You, Miss Belinda, were one of the ladies, and I never shall forget, though I have long ago forgiven it, how you laughed at my queer gait theday you hired me. 

"'My tender feet and stiff knees made me tread very gingerly, and amblealong with short mincing steps, which contrasted oddly, I know, with myproudly waving tail and high-carried head. You liked me nevertheless, because I didn't rattle you down the steep hills, was not afraid oflocomotives, and stood patiently while you gathered flowers and enjoyedthe lovely prospects. 

"'I have always felt a regard for you since you did not whip me, andadmired my eyes, which, I may say without vanity, have always beenconsidered unusually fine. But no one ever won my whole heart like MissMerry, and I never shall forget the happy day when she came to thestable to order a saddle-horse. Her cheery voice made me prick up myears, and when she said, after looking at several showy beasts, "No, they don't suit me. This one now has the right air; can I ride her?" myheart danced within me and I looked round with a whinny of delight. Sheunderstood my welcome, and came right up to me, patted me, peered intomy face, rubbed my nose, and looked at my feet with an air of interestand sympathy, that made me feel as if I'd like to carry her round theworld. 

"'Ah, what rides we had after that! What happy hours trotting gaylythrough the green woods, galloping over the breezy hills, or pacingslowly along quiet lanes, where I often lunched luxuriously onclover-tops, while Miss Merry took a sketch of some picturesque bit withme in the foreground. 

"'I liked that, and we had long chats at such times, for she seemed tounderstand me perfectly. She was never frightened when I danced forpleasure on the soft turf, never chid me when I snatched a bite from theyoung trees as we passed through sylvan ways, never thought it a troubleto let me wet my tired feet in babbling brooks, or to dismount and takeout the stones that plagued me. 

"'Then how well she rode! So firm yet light a seat, so steady a hand, soagile a foot to spring on and off, and such infectious spirits, that nomatter how despondent or cross I might be, in five minutes I felt gayand young again when dear Miss Merry was on my back. '

"Here Rosa gave a frisk that sent the straw flying, and made me shrinkinto a corner, while she pranced about the box with a neigh which wakedthe big brown colt next door, and set poor Buttercup to lowing for hercalf, the loss of which she had forgotten for a little while in sleep. 

"'Ah, Miss Merry never ran away from me! She knew my heels were to betrusted, and she let me caper as I would, glad to see me lively. Nevermind, Miss Belinda, come out and I'll be sober, as befits my years, 'laughed Rosa, composing herself, and adding, so like a woman that Icould not help smiling in the dark, --

"'When I say "years" I beg you to understand that I am _not_ as old asthat base man declared, but just in the prime of life for a horse. Hardusage has made me seem old before my time, and I am good for years ofservice yet. '

"'Few people have been through as much as you have, Rosa, and youcertainly _have_ earned the right to rest, ' I said consolingly, for herlittle whims and vanities amused me much. 

"'You know what happened next, ' she continued; 'but I must seize thisopportunity to express my thanks for all the kindness I've receivedsince Miss Merry bought me, in spite of the ridicule and dissuasion ofall her friends. 

"'I know I didn't look like a good bargain, for I _was_ very thin andlame and shabby; but she saw and loved the willing spirit in me, pitiedmy hard lot, and felt that it would be a good deed to buy me even if shenever got much work out of me. 

"'I shall always remember that, and whatever happens to me hereafter, Inever shall be as proud again as I was the day she put my new saddle andbridle on, and I was led out, sleek, plump, and handsome, with bluerosettes at my ears, my tail cut in the English style, and on my backMiss Merry in her London hat and habit, all ready to head a cavalcade ofeighteen horsemen and horsewomen. _We_ were the most perfect pair ofall, and when the troop caracoled down the wide street six abreast, _my_head was the highest, _my_ rider the straightest, and _our_ two heartsthe friendliest in all the goodly company. 

"'Nor is it pride and love alone that binds me to her, it is gratitudeas well, for did not she often bathe my feet herself, rub me down, waterme, blanket me, and daily come to see me when I was here alone for weeksin the winter time? Didn't she study horses' feet and shoes, that Imight be cured if possible? Didn't she write to the famous friend of myrace for advice, and drive me seven miles to get a good smith to shoe mewell? Have not my poor contracted feet grown much better, thanks to theweeks of rest without shoes which she gave me? Am I not fat andhandsome, and, barring the stiff knees, a very presentable horse? If Iam, it is all owing to her; and for that reason I want to live and diein her service. 

"'_She_ doesn't want to sell me, and only bade you do it because youdidn't want the care of me while she is gone. Dear Miss Belinda, pleasekeep me! I'll eat as little as I can. I won't ask for a new blanket, though your old army one is very thin and shabby. I'll trot for you allwinter, and try not to show it if I am lame. I'll do anything a horsecan, no matter how humble, to earn my living, only don't, pray don'tsend me away among strangers who have neither interest nor pity for me!'

"Rosa had spoken rapidly, feeling that her plea must be made now ornever, for before another Christmas she might be far away and speech ofno use to win her wish. I was much touched, though she was only ahorse; for she was looking earnestly at me as she spoke, and made thelast words very eloquent by preparing to bend her stiff knees and liedown at my feet. I stopped her, and answered, with an arm about her neckand her soft nose in my hand, --

"'You shall _not_ be sold, Rosa! you shall go and board at Mr. Town'sgreat stable, where you will have pleasant society among the eightyhorses who usually pass the winter there. Your shoes shall be taken off, and you shall rest till March at least. The best care will be taken ofyou, dear, and I will come and see you; and in the spring you shallreturn to us, even if Miss Merry is not here to welcome you. '

"'Thanks, many, many thanks! But I wish I could do something to earn myboard. I hate to be idle, though rest _is_ delicious. Is there nothing Ican do to repay you, Miss Belinda? Please answer quickly, for I know thehour is almost over, ' cried Rosa, stamping with anxiety; for, like allher sex, she wanted the last word. 

"'Yes, you can, ' I cried, as a sudden idea popped into my head. 'I'llwrite down what you have told me, and send the little story to a certainpaper I know of, and the money I get for it will pay your board. So restin peace, my dear; you _will_ have earned your living, and may feel thatyour debt is paid. '

"Before she could reply the clock struck one, and a long sigh ofsatisfaction was all the response in her power. But we understood eachother now, and, cutting a lock from her mane for Miss Merry, I gave Rosaa farewell caress and went away, wondering if I had made it all up, orif she had really broken a year's silence and freed her mind. 

"However that may be, here is the tale, and the sequel to it is, thatthe bay mare has really gone to board at a first-class stable, "concluded Miss Belinda. "I call occasionally and leave my card in theshape of an apple, finding Madam Rosa living like an independent lady, with her large box and private yard on the sunny side of the barn, akind ostler to wait upon her, and much genteel society from the citywhen she is inclined for company. 

"What more could any reasonable horse desire?"

VI. 

LUNCH. 

"Sister Jerusha, it really does wear upon me to see those dear boys eatsuch bad pies and stuff day after day when they ought to have goodwholesome things for lunch. I actually ache to go and give each one of'em a nice piece of bread-and-butter or one of our big cookies, " saidkind Miss Mehitable Plummer, taking up her knitting after a long look atthe swarm of boys pouring out of the grammar school opposite, to larkabout the yard, sit on the posts, or dive into a dingy little shop closeby, where piles of greasy tarts and cakes lay in the window. They wouldnot have allured any but hungry school-boys, and ought to have beenlabelled Dyspepsia and Headache, so unwholesome were they. 

Miss Jerusha looked up from her seventeenth patchwork quilt, andanswered, with a sympathetic glance over the way, --

"If we had enough to go round I'd do it myself, and save these poordeluded dears from the bilious turns that will surely take them downbefore vacation comes. That fat boy is as yellow as a lemon now, and nowonder, for I've seen him eat half a dozen dreadful turnovers for onelunch. "

Both old ladies shook their heads and sighed, for they led a very quietlife in the narrow house that stood end to the street, squeezed inbetween two stores, looking as out of place as the good spinsters wouldhave done among the merry lads opposite. Sitting at the front windowsday after day, the old ladies had learned to enjoy watching the boys, who came and went, like bees to a hive, month by month. They had theirfavorites, and beguiled many a long hour speculating on the looks, manners, and probable station of the lads. One lame boy was MissJerusha's pet, though she never spoke to him, and a tall bright-facedfellow, who rather lorded it over the rest, quite won Miss Hetty's oldheart by helping her across the street on a slippery day. They longed tomend some of the shabby clothes, to cheer up the dull discouraged ones, advise the sickly, reprove the rude, and, most of all, feed those whopersisted in buying lunch at the dirty bake-shop over the way. 

The good souls were famous cooks, and had many books full of all mannerof nice receipts, which they seldom used, as they lived simply and sawlittle company. A certain kind of molasses cookie made by their honoredmother, --a renowned housewife in her time, --and eaten by the sisters aschildren, had a peculiar charm for them. A tin box was always kept full, though they only now and then nibbled one, and preferred to give themaway to poor children, as they trotted to market each day. Many a timehad Miss Hetty felt sorely tempted to treat the boys, but was a littletimid, for they were rough fellows, and she regarded them much as abenevolent tabby would a party of frisky puppies. 

To-day the box was full of fresh cookies, crisp, brown, and sweet; theirspicy odor pervaded the room, and the china-closet door stoodsuggestively open. Miss Hetty's spectacles turned that way, then wentback to the busy scene in the street, as if trying to get courage forthe deed. Something happened just then which decided her, and sealedthe doom of the bilious tarts and their maker. 

Several of the younger lads were playing marbles on the sidewalk, forHop Scotch, Leap Frog, and friendly scuffles were going on in the yard, and no quiet spot could be found. The fat boy sat on a post near by, and, having eaten his last turnover, fell to teasing the small fellowspeacefully playing at his feet. One was the shabby lame boy, who hoppedto and fro with his crutch, munching a dry cracker, with now and then atrip to the pump to wash it down. He seldom brought any lunch, andseemed to enjoy this poor treat so much that the big bright-faced chaptossed him a red apple as he came out of the yard to get his hat, thrownthere by the mate he had been playfully thrashing. 

The lame child eyed the pretty apple lovingly, and was preparing to takethe first delicious bite, when the fat youth with a dexterous kick sentit flying into the middle of the street, where a passing wheel crushedit down into the mud. 

"It's a shame! He _shall_ have something good! The scamp!" And with thissomewhat confused exclamation Miss Hetty threw down her work, ran tothe closet, then darted to the front door, embracing the tin box, as ifthe house was on fire and that contained her dearest treasures. 

"Sakes alive, what _is_ the matter with sister?" ejaculated MissJerusha, going to the window just in time to see the fat boy tumble offthe post as the tall lad came to the rescue, while the cripple wenthopping across the street in answer to a kindly quavering voice thatcalled out to him, --

"Come here, boy, and get a cookie, --a dozen if you want 'em. "

"Sister's done it at last!" And, inspired by this heroic example, MissJerusha threw up the window, saying, as she beckoned to the avenger, --

"You too, because you stood by that poor little boy. Come right over andhelp yourself. "

Charley Howe laughed at the indignant old ladies, but, being agentleman, took off his hat and ran across to thank them for theirinterest in the fray. Several other lads followed as irresistibly asflies to a honey-pot, for the tin box was suggestive of cake, and theywaited for no invitation. 

Miss Hetty was truly a noble yet a droll sight, as she stood there, atrim little old lady, with her cap-strings flying in the wind, her rosyold face shining with good-will, as she dealt out cookies with a lavishhand, and a kind word to all. 

"Here's a nice big one for you, my dear. I don't know your name, but Ido your face, and I like to see a big boy stand up for the little ones, "she said, beaming at Charley as he came up. 

"Thank you, ma'am. That's a splendid one. We don't get anything so niceover there. " And Charley gratefully bolted the cake in three mouthfuls, having given away his own lunch. 

"No, indeed! One of these is worth a dozen of those nasty pies. I hateto see you eating them, and I don't believe your mothers know how badthey are, " said Miss Hetty, diving for another handful into the depthsof the box, which was half empty already. 

"Wish you'd teach old Peck how you make 'em. We'd be glad enough to buythese and let the cockroach pies alone, " said Charley, accepting anotherand enjoying the fun, for half the fellows were watching the scene fromover the way. 

"Cockroach pies! You don't mean to say?" cried Miss Hetty, nearlydropping her load in her horror at the idea, for she had heard offricasseed frogs and roasted locusts, and thought a new delicacy hadbeen found. 

"We find 'em in the apple-sauce sometimes, and nails and bits of barrelin the cake, so some of us don't patronize Peck, " replied Charley; andlittle Briggs the cripple added eagerly, --

"I never do; my mother won't let me. "

"He never has any money, that's why, " bawled Dickson, the fat boy, dodging behind the fence as he spoke. 

"Never you mind, sonny, you come here every day, and _I'll_ see that youhave a good lunch. Apples too, _red ones_, if you like them, with yourcake, " answered Miss Hetty, patting his head and sending an indignantglance across the street. 

"Cry-baby! Molly-coddle! Grandma's darling!" jeered Dickson, and thenfled, for Charley fired a ball at him with such good aim it narrowlyescaped his nose. 

"That boy will have the jaundice as sure as fate, and he deserves it, "said Miss Hetty, sternly, as she dropped the lid on the now empty box;for while she was talking the free-and-easy young gentlemen had beenhelping themselves. 

"Thank you very much, ma'am, for my cookie. I won't forget to callto-morrow. " And little Briggs shook hands with as innocent a face as ifhis jacket pocket was not bulging in a most suspicious manner. 

"You'll get your death a cold, Hetty, " called Miss Jerusha, and, takingthe hint, Charley promptly ended the visit. 

"Sheer off, fellows. We are no end obliged, ma'am, and I'll see thatBriggs isn't put upon by sneaks. "

Then the boys ran off, and the old lady retired to her parlor to sinkinto her easy-chair, as much excited by this little feat as if she hadled a forlorn hope to storm a battery. 

"I'll fill both those big tins to-morrow, and treat every one of thesmall boys, if I'm spared, " she panted, with a decided nod, as shesettled her cap and composed her neat black skirts, with which the windhad taken liberties, as she stood on the steps. 

"I'm not sure it isn't our duty to make and sell good, wholesome lunchesto those boys. We can afford to do it cheap, and it wouldn't be muchtrouble. Just put the long table across the front entry for half an hourevery day, and let them come and get a bun, a cookie, or a butteredbiscuit. It could be done, sister, " said Miss Jerusha, longing todistinguish herself in some way also. 

"It _shall_ be done, sister!" And Miss Hetty made up her mind at thatmoment to devote some of her time and skill to rescuing those blessedboys from the unprincipled Peck and his cockroach pies. 

It was pleasant, as well as droll, to see how heartily the good soulsthrew themselves into the new enterprise, how bravely they kept eachother up when courage showed signs of failing, and how rapidly theybecame convinced that it was a duty to provide better food for thefuture defenders and rulers of their native land. 

"You can't expect the dears to study with clear heads if they are notfed properly, and half the women in the world never think that whatgoes into children's stomachs affects their brains, " declared MissHetty, as she rolled out vast sheets of dough next day, emphasizing herremarks with vigorous flourishes of the rolling-pin. 

"Our blessed mother understood how to feed a family. Fourteen stout boysand girls, all alive and well, and you and I as smart at seventy one andtwo, as most folks at forty. Good, plain victuals and plenty of 'em isthe secret of firm health, " responded Miss Jerusha, rattling a pan ofbuns briskly into the oven. 

"We'd better make some Brighton Rock. It is gone out of fashion, but ourbrothers used to be dreadful fond of it, and boys are about alike allthe world over. Ma's _resate_ never fails, and it will be a new treatfor the little dears. "

"S'pose we have an extra can of milk left and give 'em a good mugful?Some of those poor things look as if they never got a drop. Peck sellsbeer, and milk is a deal better. Shall we, sister?"

"We'll try it, Jerushy. In for a penny, in for a pound. "

And upon that principle the old ladies did the thing handsomely, deferring the great event till Monday, that all might be in apple-pieorder. They said nothing of it when the lads came on Friday morning, andall Saturday, which was a holiday at school, was a very busy one withthem. 

"Hullo! Miss Hetty _has_ done it now, hasn't she? Look at that, oldPeck, and tremble!" exclaimed Charley to his mates, as he came down thestreet on Monday morning, and espied a neat little sign on the sisters'door, setting forth the agreeable fact that certain delectable articlesof food and drink could be had within at reasonable prices duringrecess. 

No caps were at the windows, but behind the drawn curtains two beamingold faces were peeping out to see how the boys took the greatannouncement. Whoever remembers Hawthorne's half-comic, half-patheticdescription of poor Hepsibah Pyncheon's hopes and fears, when arrangingher gingerbread wares in the little shop, can understand something ofthe excitement of the sisters that day, as the time drew near when thefirst attempt was to be made. 

"Who will set the door open?" said Miss Hetty when the fateful momentcame, and boys began to pour out into the yard. 

"I will!" And, nerving herself to the task, Miss Jerusha marched boldlyround the table, set wide the door, and then, as the first joyful whoopfrom the boys told that the feast was in view, she whisked back into theparlor panic-stricken. 

"There they come, --hundreds of them, I should think by the sound!" shewhispered, as the tramp of feet came nearer, and the clamor of voicesexclaiming, --

"What bully buns!" "Ain't those cookies rousers?" "New stuff too, looksfirst-rate. " "I told you it wasn't a joke. " "Wonder how Peck likes it?""Dickson sha'n't come in. " "You go first, Charley. " "Here's a cent foryou, Briggs; come on and trade like the rest of us. "

"I'm so flurried I couldn't make change to save my life, " gasped MissJerusha from behind the sofa, whither she had fled. 

"It is _my_ turn now. Be calm, and we shall soon get used to it. "

Bracing herself to meet the merry chaff of the boys, as new and tryingto the old lady as real danger would have been, Miss Hetty stepped forthinto the hall to be greeted by a cheer, and then a chorus of demands foreverything so temptingly set forth upon her table. Intrenched behind abarricade of buns, she dealt out her wares with rapidly increasing speedand skill, for as fast as one relay of lads were satisfied another cameup, till the table was bare, the milk-can ran dry, and nothing was leftto tell the tale but an empty water-pail and a pile of five-cent pieces. 

"I hope I didn't cheat any one, but I was flurried, sister, they were sovery noisy and so hungry. Bless their dear hearts; they are full now, Itrust. " And Miss Hetty looked over her glasses at the crumbycountenances opposite, meeting many nods and smiles in return, as herlate customers enthusiastically recommended her establishment to thepatronage of those who had preferred Peck's questionable dainties. 

"The Brighton Rock was a success; we must have a good store forto-morrow, and more milk. Briggs drank it like a baby, and your niceboy proposed my health like a little gentleman, as he is, " replied MissJerusha, who had ventured out before it was too late, and done thehonors of the can with great dignity, in spite of some inwardtrepidation at the astonishing feats performed with the mug. 

"Peck's nose is out of joint, if I may use so vulgar an expression, and_our_ lunch a triumphant success. Boys know what is good, and we neednot fear to lose their custom as long as we can supply them. I shallorder a barrel of flour at once, and heat up the big oven. We have putour hand to the work and must not turn back, for our honor is pledgednow. "

With which lofty remark Miss Hetty closed the door, trying to lookutterly unconscious of the anxious Peck, who was flattening his noseagainst his dingy window-pane to survey his rivals over piles of unsoldpastry. 

The little venture _was_ a success, and all that winter the old ladiesdid their part faithfully, finding the task more to their taste thaneverlasting patchwork and knitting, and receiving a fair profit ontheir outlay, being shrewd managers, and rich in old-fashioned thrift, energy, and industry. 

The boys revelled in wholesome fare, and soon learned to love "theAunties, " as they were called, while such of the parents as took aninterest in the matter showed their approval in many ways mostgratifying to the old ladies. 

The final triumph, however, was the closing of Peck's shop for want ofcustom, for few besides the boys patronized him. None mourned for him, and Dickson proved the truth of Miss Hetty's prophecy by actually havinga bilious fever in the spring. 

But a new surprise awaited the boys; for when they came flocking backafter the summer vacation, there stood the little shop, brave in newpaint and fittings, full of all the old goodies, and over the door asmart sign, "Plummer & Co. "

"By Jove, the Aunties are bound to cover themselves with glory. Let's goin and hear all about it. Behave now, you fellows, or I'll see about itafterward, " commanded Charley, as he paused to peer in through the cleanwindows at the tempting display. 

In they trooped, and, tapping on the counter, stood ready to greet theold ladies as usual, but to their great surprise a pretty young womanappeared, and smilingly asked what they would have. 

"We want the Aunties, if you please. Isn't this their shop?" said littleBriggs, bitterly disappointed at not finding his good friends. 

"You will find them over there at home as usual. Yes, this is theirshop, and I'm their niece. My husband is the Co. , and we run the shopfor the aunts. I hope you'll patronize us, gentlemen. "

"We will! we will! Three cheers for Plummer & Co. !" cried Charley, leading off three rousers, that made the little shop ring again, andbrought two caps to the opposite windows, as two cheery old faces smiledand nodded, full of satisfaction at the revolution so successfullyplanned and carried out. 

VII. 

A BRIGHT IDEA. 

"No answer to my advertisement, mamma, and I must sit with idle handsfor another day, " said Clara with a despondent sigh, as the postmanpassed the door. 

"You needn't do that, child, when I'm suffering for a new cap, and noone can suit me so well as you, if you have the spirits to do it, "answered her mother from the sofa, where she spent most of her timebewailing her hard lot. 

"Plenty of spirits, mamma, and what is still more necessary, plenty ofmaterials; so I'll toss you up 'a love of a cap' before you know it. "

And putting her own disappointment out of sight, pretty Clara fell towork with such good-will that even poor, fretful Mrs. Barlow cheered upin spite of herself. 

"What a mercy it is that when everything else is swept away in thisdreadful failure I still have you, dear, and no dishonest banker can robme of my best treasure, " she said fondly, as she watched her daughterwith tearful eyes. 

"No one shall part us, mamma; and if I can only get something to do wecan be independent and happy in spite of our losses; for now the firstshock and worry is over, I find a curious sort of excitement in beingpoor and having to work for my living. I was so tired of pleasure andidleness I really quite long to work at something, if I could only findit. "

But though Clara spoke cheerfully, she had a heavy heart; for during themonth which had followed the discovery that they were nearly penniless, she had been through a great deal for a tenderly nurtured girl ofthree-and-twenty. Leaving a luxurious home for two plainly furnishedrooms, and trying to sustain her mother with hopeful plans, had kept herbusy for a time; but now she had nothing to do but wait for replies toher modest advertisements as governess, copyist, or reader. 

"I do wish I'd been taught a trade, mamma, or some useful art by whichI could earn our bread now. Rich people ought to remember that moneytakes to itself wings, and so prepare their children to face povertybravely. If half the sums spent on my music and dress had been used ingiving me a single handicraft, what a blessing it would be to us now!"she said, thoughtfully, as she sewed with rapid fingers, unconsciouslydisplaying the delicate skill of one to whom dress was an art and apleasure. 

"If you were not so proud we might accept Cousin John's offer and bequite comfortable, " returned her mother, in a reproachful tone. 

"No; we should soon feel that we were a burden, and that would be worsethan living on bread and water. Let us try to help ourselves first, andthen, if we fail, we cannot be accused of indolence. I know papa wouldwish it, so please let me try. "

"As you like; _I_ shall not be a burden to any one long. " And Mrs. Barlow looked about for her handkerchief. 

But Clara prevented the impending shower by skilfully turning the poorlady's thoughts to the new cap which was ready to try on. 

"Isn't it pretty? Just the soft effect that is so becoming to your dear, pale face. Take a good look at it, and tell me whether you'll have palepink bows or lavender. "

"It is very nice, child; you always suit me, you've such charming taste. I'll have lavender, for though it's not so becoming as pink, it is moreappropriate to our fallen fortunes, " answered her mother, smiling inspite of herself, as she studied effects in the mirror. 

"No, let us have it pink, for I want my pretty mother to look her best, though no one sees her but me, and I'm so glad to know that I _can_ makecaps well if I can't do anything else, " said Clara, rummaging in a boxfor the desired shade. 

"No one ever suited me so well, and if you were not a lady, you mightmake a fortune as a milliner, for you have the taste of a Frenchwoman, "said Mrs. Barlow, adding, as she took her cap off, "Don't you rememberhow offended Madame Pigat was when she found out that you altered allher caps before I wore them, and how she took some of your hints and gotall the credit of them?"

"Yes, mamma, " was all Clara answered, and then sat working so silentlythat it was evident her thoughts were as busy as her hands. Presentlyshe said, "I must go down to our big box for the ribbon, there is nonehere that I like, " and, taking a bunch of keys, she went slowly away. 

In the large parlor below stood several trunks and cases belonging toMrs. Barlow, and left there for her convenience, as the room was unlet. 

Clara opened several of these, and rapidly turned over their contents, as if looking for something beside pale pink ribbon. Whatever it was sheappeared to find it, for, dropping the last lid with a decided bang, shestood a moment looking about the large drawing-room with suchbrightening eyes it was evident that they saw some invisible beautythere; then a smile broke over her face, and she ran up stairs to wakenher mother from a brief doze, by crying joyfully, as she waved a curl ofgay ribbon over her head, --

"I've got it, mamma, I've got it!"

"Bless the child! what have you got, --a letter?" cried Mrs. Barlow, starting up. 

"No; but something better still, --a new way to get a living. I'll be amilliner, and you shall have as many caps as you like. Now don't laugh, but listen; for it is a splendid idea, and you shall have all the creditof it, because you suggested it. "

"I've materials enough, " she continued, "to begin with; for when allelse went, they left us our finery, you know, and now we can live on itinstead of wearing it. Yes, I'll make caps and sell them, and that willbe both easier and pleasanter than to go out teaching and leave you herealone. "

"But how _can_ you sell them?" asked her mother, half bewildered by theeagerness with which the new plan was unfolded. 

"That's the best of all, and I only thought of it when I was among theboxes. Why not take the room below and lay out all our fine thingstemptingly, instead of selling them one by one as if we were ashamed ofit?

"As I stood there just now, I saw it all. Mrs. Smith would be glad tolet the room, and I could take it for a month, just to try how my planworks; and if it _does_ go well, why can I not make a living as well asMadame?"

"But, child, what will people say?"

"That I'm an honest girl, and lend me a hand, if they are friends worthhaving. "

Mrs. Barlow was not convinced, and declared she would hide herself ifany one came; but after much discussion consented to let the trial bemade, though predicting utter failure, as she retired to her sofa tobewail the sad necessity for such a step. 

Clara worked busily for several days to carry into execution her plan;then she sent some notes to a dozen friends, modestly informing themthat her "opening" would take place on a certain day. 

"Curiosity will bring them, if nothing else, " she said, trying to seemquite cool and gay, though her heart fluttered with anxiety as shearranged her little stock in the front parlor. 

In the bay-window was her flower-stand, where the white azaleas, redgeraniums, and gay nasturtiums seemed to have bloomed their loveliest tohelp the gentle mistress who had tended them so faithfully, even whenmisfortune's frost had nipped her own bright roses. Overhead swung apair of canaries in their garlanded cage, singing with all their might, as if, like the London 'prentice-boys in old times, they cried, "What doyou lack? Come buy, come buy!"

On a long table in the middle of the room, a dozen delicate caps andhead-dresses were set forth. On another lay garlands of French flowersbought for pretty Clara's own adornment. Several dainty ball-dresses, imported for the gay winter she had expected to pass, hung over chairsand couch, also a velvet mantle Mrs. Barlow wished to sell, while someold lace, well-chosen ribbons, and various elegant trifles gave colorand grace to the room. 

Clara's first customer was Mrs. Tower, --a stout florid lady, full of thegood-will and the real kindliness which is so sweet in times of trouble. 

"My dear girl, how are you, and how is mamma? Now this is charming. Sucha capital idea, and just what is needed; a quiet place, where one cancome and be made pretty without all the world's knowing how we do it. "And greeting Clara even more cordially than of old, the good ladytrotted about, admiring everything, just as she used to do when shevisited the girl in her former home to see and exclaim over any fresharrival of Paris finery. 

"I'll take this mantle off your hands with pleasure, for I intended toimport one, and this saves me so much trouble. Put it up for me, dear, at the price mamma paid for it, not a cent less, because it has neverbeen worn, and I've no duties to pay on it, so it is a good bargain forme. "

Then, before Clara could thank her, she turned to the head-gear, andfell into raptures over a delicate affair, all blonde andforget-me-nots. 

"Such a sweet thing! I _must_ have it before any one else snaps it up. Try it on, love, and give it a touch if it doesn't fit. "

Clara knew it would be vain to remonstrate, for Mrs. Tower had not aparticle of taste, and insisted on wearing blue, with the complexion ofa lobster. On it went, and even the wearer could not fail to see thatsomething was amiss. 

"It's not the fault of the cap, dear. I always was a fright, and mydreadful color spoils whatever I put on, so I have things handsome, andgive up any attempt at beauty, " she said, shaking her head at herself inthe glass. 

"You need not do that, and I'll show you what I mean, if you will giveme leave; for, with your fine figure and eyes, you can't help being anelegant woman. See, now, how I'll make even this cap becoming. " AndClara laid the delicate flowers among the blonde behind, where theeffect was unmarred by the over-red cheeks, and nothing but a soft ruchelay over the dark hair in front. 

"There, isn't that better?" she asked, with her own blooming face sofull of interest it was a pleasure to see her. 

"Infinitely better; really becoming, and just what I want with my newsilver-gray satin. Dear me, what a thing taste is!" And Mrs. Towerregarded herself with feminine satisfaction in her really fine eyes. 

Here a new arrival interrupted them, and Clara went to meet severalgirls belonging to what had lately been her own set. The young ladiesdid not quite know how to behave; for, though it seemed perfectlynatural to be talking over matters of dress with Clara, there was an airof proud humility about her that made them feel ill at ease, tillNellie, a lively, warm-hearted creature, broke the ice by saying, with alittle quiver in her gay voice, --

"It's no use, girls; we've either got to laugh or cry, and I think, onthe whole, it would be best for all parties to laugh, and then go onjust as we used to do;" which she did so infectiously that the restjoined, and then began to chatter as freely as of old. 

"I speak for the opal silk, Clara, for papa has promised me a Worthdress, and I was green with envy when this came, " cried Nellie, secretlywishing she wore caps, that she might buy up the whole dozen. 

"You would be green with disgust if I let you have it, for no brunettecould wear that most trying of colors, and I was rash to order it. Youare very good, dear Nell, but I won't let you sacrifice yourself tofriendship in that heroic style, " answered Clara, with a grateful kiss. 

"But the others are blue and lilac, both more trying than anything witha shade of pink in it. If you won't let me have this, you must inventme the most becoming thing ever seen; for the most effective dress I hadlast winter was the gold-colored one with the wreath of laburnums, whichyou chose for me, " persisted Nellie, bound to help in some way. 

"I bespeak something sweet for New Year's Day. You know my style, " saidanother young lady, privately resolving to buy the opal dress, when therest had gone. 

"Consider yourself engaged to get up my bridesmaids' costumes, for Inever shall forget what a lovely effect those pale green dressesproduced at Alice's wedding. She looked like a lily among its leaves, some one said, and you suggested them, I remember, " added a thirddamsel, with the dignity of a bride-elect. 

So it went on, each doing what she could to help, not with condolence, but approbation, and the substantial aid that is so easy to accept whengilded by kind words and cheery sympathy. 

A hard winter, but a successful one; and when spring came, and all herpatrons were fitted out for mountains, seaside, or springs, Clara foldedher weary hands content. But Mrs. Barlow saw with anxiety how pale thegirl's cheeks had grown, how wistfully she eyed the green grass in thepark, and how soon the smile died on the lips that tried to saycheerfully, --

"No, mamma, dear, I dare not spend in a summer trip the little sum Ihave laid by for the hard times that may come. I shall do very well, butI can't help remembering the happy voyage we meant to make this year, and how much good it would do _you_. "

Watching the unselfish life of her daughter had taught Mrs. Barlow toforget her own regrets, inspired her with a desire to do her part, andmade her ashamed of her past indolence. 

Happening to mention her maternal anxieties to Mrs. Tower, that goodlady suggested a plan by which the seemingly impossible became a fact, and Mrs. Barlow had the pleasure of surprising Clara with a "brightidea, " as the girl had once surprised her. 

"Come, dear, bestir yourself, for we must sail in ten days to pass oursummer in or near Paris. I've got commissions enough to pay our way, and we can unite business and pleasure in the most charming manner. "

Clara could only clasp her hands and listen, as her mother unfolded herplan, telling how she was to get Maud's trousseau, all Mrs. Tower'swinter costumes, and a long list of smaller commissions from friends andpatrons who had learned to trust and value the taste and judgment of theyoung _modiste_. 

So Clara had her summer trip, and came home bright and blooming in theearly autumn, ready to take up her pretty trade again, quite unconsciousthat, while trying to make others beautiful, she was making her own lifea very lovely one. 

VIII. 

HOW THEY CAMPED OUT. 

"It looks so much like snow I think it would be wiser to put off yoursleighing party, Gwen, " said Mrs. Arnold, looking anxiously out at theheavy sky and streets still drifted by the last winter storm. 

"Not before night, mamma; we don't mind its being cloudy, we like it, because the sun makes the snow so dazzling when we get out of town. "Wecan't give it up now, for here comes Patrick with the boys. " And Gwenran down to welcome the big sleigh, which just then drove up with fourjolly lads skirmishing about inside. 

"Come on!" called Mark, her brother, knocking his friends right andleft, to make room for the four girls who were to complete the party. 

"What do you think of the weather, Patrick?" asked Mrs. Arnold from thewindow, still undecided about the wisdom of letting her flock go offalone, papa having been called away after the plan was made. 

"Faith, ma'm, it's an illigant day barring the wind, that's a thriflecould to the nose. I'll have me eye on the childer, ma'm, and there'llbe no throuble at all, at all, " replied the old coachman, lifting around red face out of his muffler, and patting little Gus on theshoulder, as he sat proudly on the high seat holding the whip. 

"Be careful, dears, and come home early. "

With which parting caution mamma shut the window, and watched the youngfolks drive gayly away, little dreaming what would happen before theygot back. 

The wind was more than a "thrifle could, " for when they got out of thecity it blew across the open country in bitter blasts, and made theeight little noses almost as red as old Pat's, who had been up all nightat a wake, and was still heavy-headed with too much whiskey, though noone suspected it. 

The lads enjoyed themselves immensely snowballing one another; for thedrifts were still fresh enough to furnish soft snow, and Mark, Bob, andTony had many a friendly tussle in it as they went up hills, or pausedto breathe the horses after a swift trot along a level bit of road. Little Gus helped drive till his hands were benumbed in spite of the newred mittens, and he had to descend among the girls, who were cuddledcosily under the warm robes, telling secrets, eating candy, and laughingat the older boys' pranks. 

Sixteen-year-old Gwendoline was matron of the party, and kept excellentorder among the girls; for Ruth and Alice were nearly her own age, andRita a most obedient younger sister. 

"I say, Gwen, we are going to stop at the old house on the way home andget some nuts for this evening. Papa said we might, and some of the bigBaldwins too. I've got baskets, and while we fellows fill them you girlscan look round the house, " said Mark, when the exhausted young gentlemenreturned to their seats. 

"That will be nice. I want to get some books, and Rita has been veryanxious about one of her dolls, which she is sure was left in thenursery closet. If we are going to stop we ought to be turning back, Pat, for it is beginning to snow and will be dark early, " answered Gwen, suddenly realizing that great flakes were fast whitening the roads andthe wind had risen to a gale. 

"Shure and I will, miss dear, as soon as iver I can; but it's round agood bit we must go, for I couldn't be turning here widout upsettin' thewhole of yez, it's that drifted. Rest aisy, and I'll fetch up at theould place in half an hour, plaze the powers, " said Pat, who had losthis way and wouldn't own it, being stupid with a sup or two he hadprivately taken on the way, to keep the chill out of his bones he said. 

On they went again, with the wind at their backs, caring little for thesnow that now fell fast, or the gathering twilight, since they weregoing toward home they thought. It was a very long half-hour before Patbrought them to the country-house, which was shut up for the winter. With difficulty they ploughed their way up to the steps, and scrambledon to the piazza, where they danced about to warm their feet till Markunlocked the door and let them in, leaving Pat to enjoy a doze on hisseat. 

"Make haste, boys; it is cold and dark here, and we must get home. Mammawill be so anxious, and it really is going to be a bad storm, " saidGwen, whose spirits were damped by the gloom of the old house, and whofelt her responsibility, having promised to be home early. 

Off went the boys to attic and cellar, being obliged to light thelantern left here for the use of whoever came now and then to inspectthe premises. The girls, having found books and doll, sat upon therolled-up carpets, or peeped about at the once gay and hospitable rooms, now looking very empty and desolate with piled-up furniture, shutteredwindows, and fireless hearths. 

"If we were going to stay long I'd have a fire in the library. Papaoften does when he comes out, to keep the books from moulding, " beganGwen, but was interrupted by a shout from without, and, running to thedoor, saw Pat picking himself out of a drift while the horses weregalloping down the avenue at full speed. 

"Be jabbers, them villains give a jump when that fallin' branch struck'em, and out I wint, bein' tuk unknownst, just thinkin' of me poorcousin Mike. May his bed above be aisy the day! Whist now, miss dear!I'll fetch 'em back in a jiffy. Stop still till I come, and kape themb'ys quite. "

With a blow to settle his hat, Patrick trotted gallantly away into thestorm, and the girls went in to tell the exciting news to the lads, whocame whooping back from their search, with baskets of nuts and apples. 

"Here's a go!" cried Mark. "Old Pat will run half-way to town before hecatches the horses, and we are in for an hour or two at least. "

"Then do make a fire, for we shall die of cold if we have to wait long, "begged Gwen, rubbing Rita's cold hands, and looking anxiously at littleGus, who was about making up his mind to roar. 

"So we will, and be jolly till the blunderbuss gets back. Camp down, girls, and you fellows, come and hold the lantern while I get wood andstuff. It is so confoundedly dark, I shall break my neck down the shedsteps. " And Mark led the way to the library, where the carpet stillremained, and comfortable chairs and sofas invited the chilly visitorsto rest. 

"How can you light your fire when you get the wood?" asked Ruth, apractical damsel, who looked well after her own creature comforts andwas longing for a warm supper. 

"Papa hides the matches in a tin box, so the rats won't get at them. Here they are, and two or three bits of candle for the sticks on thechimney-piece, if he forgets to have the lantern trimmed. Now we willlight up, and look cosey when the boys come back. "

And producing the box from under a sofa-cushion, Gwen cheered the heartsof all by lighting two candles, rolling up the chairs, and making readyto be comfortable. Thoughtful Alice went to see if Pat was returning, and found a buffalo-robe lying on the steps. Returning with this, shereported that there was no sign of the runaways, and advised makingready for a long stay. 

"How mamma will worry!" thought Gwen, but made light of the affair, because she saw Rita looked timid, and Gus shivered till his teethchattered. 

"We will have a nice time, and play we are shipwrecked people or Arcticexplorers. Here comes Dr. Kane and the sailors with supplies of wood, so we can thaw our pemmican and warm our feet. Gus shall be the littleEsquimaux boy, all dressed in fur, as he is in the picture we have athome, " she said, wrapping the child in the robe, and putting her ownsealskin cap on his head to divert his mind. 

"Here we are! Now for a jolly blaze, boys; and if Pat doesn't come backwe can have our fun here instead of at home, " cried Mark, well pleasedwith the adventure, as were his mates. 

So they fell to work, and soon a bright fire was lighting up the roomwith its cheerful shine, and the children gathered about it, quitecareless of the storm raging without, and sure that Pat would come intime. 

"I'm hungry, " complained Gus as soon as he was warm. 

"So am I, " added Rita from the rug, where the two little ones sattoasting themselves. 

"Eat an apple, " said Mark. 

"They are so hard and cold I don't like them, " began Gus. 

"Roast some!" cried Ruth. 

"And crack nuts, " suggested Alice. 

"Pity we can't cook something in real camp style; it would be such fun, "said Tony, who had spent weeks on Monadnock, living upon the supplies heand his party tugged up the mountain on their backs. 

"We shall not have time for anything but what we have. Put down yourapples and crack away, or we shall be obliged to leave them, " advisedGwen, coming back from an observation at the front door with an anxiousline on her forehead; for the storm was rapidly increasing, and therewas no sign of Pat or the horses. 

The rest were in high glee, and an hour or two slipped quickly away asthey enjoyed the impromptu feast and played games. Gus recalled them tothe discomforts of their situation by saying with a yawn and awhimper, --

"I'm so sleepy! I want my own bed and mamma. "

"So do I!" echoed Rita, who had been nodding for some time, and longedto lie down and sleep comfortably anywhere. 

"Almost eight o'clock! By Jove, that old Pat _is_ taking his time, Ithink. Wonder if he has got into trouble? We can't do anything, and mayas well keep quiet here, " said Mark, looking at his watch and beginningto understand that the joke was rather a serious one. 

"Better make a night of it and all go to sleep. Pat can wake us up whenhe comes. The cold makes a fellow _so_ drowsy. " And Bob gave a stretchthat nearly rent him asunder. 

"I will let the children nap on the sofa. They are so tired of waiting, and may as well amuse themselves in that way as in fretting. Come, Gusand Rita, each take a pillow, and I'll cover you up with my shawl. "

Gwen made the little ones comfortable, and they were off in fiveminutes. The others kept up bravely till nine o'clock, then the bits ofcandles were burnt out, the stories all told, nuts and apples had losttheir charm, and weariness and hunger caused spirits to failperceptibly. 

"I've eaten five Baldwins, and yet I want more. Something filling andgood. Can't we catch a rat and roast him?" proposed Bob, who was ahearty lad and was ravenous by this time. 

"Isn't there anything in the house?" asked Ruth, who dared not eat nutsfor fear of indigestion. 

"Not a thing that I know of except a few pickles in the storeroom; wehad so many, mamma left some here, " answered Gwen, resolving toprovision the house before she left it another autumn. 

"Pickles alone are rather sour feed. If we only had a biscuit now, theywouldn't be bad for a relish, " said Tony, with the air of a man who hadknown what it was to live on burnt bean-soup and rye flapjacks for aweek. 

"I saw a keg of soft-soap in the shed. How would that go with thepickles?" suggested Bob, who felt equal to the biggest and acidestcucumber ever grown. 

"Mamma knew an old lady who actually did eat soft-soap and cream for hercomplexion, " put in Alice, whose own fresh face looked as if she hadtried the same distasteful remedy with success. 

The boys laughed, and Mark, who felt that hospitality required him to dosomething for his guests, said briskly, --

"Let us go on a foraging expedition while the lamp holds out to burn, for the old lantern is almost gone and then we are done for. Come on, Bob; your sharp nose will smell out food if there is any. "

"Don't set the house afire, and bring more wood when you come, for wemust have light of some kind in this poky place, " called Gwen, with asigh, wishing every one of them were safely at home and abed. 

A great tramping of boots, slamming of doors, and shouting of voicesfollowed the departure of the boys, as well as a crash, a howl, and thena roar of laughter, as Bob fell down the cellar stairs, having openedthe door in search of food and poked his nose in too far. Presently theycame back, very dusty, cobwebby, and cold, but triumphantly bearing adroll collection of trophies. Mark had a piece of board and the lantern, Tony a big wooden box and a tin pail, Bob fondly embraced a pickle jarand a tumbler of jelly which had been forgotten on a high shelf in thestoreroom. 

"Meal, pickles, jam, and boards. What a mess, and what are we to do withit all?" cried the girls, much amused at the result of the expedition. 

"Can any of you make a hoe cake?" demanded Mark. 

"No, indeed! I can make caramels and cocoanut-cakes, " said Ruth, proudly. 

"I can make good toast and tea, " added Alice. 

"I can't cook anything, " confessed Gwen, who was unusually accomplishedin French, German, and music. 

"Girls aren't worth much in the hour of need. Take hold, Tony, you arethe chap for me. " And Mark disrespectfully turned his back on the youngladies, who could only sit and watch the lads work. 

"He can't do it without water, " whispered Ruth. 

"Or salt, " answered Alice. 

"Or a pan to bake it in, " added Gwen; and then all smiled at the dilemmathey foresaw. 

But Tony was equal to the occasion, and calmly went on with his task, while Mark arranged the fire and Bob opened the pickles. First the newcook filled the pail with snow till enough was melted to wet the meal;this mixture was stirred with a pine stick till thick enough, thenspread on the board and set up before the bed of coals to brown. 

"It never will bake in the world. " "He can't turn it, so it won't bedone on both sides. " "Won't be fit to eat any way!" And with these darkhints the girls consoled themselves for their want of skill. 

But the cake did bake a nice brown, Tony did turn it neatly with hisjack-knife and the stick, and when it was done cut it into bits, addedjelly, and passed it round on an old atlas; and every one said, --

"It really does taste good!"

Two more were baked, and eaten with pickles for a change, then all weresatisfied, and after a vote of thanks to Tony they began to think ofsleep. 

"Pat has gone home and told them we are all right, and mamma knows wecan manage here well enough for one night, so don't worry, Gwen, buttake a nap, and I'll lie on the rug and see to the fire. "

Mark's happy-go-lucky way of taking things did not convince his sister;but as she could do nothing, she submitted and made her friends ascomfortable as she could. 

All had plenty of wraps, so the girls nestled into the three largechairs, Bob and Tony rolled themselves up in the robe, with their feetto the fire, and were soon snoring like weary hunters. Mark pillowed hishead on a log, and was sound asleep in ten minutes in spite of hispromise to be sentinel. 

Gwen's chair was the least easy of the three, and she could not forgetherself like the rest, but sat wide awake, watching the blaze, countingthe hours, and wondering why no one came to them. 

The wind blew fiercely, the snow beat against the blinds, rats scuttledabout the walls, and now and then a branch fell upon the roof with acrash. Weary, yet excited, the poor girl imagined all sorts of mishapsto Pat and the horses, recalled various ghost stories she had heard, andwondered if it was on such a night as this that a neighbor's house hadbeen robbed. So nervous did she get at last that she covered up her faceand resolutely began to count a thousand, feeling that anything wasbetter than having to wake Mark and own she was frightened. 

Before she knew it she fell into a drowse and dreamed that they wereall cast away on an iceberg and a polar bear was coming up to devourGus, who innocently called to the big white dog and waited to caresshim. 

"A bear! a bear! oh, boys, save him!" murmured Gwen in her sleep, andthe sound of her own distressed voice waked her. 

The fire was nearly out, for she had slept longer than she knew, theroom was full of shadows, and the storm seemed to have died away. In thesilence which now reigned, unbroken even by a snore, Gwen heard a soundthat made her start and tremble. Some one was coming softly up the backstairs. All the outer doors were locked, she was sure; all the boys layin their places, for she could see and count the three long figures andlittle Gus in a bunch on the sofa. The girls had not stirred, and thiswas no rat's scamper, but a slow and careful tread, stealing nearer andnearer to the study door, left ajar when the last load of wood wasbrought in. 

"Pat would knock or ring, and papa would speak, so that we might not bescared. I want to scream, but I won't till I see that it really is someone, " thought Gwen, while her heart beat fast and her eyes were fixed onthe door, straining to see through the gloom. 

The steps drew nearer, paused on the threshold, and then a head appearedas the door noiselessly swung wider open. A man's head in a fur cap, butit was neither papa nor Pat nor Uncle Ed. Poor Gwen would have calledout then, but her voice was gone, and she could only lie back, looking, mute and motionless. A tiny spire of flame sprung up and flickered for amoment on the tall dark figure in the doorway, a big man with a beard, and in his hand something that glittered. Was it a pistol or a dagger ora dark lantern? thought the girl, as the glimmer died away, and theshadows returned to terrify her. 

The man seemed to look about him keenly for a moment, then vanished, andthe steps went down the hall to the front door, which was opened fromwithin and some one admitted quietly. Whispers were heard, and then feetapproached again, accompanied by a gleam of light. 

"Now I must scream!" thought Gwen; and scream she did with all hermight, as two men entered, one carrying a lantern, the other a brighttin can. 

"Boys! Robbers! Fire! Tramps! Oh, do wake up!" cried Gwen, franticallypulling Mark by the hair, and Bob and Tony by the legs, as the quickestway of rousing them. 

Then there was a scene! The boys sprung up and rubbed their eyes, thegirls hid theirs and began to shriek, while the burglars laughed aloud, and poor Gwen, quite worn out, fainted away on the rug. It was all overin a minute, however; for Mark had his wits about him, and his firstglance at the man with the lantern allayed his fears. 

"Hullo, Uncle Ed! We are all right. Got tired of waiting for you, so wewent to sleep. "

"Stop screaming, girls, and quiet those children! Poor little Gwen isbadly frightened. Get some snow, Tom, while I pick her up, " commandedthe uncle, and order was soon established. 

The boys were all right at once, and Ruth and Alice devoted themselvesto the children, who were very cross and sleepy in spite of theirfright. Gwen was herself in a moment, and so ashamed of her scare thatshe was glad there was no more light to betray her pale cheeks. 

"I should have known you, uncle, at once, but to see a strange manstartled me, and he didn't speak, and I thought that can was a pistol, "stammered Gwen, when she had collected her wits a little. 

"Why, that's my old friend and captain, Tom May. Don't you remember him, child? He thought you were all asleep, so crept out to tell me and letme in. "

"How did he get in himself?" asked Gwen, glad to turn the conversation. 

"Found the shed door open, and surprised the camp by a flank movement. You wouldn't do for picket duty, boys, " laughed Captain Tom, enjoyingthe dismay of the lads. 

"Oh, thunder! I forgot to bolt it when we first went for the wood. Hadto open it, the place was so plaguy dark, " muttered Bob, much disgusted. 

"Where's Pat?" asked Tony, with great presence of mind, feeling anxiousto shift all blame to his broad shoulders. 

Uncle Ed shook the snow from his hair and clothes, and, poking up thefire, leisurely sat down and took Gus on his knee before hereplied, --"Serve out the grog, Tom, while I spin my yarn. "

Round went the can of hot coffee, and a few sips brightened up the youngfolks immensely, so that they listened with great interest to the taleof Pat's mishaps. 

"The scamp was half-seas over when he started, and deserves all he got. In the first place he lost his way, then tumbled overboard, and let thehorses go. He floundered after them a mile or two, then lost hisbearings in the storm, pitched into a ditch, broke his head, and laythere till found. The fellows carried him to a house off the road, andthere he is in a nice state; for, being his countrymen, they dosed himwith whiskey till he was 'quite and aisy, ' and went to sleep, forgettingall about you, the horses, and his distracted mistress at home. Theanimals were stopped at the cross-roads, and there we found them after alively cruise round the country. Then we hunted up Pat; but what withthe blow and too many drops of 'the crayther, ' his head was in a muddle, and we could get nothing out of him. So we went home again, and thenyour mother remembered that you had mentioned stopping here, and wefitted out a new craft and set sail, prepared for a long voyage. Yourfather was away, so Tom volunteered, and here we are. "

"A jolly lark! now let us go home and go to bed, " proposed Mark, with agape. 

"Isn't it most morning?" asked Tony, who had been sleeping like adormouse. 

"Just eleven. Now pack up and let us be off. The storm is over, the mooncoming out, and we shall find a good supper waiting for the loved andlost. Bear a hand, Tom, and ship this little duffer, for he's offagain. "

Uncle Ed put Gus into the captain's arms, and, taking Rita himself, ledthe way to the sleigh which stood at the door. In they all bundled, andafter making the house safe, off they went, feeling that they had had apretty good time on the whole. 

"I will learn cooking and courage, before I try camping out again, "resolved Gwen, as she went jingling homeward; and she kept her word. 

IX. 

MY LITTLE SCHOOL-GIRL. 

The first time that I saw her was one autumn morning as I rode to townin a horse-car. It was early, and my only fellow-passenger was a crustyold gentleman, who sat in a corner, reading his paper; so when the carstopped, I glanced out to see who came next, hoping it would be apleasanter person. No one appeared for a minute, and the car stoodstill, while both driver and conductor looked in the same directionwithout a sign of impatience. I looked also, but all I could see was alittle girl running across the park, as girls of twelve or thirteenseldom run nowadays, if any one can see them. 

"Are you waiting for her?" I asked of the pleasant-faced conductor, whostood with his hand on the bell, and a good-natured smile in his eyes. 

"Yes, ma'am, we always stop for little missy, " he answered; and justthen up she came, all rosy and breathless with her run. 

"Thank you very much. I'm late to-day, and was afraid I should miss mycar, " she said, as he helped her in with a fatherly air that waspleasant to see. 

Taking a corner seat, she smoothed the curly locks, disturbed by thewind, put on her gloves, and settled her books in her lap, then modestlyglanced from the old gentleman in the opposite corner to the lady nearby. Such a bright little face as I saw under the brown hat-rim, happyblue eyes, dimples in the ruddy cheeks, and the innocent expressionwhich makes a young girl so sweet an object to old eyes. 

The crusty gentleman evidently agreed with me, for he peeped over thetop of the paper at his pleasant little neighbor as she sat studying alesson, and cheering herself with occasional sniffs at a posy ofmignonette in her button-hole. 

When the old gentleman caught my eye, he dived out of sight with a loud"Hem!" but he was peeping again directly, for there was somethingirresistibly attractive about the unconscious lassie opposite; and onecould no more help looking at her than at a lovely flower or a playfulkitten. 

Presently she shut her book with a decided pat, and an air of reliefthat amused me. She saw the half-smile I could not repress, seemed tounderstand my sympathy, and said with a laugh, --

"It _was_ a hard lesson, but I've got it!"

So we began to talk about school and lessons, and I soon discovered thatthe girl was a clever scholar, whose only drawback was, as she confidedto me, a "love of fun. "

We were just getting quite friendly, when several young men got in, oneof whom stared at the pretty child till even she observed it, and showedthat she did by the color that came and went in her cheeks. It annoyedme as much as if she had been my own little daughter, for I likemodesty, and have often been troubled by the forward manners ofschoolgirls, who seem to enjoy being looked at. So I helped this oneout of her little trouble by making room between the old gentleman andmyself, and motioning her to come and sit there. 

She understood at once, thanked me with a look, and nestled into thesafe place so gratefully, that the old gentleman glared over hisspectacles at the rude person who had disturbed the serenity of thechild. 

Then we rumbled along again, the car getting fuller and fuller as we gotdown town. Presently an Irishwoman, with a baby, got in, and before Icould offer my seat, my little school-girl was out of hers, with apolite--

"Please take it, ma'am; I can stand perfectly well. "

It was prettily done, and I valued the small courtesy all the more, because it evidently cost the bashful creature an effort to stand upalone in a car full of strangers; especially as she could not reach thestrap to steady herself, and found it difficult to stand comfortably. 

Then it was that the crusty man showed how he appreciated my girl's goodmanners, for he hooked his cane in the strap, and gave it to her, saying, with a smile that lighted up his rough face like sunshine, --

"Hold on to that, my dear. "

"Ah, " thought I, "how little we can judge from appearances! This grimold soul is a gentleman, after all. "

Turning her face towards us, the girl held on to the stout cane, andswayed easily to and fro as we bumped over the rails. The Irishwoman'sbaby, a sickly little thing, was attracted by the flowers, and put out asmall hand to touch them, with a wistful look at the bright face above. 

"Will baby have some?" said my girl, and made the little creature happywith some gay red leaves. 

"Bless your heart, honey, it's fond he is of the like o' them, andseldom he gets any, " said the mother, gratefully, as she settled baby'sdirty hood, and wrapped the old shawl round his feet. 

Baby stared hard at the giver of posies, but his honest blue eyes gaveno offence, and soon the two were so friendly that baby boldly clutchedat the bright buttons on her sack, and crowed with delight when he gotone, while we all smiled at the pretty play, and were sorry when thelittle lady, with a bow and a smile to us, got out at the church corner. 

"Now, I shall probably never see that child again, yet what a pleasantpicture she leaves in my memory!" I thought to myself, as I caught alast glimpse of the brown hat going round the corner. 

But I did see her again many times that winter; for not long after, as Ipassed down a certain street near my winter quarters, I came upon aflock of girls, eating their luncheon as they walked to and fro on thesunny side, --pretty, merry creatures, all laughing and chattering atonce, as they tossed apples from hand to hand, munched candy, orcompared cookies. I went slowly, to enjoy the sight, as I do when I meeta party of sparrows on the Common, and was wondering what would becomeof so many budding women, when, all of a sudden, I saw _my_ littleschool-girl. 

Yes, I knew her in a minute, for she wore the same brown hat, and therosy face was sparkling with fun, as she told secrets with a chosenfriend, while eating a wholesome slice of bread-and-butter as only ahungry school-girl could. 

She did not recognize me, but I took a good look at her as I went by, longing to know what the particular secret was that ended in such a galeof laughter. 

After that, I often saw my girl as I took my walks abroad, and one daycould not resist speaking to her when I met her alone; for usually hermates clustered round her like bees about their queen, which pleased me, since it showed how much they loved the sunshiny child. 

I had a paper of grapes in my hand, and when I saw her coming, whiskedout a handsome bunch, all ready to offer, for I had made up my mind tospeak this time. She was reading a paper, but looked up to give me theinside of the walk. 

Before her eyes could fall again, I held out the grapes and said, justas I had heard her say more than once to a schoolmate at lunch-time, "Let's go halves. "

She understood at once, laughed, and took the bunch, saying withtwinkling eyes, --

"Oh, thank you! they are beauties!"

Then, as we went on to the corner together, I told her why I did it, andrecalled the car-ride. 

"I'd forgotten all about that, but my conductor is very kind, and alwayswaits for me, " she said, evidently surprised that a stranger should takean interest in her small self. 

I did not have half time enough with her, for a bell rang, and away sheskipped, looking back to nod and smile at the queer lady who had taken afancy to her. 

A few days afterward a fine nosegay of flowers was left at the door forme, and when I asked the servant who sent them he answered, --

"A little girl asked if a lame lady didn't live here, and when I saidyes, she told me to give you these, and say the grapes were very nice. "

I knew at once who it was, and enjoyed the funny message immensely; forwhen one leads a quiet life, little things interest and amuse. 

Christmas was close by, and I planned a return for the flowers, of asort, that I fancied my young friend would appreciate. 

I knew that Christmas week would be a holiday, so, the day before itbegan, I went to the school just before recess, and left a frosted plumcake, directed to "Miss Goldilocks, from she knows who. "

At first I did not know how to address my nice white parcel, for I neverhad heard the child's name. But after thinking over the matter, Iremembered that she was the only girl there with yellow curls hangingdown her back, so I decided to risk the cake with the above direction. 

The maid who took it in (for my girl went to a private school) smiled, and said at once she knew who I meant. I left my cake, and strolledround the corner to the house of a friend, there to wait and watch forthe success of my joke, for the girls always went that way at recess. 

Presently the little hats began to go bobbing by, the silent street toecho with laughter, and the sidewalk to bloom with gay gowns, for thegirls were all out in winter colors now. 

From behind a curtain I peeped at them, and saw, with greatsatisfaction, that nearly all had bits of my cake in their hands, andwere talking it over with the most flattering interest. My particularlittle girl, with a friend on each arm, passed so near me that I couldsee the happy look in her eyes, and hear her say, with a toss of thebright hair, --

"Mother will plan it for me, and I can get it done by New Year. Won't itbe fun to hang it on the door some day, and then run?"

I fancied that she meant to make something for me, and waited withpatience, wondering how this odd frolic with my little school-girl wouldend. 

New Year's Day came and passed, but no gift hung on my door; so I madeup my mind it was all a mistake, and, being pretty busy about that time, thought no more of the matter till some weeks later, as I came into townone day after a visit in the country. 

I am fond of observing faces, and seldom forget one if anything hasparticularly attracted my attention to it. So this morning, as I rodealong, I looked at the conductor, as there was no one else to observe, and he had a pleasant sort of face. Somehow, it looked familiar, andafter thinking idly about it for a minute, I remembered where I hadseen it before. 

He was the man who waited for "little missy, " and I at once began tohope that she would come again, for I wanted to ask about the holidays, remembering how "fond of fun" she was. 

When we came to the South End Square, where I met her first, I lookedout, expecting to see the little figure running down the wide pathagain, and quite willing to wait for it a long time if necessary. But noone was to be seen but two boys and a dog. The car did not stop, andthough the conductor looked out that way, his hand was not on the strap, and no smile on his face. 

"Don't you wait for the little girl now?" I asked, feeling disappointedat not seeing my pretty friend again. 

"I wish I could, ma'am, " answered the man, understanding at once, thoughof course he did not remember me. 

"New rules, perhaps?" I added, as he did not explain, but stoodfingering his punch, and never minding an old lady, wildly waving herbag at him from the sidewalk. 

"No, ma'am; but it's no use waiting for little missy any more, because"--here he leaned in and said, very low, --"she is dead;" thenturned sharply round, rung the bell, put the old lady in and shut thedoor. 

How grieved I was to have that pleasant friendship end so sadly, for Ihad planned many small surprises for my girl, and now I could do nomore, could never know all about her, never see the sunny face again, orwin another word from lips that seemed made for smiling. 

Only a little school-girl, yet how many friends she seemed to have, making them unconsciously by her gentle manners, generous actions, andinnocent light-heartedness. I could not bear to think what home must bewithout her, for I am sure I was right in believing her a good, sweetchild, because real character shows itself in little things, and theheart that always keeps in tune makes its music heard everywhere. 

The busy man of the horse-car found time to miss her, the schoolmatesevidently mourned their queen, for when I met them they walked quietly, talked low, and several wore black bows upon the sleeve; while I, although I never knew her name, or learned a single fact about her, feltthe sweetness of her happy nature, and have not yet forgotten my littleschool-girl. 

X. 

WHAT A SHOVEL DID. 

As my friend stood by the window, watching the "soft falling snow, " Isaw him smile, --a thoughtful yet a very happy smile, and, anxious toknow what brought it, I asked, --

"What do you see out there?"

"Myself, " was the answer that made me stare in surprise, as I joined himand looked curiously into the street. 

All I saw was a man shovelling snow; and, thoroughly puzzled, I turnedto Richard, demanding an explanation. He laughed, and answeredreadily, --

"While we wait for Kate and the children, I'll tell you a littleadventure of mine. It may be useful to you some day. 

"Fifteen years ago, on a Sunday morning like this, I stood at the windowof a fireless, shabby little room, without one cent in my pocket, andno prospect of getting one. 

"I had gone supperless to bed, and spent the long night asking, 'Whatshall I do?' and, receiving no reply but that which is so hard for eageryouth to accept, 'Wait and trust. '

"I was alone in the world, with no fortune but my own talent, and eventhat I was beginning to doubt, because it brought no money. For a year Ihad worked and hoped, with a brave spirit; had written my life intopoems and tales; tried a play; turned critic and reviewed books; offeredmy pen and time to any one who would employ them, and now was ready forthe hardest literary work, and the poorest pay, for starvation stared mein the face. 

"All my ventures failed, and my paper boats freighted with so many highhopes, went down one after another, leaving me to despair. The lastwreck lay on my table then, --a novel, worn with much journeying to andfro, on which I had staked my last chance, and lost it. 

"As I stood there at my window, cold and hungry, solitary anddespairing, I said to myself, in a desperate mood, --

"'It is all a mistake; I have no talent, and there is no room in theworld for me, so the quicker I get out of it the better. '

"Just then a little chap came from a gate opposite, with a shovel on hisshoulder, and trudged away, whistling shrilly, to look for a job. Iwatched him out of sight, thinking bitterly, --

"'Now look at the injustice of it! Here am I, a young man full ofbrains, starving because no one will give me a chance; and there is thatignorant little fellow making a living with an old shovel!'"

A voice seemed to answer me, saying, --

"'Why don't you do the same? If brains don't pay, try muscles, and thankGod that you have health. '

"Of course it was only my own pluck and common sense; but I declare toyou I was as much struck by the new idea as if a strange voice _had_actually spoken; and I answered, heartily, --

"'As I live I _will_ try it! and not give up while there is any honestwork for these hands to do. '

"With sudden energy I put on my shabbiest clothes, --and they were _very_shabby, of course, added an old cap and rough comforter, as disguise, and stole down to the shed where I had seen a shovel. It was early, andthe house was very quiet, for the other lodgers were hard workers allthe week, and took their rest Sunday morning. 

"Unseen by the sleepy girl making her fires, I got the shovel and stoleaway by the back gate, feeling like a boy out on a frolic. It was bittercold, and a heavy snow-storm had raged all night. The streets were fullof drifts, and the city looked as if dead, for no one was stirring yetbut milkmen, and other poor fellows like me, seeking for an early job. 

"I made my way to the West End, and was trying to decide at which of thetall houses to apply first, when the door of one opened, and a prettyhousemaid appeared, broom in hand. 

"At sight of the snowy wilderness she looked dismayed, and with a fewunavailing strokes of her broom at the drift on the steps, was about togo in, when her eye fell on me. 

"My shovel explained my mission, and she beckoned with an imperious waveof her duster to the shabby man opposite. I ploughed across, andreceived in silence the order to--

"'Clear them steps and sidewalk, and sweep 'em nice, for our folksalways go to church, rain or shine. '

"Then leaving her broom outside, the maid slammed the door with ashiver, and I fell to work manfully. It was a heavy job, and my hands, unused to any heavier tool than a pen, were soon blistered; but I tuggedaway, and presently found myself much stimulated by the critical andapproving glances bestowed upon me by the pretty girl, taking breakfastin the basement with a buxom cook and a friend, who had evidentlydropped in on her way home from early Mass. 

"I was a young fellow, and in spite of my late despair, the fun of thething tickled me immensely, and I laughed behind my old tippet, as Ishovelled and swept with a vigor that caused the stout cook to smileupon me. 

"When the job was done, and I went to the lower door for my well-earnedpay, the maid said, with condescension, as she glanced coquettishly atmy ruddy face and eyes that twinkled under the old cap, I suspect, --

"'You can wait here while I run up, and get the money, if master isawake. '

"'Ye haven't the heart of a woman, Mary, to kape the poor crater outthere when it's kilt wid the could he is, ' said the buxom cook; adding, in a motherly tone, 'Come in wid yez, my man, and set till the fire, forit's bitter weather the day. '

"'Faix an' it is, ma'm, thankin' ye kindly, ' I answered, with a finebrogue, for as a lad I had played the Irishman with success. 

"The good soul warmed to me at once, and, filling a mug with coffee, gave it to me with a hearty--

"'A hot sup will do you no harrum, me b'y, and sure in the blessidChristmas time that's just fore-ninst us, the master won't begrudge ye abreakfast; so take a biscuit and a sassage, for it's like ye haven't hada mouthful betwixt your lips the day. '

"'That I will, ' said I; 'and it's good luck and a long life to ye I'mdrinkin' in this illegint coffee. '

"'Bless the b'y! but it's a grateful heart he has, and a blue eye aslike my Pat as two pays, ' cried the cook, regarding me with increasingfavor, as I bolted the breakfast which I should have been too proud toaccept from any hand less humble. 

"Here the guest asked a question concerning Pat, and instantly themother gushed into praises of her boy, telling in a few picturesquewords, as only an Irishwoman could do it, how Pat had come to 'Ameriky'first when things went hard with them in the 'ould country, ' and howgood he was in sending home his wages till she could join him. 

"How she came, but could not find her 'b'y, because of the loss of theletter with his address, and how for a year she waited and watched, surethat he would find her at last. How the saints had an eye on him, andone happy day answered her prayers in a way that she considered 'aquilto any merrycle ever seen. ' For, looking up from her work, who shouldshe see, in a fine livery, sitting on the box of a fine carriage at themaster's door, but 'her own b'y, like a king in his glory. '

"'Arrah, ye should have seen me go up thim steps, Katy, and my Pat comeoff that box like an angel flyin', and the way he tuk me in his arms, never mindin' his illigint coat, and me all dirt a-blackin' me range. Ah'r, but I was a happy crayter that day!'

"Here the good soul stopped to wipe away the tears that were shining onher fat cheeks, and Mary appeared with a dollar, 'for master said it wasa tough job and well done. '

"'May his bed be aisy above, darlin', and many thanks, and thecompliments of the sayson to ye, ladies. '

"With which grateful farewell I trudged away, well pleased at thesuccess of my first attempt. Refreshed and cheered by the kindness of myhumble hostess, I took heart, and worked away at my next job withredoubled energy, and by the time the first bells rang for church, I hadthree dollars in my pocket. My blood danced in my veins, and all mydespair seemed shovelled away with the snow I had cleared from otherpeople's paths. 

"My back ached, and my palms were sore, but heart and soul were in tuneagain, and hurrying home, I dressed and went to church, feeling that aspecial thanksgiving was due for the lesson I had learned. 

"Christmas garlands hung upon the walls, Christmas music rolled throughthe church, and Christmas sermon, prayer, and psalm cheered the heartsof all. But the shabby young man in the back seat found such beauty andcomfort in the service of that day that he never forgot it, for it wasthe turning-point of his life. "

My friend fell silent for a minute, and I sat, contrasting that past ofhis, with the happy present, for he was a prosperous man now, with anhonored name, a comfortable fortune, and best of all, a noble wife, andsome brave lads to follow in his footsteps. 

Presently I could not resist asking, --

"Did you go on shovelling, Dick?"

"Not long, for there was no need of it, thanks to Pat's mother, " heanswered smiling. 

"Come, I _must_ have all the story, for I know it has a sequel!"

"A very happy one. Yes, I owe to that kind soul and her little story, the turn that Fortune gave her wheel. Nay, rather say, the touch ofnature that makes the whole world kin. For when I went home that day, Isat down and made a simple tale from the hint she gave, and something ofher own humor and pathos must have got into it, for it was accepted, andmore stories solicited, to my great surprise. 

"I wrote it to please myself, for I was in a happy mood; and though myroom was cold, the sun shone; though my closet was bare, honest moneywas in my pocket, and I felt as rich as a king. 

"I remember I laughed at myself as I posted the manuscript on Mondaymorning, called it infatuation, and thought no more of it for days, being busy with my new friend, the shovel. 

"Snow was gone, but coal remained, and I put in tons of it with a will, for this active labor was the tonic my overwrought nerves needed, and myspirits rose wonderfully, as muscles earned the daily bread that brainshad failed to win. 

"Ah! but they brought me something better than bread, dearer than fame;and to that old shovel I owe the happiness of my life! The very day Igot the letter accepting the little story, I was gaily putting in mylast ton of coal, for I felt that now I might take up the pen again, since in a kitchen I had discovered the magic that wins listeners. 

"Bless my heart! how I worked and how I whistled, I was so happy, andfelt so lifted above all doubt and fear by the knowledge that my talentwas _not_ a failure, and the fact that my own strong arms could keep thewolf from the door!

"I was so busy that I had not observed a lady watching me from thewindow. She had opened it to feed the hungry sparrows, and my whistlecaught her ear, for it was an air she knew, and had heard a certainyoung man sing before he dropped out of her circle, and left herwondering sadly what had befallen him. 

"All this I learned afterward; then I unconsciously piped away till myjob was done, wiped my hot face, and went in to get my money. To mysurprise I was told to 'go into the dining room, and missis wouldattend to it. '

"I went and found myself face to face, not with 'missis, ' but the womanI had loved hopelessly but faithfully all that hard year, since I hadgone away to fight my battle alone. 

"For a moment I believed she did not know me, in my shabby suit andbesmirched face. But she did, and with a world of feeling in her ownsweet face, she offered me, not money, but her hand, saying in a voicethat made my heart leap up, --

"'Richard, I was afraid you had gone down as so many disappointed youngmen go when their ambitious hopes fail; but I am so glad, so proud tosee in your face that you still work and wait, like a brave and honestman. I _must_ speak to you!'

"What could I do after that but hold the white hand fast in both mygrimy ones, while I told my little story, and the hope that had come atlast. Heaven knows I told it very badly, for those tender eyes were uponme all the time, so full of unspoken love and pity, admiration andrespect, that I felt like one in a glorified dream, and forgot I was acoal-heaver. 

"That was the last of it, though, and the next time I came to see myKate it was with clean hands, that carried her, as a first love-token, the little tale which was the foundation-stone of this happy home. "

He stopped there, and his face brightened beautifully, for the sound oflittle feet approached, and childish voices cried eagerly, --

"Papa! papa! the snow has come! May we go and shovel off the steps?"

"Yes, my lads, and mind you do it well; for some day you may have toearn your breakfast, " answered Dick, as three fine boys came prancingin, full of delight at the first snow-fall. 

"These fellows have a passion for shovelling which they inherit fromtheir father, " he added, with a twinkle of the eye that told Mrs. Katewhat we had been talking about. 

It was sweet to see with what tender pride she took the hand hestretched out to her, and holding it in both her own, said, with hereyes upon her boys, --

"I hope they _will_ inherit not only their father's respect for honestwork, but the genius that can see and paint truth and beauty in thehumble things of this world. "

XI. 

CLAMS. 

A GHOST STORY. 

"I haven't a room in the house, ma'am, but if you don't mind going downto the cottage, and coming up here to your meals, I can accommodate you, and would be glad to, " said Mrs. Grant, in answer to my demand forboard. 

"Where is the cottage?" and I looked about me, feeling ready to acceptanything in the way of shelter, after the long, hot journey frombroiling Boston, to breezy York Harbor. 

"Right down there, just a step, you see. It's all in order, and nextweek it will be full, for many folks prefer it because of the quiet. "

At the end of a precipitous path, which offered every facility foraccidents of all sorts, from a sprained ankle to a broken neck, stoodthe cottage, a little white building with a pretty woodbine over theporch, gay flowers in the garden, and the blue Atlantic rolling up atthe foot of the cliff. 

"A regular 'Cottage by the Sea. ' It will suit me exactly if I can havethat front upper room. I don't mind being alone, so have my trunk takendown, please, and I'll get ready for tea, " said I, congratulating myselfon my good luck. Alas, how little I knew what a night of terror I was topass in that picturesque abode!

An hour later, refreshed by my tea and invigorated by the deliciouscoolness, I plunged recklessly into the gayeties of the season, andaccepted two invitations for the evening, --one to a stroll on SunsetHill, the other to a clam-bake on the beach. 

The stroll came first, and while my friend paused at one of thefishily-fragrant houses by the way, to interview her washerwoman, I wenton to the hill-top, where a nautical old gentleman with a spy-glass, welcomed me with the amiable remark, --

"Pretty likely place for a prospeck. "

Entering into a conversation with this ancient mariner, I asked if heknew any legend or stories concerning the old houses all about us. 

"Sights of 'em; but it aint allers the _old_ places as has the moststories concernin' 'em. Why, that cottage down yonder aint more 'n fiftyyear old, and they say there's been a lot of ghosts seen there, owin' toa man's killin' of himself in the back bedroom. "

"What, that house at the end of the lane?" I asked, with suddeninterest. 

"Jes' so; nice place, but lonesome and dampish. Ghosts and toadstools isapt to locate in houses of that sort, " placidly responded the venerabletar. 

The dampness scared me more than the goblins, for I never saw a ghostyet, but I had been haunted by rheumatism, and found it a hard fiend toexorcise. 

"I've taken a room there, so I'm rather interested in knowing whatcompany I'm to have. "

"Took a room, hev you? Wal, I dare say you won't be troubled. Some folkshave a knack of seeing sperrits, and then agin some hasn't. My wife isuncommon powerful that way, but I aint; my sight's dreadful poor forthat sort of critter. "

There was such a sly twinkle in the starboard eye of the old fellow ashe spoke, that I laughed outright, and asked, sociably, --

"Has she ever seen the ghosts of the cottage? I think _I_ have rather aknack that way, and I'd like to know what to expect. "

"No, her sort is the rappin' kind. Down yonder the only ghost I takemuch stock in is old Bezee Tucker's. He killed himself in the backbedroom, and some folks say they've heard him groanin' there nights, anda drippin' sound; he bled to death, you know. It was kep' quiet at thetime, and is forgotten now by all but a few old chaps like me. Bezee wasallers civil to the ladies, so I guess he won't bother you, ma'am;" andthe old fellow laughed. 

"If he does, I'll let you know;" and with that I departed, for my friendcalled to me that the beach party was clamoring for our company. 

In the delights of that festive hour, I forgot the croaking of theancient mariner, for I was about to taste a clam for the first time inmy life, and it was a most absorbing moment. Perched about on the rockslike hungry penguins, we watched the jovial cooks with breathlessinterest, as they struggled with refractory frying-pans, fish thatstubbornly refused to brown, steaming seaweed and hot stones. 

A certain captivating little Margie waited upon me so prettily that Ishould have been tempted to try a sea porcupine unskinned if she hadoffered it, so irresistible was her chirping way of saying, "Oh, here'sa perfectly lovely one! Do take him by his little black head and eat himquick. "

So beguiled, I indulged recklessly in clams, served hot between twoshells, little dreaming what a price I was to pay for that marinebanquet. 

We kept up till late, and then I was left at my own door by my friend, who informed me that York was a very primitive, safe place, where peopleslept with unlocked doors, and nothing ever went amiss o'nights. 

I said nothing of the ghosts, being ashamed to own that I quaked alittle at the idea of the "back bedroom, " as I shut out the friendlyfaces and bolted myself in. 

A lamp and matches stood in the hall, and lighting the lamp, I whiskedup stairs with suspicious rapidity, locked my door and retired to bed, firmly refusing to own even to myself that I had ever heard the name ofBezee Tucker. 

Being very tired, I soon fell asleep; but fried potatoes and a dozen ortwo of hot clams are not viands best fitted to insure quiet repose, so afit of nightmare brought me to a realizing sense of my indiscretion. 

From a chaos of wild dreams was finally evolved a gigantic clam, whosemission it was to devour me as I had devoured its relatives. The sharpshells gaped before me, a solemn voice said, "Take her by her littlehead and eat her quick. " Retribution was at hand, and, with a despairingeffort to escape by diving, I bumped my head smartly against the wall, and woke up feeling as if there was an earthquake under the bed. 

Collecting my scattered wits, I tried to compose myself to slumberagain; but alas! that fatal feast had murdered sleep, and I vainly triedto lull my wakeful senses with the rustle of woodbine leaves about thewindow, and the breaking waves upon the beach. 

In one of the pauses between the ebb and flow of the waves, I heard acurious sound in the house, --a muffled sort of moan, coming at regularintervals. And, as I sat up to make out where it was, another soundcaught my attentive ear. Drip, drip, drip, went something out in thehall, and in an instant the tale told me on Sunset Hill came back withunpleasant vividness. 

"Nonsense! it is raining, and the roof leaks, " I said to myself, while adisagreeable thrill went through me, and fancy, aided by indigestion, began to people the house with uncanny inmates. 

No rain had fallen for weeks, and peeping through my curtain I saw thebig, bright stars shining in a cloudless sky; so that explanationfailed, and still the drip, drip, drip went on. Likewise the moaning, sodistinctly now that it was evident the little back bedroom was next thechamber in which I was quaking at that identical moment. 

"Some one is sleeping there, " I said, and then recollected that all therooms were locked, and all the keys but mine in Mrs. Grant's pocket upat the house. 

"Well, let the goblins enjoy themselves; I won't disturb them if theylet me alone. Some of the ladies thought me brave to dare to sleep here, and it will never do to own I was scared by a foolish story and an oddsound. "

So down I lay, and said the multiplication table industriously forseveral minutes, trying to turn a deaf ear to the outer world, and curbmy unruly thoughts. But it was a failure, and, when I found myselfsaying over and over "Four times twelve is twenty-four, " I gave upaffecting courage, and went in for a good honest scare. 

As a cheerful subject for midnight meditation I kept thinking of B. Tucker, in spite of every effort to abstain. In vain I recalled the factthat the departed gentleman was "allers civil to the ladies. " I stillwas in mortal fear lest he might think it necessary to come andapologize in person for "bothering" me. 

Presently a clock struck three, and I involuntarily gave a groan thatbeat the ghost's all hollow, so full of anguish was I at the thought ofseveral hours of weary waiting in such awesome suspense. 

I was not sure at what time the daylight would appear, and bitterlyregretted not gathering useful information about sunrise, tides, andsuch things, instead of listening to the foolish gossip of Uncle Peteron the hill-top. 

Minute after minute dragged slowly on, and I was just thinking that Ishould be obliged to shout "Fire!" as the only means of relief in mypower, when a stealthy step under the window gave me a new sensation. 

This was a start, not a scare, for the new visitor was a human foe, andI had little fear of such, being possessed of good lungs, strong arms, and a Roman dagger nearly as big as a carving-knife. That step broke thespell, and, creeping noiselessly to the window, I peeped out to see adark figure coming up the stem of the tall tree close by, hand overhand, like a sailor or a monkey. 

"Two can play at that game, my friend; you scare me, and I'll scareyou;" and with an actual sense of relief in breaking the oppressivesilence, I suddenly flung up the curtain, and, leaning out, brandishedmy dagger with what I intended to be an awe-inspiring screech, but, owing to the flutter of my breath, the effort ended in a curiousmixture of howl and bray. 

A most effective sound nevertheless; for the rascal dropped as if shot, and, with one upward glance at the white figure dimly seen in thestarlight, fled as if a legion of goblins were at his heels. 

"What next?" thought I, wondering whether tragedy or comedy would closethis eventful night. 

I sat and waited, chilly, but valiant, while the weird sounds went onwithin, and silence reigned without, till the cheerful crow of thepunctual "cockadoo, " as Margie called him, announced the dawn and laidthe ghosts. A red glow in the east banished my last fear, and, wrappingthe drapery of my couch about me, I soon lay down to quiet slumber, quite worn out. 

The sun shining in my face waked me; a bell ringing spasmodically warnedme to hurry, and a childish voice calling out, "Bet-fast is most weady, Miss Wee, " assured me that sweet little spirits haunted the cottage aswell as ghostly ones. 

As I left my room to join Margie, who was waiting in the porch, andlooking like a rosy morning-glory half-way up the woodbine trellis, Isaw two things which caused me to feel that the horrors of the nightwere not all imaginary. 

Just outside the back bedroom door was a damp place, as if that part ofthe floor had been newly washed; and when, goaded by curiosity, I peepedthrough the keyhole of the haunted chamber, my eye distinctly saw anopen razor lying on a dusty table. 

My vision was limited to that one object, but it was quite enough, and Iwent up the hill brooding darkly over the secret hidden in my breast. Ilonged to tell some one, but was ashamed, and, when asked why so paleand absent-minded, I answered, with a gloomy smile, --

"It is the clams. "

All day I hid my sufferings pretty well, but as night approached, and Ithought of another lonely vigil in the haunted cottage, my heart beganto fail, and, when we sat telling stories in the dusk, a brilliant ideacame into my head. 

I would relate my ghost story, and rouse the curiosity of the listenersto such a pitch that some of them would offer to share my quarters, inhopes of seeing the spirit of the restless Tucker. 

Cheered by this delusive fancy, when my turn came I made a thrillingtale of the night's adventures, and, having worked my audience up to aflattering state of excitement, paused for applause. 

It came in a most unexpected form, however, for Mrs. Grant burst outlaughing, and the two boys, Johnny and Joe, rolled off the piazza inconvulsions of merriment. 

Much disgusted at this unseemly demonstration, I demanded the cause ofit, and involuntarily joined in the general shout when Mrs. Grantdemolished my ghost by informing me that Bezee Tucker lived, died in, and haunted the tumble-down house at the _other_ end of the lane. 

"Then who or what made those mysterious noises?" I asked, relieved butrather nettled at the downfall of my romance. 

"My brother Seth, " replied Mrs. Grant, still laughing. "I thought youmight be afraid to be there all alone, so he slipped into the bedroom, and I forgot to tell you. He's a powerful snorer, and that's one of theawful sounds. The other was the dripping of salt water; for you wantedsome, and the girl got it in a leaky pail. Seth wiped up the slops whenhe came out early in the morning. "

I said nothing about the keyhole view of the harmless razor, but, feeling that I did deserve some credit for my heroic reception of theburglar, I mildly asked if it was the custom in York for men as well asturkeys to roost in trees. 

An explosion from the boys extinguished my last hope of glory, for assoon as he could speak Joe answered, unable to resist the joke, thoughtelling it betrayed his own transgressions. 

"Johnny planned to be up awful early, and pick the last cherries offthat tree. I wanted to get ahead of him, so I sneaked down before lightto humbug him, for I was going a-fishing, and we have to be off byfour. "

"Did you get your cherries?" I asked, bound to have some of the laugh onmy side. 

"Guess I didn't, " grumbled Joe, rubbing his knees, while Johnny added, with an exulting chuckle, --

"He got a horrid scare and a right good scraping, for he didn't know anyone was down there. Couldn't go fishing either, he was so lame, and Ihad the cherries after all. Served him right, didn't it?"

No answer was necessary, for the two lads indulged in a friendly scuffleamong the hay-cocks, while Mrs. Grant went off to repeat the tale in thekitchen, whence the sound of a muffled roar soon assured me that Sethwas enjoying the joke as well as the rest of us. 

XII. 

KITTY'S CATTLE SHOW. 

Little Kitty was an orphan, and she lived in the poor-house, where sheran errands, tended babies, and was everybody's servant. A droll, happy-hearted child, who did her best to be good, and was never tired ofhoping that something pleasant would happen. 

She had often heard of Cattle Shows, but had never been to one, thoughshe lived in a town where there was one every year. 

As October came, and people began to get ready for the show, Kitty wasseized with a strong desire to go, and asked endless questions about itof old Sam, who lived in the house. 

"Did you say anybody could go in for nothing if they took something toshow?" she asked. 

"Yes; and them that has the best fruit, or cows, or butter, or whateverit is, they gets a premium, " said Sam, chopping away. 

"What's a primmynum?" asked Kitty, forgetting to pick up chips, in herinterest. 

"It's money; some gets a lot, and some only a dollar, or so. "

"I wish I had something nice to show, but I don't own anything butpuss, " and the little girl stroked the plump, white kitten that wasfrisking all over her. 

"Better send her; she's pretty enough to fetch a prize anywheres, " saidSam, who was fond of both Kittys. 

"Do they have cats there?" asked the child, soberly. 

"Ought to, if they don't, for, if cats aint cattle, I don't see whatthey be, " and old Sam laughed, as if he had made a joke. 

"I mean to take her and see the show, any way, for that will besplendid, even if she don't get any money! O, puss, will you go, andbehave well, and get a primmynum for me, so I can buy a book ofstories?" cried Kitty, upsetting her basket in her sudden skip at thefine plan. 

Puss turned a somersault, raced after a chicken, and then rushed up hermistress' back, and, perching demurely on her shoulder, peeped into herface, as if asking if pranks like these wouldn't win a prize anywhere. 

"You are going to take Mr. Green's hens for him; can't I go with you? Iwon't be any trouble, and I do so want to see the fun, " added Kitty, after thinking over her plan a few minutes. 

Now, Sam meant to take her, but had not told her so yet, and now, beinga waggish old fellow, he thought he would let her take her cat, for thejoke of it, so he said soberly, --

"Yes, I'll tuck you in somewheres, and you'd better put puss into theblackbird's old cage, else she will get scared, and run away. You standit among the chicken-coops, and folks will admire her, I aint a doubt. "

Innocent little Kitty was in raptures at the prospect, though the peoplein the house laughed at her. But she firmly believed it was all right, and made her preparations with solemn care. 

The old cage was scrubbed till the wires shone, then she trimmed it upwith evergreen, and put a bed of scarlet leaves for snowy puss to lieon. Puss was washed, and combed, and decked with a blue bow on the grandday, and, when she had been persuaded to enter her pretty prison, theeffect was charming. 

A happier little lass was seldom seen than Kitty when, dressed in herclean, blue check frock, and the old hat, with a faded ribbon, she rodeaway with Sam; and behind, among the hen-coops, was Miss Puss, muchexcited by the clucking and fluttering of her fellow-travellers. 

When the show grounds were reached, Kitty thought the bustle and thenoise quite as interesting as the cattle; and when, after putting hispoultry in its place, Sam led her up into the great hall where the fruitand flowers were, she began to imagine that the fairy tales were comingtrue. 

While she stood staring at some very astonishing worsted-work pictures, a lady, who was arranging fruit near by, upset a basket of fine peaches, and they rolled away under tables and chairs. 

"I'll pick 'em up, ma'am, " cried Kitty, who loved to be useful; and downshe went on her hands and knees, and carefully picked up every runaway. 

"What is your name, my obliging little girl?" asked the lady, as shebrushed up the last yellow peach. 

"Kitty; and I live at the poor-house; and I never saw a Cattle Showbefore, 'cause I didn't have any thing to bring, " said the child, feeling as important with her cat as a whole agricultural society. 

"What did you bring, --patchwork?"

"O, no, ma'am, a lovely cat, and she is down stairs with the hens, --allwhite, with blue eyes and a blue bow, " cried Kitty. 

"I want to see her, " said a little girl, popping her head up from behindthe table, where she had bashfully hidden from the stranger. 

The lady consented, and the children went away together. 

While they were gone, Sam came to find his little friend, and the kindlady, amused at the cat story, asked about the child. 

"She aint no friends but me and the kitten, so I thought I'd give thepoor little soul a bit of pleasure. The quarter I'll get for fetchingGreen's hens will get Kitty some dinner, and a book maybe, or somethingto remember Cattle Show by. Shouldn't wonder if I earned a trifle moredoing chores round to-day; if so, I shall give it to her for a premium, 'cause I fetched the cat for fun, and wouldn't like to disappoint thechild. "

As Sam laughed, and rubbed his rough hands over the joke of surprisingKitty, the lady looked at his kind old face, and resolved to give him apleasure, too, and of the sort he liked. 

She was rich and generous, and, when her little girl came back, beggingher to buy the lovely kitten, she said she would, and put five dollarsinto Sam's hands, telling him that was Kitty's premium, to be used inbuying clothes and comforts for the motherless child. 

Kitty was quite willing to sell puss, for five dollars seemed a splendidfortune to her. Such a happy day as that was, for she saw everything, had a good dinner, bought "Babes in the Wood" of a peddler, and, best ofall, made friends. 

Miss Puss was brought up by her new mistress, and put on a table amongthe flowers, where the pretty cage and the plump, tricksy kittenattracted much attention, for the story was told, and the little girl'sdroll contribution much laughed over. 

But the poor-house people didn't laugh, for they were so surprised anddelighted at this unexpected success that they were never tired oftalking about Kitty's Cattle Show. 

XIII. 

WHAT BECOMES OF THE PINS. 

Miss Ellen was making a new pincushion, and a very pretty one itpromised to be, for she had much taste, and spent half her timeembroidering chair-covers, crocheting tidies, and all sorts of daintytrifles. Her room was full of them; and she often declared that she didwish some one would invent a new sort of fancy-work, since she had triedall the old kinds till she was tired of them. Painting china, carvingwood, button-holing butterflies and daisies onto Turkish towelling, andmaking peacock-feather trimming, amused her for a time; but as she wasnot very successful she soon gave up trying these branches, and wonderedif she would not take a little plain sewing for a change. 

The old cushion stood on her table beside the new one; which was readyfor its trimming of lace and ribbon. A row of delicate new pins also laywaiting to adorn the red satin mound, and in the old blue one stillremained several pins that had evidently seen hard service. 

Miss Ellen was putting a dozen needles into her book, having just pickedthem out of the old cushion, and, as she quilted them through theflannel leaves, she said half aloud, --

"It is very evident where the needles go, but I really do wish I knewwhat becomes of the pins. "

"I can tell you, " answered a small, sharp voice, as a long brass pintried to straighten itself up in the middle of a faded blue cornflower, evidently prepared to address the meeting. 

Miss Ellen stared much surprised, for she had used this big pin a gooddeal lately, but never heard it speak before. As she looked at it shesaw for the first time that its head had a tiny face, with silvery hair, two merry eyes, and a wee mouth out of which came the metallic littlevoice that pierced her ear, small as it was. 

"Dear me!" she said; then added politely, "if you can tell I should bevery happy to hear, for it has long been a great mystery, and no onecould explain it. "

The old pin tried to sit erect, and the merry eye twinkled as it went onlike a garrulous creature, glad to talk after long silence:--

"Men make many wonderful discoveries, my dear, but they have never foundthat out, and never will, because we belong to women, and only afeminine ear can hear us, a feminine mind understand our mission, orsympathize with our trials, experiences, and triumphs. For we have allthese as well as human beings, and there really is not much differencebetween us when we come to look into the matter. "

This was such a curious statement that Miss Ellen forgot her work tolisten intently, and all the needles fixed their eyes on the audaciouspin. Not a whit abashed it thus continued:--

"I am called 'Granny' among my friends, because I have had a long andeventful life. I am hearty and well, however, in spite of this crick inmy back, and hope to serve you a good while yet, for you seem toappreciate me, stout and ordinary as I look. 

"Yes, my dear, pins and people _are_ alike, and that rustydarning-needle need not stare so rudely, for I shall prove what I say. We are divided into classes by birth and constitution, and each can domuch in its own sphere. I am a shawl pin, and it would be foolish in meto aspire to the duties of those dainty lace pins made to fasten acollar. I am contented with my lot, however, and, being of a strong makeand enterprising spirit, have had many adventures, some perils, andgreat satisfactions since I left the factory long ago. I well rememberhow eagerly I looked about me when the paper in which I lived, with somehundreds of relations, was hung up in a shop window, to display ourglittering ranks and tempt people to buy. At last a purchaser came, adashing young lady who bought us with several other fancy articles, andcarried us away in a smart little bag, humming and talking to herself, in what I thought a very curious way. 

"When we were taken out I was all in a flutter to see where I was andwhat would happen next. There were so many of us, I could hardly hope togo first, for I was in the third row, and most people take us in order. But Cora was a hasty, careless soul, and pulled us out at random, so Isoon found myself stuck up in a big untidy cushion, with every sort ofpin you can imagine. Such a gay and giddy set I never saw, and really, my dear, their ways and conversation were quite startling to an ignorantyoung thing like me. Pearl, coral, diamond, jet, gold, and silver heads, were all around me as well as vulgar brass knobs, jaunty black pins, good for nothing as they snap at the least strain, and my own relations, looking eminently neat and respectable among this theatrical rabble. ForI will not disguise from you, Miss Ellen, that my first mistress was anactress, and my life a very gay one at the beginning. Merry, kind, andcareless was the pretty Cora, and I am bound to confess I enjoyed myselfimmensely, for I was taken by chance with half a dozen friends to pin upthe folds of her velvet train and mantle, in a fairy spectacle where sheplayed the queen. It was very splendid, and, snugly settled among thesoft folds, I saw it all, and probably felt that I too had my part;humble as it was, it was faithfully performed, and I never once desertedmy post for six weeks. 

"Among the elves who went flitting about with silvery wings and spangledrobes was one dear child who was the good genius of the queen, and wasalways fluttering near her, so I could not help seeing and loving thedear creature. She danced and sung, came out of flowers, swung down fromtrees, popped up from the lower regions, and finally, when all thequeen's troubles are over, flew away on a golden cloud, smiling througha blaze of red light, and dropping roses as she vanished. 

"When the play ended, I used to see her in an old dress, a thin shawl, and shabby hat, go limping home with a tired-looking woman who dressedthe girls. 

"I thought a good deal about 'Little Viola, ' as they called her, --thoughher real name was Sally, I believe, --and one dreadful night I played aheroic part, and thrill now when I remember it. "

"Go on, please, I long to know, " said Miss Ellen, dropping theneedle-book into her lap, and leaning forward to listen better. 

"One evening the theatre took fire, " continued the old pin impressively. "I don't know how, but all of a sudden there was a great uproar, smoke, flames, water pouring, people running frantically about, and such a wildpanic I lost my small wits for a time. When I recovered them, I foundCora was leaning from a high window, with something wrapped closely inthe velvet mantle that I pinned upon the left shoulder just under apaste buckle that only sparkled while _I_ did all the work. 

"A little golden head lay close by me, and a white face looked up fromthe crimson folds, but the sweet eyes were shut, the lips were drawnwith pain, a horrible odor of burnt clothes came up to me, and the smallhand that clutched Cora's neck was all blistered with the cruel firewhich would have devoured the child if my brave mistress had not rescuedher at the risk of her own life. _She_ could have escaped at first, butshe heard Sally cry to her through the blinding smoke, and went to findand rescue her. I dimly recalled that, and pressed closer to the whiteshoulder, full of pride and affection for the kind soul whom I had oftenthought too gay and giddy to care for anything but pleasure. 

"Now she was calling to the people in the street to put up a ladder, and, as she leaned and called, I could see the crowds far down, thesmoke and flame bursting out below, and hear the hiss of water as itfell upon the blazing walls. It was a most exciting moment, as we hungthere, watching the gallant men fix the long ladder, and one comeclimbing up till we could see his brave face, and hear him shoutcheerily, --

"'Swing from the window-sill, I'll catch you. '

"But Cora answered, as she showed the little yellow head that shone inthe red glare, --

"'No, save the child first!'

"'Drop her then, and be quick: it's hot work here, ' and the man held uphis arms with a laugh, as the flames licked out below as if to eat awaythe frail support he stood on. 

"All in one breathless moment, Cora had torn off the mantle, wrapped thechild in it, bound her girdle about it, and finding the gaudy band wouldnot tie, caught out the first pin that came to hand, and fastened it. _I_ was that pin; and I felt that the child's life almost depended uponme, for as the precious bundle dropped into the man's hands he caught itby the cloak, and, putting it on his shoulder, went swiftly down. Thebelt strained, the velvet tore, I felt myself bending with the weight, and expected every minute to see the child slip, and fall on the stonesbelow. But I held fast, I drove my point deeply in, I twisted myselfround so that even the bend should be a help, and I called to the man, 'Hold tight, I'm trying my best, but what can one pin do!'

"Of course he did not hear me, but I really believe my desperate effortswere of some use; for, we got safely down, and were hurried away to thehospital where other poor souls had already gone. 

"The good nurse who undid that scorched, drenched, and pitiful bundle, stuck me in her shawl, and resting there, I saw the poor child laid in alittle bed, her burns skilfully cared for, and her scattered sensesrestored by tender words and motherly kisses. How glad I was to hearthat she would live, and still more rejoiced to learn next day that Corawas near by, badly burned but not in danger, and anxious to see thechild she had saved. 

"Nurse Benson took the little thing in her arms to visit my poormistress, and I went too. But alas! I never should have known the gayand blooming girl of the day before. Her face and hands were terriblyburnt, and she would never again be able to play the lovely queen on anystage, for her fresh beauty was forever lost. 

"Hard days for all of us; I took my share of trouble with the rest, though I only suffered from the strain to my back. Nurse Bensonstraightened me out and kept me in use, so I saw much of pain andpatience in that great house, because the little gray shawl which Ifastened covered a tender heart, and on that motherly bosom many achingheads found rest, many weary creatures breathed their last, and morethan one unhappy soul learned to submit. 

"Among these last was poor Cora, for it was very hard to give up beauty, health, and the life she loved, so soon. Yet I do not think she everregretted the sacrifice when she saw the grateful child well and safe, for little Sally was her best comforter, and through the long weeks shelay there half blind and suffering, the daily visit of the little onecheered her more than anything else. The poor mother was lost in thegreat fire, and Cora adopted the orphan as her own, and surely she had aright to what she had so dearly bought. 

"They went away together at last, one quite well and strong again, theother a sad wreck, but a better woman for the trial, I think, and shecarried comfort with her. Poor little Sally led her, a faithful guide, atender nurse, a devoted daughter to her all her life. "

Here the pin paused, out of breath, and Miss Ellen shook a bright dropoff the lace that lay in her lap, as she said in a tone of realinterest, --

"What happened next? How long did you stay in the hospital?"

"I stayed a year, for Nurse used me one day to pin up a print at thefoot of a poor man's bed, and he took such comfort in it they let ithang till he died. A lovely picture of a person who held out his arms toall the suffering and oppressed, and they gathered about him to becomforted and saved. The forlorn soul had led a wicked life, and now laydying a long and painful death, but something in that divine face taughthim to hope for pardon, and when no eye but mine saw him in the lonelynights he wept, and prayed, and struggled to repent. I think he wasforgiven, for when at last he lay dead a smile was on his lips thatnever had been there before. Then the print was taken down, and I wasused to pin up a bundle of red flannel by one of the women, and formonths I lay in a dark chest, meditating on the lessons I had alreadylearned. 

"Suddenly I was taken out, and when a queer round pin-ball of theflannel had been made by a nice old lady, I was stuck in it with a partyof fat needles, and a few of my own race, all with stout bodies and bigheads. 

"'The dear boy is clumsy with his fingers, and needs strong things touse, ' said the old lady, as she held the tomato cushion in both handsand kissed it before she put it into a soldier's 'comfort bag. '

"'Now I shall have a lively time!' I thought, and looked gaily about me, for I liked adventures, and felt that I was sure of them now. 

"I cannot begin to tell you all I went through with that boy, for he wasbrave as a lion and got many hard knocks. We marched, and camped, andfought, and suffered, but we _never_ ran away, and when at last a Minieball came smashing through the red cushion (which Dick often carried inhis pocket as a sort of charm to keep him safe, for men seldom usepins), I nearly lost my head, for the stuffing flew out, and we were allknocked about in a dreadful way. The cushion and the old wallet togethersaved Dick's life, however, for the ball did not reach his brave heart, and the last I saw of him as I fell out of the hasty hand that felt fora wound was a soft look in the brave bright eyes, as he said to himselfwith a smile, --

"'Dear old mother hasn't lost her boy yet, thank God!'

"A colored lad picked me up, as I lay shining on the grass, and pinsbeing scarce in those parts, gave me to his mammy, who kept me to fastenher turban. Quite a new scene I found, for in the old cabin were a dozenchildren and their mothers making ready to go North. The men were allaway fighting or serving the army, so mammy led the little troop, andthey marched off one day following the gay turban like a banner, for shehad a valiant soul, and was bound to find safety and freedom for herchildren at all risks. 

"In my many wanderings to and fro, I never made so strange a journey asthat one, but I enjoyed it, full of danger, weariness and privation asit was; and every morning when mammy put on the red and yellowhandkerchief I was proud to sit aloft on that good gray head, and leadthe forlorn little army toward a land of liberty. 

"We got there at last, and she fell to work over a washtub to earn thebread for the hungry mouths. I had stood by her through all those wearyweeks, and did not want to leave her now, but went off pinning a paperround some clean clothes on a Saturday morning. 

"'Now I wonder what will come next!' I thought, as Thomas Jefferson, or'Jeff, ' as they called him, went whistling away with the parcel throughthe streets. 

"Crossing the park, he spied a lovely butterfly which had strayed infrom the country; caught and pinned it on his hat to please little Dinahwhen he got home. The pretty creature soon writhed its delicate lifeaway, but its beauty attracted the eye of a pale girl hurrying alongwith a roll of work under her arm. 

"'Will you sell me that?' she asked, and Jeff gladly consented, wondering what she would do with it. So did I, but when we got to herroom I soon saw, for she pinned the impaled butterfly against a bit ofblue paper, and painted it so well that its golden wings seemed toquiver as they did in life. A very poor place it was, but full of lovelythings, and I grew artistic with just looking about me at the pictureson the walls, the flowers blooming on plates and panels, birds andinsects kept for copies, and gay bits of stuff used as back-grounds. 

"But more beautiful than anything she made was the girl's quiet, busylife alone in the big city; for, she was hoping to be an artist, andworked day and night to compass her desire. So poor, but so happy, Iused to wonder why no one helped her and kept her from such hard, yetpatient, waiting. But no one did, and I could watch her toiling away asI held the butterfly against the wall, feeling as if it was a symbol ofherself, beating her delicate wings in that close place till her heartwas broken, by the cruel fate that held her there when she should havebeen out in the free sunshine. But she found a good customer for herpretty work, in a rich lady who had nothing to do but amuse herself, andspent much time and money in fancy-work. 

"I know all about it; for, one day an order came from the great storewhere her designs were often bought, and she was very happy paintingsome purple pansies upon velvet, and she copied her yellow butterfly tofloat above them. 

"The poor insect was very dry, and crumbled at a touch, so my task therewas done, and as my mistress rolled up the packet, she took me to fastenit securely, singing as she did so, for every penny was precious. 

"We all went together to the rich lady, and she embroidered the flowerson a screen very like that one yonder. I thought she would throw meaway, I was so battered now, but she took a fancy to use me in variousways about her canvas work, and I lived with her all winter. A kindlady, my dear, but I often wished I could suggest to her better ways ofspending her life than everlasting fancy-work. She never seemed to seethe wants of those about her, never lent an ear to the poor, or founddelight in giving of her abundance to those who had little, to brightentheir lives; but sighed because she had nothing to do when the world wasfull of work, and she blessed with so many good gifts to use and toenjoy. I hope she will see her mistake some day, and not waste all herlife on trifles, else she will regret it sadly by and by. "

Here the pin paused with a keen glance at Miss Ellen, who had suddenlybegun to sew with a bright color in her cheeks, for the purple pansieswere on the screen that stood before her fire-place, and she recognizedthe portrait of herself in that last description. But she did not fancybeing lectured by a pin, so she asked with a smile as she plaited up herlace, --

"That is all very interesting, but you have not yet told me what becomesof the pins, Granny. "

"Pins, like people, shape their own lives, in a great measure, my dear, and go to their reward when they are used up. The good ones sink intothe earth and turn to silver, to come forth again in a new and preciousform. The bad ones crumble away to nothing in cracks and dust heaps, with no hope of salvation, unless some human hand lifts them up andgives them a chance to try again. Some are lazy, and slip out of sightto escape service, some are too sharp, and prick and scratch whereverthey are. Others are poor, weak things, who bend up and lose their headsas soon as they are used. Some obtrude themselves on all occasions, andsome are never to be found in times of need. All have the choice to wearout or to rust out. I chose the former, and have had a useful, happylife so far. I'm not as straight as I once was, but I'm bright still, mypoint is sharp, my head firm, and age has not weakened me much, I hope, but made me wiser, better, and more contented to do my duty wherever Iam, than when I left my native paper long ago. "

Before Miss Ellen could express her respect for the worthy old pin, adismal groan was heard from the blue cushion, and a small voice croakedaloud, --

"Alas, alas, I chose to rust out, and here I am, a miserable, worthlessthing, whom no one can use or care for. Lift the ruffle, and behold asad contrast to the faithful, honest, happy Granny, who has told us sucha varied tale. "

"Bless me, what possesses everything to-day!" exclaimed Miss Ellen, looking under the frill of the old cushion to see who was speaking now. There to be sure she found a pin hidden away, and so rusty that shecould hardly pull it out. But it came creaking forth at the third tug, and when it was set up beside Granny, she cried out in her cheery way, --

"Try Dr. Emery, he can cure most cases of rust, and it is never too lateto mend, neighbor. "

"Too late for me!" sighed the new comer. "The rust of idleness has eateninto my vitals while I lay in my silken bed, and my chance is goneforever. I was bright, and strong, and sharp once, but I feared work andworry, and I hid, growing duller, dimmer, and more useless every day. Iam good for nothing, throw me away, and let the black pins mourn for awasted life. "

"No, " said Miss Ellen, "you are not useless, for you two shall sittogether in my new cushion, a warning to me, as well as to the otherpins, to choose the right way in time, and wear out with doing our duty, rather than rust out as so many do. Thank you, Granny, for your littlelecture. I will not forget it, but go at once and find that poor girl, and help her all I can. Rest here, you good old soul, and teach theselittle things to follow your example. "

As she spoke, Miss Ellen set the two pins in the middle of the red satincushion, stuck the smaller pins round them, and hastened to put on hershawl lest something should prevent her from going. 

"Take me with you; I'm not tired, I love to work! use me, dear mistress, and let me help in the good work!" cried Granny, with a lively skip thatsent her out upon the bureau. 

So Miss Ellen pinned her shawl with the old pin instead of the finebrooch she had in her hand, and they went gaily away together, leavingthe rusty one to bemoan itself, and all the little ones to privatelyresolve that they would not hide away from care and labor, but taketheir share bravely and have a good record to show when they went, atlast where the good pins go. 

THE END. 

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