MELBOURNE HOUSE

BYELIZABETH WETHERELL

AUTHOR OF "WIDE, WIDE WORLD. "

"Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work bepure, and whether it be right. " - _Prov. Xx. 11_

LONDON

WARD LOCK AND C° LIMITED

1907

CONTENTS

CHAPTER I. DAISY'S QUESTION

CHAPTER II. THE PONY-CHAISE

CHAPTER III. THE BIRTHDAY

CHAPTER IV. THE HAM

CHAPTER V. STRAWBERRIES

CHAPTER VI. THE EPERGNE

CHAPTER VII. A SOLDIER

CHAPTER VIII. GEOGRAPHY

CHAPTER IX. AFTER TROUT

CHAPTER X. A FIELD OF BATTLE

CHAPTER XI. THE WOUNDED HAND

CHAPTER XII. THE HUNDRED DOLLARS

CHAPTER XIII. OBEDIENCE

CHAPTER XIV. SUNDAY EVENING

CHAPTER XV. SCHROEDER'S MOUNTAIN

CHAPTER XVI. JUANITA'S COTTAGE

CHAPTER XVII. THE LITTLE CONFESSOR

CHAPTER XVIII. WONDERFUL THINGS

CHAPTER XIX. THE DOCTOR

CHAPTER XX. SUN AND MOON

CHAPTER XXI. TEA AT HOME

CHAPTER XXII. BEING ROBBED

CHAPTER XXIII. THE MAP OF ENGLAND

CHAPTER XXIV. THE PICNIC PARTY

CHAPTER XXV. A SHOWER

CHAPTER XXVI. DAISY'S SUPPER

CHAPTER XXVII. RANSOM AND FIDO

CHAPTER XXVIII. MRS. GARY'S PRESENT

CHAPTER XXIX. THE ROSEBUSH

CHAPTER XXX. MOLLY'S GARDEN

CHAPTER XXXI. THE PICTURES

CHAPTER XXXII. THE BASKET OF SPONGE-CAKE

CHAPTER XXXIII. SATIN AND FEATHERS

CHAPTER XXXIV. CHARITY AND VANITY

CHAPTER XXXV. QUEEN ESTHER

CHAPTER XXXVI. TABLEAUX VIVANTS

CHAPTER XXXVII. AN ACCIDENT

CHAPTER XXXVIII. SOMETHING WRONG

CHAPTER XXXIX. BREAKING UP

CHAPTER I. 

DAISY'S QUESTION. 

A little girl was coming down a flight of stairs that led upfrom a great hall, slowly letting her feet pause on eachstair, while the light touch of her hand on the rail guidedher. The very thoughtful little face seemed to be intent onsomething out of the house, and when she reached the bottom, she still stood with her hand on the great baluster thatrested on the marble there, and looked wistfully out of theopen door. So the sunlight came in and looked at her; a littlefigure in a white frock and blue sash, with the hair cut shortall over a little round head, and a face not only just nowfull of some grave concern, but with habitually thoughtfuleyes and a wise little mouth. She did not seem to see thesunlight which poured all over her, and lit up a wide, deephall, floored with marble, and opening at the other end ontrees and flowers, which showed the sunlight busy there too. The child lingered wistfully. Then crossed the hall, and wentinto a matted, breezy, elegant room, where a lady layluxuriously on a couch, playing with a book and a leaf-cutter. She could not be _busy_ with anything in that attitude. Nearlyall that was to be seen was a flow of lavender silk flounces, a rich slipper at rest on a cushion, and a dainty little capwith roses on a head too much at ease to rest. By the side ofthe lavender silk stood the little white dress, still andpreoccupied as before — a few minutes without any notice. 

"Do you want anything, Daisy?"

"Mamma, I want to know something. "

"Well, what is it?"

"Mamma" — Daisy seemed to be engaged on a very puzzlingquestion — "what does it mean to be a Christian?"

"_What?_" said her mother, rousing herself up for the firsttimes to look at her. 

"To be a Christian, mamma?"

"It means, to be baptised and go to church, and all that, "said the lady, turning back to her book. 

"But mamma, that isn't all I mean. "

"I don't know what you mean. What has put it into your head?"

"Something Mr. Dinwiddie said. "

"What absurd nonsense! Who is Mr. Dinwiddie?"

"You know him. He lives at Mrs. Sandford's. "

"And where did he talk to you?"

"In the little school in the woods. In his Sunday-school. Yesterday. "

"Well, it's absurd nonsense, your going there. You havenothing to do with such things. Mr. Randolph? —"

An inarticulate sound, testifying that he was attending, camefrom a gentleman who had lounged in and was lounging throughthe room. 

"I won't have Daisy go to that Sunday-school any more, downthere in the woods. Just tell her she is not to do it, willyou? She is getting her head full of the most absurd nonsense. Daisy is just the child to be ruined by it. "

"You hear, Daisy, " said Mr. Randolph, indolently, as helounged finally out of the room by an open window; which, asdid all the windows in the room, served for a door also. Bythe door by which she had entered, Daisy silently withdrewagain, making no effort to change the resolution of either ofher parents. She knew it would be of no use; for excessivelyindulgent as they both were in general, whenever they took itupon them to exercise authority, it was unflinchingly done. Her father would never even hear a supplication to reconsidera judgment, especially if pronounced at the desire of hermother. So Daisy knew. 

It was a disappointment, greater than anybody thought or wouldhave guessed, that saw her. She went out to the large porchbefore the door, and stood there, with the same thoughtfullook upon her face, a little cast down now. Still she did notshed tears about the matter, unless one time when Daisy's handwent up to her brow rather quick, it was to get rid of someimproper suggestion there. More did not appear, either beforeor after the sudden crunching of the gravel by a pair of lightwheels, and the coming up of a little Shetland pony, drawing aminiature chaise. 

"Hollo, Daisy! come along; he goes splendidly!"

So shouted the driver, a boy somewhat bigger than Daisy. 

"Where are you going?"

"Anywhere — down to the church, if you'll be quick. Never mindyour hat!"

He waited, however, while Daisy dashed into the house and outagain, and then stepped into the low chaise beside him. Thenthe eager intimation was given to the pony, which set off asif knowing that impatience was behind him. The smooth, wide, gravelled road was as good and much better than a plankflooring; the chaise rolled daintily on under the great trees;the pony was not forgetful, yet ever and anon a touch of hisowner's whip came to remind him, and the fellow's little bodyfairly wriggled from side to side in his efforts to get on. 

"I wish you wouldn't whip him so. " said Daisy, "he's doing aswell as he can. "

"What do girls know about driving!" was the retort from thesmall piece of masculine science beside her. 

"Ask papa, " said Daisy, quietly. 

"Well, what do they know about horses, anyhow!"

"I can _see_, " said Daisy, whose manner of speech was somewhatslow and deliberate, and in the choice of words, like one whohad lived among grown people. "I can observe. "

"See that, then!" — And a cut, smarter than ordinary, drovethe pony to his last legs, namely, a gallop. Away they went;it was but a short-legged gallop after all; yet they passedalong swiftly over the smooth gravel road. Great, beautifultrees overshadowed the ground on either side with their longarms; and underneath, the turf was mown short, fresh andgreen. Sometimes a flowering bush of some sort broke thegeneral green with a huge spot of white or red flowers;gradually those became fewer, and were lost sight of; but thebeautiful grass and the trees seemed to be unending. Then agray rock here and there began to show itself. Pony gotthrough his gallop, and subsided again to a waddling trot. 

"This whip's the real thing, " said the young driver, displaying and surveying it as he spoke; "that _is_ a whip now, fit for a man to use. "

"A man wouldn't use it as you do, " said Daisy. "It is cruel. "

"That's what _you_ think. I guess you'd see papa use a whip oncein a while. "

"Besides, you came along too fast to see anything. "

"Well, I told you I was going to the church, and we hadn'ttime to go slowly. What did you come for?"

"I suppose I came for some diversion, " said Daisy, with asigh. 

"Ain't Loupe a splendid little fellow?"

"Very; I think so. "

"Why, Daisy, what ails you? there is no fun in you to-day. What's the matter?"

"I am concerned about something. There is nothing the matter. "

"Concerned about Loupe, eh!"

"I am not thinking about Loupe. Oh, Ransom! stop him; there'sNora Dinwiddie; I want to get out. "

The place at which they were arrived had a little less the airof carefully kept grounds, and more the look of a sweet wildwood; for the trees clustered thicker in patches, and greyrock, in large and in small quantities, was plenty about amongthe trees. Yet still here was care; no unsightly underbrush orrubbish of dead branches was anywhere to be seen; and thegreensward, where it spread, was shaven and soft as ever. Itspread on three sides around a little church, which, in greenand gray, seemed almost a part of its surroundings. A littlechurch, with a little quaint bell-tower and arched doorway, built after some old, old model; it stood as quietly in thegreen solitude of trees and rocks, as if it and they had grownup together. It was almost so. The walls were of nativegreystone in its natural roughness; all over the front and oneangle the American ivy climbed and waved, mounting to thetower; while at the back, the closer clinging Irish ivycovered the little "apse, " and creeping round the corner, wasadvancing to the windows, and promising to case the first onein a loving frame of its own. It seemed that no carriage-roadcame to this place, other than the dressed gravelled pathwhich the pony-chaise had travelled, and which made a circuiton approaching the rear of the church. The worshippers mustcome humbly on foot; and a wicket in front of the church ledout upon a path suited for such. Perhaps a public road mightbe not far off, but at least here there was no promise of it. In the edge of the thicket, at the side of the church, was thegirl whose appearance Daisy had hailed. 

"I sha'n't wait for you, " cried her brother, as she sprangdown. 

"No — go — I don't want you, " — and Daisy made few steps overthe greensward to the thicket. Then it was, "Oh, Nora! how doyou do? what are you doing?" — and "Oh, Daisy! I'm gettingwintergreens. " Anybody who has ever been nine, or ten, oreleven years old, and gone in the woods looking forwintergreens, knows what followed. The eager plunging into thethickest of the thicket; the happy search of every likely bankor open ground in the shelter of some rock; the careless, delicious straying from rock to rock, and whithersoever thebank or the course of the thicket might lead them. Thewintergreens sweet under foot, sweet in the hands of thechildren, the whole air full of sweetness. Naturally theirquest led them to the thicker and wilder grown part of thewood; prettier there, they declared it to be, where the groundbecame broken, and there were ups and downs, and rocky dellsand heights, and to turn a corner was to come upon somethingnew. They did not note nor care where they went, intent uponbusiness and pleasure together, till they came out suddenlyupon a little rocky height, where a small spot was shaded withcedars and set with benches around and under them. The viewaway off over the tops of the trees to other heights and hillsin the distance was winningly fair, especially as the sunshowed it just now in bright, cool light and shadow. It wasgetting near sundown. 

"Look where we are!" cried Nora, "at the Sunday-school!"

Daisy seated herself without answering. 

"I think, " went on Nora, as she followed the example, "it isthe very prettiest place for a Sunday-school that there everwas. "

"Have you been in other Sunday-schools?" asked Daisy. 

"Yes, in two. "

"What were they like?"

"Oh, they were in a church, or in some sort of a room. I likebeing out-of-doors best; don't you?"

"Yes, I think so. But was the school just like this in otherthings?"

"Oh, yes; only once I had a teacher who always asked us whatwe thought about everything. I didn't like that. "

"What you thought about everything?" said Daisy. 

"Yes; every verse and question, she would say, 'What do youthink about it?' and I didn't like that, because I neverthought anything. "

Whereat Daisy fell into a muse. Her question recurred to her;but it was hardly likely, she felt, that her little companioncould enlighten her. Nora was a bright, lively, spiritedchild, with black eyes and waves of beautiful black hair;neither at rest; sportive energy and enjoyment in everymotion. Daisy was silent. 

"What is supposed to be going on here?" said a stronger voicebehind them, which brought both their heads round. It was tosee another head just making its way up above the level oftheir platform; a head that looked strong and spirited as thevoice had sounded; a head set with dark hair, and eyes thatwere too full of light to let you see what colour they were. Both children came to their feet, one saying, "Marmaduke!" theother, "Mr. Dinwiddie!"

"What do two such mature people do when they get together? Ishould like to know, " said the young man as he reached thetop. 

"Talking, sir, " said Daisy. 

"Picking wintergreens, " said the other, in a breath. 

"Talking! I dare say you do. If both things have gone ontogether, like your answers, " said he, helping himself out ofNora's stock of wintergreens, — "you must have had a basket oftalk. "

"_That_ basket isn't full, sir, " said Daisy. 

"My dear, " said Mr. Dinwiddie, diving again into his sister's, "that basket never is; there's a hole in it somewhere. "

"You are making a hole in mine, " said Nora, laughing. "Yousha'n't do it, Marmaduke; they're for old Mrs. Holt, youknow. "

"Come along, then, " said her brother; "as long as the basketsare not full the fun isn't over. "

And soon the children thought so. Such a scrambling to newplaces as they had then; such a harvest of finest wintergreensas they all gathered together; till Nora took off her sun-bonnet to serve for a new basket. And such joyous, lively, rambling talk as they had all three, too; it was twice as goodas they had before; or as Daisy, who was quiet in herepithets, phrased it, "it was nice. " By Mr. Dinwiddie's helpthey could go faster and further than they could alone; hecould jump them up and down the rocks, and tell them where itwas no use to waste their tine in trying to go. 

They had wandered, as it seemed to them, a long distance —they knew not whither — when the children's exclamationssuddenly burst forth, as they came out upon the Sunday-schoolplace again. They were glad to sit down and rest. It was justsundown, and the light was glistening, crisp and clear, on theleaves of the trees and on the distant hill-points. In thewest a mass of glory that the eye could not bear was sinkingtowards the horizon. The eye could not bear it, and yet everyeye turned that way. 

"Can you see the sun?" said Mr. Dinwiddie. 

"No, sir, " — and "No, Marmaduke. "

"Then why do you look at it?"

"I don't know!" laughed Nora; but Daisy said: "Because it isso beautiful, Mr. Dinwiddie. "

"Once when I was in Ireland, " said the gentleman, "I waslooking, near sunset, at some curious old ruins. They werenear a very poor little village where I had to pass the night. There had been a little chapel or church of some sort, but ithad crumbled away; only bits of the walls were standing, andin place of the floor there was nothing but grass and weeds, and one or two monuments that had been under shelter of theroof. One of them was a large square tomb in the middle of theplace. It had been very handsome. The top of it had held twostatues, lying there with hands upraised in prayer, in memoryof those who slept beneath. But it was so very old — hestatues had been lying there so long since the roof thatsheltered them was gone, that they were worn away so that youcould only just see that they had been statues; you could justmake out the remains of what had been the heads and where thehands had been. It was all rough and shapeless now. "

"What had worn the stone so?" asked Daisy. 

"The weather — the heat and the cold, and the rain, and thedew. "

"But it must have taken a great while?"

"A very great while. Their names were forgotten — nobody knewwhose monument or what church had been there. "

"More than a hundred years?" asked Nora. 

"It had been many hundred. "

"Oh, Duke!"

"What's the matter? Don't you believe that people died manyhundred years ago?"

"Yes; but —"

"And they had monuments erected to them, and they thoughttheir names would live forever; but these names were longgone, and the very stone over their grave was going. While Isat there, thinking about them, and wondering what sort ofpeople they were in their lifetime, the sun, which had beenbehind a tree, got lower, and the beams came striking acrossthe stone and brightening up those poor old worn heads andhands of what had been statues. And with that the words rushedinto my head, and they have never got out since, — '_Then_ shallthe righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of theirFather. ' "

"When, Mr. Dinwiddie?" said Daisy, after a timid silence. 

"When the King comes!" said the young man, still looking offto the glowing west, — "the time when He will put away out ofHis kingdom all things that offend Him. You may read about it, if you will, in the thirteenth chapter of Matthew, in theparable of the tares. "

He turned round to Daisy as he spoke, and the two lookedsteadily into one another's faces; the child wondering verymuch what feeling it could be that had called an additionalsparkle into those bright eyes the moment before, and broughtto the mouth, which was always in happy play, an expression ofhappy rest. He, on his part, queried what lay under thethoughtful, almost anxious, search of the little one's quietgrey eyes. 

"Do you know, " he said, "that you must go home? The sun isalmost down. "

So home they went — Mr. Dinwiddie and Nora taking care ofDaisy quite to the house. But it was long after sundown then. 

"What has kept you?" her mother asked, as Daisy came in to thetea-table. 

"I didn't know how late it was, mamma. "

"Where have you been?"

"I was picking wintergreens with Nora Dinwiddie. "

"I hope you brought me some, " said Mr. Randolph. 

"Oh, I did, papa; only I have not put them in order yet. "

"And where did you and Nora part?"

"Here, at the door, mamma. "

"Was she alone?"

"No, ma'am — Mr. Dinwiddie found us in the wood, and he tookher home, and he brought me home first. "

Daisy was somewhat of a diplomatist. Perhaps a little naturalreserve of character might have been the beginning of it, butthe habit had certainly grown from Daisy's experience of hermother's somewhat capricious and erratic views of hermovements. She could not but find out that things which to herfather's sense were quite harmless and unobjectionable, wereinvested with an unknown and unexpected character of danger ordisagreeableness in the eyes of her mother; neither couldDaisy get hold of any chain of reasoning by which she mightknow beforehand what would meet her mother's favour and whatwould not. The unconscious conclusion was, that reason hadlittle to do with it; and the consequence, that without beinguntrue, Daisy had learned to be very uncommunicative; abouther thoughts, plans, or wishes. To her mother, that is; shewas more free with her father, though the habit, once a habit, asserted itself everywhere. Perhaps, too, among causes, theexample of her mother's own elegant manner of showing truthonly as one shows a fine picture, — in the best light, — mighthave had its effect. Daisy's diplomacy served her little onthe present occasion. 

"Daisy!" said her mother, "look at me. " Daisy fixed her eveson the pleasant, handsome, mild face. "You are not to goanywhere in future where Mr. Dinwiddie is. Do you understand?"

"If he finds you lost out at night, though, " said Mr. Randolph, a little humorously, "he may bring you home. "

Daisy wondered and obeyed, mentally, in silence; making noanswer to either speaker. It was not her habit either to showher dismay on such occasions, and she showed none. But whenshe went up an hour later to be undressed for bed, instead ofletting the business go on, Daisy took a Bible and sat down bythe light and pored over a page that she had found. 

The woman waiting on her, a sad-faced mulatto, middle-aged andrespectable- looking, went patiently round the room, doing orseeming to do some trifles of business, then stood still andlooked at the child, who was intent on her book. 

"Come, Miss Daisy, " said she at last, "wouldn't you like to beundressed?"

The words were said in a tone so low they were hardly morethan a suggestion. Daisy gave them no heed. The woman stoodwith dressing gown on her arm and a look of habitual enduranceupon her face. It was a singular face, so set in its lines ofenforced patience, so unbending. The black eyes were brightenough, but without the help of the least play of those fixedlines, they expressed nothing. A little sigh came from thelips at last, which also was plainly at home there. 

"Miss Daisy, it's gettin' very late. "

"June, did you ever read the parable of the tares?"

"The what, Miss Daisy?"

"The parable about the wheat and the tares in the Bible — inthe thirteenth chapter of Matthew?"

"Yes, ma'am, " — came somewhat dry and unwillingly from June'slips, and she moved the dressing-gown on her armsignificantly. 

"Do you remember it?"

"Yes, ma'am, — I suppose I do, Miss Daisy —"

"June, when do you think it will be?"

"When will what, Miss Daisy?"

"When the 'Son of Man shall send forth His angels, and theyshall gather out of His kingdom all things that offend andthem which do iniquity, and shall cast them into a furnace offire; there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shallthe righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of theirFather. ' It says, 'in the end of this world' — did you knowthis world would come to an end, June?"

"Yes, Miss Daisy —"

"When will it be, June?"

"I don't know, Miss Daisy. "

"There won't be anybody alive that is alive now, will there?"

Again unwillingly the answer came: "Yes, ma'am. Miss Daisy, hadn't you better —"

"How do you know, June?"

"I have heard so — it's in the Bible — it will be when theLord comes. "

"Do you like to think of it, June?"

The child's searching eyes were upon her. The woman halflaughed, half answered, and turning aside, broke down andburst into tears. 

"What's the matter, June?" said Daisy, coming nearer andspeaking awedly; for it was startling to see that stony facegive way to anything but its habitual formal smile. But thewoman recovered herself almost immediately, and answered asusual: "It's nothing, Miss Daisy. " She always spoke as ifeverything about her was "nothing" to everybody else. 

"But, June, " said Daisy, tenderly, "why do you feel bad aboutit?"

"I shouldn't, I s'pose, " said the woman desperately, answeringbecause she was obliged to answer; "I hain't no right to feelso — if I felt ready. "

"How can one be ready, June? That is what I want to know. Aren't you ready?"

"Do, don't, Miss Daisy! — the Lord have mercy upon us!" saidJune under her breath, wrought up to great excitement, andunable to bear the look of the child's soft grey eyes. "Whydon't ye ask your papa about them things? he can tell ye. "

Alas, Daisy's lips were sealed. Not to father or mother wouldshe apply with any second question on this subject. And nowshe must not ask Mr. Dinwiddie. She went to bed, turning thematter all over and over in her little head. 

CHAPTER II. 

THE PONY-CHAISE. 

For some days after this time, Mrs. Randolph fancied that herlittle daughter was less lively than usual; she "moped, " hermother said. Daisy was not moping, but it was true she hadbeen little seen or heard; and then it was generally sittingwith a book in the Belvedere or on a bank under a rose-bush, or going out or coming in with a book under her arm. Mrs. Randolph did not know that this book was almost always theBible, and Daisy had taken a little pains that she should notknow, guessing somehow that it would not be good for herstudies. But her mother thought Daisy was drooping; and Daisyhad been a delicate child, and the doctor had told them toturn her out in the country and "let her run;" therefore itwas that she was hardly ever checked in any fancy that cameinto her head. But therefore it was partly, too, that Mrs. Randolph tried to put books and thinking as far from her asshe could. 

"Daisy, " she said one morning at the breakfast-table, "wouldyou like to go with June and carry some nice things down toMrs. Parsons?"

"How, mamma?"

"How what? Do speak distinctly. "

"How shall I go, I mean?"

"You may have the carriage. I cannot go, this morning or thisafternoon. "

"Oh, papa, mayn't I take Loupe and drive there myself?"

If Daisy had put the question at the other end of the table, there would have been an end of the business, as she knew. Asit was, her father's "yes" got out just before her mother's"no. "

"Yes she may, " said Mr. Randolph — "no harm. John, tell Samthat he is to take the black pony and go with the pony-chaisewhenever Miss Daisy drives. Daisy, see that he goes with you. "

"Well, " said Mrs. Randolph, "you may do as you like, but Ithink it is a very unsafe proceeding. What's Sam? — he's aboy. "

"Safe enough, " said Mr. Randolph. "I can trust all three ofthe party; Daisy, Loupe, and Sam. They all know theirbusiness, and they will all do it. "

"Well! — I think it is very unsafe, " repeated Mrs. Randolph. 

"Mamma, " said Daisy, when she had allowed a moment to pass —"what shall I take to Mrs. Parsons?"

"You must go and see Joanna about that. You may make upwhatever you think will please her or do her good. Joanna willtell you. "

And Mrs. Randolph had the satisfaction of seeing that Daisy'seyes were lively enough for the rest of breakfast-time, andher colour perceptibly raised. No sooner was breakfast overthan she flew to the consultation in the housekeeper's room. 

Joanna was the housekeeper, and Mrs. Randolph's right hand; ajewel of skill and efficiency; and as fully satisfied with herpost and power in the world, at the head of Mr. Randolph'shousehold, as any throned emperor or diademed queen;furthermore, devoted to her employers as though their concernshad been, what indeed she reckoned them, her own. 

"Mrs. Randolph didn't say anything to me about it, " said thispiece of capability, — "but I suppose it isn't hard to manage. Who is Mrs. Parsons? that's the first thing. "

"She's a very poor old woman, Joanna; and she is obliged tokeep her bed always; there is something the matter with her. She lives with a daughter of hers who takes care of her, Ibelieve; but they haven't much to live upon, and the daughterisn't smart. Mrs. Parsons hasn't anything fit for her to eat, unless somebody sends it to her. "

"What's the matter with her? ain't she going to get well?"

"No, never — she will always be obliged to lie on her bed aslong as she lives; and so, you see, Joanna, she hasn'tappetite for coarse things. "

"Humph!" said Joanna. "Custards won't give it to her. Whatdoes the daughter live upon?"

"She does washing for people; but of course that don't giveher much. They are very poor, I know. "

"Well, what would you like to take her, Miss Daisy?"

"Mother said you'd know. "

"Well, I'll tell you what _I_ think — sweetmeats ain't good forsuch folks. You wait till afternoon, and you shall have a pailof nice broth, and a bowl of arrowroot with wine and sugar init; that'll hearten her up. Will that do?"

"But I should like to take something to the other poor woman, too. "

"How are you going?"

"In my pony-chaise — I can take anything. "

Joanna muttered an ejaculation. 

"Well then, Miss Daisy, a basket of cold meat wouldn't comeamiss, I suppose. "

"And some bread, Joanna?"

"The chaise won't hold so much. "

"It has got to hold the basket, " said Daisy in much glee, "andthe bread can go in. And, Joanna, I'll have it ready at half-past four o'clock. "

There was no air of moping about Daisy, when, at half-pastfour she set off from the house in her pony-chaise, laden withpail and basket and all she had bargained for. A happier childwas seldom seen. Sam, a capable black boy, was behind her on apony not too large to shame her own diminutive equipage; andLoupe, a good-sized Shetland pony, was very able for more thanhis little mistress was going to ask of him. Her father lookedon, pleased, to see her departure; and when she had gatheredup her reins, leaned over her and gave her with his kiss alittle gold piece to go with the pail and basket. It crownedDaisy's satisfaction; with a quiet glad look and word ofthanks to her father, she drove off. 

The pony waddled along nicely, but as his legs were none ofthe longest, their rate of travelling was not precisely of thequickest. Daisy was not impatient. The afternoon was splendid, the dust had been laid by late rains, and Daisy looked at herpail and basket with great contentment. Before she had gone aquarter of a mile from home, she met her little friend of thewintergreens. Nora sprang across the road to the chaise. 

"Oh, Daisy, where are you going?"

"I am going to carry some things for mamma, to a house. "

"All alone?"

"No, Sam is there to take care of me. "

Nora looked back at the black pony, and then at Daisy. "Isn'tit nice!" she said, with a sort of half-regretful admiration. 

"It's as nice as a fairy tale, " said Daisy. "I'm just as goodas a princess, you know, Nora. Don't you want to go, too? Docome. "

"No, I mustn't — there are people coming to tea — Mrs. Linwood, and Charles and Jane — I wish I could go! How far isit, Daisy?"

"About five miles. Down beyond Crum Elbow, a good nice way;but I shan't go through Crum Elbow. "

"It's so splendid!" sighed Nora. "Well, good-bye. I can't go. "

On went the pony. The roads were good and pleasant, leadingthrough farm fields and here and there a bit of wood, but notmuch. It was mostly open country, cultivated by farmers; andthe grain fields not yet ripe, and the grass fields not yetmown, looked rich and fair and soft in bright colours toDaisy's eyes, as the afternoon sun shone across them and treeshadows lay long over the ground. For trees there were, agreat many, growing singly about the fields and fences, andsome of them very large and fine. Daisy was not so busy withher driving but that she could use her eyes about otherthings. Now and then she met a farm wagon, or a labourer goingalong the road. The men looked at her curiously andpleasantly, as if they thought it a pretty sight; but onceDaisy, passing a couple of men together, overheard one say tothe other —

"It's Randolph's folks — they stick themselves upconsiderable. "

The tone of the voice was gruff and coarse, and Daisymarvelled much in her little mind what had displeased the manin her or in "Randolph's folks. " She determined to ask herfather. "Stick ourselves up?" said Daisy thoughtfully — "we_never_ do!"

So she touched the pony, who was falling into a very leisurelyway of trotting, and in good time came to Mrs. Parsons' door. 

Daisy went in. The daughter was busy at some ironing in theouter room; she was a dull, lack-lustre creature, and thoughshe comprehended the gifts that had been brought her, seemedhardly to have life enough to thank the donor. That wasn'tquite like a fairy tale, Daisy thought. No doubt this poorwoman must have things to eat, but there was not much fun inbringing them to her. Daisy was inclined to wonder how she hadever come to marry anybody with so lively a name as Lark. Butbefore she got away, Mrs. Lark asked Daisy to go in and seeher mother, and Daisy, not knowing how to refuse, went in asrequested. 

What a change! Another poor room to be sure, very poor itlooked to Daisy; with its strip of rag carpet on the floor, its rush-bottomed chairs, and paper window-shades; and on thebed lay the bed-ridden woman. But with such a nice pleasantface; eyes so lively and quiet, smile so contented, brow socalm, Daisy wondered if it could be she that must lie therealways and never go about again as long as she lived. It hadbeen a matter of dread to her to see anything so disagreeable;and now it was not disagreeable. Daisy was fascinated. Mrs. Lark had withdrawn. 

"Is your mother with you, dear?"

"No ma'am, I came alone. Mamma told me to ask Mrs. Parsons ifthere is anything she would like to have, that mamma could dofor her. "

"Yes; if you would come in and see me sometimes, " said the oldlady, "I should like it very much. "

"Me?" said Daisy. 

"Yes. I don't see young faces very often. They don't care tocome to see an old woman. "

"I should like to come, " said Daisy, "very much, if I could doanything; but I must go now, because it will be late. Good-bye, ma'am. "

Daisy's little courtesy it was pleasant to see, and it was sopleasant altogether that Mrs. Parsons had it over and over inher thoughts that day and the next. 

"It's as nice as a fairy tale, " Daisy repeated to herself, asshe took her seat in the chaise again and shook up her reins. It was better than a fairy tale really, for the sunshinecoming between the trees from the sinking sun, made all theworld look so beautiful that Daisy thought no words could tellit. It was splendid to drive through that sunlight. In aminute or two more she had pulled up her reins short, andalmost before she knew why she had done it or whom she hadseen, Mr. Dinwiddie stood at her side. Here he was. She mustnot go where he was; she had not; he had come to her. Daisywas very glad. But she looked up in his face now withoutspeaking. 

"Ha! my stray lamb, " said he, "whither are you running?"

"Home, sir, " said Daisy, meekly. 

"Do you know you have run away from me?"

"Yes, Mr. Dinwiddie. "

"How came that?"

"It was unavoidable, sir, " said Daisy, in her slow, old-fashioned way. But the bright eye of the young man saw thather eye fell and her face clouded over; it was not a slightnor a chance hindrance that had been in her way, he was sure. 

"Then you don't mean to come to me any more. "

It was a dreadful question, but Mr. Dinwiddie's way ofspeaking was so clear and quick and business-like, and heseemed to know so well what he was talking about, that theanswer was forced from Daisy. She looked up and said, "No, sir. "

He watched the soft thoughtful face that was raised towardshim. 

"Then if this is the last time we are to talk about it, Daisy, shall I look for you among those that will 'shine as the sun'in the Lord's kingdom?"

"Oh, sir, — Mr. Dinwiddie, " — said Daisy, dropping her reinsand rising up, "that is what I want to know about. Please tellme!"

"Tell you what?" said Mr. Dinwiddie, gathering up the reins. 

"Tell me how to do, sir, please. "

"What have you done, Daisy?"

"Nothing, sir — only reading the Bible. "

"And you do not find it there?"

"I find a great deal, sir; but I don't quite understand. Idon't know how to be a Christian. "

Daisy thought it might be her last chance; she was desperate, and spoke out. 

"Do you love the Lord Jesus, Daisy?"

"I don't know, Mr. Dinwiddie. "

"You know how He loves you? You know what He has done foryou?"

"Yes — I know —"

"He died to save you from death and sin. He will do it if youtrust Him. Now what He wants is that you should love Him andtrust Him. 'Let the little children come to me, ' He said agreat while ago, and says now. Daisy, the good Lord wants youto give Him your heart. "

"But suppose, Mr. Dinwiddie —"

"Yes. What?"

"Suppose I can't. I don't know how. "

"Do you want to do it?"

"Yes, sir. Indeed I do. "

"Very well; the Lord knows just what your difficulty is; youmust apply to Him. "

"Apply to Him?" said Daisy. 

"Ask Him. "

"How, sir?"

"Pray to Him. Tell the Lord your trouble, and ask Him to makeit all right for you. Did you never pray to Him?"

"No, sir — not ever. "

"My lamb, " said Mr. Dinwiddie, "He will hear you, if you neverprayed to Him before. I will show you the word of Hispromise. " And he opened a pocket-Bible and found the place ofthese words which he gave Daisy to read : "I will put a newspirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out oftheir flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh; that theymay walk in My statutes, and keep Mine ordinances, and dothem: and they shall be My people, and I will be their God. "

"Now is that what you want, Daisy?"

"Yes, sir; only I don't know how. "

"Never mind; the Lord knows. He will make it all right, ifonly you are willing to give yourself to be His littleservant. "

"I will give Him all I have got, sir, " said Daisy, looking up. 

"Very well; then I will show you one thing more — it is a wordof the Lord Jesus. See — 'If ye love Me, keep Mycommandments. ' Now I want you to keep those two words, and youcan't remember where to find them again — I must let you takethis book with you. " And Mr. Dinwiddie folded down leaves inthe two places. 

"But Mr. Dinwiddie, " — said Daisy softly — "I don't know whenI can get it back to you again, sir. "

"Never mind — keep it, and when you don't want it, give it tosome poor person that does. And remember, little one, that thegood Lord expects His servants to tell Him their troubles andto pray to Him every day. "

"Thank you, sir!" was Daisy's deep ejaculation. 

"Don't thank me. Now will your pony get you home before dark?"

"Oh, yes, Mr. Dinwiddie! Loupe is lazy, but he can go, and Iwill make him. "

The chaise went off at a swift rate accordingly, after anothersoft grateful look from its little driver. Mr. Dinwiddie stoodlooking after it. Of a certain woman of Thyatira it is writtenthat "the Lord opened her heart, that she attended to thethings which were spoken. " Surely, the gentleman thought, thesame had been true of his late little charge. He wentthoughtfully home. While Daisy, not speculating at all, in hersimplicity sat thinking that she was the Lord's servant; andrejoiced over and over again that she had for her own andmight keep the book of her Lord's commandments. There weresuch things as Bibles in the house, certainly, but Daisy hadnever had one of her own. That in which she had read the othernight, and which she had used to study her lessons for Mr. Dinwiddie, was one belonging to her brother, which he wasobliged to use at school. Doubtless Daisy could also have hadone for the asking — she knew that — but it might have beensome time first; and she had a certain doubt in her littlemind that the less she said upon the subject the better. Sheresolved her treasure should be a secret one. It was right forher to have a Bible; she would not run the risk ofdisagreeable comments or commands by in any way putting itforward. Meanwhile she had become the Lord's servant! A verypoor little beginning of a servant she thought herself;nevertheless, in telling Mr. Dinwiddie what she had, it seemedto Daisy that she had spoken aloud her oath of allegiance; anda growing joy in the transaction and a growing love to thegreat Saviour who was willing to let her be His servant, filled her little heart. She just knew that the ride home waslovely, but Daisy's mind was travelling a yet more sunshinyroad. 

She was intelligent in what she had done. One by one Mr. Dinwiddie's lessons had fallen on a willing and open ear. Sheknew herself to be a sinner and lost; she believed that theLord Jesus would save her by His death; and it seemed to herthe most natural and reasonable and pleasant thing in theworld, that the life for which His blood had been shed, shouldbe given to Him. "If ye love me, keep My commandments. " "Iwonder, " thought Daisy, "what they are. "

CHAPTER III. 

THE BIRTHDAY. 

"What sort of an expedition did you have, Daisy?" her fatherasked at breakfast next morning. Company the evening beforehad prevented any talk about it. 

"Oh, very good, papa! It was as good as a fairy tale. "

"Was it?" said Mr. Randolph. "I wonder what pitch ofexcellence that is. I don't remember ever finding a fairy talevery good to me. "

"Did you ever read any, papa?"

"I don't know! Were you not tired with your long drive?"

"Oh, no, papa!"

"Would you like to go again?"

"Yes, papa, very much. "

"You may go as often as you like — only always let Sam bealong. "

"Did you find out what Mrs. Parsons wants?" said Mrs. Randolph. 

"No, mamma — she did not look as if she wanted anything, except to see me. And yet she is very poor, mamma. "

At this speech Mr. Randolph burst into a round laugh, and evenMrs. Randolph seemed amused. 

"Did she _look_ as if she wanted to see you, Daisy?"

"Papa, I think she did, " said Daisy, colouring; "she said soat any rate; but I could not find out what else she wouldlike. "

"Daisy, I think she showed very good taste, " said Mr. Randolph, drawing his little daughter into his arms; "but itwould be safe to take something else with you when you go. "

"Your birthday is next week, Daisy, " said her mother; "andyour aunt Gary and your cousins will be here. What would youlike to have, to celebrate the day?"

"I don't know, mamma, " said Daisy, returning her father'skisses. 

"You may have what you please, if you will think and tell me. "

"Mamma, may I talk to Nora Dinwiddie about it?"

"Nonsense! What for?"

"Only to consult, mamma. "

"Consult Ransom. He would be a much better help to you. "

Daisy looked sober, and said nothing. 

"Why not?" said Mr. Randolph. "Why not consult your brother?"

"Papa, " said Daisy slowly, "Ransom and I do not understandeach other. "

"Don't you, " said her father, laughing; "what is the cause ofthat, Daisy?"

Daisy was not very willing to answer, but being pressed byboth father and mother, she at length spoke. "I think, papa, it is because he understands so many other things. "

Mr. Randolph was excessively amused. "Ransom!" he called outto the hall. 

"Please, papa, don't!" said Daisy. 

"Ransom! — come here. — What is this? your sister says you donot understand her. "

"Well, papa, " said Ransom, an exceedingly handsome and bright-looking boy, and a great pet of his mother, "there are thingsthat are not deep enough to be understood. "

Daisy's lips opened eagerly and then closed again. 

"Girls always use magnifying glasses where themselves areconcerned!" went on Ransom, whose dignity seemed to beexcited. 

"Hush, hush!" said his father, — "take yourself off, it youcannot maintain civility. And your mother does not likefishing-tackle at the breakfast-table — go! I believe, " hesaid as Ransom bounded away, "I believe conceit is the normalcondition of boyhood. "

"I am sure, " said Mrs. Randolph, "girls have enough of it —and women too. "

"I suppose it would be rash to deny that, " said Mr. Randolph. "Daisy, I think I understand you. I do not require so muchdepth as is necessary for Ransom's understanding to swim in. "

"If you do not deny it, it would be well not to forget it, "said Mrs. Randolph; while Daisy, still in her father's arms, was softly returning his caresses. 

"What shall we do on your birthday, Daisy. " said her father, without seeming to heed this remark. 

"Papa, I will think about it. Mamma, do you like I should talkto Nora about it?"

"By all means!" said Mr. Randolph; "send for her and hold agrand council. Your mother can have no objection. "

Daisy did not feel quite so sure of that; but at any rate shemade none, and a messenger was sent to ask Nora to come thatafternoon. All the morning Daisy was engaged with her mother, going to make a visit to some friends that lived a long wayoff. It was not till the afternoon was growing cool andpleasant that she was released from dinner and dressing andfree to go with her Bible to her favourite reading place; — orrather one of her favourites; — a garden seat under a thickoak. The oak stood alone on a knoll looking over a beautifulspread of grassy sward that sloped and rolled away to adistant edge of thicket. Other noble trees dotted the groundhere and there; some fine cattle showed their red and whiteheads, standing or lying about in the shade. Above the distantthicket, far, far away, rose the heads of great bluemountains. The grass had just been mown, in part; and a verysweet smell from the hay floated about under the trees aroundthe house. Daisy's tree however was at some distance from thehouse. In the absolute sweet quiet, Daisy and her Bible tookpossession of the place. The Bible had grown a wonderful bookto her now. It was the book of the commandments of the GreatKing whose servant she felt herself. Now every word would tellher of something she must do, or not do; all sweet to Daisy;for she felt she loved the King, and His commandments weregood to her. This time she got very much interested in thetwenty-fifth chapter of Matthew, in the parable of thetalents. But she wished she could have had Mr. Dinwiddie totell her a little better exactly what it meant. Some of itsmeaning she understood; and remembering Mr. Dinwiddie's words, she prayed with clasped hands and a very earnest little heart, that the Lord would "make her know what all her talents wereand help her to make good use of them. " Then Daisy went onstudying. 

In the midst of her studies, a light step bounded down throughthe shrubbery from the house, and Daisy had hardly raised herhead when Nora was at her side. There was room for her on theseat, and after a glad greeting the children sat downtogether, to talk much joyful talk and tell childish news, inthe course of which Daisy's perplexities came out, for whichshe had wanted Nora's counsel. She explained that she couldhave precisely what she chose, in the way of merry-making forher birthday. Daisy spoke about it seriously, as a weighty andimportant matter; and so Nora took it up, with a face of greateagerness. 

"You can have _just_ what you like, Daisy?" Daisy nodded. "Oh, what have you thought of, Daisy?"

"What would be nicest, Nora?"

"I'll tell you what _I_ should have — I should have a party. "

"A party!"

"Yes, that is what I should have. "

"I never thought of that. Who would you ask, Nora? I thoughtof a pic-nic; and of a great journey to Schroeder's Mountain;— that would be nice; — to spend the whole day, you know. "

"Yes, that would be nice: but I should have a party. Oh, thereare plenty to have. There is Kitty Marsden. "

"I don't know Kitty Marsden, much" — said Daisy. 

"And Ella Stanfield. "

"I like Ella Stanfield" — said Daisy, sedately. 

"And there are the Fishes. "

"I don't like Mrs. Fish's children very well; — when Alexanderand Ransom get together, they make — a great deal ofdisturbance!"

"Oh, we needn't mind their disturbance, " said Nora; and shewent on discussing the plan and the advantages of the party. Suddenly Daisy broke in with a new subject. "Nora, you knowthe story of the servants with the talents, in the NewTestament?"

"Yes —" said Nora, with open eyes; "I know. "

"Do you know what it means? — the talents, I mean; of course Iknow what the rest means; but do you know what the talentsare? Is it just money? — because then you and I have verylittle indeed; and all the servants had something. "

"Why, Daisy, what made you think of that just now? we weretalking about the party. "

"I have been thinking of it all the while, " said Daisy. "I wasreading it — do you know what it means, Nora?"

"But we were talking about the party!" said Nora. 

"Yes, but I want to understand this; and then we will go onabout the party. If you know what it means. "

"I have heard Duke explain it, " said Nora, unwillingly comingto the graver subject. 

"Well, what does he say it is? — the talents, you know. "

"Duke says it is everything anybody has. Not money, —_everything_ — Now don't you think we can make up a nice party?"

"Everything, Nora? Just wait a little — I want to know aboutthis. What do you mean by 'everything'?"

"Are you studying for Sunday-school, Daisy? that isn't thelesson. "

"No, " said Daisy sorrowfully; "if I was, I could ask Mr. Dinwiddie. That's why I want you to help me, Nora; so think, and tell me what he said. "

"Well, that, " said Nora, "he said that; he said the talentsmeant everything God has given people to work with for Him. "

"What could they work with besides money?" said Daisy. 

"Why, _everything_, Duke says; all they've got; their tonguesand their hands and their feet, and all they know, and alltheir love for people; and even the way we do things, ourstudies and all, Marmaduke says. What do you want to know for, Daisy?"

"I was thinking about it, " answered Daisy, evasively. "Wait aminute, Nora, — I want to write it down, for fear I shouldforget something. "

"What _are_ you going to do?" exclaimed Nora. "Are you going toteach a class yourself?"

Daisy did not answer, while she was writing down with a pencilwhat Nora had said, and making her repeat it for that purpose. When she had done she looked a little dubiously off towardsthe woods, while Nora was surprised and disappointed intosilence. 

"I think perhaps I ought to tell you, " was Daisy's slowconclusion. "I want to know what this means, that I may do it, Nora. "

"_Do_ it?"

"Yes, " said Daisy, turning her quiet eyes full upon hercompanion — "I want to try to please God. I love the LordJesus. "

Nora was very much confounded, and looked at Daisy as if a gapin the ground had suddenly separated them. 

"So, " Daisy went on, "as I have talents to use, I want to knowwhat they are, for fear I shouldn't use them all. I don'tunderstand it yet, but I will think about it. Now we will goon about the party if you like. "

"But, Daisy, " said Nora. 

"What?"

"Are you in earnest?"

"Certainly I am in earnest, " said Daisy gravely. "What makesyou ask me? Don't you think your brother is in earnest?"

"Marmaduke! oh yes, — but — you never told me of it before. "

"I didn't know it till yesterday, " said Daisy simply, "that Iloved the Lord Jesus; but I know I do now, and I am very glad;and I am going to be His servant. "

Her little face was very sweet and quiet as she looked at herlittle neighbour and said these words; but Nora was utterlyconfounded, and so nearly dismayed that she was silent; and itwas not till several invitations in Daisy's usual manner hadurged her, that she was able to get upon the subject of theparty again, and to discuss it with any spirit. The discussionthen did not come to any determination. Daisy was at leastlukewarm in her fancy for that mode of spending her birthday;and separate plans of pic-nics and expeditions of pleasurewere taken up and handled, sure to be thrown aside by Nora forthe greater promise and splendour of the home entertainment. They broke up at last without deciding upon anything, exceptthat Nora should come again to talk about it, and should atall events have and give her share in whatever the plan forthe day might be. 

Perhaps Daisy watched her opportunity, perhaps it came; but atall events she seized the first chance that she saw to speakwith her father in private. He was sauntering out the nextmorning after breakfast. Daisy joined him, and they strolledalong through the grounds, giving here and there directions tothe gardener, till they came near one of the pleasant rusticseats, under the shade of a group of larches. 

"Papa, suppose we sit down here for a moment and let us lookabout us. "

"Well, Daisy, " — said her father, who knew by experience whatwas likely to follow. 

"Papa, " said Daisy as they sat down, "I want to ask you aboutsomething. "

"What is it?"

"When I was in the chaise, driving Loupe the other clay, papa, I heard something that I could not understand. "

"Did you?"

"It was two men that passed me on the road; I heard one say tothe other as I went by, that it was your carriage, and then hesaid that 'Randolph's folks were a good deal _stuck up;_' — whatdid he mean, papa?"

"Nothing of any consequence, Daisy. "

"But why did he say it, papa?"

"Why do you want to know?"

"I did not understand it nor like it, papa; I wanted to knowwhat he meant. "

"It is hardly worth talking about, Daisy. It is the way thosewho have not enough in the world are very apt to talk ofothers who are better off than themselves. "

"Why, papa?"

"They were poor men, I suppose, weren't they. "

"Yes; papa — working men. "

"That class of people, my dear, are very apt to have a grudgeagainst the rich. "

"For what, papa?"

"For being able to live better than they do. "

"Why, papa! do poor people generally feel so?"

"Very often, I think. They do not generally speak it outaloud. "

"Then, papa, " said Daisy, speaking slowly, "how do you know?What makes you think they feel so?"

Her father smiled at her eagerness and gravity. 

"I see it, Daisy, when they do not speak it. They show it invarious ways. Besides, I know their habit of talking amongthemselves. "

"But papa, that is very bad. "

"What?"

"That poor people should feel so. I am sure rich people aretheir best friends. "

Her father stroked her head fondly, and looked amused. 

"They don't believe that, Daisy. "

"But _why_ don't they believe it, papa?" said Daisy, growingmore and more surprised. 

"I suppose, " said Mr. Randolph, rising, "they would be bettersatisfied if I gave them my horses and went afoot. " — A speechwhich Daisy pondered and pondered and could make nothing of. 

They walked on, Mr. Randolph making observations and givingorders now and then to workmen. Here a man was mowing underthe shrubbery; there the gardener was setting out pots ofgreenhouse flowers; in another place there were holes diggingfor trees to be planted. Daisy went musing on while her fathergave his orders, and when they were again safe out of hearingshe spoke. "Papa, do you suppose Michael and Andrew and John, and all your own people, feel so about you?"

"I think it is likely, Daisy. I can't hope to escape betterthan my neighbours. "

"But, papa, they don't look so, nor act so?"

"Not before me. They do not wish to lose their places. "

"Papa, — couldn't something be done to make them feel better. "

"Why, Daisy, " said her father laughing, "are you going to turnreformer!"

"I don't know what that is, papa. "

"A thankless office, my dear. If you could make all the worldwise, it would do, but fools are always angry with you fortrying it. "

The conversation ended, and left Daisy greatly mystified. Herfather's people not liking him? — the poor having ill-willagainst the rich, and a grudge against their pleasant things —it was very melancholy! Daisy thought about it a great dealthat day; and had a very great talk on the subject with Nora, who without a quarter of the interest had much more knowledgeabout it than Daisy. She had been with her brother sometimesto the houses of poor children, and she gave Daisy a high-coloured picture of the ways of living in such houses and theabsence of many things by Daisy and herself thought thenecessaries of life. Daisy heard her with a lengthening face, and almost thought there was some excuse for the state offeeling her father had explained in the morning. The question, however, was too long a one for Daisy; but she arrived at oneconclusion, which was announced the next morning at thebreakfast-table. Mrs. Randolph had called upon her to say whatwas determined upon for the birthday. 

"Papa, " said Daisy, "will there be a great plenty ofstrawberries next week?"

"Yes, I believe so. Logan says the vines are very full. Whatthen?"

"Papa, you gave me my choice of what I would have forWednesday. "

"Yes. Is it my strawberry patch?"

"Not for myself, papa. I want you to have a great table setout of doors somewhere, and give a feast to all your workpeople. "

"Daisy!" exclaimed Mrs. Randolph. "I never heard anything soridiculous in all my life!"

Daisy waited with downcast eyes for her father to speak. Hewas not in a hurry. 

"Would that give you pleasure, Daisy?"

"Yes, papa. "

"Did Nora Dinwiddie put that scheme in your head?" asked Mrs. Randolph. 

"She didn't like it at all, mamma. I put it into her head. "

"Where did you get it?"

Daisy looked troubled and puzzled, and did not answer till herfather said "Speak. " Then, nestling up to him with her head onhis breast, a favourite position, she said, "I got it fromdifferent sources, I think, papa. "

"Let us hear, for instance. "

"I think, partly from the Bible, papa — and partly from whatwe were talking of yesterday. "

"I wish you would show me where you found it in the Bible. Idon't remember a strawberry feast there. "

"Do you mean it in earnest, papa?"

"Yes. "

Daisy walked off for a Bible — not her own — and after sometrouble found a place which she showed her father; and he readaloud, "When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thyfriends nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy richneighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompense bemade thee. But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, themaimed, the lame, the blind; and thou shalt be blessed; forthey cannot recompense thee; for thou shalt be recompensed atthe resurrection of the just. " Mr. Randolph closed the bookand laid it on the table, and drew his little daughter againwithin his arms. 

"That child is in a way to get ruined!" said Mrs. Randolph, energetically. 

"But Daisy, our work people are not lame or blind — how willthey do?" said her father. 

"They are poor, papa. I would like to have the others too, butwe can't have everybody. "

Mr. Randolph kissed the little mouth that was lifted so nearhis own, and went on. 

"Do you think then it is wrong to have our friends andneighbours? Shall we write to your aunt and cousins, and GaryMcFarlane and Captain Drummond, to stay away?"

"No, papa, " said Daisy, smiling, — and her smile was verysweet, — "you know I don't mean that. I would like to havethem all; but I would like the feast made for the otherpeople. "

"You will let the rest of us have some strawberries?"

"If there are enough, papa. For that day, I would like theother people to have them. "

Mr. Randolph seemed to find something as sweet as strawberriesin Daisy's lips. 

"It is the very most absurd plan I ever heard of!" repeatedher mother. 

"I am not sure that it is not a very good thing, " remarked Mr. Randolph. 

"Is it expected that on that day we are to do without servantsin the house, and wait upon ourselves? or are we expected towait upon the party!"

"Oh, mamma, " said Daisy, "it isn't the servants — it's onlythe out-of-door people. "

"How many will there be, Daisy?" said her father; "have younumbered them up?"

"Not yet, papa. There is Logan, and Michael, and Mr. Stilton, and the two under-gardeners —"

"And four hay-makers. "

"Hay-makers, papa?"

"Yes — there will be four of them in the fields next week. Andthere is the herdsman and boy. "

"And there is old Patrick at the gate. That is all, papa. "

"And are the ladies of all these families to be invited?"

"Papa! What do you think?"

"I have no doubt there will be strawberries enough. "

"But I am afraid there would be too many children. Logan hassix, and Michael has four, and I believe the herdsman hassome; and there are four at the Lodge. And Mr. Stilton hastwo. "

"What shall we do with them, Daisy?"

"Papa, we can't have them. I should like to have the men andtheir wives come, I think, and send some strawberries home tothe children. Wouldn't that do best?"

"Admirably. And you can drive over to Crum Elbow and purchasesome suitable baskets. Take the chaise and Sam. I expect youto arrange everything. If you want help, come and consult me. "

"If mamma will tell Joanna, " said Daisy, looking somewhatdoubtfully towards the other end of the table. 

"I have nothing to do with it, " said Mrs. Randolph. "I haveno knowledge how to order such parties. You and Joanna may dowhat you please. "

Daisy's eye went to her father. 

"That will do, Daisy, " said he. "You and Joanna can manage it. You may have carte-blanche. "

The earliest minute that she knew Joanna could attend to her, found Daisy in the housekeeper's room. Joanna was a tall, rather hard-featured woman, with skill and capacity in everyline of her face however, and almost in every fold of hergown. She heard with a good deal of astonishment the projectunfolded to her, and to Daisy's great delight gave it herunqualified approbation. 

"It's a first-rate plan, " said Joanna. "Now I like that. Themen won't forget it. Where are you going to have the tableset, Miss Daisy?"

"I don't know yet, Joanna. In some pretty, shady place, underthe trees. "

"Out-of-doors, eh!" said Joanna. " 'Well, I suppose that'll beas good a way as any. Now what are you going to have, MissDaisy? what do you want of me?"

"Mamma and papa said I was to arrange it with you. "

Joanna sat down and folded her arms to consider the matter. 

"How many will there be?"

"I counted, " said Daisy. "There will be about seventeen, withtheir wives, you know. "

"Seventeen, wives and all?" said Joanna. "You'll have to getthe carpenter or Mr. Stilton to make you a table. "

"Yes, that's easy, " said Daisy; "but Joanna, what shall wehave on it? There will want to be a good deal, for seventeenpeople; and I want it handsome, you know. "

"Of course, " said Joanna, looking as if she were casting upthe multiplication table — "it'll have to be that, whateverelse it, is. Miss Daisy, suppose you let me manage it — andI'll see and have it all right. If you will give orders aboutthe strawberries, and have the table made. "

"I shall dress the table with flowers, Joanna. "

"Yes — well —" — said Joanna, — "I don't know anything aboutflowers; but I'll have the cake ready, and everything else. "

"And tea and coffee, Joanna?"

"Why, I never thought of that! — yes, to be sure, they'll wantsomething to drink — who will pour it out, Miss Daisy?"

"I don't know. Won't you, Joanna?"

"Well — I don't know —" said the housekeeper, as if she wereafraid of being taken on too fast by her little counsellor —"I don't know as there's anything to hinder, as it's yourbirthday, Miss Daisy. "

Away went Daisy delighted, having secured just what shewanted. The rest was easy. And Daisy certainly thought it wasas promising an entertainment as she could have devised. Itgave her a good deal of business. The table, and the place forthe table, had to be settled with Mr. Stilton, and theinvitations given, and many particulars settled; but to settlethem was extremely pleasant, and Daisy found that every faceof those concerned in the invitations wore a most golden glowof satisfaction when the thing was understood. Daisy was veryhappy. She hoped, besides the pleasantness of the matter, itwould surely incline the hearts of her father's work-people tothink kindly of him. 

CHAPTER IV. 

THE HAM. 

It happened that one cause and another hindered Daisy fromgoing to Crum Elbow to fetch the strawberry-baskets, until thevery Tuesday afternoon before the birthday. Then everythingwas right; the pony chaise before the door, Sam in waiting, and Daisy just pulling her gloves on, when Ransom rushed up. He was flushed and hurried. 

"Who's going out with Loupe?"

"I am, Ransom. "

"You can't go, Daisy — I'm going myself. "

"You cannot, Ransom. I am going on business. Papa said I wasto go. "

"He couldn't have said it! for he said I might have the chaisethis afternoon, and that Loupe wanted exercise. So, I am goingto give him some. He wouldn't get it with you. "

"Ransom, " said Daisy trembling, "I have got business at CrumElbow, and I must go, and you must not. "

"Fiddlesticks!" said Ransom, snapping his fingers at her. "Business! I guess you have. Girls have a great deal ofbusiness! Here, Sam — ride round mighty quick to Mr. Rush's, and tell Hamilton to meet me at the cross road. "

And without another word to Daisy, Ransom sprang into thechaise, cracked his whip over Loupe's head and started him offin a very ungraceful but very eager waddling gallop. Daisy wasleft with one glove on and with a spirit thoroughlydisordered. A passionate child she was not, in outward mannerat least; but her feelings once roused were by no means easyto bring down again. She was exceedingly offended, very muchdisturbed at missing her errand, very sore at Ransom's ill-bred treatment of her. Nobody was near; her father and motherboth gone out; and Daisy sat upon the porch with all sorts ofresentful thoughts and words boiling up in her mind. She didnot believe half of what her brother had said; was sure herfather had given no order interfering with her proceedings;and she determined to wait upon the porch till he came home, and so she would have a good opportunity of letting him knowthe right and the wrong of the case. Ransom deserved it, asshe truly said to herself. And then Daisy sorrowed over herlost expedition, and her missing strawberry baskets. Whatshould she do? for the next morning would find work enough ofits own at home, and nobody else could choose the baskets toplease her. Ransom deserved —

In the midst of the angry thoughts that were breaking one overthe other in Daisy's mind, there suddenly came up theremembrance of some words she had read that day or the daybefore. "Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me and Iforgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say notunto thee, until seven times, but until seventy times seven. "This brought Daisy up short; her head which had been leaningon her hands suddenly straightened itself up. What did thosewords mean? There could be no doubt, for with the questioncame the words in the Lord's Prayer which she knew well, buthad never felt till then. Forgive Ransom out and out? — saynothing about it? — not tell her father, nor make hergrievance at all known to Ransom's discomfiture? — Daisy didnot want to yield. He _deserved_ to be reproved and ashamed andmade to do better. It was the first time that a real conflicthad come up in her mind between wrong and right; and now thatshe clearly saw what was right, to her surprise she did notwant to do it! Daisy saw both facts. There was a power in herheart that said, "No, I will not forgive, " to the command froma greater power that bade her do it. Poor Daisy! it was herfirst view of her enemy; the first trial that gave her anynotion of the fighting that might be necessary to overcomehim. Daisy found she could not overcome him. She was fain togo, where she had just begun to learn she might go, "to theStrong for strength. " She ran away from the porch to her room, and kneeled down and prayed that the King would give her helpto keep His commandments. She was ashamed of herself now; butso obstinate was her feeling of displeasure against herbrother, that even after she thought she had forgiven him, Daisy would not go downstairs again nor meet him nor herfather, for fear she should speak words that she ought not, orfail of a perfectly gentle and kind manner. 

But what to do about her baskets? A bright and most business-like thought suddenly came into her head. The breakfast-hourwas always late; by being a little earlier than usual shecould have plenty of time to go to Crum Elbow and returnbefore the family were assembled. Splendid! Daisy went downthe back stairs, and gave her orders in such a way that theyshould not reach Ransom's ear. If not put on the alert he wassure to be down to breakfast last of anybody. So Daisy went tobed and to sleep with her mind at rest. 

It was so pleasant when she came out at half past six the nextmorning, that Daisy almost thought it was the prettiest timeof all. 

The morning air smelt so fresh, with the scent of the treesand flowers coming through the dew; and the light, was so cooland clear, not like the hot glow of later hours, that Daisyfelt like dancing for very gladness. Then it was such a strokeof business to go to Crum Elbow before breakfast!

The pony and the chaise came up presently, and Sam and theblack pony, all right, and every one of them looking morebrisk and fresh than usual. And off they went; under theboughs of the dew-bright trees, where the birds seemed to beas glad as Daisy, to judge by the songs they were singing; andby and by out from the beautiful grounds of Melbourne, intothe road. It was pleasanter there, Daisy thought, than she hadever seen it. The fields looked more gay in that clear earlylight, and the dust was kept down by the freshness in the air. It was delightful; and Loupe never went better. Daisy was avery good little driver, and now the pony seemed to understandthe feeling in her fingers and waddled along at a goodly rate. 

Crum Elbow was not a great many miles off, and in due timethey reached it. But Daisy found that other people keptearlier hours than her father and mother at Melbourne. She sawthe farmers were getting to work as she went on; and in thehouses of the village there were signs that everybody wasfully astir to the business of the day. It was a scatteringvillage; the houses and the churches stood and called to eachother across great spaces of fields and fences between; butjust where the crossing of two roads made a business point, there was a little more compactness. There was the baker's, and the post-office, and two stores and various other houses, and a blacksmith's shop. Up to the corner where the principalstore stood, came the pony and his mistress, and forthwith outcame Mr. Lamb the storekeeper, to see what the little ponychaise wanted to take home; but Daisy must see for herself, and she got out and went into the store. 

"Baskets, " said Mr. Lamb. "What sort of baskets?"

"Baskets to hold strawberries — little baskets, " said Daisy. 

"Ah! strawberry-baskets. That, ma'am, is the article. "

Was it? Daisy did not think so. The storekeeper had showed herthe kind of baskets commonly used to hold strawberries for themarket; containing about half a pint. She remarked they werenot large enough. 

"No, ma'am? They are the kind generally used — regularstrawberry-baskets — we have sold 'em nearly all out, butwe've got a few left. "

"They are not large enough, nor pretty enough, " repeatedDaisy. 

"They'll look pretty when they get the strawberries in them, "said the storekeeper, with a knowing look at her. "But here'sa kind, ma'am, are a little neater — maybe you would likethese — What do you want, child?"

There had come into the store just after Daisy a little poor-looking child, who had stood near, watching what was going on. Daisy turned to look at her as Mr. Lamb's question was thrownat her over the counter, in a tone very different from hiswords to herself. She saw a pale, freckled, pensive-facedlittle girl, in very slim clothing, her dress short andragged, and feet bare. The child had been looking at her andher baskets, but now suddenly looked away to the shopkeeper. 

"Please, sir, I want —"

"There! stop, " said Mr. Lamb; "don't you see I'm busy. I can'tattend to you just now; you must wait. Are these basketsbetter, ma'am?" he said, coming back to Daisy and a smoothvoice. 

Daisy felt troubled, but she tried to attend to her business. She asked the price of the baskets. 

"Those first I showed you, ma'am, are three pence apiece —these are sixpence. This is quite a tasty basket, " said Mr. Lamb, balancing one on his forefinger. "Being open, you see, it shows the fruit through. I think these might answer yourpurpose. "

"What are those?" said Daisy, pointing to another kind. 

"Those, ma'am, are not strawberry baskets. "

"But please let me see one. — What is the price?"

"These fancy baskets, ma'am, you know, are another figure. These are not intended for fruit. These are eighteen penceapiece, ma'am. "

Daisy turned the baskets and the price over. They were veryneat! they would hold as many berries as the sixpenny ones, and look pretty too, as for a festival they should. Thesixpenny ones were barely neat — they had no gala look aboutthem at all. While Daisy's eye went from one to the other, itglanced upon the figure of the poor, patient, little waitinggirl who stood watching her. "If you please, Mr. Lamb, " shesaid, "will you hear what this little girl has to say? — whileI look at these. "

"What do you want, child?"

The answer came very low, but though Daisy did not want tolisten she could not help hearing. 

"Mother wants a pound of ham, sir. "

"Have you brought the money for the flour?"

"No, sir — mother'll send it. "

"We don't cut our hams any more, " said the storekeeper. "Can'tsell any less than a whole one — and that's always cash. There! Go, child — I can't cut one for you. "

Daisy looked after the little ragged frock as it went out ofthe door. The extreme mystery of some people being rich andsome people poor, struck her anew, and perhaps something inher look as it came back to the storekeeper made him say, —

"They're very poor folks, Miss Randolph — the mother's sickly, and I should only lose my money. They came and got some flourof me yesterday without paying for it — and it's necessary toput a stop to that kind of thing at once. Don't you think thatbasket'll suit, ma'am?"

Baskets? and what meant those words which had been over andover in Daisy's mind for the few days past? — "Whatsoever yewould that men should do to you, do ye even so to them. " Hermind was in great confusion. 

"How much does a ham cost, Mr. Lamb?"

"Sixteen pence a pound, ma'am, " said the storekeeper ratherdryly, for he did not know but Daisy was thinking a reproof tohim. 

"But how many pounds are there in a ham?"

"Just as it happens, ma'am — sometimes twenty, and from theredown to ten. "

"Then how much does a whole ham cost?" said Daisy, whosearithmetic was not ready. 

"A ham of fifteen pounds, ma'am, would be about two dollarsand forty cents. "

Daisy stood looking at the baskets, and thinking how muchmoney she would have over if she took the sixpenny ones. Shewanted twenty baskets; she found that the difference of pricebetween the plain and the pretty would leave her twentyshillings in hand. Just enough! thought Daisy, — and yet, howcould she go to a strange house and offer to give them a ham?She thought she could not. If she had known the people; but asit was — Daisy bought the pretty baskets and set offhomewards. 

"Whatsoever ye would that others should do to you, do ye evenso to them" — Daisy could see nothing along the road but thosewords. "That is my King's command to me — and those poorpeople have got no breakfast. If I was in that little girl'splace, I would _like_ to have it given to me. But those otherbaskets — would they do? — I could make them do somehow — Noraand I could dress them up with greens and flowers!"

The pony chaise stopped. Sam came up alongside. 

"Sam, take those baskets back to the store. I am going backthere. "

Round came the chaise, and in five minutes more they were atthe Crum Elbow corner again, for Daisy's heart-burning had notlet her go far. Mr. Lamb was exceedingly mystified, as it wasvery unusual for young ladies like this one to come buyingwhole hams and riding off with them. However, he made noobjections to the exchange, being a gainer by ten cents; forDaisy had asked for a ham of fifteen pounds. 

Then Daisy enquired the way to the girl's house, and her name, and set off in a new direction. It was not far; a plain littlebrown house, with a brown gate a few yards from the door. Daisy got out of the chaise and opened the gate, and therestood still and prayed a little prayer that God would help hernot to feel foolish or afraid when she was trying to do right. Then she went up to the door and knocked. Somebody said in avery uninviting tone of voice, "Come in!"

It was hard for Daisy; she had expected that somebody wouldopen the door, but now she must go in and face all that wasthere. However, in she went. There was a poor room to be sure, with not much in it. A woman was taking some hot bread, justbaked, out of a little cooking stove. Daisy saw the littlegirl standing by; it was the right place. 

"Well!" said the woman, looking up at Daisy from her stoveoven — "what is it?" She looked pale and unhappy, and herwords were impatient. Daisy was half afraid. 

"I am Daisy Randolph" — she began, gently. 

"Go on, " said the woman, as Daisy hesitated. 

"I was in Mr. Lamb's store just now, when your little girlcame to buy some ham. "

"Well! — what then?"

"Mr. Lamb said he would not cut any, and she was obliged to gowithout it. "

"Well, what have you to do with all that?"

"I was sorry she was disappointed, " said Daisy, more steadily;"and as Mr. Lamb would not cut one for her I have brought awhole one — if you will please accept it. It is at the gate, because the boy could not leave the horses. "

The woman set her bread on the floor, left the oven door open, and rose to her feet. 

"What did you tell her, Hephzibah?" she said, in a threateningvoice. 

"I didn't tell her nothing, " said the girl hurriedly — "Inever spoke to her. "

"How did she know what you came for?"

"I was so near, " said Daisy, bravely, though she was afraid, "that I couldn't help hearing. "

"Well, what business was it of yourn?" said the woman, turningupon her. "If we are poor, we don't throw it in anybody'sface; and if you are rich, you may give charity to those thatask it. _We_ never asked none of you — and don't want it. "

"I am not rich, " said Daisy, gently, though she coloured andher eyes were full of tears; — "I did not mean to offend you;but I thought you wanted the ham, and I had money enough toget it. I am very sorry you won't have it. "

"Did Mr. Lamb tell you we were beggars?"

"No, not at all. "

"Then what put into your head to come bringing a ham here? whotold you to do it?"

"Nobody told me, " said Daisy. "Yes there did, though. The LordJesus Christ told me to do it, ma'am. "

"What do you mean?" said the woman, suddenly sobering as ifshe was struck. 

"That's all, ma'am, " said Daisy. "He had given me the money tobuy the ham, and I heard that your little girl wanted it. AndI remembered His commandment, to do to others what I wouldlike they should do to me — I didn't mean to offend you. "

"Well, I ain't offended, " said the woman. "I s'pose you didn'tmean no harm; but we have some feelings as well as otherfolks. Folks may work, and yet have feelings. And if I couldwork, things would be well enough; but I've been sick, miss, and I can't always get work that I would like to do — and whenI can get it, I can't always do it, " she added with a sigh. 

Daisy wanted to go, but pity held her fast. That poor, pale, ragged child, standing motionless opposite her! Daisy didn'tventure to look much, but she saw her all the same. 

"Please keep the ham this time!" she broke out, bravely, — "Iwon't bring another one!"

"Did nobody send you?" said the woman, eyeing her keenly. 

"No, " said Daisy, "except the Lord Jesus — He sent me. "

"You're a kind little soul!" said the woman, "and as good aChristian as most of 'em I guess. But I won't do that. I'd diefirst! — unless you'll let me do some work for you and make itup so. " There was relenting in the tone of these last words. 

"Oh, that will do, " said Daisy, gladly. "Then will you letyour little girl come out and get the ham? because the boycannot leave the horses. Good-bye, Mrs. Harbonner. "

"But stop!" cried the woman — "you hain't told me what I am todo for you. "

"I don't know till I get home and ask there. What would youlike to do?"

"My work is tailoring — I learnt that trade; but beggarsmustn't be choosers. I can do other things — plain sewing, andwashing, and cleaning, and dairy work; anything I _can_ do. "

Daisy said she would bring her word, and at last got off;without her ham, and in glee inexpressible. "They will havesome for breakfast, " she said to herself; for there had beensomething in little Hephzibah's eye as she received the greatham in her arms, that went through and through Daisy's heartand almost set her to crying. She was _very_ glad to get awayand to be in the pony chaise again, driving home, and shealmost wondered at her own bravery in that house. She hardlyknew herself; for true it was, Daisy had considered herself asdoing work not of her own choosing while she was there; shefelt in her Master's service, and so was bold where for herown cause she would have shrunk away. "But they have gotsomething for breakfast! I think mine will be good when I getit, " said Daisy. 

Daisy, however, fell into a great muse upon the course of hermorning's experience. To do as she would be done by, nowseemed not quite so easy as she had thought; since it wasplain that her notions and those of some other people were notalike on the subject. How should she know what people wouldlike? When in so simple a matter as hunger, she found thatsome would prefer starving to being fed. It was too deep aquestion for Daisy. She had made a mistake, and she ratherthought she should make more mistakes; since the only way shecould see straight before her was the way of the command, andthe way of duty, therefore; and she was very much inclined tothink, besides, that in that way her difficulties would betaken care of for her. It had been so this morning. Mrs. Harbonner and she had parted on excellent terms — and thegleam in that poor child's eyes!

CHAPTER V. 

STRAWBERRIES. 

Daisy was so full of her thoughts that she never perceived twogentlemen standing at the foot of the hall steps to receiveher. Not till Loupe in his best style had trotted up the roadand stopped, and she had risen to throw down her reins. ThenDaisy started a little. One gentleman touched his cap to her, and the other held out his hands to help her to alight. 

"You are just in time for breakfast, Miss Randolph. Is thatthe coach that was made out of a pumpkin?"

Daisy shook hands with the other gentleman, and made noanswer. 

"I had always heard, " went on the first, "that the youngladies at the North were very independent in their habits; butI had no idea that they went to market before breakfast. "

"Sam, " said Daisy, "take the baskets to Joanna. "

"What is in the baskets? — eggs? — or butter? — or vegetables?Where do you go to market?"

"To New York, sir, " said Daisy. 

"To New York! And have you come from there this morning? Thenthat is certainly also the pony that was once a rat! it's awitchcraft concern altogether. "

"No sir, " said Daisy, "I don't go to market. "

"Will you excuse me for remarking, that you just said youdid?"

"No, sir, I didn't mean that _I_ went. "

"How are gentlemen to understand you, in the future experienceof life, if you are in the habit of saying what you do notmean?"

"I am not in the habit of it, " said Daisy, half laughing, forshe knew her questioner. He was a handsome young man, with agrave face and manner through all his absurd speeches; dressedrather picturesquely; and altogether a striking person inDaisy's eyes. To her relief, as they reached the hall hermother appeared. 

"Come in to breakfast, Gary — Daisy, run and get yourselfready. "

And Daisy went, in great glee on various accounts. When shecame down, everybody was at table; and for a little while shewas permitted to eat her breakfast in peace. Daisy feltwonderfully happy. Such a pleasant breakfast, for the talkamong the elders went on very briskly; such pleasant work donealready, such pleasant work to do all through the day; nothingbut joy seemed to be in the air. 

"And what did you get at market, Daisy?" suddenly asked thegentleman whom her mother called "Gary. "

"I went to buy baskets, " said Daisy, concisely. 

"What else did you get at market?"

"I didn't go to market, sir. "

"She told me she did" — said Mr. Gary, looking at her father. 

"Did you buy anything else, Daisy?" said her father, carelessly. 

"Papa, " said Daisy, colouring, "Mr. McFarlane asked me, Ithought, where we went to market, and I told him New York. Idid not mean that I went myself. "

"Didn't you get anything but baskets?" said Mr. McFarlanemischievously. 

"Papa, " said Daisy, making a brave push, "if I only spend whatyou give me for my birthday, don't you think it would beconsiderate in Mr. McFarlane not to ask me any more?" But thisspeech set the gentlemen to laughing. 

"Daisy, you make me curious, " said her father. "Do you thinkit would be inconsiderate in _me_ to ask?"

"Papa, I think it would. "

"Answer, Daisy, directly, and don't be ridiculous, " said hermother. 

Daisy's face clouded, coloured, and the tears came into hereyes. 

"Answer, Daisy, since it is put so, " said her father, gravely. 

"I bought a ham, papa. "

But the shout that was raised at this was so uproarious thatDaisy was almost overcome. She would certainly have made herescape, only she knew such a thing would not be permitted. Shesat still, and bore it as well as she could. 

"The baskets held eggs, no doubt, " said Captain Drummond, theother gentleman. 

"Roast potatoes would be better for your Irish friends, Daisy, " said McFarlane. "Ham and eggs is good for the Yankees. It would be the best plan to make a fire out-of-doors and leteach one cook for himself, according to his country. How doyou expect to please everybody?"

"Come here, Daisy, " said her father, kindly, and he put hisarm round her and kissed her; "did you have money enough foryour ham and your other purchases too?"

"Plenty, papa, " said Daisy, gratefully. 

"And why didn't you go yesterday afternoon, as I thought youintended?" Daisy's and Ransom's eyes met. 

"Papa, it was a great deal pleasanter this morning than itwould have been then; I never had such a nice ride. "

"And what do you want done now? Is your table ready?"

"It will be ready — Mr. Stilton is getting it ready. "

"Who is invited, Daisy?" inquired Mr. McFarlane. "Do youintend to receive any except those who are not your friends?"

"I don't think those of a different class had better come, "said Daisy. 

"Daisy is quite right, " said Mrs. Randolph. 

"Do you not intend to show yourself?" said her husband, withsome meaning. 

"I? No! Certainly not. At her age, since you choose to indulgeDaisy in her whim, she may do what she pleases. "

Was this what the man meant by Randolph's people being "stuckup?" Daisy looked grave, and her father bade her run away andattend to her preparations. 

Even then she went slowly and a little puzzled, till shereached the housekeeper's room; and there the full beauty ofthe occasion burst upon her. Such nice things as Joanna wasmaking ready!

Daisy ran off at full speed to Logan to get a supply of greensand flowers to trim her baskets. Nora was coming to help herand be with her all day, and arrived just in time. With apronsand baskets full, the two children sought a hidden spot on thebank under the trees, and there sat down, with strawberrybaskets in one heap, and the sprigs and leaves to dress themin another. 

"Now throw off your hat, " said Daisy. "It's shady enough, andyou'll feel cooler. Now Nora. How shall we do? — You try one, and I'll try one; that will be best; and then we can see. Iwant them to look very pretty, you know; and they are to befilled with strawberries to send home to the children; if wemake them very nice they will go on the table, I think, andhelp dress it up. "

For a time there was comparative silence, while the littlehands turned and twisted the mosses and bits of larch andcedar and hemlock in and out of the openings of the baskets. It was not found easy at first to produce a good effect; handswere unused to the work; and Nora declared after half an hourshe believed the baskets would look best plain, just as theywere. But Daisy would not give up. She grew very warm indeedwith the excitement of her efforts, but she worked on. By andby she succeeded in dressing a basket so that it looked richwith green; and then a bit or two of rosebuds or heath orbright yellow everlasting made the adornment gay and prettyenough. It was taken for a model; and from that time tonguesand fingers worked together, and heat was forgotten. 

"Isn't this pleasant!" exclaimed Daisy at length, dropping herwork into her lap. "Isn't it just as pleasant as it can be, Nora?"

"Yes, " said Nora, working away. 

"Just see the river — it's so smooth. And look up into theleaves; — how pretty they are! — and every one of them istrembling a little; not one of them is still, Nora. Howbeautiful the green is, with the sun shining through! Wouldn'tyou like to be a bird up there?"

"No, " said Nora; "I'd rather be down here. "

"I think it would be nice to be a bird, " said Daisy; "it mustbe pleasant up in those branches — only the birds don't knowanything, I suppose. What do you think heaven must be like, Nora?"

"Daisy, you're so funny. What makes you think about heaven?"

"Why, you know, " said Daisy slowly, "I expect to go there. Whyshouldn't I think about it?"

"But you won't go there till you die, " said Nora. 

"I don't see what that has to do with my thinking about it. Ishall die, some time. "

"Yes, but Daisy, don't be so queer. You are not going to dienow. "

"I don't know about that, " said Daisy; "but I like to think ofheaven. Jesus is there. Isn't it pleasant, Nora, that He cansee us always, and knows what we are doing?"

"Daisy, Marmaduke said he wished you would invite him to yourparty. "

The turn Nora wished to give to Daisy's thoughts took effectfor the moment. It was grievous; to wish so much for herfriend and to have him join in the wish, and all in vain. But, characteristically, Daisy said nothing. She was only silent amoment. 

"Nora, did you ever hear Mr. Dinwiddie say that poor peopledisliked rich people?"

"No. They don't dislike him, I know. "

"Is Mr. Dinwiddie rich too?"

"Of course he is, " said Nora. 

"I shouldn't think anybody would dislike him, " said Daisy;"but then he never seemed like rich people. " She went into amuse about it. 

"Well, he is, " said Nora. "He has got as much money as hewants, I know. "

"Nora, you know the parable of the servants and the talents?"

"Yes. "

"Are you one of the good servants?"

Nora looked up very uneasily. Daisy's face was one of quietinquiry. Nora fidgeted. 

"Daisy, I wish you would be like yourself, as you used to be, and not talk so. "

"But _are_ you, Nora?"

"No, I don't suppose I am! I couldn't do much. "

"But would you like to have the King say to you what He saidto the servant who had one talent and didn't do anything?"

"Daisy, I don't want to have you talk to me about it, " saidNora, a little loftily. "I have got Marmaduke to talk to me, and that's as much as I want. "

"_I_ mean to be one of them!" said Daisy gently. "Jesus is theking; and it makes me so glad to think of it! — so glad, Nora. He is my King, and I belong to Him; and I _love_ to give Him allI've got; and so would you, Nora. I only want to find out allI have got, that I may give it to Him. "

Nora went on very assiduously with the covering of thebaskets, and Daisy presently followed her example. But thetalk was checked for a little. 

"Nora, Jesus is _your_ King, though, " said Daisy again. "He madeeverything, and He made you; and He _is_ your King. I wish youwould be His servant too. "

Daisy was greatly astonished at the effect of this speech; forNora without speaking arose, left her baskets and greens onthe ground, and set off from the spot with an air that saidshe did not mean to return to it. Daisy was too bewildered tospeak, and only looked after her till she was too far to berecalled. What was the matter? Greatly puzzled and dismayed, she tried to find a possible answer to this question. Leftalone on her birthday in the midst of her business, by herbest friend, — what could have brought about so untoward acombination of circumstances? Daisy could not understand it;and there was no time to go after Nora to get anunderstanding. The baskets must be finished. Luckily there didnot much remain to be done, for Daisy was tired. As soon asher work was out of her hand, she went to see about thesuccess of her table. It was done; a nice long, neat table ofboards, on trestles; and it was fixed under a beautiful groveof trees, on the edge of a bank from which the view over thegrounds was charming. Mr. Stilton was just gathering up histools to go away, and looked himself so smiling and brightthat Daisy concluded there was reason to hope her party wasgoing to be all right; so with fresh spirit she went in to herown dinner. 

After that it was busy times. The long table was to be spreadwith a table-cloth, and then the cups and plates in propernumber and position, leaving the places for the baskets ofstrawberries. It was a grave question whether they should bearranged in a pyramid, with roses filling the spaces, or bedistributed all round the table. Daisy and Joanna debated thematter, and decided finally on the simpler manner; and Logandressed some splendid bouquets for the centre of the tableinstead. Daisy saw that the maids were bringing from the housepretty china dishes and cups; and then she ran away to getdressed herself. Just as this was almost done she saw hermother driving off from the house with several gentlemen inher party. It suddenly struck Daisy, who was to do the honoursof the strawberry feast? She ran down stairs to find herfather; she could not find him, he was out; so Daisy went tosee that the setting the table was going on all right, andthen came and planted herself in the library, to wait for Mr. Randolph's coming in. And while she waited eagerly, she beganto think about its being her birthday. 

"Nine years old, " thought Daisy; "there isn't much of my lifepassed. Perhaps, if I live a good while, I may do a great dealto serve the Lord. I wonder if I know all the things I can donow! all my 'talents'? I am afraid of missing some of them fornot knowing. Everything I have, Mr. Dinwiddie said, — so Norasaid, — is a talent of some sort or other. How strange Norawas to-day! But I suppose she will come and tell me what wasthe matter. Now about the talents — I wish papa would come!This birthday was one talent, and I thought it would be a goodthing if papa's people could be made to know that he is not'stuck up, ' if he is rich, — but if neither he nor mamma comeout to speak to them at all, I wonder what they will think?"

Daisy ran out again to view the table. Yes, it was lookingvery handsome. Joanna was there herself, ordering anddirecting; and china and glass, and flowers, and silver, madea very brilliant appearance, though none of the dishes were onthe table as yet. 

"But who is going to pour out the coffee and the tea, Joanna?"said Daisy. "Aren't you going to dress and come and do it forme?"

"La! Miss Daisy, I don't see how I can. I expect the best planwill be to have you do it yourself. That will give the mostsatisfaction, I guess. "

"Joanna! I don't know how. "

"Yes, you do, Miss Daisy; you'll have the coffee urn, and allyou have to do is to turn the faucet, you know; and Sam willwait upon you, and if you want tea poured out, he can lift itfor you. It'll taste twice as good to all the party if you doit. "

"Do you think so, Joanna?"

"I don't want to think about it, " said Joanna; "I know withoutthinking. "

"But, Joanna, I can't reach the things. "

"I'll have a high seat fixed for you. I know what you want. "

Daisy stood watching; it was such a pleasure to see Joanna'snice preparations. And now came on the great dishes ofstrawberries, rich and sweet to the eye and the smell; andthen handsome pitchers filled with milk and ice-water, in arange down the table. Then came great fruit cakes and poundcakes, superbly frosted and dressed with strawberries androsebuds; Joanna had spared no pains. Great store of slicedbread and butter too, and plates of ham and cold beef, andforms of jelly. And when the dressed baskets of strawberrieswere set in their places all round the table, filling up thespaces, there was a very elegant, flowery, and sparklingappearance of a rich feast. Why was not Nora there? — and withthe next thought Daisy flew back to the library to find herfather. He was found. 

"Oh, papa, " she said, gently, though she had rushed in like alittle summer wind, "are you going to come to the feast?"

"What for, my dear?"

"Papa, they will all like it; they will be pleased. "

"I think they will enjoy themselves better without me. "

"Papa, I am sure they would be pleased. "

"I should only make it a constraint for them, Daisy. I do notthink they will want anything but the strawberries —especially if _you_ look at them. "

"But mamma is not here to speak to them either, papa. "

"You think somebody must speak to them, eh? I don't think Ican make speeches, Daisy, " said Mr. Randolph, stretchinghimself at ease in a chaise longue. "But perhaps I may stepdown and look at them by and by, my dear. "

There was no more to be done, Daisy knew. She went slowly offover the grounds, meditating whether the people would besatisfied with so very at-arms'-length an entertainment. Would_this_ draw the poor nearer to the rich? or the rich nearer tothe poor? Daisy had an instinctive, delicate sense of thewant, which she set herself to do the best her little selfcould to supply. "Whatsoever ye would that men should do toyou" — that sweet and most perfect rule of high breeding wasmoving her now; and already the spirit of another rule, whichin words she did not yet know, was beginning to possess herheart in its young discipleship; she was ready "to do good toall men, even as she had opportunity. "

She went slowly back to the table. Nobody come yet. Joanna wasthere, putting some last touches. Suddenly a new idea struckDaisy, as she saw what a long table it was. 

"Joanna — there must be somebody else to wait. Sam can neverdo it all. "

"He'll have to. James is busy, and Hiram. Sam's all that canbe spared; and that's as much as ever. "

"But I must have more, Joanna. Can't some of the maids come?"

"To wait? — they wouldn't, Miss Daisy. "

"Yes, they would, Joanna. You must make them, Joanna. SendMaria and Ophelia down here, and I'll tell them what I want ofthem. And quick, Joanna; and don't you tell them, please, whatI want. "

"I hope you'll grow up to marry the President, some day, " saidJoanna, walking off; "you could help him if he got puzzled!"

Poor Daisy almost felt as if she had the affairs of a nationon her hands, when she saw Mr. And Mrs. Stilton, dressed intheir best, coming near through the trees. But the spirit ofkindness was so thoroughly at work in Daisy, that it made herreception of her guests just what it ought to be, and she wasdelighted a few minutes after to see that their eyes werekindling with gratification. Logan looked at the table as ifhe had some right to take an interest in it; the hay-makerswere open-mouthed; the women in a flutter of ribands andpropriety; and the various people who had come upon the groundwith doubtful expectancy, sat down to table proud and gay. Itwas a pretty sight! and prettier was the sight of little Daisyperched up at one end of the board, and with tremulous fingersfilling cups of coffee, and ordering cups of tea. 

"Miss Daisy, " said Mrs. Stilton, "it's too much trouble foryou to fill all them cups — sha'n't I come there, and take theresponsibility? if you would delegate me. "

Gladly Daisy agreed, slipped off her high chair, and saw Mrs. Stilton's full portly figure take the place. But Daisy'slabours were not ended. She saw one of the Irish labourerssitting with his eyes straight before him, and nothing on hisplate for them to look at. Daisy went round. It was her feast;she felt she must do the honours. 

"Will you have a cup of coffee?" said a soft little voice atthe man's elbow. He started. 

"Ach! — Sure Miss, I wouldn't be troublesome. "

"It's no trouble. Will you have some tea or some coffee?"

" 'Dade, sorrow a drop ever I tuk of ary one of 'em but the onetime, plase yer ladyship. It's too good for me, sure; that'swhy it don't agree wid me, Miss. "

Very much puzzled by the confidential little nod with whichthis information was communicated, Daisy yet felt she couldnot give up the matter. 

"Then what will you have? — some ham? or some strawberries?"

"Sure I'll do very well, niver fear, plase yer ladyship; don'ttrouble yerself. The angels wouldn't want something purtier toeat, than what we have, Miss!"

Daisy gave up in despair, and charged Sam to see that the manhad his supper. Then, without asking any more questions, shecarried a cup of coffee down the table to a meek-looking oldwoman who likewise seemed to be in a state of bewilderment. Itwas the mother of Michael the gate-keeper. She started alittle too, as Daisy's hand set down her cup, and half rosefrom her chair. 

"Blessings on ye, for a dear little lady! It's a wonder to seethe likes of you. The saints above bless the hand and the futthat wasn't above doing that same! and may ye always haveplenty to wait on ye, and the angels of heaven above all!"

"Sit down, Mrs. Sullivan, " said Daisy. "Do you like coffee?"

"Do I like it! It's better to me nor anything else in theworruld, when it wouldn't be a sup o' summat now and thin, ifI'd have the rheumatiz. "

"A sup of what?"

"Medicine, dear, medicine that I take whin the doctor saysit's good for me. May you niver know the want of it, nor ofanything in the wide worruld! and niver know what it is to bepoor!"

Daisy managed to get the old woman to eat, supplying her withvarious things, every one of which was accepted with — "Thankyou, Miss, " and "Blessings on ye!" and turning away from herat last, saw her handmaids approaching from the house. Thegirls, however disposed to stand upon their dignity, could notrefuse to do what their little mistress was doing; and alively time of it they and Daisy had for the next hour, withall the help Sam and Mrs. Stilton could give them. Daisy sawthat strawberries and cream, cake and coffee, were thoroughlyenjoyed; she saw too that the honour of being served offsilver and china was duly felt. If her father had but come outto say a kind word! but he did not come. His little substitutedid all a substitute could do; and at last when everybodyseemed in full tide of merrymaking, she stole away that theymight have no constraint upon it. Before she had got far, shewas startled by a noise behind her, and looking round saw thatall the tableful had risen to their feet. The next instantthere was a great shout. Daisy could not imagine what theywere doing, but she saw that they were all looking at her. Shecame back a step or two. Now there was another shout greaterthan the other; the women flourished handkerchiefs, the menwaved their arms above their heads. "Long life to ye!" "Goodluck to ye forever!" "Blessings on ye for a lady!" "Manythanks to ye, Miss Daisy!" "May ye niver want as good!""Hurrah for the flower of Melbourne!" — Shouts various andconfused at last made Daisy comprehend they were cheering _her_. So she gave them a little courtesy or two, and walked offagain as fast as she thought it was proper to go. 

She went home and to the library, but found nobody there; andsat down to breathe and rest; she was tired. Presently Ransomcame in. 

"Hallo, Daisy! — is nobody here?"

"No. "

"Have you seen your things yet?"

"My things? — what things?"

"Why, your _things_ — your birthday things. Of course youhaven't, or you'd know. Never mind, you'll know what I mean byand by. I say, Daisy. "

"What?"

"You know when papa asked you this morning why you didn't goyesterday to Crum Elbow? —"

"Yes. "

"Why didn't you tell him?"

Daisy hesitated. Ransom was cutting a pencil vigorously, butas she was silent he looked up. 

"Why didn't you tell him? did you tell him _afterwards?_"

"Why, no, Ransom!"

"Well, why didn't you? — that's what I want to know. Didn'tyou tell anybody?"

"No, of course not. "

"Why didn't you, then?"

"Ransom, " said Daisy, doubtfully. 

"What? I think you're turned queer. "

"I don't know whether you'd understand me. "

"Understand _you!_ That's a good one! I couldn't understand _you!_I should rather like to have you try. "

"Well, I'll tell you, " said Daisy. 

"Just do. "

"Ransom, you know who the Lord Jesus Christ is. "

"I used to; but I have forgotten. "

"Oh, Ransom!"

"Come, go ahead, and don't palaver. "

"I am His servant, " said Daisy; "and He has bid me do to otherpeople what I would like to have them do to me. "

"He has bid you! What do you mean?"

"You know what I mean. It is in the Bible. "

"What's in the Bible?"

"_That;_ — that I must do to other people what I would like tohave them do to me. "

"And I suppose you thought I wouldn't like to have you tell?Well you're out, for I don't care a shot about it — there! andyou may tell just as fast as you're a mind to. "

"Oh, Ransom! you know —"

"What do I know?"

"It's no matter, " said little Daisy, checking herself. 

"Go ahead, and finish! What is the use of breaking off? That'sthe way with girls; — they don't know how to speak English. You may just as well say the whole of something ugly, as thehalf of it. "

If Daisy was tempted to comply with the request, she did notgive way to the temptation; for she was silent; and in a moodless pleasant than her own apparently, Ransom took himself outof her presence. Left alone, Daisy presently curled herselfdown on a couch, and being very tired fell asleep. 

CHAPTER VI. 

THE EPERGNE. 

Daisy slept on, until a bustle and sounds of voices andlaughter in the hall, and boots clattering over the marble andup the staircase, at last found their way into her ears. 

The riding party had got home. Daisy sat up and rubbed hereves and looked out. 

The sun was low, and shining from the western mountains overthe tops of all the trees. It was certainly near dinner-time;the cool glittering look of the light on the trees and shrubscould not be earlier than that. What had become of thestrawberry feast? It seemed like a dream. Daisy shook off theremains of her sleep and hurried out by one of the glass doorsto go and see. She ran down to the bank where the table wasspread. It was a feast over. The company were gone, so werethe baskets of strawberries; yes, and the very bouquets offlowers had been taken away. That was a sign of pleasure. Nothing was left but the disordered table. Daisy hoped thepeople had had a good time, and slowly went back towards thehouse. As she came near the library window she saw her father, standing in it. 

"Well, Daisy?"

"Well, papa. "

"How has the feast gone off?"

"I don't know, papa. There's nothing left but the boards andthe cups and saucers. "

Mr. Randolph sat down and drew his little daughter up to hisside. 

"Have you enjoyed it, Daisy?"

"Yes — papa — I have enjoyed it pretty well. "

"Only pretty well! — for your birthday! Do you think now youmade a good choice, Daisy?"

"Yes, sir — I think I did. "

"What has been wanting? I am afraid your ham did not figure onthe board, if it is so empty?"

Daisy did not answer, but her father, watching her, sawsomething in her face which made him pursue the subject. 

"Did it?"

"No, papa, " said Daisy, colouring a little. 

"How was that?"

"Joanna arranged everything that was to go on the table. "

"And left the ham out of the question? It seems to me that wasa mistake, though I am not much of a housekeeper. Why wasthat?"

"Papa, " said Daisy, "do you think I would make a wrong use ofa ham?"

Mr. Randolph laughed. "Why, Daisy, unless you are a finishedeconomist, that might be. Do you mean that I am not to knowthe particular use made of this ham. "

"Papa, I wish you would not desire to know!"

But Daisy's face was too much in earnest. "I think I cannotgrant that request, " said her father. "You must tell me. "

Daisy looked distressed. But she dared not evade the order, though she feared very much what might come of it. 

"I didn't buy the ham for the party, papa. "

"Then for what?"

"I bought it, papa, for a little girl who was going withouther breakfast. She came to Mr. Lamb's to buy ham, and she hadno money, and he wouldn't let her have any. "

"And what became of your baskets?"

"Oh, I got them, papa; I got cheaper ones; and Nora and Idressed them with greens. I had money enough. "

Mr. Randolph took his little daughter on his knee, and softlyput down his lips to kiss her. 

"But Daisy, after all, why did you not go to Crum Elbowyesterday afternoon, as you meant to do?"

"Papa, this morning did better, for it was pleasanter. "

"Do you call that an answer?" said Mr. Randolph, who was stillsoftly kissing her. 

"Papa, if you would be so _very_ good as not to ask me that?"

"I am not good at all, Daisy. I ask, — and I mean to know. "

Daisy was in trouble. No entreaty was worth a straw afterthat. She was puzzled how to answer. 

"Papa, " she ventured, "I don't like to tell you, becauseRansom would not like I should. "

"Ransom's pleasure must give way to mine, Daisy. "

"He wanted the pony-chaise, " said Daisy, looking verydowncast. 

"And you gave it him?"

"No, sir. "

"What then? Daisy, " said Mr. Randolph, bringing her head roundto face him, "tell me what I want to know without any morequestions. "

"He took the chaise, papa, — that was all, — so I went thismorning. "

"Ransom knew you wanted it?"

"Yes, sir. "

"Then, Daisy, tell me further, why you did not give me thisinformation when I asked about your drive this morning atbreakfast?"

"Papa, I thought Ransom would not like to have it told. "

"Were you afraid he would revenge himself in any way if youdid?"

"Oh, no, papa! not at all. "

"Then what moved you to silence?"

"Why, papa, I did not want to trouble Ransom. I was afraid youwould be displeased with him perhaps, if I told. "

"Were you not displeased when he took the chaise?"

"Yes, papa, " said Daisy, softly. 

"And had your displeasure all gone off by this morning?"

"Yes, sir. "

Mr. Randolph was not quite satisfied. There was no doubtingDaisy; but he had reasons of his own for knowing that she hadnot said to him quite all that she had confessed to herbrother. He would have liked the whole confession; but did notsee how he could get at it just now. He took a little goldpiece out of his pocket, and quietly slipped it into Daisy'shand. 

"Papa! what is this for?"

"For your poor woman, if you like. You can send it to her bySam. "

"Oh, thank you, papa! But, papa, she won't take it so — shewill not take the least thing without working to pay for it. "

"How do you know?"

"She told me so, papa. "

"Who told you so?"

"The poor woman — Mrs. Harbonner. "

"Where did you see her?"

"I saw her at her house, papa. "

"Why did you go to her house?"

"To take her the ham, sir. "

"And she told you she wouldn't have anything without doingwork for it — eh?"

"Yes, papa — she wouldn't even take the ham any other way. "

"What work did you engage her to do, Daisy?"

"I thought Joanna could find her some, papa. "

"Well, let Joanna manage it. You must not go there again, norinto any strange house, Daisy, without my leave. Now go andget ready for dinner, and your part of your birthday. "

Daisy went very soberly. To see Mrs. Harbonner and herdaughter again, and to do them all sorts of good, had been adream of hers, ever since the morning. Now this was shut off. She was very sorry. How were the rich to do good to the poor, if they never came together? A question which Daisy thoughtabout while she was dressing. Then she doubted how her feasthad gone; and she had been obliged to tell of Ransom. Altogether, Daisy felt that doing good was a somewhatdifficult matter, and she let June dress her in very sobersilence. Daisy was elegantly dressed for her birthday and thedinner. Her robe was a fine beautifully embroidered muslin, looped with rose ribands on the shoulder and tied with a broadrose-coloured sash round the waist. There was very little rosein Daisy's cheeks, however; and June stood and looked at herwhen she had done, with mingled satisfaction anddissatisfaction. 

"You've tired yourself to-day, Miss Daisy, with making thatparty for the men!" she said. 

"Have you done? Now, June, will you go away, please, and leaveme my room for a few minutes?"

"Yes, Miss Daisy — but it's most time for you to go down. "

June went, and Daisy locked her doors, and dropped on herknees by her little bed. How was she to know what was right todo? and still more, how was she to do it wisely andfaithfully? Little Daisy went to her stronghold, and asked forhelp; and that she might know what her talents were. 

"Miss Daisy, " said the voice of June at the door, "you arewanted in the library. "

Down went Daisy in a hurry. There was her father; and therealso, to her great surprise, were Nora and Mr. Dinwiddie!

"I have brought Nora to make her peace with you, Daisy, " saidMr. Dinwiddie. "I found her in great trouble because, shesaid, you were offended with her. Will you love her again?"

Daisy put her arms round Nora, who looked a little ashamed, and gave her a very peaceful and reassuring kiss. Thegentlemen both smiled at her action. It was too graceful toneed the aid of words. 

"My mission is successful, " said Mr. Dinwiddie. 

"But I was not offended the least bit, Mr. Dinwiddie, " saidDaisy. 

"I believe it; but Nora thought you had so much reason, thatshe would not come alone to make her apology. "

The young man looked towards Mr. Randolph, whose attention wasjust then taken by somebody who had come to him on business. He waited. 

"Won't you sit down, Mr. Dinwiddie. " said Daisy. 

"I must go. "

"But I want to ask you a question, sir. "

Mr. Dinwiddie sat down. 

"Mr. Dinwiddie, " said Daisy with a grave face, "what are mytalents?"

"What is the question, Daisy? I do not understand. "

"You know, sir — one servant had ten and another had five. What are my talents?"

"I do not know. "

"But how can I tell, Mr. Dinwiddie?"

Then the young man's eyes glowed, as Daisy had a few timesseen them do before. 

"Ask the Lord, Daisy. See what His word tells you to do. "

"But Mr. Dinwiddie, I am little; I can't do much. "

"_You_ cannot do anything. But Jesus can use you, to do what Hepleases, — if you will be His little servant. Give me thatspoon, Nora. "

"But, Marmaduke —"

"Yes — I know, " said her brother. He took from Nora's hand?and unfolded from its wrapping-paper a very curious thing, which he told Daisy was an Egyptian spoon. He did not give hertime to look at it, only he held it so that she saw what itwas. 

"You see that spoon, Daisy. It cannot do anything. But in yourhand it might carry drops of comfort to somebody's lips. "

Daisy looked earnestly at the spoon, then at the bright eyesthat were fixed on her; and taking his meaning, she smiled, abright, satisfied smile. It satisfied Mr. Dinwiddie too. Hewrapped up the spoon again, handed it to Nora, and rose up tomake his adieus to Mr. Randolph. 

"Daisy, " whispered Nora, "this spoon is for you. Will you takeit for my birthday present? Marmaduke says it is veryhandsome. It is his — he gave it to me to give to you. "

"It is very, very old, " said Mr. Dinwiddie, coming to Daisy. "It was found in an old Egyptian tomb, and was made and putthere perhaps before the Israelites came out of Egypt. Goodbye!"

He took Daisy's hand with a strong, kindly grasp, and wentaway with his little sister just as the dinner-bell rang. Daisy had not time to look at her present. She held it tight, and went in to dinner with it in her hand. 

Daisy did not generally dine with her father and mother. To-day was a great exception to the rule. Even to-day she was notexpected to eat anything till the dessert came on; she had hadher dinner; so she had the more time for other things. Herplace was by her mother; Captain Drummond on the other side, and Gary McFarlane opposite. Then her aunt, Mrs. Gary, hadarrived, just an hour before dinner; and she and her childrenand one or two other friends filled the table, and the talkingand laughing went round faster than the soup. Daisy looked andlistened, very much pleased to see her aunt and cousins, andamused; though, as usual, in her quiet fashion, she gave nosign of it. 

"How did that party come off, Daisy?" said Mr. Gary McFarlane. 

"What party?" said Mrs. Gary. 

"Daisy's birthday entertainment. "

"Daisy invited all the gardeners and haymakers to take supperand strawberries with her, Aunt Gary, " said Ransom. 

"What is that?" said Mrs. Gary, looking to her sister. 

"Ransom has stated the matter correctly. "

"Gardeners and haymakers! What was that for, Daisy?"

"I thought it would give them pleasure, aunt Gary, —" saidDaisy. 

"Give _them_ pleasure! of course, I suppose it would; but are weto give everybody pleasure that we can? At that rate, why notinvite our footmen and chambermaids too? Why stop?"

"I suppose that will be the next thing, " said Mrs. Randolph. "Daisy, you must not eat that cheese. "

"What's Daisy's notion?" said Mrs. Gary, appealing to herbrother-in-law. 

"A child's notion, " said Mr. Randolph. "The worst you can sayof it is, that it is Arcadian. "

"How did it go off, Daisy?" said Gary McFarlane. 

"I don't know, " said Daisy. "I think it went off pretty well. "

"How did the hob-nails behave themselves?"

"They had lots of things to eat, " said Ransom. "I don'tbelieve we shall have any strawberries for a day or twoourselves. "

"Did you give them strawberries?" said Mrs. Gary. 

"A tableful, " said Ransom; "and baskets and baskets to takehome. "

"Something new, —" said Mrs. Gary, eating her salad. 

"But how did the company behave?" said Mr. McFarlane. 

"I saw no behaviour that was not proper, " Daisy answered, gravely. She thought as much could not be said of the presentcompany, seeing that servants were present. 

"What have you there, Daisy?" said her mother. 

"It is a birthday present, mamma. It is an Egyptian spoon. "

"An Egyptian spoon! Where did you get it?"

"Mr. Dinwiddie — I mean, Nora gave it to me. "

"What about Mr. Dinwiddie?"

"Nothing, mamma. "

"Then why did you speak his name?"

"I don't know. He brought Nora to see me just now. "

"Where did you see him?"

"In the library. "

"Mr. Randolph" — said the lady — "did Mr. Dinwiddie call tosee you?"

"He did me that honour, " said Mr. Randolph; "but I thinkprimarily his visit was to Daisy. "

"Who is Mr. Dinwiddie?" said Mrs. Gary, seeing a contractionin her sister's brow. "It's a Virginian name. "

"He is a fanatic, " said Mrs. Randolph. "I don't know what elsehe is. "

"Let us see the fanatic's spoon, " said Gary McFarlane. "Egyptian, is it, Daisy? Curious, upon my word!"

"Beautiful!" said Captain Drummond, taking the spoon in histurn across the table. "Beautiful! This is a nice piece ofcarving — and very old it undoubtedly is. This is the lotus, Daisy — this stem part of the spoon; and do you see, in thebowl here is the carving of a lake, with fish in it?"

"Is it?" said Daisy; "and what is a _lotus_, Captain Drummond?"

"If you will put me in mind to-morrow, privately, I will tellyou about it, " said he. 

"Let me look at that, Captain Drummond, " said Mrs. Gary. —"Why, here's a duck's head at the end of the handle. What adear old thing! Who is this Mr. Dinwiddie, pray?"

"The duck's bill makes the spoon, aunt Gary, " said Daisy. 

"If you asked me _what_ he is, I have told you, " said Mrs. Randolph. 

"He is a young man, of good family I believe, spending thesummer with a neighbour of ours who is his relation, " Mr. Randolph answered. 

"What is he a fanatic about?"

This question did not get an immediate answer; theconversation diverged, and it was lost. Daisy's spoon made theround of the company. It was greatly admired, both from itsoddness and from the beauty of its carving. 

"Daisy, I will buy this spoon of you, " said her aunt. 

Daisy thought not; but she said, "With what, aunt Gary?"

"With anything you please. Do you set a high value on it? Whatis it worth?"

Daisy hesitated; and then she said, "I think it is worth myregard, aunt Gary!"

She could not guess why there was a general little laugh roundthe table at this speech. 

"Daisy, you are an original, " said Mrs. Gary. "May I ask, whythis piece of old Egypt deserves your regard?"

"I think anything does, aunt Gary, that is a gift, " Daisysaid, a little shyly. 

"If your first speech sounded forty years old, your seconddoes not, " said the lady. 

"Arcadian again, both of them, " Mr. Randolph remarked. 

"You always take Daisy's part, " said the lady briskly. But Mr. Randolph let the assertion drop. 

"Mamma, " said Daisy, "what is an original?"

"Something your aunt says you are. Do you like some of this_biscuit_, Daisy?"

"If you please, mamma. And mamma, what do you mean by afanatic?"

"Something that I will not have you, " said her mother, withknitting brow again. 

Daisy slowly eat her biscuit-glacι and wondered — wonderedwhat it could be that Mr. Dinwiddie was, and that her motherwas determined she should not be. 

Mr. Dinwiddie was a friend of poor people — was that what hermother meant? He was a devoted, unflinching servant of Christ;— "so will I be, " said Daisy to herself; "so I am now; for Ihave given the Lord Jesus all I have got, and I don't want totake anything back. Is that what mamma calls being a fanatic?"— Daisy's meditations were broken off; for a general stirround the table made her look up. 

The table was cleared, and the servants were bringing on thefruit; and with the fruit they were setting on the table abeautiful old fashioned silver ιpergne, that was never usedbut for great occasions. Generally it was adorned with fruitand flowers; to-day it was empty, and the attendants proceededto arrange upon it very strange looking things; packages inwhite paper, books, trinkets, what not; and in the middle ofall a little statuette of a Grecian nymph, which was a greatfavourite of Daisy's. Daisy began to guess that the ιpergnehad something to do with her birthday. But the nymph? —perhaps she came there by her beauty to dignify this use madeof the stately old thing. However, she forgot all aboutfanatics and Mr. Dinwiddie for the present. The looks andsmiles of the company were unmistakable. Who would speakfirst?

"How are you to reach the ιpergne, Daisy?" said her father. 

"Shall I be the medium?" said Mrs. Gary. "These things are totravel up to Daisy, I suppose. "

"I will represent the rolling stock of this road, andundertake to carry parcels safely, " said Mr. McFarlane. "Anymessage with the goods, Mrs. Gary?"

"I believe they carry their own message with them, " said thelady; — "or else I don't see what is the use of these littlewhite tickets. Where shall I begin, Mr. Randolph?"

"I do not think the order of proceedings will be criticized, provided it does not delay, " said Daisy's father. 

"Then transmit this, Gary. "

"Literary freight" —said Gary McFarlane, handing over to Daisya little parcel of books. Five or six little volumes, inpretty binding — Daisy looked eagerly to see what they mightbe. "Marmion" — "The Lady of the Lake" — "Scott's PoeticalWorks. "

"Oh, thank you, papa!" said Daisy, looking delighted. 

"Not me, " said Mr. Randolph. "I am not to be thanked. "

"There's no name in them —" said Daisy. 

"That's Preston's gift, " said her aunt. Preston was Daisy'soldest cousin; a fine boy of sixteen. 

"I like it so much, Preston!" said Daisy, sending a gratefullook down the table to where he sat. 

"Is Daisy fond of poetry?" inquired Mr. McFarlane, with agrave look. 

"Very fond, " Mrs. Randolph said. 

"Dangerous taste!" said Gary. "What is this new consignment?"

"Something valuable — take care of it. "

"To be taken with care — right side up, " said Gary, puttingbefore Daisy by a stretch of his long arm a little papercovered package. Daisy's cheeks were beginning to grow pink. She unfolded the package. 

A little box — then white cotton — then a gold bracelet. 

"Mamma? —" said Daisy instantly. Mrs. Randolph stooped andkissed her. "It's beautiful, mamma!" Daisy spoke veryearnestly; however, her face did not show the light ofpleasure which the first gift had called into it. 

"How did you know so well?" said Mr. McFarlane. "Mrs. Randolph, I am afraid you are not literary. Now Daisy, exercise your discernment upon that. "

It was a little box containing a Chinese puzzle, with theplans and keys belonging to it. 

"Where do you think that comes from?"

Daisy looked up. "I think — perhaps — from you, Mr. McFarlane. "

"Do you think I am anything like a puzzle?"

"I think — perhaps — you mean to be, " — Daisy said, innocently. But a shout from the whole tableful answered tothis chance hit. Daisy didn't know what they could mean. 

"I have done!" said Gary. "I have got more than my match. ButI know who will plague people worse than a puzzle, if she getswell educated. There's a pair of gloves, you little fencer. "

It was a nice little thick pair of riding or driving gloves;beautifully made and ornamented. These came from Eloise, Daisy's other cousin. Mrs. Gary had brought her two beautifultoilet bottles of Bohemian glass. Daisy's end of the table wasgrowing full. 

"What is this?" said Mrs. Gary, taking from the ιpergne asealed note directed to Daisy. 

"That is Ransom's present. Give her mine first, " said Mr. Randolph. 

"Which is yours? I don't see anything more. "

"That little Proserpine in the middle. "

"_This?_ Are you going to give this to Daisy? But why is shecalled Proserpine? I don't see. "

"Nor I, " said Mr. Randolph, "only that everything must have aname. And this damsel is supposed to have been carrying abasket, which might easily have been a basket of flowers, Idon't see how the statement could be disproved. And Daisy isfonder of the little nymph, I believe, than any one else inthe house. 

"Oh, papa! thank you, " exclaimed Daisy, whose eyes sparkled. "I like to have her very much!"

"Well, here she goes, " said Mrs. Gary. "Hand her over. Youhave a variety, Daisy. Chinese playthings and Grecian art. "

"_Some_ modern luxury, " said Gary McFarlane. "Just a little. "

"Egyptian art, too, " said Captain Drummond. 

"Oh, where's my spoon?" cried Daisy. "Has papa got it?"

"Here is Ransom's present, " said her aunt, handing the note. "Nobody knows what it is. Are we to know?"

Daisy opened and read, read over again, looked very grave, andfinally folded the note up in silence. 

"What is it?" said her aunt. 

Daisy hesitated, wishing, but in doubt if she would bepermitted to keep it to herself. Her father answered for her. 

"It is all of Ransom's part, share, and possession in acertain small equipage known about these premises; the intentand understanding being, that henceforth the pony carriage andpony are Daisy's sole property, and to be by her used andappropriated without any other person's interferencewhatever. "

"But, papa —" Ransom began. 

"I think it is a very poor arrangement, Mr. Randolph, " saidRansom's mother. "Daisy cannot use the pony half enough forhis good. "

"She will make more use of him now, " said Mr. Randolph. 

Ransom looked very glum. His mother rose, with the ladies, andwent to the drawing-room. 

CHAPTER VII. 

A SOLDIER. 

A day or two after the birthday, it happened that CaptainDrummond was enjoying the sunshine in a way that gentlemenlike to enjoy it; that is, he was stretched comfortably on thegrass under the shade of some elm trees, looking at it. Perhaps it was not exactly the sunshine that he was enjoying, but the soft couch of short grass, and the luxurious warmshadow of the elms, and a little fanciful breeze which playedand stopped playing, and set the elm trees all a flutter andlet them be still, by turns. But Captain Drummond was having agood time there, all by himself, and lying at length in a mostlazy luxurious fashion; when he suddenly was "ware" of a foldof white drapery somewhere not very far from his left ear. Heraised himself a little up, and there to be sure, as he hadguessed, was Daisy. She was all alone too, and standing therelooking at him. 

Now Captain Drummond was a great favourite of Daisy's. In thefirst place he was a handsome fellow, with a face which wasboth gentle and manly; and his curly light brown hair and hisslight well-trimmed moustache set off features that werepleasant for man or woman to look upon. Perhaps Daisy likedhim partly for this, but I think she had other reasons. At anyrate, there she stood looking at him. 

"Can you command me, Daisy?" said the young officer. 

"Are you at leisure, Captain Drummond?"

"Looks like it!" said the gentleman rousing himself. "Whatshall I give you? a camp-chair? or will you take the — Oh!that is a better arrangement. "

For Daisy had thrown on the ground a soft shawl for a carpet, and took her place upon it beside Captain Drummond, who lookedat her in a pleased kind of way. 

"Are you quite at leisure, Captain Drummond?"

"Gentlemen always are — when ladies' affairs are to beattended to. "

"Are they?" said Daisy. 

"They ought to be!"

"But I am not a lady. "

"What do you call yourself?"

"I don't know, " said Daisy, gravely. "I suppose I am a littlepiece of one. "

"Is that it?" said Captain Drummond, laughing. "Well, I willgive you as large a piece of my leisure as you can make use of— without regard to proportions. What is on hand, Daisy?"

"Captain Drummond, " said Daisy, with a very serious face, —"do soldiers have a very hard time?"

"Not always. Not when they are lying out under the trees atMelbourne, for example. "

"But I mean, when they are acting like soldiers?"

He was ready with a laughing answer again, but seeing howearnest Daisy's face was, he controlled himself; and leaningon his elbow, with just a little smile of amusement on hisface, he answered her. 

"Well, Daisy — sometimes they do. "

"How, Captain Drummond?"

"In a variety of ways. "

"Will you please tell me about it?"

He looked up at her. "Why, Daisy, what makes you curious inthe matter? Have you a friend in the army?"

"No other but you, " said Daisy. 

"That is a kind speech. To reward you for it, I will tell youanything you please. What is the question, Daisy?"

"I would like to know in what way soldiers have a hard time?"

"Well, Daisy, to begin with, a soldier can't do what he has amind. "

"Not about anything?"

"Well — no; not unless he gets leave. I am only at Melbournenow because I have got leave; and I must go when my leave isup. A soldier does not belong to himself. "

"To whom does he belong?"

"To his commander! He must go and come, do or not do things, just as his General bids him; and ask no questions. "

"Ask no questions?" said Daisy. 

"No; only do what he is ordered. "

"But why mayn't he ask questions?"

"That isn't his business. He has nothing to do with the reasonof things; all he has got to do is his duty. The _reason_ is hisGeneral's duty to look after. "

"But suppose he had a very good General — then that wouldn'tbe much of a hardship, " said Daisy. 

"Well, that is a very material point, " said the Captain. "_Suppose_ he has a good General — as you say; that would make agreat difference, certainly. "

"Is that all, Captain Drummond?"

"Not quite all. "

"What else?"

"Well, Daisy, a soldier, even under a good General, is oftenordered to do hard things. "

"What sort of things?"

"What do you think, " said the Captain, lolling comfortably onthe green bank, "of camping out under the rain-clouds — withno bed but stones or puddles of mud and wet leaves — and rainpouring down all night, and hard work all day; and no betteraccommodations for week in and week out?"

"But Captain Drummond!" said Daisy, horrified, "I thoughtsoldiers had tents?"

"So they do — in fine weather —" said the Captain. "But justwhere the hardest work is to do, is where they can't carrytheir tents. "

"Couldn't that be prevented?"

"I'm afraid not. "

"I should think they'd get sick?"

"_Think_ they would! Why, they do, Daisy, by hundreds andhundreds. What then? A soldier's life isn't his own; and if hehas to give it up in a hospital instead of on the field, whyit's good for some other fellow. "

So this it was, not to belong to oneself! Daisy looked on thesoldier before her who had run, or would run, such risks, verytenderly; but nevertheless the child was thinking her ownthoughts all the while. The Captain saw both things. 

"What is the 'hard work' they have to do?" she asked, presently. 

"Daisy, you wouldn't like to see it. "

"Why, sir?"

"Poor fellows digging and making walls of sand or sods toshelter them from fire — when every now and then comes a shotfrom the enemy's batteries, ploughs up their work, and knocksover some poor rascal who never gets up again. That's one kindof hard work. "

Daisy's face was intent in its interest; but she only said, "Please go on. "

"Do you like to hear it?"

"Yes, I like to know about it. "

"I wonder what Mrs. Randolph would say to me?"

"Please go on, Captain Drummond!"

"I don't know about that. However, Daisy, work in the trenchesis not the hardest thing — nor living wet through or frozenhalf through — nor going half fed — about the hardest thing Iknow, is in a hurried retreat to be obliged to leave sick andwounded friends and poor fellows to fall into the hands of theenemy. That's hard. "

"Isn't it hard to fight a battle?"

"You would not like to march up to the fire of the enemy'sguns, and see your friends falling right and left of you —struck down?"

"Would you?" said Daisy. 

"Would I what?"

"Don't _you_ think it is hard, to do that?"

"Not just at the time, Daisy. It is a little tough afterwards, when one comes to think about it. It is hard to see fellowssuffer too, that one cannot help. "

Daisy hardly knew what to think of Captain Drummond. Hishandsome pleasant face looked not less gentle than usual, and_did_ look somewhat more sober. Daisy concluded it must besomething about a soldier's life that she could notunderstand, all this coolness with which he spoke of dreadfulthings. A deep sigh was the testimony of the differentfeelings of her little breast. Captain Drummond looked up ather. 

"Daisy, women are not called to be soldiers. "

Daisy passed that. 

"Have you told me all you can tell me, Captain Drummond?"

"I should not like to tell you all I could tell you. "

"Why? Please do! I want to know all about soldiers. "

He looked curiously at her. "After all, " he said, "it is notso bad as you think, Daisy. A good soldier does not find ithard to obey orders. "

"What sorts of orders does he have to obey?"

"All sorts. "

"But suppose they were wrong orders?"

"Makes no difference. "

"_Wrong_ orders?"

"Yes, " said Captain Drummond, laughing. "If it is something hecan do, he does it; if it is something he can't do, he loseshis head trying. "

"Loses his head, sir?"

"Yes — by a cannon ball; or his heart, by a musket ball; ormaybe he gets off with losing a hand or a leg; just as ithappens. That makes no difference, either. " He watched Daisyas he spoke, seeing a slight colour rise in her cheeks, andwondering what made the child's quiet grey eyes look at him sothoughtfully. 

"Captain Drummond, is he ever told to do anything he _can't_do?"

"A few years ago, Daisy, the English and the French werefighting the Russians in the Crimea. I happened to be there onbusiness, and I saw some things. An order was brought one dayto an officer commanding a body of cavalry — you know whatcavalry is?"

"Yes, I know. "

"The order was brought in — Hallo! what's that?" For a voicewas heard shouting at a little distance, "Drummond! Ho, Drummond! Where are you?"

"It's Mr. McFarlane!" said Daisy. "He'll come here. I'm verysorry. "

"Don't be sorry, " said the Captain. "Come, — let us disappointhim. He can't play hide and seek. "

He jumped up and caught Daisy's willing hand, with the otherhand caught up her shawl, and drew her along swiftly undercover of the trees and shrubbery towards the river, and awayfrom the voice they heard calling. Daisy half ran, half flew, it seemed to her; so fast the strong hand of her friend pulledher over the ground. At the edge of the bank that faced theriver, at the top of a very steep descent of a hundred feet ornear that, under a thick shelter of trees, Captain Drummondcalled a halt and stood listening. Far off, faint in thedistance, they could still hear the shout, — "Drummond! —where are you? Hallo!"

"We'll go down to the river, " said the Captain; "and he is toolazy to look for us there. We shall be safe. Daisy, this is aretreat — but it is not a hardship, is it?"

Daisy looked up delighted. The little face so soberlythoughtful a few minutes ago was all bright and flushed. TheCaptain was charmed too. 

"But we can't get down there, " — said Daisy, casting her eyedown the very steep pitch of the bank. 

"That is something, " said the Captain, "with which as asoldier you have nothing to do. All you have to do is to obeyorders; and the orders are that we charge down hill. "

"I shall go head first, then, " said Daisy, "or over and over. I couldn't keep my feet one minute. "

"Now you are arguing, " said the Captain; "and that showsinsubordination, or want of discipline. But we have got tocharge, all the same; and we'll see about putting you underarrest afterwards. "

Daisy laughed at him, but she could not conceive how theyshould get to the bottom. It was very steep, and strewn withdead leaves from the trees which grew thick all the way. Rolling down was out of the question, for the stems of thetrees would catch them; and to keep on their feet seemedimpossible. Daisy found, however, that Captain Drummond couldmanage what she could not. He took hold of her hand again; andthen — Daisy hardly believed it while she was doing it, — butthere she was, going down that bank in an upright position;not falling nor stumbling, though it is true she was notwalking neither. The Captain did not let her fall, and hisstrong hand seemed to take her like a feather over the stonesand among the trees, giving her flying leaps and bounds downthe hill along with him. How he went and kept his feetremained always a marvel to Daisy; but down they went, and atthe bottom they were in a trifle of time. 

"Do you think he will come down there after us?" said theCaptain. 

"I am sure he won't, " said Daisy. 

"So am I sure. We are safe, Daisy. Now I am your prisoner, andyou are my prisoner; and we will set each other at any work weplease. This is a nice place. "

Behind them was the high, steep, wooded bank, rising right up. Before them was a little strip of pebbly beach, and littlewavelets of the river washing past it. Beyond lay the broadstream, all bright in the summer sunshine, with the great bluehills rising up misty and blue in the distance. Nothing else;a little curve in the shore on each side shut them in from allthat was above or below near at hand. 

"Why, this is a fine place, " repeated the Captain. "Were youever here before?"

"Not in a long time, " said Daisy. "I have been here withJune. "

"June! Aren't we here with June now?"

"_Now?_ — Oh, I don't mean the month — I mean mamma's blackJune, " said Daisy, laughing. 

"Well, that is the first time I ever heard of a black June!"muttered the Captain. "Does she resemble her name or hercolour?"

"She isn't much like the month of June, " said Daisy. "I don'tthink she is a very cheerful person. "

"Then I wouldn't come here any more with her — or anywhereelse. "

"I don't, " said Daisy. "I don't go with her, or with anybodyelse — much. Only I go with Sam and the pony. "

"Where's Ransom. Don't he go with you?"

"Oh, Ransom's older, you know; and he's a boy. "

"Ransom don't know his advantages. This is pleasant, Daisy. Now let us see. What were you and I about?"

"You were telling me something, Captain Drummond. "

"What was it? Oh, I know. Daisy, you are under arrest, youknow, and sentenced to extra duty. The work you are toperform, is to gather as many of these little pebbles together— these white ones — as you can in five minutes. "

Daisy went to work; so did the Captain; and very busy theywere, for the Captain gathered as many pebbles as she did. Hemade her fetch them to a place where the little beach wasclean and smooth, and in the shadow of an overhanging treethey both sat down. Then the Captain, throwing off his cap, began arranging the white pebbles on the sand in somemysterious manner — lines of them here and lines of them there— whistling as he worked. Daisy waited with curious patience;watched him closely, but never asked what he was doing. Atlast he stopped, looked up at her, and smiled. 

"Well! —" he said. 

"What is it all, Captain Drummond?"

"This is your story, Daisy. "

"My story!"

"Yes. Look here — these rows of white stones are the Russians;— these brown stones are the English, " said he, beginning tomarshal another set into mysterious order some distance fromthe white stones. "Now what shall I do for some guns?"

Daisy, in a very great state of delight, began to make searchfor something that would do to stand for artillery; butCaptain Drummond presently solved the question by breakingsome twigs from the tree overhead and cutting them up intoinch lengths. These little mock guns he distributed liberallyamong the white stones, pointing their muzzles in variousdirections; and finally drew some lines in the sand which heinformed Daisy were fortifications. Daisy looked on; it wasbetter than a fairy tale. 

"Now Daisy, we are ready for action. This is the battle ofBalaklava; and these are part of the lines. An order wasbrought to an officer commanding a body of cavalry stationedup here — you know what cavalry is. "

"Yes, I know. "

"The order was brought to him to charge upon the enemy down_there_, — in a place where he could do no good and must be cutto pieces; — the enemy had so many guns in that place and hehad so few men to attack them with. The order was a mistake. He knew it was a mistake, but his General had sent it — therewas nothing for him to do but to obey. So he charged. "

"And his men?"

"Every one. They knew they were going to their death — andeverybody else knew it that saw them go — but they charged!"

"Did you see it, Captain Drummond?"

"I saw it. "

"And did they go to their death?" said Daisy, awe-stricken, for Captain Drummond's look said that he was thinking ofsomething it had been grave to see. 

"Why, yes. Look here, Daisy — here were cannon; there werecannon; there were more cannon; cannon on every side of thembut one. They went into death they knew, when they went inthere. "

"How many of them went there?"

"Six hundred. "

"Six hundred! — were they _all_ killed?"

"No. There were a part of them that escaped and lived to comeback. "

Daisy looked at the pebbles and the guns in profound silence. 

"But if the officer knew the order was a mistake, why must heobey it?"

"That's a soldier's duty, Daisy. He can do nothing but followorders. A soldier can't know, very often, what an order isgiven for; he cannot judge; he does not know what his Generalmeans to accomplish. All he has to think of is to obey orders;and if every soldier does that, all is right. "

What was little Daisy thinking of? She sat looking at herfriend the Captain. He was amused. 

"Well, Daisy — what do you think? — will it do? Do you thinkyou will stand it and be a soldier?"

Daisy hesitated a good deal, and looked off and on at theCaptain's face. Then she said very quietly, "Yes. "

"You will!" he said. "I wish you would join my branch of theservice. Suppose you come into my company?"

"Suppose you join mine?"

"With all my heart!" said the Captain, laughing; "if it is notinconsistent with my present duties. So you have enlistedalready? Are you authorised to receive recruits?"

Daisy shook her head, and did not join in his laugh. 

"Honestly, Daisy, tell me true; what did you want to knowabout soldiers for? I have answered you; now answer me. I amcurious. "

Daisy did not answer, and seemed in doubt. 

"Will you not honour me so far?"

Daisy hesitated still, and looked at the Captain more thanonce. But Captain Drummond was a great favourite, and hadearned her favour partly by never talking nonsense to her; agreat distinction. 

"I will tell you when we get back to the house, " she said, —"if you will not speak of it, Captain Drummond. "

The Captain could get no nearer his point; and he and Daisyspent a good while longer by the river-side, erectingfortifications and studying the charge of the Light brigade. 

CHAPTER VIII. 

GEOGRAPHY. 

The Captain was not able to claim Daisy's promise immediately. On their return to the house he was at once taken up with someof the older people, and Daisy ran off to her long delayeddinner. 

The next day in the course of her wanderings about thegrounds, which were universal, Daisy came upon her cousinPreston. He sat in the shade of a clump of larches under agreat oak, making flies for fishing; which occupation, like agentlemanly boy as he was, he had carried out there where thelitter of it would be in nobody's way. Preston Gary was a veryfine fellow; about sixteen, a handsome fellow, very spirited, very clever, and very gentle and kind to his little cousinDaisy. Daisy liked him much, and was more entirely free withhim perhaps than with any other person in the family. Herseeing him now was the signal for a joyous skip and boundwhich brought her to his side. 

"Oh, Preston, are you going fishing?"

"Perhaps — if I have a good day for it. "

"When?"

"To-morrow. "

"Who's going with you?"

"Nobody, I reckon. Unless you want to go, Daisy. "

"Oh, Preston, may I go with you? Where are you going?"

"Daisy, I'm bound for the Hillsdale woods, back of Crum Elbow— they say there are first-rate trout streams there; but I amafraid you can't go so far. "

"Oh, I can go anywhere, Preston! — with Loupe, you know. You're going to ride, aren't you?"

"Yes, but Loupe! What shall we do with Loupe? You see, I shallbe gone the whole day, Daisy — it's likely. You'd get tired. "

"Why, we could find somewhere to put Loupe — Sam could takecare of him. And I should like to go, Preston, if you think Iwould not frighten the fish. "

"Oh, if Sam's going along, that is another matter, " saidPreston. "You frighten the fish, Daisy! I don't believe youcan do that for anything. But I won't let you get intomischief. "

So it was settled, and Daisy's face looked delighted; and forsome time she and Preston discussed the plan, the fish, andhis flies. Then suddenly Daisy introduced another subject. 

"Preston, where is the Crimea?"

"The Crimea!" said Preston. 

"Yes; where the English and the French were fighting with theRussians. "

"The Crimea! Why, Daisy, don't you know where it is? You'llfind it in the Black Sea somewhere. "

Daisy hesitated. 

"But Preston, I don't know where the Black Sea is. "

"Why, Daisy, what has become of your geography?"

"I never had much, " said Daisy, humbly, and looking serious; —"and lately mamma hasn't wanted me to do anything but runabout. "

"Well, if you take the map of Europe, and set out from thenorth of Russia and walk down, you'll find yourself in theCrimea after a while. Just hold that, Daisy, will you. "

Daisy held the ends of silk he put in her fingers; but whilehe worked, she thought. Might it not be possible that a goodknowledge of geography might have something to do with the useor the improvement of her _talents?_ And if a knowledge ofgeography, why not also a knowledge of history, and ofarithmetic, and of everything! There could not be a reasonabledoubt of it. What would Preston be, — what would Mr. Dinwiddieor Captain Drummond be, — if they knew nothing? And by thesame reasoning, what would Daisy Randolph be? What could shedo with her talents, if she let them lie rusty with ignorance?Now this was a very serious thought to Daisy, because she didnot like study. She liked knowledge right well, if she couldget it without trouble, and if it was entertaining knowledge;but she did not think geography at all entertaining, norarithmetic. Yet — Daisy forgot all about Preston's artificialflies, and her face grew into a depth of sobriety. 

"Preston —" she began, slowly, — "is it hard?"

"Not just that, " said Preston, busy in finishing a piece ofwork, — "it is a little ticklish to stroke this into order —but it isn't hard, if you have the right materials, and knowhow. "

"Oh, no — I don't mean flies — I mean geography. "

"Geography!" said Preston. "Oh, you are at the Crimea yet, areyou? I'll show it to you, Daisy, when we go in. "

"Preston, is the use of geography only to know where placesare?"

"Well, that's pretty convenient, " said Preston. "Daisy, justlook for that bunch of grey silk — I had it here a minuteago. "

"But Preston, tell me what _is_ the use of it?"

"Why, my dear little Daisy — thank you! — you'd be all abroadwithout it. "

"All abroad!" exclaimed Daisy. 

"It comes to about that, I reckon. You wouldn't understandanything. How can you? Suppose I show you my pictures of theNorth American Indians — they'll be as good as Chinese to you, if you don't know geography. "

Daisy was silent, feeling puzzled. 

"And, " said Preston, binding his fly, "when you talk of theCrimea, you will not know whether the English came from theeast or the west, nor whether the Russians are not livingunder the equator and eating ripe oranges. "

"Don't they eat oranges?" said Daisy, seriously. But thatquestion set Preston off into a burst of laughter, for whichhe atoned as soon as it was over by a very gentle kiss to hislittle cousin. 

"Never mind, Daisy, " he said; "I think you are better withoutgeography. You aren't just like everybody else — that's afact. "

"Daisy, " said Captain Drummond, coming upon the scene, "do youallow such things?"

"It is Preston's manner of asking my pardon, CaptainDrummond, " Daisy answered, looking a little troubled, but inher slow, womanly way. The Captain could not help laughing inhis turn. 

"What offence has he been guilty of? — tell me, and I willmake him ask pardon in another manner. But, Daisy, do youreckon such a liberty no offence?"

"Not if I am willing he should take it, " said Daisy. 

The Captain seemed much amused. "My dear little lady!" hesaid, "it is good for me you are not half a score of yearswiser. What were you talking about the Crimea? — I heard theword as I came up. "

"I asked Preston to show it to me on the map — or he said hewould. "

"Come with me, and I'll do it. You shouldn't ask anybody butme about the Crimea. "

So getting hold affectionately of Daisy's hand, he and shewent off to the house. No one was in the library. The Captainopened a large map of Russia; Daisy got up in a chair, withher elbows on the great library table, and leaned over it, while the Captain drew up another chair and pointed out theCrimea and Sebastopol, and showed the course by which theEnglish ships had come, for Daisy took care to ask that. Then, finding so earnest a listener, he went on to describe to herthe situation of other places on the Peninsula, and thecharacter of the country, and the severities of the climate inthe region of the great struggle. Daisy listened, with hereyes varying between Captain Drummond's face and the map. TheBlack Sea became known to Daisy thence and forever. 

"I never thought geography was so interesting!" she remarkedwith a sigh, as the Captain paused. He smiled. 

"Now, Daisy, you have something to tell me, " he said. 

"What?" said Daisy, looking up suddenly. 

"Why, you wanted to know about soldiers — don't you rememberyour promise?"

The child's face all changed; her busy, eager, animated lookbecame on the instant thoughtful and still. Yet changed, asthe Captain saw with some curiosity, not to lesser but togreater intentness. 

"Well, Daisy?"

"Captain Drummond, if I tell you, I do not wish it talkedabout. "

"Certainly not!" he said, suppressing a smile, and watched herwhile she got down from her chair and looked about among thebook-shelves. 

"Will you please put this on the table for me?" she said — "Ican't lift it. "

"A Bible!" said the Captain to himself. "This is growingserious. " But he carried the great quarto silently and placedit on the table. It was a very large volume, fall ofmagnificent engravings, which were the sole cause andexplanation of its finding a place in Mr. Randolph's library. He put it on the table and watched Daisy curiously, who, disregarding all the pictures, turned over the leaveshurriedly, till near the end of the book; then stopped, puther little finger under some words, and turned to him. TheCaptain looked and read — over the little finger — "Thoutherefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. "

It gave the Captain a very odd feeling. He stopped, and readit two or three times over. 

"But Daisy!" — he said. 

"What, Captain Drummond?"

"What has this to do with what we were talking about?"

"Would you please shut this up and put it away, first. "

The Captain obeyed, and as he turned from the bookshelvesDaisy took his hand again, and drew him, child-fashion, out ofthe house and through the shrubbery. He let her alone till shehad brought him to a shady spot, where, under the thick growthof magnificent trees a rustic seat stood, in full view of thedistant mountains and the river. 

"Where is my answer, Daisy?" he said, as she let go his handand seated herself. 

"What was your question, Captain Drummond?"

"Now you are playing hide and seek with me. What have thosewords you showed me, — what have they to do with ouryesterday's conversation?"

"I would like to know, " said Daisy, slowly, "what it means, tobe a good soldier?"

"Why?"

"I think I have told you, " she said. 

She said it with the most unmoved simplicity. The Captaincould not imagine what made him feel uncomfortable. Hewhistled. 

"Daisy, you are incomprehensible!" he exclaimed, and, catchinghold of her hand, he began a race down towards the river. Sucha race as they had taken the day before. Through shade andthrough sun, down grassy steeps and up again, flying among thetrees as if some one were after them, the Captain ran; andDaisy was pulled along with him. At the edge of the woodswhich crowned the river bank, he stopped and looked at Daisywho was all flushed and sparkling with exertion and merriment. 

"Sit down there!" said he, putting her on the bank andthrowing himself beside her. "Now you look as you ought tolook!"

"I don't think mamma would think so, " said Daisy, panting andlaughing. 

"Yes, she would. Now tell me — do you call yourself asoldier?"

"I don't know whether there can be such little soldiers, " saidDaisy. "If there can be, I am. "

"And what fighting do you expect to do, little one?"

"I don't know, " said Daisy. "Not very well. "

"What enemies are you going to face?"

But Daisy only looked rather hard at the Captain, and made himno answer. 

"Do you expect to emulate the charge of the Light Brigade, insome tilt against fancied wrong?"

Daisy looked at her friend; she did not quite understand him, but his last words were intelligible. 

"I don't know, " she said, meekly. "But if I do, it will not bebecause the order is a _mistake_, Captain Drummond. "

The Captain bit his lip. "Daisy, " said he, "are you the onlysoldier in the family?"

Daisy sat still, looking up over the sunny slopes of groundtowards the house. 

The sunbeams showed it bright and stately on the higherground; they poured over a rich luxuriant spread of greenswardand trees, highly kept; stately and fair; and Daisy could nothelp remembering that in all that domain, so far as she knew, there was not a thought in any heart of being the sort ofsoldier she wished to be. She got up from the ground andsmoothed her dress down. 

"Captain Drummond, " she said, with a grave dignity that was atthe same time perfectly childish too, — "I have told you aboutmyself — I can't tell you about other people. "

"Daisy, you are not angry with me!"

"No, sir. "

"Don't you sometimes permit other people to ask your pardon inPreston Gary's way?"

Daisy was about to give a quiet negative to this proposal, when perceiving more mischief in the Captain's face than mightbe manageable, she pulled away her hand from him, and dashedoff like a deer. The Captain was wiser than to follow. 

Later in the day, which turned out a very warm one, he andGary McFarlane went down again to the edge of the bank, hopingto get if they could a taste of the river breeze. Lying therestretched out under the trees, after a little while they heardvoices. The voices were down on the shore. Gary moved hisposition to look. 

"It's that child — what under the sun is she doing! I begpardon for naming anything warm just now, Drummond — but sheis building fortifications of some sort, down there. "

Captain Drummond came forward too. Down below them, a littleto the right, where a tiny bend in the shore made a spot ofshade, Daisy was crouching on the ground apparently very busy. Back of her a few paces was her dark attendant, June. 

"There's energy, " said Gary. "What a nice thing it is to be achild and play in the sand!"

The talk down on the shore went on; June's voice couldscarcely be heard, but Daisy's words were clear — "Do, June!Please try. " Another murmur from June, and then Daisy — "Try, June — do, please!" The little voice was soft, but itsutterances were distinct; the words could be heard quiteplainly. And Daisy sat back from her sand-work, and June beganto sing something. _What_, it would have been difficult to tellat the top of the bank, but then Daisy's voice struck in. Withno knowledge that she had listeners, the notes came mountingup to the top of the bank, clear, joyous and strong, with asweet power that nobody knew Daisy's voice had. 

"Upon my word, that's pretty!" said the Captain. 

"A pretty thing, too, faith, " said Gary. "Captain, let's getnearer the performers. Look out, now, and don't strike towindward. "

They went, like hunters, softly down the bank, keeping undershelter, and winding round so as to get near before theyshould be seen. They succeeded. Daisy was intent upon hersand-work again, and June's back was towards them. The songwent on more softly; then in a chorus Daisy's voice rang outagain, and the words were plain. 

"Die in the field of battle, Die in the field of battle, Die in the field of battle, Glory in your view. "

"Spirited!" whispered Gary. 

"I almost think it is a Swedish war song, " said the Captain. "I am not sure. "

"Miss Daisy!" — said June — "the gentlemen —"

Daisy started up. The intruders came near. On the groundbeside her lay an open map of Europe; in the sand before hershe had drawn the same outlines on a larger scale. The shoregenerally was rough and pebbly; just in this little cove therewas a space of very fine sand, left wetted and adhesive by thelast tide. Here the battle of Inkermann had been fought, andhere Daisy's geography was going on. Captain Drummond, whoalone had the clue to all this, sat down on a convenient stoneto examine the work. The lines were pretty fairly drawn, andDaisy had gone on to excavate to some depth the whole area ofthe Mediterranean and Black Seas, and the region of theAtlantic to some extent; with the course of the larger riversdeeply indented. 

"What is all this gouging for, Daisy?" he said. "You wantwater here now, to fill up. "

"I thought when the tide came, Captain Drummond, I could letit flow in here, and see how it would look. "

"It's a poor rule that don't work both ways, " said theCaptain. "I always heard that 'time and tide wait for no man;'and we won't wait for the tide. Here Gary — make yourselfuseful — fetch some water here; — enough to fill two seas anda portion of the Atlantic Ocean. "

"What shall I bring it in, if you please?"

"Anything! — your hands, or your hat, man. Do impossibilitiesfor once. It is easy to see you are not a soldier. "

"The fates preserve me from being a soldier under you!" saidGary — "if that's your idea of military duty! What are yougoing to do while I play Neptune in a bucket. "

"I am going to build cities and raise up mountains. Daisy, suppose we lay in a supply of these little white stones, andsome black ones. "

While this was done, and Daisy looked delighted, Mr. McFarlaneseized upon a tin dipper which June had brought, and filled itat the river. Captain Drummond carefully poured out the waterinto the Mediterranean, and opened a channel through theBosphorus and Dardanelles, which were very full of sand, intothe Black Sea. Then he sent Gary off again for more; and beganplacing the pebbles. 

"What is that for, Captain Drummond?" asked Daisy. 

"These are the Alps — white, as they should be, for the snowalways lies on them. "

"Is it so cold there?"

"No, — but the mountains are so high. Their tops are alwayscold, but flowers grow down in the valleys. These are verygreat mountains, Daisy. "

"And what are those black ones, Captain Drummond?"

"This range is the Pyrιnιes — between France and Spain; — theyare great too, and beautiful. And here go the Carpathians —and here the Ural mountains, — and these must stand for theApennines. "

"Are they beautiful too?"

"I suppose so — but I can't say, never having been there. Nowwhat shall we do for the cities? As they are centres ofwealth, I think a three-cent piece must mark them. Hand over, Gary; I have not thrips enough. There is St. Petersburg — hereis Constantinople — here is Rome — now here is Paris. Hallo!we've no England! can't leave London out. Give me that spoon, Daisy —" and the Captain, as he expressed it, went to work inthe trenches. England was duly marked out, the channel filled, and a bit of silver planted for the metropolis of the world. 

"Upon my word!" said Gary, — "I never knew geography before. Ishall carry away some ideas. "

"Keep all you can get, " said the Captain. "Now, there'sEurope. "

"And here were the battles, " — said Daisy, touching the littlespot of wet sand which stood for the Crimea. 

"_The_ battles!" said Gary. "What battles?"

"Why, where the English and French fought the Russians. "

"_The_ battles! Shades of all the heroes! Why, Daisy, Europe hasdone nothing but fight for a hundred thousand years. Thereisn't a half inch of it that hasn't had a battle. See, _there_was one, — and there was another — tremendous; — and there, —and there, — and there, — and there, — and all over! Thislittle strip here that is getting swallowed up in theMediterranean — there has been blood enough shed on it to makeit red from one end to the other, a foot deep. That's becauseit has had so many great men belonging to it. "

Daisy looked at Captain Drummond. 

"It's pretty much so, Daisy, " he said; "all over the south ofEurope, at any rate. "

"Why over the south and not the north?"

"People in the north haven't anything to fight for, " saidGary. "Nobody wants a possession of ice and snow — more thanwill cool his butter. "

"A good deal so, Daisy, " said Captain Drummond, taking thesilent appeal of her eyes. 

"Besides, " continued Gary, "great men don't grow in the north. Daisy, I want to know which is the battle-field you are goingto die on. "

Daisy sat back from the map of Europe, and looked at Gary withunqualified amazement. 

"Well?" said Gary. "I mean it. "

"I don't know what you mean. "

"I hear you are going to die on the field of battle — and Iwant to be there that I may throw myself after you, as Douglasdid after the Bruce's locket; saying 'Go thou first, braveheart, as thou art wont, and I will follow thee!' "

"Daisy, " said the Captain, "you were singing a battle-song aswe came down the hill — that is what he means. "

"Oh! —" said Daisy, her face changing from its amazed look. But her colour rose, too, a little. 

"What was it?"

"That?" said Daisy. "Oh, that was a hymn. "

"A hymn!" shouted Gary. "Good! A hymn! That's glorious! Wheredid you get it, Daisy? Have you got a collection of Swedishwar-songs? They used to sing and fight together, I am told. They are the only people I ever heard of that did — exceptNorth American Indians. Where did you get it?"

"I got it from June. "

"June! what, by inspiration? June is a fine month, I know —for strawberries — but I had no idea —"

"No, no, " said Daisy, half laughing, — "I mean my June — thereshe is; I got it from her. "

"Hollo!" cried Gary. "Come here, my good woman — Powers ofDarkness! Is your name June?"

"Yes sir, if you please, " the woman said, in her low voice, dropping a courtesy. 

"Well, nobody offers more attractions — in a name, " said Gary;— "I'll say that for you. Where did you get that song yourlittle mistress was singing when we came down the hill? Canyou sing it?"

June's reply was unintelligible. 

"Speak louder, my friend. What did you say?"

June made an effort. "If you please, sir, I can't sing, " shewas understood to say. "They sings it in camp meeting. "

"In camp meeting!" said Gary. "I should think so! What's that!You see I have never been there, and don't understand. "

"If you please, sir — the gentleman knows" — June said, retreating backwards as she spoke, and so fast that she soongot out of their neighbourhood. The shrinking, gliding actionaccorded perfectly with the smothered tones and subdued faceof the woman. 

"Don't _she_ know!" said Gary. "Isn't that a character now? But, Daisy, are you turning Puritan?"

"I don't know what that is, " said Daisy. 

"Upon my word, you look like it! It's a dreadful disease, Daisy; — generally takes the form of — I declare I don't know!— fever, I believe, and delirium; and singing is one of thesymptoms. "

"You don't want to stop her singing?" said Captain Drummond. 

"That sort? yes I do. It wouldn't be healthy, up at the house. Daisy, sing that gipsy-song from 'The Camp in Silesia, ' that Iheard you singing a day or two ago. "

" 'The Camp in Silesia'?" said Captain Drummond. "Daisy, canyou sing _that?_"

"Whistles it off like a gipsy herself, " said Gary. "Daisy, sing it. "

"I like the other best, " said Daisy. 

But neither teasing nor coaxing could make her sing again, either the one or the other. 

CHAPTER IX. 

AFTER TROUT. 

It was bright morning, the pony-chaise at the door, and Daisyin it; standing to arrange matters. 

"Now, Daisy, have you got all in there? I don't believe it. "

"Why don't you believe it?"

"How much will that concern hold?"

"A great deal more than you want. There's a big box under allthe seat. "

"What have you got in it?"

Daisy went off into a laugh, such a laugh of glee as did herfather's heart good. Mr. Randolph was standing in the doorwayto see the expedition set forward. 

"What's the matter, Daisy?" he said. 

"Papa, he don't think anybody is a person of forethought buthimself. "

It was Preston's turn to laugh, and Mr. Randolph joined him. 

"Shows he don't know you, Daisy, as well as I do. When do youexpect to be home again?"

Mr. Randolph had come down to the side of the chaise, and waslooking with a very pleased face at what was in it. Daisy saidshe supposed they would stay till Preston had caught as manyfish as he wanted. 

"And won't you be tired before that?"

"Oh, no, papa! I am going to fish too. "

"I'll have all you catch, Daisy, — for my own eating!"

He bent his head down as he spoke, to kiss the littlefisherwoman; but Daisy, answering some unusual tenderness offace or manner, sprung up and threw her arms round his neck, and only released him after a very close pressure. 

"She is in a fair way to be cured of her morbid seriousness, "— Mr. Randolph thought as he saw the cavalcade set forth; and, well pleased, he went in to breakfast. Daisy and Preston hadbreakfasted already, before the family; and now were off tothe hills just as other people were stirring sugar into cupsof coffee. 

Preston led the way on a fine bay of his uncle's; taking goodgallops now and then to ease his own and his horse's spirits, and returning to go quietly for a space by the side of thepony-chaise. Loupe never went into anything more exciting thanhis waddling trot; though Daisy made him keep that up briskly. 

"What a thing it is, to have such short legs!" said Preston, watching the movements of the pony. 

"_You_ go over the road without seeing it, " said Daisy. 

"I don't want to see it. What I want to see is Hillsdale. "

"So do I; but I want to see everything. "

Preston smiled, he could not help it, at the very happy andbusy little face and spirit down in the pony-chaise. 

"What do you see, Daisy, that you have not seen a hundredtimes before?"

"That makes no difference, " said Daisy. "I have seen you ahundred times before. "

Preston laughed, set spurs to his horse, and went off foranother gallop. 

Daisy enjoyed her morning's drive. The light was clear and theair was fresh; Preston galloping before and Sam jogging onbehind; everything was fine! Then it was quite true that sheliked to see everything; those grey eyes of hers wereextremely busy. All the work going on in the fields hadinterest for her, and all the passers-by on the road. — Astrange interest, often, for Daisy was very apt to bewondering whether any of them knew and loved the name sheloved best; wondering who among all those rough-looking, unknown people, might be her fellow-servants. And with that athought which, if Mr. Randolph had known it, would havechecked his self-congratulations. He had not guessed what madethe clasp of Daisy's arms round his neck so close thatmorning. 

Till they passed through Crum Elbow everything had been, asPreston said, seen a hundred times before. A little way beyondthat everything became new. Mrs. Randolph's carriage nevercame that road. The country grew more rough and broken, andthe hills in their woody dress showed more and more near. 

"Do you see that break in the woods?" said Preston, pointingwith his whip; "that is where the brook comes out, — that iswhere we are going. "

"What time is it, Preston?"

"Time? — it is half past nine. What about it?"

"I'm hungry — that's all. I wanted to know what time it was. "

"Hungry! Oh, what a fisher you will make, Daisy! Can't standfasting for two hours and a half. "

"No, but Preston, I didn't eat much breakfast. And I've hadall this ride since. I am going to stand fasting; but I amgoing to be hungry too. "

"No, you aren't, " said Preston. "Just let Loupe take you up tothat little gate, will you? I'll see if we can leave thehorses here. Sam! — take this fellow!"

Preston jumped down from the saddle and went into the house, to the front yard of which the little gate opened. Daisylooked after him. It was a yard full of grass and weeds, amongwhich a few poppies and hollyhocks and balsams grew stragglingup where they could. Nothing kept them out of the path but thefoot-tread of the people that went over it; hoe and rake werenever known there since the walk was first made. The house wasa little, low, red-front house, with one small window on eachside the door. 

"All right!" said Preston, coming back. "Sam, take the horsesround to the barn; and bring the baskets out of the chaise-box, and wait at this gate for us. "

"Why is he to wait? where are we going?"

"Going in to get some breakfast. "

"_Here_, Preston? — Oh, I can't. "

"What's the matter?"

"I can't eat anything in there. I can wait. "

"Why, it looks clean, " said Preston; "room and table and womanand all. " — But Daisy still shook her head, and was not to bepersuaded; and Preston, laughing, went back to the house. Butpresently he came out again, bearing a tray in his hand, andbrought it to Daisy. On the tray was very nice looking brownand white bread, and milk and cheese and a platter ofstrawberries. Preston got into the chaise and set the tray onhis knees. After him had come from the house a woman in a fly-away cap and short-gown. She stood just inside the gate, leaning her arms on it. If she had not been there, perhapsDaisy would still have refused to touch the food; but she wasafraid of offending or hurting the woman's feelings; so firstshe tried a strawberry, and found it of rare flavour; for itwas a wild one; then she broke a morsel of bread, and that wasexcellent. Daisy discovered that breakfast in a pony-chaise, out in the air, was a very fine thing. So did Preston. 

"So you're agoin' afishin'?" said the woman at the gate. 

"Yes, ma'am, " Preston said. 

"And that little one too?"

"Certainly. "

"I declare! I never see nobody so little and gauzy as waswillin' to do such indelicate work! But I shouldn't wonder, now, if she was to catch some. Fishes — and all things — iscurious creeturs, and goes by contrairies. "

"Hope they won't to-day!" said Preston, who was eatingstrawberries and bread and milk at a great rate. 

"Where's the rest of your party?" the woman went on. 

"We're all here, ma'am, " said Preston. 

"Well, I see a horse there that haint nobody on top of him?"

"I was on top of him a little while ago, " said Preston. 

"Well, I expect that little creetur hain't druv herself?"

"Drove the pony, anyhow, " said Preston. "Now, ma'am, what dowe owe you, besides thanks, for your excellent hospitality?"

"I reckon you don't owe me much, " said the woman, as Prestongot out of the chaise. "You can set the tray in there on thetable, if you're a mind to. We always calculate to set a goodmeal, and we're allowed to; but we don't never calculate tolive by it, and we've no dispensary. There's only my husbandand me, and there's a plenty for more than us. "

Preston had handed the tray to Sam to carry in, and as soon ashe could get a chance bade good morning, and went forward withDaisy. On foot now they took their way to the woods, andpresently plunged into then. It was very pleasant under thedeep shade, for the sun had grown warm, and there was hardlyair enough to flutter the leaves in the high branches. ButDaisy and Preston pushed on briskly, and soon the gurgle ofthe brook gave its sweet sound to their ears. They followed upthe stream then, over stones and rocks, and crossing from sideto side on trunks of trees that had fallen across the water;till a part of the brook was reached far enough back among thehills to be wild and lonely; where the trout might be supposedto be having a good time. 

"Now, Daisy, " said Preston, "I think this will do. Can't havea better place. I'll try and get you to work here. "

"And now, how must I manage, Preston?" said Daisy, anxiously. 

"I'll show you. "

Daisy watched while Preston took out and put together thelight rod which she was to use, and fixed a fly for the bait. 

"Do you see that little waterfall, Daisy?"

"Yes. "

"And you see where the water curls round just under the fall?"

"Yes. "

"That is where you must cast your fly. I should think theremust be some speckled fellows there. What glory, Daisy, if youshould catch one!"

"Well, what must I do, Preston?"

"Throw your fly over, so that it may light just there, andthen watch; and if a fish jumps up and catches it, you pullyour line away and catch the fish. "

"But I can't throw it from here? I must go nearer. "

"No, you mustn't — you're near enough; stand just here. Try ifyou can't throw your fly there. If you went nearer, you wouldfrighten the fish. They are just about as shy as if they wereDaisies. Now I will go a little further off, and see what Ican do. You'll catch the first fish!"

"No, I shall not, " said Daisy, gravely. She tried with abeating heart to throw her line; she tried very hard. Thefirst time it landed on the opposite side of the brook. Thenext time it landed on a big stone this side of the waterfall. The third trial fastened the hook firmly in Daisy's hat. Invain Daisy gently sought to release it; she was obliged atlast to ask help of Sam. 

"That ar's no good, Miss Daisy, " said Sam, as he got the flyout of its difficulty. 

"If I could only throw it in, " said Daisy. And this time, witha very great effort she did succeed in swinging the bait by agentle motion to the very spot. No statue was more motionlessthan Daisy then. She had eyes and ears for nothing but thetrout in the brook. Minutes went by. The brook leaped and sangon its way the air brought the sweet odours of mosses andferns; the leaves flapped idly overhead; you could hear everylittle sound. For there sat Daisy, and there stood Sam, asstill as the stones. Time went by. At last a sigh came fromDaisy's weary little body, which she had not dared to move aninch for half an hour. 

"Tain't no good, Miss Daisy, " whispered Sam. 

"I can't keep it still, " said Daisy, under her breath, as ifthe fishes would hear and understand her. 

"Suppos'n you try t'other bait, Miss Daisy. "

"What bait?"

"Oh, t'other kind, Miss Daisy. Will I put it on for you totry?"

Daisy sat awhile longer, however, in silence and watching, until every joint was weary and her patience too. Then sheleft the rod in Sam's hands, and went up to see what Prestonwas doing. He was some distance higher up the stream. Slowlyand carefully Daisy crept near, till she could see his basket, and find out how much he had in it. That view loosed hertongue. 

"Not one yet, Preston!" she exclaimed. 

"Not a bite, " said Preston. 

"I hadn't either. "

"I don't believe that there are any fish, " said Preston. 

"Oh, but Sam said he saw lots of them. "

"Lots of them! It's the flies then. Sam! — Hollo, Sam! — Sam!—"

"Here, sir, " said Sam, coming up the brook. 

"Just find me some worms, will you? — and be spry. I can't geta bite. "

Daisy sat down to look about her, while Preston drew in hisline and threw the fly away. It was a pretty place! The brookspread just there into a round pool several feet across; deepand still; and above it the great trees towered up as if theywould hide the sun. Sam came presently with the bait. Prestondressed his hook, and gave his line a swing, to cast the baitinto the pool; rather incautiously, seeing that the treesstood so thick and so near. Accordingly the line lodged in thehigh branches of an oak on the opposite side of the pool. Neither was there any coaxing it down. 

"What a pity!" said Daisy. 

"Not at all, " said Preston. "Here, Sam — just go up that treeand clear the line — will you?"

Sam looked at the straight high stem of the oak, which hadshot up high before it put forth a single branch, and he didnot like the job. His slow motions said so. 

"Come!" said Preston, — "be alive and do it quick, will you. "

"He can't —" said Daisy. 

"Yes, he can, " said Preston. "If he can't, he isn't worth hisbread and salt. That's it, Sam — hand over hand, and you'll bethere directly. "

Sam showed what he _could_ do, if he did not like it; for heworked himself up the tall tree like a monkey. It was not solarge but he could clasp it; so after a little rough work onhis part, and anxious watching on Daisy's, he got to thebranches. But now the line was caught in the small forks atthe leafy end of the branch. Sam lay out upon it as far as hedared; he could not reach the line. 

"Oh, he'll fall!" cried Daisy, softly. "Oh, Preston, let himcome down! — he can't get it. "

"He'll come to no harm, " said Preston, coolly. "A littlefurther, Sam — it's oak wood, it will hold you; a littlefurther, and you will have it — a little further! —"

And Daisy saw that Sam had gone too far. The bough swayed, —Sam made a lunge after the line, lost his hold, and the nextminute his dark body was falling through the air and splashedinto the pool. The water flew all over the two fishers whostood by its side; Preston awe-struck for the moment, Daisywhite as death. But before either of them could speak or move, Sam's head reappeared above water. 

"Oh, get him out! get him out, Preston!" was Daisy'sdistressed cry. Preston spoke nothing, but he snatched a longstick that lay near, and held it out to Sam; and so in a fewminutes drew him to the shore and helped him out. Sam went toa little distance and stood dripping with water from head tofoot; he did not shake himself, as a Newfoundland dog wouldhave done. 

"Are you hurt, Sam?" said Preston. 

"No, sir —" Sam answered, in a tone as if he felt very wet. 

"Well, you've cleared the line for me at last, " said Preston. "All's well that ends well. Hollo! — here's my hook gone, —broken off, float and all. Where's that basket, Sam?"

"It's below, sir. "

"Below? where? just fetch it here, will you? This misfortunecan be mended. "

Sam moved off, dripping from every inch of him. 

"Oh, Preston, " said Daisy, "he's all wet as he can be — do lethim go right down to that house and dry himself! We can getthe basket. "

"Do him good to move about, " said Preston. "Nonsense, Daisy! —a ducking like that won't do anybody any harm in a summer'sday. "

"I don't think _you'd_ like it, " said Daisy; "and all hisclothes are full of water, and the sun don't come down here. Tell him to go and get dry!"

"I will, as soon as I've done with him. Here, Sam — just bendon this hook for me, while I see how the brook is further up. I've no time to lose, — and then you can go sun yourselfsomewhere. "

Preston bounded off; Sam stood with the tackle in hand, silently at work. Daisy sat still on a stone near by, lookingat him. 

"Were you hurt, Sam?" she asked, tenderly. 

"No, Miss Daisy. " This answer was not discontented, butstoical. 

"As soon as you have done that, Sam, run down to Mrs. Dipper's, and maybe she can give you something dry to put onwhile your clothes can be hung out. "

Silence on Sam's part. 

"Have you almost finished that?"

"Yes, ma'am. "

"Then run off, Sam! Make haste to Mrs. Dipper's and getyourself dry — and don't come back till you are quite dry, Sam. "

Sam finished his piece of work, flung down the line, and witha grateful "Thank you, Miss Daisy!" set off at a bound. Daisywatched him running at full speed down the brook till he wasout of sight. 

"Has he done it?" said Preston returning. "The rascal hasn'tput any bait on. However, Daisy, it's no use coaxing the troutin _this_ place at present — and I haven't found any other goodspots for some distance up; — suppose we have our lunch andtry again?"

"Oh, yes!" said Daisy. "The other basket is down by myfishing-place — it's just as pleasant there, Preston. "

They went back to the basket, and a very convenient huge rockwas found on the edge of the brook, which would serve fortable and seats too, it was so large and smooth. Preston tookhis place upon it, and Daisy at the other end with the basketbegan to unpack. 

"Napkins?" said Preston — "you have no right to be soluxurious on a fishing party. "

"Why not?"

"Why, because a fisher is a kind of a Spartan animal, while heis about his business. "

"What kind of an animal is that?" said Daisy, looking up fromher arrangements. 

She had set out a plate of delicate rolls, and another withbread and butter folded in a napkin; and still she paused withher hand in the basket. 

"Go on, Daisy. I want to see what comes next. "

"I don't know, " said Daisy. "Why, Joanna has made us a lemonpie!"

"Capital!" said Preston. "And what have you got in that dish?"

"I know, " said Daisy. "Joanna has put in some jelly for me. What sort of an animal is that, Preston?"

"It is a sort I shall not be to-day — with jelly and lemonpie. But what has Joanna put in for me? nothing but bread?"

"Why, there are sandwiches. "

"Where?"

"Why, there! Those rolls are stuffed with meat, Preston. "

"Splendid!" said Preston, falling foul of the rollsimmediately. "What sort of an animal is a Spartan? My dearlittle Daisy, don't you know?"

"I don't believe I know anything, " said Daisy, humbly. 

"Don't you want to?"

"Oh, yes, Preston! if I had anybody to help me, — I do. "

"Well — we'll see. How perfect these sandwiches are! whenone's hungry. "

"I am hungry too, " said Daisy. "I think the sound of the watermakes me hungry. Oh, I wish I had given Sam some! — I neverthought of it. How hungry he must be!"

"He'll get along, " said Preston, helping himself to anotherroll. 

"But how could I forget!" said Daisy. "And _he_ did not have asecond breakfast either. I am so sorry!" Daisy's hands fellfrom her own dainties. 

"There is nothing here fit for him, " said Preston. "I dare sayhe has his own pockets full. "

"They were full of water, the last thing, " said Daisy, quaintly. 

Preston could not help laughing. "My dear Daisy, " he said, "Ihope you are not getting soft-hearted on the subject ofservants?"

"How, Preston?"

"Don't; — because it is foolish. "

"But, Preston, " said Daisy, looking earnestly at his handsomepleasant face which she liked very much, "don't you know whatthe Bible says?"

"No. "

"It says, 'The rich and the poor meet together; the Lord isthe maker of them all. ' "

"Well, " said Preston, "that don't mean that He made them allalike. "

"Then, if they are not made alike, what is the difference?"

"Good gracious!" said Preston; "do you often ask suchquestions, Daisy? I hope you are not going to turn out a Mrs. Child, or a philanthropist, or anything of that sort?"

"I am not going to be a Mrs. Anybody, " said Daisy; "but whydon't you answer me?"

"Where did you get hold of those words?"

"What words?"

"Those words that you quoted to me about rich and poor. "

"I was reading them this morning. "

"In what?"

"Why, in the Bible of course, " said Daisy, with a little checkupon her manner. 

"This morning! Before we started! How came you to be readingthe Bible so early in the morning?"

"I like to read it. "

"Well, I'd take proper times for reading it, " said Preston. "Who set you to reading it at five o'clock in the morning?"

"Nobody. Oh, Preston, it was a great deal after five o'clock. What are proper times for reading it?"

"Are you going to cut that lemon pie? — or shall I? Daisy, Ithought you were hungry. What is the use of jelly, if youdon't eat it? You'll never catch fish at that rate. Fishersmust eat. "

"But, Preston, what do you mean by proper times for readingthe Bible?"

"Daisy, eat some lemon pie. It's capital. It melts in yourmouth. Joanna Underwood is an excellent woman!"

"But, Preston, what do you mean?"

"I don't mean you shall be religious, Daisy, if I can helpit. "

"What do you mean by being religious?"

"I declare!" said Preston, laughing at her grave little face, "I believe you've begun already. I am come in good time. Iwon't let you be anything but just what you ought to be, Daisy. Come — eat some jelly, or some pie, or something. "

"But, tell me then, Preston!" Daisy persisted. 

"It is something ridiculous, — and you would not wish to beridiculous. "

"I do not think I have ever seen ridiculous religious people, "said Daisy, steadily; "and they couldn't be ridiculous _because_they were religious. "

"Couldn't they?" said Preston. "Look out well, Daisy — I shallwatch you. But they won't like it much down at MelbourneHouse, Daisy. If I were you, I would stop before you begin. "

Daisy was silent. One thing was clear, she and Preston were atissue; and the value she set upon his favour was very high. She would not risk it by contending. Another thing was asclear, that Preston's last words were truth. Among heropposers, Daisy must reckon her father and mother, if she laidherself open at all to the charge of being "religious. " Andwhat opposition that would be, Daisy did not let herselfthink. She shrunk from it. The lunch was finished, and she sether attention to pack the remainder of the things back intothe basket. Suddenly she stopped. 

"Preston, I wish you to consider my words confidential. "

"Perfectly!" said Preston. 

"You are honourable, " — said Daisy. 

"Oh, Daisy, Daisy! you ought to have lived hundreds of yearsago! You have me under command. Come, " said he, kissing hergrave little face, "are all these things to go in here? Let mehelp — and then we will go up stream. "

He helped her with a delicate kind of observance which was notlike most boys of sixteen, and which Daisy fully relished. Itmet her notions. Then she went to get her fishing-rod whichlay fallen into the water. 

"Oh, Preston!" she exclaimed, "there is something on it! —it's heavy! — it's a fish!"

"It _is_ a fish!" repeated Preston, as a jerk of Daisy's linethrew it out high and dry on the shore — "and what's more, it's a splendid one. Daisy, you've done it now!"

"And papa will have it for breakfast! Preston, put it in apail of water till we come back. There's that tin pail — wedon't want it for anything — won't you. Oh, I have caughtone!"

It was done; and Daisy and Preston set off on a charming walkup the brook; but though they tried the virtue of their baitin various places, however it was, that trout was the only onecaught. Daisy thought it was a fine day's fishing. 

They found Sam, sound and dry, mounting guard over the tinpail when they came back to it. And I think Daisy held to herown understanding of the text that had been in debate; forthere was a fine portion of lemon pie, jelly, and sandwiches, laid by for him in the basket, and by Sam devoured with greatappreciation. 

CHAPTER X. 

A FIELD OF BATTLE. 

June came the next morning to dress her young mistress asusual. Daisy was not soon done with that business on thisparticular day; she would break off, half dressed, and go tolean out of her window. There was a honey-suckle below thewindow; its dewy sweet smell came up to her, and the breath ofthe morning was sweet beside in all the trees and leavesaround; the sun shone on the short turf by glimpses, where thetrees would let it. Daisy leaned out of her window. June stoodas often before, with comb and brush in hand. 

"Miss Daisy — it's late. "

"June, " said Daisy, — "it's Sunday. "

"Yes, ma'am. "

"It'll be hot too, " Daisy went on. "June, are you glad whenSunday comes?"

"Yes ma'am, " said June, shifting her position a little. 

"I am, " said Daisy. "Jesus is King to-day. To be sure, He isKing always; but to-day _everything_ is His. "

"Miss Daisy, you won't be dressed. "

Daisy drew her head in from the window, and sat down to submitit to June's brush; but she went on talking. 

"What part of the Bible do you like best to read, June. "

"Miss Daisy, will you wear your white muslin to-day — or theone with blue spots?"

"White. But tell me, June — which part of the Bible do youlike best?"

"I like where it tells about all they had to go through, " —June answered, rather unwillingly. 

"They? — who?"

"The people, Miss Daisy — Christians, I s'pose. "

"What did they have to go through?"

"Things, ma'am, " said June, very confusedly. "Miss Daisy, please don't turn your head round. "

"But what things? and what for? Where is it, June?"

"I can't tell — I can find it for you, Miss Daisy. But youwon't be ready. "

June, however, had to risk that and find the chapter; and thenDaisy read perseveringly all through the rest of her dressing, till it was finished. All the while June was fastening herfrock, and tying her sash, and lacing her boots, Daisy stoodor sat with the Bible in her hands and her eyes on theeleventh of Hebrews. 

"June, I wonder when all this happened?"

"A great while ago, it's likely, Miss Daisy — but it's good toread now" — June added, but half distinctly, as it was hermanner often to speak. Daisy was accustomed to her, and heardit. She did not answer except by breaking out into the chorusshe had learnt from June: —

"Die in the field of battle, Die in the field of battle, Die in the field of battle, Glory in your view!"

"Miss Daisy — I wouldn't sing that in the house, " Juneventured. For the child's voice, clear and full, raised thesweet notes to a pitch that might have been heard at leastthrough several of the large rooms. Daisy hushed her song. 

The trout was to be for breakfast, and Daisy, when she wasquite ready, went gaily down to see if it would be approved. Her father was engaged to eat it all, and he held to hispromise; only allowing Daisy herself to share with him; and onthe whole Daisy and he had a very gay breakfast. 

"It is too hot to do anything, " said Mrs. Randolph, as thetrout was very nearly reduced to a skeleton. "I shall not goto church this morning. "

A shade passed over Daisy's face, but she did not look towardsher mother. 

"If you do not, I can't see why I should, " said Mr. Randolph. "The burden of setting a good example lies upon you. "

"Why?" said his wife, quickly. 

"Nobody will know whether _I_ am there or not. "

"Nobody will know that I am there at any rate, " the ladyrejoined. "The heat will be insufferable. " Mrs. Gary declaredherself of the same opinion. 

An hour after, Daisy came into her mother's room. 

"Mamma, may I go to church with Joanna?"

"It's too hot, Daisy. "

"No, mamma — I don't mind it. I would like to go. "

"Children don't mind anything! Please yourself. But how areyou going?"

"On foot, mamma; under the shade of the trees. It is nice andshady, all the way. "

"It is enough to kill you! But go. "

So Daisy's great flat set off alongside of Miss Underwood'sSunday gown to walk to church. They set out all right, on theway to the church by the evergreens. Preston Gary was a gooddeal surprised to find them some time later in another part ofthe grounds, and going in a different direction. 

"Where are you bound, Daisy. " he asked. 

"To church, Preston. "

"Church is the other way. "

"Yes, but Mr. Pyne is sick, and the church is closed, and weare going over to that little church on the other side of theroad. "

"Why, that is a dissenting chapel, isn't it?"

"There's no more dissent amongst 'em than there is among otherfolks!" broke in Miss Underwood, with a good deal ofexpression. "I wish all other folks and churches was aspeaceable and kept as close to their business! Anyhow, it's achurch, and the other one won't let us in. "

Preston smiled and stepped back, and to Daisy's satisfactionthey met with no further stay. They got to the little church, and took their places in the very front; that place was empty, and Joanna said it was the only one that she could see. Thehouse was full. It was a plain little church, very neat, butvery plain compared with what Daisy was accustomed to. So werethe people. These were not rich people, not any of them, shethought. At least there were no costly bonnets, nor exquisitelace shawls, nor embroidered muslin dresses among them; andmany persons that she saw looked absolutely poor. Daisy, however, did not see this at first; for the service beganalmost as soon as they entered. 

Daisy was very fond of the prayers always in church, but sheseldom could make much of the sermon. It was not so to-day. Inthe first place, when the prayers and hymns were over, andwhat Daisy called "the good part" of the service was done, herastonishment and delight were about equal to see Mr. Dinwiddiecome forward to speak. It is impossible to tell how glad Daisywas; even a sermon she thought she could relish from his lips;but when he began, she forgot all about it's being a sermon. Mr. Dinwiddie was talking to her and to the rest of thepeople; that was all she knew; he was not looking down at hisbook, he was looking at them; his eyes were going rightthrough hers. And he did not speak as if he was preaching; hisvoice sounded exactly as it did every day out of church. Itwas delightful. Daisy forgot all about it's being a sermon, and only drank in the words with her ears and her heart, andnever took her eyes from those bright ones that every now andthen looked down at her. For Mr. Dinwiddie was telling of Him"who though He was rich yet for our sakes became poor. " Hetold how rich He was, in the glories and happiness of heaven, where everything is perfect and all is His. And then he toldhow Jesus made Himself poor; how He left all that glory andeverything that pleased Him; came where everything displeasedHim; lived among sin and sinners; was poor, and despised, andrejected, and treated with every shame, and at last shamefullyput to death and His dead body laid in the grave. All thisbecause He loved us; all this because He wanted to make usrich, and without His death to buy our forgiveness there wasno other way. "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but thatHe loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for oursins. "

Daisy forgot even Mr. Dinwiddie in thinking of that wonderfulOne. She thought she had never seen before how good He is, orhow beautiful; she had never felt how loving and tender Jesusis in His mercy to those that seek Him, and whom _He_ came toseek first; she never saw "the kindness and love of God ourSaviour" before. As the story went on, again and again Daisywould see a cloud or mist of tears come over the brightness ofthose brilliant eyes; and saw the lips tremble; and Daisy'sown eyes filled and ran over, and her cheeks were wet withtears, and she never knew it!

But when Mr. Dinwiddie stopped, she was so full of gladness inher little heart, — gladness that this beautiful Saviour lovedher and that she loved Him, that although if she _could_ havebeen sorry, she would have been very sorry that the sermon wasover, she was not; she could be nothing but glad. 

She thought they were going home then, after the hymn wassung; but in her thoughts she had missed some words not spokenby Mr. Dinwiddie. And now she perceived that not only it wassacrament day, which she had seen before; but further, thatthe people who would not share in that service were going, andthat Miss Underwood was staying, and by consequence she muststay too. Daisy was pleased. She had never in her life, as ithappened, seen the observance of this ordinance; and she had, besides a child's curiosity, a deep, deep interest in all thatChristians are accustomed to do. Was she not one?

Mr. Dinwiddie had spoken about the service and the purpose ofit; he explained how the servants of Christ at His commandtake the bread and wine in remembrance of Him and what He hasdone for them; and as a sign to all the world that theybelieve in Him and love Him, and wait for Him to come again. Now some prayers were made, and there were spoken some gravewords of counsel and warning, which sounded sweet and awful inDaisy's ears; and then the people came forward, a part ofthem, and knelt around a low railing which was before thepulpit. As they did this, some voices began to sing a hymn, ina wonderfully sweet and touching music. Daisy was exceedinglyfond of every melody and harmony that was worthy the name; andthis — plaintive, slow, simple — seemed to go not only throughher ears, but down to the very bottom of her heart. They sangbut a verse and a chorus; and then, after an interval, whenthose around the railings rose and gave place to others, theysang a verse and a chorus again; and this is the chorus thatthey sang. It dwelt in Daisy's heart for many a day; but I cannever tell you the sweetness of it. 

"Oh, the Lamb! the loving Lamb!The Lamb on Calvary;The Lamb that was slain, but lives again, To intercede for me. "

It seemed to Daisy a sort of paradise while they were singing. Again and again, after a pause the notes measuredly rose andfell; and little Daisy who could take no other open part inwhat was going on, responded to them with her tears. Nobodywas looking, she thought; nobody would see. 

At last it was all done; the last verses were sung; the lastprayers spoken; the little crowd turned to go. Daisy, standingbehind Joanna in the front place, was obliged to wait till theaisle was clear. She had turned too when everybody else did, and so was standing with her back to the pulpit, when a handwas laid on her shoulder. The next minute Daisy's littlefingers were in Mr. Dinwiddie's clasp, and her face waslooking joyfully into his. 

"Daisy — I am glad to see you. "

Another look, and a slight clasp of her little fingers, answered him. 

"I wish you had been with us just now. "

"I am too little —" was Daisy's humble and regretful reply. 

"Nobody is too little, who is old enough to know what Jesushas done and to love Him for it, and to be His servant. Do youlove Him, Daisy?"

"Yes, Mr. Dinwiddie. "

A very soft, but a very clear answer; and so was the answer ofthe eyes raised to his. To Daisy's great joy, he did not letgo her hand when they got out of the church. Instead of that, keeping it fast, he allowed Miss Underwood to go on a littlebefore them, and then he lingered with Daisy along the shady, overarched walks of Melbourne grounds, into which theypresently turned. Mr. Dinwiddie lingered purposely, and letJoanna get out of hearing. Then he spoke again. 

"If you love Jesus, you want to obey Him, Daisy. "

"Yes, Mr. Dinwiddie!"

He felt the breathless manner of her answer. 

"What will you do, little one, when you find that to obey Him, you may have a great deal of hard fighting to go through?"

"I'll die on the field of battle, Mr. Dinwiddie. "

He looked at her a little curiously. It was no child's boast. Her face was quiet, her eye steady; so had her tone been. Itwas most unlike Daisy to make protestations of feeling; justnow she was speaking to the one person in the world who couldhelp her, whom in this matter she trusted; — speaking to him, maybe, for the last time, she knew; and moreover Daisy's heartwas full. She spoke as she might live years and not do again, when she said, —

"I'll die on the field of battle. "

"That is as the Lord pleases, " returned Mr. Dinwiddie; "buthow will you _fight_, Daisy? you are a weak little child. Thefight must be won, in the first place. "

"Please tell me, Mr. Dinwiddie. "

He sat down on a bank, and drew Daisy down beside him. 

"In the first place, you must remember that you are theLord's, and that everything you have belongs to Him; so thatHis will is the only thing to be considered in every case. Isit so, Daisy. "

"Yes, Mr. Dinwiddie! But tell me what you mean by 'everythingI have. ' That is what I wanted to know. "

"I will tell you presently. In the next place — whenever youknow the Lord's will, don't be afraid, but trust Him to helpyou to do it. He always will, — He always can. Only trust Him, and don't be afraid. "

"Yes, Mr. Dinwiddie!" Daisy said; but with a gleam on her facewhich even then reflected the light of those words. 

"That's all, Daisy. "

"Then, Mr. Dinwiddie, please tell me what you mean by'everything. ' "

"If you love the Lord, Daisy, you will find out. "

"But I am afraid I don't know, Mr. Dinwiddie, what all mytalents are. "

"He is a wise man that does. But if you love the Lord Jesuswith all your heart, you will find that in everything you doyou can somehow please Him, and that He is first to bepleased. "

They looked into each other again, those two faces, withperfect understanding; grateful content in the child's eyes, watchful tenderness in those of Mr. Dinwiddie, through alltheir keenness and brightness. Then he rose up and offered hishand to Daisy; just said 'good bye, ' and was gone. He turnedoff another way, Daisy followed Miss Underwood's steps. ButJoanna had got to the house long before she reached it; andDaisy thought herself very happy that nobody saw her come homealone. She got to her own room in safety. 

Daisy's heart was full of content. That day was the King's, tobe sure; the very air seemed to speak of the love of Jesus, and the birds and the sunshine and the honeysuckle repeatedthe song of "The Lamb on Calvary. " There was no going tochurch a second time; after luncheon, which was Daisy'sdinner, she had the time all to herself. She sat by her ownwindow, or sometimes she lay down — for Daisy was not verystrong yet — but sitting or lying, and whatever she was doing, the thought that that King was hers, and that Jesus loved her, made her happy; and the hours of the day rolled away as brightas its own sunshine. 

"Well, mouse, " said her mother, when Daisy came down to tea, —where have you been? What a mouse you are!"

"Intelligent — for a lower order of quadrupeds, " said Mr. McFarlane. 

"The day has been insufferable!" said Mrs. Randolph. "Have youbeen asleep, Daisy?"

"No, mamma. "

"You were lying down?"

"Yes, mamma. "

Daisy had drawn up close to her mother —who had thrown an armround her. The family were gathered in the library; thewindows open, the fresh air coming faintly in; the lightfading but no lamps needed yet. 

"I am glad the day is over!" said Mrs. Gary. "This morning Idid not know how I was going to live through it. There is alittle freshness now. Why is it always so much hotter onSundays than on any other day?"

"Because you think about it, " said Mr. Randolph, who wasmoving from window to window, setting the glass doors wideropen. 

"There is nothing else to think about, " said Mrs. Randolphwith a yawn. "Gary, do bring me a cup of tea. "

"You ought to think about your evil deeds, " said Mr. McFarlane, obeying the command. "Then you would have enough. "

"_You_ would, you mean. "

"I know it. I speak from experience. I tried it once, for awhole afternoon; and you've no idea how good tea-time was whenit came!"

"What _could_ set you about such a piece of work, Gary?" saidhis hostess, laughing. 

"Conscience, my dear, " said her sister. "I am not at allsurprised. I wonder if anybody has been to church to-day?"

"I am sorry for the clergyman, if anybody has, " remarked Gary. 

Mrs. Randolph's arm had slipped from Daisy, and Daisy slippedaway from her mother's sofa to the table; where she clippedsponge biscuits in milk, and wondered at other people'sSundays. A weight seemed settling down on her heart. She couldnot bear to hear the talk; she ate her supper, and then satdown on the threshold of one of the glass doors that lookedtowards the west, and watched the beautiful colours on theclouds over the mountains; and softly sung to herself the tuneshe had heard in the morning. So the colours faded away, andthe light, and the dusk grew on, and still Daisy sat in thewindow-door, humming to herself. She did not know that GaryMcFarlane had stolen up close behind her and gone away again. 

He went away just as company came in; some gay neighbours whofound the evening tempting, and came for a little diversion. Lamps were lit, and talking and laughing went round, till Mrs. Randolph asked where Daisy was. 

"In the window, singing to the stars, " Gary McFarlanewhispered. "Do you know, Mrs. Randolph, how she can sing?"

"No, — how? She has a child's voice. "

"But not a child's taste or ear, " said Gary. "I heard her theother day warbling the gypsy song in 'The Camp in Silesia, 'and she did it to captivation. Do, Mrs. Randolph, ask her tosing it. I was astonished. "

"Do!" said Captain Drummond; and the request spread and becamegeneral. 

"Daisy —" said Mrs. Randolph. Daisy did not hear; but the callbeing repeated, she came from her window, and after speakingto the strangers, whom she knew, she turned to her mother. Theroom was all light and bright and full of gay talkers. 

"Daisy, " said her mother, "I want you to sing that gypsy songfrom the 'Camp in Silesia. ' Gary says you know it — so he isresponsible. Can you sing it?"

"Yes, ma'am. "

"Then sing it. Never mind whether you succeed or not; that isof no consequence. "

"Mamma, " began Daisy. 

"Well, what?"

Daisy was in great confusion. What to say to her mother shedid not know. 

"No matter how you get along with it, " repeated Mrs. Randolph. "That is nothing. "

"It isn't that, mamma, — but —"

"Then sing. No more words, Daisy; sing. "

"Mamma, please don't ask me!"

"I _have_ asked you. Come Daisy — don't be silly. "

"Mamma, " whispered Daisy, trembling, "I will sing it any othernight but to night!"

"To-night? what's to-night?"

"To-night is Sunday. "

"And is that the reason?"

Daisy stood silent, very much agitated. 

"I'll have no nonsense of the kind, Daisy. Sing immediately!"But Daisy stood still. 

"Do you refuse me?"

"Mamma —" said Daisy, pleadingly. 

"Go and fetch me a card from the table. "

Daisy obeyed. Mrs. Randolph rapidly wrote a word or two on itwith a pencil. 

"But where is the gypsy?" cried Gary McFarlane. 

"She has not found her voice yet. Take that to your father, Daisy. "

Daisy's knees literally shook under her as she moved acrossthe room to obey this order. Mr. Randolph was sitting at somedistance talking with one of the gentlemen. He broke off whenDaisy came up with the card. 

"What is it your mother wishes you to sing?" he inquired, looking from the writing to the little bearer. Daisy answeredvery low. 

"A gypsy-song from an opera. "

"Can you sing it?"

"Yes, sir. "

"Then do so at once, Daisy. "

The tone was quiet but imperative. Daisy stood with eyes castdown, the blood all leaving her face to reinforce someattacked region. She grew white from second to second. 

"It is the charge of the Light Brigade, " said Captain Drummondto himself. He had heard and watched the whole proceeding, andhad the key to it. He thought good-naturedly to suggest toDaisy an escape from her difficulty, by substituting for theopera song something else that she _could_ sing. Rising andwalking slowly up and down the room, he hummed near enough forher to hear and catch it, the air of "Die in the field ofbattle. " Daisy heard and caught it, but not his suggestion. Itwas the thought of the _words_ that went to her heart, — not thethought of the tune. She stood as before, only clasped herlittle hands close upon her breast. Captain Drummond watchedher. So did her father, who could make nothing of her. 

"Do you understand me, Daisy?"

"Papa —"

"Obey me first, and then talk about it. "

Daisy was in no condition to talk; she could hardly breathethat one word. She knew the tone of great displeasure in herfather's voice. He saw her condition. 

"You are not able to sing at this minute, " said he. "Go toyour room — I will give you ten minutes to recover yourself. Then, Daisy, come here and sing — if you like to be at peacewith me. "

But Daisy did not move; she stood there, with her two handsclasped on her breast. 

"Do you mean that you will not?" said Mr. Randolph. 

"If it wasn't Sunday, papa —" came from Daisy's parted lips. 

"Sunday?" said Mr. Randolph — "is that it? Now we know wherewe are. Daisy — do you hear me? — turn about and sing yoursong. Do not give me another refusal!"

But Daisy stood, growing paler and paler, till the whitenessreached her lips, and her father saw that in another minuteshe would fall. He snatched her from the floor, and placed herupon his knee with his arm round her; but though consciousthat she was held against his breast, Daisy was conscious toothat there was no relenting in it; she knew her father; andher deadly paleness continued. Mr. Randolph saw that therewould be no singing that night, and that the conflict betweenDaisy and him must be put off to another day. Making excuse tothose near, that she was not well, he took his little daughterin his arms, and carried her up stairs to her own room. Therehe laid her on the bed and rang for June, and staid by hertill he saw her colour returning. Then without a word he lefther. 

Meanwhile Captain Drummond, downstairs, had taken a quiet seatin a corner; his talking mood having deserted him. 

"Did I ever walk up to the cannon's mouth like that?" he saidto himself. 

CHAPTER XI. 

THE WOUNDED HAND. 

Daisy kept herself quite still while her father and June werepresent. When Mr. Randolph had gone downstairs, and June, seeing her charge better, ventured to leave her to get somebrandy and water, then Daisy seized that minute of being aloneto allow herself a few secret tears. Once opened, the fountainof tears gushed out a river; and when June came back Daisy wasin an agony which prevented her knowing that anybody was withher. In amaze, June set down the brandy and water, and lookedon. She had never in her life seen Daisy so. It distressedher; but though June might be called dull, her poor wits werequick to read some signs; and troubled as she was, she calledneither Daisy's father nor her mother. The child's state wouldhave warranted such an appeal. She never heard June'stremulous "Don't, Miss Daisy!" She was shaken with the senseof the terrible contest she had brought on herself; andgrieved to the very depths of her tender little heart that shemust bear the displeasure of her father and her mother. Shestruggled with tears and agitation until she was exhausted, and then lay quiet, panting and pale, because she had nostrength to weep longer. 

"Miss Daisy, " said June, "drink this. "

"What is it?"

"It is brandy and water. It is good for you. "

"I am not faint. I don't like it. "

"Miss Daisy, please! You want something. It will make you feelbetter and put you to sleep. "

Disregarding the tumbler which June offered, Daisy slowlycrawled off the bed, and went and kneeled down before her openwindow, crossing her arms on the sill. June followed her, witha sort of submissive pertinacity. 

"Miss Daisy, you want to take some of this, and lie down andgo to sleep. "

"I don't want to go to sleep. "

"Miss Daisy, you're weak — won't you take a little of this, tostrengthen you a bit?"

"I don't want it, June. "

"You'll be sick to-morrow. "

"June, " said Daisy, "I wish a chariot of fire would come forme!"

"Why, Miss Daisy?"

"To take me right up. But I shall not be sick. You needn't beafraid. You needn't stay. "

June was too much awed to speak, and dared not disobey. Shewithdrew; and in her own premises stood as Daisy was doing, looking at the moonlight; much wondering that storms shouldpass over her little white mistress such as had often shakenher own black breast. It was mysterious. 

Daisy did not wish to go to sleep; and it was for fear sheshould, that she had crawled off the bed, trembling in everylimb. For the same reason she would not touch the brandy andwater. Once asleep, the next thing would be morning and wakingup; she was not ready for that. So she knelt by the window, and felt the calm glitter of the moonlight, and tried to pray. It was long, long since Daisy had withstood her father ormother in anything. She remembered the last time; she knew nowthey _would_ have her submit to them, and now she thought shemust not. Daisy dared not face the coming day. She would haveliked to sit up all night; but her power of keeping even uponher knees was giving way when June stole in behind her, toouneasy to wait for Daisy's ring. 

"Miss Daisy, you'll be surely sick to-morrow, and Mis'Randolph will think I ought to be killed. "

"June, didn't the minister say this morning —"

"What minister?"

"Oh, it wasn't you, — it was Joanna. Where is Joanna? I wantto see her. "

"Most likely she's going to bed, Miss Daisy. "

"No matter — I want to see her. Go and tell her, June — nomatter if she is in her night-gown, — tell her I want to speakto her one minute. "

June went, and Daisy once more burst into tears. But shebrushed them aside when Joanna came back with June a fewminutes after. 

"Joanna — didn't the minister say this morning, that when weare doing what Jesus tells us, He will help us through?"

"It's true, " said Joanna, looking startled and troubled at thepale little tear-stained face lifted to her; — "but I don'tjust know as that minister said it this morning. "

"Didn't he?"

"Why, it's true, Miss Daisy; for I've heard other ministerssay it; but that one this morning was preaching aboutsomething else — don't you know?"

"Was he? Didn't he say that?"

"Why, no, Miss Daisy; he was preaching about how rich —"

"Oh, I know!" said Daisy — "I remember; yes, it wasn't then —it was afterwards. Yes, he said it — I knew it —but it wasn'tin his sermon. Thank you, Joanna — that's all; I don't wantyou any more. "

"What ails her?" whispered Joanna, when June followed her outwith a light. 

But June knew her business better than to tell her littlemistress's secrets; and her face showed no more of them thanit showed of her own. When she returned, Daisy was on herknees, with her face hidden in her hands, at the foot of thebed. 

June stopped; and the little white figure there looked soslight, the attitude of the bended head was so childlike andpitiful, that the mulatto woman's face twinkled and twitchedin a way most unwonted to its usual stony lines. She neverstirred till Daisy rose up and submissively allowed herself tobe put to bed; and then waited on her with most reverentgentleness. 

So she did next morning. But Daisy was very pale, and trembledfrequently, June noticed; and, when she was dressed, sat downpatiently by the window. She was not going down to breakfast, she told June; and June went away to her own breakfast, veryill satisfied. 

Breakfast was brought up to Daisy, as she expected; and thenshe waited for her summons. She could not eat much. The tearswere very ready to start, but Daisy kept them back. It did notsuit her to go weeping into her father and mother's presence, and she had self-command enough to prevent it. She could notread; yet she turned over the pages of her Bible to find somecomfort. She did not know or could not remember just where tolook for it; and at last turned to the eleventh of Hebrews, and with her eye running over the record there of what hadbeen done and borne for Christ's sake, felt her own littleheart beating hard in its own trial. 

June came at length to call her to her mother's room. 

Mrs. Randolph was half lying on a couch, a favourite position;and her eye was full on Daisy as she came in. Daisy stopped ata little distance; and June took care to leave the door ajar. 

"Daisy, " said Mrs. Randolph, "I want in the first place anexplanation of last night's behaviour. "

"Mamma, I am very sorry to have offended you!" said Daisy, pressing both hands together upon her breast to keep herselfquiet. 

"Looks like it, " said Mrs. Randolph; and yet she did see andfeel the effect of the night's work upon the child. "Go on; —tell me why you disobeyed me last night. "

"It was Sunday —" said Daisy, softly. 

"Sunday! — well, what of that? what of Sunday?"

"That song — wasn't a Sunday song. "

"What do you mean by a Sunday song?"

"I mean" — Daisy was on dangerous ground, and she knew it, —"I mean, one of those songs that God likes to hear people singon His day. "

"Who is to be judge?" said Mrs. Randolph, — "you or I?"

"Mamma, " said Daisy, "I will do everything else in the worldyou tell me!"

"You will have to do everything else and this too. Isn't therea commandment about children obeying their mothers. "

"Yes, ma'am. "

"That is the very first commandment I mean you shall obey, "said Mrs. Randolph, rousing herself enough to bring one footto the floor. "You have no business to think whether a thingis right or wrong, that I order you to do; if I order it, thatmakes it right; and anybody but a fool would tell you so. Youwill sing that song from the 'Camp in Silesia' for me nextSunday evening, or I will whip you, Daisy — you may dependupon it. I have done it before, and I will again; and you knowI do not make believe. Now go to your father. "

"Where is he, mamma?" said Daisy, with a perceptible addedpaleness in her cheek. 

"I don't know. In the library, I suppose. "

To the library Daisy went, with trembling steps, in greatuncertainty what she was to expect from her father. It waslikely enough that he would say the same as her mother, andinsist on the act of submission to be gone through nextSunday; but Daisy had an inward consciousness that her fatherwas likely to come to a point with her sooner than that. Itcame even sooner than she expected. 

Mr. Randolph was pacing up and down the library when Daisyslowly opened the door. No one else was there. He stopped whenshe came in, and stood looking at her as she advanced towardshim. 

"Daisy, you disobeyed me last night. "

"Yes, papa, — but —"

"I have but one answer for that sort of thing, " said Mr. Randolph, taking a narrow ruler from the library table. 

"Give me your hand!"

Daisy gave it, with a very vague apprehension of what he wasabout to do. The sharp, stinging stroke of the ruler the nextmoment upon her open palm, made her understand verythoroughly. It drew from her one cry of mixed pain and terror;but after that first forced exclamation Daisy covered her facewith her other hand, and did not speak again. Tears, that shecould not help, came plentifully; for the punishment wassufficiently severe, and it broke her heart that her fathershould inflict it; but she stood perfectly still, only for theinvoluntary wincing that was beyond her control, till her handwas released and the ruler was thrown down. Heart and headbowed together then, and Daisy crouched down on the floorwhere she stood, unable either to stand or to move a stepaway. 

"There! that account's settled!" said Mr. Randolph, as heflung down his ruler. And the next moment his hands camesoftly about Daisy, and lifted her from the floor and placedher on his knee; and his arms were wrapped tenderly round her. Daisy almost wished he had let her alone; it seemed to herthat her sorrow was more than she could bear. 

"Is your heart almost broken?" said Mr. Randolph, softly, ashe felt rather than heard the heavy sobs so close to him. Butto speak was an impossibility, and so he knew, and did notrepeat his question; only he held Daisy fast, and it was inhis arms that she wept out the first overcharged fulness ofher heart. 

It was a long time before she could quiet those heavy sobs;and Mr. Randolph sat quite still holding her. 

"Is your heart quite broken?" he whispered again, when hejudged that she could speak. Daisy did not speak, however. Sheturned, and rising upon her knees, threw her arms round herfather's neck, and hid her soft little head there. If tearscame Mr. Randolph could not tell; he thought his neck was wetwith them. He let her alone for a little while. 

"Daisy —"

"Papa. "

"Can you talk to me?"

Daisy sank back into her former position. Her father put hislips down to hers for a long kiss. 

"That account is settled, " said he; "do you understand? NowDaisy, tell me what was the matter last night. "

"Papa, it was Sunday night. "

"Yes. Well?"

"And that song — that mamma wanted me to sing" — Daisy spokevery low, — "was out of an opera; and it was good for anyother day, but not for Sunday. "

"Why not?"

Daisy hesitated, and at last said, "It had nothing to do withSunday, papa. "

"But obedience is not out of place on Sunday, is it?"

"No, papa, — except —"

"Well, except what?"

"Papa, if God tells me to do one thing, and you tell meanother, what shall I do?" Daisy had hid her face in herfather's breast. 

"What counter command have you to plead in this case?"

"Papa, may I show it to you?"

"Certainly. "

She got down off his lap, twinkling away a tear hastily, andwent to the bookcase for the big Bible aforesaid. Mr. Randolphseeing what she was after, and that she could not lift it, went to her help, and brought it to the library table. Daisyturned over the leaves with fingers that trembled yet, hastily, flurriedly; and paused and pointed to the words thather father read, "Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbathday. "

Mr. Randolph read them, and the words following, and the wordsthat went before; then he turned from them, and drew Daisy toher place in his arms again. 

"Daisy, there is another commandment there, 'Honour thy fatherand thy mother. ' Is there not ?"

"Yes, papa. "

"Is not one command as good as the other?"

"Papa, I think not, " said Daisy. "One command tells me to obeyyou, — the other tells me to obey God. "

Childish as the answer was, there was truth in it; and Mr. Randolph shifted his ground. 

"Your mother will not be satisfied without your obeying thelesser command — nor shall I!"

Silence. 

"She will expect you to do next Sunday evening what yourefused to do last evening. "

Still silence, but a shiver ran over Daisy's frame. 

"Do you know it?" said Mr. Randolph, noticing also thatDaisy's cheek had grown a shade paler than it was. 

"Papa — I wish I could die!" was the answer of the child'sagony. 

"Do you mean that you will not obey her, Daisy?"

"How can I, papa? how can I!" exclaimed Daisy. 

"Do you think that song is so very bad, Daisy?"

"No, papa, it is very good for other days; but it is notholy. " Her accent struck strangely upon Mr. Randolph's ear;and sudden contrasts rushed together oddly in his mind. 

"Daisy, do you know that you are making yourself a judge ofright and wrong? over your mother and over me?"

Daisy hid her face again in his breast; what could she answer?Mr. Randolph unfolded the little palm, swollen and blisteredfrom the marks of his ruler. 

"Why did you offend me, Daisy?" he said, gravely. 

"Oh, papa!" said Daisy, beside herself, — "I didn't — Icouldn't — I wouldn't, for anything in the world! but Icouldn't offend the Lord Jesus!"

She was weeping again bitterly. 

"That will not do, " said Mr. Randolph. "You must find a way toreconcile both duties. I shall not take an alternative. " Butafter that he said no more, and only applied himself tosoothing Daisy; till she sat drooping in his arms, but stilland calm. She started when the sound of steps and voices cameupon the verandah. 

"Papa, may I go?"

He let her go, and watched her measured steps through the longroom to the door, and heard the bound they made as soon as shewas outside of it. He rang the bell and ordered June to becalled. She came. 

"June, " said Mr. Randolph, "I think Daisy wants to be takencare of to-day — I wish you would not lose sight of her. "

June courtesied her obedience. 

A few minutes afterwards her noiseless steps entered Daisy'sroom. June's footfall was never heard about the house. Asnoiseless as a shadow she came into a room; as stealthily as adark shadow she went out. Her movements were always slow; andwhether from policy or caution originally, her tread would notwaken a sleeping mouse. So she came into her little mistress'schamber now. Daisy was there, at her bureau, before an opendrawer; as June advanced, she saw that a great stock of littlepairs of gloves was displayed there, of all sorts, new andold; and Daisy was trying to find among them one that would dofor her purpose. One after another was tried on the fingers ofher right hand, and thrown aside; and tears were running overthe child's cheeks and dropping into the drawer all the time. June came near, with a sort of anxious look on her yellowface. It was strangely full of wrinkles and lines, thatgenerally never stirred to express or reveal anything. Suddenly she exclaimed, but June's very exclamations were in asmothered tone —

"Oh, Miss Daisy! what have you done to your hand?"

"I haven't done anything to it, " said Daisy, trying furtivelyto get rid of her tears, — "but I want a glove to put on, June, and they are all too small. Is Cecilia at work here to-day?"

"Yes, Miss Daisy; but let me look at your hand! — let me putsome liniment on. "

"No, I don't want it, " said Daisy; and June saw the suppressedsob that was not allowed to come out into open hearing; — "butJune, just rip that glove, will you, here in the side seam;and then ask Cecilia to make a strip of lace-work there — sothat I can get it on. " Daisy drew a fur glove over the woundedhand as she spoke — it was the only one large enough — and puton her flat hat. 

"Miss Daisy, Mr. Randolph said I was to go with you anywhereyou went —to take care of you. "

"Then come down to the beach, June; I'll be there. "

Daisy stole down stairs and slipped out of the first door shecame to. What she wanted was to get away from seeing anybody;she did not wish to see her mother, or Preston, or CaptainDrummond, or Ransom; and she meant even if possible to wanderoff and not be at home for dinner. She could not bear thethought of the dinner-table, with all the faces round it. Shestole out under the shrubbery, which soon hid her from view ofthe house. 

It was a very warm day, the sun beating hot wherever it couldtouch at all. Daisy went languidly along under cover of thetrees, wishing to go faster, but not able, till she reachedthe bank. There she waited for June to join her, and togetherthey went down to the river shore. Safe there from pursuit, onsuch a day, Daisy curled herself down in the shade with herback against a stone, and then began to think. She felt verymiserable; not merely for what had passed, but for a longstretch of trouble that she saw lying before her. Indeed whereor how it was to end, Daisy had no idea. Her father indeed, she felt pretty sure would not willingly allow his orders tocome in conflict with what she thought her duty; though if hehappened to do it unconsciously, — Daisy would not follow thattrain of thought. But here she was now, at this moment, engaged in a trial of strength with her mother; very unequal, for Daisy felt no power at all for the struggle, and yet shecould not yield!

Where was it to end? and how many other like occasions ofdifference might arise, even after this one should somehowhave been settled? Had the joy of being a servant of Jesus sosoon brought trouble with it? Daisy had put the trunk of alarge tree between her and June; but the mulatto woman, whereshe sat, heard the stifled sobs of the child. June's items ofintelligence, picked up by eye and ear, had given her by thistime an almost reverent feeling towards Daisy; she regardedher as hardly earthly; nevertheless, this sort of distressmust not be suffered to go on, and she was appointed toprevent it. 

"Miss Daisy — it is luncheon time, " she said, without moving. Daisy gave no response. June waited, and then came before herand repeated her words. 

"I am not going in. "

"But you want your dinner, Miss Daisy. "

"No, I don't, June. I don't want to go in. "

June looked at her a minute. "I'll get you your luncheon outhere, Miss Daisy. You'll be faint for want of something toeat. Will you have it out here?"

"You needn't say where I am, June. "

June went off, and Daisy was left alone. Very weary andexhausted, she sat leaning her head against the stone at herside, in a sort of despairing quiet. The little ripple of thewater on the pebbly shore struck her ear; it was the firstthing eye or ear had perceived to be pleasant that day. Daisy's thoughts went to the hand that had made the glitteringriver, with all its beauties and wonders; then they went towhat Mr. Dinwiddie had said, that God will help His peoplewhen they are trying to do any difficult work for Him; He willtake care of them; He will not forsake them. Suddenly itfilled Daisy's soul like a flood, the thought that Jesus lovesHis people; that she was His little child and that He lovedher; and all His wisdom and power and tenderness were roundher and would keep her. Her trouble seemed to be gone, or itwas like a cloud with sunlight shining all over it. The veryair was full of music, to Daisy's feeling, not her sense. There never was such sunlight, or such music either, as thisfeeling of the love of Jesus. Daisy kneeled down by the rock, and rested her forehead against it, to pray for joy. 

She was there still, when June came back, and stopped andlooked at her, a vague expression of care sitting in her blackeyes, into which now an unwonted moisture stole. June had abasket, and as soon as Daisy sat down again, she came up andbegan to take things out of it. She had brought everything forDaisy's dinner. There was a nice piece of beefsteak, just offthe gridiron; and rice and potatoes; and a fine bowl ofstrawberries for dessert. June had left nothing; there was theroll and the salt, and a tumbler and a carafe of water. Sheset the other things about Daisy, on the ground and on therock, and gave the plate of beefsteak into her hand. 

"Miss Daisy, what will you do for a table?"

"It's nicer here than a table. How good you are, June. Ididn't know I wanted it. "

"I know you do, Miss Daisy. "

And she went to her sewing, and sewed perseveringly, whileDaisy eat her dinner. 

"June, what o'clock is it. "

"It's after one, ma'am. "

"You haven't had your own dinner?"

June mumbled something, of which nothing could be understoodexcept that it was a general abnegation of all desire ornecessity for dinner on her own part. 

"But you have not had it?" said Daisy. 

"No, ma'am. They've done dinner by this time. "

"June, I have eaten up all the beefsteak — there is nothingleft but some potato, and rice, and strawberries; but youshall have some strawberries. "

June in vain protested. Daisy divided the strawberries intotwo parts, sugared them both, broke the remaining roll in two, and obliged June to take her share. When this was over, Daisyseated herself near June, and laid her head against her knee. She could hardly hold it up. 

"June, " — she said presently, "I think those people in theeleventh chapter of Hebrews — you know. "

"Yes, Miss Daisy. "

"I think they were very happy, because they knew that Jesusloved them. "

June made no audible answer; she mumbled something; and Daisysat still. Presently her soft breathing made June look over ather; Daisy was asleep. In her hand, in her lap, lay a book. June looked yet further, to see what book it was. It was Mr. Dinwiddie's Bible. 

June sat up and went on with her work, but her face twitched. 

CHAPTER XII. 

THE HUNDRED DOLLARS. 

Daisy was at the dinner-table. After having a good sleep onJune's knee, she had come home, and dressed as usual, and shewas in her place when the dessert was brought on. Mr. Randolph, from his distant end of the table, watched her alittle; he saw that she behaved just as usual; she did notshun anybody, though her mother shunned her. A glove coveredher right hand, yet Daisy persisted in using that hand ratherthan attract notice, though from the slowness of her movementsit was plain it cost her some trouble. Gary McFarlane askedwhy she had a glove on, and Mr. Randolph heard Daisy'sperfectly quiet and true answer, that "her hand was wounded, and had to wear a glove, " — given without any confusion orevasion. He called his little daughter to him, and giving hera chair by his side, spent the rest of his time in crackingnuts and preparing a banana for her; doing it carelessly, notas if she needed but as if it pleased him to give her hisattention. 

After dinner, Daisy sought Preston, who was out on the lawn, as he said, to cool himself; in the brightness of the settingsun to be sure, but also in a sweet light air which wasstirring. 

"Phew! it's hot. And you, Daisy, don't look as if the sun andyou had been on the same side of the earth to-day. What do youwant now?"

"I want a good talk with you, Preston. "

"I was going to say 'fire up, ' " said Preston, "but, no, don'tdo anything of that sort! If there is any sort of talking thathas a chilly effect, I wish you'd use it. "

"I have read of such talk, but I don't think I know how to doit, " said Daisy. "I read the other day of somebody's being'frozen with a look. '

Preston went off into a fit of laughter, and rolled himselfover on the grass, declaring that it was a splendid idea; thenhe sat up and asked Daisy again what she wanted? Daisy cast aglance of her eye to see that nobody was too near. 

"Preston, you know you were going to teach me. "

"Oh ay! — about the Spartans. "

"I want to learn everything, " said Daisy. "I don't know much. "

Preston looked at the pale, delicate child, whose doubtfulhealth he knew had kept her parents from letting her "knowmuch"; and it was no wonder that when he spoke again, he useda look and manner that were caressing, and even tender. 

"What do you want to know, Daisy?"

"I want to know everything, " whispered Daisy; "but I don'tknow what to begin at. "

"No!" said Preston, — " 'everything' seems as big as the world, and as hard to get hold of. "

"I want to know geography, " said Daisy. 

"Yes. Well — you shall. And you shall not study for itneither; which you can't. "

"Yes I can. "

"No you can't. You are no more fit for it, little Daisy — butlook here! I wish you would be a red daisy. "

"Then what else, Preston?"

"Nothing else. Geography is enough at once. "

"Oh, no, it isn't. Preston, I can't do the least little bit ofa sum in the world. "

"Can't you? Well — I don't see that that is of any very greatconsequence. What sums do _you_ want to do?"

"But I want to know how. "

"Why?"

"Why, Preston, you know I _ought_ to know how. It might be veryuseful, and I ought to know. "

"I hope it will never be of any use to you, " said Preston;"but you can learn the multiplication table if you like. "

"Then will you show it to me?"

"Yes; but what has put you in such a fever of study, littleDaisy? It excites me, this hot weather. "

"Then won't you come in and show me the multiplication tablenow, Preston?"

In came Preston, laughing, and found an arithmetic for Daisy;and Daisy, not laughing, but with a steady seriousness, satdown on the verandah in the last beams of the setting sun tolearn that "twice two is four. "

The same sort of sweet seriousness hung about all hermovements this week. To those who knew what it meant, therewas something extremely touching in the gentle gravity withwhich she did everything, and the grace of tenderness whichshe had for everybody. Daisy was going through great trouble. Not only the trouble of what was past, but the ordeal of whatwas to come. It hung over her like a black cloud, and herfears were like muttering thunder. But the sense of right, thelove of the Master in whose service she was suffering, thetrust in His guiding hand, made Daisy walk with that strange, quiet dignity between the one Sunday and the other. Mr. Randolph fancied sometimes when she was looking down, that hesaw the signs of sadness about her mouth; but whenever shelooked up again, he met such quiet, steady eyes, that hewondered. He was puzzled; but it was no puzzle that Daisy'scheeks grew every day paler, and her appetite less. 

"I do not wish to flatter you" — said Mrs. Gary, one evening —"but that child has very elegant manners! Really, I think theyare very nearly perfect. I don't believe there is an Englishcourt beauty who could show better. "

"The English beauty would like to be a little more robust inher graces, " remarked Gary McFarlane. 

"That is all Daisy wants, " her aunt went on; "but that willcome, I trust, in time. "

"Daisy would do well enough, " said Mrs. Randolph, "if shecould get some notions out of her head. "

"What, you mean her religious notions? How came she by them, pray?"

"Why, there was a person here — a connexion of Mrs. Sandford's— that set up a Sunday school in the woods; and Daisy went toit for a month or two, before I thought anything about it, orabout him. Then I found she was beginning to ask questions, and I took her away. "

"Is asking questions generally considered a sign of danger?"said Gary McFarlane. 

"What was that about her singing the other night?" said Mrs. Gary — "that had something to do with the same thing, hadn'tit?"

"Refused to sing an opera song because it was Sunday. "

"Ridiculous!" said Mrs. Gary. "I'll try to make her see it soherself — if I get a chance. She is a sensible child. "

Mr. Randolph was walking up and down the room, and had notspoken a word. A little time after, he found himself nearlyalone with Mrs. Randolph, the others having scattered away. Hepaused near his wife's sofa. 

"Daisy is failing, " he said. "She has lost more this week thanshe had gained in the two months before. "

Mrs. Randolph made no answer, and did not even move herhandsome head, or her delicate hands. 

"Can't you get out of this business, Felicia?"

"In the way that I said I would. You expect your words to beobeyed, Mr. Randolph; and I expect it for mine. "

Mr. Randolph resumed his walk. 

"Daisy has got some things in her head that must get out ofit. I would as lieve not have a child, as not to have her mindme. "

Mr. Randolph passed out upon the verandah, and continuing hiswalk there, presently came opposite the windows of thelibrary. There he saw Daisy seated at the table, reading. Herhand was over her brow, and Mr. Randolph did not feelsatisfied with the sober lines of the little mouth upon whichthe lamplight shone. Once, too, Daisy's head went down uponher book, and lay there a little while. Mr. Randolph did notfeel like talking to her just then, or he would have liked togo in and see what she was studying. But while he stoodopposite the window, Captain Drummond came into the library. 

"You here, Daisy! What are you busy about?" he said, kindly. "What are you studying now?"

"I am reading the History of England, Captain Drummond. "

"How do you like it?"

"I have not got very far. I do not like it very much. "

"Where are you?"

"I have just got to where it tells about Alfred. "

"Why do you read it, Daisy? Is it a lesson?"

"No, Captain Drummond, — but — I think proper to read it. "

"It is proper, " said the Captain. "Come, Daisy, suppose we godown on the sand-beach to-morrow, and we will play out theSaxon Heptarchy there as we played out the Crimea. Shall we?"

Daisy's face changed. "Oh, thank you, Captain Drummond! — thatwill be nice! Shall we?"

"If you will, I will, " said the Captain. 

Mr. Randolph moved away. 

The next day, after luncheon, Daisy followed her father whenhe left the table. She followed till they were got quite awayfrom other ears. 

"Papa, I would like to go to Mrs. Harbonner's again. You saidI must not go without leave. "

"Who is Mrs. Harbonner?"

"Papa, it is the place where I took the ham, — do youremember? Joanna has enquired about her, and found that she isrespectable. "

"What do you want to go there again for, Daisy?"

"Joanna has found some work for her, papa. She would not havethe ham unless she could work to pay for it. I want to see herto tell her about it. "

Mr. Randolph had it on his tongue to say that somebody elsemight do that; but looking down at Daisy, the sight of thepale face and hollow eyes stopped him. He sat down, and drewDaisy up to his side. 

"I will let you go. "

"Thank you, papa!"

"Do you know, " said Mr. Randolph, "that your mother is goingto ask you to sing that song again when Sunday evening comes?"

The smile vanished from Daisy's face; it grew suddenly dark;and a shuddering motion was both seen and felt by Mr. Randolph, whose arm was round her. 

"Daisy, " said he, not unkindly, "do you know that I think youa little fool?"

She lifted her eyes quickly, and in their meeting with herfather's there was much — much that Mr. Randolph felt withoutstopping to analyse, and that made his own face as suddenlysober as her own. There was no folly in that quick grave lookof question or appeal; it seemed to carry the charge inanother direction. 

"You think it is not right to sing such a song on a Sunday?"he asked. 

"No, papa. "

"But, suppose, by singing it, you could do a great deal ofgood, instead of harm. "

"How, papa?"

"I will give you a hundred dollars for singing it, — which youmay spend as you please for all the poor people aboutMelbourne or Crum Elbow. "

It was very singular to him to see the changes in Daisy'sface. Light and shadow came and went with strugglingquickness. He expected her to speak, but she waited forseveral minutes; then she said in a troubled voice, "Papa, Iwill think of it. "

"Is that all, Daisy?" said Mr. Randolph, disappointed. 

"I am going to Mrs. Harbonner's, papa, and I will think, andtell you. "

Mr. Randolph was inclined to frown and suspect obstinacy; butthe meek little lips which offered themselves for a kissdisarmed him of any such thought. He clasped Daisy in hisarms, and gave her kisses, many a one, close and tender. If hehad known it, he could have done nothing better for thesuccess of his plan; under the pressure of conscience Daisycould bear trouble in doing right, but the argument ofaffection went near to trouble her conscience. Daisy wasobliged to compound for a good many tears, before she couldget away and begin her drive. And when she did, her mind wasin a flutter. A hundred dollars! how much good could be donewith a hundred dollars. Why, would it not be right to dosomething, even sing such a song on Sunday, when it was sungfor such a purpose and with such results? But Daisy could notfeel quite sure about it; while at the same time the prospectof getting quit of her difficulties by this means — escapingher mother's anger, and the punishment with which it was sureto be accompanied, and also pleasing her father — shookDaisy's very soul. What should she do? She had not made up hermind when she got to the little brown house where Mrs. Harbonner lived. 

She found mother and daughter both in the little bare room;the child sitting on the floor and cutting pieces of calicoand cloth into strips, which her mother was sewing togetherwith coarse thread. Both looked just as when Daisy had seenthem before — slim and poor and uncombed; but the room wasclean. 

"I thought you warn't coming again, " said Mrs. Harbonner. 

"I couldn't come till to-day, " said Daisy, taking a chair. "Icame as soon as I could. " Partly from policy, partly becauseshe felt very sober, she left it to Mrs. Harbonner to do mostof the talking. 

"I never see more'n a few folks that thought much of doingwhat they said they'd do — without they found their ownaccount in it. If I was living in a great house, now, I'd havefolks enough come to see me. "

Daisy did not know what answer to make to this, so she madenone. 

"I used to live in a better house once, " went on Mrs. Harbonner; "I didn't always use to eat over a bare floor. Iwas well enough, if I could ha' let well alone; but I made amistake, and paid for it; and what's more, I'm paying for ityet. 'Taint _my_ fault, that Hephzibah sits there cuttin' rags, instead of going to school. "

Again Daisy did not feel herself called upon to decide on themistakes of Mrs. Harbonner's past life; and she sat patientlywaiting for something else that she could understand. 

"What are you come to see me for now?" said the lady. "Isuppose you're going to tell me you haven't got no work for meto do, and I must owe you for that ham?"

"I have got something for you to do, " said Daisy. "The boy hasgot it at the gate. The housekeeper found some clothes to make— and you said that was your work. "

"Tailoring, " said Mrs. Harbonner. "I don't know nothing aboutwomen's fixtures, — except what'll keep me and Hephzibah abovethe savages. I don't suppose I could dress a doll so's itwould sell. "

"This is tailoring work, " said Daisy. "It is a boy's suit —and there will be more to do if you like to have it. "

"Where is it? at the gate, did you say? Hephzibah, go andfetch it in. Who's got it?"

"The boy who is taking care of the horses. "

"I declare, have you got that little covered shay there again?— it's complete! I never see a thing so pretty! And Hephzibahsays you drive that little critter yourself. Ain't youafraid?"

"Not at all, " said Daisy. "The pony won't do any harm. "

"He looks skeery, " said Mrs. Harbonner. "I wouldn't trust him. What a tremendous thick mane he's got! Well, I s'pect you haveeverything you want, don't you?"

"Of such things —" said Daisy. 

"That's what I meant. Gracious! I s'pose every one of us haswishes — whether they are in the air or on the earth. Wishesis the butter to most folks' bread. Here, child. "

She took the bundle from Hephzibah, unrolled it, and examinedits contents with a satisfied face. 

"What did _you_ come along with this for?" she said, suddenly, to Daisy. "Why didn't you send it?"

"I wanted to come and see you, " said Daisy, pleasantly. 

"What ails you? You ain't so well as when you was herebefore, " said Mrs. Harbonner, looking at her narrowly. 

"I am well, " said Daisy. 

"You ain't fur from bein' something else then. I supposeyou're dyin' with learning — while my Hephzibah can't getschooling enough to read her own name. That's the way theworld's made up!"

"Isn't there a school at Crum Elbow?" said Daisy. 

"Isn't there! And isn't there a bench for the rags? No, myHephzibah don't go to show none. "

Mrs. Harbonner was so sharp and queer, though not unkindlytowards herself, that Daisy was at a loss how to go on; and, moreover, a big thought began to turn about in her head. 

"Poverty ain't no shame, but it's an inconvenience, " said Mrs. Harbonner. "Hephzibah may stay to home and be stupid, whenshe's as much right to be smart as anybody. That's what I lookat; it ain't having a little to eat now and then. "

"Melbourne is too far off for her to get there, isn't it?"said Daisy. 

"What should she go there for?"

"If she could get there, " said Daisy, "and would like it, — Iwould teach her. "

"_You_ would?" said Mrs. Harbonner. "What would you learn her?"

"I would teach her to read, " said Daisy, colouring a little;"and anything else I could. "

"La, she can read, " said Mrs. Harbonner, "but she don't knownothing, for all that. Readin' don't tell a person much, without he has books. I wonder how long it would hold out, ifyou begun? — 'Taint no use to begin a thing and then not goon. "

"But could she get to Melbourne?" said Daisy. 

"I don't know. Maybe she can. Who'd she see at your house?"

"Nobody, but the man at the lodge, or his mother. "

"Who's that?"

"He's the man that lives in the lodge, to open the gate. "

"Open the gate, hey? Who pays him for it?"

"Papa pays him, and he lives in the lodge. "

"I shouldn't think it would take a man to open a gate. Why, Hephzibah could do it as well as anybody. "

Daisy did not see the point of this remark, and went on. "Hephzibah wouldn't see anybody else, but me. "

"Well, I believe you mean what you say, " said Mrs. Harbonner, "and I hope you will when you're twenty years older — but Idon't believe it. I'll let Hephzibah come over to you onSundays— I know she's jumpin' out of her skin to go — sheshall go on Sundays, but I can't let her go other days, 'causeshe's got work to do; and anyhow it would be too fur. Whattime would you like to see her?"

"As soon as it can be after afternoon church, if you please. Icouldn't before. "

"You're a kind little soul!" said the woman. "Do you likeflowers?"

Daisy said yes. The woman went to a back door of the room, and, opening it, plucked a branch from a great rosebush thatgrew there. 

"We hain't but one pretty thing about this house, " said she, presenting it to Daisy, — "but that's kind o' pretty. "

It was a very rich and delicious white rose, and the branchwas an elegant one, clustered with flowers and buds. Daisygave her thanks and took leave. 

"As we have opportunity, let us do good unto all men. " Therewas a little warm drop of comfort in Daisy's heart as shedrove away. If she could not go to Sunday-school herself, shemight teach somebody else, yet more needy; that would be thenext best thing. Sunday afternoon — it looked bright to Daisy;but then her heart sank; Sunday evening would be near. Whatshould she do? She could not settle it in her mind what wasright; between her mother's anger and her father's love, Daisycould not see what was just the plumb-line of duty. Singingwould gain a hundred dollars' worth of good; and not singingwould disobey her mother and displease her father; but thencame the words of one that Daisy honoured more than father andmother — "Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day;" andshe could not tell what to do. 

CHAPTER XIII. 

OBEDIENCE. 

Daisy had gone but a little way out of the village, when shesuddenly pulled up. Sam was at the side of the chaiseimmediately. 

"Sam, I want a glass of water; where can I get it?"

"Guess at Mrs. Benoit's, Miss Daisy. There's a fine spring ofcold water. "

"Who is Mrs. Benoit?"

"It's Juanita — Miss Daisy has heard of Mrs. St. Leonard'sJuanita. Mr. St. Leonard built a house for her, — just theother side o' them trees. "

Daisy knew who Juanita was. She had been brought from the WestIndies by the mother of one of the gentlemen who lived in theneighbourhood; and upon the death of her mistress had beenestablished in a little house of her own. Daisy judged thatshe would be quite safe in going there for water. 

"If I turn into that road, can I go home round that way, Sam?"

"You can, Miss Daisy; but it's a ways longer. "

"I like that;" said Daisy. 

She turned up the road that led behind the trees, andpresently saw Juanita's cottage. A little grey stone house, low-roofed, standing at the very edge of a piece of woodland, and some little distance back from the road. Daisy saw the oldwoman sitting on her doorstep. A grassy slope stretched downfrom the house to the road. The sun shone up against the greycottage. 

"You take care of Loupe, Sam, and I'll go in, " said Daisy — aplan which probably disappointed Sam, but Daisy did not knowthat. She went through a little wicket and up the path. 

Juanita did not look like the blacks she had been accustomedto see. Black she was not, but of a fine olive dark skin; andthough certainly old, she was still straight and tall, andvery fine in her appearance and bearing. Daisy could see thisbut partially while Juanita was sitting at her door; she wasmore struck by the very grave look her face wore just then. Itwas not turned towards her little visitor, and Daisy got theimpression that she must be feeling unhappy. 

Juanita rose, however, with great willingness to get thewater, and asked Daisy into her house. Daisy dared not, afterher father's prohibition, go in, and she stood at the doortill the water was brought. Then, with a strong feeling ofkindness towards the lonely and perhaps sorrowful old woman, and remembering to "do good as she had opportunity, " Daisysuddenly offered her the beautiful rose-branch. 

"Does the lady think I want pay for a glass of water?" saidthe woman, with a smile that was extremely winning. 

"No, " said Daisy, — "but I thought, perhaps, you likedflowers. "

"There's another sort of flowers that the Lord likes, " — saidthe woman looking at her; "they be His little children. "

Daisy's heart was tender, and there was something in Juanita'sface that won her confidence. Instead of turning away, shefolded her hands unconsciously, and said, more wistfully thanshe knew, "I want to be one!"

"Does my little lady know the Lord Jesus?" said the woman, with a bright light coming into her eye. 

Daisy's heart was sore as well as tender; the question touchedtwo things, — the joy that she did know Him, and the troublethat following Him had cost her; she burst into tears. Then, turning away, and with a great effort throwing off the tears, she went back to the chaise. There stood Sam, with the pony'sfoot in his hand. 

"Miss Daisy, this fellow has kicked one of his shoes half off;he can't go home so; it's hanging. Could Miss Daisy stop alittle while at Mrs. Benoit's, I could take the pony to theblacksmith's — it ain't but a very little ways off — and getit put on, in a few minutes. "

"Well, do, do, Sam, " — said Daisy after she had looked at thematter; and while he took Loupe out of harness, she turnedback to Juanita. 

"What is gone wrong?" said the old woman. 

"Nothing is wrong, " said Daisy; "only the pony has got hisshoe off, and the boy is taking him to the blacksmith's. "

"Will my lady come into my house?"

"No, thank you. I'll stay here. "

The woman brought out a low chair for her, and set it on thegrass; and took herself her former place on the sill of thedoor. She looked earnestly at Daisy; and Daisy on her part hadnoticed the fine carriage of the woman, her pleasant features, and the bright handkerchief which made her turban. Through theopen door she could see the neat order of the room within, andher eye caught some shells arranged on shelves; but Daisy didnot like to look, and she turned away. She met Juanita's eye;she felt she must speak. 

"This is a pleasant place. "

"Why does my lady think so?"

"It looks pleasant, " said Daisy. "It is nice. The grass ispretty, and the trees; and it is a pretty little house, Ithink. "

The woman smiled. "I think it be a palace of beauty, " shesaid, — "for Jesus is here. "

Daisy looked, a little wondering but entirely respectful; thewhole aspect of Juanita commanded that. 

"Does my little lady know, that the presence of the King makesa poor house fine?"

"I don't quite know what you mean, " said Daisy, humbly. 

"Does my little lady know that the Lord Jesus loves Hispeople?"

"Yes, " said Daisy, — "I know it. "

"But she know not much. When a poor heart say any time, 'Lord, I am all Thine!' — then the Lord comes to that heart, and Hemakes it the house of a King — for He comes there Himself. Andwhere Jesus is, — all is glory. Do not my little lady readthat in the Bible?"

"I don't remember" — said Daisy. 

The woman got up, went into the cottage, and brought out alarge-print Testament which she put into Daisy's hands, openat the fourteenth chapter of John. Daisy read with curiousinterest the words to which she was directed: "Jesus answeredand said unto him, If a man love Me, he will keep My words:and My Father will love him, and We will come unto him andmake Our abode with him. "

Daisy looked at the promise, with her heart beating undertroublesome doubts; when the voice of Juanita broke in uponthem by saying, tenderly, "Does my little lady keep the Lord'swords?"

Down went the book, and the tears rushed into Daisy's eyes. "Don't call me so, " she cried, — "I am Daisy Randolph; — and Ido want to keep His words! — and — I don't know how. "

"What troubles my love?" said the woman, in the low tones of avoice that was always sweet. "Do not she know what the wordsof the Lord be?"

"Yes, " — said Daisy, hardly able to make herself understood, —"but —"

"Then do 'em, " said Juanita. "The way is straight. What Hesay, do. "

"But suppose —" said Daisy. 

"Suppose what? What do my love suppose?"

"Wouldn't it make it right, if it would do a great deal ofgood?"

This confused sentence Juanita pondered over. "What does mylove mean?"

"If it would do a great deal of good — wouldn't that make itright to do something?"

"Right to do something that the Lord say not do?"

"Yes. "

"If you love Jesus, you not talk so, " said Juanita, sorrowfully. But that made Daisy give way altogether. 

"Oh, I do love Him! — I do love Him!" she cried; — "but Idon't know what to do. " And tears came in a torrent. 

Juanita was watchful and thoughtful. When Daisy had very soonchecked herself, she said in the same low, gentle way in whichshe had before spoken, "What do the Lord say — to do that somegood thing, — or to keep His words?"

"To keep His words. "

"Then keep 'em — and the Lord will do the good thing Himself;that same or another. He can do what He please; and He tellyou, only keep His words. He want you to show you love Him —and He tell you how. "

Daisy sat quite still to let the tears pass away, and thestruggle in her heart grow calm; then when she could safelyshe looked up. She met Juanita's eye. It was fixed on her. 

"Is the way straight now?" she asked. 

Daisy nodded, with a little bit of a smile on her poor littlelips. 

"But there is trouble in the way?" said Juanita. 

"Yes, " said Daisy, and the old woman saw the eyes reddenagain. 

"Has the little one a good friend at home to help?"

Daisy shook her head. 

"Then let Jesus help. My little lady keep the Lord's words, and the sweet Lord Jesus will keep her. " And rising to herfeet, and clasping her hands, where she stood, Juanita pouredforth a prayer. It was for her little visitor. It was full oflove. It was full of confidence too; and of such clearsimplicity as if, like Stephen, she had seen the heavens open. But the loving strength of it won Daisy's heart; and when theprayer was finished she came close to the old woman and threwher arms round her as she stood, and wept with her face hid inJuanita's dress. Yet the prayer had comforted her too, greatly. And though Daisy was very shy of intimacies withstrangers, she liked to feel Juanita's hand on her shoulder;and after the paroxysm of tears was past, she still stoodquietly by her, without attempting to increase the distancebetween them; till she saw Sam coming down the lane with thepony. 

"Good-bye, " said Daisy, "there's the boy. "

"My lady will come to see old Juanita again?"

"I am Daisy Randolph. I'll come, " — said the child, lookinglovingly up. Then she went down the slope to Sam. 

"The blacksmith couldn't shoe him, Miss Daisy — he hadn't ashoe to fit. He took off the old shoe — so Miss Daisy pleasenot drive him hard home. "

Daisy wanted nothing of the kind. To get home soon was nopleasure; so she let Loupe take his own pace, anything shortof walking; and it was getting dusk when they reachedMelbourne. Daisy was not glad to be there. It was Fridaynight; the next day would be Saturday. 

Mrs. Randolph came out into the hall to see that nothing wasthe matter, and then went back into the drawing-room. Daisygot her dress changed, and came there too, where the familywere waiting for tea. She came in softly, and sat down byherself at a table somewhat removed from the others, who wereall busily talking and laughing. But presently CaptainDrummond drew near, and sat down at her side. 

"Have you had a good drive, Daisy?"

"Yes, Captain Drummond. "

"We missed our history to-day, but I have been makingpreparations. Shall we go into the Saxon Heptarchy to-morrow —you and I — and see if we can get the kingdom settled?"

"If you please. I should like it very much. "

"What is the matter with you, Daisy?"

Daisy lifted her wise little face, which indeed looked as ifit were heavy with something beside wisdom, towards herfriend; she was not ready with an answer. 

"You aren't going to die on the field of battle yet, Daisy?"he said, half lightly, and half he knew not why. 

It brought a rush of colour to the child's face; the self-possession must have been great which kept her from giving wayto further expression of feeling. She answered with curiouscalmness, "I don't think I shall, Captain Drummond. "

The Captain saw it was a bad time to get anything from her, and he moved away. Preston came the next minute. 

"Why, Daisy, " he whispered, drawing his chair close, "wherehave you been all day? No getting a sight of you. What haveyou been about?"

"I have been to Crum Elbow this afternoon. "

"Yes, and how late you stayed. Why did you?"

"Loupe lost a shoe. I had to wait for Sam to go to theblacksmith's with him. "

"Really. Did you wait in the road?"

"No. I had a place to wait. "

"I dare say you are as hungry as a bear, " said Preston. "Nowhere comes tea — and waffles, Daisy; you shall have somewaffles and cream. That will make you feel better. "

"Cream isn't good with waffles, " said Daisy. 

"Yes, it is. Cream is good with everything. You shall try. Iknow! I am always cross myself when I am hungry. "

"I am not hungry, Preston; and I don't think I am cross. "

"What are you, then? Come, Daisy, — here is a cup of tea, andhere is a waffle. First the sugar — there, — then the cream. So. "

"You have spoiled it, Preston. "

"Eat it — and confess you are hungry and cross too. "

Daisy could have laughed, only she was too sore-hearted, andwould surely have cried. She fell to eating the creamedwaffle. 

"Is it good?"

"Very good!"

"Confess you are hungry and cross, Daisy. "

"I am not cross. And Preston, please! — don't!" Daisy's forkfell; but she took it up again. 

"What is the matter, then, Daisy?"

Daisy did not answer; she went on eating as diligently as shecould. 

"Is it that foolish business of the song?" whispered Preston. "Is that the trouble, Daisy?"

"Please don't, Preston!"

"Well, I won't, till you have had another waffle. Sugar andcream, Daisy?"

"Yes. "

"That's brave! Now eat it up — and tell me, Daisy, is _that_ thetrouble with you?"

He spoke affectionately, as he almost always did to her; andDaisy did not throw him off. 

"You don't understand it, Preston, " she said. 

"Daisy, I told you my uncle and aunt would not like that sortof thing. "

Daisy was silent, and Preston wondered at her. Mrs. Gary drewnear at this moment, and placed herself opposite Daisy's tea-cup, using her eyes in the first place. 

"What are you talking about?" said she. 

"About Daisy's singing, ma'am. "

"That's the very thing, " said Mrs. Gary, "that I wanted tospeak about. Daisy, my dear, I hope you are going to sing itproperly to your mother the next time she bids you?"

Daisy was silent. 

"I wanted to tell you, my dear, " said Mrs. Gary, impressively, "what a poor appearance your refusal made, the other evening. You could not see it for yourself; but it made you seemawkward, and foolish, and ill-bred. I am sure everybody wouldhave laughed, if it had not been for politeness towards yourmother; for the spectacle was ludicrous, thoroughly. You liketo make a graceful appearance, don't you?"

Daisy answered in a low voice, — "Yes, ma'am; when I can. "

"Well, you can, my dear, for your behaviour is generallygraceful, and unexceptionable; only the other night it wasvery rough and uncouth. I expected you to put your finger inyour mouth the next thing, and stand as if you had never seenanybody. And Daisy Randolph! the heiress of Melbourne andCranford!"

The heiress of Melbourne and Cranford lifted to her aunt'sface a look strangely in contrast with the look bent on her;so much worldly wisdom was in the one, so much want of it inthe other. Yet those steady grey eyes were not without awisdom of their own; and Mrs. Gary met them with a puzzledfeeling of it. 

"Do you understand me, Daisy, my dear?"

"Yes, ma'am. "

"Do you see that it is desirable never to look ridiculous, andwell-bred persons never do?"

"Yes, aunt Gary. "

"Then I am sure you won't do it again. It would mortify me foryour father and mother. "

Mrs. Gary walked away. Daisy looked thoughtful. 

"Will you do it, Daisy?" whispered Preston. 

"What?"

"Will you sing the song for them next time? You will, won'tyou?"

"I'll do what I can" — said Daisy. But it was said so soberly, that Preston was doubtful of her. However, he, like CaptainDrummond, had got to the end of his resources for that time;and seeing his uncle approach, Preston left his seat. 

Mr. Randolph took it, and drew Daisy from her own to a placein his arms. He sat then silent a good while, or talking toother people; only holding her close and tenderly. Truth totell, Mr. Randolph was a little troubled about the coursethings were taking; and Daisy and her father were a grave pairthat evening. 

Daisy felt his arms were a pleasant shield between her and allthe world; if they might only _keep_ round her! And then shethought of Juanita's prayer, and of the invisible shield, of astronger and more loving arm, that the Lord Jesus puts betweenHis children and all real harm. 

At last Mr. Randolph bent down his head, and brought his lipsto Daisy's, asking her if she had had a nice time thatafternoon. 

"Very, papa!" said Daisy, gratefully; and then added, after alittle hesitation, "Papa, do you know old Juanita? — Mrs. St. Leonard's woman, that Mr. St. Leonard built a little housefor?"

"I do not know her. I believe I have heard of her. "

"Papa, would you let me go into her house? She has somebeautiful shells that I should like to see. "

"How do you know?"

"I saw them, papa, through the doorway of her house, I waitedthere while Sam went with Loupe to the blacksmith's. "

"And you did not go in?"

"No, sir — you said I must not, you know. "

"I believe Juanita is a safe person, Daisy. You may go in, ifever you have another opportunity. "

"Thank you, papa. "

"What are you going to do with the hundred dollars?" said Mr. Randolph, putting his head down, and speaking softly. 

Daisy waited a minute, checked the swelling of her heart, forbade her tears, steadied her voice to speak; and then said, "I sha'n't have them, papa. "

"Why not?"

"I can't fulfil the conditions. " Daisy spoke again, afterwaiting a minute. 

"Don't you mean to sing?"

Every time Daisy waited. — "I can't, papa. "

"Your mother will require it. "

Silence, only Mr. Randolph saw that the child's breath wentand came under excitement. 

"Daisy, she will require it. "

"Yes, papa" — was said, rather faintly. 

"And I think you must do it. "

No response from Daisy; and no sign of yielding. 

"How do you expect to get over it?"

"Papa, won't you help me?" was the child's agonised cry. Shehid her face in her father's breast. 

"I have tried to help you. I will give you what will turn yourfancied wrong deed into a good one. It is certainly right todo charitable things on Sunday. "

There was silence, and it promised to last some time. Mr. Randolph would not hurry her: and Daisy was thinking, "If yelove Me, keep My commandments. _If ye love Me_. "

"Papa, " — said she at last, very slowly, and pausing betweenher words, — "would you be satisfied, — if I should disobeyyou — for a hundred dollars?"

This time it was Mr. Randolph that did not answer, and thelonger he waited the more the answer did not come. He putDaisy gently off his knee, and rose at last without speaking. Daisy went out upon the verandah, and sat down on the step;and there the stars seemed to say to her — "If a man love Me, he will keep My words. " They were shining very bright; so wasthat saying to Daisy. She sat looking at them, forgetting allthe people in the drawing-room; and though troubled enough, she was not utterly unhappy. The reason was, she loved herKing. 

Somebody came behind her, and took hold of her shoulders. "Mydear little Daisy!" said the voice of Preston, "I wish youwere an India-rubber ball, that I might chuck you up to thesky and down again a few times!"

"Why? I don't think it would be nice. "

"Why? — why, because you want shaking; you are growing dull, —yes, absolutely you are getting heavy! you, little Daisy! ofall people in the world. It won't do. "

"I don't think such an exercise would benefit me, " said Daisy. 

"I'd find something else then. Daisy, Daisy, " said he, shakingher shoulders gently, "this religious foolery is spoiling you. Don't you go and make yourself stupid. Why I don't know you. What is all this ridiculous stuff? You aren't yourself. "

"What do you want me to do, Preston?" said Daisy, standingbefore him, not without a certain childish dignity. It waslost on him. 

"I want you to be my own little Daisy, " said he, coaxingly. "Come! — say you will, and give up these outlandish notions youhave got from some old woman or other. What is it they wantyou to do? — sing? — Come, promise you will. Promise me!"

"I will sing any day but Sunday. "

"Sunday? Now, Daisy! I'm ashamed of you. Why, I never heardsuch nonsense. Nobody has such notions but low people. Itisn't sensible. Give it up, Daisy, or I shall not know how tolove you. "

"Good night, Preston —"

"Daisy, Daisy! come and kiss me, and be good. "

"Good night" — repeated Daisy, without turning; and she walkedoff. 

It half broke June's heart that night to see that the child'seyes were quietly dropping tears all the while she was gettingundressed. Preston's last threat had cut very close. But Daisysaid not a word; and when, long after June had left her, shegot into bed, and lay down, it was not Preston's words, butthe reminder of the stars that was with her, and makingharmony among all her troubled thoughts — "If a man love Me, he will keep My words. "

CHAPTER XIV. 

SUNDAY EVENING. 

In spite of the burden that lay on Daisy's heart, she andCaptain Drummond had a good time the next morning over theSaxon Heptarchy. They went down to the shore for it, atDaisy's desire, where they would be undisturbed; and themorning was hardly long enough. The Captain had providedhimself with a shallow tray filled with modelling clay; whichhe had got from all artist friend living a few miles furtherup the river. On this the plan of England was nicely markedout, and by the help of one or two maps which he cut up forthe occasion, the Captain divided off the seven kingdomsgreatly to Daisy's satisfaction and enlightenment. Then, howthey went on with the history! introduced Christianity, enthroned Egbert, and defeated the Danes under Alfred. Theyread from the book, and fought it all out on the clay plan asthey went along. At Alfred they stopped a good while, toconsider the state of the world in the little island ofBritain at that time. The good king's care for his people, hislove for study and encouragement of learning; his writingfables for the people; his wax candles to mark time; hisbuilding with brick and stone; his founding the English navy, and victories with the same; no less than his valour andendurance in every time of trial; all these things CaptainDrummond, whose father had been an Englishman, duly enlargedupon, and Daisy heard them with greedy ears. Truth to tell, the Captain had read up a little for the occasion, being agood deal moved with sympathy for his little friend, who hesaw was going through a time of some trial. Nothing was to beseen of that just now, indeed, other than the peculiarly softand grave expression which Daisy's face had worn all thisweek; and which kept reminding the Captain to be sorry forher. 

They got through with Alfred at last — by the way, the Captainhad effaced the dividing lines of the seven kingdoms andbrought all to one in Egbert's time — and now they went onwith Alfred's successors. A place was found on the sand forDenmark and Norway to show themselves; and Sweyn and Canutecame over; and there was no bating to the interest with whichthe game of human life went on. In short, Daisy and theCaptain having tucked themselves away in a nook of the beachand the tenth and eleventh centuries, were lost to all therest of the world and to the present time; till a servant atlast found them with the information that the luncheon bellhad rung, and Mrs. Randolph was ready to go out with theCaptain. And William the Conqueror had just landed atHastings!

"Never mind, Daisy, " said the Captain; "we'll go on with it, the next chance we get. "

Daisy thanked him earnestly, but the thought that Sunday mustcome and go first, threw a shadow over her thanks. The Captainsaw it; and walked home thinking curiously about the "field ofbattle" — not Hastings. 

Daisy did not go in to luncheon. She did not like meeting allthe people who felt so gay, while she felt so much trouble. Nor did she like being with her mother, whose manner all theweek had constantly reminded Daisy of what Daisy never forgot. The rest of Saturday passed soberly away. There was a cloud inthe air. 

And the cloud was high and dark Sunday morning, though it wasas fair a summer day as might be seen. Some tears escapedstealthily from Daisy's eyes, as she knelt in the littlechurch beside her mother; but the prayers were deep and sweetand strong to her, very much. Sadly sorry was Daisy when theywere ended. The rest of the service was little to her. Mr. Pyne did not preach like Mr. Dinwiddie; and she left thechurch with a downcast heart, thinking that so much of themorning was past. 

The rest of the day Daisy kept by herself, in her own room;trying to get some comfort in reading and praying. For thedread of the evening was strong upon her; every movement ofher mother spoke displeasure and determination. Daisy felt herheart beating gradually quicker and quicker, as the hours ofthe day wore on. 

"Ye ain't well, Miss Daisy, " — said June, who had come in asusual without being heard. 

"Yes I am, June, " said Daisy. But she had started when thewoman spoke, and June saw that now a tear sprang. 

"Did you eat a good lunch, Miss Daisy?"

"I don't know, June. I guess I didn't eat much. "

"Let me bring you something!" — said the woman, coaxingly —"some strawberries, with some good cream to 'em. "

"No — I can't, June — I don't want them. What o'clock is it?"

"It is just on to five, Miss Daisy. "

Five! Daisy suddenly recollected her scholar, whom she haddirected to come to her at this hour. Jumping up, she seizedher hat, and rushed off down stairs and through the shrubbery, leaving June lost in wonder and concern. 

At a Belvedere, some distance from the house, and nearer thegate, Daisy had chosen to meet her pupil; and she had givenorders at the Lodge to have her guided thither when she shouldcome. And there she was; Daisy could see the red head of hairbefore she got to the place herself. Hephzibah looked verymuch as she did on week days; her dress partially covered witha little shawl; her bonnet she had thrown off; and if the hairhad been coaxed into any state of smoothness before leavinghome, it was all gone now. 

"How do you do, Hephzibah?" said Daisy. "I am glad to seeyou. "

Hephzibah smiled, but unless that meant a civil answer, shegave none. Daisy sat down beside her. 

"Do you know how to read, Hephzibah?"

The child first shook her shaggy head — then nodded it. Whatthat meant, Daisy was somewhat at a loss. 

"Do you know your letters?"

Hephzibah nodded. 

"What is that letter?"

Daisy had not forgotten to bring a reading book, and now putHephzibah through the alphabet, which she seemed to knowperfectly, calling each letter by its right name. Daisy thenasked if she could read words; and getting an assenting nodagain, she tried her in that. But here Hephzibah's educationwas defective; she could read indeed, after a fashion; but itwas a slow and stumbling fashion; and Daisy and she were agood while getting through a page. Daisy shut the book up. 

"Now, Hephzibah, " said she, "do you know anything about whatis in the Bible?"

Hephzibah shook her head in a manner the reverse ofencouraging. 

"Did you never read the Bible, nor have any one read it toyou?"

Another shake. 

Daisy thereupon began to tell her little neighbour the grandstory which concerned them both so nearly, making it as clearand simple as she could. Hephzibah's eyes were fixed on herintently all the while; and Daisy, greatly interested herself, wondered if any of the interest had reached Hephzibah's heart, and made the gaze of her eyes so unwavering. They expressednothing. Daisy hoped, and went on, till at a pause Hephzibahgave utterance to the first words (of her own) that she hadspoken during the interview. They came out very suddenly, likean unexpected jet of water from an unused fountain. 

"Mother says, you're the fus'ratest little girl she ever see!"

Daisy was extremely confounded. The thread of her discoursewas so thoroughly broken, indeed, that she could not directlybegin it again; and in the minute of waiting she saw how lowthe sun was. She dismissed Hephzibah, telling her to be at theBelvedere the same hour next Sunday. 

As the shaggy little red head moved away through the bushes, Daisy watched it, wondering whether she had done the least bitof good. Then another thought made her heart beat, and sheturned again to see how low the sun was. Instead of the sun, she saw Gary McFarlane. 

"Who is that, Daisy?" said he, looking after the disappearingred head. 

"A poor little girl —" said Daisy. 

"So I should think, — very poor! — looks so indeed! How cameshe here?"

"She came by my orders, Mr. McFarlane. "

"By your orders! What have you got there, Daisy? Let's see! Assure as I'm alive! — a spelling book. Keeping school, Daisy?Don't say no!"

Daisy did not say no, nor anything. She had taken care not tolet Gary get hold of her Bible; the rest she must manage asshe could. 

"This is benevolence!" went on the young man. "Teaching aspelling lesson in a Belvedere with the thermometer at ninetydegrees in the shade? What sinners all the rest of us are! Ideclare, Daisy, you make me feel bad. "

"I should not think it, Mr. McFarlane. "

"Daisy, you have _ΰ plomb_ enough for a princess, and gravityenough for a Puritan! I should like to see you when you aregrown up, — only then I shall be an old man, and it will be ofno consequence. What _do_ you expect to do with that little redhead? — now do tell me. "

"She don't know anything, Mr. McFarlane. "

"No more don't I! Come Daisy — have pity on me. You never sawanybody more ignorant than I am. There are half a dozen thingsat this moment which I don't know — and which you can tell me. Come, will you?"

"I must go in, Mr. McFarlane. "

"But tell me first. Come, Daisy! I want to know why is it somuch more wicked to sing a song than to make somebody elsesing-song? — for that's the way they all do the spelling-book, I know. Eh, Daisy?"

"How did you know anything about it, Mr. McFarlane?"

"Come, Daisy, — explain. I am all in a fog — or else you are. This spelling-book seems to me a very wicked thing on Sunday. "

"I will take it, if you please, Mr. McFarlane. "

"Not if I know it! I want my ignorance instructed, Daisy. I ampersuaded you are the best person to enlighten me — but ifnot, I shall try this spelling-book on Mrs. Randolph. I regardit as a great curiosity, and an important question inmetaphysics. "

Poor Daisy! She did not know what to do; conscious that Garywas laughing at her all the while, and most unwilling that thestory of the spelling-book should get to Mrs. Randolph's ears. She stood hesitating and troubled, when her eye caught sightof Preston near. Springing to him she cried, "Oh, Preston, getmy little book from Mr. McFarlane — he won't give it to me. "

There began then a race of the most uproarious sort betweenthe two young men — springing, turning, darting round amongthe trees and bushes, shouting to and laughing at each other. Daisy another time would have been amused; now she was almostfrightened, lest all this boisterous work should drawattention. At last, however, Preston got the spelling-book, orGary let himself be overtaken and gave it up. 

"It's mischief, Preston!" he said; — "deep mischief — occultmischief. I give you warning. "

"What is it, Daisy?" said Preston. "What is it all about?"

"Never mind. Oh, Preston! don't ask anything, but let me haveit!"

"There it is then; but Daisy, " he said, affectionately, catching her in his arms, — "you are going to sing to-night, aren't you?"

"Don't Preston — don't! let me go, " cried Daisy, struggling toescape from him; and she ran away as soon as he let her, hardly able to keep back her tears. She felt it very hard. Preston and Gary, and her mother and her father, — all againsther in different ways. Daisy kneeled down by her window-sillin her own room, to try to get comfort and strength; thoughshe was in too great tumult to pray connectedly. Her littleheart was beating sadly. But there was no doubt at all inDaisy's mind as to what she should do. — "If a man love Me, hewill keep My words. " She never questioned now about doingthat. 

The dreaded tea bell rang, and she went down; but utterlyunable to eat or drink through agitation. Nobody seemed tonotice her particularly, and she wandered out upon theverandah; and waited there. There presently her father's armscame round her before she was aware. 

"What are you going to do, Daisy?"

"Nothing, papa, " she whispered. 

"Are you not going to sing?"

"Papa, I can't!" cried Daisy, dropping her face against hisarm. Her father raised it again, and drawing her opposite oneof the windows, looked into the dark-ringed eyes and whiteface. 

"You are not well, " said he. "You are not fit to be up; and myorders to you, Daisy, are to go immediately to bed. I'll sendyou some medicine by and by. Good night!"

He kissed her, and Daisy needed no second bidding. She sprangaway, getting into the house by another door; and lost notime. Her fear was that her mother might send for her beforeshe could get undressed. But no summons came; June was speedy, thinking and saying it was a very good thing for Daisy to do;and then she went off, and left her alone with the moonlight. Daisy was in no hurry then. She knelt by her beloved window, where the scent of the honeysuckle was strong in the dewy air;and with a less throbbing heart prayed her prayer. But she wasnot at ease yet; it was very uncertain in her mind how hermother would take this order of her father's; and what wouldcome after, if she was willing to let it pass. So Daisy couldnot go to sleep, but lay wide awake and fearing in themoonlight, and listening to every sound in the house that cameto her ears. 

The moonlight shone in peacefully, and Daisy, lying there andgrowing gradually calmer, began to wonder in herself thatthere should be so much difficulty made about anybody's doingright. If she had been set on some wrong thing, it would havemade but a very little disturbance — if any; but now, when shewas only trying to do right, the whole house was roused toprevent her. Was it so in those strange old times that theeleventh chapter of Hebrews told of? — when men, and women, were stoned, and sawn asunder, and slain with the sword, andwandered like wild animals in sheepskins and goatskins and indens and caves of the earth? all for the name of Jesus. But ifthey suffered once, they were happy now. Better anything, atall events, than to deny that name!

The evening seemed excessively long to Daisy, lying there onher bed awake, and listening with strained ears for any soundnear her room. She heard none; the hours passed, though sovery slowly, as they do when all the minutes are watched; andDaisy heard nothing but dim distant noises, and grew prettyquiet. She had heard nothing else, when, turning her head fromthe moonlight window, she caught the sight of a white figureat her bedside; and by the noble form and stately proportionsDaisy knew instantly whose figure it was. Those soft flowingdraperies had been before her eyes all day. A pang shotthrough the child, that seemed to go from the crown of herhead to the soles of her feet. 

"Are you awake, Daisy?"

"Yes, mamma, " she said, feebly. 

"Get up. I want to speak to you. "

Daisy got off the bed, and the white figure, in the littlenight dress, stood opposite the other white figure, robed inmuslin and laces that fell around it like a cloud. 

"Why did you come to bed?"

"Papa — papa ordered me. "

"It's all the same. If you had not come to bed, Daisy — if youhad been well, — would you have sung when I ordered you to-night?"

Daisy hesitated, and then said in a whisper —

"No, mamma — not that. "

"Think before you answer me, for I shall not ask twice. Willyou promise to sing the gypsy-song, because I command you, next Sunday in the evening? Answer, Daisy. "

Very low it was, for Daisy trembled so that she did not knowhow she could speak at all, but the answer came, "I can't, mamma. "

Mrs. Randolph stepped to the bell, and rang it. Almost at thesame instant June entered, bearing a cup in her hand. 

"What is that?" said Mrs. Randolph. 

"Master sent Miss Daisy some medicine. "

"Set it down. I have got some here better for her. June, takeDaisy's hands. "

"Oh, mamma, no!" exclaimed Daisy. "Oh, please send June away!"

The slight gesture of command to June which answered this, wasas imperious as it was slight. It was characteristically likeMrs. Randolph; graceful and absolute. June obeyed it, as oldinstinct told her to do; though sorely against her will. Shehad held hands before, though not Daisy's; and she knew verywell the look of the little whip with which her mistressstepped back into the room, having gone to her own for it. Ina Southern home that whip had been wont to live in Mrs. Randolph's pocket. June's heart groaned within her. 

The whip was small, but it had been made for use, not forplay; and there was no play in Mrs. Randolph's use of it. Thiswas not like her father's ferule, which Daisy could bear insilence, if tears would come; her mother's handling forcedcries from her; though smothered and kept under in a way thatshowed the child's self-command. 

"What have you to say to me?" Mrs. Randolph responded, withoutwaiting for the answer. But Daisy had none to give. At lengthher mother paused. 

"Will you do what I bid you?"

Daisy was unable to speak for tears — and perhaps for fear. The wrinkles on June's brow were strangely folded togetherwith agitation; but nobody saw them. 

"Will you sing for me next Sunday?" repeated Mrs. Randolph. 

There was a struggle in the child's heart, as great almost asa child's heart can bear. The answer came, when it came, tremblingly: "I can't, mamma. "

"You cannot?" said Mrs. Randolph. 

"I can't, mamma. "

The chastisement which followed was so severe, that June wasmoved out of all the habits of her life, to interfere inanother's cause. The white-skinned race were no mark fortrouble in June's mind; least of them all, her little charge. And if white skin was no more delicate in reality than darkskin, it answered to the lash much more speakingly. 

"Missus, you'll kill her!" June said, using in her agitation acarefully disused form of speech; for June was a freed-woman. 

A slight turn of the whip brought the lash sharply across herwrist, with the equally sharp words, "Mind your own business!"

A thrill went through the woman, like an electric spark, firing a whole life-train of feeling and memory; but the linesof her face never moved, and not the stirring of a muscle toldwhat the touch had reached, besides a few nerves. She had doneher charge no good by her officiousness, as June presently sawwith grief. It was not till Mrs. Randolph had thoroughlysatisfied her displeasure at being thwarted, and not untilDaisy was utterly exhausted, that Mrs. Randolph stayed herhand. 

"I will see what you will say to me next Sunday!" sheremarked, calmly. And she left the room. 

It was not that Mrs. Randolph did not love her daughter, inher way; for in her way she was fond of Daisy; but the habitof bearing no opposition to her authority was life-strong, andprobably intensified in the present instance by perceivingthat her husband was disposed to shield the offender. The onlyperson in whose favour the rule ever relaxed, was Ransom. Junewas left with a divided mind, between the dumb indignationwhich had never known speech, and an almost equally speechlessconcern. 

Daisy, as soon as she was free, had made her way to thewindow; there the child was, on her knees, her head on herwindow sill, and weeping as if her very heart were melting andflowing away drop by drop. And June stood like a dark statue, looking at her; the wrinkles in her forehead scarce testifyingto the work going on under it. She wanted first of all to seeDaisy in bed; but it seemed hopeless to speak to her; andthere the little round head lay on the window-sill, and themoonbeams poured in lovingly over it. June stood still andnever stirred. 

It was a long while before Daisy's sobs began to grow fainter, and June ventured to put in her word, and got Daisy to layherself on the bed again. Then June went off after anothersort of medicine of her own devising, despising the dropswhich Mr. Randolph had given her. Without making a confidantof the housekeeper, she contrived to get from her thematerials to make Daisy a cup of arrowroot, with wine andspices. June knew well how to be a cook when she pleased; andwhat she brought to Daisy was, she knew, as good as a cookcould make it. 

She found the child lying white and still on the bed, and notasleep, nor dead, which June had almost feared at first sightof her. She didn't want the arrowroot, she said. 

"Miss Daisy, s'pose you take it?" said June. "It won't do youno hurt — maybe it'll put you to sleep. "

Daisy was perhaps too weak to resist. She rose half up and eatthe arrowroot, slowly, and without a word. It did put a littlestrength into her, as June had said. But when she gave backthe cup, and let herself fall again upon her pillow, Daisysaid, "June, I'd like to die. "

"Oh, why, Miss Daisy?" said June. 

"Jesus knows that I love Him now; and I'd like —" said thechild, steadying her voice — "I'd like — to be in heaven!"

"Oh, no, Miss Daisy — not yet; you've got a great deal to doin the world first. "

"Jesus knows I love Him —" repeated the child. 

"Miss Daisy, He knowed it before — He's the Lord. "

"Yes, but — He wants people to _show_ they love Him, June. "

"Do, don't! Miss Daisy, " said June, half crying. "Can't ye goto sleep? Do, now!"

It was but three minutes more, and Daisy had complied with herrequest. June watched, and saw that the sleep was real; wentabout the room on her noiseless feet; came back to Daisy'sbed, and finally went off for her own pillow, with which shelay down on the matting at the foot of the bed, and therepassed the remainder of the night. 

CHAPTER XV. 

SCHROEDER'S MOUNTAIN. 

The sun was shining bright the next morning, and Daisy sat onone of the seats under the trees, half in sunshine, half inshadow. It was after breakfast, and she had been scarcely seenor heard that morning before. Ransom came up. 

"Daisy, do you want to go fishing?"

"No, I think not. "

"You don't! What are you going to do?"

"I am not going to do anything. "

"I don't believe it. What ails you? Mother said I was to askyou — and there you sit like a wet feather. I am glad I am nota girl, however!"

Ransom went off, and a very faint colour rose in Daisy'scheek. 

"Are you not well, Daisy?" said Mr. Randolph, who had alsodrawn near. 

"I am well, papa. "

"You don't look so. What's the matter, that you don't go a-fishing, when Ransom has the consideration to ask you?"

Daisy's tranquillity was very nearly overset. But shemaintained it, and only answered without the change of amuscle, "I have not the inclination, papa. " Indeed her facewas _too_ quiet; and Mr. Randolph, putting that with itscolourless hue, and the very sweet upward look her eyes hadfirst given him, was not satisfied. He went away to thebreakfast room. 

"Felicia, " said he, in a low tone, bending down by his wife, —"did you have any words with Daisy last night?"

"Has she told you about it?" said Mrs. Randolph. 

"Told me what? What is there to tell?"

"Nothing, on my part, " answered the lady, nonchalantly. "Daisymay tell you what she pleases. "

"Felicia, " said Mr. Randolph, looking much vexed, "that childhas borne too much already. She is ill. "

"It is her own fault. I told you, Mr. Randolph, I would aslief not have a child as not have her mind me. She shall dowhat I bid her, if she dies for it. "

"It won't come to that, " said Mrs. Gary. Mr. Randolph turnedon his heel. 

Meantime, another person who had seen with sorrow Daisy's paleface, and had half a guess as to the cause of it, came up toher side and sat down. 

"Daisy, what is to be done to-day?"

"I don't know, Captain Drummond. "

"You don't feel like storming the heights, this morning?"

Again, to him also, the glance of Daisy's eye was so verysweet, and so very wistful, that the captain was determined ina purpose he had half had in his mind. 

"What do you say to a long expedition, Daisy?"

"I don't feel like driving, Captain Drummond. "

"No, but suppose I drive, — and we will leave Loupe at homefor to-day. I want to go as far as Schroeder's Hill, to lookafter trilobites; and I do not want anybody with me but you. Shall we go?"

"What are those things, Captain Drummond?"

"Trilobites?"

"Yes. What are they?"

"Curious things, Daisy! They are a kind of fish that are foundon land. "

"Fish on land! But then they can't be fish, Captain Drummond?"

"Suppose we go and see, " said the captain; "and then, if wefind any, we shall know more about them than we do now. "

"But how do you catch them?"

"With my hands, I suppose. "

"With your hands, Captain Drummond?"

"Really I don't know any other way, — unless your hands willhelp. Come! shall we go and try?"

Daisy slowly rose up, very mystified, but with a little lightof interest and curiosity breaking on her face. The Captainmoved off on his part to get ready, well satisfied that he wasdoing a good thing. 

It went to the Captain's heart, nevertheless, for he had akind one, to see all the way how pale and quiet Daisy's facewas. She asked him no more about trilobites, she did not talkabout anything; the subjects the Captain started were soon letdrop. And not because she was too ill to talk, for Daisy's eyewas thoughtfully clear and steady, and the Captain had nodoubt but she was busy enough in her own mind with things shedid not bring out. What sort of things? he was very curious toknow. For he had never seen Daisy's face so exceeding sweet inits expression as he saw it now; though the cheeks were paleand worn, there was in her eye whenever it was lifted to his, a light of something hidden that the Captain could not read. It was true. Daisy had sat stunned and dull all the morninguntil he came with his proposal for the drive; and with thefirst stir of excitement in getting ready, a returning tide oflove had filled the dry places in Daisy's heart; and it wasfull now of feelings that only wanted a chance to come out. Meanwhile she sat as still as a mouse and as grave as a judge. 

The hill for which they were bound was some dozen or moremiles away. It was a wild rough place. Arrived at the foot ofit, they could go no further by the road; the Captain tied hishorse to a tree, and he and Daisy scrambled up the longwinding ascent, thick with briars and bushes, or strewn withpieces of rock, and shaded with a forest of old trees. Thiswas hard walking for Daisy today; she did not feel likestruggling with any difficulties, and her poor little feetalmost refused to carry her through the roughnesses of thelast part of the way. She was very glad when they reached theground where the Captain wanted to explore, and she could sitdown and be still. It was quite on the other side of themountain; a strange-looking place. The face of the hill wasall bare of trees, and seemed to be nothing but rock; andjagged and broken as if quarriers had been there cutting andblasting. Nothing but a steep surface of broken rock; bareenough; but it was from the sun, and Daisy chose the firstsmooth fragment to sit down upon. Then what a beautiful place!For, from that rocky seat, her eye had a range over acres andacres of waving slopes of tree tops; down in the valley at themountain foot, and up and down so many slopes and ranges ofswelling and falling hillsides and dells, that the eyewandered from one to another and another, softer and softer asthe distance grew, or brighter and more varied as the viewcame nearer home. A wilderness all, no roof of a house norsmoke from a chimney even; but those sunny ranges of hills, over which now and then a cloud shadow was softly moving, andwhich finished in a dim blue horizon. 

"Well, are you going to sit here?" said the Captain, "or willyou help me to hunt up my fishes?"

"Oh, I'll sit here, " said Daisy. She did not believe much inthe success of the Captain's hunt. 

"Won't you be afraid, while I am going all over creation?"

"Of what?" said Daisy. 

The Captain laughed a little and went off; thinking, however, not so much of his trilobites as of the sweet fearless lookthe little face had given him. Uneasy about the child too, forDaisy's face looked not as he liked to see it look. But wheregot she that steady calm, and curious fearlessness. "She is atimid child, " thought the Captain, as he climbed over therocks; "or she was, the other night. "

But the Captain and Daisy were looking with different eyes; nowonder they did not find the same things. In all that sunlitglow over hill and valley, which warmed every tree-top, Daisyhad seen only another light, — the love of the Lord JesusChrist. With that love round her, over her, how could she fearanything. She sat a little while, resting and thinking; then, being weary and feeling weak, she slipped down on the ground, and like Jacob taking a stone for her pillow, she went tosleep. 

So the Captain found her, every time he came back from hishunt to look after his charge; he let her sleep, and went offagain. He had a troublesome hunt. At last he found some tracesof what he sought; then he forgot Daisy in his eagerness, andit was after a good long interval the last time that he cameto Daisy's side again. She was awake. 

"What have you got?" she said, as he came up with his handsfull. 

"I have got my fish. "

"Have you! Oh, where is it?"

"How do you do?" said the Captain, sitting down beside her. 

"I do very well. Where is the fish? You have got nothing butstones there, Captain Drummond?"

The Captain, without speaking, displayed one of the stones hehad in his hand. It looked very curious. Upon a smooth flatsurface, where the stone had been split, there was a raisedpart which had the appearance of some sort of animal; butthis, too, seemed to be stone, and was black and shining, though its parts were distinct. 

"What is that, Captain Drummond? It is a stone. "

"It is a fish. "

"That?"

"That. "

"But you are laughing. "

"Am I?" said the Captain, as grave as a senator. "It's a fishfor all that. "

"This curious black thing?"

"Precisely. "

"What sort of a fish?"

"Daisy, have you had any luncheon?"

"No, sir. "

"Then you had better discuss that subject first. Soldierscannot get along without their rations, you'll find. "

"What is that?" said Daisy. 

"Rations?"

"Yes, sir. "

"Daily bread, Daisy. Of one sort or another, as the case maybe. Where is that basket?"

Daisy had charge of it, and would not let him take it out ofher hands. She unfolded napkins, and permitted the Captain tohelp himself when she had all things ready. Then bread-and-butter and salad were found to be very refreshing. But whileDaisy ate, she looked at the trilobite. 

"Please tell me what it is, Captain Drummond. "

"It is a Crustacean. "

"But, you know, I don't know what a Crustacean is. "

"A Crustacean is a fellow who wears his bones on the outside. "

"Captain Drummond! What do you mean?"

"Well, I mean that, Daisy. Did you never hear of the waysoldiers used to arm themselves for the fight in old times inplates of jointed armour?"

"Yes, I know they did. "

"Well, these fellows are armed just so — only they do not puton steel or brass, but hard plates of bone or horn, that doexactly as well, and are jointed just as nicely. "

"And those are Crustaceans?"

"Those are Crustaceans. "

"And was this thing armed so?"

"Splendidly. Don't you see those marks? — those show the ringsof his armour. Those rings fitted so nicely, and played soeasily upon one another, that he could curl himself all upinto a ball if he liked, and bring his armour all round him;for it was only on his back, so to speak. "

"And how came he into this rock, Captain Drummond?"

"Ah! how did he?" said the Captain, looking contentedly at thetrilobite. "That's more than I can tell you, Daisy. Only helived before the rock was made, and when it was made, itwrapped him up in it, somehow; and now we have got him!"

"But, Captain Drummond! —"

"What is it?"

"When do you suppose this rock was made?"

"Can't just say, Daisy. Some rocks are young, and some areold, you know. This is one of the old rocks. "

"But how do you know, Captain Drummond?"

"I know by the signs, " said the Captain. 

"What is an old rock? how old?"

"I am sure I can't say, Daisy. Only that a young rock is aptto be a good deal older than Adam and Eve. "

"How can you tell that?"

"When you see a man's hair grey, can't you tell that he isold?"

"But there are no grey hairs in rocks?" said Daisy. 

"Yes, there are. Trilobites do just as well. "

"But, I _say_, " said Daisy, laughing, "how can you tell that therock is old? You wouldn't know that grey hairs were a sign, ifyou saw them on young people. "

"Pretty well, Daisy!" said the Captain, delighted to see herinterested in something again; — "pretty well! But you willhave to study something better than me, to find out about allthat. Only it is true. "

"And you were not laughing?"

"Not a bit of it. That little fellow, I suppose, lived athousand million years ago; may as well say a thousand asanything. "

"I can't see how you can tell, " said Daisy, looking puzzled. 

"That was a strange old time, when he was swimming about — orwhen most of them were. There were no trees, to speak of; andno grass or anything but sea-weed and mosses; and no livingthings but fishes and oysters and such creatures?"

"Where were the beasts then, and the birds?"

"They were not made yet. That's the reason, I suppose, therewas no grass for them to eat. "

Daisy looked down at the trilobite; and looked profoundlythoughtful. That little, shiny, black, stony thing, _that_ hadlived and flourished so many ages ago! Once more she looked upinto the Captain's face — to see if he were trifling with her. He shook his head. 

"True as a book, Daisy. "

"But, Captain Drummond, please, how do you know it?"

"Just think, Daisy, — this little fellow frolicked away in themud at the bottom of the sea, with his half-moons of eyes —and round him swam all sorts of fishes that do not livenowadays; fishes with plate armour like himself; everybody wasin armour. "

"Half-moons of eyes, Captain Drummond?"

"Yes. He had, or some of them had, two semi-circular walls ofeyes — one looked before and behind and all round to theright, and the other looked before and behind and all round atthe left; and in each wall were two hundred eyes. "

The Captain smiled to himself to see Daisy's face at thisstatement, though outwardly he kept perfectly grave. Daisy'sown simple orbs were so full and intent. She looked from himto the fossil. 

"But, Captain Drummond —" she began, slowly. 

"Well, Daisy? After you have done, I shall begin. "

"Did you say that this thing lived at the bottom of the sea. "

"Precisely. "

"But then how could he get up here?"

"Seems difficult, don't it?" said the Captain. "Well, Daisy, the people that know, tell us that all the land we have wasonce at the bottom of the sea; so these rocks had their turn. "

"All the land?" said Daisy. "Oh, that is what the Bible says!"

"The Bible!" said the Captain, in his turn. "Pray where, ifyou please?"

"Why, don't you know, Captain Drummond? — when God said, 'Letthe waters be gathered together into one place, and let thedry land appear. ' "

The Captain whistled softly, — with an amused face, andstealthily watched Daisy, whose countenance was full of themost beautiful interest. Almost lovingly she bent over thetrilobite, thinking her own thoughts; while her friendpresently, from observing the expression of her face, began totake notice anew of the thin and pale condition of the cheeks, that had been much healthier a week ago. 

"You like to look at armour, Daisy?" he said. 

She made no answer. 

"Are you still in the mind to 'die on the field of battle'?"

He guessed the question would touch her, but curiosity got thebetter of sympathy with him. He was not prepared for thewistful, searching look that Daisy gave him instantly, nor forthe indescribable tenderness and sorrow that mingled in it. Asbefore, she did not answer. 

"Forgive me, Daisy, " said the Captain, involuntarily "You knowyou told me you were a soldier. "

Daisy's heart was very tender, and she had been living all themorning in that peculiar nearness to Christ which those knowwho suffer for Him. She looked at the Captain, and burst intotears. 

"You told me you were a soldier —" he repeated, not quiteknowing what to say. 

"Oh, Captain Drummond!" said Daisy, weeping, — "I wish youwere!"

It stung the Captain. He knew what she meant. But he quietlyasked her why?

"Because then, " said Daisy, "you would know Jesus; and I wantyou to be happy. "

"Why, Daisy, " said Captain Drummond, though his consciencesmote him, — "you don't seem to me very happy lately. "

"Don't I?" she said. "But I am happy. I only wish everybodyelse was happy too. "

She presently wiped her eyes, and stood up. "CaptainDrummond, " said she, "don't you think we can find another ofthese things?"

Anything to change the course matters had taken, the Captainthought, so he gave ready assent; and he and Daisy enteredupon a most lively renewed quest among the rocks that coveredall that mountain-side. Daisy was more eager than he; shewanted very much to have a trilobite for her own keeping; thedifficulty was, she did not know how to look for it. All shecould do was to follow her friend, and watch all his doings, and direct him to new spots in the mountain that he had nottried. In the course of this business the Captain did someadventurous climbing; it would have distressed Daisy if shehad not been so intent upon his object; but as it was shestrained her little head back to look at him, where he pickedhis way along at a precipitous height above her, sometimesholding to a bramble or sapling, and sometimes depending onhis own good footing and muscular agility. In this way ofprogress, while making good his passage from one place toanother, the Captain's foot in leaping struck upon a looselypoised stone or fragment of rock. It rolled from under him. Aspring saved the Captain, but the huge stone, once set a-going, continued its way down the hill. 

"Daisy — look out!" he shouted. 

"Have you got one?" said Daisy, springing forward. Shemisunderstood his warning; and her bound brought her exactlyunder the rolling stone. She never saw it till it had reachedher, and knocked her down. 

"Hollo, Daisy!" shouted Captain Drummond, — "is all right?"

He got no answer, listened, shouted again, and then made twojumps from where he stood to the bottom. Daisy lay on theground, her little foot under the stone; her eyes closed, herface paler than ever. Without stopping to think how heavy thestone was, with a tremendous exertion of strength the youngman pushed it from where it lay, and released the foot; but hewas very much afraid damage was done. "I couldn't help it" —said the Captain to himself, as he looked at the great pieceof rock; but the first thing was to get Daisy's eyes open. There was no spring near that he knew of; he went back totheir lunch basket and brought from it a bottle of claret —all he could find — and with it wetted Daisy's lips and brow. The claret did perhaps as well as cold water; for Daisyrevived; but as soon as she sat up and began to move, herwords were broken off by a scream of pain. 

"What is it, Daisy?" said the Captain. "Your foot? — thatconfounded stone! — can't you move it?"

"No, " — said Daisy, with a short breath, "I can't move it. Please excuse me, Captain Drummond — I couldn't help cryingout that minute; it hurt me so. It doesn't hurt me so much nowwhen I keep still. "

The Captain kept still too, wishing very much that he andDaisy and the trilobites were all back in their places again. How long could they sit still up there on the mountain? Helooked at the sun; he looked at his watch. It was threeo'clock. He looked at Daisy. 

"Let me see, " said he, "if anything is the matter. Hard tofind out, through this thick boot! How does it feel now?"

"It pains me very much, these two or three minutes. "

The Captain looked at Daisy's face again, and then, withoutmore ado, took his knife and cut the lacings of the boot. "Howis that?" he asked. 

"That is a _great_ deal better. "

"If it hadn't been, you would have fainted again directly. Letus see — Daisy, I think I had better cut the boot off. Youhave sprained the ankle, or something, and it is swollen. "

Daisy said nothing, and the Captain went on very carefully andtenderly to cut the boot off. 

It was a very necessary proceeding. The foot was terriblyswollen already. Again the Captain mused, looking from thechild's foot to her face. 

"How is the pain now?"

"It aches a good deal. "

He saw it was vastly worse than her words made it. 

"My little soldier, " said he, "how do you suppose I am goingto get you down the hill, to where we left our carriage?"

"I don't know, " said Daisy. "You can't carry me. "

"What makes you think so?"

"I don't _know_, " said Daisy, — "but I don't think you can. " Andshe was a little afraid, he saw. 

"I will be as careful as I can, and you must be as brave asyou can, for I don't see any other way, Daisy. And I think, the sooner we go the better; so that this foot may have somecold or hot lotion or something. "

"Wait a minute, " said Daisy, hastily. 

And raising herself up to a sitting position, she bent overher little head, and covered her eyes with her hand. TheCaptain felt very strangely. He guessed in a minute what shewas about; that in pain and fear, Daisy was seeking an unseenhelp, and trusting in it; and in awed silence the youngofficer was as still as she, till the little head was raised. 

"Now, " she said, "you may take me. "

The Captain always had a good respect for Daisy; but hecertainly felt now as if he had the dignity of twenty-fiveyears in his arms. He raised her as gently as possible fromthe ground; he knew the changed position of the foot gave hernew pain, for a flush rose to Daisy's brow, but she said notone word either of suffering or expostulation. Her friendstepped with her as gently as he could over the rough way;Daisy supported herself partly by an arm round his neck, andwas utterly mute, till they were passing the place ofluncheon; then she broke out, —

"Oh! the trilobite!"

"Never mind the trilobite. "

"But are you going to lose it, Captain Drummond?"

"Not if you want it. I'll come back for it another day — if Ibreak my furlough. "

"I could hold it in my other hand — if I had it. "

The Captain thought the bottle of claret might chance to bethe most wanted thing; nevertheless he stopped, stooped, andpicked up the fossil. Daisy grasped it; and they went on theirway down the mountain. It was a very trying way to both ofthem. The Captain was painfully anxious to step easily, whichamong rocks and bushes he could not always do, especially witha weight in his arms; and Daisy's foot hanging down, gave herdreadful pain because of the increased rush of blood into it. Her little lips were firmly set together many a time, to avoidgiving her friend the distress of knowing how much shesuffered; and once the Captain heard a low whisper not meantfor his ear but uttered very close to it, — "O Lord Jesus, help me. " It went through and through the Captain's mind andheart. But he only set his teeth too, and plunged on, as fastas he could softly, down the rough mountain side. And if everanybody was glad, that was he when they reached the wagon. 

There was a new difficulty now, for the little vehicle had noplace in which Daisy could remain lying down. The seat wasfast; the Captain could not remove it. He did the best hecould. He put Daisy sideways on the seat, so that the hurtfoot could be stretched out and kept in one position upon it;and he himself stood behind her, holding the reins. In thatway he served as a sort of support for the little head, whichhe sometimes feared would sink in a swoon; for while she layon the ground, and he was trying measures with the wagon, theclosed eyes and pale cheeks had given the Captain a good manydesperately uneasy thoughts. Now Daisy sat still, leaningagainst him, with her eyes open; and he drove as tenderly ashe could. He had a frisky horse to manage, and the Captaincongratulated himself for this occasion at least that he was askilled whip. Still the motion of the wagon was very trying toDaisy, and every jar went through the Captain's foot up to hisheart. 

"How is it, Daisy?" he asked, after they had gone somedistance. 

"It isn't good, Captain Drummond, " she said, softly. 

"Bad, isn't it?"

"Rather. "

"I have to make this fellow go slowly, you see, or he wouldshake you too much. Could you bear to go faster?"

"I'll try. "

The Captain tried, cautiously. But his question, and possiblyDaisy's answer, were stimulated by the view of the westernhorizon, over which clouds were gathering thick and fast. Could they get home in time? That was the doubt in both minds. 

"Captain Drummond, " said Daisy, presently, "I can't bear thisshaking. "

"Must I go slower?"

"If you please. "

"Daisy, do you see how the sky bodes yonder? What do yousuppose we shall do if those clouds come up?"

"I don't know, " she answered. But she said it with such aquiet tone of voice, that the Captain wondered anew. He hadhoped that her fears might induce her to bear the pain. 

"Daisy, do you think it will come up a storm?"

"I think it will. "

"How soon? you know the signs better than I do. How soon willit be here?"

"It will come soon, I think. "

Yet there was no anxiety in Daisy's voice. It was perfectlycalm, though feeble. The Captain held his peace, looked at theclouds, and drove on; but not as fast as he would have liked. He knew it was a ride of great suffering to his little charge, for she became exceedingly pale; still she said nothing, except her soft replies to his questions. The western cloudsrolled up in great volumes of black and grey, rolling andgathering and spreading at a magnificent rate. The sun waspresently hid behind the fringe of this curtain of blackness;by and by the mountains were hid beneath a further fringe ofrain; a very thick fringe. Between, the masses of vapour inthe sky seemed charging for a tremendous outburst. It had notcome yet when the slow-going little wagon passed through CrumElbow; but by this time the Captain had seen distant darts oflightning, and even heard the far-off warning growl of thethunder. A new idea started up in the Captain's mind; hisfrisky horse might not like lightning. 

"Daisy, " said he, "my poor little Daisy — we cannot get toMelbourne — we must stop and wait a little somewhere. Is thereany house you like better than another? I had best turn backto the village. "

"No, don't, — stop!" cried Daisy, "don't go back, CaptainDrummond; there is a place nearer. Turn up that road — rightround there. It is very near. "

The Captain obeyed, but pulled in the reins presently as heheard a nearer growl of the coming thunder. 

"Daisy, where is it? I don't see anything. "

"There it is, Captain Drummond — that little house. "

"_That?_" said the Captain; but there was no more time now forretreat or question. He sprang out, threw the reins two orthree times over the gate-post; then executed the verydifficult operation of taking Daisy out of the wagon. He couldnot do it without hurting her; she fainted on his shoulder;and it was in this state, white and senseless, that he carriedher into Mrs. Benoit's cottage. The old woman had seen them, and met him at the door. Seeing the state of the case, sheimmediately, and with great quickness, spread a clean coveringover a comfortable chintz couch which stood under the window, and Daisy was laid there from her friend's arms. Juanitaapplied water and salts, too, deftly; and then asked theCaptain, "What is it, sir?"

"There's a foot hurt here, " said the Captain, giving moreattention to the hurt than he had had chance to do before. "Pray heaven it is not broken! I am afraid it is, the ankle, —or dislocated. "

"Then Heaven knows _why_ it is broken, " said the old woman, quietly. "The gentleman will go for a doctor, sir?"

"Yes, that must be the first thing, " said Captain Drummond, gravely. "Where shall I find him?"

"Dr. Sandford — the gentleman knows the road to Mr. St. Leonard's?"

"Yes — the Craigs — I know. "

"Dr. Sandford is half way there — where the gentlemanremembers a great brown house in the middle of the cedartrees. "

The Captain beat his brain to remember, thought he did, andwas starting away, but turned back to see Daisy's eyes openfirst; fearing lest she might be alarmed if he were not by herwhen she came to herself. There was a bright flash and nearpeal of thunder at the moment. Juanita looked up. 

"The gentleman will not fear the storm? There is work _here_" —touching the foot. 

The Captain remembered that Daisy herself had directed him tothe house, and dashed away again. The clouds were growingblacker every moment. In the darkening light, Juanita bentover Daisy and saw her eyes open. 

"Does my little lady know Juanita?"

Daisy sighed, looked round the room, and then seemed torecollect herself. 

"Oh, I am here!" she said. "Where is Captain Drummond?"

"The gentleman is gone for the doctor, to see to the hurtfoot. How is it now, dear?"

"It hurts me a good deal. "

Juanita's first business was to take off the stocking; thiscould only be done by cutting it down. When it was removed, avery sorrowful-looking little foot was seen. Juanita coveredit up lightly, and then turned her attention again to Daisy'spale face. 

"What can I give my little lady?"

"I am Daisy Randolph. "

"What may I do for Miss Daisy, to give her some comfort?"

"Juanita, — I wish you would pray for me again. "

"What does Miss Daisy want of the Lord?"

"My foot hurts me very much, and I want to be patient. And, Juanita, I want to thank Him too. "

"What for, Miss Daisy?"

"Because — I love Him; and He has made me so happy. "

"Praise the Lord!" came with a most glad outburst fromJuanita's lips; but then she knelt down, and so uttered herwarm petitions for help needed, and so her deep thanksgivingfor help rendered, that Daisy was greatly overcome, and pouredout her tears as the prayer went on. When it was ended, Juanita went about her room for a little while, making certainarrangements that she foresaw would be necessary; then cameand sat down. All this while the storm had been furious; thelightning hardly ceased, or the thunder, and both were near;but the two inmates of the little cottage seemed hardly to beconscious what was going on outside its walls. There was aslight lessening now of the storm's fury. 

"Has it gone well with my little lady then, since she gaveJuanita the rose-branch?"

This was the new opening of conversation. Daisy hesitated alittle what to answer; not for want of confidence, for therewas something about the fine old woman that had won hercompletely. 

"I don't know" — she said at length, slowly. "It has been veryhard to do right, Juanita. "

"But has my little lady kept her Lord's words?"

"Yes, Juanita, I did; but I don't know whether I should, if ithadn't been for what you said. "

"And did she meet the trouble too. "

Juanita saw that she had, for a flush rose on Daisy's poorpale cheeks, and her face was strangely grave. She did notanswer the question, either; only as the flush passed away shelooked placidly up and said, "I am not in trouble now, Juanita. "

"Bless the Lord!" was the utterance of Juanita's heart. "TheLord knows how to deliver out of trouble, Miss Daisy. "

"Yes, " said Daisy. "Oh!" — she exclaimed, suddenly, with a newlight breaking all over her face — but then she stopped. 

"What is it, my love?"

"Nothing — only I am so glad now that my foot is hurt. "

Juanita's thanksgiving rose to her lips again, but this timeshe only whispered it; turning away, perhaps to hide themoisture which had sprung to her eyes. For she understood moreof the case than Daisy's few words would have told mostpeople. 

Meantime, Captain Drummond and his frisky horse had a ridewhich was likely to make both of them remember thatthunderstorm. They reached Dr. Sandford's house; but then theCaptain found that the doctor was not at home; where he was, the servant could not say. The only other thing to do seemedto be to go on to Melbourne, and at least let Daisy have thecounsel of her father and mother. To Melbourne the Captaindrove as fast as his horse's state of mind would permit. 

The drawing room was blazing with lights as usual, and full oftalkers. 

"Hollo!" cried Gary McFarlane, as the Captain entered, — "herehe is. We had given you up for a fossil, Drummond — and noidea of your turning up again for another thousand years. Shouldn't have known where to look for you either, after thisstorm — among the aqueous or the igneous rocks. Glad to seeyou! Let me make you acquainted with Dr. Sandford. "

"I am glad to see you, sir, " said the Captain, involuntarily, as he shook hands with this latter. 

"You haven't left Daisy somewhere, changed into a stone lily?"pursued McFarlane. 

"Yes, " said the Captain. "Dr. Sandford, I am going to ask youto get ready to ride with me. Mr. Randolph, I have left Daisyby the way. She has hurt her foot — I threw down a stone uponit — and the storm obliged her to defer getting home. I lefther at a cottage near Crum Elbow. I am going to take Dr. Sandford to see what the foot wants. "

Mr. Randolph ordered the carriage, and then told his wife. 

"Does it storm yet?" she asked. 

"The thunder and lightning are ceasing, but it rains hard. "

The lady stepped out of the room to get ready, and in a fewminutes she and her husband, Captain Drummond and the doctor, were seated in the carriage and on their way to Mrs. Benoit'scottage. Captain Drummond told how the accident happened;after that he was silent; and so were the rest of the party, till the carriage stopped. 

Mrs. Benoit's cottage looked oddly, when all these grandpeople poured into it. But the mistress of the cottage neverlooked more like herself, and her reception of the grandpeople was as simple as that she had given to Daisy. LittleDaisy herself lay just where her friend the Captain had lefther, but looked with curious expression at the others whoentered with him now. The father and mother advanced to thehead of the couch; the Captain and Juanita stood at the foot. The doctor kept himself a little back. 

"Are you suffering, Daisy?" Mr. Randolph asked. 

The child's eyes went up to him. "Papa — _yes!_"

She had begun quietly, but the last word was given with morethan quiet expression, and the muscles about her lipsquivered. 

Mr. Randolph stooped and pressed his own lips upon them. 

"I have brought Dr. Sandford to look at your foot, Daisy. Hewill see what it wants. "

"Will he hurt me, papa?" said the child, apprehensively. 

"I hope not. No more than is necessary. "

"It hurts to have anybody touch it, papa. "

"He must touch it, Daisy. Can't you bear it bravely?"

"Wait, papa!"

And again the child clasped her two hands over her face, andwas still. Mr. Randolph had no idea what for, though hehumoured her, and waited. 

The Captain knew, for he had seen more of Daisy that day, andhe looked very grave indeed. The black woman knew, for asDaisy's hands fell from her face, she uttered a deep, soft"Amen!" which no one understood but one little heart. 

"Papa — I am ready. He may look now. "

Juanita removed the covering from the foot, and the doctorstepped forward. Daisy's eyes rested on him, and she sawgratefully a remarkably fine and pleasant countenance. Mrs. Randolph's eyes rested on the foot, and she uttered anexclamation. It was the first word she had uttered. Everybodyelse was still, while the doctor passed his hands over andround the distressed ankle and foot, but tenderly, and in away that gave Daisy very little pain. Then he stepped back andbeckoned Juanita to a consultation. Juanita disappeared, andDr. Sandford came up to Mr. Randolph, and spoke in a low tone. Then Mr. Randolph turned again to Daisy. 

"What is it, papa?" asked the child. 

"Daisy, to make your foot well, Dr. Sandford will be obligedto do something that will hurt you a little — will you try andbear it? He will not be long about it. "

"What is the matter with my foot, papa?"

"Something that the doctor can set right in a few minutes — ifyou will try and bear a little pain. "

A little pain! And Daisy was suffering so much all the while!Again her lip trembled. 

"Must he touch me, papa?"

"He must touch you. "

Daisy's hands were clasped to her face again for a minute;after that she lay quite still and quiet. Mr. Randolph kepthis post, hardly taking his eye off her; Mrs. Randolph satdown where she had stood; behind the head of Daisy's couch, where her little daughter could not see her; and all the partyindulged in silence. At length the doctor was ready, and cameto the foot, attended by Juanita; and Mr. Randolph took one ofDaisy's hands in his own. With the other the child covered hereyes, and so lay, perfectly still, while the doctor set theankle-bone which had been broken. As the foot also itself hadbeen very much hurt, the handling of necessity gave a greatdeal of pain, more than the mere setting of the broken bonewould have caused. Mr. Randolph could feel every now and thenthe convulsive closing of Daisy's hand upon his; other thanthat she gave no sign of what she was suffering. One sign ofwhat another person was feeling, was given as Dr. Sandfordbound up the foot and finished his work. It was given inJuanita's deep breathed "Thank the Lord!" The doctor glancedup at her with a slight smile of curiosity. Captain Drummondwould have said "Amen, " if the word had not been sounaccustomed to his mouth. 

Mrs. Randolph rose then, and inquired of the doctor what wouldbe the best means of removing Daisy?

"She must not be moved, " the doctor said. 

"Not to-night?"

"No, madam; nor to-morrow, nor for many days. "

"Must she be left _here?_"

"If she were out in the weather, I would move her, " said thedoctor; "not if she were under a barn that would shed therain. "

"What harm would it do?"

The doctor could not take it upon him to say. 

"But I cannot be with her here, " said Mrs. Randolph; "noranybody else, that I can see. "

"Juanita will take care of her, " said the doctor. "Juanita isworth an army of nurses. Miss Daisy cannot be better cared forthan she will be. "

"Will you undertake the charge?" said Mrs. Randolph, facinground upon Daisy's hostess. 

"The Lord has given it to me, madam, — and I love to do myLord's work, " was Juanita's answer. She could not have given abetter one, if it had been meant to act as a shot, to driveMrs. Randolph out of the house. The lady waited but till thedoctor had finished his directions which he was giving to theblack woman. 

"I don't see, " then she said to her husband, "that there isanything to be gained by my remaining here any longer; and ifwe are to go, the sooner we go the better, so that Daisy maybe quiet. Dr. Sandford says that is the best thing for her. "

"Captain Drummond will see you home, " said her husband. "Ishall stay. "

"You can't do anything, in this box of a place. "

"Unless the child herself desires it, there is no occasion foryour remaining here over night, " said the doctor. "She will bebest in quiet, and sleep, if she can. You might hinder, ifyour presence did not help her to this. "

"What do you say, Daisy?" said her father tenderly, bendingover her; — "shall I stay or go? Which do you wish?"

"Papa, you would not be comfortable here. I am not afraid. "

"Do you want me to go?" said her father, putting his face downto hers. 

Daisy clasped her two arms round his neck and kissed him, andheld him while she whispered, "No, papa, but maybe you hadbetter. There is no place for you, and I am not afraid. "

He kissed her silently and repeatedly, and then rose up andwent to look at the storm. It had ceased; the moon wasstruggling out between great masses of cloud driving over theface of the sky. Mrs. Randolph stood ready to go, putting onher _capuche_ which she had thrown off, and Juanita laying hershawl round her shoulders. The doctor stood waiting to handher to the carriage. The Captain watched Daisy, whose eye waswistfully fixed on her mother. He watched, and wondered at itsvery grave, soft expression. There was very little affectionin the Captain's mind at that moment towards Mrs. Randolph. 

The carriage was ready, and the lady turned round to give aparting look at the child. A cold look it was, but Daisy'ssoft eye never changed. 

"Mamma, " said she, whisperingly, "won't you kiss me?"

Mrs. Randolph stooped instantly, and gave the kiss; it couldnot be refused, and was fully given; but then she immediatelytook Doctor Sandford's arm, and went out of the house. TheCaptain reverently bent over Daisy's little hand, and followedher. 

The drive was a very silent one, till Dr. Sandford was left athis own door. So soon as the carriage turned again, Mrs. Randolph broke out. 

"How long did he say, Mr. Randolph, the child must be left atthat woman's cottage?"

"He said she must not be moved for weeks. "

"She might as well stay forever, " said Mrs. Randolph, — "forthe effect it will have. It will take a year to get Daisy backto where she was! I wish fanatics would confine their effortsto children that have no one else to care for them. "

"What sort of fanaticism has been at work here, Mrs. Randolph?" the Captain enquired. 

"The usual kind, of course; religious fanaticism. It seems tobe catching. "

"I have been in dangerous circumstances to day, then, " saidthe Captain. "I am afraid I have caught it. I feel as ifsomething was the matter with me. "

"It will not improve you, " said Mrs. Randolph, dryly. 

"How has it wrought with Daisy?"

"Changed the child so that I do not recognise her. She neverset up her own will before; and now she is as difficult todeal with as possible. She is an impersonation of obstinacy. "

"Perhaps, after all, she is only following orders, " said theCaptain, with daring coolness. "A soldier's duty makes himterribly obstinate sometimes. You must excuse me, — but yousee I cannot help appreciating military qualities. "

"Will you be good enough to say what you mean?" the ladyasked, with sufficient displeasure of manner. 

"Only, that I believe in my soul Daisy takes her orders fromhigher authority, than we do. And I have seen today — Ideclare! I have seen a style of obedience and soldierlyfollowing, that would win any sort of a field — ay, and die init!" added the Captain, musingly. "It is the sort of thingthat gets promotion from the ranks. "

"How did all this happen to-day?" asked Mr. Randolph, as thelady was now silent. "I have heard only a bit of it. "

In answer to which, Captain Drummond went into the details ofthe whole day's experience; told it point by point, and bit bybit; having a benevolent willingness that Daisy's father andmother should know, if they would, with what sort of a spiritthey were dealing. He told the whole story; and nobodyinterrupted him. 

"It is one thing, " said the Captain, thoughtfully, as heconcluded, — "it is one thing to kneel very devoutly and sayafter the minister, 'Lord, have mercy upon us, and write allthese laws in our hearts;' — I have done that myself; but itgives one an entirely different feeling to see some one inwhose heart they are written!"

"There is only one thing left for you, Captain Drummond, " saidMrs. Randolph slightly; "to quit the army and take orders. "

"I am afraid, if I did, you would never want to see me settledin Mr. Pyne's little church over here, " the Captain answered, as he helped the lady to alight at her own door. 

"Not till Daisy is safely married, " said Mrs. Randolphlaughing. 

CHAPTER XVI. 

JUANITA'S COTTAGE. 

Till the sound of the carriage wheels had died away in thedistance, Juanita stood at the door looking after them;although the trees and the darkness prevented her seeinganything along the road further than a few yards. When therustle of the breeze among the branches was the only thingleft to hear, beside the dripping of the rain drops shakenfrom the leaves, Juanita shut the door, and came to Daisy. Thechild was lying white and still, with her eyes closed. Verywhite and thin the little face looked, indeed; and under eacheyelid lay a tear glistening, that had forced its way so farinto notice. Juanita said not a word just then; she bustledabout and made herself busy. Not that Juanita's busy ways wereever bustling in reality; she was too good a nurse for that;but she had several things to do. The first was to put up ascreen at the foot of Daisy's couch. She lay just a few feetfrom the door, and everybody coming to the door, and having itopened, could look in if he pleased; and so Daisy would haveno privacy at all. That would not do; Juanita's wits went towork to mend the matter. Her little house had been neverintended for more than one person. There was another room init, to be sure, where Mrs. Benoit's own bed was; so that Daisycould have the use and possession of this outer room all toherself. Juanita went about her business too noiselessly toinduce even those closed eyelids to open. She fetched atolerably large clothes-horse from somewhere — some shed orout-building; this she set at the foot of the couch, and hungan old large green moreen curtain over it. Where the curtaincame from, one of Mrs. Benoit's great locked chests knew;there were two or three such chests in the inner room, withmore treasures than a green moreen curtain stowed away inthem. The curtain was too large for the clothes-horse to holdup; it lay over the floor. Juanita got screws and cords; fixedone screw in the wall, another in the ceiling, and at lastsucceeded in stretching the curtain neatly on the cords andthe clothes-horse, where she wanted it to hang. That was done;and Daisy's couch was quite sheltered from any eyes coming tothe door that had no business to come further. When it wasfinished, and the screws and cords put away, Juanita came toDaisy's side. The eyes were open now. 

"That is nice, " said Daisy. 

"It'll keep you by yourself, my little lady. Now what will shehave?"

"Nothing — only I am thirsty, " said Daisy. 

Juanita went to the well for some cold water, and mixed withit a spoonful of currant jelly. It was refreshing to the poorlittle dry lips. 

"What will my love have next?"

"I don't know, " said Daisy — "my foot aches a good deal, andall my leg. I think — Juanita — I would like it if you wouldread to me. "

Juanita took a somewhat careful survey of her, felt her hands, and finally got the book. 

"Is there too much air for my love from that window?"

"No, it is nice, " said Daisy. "I can see the stars sobeautifully, with the clouds driving over the sky. Every nowand then they get between me and the stars — and then thestars look out again so bright. They seem almost right overme. Please read, Juanita. "

Mrs. Benoit did not consider that it made much difference toDaisy where she read; so she took the chapter that came nextin the course of her own going through the New Testament. Itwas the eighth chapter of Mark. She read very pleasantly; notlike a common person; and with a slight French accent. Hervoice was always sweet, and the words came through it as lovedwords. It was very pleasant to Daisy to hear her; the longchapter was not interrupted by any remark. But when Mrs. Benoit paused at the end of it, Daisy said, "How can anybodybe _ashamed_ of Him, Juanita?"

The last verse of the chapter has these words "Whosoevertherefore shall be ashamed of Me, and of My words, in thisadulterous and sinful generation; of Him also shall the Son ofman be ashamed, when He cometh in the glory of His Father withthe holy angels. "

"How can anybody be ashamed of him, Juanita?"

"They not see the glory of the Lord, my lady. "

"But we do not see it yet. "

"My love will see it. Juanita has seen it. This little housebe all full of glory sometimes, when Jesus is here. "

"But that is because you love Him, Juanita. "

"Praise the Lord!" echoed the black woman. "He do show Hisglory to His people, before He come with the holy angels. "

"I don't see how anybody can be ashamed of Him, " Daisyrepeated, uttering the words as if they contained a simpleimpossibility. 

"My little lady not know the big world yet. There be ways, that the Lord know and that the people not know. "

"What do you mean, Juanita?"

"My lady will find it, " said the black woman folding her arms. "When all the world go one way, then folks not like to goanother way and be looked at; they be ashamed of Christ'swords then, and they only think they do not want to be lookedat. "

A colour came all over Daisy's face — a suffusion of colour;and tears swam in her eyes. "I didn't like to be looked at, the other night!" she said, in a self-accusing tone. 

"Did my love turn and go with the world?"

"No, I didn't do that. "

"Then Jesus won't turn away neither, " said the black woman. 

"But I ought not to have felt so, Juanita. "

"Maybe. My love is a little child. The good Lord shall'stablish her, and keep her from evil. Now she must not talkno more, but trust the Lord, and go to sleep. "

"I can't sleep, Juanita — my leg aches so. "

"That will be better. Is my love thirsty again?"

"Very thirsty! I wish I had some oranges. "

"They would be good, " said Juanita, bringing another glass ofjelly and water for Daisy. 

And then she sat down, and sang softly; hymns in French andEnglish; sweet and low, and soothing in their simple andsometimes wild melody. They soothed Daisy. After a time, wearied and exhausted by all her long day of trial, she didforget pain in slumber. The eyelids closed, and Juanita'sstealthy examination found that quiet soft breathing wasreally proving her fast asleep. The singing ceased; and for awhile nothing was to be heard in the cottage but the low rushand rustle of the wind which had driven away the storm clouds, and the patter of a dislodged rain drop or two that wereshaken from the leaves. Daisy's breathing was too soft to beheard, and Juanita almost held her own lest it should be toosoon disturbed. But the pain of the hurt foot and ankle wouldnot suffer a long sleep. Daisy waked up with a sigh. 

"Are you there, Juanita?"

"I am here. "

"What o'clock is it?"

Juanita drew back the curtain of the window by Daisy's couch, that the moonlight might fall in and show the face of thelittle clock. It was midnight. 

"It won't be morning in a great while, will it?" said Daisy. 

"Does my lady want morning?"

"My foot hurts me dreadfully, Juanita — the pain shoots andjumps all up my leg. Couldn't you do something to it?"

"My dear love, it will be better by and by — there is no helpnow for it, unless the Lord sends sleep. I s'pose it mustache. Can't Miss Daisy remember who sends the pain?"

The child answered her with a curious smile. It was notstrange to the black woman; she read it, and knew it, and hadseen such before; to anybody that had not, how strange wouldhave seemed the lovingness that spread over all Daisy'sfeatures, and brightened on her brow as much as on her lips. It was not patient submission; it was the light of joyfulaffection shining out over all Daisy's little pale face. 

"Ay, it isn't hard with Jesus, " said the black woman with asatisfied face. "And the Lord is here now, — praise his name!"

"Juanita — I have been very happy to-day, " said Daisy. 

"Ay? how has that been, my love?"

"Because I knew He was taking care of me. It seemed that Jesuswas so near me all the time. Even all that dreadful ride. "

"The Lord is good!" said the black woman, with strongexpression. "But my love must not talk. "

She began to sing again. —

"Oh, what shall I do, my Saviour to praise, So faithful and true, so plenteous in grace. So good to deliver, so strong to redeemThe weakest believer that hangs upon him. "

"Oh, that's good, Juanita!" said Daisy. "Hush! — Juanita, itis very late for anybody to be out riding!"

"Who is out riding, Miss Daisy?"

"I don't know — I hear a horse's feet. Don't you hear. —there!"

"It's some young gentleman, maybe, going home, from a dinner-party. "

"Don't draw the curtain, Juanita, please! I like it so, I canlook out. The moonlight is nice. Somebody is very late, goinghome from a dinner party. "

"They often be. Miss Daisy, the moonlight will hinder yousleeping, I am afraid. "

"I can't sleep. It's so good to look out! Juanita — there'sthat horse's feet, stopping just here. "

Juanita went to her door, and perceived that Daisy spoketruth. Somebody down at her little wicket had dismounted, andwas fastening his horse to the fence. Then a figure came upthe walk in the moonlight. 

"Juanita!" cried Daisy, with an accent of joy, though shecould not see the figure from where she lay, — "it's papa!"

"Is she asleep?" said the voice of Mr. Randolph the nextminute softly. 

"No, sir. She knows it's you, sir. Will his honour walk in?"

Mr. Randolph, with a gentle footfall, came in and stood by theside of the couch. 

"Daisy — my poor little Daisy!" — he said. 

"Papa! —"

This one word was rich in expression; joy and love so filledit. Daisy added nothing more. She put her arms round herfather's neck as he stooped his lips to her face, held himfast and returned his kisses. 

"Cannot you sleep?" The question was very tenderly put. 

"I did sleep, papa. "

"I did not wake you?"

"No, papa. I was awake, looking at the moonlight. "

"Pain would not let you sleep, my poor darling?"

The sympathy was a little too trying. Tears started to thechild's eyes. She said with a most gentle, loving accent, "Idon't mind, papa. It will be better by and by. I am veryhappy. "

An indignant question as to the happiness which had been sorudely shaken, was on Mr. Randolph's lips. He remembered Daisymust not be excited; nevertheless, he wondered, for he saw thechild's eyes full, and knew that the brow was drawn with pain;and the poor little thin face was as white as a sheet. Whatdid she mean by talking about being happy?

"Daisy, I have brought you some oranges. "

"Thank you, papa! — May I have one now?"

Silently, and almost sternly, Mr. Randolph stood and pared theorange with a fruit knife — he had thought to bring that too —and fed Daisy with it, bit by bit. It was pleasant and novelto Daisy to have her father serve her so; generally others haddone it when there had been occasion. Mr. Randolph did itnicely, while his thoughts worked. 

"What are you going to do to-night, papa?" she said, when theorange was finished and he stood looking at her. 

"Stay here with you. "

"But, papa, how can you sleep?"

"I can do without sleeping, if it is necessary. I will take achair here in the doorway, and be near if you want anything. "

"Oh, I shall not want anything, papa, except what Juanita cangive me. "

He stood still, watching her. Daisy looked up at him with aloving face; a wise little face it always was; it was gravelyconsiderate now. 

"Papa, I am afraid you will be uncomfortable. "

"Can nobody bear that but you?" said Mr. Randolph, stoopingdown to kiss her. 

"I am very happy, papa, " said the child, placidly; while aslight tension of her forehead witnessed to the shooting painswith which the whole wounded limb seemed to be filled. 

"If Mr. Randolph pleases, " said the voice of Juanita, — "thedoctor recommended quiet, sir. "

Off went Mr. Randolph at that, as if he knew it very well, andhad forgotten himself. He took a chair, and set it in the opendoorway, using the door-post as a rest for his head; and thenthe cottage was silent. The wind breathed more gently; thestars shone out; the air was soft after the storm; themoonlight made a bright flicker of light and shade over allthe outer world. Now and then a grasshopper chirruped, or alittle bird murmured a few twittering notes at being disturbedin its sleep; and then came a soft sigh from Daisy. 

On noiseless foot the black woman stole to the couch. Daisywas weeping; her tears were pouring out and making a great wetspot on her pillow. 

"Is my love in pain?" whispered the black woman. 

"It's nothing — I can't help it, " said Daisy. 

"Where is it — in the foot?"

"It's all over, I think; in my head and everywhere. Hush, Juanita; never mind. "

Mrs. Benoit, however, tried the soothing effect of a longgentle brushing of Daisy's head. This lasted till Daisy saidshe could bear it no longer. She was restless. 

"Will my love hear a hymn?"

"It will wake papa. "

Mrs. Benoit cared nothing for that. Her care was her poorlittle charge. She began immediately one of the hymns thatwere always ready on her tongue, and which were wonderfullysoothing to Daisy. Juanita was old, but her voice was sweetyet and clear; and she sang with a deal of quiet spirit. 

"A few more days or years at most, My troubles sell be o'er;I hope to join the heavenly hostOn Canaan's happy shore. My raptured soul shall drink and feastIn love's unbounded sea;The glorious hope of endless restIs ravishing to me. "

Mr. Randolph raised his head from leaning against the door-post, and turned it to listen; with a look of loweringimpatience. The screen of the hanging curtain was between himand the couch, and the look did nobody any harm. 

"Oh, come, my Saviour, come away, And bear me to the sky!Nor let thy chariot wheels delay —Make haste and bring it nigh:I long to see Thy glorious face, And in Thy image shine;To triumph in victorious grace, And be forever Thine. "

Mr. Randolph's chair here grated inharmoniously on the floor, as if he were moving; but Juanita went on without heeding it. 

"Then will I tune my harp of goldTo my eternal King. Through ages that can ne'er be toldI'll make Thy praises ring. All hail, eternal Son of God, Who died on Calvary!Who bought me with His precious blood, From endless misery. "

Mr. Randolph stood by Mrs. Benoit's chair. "My good woman, " hesaid, in suppressed tones, "this is a strange way to put apatient to sleep. "

"As your honour sees!" replied the black woman, placidly. 

Mr. Randolph looked. Daisy's eyes were closed; the knittedbrow had smoothed itself out in slumber; the deep breath toldhow profound was the need that weakness and weariness hadmade. He stood still. The black woman's hand softly drew thecurtain between Daisy's face and the moonlight, and then shenoiselessly withdrew herself almost out of sight, to a lowseat in a corner. So Mr. Randolph betook himself to hisstation in the doorway; and whether he slept or no, the hoursof the night stole on quietly. The breeze died down; the moonand the stars shone steadily over the lower world; and Daisyslept, and her two watchers were still. By and by, anotherlight began to break in the eastern horizon, and the starsgrew pale. The morning had come. 

The birds were twittering in the branches before Daisy awoke. At the first stir she made, her father and Mrs. Benoit wereinstantly at her side. Mr. Randolph bent over her, and askedtenderly how she felt. 

"I feel hot, papa. "

"Everybody must do that, " said Mr. Randolph. "The breeze hasdied away, and the morning is very close. "

"Papa, have you been awake all night?"

He stooped down and kissed her. 

"You must go home and get some breakfast, and go to sleep, "Daisy said, looking at him lovingly with her languid eyes. 

"Shall I bring you anything from home, Daisy?" he said, kissing her again. 

The child looked a little wistfully, but presently said no;and Mr. Randolph left her, to do as she had said. Mrs. Benoitwas privately glad to have him out of the way. She broughtwater, and bathed Daisy's face and hands, and gave her adelicate breakfast of orange; and contrived to be a long whileabout it all, so as to rest and refresh her as much aspossible. But when it was all done, Daisy was very hot andweary and in much pain. And the sun was only in the tops ofthe trees yet. The black woman stood considering her. 

"It will be a hot day, Miss Daisy — and my little lady issuffering already, when the dew is not dried off the grass. Can she say, 'Thank the Lord'?"

Daisy first smiled at her; then the little pale face grewgrave, the eyelids fell, and the black woman saw tearsgathering beneath them. She stood looking somewhat anxiouslydown at the child; till, after a few minutes, the eyelids wereraised again, and the eyes gave her a most meek and lovingresponse, while Daisy said faintly, "Yes, Juanita. "

"Bless the Lord!" said Juanita, with all her heart. "Then mylove can bear it, the hot day and the pain and all. When Hislittle child trust Him, Jesus not stay far off. And when Hegiveth quietness, then who can make trouble?"

"But I have a particular reason, Juanita. I am very glad of myhurt foot; though it does ache. "

"The aching will not be so bad by and by, " said the woman, herkindly face all working with emotion. 

She stood there by Daisy's couch and prayed. No bathing norbreakfast could so soothe and refresh Daisy as that prayer. While she listened and joined in it, the feeling of yesterdaycame all back again; that wonderful feeling that the LordJesus loves even the little ones that love Him; that He willnot let a hair of their heads be hurt; that He is near, andkeeps them, and is bringing them to Himself by everything thatHe lets happen to them. 

Greatly refreshed and comforted, Daisy lay quiet looking outof the open window, while Juanita was busy about, making afire and filling her kettle for breakfast. She had promisedDaisy a cup of tea and a piece of toast; and Daisy was veryfond of a cup of tea, and did not ordinarily get it; but Mrs. Benoit said it would be good for her now. The fire was made ina little out-shed, back of the cottage, where it would donobody any harm, even in hot weather. 

Daisy was so quieted and comforted, though her leg was stillaching, that she was able to look out and take some pleasurein the sparkling morning light which glittered on the leavesof the trees and on the blades of grass; and to hearken to thebirds which were singing in high feather all around thecottage. The robins especially were very busy, whistling aboutin and under the trees; and a kildeer, quite near, from timeto time sung its soft sweet song; so soft and tender, itseemed every time to say in Daisy's ears, "What if I am sickand in pain and weary? Jesus sends it — and He knows — and Heis my dear Saviour. " It brought the tears into Daisy's eyes atlength; the song of the kildeer came so close home into herheart. 

Juanita had gone to make the tea. While the kettle had beencoming to a boil, she had put her little cottage into thenicest of order; and even filled a glass with some roses andset it on the little table. For, as she said to Daisy, theywould have company enough that day, and must be in trim. Shehad gone now to make the tea, and Daisy lay contentedlylooking out of the window, when she heard the swift tread ofhorses' feet again. Could her father be back from Melbournealready? Daisy could not raise herself up to look. She heardthe feet stop in the road before the cottage; then listenedfor somebody's step coming up to it. She heard the step, butit was none of Mr. Randolph's; it was brisk and firm andmeasured. She guessed it was somebody's step whose feet hadbeen trained. 

Juanita came to open the door at the knock, and Daisy heardher saying something about the doctor's orders, and keepingquiet, and no excitement. Daisy could not stand that. 

"Oh, Captain Drummond — come in! come in!" she cried. And incame the Captain. He looked wonderfully sober at his poorlittle playfellow. But Daisy looked all smiles at him. 

"Is your furlough over? Are you going, Captain Drummond?"

"I am off, Daisy. "

"I am so glad you came to see me, " she said, putting out herlittle hand to him. 

The Captain took it, and held it, and seemed almost unable tospeak. "Daisy, I would have run the risk of being cashiered, rather than not have done it. "

"What is that?"

"Cashiered? Having my epaulettes pulled off. "

"Do you care a great deal for your epaulettes?" said Daisy. 

The Captain laughed, with the water standing in his eyes. Yes, absolutely, his bright sparkling eyes had drops in them. 

"Daisy, I have brought you our land fish — that we had suchtrouble for. "

"The trilobite! Oh, did you?" exclaimed Daisy, as he placed itbefore her. "I wanted to see it again, but I was afraid youwouldn't have time before you went. " She looked at it eagerly. 

"Keep it Daisy; and keep a little bit of friendship for mewith it — will you? in case we meet again some day. "

"Oh, Captain Drummond — don't you want it?"

"No; but I want you to remember the conditions. "

"When will you come to Melbourne again?"

"Can't say, Daisy; I am afraid, not till you will have got thekingdom of England quite out of all its difficulties. We werejust going into the battle of Hastings, you know; don't yourecollect?"

"How nice that was!" said Daisy, regretfully. "I don't think Ishall ever forget about the Saxon Heptarchy, and Egbert, andAlfred. "

"How about forgetting me?"

"You know I couldn't, " said Daisy, with a most genial smile. "Oh, Captain Drummond!" — she added, as a flash of suddenthought crossed her face. 

"What now, Daisy?"

The child looked at him with a most earnest, inquisitivewistful gaze. The Captain had some difficulty to stand it. 

"Oh, Captain Drummond, " she repeated, — "are you going to beashamed of Christ?"

The young soldier was strangely enough confused by this simplequestion. His embarrassment was even evident. He hesitated fora reply, and it did not readily come. When it came, it was anevasion. 

"That is right, Daisy, " he said; "stand by your colours. He isa poor soldier that carries them behind his back in the faceof the enemy. But whatever field you die in, I should like tobe alongside of you. "

He spoke gravely. And he asked no leave this time, but, clasping Daisy's hand, he bent down and kissed her foreheadtwice, and earnestly; then he did not say another word, butstrode away. A little flush rose on Daisy's brow, for she wasa very particular little lady as to who touched her; howevershe listened attentively to the sound of the retreating hoofswhich carried the Captain off along the road; and when Juanitaat last came in with her little tray and a cup of tea, shefound Daisy's face set in a very thoughtful mood, and her eyesfull of tears. The face did not even brighten at her approach. 

"Miss Daisy, " said the black woman, "I thought you wanted acup of tea?"

"So I do, Juanita. I want it very much. "

Mrs. Benoit made remarks to herself upon the wise little facethat met her with such a sober greeting. However, she madenone aloud; she supported Daisy nicely with one arm, and setthe little tray before her. The tea was excellent; the toastwas in dainty, delicate, thin brown strips. Daisy took itsoberly. 

"Does it seem good to my love?"

"Oh, yes, Juanita!" said the child, looking up gratefully; "itis very good; and you make the prettiest toast I ever saw. "

The black woman smiled, and bade her eat it, and not look atit. 

"But I think it tastes better for looking pretty, Juanita. "

"The Lord knows, " said the woman; "and He made the trees inthe garden of Eden to be pleasant to the eyes, as well as goodfor food. "

"I am glad He did, " said Daisy. "How pleasant the trees havebeen to my eyes this morning. Then I was sick, and could notdo anything but look at them; but they are pleasant to my eyestoo when I am well. It is very painful to have one's friendsgo away, Juanita. "

"Has my love lost friends?" said Mrs. Benoit, wondering atthis speech. 

"Yes, " said Daisy. "Mr. Dinwiddie is gone; and now CaptainDrummond. I have got hardly anybody left. "

"Was Mr. Dinwiddie Miss Daisy's friend?"

Such a bright, warm, glad flash of a smile as Juanita got inanswer! It spoke for the friendship on one side. 

"But he is gone, " said Daisy. "I wish I could see him again. He is gone, and I never shall!"

"Now, Miss Daisy, you will lie still and be quiet, my love, until somebody else comes. The doctor says that's the way. ]Mr. Dinwiddie is about his Master's work, wherever he is; andyou want to do the same. "

"How can I, Juanita, lying here? I cannot do anything. "

"Does my love think the good Lord ever give His servants nowork to do for Him?"

"Why _here_, Juanita — I can only lie here and be still. Whatcan I do?"

"My love pray the dear Master to show her; and now not talkjust now. " Daisy lay still. 

The next comer was the doctor. He came while the morning wasstill early; made his examinations; and Daisy made hers. Hewas a very fine-looking man, Thick locks of auburn hair, thrown back from his face; a noble and grave countenance; blueeyes, keen and steady; and a free and noble carriage; therewas enough about Dr. Sandford to engage all Daisy's attentionand interest. She gave him both, in her quiet way; while helooked not so much at her as at her condition andrequirements. 

"It is going to be a hot day, " he remarked to Juanita, whoattended upon him. "Keep her quiet. Do not let more than oneother person be here at once. Say I order it. "

"Will his honour say it to Miss Daisy's father and mother?"

"I shall not see them this morning. You are armed with myauthority, Juanita. Nobody is to be here to talk and exciteher; and only one at a time beside you. Have you got fruit forher? Let her live on that as much as she likes; and keep thehouse empty. "

"I will tell papa, " said Daisy. 

"How do you do?" said the doctor. It was the first question hehad addressed to her; and the first attention he had given herotherwise than as a patient. Now the two looked at each other. 

"I am better, a little, thank you, " said the child. "May I asksomething?"

"Ask it. "

"Shall I be a long while here?"

"You will be a week or two — till your foot gets strongagain. "

"Will a week or two make it strong?"

The two pairs of eyes looked into each other. The thoughtfulgrey eyes of the child, and the impenetrable blue orbs of theman. There was mutual study; some mutual recognition. 

"You must be a good child and try to bear it. "

"Will you come and see me again?" said Daisy. 

"Do you desire it?"

"You would not come unless it was necessary, " said Daisy; "andif it is necessary, I should like to have you. "

The lips of the young man curled into a smile that was verypleasant, albeit a little mocking in its character. 

"I think it will be necessary, little one; but if I come tosee you, you must be under my orders. "

"Well, I am, " said Daisy. 

"Keep still, then; do not talk to anybody any more than isneedful to relieve your impatience. "

The doctor went away, and Daisy lay still musing. The morninghad gone on a little further, when carriage-wheels stopped atthe gate. 

"There's mamma —" said Daisy. 

It was very unconsciously on her part that the tone of thesetwo words conveyed a whole volume of information to Juanita'skeen wits. It was no accent of joy, like that which hadannounced her father last night; neither was it fear or dread;yet the indefinable expression of the two words said that"mamma" had been a trouble in Daisy's life, and might beagain. 

Juanita went to have the door open; and the lady swept in. Mr. Randolph was behind her. She came to Daisy's side, and themother and child looked at each other; Daisy with the tender, wistful eyes of last night, Mrs. Randolph with a vexed air ofdissatisfaction. Yet, after looking at her a moment, shestooped down and kissed Daisy. The child's eye went to herfather then. Mrs. Randolph stood in his way; he came round tothe head of the couch, behind Daisy, and bent over her. 

"Papa, I can't see you there. "

"You can feel, Daisy —" said Mr. Randolph, putting his lips toher face. "How do you do?"

"This is a most maladroit arrangement of Captain Drummond's!"said the lady. "What can we do to rectify it? A most stupidplace for the child to be. "

"She will have to bear the stupidity — and we too. Daisy, whatwould you like to have to help it along. "

"Papa, I am not stupid. "

"You will be, my little daughter, I am afraid, before theweeks are over. Will you have June come to be with you?"

"Papa, " said Daisy, slowly, — "I think it would not beconsiderate. "

"Are you comfortable?" said Mr. Randolph, smiling, though hislooks expressed much concern. 

"No, papa. "

"What is the matter?"

"It is hot, papa; and my leg aches; not so much as it did lastnight sometimes; but it aches. "

"It is a cool, fresh morning, " said Mrs. Randolph. "She is hotbecause she is lying in this place. "

"Not very cool, with the mercury at eighty-four before eighto'clock You are cool because you have been driving fast. "

"Mr. Randolph, this is no proper place for the child to be. Iam convinced she might be moved with safety. "

"I cannot risk the doctor's convictions against yours, Felicia. That question must be given up. "

"He says I am under his orders, papa. "

"Undeniable, Daisy. That is true doctrine. What orders does hegive you?"

"To eat fruit, and keep quiet, papa. He says there must not bemore than one person here at a time, besides Juanita. "

"I suppose he does not mean to forbid your mother, " said Mrs. Randolph, a good deal incensed. "I will see about that. Here, my good woman — where are you? Will you let your cottage to mefor the time that this child is confined here — and removesomewhere else yourself, that I may put the people here I wantabout her?"

"Oh, mamma! —" said Daisy. But she stopped short; and Mrs. Randolph did not attend to her. Mr. Randolph looked round tosee Juanita's answer. 

"My lady shall put here who she will please, " the woman said, standing before her visitors with the most unruffled face anddemeanour. 

"And you will leave me the house at once?"

"No, my lady. My lady shall have the house. Juanita will notbe in the way. "

"You do not seem to understand, my good woman, that I want tobe here myself, and have my people here. I want the wholehouse. "

"My lady shall have it — she is welcome — nobody shall findJuanita trouble them, " the black woman said, with greatsweetness. 

"What will you do with yourself?"

"A little place be enough for me, my lady. My spirit lives ina large home. "

Mrs. Randolph turned impatiently away. The manner of the womanwas so inexpressibly calm and sweet, the dignity of herbeautiful presence was so immovable, that the lady felt it invain to waste words upon her. Juanita was a hopeless case. 

"It is no use for me to be here then, " she said. "Mr. Randolph, you may make your own arrangements. "

Which Mr. Randolph did. He held a consultation with Juanita, as to what was wanting, and what she would do; a consultationwith which he was satisfied. Juanita was left in full charge, with authority to do for Daisy precisely according to Dr. Sandford's instructions, in all matters. Mrs. Randolphmeanwhile had a talk with her poor pale little daughter, uponmore or less the same subjects; and then the father and motherprepared to go home to breakfast. 

"Shall I send you June?" said Mrs. Randolph. 

"No, mamma; I think not. "

"Be patient a little while, Daisy, " said her father, kissingher; "and you will be able to have books and company too. Nowfor a little while you must keep quiet. "

"Juanita will keep me quiet, papa. "

"I will come and see you again by and by. "

"Papa, I want to tell you one thing. I want to speak to youand mamma before you go. "

Mr. Randolph saw that the child's face flushed as if she weremaking some effort. He bent down over her again. 

"Is it something of interest, Daisy?"

"Yes, papa. To me. "

"Don't talk of it now then. Lie still, and do not talk at all. By and by you will tell me what it is. "

CHAPTER XVII. 

THE LITTLE CONFESSOR. 

Mr. And Mrs. Randolph departed. 

"Daisy will be ruined forever!" So said the lady as soon asshe was in the carriage. 

"I hope not. "

"You take it coolly, Mr. Randolph. That woman is exactly thesort to infect Daisy; and you have arranged it so that shewill have full chance. "

"What is the precise danger you apprehend?" said Mr. Randolph. "I have not heard it put into words. "

"Daisy will be unmanageable. She is nearly that now. "

"I never saw a more docile child in my life. "

"That is because you take her part, Mr. Randolph. You willfind it out in time, when it is too late; and it will be yourown doing. "

"What?"

"Daisy will be a confirmed piece of superstition. You willsee. And you will not find her docile then. If she once takeshold of anything, she does it with great obstinacy. "

"But what is she taking hold of now? After all, you do nottell me, " said Mr. Randolph, carelessly. 

"Of every sort of religious fanatical notion, you will find, Mr. Randolph! She will set herself against everything I wanther to do, after the fashion of those people, who thinknothing is right but their own way. It will be a work ofextreme difficulty, I foresee, to do anything with her afterthese weeks in this black woman's house. I would have run anyrisk in removing her, rather than let it be so. "

"Well, we shall see, " said Mr. Randolph. "I cannot quite takeyour view of the matter. I would rather keep the child — evenfor my own private comfort — than lose her to prevent her frombecoming religious. "

Mrs. Randolph indignantly let this statement of opinion alone. 

Little Daisy had a quiet day, meanwhile. The weather grewexcessively hot; her broken ankle pained her; it was a day ofsuffering. Obliged to lie quite still; unable to change herposition even a little, when the couch became very hot underher; no air coming in at the open window but what seemed ladenwith the heats of a furnace, Daisy lay still, and breathed aswell as she could. All day Juanita was busy about her;moistening her lips with orange juice, bathing her hands, fanning her, and speaking and singing sweet words to her, asshe could attend to them. The child's eyes began to go to thefine black face that hovered near her, with an expression oflove and trust that was beautiful to behold. It was a day thattried poor little Daisy's patience; for along with all thisheat, and weary lying still in one position, there were shootsand twitches of pain that seemed to come from the broken ankleand reach every part of her body; and she could not move aboutor turn over to ease them by some change. 

At last the weary hours began to grow less oppressive. The sungot low in the sky; the air came with a little touch offreshness. How good it was to see the sun lost behind thewoods on the other side the road. Juanita kindled her fireagain, and put on the kettle; for Daisy was to have anothercup of tea, and wanted it very much. Then, before the kettlehad boiled, came the doctor. 

It was a pleasant variety. Dr. Sandford's face was a good oneto see come in anywhere, and in Daisy's case very refreshing. It was so noble a face; the features fine, manly, expressive;with a sedate gravity that spoke of a character abovetrifling. His calm, forceful eye was very imposing; the thickauburn locks of his hair, pushed back as they were from hisface, were beautiful to Daisy's imagination. Altogether hefastened her attention whenever he came within reach of it;she could not read those grave lines of his face; she puzzledover them. Dr. Sandford's appearance was in some waybewitching to her. Truly many ladies found it so. 

He examined now the state of her foot; gave rapidcomprehensive glances at everything; told his orders to Mrs. Benoit. Finally, paused before going, and looked into the verywise little eyes that scanned him so carefully. 

"Is there anything you want, Daisy?" he said, with aphysician's familiarity. 

"No, sir, — I thank you. "

"Mrs. Benoit takes good care of you?"

"Very good. "

The manner of Daisy's speech was like her looks; childlikeenough, and yet with a deliberate utterance unlike a child. 

"What do you think about, as you lie there all day?" he said. 

The question had been put with a somewhat careless curiosity;but at that he saw a pink flush rise and spread itself allover Daisy's pale face; the grey eyes looked at him steadily, with no doubt of some thoughts behind them. Dr. Sandfordlistened for her answer. What was the child thinking about?She spoke at last with that same sweet deliberateness. 

"I have been thinking, Dr. Sandford, about what Jesus did forme. "

"What was that?" said the doctor, in considerable surprise. 

"Because it was so hard for me to keep still to-day, I thought— you know — how it must have been —" The flush deepened onthe cheeks, and Daisy's eyes were swimming full of tears. 

Dr. Sandford looked, in much surprise; perhaps he was at somepains to comprehend what all this meant. 

"How it must have been when?" said he, bending over Daisy'scouch. 

"You know, Dr. Sandford, " she said, tenderly. "When He was onthe cross — and couldn't move —"

Daisy gave way. She put her hands over her face. The doctorstood erect, looking at her; glanced his grave eyes at Mrs. Benoit, and at her again; then made a step towards Juanita. 

"No excitement is permitted, " he said. "You must keep her fromit. Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir, " Juanita said. But her face was all alight. 

"Have you been reading some of those stories to her?"

"I have not been reading to her at all to-day, if his honourpleases. "

"Daisy, " said Dr. Sandford, coming back to the couch, "whatput such thoughts into your head?"

"I felt so badly to-day. " She spoke with her usualcollectedness again. 

"Well, try and not mind it. You will feel better in a day ortwo. Do you know when that happened that you were talkingabout?"

"Yes, sir. "

"When was it?"

"More than eighteen hundred years ago. "

"Do you think it is worth your while to be troubled for whathappened eighteen hundred years ago?"

"I think it is just the same as if it happened now, " saidDaisy, without moving her eyes. 

"Do you? By what power of reasoning?"

"I don't think I know how to reason, " said Daisy. "It isfeeling. "

"How does feeling manage it?"

Daisy discerned the tone of the question, looked at herquestioner, and answered with tender seriousness: "I know theLord Jesus did that for me; and I know He is in heaven now. "

The doctor kept silence a minute. "Daisy, " said he, "you areunder my orders at present. You must mind me. You are to takea cup of tea, and a piece of toast, if you like; then you areto go to sleep and keep quiet, and not think of anything thathappened more than an hour ago. Will you?"

"I will try to be quiet, " said Daisy. 

She and the doctor looked at each other in a dissatisfiedmanner, she wistfully, he disapprovingly, and then the doctorwent out. Daisy's eyes followed, straining after him as longas they could; and when she could see him no longer theyfilled with tears again. She was looking as intent and wistfulas if she might have been thirty years old instead of nine orten, when Juanita came to her side with the tea she had beenmaking. 

The tea and toast did Daisy good; and she was ready to enjoy avisit from her father, who spent the evening with her. But hewould not let her talk. 

The next day was hot again; however, Daisy felt better. Theheat was more bearable. It was a very quiet day. Both she andJuanita obeyed orders, and did not talk much; nevertheless, Juanita sang hymns a great deal, and that was delightful toDaisy. She found Juanita knew one hymn in particular that sheloved exceedingly; it was the one that had been sung in thelittle church the day she had heard Mr. Dinwiddie preach; itfell in with the course of Daisy's thoughts; and several timesin the day she had Juanita sing it over. Daisy's eyes alwaysfilled when she heard it; nevertheless Juanita could notresist her pleading wish. 

"Oh, the Lamb! the loving Lamb!The Lamb on Calvary!The Lamb that was slain, but lives again, To intercede for me. "

"I am so happy, Juanita, " Daisy said, after one of thesetimes. "I am so happy!"

"What makes it so, my love?"

"Oh, because that is true — because He lives up there to takecare of me. "

"Bless the Lord!" said the black woman. 

Towards evening of that day, Juanita had left the room to makeher fire and attend to some other things, when Daisy heard herown name hailed softly from the window. She turned her head, and there was Preston's bright face. 

"My poor, poor little Daisy!"

"How do you do, Preston?" said Daisy, looking as clear as amoonbeam. 

"There you are a prisoner!"

"It is a very nice prison. "

"Don't, my dear Daisy! I'll believe you in anything else, youknow; but in this I am unable. Tied by your foot for sixweeks, perhaps! I should like to shoot Captain Drummond. "

"It was not Captain Drummond's fault. "

"Is it bad, Daisy?"

"My foot? It has been pretty bad. "

"Poor Daisy! And that was all because you would not sing. "

"Because I would not sing, Preston!"

"Yes, that is the cause of all the trouble that has been inthe house. Now, Daisy, you'll give it up?"

"Give what up?"

"Give up your nonsense, and sing. "

"_That?_" said Daisy, and a slight flush came into the palecheeks. 

"Aunt Felicia wants you to sing it, and she will make you doit, when you get well. "

Daisy made no answer. 

"Don't you see, my dear Daisy, it is foolish not to do asother people do?"

"I don't see what my broken ankle has to do with what you aresaying, Preston. "

"Daisy, what will become of you all these six weeks? We cannotgo a fishing, nor have any fun. "

"You can. "

"What will you do?"

"I guess I can have books and read, by and by. I will ask Dr. Sandford. "

"Suppose I bring some books, and read to you?"

"Oh, Preston! how nice. "

"Well, I'll do it then. What shall I bring?"

"I wish you could bring something that would tell about thesethings. "

"These things? What is that?"

"It is a trilobite. Captain Drummond got it the other day. Itwas a fish once, and now it is a stone; and I would like verymuch to know about it. "

"Daisy, are you serious?"

"Why, yes, Preston. "

"My dear little Daisy, do _not_ you go and be a philosopher!"

"Why, I can't; but why shouldn't I?"

"Philosophers are not 'nice, ' Daisy, when they are ladies, "said Preston, shaking his head. 

"Why not?"

"Because ladies are not meant to be philosophers. "

"But I want to know about trilobites, " said Daisy. 

"I don't think you do. You would not find the study of fossilsinteresting. "

"I think I should — if you would help me, Preston. "

"Well, we will see, Daisy. I will do anything for you, if youwill do one thing for me. Oh, Daisy, do! Aunt Felicia has notgiven it up at all. "

"Good-bye, Preston, " said Daisy. "Now you must go, and nottalk to me any more this time. "

Preston ran off. 

He was not allowed to come again for a day or two; and Daisywas not allowed to talk. She was kept very quiet, until it wasfound that the broken bone was actually healing, and in a fairway to get well. The pains in it were no longer so trying; thevery hot days had given place to a time of milder weather; andDaisy, under the care of the old black woman, enjoyed hersolitary imprisonment well enough. Twice a day always herfather visited her; once a day, Mrs. Randolph. Her stay wasnever very long; Juanita's house was not a comfortable placefor her; but Mr. Randolph gave a large piece of his time andattention to his suffering little daughter, and was indeed thefirst one to execute Preston's plan of reading aloud for heramusement. A new and great delight to Daisy. She neverremembered her father taking such pains with her before. Then, when her father and mother were gone, and the cottage wasstill, Juanita and Daisy had what the latter called their"good time. " Juanita read the Bible and sang hymns, andprayed. There was no time nor pleasure in all the day thatDaisy liked so well. 

She had gained strength, and was in a good way to be wellagain. The first morning this was told her, Daisy said: "Papa, may I speak to you now?"

"About something important, Daisy?"

"Yes, papa, I think so. "

"Go on. What is it?"

Juanita was standing near by. The child glanced at her, thenat her father. 

"Papa, " she said, speaking slowly, and with some hesitation, —"I want you to know — I want to tell you — about me, so thatyou may understand. "

"Are you so difficult to understand, Daisy?"

"No, papa; but I want you to know something. I want you toknow that I am a Christian. "

"Well, so are we all, " said Mr. Randolph, coolly. 

"No, papa, but I don't mean that. "

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, papa, — that I belong to the Lord Jesus, and must dowhat He tells me. "

"What am I to understand by that, Daisy?"

"Nothing, papa; only I thought you ought to know. "

"Do you understand what you are saying yourself, my child?"

"Yes, papa. "

"What does it mean, Daisy?"

"Only, papa, I want you to know that I belong to the LordJesus. "

"Does that imply that you will not belong to me any more?"

"Oh, no, papa!"

"Why do you tell it me, then?"

"Papa, Jesus says He will be ashamed of those who are ashamedof Him; I will not be ashamed of Him; so I want you to knowwhat I am. "

"But, Daisy, you and I must come to an understanding aboutthis, " said Mr. Randolph, taking a chair. "Does thisdeclaration mean that you are intending to be somethingdifferent from what I like to see you?"

"I do not know, papa. "

"You do not! Does it mean that you are proposing to set up astandard of action for yourself, independent of me?"

"No, papa. "

"What then, Daisy?"

"Papa, I do not quite know what you mean by a _standard_. "

"I will change the word. Do you mean that your purpose is tomake, henceforward, your own rules of life?"

"No, papa; I do not mean that. "

"What do you mean?"

"Papa, " said Daisy, very deliberately, "if I belong to mySaviour, — you know, — I must follow His rules. "

"Daisy, I shall not cease to require obedience to mine. "

"No, papa, — but —" said Daisy, colouring. 

"But what?"

"I don't know very well how to say what I want, papa; it isdifficult. "

"Try. "

"Papa, you will not be displeased?"

"That depends upon what you have to say, Daisy. "

"Papa, I do not _mean_ to displease you, " said the child, hereyes filling with tears. "But — suppose —"

"Well, — suppose anything. "

"Suppose _those_ rules should be different from your rules?"

"I am to be the judge, Daisy. If you set up disobedience tome, on any pretext, you know the consequences. "

Daisy's lip trembled; she put up her hands to her face, andburst into tears. She could not bear that reminder. Her fathertook one of her hands down, and kissed the little wet cheek. 

"Where are you going to find these rules, Daisy, " he said, kindly, "which you are going to set up against mine?"

"Papa, I do not set them up. "

"Where do you get them?"

"Only in the Bible, papa. "

"You are a little child, Daisy; you are not quite old enoughto be able to judge properly for yourself what the rules ofthat book are. While you are little and ignorant, I am yourjudge, of that and everything else; and your business is toobey me. Do you understand that?"

"But, papa. "

"Well — what?"

"Papa, I am afraid you will be angry. "

"I do not think I shall. You and I had better come to anunderstanding about these matters Say on, Daisy. "

"I was going to say, papa —"

Daisy was afraid to tell what. Mr. Randolph again stooped andkissed her; kissed her two or three times. 

"Papa, I do not _mean_ to make you angry, " said the child, withintense eagerness, — "but — suppose — papa, I mean, — are youa servant of the Lord Jesus?"

Mr. Randolph drew back. "I endeavour to do my duty, Daisy, " hesaid, coldly. "I do not know what you include in the terms youuse. "

"Papa, that is what I mean, " said Daisy, with a very meekface. "Papa, if I _am_, and you are _not_, then perhaps you wouldnot think the things that I think. "

"If you are, and I am not, what?"

"_That_, papa — which I wanted you to know I am. A servant ofJesus. "

"Then, what?"

"Then, papa, if I am, and you are not, — wouldn't you perhapsnot think about those rules as I must think of them?"

"You mean that our thoughts would disagree?"

"Papa — they might. "

"What shall we do, then, Daisy?"

Daisy looked wistfully and somewhat sadly at him. There wasmore weight of thought under the little brow than he liked tosee there. This would not do; yet matters must be settled. 

"Do you want to be a different little person from what youhave been, Daisy, hitherto?"

"I don't know, papa — I think so. "

"How do you wish to be different?"

"I can't tell, papa. I might have to be. "

"I want you just as you are, Daisy. "

Mr. Randolph stooped his head down again to the too thoughtfullittle face. Daisy clasped her arms around his neck, and heldhim close. It was only by her extraordinary self-command thatshe kept from tears; when he raised his head her eyes wereperfectly dry. 

"Will you be my good little Daisy — and let me do the thinkingfor you?" said Mr. Randolph, tenderly. 

"Papa — I _can't_. "

"I will not have you different from what I like you, Daisy. "

"Then, papa, what shall I do?"

"Obey me, and be satisfied with that. "

"But, papa, I am a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, " said thechild, looking unutterably sober. 

"I do not intend my commands shall conflict with any of higherauthority. "

"Papa — suppose — they _might?_"

"I must be judge. You are a little child; you must take thelaw from my mouth, until you are older. "

"But, papa, suppose I _thought_ the Bible told me to do what youdid not think it said?"

"I advise you to believe my judgment, Daisy, if you wish tokeep the peace between us. I will not have any more calling ofit in question. "

Daisy struggled plainly, though she would not cry; her colourflushed, her lip quivered. She was entirely silent for alittle while, and Mr. Randolph sat watching her. The strugglelasted some minutes — till she had overcome it somewhat shewould not speak — and it was sharp. Then the child closed hereyes, and her face grew calm. Mr. Randolph did not know whatto think of her. 

"Daisy. "

"What, papa?"

"I do not think we have settled this question yet. "

"I do not think we have, papa. "

"What is to be done? It will not answer, my little daughter, for you to set up your will against mine. "

"Papa, it is not my will. "

"What do you call it, then?"

"Papa, it is not my will at all. It is the will of God. "

"Take care, Daisy, " said her father. "You are not to saythat. My will will never oppose itself to that authority youspeak of. "

"Papa, I only want to obey that. "

"But remember, I must be the judge. "

"Papa, " said Daisy, eagerly, "won't this do? If I thinksomething is in the Bible, mayn't I bring it to you to see?"

"Yes. "

"And if you think it _is_ there, then will you let me do it?"

"Do what?"

"Do what the Bible says, papa. "

"I think I may promise that, Daisy, " said Mr. Randolph; thoughdubiously, as not quite certain what he was promising; "solong as I am the judge. "

"Then that will do, papa! That is nice. "

Daisy's countenance expressed such utter content at thisarrangement, that Mr. Randolph looked grave. 

"Now you have talked and excited yourself enough for to-day, "he said. "You must be quiet. "

"Mayn't I tell mamma when she comes?"

"What, Daisy?"

"I mean what I have told you, papa. "

"No. Wait till to-morrow. Why do you wish to tell her, Daisy?"

"Papa, I think I ought to tell her. I want her to know. "

"You have very uncompromising notions of duty. But this dutycan wait till another day. "

Daisy had to wait more than a day for her opportunity; hermother's next visits were too bustling and unsatisfactory, aswell as too short, to promise her any good chance of beingheard. At last came a propitious morning. It was more moderateweather; Daisy herself was doing very well, and sufferinglittle pain; and Mrs. Randolph looked in good humour, and hadsat down with her tetting-work, as if she meant to make herdaughter something of a visit. Mr. Randolph was lounging atthe head of the couch, out of Daisy's sight. 

"Mamma, " began the child, "there is something I wish to say toyou. "

"You have a favourable opportunity, Daisy. I can hear. "

Yet Daisy looked a minute at the white hand that was flyingthe bobbin about. That white hand. 

"It isn't much, mamma. It is only — that I wish you to know —that I am a Christian. "

"That you are _what?_" said Mrs. Randolph, coldly. 

"A Christian, mamma. "

"Pray, what does that mean?"

"That I am a servant of Christ, mamma. "

"When did you find it out, Daisy?"

"Some time ago, mamma. Some time — a little while — before mybirth-day. "

"You did! What do you think _me?_"

Daisy kept silence. 

"Well! why don't you speak? Answer me. "

"Mamma, I don't know how to answer you, " said Daisy, flushingfor an instant. Her mother's eyes took note of her. 

"I shall not ask you a third time, Daisy. "

"Mamma, " said the child low, — "I do not think you are what Imean by a Christian. "

"You do not. I supposed that. Now you will go on and tell mewhat you mean by a Christian. "

"It means, " said Daisy, her eyes filling with tears, "it meansa person who loves the Lord Jesus and obeys Him. "

"I hope you are gratified, Mr. Randolph, " said the lady, "withthis specimen of the new Christianity. Dutiful and respectfulare happily united; along with a pleasant mixture of modesty. What do you expect me to do, Daisy, with this announcement ofyours?"

"Nothing, mamma, " said Daisy, faintly. 

"I suppose you think that my Christianity must accommodateitself to yours? Did you expect that?"

"No, mamma. "

"It would be very foolish of you; for the fact will be theother way. Yours must accommodate itself to mine. "

"I only wanted you to know what mine is, mamma. "

"Yours is what mine is, Daisy. What I think right for you, that you are to do. I will not hear a whimper from you againabout what you are — do you understand? Not again. I havelistened to you this time, but this is the last. If I hearanother syllable like this, about what you are or yourChristianity, I shall know how to chastise it out of you. Youare nothing at all, but my Daisy; you are a Jewess, if Ichoose to have it so. "

Mr. Randolph made an uneasy movement; but the lady's whitefingers flew in and out of her tetting-work without regardinghim. 

"What do you want to do, that you are asking my permission inthis roundabout way? What do you want to do, that you thinkwill not please me. "

Daisy at first hesitated; then Mr. Randolph was surprised tohear her say boldly, "I am afraid, a great many things, mamma. "

"Well, you know now what to expect. Mr. Randolph, " said thelady, letting fall her tetting-work, "if you please, I will gohome. The sun will only be getting hotter, if I stay. "

Mr. Randolph stood behind Daisy, bending down, and holding herface in his two hands. 

"What would you like me to send you from home, Daisy?"

"Nothing, papa. "

"Would you like to have Preston come and see you?"

"If he likes to come, papa. "

"He has been only waiting for my permission, and if you sayso, I will give him yours. "

"He may come. I should like to see him very much. "

"You may have books too, now, Daisy. Do you not want somebooks?"

"I should like 'Sandford and Merton, ' papa; and when Prestoncomes I'll tell him what else I want. "

Mr. Randolph stood still, smoothing down the hair on each sideof the little round head, while Mrs. Randolph was adjustingherself for her drive. 

"Are you ready, Mr. Randolph?"

"Cannot say that I am, " said the gentleman, stooping to kissDaisy's forehead, — "but I will go with you. One thing Ishould like understood. For reasons which are sufficient withme, Daisy is to consider herself prohibited from making anymusic on Sundays henceforward, except she chooses to do it inchurch. I mention it, lest you should ask her to do what Ihave forbidden, and so make confusion. "

Mrs. Randolph gave no sort of answer to this speech, andwalked off to the door. Daisy, whose eyes had brightened withjoy, clasped her arms around her father's neck when he stoopedagain, and whispered, with an energetic pressure, "Thank you, papa!"

Mr. Randolph only kissed her, and went off after his wife. Thedrive home was remarkably silent. 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

WONDERFUL THINGS. 

It happened that day that Juanita had business on hand whichkept her a good deal of the morning in the out-shed whichformed part of her premises. She came in every now and then tosee how Daisy was doing; yet the morning was on the wholespent by Daisy alone; and when Juanita at last came in tostay, she fancied the child was looking pale and worn morethan usual. 

"My love do not feel well?"

"Yes I do, Juanita — I am only tired. Have you done washing?"

"It is all done. I am ready for whatever my love pleases. "

"Isn't washing very disagreeable work, Juanita?"

"I do not think what it be, while it is mine, " the woman said, contentedly. "All is good work that I can do for the Lord. "

"But _that_ work, Juanita? How can you do that work so?"

"When the Lord gives work, He give it to be done for Him. Bless the Lord!"

"I do not understand, though, Juanita. Please tell me. How canyou?"

"Miss Daisy, I don't know. I can do it with pleasure, becauseit is my Lord's command. I can do it with thanksgiving, because He has given me the strength and the power. And I cando it the best I can, so as nobody shall find fault in Hisservant. And then, Miss Daisy, I can do it to get money tosend His blessed word to them that sit in darkness — where Icome from. And I can do it with prayer, asking my Lord to makemy heart clean for His glory; like as I make soiled thingswhite again. And I do it with joy, because I know the Lordhear my prayer. "

"I think you are very happy, Juanita, " said Daisy. 

"When the Lord leads to living fountains of waters, then nomore thirsting, " — said the black woman, expressively. 

"Then, Juanita, I suppose — if I get tired lying here, — I cando patience-work?"

"Jesus will have His people do a great deal of that work, "said Mrs. Benoit, tenderly. "And it is work that pleases Him, Miss Daisy. My love is very weary?"

"I suppose, Juanita, if I was really patient, I shouldn't be. Should I? I think I am impatient. "

"My love knows who carries the lambs in His bosom. "

Daisy's tired face smoothed itself out at this. She turned hereyes to the window with a placid look of rest in them. 

"Jesus knows where the trouble is, " said the black woman. "Heknows all. And He can help too. Now I am going to getsomething to do Miss Daisy good. "

Before this could be done, there came a heavy clumping step upto the house, and a knock at the door; and then a personentered whom Juanita did not know. — A hard-featured woman, inan old-fashioned black straw bonnet, and faded old shawl drawntight round her. She came directly forward to Daisy's couch. 

"Well, I declare if it ain't true! Tied by the heels, ain'tye?" — was her salutation. Juanita looked, and saw that Daisyrecognised the visitor; for she smiled at her, half pleasure, half assent to what she said. 

"I heerd of it — that is, I heerd you'd gone up to themountain and broke something; I couldn't find out what 'twas;and then Hephzibah she said she would go down to MelbourneSunday. I said to her, says I, 'Hephzibah, I wouldn't go allthat ways, child, for to do nothing; 'tain't likely but thatsome part of the story's true, if you and me can't find outwhich;' but Hephzibah she took her own head and went; anddon't you think, she came back a cryin'?"

"What was that for?" said Daisy, looking very much interested. 

"Why, she couldn't find you, I guess; and she thought you waskilled. But you ain't, be you?"

"Only my foot and ankle hurt, " said Daisy, smiling; "and I amdoing very well now. "

"And was you broke anywheres?"

"My ankle was broken. "

"I declare! And you couldn't be took home?"

"No. "

"So the folks said; only they said that young soldier hadkilled you. I hope he got hurted himself. "

"Why Mrs. Harbonner, _he_ did not do it. It was an accident. Itwasn't anybody's fault. "

"It wouldn't ha' happened if _I_ had been there, I can tellyou!" said Hephzibah's mother. "I don't think much of a man ifhe ain't up to taking care of a woman; — and a child aboveall. Now how long are you goin' to be in this fix?"

"I don't know. I suppose I shall have to lie still for four orfive weeks more, before my foot is well. "

"It's tiresome, I guess, ain't it?"

"Yes — sometimes. "

"Well, I used to think, if folks was good, things wouldn'thappen to 'em. That's what I thought. That was my study ofdivinity. And when everything on earth happened to me, I justconcluded it was because I warn't a bit too good to deserveit. Now I'm beat — to see you lie there. I don't see what isthe use of being good, if it don't get none. "

"Oh, Mrs. Harbonner!" said Daisy, "I am glad my foot wasbroken. "

"Well, I'm beat!" was all Mrs. Harbonner could say. "You air, be you?"

"It hasn't done me any harm at all; and it has done me a greatdeal of good. "

Mrs. Harbonner stood staring at Daisy. 

"The promise is sure, " said Mrs. Benoit. "All things shallwork together for good to them that love God!"

The other woman wheeled about, and looked at her for aninstant with a sharp keen eye of note-taking; then shereturned to Daisy. 

"Well, I suppose I'll tell Hephzibah she won't see you againtill summer's over; so she may as well give over thinkingabout it. "

"Do you think Hephzibah wants to learn, Mrs. Harbonner?"

"Well, I guess she does. "

"Wouldn't she come here and get her lessons? Couldn't she cometo see me every day, while I am here?"

"I 'spose she'd jump out of her skin to do it, " said Mrs. Harbonner. "Hephzibah's dreadful set on seeing you. "

"Mrs. Benoit, " said Daisy, "may I have this little girl cometo see me every day, while I am here?"

"Miss Daisy shall have all, who she will, " was the answer; andit was arranged so; and Mrs. Harbonner took her departure. Lingering a minute at the door, whither Juanita attended her, she made one or two enquiries and remarks about Daisy, answered civilly and briefly by Mrs. Benoit. 

"Poor little toad!" said Mrs. Harbonner, drawing her shawltight round her for the last time. "But ain't she little_queer?_"

These words were spoken in a low murmur, which just served todraw Daisy's attention. Out of sight behind the moreencurtain, Mrs. Harbonner forgot she was not beyond hearing; andDaisy's ears were good. She noticed that Juanita made noanswer at all to this question, and presently shut the door. 

The business of giving Daisy some fruit was the next thingattended to; in the course of eating which Daisy marvelled alittle to herself what possible likeness to a _toad_ Mrs. Harbonner could have discovered in her. The comparison did notseem flattering; also she pondered somewhat why it could bethat anybody found her queer. She said nothing about it;though she gave Mrs. Benoit a little account of Hephzibah, andthe reason of the proposed series of visits. In the midst ofthis came a cheery "Daisy" — at the other side of her; andturning her head, there was Preston's face at the window. 

"Oh, Preston!" — Daisy handed to Mrs. Benoit her unfinishedsaucer of strawberries — "I am so glad! I have been waitingfor you. Have you brought my books?"

"Where do you think I have been, Daisy?"

"I don't know. Shooting! — Have you?"

Daisy's eye caught the barrel of a fowling-piece showing itsend up at the window. Preston, without replying, lifted up hisgame-bag, and let her see the bright feathers of little birdswhich partly filled it. 

"You have! — Shooting!" — Daisy repeated, in a tone betweendisapprobation and dismay. "It isn't September!"

"Capital sport, Daisy, " said Preston, letting the bag fall. 

"I think it is very poor sport, " said Daisy. "I wish they wereall alive and flying again. "

"So do I — if I might shoot them again. "

"It's cruel, Preston!"

"Nonsense, Daisy. Don't you be too tender. Birds were made tokill. What are they good for?"

With a wit that served her instead of experience, Daisy wassilent, looking with unspoken abhorrence at the wicked muzzleof the fowling-piece. 

"Did you bring me 'Sandford and Merton, ' Preston?" she said, presently. 

" 'Sandford and Merton'! My dear Daisy, I have been going allover the world, you know — this part of it — and I was too farfrom Melbourne to go round that way for your book; if I had, it would have been too late to get here. You see the sun'spretty well down. "

Daisy said no more; but it was out of her power not to lookdisappointed. She had so counted upon her book; and she was soweary of lying still and doing nothing. She wanted very muchto read about the house that Harry and Tommy built; it wouldhave been a great refreshment. 

"Cheer up, Daisy, " said Preston; "I'll bring you books to-morrow — and read to you too, if you like it. What shall Ibring?"

"Oh, Preston, I want to know about trilobites!"

"Daisy, you might as well want to know about the centre of theearth! That's where they belong. "

"I should like to know about the centre of the earth, " saidDaisy. "Is there anything there. "

"Anything at the centre of the earth? I suppose so. "

"But I mean, anything _but_ earth, " said Daisy. 

Preston burst out laughing. "Oh, Daisy, Daisy! — Hadn't youbetter learn about what is on the outside of the earth, beforewe dig down so deep into it?"

"Well, Preston, my trilobite was on the outside. "

"Daisy, it wouldn't interest you, " said Preston, seriously;"you would have to go deep into something else besides theearth — so deep that you would get tired. Let the trilobitealone, and let's have Grimm's Tales to-morrow — shall we? orwhat will you have?"

Daisy was patiently silent a minute; and then in came Dr. Sandford. In his presence Preston was mute; attending to thedoctor's manipulations as gravely as the doctor himselfperformed them. In the midst of the general stillness, Dr. Sandford asked, "Who was speaking about trilobites as I cameup?"

"Preston was speaking, " said Daisy, as nobody else seemedready to answer. 

"What about them. "

"He thinks they would not interest me, " said Daisy. 

"What do you know about trilobites?" said Dr. Sandford, nowraising his blue eyes for a good look into the child's face. He saw it looked weary. 

"I have got a beautiful one. Juanita, will you bring it here, please?"

The doctor took it up, and handled it with an eye that said, Daisy knew, that it was a fine specimen. The way he handled itgratified her. 

"So this is one of your playthings, is it, Daisy?"

"No, sir; it is not a plaything, but I like to look at it. "

"Why?"

"It is so wonderful, and beautiful, I think. "

"But do tell Daisy, will you, doctor, " said Preston, "that itis a subject she cannot understand yet. She wants me to bringher books about trilobites. "

"Time hangs heavy, Daisy?" said the doctor. 

"No, sir — only when I have nothing to do. "

"What have you done to-day?"

"Nothing, sir; except talking to papa and mamma, — and somebusiness about a little girl. "

The sedateness of this announcement was inexpressible, comingas it did after a little thoughtful pause. Preston burst outlaughing. Dr. Sandford did not so far forget himself. He onlygave Daisy a rapid look of his grave blue eyes. 

"It would be a charity to give you more employment than that, "he said. "You like wonderful things, Daisy?"

"Very much, when I understand about them. "

"I will agree to tell you anything you please — that I know —about any wonderful things you can see to-morrow, looking fromyour window. "

The Doctor and Preston went off together, and left Daisy, though without books, in a high state of excitement andgratification. The rest of the evening her little head wasbusy by turns with fancying the observations of the next day, and wondering what she could possibly find from her window totalk to the doctor about. A very unpromising window Daisyconsidered it. Nothing was to be seen beside trees and alittle strip of road; few people passed by that way; and ifthere had, what wonder could there have been in that. Daisywas half afraid she should find nothing to talk to the doctorabout; and that would be a mortification. 

Daisy and Juanita were both apt to be awake pretty early. Lying there on her back all day, without power to run aboutand get tired, Daisy's sleep was light; and her eyes weregenerally open before the sun got high enough to look at them. Juanita was always up and dressed earlier even than that; howmuch earlier Daisy had no means of knowing; but she was sureto hear the murmur of her friend's voice at her prayers, either in the other room or outside of the house. And Juanitadid not come in to see Daisy till she had been awake a goodwhile, and had had leisure to think over a great many things. Daisy found that was a good time for her own prayers; therewas nothing to disturb her, and nothing to be heard at all, except that soft sound of Juanita's voice, and the cleartrills and quavers of the little birds' voices in the trees. There was no disturbance in any of those sounds; nothing butjoy and gladness and the voice of melody from them all. 

By and by, when the light began to kindle in the tops of thetrees, and Daisy was sure to be watching it and trying to getsight of some of the bird singers which were so merry upthere, she would hear another sound by her bedside, or feel asoft touch; and there would be Juanita, as bright as the day, in her way of looking bright, bending over to see and find outhow Daisy was. Then, having satisfied herself, Juanita wouldgo about the business of the morning. First her fire was made, and the kettle put on for breakfast. Daisy used to beg her toleave the door open, so that, though she could not follow herwith her eyes and see, she could yet hear what Juanita wasdoing. She used to listen to hear the kindling put in thestove, and the wood; she knew the sound of it; then, when thematch was lit and applied, she liked the rushing sound of theblaze and kindling fire; it gave pleasant token that thekettle would be boiled by and by. But first she listened toJuanita's feet brushing through the grass to get to the well;and Daisy listened so hard, she could almost tell after awhile whether the grass was dry or whether it was heavy withdew. Juanita always carried the kettle to the well; and whenshe came back, Daisy could hear the iron clink of the stove asthe kettle was put on. Presently Juanita came in then from herkitchen, and began the work of putting the house in order. Hownicely she did it! like the perfection of a nurse, which shewas. No dust, no noise, no bustle; still as a mouse, butwatchful as a cat, the alert old woman went round the room, and made all tidy, and all clean and fresh. Very likelyJuanita would change the flowers in a little vase which stoodon the mantelpiece or the table, before she felt thateverything was as it ought to be. 

When all that was done, her next attention was to Daisyherself; and Daisy never in her life had nicer tending thannow. If Juanita was a nurse, she was a dressing-maid too, offirst-rate qualifications. It was a real pleasure to have herministering about the couch; and for that matter, the wholework of the morning, as Juanita managed it, was a regular andunfailing piece of amusement to Daisy. And in the midst of it, every look at the black woman's noble, sweet face, warmedDaisy's heart with something better than amusement. Daisy grewto love her very much. 

This morning all these affairs had been gone through as usual;and leaving Daisy in a happy, refreshed state, Mrs. Benoitwent off to prepare her breakfast. Like everything else, thatwas beautifully done. By and by, in she came with a tray andwhite napkin, white as napkin could be, and fine damask too. For Juanita had treasures of various sorts, besides old moreencurtains. On this tray, for instance, there was not only afine napkin of damask; there was a delicate cup and saucer offine china, which Daisy thought very beautiful. It was as thinand fine as any cup at Melbourne House, and had a dainty vineof leaves and flowers running round it, in a light red browncolour. The plate was not to match; it was a common littlewhite plate; but that did not matter. The tea was in thelittle brown cup, and Daisy's lips closed upon it with entiresatisfaction. Juanita had some excellent tea too; and if shehad not, there was a sufficient supply sent from Melbourne; aswell as of everything else. So today there was not only thebrown toast in strips, which Daisy fancied; but there weregreat red Antwerp raspberries for her; and that made, Daisythought, the very best breakfast that could be eaten. She wasvery bright this morning. 

"Juanita, " she said, "I have found something for Dr. Sandfordalready. "

"What does Miss Daisy mean?"

"Don't you know? Didn't you hear him yesterday? He gave mesomething to do. He said he would tell me about anythingwonderful I could see in the course of the day; and I havefound something already. "

"Seems to me as all the Lord has made is wonderful, " said theblack woman. "Does Miss Daisy think Dr. Sandford can tell herall about it?"

"Why, I suppose he knows a great deal, Juanita. "

"If he knowed one thing more, " — said the black woman. "Herehe is, Miss Daisy. He's early. "

Certainly he was; but Dr. Sandford had a long ride to takethat morning, and could only see Daisy then on his way. Insilence he attended to her, and with no delay; smiled at her;put the tips of his fingers to her raspberry dish, and tookout one for his own lips; then went quick away. Daisy smiledcuriously. She was very much amused at him. She did not askJuanita what she meant by the "one thing more. " Daisy knewquite well; or thought she did. 

All that day she was in an amused state, watching to seewonderful things. Her father's and mother's visits came asusual. Preston came and brought her some books. Hephzibahcame, too, and had a bit of a lesson. But Hephzibah's witswere like her hair, straying all manner of ways. It was verydifficult to make her understand the difference between a, b, ab, — and b, a, ba; and that was discouraging. Daisy toiledwith her till she was tired; and then was glad to lie stilland rest? without even thinking of wonderful things, tillJuanita brought her her dinner. 

As the doctor had been early, so he was late to-day. It wasnear sunset when he came, and Daisy was a little disappointed, fancying that he was tired. He said nothing at first; attendedto Daisy's foot in the profoundest gravity; but in the midstof it, without looking up, he asked, "What wonderful thingshave you seen to-day?"

"I am afraid you are tired, Dr. Sandford, " said Daisy, verygently. 

"What then?"

"Then it might tire you more to talk to me. "

"You have seen something wonderful, have you?" said he doctor, glancing at her. 

"Two or three things, sir. "

"One at a time, " said the doctor. "I am tired. I have riddennearly seventy miles to-day, one way and another. Have you gota cup of milk for me, Mrs. Benoit?"

Daisy eagerly beckoned Juanita, and whispered to her, and theresult was that with the cup of milk came a plate of themagnificent raspberries. The doctor opened his grave eyes atDaisy, and stood at the foot of her couch, picking upraspberries with his finger and thumb, as he had taken thatone in the morning. 

"Now what are the wonderful things?" said he. 

"You are too tired to-night, Dr. Sandford. "

"Let us have number one. Promises must be kept, Daisy. Business is business. Have you got such hard work for me? Whatwas the first thing?"

"The first wonderful thing that I saw — or at least that Ithought of —" said Daisy, "was the sun. "

The doctor eat half a dozen raspberries without speaking, giving an odd little smile first in one corner of his mouth, and then in the other. 

"Do you expect me to tell you about that?" said he. 

"You said business was business, " Daisy replied, with equalgravity to his own. 

"I am glad the idea of the universe did not occur to you, "said the doctor. "That might have been rather inconvenient forone evening's handling. What would you like me to tell youabout the sun?"

"I do not know anything at all about it, " said Daisy. "I wouldlike to know everything you can tell me. "

"The thought that first comes to me, " said the doctor, "is, that it ripened these raspberries. "

"I know _that_, " said Daisy. "But I want to know what it is. "

"The sun! Well, " said the doctor, "it is a dark, round thing, something like this earth, only considerably bigger. "

"_Dark!_" said Daisy. "Certainly. I have no reason to believe itanything else. "

"But you are laughing at me, Dr. Sandford, " said Daisy, feeling very much disappointed and a little aggrieved. 

"Am I? No, Daisy — if you had ridden seventy miles to-day, youmight be tempted, but you would not feel like laughing. Business is business, I must remind you again. "

"But you do not mean that the sun is dark?" said Daisy. 

"I mean precisely what I say, I assure you. "

"But it is so bright we cannot look at it, " said Daisy. 

"Something is so bright you cannot look at it. The somethingis not the body of the sun. "

"Then it is the light that comes from it. "

"No light comes from it, that I know. I told you, the sun is adark body. "

"Not laughing?"

"No, " said Dr. Sandford, though he did laugh now; "the sun, you see, is a more wonderful thing than you imagined. "

"But sir, may I ask any question I have a mind to ask?"

"Certainly! All in the course of business. "

"How do you know that it is dark, sir?"

"Perfectly fair. Suppose that Mrs. Benoit stood behind yourcurtain there, and that you had never seen her; how could youknow that she has a dark skin?"

"Why, I could not. "

"Yes, you could — if there were rents in the curtain. "

"But what are you talking of, sir?"

"Only telling you, in answer to your question, how I know thesun to be a dark body. "

"But there is no curtain over the sun. "

"That proves you are no philosopher, Daisy. If you were aphilosopher, you would not be so certain of anything. There isa curtain over the sun; and there are rents or holes in thecurtain sometimes, — so large that we can see the dark body ofthe sun through them. "

"What is the curtain? Is _that_ the light?"

"Now you are coming pretty near it, Daisy, " said the doctor. "The curtain, as I call it, is not light, but it is what thelight comes from. "

"Then what _is_ it, Dr. Sandford?"

"That has puzzled people wiser than you and I, Daisy. However, I think I may venture to say, that it is something like anocean of flame, surrounding the dark body of the sun. "

"And there are holes in it?"

"Sometimes. "

"But they must be very large holes to be seen from thisdistance?"

"Very, " said the doctor. "A great many times bigger than ourwhole earth. "

"Then how do you know but they are dark islands in the ocean?"

"For several reasons, " said the doctor, looking gravely funny;"one of which reasons is, that we can see the deep raggededges of the holes, and that these edges join together again. "

"But there could not be holes in _our_ ocean?" said Daisy. 

Dr. Sandford gave a good long grave look at her, set aside hisempty plate which had held raspberries, and took a chair. Hetalked to her now with serious, quiet earnest, as if she hadbeen a much older person. 

"Our ocean, Daisy, you will remember, is an ocean of fluidmatter. The ocean of flame which surrounds the sun is gaseousmatter — or a sort of ocean of air, in a state ofincandescence. This does not touch the sun, but floats roundit, upon or above another atmosphere of another kind — likethe way in which our clouds float in the air over our heads. You know how breaks come and go in the clouds; so you canimagine that this luminous covering of the sun parts inplaces, and shows the sun through, and then closes up again. "

"Is that the way it is?" said Daisy. 

"Even so. "

"Dr. Sandford, you said a word just now I did not understand. "

"Only one?" said the doctor. 

"I think there was only one I did not know in the least. "

"Can you direct me to it?"

"You said something about an ocean of air in a state — whatstate?"

"Incandescence?"

"That was it. "

"That is a state where it gives out white heat. "

"I thought everything at the sun must be on fire, " said Daisy, looking meditatively at the doctor. 

"You see you were mistaken. It has only a covering of cloudsof fire — so to speak. "

"But it must be very hot there. "

"It is pretty hot _here_, " said the doctor, shrugging hisshoulders, — "ninety five millions of miles away; so I do notsee that we can avoid your conclusion. "

"How much is ninety five millions?"

"I am sure I don't know, " said Dr. Sandford, gravely. "After Ihave gone as far as a million or so, I get tired. "

"But I do not know much about arithmetic, " said Daisy, humbly. "Mamma has not wanted me to study. I don't know how much onemillion is. "

"Arithmetic does not help one on a journey, Miss Daisy, " saidthe doctor, pleasantly. "Counting the miles did not comfort meto-day. But I can tell you this. If you and I were to set offon a railway train, straight for the sun, and go at the rateof thirty-two miles an hour, — you know that is pretty fasttravelling?"

"How fast do we go on the cars from here to New York?"

"Thirty miles an hour. "

"Now I know, " said Daisy. 

"If we were to set off and go straight to the sun at that rateof speed, keeping it up night and day, it would take us — howlong do you guess? It would take us three hundred years andmore; — nearly three hundred and fifty years, — to get there. "

"I cannot imagine travelling so long, " said Daisy, gravely. Atwhich Dr. Sandford laughed; the first time Daisy had everheard him do such a thing. It was a low, mellow laugh now; andshe rather enjoyed it. 

"I should like to know what a million is, " she observed. 

"Ten hundred thousand. "

"And how many million miles did you say the sun is?"

"Ninety-five millions of miles away. "

Daisy lay thinking about it. 

"Can you imagine travelling faster? And then we need not be solong on the journey, " said Dr. Sandford. "If we were to go asfast as a cannon ball, it would take us about seven years —not quite so much — to get to the sun. "

"How fast does a cannon ball go?"

"Fifty times as fast as a railway train. "

"I cannot imagine that either, Dr. Sandford. "

"Give it up, Daisy, " said the doctor, rising, and beginning toput himself in order for travelling. 

"Are you going?" said Daisy. 

"Not till you have done with me!"

"Dr. Sandford, have you told me all there is to tell about thesun?"

"No. "

"Would it take too long this evening?"

"Considering that the sun will not stay to be talked about, Daisy, " said the doctor, glancing out of the window, "I shouldsay it would. "

"Then I will ask only one thing more. Dr. Sandford, how canyou tell so exactly how long it would take to go to the sun?How do you know?"

"Quite fair, Daisy, " said the doctor, surveying her gravely. "I know, by the power of a science called mathematics, whichenables one to do all sorts of impossible things. But you musttake that on my word; I cannot explain so that you wouldunderstand it. "

"Thank you, sir, " said Daisy. 

She wanted further to ask what sort of a science mathematicsmight be; but Dr. Sandford had answered a good many questions, and the sun was down, down, behind the trees on the other sideof the road. Daisy said no more. The doctor, seeing hersilent, smiled, and prepared himself to go. 

"Shall we finish the sun to-morrow, Daisy?"

"Oh, if you please. "

"Very well. Good-bye. "

The doctor went, leaving Daisy in a very refreshed state; withplenty to think of. Daisy was quite waked out of her wearinessand disappointment, and could do well enough without books forone day longer. She took her own raspberries now with greatspirit. 

"I have found two more wonderful things to talk to Dr. Sandford about, Juanita; that is three to-day. "

"Does Miss Daisy think the doctor can tell her all?"

"I don't know. He knows a great deal, Juanita. "

"Seems he knows more than Job did, " said Mrs. Benoit, who hadher private misgivings about the authenticity of all Dr. Sandford's statements. 

Daisy thought a little. "Juanita, Job lived a great whileago. "

"Yes, Miss Daisy. "

"How much did he know about the sun? does the Bible tell?"

"It tells a little what he didn't know, Miss Daisy. "

"Oh, Juanita, after I get through my tea, and when you havehad yours, won't you read me in the Bible all about Job andthe sun?"

Mrs. Benoit liked nothing better; and whatever otheramusements failed, or whatever other parties anywhere in theland found their employments unsatisfactory, there was onehouse where intent interest and unflagging pleasure wentthrough the whole evening; it was where Daisy and Mrs. Benoitread "about Job and the sun. " Truth to tell, as that portionof Scripture is but small, they extended their readingsomewhat. 

Daisy's first visitor the next day was her father. He camewith fresh flowers and fresh fruit, and with "Sandford andMerton, " too, in which he read to her; so the morning wentwell. 

"Papa, " said Daisy, when he was about leaving her, "do you notthink Dr. Sandford is a very interesting man?"

"It is the general opinion of ladies, I believe, Daisy; but Iadvise you not to lose your heart to him. I am afraid he isnot to be depended on. "

"Oh, papa, " said Daisy, a little shocked, "I do not mean thathe is a man one would get _fond_ of. "

"Pray who do you think is, Daisy?" said Mr. Randolph, maintaining his gravity admirably. 

"Papa, don't you think Captain Drummond is — and —"

"And who, Daisy?"

"I was thinking — Mr. Dinwiddie, papa. " Daisy did not quiteknow how well this last name would be relished, and shecoloured a little apprehensively. 

"You are impartial in your professional tastes, I am glad tosee, " said Mr. Randolph. Then, observing how innocent ofunderstanding him was the grave little face of Daisy, he bentdown to kiss her. 

"And you are unfortunate in your favourites. — Both at adistance! How is Gary McFarlane?"

"Papa, I think he has good nature; but I think he is ratherfrivolous. "

Mr. Randolph looked soberly at the little face before him, andwent away, thinking his own thoughts. But he had the crueltyto repeat to Dr. Sandford so much of this conversation asconcerned that gentleman; in doing so he unwittingly laid thefoundation of more attention to Daisy on the doctor's part, than he probably would ever otherwise have given her. To saytruth — the idea propounded by Daisy was so very novel to thedoctor that it both amused and piqued him. 

Mr. Randolph had hardly gone out, when Hephzibah came in. Andthen followed a lesson the like of which Daisy had not givenyet. Hephzibah's attention was on everything but the businessin hand. Also, she had a little less awe of Daisy lying onMrs. Benoit's couch in a loose gown, than when she met her inthe Belvedere at Melbourne, dressed in an elegant cambricfrock, with a resplendent sash. 

"C, a, spells ca, Hephzibah. Now what is that?"

"Over your finger?"

"Yes. "

"That's — C. "

"C, a. And what does it spell?"

"Did the stone fall right onto your foot?"

"Yes — partly on. "

"And was it broke right off?"

"No. Oh, no. Only the bone of my ankle was broken. "

"It smarted some, I guess; didn't it?"

"No. Now Hephzibah, what do those two letters spell?"

"C, a, ca. That don't mean nothin'. "

" Now the next. D, a —"

"What's D, a?"

"D, a, da. "

"What's that?"

"Nothing; only it spells that. "

"How soon'll you be up again?"

"I do not know. In a few weeks. "

"Before the nuts is ripe?"

"Oh, yes, I hope so. "

"Well, I'll show you where there's the biggest hickory nutsyou ever see! They're right back of Mr. Lamb's barn — onlythree fields to cross — and there's three hickory trees; andthe biggest one has the biggest nuts, mother says, she eversee. Will you go and get some?"

"But, Hephzibah, those are Mr. Lamb's nuts, aren't they?"

"I don't care. "

"But, " said Daisy, looking very grave, "don't you know, Hephzibah, it is wrong to meddle with anything that belongs toother people?"

"He hain't no right to 'em, I don't believe. "

"I thought you said they were in Mr. Lamb's field?"

"So they be. "

"Then they are his nuts. You would not like anybody to takethem, if they belonged to you. "

"It don't make no odds, " said Hephzibah, sturdily, but lookingdown at the same time. "He'll get it out of us some otherway. "

"Get it out of you?" said Daisy. 

"Yes. "

"What do you mean?"

"He gets it out of everybody, " said Hephzibah. "Tain't noodds. "

"But, Hephzibah, if those trees were yours, would you like tohave Mr. Lamb come and take the nuts away?"

"No. I'd get somebody to shoot him. "

Daisy hardly knew how to go along with her discourse;Hephzibah's erratic opinions started up so fast. She looked ather little rough pupil in absolute dismay. Hephzibah showed noconsciousness of having said anything remarkable. Very sturdyshe looked; very assured in her judgment. Daisy eyed her roughbristling hair, with an odd kind of feeling that it would notbe more difficult to comb down into smoothness than theunregulated thoughts of her mind. She must begin gently. ButDaisy's eyes grew most wistfully earnest. 

"Would you shoot Mr. Lamb for taking away your nuts?"

"Just as lieves. "

"Then, how do you think he would feel about your taking hisnuts?"

"I don't care!"

"But, Hephzibah, listen. Do you know what the Bible says? Itsays, that we must do to other people just what we would liketo have them do to us in the same things. "

"Then he oughtn't to have sot such a price on his meat, " saidHephzibah. 

"But, then, " said Daisy, "what would it be right for you to doabout his nuts?"

"I don't care, " said Hephzibah. " 'Tain't no odds. I'm a goingto get 'em. I guess it's time for me to go home. "

"But, Hephzibah, — you have not done your lesson yet. I wantyou to learn all this row to-day. The next is, f, a, fa. "

"That don't mean nothin', " said Hephzibah. 

"But you want to learn it, before you can go on to what doesmean something. "

"I don't guess I do, " said Hephzibah. 

"Don't you want to learn to read?"

"Yes, but that ain't reading'. "

"But you cannot learn to read without it, " said Daisy. 

Under this urging, Hephzibah did consent to go down the columnof two-letter syllables. 

"Ain't you going with me after them nuts?" she said, as soonas the bottom of the page was reached. "I'll show you arabbit's nest. La! it's so pretty!"

"I hope you will not take the nuts, Hephzibah, without Mr. Lamb's leave. "

"I ain't going to ask his leave, " said Hephzibah. "Hewouldn't give it to me, besides. It's fun, I tell you. "

"It is wrong, " said Daisy. "I don't think there's any fun indoing what's wrong. "

"It is fun, though, I tell you, " said Hephzibah. "It's realsport. The nuts come down like rain; and we get whole basketsfull. And then, when you crack 'em, I tell you, they aresweet. "

"Hephzibah, do you know what the Bible says?"

"I don't want to learn no more to-day, " said the child. "I'mgoing. Good bye, Daisy. "

She stayed no further instruction of any kind; but caught upher calico sun-bonnet, and went off at a jump, calling out"Good bye, Daisy!" when she had got some yards from the house. 

Daisy lay still, looking very thoughtful. 

"The child has just tired you, my love!" said the black woman. 

"What shall I do, Juanita? She doesn't understand. "

"My love knows who opened the eyes of the blind, " saidJuanita. 

Daisy sighed. Certainly teaching seemed to take very smallhold on her rough little pupil. These thoughts were suddenlybanished by the entrance of Mrs. Randolph. 

The lady was alone this time. How like herself she looked, handsome and stately, in characteristic elegance of attire andmanner both. Her white morning dress floated off in soft edgesof lace from her white arms; a shawl of precious texture wasgathered loosely about them; on her head, a gossamer web ofsome fancy manufacture fell off on either side, a mockcovering for it. She came up to Daisy and kissed her, and thenexamined into her various arrangements, to see that she was inall respects well and properly cared for. 

Her mother's presence made Daisy feel very meek. Her kiss hadbeen affectionate, her care was motherly; but with all thatthere was not a turn of her hand nor a tone of her calm voice, that did not imply and express absolute possession, perfectcontrol. That Daisy was a little piece of property belongingto her in sole right, with which she did and would doprecisely what it might please her, with very little concernhow or whether it might please Daisy. Daisy was very far fromputting all this in words, or even in distinct thoughts;nevertheless, she felt and knew every bit of it; her mother'shand did not touch Daisy's foot or her shoulder, without herinward consciousness what a powerful hand it was. Now it istrue that all this was in one way no new thing; Daisy hadalways known her mother's authority to be just what it wasnow; but it was only of late that a question had arisen aboutthe bearing of this authority upon her own little life andinterests. With the struggle that had been, and the newknowledge that more struggles in the future were notimpossible, the consciousness of her mother's power over herhad a new effect. Mrs. Randolph sat down and took out hertetting-work; but she only did a few stitches. 

"What child was that I met running from the house as I cameup?" she asked, a little to Daisy's discomfiture. 

"It was a little girl who belongs in the village, mamma. "

"How comes she to know you?"

"It happened by accident partly, in the first place. "

"What accident?"

"Mamma, I will tell you another time, if you will let me. " ForDaisy knew that Juanita was not far off. 

But Mrs. Randolph only said, "Tell me now. "

"Mamma — it was partly an accident, " Daisy repeated. "I foundout by accident that they were very poor — and I carried themsomething to eat. "

"Whom do you mean by 'them'?"

"That little girl and her mother — Mrs. Harbonner. "

"When did you do this?"

"About the time of my birthday. "

"And you have kept up the acquaintance since that time?"

"I carried the woman work once, mamma. I had papa's leave togo. "

"Did you ask mine?"

"No, mamma. It was papa who had forbidden me to go into anyhouse without leave; so I asked him to let me tell her aboutthe work. "

"What was — this child here for, to-day?"

"Mamma — she is a poor child, and could not go to school; and— I was trying to teach her something. "

"What were you trying to teach her?"

"To read, mamma — and to do right. "

"Have you ever done this before. "

"Yes, mamma — a few times. "

"Can it be that you have a taste for low society, Daisy?"

Mrs. Randolph had been asking questions calmly while going onwith her tetting-work: at this one she raised her eyes andbent them full, with steady, cold inquiry, on Daisy's face. Daisy looked a little troubled. 

"No, mamma — I do not think I have. "

"Is not this child very rude and ill-mannered?"

"Yes, ma'am, but —"

"Is she even a clean child?"

"Not _very_, mamma. "

"You are changed, Daisy, " said Mrs. Randolph, with a slightbut keen expression of disdain. The child felt it, yet felt itnot at all to the moving of her steadfastness. 

"Mamma — it was only that I might teach her. She knows nothingat all, almost. "

"And does Daisy Randolph think such a child is a fit companionfor her?"

"Not a _companion_, mamma. "

"What business have you with a child who is not a fitcompanion for you?"

"Only, mamma, to try to be of some benefit to her. "

"I shall be of some benefit to you, now. Since I cannot trustyou, Daisy — since your own delicacy and feeling of what isright does not guide you in such matters, I shall lay mycommands on you for the future. You are to have nothing to dowith any person, younger or older, without finding out what mypleasure is about it. Do you understand me?"

"Yes, mamma. "

"You are to give no more lessons to children who are not fitcompanions for you. You are not to have anything to do withthis child in particular. Daisy, understand me — I forbid youto speak to her again. "

"Oh, mamma —"

"Not a word, " said Mrs. Randolph. 

"But, mamma, please! just this. May I not tell her once, thatI cannot teach her? She will think me so strange!"

Mrs. Randolph was silent. 

"Might I not, just that once, mamma?"

"No. "

"She will not know what to think of me, " said Daisy; her liptrembling, her eye reddening, and only able by the greatestself-control to keep from bursting into tears. 

"That is your punishment" — replied Mrs. Randolph, in asatisfied, quiet sort of way. 

Daisy felt crushed. She could hardly think. 

"I am going to take you in hand, and bring you into order, "said Mrs. Randolph, with a smile, bending over to kiss Daisy, and looking at her lips and eyes in a way Daisy wished shewould not. The meek little face certainly promised smalldifficulty in her way, and Mrs. Randolph kissed the tremblingmouth again. 

"I do not think we shall quarrel, " she remarked. "But if wedo, Daisy, I shall know how to bear my part of it. "

She turned carelessly to her tetting again, and Daisy laystill; quiet and self-controlled, it was all she could do. Shecould hardly bear to watch her mother at her work; — thethought of "quarrels" between them was so inevitable and sodreadful. She could hardly bear to look out of her window; thesunshine and bright things out there seemed to remind her ofher troubles; for they did not look bright now, as they haddone in the early morning. She lay still and kept still; thatwas all; while Mrs. Randolph kept at her work, amusing herselfwith it an uncommonly long time. At last she was tired; threwher shawl round her shoulders again, and stood up to go. 

"I think we can soon have you home, Daisy, " she said, as shestooped to kiss her. "Ask Dr. Sandford when he comes, howsoon it will do now to move you; ask him tonight; will you?"

Daisy said, "Yes, mamma, " and Mrs. Randolph went. 

CHAPTER XIX. 

THE DOCTOR. 

The day was a heavy one to Daisy and Juanita after that. Thelittle cottage was very silent. Daisy lay still, sayingnothing, and generally keeping her face turned towards thewindow so that her friend could not see it; and when Mrs. Benoit proposed, as she several times did, to read to Daisy orsing to her, she was always answered by a gentle, "No, Juanita, " which was as decided as it was gentle. The lasttime, indeed, Daisy had yielded, and given assent to theproposition; but Mrs. Benoit did not feel sure that she gaveanything else; either attention or approbation. Daisy's dinnershe had prepared with particular care; but it was not enjoyed;Mrs. Benoit knew that. She sighed to herself, and then sang toherself, in a softly kind of way; Daisy gave no heed, and onlylay still with her face turned to the window. 

By and by, late in the afternoon, the doctor came in. He wasnot a favourite of Mrs. Benoit, but she was glad to see himnow. She withdrew a little out of the way and watched to seewhat he would say. 

The doctor's first care as usual was the foot. That was goingon well. Having attended to that, he looked at Daisy's face. It did not seem to him satisfactory, Mrs. Benoit saw; for hisnext move was to the head of the couch, and he felt Daisy'shand, while his eyes studied her. 

"How do you do to-day?"

"I am getting better, " said Daisy. 

"Are you? Your voice sounds weak to-night. "

"I do not suppose I am very strong. "

"How many wonderful things have you found to-day?"

"I have not thought about them — I have not found any. "

Doctor Sandford bent a little over Daisy's couch, holding herhand still, and examining her. 

"What is the matter, Daisy?" said he. 

Daisy fidgeted. The doctor's fine blue eyes were too close toher and too steady to be escaped from. Daisy turned her owneyes uneasily away, then brought them back; she could not helpit. He was waiting for her to speak. 

"Dr. Sandford, " she said, humbly, "won't you please excuseme?"

"Excuse you what, Daisy?"

"From telling you what you want to know. "

"Pray, why should I?"

"It is something that is quite private to myself. "

If the doctor's lips remained perfectly still for somemoments, it was because they had a private inclination tosmile, in which he would not indulge them. Daisy saw nothingbut the most moveless gravity. 

"Private from all but your physician, Daisy, " he said at last. "Do not you know he is an exception to general rules?"

"Is he?" said Daisy. 

"Certainly. I always become acquainted with people's privateaffairs. "

"But I do not want that you should be acquainted with mine. "

"No matter. You are under my care, " said the doctor. Thenafter a minute, he added, in a lower tone, "What have you beenshedding tears about to-day?"

Daisy's face looked intensely grave; wise and old beyond herdays, though the mouth was also sweet. So she faced thedoctor, and answered him with the sedateness of fifty years —"I can't very well tell you, Dr. Sandford. "

"You have been shedding tears to-day?"

"Yes, sir —" said Daisy, softly. 

"A good many of them? You have been lying here with your faceto the window, crying quietly, a good part of the afternoon —have you not?"

"Yes, sir, " said Daisy, wondering at him. 

"Now, I am your physician, and must know what was the matter. "

"It is something I cannot tell about, Dr. Sandford. "

"Yes, Daisy, you are mistaken. Whatever concerns you, concernsme; if it is the concern of nobody else. Were you tired oflying here so long, day after day?"

"Oh, no, sir! I don't mind that at all. I mean — I don't mindit at all, much. "

"You do not?" said the doctor. "Have you lost a pet kitten, ora beloved lap-dog?"

"I haven't any, either a kitten or a dog, " said Daisy. 

"Has that young cavalier, Preston Gary, neglected you?"

"He would not do that, " said Daisy; "but he is very fond ofshooting. "

"He is!" said Dr. Sandford. "Most boys are. You have not feltlonely, then, Daisy?"

"Oh, no, sir. "

"I believe I should, in your place. What is the matter, then?I ask as your friend and physician; and you must tell me, Daisy. Who has been to see you to-day?"

"Papa —he came and read to me. Then a little girl — andmamma. "

"Did the little girl trouble you?"

"Not much —" said Daisy, hesitatingly. 

"In what way?"

"She only would not learn to read as fast as I wanted. "

"You were the teacher?"

"Yes, sir — I was trying — I wanted to teach her. "

"And has her obduracy or stupidity caused all this sorrow andannoyance?"

"Oh, no, sir —" But Daisy's eyes filled. 

"Then has Mrs. Randolph been the trouble-maker?"

Now Daisy flushed, her lip worked tremblingly; she turned herlittle head to one side, and laid her hand over her brow, tobaffle those steady blue eyes of the doctor's. But the doctorleft the side of the couch, and took a step or two towardswhere Juanita was sitting. 

"Mrs. Benoit, " said he, "has this little patient of yours hadher tea?"

"No, sir. His honour knows, it's early yet in the afternoon. "

"Not so very. Do you mean she took enough for dinner to lasther till to-morrow?"

"No, sir; her dinner was little better than nothing. "

"Then make a cup, in your best style, Mrs. Benoit — andperhaps you will give me one. And have you got any more ofthose big raspberries for her? bring them, and a bit oftoast. "

While Juanita was gone on this business, which took a littletime, the doctor slowly paced back and forth through the smallcottage room, with his hands behind him, and a thoughtfulface. Daisy fancied he was considering her affair; but she wasvery much mistaken; Dr. Sandford had utterly forgotten her forthe moment, and was pondering some difficult professionalbusiness. When Juanita appeared with her tea tray, he came outof his abstraction; and, though still with a very unrelaxedface, he arranged Daisy's pillows so that she might be raisedup a little, and feel more comfortable. His hands were strongand skilful, and kind too; there was a sort of pleasure inhaving them manage her; but Daisy looked on with a littlewonder to see him take the charge of being her servitor inwhat came afterwards. He made her a cup of tea; let her tasteit from his hands; and gave the plate of raspberries into herown. 

"Is it good?" he asked her. 

"Very good!" Daisy said, with so gentle and reverential a lookat him, that the doctor smiled. He said nothing, however, atpresent, but to take care that she had her supper; and lookedmeanwhile to see the colour of Daisy's cheeks change a little, and the worn, wearied lines of her face take a more naturalform. His own ministrations were more effectual than theeating and drinking; it was so very odd to have Dr. Sandfordwaiting upon her that Daisy was diverted, and could not helpit. 

"Will you take some tea too, Dr. Sandford?" she said, in themidst of this. "Won't you take it now, while it is hot?"

"I take my tea cold, Daisy, thank you. I'll have itpresently. "

So he poured out his own cup, and left it to cool, while heattended to Daisy; and when she would have no more, he tookthe cup from the tray, and sent Mrs. Benoit off with the restof the things. 

"Now, Daisy, " said he, as he took away her bolstering pillows, and laid her nicely down again, "now, Daisy, I am yourconfidential friend and physician, and I want to know whatcommand Mrs. Randolph has given to trouble you. It is mybusiness to know, and you must tell me. "

He was so cool about it, and so determined, that Daisy wasstaggered. He stood holding her hand, and waiting for heranswer. 

"Mamma —"

Daisy came to a great stop. The doctor waited. 

"It was about the little girl. "

"Very well. Go on, Daisy. " He took up his cup of tea now andbegan to sip it. 

Poor Daisy! She had never been more bewildered in her life. 

"What about the little girl?"

"Mamma — doesn't want me to teach her. "

"Is it so favourite an amusement?"

"No, sir —" said Daisy, hesitatingly. 

"Was that all the trouble?"

"No, sir. "

The doctor sipped his cup of tea, and looked at Daisy. He didnot say anything more; yet his eyes so steadily waited forwhat further she had to say, that Daisy fidgeted; like afascinated creature, obliged to do what it would not. Shecould not help looking into Dr. Sandford's face, and she couldnot withstand what she saw there. 

"Dr. Sandford, " she began in her old-fashioned way, "you areasking me what is private between my mother and me. "

"Nothing is private from your physician, Daisy. I am not Dr. Sandford; I am your physician. "

"But you are Dr. Sandford to mamma. "

"The business is entirely between you and me. "

Daisy hesitated a little longer, but the power of fascinationupon her was irresistible. 

"I was sorry not to teach the little girl, " she said atlength; "but I was particularly troubled because — because —"

"Mrs. Randolph was displeased with your system ofbenevolence?"

"No — not that. Yes, I was troubled about that too. But whattroubled me most was — that mamma would not let me speak toher, to tell her why I must not teach her. I must not sayanything to her again, at all. "

Dr. Sandford's eyes, looking, saw that Daisy had indeed spokenout her trouble now. Such a cloud of sorrow came over herbrow; such witnessing redness about her eyelids, though Daisylet the witness of tears get no further. 

"What do you suppose was your mother's purpose in making thatlast regulation?" he went on, in a cool, business tone. 

"I don't know — I suppose to punish me, " — Daisy said, faintly. 

"Punish you for what?"

"Mamma did not like me to teach that little girl — and I haddone it, I mean I had begun to do it, without asking her. "

"Was it a great pleasure?" said the doctor. 

"It would have been a great pleasure if I could have taughther to read, " Daisy said, with her face brightening at theidea. 

"I presume it would. Well, Daisy, now you and I will arrangethis affair. I do not consider it wholesome for you to engagein this particular amusement at this particular time; so Ishall endorse Mrs. Randolph's prohibition; but I will go round— where does this girl live, and who is she?"

"Her name is Hephzibah Harbonner; she lives in the village, onthe road where the Episcopal church is — you know; — a littleway further on. I guess it's a quarter of a mile. "

"South, eh? Well, I will go round by her house, and tell thegirl that I cannot let you do any such kindnesses just now, and that, till I give her leave, she must not come to see you. How will that do, Daisy. "

"Thank you, Dr. Sandford!"

He saw it was very earnestly spoken, and that Daisy's browlooked clearer. 

"And instead of that amusement, you must study wonderfulthings to-morrow. Will you?"

"Oh, yes, Dr. Sandford! But we have not finished about the sunyet. "

"No. Well — to-morrow, then, Daisy. "

"Thank you, sir. Dr. Sandford, mamma wanted me to ask you aquestion before you go. "

"Ask it. "

"How soon I can be moved home?''

"Are you in a great hurry?"

"No, sir, but I think mamma is. "

"You call bear to wait a little longer, and study wonderfulthings from your window?"

"Oh, yes, sir! I think I can do it better here than at home, because my bed is so close to the window, I can look rightout. "

"I shall not let you be moved just yet, Daisy. Good-night. Iwill see — what's her name?"

"Harbonner — Hephzibah Harbonner. "

"Good-night. "

And Daisy watched the doctor as he went down the path, mountedhis horse, and rode away, with great admiration; thinking howhandsome and how clever and how chivalric he was. Daisy didnot use that word in thinking of him; nevertheless, hisskilful nursing, and his taking up her cause so effectually, had made a great impression upon her. She was greatlycomforted. Juanita, watching her face, saw that it looked so;there was even a dawning smile upon Daisy's lips at one time. It faded however into a deep gravity; and one or two longdrawn breaths told of heavy thoughts. 

"What troubles has my love?" said the old woman. 

Daisy turned her head quick round from the window, and smileda very sweet smile in her face. 

"I was thinking, Juanita. "

"My little lady has a cloud come over her again. "

"Yes, Juanita, I think I have. Oh, Juanita, I might tell you!What shall I do, when everybody wants me to do what — what Idon't think is right? What shall I do, Juanita? I don't knowwhat I shall do. "

"Suppose Miss Daisy take the Bible to her pa' — Miss Daisyknows what her pa' promised. "

"So he did, Juanita! thank you; I had forgotten that. "

In five minutes more, Daisy was fast asleep. The black womanstood looking at her. There was no cloud on the little facenow, but the signs of the day's work were there. Pale cheeks, and weary features, and the tokens of past tears. Juanitastood and looked, and twinkled away one or two from her owneye-lashes; and then knelt down at the head of the bed, andbegan a whispered prayer. — A prayer for the little childbefore her, in which her heart poured itself out, that shemight be kept from evil, and might walk in the straight path, and never be tempted or driven from it. Juanita's voice grewlouder than a whisper in her earnestness; but Daisy slept on. 

CHAPTER XX. 

SUN AND MOON. 

The next day was an exceedingly hot and sultry one. Daisy hadno visitors until quite late in the afternoon; however it wasa peaceful day. She lay quiet and happy, and Juanita was quiteas well contented that the house should be empty, and they twoalone. Late in the afternoon, Preston came. 

"Well, my dear little Daisy! so you are coming home?"

"Arm I?" said Daisy. 

"To be sure; and your foot is going to get well, and we aregoing to have all sorts of grand doings for you. "

"My foot is getting well. "

"Certainly. Don't be a Quaker, Daisy. "

"What sort of doings are you going to have, Preston?"

"First thing — as soon as you are well enough for it — we aregoing to have a grand pic-nic party to Silver Lake. "

"Silver Lake? what, on the other side of the river?"

"Yes. "

"Oh, how delightful! But I shall not be able to go in a longtime, Preston. "

"Yes, you will. Aunt Felicia says you are coming back toMelbourne now; and once we get you there, we'll cure you up. Why, you must have moped half your wits away by this time. Idon't expect to find more than two-thirds of the originalDaisy left. "

"I haven't moped at all. "

"There! that is proof the first. When people are moping, anddo not know they are moping, that is the sign their wits aredeparting. Poor Daisy! I don't wonder. We'll get you to rightsat Melbourne. "

"Doctor Sandford will not let me be moved. "

"Doctor Sandford cannot help himself. When aunt Felicia saysso, he will find ways and means. "

"Preston, " said Daisy, "I do not think you understand whatsort of a man Dr. Sandford is. "

"Pray enlighten me, Daisy. I thought I did. "

But Daisy was silent. 

"What sort of a man is he?"

"Preston, " said Daisy, abruptly, "I wish you would bring mefrom Melbourne that tray filled with something, — plaster, — Idon't know what it is, — on which Captain Drummond and Istudied geography, and history. "

"Geography and history on a tray!" said Preston. "That wouldbe one's hands full to carry!"

"Well, but it was, " said Daisy. "The tray was smooth filledwith something, something a little soft, on which you couldmark; and Captain Drummond drew the map of England on it; andwe were just getting into the battle — what battle was it? —when William came over from France, and King Harold met him?"

"Hastings?"

"We were just come to the battle of Hastings, before CaptainDrummond went away; and I should like so much to go on withit!"

"But was the battle of Hastings on the tray?"

"No, Preston, but the place was; and Captain Drummond told meabout the battles. "

"Who is here to tell you about them now, Daisy?"

"Couldn't you? — sometimes, now and then?"

"I might; but you see, Daisy, you are coming to Melbourne now, and there will be Silver Lake, and lots of other things to do. You won't want the tray here. "

Daisy looked a little wistfully at her cousin. She saidnothing. And Preston turned sharply, for he heard a softrustle coming up the path, and was just in time to spring tothe door and open it for his aunt. 

"How insufferably hot!" was Mrs. Randolph's remark. "How doyou do, Daisy?"

"I think she is bewitched to stay in banishment, aunt Felicia;she will have it she is not coming home. "

Mrs. Randolph's answer was given to the doctor, who entered atthe instant behind Preston. 

"How soon can Daisy be moved, doctor?"

The doctor took a leisurely view of his little patient beforehe replied. "Not at present. "

"How soon —"

"If I think her fit for it, in a fortnight; possibly earlier. "

"But that is, not till September!"

"I am afraid you are correct, " said the doctor, coolly. 

Mrs. Randolph stood pondering the question, how far it wasneedful to own his authority. "It is dreadfully hot here, inthis little place! She would be much better if she were out ofit. "

"How have you found it at Melbourne to-day?"

"Insufferable!"

"How has it been with you, Daisy?"

"It has been a nice day, Dr. Sandford. "

The contrast was so extreme between the mental atmosphere ofone speaker and of the other, that Dr. Sandford smiled. It wasninety degrees of Fahrenheit — and the fall of the dew. 

"I have heard nobody say as much for the day before, " heremarked. 

"But she would be much better at Melbourne. "

"As soon as I think that, she shall go. "

The doctor was absolute in his sphere, and Mr. Randolph, moreover, she knew, would back him; so Mrs. Randolph held herpeace, though displeased. Nay, she entered into a littleconversation with the doctor on other subjects, as lively asthe day would admit, before she de parted. Preston stayedbehind, partly to improve his knowledge of Dr. Sandford. 

"All has gone well to-day, Daisy?" he asked her, pleasantly. 

"Oh, yes. And Dr. Sandford, shall we finish the sun?"

"By all means. What more shall I tell you?"

"How much more do you know, sir?"

"I know that it is globe — shaped — I know how big it is — Iknow how heavy it is; and I know that it turns round and roundcontinually. "

"Oh, sir, do you know all these things?"

"Yes. "

"Please, Dr. Sandford, how can you?"

"You would mature into a philosopher, in time, Daisy. "

"I hope not, " muttered Preston. 

"I know that it is globe-shaped, Daisy, because it turns roundand lets me see all sides of it. "

"Is one side different from another. "

"Only so far, as that there are spots here and there, " Dr. Sandford went on, looking at the exceeding eagerness inDaisy's eyes. "The spots appear at one edge — pass over to theother edge, and go out of sight. After a certain time I seethem come back again where I saw them first. "

"Oh, I should like to see the spots on the sun!" said Daisy. "You said they were holes in the curtain, sir?"

"Yes. "

"What curtain?" said Preston. 

"You are not a philosopher, " said the doctor. 

"How long does it take them, — the spots, — Dr. Sandford, togo round and come back again?"

"A little more than twenty-five days. "

"How very curious!" said Daisy. "I wonder what it turns roundfor — the sun, I mean?"

"You have got too deep there, " said the doctor. "I cannot tellyou. "

"But there must be some reason, " said Daisy; "or it wouldstand still. "

"It is in the nature of the thing, I suppose, " said Dr. Sandford; "but we do not fully know its nature yet. — Onlywhat I am telling you. "

"How came people to find these things out?"

"By watching — and experimenting — and calculating. "

"Then, how big is the sun, Dr. Sandford?"

"How big does it look?"

"Not very large — I don't know — I can't think of anything itlooks like. "

"It looks just about as big as the moon does. "

"Is it just the same size as the moon? But Dr. Sandford, it isa great deal further off, isn't it?"

"Four hundred times as far. "

"Then, it must be four hundred times as large, I shouldthink. "

"It is just about that. "

"But I do not know how large that would be. I cannot think. "

"Nor can I, Daisy. But I can help you. Suppose we, and ourearth, were in the centre of the sun; and our moon going roundus at the same distance from us that she is now; there wouldbe room enough for the whole concern, as far as distances areconcerned. "

"In the sun, Dr. Sandford?"

"In the sun. "

"And the moon as far off as she is now?"

"Yes. "

"But the _moon_ would not be in the sun too?"

"Plenty of room, and to spare. "

Daisy was silent now. Preston looked from her face to thedoctor's. 

"Not only that, Daisy; but the moon then would be two hundredthousand miles within the circumference of the sun; the sun'ssurface would be two hundred thousand miles beyond her. "

"Thank you, Dr. Sandford!"

"What for, Daisy?"

"I am so glad to know all that. "

"Why?"

Daisy did not answer. She did not feel ready to tell her wholethought, — not to both her friends together, at least; and shedid not know how to frame her reply. But then, perceiving thatDr. Sandford was looking for an answer, and that she wasguilty of the rudeness of withholding it, she blushed andspoke. 

"It makes me understand some things better. "

"What, for instance?" said the doctor, looking as grave asever, though Preston was inclined to laugh. 

Daisy saw it; nevertheless she answered, "The first chapter ofGenesis. "

"Oh, you are there, are you?" said the doctor. "What lighthave I thrown upon the passage, Daisy? It has not appeared tomyself. "

Now Daisy hesitated. A sure though childish instinct told herthat her thoughts and feelings on this subject would meet withno sympathy. She did not like to speak them. 

"Daisy has peculiar views, Dr. Sandford, " said Preston. 

But the doctor paid him no attention. He looked at Daisy, lifted her up, and arranged her pillows; then as he laid herback said, "Give me my explanation of that chapter, Daisy. "

"It isn't an explanation, sir; — I did not know there wasanything to explain. "

"The light I have thrown on it then — out of the sun. "

Preston was amused, Daisy saw; she could not tell whether thedoctor was; his blue eyes gave no sign, except of a will tohear what she had to say. Daisy hesitated, and hesitated, andthen, with something very like the old diplomacy she hadpartly learned and partly inherited from her mother, she said, "If you will read the chapter, I will tell you. "

Now Daisy did not think Dr. Sandford would care to read thechapter, or perhaps have the time for it; but, with an unmovedface, he swung himself round on his chair, and called on Mrs. Benoit for a Bible. Preston was in a state of delight, andMrs. Benoit of wonder. The Bible was brought, Dr. Sandfordtook it, and opened it. 

"We have only time for a short lecture to-day, " he remarked, "for I must be off. Now, Daisy, I will read, and you shallcomment. "

Daisy felt worried. She turned uneasily, and rested her faceon her hand, and so lay, looking at the doctor; at hishandsome calm features and glittering blue eyes. What could_she_ say to him? The doctor's eye saw a grave sweet littleface, a good deal flushed, very grave, with a whole burden ofthought behind its unruffled simplicity. It may be said, thathis curiosity was as great as Daisy's unwillingness. He began, facing her as he read. Juanita stood by, somewhat anxious. 

"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. "

The doctor stopped, and looked down at that face of Daisylooking up at him. He waited. 

"I did not use to think how much all that meant, " said Daisy, humbly. 

The doctor went on. He went on with the grand, majestic wordsof the story, — which sounded very strange to Daisy from hislips, but — very grand; — till he came to the fourteenthverse. " 'And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament ofthe heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them befor signs, and for seasons, and for days and years: and letthem be for lights in the firmament of the heaven, to givelight upon the earth: and it was so. ' " The doctor looked atDaisy again. 

"There, " said she, "that is very different now from what itused to be — I didn't know what sort of lights those were;it's a great deal more wonderful now. Won't you read on alittle farther?"

" 'And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule theday, and the lesser light to rule the night; He made the starsalso. And God set them in the firmament of the heaven, to givelight upon the earth, and to rule over the day, and over thenight, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God sawthat it was good. ' "

"That is what I mean, " said Daisy, as the doctor paused. "Inever knew before what those 'lights' meant — I thought thesun was — I don't know what; I didn't think much about it; butnow I never shall forget again. I know now what sort of alight was made to rule the day; and I don't wonder —"

"Do not wonder what, Daisy?"

"I do not wonder that God said that it was good. I am so muchobliged to you for telling me about it. "

"Never heard a more satisfactory application of knowledge inmy life, " — the doctor remarked, with a smile, as he handedback the Bible to Mrs. Benoit. 

And then he and Preston went off; but Daisy lay long verythoughtfully looking after them out of her window. Till thesound of the horses' feet was far out of hearing, Daisy laythere, looking into the evening. She did not stir till Mrs. Benoit brought her supper. 

"Isn't it wonderful, Juanita, " she said, with a long-drawnbreath, "how the sun divides the light from the darkness!"

"Most things is wonderful, that the Lord makes, " answered theblack woman. 

"Are they?" said Daisy. 

"But what makes my love sigh?" said Juanita, anxiously; forDaisy's face had not brightened up, though she was taking hertea. 

Daisy looked at her. "Oh, Juanita!" she said, — "I am afraidthat Dr. Sandford is in the darkness!"

"Where the sun don't shine it be darkness, sure!" saidJuanita. "And he do not see the Light of the world, MissDaisy. "

Daisy's eyes filled, filled. She liked Dr. Sandford very much. And then, who else that she loved had never seen that Light!Daisy pushed aside her tears, and tried to drink her tea; butat last she gave it up. Her spoon fell into her saucer, andshe lay down, and hid her face in the pillow. The black womanstood, with a strange grave look, and with watering eyes, silent for a little time; holding Daisy's tray in her hands, and waiting. 

"Miss Daisy —"

"What, Juanita?"

"My love take her tea, to be strong; and then see how many shecan bring out of the darkness. "

"I, Juanita?" said Daisy? rousing up. 

"Maybe the Lord send His message by little hands. Whathinder?"

"But, Juanita, _I_ can't do anything?"

"Carry the Lord's message, Miss Daisy. "

"Can I?"

"Why not, my love? The dear Lord, He do all. And Miss Daisyknows, He hear the prayer of His servants. "

The child looked at the black woman, with a wistful, earnest, searching look that it was curious to see. She said nothingmore; she eyed Juanita as if she were searching into the depthof something; then she went on with her supper. She wasthoughtful all the evening; busy with cogitations which shedid not reveal; quiet and absent-minded. Juanita guessed why;and many a prayer went up from her own secret heart. 

But from about this time Daisy began to grow well again. Shecould not be moved, of course; Dr. Sandford would not permitthat; neither to be carried home, nor to change her place andposition in the cottage. But she was getting ready for it. Thelatter half of August cooled off from its fierce heats, andwas pleasantly warm. Daisy took the benefit of the change. Shehad rather a good time, those last weeks at Juanita's house;and perhaps that was one reason why Dr. Sandford, seeing it, chose to let well alone, and would not have anybody take Daisyhome. Daisy had a very good time. She had the peace ofJuanita's house; and at home she knew there would be things totrouble her. She had books, and could read now as much as sheliked; and she was very fond of reading. Preston did not findit expedient to bring the geography tray; on the other hand, Mr. Randolph thought it good to come every day and spend apiece of time with his little daughter; and became betteracquainted with her than ever he had been in his life before. He discovered that Daisy was very fond of knowledge; that hecould please her no way better than by taking up the historyof' England and reading to her, and stopping to explaineverything by the way which Daisy did not understand. 

English history was certainly an old story to Mr. Randolph;but to discuss it with Daisy was a very new thing. He foundher eager, patient, intelligent, and wise with an odd sort ofchild-wisdom which yet was not despicable for older years. Daisy's views of the feudal system, and of the wittenagemot, and of trial by jury, and of representative legislation, wereintensely amusing to Mr. Randolph; he said it was going backto a primitive condition of society, to talk them over withher; though there, I think, he was mistaken. If Daisy had readthose pages of history to herself, she would have passed oversome of these matters at least with little heed; she would nothave gone to anybody with questions. But Mr. Randolph readingto her, it was an easy thing to ask the meaning of a word asthey passed; and that word would draw on a whole little bit oftalk. In this intercourse Mr. Randolph was exceedingly gentle, deliberate, and kind. Daisy had nothing to fear, not even thatshe might weary him; so those were hours of real enjoyment toboth parties. 

Preston not very seldom came and made himself agreeable;playing an occasional game of chess, and more often regalingDaisy with a history of his expeditions. Other visitors Daisyhad from Melbourne, now and then; but her best friend for realservice, after her father and Juanita, was Dr. Sandford. Hetook great care of his little patient's comfort and happiness;which was a pretty thing in him, seeing that he was a youngman, busy with a very good country practice, and, furthermore, busy with the demands made upon him as an admired pet ofsociety. For that was Dr. Sandford, and he knew it perfectlywell. Nevertheless his kind care of Daisy never abated. 

It was of course partly his professional zeal and care thatwere called for; but it could not have been those that madehim keep up his lectures to Daisy on the wonderful things shefound for him, day by day. In professional care those lecturescertainly began; but Daisy was getting well now; had nothingmore to trouble her, and showed an invariably happy as well aswise little face. Yet Dr. Sandford used to sit down and tellher of the things she asked about, with a sort of amusedpatience — if it was no more; at any rate he was neverimpatient. He talked to Daisy of the stars, which, with themoon, were very naturally the next subjects of investigationafter the sun. 

At last Daisy got him upon the subject of trilobites. It wasnot difficult. Dr. Sandford was far more easy to move thanPreston — in this matter at least. He only smiled, and slidinto the story very simply; the story that Daisy was so eagerto hear. And it did not seem less worth hearing than she hadexpected, nor less wonderful, nor less interesting. Daisythought about it a great deal, while Juanita listened anddoubted; but Daisy did not doubt. She believed the doctor toldher true. That the family to which her little fossil trilobitebelonged — the particular family — for they were generallyrelated, he said, to the lobster and crab, — were found in thevery oldest and deepest down rocks in which any sort ofremains of living things have been found; therefore, it islikely they were among the earliest of earth's inhabitants. There were a great many of them, the doctor said, and manydifferent species; for great numbers of them are found to thisday in those particular rocks. The rocks must have been madeat the time when the trilobites lived, and have somehow shutthem in. And the doctor thought it likely that at the timewhen they lived, there was no dry land in existence, but allcovered by the sea. He would not take it upon him to bepositive; but this he could tell Daisy; there was never astick or a leaf to be found in those old rocks that ever livedand grew on dry ground, though there were plenty that grew inthe sea, until in the very topmost or latest of those rockssome few bits of fern-growth began to appear. 

"But what plants live under water?" said Daisy. 

"Sea weeds. "

"Oh! So many of them?"

"So many, that the rocks are sometimes darkened by theirfossil remains, and in some places those remains form beds ofcoal several feet thick. "

"And are there a great many remains of the trilobites?"

"There are whole rocks, Daisy, that are formed almost entirelyof trilobites. "

"Sea-weeds and trilobites — what a strange time!" said Daisy. "Was that all that was living?"

"No; there were other sea creatures of the lower kind, and atlast fishes. But when the fishes became very numerous, thetrilobites died out and passed away. "

That old time had a wonderful charm for Daisy; it was, as shethought, better than a fairy tale. The doctor at last let herinto the secret that he had a trilobite too; and the next timehe came he brought it with him. He was good enough to leave itwith Daisy a whole day; and Daisy's meditations over it andher own together were numberless and profound. 

The next transition was somewhat sudden; — to a wasp or twothat had come foraging on Daisy's window-sill. But Dr. Sandford was at home there; and so explained the wasp's workand manner of life, with his structure and fitness for what hehad to do, that Daisy was in utter delight; though her eyessometimes opened upon Dr. Sandford with a grave wistful wonderin them, that he should know all this so well, and yet neveracknowledge the hand that had given the wasp the tools andinstinct for his work, one so exactly a match for the other. But Dr. Sandford never did. He used to notice those gravelooks of Daisy, and hold private speculation with himself whatthey might mean; private amused speculation; but I think hemust have liked his little patient as well as been amused ather, or he would hardly have kept up as he did this personalministering to her pleasure, which was one of the greatentertainments of Daisy's life at this period. In truth onlyto see Dr. Sandford was an entertainment to Daisy. She watchedeven the wave of his long locks of hair. He was a fascinationto her. 

"Are you in a hurry to get home?" he would ask her every nowand then. Daisy always said, "No sir; not till you think it istime;" and Dr. Sandford never thought it was time. No matterwhat other people said, and they said a good deal; he orderedit his own way; and Daisy was almost ready to walk when hegave permission for her to be taken home in the carriage. However, the permission was given at last. 

"To-morrow night I shall not be here, Juanita, " Daisy remarkedas she was taking her supper. 

"No, Miss Daisy. "

"You will be very quiet when I am gone. "

It had not been a bustling house, all those weeks! But theblack woman only answered. "My love will come to see Juanitasometimes?"

"Oh, yes. I shall come very often, Juanita — if I can. Youknow when I am out with my pony, I can come very often, — Ihope. "

Juanita quite well understood what was meant by the littlepauses and qualifying clauses of this statement. She passedthem over. 

But Daisy shed a good many tears during Juanita's prayer thatnight. I do not know if the black woman shed any; but I knowthat some time afterwards, and until late in the night, sheknelt again by Daisy's bedside, while a whisper of prayer, toosoft to arouse the child's slumbers, just chimed with theflutter and rustle of the leaves outside of the window movingin the night breeze. 

CHAPTER XXI. 

TEA AT HOME. 

The next day turned out so warm, that the carriage was notbrought for Daisy till late in the afternoon. Then it came, with her father and Dr. Sandford; and Daisy was lifted in Mr. Randolph's arms, and carefully placed on the front seat of thecarriage, which she had all to herself. Her father and thedoctor got in and sat opposite to her; and the carriage droveaway. 

The parting with Juanita had been very tenderly affectionate, and had gone very near to Daisy's heart. Not choosing to showthis more than she could help, as usual, Daisy at first laystill on the cushions with an exceedingly old-fashioned face;it was as demure and sedate as if the gravity of forty yearshad been over it. But presently the carriage turned the cornerinto the road to Melbourne; Daisy caught sight for a second ofthe houses and church spires of Crum Elbow, that she had notseen for so long. A pink flush rose over her face. 

"What is it, Daisy?" said Mr. Randolph, who had been watchingher. 

"Papa — it's so nice to see things again!"

"You had a pretty dull time of it at Mrs. Benoit's?" remarkedthe doctor. 

"No — Oh, no, I didn't. I did not have it dull at all. "

"How did you escape that, Daisy?"

"I do not know, Dr. Sandford. There was no room for dulness. "

The gentlemen smiled, but Daisy's father with a not altogethersatisfied expression. He grew satisfied, as he marked thechanges in Daisy's face. The ride was delightful to her. Thecarriage was easy; she was nicely placed; and through the openglass before her she could look oat quite uninterruptedly. Itwas so pleasant, she thought, even to see the road and thefences again. That little bit of view before Mrs. Benoit'swindow she had studied over and over, till she knew it byheart. Now every step brought something new; and the roll ofthe carriage-wheels was itself enlivening. There was a reapedgrain-field; there a meadow, with cattle pasturing. Now theypassed a farm wagon going home, laden with sheaves; next camea cottage, well known, but not seen for a long time, with itswonted half-door open and the cottager's children playingabout. Then came patches of woodland, with the sun shiningthrough; and a field of flourishing Indian corn with thesunlight all over it; then more meadows with cattle. 

"Do you ride comfortably, Daisy?" her father asked, bendingover to her. 

"Yes, papa. It is so nice!"

Mr. Randolph gave up care about Daisy, and the two gentlemenfell into a conversation which did not regard her, and lastedtill the carriage stopped at the door of Melbourne House. Andthere was her mother, and there were Preston and his motherand sister, and Gary McFarlane, who had been away, and comeback again, all waiting to welcome her; besides some otherguests who were now at Melbourne. 

Mr. Randolph got out of the carriage first. Dr. Sandfordfollowed him; but then, without giving place to anybody else, he himself took Daisy carefully off the seat where she lay, lifted her out in his arms, and carried her into the house. All the others trooped around and after him, through the halland into the drawing-room, where the doctor laid his littlecharge on the sofa and put the pillows behind her so that shecould sit up comfortably. Then he stood back and let theothers come to her. Mrs. Randolph gave her some very contentedkisses; so did Mr. Randolph. Very glad and tender his were, athaving his little daughter back there again. 

"We are very much pleased to see you here, Daisy, " her auntsaid. 

"Poor Daisy, " said Eloise. 

"Glad to come back to life and the world again, Daisy. " saidPreston, standing at the back of her sofa and drumming on it. 

"I understand, Daisy, " said McFarlane, "that you have been anenchanted beauty, or a sleeping princess, during these weeksof my absence — under the guardianship of an old black witch, who drew incantations and water together from her well everymorning. "

"I can answer for the incantations, " said Preston. "I haveheard 'em. "

Daisy's face flushed all over. "Preston, you do very wrong, "she said, turning her head round to him. But Preston onlyburst into a fit of laughter, which he turned away to hide. 

Others of the company now came up to take Daisy's hand, andkiss her, and say how glad they were to see her; these peoplewere very much strangers to Daisy, and their greeting was noparticular pleasure; but it had to be attended to. Then teacame in, and Daisy was well petted. It was very pleasant tohave it so; after the silence and quiet of Juanita's littlecottage, the lights and dresses and people and silver urn andtea service and flowers made quite a picture. Flowers had beenin the cottage too, but not such wealth of them. Just oppositeto Daisy, in the middle of the floor, stood a great stonebasket, or wide vase, on a pedestal; and this vase was a massof beautiful flowers. Trailing wreaths of roses and fuchsiasand geraniums even floated down from the edges of the vase andsought the floor; the pedestal was half draped with them. Itwas a very lovely sight to Daisy's eyes. And then her motherordered a little stand brought to the sofa's side; and herfather placed it; and Gary brought her cup of tea, and Dr. Sandford spread her slice of toast. Daisy felt as if she lovedeverybody, and was very happy. The summer air floated in atthe long windows, just as it used to do. It was _home_. Daisybegan to realise the fact. 

Meanwhile attention ceased to be filled with her particularaffairs, and conversation flowed off as usual, away from her. Preston still held his station at the back of the sofa, wherehe dipped sponge-cake in tea with a wonderful persistency; infact, the question seemed to be whether he or the cake basketwould give out first; but for a while Daisy eat her toast inhappy quiet; watching everybody and enjoying everything. TillGary McFarlane drew near, and took a seat, as if for a regularsiege. 

"So what about those incantations, Daisy?" he said. 

"I do not know what you mean, Mr. McFarlane. "

"No? don't you? That's odd. You have been so long in thewitch's precincts. You have heard them, of course?"

"I do not know what you mean, Mr. McFarlane. "

"Why, you must have been bewitched. I wonder, now, if thewitch's house did not seem to you a palace?"

"It seemed a very nice place. "

"And the witch herself a sable princess?"

"I think she is a great deal better than a princess. "

"Exactly so, " said Gary, with a perfectly sober face. "Thewitch drew water, didn't she?"

"I don't know what you mean. Mrs. Benoit used to bring pailsof water from her well. "

"Very good. And you never heard her incantations, muttering inthe morning before the dew was off the grass, or at night justas the first beams of the moon lighted on the topmost boughsof the trees?"

Daisy was confounded. "Mr. McFarlane, " she said, after amoment's looking at him — "I hope I do not know what youmean. "

At that, Gary McFarlane went off into an ecstasy of laughter, delighted and amused beyond count. Preston interrupted thesponge-cake exercise, and Daisy felt her sofa shaking with hisburden of amusement. What had she done? Glancing her eyetowards Dr. Sandford, who sat near, she saw that a verydecided smile was curling the corners of _his_ mouth. A flushcame up all over Daisy's face; she took some tea, but it didnot taste good any longer. 

"What did you think I meant? — come, Daisy, tell me, " saidGary, returning to Daisy as soon as he could get over hisparoxysm of laughter. "What did you think I meant? I shouldn'twonder if you had some private witchcraft of your own. Come!what did you _think_ I meant?"

While he had been laughing, Daisy had been trying to getcommand of herself, and to get her throat clear for talking;there had been a very uncomfortable thick feeling in it atfirst. Now she answered with simple dignity and soberness, "Idid not know, Mr. McFarlane, but you meant Juanita's prayers. "

"Does she pray?" said Gary, innocently. 

"Yes. "

"Long prayers, Daisy?"

"Yes, " — unwillingly now. 

"Then, that must have been what you heard!" Gary said, lookingup to Preston. No answer came from him. Gary was as sober nowas seven judges. 

"Did she speak her prayers where you could hear her, Daisy?"

"I used to hear her —"

"Mornings and evenings?"

"Yes. "

"But you heard her in broad day, Preston?"

"Yes; one afternoon it was. I heard her as soon as I got nearthe house. Daisy was asleep, and I went away as wise as Icame. "

"This grows interesting, " said Gary, returning to Daisy. "Could you hear the words that were said?"

"No. "

"Only a muttering?"

Daisy was silent. The tears came into her eyes. 

"Depend upon it, Daisy, it was incantations you heard. Description agrees exactly. Confess now, didn't a sort offeeling grow over you — creep over you — whenever you heardthat muttering sound, as if you would do anything that blackwoman told you?"

Daisy was silent. 

"Don't you know it is not proper to pray so that people canhear you? — 'tisn't the way to do. Witches pray that way — notgood Christian people. I regard it as a very fortunate thing, Daisy, that we have got you safe out of her hands. Don't youthink that prayer ought to be private?"

"Yes, " said Daisy. She was overwhelmed with the rapidity andliveliness of Gary's utterances, which he rattled forth aslightly as if they had been the multiplication table. 

"Yes, just so. It is not even a matter to be talked about —too sacred — so I am offending even against my own laws; but Iwanted to know how far the old witch had got hold of you. Didn't you feel when you heard her mutterings, as if some sortof a spell was creeping over you?"

Daisy wished some sort of a spell could come over _him_; but shedid not know what to say. 

"Didn't you gradually grow into the belief that she was a sortof saint, Daisy?"

"What is a saint, Mr. McFarlane?"

Gary at that wheeled partly round, and stroked his chin andmoustache with the most comical expression of doubt andconfusion. 

"I declare I don't know, Daisy! I think it means a person whois too good for this world, and therefore isn't allowed tolive here. They all go off in flames of some sort — may looklike glory, but is very uncomfortable — and there is apeculiar odour about them. Doctor, what is that odour called?"

Gary spoke with absurd soberness, but the doctor gave him noattention. 

"The odour of sanctity! — that is it!" said Gary. "I hadforgot. I don't know what it is like, myself; but it must bevery disagreeable to have such a peculiarity attached to one. "

"How can anybody be too good for this world?" Daisy ventured. 

"Too good to live in it! You can't live among people unlessyou live like them — so the saints all leave the rest of theworld in some way or other; the children die, and the grownones go missionaries or become nuns — they are a sort of humanmeteor — shine and disappear, but don't really accomplishmuch, because no one wants to be meteors. So your old womancan't be a saint, Daisy, or she would have quitted the worldlong ago. "

Something called off Gary. Daisy was left feeling verythoroughly disturbed. That people could talk so — and think so— about what was so precious to her; talk about being saints, as if it were an undesirable thing; and as if such wereunlovely. Her thought went back to Juanita, who seemed nowhalf a world's distance away instead of a few miles; her loveand gentleness and truth and wisdom, her prayers and way ofliving, did seem to Daisy somewhat unearthly in their beauty, compared with that which surrounded her now; but so unearthly, that it could not be understood, and must not be talked about. Juanita could not be understood here; could Daisy? She felthurt, and troubled, and sorry; she did not like to hear suchtalk, but Gary was about as easy to stop as a cataract. 

Dr. Sandford, lifting his eyes from what had occupied them, though his ears had not been stopped, saw that the face of hislittle charge was flushed with pain, and her eyes glistening. He came and took Gary's place, and silently felt of her handand looked at her; but he did not ask Daisy what was thematter, because he pretty well knew. His own face, as usual, showed nothing; however, Daisy's came back to its accustomedexpression. 

"Dr. Sandford, " said she softly, "what is a meteor?"

"Meteors are fiery stones which fall on the earthoccasionally. "

"Where do they come from?"

"Doctors are divided. "

"But where do _you_ think they come from?"

If Dr. Sandford's vanity could be touched by a child, itreceived a touch then. It was so plain, that what satisfiedhim would satisfy her. He would not give the sceptical answerwhich rose to his lips. Looking at the pure, wise little facewhich watched his, he made answer simply, not without a smile:"I am inclined to think they are wandering bodies, that wefall in with now and then, in our journey round the sun. "

"Dr. Sandford, what do they look like?"

"You have seen shooting-stars?"

"Yes — are those meteors?"

"Those are meteors that do not come to the earth. Sometimesthey are nearer, and look like great fire-balls. "

"Have you seen them. "

"Yes, a great many. "

"And have you seen them after they fell on the ground?"

"Yes. "

"What are they like then?"

"A very black stone, on the outside, and made up of variousmetals and earths within. "

"But then, what makes them look like fire-balls, before theyfall?"

"Can't tell, Daisy. As I said, the doctors are divided; and Ireally have no opinion that you would understand if I gaveit. "

Daisy would have liked to hear all the opinions, but she didnot ask for them. Preston was still standing at the back ofthe sofa, and started a new subject. 

"Dr. Sandford, how soon will Daisy's foot let her go to SilverLake?"

"In what way do you propose to get there?"

"By boat, sir, across the river; and the rest of the way iswalking. "

"On plain ground?"

"Not exactly!" said Preston. 

"How far do you call it?"

"Three miles. "

"Of walking! I think Daisy may walk across this floor by nextweek; and in a little while after she may go up and downstairs. "

"Oh, doctor!" exclaimed Preston. "Why, at that rate, shecannot go to Silver Lake at all!"

"Does she want to go very much?" said the doctor. The questionwas really put at Daisy's face, and answered by a little flushthat was not a flush of pain this time. He saw what a depth ofmeaning there was in it; what a charm the sound of Silver Lakehad for Daisy. No wonder, to a little girl who had lain for somany weeks looking out of one window, where there was not muchto be seen, either. 

"Who is going, Daisy?" said the doctor. 

"Mamma means to make up a large party — I do not know exactlywho. "

"Then I think I can promise that you shall go too. You maycount upon me for that. "

Daisy's eyes shone and sparkled, but she said not a word. Preston was less sagacious. 

"Will you do something to make her foot strong, sir?" heasked. 

"When you have studied in my profession, you will know moreabout a physician's powers, " — was all the answer he got. 

The doctor turned off to conversation with other people, andDaisy was left to herself again. She was very happy; it wasvery pleasant to lie there comfortably on the sofa, and feelthat her long imprisonment was over; it was amusing to look atso many people together, after having for days and days lookedat only one; and the old wonted scene, the place and thelights, and the flowers and the dresses, yes, and the voices, gave her the new sense of being at home. Nevertheless, Daisymused a little over some things that were not altogetherpleasant. The faces that she scanned had none of them theplacid nobleness of the face of her black nurse; no voicewithin her hearing had such sweet modulation; and Daisy felt aconsciousness that Juanita's little cottage lay within thebounds of a kingdom which Mrs. Randolph's drawing-room had noknowledge of. Gradually Daisy's head became full of thatthought; along with the accompanying consciousness, that asubject of that kingdom would be alone here and find nobody tohelp her. 

"Daisy, what's the matter?" whispered Preston. "You are assober as a judge. "

"Am I?" said Daisy. 

"What's to pay?"

"Nothing. I feel very nicely. "

"Why don't you look like other people, then?"

"I suppose, " said Daisy, slowly, "I do not feel like otherpeople. "

"I wish you'd make haste about it, then, " said Preston. "Do bemy own dear little old Daisy! Don't be grave and wise. "

"Are you going to spend the night here, Daisy?" said Dr. Sandford, coming up to the sofa. 

"No, sir, " said Daisy, smiling. 

"Where then?"

"I suppose, in my room, sir — up-stairs. "

"I must see you there before I go; and it is time now. Shall Icarry you up?"

"If you please, sir. "

"Pray do not, Dr. Sandford!" said Mrs. Randolph. "Mr. Randolphwill do it, or one of the servants. There is no occasion foryou to trouble yourself. "

"Thank you, ma'am, but I like to see after my patients myself. Unless Daisy prefers other hands. "

Mrs. Randolph protested. The doctor stood quiet, and looked atDaisy, waiting for her to say what she would like. Now Daisyknew, that of all hands which had touched her, the doctor'sand Juanita's were far the best; and of those two, thedoctor's; perhaps because he was the strongest. Her father wasvery kind and tender, but he did not understand the business. 

"I should like Dr. Sandford to take me, " she said, when shefound she must speak. 

"Then I will trouble you, Mrs. Randolph, for somebody to showme the way. " And the doctor stooped, and put his strong armsunder Daisy, and lifted her up. 

"Quite a conquest, I declare, you have made, Dr. Sandford!"said Mrs. Randolph, laughing. "Preston, show the way, and I'llsend June. "

So the doctor marched off with Daisy, Preston going before toshow the way. He carried her, without the least jar orawkwardness, through the company, out into the hall, and upthe stairs. There June met him, and took Preston's office fromhim. Into Daisy's own room at last they came, and Dr. Sandfordlaid his little charge at once on her bed. 

"You must not try to move, Daisy, until I see you again. Stayhere till then. "

"Yes, sir. "

"Good-night. "

"Good-night. Thank you, sir, for bringing me up. "

Dr. Sandford smiled. "Thank you, " said he, and with a wave ofhis hand, away he went. 

"Oh, June!" said Daisy, "how glad I am to see you. "

June had seen Daisy only once during her abode at Mrs. Benoit's cottage; and now Daisy squeezed her hands, andwelcomed the sight of her with great affection; and June onher part, though not given to demonstrations, smiled till herwrinkles took all sorts of queer shapes, and even showed herdeep black eyes twinkling with something like moisture. Theycertainly were; and putting the smiles and the tears together, Daisy felt sure that June was as glad to see her as she was tosee June. In truth, Daisy was a sort of household deity toJune, and she welcomed her back accordingly, in her secretheart; but her words on that subject, as on all others, werefew. The business of undressing, however, went on with greattenderness. When it was finished, Daisy missed Juanita. Forthen Juanita had been accustomed to bring her Bible, and readand pray; and that had been a time Daisy always enjoyedwonderfully. Now, in bed, at night, she could not see to readfor herself. She dismissed June, and was left alone in her oldroom, with, as she justly thought, a great deal to pray for. And praying, little Daisy went to sleep. 

CHAPTER XXII. 

BEING ROBBED. 

The next day Daisy felt very much at home. Her orders were notto stir till the doctor came. So after breakfast, and afterreceiving visits from everybody in the house, she was left toher own devices, for it happened that everybody had somethingon hand that morning, and nobody staid with her. 

Left with June, Daisy lay for awhile feasting her eyes on allthe pleasant wonted objects around her. She was a particularlittle body, and very fond of her room and its furniture andarrangements. Then came a hankering for the sight of some ofher concealed treasures from which she had been separated solong. 

"June, I wish you would open the drawer of my bureau, thesecond drawer from the top, and put your hand back at the leftside, and give me a book that lies there. "

June got the key and rummaged. "Don't feel nothing, MissDaisy. "

"Quite back, June, under everything. "

"Why, Miss Daisy, it's tucked away as though you didn't meannobody should never find it!"

Precisely what Daisy did mean. But there it was, safe enough —Mr. Dinwiddie's Bible. Daisy's hands and eyes welcomed it. Sheasked for nothing more in a good while after that; and Junecuriously watched her, with immense reverence. The thin palelittle face, a little turned from the light, so that she couldsee better; the intent eyes; the wise little mouth, wherechildish innocence and oldish prudence made a queer meeting;the slim little fingers that held the book; above all, thesweet calm of the face. June would not gaze, but she lookedand looked, as she could, by glances; and nearly worshippedher little mistress in her heart. She thought it almostominous and awful to see a child read the Bible so. For Daisylooked at it with loving eyes, as at words that were apleasure to her. It was no duty-work, that reading. At lastDaisy shut the book, to June's relief. 

"June, I want to see my old things. I would like to have themhere on the bed. "

"What things, Miss Daisy?"

"I would like my bird of paradise first. You can put a bigbook here for it to stand on, where it will be steady. "

The bird of paradise June brought, and placed as ordered. Itwas a bird of spun glass only, but a great beauty in Daisy'seyes. Its tail was of such fine threads of glass that it wavedwith the least breath. 

"How pretty it is! You may take it away, June, for I am afraidit will get broken; and now bring me my Chinese puzzle, andset my cathedral here. You can bring it here without hurtingit, can't you?"

"Where is your puzzle, Miss Daisy?"

"It is in the upper drawer of my cabinet, " — so Daisy called asmall chest of drawers which held her varieties — "and thecathedral stands on the top, under the glass shade. Be verycareful, June. "

June accomplished both parts of her business. The "cathedral"was a beautiful model of a famous one, made in ivory. It wasrather more than a foot long, and high, of course, inproportion. Every window and doorway and pillar and arcade wasthere, in its exact place and size, according to the scale ofthe model; and a beautiful thing it was to look upon for anyeyes that loved beauty. Daisy's eyes loved it well, and nowfor a long time she lay back on her pillow watching andstudying the lights among those arcades, which the rich colourof the ivory, grown yellow with time, made so very pleasant tosee. Daisy studied and thought. The Chinese puzzle got noattention. At last she cried, "June, I should like to have myEgyptian spoon. "

"What is that, miss Daisy?"

"My Egyptian spoon; it is a long, carved, wooden thing, withsomething like a spoon at one end; it is quite brown. Look forit in the next drawer, June, you will find it there. It don'tlook like a spoon. "

"There is nothing like it in this drawer, Miss Daisy. "

"Yes, it is. It is wrapped up in paper. "

"Nothing here wrapped in paper, " said June, rummaging. 

"Aren't my chessmen there? and my Indian canoe? and mymoccasins? —"

"Yes, Miss Daisy, all them's here. "

"Well, the spoon is there too, then; it was with the canoe andthe moccasins. "

"It ain't here, Miss Daisy. "

"Then look in all the other drawers, June. "

June did so; no spoon. 

Daisy half raised herself up for a frightened look towards her"cabinet. " "Has anybody done anything to my drawers while 1have been away?"

"No, Miss Daisy, not as I know of. "

"June, please, look in them all — every one. "

" 'Taint here, Miss Daisy. "

Daisy lay down again and lay thinking. "June, is mamma in herroom?"

"Yes, Miss Daisy. "

"Ask her — tell her I want to speak to her very much. "

Mrs. Randolph came. 

"Mamma, " said Daisy, "do you know anything about my Egyptianspoon?"

"Do you want it, Daisy?"

"Oh, yes, mamma! I do. June cannot find it. Do you know whereit is?"

"Yes — it is not a thing for a child like you, Daisy, and Ilet your aunt Gary have it. She wanted it for her collection. I will get you anything else you like in place of it. "

"But, mamma, I told aunt Gary she could not have it. She askedme, and I told her she could not have it. "

"I have told her she might, Daisy. Something else will giveyou more pleasure. You are not an ungenerous child. "

"But, mamma! it was _mine_. It belonged to me. "

"Hush, Daisy; that is not a proper way to speak to me. I allowyou to do what you like with your things in general; this wasmuch fitter for your aunt Gary than for you. It was somethingbeyond your appreciation. Do not oblige me to remind you thatyour things are mine. "

Mrs. Randolph spoke as if half displeased already, and leftthe room. Daisy lay with a great flush upon her face, and in astate of perturbation. 

Her spoon was gone; that was beyond question, and Daisy'slittle spirit was in tumultuous disturbance — very uncommonindeed with her. Grief, and the sense of wrong, and thefeeling of anger strove together. Did she not appreciate herold spoon? when every leaf of the lotus carving and everymarking of the duck's bill had been noted and studied over andover, with a wondering regard to the dark hands that so many, many years and ages ago had fashioned it. Would Mrs. Gary loveit as well? Daisy did not believe any such thing. And then itwas the gift of Nora and Mr. Dinwiddie, and precious byassociation; and it was _gone_. 

Daisy lay still on her pillow, with a slow tear now and thengathering in her eyes, but also with an ominous line on herbrow. There was a great sense of injustice at work — thefeeling that she had been robbed; and that she was powerlessto right herself. Her mother had done it; in her secretthought Daisy knew that, and that she would not have done itto Ransom. Yet in the deep-fixed habit of obedience and awe ofher mother, Daisy sheered off from directly blaming her asmuch as possible, and let the burden of her displeasure fallon Mrs. Gary. 

She was bitterly hurt at her mother's action, however; doublyhurt, at the loss and at the manner of it; and the slow tearskept coming and rolling down to wet her pillow. For a whileDaisy pondered the means of getting her treasure back; by aword to her father, or a representation to Preston, or byboldly demanding the spoon of Mrs. Gary herself. Daisy felt asif she must have it back somehow. But any of these ways, evenif successful, would make trouble; a great deal of trouble;and it would be, Daisy had an inward consciousness all thetime, unworthy of a Christian child. But she felt angry withMrs. Gary, and as if she could never forgive her. Daisy, though not passionate, was persistent in her character; hergentleness covered a not exactly yielding disposition. 

In the midst of all this, Dr. Sandford came in, fresh from hismorning's drive, and sat down by the bedside. 

"Do you want to go downstairs, Daisy?"

"No, sir; I think not. "

"Not? What's the matter? Are you of a misanthropical turn ofmind?"

"I do not know, Dr. Sandford; I do not know what that is. "

"Well, now you have got back to human society and fellowship, don't you want to enjoy it?"

"I should not enjoy it to-day. "

"If I do not see you downstairs, you will have to stay up tillanother day. "

"Yes, sir. "

"What is the matter, Daisy?" And now the doctor bent over andlooked hard in her face. The wet spot in her pillow no doubthe had seen long ago. Daisy's eyes drooped. 

"Look up here, and give me an answer. 

"I can't very well tell you, sir. "

"Why do you not want to go downstairs?"

"Because, Dr. Sandford, I am not good. "

"Not good!" said he. "I thought you always were good. "

Daisy's eye reddened, and her lip twitched. He saw that therewas some uncommon disturbance on hand; and there was the wetspot on the pillow. 

"Something has troubled you, " he said; and with that he laidhis hand — it was a fresh, cool hand, pleasant to feel — uponDaisy's forehead, and kept it there; sometimes looking at her, and as often looking somewhere else. It was very agreeable toDaisy; she did not stir her head from under the hand; andgradually she quieted down, and her nerves, which were allruffled, like a bird's feathers, grew smooth. There were nolines in her forehead when Dr. Sandford took away his handagain. 

"Now tell me, " said he, smiling, "what was the matter? Shall Itake you down to the library now?"

"Oh, no, sir, if you please. Please do not, Dr. Sandford! I amnot ready. I am not fit. "

"Not fit?" said the doctor, eyeing her, and very much at aloss what to make of this. "Do you mean that you want to bemore finely attired before you make your appearance incompany?"

"No, sir, " said Daisy. It struck her with a great sorrow, hissaying this. She knew her outward attire was faultless; brightand nice as new silver was every bit of Daisy's dress, fromher smooth hair to her neat little slippers; it was all whiteand clean. But the inward adorning which God looked at — inwhat a state was that? Daisy felt a double pang; that Dr. Sandford should so far mistake her as to think her full ofsilly vanity, and, on the other hand, that he should so muchtoo well judge of her as to think her always good. Thewitnessing tinge came about Daisy's eyelids again. 

"Dr. Sandford, if people tell you their private affairs, ofcourse it is confidential?"

"Of course, " said the doctor, without moving a muscle. 

"Then I will tell you what I meant. I am not good. I amdressed well enough; but I have anger in my heart. "

Dr. Sandford did not say how much he was surprised; for Daisylooked as meek as a lamb. But he was a philosopher, andinterested. 

"Then I am sure you have had reason, Daisy. "

"I think I had, " sail Daisy, but without looking lesssorrowful. 

"Do you not consider that one has a right to be angry when onehas a reason?"

"But one shouldn't stay angry, " said the child, folding herhands over her heart. 

"How are you going to help it, Daisy?"

"There is a way, Dr. Sandford. "

"Is there? But you see I am in the dark now. I am as muchabroad about that, as you were about a journey of threehundred years to the sun. When I am angry I never find that Ican help it. I can maybe help using my horsewhip; but I cannotmanage the anger. "

"No —" said Daisy, looking up at him, and thinking howterrible it must be to have to encounter anger from his blueeye. 

"What then, Daisy? how do you make out your position. "

Daisy did not very well like to say. She had a certainconsciousness — or fear — that it would not be understood, andshe would be laughed at — not openly, for Dr. Sandford wasnever impolite; but yet she shrunk from the cold glance ofunbelief, or of derision, however well and kindly masked. Shewas silent. 

"Haven't we got into a confidential position yet?" said thedoctor. 

"Yes, sir, but —"

"Speak on. "

"Jesus will help us, Dr. Sandford, if we ask Him. " And tears, that were tears of deep penitence now, rushed to Daisy's eyes. 

"I do not believe, Daisy, to begin with, that you know whatanger means. "

"I have been angry this morning, " said Daisy, sadly. "I amangry now, I think. "

"How do you feel when you are angry?"

"I feel wrong. I do not want to see the person — I feel shewould be disagreeable to me, and if I spoke to her I shouldwant to say something disagreeable. "

"Very natural, " said the doctor. 

"But it is wrong. "

"If you can help it, Daisy. I always feel disagreeable when Iam angry. I feel a little disagreeable now that you areangry. "

Daisy could not help smiling at that. 

"Now, suppose we go downstairs. "

"Oh, no, sir. Oh, no, Dr. Sandford, please! I am not ready — Iwould rather not go downstairs to-day. Please don't take me!"

"To-morrow you must, Daisy. I shall not give you any longerthan till then. "

Away went Dr. Sandford to the library; kept Daisy's counsel, and told Mrs. Randolph she was to remain in her room to-day. 

"She thinks too much, " he said. "There is too much self-introversion. "

"I know it! but what can we do?" said Mr. Randolph. "She hasbeen kept from books as much as possible. "

"Amusement, and the society of children. "

"Ay, but she likes older society better. "

"Good-morning, " said the doctor. 

"Stay! Dr. Sandford, I have great confidence in you. I wishyou would take in hand not Daisy's foot merely, but thegeneral management of her, and give us your advice. She hasnot gained, on the whole, this summer, and is very delicate. "

"Rather —" said the doctor. And away he went. 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

THE MAP OF ENGLAND. 

Meanwhile Daisy turned away from her beautiful little ivorycathedral, and opened Mr. Dinwiddie's Bible. Her heart was notat all comforted yet; and indeed her talk with Dr. Sandfordhad rather roused her to keener discomfort. She had confessedherself wrong, and had told him the way to get right; yet sheherself, in spite of knowing the way, was not right, but veryfar from it. So she felt. Her heart was very sore for the hurtshe had suffered; it gave her a twinge ever time she thoughtof the lotus carving of her spoon handle, and those oddrepresentations of fish in the bowl of it. She lay over on herpillow, slowly turning and turning the pages of her Bible, andtear after tear slowly gathering one after another, andfilling her eyes, and rolling down to her pillow to makeanother wet spot. 

There was no harm in that, if that had been all. Daisy hadreason. But what troubled her was, that she was so stronglydispleased with her aunt Gary. She did not want to see her orhear her, and the thought of a kiss from her was unendurable. Nay, Daisy felt as if she would like to punish her, if shecould; or at least to repossess herself of her stolen propertyby fair means or by foul. She was almost inclined to thinkthat she must have it at all events. And at the same time, shehad told Dr. Sandford that she was not right. So Daisy layslowly turning the pages of her Bible, looking for some wordthat might catch her eye and be a help to her. 

There were a good many marks in the Bible, scattered here andthere, made by its former owner. One of these stopped Daisy'ssearch, and gave her something to think of. It stood oppositethese words: "I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseechyou that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye arecalled. " Daisy considered that. What "vocation" meant, she didnot know, nor who was "the prisoner of the Lord, " nor whatthat could mean; but yet she caught at something of the sense. "Walk worthy, " she understood that; and guessed what"vocation" stood for. Ay! that was just it, and that was justwhat Daisy was not doing. The next words, too, were plainenough. "With all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love. "

"Forbearing one another" — easy to read, how hard to do! Mrs. Gary's image was very ugly yet to Daisy. Could she speakpleasantly to her aunt? could she even look pleasantly at her?could she "forbear" all unkindness, even in thought? Not yet!Daisy felt very miserable, and very much ashamed of herself, even while her anger was in abiding strength and vigour. 

She went on, reading through the whole chapter; not becauseshe had not enough already to think about, but because she didnot feel that she could obey it. Some of the chapter she didnot quite understand; but she went on reading, all the same, till she came to the last verse. That went through and throughDaisy's heart, and her eyes filled so full that by the timeshe got to the end of it she could not see to read at all. These were the words: "And be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sakehath forgiven you. "

That quite broke Daisy's heart. She rolled herself over uponher open Bible, so as to hide her face in her pillow, andthere Daisy had a good cry. She standing out about a littlething, when Jesus was willing to forgive such loads and loadsof naughtiness in her! Daisy would have no friendship with herresentment any more. She turned her back upon it, and fledfrom it, and sought eagerly that help by which, as she hadtold Dr. Sandford, it might be overcome. And she had saidright. He who is called Jesus because He saves His people fromtheir sins, will not leave anybody under their power whoheartily trusts in Him for deliverance from them. 

Daisy received several visits that day, but they were allflying visits; everybody was busy. However, they put to theproof the state of her feeling towards several persons. Thenext day, the first person she saw was the doctor. 

"How do you do, Daisy? Ready to go downstairs to-day?"

"Yes, sir. "

"Have you got the better of your anger?"

"Yes, sir. "

"Pray, at what hour did your indignation take flight?" saidthe doctor, looking at the gentle little face before him. 

"I think — about three hours after you were here yesterday, "said Daisy, soberly. 

The doctor looked at her, and his gravity gave way, so far atleast as to let the corners of his lips curl away from somevery white teeth. Dr. Sandford rarely laughed. And there wasnothing mocking about his smile now, though I have used theword "curl;" it was merely what Daisy considered a veryintelligent and very benign curve of the mouth. Indeed sheliked it very much. 

"Have you seen the offending party since that time, Daisy?"

"Yes, sir. "

"And did you feel no return of displeasure?"

"No, sir. "

There was something so exceedingly sweet in Daisy's expressionof face, so unruffled in its loving calm and assurance, thatDr. Sandford received quite a new impression in his views ofhuman character. 

"I shall have an account to settle with that young Preston oneof these days, " he remarked, as he took Daisy's little form inhis arms. 

"Oh, he did nothing!" said Daisy. "It wasn't Preston at all. He had nothing to do with it!"

"He had not?" said the doctor. 

"Not at all; nor any other boy. "

"Beyond my management, then!" said the doctor; and he movedoff. 

He had stood still to say that word or two; Daisy's arm wasround his neck to help support herself; the two looked intoeach other's faces. Certainly that had come to pass which atone time she had thought unlikely; Daisy was very fond of thedoctor. 

He carried her now down to the library, and laid her on asofa. Nobody at all was there. The long windows were standingopen; the morning sweet air blew gently in; the books, andchairs, and tables which made the room pretty to Daisy's eyes, looked very pleasant after the long weeks in which she had notseen them. But along with her joy at seeing them again wasmixed a vivid recollection of the terrible scene she had gonethrough there, a few days before her accident. However, nothing could make Daisy anything but happy just now. 

"You must remain here until I come again, " said the doctor;"and now I will send some of the rest of the family to you. "

The first one that came was her father. He sat down by thesofa, and was so tenderly glad to have her there again, thatDaisy's little heart leaped for joy. She put her hand in his, and lay looking into his face. 

"Papa, it is nice, " she said. 

"What?"

"Oh, to be here, and with you again. "

Mr. Randolph put his lips down to Daisy's, and kissed them agood many times. 

"Do you know we are going to Silver Lake with you as soon asyou are strong enough?"

"Oh, yes, papa! Dr. Sandford says he can manage it. But Idon't know when. "

"In a week or two more. "

"Papa, who is going?"

"Everybody, I suppose. "

"But I mean, is anybody to be invited?"

"I think we must ask Dr. Sandford. "

"Oh, yes, papa! I wish he would go. But is anybody else to beasked?"

"I do not know, Daisy. Whom would you like to have invited?"

"Papa, I would like very much to have Nora Dinwiddie. She hascome back. "

"Well, tell your mother so. "

Daisy was silent a little; then she began on a new theme. 

"Papa, what is a 'vocation'?"

"What is what, Daisy?"

"Vocation, papa. "

"Where did you get that word?"

"I found it in a book. "

"It means commonly a person's business or employment. "

"Only that, papa?"

"There is another sense in which it is used, but you wouldhardly understand it. "

"Please tell me, papa. "

"Why?"

"Papa, I like to know the meanings of things. Please tell me. "

"Daisy, it means a 'calling' — in the idea that some personsare particularly appointed to a certain place or work in theworld. "

Daisy looked a little hard at him, and then said, "Thank you, papa. "

"Daisy, I hope you do not think you have a 'vocation, ' " saidMr. Randolph, half smiling. 

"Papa, " said the child, "I cannot help it. "

"No, perhaps not, " said Mr. Randolph, stooping again toDaisy's lips. "When you are older and wiser you will knowbetter. At present your vocation is to be a good littledaughter. Now what are you going to do to-day? Here is Preston— if you want him; or I will do for you what you please. "

"Yes, Daisy, what shall we do?" said Preston. 

"Oh, are you at leisure?"

"All your own, Daisy, for this morning at any rate. What shallwe do?"

"Preston, would you mind getting my tray for me; and let us goon with the battle of Hastings?"

"With what?" said Mr. Randolph, laughing. 

"The battle of Hastings, papa — English history, you know. Captain Drummond and I got just there, and then we stopped. But Harold was killed — wasn't he, papa?"

"I believe he was, Daisy. "

"Good for him, too, " said Preston. "He was nothing but ausurper. William the Conqueror was a great deal more of aman. "

"But he was just as much of a usurper, wasn't he?" said Daisy. 

"You must mind your ethics, Preston, " Mr. Randolph said, laughing. "Daisy is on the Saxon side. "

"Preston, will you get the tray, please? June will give it toyou. "

Preston did not quite understand the philosophy of the tray;however, Daisy must be humoured. It was brought. By Daisy'sorder it had been carefully protected from dust and danger;and the lineaments of England, as traced by the captain sometime ago, were fresh and in good order. 

Daisy hung over the map with great interest, renewing heracquaintance with various localities, and gradually gettingPreston warmed up to the play. It was quite exciting; for, with every movement of William's victorious footsteps, thecourse of his progress had to be carefully studied out on aprinted map, and then the towns and villages which marked hisway noted on the clay map, and their places betokened bywooden pins. Daisy suggested that these pins should havesealing-wax heads of different colours to distinguish thecities, the villages, and the forts from each other. Makingthese, interrupted doubtless the march of the Conqueror and ofhistory, but in the end much increased Daisy's satisfaction, and if the truth be told, Preston's too. 

"There, — now you can see at a glance where the castles are;don't their red heads look pretty! And, Oh, Preston! we oughtto have some way of marking the battle-fields; don't you thinkso?"

"The map of England will be nothing but marks then, by andby, " said Preston. 

"Will it? But it would be very curious. Preston, just give mea little piece of that pink blotting paper from the librarytable; it is in the portfolio there. Now I can put a littlesquare bit of this on every battle-field, and pressing it alittle, it will stick, I think. There! — there is Hastings. Doyou see, Preston? That will do nicely. "

"England will be all pink blotting paper by and by, " saidPreston. 

"Then it will be very curious, " said Daisy. "Were new kings_always_ coming to push out the old ones?"

"Not like William the Conqueror. But yet it was something verylike that, Daisy. When a king died, two of his children wouldboth want the place; so they would fight. "

"But two men fighting would not make a battlefield. "

"Oh, Daisy, Daisy!" cried Preston; "do you know no better thanthat?"

"Well, but who else would fight with them?"

"Why, all the kingdom! Part would fight for the right, youknow, as the Saxons did with Harold; and part would fight tobe the best fellows, and to get the fat places. "

"Fat places?" said Daisy. At which Preston went off into oneof his laughs. Daisy looked on. How could she be expected tounderstand him?

"What is the matter, my dear? What are you doing?" Daisystarted. "We are studying English history, aunt Gary. "

"_History_, my dear? And what is all this muss, and these redand black spots? does your mamma allow this in the library?"

"Just the place to study history, I am sure, mamma, " saidPreston; "and you cannot have less muss than this where peopleare fighting. But I really don't know what you mean, ma'am;there cannot be a cleaner map, except for the blood shed onit. "

"Blood?" said Mrs. Gary. "My dear" — as Preston burst intoanother laugh — "you must not let him tease you. "

Daisy's look was so very unruffled and gentle that perhaps itput Mrs. Gary in mind of another subject. 

"Did you know, Daisy, that I had robbed you of your old-fashioned spoon?"

"I found it was not among my things, " said Daisy. 

"My dear, your mother thought you would not value it; and itwas very desirable to my collection. I took it with herconsent. "

"I am willing you should have it, aunt Gary. "

"Were you very angry, my dear, when you found where it hadgone?"

"I am not angry now, aunt Gary. "

Certainly Daisy was not; yet something in the child's look ormanner made the lady willing to drop the subject. Its verycalm gentleness did not testify to anything like unconcernabout the matter; and if there had been concern, Mrs. Gary wasnot desirous to awaken it again. She kissed Daisy, said shewas a good girl, and walked off. Daisy wondered if her aunthad a fancy for trilobites. 

"What was all that about, Daisy?" Preston asked. 

"Oh, never mind — let us go on with William the Conqueror. "

"What spoon of yours has she got?"

"My Egyptian spoon. "

"That old carved thing with the duck's bill?"

"Yes. Now, Preston, what comes next?"

"Didn't you say she could not have it?"

"No matter what I said, if I say that she can have it now. "

"Did you give it to her?"

"Preston, that has nothing to do with William the Conqueror. Please let us go on. "

"Daisy, I want to know. Did you give it to her?"

"I am willing she should have it. Now, Preston, go on. "

"But, I say, did you give my mother that spoon. "

"Preston, " said Daisy, "do you think it is quite proper toquestion me in that manner about what you see I do not wish tohave you know?"

Preston laughed, though he looked vexed, and kissed her, nobody being in the library; he was too big a boy to have doneit if anybody had been looking on. And after that he playedthe historico-geographical play with her for a very long time;finding it, with Daisy's eagerness and freshness, a very goodplay indeed. Only he would persist in calling every cause ofwar, every disputed succession, every rivalry of candidates, an _Egyptian spoon_. Daisy could not prevent him. 

She had a very happy morning; and Dr. Sandford was wellsatisfied with her bright face when he came, towards night, and carried her up stairs again. 

But Daisy was getting well now. It was only a few days more, and Dr. Sandford permitted her to walk a little way herself onher own feet. A little way at first, across the floor andback; no more that day; but from that time Daisy felt wholeagain. Soon she could walk to please herself, up and downstairs, and everywhere; though she was not allowed to go farenough to tire her foot while it was yet unused to exercise. 

Now all her home ways fell again into their accustomed order. Daisy could get up, and be dressed; nobody knows what a luxurythat is unless he has been hindered of it for a good while. She could stand at her window and look out; and go down on herown feet to join the family at breakfast. Her father procuredher a seat next himself now, which Daisy did not use to have;and she enjoyed it. She knew he enjoyed it too; and it madebreakfast a very happy time to Daisy. After breakfast she wasat her own disposal, as of old. Nobody wished her to doanything but please herself. 

At this moment nothing pleased Daisy better than to go on withEnglish history. With Preston, if she could get him; if not, alone, with her book and her tray map. Poring over it, Daisywould lie on the sofa, or sit on a little bench with the trayon the floor; planting her towns and castles, or going back tothose already planted with a fresh interest from newassociations. Certain red-headed and certain black-headed andcertain green-headed pins came to be very well known andfamiliar in the course of time. And in course of time, too, the soil of England came to be very much overspread withlittle squares of pink blotting-paper. To Daisy it grew to bea commentary on the wickedness of mankind. Preston remarked onthe multitude there was of Egyptian spoons. 

"What do you mean by that, Preston?" said his aunt. 

"Causes of quarrel, ma'am. "

"Why do you call them Egyptian spoons?"

"Causes of trouble, I should say, ma'am. "

"And again I say, why do you call them Egyptian spoons?"

"I beg your pardon, aunt Felicia. Egypt was always a cause oftrouble to the faithful; and I was afraid little Daisy had hadjust a spoonful of it lately. "

"Daisy, what have you been saying to your cousin?"

"Nothing, mamma, about that; only what Preston asked me. "

"I am sure you did not say what I asked of you, Daisy. Shetold me nothing at all, aunt Felicia, except by what she didnot tell me. "

"She behaved very sweetly about it, indeed, " said Mrs. Gary. "She made me feel quite easy about keeping it. I shall have tofind out what I can send to Daisy that she will like. "

"What are you and Preston doing there?" Mrs. Randolph askedwith a cloudy face. 

"Studying, mamma; I am. English history. "

"That is no way of studying; and that tray — what have you gotin it?"

"England, mamma!"

Preston laughed. Mrs. Randolph did not join him. 

"What have you got in that thing, Daisy? sand?"

"Oh, no, mamma — it's something — it's prepared clay, Ibelieve. "

"Prepared!" said Mrs. Randolph. "Prepared for somethingbesides my library. You are hanging over it all day, Daisy — Ido not believe it is good for you. "

"Oh, mamma, it is!"

"I think I shall try whether it is not good for you to bewithout it. "

"Oh, no, mamma. " Daisy looked in dismay. "Do ask Dr. Sandfordif he thinks it is not good for me. "

"There he is, then, " said Mrs. Randolph. "Doctor, I wish youwould see whether Daisy is occupying herself, in yourjudgment, well, when she is hanging over that thing half theday. "

Dr. Sandford came up. Daisy was not afraid of his decision, for she knew he was on her side. Mrs. Randolph, on the otherhand, did not wish to dispute it, for she was, like most otherpeople, on the doctor's side. He came up and looked at thetray. 

"What is this?"

"The map of England, sir. "

"Pray, what are you doing with it?"

"Making it, sir, and studying English history. "

"What are these pins? armies? or warriors? they are inconfusion enough. "

"Oh, there is no confusion, " said Daisy. "They are castles andtowns. "

"For instance? —"

"This is Dover Castle, " said Daisy, touching a redheaded pin;"and this is Caernarvon, and Conway; and these black ones aretowns. There is London — and Liverpool — and York — and Oxford— don't you see?"

"I see, but it would take a witch to remember. What are youdoing?"

"Studying English history, sir; and as fast as we come to agreat town or castle we mark it. These bits of paper showwhere the great battle-fields are. "

"Original!" said the doctor. 

"No sir, it is not, " said Daisy. "Captain Drummond taught itto me. "

"What, the history?"

"No; but this way of playing. "

Preston was laughing and trying to keep quiet. Nothing couldbe graver than the doctor. 

"Is it interesting, this way of playing. "

"Very!" said Daisy, with a good deal of eagerness, more thanshe wished to show. 

"I wish you would forbid it, Dr. Sandford, " said Daisy'smother. "I do not believe in such a method of study, nor wishDaisy to be engrossed with any study at all. She is not fitfor it. "

"Whereabouts are you?" said the doctor to Daisy. 

"We are just getting through the wars of the Roses. "

"Ah! I never can remember how those wars began — can you?"

"They began when the Duke of York tried to get the crown ofHenry the Sixth. But I think he was wrong — don't you?"

"Somebody is always wrong in those affairs, " said the doctor. "You are getting through the wars of the Roses. What do youfind was the end of them?"

"When the Earl of Richmond came. We have just finished thebattle of Bosworth Field. Then he married Elizabeth of York, and so they wore the two roses together. "

"Harmoniously?" said the doctor. 

"I don't know, sir. I do not know anything about Henry theSeventh yet. "

"What was going on in the rest of the world while the Roseswere at war in England?"

"Oh, I don't know, sir!" said Daisy, looking up with a suddenexpression of humbleness. "I do not know anything aboutanywhere else. "

"You do not know where the Hudson River was then. "

"I suppose it was where it is now?"

"Geographically, Daisy; but not politically, socially, orcommercially. Melbourne House was not thinking of building;and the Indians ferried their canoes over to Silver Lake, where a civilised party are going in a few days to eat chickensalad under very different auspices. "

"Were there no white people here?"

"Columbus had not discovered America, even. He did that justabout seven years after Henry the Seventh was crowned onBosworth Field. "

"I don't know who Columbus was, " Daisy said, with a glance sowistful and profound in its sense of ignorance, that Dr. Sandford smiled. 

"You will hear about him soon, " he said, turning away to Mrs. Randolph. 

That lady did not look by any means well pleased. The doctorstood before her looking down, with the sort of frank, calmbearing that characterised him. 

"Are you not, in part at least, a Southerner?" was the lady'sfirst question. 

"I am sorry I must lose so much of your good opinion as toconfess myself a Yankee, " said the doctor, steadily. 

"Are you going to give your sanction to Daisy's plungingherself into study, and books, and all that sort of thing, Dr. Sandford?"

"Not beyond _my_ depth to reach her. "

"I do not think it is good for her. She is very fond of it, and she does a great deal too much of it when she begins; andshe wants strengthening first, in my opinion. You have saidenough now to make her crazy after the history of the wholeworld. "

"Mrs. Randolph, I must remind you that though you can hindera tree from growing, in a particular place, you cannot afungus; if the conditions be favourable. "

"What do you mean?"

"I think this may be a good alternative. "

The lady looked a little hard at the doctor. "There is onebook I wish you could hinder her from reading, " she said, lowering her tone. 

"What is that, madam?"

"She is just the child not to bear it; and she is injured byporing over the Bible. "

"Put the Bibles out of her way, " suggested the doctor. 

"I have, as much as I can; but it is not possible to do itperfectly. "

"Then I counsel you to allow her the use of this medicine, "said Dr. Sandford, glancing towards the tray, which no longerheld Daisy's attention. For, together with her mother'slowering of voice, the one word "Bible" had come to herconsciousness. 

Daisy was at no loss to guess what it meant. The low tones ofthe speakers gave her sufficient information. Thus far; thather Bible was reckoned an undesirable treasure for her by hermother. Was her own dear little particular Bible in danger?the one that Mr. Dinwiddie had given her? Daisy was alarmed. She did not enjoy any more battle-fields, nor enter with goodheart into her history work from that time, until she couldget up stairs again and see that it was safe, and contrivesome way or place to keep it safe in time to come. Where couldsuch a place be? It was a puzzle, because all Daisy's thingswere, of course, open to her mother. Perhaps Daisy's fearswere needless; but, after the affair of her Egyptian spoon, she looked with jealous eyes not only on her Bible, but on hertrilobite. 

She sat down with a dismayed little face, to think where shecould find a hiding-place. She thought of putting the Bibleunder her bed or pillow; but the bed was turned over everymorning, and the servants would find it. None of her bureaudrawers or cabinet drawers were secure. Daisy pondered allmanner of impossible places. At last fixed upon a spot of thefloor covered by an ottoman. The ottoman was hollow and notvery heavy, and never moved after the room was put in orderevery day. Till the room was put in order Daisy hid her Biblein a drawer; then took it out, and consigned it to theobscurity of the ottoman. 

She was greatly afraid, then, of being found reading it. Shehad not heard the words which passed between the doctor andher mother; only the word "Bible;" but the low tones made herwell enough aware that the matter of their talk was somehowadverse; it boded nothing kindly to her and the Bible. SoDaisy was in another perplexity; and resolved that to be assafe as she could, she would read with locked doors for thefuture. And as doors must not be locked at times when hermother might be coming and going, Daisy chose early morningand late evening for her Bible-reading. She used to let Juneundress her, and finish all her duties of dressing-maid; thenshe sent her away, and locked her doors, and read in comfort. This lasted a little while; then one unlucky night Daisyforgot to unlock her doors. The morning came, and June withit; but June could neither get in nor dare knock loud enoughto make Daisy hear; she was obliged to come round through hermistress's dressing-room. But Daisy's door on that side waslocked too! June was going softly away. 

"What do you want?" said her mistress. 

"If you please, ma'am, " said June, stopping very unwillingly —"I thought it was time to wake Miss Daisy. "

"Why do you not go in, then?"

"Ma'am — the door is locked, " said June, in a scarce audibleundertone. 

"Locked? — knock. " June went back and knocked. 

"Louder, " said Mrs. Randolph, who was under her maid's hands;"you would not waken a cat at that rate. Make yourself heard. "

June's taps, however, continued so fearfully gentle, that Mrs. Randolph arose and came to the door herself. One or two of thetouches of her imperative fingers brought a little figure inwhite night-dress and just-awakened face, to open the door. 

"Daisy, " said her mother, "what is your door fast for?"

"Mamma — I wanted it fast for a few minutes. "

"Did you lock it last night or this morning?"

"Last night — I thought — I meant to have opened it. "

"Both your doors?"

"Yes, mamma. "

"All night locked! Now, Daisy, I forbid you ever to turn thekey in your door again, night or day. "

"Oh, mamma! — I want it shut sometimes. "

"Hush. Go and let June dress you. "

June was vexed enough with herself to have inflicted somepunishment on her awkward tongue and head, when she saw thatDaisy was for some reason or other deeply grieved. The tearsgathered and fell, quietly, all through the process ofdressing; and a sort of sob heaved from the child's breast nowand then, without words and most involuntary. Juanita'scottage was a palace to Melbourne House, if peace made thefurniture. But June did not know what to say; so she wassilent too. 

When June was gone, Daisy went to her beloved window, andstood there. She did not like to kneel, because her mothermight come in, or even June, while she was doing so. She stoodat the sweet open window, and prayed that the Lord would takecare of her, and help her to pray however she could. And thenthe thought of those words came to Daisy: — "Thou, therefore, endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. " Sheremembered very well how Captain Drummond had described theway a good soldier takes things — hard and disagreeablethings, as well as others. It is part of his business toendure them; he expects them, and minds them not at all incomparison with the service in which he is engaged. And asoldier of Jesus Christ has only to obey Him, and takewillingly whatever comes in the line of his service. Whatmatter? The only thing was to obey orders, and do the work shewas set upon. Hardships did not seem much like hardships whenshe thought of them in this way. And then it occurred toDaisy, that, if she _could_ not fasten her doors, she had betterjust kneel down as usual with them open. She could not dowithout praying; and if she must be intruded upon, why, it wasa little hardship that she had better not mind. And when shehad thought that, Daisy kneeled down; and she never had anymore trouble about it. She did fancy, even that first morning, that she heard the lock of her door turn; but she did not moveto see, and hearing nothing more, she soon forgot it. Nobodywore such a bright and fresh face at the breakfast-table asDaisy; such a glad and uncareful face; and Mrs. Randolph, seeing it, was reassured; though she had just seen her littledaughter at her prayers, on her knees, by the window. Shelooked so happy now, that the lady was inclined to hope herreligion was a childish folly, which would pass away and beforgotten in time. 

But for the present Daisy was a soldier; and meditating muchon a service which she had to perform. That very day, if youhad been there, and worn an invisible cap, you might have goneinto her room, and seen what she was about. On the ottomanaforesaid Daisy's writing-desk was placed; and before it, on acricket, sat Daisy, with a face, oh, how grave and busy! Avery weight of care of some sort seemed to lie under herchildish little brow. She was opening her desk and looking outpaper; some she felt and rejected — it was too thin or tooblue, or something; she tried her pen on another kind; it didnot go well. At last a thick little sheet of note paper waschosen; and Daisy began to write. Or rather, sat over thepaper with her pen in her fingers, thinking how to write. Shelooked very anxious; then took bits of paper and a pencil, andtried different forms of a sentence. At last, with slow care, and fingers that trembled, a line or two was inscribed on thebeautiful thick little sheet of English note-paper. 

"Dear papa, won't you think about being a Christian? Do not bedispleased with

"DAISY. "

It was written all out, as fair as she could; and then youmight have seen Daisy's little round head go down on her handson the desk. It did not move for a good while. When it waslifted up, she sought out an envelope rather hurriedly, directed it, folded and put in her note, and sealed it. 

Daisy shut her desk then, and with a manner not quite as calmand careless as usual, went to her father's dressing table, and stood considering where she should put the note. Under thecushion, it might be seen first by a servant, and thendelivered to Mr. Randolph in the midst of company. Under hisdressing-box, the same fate threatened it. Daisy peered about, and thought, and trembled for several minutes. She had a fancythat she did not want him to get it before the next morning, when he would be quietly dressing here alone. He wouldcertainly be opening his dressing-box before that. The onlyplace Daisy could be sure would not be invaded before that, was the place she chose; she took off the cover of his box ofshaving soap, and with some trouble squeezed the note in sothat it would lie safely hid; then put on the cover, and putthe box in its place, and went away with light hands and aheavy heart. — Heavy, that is, with a burden of doubt mingledwith fear. Would Mr. Randolph be angry? Daisy could not feelsure that that would not be the consequence of her proceeding. Perhaps he would be very much displeased, and think it verydisrespectful and improper that his little daughter shouldtake so much upon herself. Daisy knew quite well all that. Butwho else in the world would take the responsibility if she didnot? No one; and Daisy with all her fear did not once think ofgoing to get her note away again before it should be read. 

Her heart yearned towards her father. He was so very gentleand tender in his manner with her, more than ever, Daisythought; she felt that the love between them was growing, strong and deep, even beyond what it used to be. And while heknew nothing of the joy that filled her own heart, and whilehe refused obedience to the laws that she knew were binding onhim as well as on her, he must be also, she knew, without thefavour and blessing of God. He had no part in it; nothing todo with it; and Daisy's heart swelled with childish sorrow andlonging. She had thought a great deal about it, and concludedthat she must bear "the message, " even plainly in words, toher father, before she could feel satisfied. Little handsmight take the message, Juanita had said; so humbly Daisy'stook it; and then she prayed that it might not be for nothing. 

She knew all her hands could do was not much. All theremainder of that day, Daisy never forgot her note in the boxof shaving soap. She knew it was extremely unlikely that thebox would be opened sooner than the next morning;nevertheless, whenever Mr. Randolph came near where she was, Daisy looked up with something like a start. There was nothingin his face to alarm her; and so night came, and Daisy kissedhim twice for good night, wondering to herself whether hewould feel like kissing her when they met again. Never mind, the message must be delivered, cost what it might. Yes, thiswas soldier's service. Daisy was going into the enemy'scountry. 

Mr. Randolph had felt the lingering touch of Daisy's lips, andthe thought of it came to him more than once in the course ofthe evening — "like the wind that breathes upon a bank ofviolets" — with a breath of sweetness in the remembrance. Nevertheless, he had pretty well forgotten it, when he pulledoff the cover of his box of shaving soap the next morning. Hewas belated, and in something of a hurry. If ever a mansuddenly forgot his hurry, Mr. Randolph did, that morning. Heknew the unformed, rather irregular and stiff handwriting in amoment; and concluded that Daisy had some request to make onher own account which she was too timid to speak out in words. That was what he expected when he opened the paper; but Evecould not have been much more surprised when the serpent spoketo her in the garden of Eden, than was Mr. Randolph at findingthat his little lamb of a child had dared to open her mouth tohim in this fashion. 

"Mr. Randolph, you will be late, " said the lady who owned thatname, coming to his door. And, seeing her husband standingstill, with his elbow leaning on his dressing-table, shewalked in. 

"You will assuredly be late! what have you got there?"

The little sheet of English note-paper lay spread out on thedressing-table. Mr. Randolph was looking at it. He did notanswer, and the lady bent nearer for a moment and then stoodupright. 

"Daisy!" — exclaimed Mrs. Randolph. 

Her husband made an inarticulate sort of a noise, as he turnedaway and took up his neglected shaving soap. 

"What is this?" said the lady, in astonishment. 

"What you see —" said Mr. Randolph. 

"Where did it come from?"

"The signature tells you. "

"But where did you get it?"

"Here — this moment. "

"The impertinent little minx!"

"Hush. She does not mean to be impertinent, Felicia. "

"Do you like misbehaviour that is not meant, Mr. Randolph?"

"Better than that which is meant. "

"I told you the child would get ruined in that place, " saidMrs. Randolph, after musing a few minutes over the littlesheet of note-paper. 

Mr. Randolph made a lather, and applied it. That might be thereason why he made no answer. 

"I call it impertinence, " the lady went on, "and very well-grown impertinence too — from a child like that! It is thetrick of all religious people, to think themselves better andwiser than the rest of the world; but I think Daisy has learntthe lesson early!"

Still silence on Mr. Randolph's part, and steady attention tohis toilet duties. 

"What notice do you mean to take of this?"

"I think, none at all. "

"Mr. Randolph, Daisy is ruined!"

"I do not quite see it yet. "

"I wish you would see it. She is full of stupid stiff ways, which will be habits fixed as iron in a little time, if we donot break them up. She does not act like a child. "

"She is very like a child to me, " said Mr. Randolph. 

"You do not see. Do you observe her way whenever she sitsdown to table? She covers her face, and remains in silentprayer, I suppose, a minute or so. " A slight laugh came fromMrs. Randolph with the words. 

Mr. Randolph could not well laugh, for he was shaving. Heremarked that he had never seen it. 

"I wish you would remember and take notice. She does itregularly. And she is not a docile child any longer, I giveyou warning. You will find it very difficult to do anythingwith her in the way of breaking up this religious stiffness ofhers. "

Mr. Randolph was silent a while, and Mrs. Randolph lookedvexed. At length he remarked that indirect ways were the best. 

"It will take both, " said his wife; "direct and indirect. " Andafter that they went down to breakfast. 

Mr. Randolph was the last, and he was not early; but thismorning Daisy was later still. Her father watched for hercoming, and did not see it after all; Daisy stole in soquietly, she was in her seat by his side before he had noticedher. Then, perceiving the gentle, sweet, quiet little facebeside him, and recognising the timid feeling which made Daisyafraid to meet his eye, he could not refrain; — he bent downand gave her a kiss. He was very much touched by the littlefluttering start and glance which Daisy returned to thissalutation, and he saw that a pink flash of pleasure came intoher cheeks. Perhaps all this put the subject of watching herout of Mr. Randolph's head; he certainly did not see theminute, a few minutes later, when Daisy's hand stole to herbrow, and her eyes were for a short space hidden and her handmoveless. Mrs. Randolph saw it, and saw that he did not. Daisyhad forgotten that anybody could see her. The thanksgiving ofher heart had more burden to-day than the ordinary gifts ofthe morning which she was wont to remember. Her father was notangry with her! It took a load off Daisy's heart; and shelooked so happy all breakfast time that Mr. Randolph was verymuch inclined to slight his wife's fears. 

Juanita's constant habit of thankfulness and of expressing herthankfulness, during the weeks Daisy had spent with her, hadgone down into the child's heart. With every meal, thoughtaken by herself all alone, Daisy had seen the old womanacknowledging gratefully from whose hand she got it. And withother things beside meals; and it had seemed sweet andpleasant to Daisy to do so. At home, when she was suddenlytransferred to her father's stately board, — where everybeauty and luxury were gathered together, and an array offriends to help each other enjoy it; and no one remembered, noone acknowledged that any gratitude was due to the hand thathad supplied the board and given the friends, — Daisy's heartwas pained by a great sense of want. Not thank God for allthese things? give no acknowledgment of praise to Him? Shecould not bear to have it so. 

She thought nobody would notice her, or know what she wasdoing if they did notice her; and she used to put her handover her brow, and comfort her own heart with giving thethanks she wanted to express. She soon forgot to be afraidanybody would notice her. But Mrs. Randolph marked it all, andnow never missed the minute when Daisy's face was shielded. 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

THE PIC-NIC PARTY. 

The thing on hand now was the expedition to Silver Lake. Daisy's foot and ankle were getting sufficient strength tobear all the work that need be asked of them; and it was bestto go while the hot weather still lingered. It was early inSeptember, and the day was fixed. Quite a party was going. There were no visitors at Melbourne House now except Mrs. Garyand her children; but that brought the home party up to seven. Dr. Sandford was going, of course. Then some other neighbours. Mrs. Stanfield had promised to go, with her little daughterElla, and her older daughter Theresa. Mrs. Fish was comingfrom another quarter of the country, with her children, Alexander and Frederica. Mr. Fish and Mr. Stanfield were to gotoo; and Mr. And Mrs. Sandford, the doctor's brother andsister-in-law. However, though this was to be such a strongmuster, Daisy thought of only two or three of the number thatconcerned her personally. Preston and Ransom, of course;Alexander Fish; though the two latter she thought of as likelyto make disturbance more than anything else; and Daisy liked amost lady-like quietness and propriety in everything in whichshe was engaged. But, besides these, there was only EllaStanfield whose age would bring her into contact with Daisy;and Daisy, very much of late accustomed to being alone or witholder people, looked with some doubtfulness at the prospect ofhaving a young companion to entertain. With that exception, and it hardly made one, nothing could look brighter in thedistance than Silver Lake. 

Several days passed between Daisy's giving the note to herfather and the one fixed on for the expedition. In all thattime Daisy was left to guess whether or not it had been seenand read by him. No sign or token told her; there was none;and Daisy could only conclude that he _must_ have seen it, because he could not very well help doing so. But she was notat all discouraged. Rather the contrary; seeing that certainlyher father was not displeased with her. 

In all these days too, Mr. Randolph had ample time and chanceto observe Daisy's action which had so disturbed her mother atmeal times. Yet hitherto he had never spoken of it. In fact itwas so quietly done that often the moment escaped him; and atother times, Daisy's manner so asked for a shield rather thana trumpet, and the little face that looked up from beingcovered with her hand was so bright and sweet, that perhapshis heart shrank from saying anything that would change theexpression. At any rate, Daisy had been safe thus far. 

Great preparations were making for the Silver Lake day. Thursday it was to be. Wednesday evening, Dr. Sandford was atMelbourne. Daisy was considering the arrangements of a littlepacked basket of her own. 

"Are you expecting to have a good time to-morrow, Daisy?" heasked. 

Daisy smiled as she said yes. 

"But you will have to keep quiet. I shall not let you runabout like the rest. "

"I can sit quiet and look at the lake, " said Daisy; with soabsolutely contented a face, that the doctor smiled. 

"But in parties of pleasure, do you know, my friend, itgenerally happens that people cannot do what they expected todo. "

"Then I can do something else, " said Daisy, looking veryfearless of anything disagreeable. 

"Will you let your old friend, Nora Dinwiddie, join theparty?"

"Nora! Oh, is Nora coming?" exclaimed Daisy. 

"Mrs. Sandford commissioned me to make the enquiry, Mrs. Randolph, whether one more would be too many? Her littlerelation, Daisy's friend I believe, has returned to her forthe rest of the season. "

"Certainly!" Mrs. Randolph said, — "there was room foreverybody. "

The lady's manner told nothing; but, nevertheless, Daisy didnot venture to show her joy. She did not say another wordabout Nora. The hour of meeting was determined, and the doctorwithdrew. Daisy looked over the contents of her basket againwith fresh satisfaction, made sure that all was right andeverything there; and went to bed happy. 

Thursday morning broke fair as eye could see. The Septembersun rose in a haze of warm rays; promising, as Mrs. Randolphsaid, that the heat would be stifling by and by. Daisy did notcare, for her part. They had breakfast earlier than usual; forthe plan was to get on the other side of the river before thesun should be too oppressive. They had scarcely risen from thetable when the Sandford party drove up to the door. These wereto go in a boat with the party from Melbourne House. Mr. AndMrs. Fish, from higher up the river, were to cross in theirown boat, and join the rest at the spot appointed on theopposite shore. The Stanfields were to do the same, startingfrom a different point; friends having arrived that wouldswell their numbers beyond the original four. 

Of all this, Daisy cared just for one thing; — that Nora wascome, and was to go in the boat with her, and no other. Themeeting between the two children, on the steps at Melbourne, was most joyous. "Oh, Nora! I'm so glad you have come!" — and, "Oh Daisy! I'm so glad to be here!" — and a small host ofsmall questions and answers, that indeed meant a great deal, but would not read for much. 

"Oh, Nora, isn't it nice!" said Daisy, as they stood on thesteps, while the carriages waited below before the door. 

"It's grand, " said Nora. "Why, aunt Frances says we shall begone all day. "

"To be sure, we shall, " said Daisy. "Papa is going to fish;and so is Preston, and Dr. Sandford, and other people, Isuppose; and some of the men take their tackle along too. There is nice fish in the Lake. "

"What men do you mean?" said Nora. 

"Oh, the men that manage the boat, and carry the baskets;there are ever so many baskets to go, you know; and the menmust carry them; because the path won't let a wagon go. "

"Who is going to carry you?" said Dr. Sandford coming outbehind them. 

"Me?" said Daisy. 

"Yes. "

"Why, I do not want anybody to carry me, Dr. Sandford. "

"Don't you? I do. And I shall want two men to do it. Whom willyou have? I have arranged a mountain chair for you, Daisy. "

"A chair!" said Daisy. How could that be? And then she saw inDr. Sandford's wagon, a chair to be sure; a common, light, cane-bottomed arm-chair; with poles sticking out before andbehind it very oddly. She looked up at the doctor, and Norademanded what that was?

"Something like the chairs they use in the mountains ofSwitzerland, to carry ladies up and down. "

"To carry me?" said Daisy. 

"For that purpose. Now see whom you will have to do it. "

Daisy and Nora ran away together to consult her father. Thematter was soon arranged. James the footman, and Michael thecoachman, were to go to carry baskets, and help manage theboat; James being something of a sailor. Now Logan and Samwere pressed into the service; the latter to take James'sbusiness, as porter, and leave the latter free to be a chair-bearer. 

"I don't see how the boat is to carry all the people, " Noraremarked. 

"Oh, yes, " said Daisy, "it is a big boat; it will holdeverybody, I guess; and it goes with a sail, Nora. Won't thatbe nice? Papa knows how to manage it. "

"It will want a very large boat to take us all, " Norapersisted. "I went out with Marmaduke in a sail-boat once — heknows how to manage a sail-boat too; — and I am sure itwouldn't have held half as many people as we have got here. No, nor a quarter as many. "

"Oh, yes, but our boat is bigger, I suppose, " said Daisy. "Don't you like to go in a boat, Nora?"

"I like it if it don't lean over too far, " said Nora. "Ithought it was going to turn over once or twice, when I wasout with Marmaduke that time. I was afraid. "

"I am not afraid with papa, " said Daisy. "I know he can manageit. "

"Why, so can Marmaduke manage it, " said Nora; "and he said Ineedn't be afraid; but I was. "

The carriages took the whole party down to the shore in a fewminutes. There lay the sail-boat all ready, her sails shakenout; and James and Sam, on board already, received basketafter basket from the hands of Logan and the coachman, andstowed them away in what seemed to be a place of ampleaccommodations. 

Daisy and Nora, hand in hand, stood on the shore looking atall that was done, and with eager eyes. The summer breeze justplayed lightly and rippled the water, on which the morning sunmade a warm glow, early in the day as it was. 

"What _could_ so many baskets be wanted for?" said Nora. 

"Why, to carry all the things. You know there will be a greatmany people to eat dinner at Silver Lake. "

"Dinner?" said Nora; "do people eat dinner when they go to apic-nic?"

"Why, yes. What do you think they do?"

"I thought it was just a pie-nic. "

"What is that?" said Daisy, curiously. 

But just then there was a stir; the ladies and gentlemen weregetting into the boat, and the children had to be ready fortheir turn. It came; and Mr. Randolph handed one after othersafe over the gunwale of the big sail-boat, and placed themhappily beside each other in the middle space, where theycould have an excellent time for talking. But they wanted notalking at first. 

When all were aboard and ready, the boat was cast loose fromthe shore, and her sail trimmed to catch the soft northerlyair that came blowing down the river. Slowly the sail caughtthe breeze — would it be strong enough to take her? thechildren thought — slowly, very slowly, the boat edged its wayout from the shore — then the breeze filled the sail full, took good hold, and began to push the little vessel with asensible motion out towards the river channel. Steady andsweet the motion was, gathering speed. The water presentlyrippled under the boat's prow, and she yielded gently a littleto the pressure on the sail, tipped herself gracefully alittle over, and began to cleave her way through the ripplingwater in good earnest. Then how the waves sparkled! how cheerythe movement was! how delicious the summer air over the water!although the sun was throwing down his beams with great poweralready, and the day promised to be sultrily hot. 

"It is going to be intense, " said Mrs. Randolph. 

"Melting!" — said Mrs. Gary. 

"You will have enough of it before the end of the day —"remarked Mr. Sandford. 

Mr. Sandford was a good-humoured looking gentleman, with asensible face and black whiskers; but he was a gentleman, andDaisy approved of him. He was very unlike his brother. Hiswife was a very plain person, in feature, and not verytalkative; letting her husband do that for her; but kindly andpleasant, nevertheless; and Daisy approved of her too. 

"At what hour do you expect the day _will_ end, practically?"inquired Mrs. Randolph of her husband. 

He smiled. "I should say — judging from present tokens — nottill the sun gets well down on his western way. "

"First-rate!" said Preston, aside. "We'll have a good time forfishing. "

"But that will make it very late crossing the river, Mr. Randolph? will it not?"

"It may. "

"There is a moon, " said Mrs. Sandford. 

"Moon! I hope we are not to be beholden to the moon's goodoffices!" exclaimed the other lady. "It is only ten o'clocknow — not that. We shall be tired to death of the woods beforewe have done with them. "

"You must try fishing, aunt Felicia, " said Preston. 

"Yes — a good idea, " remarked Mr. Sandford. "I do not know howthe ladies can get along without some sport — ha, ha! There isa boat on the lake — isn't there?"

"They say so, " Mr. Randolph returned. "I have not been therefor a long time. "

"Then I shall take the charge of your entertainment, Mrs. Randolph, " Mr. Sandford went on. "I shall persuade you to putyourself under my guidance, and let me initiate you into themysteries of pickerel catching. "

"I do not think you can persuade me out of the shade — if onceI get in it again —" said the lady. 

"Why, mamma, " said Ransom, "pickerel-fishing is splendid!"

Mr. Randolph looked at Daisy. No heat nor shadow too much forher! With one hand clasped in Nora's, her little face was apattern of perfect content; nay, it was full of delighted joy. Mr. Randolph thought he could endure his portion of the heat. 

"Nora, " said Daisy, "isn't it nice?"

"It goes nicely now, " said Nora. 

"But isn't it pleasant?"

"Yes. It is a great deal pleasanter than in a little boat. This one is good and large. "

"Isn't the water pretty?"

"I like the green grass better, " said Nora. 

"Oh, yes! but then I like this too. I like it very much. Nora, what did you mean by a pic-nic?"

"A pic-nic?" said Nora. 

"Yes; you said you thought people did not eat dinner, but itwas a pic-nic. "

"Well, I thought they didn't. "

"What did you mean by a pic-nic?"

"Why I meant just that. You know what a pic-nic is. "

"We always have dinner when we go on a pie-nic, " said Daisy. 

"Then I don't think it is a pic-nic. "

"What is it?"

"I don't know. Daisy, are you going to ride in that queerchair?"

"I suppose so. My ankle isn't quite strong yet, you know. Wasn't it nice of Dr. Sandford to prepare it for me?"

"I don't know. _I_ don't think he is nice, " said Nora. — Whichexpression of opinion was so very startling to Daisy that ittook her some time to recover from it. She sought out thedoctor with her eye where he was sitting forward of the mast, somewhat hid from her by a piece of the sail; she scanned hiscountenance, with its calm nobleness of feature, andsteadfast, reserved, beautiful blue eyes. Doubtless, he wasnot everything Daisy wished him; nevertheless, to her he wasvery "nice" indeed. Her eye came back satisfied. 

At the other end of the boat the party were talkative and gay. Mr. Randolph held the main sheet in his own hand; Mr. Sandfordhad the rudder; neither of them had much to do; for the windwas gentle and fair, and the boat kept her straight course forthe opposite shore. The river was wide, however, at thisplace; the other shore was an object in view for a good whilebefore they reached it. Slowly and steadily the little skiffskimmed over; they got to the middle of the river; then thetrees before them on the other side, with the cleared fieldsin one or two spots, began to show in more distinct forms andcolours. The sun was very hot! So hot, that it seemed to killthe breeze. As they drew near their place of disembarkation, the motion of the vessel grew slack; the sail fluttered nowand then; the propelling force just lasted till they got toshore, and then nobody said anything more of any air felt tobe stirring. 

"I think we had better stay on the water, " said Mrs. Gary. "Itis positively stifling here. "

"It will be better when we get in the woods, " suggested Mr. Sandford. 

"No, — begging your pardon, " Mr. Randolph answered. 

"No? — will it be worse, Mr. Randolph?" said his wife. 

"I hope not — for I think you could broil a beefsteak here inanother hour; when the sun gets on the meridian. "

"Then do let us move away from here at once! it is oppressive. I do not know how we are going to walk, but I suppose we shallfind out. We may hope there will be a little freshness by thelake. "

Mr. Stanfield's boat however had to be waited for a fewminutes. It got to shore just as Mr. Fish's skiff appeared insight coasting down on the same side, from behind a point. Thewhole party were soon together, exchanging shakes of the handand puffs of condolence on the state of the atmosphere. Therewas presently a division of forces. All the boys, Preston, Ransom, and Alexander Fish, compared notes and fishing tackle. The ladies and gentlemen, with one or two elder girls, Frederica Fish and Theresa Stanfield and Eloise Gary, congregated into a moving mass of muslins and parasols. WhileDaisy and Nora were joined by Ella Stanfield; and a greatconstraint fell upon all three. Ella was a comparativestranger; a nice-looking child, thoughtful and old beyond heryears. She looked like gravity; Nora liked gaiety; while Daisywas most like the thing that bears her name. 

They stood like little pinks of propriety, without sayinganything to each other. This constraint was soon broken up bythe preparations for the march. On enquiry it was found I thatthere were two or three ways to the lake. One was short andeasy — in comparison — but very narrow; a mere footpaththrough the woods. Another had a wider track; but it had alsoa rough footing of rocks and stones, and was much longer;taking a circuit to reach the place. Another still was onlyused by eager lovers of the picturesque, though it was said toreward them. 

As soon as all this was explained to the understanding of thecompany, the larger division set off immediately for theeasiest and quickest road to the lake; no other recommendationwas worth a moment's considering. With quick disappearance oneafter another muslin dress and gay parasol was lost within theedge of the woods which their chosen path immediately entered. They vanished from the shore. Every one of them was presentlyout of sight. Mr. Randolph had seen that Dr. Sandford wasputting Daisy into her travelling conveyance; and thinking noattention of his own could be needful, he had gone on inadvance of the party with Mrs. Stanfield. The very last ofthem, muslins and parasols and all, was swallowed up in theenclosing woods, almost before Daisy was established in herchair. Her bearers lifted it then to receive instructions fromDr. Sandford as to their method of playing their part. Theywere Logan and Sam; James was devoted to his own particularcharge. 

"Why, where are Nora and Ella?" Daisy suddenly exclaimed. 

"Everybody seems to have gone on, " answered the doctor. "Except the boys. Now Daisy, are you comfortable? is it allright?"

"It is nice, Dr. Sandford!" — But at the same time Daisywondered much, and grieved not a little that her companionsshould have left her to go alone. Was that kindness? or goodmanners?

"Did they know which way I was going?" she said. 

"I fancy so, " said the doctor; "they have done as everybodyelse does — gone with the crowd. Now, you fellows, you knowthe way. "

"Yes, sir. "

"When you come to a house, remember, you must turn sharp tothe right. Boys, you must go with the chair as a body-guard. "

"Why must we?" said Ransom. 

"You would not have your sister go alone?"

"You are going that way. "

"You are mistaken. I am not. "

"She has got Logan and Sam to take care of her. Girls alwayshave to be taken care of!" exclaimed Ransom, in disgust. 

"I am astonished at your want of gallantry. Preston, I shalldepend on you to see that the chair is properly attended. "

"Which way are you going, sir?"

"By myself — to see if I can get a shot at something. "

Preston did not look delighted, Daisy saw, though he acceptedthe charge the doctor gave him. The doctor himself strode offwith his gun, disappearing in the woods at the nearest point. Daisy was left with her two bearers and her three attendants. 

"Well, boys, we may as well get along, " said Ransom, discontentedly. "There is no occasion that we should keeppoking on behind this concern. "

They passed it and took the lead. Preston as he passed askedDaisy how it went, and if she were comfortable. It went verynicely, and she was very comfortable; and receiving thisassurance, Preston sprang forward to regain Alexander Fish'scompany, with whom he was holding an animated discourse on themaking and using of artificial flies. The three boys trudgedalong in advance; the motions of their busy heads, and oftheir active feet, telling that there was no lack of interestor excitement there. 

The chair followed steadily with its little burden. It wentnicely; she was very comfortable; it was a new and mostpleasant mode of getting over the ground; and yet — there wassomething at work in Daisy's heart that was not pleasure. Shewas sadly disappointed. She was left alone. It had tried her agood deal that Nora and Ella should have run after the largerparty with so cavalier an abandonment of her, when they knewher chair must go another road. Then she was very sorry thatthe doctor had seen good to forsake her; and felt that fromthe thoughtfulness or unselfishness of boys she had little tohope for. Look at them! there they went before her, puttingmore and more distance between them and the chair everyminute. Perhaps they would entirely forget their littleconvoy? and be out of sight in a trifle more time. And in allthat big party of pleasure, everybody engaged with somebodyelse, she was left with no one to speak to her, and no companyat all but that of Logan and Sam. Daisy two or three times putup her hand stealthily to her face to get rid of a tear thathad found its way there. 

Daisy thought at first that she would not have done so to herfriends, as they had done to her; but then presently shereflected what reason she had to know better and to do better, that they had not; and instead of anything like resentment, avery gentle and tender feeling of pity and kindness arose inDaisy's mind toward them. 

Her hurt sense of unfriendliness quite soothed itself away;and now Daisy began to enjoy herself and the day and the partyof pleasure. — Her share of it, at least. Her chair was undershadow of the tall woods now. It is true, it was very hotthere. No air seemed moving. The chair-bearers often raised anarm to their brows to wipe away the heated moisture that stoodthere and ran down their faces. But Daisy had no exertion tomake; and instead of that, her own motion seemed to give alittle life to the lifeless air. Then she was at leisure tolook and enjoy; not having even to take care of her ownfooting. The depth of green leafage over her head when shelooked up; the depth of green shade on either hand of her, pierced by the endless colonnade of the boles of trees; howwildly beautiful it was!

Daisy thought of a good many things she would like to ask Dr. Sandford — if she had the liberty; but he did not talk aboutwonderful things to her now that she was well, and had her ownmeans of amusement. 

Now and then Daisy had the sight of a red squirrel, runningalong a tree bough, or scampering over the ground from onerock to another. What jumps he would make to get out of herway! And birds were singing too, sometimes; and mosses werespread out in luxuriant patches of wood carpeting in manyplaces; and rocks were brown and grey, and grown with othermosses and ferns; and through all this fairy work of beauty, Daisy's chair went at an easy, quiet pace, with a motion thatshe thought it very pleasant to feel. 

It was a wild old wood, which nobody had ever meddled with. Things were just as nature's work had made them. The path thelittle party were travelling was a wood road merely, wherecountry wagons had made a track; or more properly, where thecountry people had made a track for their wagons. It was but arough way; stumps of trees that had been cut down stood rightin the middle of it; and rocks and stones were in some placesvery thickly strewn over it. After some time of wandering overlevel ground, the path took a turn and began to get among thehills. It wound up and down, and was bordered now by steephillsides and sharp-rising rocks. It was all the wilder andprettier. The house Dr. Sandford spoke of had been passed; theturn had been taken; there was nothing to do now but follow ontill they found the lake; but there were no signs of it yet, nor any sound of voices to be heard in the distance. Even theboys were gone on out of sight; the stillness of summer noonwas all through the deep woods, for it is a time of day whenthe birds do not feel like singing much. Daisy enjoyed it. Shethought no one of all their company was having a better timeprobably than she. 

Suddenly Sam, who was foremost of the bearers, gave a greatshout; and at the same instant dropped his end of Daisy'schair and sprang to one side. Then stood still. 

"What for air ye playing capers like that?" inquired Logan, with an ail of great disgust and a strong Scotch accent. 

Sam stood still, drawing his countenance into all manner ofgrimaces. 

"Speak then, can't ye! What ails ye? Don't stand there like aMerry Andrew, boy!"

"I've hurted myself!" Sam groaned. 

"And how did ye hurt yourself? When ye were walking along, couldn't ye go for'rard quietly? Where's the hurt?"

"My foot!" said Sam, bending down to it. "I can't stir it. Oh!"

"Did ye hurt yourself before or after ye gave such a loup?"Logan grunted, going over, however, now to bring his ownwisdom to bear on Sam's causes of trouble. "Whatever possessedye, boy, with the end of the chair in your hand?"

"I see a sarpent —" said Sam, submissively. 

"A sarpent!" echoed Logan — "it's not your pairt to befrighted if you see a sarpent. What hurt would the sight ofthe brute do ye? There's no harm come to ye, boy, but thestart. "

"I can't move it —" repeated Sam, under his breath. 

"Logan, perhaps he has sprained his ankle, " said Daisy fromher chair; where at first she had been pretty well frightened. 

"Weel — I don't see it, " replied Logan, slowly andunbelievingly. 

"How does it feel, Sam?" Daisy asked. 

"It don't feel without I stir it, Miss Daisy — and then, it'slike a knife. "

"He has sprained it, I am afraid, Logan, " said Daisy, gettingout of her chair and coming to the consultation. "I think itis swelling now. "

Sam had bared his unfortunate ankle. Logan looked up from itto the little speaker whose words were so quietly wise, withunspoken admiration. 

"Can't ye walk then, Sam?" he urged. "Here is Miss Daisy inthe middle of the road, and wanting to be at the Lake — andhow much further it may be to the Lake is a subject unknown tome. Can't ye bear your foot surely?"

Sam's reply was sorrowful but decided; he could not bear it atall, with any weight upon it. 

"Never mind, Logan, " said Daisy; "I can wait. You had bettergo forward and see if you can find the boys. They can takecare of me. "

Logan felt the justness of this proposition, and at once puthis long legs in swift motion to overtake the advance party;exercising a good strong voice too presently in hallooing tothem. Daisy was left with Sam. The thought crossed her mindthat this was getting to be an odd party of pleasure; but herreal concern was for the sprained ankle. That, she was verysorry for. Her own delay and disappointment she tookpatiently. 

Logan's halloos brought the boys to a stand. They waited tillhe came up to them, not deeming it necessary on their part togo back to see what was the matter. When they heard his newsthere was a disagreeable pause. What was to be done?

"Daisy can walk the rest of the way, " was the decision of herbrother. 

"How far is it?" said Preston. 

"I don't know! — it's no great things of a walk anyhow. Girlsare always getting into trouble!"

"But what has got to be done with Sam?" said Preston. 

"He can take care of himself, " said Sam's young master

"He can't move, sir, on his own feet, " said Logan. 

"You'll have to carry him, then. I suppose we cannot leave himin the woods, for humanity. "

"There's Miss Daisy, sir. "

"What a plague!" exclaimed Ransom. "Daisy can walk. She must, at any rate; and you can bring her chair along to makefirewood. Boys, we ought to be there this minute — at theLake. We shall be cheated out of all our fishing beforedinner. That's along of mounting guard on a girl! And afterdinner there won't be two inches of time. "

"Hush, Ransom!" said Preston. 

At this point the consultation was enlarged, and its charactersomewhat modified by the coming of Dr. Sandford upon thescene. From a height not far off, where he was roaming withhis gun, he had perceived the group, discerned that somethingwas wrong, and come down with a quick step to reach them. Hiseye rather than his voice asked what was the matter. He wasanswered in various styles by the different members of thegroup. 

"Here is a muss!" said Ransom. 

"Miss Daisy, sir — she is left standing in the middle o' theforest!" — said Logan. 

"Sam has very stupidly sprained his ankle, " said Preston, "andcannot move. "

The doctor without a word turned in the direction from whichLogan had come. "Follow me, young gentlemen, " said he, lookingover his shoulder, — "I shall need your help. " So, unwillinglyenough, the boys, fishing tackle and all, turned back upontheir steps, and followed. They soon came to Daisy's emptiedchair, where she stood mounting guard over Sam. 

The ankle was badly sprained; there was no doubt of that. Samnot only could carry nobody; he must himself be carried. Thedoctor ordered that Logan should take him on his back andconvey him as far as the poor little house they had passed onthe way. A good lift it was, for Sam was a well grown, stoutfellow; but Logan was a long-limbed, sinewy, brawny Scotchman, and he made no difficulty of the job. The doctor in the firstplace deposited his gun against a tree, and did what wasneedful for the hurt ankle. 

"Now, " said he to Daisy, "how are you going to get forward?"

"I can walk the rest of the way, " said Daisy. 

"Pardon me. Not with my leave. Boys, which of you will takethe honour of being chair-bearers? I have my gun to care for. "

"I will be one, " said Preston. 

"And Ransom will be the other. Come, sir!"

"Honour!" — said Ransom, as he moved sullenly forward. "Ithink girls ought to stay at home when there is anything goingon. They are plaguily in one's way!"

"That is a very womanish speech, " said the doctor; "in so faras that it is very unmanly. "

Ransom's temper nowise improved by this reply, he took upsulkily his ends of the chair-poles; and once more the partyset forward. It was not quite so pleasant now for Daisy; herchair was no longer carried smoothly. Preston, who was inadvance, did his part perfectly well; but Ransom, behind her, let the chair go up and go down and sway about veryunsteadily, besides that every step was with a jolting motion. It kept Daisy in constant uneasiness. Dr. Sandford walked onjust before with his gun; Alexander Fish came after, laughingand jesting with the other boys. 

"How does it go, Daisy?" said the doctor, stopping after awhile to inquire. 

"Mayn't I get out and walk, Dr. Sandford?"

"What for?"

"I should like it very much!"

"Do you not ride easily. "

"Not quite, " said Daisy. "It throws me about a good deal. "

"Ah! Did it do so when Logan and Sam carried you?"

"I did not feel it then, " said Daisy, unwillingly. 

"Your porters are unskilled. "

The doctor took his station by Ransom's hand, remarking thathe would see that he did his work well. And he was as good ashis word. He kept a constant eye on the management of thechair; and when Ransom neglected his duty, gave him a word ofadmonition or advice, so keen and contemptuous in its rebuke, though slight and dry, that even Ransom's thickness ofapprehension felt it, and sheered off from meeting it. Thelast part of the distance Daisy was thoroughly well cared for, and in silence; for the doctor's presence had put a stop toall bantering between the boys. In furious silence on Ransom'spart this last portion of the way was accomplished. 

At the lake at last! And in Daisy's breast at least, everything but pleasure was now forgotten. A very beautifulsheet of water, not very small either, with broken shores, laygirdled round with the unbroken forest. Close to the edge ofthe lake the great trees rose up and flung their arms over;the stems and trunks and branches were given back again in thesmooth mirror below. Where the path came out upon the lake, aspread of greensward extended under the trees for aconsiderable space; and this was spotted and variegated nowwith the scattered members of the pleasure party. Blue andpink and white and green, the various light muslins contrastedwith the grey or the white dresses of the gentlemen; whileparasols were thrown about, and here and there a red shawl layupon the ground, for somebody's reclining carpet. To add toall this, which made already a very pretty picture under thecanopy of the great trees, a boat lay moored at a little pointfurther on; baskets and hampers congregated with great promisein another quarter under guard of James and one or two of hishelpers; and upon it all the sunlight just peeped through thetrees, making sunny flecks upon the ground. Nobody wanted moreof it, to tell the truth; everybody's immediate business uponreaching the place had been to throw himself down and getcool. Daisy and Dr. Sandford were the two signal exceptions. 

Nora and Ella came running up, and there was a storm ofquestions. "Oh, Daisy, isn't it beautiful?" "How came you tobe so long getting here?" "Did you have a nice ride?" "Oh, Daisy, what are we going to do, you and Ella, and I? Everybodyelse is going to do something. "

"What are they going to do?" said Daisy. 

"Oh, I don't know! everything. Mr. Randolph is going out inthe boat to fish, and all the ladies are going with him. —Mrs. Sandford and Mrs. Stanfield and your mother; only Mrs. Fish isn't going; but Mr. Sandford is. And Eloise, yourcousin, is going to see about having the dinner ready; andTheresa Stanfield is in that too; I think they have got themost fun; but nobody is doing anything yet. It's too hot. Areyou hot, Daisy?"

"Not very. "

"Oh, Daisy, " said Ella Stanfield, "couldn't we fish?"

"There are so many boys —" said Daisy; "I do not believe therewill be any fishing tackle for us. "

"Can you fish, Daisy?" asked the doctor, who stood near, looking after his gun. 

"No, sir. I did catch a fish once — but it was only my linecaught it. "

"Not your hand at the end of the line?"

"My hand was not there. The line was lying on the bank and myhook in the water. "

"Oh! that was it!"

Away went the doctor with his gun, and the boys sped off withtheir fishing rods. The heat was too great for anybody else tomove. Nevertheless, what are parties of pleasure for _but_pleasure? they must not let the whole day slip away withnothing done but lying in the shade of the trees. There was alittle island in the lake, well wooded like its shores. It wasproposed that the ladies' fishing party should row over to theisland, and there, under another shady grove, carry on theirdesigns against the pickerel. Daisy's wish was to go with thatparty in the boat and watch their sport; especially as Mr. Randolph was the leader and manager of it. She was not askedto go — there was no room for the little people; so they stoodon the shore and saw the setting off, and watched the brightdimples every stroke of the oars made in the surface of thelake. 

The people were pretty well scattered now. Nobody was left onthe ground but Mrs. Gary and Mrs. Fish, sitting under a treeat some distance, talking; and Eloise and Theresa, who werecharged to superintend the laying of the cloth. Having nothingparticular to do, the three children became hangers-on, towatch how this business would be conducted; ready to help ifthey got a chance. 

It was found a difficult business to arrange places for somany people on the grass; and the girls finally and wiselygave it up. They determined to set out the eatables only, on atablecloth spread to receive them; but to let everybody eatwhere he felt disposed, or where he could find the best bit ofshade. Shade was the best thing that day, Theresa Stanfielddeclared. But the first thing of all was to light a fire; forcoffee must be boiled, and tea made. The fire was not atroublesome thing to have, for dead wood was in plenty for thegathering. James and Logan, who had come to the scene ofaction, soon had that going; and the children forgot that itwas hot, in the beauty and the novelty of the thing, andlaughed at Theresa's red cheeks as she stooped over the coalswith her coffee-pot. About coffee Daisy was ignorant. But teahad been made in her behalf by Juanita too many times for her, not to have the whole proceeding fixed in her memory. 

"Oh, Eloise, you must not make that tea now!" she exclaimed. 

"Mustn't I!"

"No. It will be spoiled. "

"Some other things have had the same fate, " said Eloise. 

"It will not be good for anything, Eloise, " Daisy persisted, gently. "It should not be made but just before you want it —just a few minutes. "

"You are wise, Daisy, " returned her cousin. "I do not know somuch as you do, you see. "

Daisy fell back a little. Eloise and Theresa went to unpackingthe hampers; and James, acting under their direction, carriedand placed the various articles they took out, placed andreplaced; for as new and unlooked-for additions were made tothe stock of viands, the arrangement of those already on thetablecloth had to be varied. There was a wonderful supply; fora hamper had come from every house that had sent members tothe party. 

"What shall we do with it all?" said Eloise. "Find out whatpeople like — or are expected to like. Just look at the coldchickens! and the ham! I am so thankful for that red lobster, to make a variety. There are three boxes of sardines — andwhat is that?"

"Anchovy paste. "

"Well! — and look at the other things! We want an army to eatthem. There is a dog, to begin with. "

Theresa said it with comical coolness; but Eloise screamed, asa little spaniel was perceived to be snuffing round thetablecloth. 

"It's Ransom's dog! Run, Daisy, run, and keep him off. Juststay there and keep watch of him, or he'll be all overeverything. Daisy, run!"

Daisy left the hampers, and walked, or indeed obeyed ordersand ran, to where the little spaniel was threatening a routamong the whole army of cold chickens. Daisy called him off, and then stood by to take care of him. It was very amusing tosee Eloise and Theresa unpack the hampers; and Ella and Nora, finding it so, made no move to join Daisy in her distantwatch. The men were busy running to and fro with the unpackedeatables, and keeping up the fire, and setting piles of plateseverywhere, and laying glasses all round the tablecloth — forthey would not stand up — and putting wine in coolers, that isto say, in pails of ice water. Daisy felt alone again, leftout of the play. She looked at Nora and Ella in the distance —that is, just far enough away to be out of her society, eagerly standing over the hampers; and for a moment felt notvery well pleased, either with them or her cousin Eloise. Butthen she remembered that she was tired, and sat down with herback against a tree; resolved to take all things patiently, ifshe could; and she very soon found enough to do, and amusingenough, in ordering the arrangement of the dishes on thetablecloth. Logan was sure to set a thing down in the wrongplace, if he set it anywhere; and even James was confused insuch a very novel state of his department. Daisy foundexercise for all her wisdom, and full content came with fullemployment, naturally. 

You can make pleasure out of almost anything, if you set aboutit. In the intervals, she rested, and watched the distantfigures of the fishing party on the island; and gladdenedherself with the beauty and the sweet air of the wood, and theflecks of sunshine and moving shadow on the ground beneath thetrees. I am afraid nobody else found the air sweet, unless itwere the doctor. He was hardy, and besides had a philosophicalway of looking at things. Daisy watched for his coining, afraid that he might wander off beyond luncheon time; but hedid not come. The three boys, however, a less welcome sight, had recollected that there was something forward besidesfishing; and came strolling along through the trees towardsthe tablecloth. Preston was stopped to speak to his mother;the other two approached Daisy. 

"Hollo!" said Ransom, "here we are! now where's everybodyelse? I'm furious as a lion. "

"A hungry lion, " said Alexander Fish. "I wish we had got somefish for the people to cook. That's fun. I tell you, Ransom, it's fun to see the work they make with it. "

"Fish is no count, I think, " said Ransom. "Its only good tocatch. I can stand a lobster salad, though. But I can't standlong without something. What's the use of waiting? They aren'tcoming back yonder till night. They haven't stirred yet. "

Ransom's eyes indicated the party on the island. And actingupon his announced opinion, Ransom paid his respects in apractical form, not to cold chicken and bread, but to a dishof cream cakes which stood conveniently near. And having eatenone, in three mouthfuls, he stretched out his hand, and tookanother. Happily then, some meringues attracted his attention;and he stood with a cream cake in one hand, and a meringue inthe other, taking them alternately, or both together. Themeringues began to disappear fast. Daisy warned him that theonly dish of those delicacies in all the entertainment was theone into which he was making such inroads. Ransom paid her noheed, and helped himself to another. 

"Ransom, — that is not fair, " said his sister. "There are nomore but those, and you will have them all gone. Just look, now, how the dish looks!"

"How the dish looks!" said Ransom, mockingly. "None of yourbusiness. "

"It is not right. Don't, Ransom!" Daisy said, as his hand wasextended for a fourth meringue. 

"Want 'em for yourself?" said Ransom, sneeringly. "I say, Alexander — here's a game! Here's something just fit for aman's luncheon in a summer day — something nice and light andnourishing. Here's a lark pie — I know what it is, for I sawJoanna making it. Now we'll have this and be off. "

"You must not, Ransom, " Daisy urged, anxiously. 

But Ransom seized the pie from its place, and proceeded to cutinto it, seeing that nobody was near to hinder him. 

"Ransom, you ought not to do it, " pleaded Daisy. "You ought towait your turn. You are worse than Fido. "

"Am I?" said Ransom, fiercely. "Take that! Mind your ownaffairs, and let mine alone. You are not queen here yet, ifyou think you are. "

A tolerably smart box on the ear was the accompaniment to thisspeech. Nobody was near. Alexander, after joining his friendin a meringue or two with a cream cake, not feeling quitecomfortable in the connection, had moved off. So did Ransomnow, but he carried his pie with him, and called the other twoboys to bear him company in making lunch of it. Preston wasmuch too gentlemanly a fellow to take part even of a lark piein such circumstances; he walked off in disdain, leavingRansom and Alexander to do what they liked. And they liked thepie, so well that I am bound to say nothing of it remainedvery soon excepting the dish. Even the bones were swallowed byFido. 

Daisy was left alone under the tree with her occupation gone;for Fido was after the lark bones. Her ear rang a few minutesfrom the application of Ransom's hand; but that effect hadpassed off long before Daisy's mind was quieted. For, gentleas she was, Daisy was a little lady who had a very deep andparticular sense of personal dignity; she felt wronged as wellas hurt. Her father and mother never indulged in that methodof punishment; and if they had, Ransom's hand was certainlynot another one to inflict it. 

Daisy was quite as much stung by the insult as by theunkindness; but she felt both. She felt both so much that shewas greatly discomposed. Her watch over the feast was entirelyforgotten; luckily Fido had gone off with his master, andchickens were no longer in immediate danger. Daisy rubbed awayfirst one tear and then another, feeling a sort of bitter firehot at her heart; and then she began to be dissatisfied atfinding herself so angry. This would not do; anger wassomething she had no business with; how could she carry herLord's message, or do anything to serve Him, in such a temper?It would not do; but there it was, offended dignity and pride, hot at her heart. Nobody would have thought perhaps that Daisywas proud; but you never can tell what is in a person's hearttill it is tried; and then the kinds of pride are various. Itdoes not follow because you have none of one sort that youhave not plenty of another sort. However, finding this fire ather heart quite too much for her to manage, Daisy went awayfrom her watching-place; crept away among the trees withoutany one's observing her; till she had put some distancebetween her and the party, and found a further shelter fromthem in a big moss-grown rock and large tree. There was a bedof moss, soft and brown, on the other side of the rock; andthere Daisy fell down on her knees and began to remember —"Thou therefore endure hardship, as a good soldier of JesusChrist. "

CHAPTER XXV. 

A SHOWER. 

Certainly the sun was very hot that day. The fishers on theisland found it so, notwithstanding that they had sought outevery one for himself the shadiest, freshest nook that couldbe found. Nothing was fresh; and if the trees did hinder thesunshine from falling on some parts of the ground, they keptoff none of it from the water; and the glare from that wassaid to be unendurable. Even where there was not much glarestrictly speaking; people were not particular in their speechthat day. At last they voted that holding lines in the waterwas of no use; fish could not be expected to leave their cooldepths below to seek the sunny regions near the surface of thewater; — "they would be fools if they did, " one of the ladiesremarked. Fish never were supposed to be very wise creatures, Mr. Sandford informed her; but, nevertheless, it was resolvednot to reckon upon their want of wisdom at this time, but toput up and go back to shore, and try what cold chicken woulddo. So just about the hour when the sun's work for the dayverges towards the hottest, the little boat was seen againstealing over the sunny surface of the lake, back to where thetablecloth lay spread for the tired people. 

A little while before it reached that place, Dr. Sandfordarrived upon the scene. He locked a little warm in the face;but his white shooting coat did not seem less affected by thestate of the weather than the doctor's temper. Mrs. Gary andMrs. Fish he found sunk in somnolency at the foot of the treewhere they had been talking. The young ladies were sitting bythe emptied hampers, deep in confab. The boys and Fido, overagainst the outspread feast, were arranging fishing-tackle, and watching the return of the boat; with eyes ofanticipation. To them came the doctor. 

"Where is your sister, Ransom?"

"I don't know. " The tone meant, "I don't care. "

"I do not see her anywhere. "

"No more do I, " said Ransom, without raising his eyes from hisfishing line. 

"Where is she?"

"I told you, I don't know. "

"Did she go with the fishing party?"

"No, sir; she was here when we came, " Alexander Fish spoke up. 

"Yes, I remember she was here, " said Preston. "I rememberseeing her. She cannot be far off. It's hot enough to keeppeople from straying far. "

The doctor, being not absolutely satisfied with thisreasoning, and having nothing better to do, occupied himselfwith a search after the missing Daisy. It lasted some time, and he was beginning to be not quite easy in his mind; when, being a sportsman, his eye detected something at a distancewhich was not moss nor stone. In two minutes the doctor cameup with it. It was Daisy, fast asleep on her moss bed behindthe rock. Her head lay on her arm which was curled up underit; and profound slumber had left the little pale face asserene as usual. The doctor was warm by this time. He sat downon the moss beside her; and putting his arm under Daisy'sshoulders lifted her up, by way of waking her, speaking to herat the same moment. But to his amusement, Daisy no sooner gother eyes well open than she shook herself free of him, and satas demure as possible opposite to him on the moss. 

"Dr. Sandford! — I believe — I got asleep, " she said, in abewildered kind of way. 

"How did you get _here_, Daisy?"

"I came here, sir. "

"What for did you come here?"

Daisy looked troubled; glanced at the doctor's face, and thenrested her head on her hand. 

"Who has been vexing you now?" said he at haphazard. 

"I am not vexed, " said Daisy, in the gentlest of all possibletones. 

"Tired?"

"I think I am tired. "

"Honour bright, Daisy! — has not some one been vexing you?"

"I ought not to have been vexed, " said Daisy, slowly. 

"I will wager that you are wrong there, and that you ought tohave been vexed. Who was it, Daisy?"

"Never mind, please, Dr. Sandford! It is no matter at allnow. "

She put her little hand confidingly in the doctor's as shespoke, and looked very earnest. He could not resist her. 

"I wish I had come sooner, " he said. "I shall be suspicious ofeverybody, Daisy. Come — you and I must go to dinner, or therewill be a hue and cry after us. "

Indeed by this time the whole party were gathered, and inimpatient expectation that the dinner would make up to them insome degree for the various disappointments of the morning. 

All were gathered and had arranged themselves convenientlyupon the grass, around the feast which was spread out upon thetablecloth, before anybody knew that two of their number werewanting. The cry was just raised, "Where is the doctor?" —when the doctor hove in sight, with Daisy by his side. Everybody was placed already; and it was very natural that thedoctor, keeping hold of Daisy's hand, led her with him to thespot that seemed to be left for his occupancy, and seated herthere beside him. On the other side of Daisy was Mrs. Stanfield. She was very well satisfied with this arrangement, seeing that her father was surrounded by people, and busybesides; and that Nora and Ella were with Alexander andRansom. 

What a gay tableful they were! all talking and laughing, though everybody declared himself exceeded by the heat, andbored by the fishing, and generally tired of everything buteating and drinking. But iced champagne was now at the parchedlips, and boned turkey and jellied ham were waiting attention, and a good time had come. 

It was some while, of course, before Daisy could be served. She waited, feeling very happy and amused; for a party ofpeople taking a cold dinner out of doors do not look nor actexactly like the same people taking a hot dinner in the house. Daisy never dreamed that anybody was noticing her. She had adisagreeable surprise. 

"Daisy, " said Mrs. Randolph, from a little distance, andacross several people, — "Daisy, what did you do that for?"

"Mamma!" — said Daisy. "What, mamma?"

"Have you a headache?"

"Oh, no, mamma. "

"What did you put up your hand to your brow for?"

"Mamma?" — said Daisy, very much bewildered. For she knewnothing was the matter, and she could not guess what hermother was thinking of. Moreover, somehow, Mrs. Randolph'swords or manner had acted to stop the voices of all thecompany in her neighbourhood; and everybody was waiting andlooking to see what the subject of interest might be. Mrs. Randolph's words could come now with their usual calmdistinctness; and Daisy's answers, no matter how softlyspoken, could be well heard. In a good deal of wonder Daisyrepeated, "Mamma?"

"You put up your hand and sat with your eyes covered — did younot, just now?"

"Yes, mamma. " —

No need to bid anybody look and listen now; the rosy flushthat had spread itself all over Daisy's pale cheekssufficiently aroused curiosity. 

"I notice that you do so before every meal — is it not thecase?"

"Yes, mamma. "

Dr. Sandford could hear the caught breath. He did not look, except by a glance, but he listened. 

"What does that mean, Daisy?"

"Mamma?" — said the child in distress. 

"I ask you, what that means? what is it for?"

"Mamma — may I come round there and speak to you?"

"Certainly not. Sit still in your place and answer. "

But Daisy was silent, very flushed. 

"Do you hear, Daisy? what does that action mean? I wish toknow. "

"Mamma, may I speak to you in private and tell you?"

"Are you ashamed of it? are you ashamed to tell me?"

"No, mamma. "

"Then, do it at once. "

But everybody waited in vain to hear the answer. It did notcome. 

"I shall not ask you again, Daisy. "

"Mamma, " said the child, low and modestly, but withsteadiness, — "I was praying. "

"Praying! were you! Why do you choose that particular time foryour private devotions?"

It was almost too much. The tears started in Daisy's eyes; butpresently she answered, — "Because God is good to us, mamma. "

"He is always good, " said Mrs. Randolph. "That is a very sillypractice of yours, Daisy, and very unbecoming. There is aproper way of doing everything. "

The lady's manner said that the subject was dismissed, and herguests returned to their ordinary conversation. — Except thedoctor and Daisy. She was overwhelmed, and he was gravelyunsocial. 

Was it silly? — that bound her heart had made up to the feetof her King? That joyful thanksgiving, and expression of love, and pledge of obedience, and prayer for help? It was somethingbetter than the meal often to Daisy; something sweeter andhappier. Was it silly? and must she do so no more except whenshe was alone?

Daisy had quite forgotten that eating and drinking was part ofthe present matter in hand, when Dr. Sandford softly asked herwhat she would like to have. Daisy said anything he pleased;not caring herself, and indeed in too much confusion of mindyet to know or think about the business. And her appetite wasgone. Dr. Sandford provided for her with kind care, what sheliked too; but nothing was good to Daisy. She broke bread andswallowed milk mechanically; the more substantial food sherefused utterly. Bread and milk and grapes were Daisy'sdinner. 

"It's good to be somebody's favourite, " Ransom said to herafter the meal was over. "Nobody got any grapes but you. "

"Nobody? Why, Ransom, I thought everybody had them. "

"_I_ didn't, — nor Preston, nor Alexander — not a berry; andNora and Ella Stanfield didn't. You are the favourite. "

"Oh, Nora, " said Daisy, "didn't you have any grapes? I'msorry!"

"I had peaches, " said Nora. "I like peaches a great deal thebest. Daisy, what shall we do now?"

"Suppose we sit down, and have a talk. "

"A talk?" said Nora. "Suppose we have a game of hide and seek?It's such a good place. "

"Or forfeits?" said Ella. "It is too hot to play hide andseek. "

"I don't think it is hot, " said Nora. "The sun don't shinenow. "

"Daisy, don't you want to go out with me in the boat?" saidPreston, coming up. "We'll get in the shade, and see if youcan catch a pickerel as well as you did a trout. "

"Oh, I should like that!" said Daisy, eagerly. She saw thekindness of Preston's meaning. He wanted to make her forgether vexations. 

"And may we go too?" Nora asked. 

"Certainly; but Daisy and I are going to do the fishing. Youmust be content to look on. We will go round to the other sideof the island, Daisy; it is pretty there, I know. And we shallhave a better chance for the pickerel, for the sun is goneunder a cloud. "

So the sun had; but at that very moment the cloud passed offand the brilliant hot beams fell with what seemed renewedbrilliancy on the lake, and on all the ground which they couldtouch. 

"It will go under again, " said Preston. "We do not mindtrifles. Come, Daisy. "

"Daisy, you must not go, " said Dr. Sandford, looking round. Hewas just moving away to see some one else, and was gone in aminute. 

"The doctor is all very well when one is sick, " said Preston;" but I never heard he had a right to command people when theyare well. Daisy, we will not mind him. "

"I must, " said Daisy, meekly. "But you can go without me, ifyou want to. "

"Nonsense, dear little Daisy! you are not obliged to do what_everybody_ says, " her cousin urged. "Dr. Sandford has no morebusiness to say what you shall do than what I shall do. I willnot let him rule you so. Come! we will go try for thepickerel. Go, Nora and Ella, run away with the baskets to theboat. Come, Daisy, come!"

"No, Preston, I cannot. "

"Because of what that stupid man says? or don't you want togo!"

"I would like to go very much, thank you, Preston. "

"Then you shall!"

"No. I cannot. "

"Daisy, you might as well obey me as Dr. Sandford. "

"I do not think so. "

"Nora and Ella are going. You will be left alone. "

"I hope you will catch some pickerel, " said Daisy, steadily. 

But Preston was vexed. He did not like it that his word shouldnot have as much weight with his little cousin as any otherperson's, after her father and mother. Like other boys, andmen, for the most part, he was fond of having his own way evenin little things; though he sought it in a polite fashion. AndDaisy was very fond of him, and always followed his lead; butnow he could not move her. He went off at a bound, and soonwas out upon the water, with the girls, and Alexander andRansom also who had joined him. 

Daisy would have liked the shelter of her mossy hiding-placeagain. She stood in the shade of a tree looking after theboat; feeling very much left alone and greatly disposed tohave a good crying time; but that was not her way of meetingtrouble. What a strange day of pleasure this Silver Lakebusiness had turned out! Yet Daisy had enjoyed many things init; but her mother's attack upon her at luncheon had soberedher completely. It was such a sign of what she might expect. Daisy presently fell to considering what she should do; andthen remembered her old refuge, prayer; and then concludedthat she was a very happy little girl after all. And insteadof being hurt that Nora had been with her so little that day, it was very natural, Daisy said to herself. Of course, Norawanted to go in the boat with Preston after fish; it was toogood an opportunity to be lost; and of course she had likedthe walk in the morning with the larger and gayer party. Itwas all right, Daisy decided, although not what she herselfwould have done ill the circumstances. Would her note to herfather have been reckoned "silly" too? Very likely. Daisyturned her wistful eyes to where he was; sitting in a group ofladies and gentlemen, talking. Daisy could not go to him. Further along, Mrs. Gary was fighting the heat under a tree byherself. No attraction there. Still further — the doctor wasstanding talking to the two young ladies. As Daisy looked, hequitted them and came towards her. 

"Have I spoiled all your pleasure, Daisy?"

"No, sir. "

"Are you angry with me?"

The answer this time was given with such an affectionatebright smile that the doctor must have been hard not to feelit. 

"You do not seem to have much pleasure on hand just now, " saidhe; "would you like to take a little walk with me, and see ifwe can find any wonderful things?"

Daisy's face was quite answer enough, it was so full ofcontent. The doctor had no intention to tire her; he strolledalong the borders of the lake, which was wild and lovely allthe more as they got further away from the picnic ground. Firsand oaks stood thick all along, with many other trees also;the ground was carpeted with layers of moss; great rocks roseup by the water's edge, grey and brown with lichens. It wasnot so hot now. The sun's glare was shielded off. On a mossycarpet beside the water's edge the doctor and Daisy sat down. 

Undoubtedly the doctor had never taken so much trouble with achild before; but Daisy was a study to him. 

"We do not find the wonderful things, Daisy, " he remarked, throwing himself back upon the moss with his hands under hishead. His cap fell off; his blue eyes looked at her with asort of contented laziness; never sleepily. 

Daisy smiled at him. "I do, " she said. 

"You do! What have you found?"

"I think everything is wonderful. "

"A profound truth, " said the doctor; "but you are very youngto find it out. Instance, Daisy. "

"But you want to go to sleep, sir. "

"How dare you say so? No, I don't. I want to have a talk withyou about something wonderful. "

Daisy thought he looked a little sleepy, for his eyelidsdrooped well over his eyes; nevertheless, the eyes saw keenlyenough the start of pleasure into hers. And they had seen thepale, subdued look of the face that it had worn before. Nevertheless, in spite of that start, Daisy remained as quietas a mouse, looking at him. 

"Don't you think I can talk while I am enjoying myself in thisfashion?" said the doctor. 

"I think you can talk any way, " said Daisy; "but you look agreat deal more like sleeping, sir. "

"None of that. Go on, Daisy. Only do not say anything aboutthe sun, now that it has gone under a cloud. Let us forget itfor a little while. "

"What shall I take, then?"

"I don't care. Something green and refreshing. "

Daisy looked around her. On every side she saw things that shehad no doubt would be very interesting to talk about; she didnot know which to choose. There were the trees; the firs andhemlocks, and the oaks and maples, growing thick on everyhand. No doubt those beautiful structures had uses andcharacters of wonder; she had a great mind to ask the doctorto tell her about them. But the great boulder beside whichthey were hid from view, divided her attention; it was verylarge, and rounded off on all sides, lying quietly on theground; and Daisy was curious to know how it came to be sogrown over with green things; mosses and ferns draped it allover; how could they grow on the bare rock?

"Well, Daisy?" said her friend, watching how Daisy'scountenance woke up from its subdued expression. 

"Dr. Sandford, how could these things grow on the rock? thesegreen things?"

"What green things?"

"Why, ever so many sorts. Here is moss, a great deal of it, ofdifferent kinds; and there is beautiful brake at the top, likeplumes of feathers. How can they grow there?"

"Why not?"

"I thought everything wanted some earth to grow in. "

"Have they none?"

"I don't know. I thought not. They must have very littleindeed, Dr. Sandford. "

"Very little will do, I suppose. "

"But I do not see how any earth got there, " said Daisy. "Itwas only a bare rock at first, of course. "

"At first, " repeated the doctor. "Well, Daisy, I suppose itwas no more. But there is something else growing there, whichyou have not spoken of. "

"Is there?" said Daisy. "I do not see anything else. "

"Pardon me — you do see it. "

"Then I do not know what it is, " said Daisy, laughing. Absolutely, the sober, sober little face had forgotten itscare, and the eyes were alight with intelligence andcuriosity, and the lips were unbent in good honest laughter. The doctor raised himself up to a sitting posture. 

"What do you call those grey and brown patches of colour thathide your rock all over?"

"Grey and brown?" said Daisy, wistfully — "those are just thecolours of the rock, aren't they?"

"No. Look close. 

"Why, Dr. Sandford, what is it? It is not the rock — some ofit is not — but here is a spot of yellow that is nothing else, I think. "

"You must learn not to trust your eyes, Daisy. That issomething that grows; it is not rock; it is a vegetable. If Ihad my pocket lens here I would show you; but I am afraid —yes, I have left it at home. "

"Why, it is!" cried Daisy. "I can see now — it is not rock. What is it, Dr. Sandford?"

"Lichen. "

"What is that, sir?"

"It is one of the lowest forms of vegetable life. It is thefirst dress the rocks wear, Daisy. "

"But what does it live on?"

"Air and water, I suppose. "

"I never knew that was a vegetable, " said Daisy, musingly. "Ithought it was the colour of the rock. "

"That goes to prepare soil for the mosses, Daisy. "

"Oh, how, Dr. Sandford?"

"In time the surface of the rock is crumbled a little by itsaction; then its own decay furnishes a very little addition tothat. In favourable situations a stray oak leaf or two fallsand lies there, and also decays, and by and by there is alittle coating of soil or a little lodgment of it in a creviceor cavity, enough for the flying spores of some moss to takeroot and find home. "

"And then the moss decays and makes soil for the ferns?"

"I suppose so. "

Daisy stood looking with a countenance of delightedintelligence at the great boulder, which was now to her arepresentative and witness of natural processes she had had noknowledge of before. The mosses, the brakes, the lichen, hadall gained new beauty and interest in her eyes. The doctorwatched her, and then scrambled up to his feet and came to herside. 

"Look here, Daisy, " said he, stooping down at the foot of therock, and showing her where tufts of a delicate little greenplant clustered, bearing little umbrella-like heads on tinyshafts of handles. 

"What is that, Dr. Sandford?"

"Something wonderful. "

"Is it? It is pretty. What is it, sir?"

"It is a plant somewhere between the mosses and the lichens inits character — it is one of the liverworts, and they are someof the first plants to go in advance of superior vegetation. This is called _Marchantia_. "

"And is it wonderful, Dr. Sandford?"

"If I could show it to you, you would think so. Look here, Daisy — on the surface of this leaf do you see little raisedspots here and there?"

"Yes, I see them. "

"Those are, when they are finished, little baskets. "

"Baskets?" exclaimed Daisy, delightedly. "I can't see anythinglike a basket now. "

"No, it is too small for you to see; you must take it on myword, who have seen it. They are baskets, and such baskets asyou never dreamed of. The shape is elegant, and round theedge, Daisy, they are cut into a fringe of teeth, and eachtooth is cut again into teeth, making a fringe around its tinyedge. 

"I wish I could see it, " said Daisy. 

"Now if you were my little sister, and lived with me, I couldshow you these things in the evenings. "

Daisy responded to this with a very grateful and somewhatwistful smile, but immediately went on with the business inhand. 

"Do these little baskets hold anything, Dr. Sandford?"

"Yes. Baskets are always made to hold something. "

"What do they hold?"

"They hold what are called _spores;_ that is, little bits ofthings which, whenever they get a chance, begin to grow andmake new plants. "

"Seeds?" said Daisy. 

"They answer the purpose of seeds. "

"How do they get out of the basket? Do the winds blow themout. "

"Or the rain washes them out. If they lie long enough in thebasket, they will take root there, and then there is a newplant seen growing out of the old one. "

"How wonderful it is!" said Daisy. 

"There is another wonder about it. It does not matter whichway these little spores lie on the ground or in the basket;but the side that happens to be exposed to the light, after atime, prepares itself to expand into the surface of a frond, while the dark side sends down a tiny root. "

"And it does not matter which side lies uppermost?"

"No, not in the beginning. "

"What is a _frond_, Dr. Sandford?"

"This sort of seed-bearing leaf is called so. "

"How pretty it is!" said Daisy. "What are these little thingslike umbrellas?"

"These carry the real seed vessels of the plant. "

"Other seeds. Dr. Sandford, is _everything_ wonderful?"

"What do you think about it?"

"I do not know but a very little, " said Daisy; "but I nevershould have thought this little green moss — or what did yousay it was?"

"Liverwort. Its name is Marchantia. "

"This liverwort; I never should have supposed it was anythingbut pretty, and of course good for something; but now I neverheard anything so wonderful. "

"More than the sun?" said Dr. Sandford, smiling. 

"It is more surprising, I think, " said Daisy. 

"Pray, what makes you conclude so securely that this littleMarchantia is _good for something?_"

Daisy gave him a quick look of wisdom and suspicion mingled. The doctor was getting a very good amusement himself, andquite entered into the matter. He waited for Daisy's answer. It came diplomatically. 

"_Isn't_ everything good for something, sir?"

" 'Pon my word, I don't know, " said the doctor. "My enquiry wasfor the grounds of your opinion, Daisy. "

"It was not an opinion. I do not think I am old enough to havean opinion. "

"What was it, Daisy?"

The doctor was still crouching down by the side of the rock, examining carelessly whatever he found there. Daisy looked athim, and waited, and felt at last that good manners requiredher to speak. 

"You said, sir, that baskets were made to hold something. "

"So your remark was an inference from mine. "

"No, sir. "

"Go on, Daisy. "

"I only said it, sir, because I knew it was true. "

There was an odd contrast between the extreme modesty ofDaisy's manner and the positiveness of her words. 

"It is said to be a great philosophical truth, Daisy; but whatI want to know is how you, not being a philosopher, have gotsuch firm hold of it?"

He faced Daisy now, and she gave way as usual before thesearching blue eyes. One soft look, and her eyes fell away. 

"I only thought it, Dr. Sandford, because in the beginning —when God had made everything — the Bible says he saw that itwas all good. "

"Daisy, how came you to be such a lover of the Bible?"

Daisy did not speak at once, and when she did it was adeparture from the subject. 

"Dr. Sandford, I felt a drop of rain on my face!"

"And here is another, " said the doctor, getting up. "This iswhat I have expected all day. Come, Daisy — you must be off inyour chaise-ΰ-porteurs without delay. "

"But Nora, and Ella, and the boys! — they are away off on thelake. "

"They will scuttle home now, " said the doctor, "but I havenothing to do with them. You are my business, Daisy. "

Accordingly he carried her back to the lunching-place, notindeed in his arms, but with a strong hand that made herprogress over the stones and moss very rapid, and that gaveher a great flying leap whenever occasion was, over anyobstacle that happened to be in the way. There was need enoughfor haste. The light veil of haze that had seemed to curtainoff the sunlight so happily from the lake and the party, proved now to have been only the advancing soft border of animmense thick cloud coming up from the west. No light veilnow; a deep, dark covering was over the face of the sky, without break or fold; the drop or two of rain that had beenfelt were merely the outriders of an approaching storm. Low, threatening, distant mutterings of thunder from behind themountains, told the party what they might expect before long. 

There was sudden confusion. Nobody wanted to be out in thestorm, and to avoid it seemed a difficult problem. Hastily theladies caught up their scarfs and bags, and set off upon ascattering flight through the woods to the shore, those whowere nearest or first ready not stopping to wait for theothers. Quickly the luncheon-ground was deserted; fast theblue and white flutter of muslins disappeared in theenveloping woods; hastily the remainder of the packing went onto get the hampers again in readiness to move. In the midst ofall this, who was to carry Daisy's chair?

"You say there is a house somewhere on the way, " said Mr. Randolph to the doctor. "If you will go forward with Daisy atonce, I will stay to look after those children in the boat. They are coming now as fast as they can. "

"Can you carry my gun?"

"Certainly. Doctor, I will take that office, if you will staybehind till the boat gets to land. "

"Thank you — it is better arranged the other way. The stormwill be upon us before the ladies get to the shore, I fear. "

"Then they had better take the other route. "

Mr. Randolph in haste despatched one of the men to recall thefleeing members of the party, and bring them round by theother road to the house. But before that, the doctor had putDaisy in her chair, and with Logan at the other end of it, hadset off to reach shelter. It grew very dark; and it wassultrily still in the woods. Not a leaf trembled on its stem. The steps of the two chair-bearers sounded ominously in theentire hush of everything. The gloom still deepened. Thedoctor and Logan with swift, steady strides carried the chairalong at a goodly rate; not as it had come in the morning. Inthe midst of this, and after it had gone on some time insilence, Daisy twisted herself round to look at the doctor andgive him a smile. 

"You do not seem concerned, Daisy, in the view of gettingwet?"

"Why, no, " said Daisy, twisting round again, "it is nice. I amonly sorry for the people who are so frightened. "

"What is nice? getting wet?"

"Oh, no, " said Daisy. "Maybe I shall not get wet — you go sofast. "

But at this moment there came a nearer growl of thunder, andthe leaves in the tops of the trees rustled as if a breath hadpassed over them. Then were still. 

"Can you mend your pace, Logan?" said the doctor. 

"Ay, sir!" — came in the deep, cheery utterance of Logan'sScotch voice. 

"Hold fast, Daisy" — said the doctor; and the two chair-bearers changed their pace for a swinging trot. It was needfulto hold on now indeed, for this gait jolted the chair a gooddeal; but it got over the ground, and Daisy found itexcessively amusing. They passed the thick-standing tree-stemsin quick succession now; the rocks uprising from the side ofthe path were left behind one after another; they reached thesharp bend in the road; and, keeping up the swinging trot witha steadiness which showed good wind on the part of both thechair-bearers, at last the little house where Sam had beenleft hove in view. Time it was; — full time. One and anothersough of the wind had bowed the tree-tops with a token of whatwas coming; one and another bright flash of lightning hadillumined the woody wilderness; and now, just as the chairstopped, drops began to fall which seemed as large as cherry-stones, mingled with hail a good deal larger. Their pattersounded on the leaves a minute or two; then ceased. 

"That will do, Logan, " said the doctor. "Bring the chair inunder shelter if you can; and come in yourself. This will be ashower. " And he led Daisy into the house. 

If ever you saw a dark-looking place, that was the room intowhich the house-door admitted them. Two little windows seemedat this instant to let in the darkness rather than the light;they were not very clean, besides being small — a descriptionwhich Daisy would have said applied to the whole room. Shestood still in the middle of the floor, not seeing any placeto sit down, that she could make up her mind to take. Thedoctor went to the window. Logan took a chair. Sam was sittingdisconsolately in a corner. It was hard to say to what classof people the house belonged; poor people they were of course;and things looked as if they were simply living there becausetoo poor to live anywhere else. A slatternly woman stared atthe intruders; a dirty child crawled over the hearth. Daisycould not endure to touch anything, except with the soles ofher shoes. So she stood upright in the middle of the floor;till the doctor turned round. 

"Daisy! — are you going to stand there till the shower isover?"

"Yes, sir, " — Daisy answered, patiently. A smile curled thedoctor's lips. He opened the door and lifted in the chair withits long poles, which indeed half filled the little room; butDaisy sat down. The woman looked on in astonishment. 

"Be she weakly, like?" she asked at length of the doctor. 

"Has been —" he answered. 

"And what be that thing for?"

"It is for going up and down mountains. "

"Have you come from the mountings!" she asked, in greatsurprise. The doctor was in for it. He was obliged to explain. Meanwhile the darkness continued, and the rain did not yetfall. A breath of wind now and then brushed heavily past thehouse, and sunk into silence. The minutes passed. 

"It will be a happiness if they get here before it begins, "said Dr. Sandford; "it will come when it comes!"

"Be there _more_ comin'?" said the woman. 

"A housefull. We are only the beginning. "

She moved about now with somewhat of anxiety to get sundrythings out of the way, which yet there seemed no other placefor; a frying-pan was set up in a corner; a broom tookposition by the fire place; a pail of water was lifted on thetable; and divers knives and forks and platters hustled into achimney cupboard. Little room enough when all was done. Atlast the woman caught up the sprawling baby and sat down withit opposite the broom, on the other side the fire, in one ofthe three chairs the place contained. Sam had another. Loganwas on a box. The woman's eyes said, "Now I am ready to seeall that comes. "

CHAPTER XXVI. 

DAISY'S SUPPER. 

It was some time first, and the rain still did not fall. Itwas very black, and flashes from distant lightning withmutterings of the thunder were frequent and threatening; stillno rain unless a few ominous drops. At last voices andfluttering muslins came down the road; the flutter came near, and in poured a stream of gay people at the door of the poorlittle room. Gay as to their dress and attire, that is; forgaiety was not to be found at present in their words andbehaviour. The woman in the chimney corner hugged up closerher dirty baby with the delight of so unwonted a feast to hereyes. 

"Is there nothing better than _this_ to be had?" said Mrs. Fish. And her tone was indescribable. 

"How long have we got to remain here, doctor?" said a morecheery voice. 

"Mrs. Stanfield, until the rain has come, and gone. "

"It would be better to be out in it, " whispered Theresa to hermother. 

"My love, there is no other shelter on this side the river. "

"There will not be standing room for us all presently —" saidEloise Gary. 

Pretty nearly so; for when the second detachment of the partyarrived, in a minute more, people looked at each other acrossa throng of heads. They got in; that was all. To sit down orto move much was out of the question. 

"Daisy, you can't have this big chair of yours in here, " saidRansom in an energetic whisper. "Don't you see there is noroom for it?"

Daisy saw there was very little. She got up patiently andstood, though feeling very tired; while her chair was got outof the door with a good deal of difficulty. 

"Are you tired, my darling?" said her father, bending down tothe pale little face. 

"A little, papa, " said Daisy, sighing. 

No more words, but Mr. Randolph lifted Daisy in his arms andgave her a resting place there. Daisy was afraid she was tooheavy for him, but it was very comfortable to sit there, withher arm on his shoulder. Her face looked its content; the onlyface in which such an expression could be seen at present;though the gentlemen took the thing coolly, and Mr. Randolphand the two Sandfords looked as usual. But now the delayedstorm drew near. The thunder notified with every burst thefact that it was coming speedily; the lightning became vividand constant. A premonitory sweep of the wind — and the cloudsgave out their treasures of rain and hail with tremendousfury. The lightning was terrible now, and the darkness of theintervals between so great that the company could scarcely seeeach other's faces. This was more than some of the party hadbargained for, and there was a degree of confusion. Screamsfrom a few of the ladies and exclamations of terror fromothers were mixed now and then with words that sounded verylike an oath to Daisy's ear, though they were not spoken inlevity. She bent her head round to look in the face of thelady who had last used them, as if to assure herself what wasmeant; and then her head went down on Mr. Randolph's shoulderand her face was hidden. 

"Daisy —" whispered her father. 

"Yes, papa. "

"Are you afraid?"

"No, papa — not for myself. "

"What? Look up here, Daisy. "

She lifted her face; it was wistful and troubled. 

"Are you concerned about the storm, my darling?"

"No, papa; not myself. "

"How then, Daisy?"

She shuddered. "Papa, I wish they would not scream so!"

"Why does that trouble _you?_" said Mr. Randolph, smiling. 

But Daisy's face was unutterably grave, as a new brilliantband of forked lightning glittered outside the windows, andthe burst of the thunderbolt sounded as if at their very feet, making a renewal of the same cries and exclamations. 

"Why does it trouble you, Daisy?" said Mr. Randolph, soothingly, feeling the quiver of the child's frame. 

"Papa, " said Daisy, with intense expression, — "they do notlove Jesus!" — And her head went down again to be hid on herfather's shoulder. 

Mr. Randolph did nothing to bring it up again; and Daisy layquite still, while the storm raged in full fury, and thescreams and ejaculations of the ladies were joined now andthen by a word of impatience from one of the gentlemen, or a"Hech, sirs!" in Logan's smothered Scotch brogue. Once Mr. Randolph felt Daisy's lips pressed against his face, and thenher other arm came round his neck, and nestling there closelyshe was after that as still as a mouse. The storm lasted along time. The lightning and thunder at last removed theirviolence some distance off; then the wind and the rain didtheir part, which they had not fully done before. And all thewhile the poor party of pleasure sat or stood as thick as beesin a hive, in the miserable shelter of the cottage. —Miserable, yet welcome. Very tired and impatient the peoplebecame as they grew less frightened. Daisy had long been fastasleep. The day waned and drew near its ending. When sunsetwas, nobody could tell by the light; but that night was athand was at last evident from the darkness. 

"Your arms must be weary, Mr. Randolph, " said Dr. Sandford. "Let me relieve you of your burden. "

"I cannot let you do that. "

"I will, " said the doctor. "Daisy being my charge as well asyours, gives me a right. " And the transfer was actually madebefore Daisy was aware of it. She waked up however, with afeeling of some change and a doubt upon her mind as to whatcustody she was in; but she was not sure, till the woman ofthe house lit a miserable dip candle, which threw a light thatmocked the darkness over the weary company. Daisy did not likethe arrangement at all. 

"Dr. Sandford!" she exclaimed. "I shall tire you. Please putme on the floor and let me stand. "

"No, you cannot, " said the doctor, decidedly. "Be a goodchild, Daisy. Lay your head down and go to sleep again. "

And greatly to Daisy's astonishment the doctor's moustachebrushed her lip. Now Daisy had always thought to herself thatshe would never allow anybody that wore a moustache to kissher; here it was done, without leave asked; and if the doctorwas so independent of rules as that, she thought she had bestnot provoke him. Besides, she remembered that her father mustbe tired with carrying her so long; and moreover, if Dr. Sandford liked her well enough to kiss her, maybe he would notcare for the trouble of holding her for a while. At any rateDaisy submitted peaceably to the necessity; put her arm overthe doctor's shoulder to support herself, and laid her headdown; though not to sleep. She watched everything that wasgoing on now. What a roomful of weary and impatient peoplethey were! packed like cattle in a pen, for closeness; and howthe rain poured and beat outside the house! The shelter wassomething to be thankful for, and yet how unthankful everybodylooked. Some of the gentlemen showed calm fortitude undertheir trials; but the poor ladies' chagrined faces said thatdays of pleasure were misnamed. Alexander Fish had gone tosleep; Ransom looked cross; Preston as usual gentlemanly, though bored. From one to another Daisy's eye roved. Nora andElla were sitting on the table; in full confab. Other peoplewere sitting there too; the table was full. 

"The storm is slackening —" Mr. Randolph remarked to thedoctor. 

"It will be over in a little while more. "

"What do you think of it, Daisy?" said her father, noticingher look. 

"Of what, papa?"

"Parties of pleasure in general. "

"Papa, — I have had a very nice time. "

"You have had a nice sleep, " said her father, laughing; "andthat colours your views of things. The rest of us have not hadthat advantage. "

"Daisy, I am surprised to hear you say what you do, " thedoctor remarked as Mr. Randolph turned away. He spoke softly. 

"Why, sir?"

"I thought your day had not been _altogether_ agreeable?"

"Do you think anything is apt to be altogether agreeable, Dr. Sandford?" Daisy said, with a demure waiving of the subjectwhich was worthy of much older years. The quaintness of thisremark was infinite. 

"What has been the agreeableness to-day, for instance?"

"Oh, a great deal; my ride in the chair, — that was nice! andall our walk, and what, you were telling me; and coming overthe river —" Daisy paused. 

"And what do you think of being carried in the arms ofgentlemen, " said Mrs. Gary, who had overheard a few words, —"while other little girls have to get along as they can? astired as you are, I dare say. "

"I cannot help it, aunt Gary, " said Daisy. But the remarkserved to justify her view of things; for what had in truthbeen altogether agreeable up to that minute was so no longer. Daisy was uneasy. 

"Dr. Sandford, " she whispered after a few moments, "I amrested — I can stand now. I am tiring you. Please set medown. "

"No. Be quiet, Daisy, " said her friend, peremptorily. And asthe little head went down again obediently on his shoulder, hegave again a gentle kiss to her lips. Daisy did not mind Mrs. Gary after that. 

The storm slackened off now rapidly. The patter of the rainlessened and grew still; a sweet reviving air blew in at thewindows. Of course the road was drenched with wet and everytree dripping; nevertheless the journey must be made to theboats, and the poor ladies were even glad to set out toundertake it. But it would not be an easy journey either, onthe whole. Some time before this the doctor had despatchedLogan on an errand. He now declared he must wait for hisreturn; and desired Mr. Randolph to go forward and help takecare of the rest of the party and have no concern about Daisy;he would keep her in charge. 

"Shall I do that, Daisy?" said Mr. Randolph, fearing it mighttrouble her. 

But Daisy said, "Yes, papa" — with no hesitation; and the planwas acted upon. Gathering up their floating muslin dresses, tying handkerchiefs over their heads, with shrinking and yeteager steps, one by one they filed out at the door of thelittle hut. Just as the last one went, Logan came; he had beento the boats and brought thence the doctor's cloak, which, with more providence than the rest of the party who were lessused to travelling, he had taken the precaution to bring. Nowthis, by the doctor's order, was spread over Daisy's chair, which having been pushed out of doors, had got wet; she wasplaced in it then, and the folds of the cloak brought wellround and over her, so that nothing could be more secure thanshe was from the wet with which every leaf and bough wasdripping overhead, and every foot of soil loaded underneath. Dr. Sandford took one end of the poles and Logan the other, and the last of the party they set forth. Why Dr. Sandford hadmade this arrangement, was best known to himself. Perhaps hepreferred it to having Mrs. Fish on his arm, who was a veryfine lady; perhaps he preferred it to the attentions he mighthave had to pay to the younger damsels of the party, who wouldall three have been on his hands at once, very likely. At allevents he did prefer to be one of the chair-bearers, and Daisywas very glad of it. 

The rest of the party were well in advance, out of sight andhearing. Tramp, tramp, the steady regular footfall of herbearers, and the light plashing of rain drops as they fell, and the stir of the wind in the leaves, were all the soundsthat Daisy heard. No rain fell now; on the contrary the heavenwas clear as a bell, and light enough came through the woodsto show the way with comfortable certainty. Overhead, thestars were shining down with wonderful brilliancy, through theair which the storm had cleansed from all vapours; the moonwas coming up somewhere, too. The smell of the trees and othergreen things was exceedingly sweet after the rain; and thedelicious soft air was very delicious after the sultry day. Never in her life after did Daisy forget that night's work. This ride from the cottage to the shore was something sheenjoyed with all her might. It was so wild and strange as wellas sweet. Rocks and tree-trunks, and the turnings of the roadhad all such a mysterious new look, different from whatdaylight showed them; it was an endless pleasure. Till thewalk ended. It came out at last upon the shore of the riverand into the moonlight. High in the eastern sky the moon hung, shedding her broad light down all over the river, whichcrisped and sparkled under it; and there by the water's edgethe members of the party of pleasure were huddled togetherpreparing to embark. Over their heads the sails of Mr. Randolph's boat stood up in the moonlight. The doctor andLogan set down their burden and waited. The Fish's weregetting on board their little vessel, which was moved by oarsalone. 

"Mrs. Stanfield, you had better come with us, " Mr. Randolphsaid. "There is plenty of room. Your boat is too small. Youwould find it unpleasantly rough in mid-channel. "

"Oh, is it rough?" exclaimed the lady. 

"For your little row-boat — I am afraid you would find it so. The wind has roughened the water considerably, and it has nothad time to get quiet. Come with us, and we will all takesupper together at Melbourne. "

It was arranged so. The party were stowed away in the largesail-boat, which held them all well enough; the children beinghappy at finding themselves seated together. 

"What are we waiting for?" said Mrs. Gary when all had been intheir places some minutes, and conversation was the only thingmoving. "What are we staying here for?"

"Sam. "

"Where's Sam?"

"He is yonder — in our late place of shelter. James andMichael have gone to fetch him with Daisy's chair. "

"Sam! Why, he might have stayed there till to-morrow and nohurt. Have we got to wait till the men go there and bring himback? We shall be late at supper!"

"The river will be all the quieter, Mrs. Gary, " said Mr. Randolph, mischievously. 

"The river? You don't mean to say it is not quiet?"

"It was not quiet a while ago, I assure you. "

"Well, I do think, if ever there was a misnamed thing, it is aparty of pleasure, " said the lady, disconsolately. 

"They are very pleasant when they are over, sister Gary, " saidMr. Randolph. 

"Daisy, " Nora whispered, "are you afraid?"

"No. "

"Your father says it is rough. "

"He knows how to manage the boat, " said Daisy. 

"It isn't rough, I don't believe, " said Ella Stanfield. "Itisn't rough now. "

"I wish we were at the other side, " said Nora. 

"Oh, Nora, I think it is nice, " said Daisy. "How bright themoonlight is! Look! — all over the river there is a broadstrip. I hope we shall sail along just in that strip. Isn't itwonderful, Nora?"

"No. What?" said Nora. 

"That there should be something like a looking-glass up in thesky to catch the sunlight and reflect it down to us when wecannot see the sun itself. "

"What looking-glass?"

"Well, the moon catches the sunlight just so, as a looking-glass would. "

"How do you know, Daisy? _I_ think it shines. "

"I know because I have been told. It does not shine, any morethan a looking-glass. "

"Who told you?"

"Dr. Sandford, " Daisy whispered. 

"Did he! Then why don't we have the moon every night?"

"Because the looking-glass, if you can imagine that it is alooking-glass, does not always hang where it can catch thesun. "

"Don't it? I don't like to think it is a looking-glass, " saidNora. "I would a great deal rather think it is the moon. "

"Well, so it is, " said Daisy. "You can think so. "

"Daisy, what should we do if it should be rough in the middleof the river?"

"_I_ like it, " said Ella Stanfield. 

"Perhaps it will not be very rough, " said Daisy. 

"But suppose it should? And where the moon don't shine it isso dark!"

"Nora, " said Daisy, very low, "don't you love Jesus?"

Nora at that flounced round, and turning her face from Daisy. And the moonlight, began to talk to Ella Stanfield on theother side of her. Daisy did not understand what it meant. 

All this while, and a good while longer, the rest of thepeople were waiting with various degrees of patience andimpatience for the coming of Sam and the men. It was prettythere by the shore, if they had not been impatient. Theevening breeze was exceedingly fragrant and fresh; the lightwhich streamed down from the moon was sparkling on all thesurface of the water, and laid a broad band of illuminationlike a causeway across the river. In one or two places thelight showed the sails of a sloop or schooner on her way up ordown; and along the shore it grew daintily hazy and soft. Butimpatience was nevertheless the prominent feeling on board thesail-boat; and it had good time to display itself beforeMichael and James could go all the distance back to the houseand bring Sam away from it. 

"Here he is!" "There they are at last!" were the words of hailwith which their appearance was greeted. "Now off" — and withall haste the three were received on board and the vesselpushed out into the stream. Immediately her sail caught thebreeze which came fair down the river, and careening a littleas she took it, her head began to make good speed across thecauseway of moonlight. But then the ladies began to scream;for in mid-channel the wind was fresh and the waters had notquite forgotten yet the tumult of the late storm, which hadtossed them well. The sail-boat danced bravely, up and down, going across the waves. Among the frightened people was Nora, who, grasping Daisy's dress with one hand and some part of theboat with the other, kept uttering little cries of "Oh Daisy —" "Oh! Daisy, " — with every fresh lurch of the vessel. EllaStanfield had thrown herself down in her mother's lap. Daisywas very much tried. 

"Nora, " she said, "I wish you would not cry so!"

"But I am afraid!"

"I wish you would be comforted, and not cry out so, " sighedDaisy. "Papa says there is no danger — didn't you hear him?"

"But, oh, I am afraid!" re-echoed Nora. 

Daisy folded her hands, and tried to bide patiently the timeof smooth water. It came, partially at least, as they nearedthe opposite bank. The boat went steadily; spirits revived;and soon the passage was brought to an end and the sail-boatlaid alongside the little jetty, on which the party, men, women and children, stepped out with as sincere a feeling ofpleasure as had moved them all day. Carriages were in waiting;a few minutes brought the whole company to Melbourne House. 

Here they were to stay supper; and the ladies and gentlemendispersed to various dressing rooms to prepare for it. Soonestof all ready and in the drawing-room were the three children. 

"I am so hungry!" said Nora. 

"So am I!" said Ella Stanfield. 

"We shall have supper presently, " said Daisy. 

"Oh, Daisy, weren't you afraid in the boat, when it went upand down so?"

"I do not think I was afraid, " said Daisy, "if other peoplehad not been so disturbed. "

"I don't see how they could help being disturbed, " said EllaStanfield. "Why, the boat didn't sail straight at all. "

"But _that_ does not do any harm, " said Daisy. 

"How do you know?" said Nora. "_I_ think it does harm; I do notthink it is safe. "

"But you know, Nora, when the disciples were in the boat, andthought it was not safe — the wind blew so, you know — theyought to have trusted Jesus, and not been afraid. "

Nora and Ella both looked at Daisy for a minute after thisspeech, and then by some train of association Nora startedanother subject. 

"Daisy, have you got my Egyptian spoon yet?"

Now was Daisy in a great difficulty. She flushed; the littleface which had been pale enough before, became of a delicatepink hue all over. Not knowing what to say, she said nothing. 

"Have you got it yet?" repeated Nora, curiously. 

"No, Nora. I have not. "

"You have not? What have you done with it?"

"Nothing. "

"My Egyptian spoon! that Marmaduke gave me to give to you! Youhave not kept it! What did you do with it, Daisy?"

"I did nothing with it. "

"Did you break it?"

"No. "

"Did you give it away?"

"Oh, Nora, I loved it very much, " said poor Daisy; "but Icould not keep it. I could not!"

"Why couldn't you? I would not have given it to you, Daisy, ifI had thought you would not have kept it. "

"I wanted to keep it very much — but I could not, " said Daisy, with the tears in her eyes. 

"Why 'could not'? why couldn't you? Did you give it away, Daisy? — that spoon I gave you?"

"Nora, I could not help it! Somebody else wanted it very much, and I was obliged to let her have it. I could not help it. "

"I shall tell Marmaduke that you did not care for it, " saidNora in an offended tone. "I wish I had kept it myself. It wasa beautiful spoon. "

Daisy looked very much troubled. 

"Who has got it?" Nora went on. 

"It is no matter who has got it, " said Daisy. "I couldn't keepit. "

"She is right, Nora, " said Preston, who came up just then, atthe same time with the doctor. "She could not keep it, becauseit was taken away from her without any leave asked. I mean sheshall have it back, too, one of these days. Don't you sayanother word to Daisy! — she has behaved like a little angelabout it. "

Preston's manner made an impression, as well as his words. Nora was checked. 

"What is all that, Nora?" the doctor asked. 

Now Nora had a great awe of him. She did not, dare not answer. 

"It is about a spoon I gave Daisy, that she gave away. "

"She did not, I tell you!" said Preston. 

"A spoon?" said the doctor. "Silver?"

"Oh, no! A beautiful, old, very old, carved, queer old spoon, with a duck's bill, that came out of an old Egyptian tomb, andwas put there ever so long ago. "

"Did your brother give it to you?"

"Yes, to give to Daisy, and she gave it to somebody else. "

"Nora, I did not give it as you think I did. I loved it verymuch. I would not have let anybody have it if I could havehelped it. "

"Who has got it, Daisy?" asked the doctor. 

Daisy looked at him, looked perplexed, flushed a little, finally said with demure gentleness, "Dr. Sandford, I think Iought not to tell. "

The doctor smiled, took Daisy's hand, and led her off to thesupper room, whither they were now invited. So it happenedthat her seat at the table was again by his side. Daisy likedit. Just then she did not care about being with Nora. 

The people gathered, bright and fresh, around the suppertable, all seeming to have forgotten their fatigues andfrights; and every face looked smiling or gracious. The daywas over, the river was crossed; the people were hungry; andthe most dainty and perfectly arranged supply of refreshmentsstood on the board. Coffee and tea steamed out their gratefulannouncements; ice cream stood in red and white pyramids offirmness; oysters and cold meats and lobster salad offered allthat hungry people could desire; and everybody was in apeculiar state of gratified content and expectation. 

Daisy was no exception. She had let slip her momentary troubleabout the Egyptian spoon; and in her quiet corner, quiteunnoticed as she thought, looked at the bright scene andenjoyed it. She liked being under the doctor's care too, andhis care of her was very thoughtful and kind. He did notforget the little quiet mouse at his elbow; but after he hadproperly attended to the other people whose claims came first, he served her nicely with whatever was good for her. Was Daisygoing to omit her usual giving of thanks? She thought of hermother's interference with a moment's flash of hesitancy; butresolved to go on just as usual. She did not think she wouldbe noticed, everybody was so busy; and at any rate there was aburden of gladness in her little heart that must speak. Whilethe talking and laughing and click of knives and forks wasthick all around her, Daisy's little head bent in a moment'soblivion of it all behind her hand. 

She had raised her head and just taken her fork in her fingerswhen she heard her own name. She looked up. 

"Daisy —" said her mother, quietly — "come here. "

Daisy left her seat, and went round to her mother's side. 

"You may go up stairs, " said Mrs. Randolph. 

"Mamma?"

"Go — and remain till I send for you. "

Daisy slipped away quietly, before anybody could notice thatshe was gone or going. Then slowly went up the stairs andalong the passages to her own room. It was empty and dark, except for the moonlight without; June had not expected her tobe there, and had not made preparation. Daisy went, andkneeled down in her old place by her window; her eyes filledas full of tears as they could hold. She bent her little headto brush them away, but they came again. Daisy was faint andtired; she wanted her supper very much; and she had enjoyedthe supper-table very much; it was a great mortification toexchange it for the gloom and silence of her moonlit room. Shehad not a bit of strength to keep her spirits up. Daisy feltweak. And what was the matter? Only — that she had, againsther mother's pleasure, repeated her acknowledgment of the handthat had given her all good things. How many good things thatday! And was she not to make such acknowledgment any more?Ought she to please her mother in this? Had she really donewrong? Daisy could not tell; she thought not; she could notwish she had not done what she did; but at the same time itwas very miserable to have Mrs. Randolph at odds with her onsuch a point as this. 

Daisy shed some tears about it; yet not a great many, andwithout the least bitterness in them. But she felt faint andtired and disappointed. Here, however, at her own room-window, and alone, there was no bar to thanksgivings; and Daisy hadthem in her heart, as well as prayers for the people who hadthem not. She was too tired to pray at last; she only knelt atthe window with her arms on the sill, — Daisy was raised up onan ottoman — and looked out at the moonlight, feeling as ifshe was going into a dream. 

"Miss Daisy!" — said the smothered voice of June behind her —"are you there, Miss Daisy?"

June's accent was doubtful and startled. Daisy turned round. 

"Miss Daisy! — I thought you was in the supper-room. "

"No, June — I'm here. "

"Will you go to bed, Miss Daisy?"

"I wish, June, you would get me something to eat, first, " saidDaisy, languidly. 

"Didn't you get your supper, Miss Daisy?"

"No, and I'm hungry. I haven't had anything since the dinnerat the lake. I wish you'd make haste, June. "

June knew from Daisy's way of speaking, as well as from thefacts of the case, that there was some trouble on foot. Shewent off to get supper, and as she went along the passages themulatto woman's hand was clenched upon itself, though her faceshowed only its usual wrinkles. 

Small delay was there before she was back again, and with herJune had brought a supply of very nearly everything there hadbeen on the supper-table. She set down her tray, prepared atable for Daisy, and placed a chair. The room was light nowwith two wax candles. Daisy sat down and took a review. 

"What will you have now, Miss Daisy? Here's some hot oysters —nice and hot. I'll get you some ice-cream when you're ready toeat it — Hiram's got it in the freezer for you. Make haste, Miss Daisy — these oysters is good. "

But Daisy did not make haste. She looked at the supper traythoughtfully. 

"June, " she said, with a very gentle pure glance of her eyesup at the mulatto woman's face — "I am very much obliged toyou — but I don't think mamma means me to eat these things to-night — Will you just get me some milk and some bread? I'lltake some bread and milk!"

"Miss Daisy, these oysters is good for you, " said June. 

"I'll take some bread and milk to-night — if you will pleasemake haste. Thank you, June. "

"Miss Daisy, then, maybe take a sandwich. "

"No — I will have nothing but bread and milk. Only quick, June. "

June went off for the bread and milk, and then veryunwillingly carried her supper-tray down stairs again. Goingthrough one of the passages she was met by her master. 

"Where is that coming from, June?" he asked her, in surprise. 

"From Miss Daisy's room, sir. "

"Has she been taking supper up there?"

"No, sir — Miss Daisy wouldn't touch nothing. "

"Is she unwell?" — Mr. Randolph asked, in a startled tone. 

"No, sir. " June's tone was dry. 

Mr. Randolph marched at once to the room in question, whereDaisy was eating her bread and milk. 

"What are you doing, Daisy?"

"Papa!" — said the child, with a start; and then quietly, "Iam taking my supper. "

"Were you not at the table down stairs?"

"Yes, papa. "

"How came you not to have your supper there?"

"I had to come away, papa. "

"Are you not well, Daisy?" said Mr. Randolph, tenderly, bending down over her chair. 

"Yes, papa — quite well. "

"Then, why did you come away?"

Daisy's spoon lay still in her fingers and her eyes reddened. "Mamma sent me. "

If the child was to have any supper at all, Mr. Randolph saw, he must forbear his questioning. He rose up from leaning overher chair. "Go on, Daisy —" he said; and he left her, but didnot leave the room. He walked up and down the floor at alittle distance, while Daisy finished her bread and milk Shewas too much in want of it not to do that. When it was doneshe got out of her chair and stood on the floor looking at herfather, as gentle as a young sparrow. He came and wheeled herchair round and sat down upon it. 

"What is the matter, Daisy?"

"Mamma was displeased with me. " The child dropped her eyes. 

"What about?"

"Papa" — said Daisy, slowly, trying for words and perhaps alsofor self-command — "mamma was displeased with me because — I —"

"What?"

"Papa — because I did what she did not like at dinner. "

"At dinner? what was that?"

The child lifted her eyes now to her father's face, a littlewistfully. 

"Papa — don't you know? — I was only praying a minute. "

Mr. Randolph stretched out his arm, drew Daisy up to him, placed her on his knee, and looked down into her face. 

"Did you have no supper downstairs?"

"No, sir. "

"Do you like bread and milk better than other things?"

"No, papa. "

"I met June with a great tray of supper things, and she saidyou would not eat them. Why was that?"

"Papa, " said Daisy, "I thought mamma did not mean me to havethose things to-night. "

"She did not forbid you?"

"No, papa. "

Mr. Randolph's arm was round Daisy; now he wrapped both armsabout her, bringing her up close to his breast, and puttingdown his lips to her face, he kissed her over and over, with agreat tenderness. 

"Have you had a pleasant day?"

"Papa, I have had a great many pleasant things, " said Daisy, eagerly. Her voice had changed and a glad tone had come intoit. 

"Dr. Sandford took proper care of you?"

"Papa, he is _very_ good!' said Daisy, strongly. 

"I rather think he thinks you are. "

"He is nice, papa. "

"Nice —" said Mr. Randolph. "He is pretty well. But now, Daisy, what do you think of going to bed and to sleep?"

"Yes, papa. "

"And to-morrow, if you have got into any difficulty, you maycome to me and talk about it. "

Daisy returned a very earnest caress to her father's good-night kiss, and afterwards had no difficulty in doing as hehad said. And so ended the day on Silver Lake. 

CHAPTER XXVII. 

RANSOM AND FIDO. 

Daisy reflected the next morning as to what was her rightcourse with respect to the action that had troubled her motherso much. Ought she to do it? In the abstract it was right todo it; but ought _she_ in these circumstances? And how much of aChristian's ordinary duty might she be required to forego? andwhere must the stand be made? Daisy did not know; she hadrather the mind of a soldier, and was much inclined to obeyher orders, as such, come what might. That is, it seemed toher that so she would be in the sure and safe way; but Daisyhad no appetite at all for the fighting that this course wouldensure. One thing she knew by experience; that if she drewupon herself a direct command to do such a thing no more, theorder would stand; there would be no dealing with itafterwards except in the way of submission. That command shehad not in this case yet received, and she judged it prudentnot to risk receiving it. She went down to breakfast as usual, but she did not bow her little head to give any thanks or makeany prayers. She hoped the breakfast would pass off quietly. So it did as to that matter. But another subject came up. 

"What became of you last night at supper, Daisy?" her auntasked. "Dr. Sandford was enquiring for you. I think youreceived quite your share of attention, for so young a lady, for my part. "

"Daisy had more than anybody else, yesterday, " remarkedEloise. 

"A sprained or a broken ankle is a very good thingoccasionally, " said Mr. Randolph. 

"Yes, " said Mrs. Gary — "I think Daisy had quite the best timeof anybody yesterday. A palanquin with gentlemen for herporters, and friendly arms to go to sleep in — most devotedcare!"

"Yes, I was one of her porters, " — said Ransom. "I think Dr. Sandford takes rather too much on himself. "

"Did he take _you?_" said Mr. Randolph. 

"Yes, sir, — when there was no occasion. "

"Why, Ransom, " said Daisy, "there was no one else to carry mychair but Preston and you. "

"Did Preston feel aggrieved?" asked his uncle. 

"Certainly not, sir, " replied the boy. "It was a pleasure. "

"It was not Ransom's business, " said Mrs. Randolph. 

"I suppose it was not the doctor's business either, " said Mr. Randolph — "though he made it so afterwards. "

"Oh, I dare say it was a pleasure to him, too, " said Mrs. Gary. "Really, the doctor did not take care of anybodyyesterday, that I saw, except Daisy. I thought he admiredFrederica Fish — I had heard so — but there was nothing of it. Daisy was quite queen of the day. "

Mr. Randolph smiled. 

Ransom seemed to consider himself insulted. "I suppose thatwas the reason, " he said, "that she called me worse than adog, because I took a meringue from the dinner-spread. "

"Did you do that, Daisy?" asked her mother. 

"No, mamma, " said Daisy, low. Her face had flushed withastonishment and sorrow. 

"You did, " said Ransom. "You said just that. "

"Oh, no, Ransom — you forget. "

"What _did_ you say, Daisy?" asked her mother. 

"Mamma, I did not say _that_. I said something — I did not meanit for anything like that. "

"Tell me exactly what you did say — and no more delay. "

"Wait till after breakfast, " said Mr. Randolph. "I wish to bepresent at the investigation of this subject, Felicia — but Iwould rather take it by itself than with my coffee. "

So there was a lull in the storm which seemed to be gathering. It gave Daisy time to think. She was in a great puzzle. Howshe could get through the matter without exposing all Ransom'sbehaviour, all at least which went before the blow given toherself, Daisy did not see; she was afraid that truth wouldforce her to bring it all out. And she was very unwilling todo that, because in the first place she had established a fullamnesty in her own heart for all that Ransom had done, andwished rather for an opportunity to please than to criminatehim; and, in the second place, in her inward consciousness sheknew that Mrs. Randolph was likely to be displeased with her, in any event. She would certainly, if Daisy were an occasionof bringing Ransom into disgrace; though the child doubtedprivately whether her word would have weight enough with hermother for that. Ransom also had time to think, and his browgrew gloomy. An investigation is never what a guilty partydesires; and judging her by himself, Ransom had reason todread the chance of retaliation which such a proceeding wouldgive his little sister. So Daisy and Ransom wore thoughtfulfaces during the rest of breakfast-time; and the result ofRansom's reflections was that the investigation would go onmost pleasantly without him. He made up his mind to slip away, if he had a chance, and be missing. He had the chance; for Mr. And Mrs. Randolph were engaged with a call of some neighboursimmediately after breakfast; all thought of the children'saffairs seemed to be departed. Ransom waited a safe time, andthen departed too, with Preston, on an expedition which wouldlast all the morning. Daisy alone bided the hour, a good dealdisturbed in the view of what it might bring. 

She was summoned at last to the library. Her father and motherwere there alone; but just after Daisy came in she wasfollowed by Dr. Sandford. The doctor came with a message. Mrs. Sandford, his sister, he said, sent by him to beg that Daisymight come to spend the day with Nora Dinwiddie, who muchdesired her presence. In the event of a favourable answer, thedoctor said he would himself drive Daisy over, and would callfor that purpose in another hour or two. He delivered hismessage, and Mrs. Randolph replied at once that Daisy couldnot go; she could not permit it. 

Mr. Randolph saw the flush of hope and disappointment onDaisy's face and the witness of another kind in her eyes;though with her characteristic steady self-control she neithermoved nor spoke, and suffered the tears to come no further. Dr. Sandford saw it too, but he said nothing. Mr. Randolphspoke. 

"Is that decision on account of Daisy's supposed delinquencyin that matter?"

"Of course —" Mrs. Randolph answered, dryly. 

"Can you explain it, Daisy?" her father asked, gravely, andkindly drawing her up to his side. Daisy struggled with somethought. 

"Papa, " she said, softly, "will mamma be satisfied to punishme and let it go so?"

"Let it go how?"

"Would she be satisfied with this punishment, I mean, and notmake me say anything more about it?"

"I should not. I intend to know the whole. Can you explainit?"

"I think I can, papa, " Daisy said, but with a troubledunwillingness, her father saw. He saw too that it was not theunwillingness of a troubled conscience. 

"Dr. Sandford, if you are willing to take the trouble ofstopping without the certainty of taking Daisy back with you, I have some hopes that the result may be satisfactory to allparties. "

"_Au revoir_, then, " said the doctor, and he strode off. 

"Now, Daisy, " said her father, still having his arms about her— "what is it?"

Mrs. Randolph stood by the table and looked coldly down at thegroup. Daisy was under great difficulty; that was plain. 

"Papa — I wish Ransom could tell you!"

"Where is the boy?"

Mrs. Randolph rang the bell. 

"It is no use, mamma; he has gone off with Preston somewhere. "

"That is a mere subterfuge, Daisy, to gain time. "

Daisy certainly looked troubled enough, and timid also; thoughher meek look at her mother did not plead guilty to thisaccusation. 

"Speak, Daisy; the telling whatever there is to tell must comeupon you, " her father said. "Your business is to explain thecharge Ransom has brought against you. "

All Daisy's meditations had not brought her to the point ofknowing what to say in this conjuncture. She hesitated. 

"Speak, Daisy!" her father said, peremptorily. 

"Papa, they had put me — Eloise and Theresa Stanfield — theyhad put me to watch the things. "

"What things?"

"The dinner —the things that had been taken out of the hampersand were spread on the tablecloth, where we dined. "

"Watch for fear the fishes would carry them off?"

"No, sir, but Fido; Ransom's dog; he was running about. "

"Oh! Well? —"

"I kept Fido off, but I could not keep Ransom —" Daisy said, low. "He was taking things. "

"And why should he not?" said Mrs. Randolph, coldly. "Whyshould not Ransom take a sandwich, or a peach, if he wantedone? or anything else, if he was hungry. There was enoughprovision for everybody. "

Daisy looked up at her mother, with a quick refutation of thisstatement of the case in her mind, but something stayed herlips. Mr. Randolph saw and read the look. He put his arm roundDaisy and drew her up to him, speaking with grave decision. 

"Daisy, say all you have to say at once — do you hear me? andspare neither for Ransom nor yourself. Tell all there is to betold, without any shuffling. "

"Papa, I should not have objected to his having a sandwich —or as many as he liked. I should have thought it was proper. But he took the meringues — and so many that the dish was leftvery small; and then he carried off Joanna's lark pie, thewhole of it; and he did not mind what I said; and then, Ibelieve — I suppose that is what Ransom meant — I believe Itold him he was worse than Fido. "

"Was Ransom offended at that?"

"Yes, papa. He did not like my speaking to him at all. "

"Of course not, " said Mrs. Randolph. "Boys never like to betutored by girls; and Daisy must expect her brother will notlike it if she meddles with him; and especially if sheaddresses such language to him. "

"I said only exactly that, mamma. "

"Ransom put it differently. "

A flush came up all over Daisy's face; she looked at hermother appealingly, but said nothing and the next moment hereyes fell. 

"Did Ransom answer you at the time, Daisy?"

"Yes, sir, " Daisy said, in a low voice. 

"How?"

"Papa! —" said Daisy, confounded. 

"What did he say to you?"

"He did not say much —" said Daisy. 

"Tell me what his answer was?"

"Papa, he struck my ears, " said Daisy. A great crimson glowcame all over her face, and she hid it in her father's breast;like an injured thing running to shelter. Mr. Randolph waslying on a sofa; he folded his arm round Daisy, but spokenever a word. Mrs. Randolph moved impatiently. 

"Boys will do such things, " she said. "It is very absurd inDaisy to mind it. Boys will do such things — she must learnthat it is not her place or business to find fault with herbrother. I think she deserved what she got. — It will teachher a lesson. "

"Boys shall not do such things in my house, " said Mr. Randolph, in his usual quiet manner. 

"As you please!" said the lady, in a very dissatisfied way;"but I think it is only what all boys do. "

"Felicia, I wish to reverse your decision about this day'spleasure. Seeing Daisy has had her lesson, do you not thinkshe might be indulged with the play after it?"

"As you please!" returned the lady, very dryly. 

"Do you want to go, Daisy?"

"If you please, papa. " Daisy spoke without showing her face. 

"Is Mr. Dinwiddie at Mrs. Sandford's?" inquired Mrs. Randolph. 

"Oh, no, mamma!" Daisy looked up. "He is not coming. He isgone a great way off. I do not suppose he is ever coming hereagain; and Nora is going away soon. "

Mrs. Randolph moved off. 

"Felicia —" said her husband. The lady paused. "I intend thatRansom shall have a lesson, too. I shall take away theremaining week of his vacation. To-morrow he goes back toschool. I tell you, that you may give the necessary orders. "

"For this boy's freak, Mr. Randolph?"

"For what you please. He must learn that such behaviour is notpermitted here. "

Mrs. Randolph did not share the folly with which she chargedDaisy; for she made no answer at all, and only with a slighttoss of her haughty head resumed her walk out of the room. Daisy would fain have spoken, but she did not dare; and forsome minutes after they were left alone her father and shewere profoundly silent. Mr. Randolph revolving the behaviourof Daisy as he now understood it; her willing silence andenforced speech, and the gentleness manifested towards herbrother, with the meek obedience rendered to her mother andhimself. Perhaps his thoughts went deeper still. While Daisyreflected with sorrow on the state of mind sure to be producednow both in Ransom and Mrs. Randolph towards her. A matterwhich she could do nothing to help. She did not dare say oneword to change her father's purpose about Ransom; she knewquite well it would be no use. She stood silent by his sofa, one little hand resting fondly on his shoulder, but profoundlyquiet. Then she remembered that she had something else to talkabout. 

"Papa—" she said, wheeling round a little to face him. 

"Well, Daisy?"

"Do you feel like talking?"

"Hardly — it is so hot, " said Mr. Randolph. "Set open thatsash-door a little more, Daisy. Now come here. What is it?"

"Shall I wait till another time, papa?"

"No. "

He had passed an arm round her, and she stood as before withone hand resting on his shoulder. 

"Papa — it was about — what last night you said I might talkto you about. "

"I remember. Go on, Daisy. "

"Papa, " said the child, a little in doubt how to go on — "Iwant to do what is right. "

"There is generally little difficulty in doing that, Daisy. "

Daisy thought otherwise!

"Papa, I think mamma does not like me to do what I think isright, " she said, very low and humbly. 

"Your mother is the best judge, Daisy. What are you talkingabout?"

"_That_, papa — that you said I might talk to you about. "

"What is it? Let us understand one another clearly. "

"About — it was only that I liked to pray and give thanks aminute at meal times. " Daisy spoke very softly and as if shewould fain not have spoken. 

"That is a mere indifferent ceremony, Daisy, which some peopleperform. It is not binding on you, certainly, if your motherhas any objection to your doing it. "

"But, papa, " — Daisy began eagerly, and then checked herself, and went on slowly — "you would not like it if you were togive me anything, and I should not thank you?"

"Cases are not parallel, Daisy. "

She wondered in her simplicity why they were not; but herquestions had already ventured pretty far; she did not darecount too much upon her father's gentleness. She stood lookingat him with unsatisfied eyes. 

"In one sense we receive everything we have from the bounty ofHeaven. "

"Yes, papa. "

"If your wish were carried out, we should be covering ourfaces all the time — if that formality is needed in givingthanks. "

Daisy had thoughts, but she was afraid to utter them. Shelooked at Mr. Randolph with the same unsatisfied eyes. 

"Do you see, Daisy?"

"No, papa. "

"Don't you!" said Mr. Randolph, smiling. "Difficulties stillunsolved. Can you state them, Daisy?"

"Papa, you said I might show you in the Bible things — do youremember?"

"Things? What things?"

"Papa, if I wanted to do things that I thought were right —you promised that if you thought they were in the Bible, Imight do as it said. "

"Humph!" — said Mr. Randolph, with a very doubtful sort of agrunt, between displeasure at his own word, and annoyance atthe trouble it might bring upon him. Nevertheless, heremembered the promise. Daisy went on timidly. 

"When you get up — by and by, papa, — may I show you what isin the Bible?"

"You need not wait till I get up — show it to me now. "

"I cannot lift that big Bible, papa. "

Mr. Randolph rose up from the sofa, went to the shelves whereit lay, and brought the great Bible to the library table. Thenstood and watched Daisy, who kneeled in a chair by the tableand busily turned over the large leaves, her little face verywise and intent, her little hands small to manage the big bookbefore her. Had such a child and such a book anything to dowith each other, Mr. Randolph thought. But Daisy presentlyfound her place, and looking up at him drew a little back thather father might see it. He stooped over Daisy and read, "Ineverything give thanks. "

"Do you see it, papa?"

"Yes. "

"Then here is another place — I know where to find it —"

She turned over more leaves, stopped again, and Mr. Randolphstooped and read, "Giving thanks always for all things untoGod and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. "

Mr. Randolph read, and went and threw himself on his sofaagain. Daisy came beside him. A wistful earnestness in the oneface; a careless sort of embarrassment on the other. 

"You are led astray, little Daisy, by a common mistake ofignorant readers. You fancy that these words are to be takenliterally — whereas they mean simply that we should cultivatea thankful spirit. That, of course, I agree to. "

"But, papa, " said Daisy, "is a thankful spirit the same thingquite as giving thanks?"

"It is a much better thing, Daisy, in my opinion. "

"But, papa, would not a thankful spirit like to _give_ thanks?"

"I have no objection, Daisy. "

The tears came into Daisy's eyes. Her mother _had_. 

"Papa —"

"Well? Let us get to the end of this difficulty if we can. "

"I am afraid we cannot, papa. Because if you had told me to doa thing so, you would mean it just so, and I should do it. "

Mr. Randolph wrapped his arms round Daisy and brought herclose to his breast. "Look here, Daisy, " said he — "tell me. Do you really try to give thanks everywhere, and for allthings, as the word says?"

"I do not _try_, papa — I like to do it. "

"Do you give thanks for _everything?_"

"I think I do, papa; for everything that gives me pleasure. "

"For Mrs. Sandford's invitation to-day, for instance. "

"Oh, yes, papa, " said Daisy, smiling. 

He brought the little head down within reach of his lips andkissed it a good many times. 

"I wish my little Daisy would not think so much. "

"I think only to know what is right to do, papa. "

"It is right to mind mamma and me, and let us think for you. "

"And the Bible, papa?"

"You are quite growing an old woman a good while before thetime. "

Daisy kissed him with good childlike kisses, laying her littlehead in his neck and clasping her arms around him; for allthat, her heart was busy yet. 

"Papa, " she said, "what do you think is right for me to do?"

"Thinking exhausts me, Daisy. It is too hot to-day for such anexercise. "

Daisy drew back and looked at him, with one hand resting onhis shoulder. She did not dare urge any more in words; herlook spoke her anxious, disappointed questioning of herfather's meaning. Perhaps he did not care to meet such a gazeof inquiry, for he pulled her down again in his arms. 

"I do not want you to be an old woman. "

"But, papa — that is not the thing. "

"I will not have it, Daisy. "

"Papa, " she said with a small laugh, "what shall I do to helpit? I do not know how I came to be an old woman?"

"Go off and play with Nora Dinwiddie. Are you ready to go?"

"Yes, papa — except my hat and gloves. "

"Do not think any more to-day. I will think for you by and by. But, Daisy, why should you and I set ourselves up to be betterthan other people?"

"How, papa?"

"Do you know anybody else that lives up to your views on thesubject of thanksgiving?"

"Oh, yes, papa. "

"Who?"

Daisy softly said, "Juanita does, papa, I think. "

"A poor ignorant woman, Daisy, and very likely full ofsuperstitions. Her race often are. "

"What is a superstition, papa?"

"A religious notion which has no foundation in truth. "

"Then papa, can it be superstition to do just what God tellsus to do?"

"You are too deep for me, Daisy, " said Mr. Randolph, languidly. "Go and get ready for Dr. Sandford. He will be herepresently. "

So Daisy went, feeling very uncertain of the result of hertalk, but doubtful and discouraged. Mr. Randolph had a book inhand when she returned to the library: she could not speak tohim any more; and soon indeed the doctor came, helped her intohis gig, and drove off with her. 

Now it was pleasant. The fine gravelled roads in the groundsof Melbourne were in beautiful order after the rain; no dustrose yet, and all the trees and flowers were in a refreshedstate of life and sweetness. Truly it was a very hot day, butDaisy found nothing amiss. Neither, apparently, did thedoctor's good horse. He trotted along without seeming to mindthe sun; and Daisy in a good deal of glee enjoyed everything. It was private glee — in her own mind; she did not offer anyconversation; and the doctor, of Mr. Randolph's mind, perhaps, that it was a warm day, threw himself back in his seat andwatched her lazily. Daisy on the contrary sat up and lookedbusily out. They drove in the first place for a good distancethrough her own home grounds, coming out to the public road bythe church where Mr. Pyne preached, and near which thewintergreens grew. It looked beautiful this morning, with itsivy all washed and fresh from the rain. Indeed all nature wasin a sort of glittering condition. When they came out on thepublic way it was still beautiful; no dust, and fields andgrass and trees all shining. 

The road they travelled now was one scarce known to Daisy; thecarriages from Melbourne never went that way; another wasalways chosen at the beginning of all their excursions whetherof business or pleasure. No gentlemen's seats were to be seen;an occasional farmhouse stood in the midst of its crops andmeadows; and more frequently a yet poorer sort of house stoodclose by the roadside. The road in this place was sometimesrough, and the doctor's good horse left his trot and pickedhis way slowly along, giving Daisy by this means anopportunity to inspect everything more closely. There wasoften little pleasure in the inspection. About half a milefrom the church, Daisy's attention was drawn by one of thesepoor houses. It was very small, unpainted and dreary-looking, having a narrow court-yard between it and the road. As the gigwas very slowly going past, Daisy uttered an exclamation, thefirst word she had uttered in a long while. 

"Oh, Dr. Sandford! — what is that? Something is the matter!"

"No, " said the doctor coolly, "nothing is the matter — morethan usual. "

"But a woman was on her hands and knees on the ground? Wasn'tit a woman?"

"Yes. She cannot move about in any other way. She is acripple. "

"She cannot stand up?" said Daisy, looking distressed andhorrified. 

"No. She has no use of her lower limbs. She is accustomed toit, Daisy; she never had the use of them, or never for a verylong while. "

"Is she _old?_"

"Pretty old, I fancy. But she does not know her age herself, and nobody else knows it. "

"Has she got nice people to take care of her?"

The doctor smiled at the earnest little face. "She hasnobody. "

"No one to take care of her?" said Daisy. 

"No. She lives there alone. "

"But, Dr. Sandford, how does she do — how does she manage?"

"In some way that would be difficult for you and me tounderstand, I suppose — like the ways of the beavers andwasps. "

"I can understand those, " said Daisy, "they were made to getalong as they do; they have got all they want. "

Daisy was silent, musing, for a little time; then she brokeout again. 

"Isn't she very miserable, Dr. Sandford?"

"She is a very crabbed old thing, so the inference is fairthat she is miserable. In fact, I do not see how she can avoidit. "

Daisy pondered perhaps this misery which she could so littleimagine; however, she let the subject drop as to any morewords about it. She was only what the doctor called "quaintlysober, " all the rest of the way. 

"Why, she looks child-like and bright enough now, " said Mrs. Sandford, to whom he made the remark. 

Daisy and Nora were exchanging mutual gratulations. The doctorlooked at them. 

"At the rate in which she is growing old, " said he, "she willhave the soul of Methuselah in a body of twenty years. "

"I don't believe it, " said Mrs. Sandford. 

Nora and Daisy had a great day of it. Nothing broke the fullflow of business and pleasure during all the long hours; theday was not hot to them, nor the shadows long in coming. Behind the house there was a deep grassy dell through which abrook ran. Over this brook in the dell a great black walnuttree cast its constant flickering shadow; flickering when thewind played in the leaves and branches, although to-day theair was still and sultry, and the leaves and the shadows werestill too, and did not move. But there was life enough in thebranches of the old walnut, for a large family of greysquirrels had established themselves there. Old and young, large and small; it was impossible to tell, by counting, howmany there might be in the family; at least now, while theywere going in and out and running all over; but Nora said Mrs. Sandford had counted fifteen of them at one time. That was incold weather, when they had gathered on the piazza to get thenuts she threw to them. This kind of intercourse with societyhad made the squirrels comparatively tame, so that they had noparticular objections to show themselves to the two children;and when Nora and Daisy kept quiet they had greatentertainment in watching the gambols of the pretty greycreatures. One in particular, — the mother of the family, Norasaid, — was bolder or more familiar than the rest; and cameoften and came pretty near, to look at the children with herbright little eyes, and let them see her beautiful featherytail and graceful motions. It was a great delight to Daisy. Nora had seen them before, as she said, and did not care quiteso much about the sight. 

"I wonder what use squirrels are?" said Daisy. 

"I guess they are not of any use, " said Nora. 

"Oh, I guess everything is of use. "

"Why, no, it isn't, " said Nora. "Grass is not of any use. "

"Oh, Nora! Think — what would the cows and horses do?"

"Well, then, stones are not of any use. "

"Yes, they are — to build houses — don't you know?"

"Houses might be built of wood, " said Nora. 

"So they might. But then, Nora, wooden houses would not lastso long as stone ones. "

"Well — people could build new ones. "

"But houses might be wanted where there was not wood enough tobuild them. "

"I never saw such a place, " said Nora. "I never saw a placewhere there was not wood enough. And if there is such a placeanywhere, people could not live in it, because they would havenothing to make fires with. "

Daisy considered. 

"But Nora, I think it cannot be so. I guess everything is madefor some use. Dr. Sandford told me yesterday what the use isof those queer brown leaves that grow upon rocks — you know —and the use of little mosses, that I never thought before weregood for anything. They are to begin to prepare a place on therocks where things can grow. "

"Why, they grow themselves, " said Nora. 

"Yes, but I mean other things — ferns and flowers and otherthings. "

"Well, what is the use of _them?_" said Nora. 

"Oh, Nora — just think how pretty they are. "

"But prettiness isn't use. "

"I think it is, " said Daisy; "and I dare say they have otheruses that we do not know. And I think, Nora, that God wouldnot have taken such care to dress up the old rocks if therocks were no good. "

"Did He do it?" said Nora. 

"Why, certainly. He did everything, you know. "

"Of course; but I thought they just grew, " said Nora. 

The children were silent a little, watching the squirrels. Daisy began again abruptly. 

"Nora, did you ever see that crippled woman that lives on themill road a little way from our church?"

"Old Molly Skelton, do you mean?"

"I do not know what her name is — she cannot walk; she creepsabout as if she had no legs. "

"I've seen her. Isn't she horrid?"

"Did you ever see her near by?"

"No, I guess I haven't. I have heard Duke tell about her. "

"What? do tell me. "

"Oh, she's a horrid old thing — that is all I know. "

"How, horrid?"

"Why, she is wicked, and she don't know anything. She wouldhardly listen to Marmaduke when he wanted to talk to her. "

"Has she got a Bible, I wonder?" said Daisy, in an awestruckvoice. 

"She? She can't read. She don't know anything; and she is asugly and cross as she can be. "

"Was she cross to Mr. Dinwiddie?"

"Yes, indeed. He said he never saw such a crabbed old thing. Oh, she's horrid. I don't like to ride by that way. "

The children were called in to dinner, and kept in the houseby Mrs. Sandford during the intensest heat of the day. Butwhen the afternoon was cooling off, or at least growing lessoppressive, the two children again sought the shade under thewalnut tree, where the gurgle of the water over the stones, and the company of the squirrels in the tree, made the placepleasant. And there they sat down in a great state of mutualcontentment. Nora's feet were swinging about for very jollity. But Daisy sat still. Perhaps she was tired. Nevertheless itcould not be that which made her little face by and by take onit as profound an expression as if she had been looking overall Methuselah's years. 

"Nora —" said Daisy, and stopped. 

"What?" said Nora, kicking her heels. 

"You know that poor old crippled woman — what did you callher?"

"Molly Skelton. "

"Suppose you were in her place — what do you think you wouldwish for, "

"In her place!" said Nora. "I should wish for everything. "

"Yes, but I mean, things that you could have. "

"I should wish some doctor would come and make me straight, the first thing; and then —"

"No, Nora, but I mean, things that might be possible, youknow. I do not mean things like a fairy tale. "

"I don't know, " said Nora. "I don't believe Molly Skeltonwishes for anything. "

"But what would you wish for, in her place?"

"I should want to be straight, and stand and go about likeother people. "

"Yes, Nora, but I say! I mean, what would you wish for thatwould not be impossible?"

"Why, Daisy, how funny! Let me see. I should wish thatsomebody would come and be good to me, I think. "

"How?"

"Oh — tell me stories and read to me, and take tea with me —and I don't know what!"

"Do you suppose nobody ever does take tea with her?" saidDaisy, upon whose fancy a new shadow of wretchedness darkened. 

"I guess not, " said Nora. "I don't believe anybody would. Iguess nobody likes her well enough, she is so bad. "

"Who gets her tea for her then?"

"Why, nobody. She does it herself. "

"How can she?"

"I don't know. Marmaduke says she keeps her house clean too, though she only goes about on her hands and knees. "

"Nora, " said Daisy, "that isn't like the Bible. "

"What isn't?"

"Don't you remember what the Bible says? that whatever wewould like other people to do to us, we should do so to them. "

"What do you mean, Daisy?"

"I mean just so. "

"But what isn't like the Bible?"

"Why — to let that poor old woman go without what we wouldlike if we were in her place. "

"Why, Daisy! Molly Skelton! The Bible does not mean that weought to go and make visits to such horrid people as that. "

"You said you would like it if you were in her place, "observed Daisy, "and I know I should. I thought so when youtold me. "

"But, Daisy, she is wicked!"

"Well, Jesus loves wicked people, " said Daisy, calmly. "Maybeshe will wear a white robe in heaven, and have a crown of goldupon her head. "

"Daisy! — she is wicked, " exclaimed Nora, indignantly. "Wickedpeople do not go to heaven. "

"Yes, but if Jesus gives them His white robe, they do, " saidDaisy. "He came to save wicked people. "

"I don't want to talk any more about Molly Skelton, " saidNora. "Look, Daisy! — there's the old mother squirrel peepingout of her hole. Do you see? Now she is coming out — see herblack eyes! now there's her beautiful feather tail!"

This subject was to the full as interesting to Daisy as it wasto her friend; and in watching the grey family in the walnuttree, and trying to induce them to come near and get somealmonds, the rest of the afternoon flew by. Only the "mothersquirrel" could be tempted near; but she, older in experienceand wisdom than her young ones, did venture into theneighbourhood of the children, attracted by the nuts theythrew down; and getting pretty close to them, before she wouldventure quite so far as where the nuts lay, she sat down onher haunches to look and see whether all were safe; curlingher thick, light plume of a tail up along her back, orwhisking it about in various lines of beauty, while her brightlittle black eyes took all the observations they were equalto. It was unending amusement for the children; and then tosee Mrs. Bunny finally seize an almond and spring away withit, was very charming. So the afternoon sped; nor ever broughtone moment of weariness, until the summons came to bid thechildren into the house again to tea. 

CHAPTER XXVIII. 

MRS. GARY'S PRESENT. 

After tea the doctor took Daisy in his gig and drove her home. The drive was unmarked by a single thing; except that just asthey were passing the cripple's house Daisy broke silence andasked, "Is that woman — Molly Skelton — is she very poor, Dr. Sandford?"

"If to live on charity be poor. I do not suppose theneighbours let her suffer. "

"Is she cross to everybody, Dr. Sandford?"

"She has the name of it, I believe, Daisy. I really do notremember whether she was cross to me or not. "

"Then you know her?"

"Yes. I know everybody. "

The family at Melbourne were found just taking their late teaas the doctor and Daisy entered. They were met with complaintsof the heat; though Daisy thought the drawing room wasexceeding pleasant, the air came in at the long windows withsuch gentle freshness from the river. 

The doctor took a cup of tea and declared the day wasexcellent if you only rode fifty miles through the heat of it. "Coolness is coolness, after that, " he said. 

Daisy sat in a corner and wondered at the people. Hot? andsuffocating? she had no recollection of any such thing allday. How delicious it had been in that green dell under thewalnut tree, with the grey squirrels!

"How has it been with you, Daisy?" said her aunt at last. 

"Nice, aunt Gary. "

Two or three people smiled; Daisy's favourite word came outwith such a dulcet tone of a smooth and clear spirit. It was asyrup drop of sweetness in the midst of flat and acidqualities. 

"It has been satisfactory, has it?" said her aunt, in a tonewhich did not share the character. "Come here, Daisy — I havegot something for you. You know I robbed you a little whileago, and promised to try to find something to make amends. Nowcome and see if I have done it. Preston, fetch that box here. "

A neat wooden case of some size was brought by Preston and setat his mother's feet. Mrs. Gary unlocked it, and went on totake out of its enveloping coverings a very elegant Frenchdoll; a real empress Eugιnie. The doll's face was evenmodelled into some likeness to the beauty she was named after;a diadem sat gracefully on her head, and her robes were aminiature imitation of royalty, but very exquisitelyfashioned. Everybody exclaimed at the perfection of thebeautiful toy, except Daisy herself who stood quite still andquiet looking at it. Mrs. Gary had not done yet. The empresshad a wardrobe; and such variety and elegance and finish ofattire of all sorts rarely falls to the lot of a doll. A verylarge wardrobe it was, and every article perfectly finishedand well made as if meant for actual wear. Mrs. Gary displayedher present; Daisy looked on, standing by her father's kneeand with one hand resting on it. 

"Have you nothing to say to express your pleasure, Daisy?" —This was Mrs. Randolph's question. 

Daisy at the word pronounced a sober "I thank you, aunt Gary. "But it was so very sober and passionless that Mrs. Randolphgrew impatient. 

"I do not hear you express any pleasure, Daisy, " she said, meaningly. 

Daisy turned her face towards her mother with a doubtful look, and was silent. 

"Speak!" said Mrs. Randolph. 

"What, mamma?"

"Whatever you choose, to show your sense of your aunt'skindness. "

"Do not concern yourself, my dear, " said her sister. "I amsorry if I have failed in meeting Daisy's taste — that isall. "

"Daisy, speak, or leave the room" — said Mrs. Randolph. 

"Mamma, " said Daisy, pushed into a corner, "I would speak, butI do not know what to say. "

"Tell your aunt Gary she has given you a great deal ofpleasure. "

Daisy looked again mutely at her mother, somewhat distressed. 

"Tell her so, Daisy!" Mrs. Randolph repeated, in a tone ofcommand. 

"I cannot, mamma —" the child answered, sorrowfully. 

"Do you mean to tell your aunt that her exquisite presentgives you _no_ pleasure?"

"I did not intend to tell her so, " Daisy answered, in a lowvoice. Another storm rising! Storms seemed to get up veryeasily in these days. 

"My dear, " said Mrs. Gary, "do not concern yourself. It is notof the least consequence, as far as I am concerned. Preston, remove this box. If Daisy chooses to receive it, perhaps itwill find more favour at another time. "

Mrs. Gary got up and moved off. 

"Mr. Randolph, I will trouble you to dismiss Daisy, " said hiswife. "If she cannot behave properly she cannot be in the roomwith me. "

Daisy was still standing with her hand on her father's knee. The other little hand came for a moment across her brows andrested there; but she would not cry; her lip did not eventremble. 

"First let me understand, " said her father; and he liftedDaisy on his knee kindly. "Daisy, I never saw you uncivilbefore. "

"Papa, I am very sorry —" said the child. 

"Can you explain it?"

"Papa, I would have been civil if I could; but I had nothingto say. "

"That is the very place where a person of good manners showshimself different from a person who has no manners at all. Good manners finds something to say. "

"But, papa, there was nothing _true_. "

"The doll gave you no pleasure?"

"No, papa, " said Daisy, low. 

"And you felt no obligation for the thoughtfulness andkindness of your aunt in getting for you so elegant apresent?"

Daisy hesitated and flushed. 

"Daisy, answer, " said her father, gravely. 

"No, papa, " — Daisy said, low as before. 

"Why not?"

"Papa, " said Daisy, with a good deal of difficulty andhesitation — "that is all passed — I do not want to sayanything more about it. "

"About what?"

"About — papa, I do not think mamma would like to have me talkabout it. "

"Go on, Daisy. — About what?"

"All that trouble we had, papa. "

"What I want to know is, why you did not feel grateful foryour aunt's kindness just now, which she had been at somepains to show you. "

"Papa, " said Daisy, wistfully, — "it was not kindness — it waspay; and I did not want pay. "

"Pay? For what?"

"For my Egyptian spoon, papa. "

"I do not understand what you are talking of, Daisy. "

"No, papa, " said Daisy; so simply showing her wish that heshould not, as well as her knowledge that he did not, that Mr. Randolph could not forbear smiling. 

"But I mean to understand it, " he said. 

"It was my old Egyptian spoon, papa; the doll was meant to bepay for that. "

A little explanation was necessary in order to bring to Mr. Randolph's mind the facts Daisy referred to, the spoon itselfand the time and occasion when it was bestowed on her. 

"Did you give your Egyptian spoon to your aunt Gary?"

"I said she might have it, papa. "

"Unwillingly?"

"No, papa — willingly. "

"In exchange for this doll?"

"Oh, no, papa — not in exchange for anything. I did not wantany exchange. "

"If I remember, Daisy, " said Mr. Randolph, "your aunt Garydesired to have that spoon the very day it was given to you;and I thought you did not wish she should have it?"

"No, papa — so I didn't. "

"Your mind changed afterward?"

"I do not think my mind changed, " said Daisy, slowly — "but Iwas willing she should have it. "

"Daisy, this whole affair is a mystery to me yet. In thiscase, why was it not kind in your aunt to bestow this Frenchdoll upon you? It seems to me very kind. "

"Yes papa — you do not understand. "

"Make me understand. Daisy, I command you to tell me all thatyou have not told me. You need not think of anything now, except my command. "

Daisy did, perhaps; for now her lip quivered slightly; and fora moment she hid her face, in her father's bosom. Mr. Randolphwrapped his arms round her and stooped his head to hear thestory which Daisy was obliged to give. She gave it fully, andhe heard it quite through in silence. And he made noobservation upon it when it was finished; he only asked her, "Was there no resentment in your refusal of thanks to youraunt just now?"

"No, papa" — said Daisy; with too sweet and artless utterancefor him to doubt her. 

"But, then, Daisy, we come back to the cause of your mother'sdispleasure. Good breeding requires that people should not berude, even by silence. "

"Papa, I did not know how to be polite with truth. "

"You could have said you were very much obliged to your aunt. "

"But, I was _not_, papa. "

"Not obliged to her?"

"No, sir. "

"But, Daisy, that is a civil form of expression which it isusual to avail oneself of upon such occasions. It does notnecessarily mean much. "

"But, papa, would she not have thought I meant it, if I hadsaid so?"

"Very likely. That is the polite advantage gained. "

"But papa, _I_ should have known that I did not mean it; and itwould not have been true. "

"This is getting to be too deep a question for you to discussto-night — it is time for you to go to bed. But I cannot haveyou rude. "

Daisy kissed her father, who had been extremely gentle andtender with her, and went off to her room. Mr. Randolph's browlooked moody. 

"Have you brought Daisy's ideas into order?" asked his wife, who had been engaged in conversation with Dr. Sandford. 

"She has rather brought confusion into mine, " said thegentleman. 

"What is the matter?"

"Truth and Daisy, _versus_ civility and the world. And it is notso easy to make a child comprehend some of the finedistinctions we are accustomed to draw. White and black are_very_ white and black, to such eyes, and no allowance is madefor a painter's lights and shades. "

"She must make allowance for what your eyes see, " said Mrs. Randolph. 

Mr. Randolph made no answer. 

"Daisy is entirely changed, " her mother went on, — "and isbecome utterly obstinate and unmanageable. Perfectly self-important too — she thinks there is no wisdom now but her own. I may thank you for it, Dr. Sandford. "

"You do me too much honour, " said the doctor. 

"It is an honour you share with Mr. Dinwiddie. "

"I did not know I shared anything with Mr. Dinwiddie. "

"He has infected the child with a set of perfectly fanaticalnotions; and you persisted in keeping her under thatcreature's care, where they had time to grow strong. "

"I will do all I can to repair mischief done, " said thedoctor. "Mrs. Benoit is a good nurse for the body, and youwill bear me witness it was for repairs of _that_ I was calledin. What is the other damage referred to?"

"Fanaticism. "

"Rather young for that disease to take deep root, " said thedoctor. 

"Anything takes deep root in Daisy; whatever she takes up sheholds to. "

"I advise you to let her be fanatical then a little whilelonger, " said the doctor, "till she has time to lay up somestrength. "

And the doctor took his departure. 

"I am sure that is wise counsel, Felicia, " Mr. Randolph said. But the lady made him no answer. 

Ransom went off to school the next day, as his father hadpromised. Mrs. Randolph looked very gloomy; Mrs. Gary lookedlot otherwise; and Daisy thought the mental and social horizonforeboded stormy weather. But very happily, as it seemed toher, before dinner there was an arrival of some expectedvisitors, coming to stay for a time in the house. They hadbeen desired as well as expected; there was a famous lady anda learned gentleman among them; and every eye and ear weretaken up with attending to their words or waiting upon theirmovements. Daisy and her concerns were, she thought, forgotten. 

She enjoyed the feeling of this for a little while; and thenordered her pony chaise. And presently you might have seen alittle figure in a white frock come out upon the front steps, with a large flat on her head, and driving gloves on herhands, and in one of them a little basket. Down the steps shecame and took her place in the chaise and gathered up thereins. The black pony was ready, with another boy in place ofSam; nobody interfered with her; and off they went, the wheelsof the little chaise rolling smoothly over the gravel, Loupein a gentle waddling trot, and Daisy in a contented state ofmind. It was very pleasant! Clear sunny air, yet not too hot, and the afternoon shadows beginning to make all things looklovely. Daisy took the way to the church, passed out upon thehigh road, and turned the pony's head in the direction whichshe had taken with Dr. Sandford the day before. She did not goquite so fast, however; so that it was a little time beforeshe came in sight of the poor old house which she recognisedas Molly Skelton's. Daisy drew the reins then, and let Loupewalk slowly up a slight ascent in the road which led to it. But when the chaise was fairly opposite the house door, Daisydrew the reins still more and brought Loupe to a standstill. She peered forth then anxiously to see if the poor old inmateof the house were to be seen anywhere. 

As she looked, the house door opened; and with a verystraitened and touched heart Daisy watched the crippled oldcreature come from within, crawl down over the door step, andmake her slow way into the little path before the house. Apath of a few yards ran from the road to the house door, andit was bordered with a rough-looking array of flowers. —Rough-looking, because they were set or had sprung up ratherconfusedly, and the path between had no care but was only wornby the feet of travellers and the hands and knees of the poorinhabitant of the place. Yet some sort of care was bestowed onthe flowers themselves, for no weeds had been suffered tochoke them; and even the encroaching grass had been removedfrom trespassing too nearly on their little occupation ofground. The flowers themselves shot up and grew as they had amind. Prince's feather was conspicuous, and some raggedbalsams. A few yellow marigolds made a forlorn attempt to lookbright, and one tall sunflower raised its great head above allthe rest; proclaiming the quality of the little kingdom whereit reigned. 

The poor cripple moved down a few steps from the house door, and began grubbing with her hands around the roots of a bunchof balsams. Daisy looked a minute or two, very still, and thenbade the boy hold her pony; while, without troubling herselfabout his mystification, she got out of the chaise, and, basket in hand, opened the wicket, and softly went up thepath. The neat little shoes and spotless white dress wereclose beside the poor creature grubbing there in the groundbefore she knew it, and there they stood still; Daisy was agood deal at a loss how to speak. She was not immediatelyperceived; the head of the cripple had a three-corneredhandkerchief thrown over it to defend it from the sun, and shewas earnestly grubbing at the roots of her balsam; the earth-stained fingers and the old brown stuff dress, which was ofcourse dragged along in the dirt too, made a sad contrast withthe spotless freshness of the little motionless figure thatwas at her side, almost touching her. Daisy concluded to waittill she should be seen, and then speak, though how to speakshe did not very well know, and she rather dreaded the moment. 

It came, when, in throwing her weeds aside, a glance of thecripple saw, instead of stones and grass, two very neat andblack and well-shaped little shoes planted there almost withinreach of her hand. She drew herself back from the balsam, andlooked sideways up, to see what the shoes belonged to. Daisysaw her face then; it was a bad face; so disagreeable that shelooked away from it instantly to the balsams. 

"What are you doing to your flowers?" she asked, gently. 

The gentle little child-voice seemed to astonish the woman, although after an instant she made surly answer, "Whosebusiness is it?"

"Wouldn't it be easier, " said Daisy, not looking at her, "ifyou had something to help you get the weeds up? Don't you wanta fork, or a hoe, or something?"

"I've got forks, " said the cripple, sullenly. "I use 'em toeat with. "

"No, but I mean, something to help you with the weeds, " saidDaisy — "that sort of fork, or a trowel. "

The woman spread her brown fingers of both hands, like birds'claws, covered with the dirt in which she had been digging. "I've got forks enough, " she said, savagely — "there's whatgoes into my weeds. Now go 'long! —"

The last words were uttered with a sudden jerk, and as shespoke them she plunged her hands into the dirt, and bringingup a double handful, cast it with a spiteful fling upon theneat little black shoes. Woe to white stockings, if they hadbeen visible; but Daisy's shoes came up high and tight aroundher ankle, and the earth thrown upon them fell off easilyagain; except only that it lodged in the eyelet holes of theboot-lacing and sifted through a little there, and some hadgone as high as the top of the boot and fell in. — Quiteenough to make Daisy uncomfortable, besides that the actionhalf frightened her. She quitted the ground, went back to herpony chaise without even attempting to do anything with thecontents of her basket. Daisy could go no further with herfeet in this condition She turned the pony's head, and droveback to Melbourne. 

CHAPTER XXIX. 

THE ROSE-BUSH. 

"Will I take him to the stable, Miss Daisy?" inquired the boy, as Daisy got out at the back door. 

"No. Just wait a little for me, Lewis. "

Upstairs went Daisy; took off her boots and got rid of thesoil they had brought home; that was the first thing. Then, inspotless order again, she went back to Lewis and inquiredwhere Logan was at work. Thither she drove the pony chaise. 

"Logan, " said Daisy, coming up to him — she had left Loupe inLewis's care — "what do you use to help you get up weeds?"

"Maybe a hoe, Miss Daisy; or whiles a weeding fork. "

"Have you got one here. "

"No, Miss Daisy. Was it a fork you were wanting?"

"Yes, I want one, Logan. "

"And will you be wanting it now?"

"Yes, I want it now, if you please. "

"Bill, you go home and get Miss Daisy one o' them small handforks — out o' that new lot — them's slenderer. "

"And Logan, I want another thing. I want a little rose-bush —and if you can, I want it with a rose open or a bud on it. "

"A rose-bush!" said Logan. "Ye want it to be set some place, nae doute?"

"Yes, I do; but I want to set it out myself, Logan; so it mustnot be too big a bush, you know, for I couldn't manage it. "

"Perhaps Miss Daisy had better let me manage it. It's dirtywork, Miss Daisy. "

"No; I only want the rose bush. I will take care of it, Logan. Have you got one that I can have?"

"Ou, ay, Miss Daisy! there's a forest of rose bushes — ye canjust please yourself. "

"Where is it?"

Seeing his little mistress was greatly in earnest and must bepresently satisfied, Logan cast a wistful glance or two at hisown proper work in hand which he was abandoning, and walkedaway with Daisy. The flower garden and nursery were at somedistance; but Daisy trudged along as patiently as he. Herlittle face was busy-looking now and eager, as well as wise;but no tinge of colour would yet own itself at home in thosepale cheeks. Logan glanced at her now and then and was, as shesaid, "very good. " He thought he was about the best business, after all, that could occupy him. He directed his steps to agreat garden that yet was not the show garden, but hid awaybehind the plantations of trees and shrubbery. There were avast number of plants and flowers here, too; but they were notin show order, and were in fact only the reserve stock, forsupplying vacancies or preparing changes, or especially forfurnishing cut flowers to the house; of which a large quantitymust every day be sent in. There was a very nursery of rosetrees, smaller and larger. Logan peered about, very particularin his own line as to how every thing should be done; at lasthe found and chose just the right thing for Daisy. A slender, thrifty young plant, with healthy strong leaves and shoots, and at the top a bud showing red, and a half opened sweetrose. Daisy was quite satisfied. 

"Now where is it going, Miss Daisy?" Logan inquired. 

"I am going to plant it out myself, Logan; it is going in aplace — where I want it. "

"Surely! but does Miss Daisy know how to plant a rose tree?"

"Won't you tell me how, Logan?"

"Weel, Miss Daisy, there must be a hole dug for it, in thefirst place; you must take a trowel and make a hole for it —But your dress will be the waur!" he exclaimed, glancing athis little mistress's spotless draperies. 

"Never mind; only go on and tell me exactly how to manage, Logan. "

"Does Miss Daisy intend to do it this afternoon?"

"Yes. "

"Aweel, you must take a trowel and make a hole, " said Logan, nipping off some useless buds and shoots from the plants inhis neighbourhood as he was speaking — "and be sure your holeis deep as it should be; and make the bottom soft with yourtrowel, or throw in a little earth, well broken, for the rootsto rest on —"

"How shall I know when my hole is deep enough?"

"Weel, Miss Daisy, it depends on the haighth of the roots — yemust even try and see till ye get it deep enough; but whateverye do, keep the crown of the plant above ground. "

"And what is the crown of the plant, Logan?"

Logan stooped down, and put his fingers to the stem of a rosetree. 

"It's just called the crown o' the plant, Miss Daisy, herewhere the roots goes one way and the stem springs up another. Miss Daisy sees, there's a kind o' shouther there. "

"No, I don't see, " said Daisy. 

Logan put in his spade, and, with a turn or two, brought upthe little rose bush he had chosen for her purpose; andholding the ball of earth in his hand, showed her the part ofthe plant he spoke of, just above the surface of the soil. 

"It's the most tenderest pairt of the vegetable nature, " hesaid; "and it must be kept out of the ground, where it canbreathe, like; it won't answer to cover it up. "

"I will not, " said Daisy. "Then? —"

"Then, when ye have gotten the place prepared, ye must set inthis ball of earth, as haill as ye can keep it; but if it getsbroken off, as it's like it will! —then ye must set the rootskindly in on the soft earth, and let them lie just natural;and put in the soft earth over them; and when ye have got alittle in press it clown a bit; and then more, after the samemanner, until it's all filled up. "

"Why must it be pressed down?"

"Weel, Miss Daisy, it must be dune; the roots is accustomed tohave the soil tight round them, and they don't like it unlessthey have it so. It's a vara good way, to have a watering potof water and make a puddle in the bottom of the hole, and setthe roots in that, and throw in the soil; and then it settlesitself all round them, and ye need not to coax it with yourfingers. But if ye don't puddle the roots, the bush must bewell watered and soaked when ye have dune. "

"Very well, Logan — thank you. Now please put it in a basketfor me, with a trowel, and let me take a watering pot of watertoo; or Lewis can carry that, can't he?"

"He can take whatever ye have a mind, " said Logan; "but whereis it going?"

"I'll take the basket with the rose, " said Daisy — "it's goinga little way — you can set it just here, in my chaise, Logan. "

The gardener deposited the basket safely in the chaise, andDaisy got in and shook the reins. Lewis, much wondering and alittle disgustful, was accommodated with a watering pot fullof water, by the grinning Logan. 

"See ye ride steady now, boy, " he said. "Ye won't want to showany graces of horsemanship, the day!"

Whatever Lewis might have wanted, the necessity upon him waspretty stringent. A watering pot full of water he found a veryuncomfortable bundle to carry on horseback; he was bound toride at the gentlest of paces, or inflict an involuntary coldbath upon himself every other step. Much marvelling at thearrangement which made a carriage and horses needful to move arose-bush, Lewis followed, as gently as he could, the progressof his little mistress's pony-chaise; which was much swifterthan he liked it; until his marvelling was increased by itsturning out of Melbourne grounds and taking a course up theroad again. Towards the same place! On went Daisy, much toofast for the watering pot; till the cripple's cottage came insight a second time. There, just at the foot of the littlerise in the road which led up to the cottage gate, Loupesuddenly fell to very slow going. The watering pot went easilyenough for several yards; and then Loupe stopped. What was thematter?

Something was the matter, yet Daisy did not summon Lewis. Shesat quite still, looking before her up to the cottage, with athoughtful, puzzled, troubled face. The matter was, that justthere, and not before, the remembrance of her mother's commandhad flashed on her — that she should have nothing to do withany stranger out of the house unless she had first got leave. Daisy was stopped short. Get leave? She would never get leaveto speak again to that poor crabbed, crippled, forlorncreature; and who else would take up the endeavour to be kindto her? Who else would even try to win her to a knowledge ofthe Bible and Bible joys? and how would that poor ignorantmortal ever get out of the darkness into the light? Daisy didnot know how to give her up; yet she could not go on. Thesweet rose on the top of her little rose-tree mocked her, withkindness undone and good not attempted. Daisy sat still, confounded at this new barrier her mother's will had put inher way. 

Wheels came rapidly coursing along the road in front of her, and in a moment Dr. Sandford's gig had whirled past thecottage and bore down the hill. But recognizing the ponychaise in the road, he too came to a stop as sudden as Daisy'shad been. The two were close beside each other. 

"Where away, Daisy?"

"I do not understand, Dr. Sandford. "

"Where are you going? or rather, why are you standing stillhere?"

"Because I was in doubt what to do. "

"Did the doubt take you here, in the middle of the road?"

"Yes, Dr. Sandford. "

"What is it, Daisy? To whom are you carrying a rose-bush?"

"I am afraid — nobody. "

"What is the matter — or the doubt?"

"It is a question of duty, Dr. Sandford. "

"Then I will decide it for you. Go on and do what you wish todo. That will be right. "

"Oh, no, sir, " said Daisy, smiling at her adviser — that isjust what would be wrong. I cannot. "

"Cannot what?"

"Do that, sir; do what I wish to do. " And Daisy sighed withal. 

"What do you wish to do?"

The doctor was quite serious, and as usual a little imperativein his questions, and Daisy knew him to be trusted. 

"I wanted to take this little rose-bush and set it out in thegarden up there. "

"_There?_ do you mean the garden of that cottage?" said thedoctor, pointing with his whip. 

"Yes, sir. "

"Are you bound thither now?"

"No, sir — I am going home. "

"Rose-bush and all? Daisy, let Lewis get Loupe home, and youcome here and ride with me. Come! I want you. "

Truly Daisy wanted nothing else. She left rose-bush andwatering pot, chaise and pony, to Lewis's management, andgladly let the doctor take her up beside him. She liked todrive with him; he had a fine horse and went fast; and therewere other reasons. 

Now they drove off in fine style; fast, over the good roads;whisked by Melbourne, sped away along south, catching glimpsesof the river from time to time, with the hills on the furtherside hazily blue and indistinct with the September haze ofsunbeams. Near hand the green of plantations and woodland wasvaried with brown grainfields, where grain had been, and withripening Indian corn and buckwheat; but more especially withhere and there a stately roof-tree or gable of some fine newor old country house. The light was mellow, the air was good;in the excitement of her drive Daisy half forgot herperplexity and discomfiture. Till the doctor said, suddenlylooking round at her with a smile, "Now I should like to knowthe history of that rose-bush. "

"Oh, there is no history about it, " said Daisy, quite taken bysurprise. 

"Everything has a beginning, a middle, and an end, " said thedoctor. "What was the beginning of this?"

"Only, Dr. Sandford, " said Daisy, doubtfully, — "I was sorryfor that poor woman, after what you told me about her. "

"Molly Skelton?"

"Yes, sir. "

"And you thought to comfort her with rose-bushes?"

"No sir, — but — I wanted to get on good terms with her. "

"Are you on any other terms?"

"She does not know me, you know, sir, " said Daisy, lifting toher friend a face that was beyond his comprehension, — "and Ido not think she was very well pleased to see me in her gardena little while ago. "

"You have been in her garden, then?"

"Yes, sir. "

"Daisy, will you excuse me for asking, why you should be onany terms whatever with Molly Skelton?"

"She is so unhappy, Dr. Sandford, " — Daisy said, looking upagain. 

"And do you think you can do anything to make her lessunhappy?"

"I thought" — Daisy did not look up now, but the doctorwatching her saw a witnessing tinge that he knew coming abouther eyelids, and a softened line of lip, that made him listenthe closer, — "I thought — I might teach her something thatwould make her happy, — if I could. "

"What would you teach her, Daisy?"

"I would teach her to read — perhaps — I thought; if she wouldlike me and let me. "

"Is reading a specific for happiness?"

"No sir — but — the Bible!" Daisy said, with a sudden glance. And so clear and sure the speech of her childish eye was, thatthe doctor, though believing nothing of it, would not breathea question of that which she believed. 

"Oh, that is it!" he said. "Well, Daisy, this is thebeginning; but though I came in upon the middle of the subjectI do not understand it yet. Why did not the rose-tree get toits destination!"

"Because — I remembered, just when I had got to the bottom ofthe hill, that mamma would not let me. "

Daisy's tone of voice told more than she knew of her subduedstate of disappointment. 

"Mrs. Randolph had forbidden you to go to Molly's cottage?"

"No sir; but she had forbidden me to speak to anybody withouthaving her leave. I had forgotten it till just that minute. "

"Ask her leave, and then go. What is the difficulty in that, Daisy?"

"She will not give me leave, Dr. Sandford. Mamma does not likeme to do such things. "

"Do you care much about it?"

"Yes, sir. "

"Present your request to Mrs. Randolph to-morrow, Daisy — thatis my advice to you. "

"It would be no use, Dr. Sandford. "

"Perhaps not; but I advise you to take my advice; and lay therose-bush by the heels till to-morrow afternoon. "

"By the heels, sir. "

"Yes. Logan will tell you what that means. "

Daisy looked with such a gaze of steadfast inquiry up in thedoctor's face, that he had hard work to command hiscountenance. She could not make out anything from his face, except that somehow she got a little encouragement from it;and then they whirled in at the gate of Melbourne, and inanother minute were at home. Daisy went off to see after herrose-bush, find Logan, and have it laid by the heels. Thedoctor marched in through the hall, into the library, and thencatching sight of Mr. Randolph on the piazza, he went outthere. Mr. Randolph was enjoying the September sunlight, andseemed to be doing nothing else. 

"Good afternoon!" said the doctor. 

"How do you do?" said Mr. Randolph. "Can you, possibly havebusiness on hand, doctor, in this weather?"

"Very good weather for business, " said the doctor. 

"Too good. It is enough to look and breathe. "

All Mr. Randolph was doing, apparently. He was lounging on asettee, with a satisfied expression of countenance. The doctorput himself in a great cane chair and followed the directionof his host's eyes, to the opposite river and mountains; overwhich there was a glory of light and atmosphere. Came back toMr. Randolph's face with an air of the disparaged business. 

"It is not bad, driving. "

"No, I suppose not!"

"Your little daughter likes business better than you do. "

A smile came over Mr. Randolph's face, a smile of muchmeaning. 

"She likes it too well, doctor. I wish I could infuse somedegree of nonchalant carelessness into Daisy's little wisehead. "

"We must deal with things as we find them, " said the doctor. "I met her this afternoon in the road, with a carriage-load ofbusiness on hand; but what was very bad for her, it wasarrested business. "

"How do you mean?"

The doctor rose here to give his chair to Mrs. Randolph, whostepped out through the library window. He fetched another forhimself, and went on. 

"She was in the middle of the road, her chaise loaded withbaskets and greenhouse plants, and with a general distributionof garden tools between herself and her outrider. All in themiddle of the road at a stand-still — chaise and pony and all, — and Daisy herself in particular. I found it was aninterrupted expedition, and invited Daisy to take a ride withme; which she did, and I got at the rationale of the affair. And I come now to make the request, as her physician, not asher friend, that her expeditions may be as little interferedwith as possible. Let her energies work. The very best thingfor her is that they should find something to work upon, andreceive no interruption. "

"What interrupted her this afternoon. "

"Conscience — as I understand it. "

"There is no dealing with Daisy's conscience, doctor, " saidMr. Randolph, with a smile. "What _that_ says, Daisy feelsherself bound to do. "

"Do not burden her conscience then, " said the doctor. "Notjust now — till she gets stronger. "

"Where was she going this afternoon?" Mrs. Randolph asked inher calm voice. 

"On an errand of the most Utopian benevolence —"

"Having what for its object?"

"A miserable old crippled creature, who lives in a poorcottage about half a mile from your gate. "

"What was Daisy desiring to do, doctor?"

"Carry some comfort to this forlorn thing, I believe; whomnobody else thinks of comforting. "

"Do you know what shape the comfort was to take?"

"I think, " said the doctor, — "I am not quite sure, but Ithink, it was a rose-bush. "

Mr. Randolph looked at his wife and straightened himself up toa sitting posture. 

"And what hindered her, Dr. Sandford?"

"I think, some understanding that she had not liberty to goon. "

"Very proper in Daisy, " said Mrs. Randolph. 

"That is your child who is wanting in docility, " remarked Mr. Randolph. 

"She might have remembered my orders before she got so far, " —said the lady. 

"I wish you would change the orders, " said Dr. Sandford, boldly. 

"Not even to oblige you, doctor, " said Mrs. Randolph. "Daisyhas an idea that the companions who are not fit for her areprecisely the ones whom she should cultivate. "

"I think Daisy would state the question differently, however, "Mr. Randolph remarked. 

"She has a tinge of the wildest fanaticism, " Mrs. Randolphwent on, dropping her work, and facing the doctor. "Whereverthere are rags and dirt, there, by force of contrast, Daisythinks it is her business to go. This is a miserable place, Isuppose, that she was aiming for this afternoon — is it not?"

"Very miserable. But the point is, to visit it would have madeDaisy happy. "

"It is sheer fanaticism!" said Mrs. Randolph. "I cannot lether encourage it. If I did, she would not be fit for anythingby and by. She is fit for very little now. "

"You will of course judge as you please about it, " said thedoctor; "but it is my duty to tell you that the danger in thatline is far more than compensated by the advantage to begained. For Daisy's health, she should be checked in nothing;let her go where she will and do what she will; the morebusiness on hand the better, that carries her out of doors andout of herself. With a strong body and secure health, you willfind it far easier to manage fanaticism. "

"I am sure Dr. Sandford is right, Felicia, " said Mr. Randolph. 

"I know Daisy —" said the lady. 

"I think I know fanaticism, " said the doctor; "and if I do, the best thing you can do with it is to give it plenty of sunand air. "

"Is it quite safe for Daisy to go to this cottage you speakof?" Mr. Randolph asked. 

"Quite safe. "

"I cannot think of letting Daisy go there, Mr. Randolph!" saidhis wife. 

"What danger do you apprehend, Felicia?"

It was not quite so easy to say. The lady handled her tetting-pins, which were in her fingers, for a moment or two insilence; then let them fall, and raised her handsome head. 

"Daisy must be withdrawn entirely from the associations whichhave taken possession of her — if it is possible. The verybest thing for her in my opinion would be to send her to aboarding-school. — Unless you wish your daughter to grow up aconfirmed _religieuse_, Mr. Randolph. Do you wish that?"

"I have not considered it. What do you suppose Daisy will doto harm herself at this place Dr. Sandford speaks of?"

"Some absurdity, that just cherishes the temper she is in. "

"Quite as likely" — to wear it out, Mr. Randolph was going tosay; but some remembrance of Daisy came up and stopped him. 

"Good evening!" said the doctor, rising to his feet. 

"Are you going, Dr. Sandford?"

"Yes. "

"Then you recommend that we let Daisy go to this place, andalone?"

"In my capacity of physician I _should_ order it, " said thedoctor, with a smile; "only, I do not like to give orders andhave them dishonoured. "

Off he went. 

"Felicia, " said Mr. Randolph, "I believe he is right. "

"I am sure he knows nothing about it, " said the lady. 

"Do you? Daisy is very delicate. "

"She will never die of want of resolution. "

"Felicia, I mean to enquire into Daisy's wishes and purposesabout this matter; and if I find them unobjectionable, I shallgive her leave to go on with it. "

"You do not know what you are about, Mr. Randolph. "

"I shall find out, then, " said the gentleman. "I would rathershe would be a _religieuse_ than a shadow. "

CHAPTER XXX. 

MOLLY'S GARDEN. 

Daisy pondered over the doctor's counsel. It was friendly; butshe hardly thought well advised. He did not know her fatherand mother so well as she did. Yet she went to find out Loganthat afternoon on her return from the drive, and saw the rose-bush laid by the heels; with perhaps just a shadow of hope inher heart that her friend the doctor might mean to put in aplea for her somewhere. The hope faded when she got back tothe house, and the doctor was gone, and Mrs. Randolph'shandsome face looked its usual calm impassiveness. What use toask her such a thing as leave to go to the cripple's cottage?No use at all, Daisy knew. The request alone would probablymove displeasure. Every look at her mother's face settled thisconviction more and more deeply in Daisy's mind; and she endedby giving up the subject. There was no hope. She could donothing for any poor person, she was sure, under her mother'spermission, beyond carrying soup and jelly in her pony-chaise, and maybe going in to give it. And that was not much; andthere were very few poor people around Melbourne that wantedjust that sort of attention. 

So Daisy gave up her scheme. Nevertheless next morning it gaveher a twinge of heart to see her rose-bush laid by the heels, exactly like her hopes. Daisy stood and looked at it. Thesweet half-blown rose at the top of the little tree hungingloriously over the soil, and yet looked so lovely and smeltso sweet; and Daisy had hoped it might win poor MollySkelton's favour, or at least begin to open a way for it tocome in due time. 

"So ye didn't get your bush planted —" said Logan, coming up. 

"No. "

"Your hands were not strong enough to make the hole deep forit, Miss Daisy?"

"Yes, I think they could; but I met with an interruptionyesterday, Logan. "

"Weel — it'll just bide here till ye want it. "

Daisy wished it was back in its old place again; but she didnot like to say so, and she went slowly back to the house. Asshe mounted the piazza steps she heard her father's voice. Hewas there before the library windows. 

"Come here, Daisy. What are you about?" he said, drawing herup in his arms. 

"Nothing, papa. "

"How do you like doing nothing?"

"Papa, I think it is not at all agreeable. "

"You do! So I supposed. What were you about yesterdayafternoon?"

"I went to ride with Dr. Sandford. "

"Did that occupy the whole afternoon?"

"Oh, no, papa. "

"Were you doing nothing the rest of the time?"

"No sir, not _nothing_. "

"Daisy, I wish you would be a little more frank. Have you anyobjection to tell me what you were doing?"

"No, papa; — but I did not think it would give you anypleasure. I was only trying to do something. "

"It would give me pleasure to have you tell about it. "

"I must tell you more then, papa. " And standing with her armon her father's shoulder, looking over to the blue mountainson the other side of the river, Daisy went on. 

"There is a poor woman living half a mile from here, papa, that I saw one day when I was riding with Dr. Sandford. She isa cripple. Papa, her legs and feet are all bent up under her, so that she cannot walk at all; her way of moving is bydragging herself along over the ground on her hands and knees;her hands and her gown all clown in the dirt. "

"That is your idea of extreme misery, is it not, Daisy?"

"Papa, do you not think it is — it must be — veryuncomfortable?"

"Very, I should think. "

"But that is not her worst misery. Papa, she is all alone; theneighbours bring her food, but nobody stops to eat it withher. She is all alone by night and by day; and she isdisagreeable in her temper, I believe, and she has nobody tolove her and she loves nobody. "

"Which of those two things is the worst, Daisy?"

"What two things, papa?"

"To love nobody, or to have nobody to love her?"

"Papa — I do not know. " Then, remembering Juanita, Daisysuddenly added, — "Papa, I should think it must be the worstto love nobody. "

"Do you? Pray why?"

"It would not make her happy, I think, to have people love herif she did not love them. "

"And you think loving others would be better, without anybodyto give love back?"

"I should think it would be very hard!" — said Daisy, with amost profound expression of thoughtfulness. 

"Well — this poor cripple, I understand, lacks both theseconditions of happiness?"

"Yes, papa. "

"What then? You were going to tell me something about her. "

"Not much about _her_, " said Daisy, "but only about myself. "

"A much more interesting subject to me, Daisy. "

You could only see the faintest expression of pleasure in theline of Daisy's lips; she was looking very sober and a trifleanxious. 

"I only thought, papa, I would try if I could not do somethingto make that poor woman happier. "

"What did you try?"

"The first thing was to get her to know me and like me, youknow, papa; because she is rather cross, and does not likepeople generally, I believe. "

"So you went to see her?"

"I have never spoken much to her, papa. But I went inside ofher gate one day, and saw her trying to take care of some poorflowers; so then I thought, maybe, if I took her a nice littlerose-bush, she might like it. "

"And then like you? Well — you tried the experiment?"

"No, papa. I did get a rose-bush from Logan, and he told mehow to plant it; and I was on my way to the cottage, and hadalmost got there; and then I recollected mamma had said I mustnot speak to anybody without her leave. "

"So you came home?"

"Yes, papa. No, papa, I went to ride with Dr. Sandford. "

"Have you asked leave of your mother?"

"No, papa, " — said Daisy, in a tone of voice whichsufficiently expressed that she did not intend it. 

"So, my dear little Daisy, " said her father, drawing his armround her a little more closely — "you think a rose-bush wouldserve instead of friends to make this poor creature happy?"

"Oh, no, papa!"

"What was the purpose of it, then?"

"Only — to get her to like me, papa. "

"What were _you_ going to do to make her happy?"

"Papa, if you lived in such a place, in such a way, wouldn'tyou like to have a friend come and see you sometimes?"

"Certainly! — if you were the friend. "

"I thought — by and by — she might learn to like it, " Daisysaid, in the most sedately meek way possible. 

Her father could not forbear a smile. 

"But, Daisy, from what you tell me, I am at a loss tounderstand the part that all this could have had in yourhappiness. "

"Oh, papa — she is so miserable!" was Daisy's answer. 

Mr. Randolph drew her close and kissed her. 

"_You_ are not miserable?"

"No, papa — but —"

"But what?"

"I would like to give her a little bit of comfort. "

There was much earnestness, and a little sorrow, in Daisy'seyes. 

"I am not sure that it is right for you to go to such places. "

"Papa, may I show you something?" said the child, with suddenlife. 

"Anything, Daisy. "

She rushed away; was gone a full five minutes; then camesoftly to Mr. Randolph's shoulder with an open book in herhand. It was Joanna's Bible, for Daisy did not dare bring herown; and it was open at these words —

"Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even soto them. "

"What does this mean, Daisy? It seems very plain; but what doI want with it?"

"Only, papa, that is what makes me think it is right. "

"What is right?"

"To do this, papa. "

"Well, but, are you in want of somebody to come and make youhappy?"

"Oh, no, papa — but if I were in her place, then I should be. "

"Do you suppose this commands us to do in every case what wewould like ourselves in the circumstances?"

"Papa — I suppose so — if it wouldn't be something wrong. "

"At that rate, I should have to let you go with your rose-bush, " said Mr. Randolph. 

"Oh, papa!" said Daisy, "do you think, if you asked her, mammawould perhaps say I might?"

"Can't tell, Daisy — I think I shall try my powers ofpersuasion. "

For answer to which, Daisy clasped her arms round his neck andgave him some very earnest caresses, comprised in one greatkiss and a clinging of her little head in his neck for thespace of half a minute. It meant a great deal; so much thatMr. Randolph was unable for the rest of the day to get rid ofa sort of lingering echo of Daisy's Bible words; they hauntedhim, and haunted him with a strange sense of the house beingat cross purposes, and Daisy's line of life lying quiteathwart and contrary to all the rest. "Whatsoever ye wouldthat men should do unto you;" — who else at Melbourneconsidered that for one moment?

However, Mr. Randolph had a fresh talk with his wife; the endof which was that he gave Daisy leave to do what she liked inthe matter of Molly Skelton; and was rewarded on the spot byseeing the pink tinge which instantly started into the palecheeks. 

No lack of energy had Daisy for the rest of that day. She wentoff first to see what was the condition of her rose-bush;pretty fair; lying by the heels seemed to agree with it quitewell. Then the pony chaise was ordered, and a watering-pot ofwater again; much to the boy's disgust who was to carry it;and Daisy took her dinner with quiet satisfaction. So soon asthe afternoon had become pleasantly cool, Daisy's drivinggloves and hat went on, the chaise was summoned, and rose-bushand all she set forth on her expedition. Mr. Randolph watchedher off; acknowledging that certainly for the present thedoctor was right; whether in the future Mrs. Randolph wouldprove to have been right also, he was disagreeably uncertain. Still, he was not quite sure that he wished Daisy anythingother than she was. 

Troubled by no fears or prognostications, meanwhile, the pony-chaise and its mistress went on their way. No, Daisy had nofears. She did doubt what Molly's immediate reception of heradvances might be; her first experience bade her doubt; butthe spirit of love in her little heart was overcoming; itpoured over Molly a flood of sunny affections and purposes, inthe warmth and glow of which the poor cripple's crabbednessand sourness of manner and temper were quite swallowed up andlost. Daisy drove on, very happy and thankful, till the littlehill was gained, and slowly walking up it Loupe stopped, nothing loth, before the gate of Molly Skelton's courtyard. 

A little bit of hesitation came over Daisy now, not about whatwas to be done, but how to do it. The cripple was in herflowery bit of ground, grubbing around her balsams as usual. The clear afternoon sunbeams shone all over what seemed toDaisy all distressing together. The ragged balsams — thecoarse bloom of prince's feather and cockscomb — somestraggling tufts of ribband grass and four-o'clocks andmarigolds — and the great sunflower nodding its head on highover all; while weeds were only kept away from the very growthof the flowers and started up everywhere else, and grass grewirregularly where grass should not; and in the midst of it allthe poor cripple on her hands and knees in the dirt, moreuncared-for, more unseemly and unlovely than her little plotof weeds and flowers. Daisy looked at her, with a new tide oftenderness flowing up in her heart, along with the doubt howher mission should be executed or how it would be received;then she gave up her reins, took the rose-tree in her hands, and softly opened the little wicket gate. She went up the pathand stood beside the cripple, who hearing the gate shut hadrisen from her grubbing in the earth and sat back looking atwho was coming. Daisy went on without hesitation now. She hadprayed out all her prayer about it before setting out fromhome. 

"I have brought you a rose-bush, " she said simply. "Do youlike roses? this is very sweet. I thought maybe you would likea rose. Where would you like to have it go?"

The answer was a very strange sort of questioning grunt —inarticulate — nevertheless expressive of rude wonder andincredulity, as far as it expressed anything. And Mollystared. 

"Where shall I put this rose-tree?" said Daisy. "Where wouldit look prettiest? May I put it here, by these balsams?"

No answer in words; but instead of a sign of assent, thecripple after looking a moment longer at Daisy and the rose-tree, put her hand beyond the balsams and grubbed up a tuft ofwhat the country people call "creepin' Charley;" and thensitting back as before, signified to Daisy by a movement ofher hand that the rose-bush might go in that place. That wasall Daisy wanted. She fell to work with her trowel, gladenough to be permitted, and dug a hole, with great pains andsome trouble; for the soil was hard as soon as she got alittle below the surface. But with great diligence Daisyworked and scooped, till by repeated trials she found she hadthe hole deep enough and large enough; and then she tenderlyset the roots of the rose-tree in the prepared place and shookfine soil over them, as Logan had told her; pressing it downfrom time to time, until the job was finished and the littletree stood securely planted. A great feat accomplished. Daisystayed not, but ran off to the road for the watering-pot, andbringing it with some difficulty to the spot without soilingherself, she gave the rose-bush a thorough watering; wateredit till she was sure the refreshment had penetrated down tothe very roots. All the while the cripple sat back gazing ather; gazing alternately at the rose-bush and the planting, andat the white delicate frock the child wore and the daintilyneat shoes and stockings, and the handsome flat hat with itscostly ribband. I think the view of these latter things mustin some degree have neutralised the effect of the sweet roselooking at her from the top of the little bush; because Mollyon the whole was not gracious. 

Daisy had finished her work and set down her empty wateringpot, and was looking with great satisfaction at the littlerose-bush; which was somewhat closely neighboured by a raggedbunch of four-o'clocks on one side and the overgrown balsamson the other; when Molly said suddenly and gruffly, "Now go'long!"

Daisy was startled, and turned to the creature who had spokento see if she had heard and understood aright. No doubt of it. Molly was not looking at her, but her face was ungenial; andas Daisy hesitated she made a little gesture of dismissal withher hands. Daisy moved a step or two off, afraid of anothershower of gravel upon her feet. 

"I will come to-morrow and see how it looks" — she saidgently. 

Molly did not reply yes or no, but she repeated her gesture ofdismissal, and Daisy thought it best and wisest to obey. Shebid her a sweet "good-bye, " to which she got no answer, andmounted into her chaise again. There was a littledisappointment in her heart; yet when she had time to think itall over she was encouraged too. The rose-tree was fairlyplanted; that would keep on speaking to Molly without the fearof a rebuff; and somehow Daisy's heart was warm towards thegruff old creature. How forlorn she had looked, sitting in thedirt, with her grum face!

"But perhaps she will wear a white robe in heaven!" thoughtDaisy. 

Seeing that the rose-tree had evidently won favour, Daisyjudged she could not do better than attack Molly again on herweak side, which seemed to be the love of the beautiful! — inone line at least. But Daisy was not an impatient child; andshe thought it good to see first what sort of treatment therose-bush got, and not to press Molly too hard. So the nextday she carried nothing with her; only went to pay a visit tothe garden. Nothing was to be seen but the garden; Molly didnot show herself; and Daisy went in and looked at the rose. Much to her satisfaction, she saw that Molly had quitediscarded the great bunch of four-o'clocks which had given thelittle rose tree no room on one side; they were actuallypulled up and gone; and the rose looked out in fair space andsunshine, where its coarse-growing neighbour had threatened tobe very much in its way. An excellent sign. Molly clearlyapproved of the rose. Daisy saw with great pleasure thatanother bud was getting ready to open and already showing redbetween the leaves of its green calyx; and she went homehappy. 

Next morning she went among the flower-beds, and took a verycareful survey of all the beauties there to see what best shemight take for her next attack upon Molly. The beauties inflower were so very many, and so very various, and sodelicious all to Daisy's eye, that she was a good dealpuzzled. Red and purple, and blue and white and yellow, thebeds were gay and glorious. But Daisy reflected that anythingwhich wanted skill in its culture or shelter from severitiesof season would disappoint Molly, because it would not getfrom her what would be necessary to its thriving. Some of theflowers in bloom, too, would not bear transplanting. Daisy didnot know what to do. She took Logan into her confidence, sofar as she could without mentioning names or circumstances. 

"Weel, Miss Daisy, " said the gardener, "if ye're bent on beinga Lady Flora to the poor creature, I'll tell ye what ye'll do— ye'll just take her a scarlet geranium. "

"A geranium?" said Daisy. 

"Ay. Just that. "

"But it would want to be in the greenhouse when winter comes. "

"Any place where it wouldn't freeze, " said Logan. "You see, it'll be in a pot e'en now, Miss Daisy — and you'll keep it inthe pot; and the pot you'll sink in the ground till frostcomes; and when the frost comes, it'll just come up as it isand go intil the poor body's house, and make a spot of summerfor her in her house till summer comes again. "

"Oh, Logan, that is an excellent thought!"

"Ay, Miss Daisy — I'm glad ye approve it. "

"And then she would have the flowers all winter. "

"Ay — if she served it justly. "

The only thing now was to choose the geranium. Daisy was sometime about it, there were so many to choose from. At last shesuited herself with a very splendid new kind called the"Jewess" — a compact little plant with a store of rich purple-red blossoms. Logan murmured as he took up the pot in which itwas planted — "Less than the best will never serve ye, MissDaisy" — but he did not grumble about it after all, and Daisywas content. 

She was very content when she had got it in her pony-chaiseand was driving off, with the magnificent purple-red blossomsat her feet. How exquisitely those delicate petals werepainted, and marked with dashes of red and purple deeper thanthe general colour. What rich clusters of blossoms. Daisy gaveonly half an eye to her driving; and it was not till she hadalmost reached Melbourne gate that she discovered her trowelhad been forgotten. She sent her attendant back for it andwaited. 

Loupe was always willing to stand, lazy little fat fellow thathe was; and Daisy was giving her undivided attention to thepurple "Jewess, " with a sort of soft prayer going on all thewhile in her heart that her errand might be blessed; when shewas suddenly interrupted. 

"Why, where are you going, Daisy?"

"Where have you been, Preston?" said Daisy, as suddenlydrawing up. 

"Little Yankee!" said Preston. "Answer one question by anotherin that fashion? You mustn't do it, Daisy. What are youdoing?"

"Nothing. I am waiting. "

"What are you going to do, then?"

"I am going to drive. "

"Do you usually carry a pot of geraniums for company?"

"No, not usually, " said Daisy, smiling at him. 

"Well, set out the pot of geraniums, and we will have aglorious ride, Daisy. I am going to the Fish's, to see some ofAlexander's traps; and you shall go with me. "

"Oh, Preston — I am sorry; I cannot. "

"Why?"

"I cannot this afternoon. "

"Yes, you can, my dear little Daisy. In fact you _must_. Consider — I shall be going away before very long, and then wecannot take rides together. Won't you come?"

"Not now — I cannot, Preston! I have got something to dofirst. "

"What?"

"Something which will take me an hour or two. After that Icould go. "

"Scarcely, this afternoon. Daisy, it is a long drive to theFish's. And they have beautiful things there, which you wouldlike to see, I know you would. Come! go with me — that's myown little Daisy. "

Preston was on horseback, and looked very much in earnest. Helooked very gay and handsome too, for he was well mounted, andknew how to manage himself and his horse. He wanted to manageDaisy too; and that was difficult. Daisy would have beentempted, and would have gone with him at the first asking; butthe thought of Molly and her forlornness, and the words warmat her heart, "Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you"— and a further sense that her visitations of Molly were anextraordinary thing and very likely to be hindered on shortnotice, kept her firm as a rock. She had an opportunity now inhand; she would not throw it away; not for any self-gratification. And to tell the truth, no sort of self-gratification could balance for a moment in Daisy's mind thethought of Molly's wearing a crown of gold in heaven.. Thatcrown of gold was before Daisy's eyes; nothing else was wortha thought in comparison. 

"Are you going to see that wretched old being?" said Preston, at last. 

"Yes. "

"Daisy — dear Daisy — I do not know what to do with you. Doyou like, is it possible that you can like, dirt andvulgarity?"

"I don't think I do, " Daisy said, gently; "but, Preston, Ilike the poor people. "

"You do!" said Preston. "Then it is manifest that you cannotlike me. " And he dashed spurs into his horse and sprung away, with a grace and life that kept Daisy looking after him inadmiration, and a plain mood of displeasure which cast itsshadow all over her spirit. 

"Here is the trowel, Miss Daisy. "

Her messenger had come back, and Daisy, recalled to thebusiness in hand, took up her reins again and drove on; butshe felt deeply grieved. Now and then her gauntleted hand evenwent up to her face to brush away a tear that had gathered. Itwas not exactly a new thing, nor was Daisy entirely surprisedat the attempt to divert her from her purpose. She was wiseenough to guess that Preston's' object had been more than thepleasure of her company; and she knew that all at home, unlesspossibly her father might be excepted, neither liked norfavoured her kindness to Molly, and would rejoice to interruptthe tokens of it. All were against her; and Daisy's hand wentup again and again. "It is good I am weak and not very well, "she thought; "as soon as I grow strong mamma will not let medo this any more. I must do all I can now. "

So she came to the cripple's gate; and by that time the tearswere all gone. 

Nobody was in the little courtyard; Daisy went in first to seehow the rose looked. It was all safe and doing well. While shestood there before it, the cottage door opened and the poorinmate came out. She crawled down the walk on hands and kneestill she got near Daisy, and then sat back to look at her. 

"What do you want?" she said, in a most uninviting andungracious tone of voice. 

"I came to see you, " said Daisy, venturing to let her eyesrest for the first time on those poor, restless, unloving eyesopposite her — "and I wanted to see the rose, and I havebrought you another flower — if you will let me bring it in. "

Her words were sweet as honey. The woman looked at her, andanswered again with the unintelligible grunt, of unbelievingwonder, which Daisy had heard once before. Daisy thought onthe whole the safest way was not to talk, but to fetch herbeautiful "Jewess" flowers to speak for themselves. So she ranoff and brought the pot, and set it on the ground beforeMolly. It was a great attraction; Daisy could see that atonce. The cripple sat back gazing at it. Daisy prudentlywaited till her eyes came round again from the flowers andrested on her little visitor's face. 

"Where shall I put it?" said Daisy. "Where would you like tohave it go?"

Molly's eyes presently followed hers, roaming over the littleflower plot in search of room for the geranium, which did notappear; prince's feather and marigolds so choked up the groundwhere balsams did not straggle over it. Molly looked as Daisydid at the possibilities of the case, looked again at thestrange sweet little face which was so busy in her garden; andthen made a sudden movement. With two or three motions ofhands and knees she drew herself a few steps back to one ofthe exclusive bunches of balsams, and began with her two handsto root it up. Actually she was grubbing, might and main, atthe ungainly stalks of the balsams, pulling them up as fast asshe could and flinging them aside, careless where. Daisy cameto help with her trowel, and together they worked, amicablyenough but without a word, till the task was done. A greatspace was left clear, and Molly threw herself back in herwonted position for taking observations. Daisy wasted no time. In hopeful delight she went on to make a hole in the ground inwhich to sink the pot of geraniums. It was more of a job thanshe thought, and she dug away stoutly with her trowel for agood while before she had an excavation sufficient to hold thepot. Daisy got it in at last; smoothed the surface nicely allround it; disposed of the loose soil till the bed was trim andneat, as far as that was concerned; and then stood up andspoke. Warm, — how warm she was! her face was all one pinkflush, but she did not feel it, she was so eager. 

"There, " she said, "that will stand there nicely; and when thecold weather comes, you can take the pot up and take it intothe house, just as it is; and if you do not let it freeze, itwill have flowers for you in the winter. "

"Cold?" said Molly. 

"Yes — by and by, when the cold weather comes, this must betaken up. The cold would kill it, if it was cold enough tofreeze. It would have to go in the house. The rose can stayout all winter if you like; but this must be kept warm. Thisis a geranium. And it will give you flowers in the winter. "

"J'anium?" said Molly. 

"Yes. This is called the 'Jewess' — there are so many kindsthat they have to be named. This is the 'Jewess' geranium. "

"Water?" — said Molly. 

"Water? No, this does not need water, because the roots are ina pot, you know, and have not been disturbed. It will wantwater if rain don't come, by and by. "

"What's you?" was Molly's next question, given with moredirectness. 

"Me? I am Daisy Randolph. And I love flowers; and you loveflowers. May I come and see you sometimes? Will you let me?"

Molly's grunt this time was not unintelligible. It was queer, but there was certainly a tone of assent in it. She satlooking now at the "Jewess" blossoms and now at Daisy. 

"And I love Jesus, " the child went on. "Do you love Him?"

The grunt was of pure question, in answer to this speech. Molly did not understand. Daisy stooped down to face her onmore equal terms. 

"There is a great King up in heaven, who loves you, Molly. Heloves you so well that He died for you. And if you love Him, He will take you there when you die and give you a white robeand a crown of gold, and make you blessed. "

It is impossible to describe the simple earnestness of thisspeech. Daisy said it, not as a philosopher nor as even apreacher would have done; she said it as a child. As she hadreceived, she gave. The utter certainty and sweetness of herfaith and love went right from one pair of eyes to the other. Nevertheless, Molly's answer was only a most ignorant andblank, "What?" — but it told of interest. 

"Yes, " said Daisy. "Jesus loved us so well that He came anddied for us — He shed His blood that we might be forgiven oursins. And now He is a Great King up in heaven; and He knowsall we do and all we think; and if we love Him He will make usgood and take us to be with Him, and give us white robes andcrowns of gold up there. He can do anything, for He raised updead people to life, when He was in the world. "

That was a master-stroke of Daisy's. Molly's answer was againa grunt of curiosity; and Daisy, crouching opposite to her, took up her speech, and told her at length and in detail thewhole story of Lazarus. And if Daisy was engaged with hersubject, so certainly was Molly. She did not stir hand orfoot; she sat listening movelessly to the story, which camewith such loving truthfulness from the lips of her childishteacher. A teacher exactly fitted, however, to the scholar;Molly's poor closed-up mind could best receive any truth inthe way a child's mind would offer it; but in this truth, theundoubting utterance of Daisy's love and belief won entrancefor her words where another utterance might not. Faith isalways catching. 

So Daisy told the wonderful story, and displayed the power andlove and tenderness of the Lord with the affection of one whoknew Him _her_ Lord, and almost with the zeal of an eye-witnessof his work. It was almost to Daisy so; it seemed to her thatshe had beheld and heard the things she was telling over; forfaith is the substance of things not seen; and the grief ofthe sisters, and their joy, and the love and tenderness of theLord Jesus, were all to her not less real than they were tothe actors in that far distant drama. Molly heard herthroughout, with open mouth and marvelling eyes. 

Neither of them had changed her position, and indeed Daisy hadscarce finished talking, when she heard herself hailed fromthe road. She started. Preston was there on horseback, callingto her. Daisy got up and took up her trowel. 

"Good-bye, " she said, with a little sigh for the lost visionwhich Preston's voice had interrupted — "I'll come again, Ihope. " And she ran out at the gate. 

"It is time for you to go home, Daisy. I thought you did notknow how late it is. "

Daisy mounted into her pony-chaise silently. 

"Have I interrupted something very agreeable?"

"You would not have thought it so, " said Daisy, diplomatically. 

"What were you doing, down there in the dirt?"

"Preston, if you please, I cannot talk to you nicely while youare so high and I am so low. "

Preston was certainly at some height above Daisy, beingmounted up in his saddle on a pretty high horse, while thepony-chaise was hung very near the ground. He had been besideher; but at her last words he laughed and set off at a goodpace in advance, leaving the chaise to come along in Loupe'smanner. Daisy drove contentedly home through the afternoonsunlight, which laid bands of brightness across her road allthe way home. They seemed bands of joy to Daisy. 

Preston had galloped ahead, and was at the door ready to meether. "What kept you so long at that dismal place?" he asked, as he handed her out of the chaise. 

"You were back very soon from the Fish place, I think, " saidDaisy. 

"Yes — Alexander was not at home; there was no use in mystaying. But what were you doing all that while, Daisy?"

"It was not so very long, " said Daisy. "I did not think it wasa long time. You must have deceived yourself. "

"But do you not mean to tell me what you were about? What_could_ you do, at such a place?"

Daisy stood on the piazza, in all the light of the afternoonsunbeams, looking and feeling puzzled. How much was it worthwhile to try to tell Preston of her thoughts and wishes?

"What was the attraction, Daisy? only tell me that. Dirt andignorance and rudeness and disorder — and you contented to bein the midst of it! Down in the dirt! What was theattraction?"

"She is very unhappy, Preston. "

"I don't believe it. Nonsense! All that is not misery to suchpeople, unless you make it so by showing them somethingdifferent. Marble tables are not the thing for them, Daisy. "

"Marble tables!" echoed Daisy. 

"Nor fuchsias and geraniums either. That old thing's oldflowers do just as well. "

Daisy was silent. She could have answered this. Preston wenton. 

"She won't be any better with her garden full of roses andmyrtles, than she is with her sunflowers now. What do youexpect to do, little Daisy?"

"I know what I would like if I were in her place, " said Daisy. 

"_You_, — but she is not you. She has not your tastes. Do youmean to carry her a silver cup and fork, Daisy? You wouldcertainly like that, if you were in her place. Dear littleDaisy, don't you be a mad philosopher. "

But Daisy had not been thinking of silver cups and forks, andshe was not misled by this argument. 

"Daisy, do you see you have been under a mistake?"

"No, Preston, " — she said, looking up at him. 

"Daisy, do you think it is _right_ for you to go into houses andamong people where my uncle and aunt do not wish you to go?You know they do not wish it, though they have given consent, perhaps because you were so set upon it. "

Daisy glanced behind her at the windows of the library; forthey were at the back entrance of the house; and then seizingPreston's hand, and saying, "Come with me, " she drew him downthe steps and over the grass till she reached one of thegarden seats under the trees, out of hearing of any one. Therethey sat down; Preston curious, Daisy serious and evendoubtful. 

"Preston" — she began with all her seriousness upon her, — "Iwish I had the book here, but I will tell you. When the LordJesus comes again in glory, and all the angels with Him, Hewill have all the people before Him, and He will separate theminto two sets. One will be on the right and one on the left. One set will be the people that belong to Him, and the otherset will be the people that do not belong to Him. Then He willwelcome the first set, and bless them, because they have donethings to the poor and miserable such as they would have likedto have done to themselves. And He will say — 'Inasmuch as yehave clone it to one of the least of these, ye have done itunto Me. ' " Daisy's eyes were full of water by this time. 

"So you are working to gain heaven, Daisy?" said Preston, whodid not know how to answer her. 

"Oh, no!" said the child. "I don't mean that. "

"Yes, you do. "

"No, — that would be doing it for oneself, not for the LordJesus" — said Daisy, gravely looking at Preston. 

"Then I don't see what you mean by your story. "

"I mean only, that Jesus likes to have us do to other peoplewhat we would want in their place. "

"Suppose you were in my aunt and uncle's place — do you notthink you would like to have a little daughter regard theirwishes?"

Daisy looked distressed. 

"I think it is time to go in and get ready for dinner, Preston, " she said. 

If she was distressed, Preston was displeased. They went inwithout any more words. But Daisy was not perplexed at all. She had not told Preston her innermost thought and hope — thatMolly Skelton might learn the truth and be one of that blessedthrong on the right hand in the Great Day; but the thought andhope were glowing at her heart; and she thought she must carryher Master's message, if not positively forbidden, to all whomshe could carry it to. Preston's meditations were different. 

"I have tried my best, " he said that evening, when Daisy wasgone to bed, — "and I have failed utterly. I tried my best —and all I got was a rebuke and a sermon. "

"A sermon!" said Mrs. Randolph. 

"An excellent one, aunt Felicia. It was orderly, serious, andpointed. "

"And she went to that place?"

"Yes, ma'am. The sermon was afterwards. "

"What do you mean, Preston! Speak intelligibly. "

"Daisy did, ma'am. I am speaking sober truth, aunt Felicia. "

"What is her motive in going to that horrid place? can youunderstand?"

"Its disagreeableness, ma'am — so far as I can make out. "

"It is very singular, " said Mrs. Gary. 

"It is very deplorable, " said Mrs. Randolph. "So at least itseems to me. There will be nothing in common soon betweenDaisy and her family. "

"Only that this kind of thing is apt to wear out, my dear. Youhave that comfort. "

"No comfort at all. You do not know Daisy. She is a persistentchild. She has taken a dose of fanaticism enough to last herfor years. "

"I am sure nevertheless that Dr. Sandford is right in hisadvice, " said Mr. Randolph; — "both as a physician and as aphilosopher. By far the best way is not to oppose Daisy, andtake as little notice as possible of her new notions. Theywill fade out. "

"I do not believe it, " said the lady "I do not believe it inthe least. If she had not your support, I would have an end ofthis folly in a month. "

"Indirect ways" — said Mrs. Gary — "indirect ways, my dear;those are your best chance. Draw off Daisy's attention withother things. That is what I would do. "

And then the ladies put their heads together and concerted ascheme; Preston joining eagerly in the discussion, andbecoming the manager-in-chief intrusted with its execution. Mr. Randolph heard, but he gave no help and made nosuggestion. He let the ladies alone. 

CHAPTER XXXI. 

THE PICTURES. 

Daisy came down to breakfast the next morning, looking so verybright and innocent and fresh, that perhaps Mr. Randolphthought his wife and sister were taking unnecessary troubleupon themselves. At least Mrs. Randolph so interpreted hismanner, as she saw him put his arm round Daisy and bend downhis head to hers. The gay visitors were still at Melbourne, but they had not come down yet to breakfast that morning. 

"Did you go to see your old woman yesterday?" Mr. Randolphsaid. 

"Yes, papa. "

"Did you enjoy your visit?"

"Very much, papa. "

Mrs. Randolph's head made a motion of impatience, whichhowever those two did not see. 

"How was that, Daisy? I do not comprehend in this instance thesources of pleasure. "

"Papa" — said Daisy, hesitating — "I think I gave pleasure. "

She could not explain to him much more, but Mr. Randolph atleast understood that. He gave Daisy another kiss, which wasnot disapproving, the child felt. So her breakfast wasextremely happy. 

She had a new plan in her head now about Molly. She wanted toget established on the footing of a friend in that poor littlehouse; and she thought she had better perhaps not confine herline of advance to the garden. After breakfast she sought thehousekeeper's room, and let Joanna know that she was in wantof a nice little cake of some sort to carry to a poor creaturewho could make nor buy none. Daisy was a great favourite withMiss Underwood, especially ever since the night when she hadbeen summoned in her night dress to tell the child about thewords of the minister that day. Joanna never said "no" toDaisy if it was possible to say "yes;" nor considered anythinga trouble that Daisy required. On this occasion she promisedthat exactly what Daisy wanted should be in readiness by theafternoon; and having thus secured her arrangements Daisy wentwith a perfectly light heart to see what the morning was tobring forth. 

"Daisy!" shouted Preston, as she was going down the piazzasteps, — "Daisy! where are you bound?"

"Out —" said Daisy, who was vaguely seeking the Septembersunshine. 

"Well, 'out' is as good as anywhere. Wait till I get my hat. Come, Daisy! — we have business on hand. "

"What business?" said Daisy, as she was led along through thetrees. 

"Great business, " said Preston, — "only I shall want help, Daisy — I want a great deal of help. I cannot manage it alone. Wait till we get to a real good place for a talk. — Here, thiswill do. Now sit down. "

"How pretty it is to-day!" said Daisy. 

For indeed the river opposite them looked a bright sheet ofglass; and the hills were blue in the morning light, and thesunshine everywhere was delightsome. The beautiful trees ofMelbourne waved overhead; American elms hung their branchestowards the ground; lindens stood in masses of luxuriance;oaks and chestnuts spotted the rolling ground with their roundheads; and English elms stood up great towers of green. TheSeptember sun on all this and on the well kept greensward; nowonder Daisy said it was pretty. But Preston was too full ofhis business. 

"Now, Daisy, we have got a great deal to do!"

"Have we?" said Daisy. 

"It is this. Aunt Felicia has determined that she will give aparty in two or three weeks. "

"A party! But I never have anything to do with parties —mamma's parties — Preston. "

"No. But with this one I think you have. "

"How can I?" said Daisy. She was very pleasantly unconcernedas yet, and only enjoying the morning and Preston and thetrees and the sunshine. 

"Why, little Daisy, I have got to furnish part of theentertainment; and I can't do it without you. "

Daisy looked now. 

"Aunt Felicia wants me to get up some tableaux. "

"Some what?" said Daisy. 

"Tableaux. — Tableaux vivants. Pictures, Daisy; made withliving people. "

"What do you mean, Preston?"

"Why, we will choose some pictures, some of the prettiestpictures we can find; and then we will dress up people torepresent all the figures, and place them just as the figuresare grouped in the engraving; and then they look like a mostbeautiful large painted picture. "

"But pictures do not move?"

"No more do the people. They hold still and do not stir, anymore than if they were not real. "

"I should think they would look like people though, and notlike a picture, " said Daisy. "No matter how still you were tokeep, I should never fancy you were painted. "

"No, " said Preston, laughing; "but you do not understand. Theroom where the spectators are is darkened, and the lights forthe picture are all set on one side, just as the light comesin the picture, and then it all looks just right. And thepicture is seen behind a frame, too, of the folding doors orsomething. "

Daisy sat looking at Preston, a little curious but not at allexcited. 

"So I shall want your help, Daisy. "

"About what?"

"First, to choose what pictures we will have. We must lookover all the books of engravings in the house, and see whatwould do. Shall we go at it?"

Daisy consented. They repaired to the library and tookposition by a large portfolio of engravings. 

" 'Fortitude'! Capital!" cried Preston, as he turned over thefirst sheet in the portfolio. "Capital; Daisy! That's for you. You would make an excellent 'Fortitude. ' "

"I! —" said Daisy. 

"Capital — couldn't be better. This is Sir Joshua Reynolds''Fortitude' — and you will do for it wonderfully well. Youhave half the look of it now. Only you must be a little morestern. "

"Why must Fortitude look stern?" said Daisy. 

"Oh, because she has hard work to do, I suppose. "

"What is Fortitude, Preston?"

"Oh, Daisy, Daisy! are you going through life like that? Whyyou'll turn all your play into work. "

"Why? — But what _is_ it?"

"Fortitude? Why, it is, let me see, — it is the power ofendurance. "

"The power of bearing pain, Daisy, " said Mr. Randolph, who waswalking through the room. 

"I do not think Fortitude ought to look stern. "

"The old gentleman thought so. I suppose he knew. You must, anyhow, — like the picture. "

"But, Preston, how could I look like that? My dresses are notmade so. "

"I hope not!" said Preston, laughing. "But, Daisy, we'll getsome of aunt Felicia's riggings and feathers, and set you outin style. "

"But you can't put feathers on my head like those, " saidDaisy. "They wouldn't stay on. And I don't see why Fortitudeshould be dressed in feathers. "

"Why, it is the crest of her helmet, Daisy! Fortitude musthave something strong about her, somewhere, and I suppose herhead is as good a place as any. We'll make a helmet for you. And I will make Dolce lie down at your feet for the lion. "

"You couldn't, Preston. "

"I could make him do anything. " Dolce was Preston's dog; agreat shaggy St. Bernard. 

"Well! —" said Daisy, with a half-sigh. 

"I think you'll make a beautiful Fortitude. Now let us seewhat next. That is for one. "

"How many pictures do you want?" said Daisy. 

"Oh, a good many. Plenty, or it wouldn't be worth taking allthe trouble, and shutting the people up in a dark room. 'Alfred in the neat-herd's cottage' — getting a scolding forhis burnt cakes. How splendid that would be if we could getDr. Sandford to be Alfred!"

"Who would be that scolding old woman?"

"No matter, because we can't get Dr. Sandford. We are not tohave grown folks at all. It is a pity Ransom is not here. Weshall have to get Alexander Fish — or Hamilton! Hamilton willdo. He's a good-looking fellow. "

"You would do a great deal better, " said Daisy. "And Alexanderwould not do at all. He has not a bit the look of a king abouthim. "

"I must be that old man with the bundle of sticks on hishead, " said Preston, who was, however, immensely flattered. 

"But his beard?" said Daisy. 

"Oh, I'll put that on. A false beard is easy. You won't knowme, Daisy. That will be an excellent picture. See that girlblowing the burnt cakes and making her face into a full moon!"

"Will you have her in the picture?"

"Certainly! Most assuredly. "

"But, who will you get to do that, Preston?"

"Nora Dinwiddie, I reckon. "

"Will _she_ come?"

"We shall want all we can get. All Mrs. Stanfield's youngones, and Mrs. Fish's and Linwood's and everybody. Now, Daisy, here you are! This is the very thing. "

"For what?" said Daisy. 

"Don't you see? For you. This is Queen Esther before Ahasuerus— you know the story?"

"Oh, yes! — when he stretched out the golden sceptre to her. She is fainting, isn't she?"

"Exactly. You can do that glorious, because you have always apair of pale cheeks on hand. "

"I?" — said Daisy, again. "Do you want me to be two things?"

"A dozen things, perhaps. You must be Queen Esther at anyrate. Nobody but you. "

"And who will be Ahasuerus?"

"I don't know. Hamilton Rush, I reckon; he's a nice fellow. "

"Oh, Preston, why don't you be Ahasuerus?"

"I am manager, you know, Daisy; it won't do for the manager totake the best pieces for himself. Ahasuerus is one of thebest. See how handsome the dress is — and the attitude, andeverything. "

"I don't see where you will find the dresses, " said Daisy. "All those are robes of silk and velvet and fur; and then thejewels, Preston!"

"Nonsense, Daisy. Aunt Felicia will let us take all her storesof satins and velvets and feathers, and jewellery too. Itwon't hurt them to be looked at. "

"I think, " said Daisy, slowly, — "I think I will not be QueenEsther. "

"Why not? don't you like her looks?"

"Oh, yes. _That's_ no matter; but I would rather somebody elsewould be it. "

"Why, little Daisy? You are the one; nobody can be Esther butyou. "

"I think I will not, " said Daisy, thoughtfully. 

"What's the matter, Daisy? You _must_. I want you for Esther andnobody else. What is the objection?"

"I would rather not, " said Daisy. "I don't know Hamilton Rushmuch. "

This was said with extreme demureness, and Preston bit hislips almost till the blood came to prevent the smile whichwould have startled Daisy. 

"You won't know him at all when he is dressed and with hiscrown on. It's all a play. You can imagine he is the real oldPersian king, who looked so fiercely on the beautiful Jewesswhen she ventured unsummoned into his presence. "

"I could not stand like that, " said Daisy. 

"Yes, you could. That's easy. You are fainting in the arms ofyour attendants. "

"Who will the attendants be?"

"I don't know. Who do you think?"

"I think I would rather not be in this picture, —" said Daisy. 

"Yes, you will. I want you. It is too good to be given tosomebody else. It is one of the prettiest pictures we shallhave, I reckon. "

"Then you must be the king. "

"Well — we will see, " said Preston. "What comes next? 'Canuteand his courtiers. ' That won't do, because we could not havethe sea in. "

"Nor the horse, " said Daisy. 

"Not very well. — What a stupid collection of portraits!Nothing but portraits. "

"There are fortune-tellers. "

"That won't do — not interest enough. There! here's one. 'Little Red Riding-hood. ' That will be beautiful for you, Daisy. "

"But, Preston, I mustn't be everything. "

"Plenty more things coming. You don't like Red Riding-hood?Then we will give it to Nora or Ella. "

"Oh, I like it, " said Daisy. "I like it much better thanEsther — unless you will play Ahasuerus. "

"Well, I will put you down for both of 'em. "

"But who's to be anything else?"

"Lots. Here. — Splendid! 'Marie Antoinette going from therevolutionary tribunal' — that will be capital. "

"Who will take that?" said Daisy. 

"Let me see. I think — I think, Daisy, it must be TheresaStanfield. She is a clever girl, and it must be a clever girlto do this. "

"But she will not look as old as she ought. "

"Yes, she will, when she is dressed. I know who will be ourdresser, too; Mrs. Sandford. "

"Will she?" said Daisy. 

"Yes. She knows how, I know. You and I must go and giveinvitations, Daisy. "

"Mamma will send the invitations. "

"Yes, of course, to the party; but we have got to beat uprecruits and get contributions for the tableaux. You and Imust do that. I engaged to take all the trouble of the thingfrom aunt Felicia. "

"Contributions, Preston?"

"Of people, Daisy. People for the tableaux, We must have allwe can muster. "

"I can't see how you will make Theresa Stanfield look likethat. "

"I cannot, " said Preston, laughing, — "but Mrs. Sandford willdo part, and Theresa herself will do the other part. She willbring her face round, you will see. The thing is, who will bethat ugly old woman who is looking at the queen with such eyesof coarse fury — I think I shall have to be that old woman. "

"You, Preston!" And Daisy went off into a fit of amusement. "Can you make your eyes look with coarse fury?"

"You shall see. That's a good part. I should not like to trustit to anybody else. Alexander and Hamilton Rush will have tobe the Queen's guards — how we want Ransom! Charley Linwood istoo small. There's George, though. "

"What does that woman look at the queen so for?"

"Wants to see her head come down — which it did soon after. "

"Her head come down?"

"It had come down pretty well then, when the proud, beautifulqueen was exposed to the looks and insults of the rabble. Butthey wanted to see it come down on the scaffold. "

"What had she been doing, to make them hate her?"

"She had been a queen; — and they had made up their minds thatnobody ought to be queen, or anything else but rabble; so herhead must come off. A great many other heads came off; for thesame reason. "

"Preston, I don't think the poor would hate that kind of thingso, if the rich people behaved right. "

"How do you think rich people ought to behave. " said Preston, gravely, turning over the engravings. 

Daisy's old puzzle came back on her; she was silent. 

"Common people always hate the uncommon, Daisy. Now what next?— Ah! here is what will do. This is beautiful. "

"What is it?"

"Portia and Bassanio. He has just got that letter, you know. "

"What letter?"

"Why, Antonio's letter. Oh, don't you know the story? Bassaniowas Antonio's friend, and — Oh, dear, it is a long story, Daisy. You must read it. "

"But what is the picture about?"

"This: Bassanio has just this minute been married to Portia, — the loveliest lady in all the world; that he knew of; andnow comes a letter, just that minute, telling him that hisdear friend Antonio is in great danger of being cut to piecesthrough the wickedness of a fellow that he had borrowed moneyfrom. And the money had been borrowed for Bassanio, to set himup for his courtship — so no wonder he feels rather bad. "

"Does she know?"

"No; she is just asking what is the matter. That will be acapital picture. "

"But you couldn't stand and look like that, " said Daisy. 

"I shall not, " said Preston, "but Hamilton Rush will. I shallgive it to him. And — let me see — for Portia — that Fish girlcannot do it, she is not clever enough. It will have to beTheresa Stanfield. "

"I should like to see anybody look like _that_, " said Daisy. 

"Well, you will. We shall have to go to another book ofengravings. — Hollo! here you are again, Daisy. This will dofor you exactly. — Exactly!"

"What is it?"

"Why, Daisy, these are two old Puritans; young ones, I mean, of course; and they are very fond of each other, you know, butsomehow they don't know it. Or one of them don't, and he hasbeen goose enough to come to ask Priscilla if she will be hisfriend's wife. Of course she is astonished at him. "

"She does not look astonished. "

"No, that is because she is a Puritan. She takes it allquietly, only she says she has an objection to be this otherman's wife. And then John finds what a fool he is. That'scapital. You shall be Priscilla; you will do it and look itbeautifully. "

"I do not think I want to be Priscilla, " — said Daisy, slowly. 

"Yes, you do. You will. It will make such a beautiful picture. I reckon Alexander Fish will make a good John Alden — he hasnice curly hair. "

"So have you, " said Daisy; "and longer than Alexander's, andmore like the picture. "

"I am manager, Daisy. That wouldn't do. "

"I shall not be in that picture if Alexander is the otherone, " said Daisy. 

"Well — we will see. But Daisy, it is only playing pictures, you know. It will not be Daisy and Alexander Fish — not at all— it will be Priscilla and John Alden. "

"_I_ should think it was Alexander Fish, " said Daisy. 

Preston laughed. 

"But Preston, what is that word you said just now? what is aPuritan?"

"I don't know. I think you are one. I do not know another. "

"You said these were Puritans?"

"Yes, so they were. They were very good people, Daisy, thatliked wearing plain dresses. We shall have to have a stuffdress made for you — I reckon you have not one of anythinglike a Puritan cut. "

"Then, how am I a Puritan, Preston?"

"Sure enough. I mean that you would be one, if you got achance. How many pictures have we chosen out? Six? That is nothalf enough. "

The search went on, through other books and portfolios. Therewas good store of them in Mr. Randolph's library, and Daisyand Preston were very busy the whole morning till luncheon-time. After Daisy's dinner, however, her mind took up itsformer subject of interest. She went to Joanna, and wasfurnished with a nice little sponge-cake and a basket ofsickle pears for Molly Skelton. Daisy forgot all abouttableaux. This was something better. She ordered the pony-chaise and got ready for driving. 

"Hollo, Daisy!" said Preston, as she came out upon the piazza;— "what now?"

"I am going out. "

"With me. "

"No, I have business, Preston. "

"So have I; a business that cannot wait, either. We must goand drum up our people for the tableaux, Daisy. We haven'tmuch time to prepare, and lots of things to do. "

"What?"

"First, arrange about the parts everybody is to take; and thenthe dresses, and then practising. "

"Practising what, Preston?"

"Why, the pictures! We cannot do them at a dash, all right; wemust drill, until every one knows exactly how to stand and howto look, and can do it well. "

"And must the people come here to practise?"

"Of course. Where the pictures and the dresses are, you know. Aunt Felicia is to give us her sewing woman for as much timeas we want her; and Mrs. Sandford must be here to see aboutall that; and we must know immediately whom we can have, andget them to come. We must go this afternoon, Daisy. "

"Must I ?"

"Certainly. You know — or you would know if you were not aPuritan, little Daisy, that I cannot do the business alone. You are Miss Randolph. "

"Did the Puritans not know much?" inquired Daisy. 

"Nothing — about the ways of the world. "

Daisy looked at the pony-chaise, at the blue hills, at herbasket of pears; and yielding to what seemed necessity, gaveup Molly for that day. She went with Preston, he on horseback, she in her pony-chaise, and a very long afternoon's work theymade of it. And they did not get through the work, either. Butby dint of hearing the thing talked over, and seeing the greatinterest excited among the young folks, Daisy's mind grewpretty full of the pictures before the day was ended. It wasso incomprehensible, how Theresa Stanfield could ever bringher merry, arch face, into the grave proud endurance of thedeposed French queen; it was so puzzling to imagine HamiltonRush, a fine, good-humoured fellow, something older thanPreston, transformed into the grand and awful figure ofAhasuerus; and Nora was so eager to know what part she couldtake; and Mrs. Sandford entered into the scheme with suchutter good-nature and evident competence to manage it. EllaStanfield's eyes grew very wide open; and Mrs. Fish was fullof curiosity, and the Linwoods were tumultuous. 

"We shall have to tame those fellows down, " Preston remarkedas he and Daisy rode away from this last place, — "or theywill upset everything. Why cannot people teach people to takethings quietly!"

"How much that little one wanted to be Red Riding-hood, " saidDaisy. 

"Yes. Little Malapert!"

"You will let her, won't you?"

"I reckon I won't. You are to be Red Riding-hood — unless, — Idon't know; perhaps that would be a good one to give NoraDinwiddie. I shall see. "

That day was gone. The next day there was a great overhauling, by Preston and his mother and Daisy, of the stores of finerywhich Mrs. Randolph put at their disposal. Mrs. Randolphherself would have nothing to do with the arrangements; sheheld aloof from the bustle attending them; but facilities andmaterials she gave with unsparing hand. Daisy was very muchamused. Mrs. Gary and Preston had a good deal of consultationover the finery, having at the same time the engravings spreadout before them. Such stores of satin and lace robes, andvelvet mantles, and fur wrappings and garnishings, and silkenscarfs, and varieties of adornment, old and new, were gatheredinto one room and displayed, that it almost tired Daisy tolook at them. Nevertheless, she was amused. And she was amusedstill more, when later in the day, after luncheon, Mrs. Sandford arrived, and was taken up into the tiring room, asPreston called it. Here she examined the pictures, and made acareful survey of the articles with which she must work toproduce the desired effects. Some of the work was easy. Therewas an old cardinal, of beautiful red cloth, which doubtlesswould make up Red Riding-hood with very little trouble. Therewere beautiful plumes for Fortitude's head; and Daisy began towonder how she would look with their stately grace waving overher. Mrs. Sandford tried it. She arranged the plume on Daisy'shead; and with a turn or two of a dark cashmere scarf imitatedbeautifully the classic folds of the drapery in the picture. Then she put Daisy in the attitude of the figure; and by thattime Daisy felt so strange that her face was stern and graveenough to need no admonishing. Preston clapped his hands. 

"If you will only look like that, Daisy, in the tableau!"

"Look how?" said Daisy. 

"Mrs. Sandford, did you ever see anything so perfect?"

"It is excellent, " said that lady. 

"If they will all do as well, we shall be encored. But thereis no dress here for Bassanio, Mrs. Sandford. "

"You would hardly expect your mother's or your aunt's wardrobeto furnish that. "

"Hardly. But I am sure uncle Randolph's wardrobe would not doany better. It will have to be made. "

"I think I have something at home that will do — somethingthat was used once for a kindred purpose. I think I can dressBassanio — as far as the slashings are concerned. The cap andplume we can manage here — and I dare say your uncle has someof those old-fashioned long silk hose. "

"Did papa ever wear such things?" said Daisy. 

"Portia will be easy, " said Preston, looking round the room. 

"Who is to be Portia?"

"Theresa Stanfield, I believe. "

"That will do very well, I should think. She is fair — supposewe dress her in this purple brocade. "

"Was Portia married in purple?" said Preston. 

Mrs. Sandford laughed a good deal. "Well" — she said — "whiteif you like; but Theresa will look most like Portia if shewears this brocade. I do not believe white is _de rigueur_ inher case. You know, she went from the casket scene to thealtar. If she was like me, she did not venture to anticipategood fortune by putting on a bridal dress till she knew shewould want it. "

"Perhaps that is correct, " said Preston. 

"How come you to know so much about the dresses?" said thelady. "That is commonly supposed to be woman's function. "

"I am general manager, Mrs. Sandford, and obliged to act outof character. "

"You seem to understand yourself very well. Priscilla! — wehave no dress for her. "

"It will have to be made. "

"Yes. Who is there to make it?"

The seamstress was now summoned, and the orders were given forPriscilla's dress, to be made to fit Daisy. It was veryamusing, the strait-cut brown gown, the plain broad vandyke ofwhite muslin, and etceteras that Mrs. Sandford insisted on. 

"She will look the part extremely well. But are you going togive her nothing but Fortitude and Prudence, Preston? is Daisyto do nothing gayer. "

"Yes ma'am — she is to be the queen of the Persian king here —what is his name? Ahasuerus! She is Esther. "

Daisy opened her lips to say no, but Preston got her into hisarms, and softly put his hand upon her mouth beforeshe could speak the word. The action was so coaxing andaffectionate, that Daisy stood still, silent, with his armsround her. 

"Queen Esther!" said Mrs. Sandford. "That will tax the utmostof our resources. Mrs. Randolph will lend us some jewels, Ihope, or we cannot represent that old Eastern court. "

"Mrs. Randolph will lend us anything — and everything, " saidPreston. 

"Then we can make a beautiful tableau. I think Esther must bein white. "

"Yes ma'am — it will add to the fainting effect. "

"And we must make her brilliant with jewels; and dress herattendants in colours, so as to set her off; but Esther mustbe a spot of brilliancy. Ahasuerus rich and heavy. This willbe your finest tableau, if it is done well. "

"Alfred will not be bad, " said Preston. 

"In another line. Your part will be easy, Daisy — you musthave a pair of strong-armed handmaidens. What do you want Norafor, Preston?"

"Could she be one of them, Mrs. Sandford?"

"Yes, — if she can be impressed with the seriousness of theoccasion; but the maids of the queen ought to be wholly indistress for their mistress, you know. She could be one of theprinces in the tower, very nicely. "

"Yes, capitally, " said Preston. "And — Mrs. Sandford —wouldn't she make a good John Alden?"

"Daisy for Priscilla! Excellent!" said Mrs. Sandford. "If thetwo could keep their gravity, which I very much doubt. "

"Daisy can keep anything, " said Preston. "I will tutor Nora. "

"Well, I will help you as much as I can, " said the lady. "But, my boy, this business takes time! I had no notion I had beenhere so long. I must run. "

CHAPTER XXXII. 

THE BASKET OF SPONGE-CAKE. 

As she made her escape one way, so did Daisy by another. WhenPreston came back from attending Mrs. Sandford to her carriagehe could find nothing of his little co-worker. Daisy was gone. 

In all haste, and with a little self-reproach for havingforgotten it, she had ordered her pony-chaise; and thenexamined into the condition of her stores. The sponge-cake wassomewhat dry; the sickle pears wanted looking over. Part ofthem were past ripe. Indeed so many of them, that Daisy foundher basket was no longer properly full, when these were culledout. She went to Joanna. Miss Underwood soon made that allright with some nice late peaches; and Daisy thought withherself that sponge-cake was very good a little dry, and wouldprobably not find severe criticism at Molly's house. She gotaway without encountering her cousin, much to hersatisfaction. 

Molly was not in her garden. That had happened before. Daisywent in, looked at the flowers, and waited. The rose-tree wasflourishing; the geranium was looking splendid; with nothingaround either of them that in the least suited theirneighbourhood. So Daisy thought. If all the other plants — theragged balsams and "creeping Charley" and the rest — couldhave been rooted up, then the geranium and the rose would haveshown well together. However, Molly did not doubtless feelthis want of suitability; to her the tall sunflower was, noquestion, a treasure and a beautiful plant. Would Molly comeout?

It seemed as if she would not. No stir, and the closed housedoor looking forbidding and unhopeful. Daisy waited, andwaited, and walked up and down the bit of a path, from thegate quite to the house door; in hopes that the sound of herfeet upon the walk might be heard within. Daisy's feet did notmake much noise; but however that were, there was no stir of asound anywhere else. Daisy was patient; not the less theafternoon was passing away, and pretty far gone already, andit was the first of October now. The light did not last aslong as it did a few months ago. Daisy was late. She must gosoon, if she did not see Molly; and to go without seeing herwas no part of Daisy's plan. Perhaps Molly was sick. At anyrate, the child's footsteps paused at the door of the poorlittle house, and her fingers knocked. She had never beeninside of it yet, and what she saw of the outside was not inthe least inviting. The little windows, lined with papercurtains to keep out sunlight and curious eyes, looked dismal;the weatherboards were unpainted; the little porch broken. Daisy did not like such things. But she knocked without a bitof fear or hesitation, notwithstanding all this. She wascharged with work to do; so she felt; it was no matter whatshe might meet in the discharge of it. She had her message tocarry, and she was full of compassionate love to the creaturewhose lot in life was so unlike her own. Daisy went straighton in her business. 

Her knock got no answer, and still got none though it wasrepeated and made more noticeable. Not a sign of an answer. Daisy softly tried the door then to see if it would open. There was no difficulty in that; she pushed it gently, andgently stepped in. 

It looked just like what she expected, though Daisy had notgot accustomed yet to the conditions of such rooms. Just now, she hardly saw anything but Molly. Her eyes wandering over thestrange place, were presently caught by the cripple, sittingcrouching in a corner of the room. It was all miserablydesolate. The paper shields kept out the light of thesunbeams; and though the place was tolerably clean, it had aclose, musty, disagreeable, shut-up smell. But all Daisythought of at first was the cripple. She went a little towardsher. 

"How do you do, Molly?" her little soft voice said. Mollylooked glum, and spoke never a word. 

"I have been waiting to see you, " Daisy said, advancing a stepnearer — "and you did not come out. I was afraid you weresick. "

One of Molly's grunts came here. Daisy could not tell what itmeant. 

"_Are_ you sick, Molly?"

"It's me and not you" — said the cripple, morosely. 

"Oh, I am sorry!" said Daisy, tenderly. "I want to bring insomething for you —"

She ran away for her basket. Coming back, she left the dooropen to let in the sweet air and sun. 

"What is the matter with you, Molly?"

The cripple made no answer, not even a grunt; her eyes werefastened on the basket. Daisy lifted the cover and brought outher cake, wrapped in paper. As she unwrapped it and came up toMolly, she saw what she had never seen before that minute, — asmile on the cripple's grum face. It was not grum now; it waslighted up with a smile, as her eyes dilated over the cake. 

"I'll have some tea!" she said. 

Daisy put the cake on the table and delivered a peach intoMolly's hand. But she lifted her hand to the table and laidthe peach there. 

"I'll have some tea. "

"Are you sick, Molly?" said Daisy again; for in spite of thisdeclaration, and in spite of her evident pleasure, Molly didnot move. 

"I'm aching all through. "

"What is the matter?"

"Aching's the matter — rheumatiz. I'll have some tea. "

"It's nice and warm out in the sun, " Daisy suggested. 

"Can't get there, " said Molly. "Can't stir. I'm all aches allover. "

"How can you get tea, then, Molly? Your fire is quite out. "

"Ache and get it —" said the cripple, grumly. 

Daisy could not stand that. She at first thought of callingher groom to make a fire; but reflected that would be ahazardous proceeding. Molly perhaps, and most probably, wouldnot allow it. If she would allow her, it would be a great stepgained. Daisy's heart was so full of compassion she could notbut try. There was a little bit of an iron stove in the room, and a tea-kettle, small to match, stood upon it; both cold ofcourse. 

"Where is there some wood, Molly?" said Daisy, over the stove;— "some wood and kindling? I'll try if I can make the fire foryou, if you will let me, please. "

"In there —" said the cripple, pointing. 

Daisy looked, and saw nothing but an inner door. Not liking tomultiply questions, for fear of Molly's patience, she venturedto open the door. There was a sort of shed-room, where Daisyfound stores of everything she wanted. Evidently theneighbours provided so far for the poor creature, who couldnot provide for herself. Kindling was there in plenty, andsmall wood stacked. Daisy got her arms full and came back tothe stove. By using her eyes carefully she found the matcheswithout asking anything, and made the fire, slowly but nicely;Molly meanwhile having reached up for her despised peach wasmaking her teeth meet in it with no evidence ofdisapprobation. The fire snapped and kindled and beganimmediately to warm up the little stove. Daisy took the kettleand went into the same lumber shed to look for water. Butthough an empty tin pail stood there, the water in it was nomore than a spoonful. Nothing else held any. Daisy looked out. A worn path in the grass showed the way to the place whereMolly filled her water-pail — a little basin of a spring atsome distance from the house. Daisy followed the path to thespring, filled her pail and then her kettle, wondering muchhow Molly ever could crawl to the place in rainy weather; andthen she came in triumphant and set the tea-kettle on thestove. 

"I am very sorry you are sick, Molly, " said Daisy, anew. 

Molly only grunted; but she had finished her peach, and satthere licking her finger. 

"Would you like to see Dr. Sandford? I could tell him. "

"No!" — said the poor thing, decidedly. 

"I'll pray to the Lord Jesus to make you well. "

"Humph?" — said Molly, questioning. 

"You know, He can do everything. He can make you well; and Ihope He will. "

"He won't make me well —" said Molly. 

"He will make you happy, if you will pray to Him. "

"Happy!" said Molly; as if it were a yet more impossiblething. 

"Oh, yes. Jesus makes everybody happy that loves Him. He makesthem good too, Molly; He forgives all their sins that theyhave done; and in heaven He will give them white robes towear, and they will not do wrong things nor have any pain anymore. "

One of Molly's grunts came now; she did not understand this, or could not believe. Daisy looked on, pitiful and very muchperplexed. 

"Molly, you have a great Friend in heaven, " said the child;"don't you know it? Jesus loves you. "

"H—n?" —said Molly again. 

"Don't you know what He did, for you and me and everybody!"

Molly's head gave sign of ignorance. So Daisy sat down andtold her. She told her the story at length; she painted thelove of the few disciples, the enmity of the world, the thingsthat infinite tenderness had done and borne for those whohated goodness and would not obey God. Molly listened, andDaisy talked; how, she did not know, nor Molly neither; butthe good news was told in that poor little house; theunspeakable gift was made known. Seeing Molly's fixed eyes andrapt attention, Daisy went on at length and told all. Thecripple's gaze never stirred all the while, nor stirred whenthe story came to an end. She still stared at Daisy. Well shemight!

"Now, Molly, " said the child, "I have got a message for you. "

"H—n?" said Molly, more softly. 

"It is from the Lord Jesus. It is in His book. It is amessage. The message is, that if you will believe in Him andbe His child, He will forgive you and love you; and then youwill go to be with Him in heaven. "

"Me?" said Molly. 

"Yes, " said Daisy, nodding her little head with her eyes fullof tears. "Yes, you will. Jesus will take you there, and youwill wear a white robe and a crown of gold, and be with Him. "

Daisy paused, and Molly looked at her. How much of the truthgot fair entrance into her mind, Daisy could not tell. Butafter a few minutes of pause, seeing that Daisy's lips did notopen, Molly opened hers, and bade her "Go on. "

"I am afraid I haven't time to-day, " said Daisy. "I'll bringmy book next time and read you the words. Can you read, Molly?"

"Read? no!"

Whether Molly knew what reading was, may be questioned. 

"Molly, " said Daisy, lowering her tone in her eagerness, "would you like to learn to read yourself? — Then, when I amnot here, you could see it all in the book. Wouldn't you likeit?"

"Where's books?" said the cripple. 

"I will bring the book. And now I must go. "

For Daisy knew that a good while had passed; she did not knowhow long it was. Before going, however, she went to see aboutthe fire in the stove. It was burnt down to a few coals; andthe kettle was boiling. Daisy could not leave it so. Shefetched more wood and put in, with a little more kindling; andthen, leaving it all right, she was going to bid Molly good-bye, when she saw that the poor cripple's head had sunk downon her arms. She looked in that position so forlorn, so lonelyand miserable, that Daisy's heart misgave her. She drew near. 

"Molly —" said her sweet little voice, "would you like yourtea now? the water is boiling. "

Molly signified that she would. 

"Would you like to have me make it?" said Daisy, doubtfully, quite afraid of venturing too far or too fast. But she neednot have been afraid. Molly only pointed with her finger to awall cupboard, and said as before, — "In there. "

The way was clear for Daisy, time or no time. She went to thecupboard. It was not hard to find the few things which Mollyhad in constant use. The tea-pot was there, and a paper oftea. Daisy made the tea, with a good deal of pleasure andwonder; set it to draw, and brought out Molly's cup and saucerand plate and knife and spoon. A little sugar she found too;not much. She put these things on the low table which was madeto fit Molly's condition. She could have it before her as shesat on the floor. 

"I don't see any milk for your tea, Molly. "

"Milk? no. It's all gone, " said Molly. 

"I am sorry. You'll have to take your tea without milk then. Here it is. I hope it is good. "

Daisy poured out a cup, set the sugar beside it, and cutslices of sponge-cake. She was greatly pleased at beingallowed to do it. Molly took it as a very natural thing, andDaisy sat down to enjoy the occasion a few minutes longer, andalso to give such attentions as she could. 

"Won't you have some?" said Molly. 

"No, I thank you. Mamma does not let me drink tea, except whenI am sick. "

Molly had discharged her conscience, and gave herself now toher own enjoyment. One cup of tea was a mere circumstance;Daisy filled and refilled it; Molly swallowed the tea as ifcupfuls had been mouthfuls. It was a subject of question toDaisy whether the poor creature had had any other meal thatday; so eager she was, and so difficult to satisfy with thesponge-cake. Slice after slice; and Daisy cut more, and put atiny fresh pinch of tea into the teapot, and waited upon herwith inexpressible tenderness and zeal. Molly exhausted thetea-pot and left but a small remnant of the cake. Daisy wasstruck with a sudden fear that she might have been neglectedand really want things to eat. How could she find out?

"Where shall I put this, Molly?" she said, taking the platewith the morsel of cake. "Where does it go?"

"In there —" said Molly. 

"Here? — or here?" touching the two doors of the cupboard. 

" 'Tother one. "

So Daisy opened the other door of the cupboard, just what shewanted to do. And there she saw indeed some remnants of food, but nothing more than remnants; a piece of dry bread and acold muffin, with a small bit of boiled pork. Daisy took but aglance, and came away. The plate and cup and saucer she set intheir place; bid good-bye to Molly, and ran out. 

Time indeed! The sun was sending long slant bright beamsagainst the cottage windows and over the pony-chaise, and thegroom had got the pony's head turned for home, evidently underthe impression that Daisy was staying a long time. A littlefearful of consequences if she got home after sundown, Daisygathered up her reins and signified to Loupe that he wasexpected to move with some spirit. 

But Daisy was very happy. She was thoroughly at home now withMolly; she was fairly admitted within the house and welcomethere; and already she had given comfort. She had almost doneas Nora said; as near as possible she had taken tea withMolly. Besides, Daisy had found out what more to do for her. She thought of that poor cupboard with mixed feelings; notpity only; for next day she would bring supplies that werereally needed. Some nice bread and butter — Daisy had seen nosign of butter, — and some meat. Molly needed a friend to lookafter her wants, and Daisy now had the freedom of the houseand could do it; and joyfully she resolved that she would doit, so long as her own stay at Melbourne should be prolonged. What if her getting home late should bring on a command thatwould put a stop to all this!

But nobody was on the piazza or in the library when she gothome. Daisy went safely to her own room. There was June allready to dress her; and making good speed, that business wasfinished and Daisy ready to go down to the dinner-table at theusual time. 

CHAPTER XXXIII. 

SATIN AND FEATHERS. 

She was a little afraid of questions at the dinner-table; butit happened that the older people were interested about somematter of their own and she was not noticed at all. Except ina quiet way by Mr. Randolph, who picked out nuts for her; andDaisy took them and thought joyfully of carrying a Testamentto Molly's cottage and teaching her to read it. If she coulddo but that — Daisy thought she would be happy. 

The evening was spent by her and Preston over engravingsagain. Some new ones were added to the stock already chosenfor tableaux; and Preston debated with her very eagerly thevarious questions of characters and dresses. Daisy did notcare how he arranged them, provided she only was not calledupon to be Priscilla to Alexander Fish, or Esther to HamiltonRush. "I will not, Preston —" she insisted quietly; andPreston was in difficulty; for as he truly said, it would notdo to give himself all the best pieces. 

The next day, after luncheon, a general conclave assembled, ofall the young people, to determine the respective parts andhold a little rehearsal by way of beginning. Mrs. Sandford wasthere too, but no other grown person was admitted. Preston hadcertainly a troublesome and delicate office in his capacity ofmanager. 

"What are you going to give me, Preston?" said Mrs. Stanfield's lively daughter, Theresa. 

"You must be Portia. "

"Portia? let me see — Oh, that's lovely! How will you dressme, Mrs. Sandford? I must be very splendid — I have just beenmarried, and I am worth any amount of splendour. Who's to beBassanio? —"

"George Linwood, I think. He must have dark hair, you know. "

"What are wigs good for?" said Theresa. "But he has nothing todo but to hold the letter and throw himself backward — he'ssurprised, you know, and people don't stand straight when theyare surprised. Only that, and to look at Portia. I guess hecan do it. Once fix him and he'll stay — that's one thing. Howwill you dress Portia, Mrs. Sandford? Ah, let me dress her!"

"Not at all; you must be amenable to authority, MissStanfield, like everybody else. "

"But what will you put on her, Mrs. Sandford? The dress isPortia. "

"No, by no means; you must look with a very delicateexpression, Miss Theresa. Your face will be the picture. "

"My face will depend on my dress, I know. What will it be, Mrs. Sandford?"

"I will give you a very heavy and rich purple brocade. "

"Jewels?"

"Of course. Mrs. Randolph lets us have whatever we want. "

"That will do!" said Theresa, clapping her hands softly. "I ammade up. What are you going to do with Frederica?"

"She has a great part. She must be Marie Antoinette goingfrom the revolutionary tribunal. "

"De la Roche's picture!" said Theresa. 

"She's not dressed at all, " — remarked Frederica, coldlylooking at the engraving. 

"Marie Antoinette needed no dress, you know, " Theresaanswered. 

"But she isn't handsome there. "

"You will be standing for her, " said Mrs. Sandford. "Theattitude is very striking, in its proud, indignantimpassiveness. You will do that well. I must dress your haircarefully, but you have just the right hair and plenty of it. "

"Don't she flatter her!" whispered Theresa to Preston; — thenaloud, "How will you make up the rest of the tableau, Preston?"

"I am going to be that old cross-eyed woman — Alexander willbe one of the guards — George Linwood another, I think. Hamilton Rush must shake his fist at the queen over my head;and Theresa, you must be this nice little French girl, lookingat her unfortunate sovereign with weeping eyes. Can you get atear on your cheek?"

"Might take an uncommon strong spoonful of mustard —" saidTheresa — "I suppose that would do it. But you are not goingto let the spectators come so near as to see drops of tears, Ihope?"

"No matter — your eyes and whole expression would be affectedby the mustard; it would tell, even at a distance. "

When they got through laughing, some one asked, "What is Daisyto be?"

"Oh, she is to be Priscilla here — I thought nobody but Daisywould care about being a Puritan; but it is her chosencharacter. "

"It'll be a pretty tableau, " said Theresa. 

"And what am I to be, Preston?" said Nora. 

"You are to be several things. You and Ella must be the twoyoung princes in the tower. "

"What tower ?" said Nora. 

There was another general laugh, and then Daisy, who was wellat home in English history, pulled her little friend aside towhisper to her the story and show her the picture. 

"What are those men going to do?" said Nora. 

"They are going to kill the little princes. They have got afeather-bed or something there, and they are going to smotherthem while they are asleep. "

"But I don't want the feather-bed on top of me!" said Nora. 

"No, no, — it is not to come down on you; but that is thepicture; they will hold it just so; it will not come down. "

"But suppose they should let it fall?"

"They will not let it fall. The picture is to have it heldjust so, as if they were going to smother the poor littleprinces the next minute. "

"I think it is a horrid picture!" said Nora. 

"But it will only last a little while. All you will have to dowill be to make believe you are asleep. "

"I don't want to make believe I am asleep. I would rather havemy eyes open. What else am I going to be, Daisy?"

"Preston will tell. I believe — you are to be one of QueenEsther's women, to hold her up when she fainted, you know. "

"Let me see. Where is it?"

Daisy obtained the picture. Nora examined it critically. 

"I would like to be the king, he is so handsome. Who will bethe queen?"

"I don't know yet, " said Daisy. 

"Are you going to have any part where you will be dressed up?"

"We shall have to be dressed for them all. We cannot wear ourown dresses, you know; it would not be a picture. "

"But, I mean, are you going to be dressed up with nicethings? — not like this. "

"This will be dressed up, " said Daisy; "she will be verynicely dressed — to be one of the queen's ladies, you know. "

"Daisy! Daisy! —" was now called from the larger group ofcounsel-takers, Daisy and Nora having separated themselves fortheir private discourse. "Daisy! look here — come here! seewhat you are to be. You are to be an angel. "

"You are to be an angel, Daisy, " Theresa repeated, "withwonderful wings made of gauze on a light frame of whalebone. "

Daisy came near, looking very attentive; if she felt any moreshe did not show it in her face. 

"Daisy, you will do it delightfully, " said Mrs. Sandford. "Come and look. It is this beautiful picture of the Game ofLife. "

"What is it, ma'am?" said Daisy. 

"These two figures, you see, are playing a game of chess. Thestake they are playing for, is this young man's soul; he isone of the players, and this other player is the evil one. Thearch-fiend thinks he has got a good move; the young man isvery serious but perplexed; and there stands his guardianangel watching how the game will go. "

Daisy looked at the picture in silence of astonishment. Itseemed to her impossible that anybody could play at such asubject as that. 

"Whom will you have for the fiend, Preston?" the lady went on. 

"I will do it myself, ma'am, I think. "

Daisy's "Oh, no, Preston!" — brought down such a shower oflaughter on all sides, that she retreated into herself alittle further than ever. They pursued the subject for awhile, discussing the parts and the making of the angelswings; deciding that Daisy would do excellently well for theangel and would look the part remarkably. 

"She has a good deal that sort of expression in ordinarytimes, " said Mrs. Sandford — "without the sadness; and thatshe can assume, I day say. "

"I would rather not do it —" Daisy was heard to say, verygently but very soberly. There was another laugh. 

"Do what, Daisy? assume a look of sadness?" said Preston. 

"I would rather not be the angel. "

"Nobody else could do it so well, " said Mrs. Sandford. "Youare the very one to do it. It will he admirable. "

"_I_ should like to be the angel —" murmured Nora, low enough tohave no one's attention but Daisy's. The rest were agreeingthat the picture would be excellent and had just the rightperformers assigned to it. Daisy was puzzled. It seemed to herthat Nora had a general desire for everything. 

"Ella will be one of the princes in the tower, " Preston wenton. "Nora will be Red Riding-Hood. "

"I won't be Red Riding-Hood —" said Nora. 

"Why not? Hoity, toity!"

"It isn't pretty. And it has no pretty dress. "

"Why, it is beautiful, " said Mrs. Sandford; "and the dress isto be made with an exquisite red cashmere cardinal of Mrs. Randolph's. You will make the best Red Riding-Hood here. Though Daisy would be more like the lamb the wolf was after, "— continued the lady, appealing to the manager; "and you mightchange. Who is to be queen Esther? Nora would do that well —with her black eyes and hair — she is more of a Jewess thanany other of them. "

"Esther is fainting, " said Preston. "Daisy's paleness willsuit that best. Nora could not look faint. "

"Yes, I could, " said that damsel, promptly. 

"You shall blow the cakes that Alfred has let burn, " saidPreston. "Capital! Look here, Nora. You shall be that girltaking up the burnt cakes and blowing to cool them; and youmay look as fierce as you like. You will get great applause ifyou do that part well. Eloise is going to be the scolding oldwoman. She and I divide the old women between us. "

"Too bad, Preston!" said Mrs. Sandford, laughing. "What elseare you going to be?"

"I am going to be one of those fellows coming to murder thelittle princes. "

"Who is Bassanio?"

"Hamilton says he will undertake that. George declines. "

"Suppose we do some work, instead of so much talking, " saidthe former person; who had hitherto been a very quietspectator and listener. "Let us have a little practice. Weshall want a good deal before we get through. "

All agreed; agreed also that something in the shape ofartistic draperies was needed for the practice. "It helps, " —as Hamilton Rush remarked. So Daisy went to desire theattendance of June with all the scarfs, mantles and shawlswhich could be gathered together. As Daisy went, she thoughtthat she did not wish Nora to be queen Esther; she was gladPreston was firm about that. 

The practising of Bassanio and Portia was so very amusing thatshe fairly forgot herself in laughter. So did everybody else;except Mrs. Sandford, who was intent upon draperies, andPreston whose hands held a burden of responsibility. Hamiltonwas a quiet fellow enough in ordinary; but now nobody was moreready for all the life of the play. He threw himself back intoan attitude of irresolution and perplexity, with the letter inhis hand which had brought the fatal news; that is, it was themake-believe letter, though it was in reality only the NewYork _Evening Post_. And Daisy thought his attitude was veryabsurd; but they all declared it was admirable and exactlycopied from the engraving. He threw himself into all this in amoment, and was Bassanio at once; but Theresa was much toowell disposed to laugh to imitate his example. And then theyall laughed at Theresa, who instead of looking grave andinquiring, as Portia should, at her lord's unusual action andappearance, flung herself into position and out of positionwith a mirthfulness of behaviour wholly inconsistent with thecharacter she was to personify. How they all laughed!

"What is it, Daisy?" whispered Nora. 

"Why, he has got a letter, " — said Daisy. 

"Is that newspaper the letter?"

"Make believe it is, " said Daisy. 

"But what are they doing?"

"Why, this man, Bassanio, has just got a letter that says hisdearest friend is going to be killed, because he owes moneythat he cannot pay; and as the money was borrowed for his ownsake, of course he feels very badly about it. "

"But people are not killed because they cannot pay money, "said Nora. "I have seen people come to papa for money, andthey didn't do anything to him because he hadn't it. "

"No, but those were different times, " said Daisy, "andBassanio lived in a different country. His friend owed moneyto a dreadful man, who was going to cut out two pounds of hisflesh to pay for it. So of course that would kill him. "

"Oh, look at Theresa now!" said Nora. 

The young lady had brought her muscles into order; and beingclever enough in her merry way, she had taken the look of thecharacter and was giving it admirably. It was hardly Theresa;her moveable face was composed to such an expression of simpleinquiry and interest and affectionate concern. The spectatorsapplauded eagerly; but Nora whispered, "What does she _look_like that, for?"

"Why, it's the picture, " said Daisy. 

"But what does she _look_ so for?"

"She is Bassanio's wife — they have just got married; and shelooks so because he looks so, I suppose. She does not knowwhat is in the letter. "

"Is he going to tell her?"

"Not in the picture —" said Daisy, feeling a little amused atNora's simplicity. "He did tell her in the story. "

"But why don't we have all the story?" insisted Nora. 

"Oh, these are only pictures, you know; that is all; peopledressed up to look like pictures. "

"They don't look like pictures a bit, _I_ think, " said Nora;"they look just like people. "

Daisy thought so too, but had some faith in Preston's and Mrs. Sandford's powers of transforming and mystifying the presentvery natural appearance of the performers. ]However, she wasbeginning to be of the opinion that it was good fun even now. 

"Now, Daisy, — come, we must practise putting _you_ inposition, " said Mrs. Sandford. "We will take something easyfirst — what shall it be? — Come! we will try Priscilla'scourtship. Where is your John Alden, Preston?"

Preston quietly moved forward Alexander Fish and seated him. Daisy began to grow warm with trepidation. 

"You must let your hair grow, Sandie — and comb out your longcurls into your neck; so, — do you see? And you will have tohave a dress as much as Priscilla. This tableau will be all inthe dress, Mrs. Sandford. "

"We will have it. That is easy. "

"Now, Alexander, look here, at the picture. Take that attitudeas nearly as you can, and I will stroke you into order. — Thatis pretty well, — lean over a little more with that elbow onyour knee, — you must be very much in earnest. "

"What am I doing?" said Alexander, breaking from hisprescribed attitude to turn round and face the company. 

"You are making love to Priscilla; but the joke is, you havebeen persuaded to do it for somebody else, when all the timeyou would like to do it for yourself. "

"I wouldn't be such a gumph as that!" muttered Alexander, ashe fell back into position. "Who am I, to begin with?"

"A highly respectable old Puritan. The lady was surprised athim and he came to his senses, but that is not in the picture. Now Daisy — take that chair — a little nearer — you are tohave your hand on your spinning wheel, you know; I have got adear little old spinning wheel at home for you, that was usedby my grandmother. You must look at Alexander a littleseverely, for he is doing what you did not expect of him, andyou think he ought to know better. That attitude is very good. But you must look at him, Daisy! Don't let your eyes go down. "

There was a decided disposition to laugh among the companylooking on, which might have been fatal to the Puritan picturehad not Preston and Mrs. Sandford energetically crushed it. Happily Daisy was too much occupied with the difficulty of herown immediate situation to discover how the bystanders wereaffected; she did not know what was the effect of her pinklittle cheeks and very demure downcast eyes. In fact Daisy hadgone to take her place in the picture with something scarcelyless than horror; only induced to do it, by her greater horrorof making a fuss and so showing the feeling which she knewwould be laughed at if shown. She showed it now, poor child;how could she help it? she showed it by her unusually tingedcheeks and by her persistent down-looking eyes. It was verydifficult indeed to help it; for if she ventured to look atAlexander she caught impertinent little winks, — most unlikeJohn Alden or any Puritan, — which he could execute withimpunity because his face was mostly turned from the audience;but which Daisy took in full. 

"Lift your eyes, Daisy! your eyes! Priscilla was too muchastonished not to look at her lover. You may be even a littleindignant, if you choose. I am certain she was. "

Poor Daisy —it was a piece of the fortitude that belonged toher — thus urged, did raise her eyes and bent upon her winkingcoadjutor a look so severe in its childish distaste anddisapproval that there was a unanimous shout of applause. "Capital, Daisy! — capital!" cried Preston. "If you only lookit like that, we shall do admirably. It will be a tableauindeed. There, get up — you shall not practise any more justnow. "

"It will be very fine, " said Mrs. Sandford. 

"Daisy, I did not think you were such an actress, " saidTheresa. "It would have overset _me_, if I had been John Alden —" remarked Hamilton Rush. 

Daisy withdrew into the background as fast as possible, and asfar as possible from Alexander. 

"Do you like to do it, Daisy?" whispered Nora. 

"No. "

"Are you going to have a handsome dress for that?"

"No. "

"What sort, then?"

"Like the picture. "

"Well — what is that?"

"Brown, with a white vandyke. "

"Vandyke? what is a vandyke?"

"Hush, " said Daisy; "let us look. "

Frederica Fish was to personify Lady Jane Grey, at the momentwhen the nobles of her family and party knelt before her tooffer her the crown. As Frederica was a, fair, handsome girl, without much animation, this part suited her; she had only tobe dressed and sit still. Mrs. Sandford threw some richdraperies round her figure, and twisted a silk scarf about theback of her head; and the children exclaimed at the effectproduced. That was to be a rich picture, for of course thekneeling nobles were to be in costly and picturesque attire;and a crown was to be borne on a cushion before them. A bookdid duty for it just now, on a couch pillow. 

"That is what I should like —" said Nora. "I want to bedressed and look so. "

"You will be dressed to be one of the queen's women in Estherand Ahasuerus, you know. "

"But the queen will be dressed more — won't she?"

"Yes, I suppose she will. "

"I should like to be the queen; that is what I should like tobe. "

Daisy made no answer. She thought she would rather Nora shouldnot be the queen. 

"Doesn't she look beautiful?" Nora went on, referring again toFrederica. 

Which Frederica did. The tableau was quite pretty, evenpartially dressed and in this off-hand way as it was. 

Next Mrs. Sandford insisted on dressing Daisy as Fortitude. She had seen, perhaps, a little of the child's discomposure, and wished to make her forget it. In this tableau Daisy wouldbe quite alone; so she was not displeased to let the lady dowhat she chose with her. She stood patiently, while Mrs. Sandford wound a long shawl skilfully around her, bringing itinto beautiful folds like those in Sir Joshua Reynolds'painting; then she put a boy's cap, turned the wrong way, onher head, to do duty for a helmet, and fixed a nodding plumeof feathers in it. Daisy then was placed in the attitude ofthe picture, and the whole little assembly shouted withdelight. 

"It will do, Mrs. Sandford, " said Preston. 

"Isn't it pretty?" said the lady. 

"And Daisy does it admirably, " said Theresa. "You are a fairyat dressing, Mrs. Sandford; your fingers are better than afairy's wand. I wish you were my godmother; I shouldn'tdespair to ride yet in a coach and six. There are plenty ofpumpkins in a field near our house, and plenty of rats in thehouse itself. Oh, Mrs. Sandford! let us have Cinderella!"

"What, for a tableau?"

"Yes, ma'am. "

"You must ask the manager. I do not know anything about that. "

Preston and Theresa and Hamilton and Alexander now went intoan eager discussion of this question, and before it wassettled the party discovered that it was time to break up. 

CHAPTER XXXIV. 

CHARITY AND VANITY. 

"Well, Daisy, " said Mr. Randolph that evening, "how do youlike your new play that you are all so busy about?"

"I like it pretty well, papa. "

"Only pretty well! Is that the most you can say of it? Iunderstood that it was supposed to be an amusement of a muchmore positive character. "

"Papa, it is amusing — but it has its disagreeablenesses. "

"Has it? What can they be? Or has everything pleasant its darkside?"

"I don't know, papa. "

"What makes the shadows in this instance?"

It seemed not just easy for Daisy to tell, for her father sawthat she looked puzzled how to answer. 

"Papa, I think it is because people do not behave perfectlywell. "

It was quite impossible for Mr. Randolph to help bursting intoa laugh at this; but he put his arms round Daisy and kissedher very affectionately at the same time. 

"How does their ill behaviour affect your pleasure, Daisy?"

"Papa — you know I have to play with them. "

"Yes, I understand that. What do they do?"

"It isn't _they_, papa. It is only Alexander Fish — or at leastit is he most. "

"What does _he_ do?"

"Papa — we are in a tableau together. "

"Yes. You and he?"

"Yes, papa. And it is very disagreeable. "

"Pray how, Daisy?" said Mr. Randolph, commanding his featureswith some difficulty. "What is the tableau?"

"Papa, you know the story of Priscilla?"

"I do not think I do. What Priscilla?"

"Priscilla and John Alden. It is in a book of engravings. "

"Oh! — the courtship of Miles Standish?"

"Miles Standish was his friend, papa. "

"Yes, I know now. And are you Priscilla?"

"Yes, papa. "

"And who is Miles Standish?"

"Oh, nobody; he is not in the picture; it is John Alden. "

"I think I remember. Who is John Alden, then?"

"Papa, they have put Alexander Fish in, because he has longcurling hair; but I think Preston's hair would do a great dealbetter. "

"Preston is under some obligation to the others, I suppose, because he is manager. But how does Alexander Fish abuse hisprivileges?"

"Papa, " said Daisy, unwillingly, — "his face is turned awayfrom the other people, so that nobody can see it but me; — andhe winks. "

Daisy brought out the last word with an accession of gravityimpossible fully to describe. Mr. Randolph's mouth twitched;he bent his head down upon Daisy's, that she might not see it. 

"That is very rude of him, Daisy, " he said. 

"Papa, " said Daisy, who did not relish the subject, and chosea departure, — "what is a _Puritan?_"

"A Puritan!"

"Yes, papa. What is it? Priscilla was a Puritan. "

"That was a name given to a class of people in England a longtime ago. "

"What did it mean?"

"They were a stiff set of people, Daisy; good enough people intheir way, no doubt, but very absurd in it also. "

"What did they do, papa?"

"Concluded to do without whatever is graceful and beautifuland pleasant, in dress or arts or manners. The moredisagreeable they made life, they thought it was the better. "

"Why were they called that name? Were they purer than otherpeople?"

"I believe they thought themselves so. "

"I think they look nice in the picture, " said Daisy, meditatively. "Are there any Puritans now, papa?"

"There are people that are called Puritans. It is a term aptto be applied to people that are stiff in their religion. "

"Papa, " said Daisy when an interval of five minutes hadpassed, — "I do not see how people can be stiff in theirreligion. "

"Don't you. Why not?"

"Papa, I do not see how it can be _stiff_, to love God and dowhat He says. "

"No —" said Mr. Randolph; "but people can be stiff in ways oftheir own devising. "

"Ways that are not in the Bible, papa?"

"Well — yes. "

"But papa, it cannot be _stiff_ to do what God says we must do?"

"No, — of course not, " said Mr. Randolph, getting up. 

He left her, and Daisy sat meditating; then with a glad heartran off and ordered her pony-chaise. If tableaux were to bethe order of the day every afternoon, she must go to see Mollyin the morning. This time she had a good deal to carry and toget ready. Molly was in want of bread. A nice little loaf, fresh baked, was supplied by Joanna, along with some coldrolls. 

"She will like those, I dare say, " said Daisy. "I dare say shenever saw rolls in her life before. Now she wants some meat, Joanna. There was nothing but a little end of cold pork on thedish in her cupboard. "

"Why, I wonder who cooks for the poor wretch?" said Joanna. 

"I think she cooks for herself, because she has a stove, and Isaw iron things and pots to cook with. But she can't do much, Joanna, and I don't believe she knows how. "

"Sick, is she too?" said Joanna. 

"Sick with rheumatism, so that she did not like to stir. "

"I guess I must go take a look at her; but maybe she mightn'tlet me. Well, Miss Daisy, the way will be for you to tell mewhat she wants, if you can find out. She must have neighbours, though, that take care of her. "

"We are her neighbours, " said Daisy. 

Joanna looked, a look of great complacency and some wonder, atthe child; and packed forthwith into Daisy's basket the halfof a cold chicken and a broken peach-pie. A bottle of milkDaisy particularly desired, and a little butter; and she setoff at last, happier than a queen — Esther or any other — togo to Molly with her supplies. 

She found not much improvement in the state of affairs. Mollywas gathered up on her hearth near the stove, in which she hadmade a fire; but it did not appear, for all that Daisy couldsee, that anything else had been done, or any breakfast eatenthat morning. The cripple seemed to be in a down-hearted andhopeless state of mind; and no great wonder. 

"Molly, would you like another cup of tea?" said her littlefriend. 

"Yes, it's in there. You fix it, " — said the poor woman, pointing as before to the cupboard, and evidently comforted byDaisy's presence and proposal. Daisy could hear it in the toneof her voice. So, greatly pleased herself, Daisy went to workin Molly's house just as if she was at home. She fetched waterin the kettle again and made up the fire. While that wasgetting ready, she set the table for breakfast. The only tablethat Molly could use was a piece of board nailed on a chair. On this Daisy put her plate and cup and saucer, and withsecret glee arranged the cold chicken and loaf of bread. Forthe cupboard, as she saw, was as empty as she had found it twodays before. What Molly had lived on in the mean time wassimply a mystery to Daisy. To be sure, the end of cold porkwas gone, the remains of the cake had disappeared, and nothingwas left of the peaches but the stones. The tea-kettle did notboil for a time; and Daisy looked uneasily at Molly's cup andsaucer and plate meanwhile. They had not been washed, Daisycould not guess for how long; certainly no water had touchedthem since the tea of two nights ago, for the cake crumbs andpeach stones told the tale. Daisy looked at them with a greatfeeling of discomfort. She could not bear to see them so; theyought to be washed; but Daisy disliked the idea of touchingthem for that purpose more than I can make you understand. Inall matters of nicety and cleanliness Daisy was notional;nothing suited her but the most fastidious particularity. Ithad been a trial to her to bring those unwashed things fromthe cupboard. Now she sat and looked at them; uneasilydebating what she should do. It was not comfortable, thatMolly should take her breakfast off them as they were; andMolly was miserable herself, and would do nothing to mendmatters. And then — "Whatsoever ye would that men should do toyou, " — As soon as that came fairly into Daisy's head, sheknew what she ought to be about. Not without an inward sigh, she gathered up the pieces again. 

"What you going to do?" said Molly. 

"I'll bring them back, " said Daisy. "I will be ready directly. The water is not boiling yet. "

For she saw that Molly was jealously eager for the hoped-forcup of tea. She carried the things out into the shed, andthere looked in vain for any dish or vessel to wash them in. How could it be that Molly managed? Daisy was fain to fetch alittle bowl of water and wash the crockery with her fingers, and then fetch another bowl of water to rinse it. There was nonapkin to be seen. She left the things to drain as they could, and went to the spring to wash her own fingers; rejoicing inthe purifying properties of the sweet element. All this tooksome time, but Daisy carried in her clean dishes with asatisfied heart. 

"It's bi'lin', —" said Molly, as soon as she entered. 

So the little kettle was. Daisy made tea, and prepared Molly'stable with a little piece of butter and the bottle of milk. And no little girl making an entertainment for herself withtiny china cups and tea-set, ever had such satisfaction in it. Twenty dinners at home could not have given Daisy so muchpleasure, as she had now to see the poor cripple look at herunwonted luxuries, and then to see her taste them. Yet Mollysaid almost nothing; but the grunt of new expression withwhich she set down the bottle of milk the first time, went allthrough and through Daisy's heart with delight. Molly dranktea and spread her bread with butter, and Daisy noticed herturning over her slice of bread to examine the texture of it;and a quieter, soothed, less miserable look, spread itselfover her wrinkled features. They were not wrinkled with age;yet it was a lined and seamed face generally, from the workingof unhappy and morose feelings. 

"Ain't it good! —" was Molly's single word of comment as shefinished her meal. Then she sat back and watched Daisy puttingall the things nicely away. She looked hard at her. 

"What you fetch them things here for?" she broke out suddenly. "H — n?"

The grunt with which her question concluded was so earnest inits demand of an answer, that Daisy stopped. 

"Why, I like to do it, Molly, " she said. Then seeing theintent eyes with which the poor creature was examining her, Daisy added, — "I like to do it; because Jesus loves you. "

"H — n?" — said Molly, very much at a loss what this mightmean, and very eager to know. Daisy stood still, with thebread in her hands. 

"Don't you know, Molly?" she said. "He does. It is. Jesus, that I told you about. He loves you, and He came and died foryou, that He might make you good and save you from your sins;and He loves you now, up in heaven. "

"What's that?" said Molly. 

"Heaven? that is where God lives, and the angels, and goodpeople. "

"There ain't none, " said Molly. 

"What?"

"There ain't no good people. "

"Oh, yes, there are. When they are washed in Jesus' blood, then they are good. He will take away all their sins. "

Molly was silent for a moment, and Daisy resumed her work ofputting things away; but as she took the peach pie in herhands, Molly burst out again. 

"What you bring them things here for?"

Daisy stopped again. 

"I think it is because Jesus is my King, " she said, "and Ilove Him. And I love what He loves, and so I love you, Molly. "

Daisy looked very childish and very wise, as she said this;but over Molly's face there came a great softening change. Thewrinkles seemed to disappear; she gazed at Daisy steadily, asif trying to find out what it all meant: and when the eyespresently were cast down, Daisy almost thought there was alittle moisture about them. She had no further interruption inher work. The dishes were all put away, and then she broughther book. Daisy had her Bible with her this time, that shemight give Molly more than her own words. And Molly she foundas ready to listen as could be desired. And she was persistentin desiring to hear only of that incredible Friend of whomDaisy had told her. That name she wanted; wherever that namecame in, Molly sat silent and attentive; if the narrative lostit, she immediately quickened Daisy's memory to the knowledgeof the fact that nothing else would do. At last Daisy proposedthat Molly herself should learn to read. Molly stared veryhopelessly at first; but after getting more accustomed to theidea, and hearing from Daisy that it was by no means animpossible thing, and further that, if she could learn toread, the Bible would be forthcoming for her own use, she tookup the notion with an eagerness far exceeding all that Daisyhad hoped for. She said very little about it; nevertheless itwas plain that a root of hope had struck down into thecreature's heart. Daisy taught her two letters, A and B, andthen was obliged to go home. 

It was quite time, for little Daisy was tired. She was notaccustomed to making fires and boiling kettles, neither tosetting tables and washing dishes. Yet it was not merely, norso much, the bodily exertion she had made, as the mind work. —The excitement both of pleasure and responsibility and eagerdesire. Altogether, Daisy was tired; and sat back in herchaise, letting the reins hangs languidly in her hands andLoupe go how he would. But Loupe judged it was best to gethome and have some refreshment, so he bestirred himself. Daisyhad time to lie down a little while before her dinner;nevertheless she was languid and pale, and disposed to takeall the rest of the day very quietly. 

The rest of the day was of course devoted to the tableaux. Thelittle company had got warmed to the subject pretty well atthe first meeting; they all came together this fine afternoonwith spirits in tone for business. And Daisy, though she wastired, presently found her own interest drawn in. She was notcalled upon immediately to take any active part; she perchedherself in the corner of a couch, and looked on and listened. Thither came Nora Dinwiddie, too much excited to sit down, andstood by Daisy's elbow. They had been practising "Alfred inthe neatherd's cottage;" Nora had been called upon to be thegirl blowing the burnt cakes; she had done it, and everybodyhad laughed, but the little lady was not pleased. 

"I know I look horrid!" she said to Daisy, — "puffing out mycheeks till they are like a pair of soapbubbles!"

"But soapbubbles are not that colour, " said Daisy. "Yourcheeks didn't look like soapbubbles. "

"Yes, they did. They looked horrid, I know. "

"But the picture is so, " urged Daisy, quietly. "You want to belike the picture. "

"No, I don't. Not that picture. I would like to be somethinghandsome. I don't like that picture. "

Daisy was silent, and Nora pouted. 

"What are you going to be, Daisy?" said Ella Stanfield. 

"I am going to be Priscilla. No, I don't know whether I am ornot; but I am going to be Fortitude, I believe. "

"That's pretty, " said Ella. "What else? Oh, you are going tobe the angel, aren't you? I wonder if that will be pretty. Itwill be queer. Nora, shall you like to be one of the littleprinces in the Tower? with that feather-bed coming over us?But we shall not see it, I suppose, because our eyes have gotto be shut; but I shall be afraid every minute they will letit fall on us. "

"My eyes won't be shut, " said Nora. 

"Oh, they must. You know, the little princes were asleep, whenthe men came to kill them. Your eyes must be shut and you mustbe asleep. Oh, what are they doing to Theresa?"

"Dressing her —" said Daisy. 

"What is she going to be?"

"Portia —" said Daisy. 

"Isn't that beautiful! —" said Nora, with a deep breath. "Oh, what a splendid dress! How rich-looking it is. What a lovelypurple. Oh, how beautiful Theresa is in it. Oh! Isn't thatsplen — did?"

A very prolonged, though low, breath of admiring wondertestified to the impressive power, upon the children at least, of Theresa's new habiliments. The purple brocade was upon her;its full draperies swept the ground in gorgeous colouring; anecklace of cameos was bound with great effect upon her hair;and on the arms, which were half bare, Mrs. Sandford wasclasping gold and glittering jewels. Theresa threw herselfslightly back in her prescribed attitude, laid her armslightly across each other, and turned her head with a verysaucy air towards the companion figure, supposed to beBassanio. All the others laughed and clapped her. 

"Not that, Theresa, not that; you have got the wrong picture. You are going with the Prince of Arragon now, to the caskets;and you ought to be anxiously asking Bassanio about hisletter. "

Theresa changed attitude and expression on the instant; bentslightly forward, lost her sauciness, and laid her hand uponBassanio's arm with a grave, tender look of inquiry. They allshouted again. 

"Bravo, Theresa! capital!" said Preston. 

"Hamilton, can you act up to that?" said Mrs. Sandford. 

"Wait till I get my robes on, ma'am. I can make believe agreat deal easier when I am under the persuasion that it isnot me — Hamilton Rush. "

"I'd like to see Frederica do as well as that, " said AlexanderFish, in a fit of brotherly concern. 

"Let us try her —" said good-natured Mrs. Sandford. Mrs. Sandford certainly was good-natured, for she had all thedressing to do. She did it well, and very patiently. 

"There, " said Nora, when Ella had left the couch to go to hersister, — "that is what I like. Didn't she look beautiful, Daisy?"

"Her dress looked beautiful —" said Daisy. 

"Well, of course; and that made _her_ look beautiful. Daisy, Iwish I could have a nice part. I would like to be the queen inthat fainting picture. "

"You are going to be in that picture. "

"But, I mean, I would like to be the queen. She will have thebest dress, won't she?"

"I suppose she will be the most dressed, " said Daisy. 

"I don't want to be one of the women — I want to be the queen. Hamilton Rush said I would be the best one for it, because shewas a Jewess; and I am the only one that has got black eyesand hair. "

"But her eyes will not be seen, " said Daisy. "She is fainting. When people faint, they keep their eyes shut. "

"Yes, but I am the only one that has got black hair. That willshow. Her hair ought to be black. "

"Why, will not other hair do just as well?" said Daisy. 

"Why, because she was a Jewess. "

"Do Jewesses always have black hair?"

"Of course they _ought_ to have black hair, " said Nora; "orHamilton Rush would not have said that. And my hair is black. "

Daisy was silent. She said nothing to this proposition. Thechildren were both silenced for a little while the practisingfor "Marie Antoinette" was going on. The principal part inthis was taken by Frederica, who was the beauty of thecompany. A few touches of Mrs. Sandford's skilful handstransformed her appearance wonderfully. She put on an old-fashioned straight gown, which hung in limp folds around her;and Mrs. Sandford arranged a white handkerchief over herbreast, tying it in the very same careless loose knotrepresented in the picture; but her management of Frederica'shair was the best thing. Its soft fair luxuriance was, no onecould tell how, made to assume the half-dressed, half-undressed air of the head in Delaroche's picture; andFrederica looked the part well. 

"She should throw her head a little more back, " — whisperedHamilton Rush to the manager; — "her head or her shoulders. She is not quite indignant enough. "

"That handkerchief in her hand is not right —" said Preston, in a responding whisper. "You see to it — while I get intodisguise. 

"That handkerchief, Mrs. Sandford —" Hamilton said, softly. 

"Yes. — Frederica, your hand with the pocket-handkerchief, —it is not quite the thing. "

"Why not?"

"You hold it like a New York lady. "

"How _should_ I hold it?"

"Like a French queen, whose Austrian fingers may hold anythingany way. " This was Hamilton's dictum. 

"But how _do_ I hold it?"

"You have picked it up in the middle, and show all the flowerwork in the corners. "

"You hold it too daintily, Frederica, " said Theresa. "You mustgrasp it — grasp it loosely — but as the distinguished criticwho has last spoken has observed. "

Frederica dropped her handkerchief, and picked it up againexactly as she had it before. 

"Try again —" said Mrs. Sandford. "Grasp it, as Theresa says. Never mind how you are taking it up. "

"Must I throw it down again?"

"If you please. "

"Take it up any way but in the middle, " said Hamilton. 

Down went the handkerchief on a chair, and then Frederica'sfingers took it up, delicately, and with a little shakedisplayed as before what Hamilton called the flowers in thecorners. It was the same thing. They all smiled. 

"She can't hold a handkerchief any but the one way — I don'tbelieve, " said her brother Alexander. 

"Isn't it right?" said Frederica. 

"Perfect, I presume, for Madison Square or Fifth Avenue — butnot exactly for a revolutionary tribunal, " said Hamilton. 

"What is the difference?"

"Ah, that is exactly what it is so hard to get at. Hollo!Preston — is it Preston? Can't be better, Preston. Admirable!admirable!"

"Well, Preston, I do not know you!" said Mrs. Sandford. 

Was it Preston? Daisy could hardly believe her ears. Her eyescertainly told her another story. Was it Preston? in the guiseand with the face of an extremely ugly old woman — vicious andmalignant, — who? taking post near the deposed queen, peeredinto her face with spiteful curiosity and exultation. Not atrace of likeness to Preston could Daisy see. She half rose upto look at him in her astonishment. But the voice soondeclared that it was no other than her cousin. 

"Come, " — said he, while they were all shouting, — "fall in. You, Hamilton, —and Theresa, — come and take your positions. "

Hamilton, with a glance at the picture, went behind Preston;and putting on a savage expression, thrust his clenched fistout threateningly towards the dignified figure of Frederica;while Theresa, stealing up into the group, put her hands upona chair-back to steady herself and bent towards the queen alook of mournful sympathy and reverence, that in the veritablescene and time represented would undoubtedly have cost theyoung lady her life. The performers were good; the picture wasadmirable. There was hardly anybody left to look when GeorgeLinwood and Alexander had taken post as the queen's guards;and to say truth they did not in their present state ofundisguised individuality add much to the effect; but Mrs. Sandford declared the tableau was very fine, and could be madeperfect. 

The question of Cinderella came up then; and there was a gooddeal of talk. Finally it was decided that little Ella shouldbe Cinderella, and Eloise the fairy godmother, and JaneLinwood and Nora the wicked sisters. A little practising wastried, to get them in order. Then Esther was called for. Daisysubmitted. 

Hamilton Rush was made magnificent and kingly by a superbvelvet mantle and turbaned crown — the latter not perfect, butimprovised for the occasion. For a sceptre he held out a longwooden ruler this time; but Preston promised a better oneshould be provided. The wooden ruler was certainly not quitein keeping with the king's state, or the queen's. Daisy wasrobed in a white satin dress of her mother's; much too long, of course, but that added to the rich effect; it lay in foldsupon the floor. Her head was covered with a rose-colouredsilken scarf wound artistically round it, and the endsfloating away; and upon this drapery diamonds were bound, thatsparkled very regally over Daisy's forehead. But this was onlythe beginning. A zone of brilliants at her waist made thewhite satin dazzling, and gathered its folds together;bracelets of every colour and of great beauty loaded Daisy'slittle arms; till she was, what Mrs. Sandford had said Esthermust be, a spot of brilliancy. Her two maids, Nora and JaneLinwood, at this time were not robed in any other than theirordinary attire; perhaps that was one reason why theirmaintenance of their characters was not quite so perfect asthat of the principal two. Hamilton stretched forward hiswooden sceptre to the queen with benignant haste and dignity. Daisy, only too glad to shrink away, closed her eyes and layback in the arms of her attendants in a manner that was reallyvery satisfactory. But the attendants themselves were not inorder. 

"Jane, you must not laugh —" said her brother. 

"I ain't laughing!"

"Yes, but you were. "

"The queen is fainting, you know, " said Mrs. Sandford. "Youare one of her maids, and you are very much distressed aboutit. "

"I am not distressed a bit. I don't care. "

"Nora, do not forget that you are another attendant. Yourbusiness is with your mistress. You must be looking into herface, to see if she is really faint, or if you can perceivesigns of mending. You must look very anxious. "

But Nora looked very cross; and as Jane persisted in giggling, the success of that picture was not quite excellent this time. 

"Nora is the most like a Jewess —" Theresa remarked. 

"Oh, Nora will make a very good maid of honour by and by, "Mrs. Sandford replied. 

But Nora had her own thoughts. 

"Daisy, how shall I be dressed?" she inquired, when Daisy wasdisrobed of her magnificence and at leisure to talk. 

"I don't know. Oh, in some nice way, " said Daisy, getting intoher corner of the couch again. 

"Yes, but shall I — shall Jane and I have bracelets, and agirdle, and something on our heads too?"

"No, I suppose not. The queen, of course, is most dressed, Nora; you know she must be. "

"I should like to have _one_ dress, " said Nora. "I am notanything at all. All the fun is in the dress. You are to havefour dresses. "

"Well, so are you to have four. "

"No, I am not. What four?"

"This one, you know; and Red Riding-hood — and the Princes inthe Tower — and Cinderella. "

"I am to be only one of the ugly sisters in Cinderella — Idon't believe aunt Frances will give her much of a dress; andI hate Red Riding-hood; and the Princes in the Tower are notto be dressed at all. They are covered up with the bed-clothes. "

"Nora, " said Daisy, softly, — "would you like to be dressed asJohn Alden?"

"As _what?_" said Nora, in no very accommodating tone of voice. 

"John Alden — that Puritan picture, you know, with thespinning-wheel. I am to be Priscilla. "

"A boy! Do you think I would be dressed like a boy?" criedNora, in dudgeon. And Daisy thought _she_ would not, if thequestion were asked her; and had nothing more to answer. 

So the practising went on, with good success on the whole. Thelittle company met every other day; and dresses were making, and postures were studied, and costumes were considered andre-considered. Portia and Bassanio got to be perfect. So didAlfred in the neatherd's cottage — very nearly. Nora, howevershe grumbled, blew her cakes energetically; Preston and Eloisemade a capital old man and woman, she with a mutch cap and hewith a bundle of sticks on his head; while Alexander Fish, with his long hair and rather handsome face, sat very well atthe table hearing his rebuke for letting the cakes burn. Alexander was to have a six-foot bow in hand, which he andHamilton were getting ready; and meanwhile practised with anumbrella. But the tableau was very good. Most of the otherswent very well. Still Daisy was greatly tried by John Alden'sbehaviour, and continued to look so severe in the picture asto draw out shouts of approving laughter from the company, whodid not know that; Alexander Fish was to be thanked for it. And Nora was difficult to train in Queen Esther. She woreobstinately a look of displeased concern for herself, and noconcern at all for her fainting mistress. Which, on the whole, rather impaired the unity of the action, and the harmony ofthe general effect. 

"How is your task proceeding?" Mrs. Randolph asked oneevening, when Mrs. Sandford was staying to tea. 

"Excellently well. We shall make a good thing, I confidentlyexpect. "

"Hamilton is a good actor, " said Preston. 

"And Master Gary also, " said Mrs. Sandford. "Your old Frenchwife is perfect, Preston. "

"Much obliged, ma'am. "

"Not to me. My dressing has nothing to do with that. ButPreston, what shall we do with Frederica's handkerchief? Shecan _not_ hold it — right. "

"Like a queen —" said Preston. "I do not know — unless wecould scare her out of her propriety. A good fright would doit, I think. But then the expression would not suit. How isthe Game, Mrs. Sandford?"

"Perfect! admirable! You and Hamilton do it excellently — andDaisy is a veritable angel. "

"How does _she_ like it all?" Mrs. Randolph inquired. 

"Aunt Felicia, she is as much engaged as anybody. "

"And plays as well, " added Mrs. Sandford. 

"She has found out to-day, aunt Felicia, " Preston went on, speaking rather low, "that she ought to have a string of redstones round her head instead of white ones. "

Mrs. Randolph smiled. 

"She was quite right, " said Mrs. Sandford. "It was a matter ofcolour, and she was quite right. She was dressed for QueenEsther, and I made her look at herself to take the effect; andshe suggested, very modestly, that stones of some colour woulddo better than diamonds round her head. So I substituted somevery magnificent rubies of yours, Mrs. Randolph; quite toDaisy's justification. "

"Doesn't she make a magnificent little 'Fortitude, ' though!"said Eloise. 

"The angel will be the best, " said Mrs. Sandford. "She looksso naturally troubled. But we have got a good band of workers. Theresa Stanfield is very clever. "

"It will do Daisy a world of good, " said Mrs. Gary. 

CHAPTER XXXXV. 

QUEEN ESTHER. 

All this while Daisy's days were divided. Silks and jewels andpictures and practising, in one part; in the other part, theold cripple Molly Skelton, and her basket of bread and fruit, and her reading in the Bible. For Daisy attended as regularlyto the one as to the other set of interests, and morefrequently; for the practising party met only three times aweek, but Daisy went to Molly every day. 

Molly was not sick now. Daisy's good offices in the materialline were confined to supplying her with nice bread and butterand fruit and milk, with many varieties beside. But in thatday or two of rheumatic pains, when Molly had been waited uponby the dainty little handmaiden who came in spotless frocksand trim little black shoes to make her fire and prepare hertea, Daisy's tenderness and care had completely won Molly'sheart. She was a real angel in that poor house; no vision ofone. Molly welcomed her so, looked at her so, and wouldperhaps have obeyed her as readily. But Daisy offered no wordsthat required obedience, except those she read out of theBook; and Molly listened to them as if it had been the voiceof an angel. She was learning to read herself; reallylearning: making advances every day that showed diligentinterest; and the interest was fed by those words she dailylistened to out of the same book. Daisy had got a large-printTestament for her at Crum Elbow; and a new life had begun forthe cripple. The rose-bush and the geranium flourishedbrilliantly, for the frosts had not come yet; and they were agood setting forth of how things were going in the house. 

One lovely October afternoon, when air and sky were a breathand vision of delight, after a morning spent in dressing andpractising, Daisy went to Molly. She went directly afterluncheon. She had given Molly her lesson; and then Daisy satwith a sober little face, her finger between the leaves of theBible, before beginning her accustomed reading. Molly eyed herwistfully. 

"About the crowns and the white dresses, " she suggested. 

"Shall I read about those?" said Daisy. And Molly nodded. Andwith her little face exceedingly grave and humble, Daisy readthe seventh chapter of the Revelation, and then the twenty-first chapter, and the twenty second; and then she sat withher finger between the leaves as before, looking out of thewindow. 

"Will they all be sealed?" said Molly, breaking the silence. 

"Yes. "

"What is that?"

"I don't know exactly. It will be a mark of all the peoplethat love Jesus. "

"A mark in their foreheads?"

"Yes, it says so. "

"What mark?"

"I don't know, Molly; it says, 'His name shall be in theirforeheads. ' " And Daisy's eyes became full of tears. 

"How will that be?"

"I don't know, Molly; it don't tell. I suppose that everybodythat looks at them will know in a minute that they belong toJesus. "

Daisy's hand went up and brushed across her eyes; and then didit again. 

"Do they belong to Him?" asked Molly. 

"Oh, yes! Here it is — don't you remember? — 'they have washedtheir robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. ' "

"So they are white, then?" said Molly. 

"Yes. And His mark is on them. "

"I wish, " said the cripple, slowly and thoughtfully, — "I wish'twas on me. I do!"

I do not think Daisy could speak at this. She shut her bookand got up and looked at Molly, who had put her head down onher folded arms; and then she opened Molly's Testament andpressed her arm to make her look. Still Daisy did not speak;she had laid her finger under some of the words she had beenreading; but when Molly raised her head she remembered thesense of them could not be taken by the poor woman's eyes. SoDaisy read them, looking with great tenderness in thecripple's face. 

" 'I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of thewater of life freely. ' That is what it says, Molly. "

"Who says?"

"Why, Jesus says it. He came and died to buy the life for us —and now He will give it to us, He says, if we want it. "

"What life?" said Molly, vaguely. 

"Why, _that_, Molly; that which you were wishing for. He willforgive us, and make us good, and set His mark upon us; andthen we shall wear those robes that are made white in Hisblood, and be with Him in heaven. And that is life. "

"You and me?" said Molly. 

"Oh, yes! Molly — anybody. It says 'whosoever is athirst. ' "

"Where's the words?" said Molly. 

Daisy showed her; and Molly made a deep mark in the paperunder them with her nail; so deep as to signify that she meantto have them for present study or future reference or both. Then, as Molly seemed to have said her say, Daisy said no moreand went away. 

It was still not late in the afternoon; and Daisy drove on, past the Melbourne gates, and turned the corner into the roadwhich led to Crum Elbow. The air was as clear as October couldhave it; and soft, neither warm nor cold; and the roads wereperfect; and here and there a few yellow and red maple leaves, and in many places a brown stubble field, told that autumn wascome. It was as pleasant a day for a drive as could possiblybe; and yet Daisy's face was more intent upon her pony's earsthan upon any other visible thing. She drove on towards CrumElbow, but before she reached it she turned another corner, and drew up before Juanita's house. 

It was not the first visit she had made here since going home;though Daisy had in truth not come often nor stayed long. Allthe more glad were Juanita and she to see each other now. Daisy took off her flat and sat down on the old chintz couch, with a face of content. Yet it was grave content; not joyousat all. So Juanita's keen eyes saw, through all the talkingwhich went on. Daisy and she had a great deal to say to eachother; and among other things the story of Molly came in, andwas enlarged upon; though Daisy left most of her own doings tobe guessed at. She did not tell them more than she could wellhelp. However, talk went on a good while, and still when itpaused Daisy's face looked thoughtful and careful. So Juanitasaw. 

"Is my love quite well?"

"Oh, yes, Juanita. I am quite well. I think I am gettingstrong, a little. "

Juanita's thanksgiving was earnest. Daisy looked very sober. 

"Juanita, I have been wanting to talk to you. "

Now they had been talking a good deal; but this, the blackwoman saw, was not what Daisy meant. 

"What is it, my love?"

"I don't know, Juanita. I think I am puzzled. "

The fine face of Mrs. Benoit looked gravely attentive, and alittle anxiously watchful of Daisy's. 

"The best way will be to tell you. Juanita, they are — I mean, we are — playing pictures at home. "

"What is that, Miss Daisy?"

"Why, they take pictures — pictures in books, you know — anddress up people like the people in the pictures, and make themstand so, or sit so, and look so, as the people in thepictures do; and so they make a picture of living people. "

"Yes, Miss Daisy. "

"They are playing pictures at home. I mean, we are. Mamma isgoing to give a great party next week; and the pictures are tobe all made and shown at the party. There are twelve pictures;and they will be part of the entertainment. There is to be agauze stretched over the door of the library, and the picturesare to be seen behind the gauze. "

"And does Miss Daisy like the play?" the black woman inquired, not lightly. 

"Yes, Juanita — I like some things about it. It is veryamusing. There are some things I do not like. "

"Did Miss Daisy wish to talk to me about those things she notlike?"

"I don't know, Juanita — no, I think not. Not about thosethings. But I do not exactly know about myself. "

"What Miss Daisy not know about herself?"

"I do not know exactly — whether it is right. "

"Whether what be right, my love?"

Daisy was silent at first, and looked puzzled. 

"Juanita — I mean — I don't know whether I am right. "

"Will my love tell what she mean?"

"It is hard, Juanita. But — I don't think I am quite right. Iwant you to tell me what to do. "

Daisy's little face looked perplexed and wise. — And sorry. 

"What troubles my love?"

"I do not know how it was, Juanita — I did not care at allabout it at first; and then I began to care about it a little— and now —"

"What does my love care about?"

"About being dressed, Juanita; and wearing mamma's jewels, andlooking like a picture. "

"Will Miss Daisy tell Juanita better what she mean?"

"Why, you know, Juanita, " said the child, wistfully, "theydress up the people to look like the pictures; and they haveput me in some very pretty pictures; and in one I am to bebeautifully dressed to look like Queen Esther — with mamma'sjewels all over me. And there is another little girl who wouldlike to have that part, — and I do not want to give it toher. "

Juanita sat silent, looking grave and anxious. Her lips moved, but she said nothing that could be heard. 

"And, Juanita, " the child went on — "I think, somehow, I liketo look better than other people, — and to have handsomerdresses than other people, — in the pictures, you know. "

Still Juanita was silent. 

"Is it right, Juanita?"

"Miss Daisy pardon me. Who Miss Daisy think be so pleased tosee her in the beautiful dress in the picture?"

"Juanita — it was not that I meant. I was not thinking so muchof that. Mamma would like it, I suppose, and papa; — but Ilike it myself. "

Juanita was silent again. 

"Is it right, Juanita?"

"Why do Miss Daisy think it not right?"

Daisy looked undecided and perplexed. 

"Juanita — I wasn't quite sure. "

"Miss Daisy like to play in these pictures r"

"Yes, Juanita — and I like — Juanita, I like it!"

"And another little girl, Miss Daisy say, like it too?"

"Yes, I think they all do. But there is a little girl thatwants to take my part. "

"And who Miss Daisy want to please?"

Daisy hesitated, and her eyes reddened; she sat a minutestill; then looked up very wistfully. 

"Juanita, I think I want to please myself. "

"Jesus please not Himself, " — said the black woman. 

Daisy made no answer to that. She bent over and hid her littlehead in Mrs. Benoit's lap. And tears undoubtedly came, thoughthey were quiet tears. The black woman's hand went tenderlyover the little round head. 

"And He say to His lambs — 'Follow me. ' "

"Juanita" — Daisy spoke without raising her head — "I want toplease him most. "

"How Miss Daisy think she do that?"

Daisy's tears now, for some reason, came evidently, andabundantly. She wept more freely in Juanita's lap than shewould have done before father or mother. The black woman lether alone, and there was silent counsel-taking between Daisyand her tears for some time. 

"Speak to me, Juanita" — she said at last. 

"What my love want me to say?"

"It has been all wrong, hasn't it, Juanita? Oh, have I, Juanita?"

"What, my love?"

"I know I have, " said Daisy. "I knew it was not right before. "

There was yet again a silence; a tearful silence on one part. Then Daisy raised her head, looking very meek. 

"Juanita, what ought I to do?"

"What my love said, " the black woman replied very tenderly. "Please the Lord. "

"Yes; but I mean, how shall I do that?"

"Jesus please not Himself; and He say, 'Follow me. ' "

"Juanita, I believe I began to want to please myself very soonafter all this picture work and dressing began. "

"Then it not please the Lord, " said Juanita, decidedly. 

"I know, " said Daisy; "and it has been growing worse andworse. But Juanita, I shall have to finish the play now — Icannot help it. How shall I keep good? Can I?"

"My love knows the Good Shepherd carry His lamb in His bosom, if she let Him. He is called Jesus, for He save His peoplefrom their sins. "

Daisy's face was very lowly; and very touching was the way shebent her little head and passed her hand across her eyes. Itwas the gesture of penitent gentleness. 

"Tell me some more, Juanita. "

"Let the Lord speak, " said the black woman, turning ever herwell-used Bible. "See, Miss Daisy — 'Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh nother own —' "

"I was puffed up, " said Daisy, "because I was to wear thosebeautiful things. I will let Nora wear them. I was seeking myown, all the time, Juanita. I didn't know it. "

See, Miss Daisy — 'That women adorn themselves in modestapparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broideredhair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array. ' "

"Is there any _harm_ in those pretty things, Juanita? They areso pretty!"

"I don't know, Miss Daisy; the Lord say He not pleased withthem; and the Lord knows. "

"I suppose, " said Daisy — but what Daisy supposed was nevertold. It was lost in thought. 

"My love see here what please the Lord — 'the ornament of ameek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of greatprice. ' "

Daisy lifted her little face and kissed the fine olive cheekof her friend. 

"I know now, Juanita, " she said with her accustomedplacidness. "I didn't know what was the matter with me. Ishall have to play in the pictures — I cannot help it now —but I will let Nora be Queen Esther. "

It was quite late by this time, and Daisy after a little moretalk went home; a talk which filled the child's heart withcomfort. Daisy went home quite herself again, and looked ashappy and busy as a bee when she got there. 

"Daisy! what late doings!" exclaimed her father. "Out all theafternoon and practising all the morning — Where have youbeen?"

"I have been visiting, papa. "

"Pray whom?"

"Molly, papa — and Juanita, " Daisy said, not very willingly, for Mrs. Randolph was within hearing. 

"A happy selection!" said she. "Go and get ready for dinner, Daisy. "

"Have you been all the afternoon at those two places, Daisy. "asked her father, within whose arms she stood. 

"Yes, papa. "

He let her go; and a significant look passed between him andhis wife. 

"A little too much of a good thing, " said Mr. Randolph. 

"It will be too much, soon, " the lady answered. 

Nevertheless Daisy for the present was safe, thanks to herfriend Dr. Sandford; and she passed on upstairs with a spiritas light as a bird. And after she was dressed, till it wastime for her to go in to the dinner-table, all that while alittle figure was kneeling at the open window, and a littleround head was bowed upon the sill. And after that, there wasno cloud upon Daisy's face at all. 

In the drawing-room, when they were taking tea, Daisy carriedher cup of milk and cake to a chair close by Preston. 

"Well, Daisy, what now?"

"I want to talk to you about the pictures, Preston. "

"We did finely to-day, Daisy! If only I could get the crampout of Frederica's fingers. "

"Cramp!" said Daisy. 

"Yes. She picks up that handkerchief of hers as if her handwas a bird's claw. I can't get a blue jay or a canary out ofmy head when I see her. Did you ever see a bird scratch itseye with its claw, Daisy?"

"Yes. "

"Well, that is what she puts me in mind of. That handkerchiefkills Marie Antoinette, dead. And she won't take advice — orshe can't. It is a pity you hadn't it to do; you would hold itright queenly. You do Esther capitally. I don't believe aNorthern girl can manage that sort of thing. "

Daisy sipped her milk and eat crumbs of cake for a minutewithout making any answer. 

"Preston, I am going to let Nora be Queen Esther. "

"What!" said Preston. 

"I am going to let Nora be Queen Esther. "

"Nora! Not if I know it, " said Preston. 

"Yes, but I am. I would like it better. And Nora would like tobe Queen Esther, I know. "

"I dare say she would! Like it! Of course. No, Daisy; QueenEsther is yours and nobody's else. What has put that into yourhead?"

"Preston, I think Nora would like it; and you know, they saidshe was most like a Jewess of all of us; I think it would beproper to give it to her. "

"I shall not do it. We will be improper for once. "

"But I am going to do it, Preston. "

"Daisy, you have not liberty. I am the manager. What has comeover you? You played Esther beautifully only this morning. What is the matter?"

"I have been thinking about it, " said Daisy; "and I haveconcluded I would rather give it to Nora. "

Preston was abundantly vexed, for he knew by the signs thatDaisy had made up her mind; and he was beginning to know thathis little cousin was exceedingly hard to move when once shewas fully set on a thing. He debated within himself an appealto authority; but on the whole dismissed that thought. It wasbest not to disgust Daisy with the whole affair; and he hopedcoaxing might yet do the work. But Daisy was too quick forhim. 

"Nora, " she said at the next meeting, "if you like, I willchange with you in the fainting picture. You shall be thequeen, and I will be one of the women. "

"Shall I be the queen?" said Nora. 

"Yes, if you like. "

"But why don't you want to do it?"

"I would rather you would, if you like it. "

"Well, I'll do it, " said Nora; "but Daisy, shall I have allthe dress you were going to wear?"

"Yes, I suppose so. "

"Because, if I don't, I won't. I must have just exactly whatyou were going to wear. "

"Why — you will of course, I suppose, " said Daisy, a good dealastonished. 

"Every bit, " said Nora. "Shall I have that same white satingown?"

"Yes, I suppose so. Of course you will. It is only you and Ithat change; not the dress. "

"And shall I have the ornaments too?"

"Just the same, I suppose; unless Mrs. Sandford thinks thatsomething else will look better. "

"I won't have anything else. I want that same splendidnecklace for my girdle — shall I?"

"I suppose so, Nora. "

"You say 'I suppose so' to everything. I want to know. Shall Ihave that same pink silk thing over my hair?"

"That scarf? yes. "

"And the red necklace on it? and the bracelets? and the goldand diamonds round my neck? I won't be Esther if I don't havethe dress. "

"I suppose you will have the dress, " said Daisy; "of courseyou will. But if you say you do not want to be Esther, theywill make me do it. "

A hint that closed Nora's mouth. She did not say she did notwant to be Esther. Mrs. Sandford was astonished at the changeof performers; but Daisy's resignation was so simply made andnaturally, and Nora's acceptance was so manifestly glad, thatnobody could very well offer any hindrance. The change wasmade; but Preston would not suffer Daisy to be one of theattendants. He left her out of the picture altogether, and putJane Linwood in Nora's vacated place. Daisy was content; andnow the practising and the arrangements went on prospering. 

There was a good deal of preparation to be made, besides whatthe mantua-maker could do. Mr. Stilton was called into thelibrary for a great consultation; and then he went to work. The library was the place chosen for the tableaux; thespectators to be gathered into the drawing-room, and thepictures displayed just within the wide door of communicationbetween the two rooms. On the library side of this door Mr. Stilton laid down a platform, slightly raised and covered withgreen baize cloth, and behind the platform a frame-work wasraised and hung with green baize to serve as a properbackground for the pictures. A flower-stand was brought infrom the greenhouse and placed at one side, out of sight fromthe drawing-room; for the purpose, as Preston informed Daisy, of holding the lights. All these details were under hismanagement, and he managed, Daisy thought, very ably indeed. Meantime the dresses were got ready. Fortitude's helmet wasconstructed of pasteboard and gilt paper; and Nora said itlooked just as if it were solid gold. The crown of Ahasuerus, and Alfred's six-foot bow were also made; and a beautiful oldbrown spinning-wheel was brought from Mrs. Sandford's housefor Priscilla. Priscilla's brown dress was put together, andher white vandyke starched. And the various mantles and robesof velvet and silk which were to be used, were in some wayaccommodated to the needs of the young wearers. All was donewell, and Preston was satisfied; except with Daisy. 

Not that Daisy did not enter into the amusement of what wasgoing forward; for perhaps nobody took so much real share init. Even Mr. Stilton's operations interested her. But she wasnot engrossed at all. She was not different from her usualself. All the glory of the tableaux had not dazzled her, sofar as Preston could see. And daily, every morning, shestepped into that little pony-chaise with a basket and droveoff — Preston was at the pains to find out — to spend a coupleof hours with Molly Skelton. Preston sighed with impatience. And then, in the very act of dressing and practising for thepictures, Daisy was provokingly cool and disengaged. She didher part very well, but seemed just as much interested inother people's parts, and as much pleased with other people'sadornment. Queen Esther in particular was Daisy's care, sinceshe had given up the character; and without putting herselfforward, she had once or twice made a suggestion to Mrs. Sandford, of something that she either thought would pleaseNora or that she felt called for by her own tastes; and ineach case Mrs. Sandford declared the suggestion had been animprovement. 

But with a pleasure much greater and keener, Daisy had seenthe pot containing the 'Jewess' geranium taken up out of theground, and set, with all the glory of its purple-redblossoms, in Molly's poor little room. There it stood, on adeal table, a spot of beauty and refinement, all alone towitness for the existence of such things on the earth. Andheeded by Molly as well as by Daisy. Daisy knew that. And allthe pleasure of all the tableaux put together could givenothing to Daisy equal to her joy when Molly first began toread. That day, when letters began really to be put togetherinto words to Molly's comprehension, Daisy came home a proudchild. Or rather, for pride is a bad word, she came home witha heart swelling with hope and exultation; hope and exultationthat looked forward confidently to the glory to be revealed. 

CHAPTER XXXVI. 

TABLEAUX VIVANTS. 

The great day came, and the evening of the day; and Junedressed Daisy for the party. This was a simple dressing, however, of a white cambrick frock; no finery, seeing thatDaisy was to put on and off various things in the course ofthe evening. But Daisy felt a little afraid of herself. Theperfected arrangements and preparations of the last few dayshad, she feared, got into her head a little; and when June haddone and was sent away, Daisy kneeled down by her bedside andprayed a good while that God would help her not to pleaseherself, and keep her from caring about dress and appearanceand people's flatteries. And then she got up and looked verywistfully at some words of the Lord Jesus which Juanita hadshowed her first and which she found marked by Mr. Dinwiddie'spencil. "The Father hath not left me alone; _for I do alwaysthose things that please Him_. "

Daisy was beginning to learn that to please God is not alwaysto seek one's own gratification or that of the world. Shelooked steadily at the words of that Friend in heaven whom sheloved and wished to obey; and then it seemed to Daisy that shecared nothing at all about anything but pleasing Him. 

"Miss Daisy —" said June, — "Miss Nora is come. "

Away went Daisy, with a bound, to the dressing-room; andcarried Nora off, as soon as she was unwrapped from hermufflings, to see the preparations in the library. 

"What is all that for?" said Nora. 

"Oh, that is to show the pictures nicely. They will look agreat deal better than if all the room and the books could beseen behind them. "

"Why?"

"I suppose they will look more like pictures. By and by allthose lights on the stand will be lighted. And we shall dressin the library, you know, — nobody will be in it, — and in theroom on the other side of the hall. All the things are broughtdown there. "

"Daisy, " said Nora? looking at the imposing green baizescreen, "aren't you afraid?"

"Are you?" said Daisy. 

"Yes — I am afraid I shall not do something right, or laugh, or something. "

"Oh, but you must not laugh. That would spoil the picture. AndMrs. Sandford and Preston will make everything else right. Come and see the crown for Ahasuerus!"

So they ran across the hall to the room of fancy dresses. HereElla presently joined them with her sister, and indeed so manyothers of the performers that Preston ordered them all out. Hewas afraid of mischief, he said. They trooped back to thelibrary. 

"When are they going to begin?" said Nora. 

"I don't know. Oh, by and by. I suppose we shall have tea andcoffee first. People at a party must get through that. "

To await this proceeding, and indeed to share in it, thelittle company adjourned to the drawing-room. It was fillingfast. All the neighbourhood had been asked, and all theneighbourhood were very glad to come, and here they were, pouring in. Now the neighbourhood meant all the nice peoplewithin ten miles south and within ten miles north; and allthat could be found short of some seven or eight miles east. There was one family that had even come from the other side ofthe river. And all these people made Melbourne House prettyfull. Happily it was a very fine night. 

Daisy was standing by the table, for the little folks had teaat a table, looking with a face of innocent pleasure at thescene and the gathering groups of people, when a hand laidgentle hold of her, and she found herself drawn within thedoctor's arm and brought up to his side. Her face brightened. 

"What is going on, Daisy?"

"Preston has been getting up some tableaux, Dr. Sandford, tobe done by the young people. "

"Are you one of the young people?"

"They have got me in, " said Daisy. 

"Misled by your appearance? What are you going to play, Daisy?"

Daisy ran off to a table and brought him a little bill of theperformances. The doctor ran his eye over it. 

"I shall know what it means, I suppose, when I see thepictures. What is this 'Game of Life?"

"It is Retsch's engraving, " Daisy answered, as sedately as ifshe had been forty years old. 

"Retsch! yes, I know him — but what does the thing mean?"

"It is supposed to be the devil playing with a young man — forhis soul, " Daisy said, very gravely. 

"Who plays the devil?"

"Preston does. "

"And who is to be the angel?"

"I am to be the angel, " said Daisy. 

"Very judicious. How do you like this new play, Daisy?"

"It is very amusing. I like to see the pictures. "

"Not to be in them?"

"I think not, Dr. Sandford. "

"Daisy, what else are you doing, besides playing tableaux, allthese days?"

"I drive about a good deal, " said Daisy. Then looking up ather friend with an entirely new expression, a light shining inher eye and a subdued sweetness coming into her smile, sheadded — "Molly is learning to read, Dr. Sandford. "

"Molly!" said the doctor. 

"Yes. You advised me to ask leave to go to see her, and I did, and I got it. "

Daisy's words were a little undertone; the look that went withthem the doctor never forgot as long as he lived. Hisquestions about the festivities she had answered with aplacid, pleased face; pleased that he should ask her; but asoft irradiation of joy had beamed upon the fact that the poorcripple was making a great step upwards in the scale of humanlife. The doctor had not forgotten his share in the permissionDaisy had received, which he thought he saw she suspected. Unconsciously his arm closed upon the little figure it heldand brought her nearer to him; but his questions were somehowstopped. And Daisy offered no more; she stood quite still, till a movement at the table seemed to call for her. She puther hand upon the doctor's arm, as a sign that it must holdher no longer, and sprang away. 

And soon now all the young people went back again to thelibrary. Mrs. Sandford came with them to serve in her arduouscapacity of dresser. June attended to give her help. 

"Now what are we going to do?" whispered Nora, in breathlessexcitement. "What is to be the first picture? Oh, Daisy, Iwish you would get them to have my picture last of all. "

"Why, Nora?"

"Oh, because. I think it ought to come last. Aren't youafraid? Whew! I am. "

"No, I don't think I am. "

"But won't you want to laugh?"

"Why?" said Daisy. "No, I do not think I shall want to laugh. "

"I shall be too frightened to laugh, " said Jane Linwood. 

"I don't see, Daisy, how you will manage those queer wings ofyours, " Nora resumed. 

"I have not got to manage them at all. I have only to keepstill. "

"I can't think how they will look, " said Nora. "They don'tseem to me much like wings. I think they will look veryfunny. "

"Hush, children — run away; you are not wanted here. Go intothe drawing-room — and I will ring this hand-bell when I wantyou. "

"What comes first, aunt Sandford?"

"Run away! you will see. "

So the younger ones repaired to the drawing-room, for whatseemed a weary time of waiting. Nora expressed her entiredisapprobation of being shut out from all the fun of thedressing; she wanted to see that. She then declared that itwould be impossible to show all the twelve pictures thatevening, if it took so long to get ready for one. However, thetime was past at length; the signal was given; the lights inthe drawing-room were put down, till the room was very shadowyindeed; and then, amid the breathless hush of expectation, thecurtain that hung over the doorway of the library was drawnback. 

The children thought it was fairy-land. 

Frederica Fish sat there facing the company, quaintly dressedin antique costume; and before her knelt, on one knee, twogrand-looking personages, very richly attired, presenting agilt crown upon a satin cushion. — Lady Jane Grey and thelords who came to offer her the kingdom. The draperies wereexceedingly well executed and did Mrs. Sandford great credit. They were the picture. 

"Isn't she _beau_-tiful!" Nora exclaimed under her breath. 

"Isn't it like a picture!" said Daisy. 

"How funnily those boys kneel and twist themselves round!"said Jane. "Who are they?"

"Daisy, wouldn't you like to be dressed every day like that?"said Nora. 

"I don't think it would be convenient, " said Daisy. "I think awhite frock is nicer. "

"Oh, but it makes people look so handsome! Frederica lookslike — she is a real beauty! I should like to be dressed so. Daisy, don't you suppose queens and ladies, like those in thepictures, _are_ always dressed so?"

"I suppose they put on nightgowns when they go to bed, " saidElla Stanfield, soberly. "They can't _always_ be dressed so. "

"Oh, but, I mean when they are up. And I dare say they wearbeautiful nightgowns — Daisy, don't you think they do? I daresay they have splendid lace and ribbands; and you call make awhite dress very handsome, if you put plenty of lace andribbands. "

"Oh, it's gone!" exclaimed Jane and Ella. The curtain hadfallen. The company clapped their hands and cheered. 

"What's that for?" said Nora. 

"That means that they like it, I suppose, " said Daisy. 

"You will have to go now, Nora, I know. Little Red Riding-Hoodcomes next. Come — we'll all go. "

"Horrid Little Red Riding-Hood!" said Nora. "I hate thatpicture!"

"Why do you hate it?"

"Because! — It is nothing but a red hood. "

Mrs. Sandford's bell sounded. 

"Oh, Daisy!" said Nora, as they went, "won't you get them toleave Esther to the last? They will do whatever you ask them. Do!"

"Why, Nora?"

"Oh, because! —"

What Nora's "because" meant, Daisy did not know; that it hadreference to some supposed advantage of place, was prettycertain. Daisy stood thinking about it while she saw Noradressed, and then ran into the drawing-room to take the effectof the tableau. The curtain was withdrawn; Daisy wasastonished; she had no idea that Nora could be so changed by alittle arrangement of lights and dress. The picture wasexceeding pretty. Nora's black hair and bright cheeks peepedout from under the shadowing red cardinal, which draped herarms also — Mrs. Sandford had mysteriously managed it. She hadgot over her hatred of the part, for she looked pleased andpleasant; and the little basket in her hand and the shortpetticoat and neat little feet completed a tidy Red Riding-Hood. The applause was loud. "Lovely!" the ladies said. "Whata sweet little thing! how beautiful she looks!" Nora did notsmile, for that would have hurt her picture; but she stoodwith swelling complacency and unchanging red cheeks as long asthe company were pleased to look at her. 

"Who is that, Daisy?" asked her father, near whom Daisy hadstationed herself. 

"It is Nora Dinwiddie, papa. "

"She is a pretty little girl. When does your turn come?"

"I do not know, papa. "

"Not know! Why, I thought all this was your affair. "

"Oh, no, papa; it is Preston's affair. "

Off ran Daisy, however, when the curtain fell, or rather whenit was drawn, to see the getting ready of the next tableau. There was something of a tableau on hand already. June stoodholding up a small feather-bed, and two little figures inwhite nightgowns were flying round, looking and laughing attwo exceedingly fierce, bearded, moustached, black-browedindividuals, on whose heads Mrs. Sandford was setting someodd-looking hats. 

"Who are those, Nora?" said Daisy to Little Red Riding-Hood. 

"Daisy, did you like it? Did I stand well?"

"Yes, I liked it very much; it was nice. Nora, who are thosetwo?"

"Why, one of 'em is Preston — I don't know who the other is. Daisy, did you ask about Esther?"

Could it be possible that Preston had so transformed himself?Daisy could hardly see that it was he. His fellow she did notrecognise at all. It was big George Linwood. 

"Now are the little princes ready?" said Preston. "Because wewill finish up this business. "

"Oh, you won't let the feather-bed come down on us?" criedJane Linwood. 

"If you don't be quiet and keep still, I will, " said Preston. "Let only your eye wink or your mouth move to smile —and youare an unlucky prince! I am a man without mercy. "

"And I am another, " said George. "I say, old fellow, I supposeI'm all right for that French pikeman now, hey? After thissmothering business is attended to. "

"You think the trade is the thing, and the costume a matter ofindifference?" said Preston. "In the matter of morals I daresay you are right; — in tableaux before spectators it's notexactly so. Here, June — hand on your big pillow there. "

Mrs. Sandford was laughing at him, and in fact there was agood deal of hilarity and some romping before the actors inthe tableau could be settled in their places. 

"Don't keep us long, " said Preston. "I never knew before whatan uninteresting thing a featherbed is — when you are obligedto hold it in your arms. Everything in its place, I find. Iused to have a good opinion of them. "

Daisy ran back to the drawing-room, and was utterly struckwith wonder at the picture over which all this fun had beenheld. It was beautiful, she thought. The two children lay sonaturally asleep, one little bare foot peeping out from underthe coverings; and the grim faces that scowled at them overthe feather-bed with those strange hats overshadowing, madesuch a contrast; and they were all so breathlessly still, andthe lights and shadows were so good; Daisy was disposed togive her verdict that there never was a play like this play. The "Princes in the Tower " was greatly applauded. 

"Have you asked about my picture?" said Nora, who stood besideDaisy. 

"No, I have not had a chance. "

"Do, Daisy! I want that to be the last. "

Daisy thought she was unreasonable. Why should Nora have thebest place, if it was the best? She was not pleased with her. 

The next picture was Marie Antoinette; and that drew down thehouse. Frederica Fish had nothing to do but to stand as shewas put, and Mrs. Sandford had seen to it that she stoodright; another person might have done more in the picture, butthat was all that could be got from Frederica. Her face wascoldly impassive; she could come no nearer to the expressionof the indignant queen. But Preston's old woman, and Theresa'spretty young French girl; one looking as he had said, witheyes of coarse fury, the other all melting with tenderness andreverent sympathy; they were so excellent that the companywere delighted. Frederica's handkerchief, it is true, hungdaintily in her fingers, showing all the four embroideredcorners; Mrs. Sandford had not seen it till it was just toolate; and Preston declared afterwards the "fury" in his facewas real and not feigned as he glared at her. But the companyoverlooked the handkerchief in favour of the other parts ofthe picture; and its success was perfect. 

"Alfred in the neat-herd's cottage" followed next, and wouldhave been as good; only that Nora, whose business it was toblow her cheeks into a full moon condition over the burntcakes, would not keep her gravity; but the full cheeks gaveway every now and then in a broad grin which quite destroyedthe effect. Preston could not see this, but Daisy took herfriend to task after it was over. Nora declared she could nothelp it. 

"You don't know how it felt, Daisy, to keep my cheeks puffedout in that way. I couldn't do it; and whenever I let them go, then I couldn't help laughing. Oh, Daisy! is my picture to bethe last?"

"I will see, as soon as I can, Nora, " Daisy said, gravely. Itwas her own turn now, and while Mrs. Sandford was dressing hershe had no very good chance to speak of Esther. Howwonderfully Mrs. Sandford arranged the folds of one or twolong scarfs, to imitate Sir Joshua Reynolds' draperies. Preston declared it was beautiful, and so did Hamilton Rush;and when the little helmet with its plumes was set on Daisy'shead, Mrs. Sandford smiled and Preston clapped his hands. Theyhad still a little trouble to get Dolce into position. Dolcewas to enact the lion, emblem of courage and strength, lyingat Fortitude's feet. He was a sensible dog, but knowingnothing about playing pictures, naturally, did not immediatelyunderstand why it should be required of him to lie down there, on that platform of green baize, with his nose on his paws. However, more sensible than some animals of higher order areapt to be, he submitted patiently to the duty of obediencewhere he did not understand; and laid down accordingly hisshaggy length at Daisy's feet. 

The curtain was drawn aside, and the company shouted withdelight. No picture had been so good yet as this one. Thelittle grave figure, the helmet with its nodding plumes inmock stateliness; the attitude, one finger just resting on thepedestal of the broken column (an ottoman did duty for it), asif to show that Fortitude stood alone, and the shaggy St. Bernard at her feet, all made in truth an extremely prettyspectacle. You could see the faintest tinge of a smile ofpleasure on the lips of both Mr. And Mrs. Randolph; they weresilent, but all the rest of the people cheered and openlydeclared their delight. Daisy stood like a rock. _Her_ mouthnever gave way; not even when Dolce, conceiving that all thischeering called upon him to do something, rose up and, lookingright into Daisy's face, wagged his tail in the blandestmanner of congratulation. Daisy did not wince; and anenergetic "Down, Dolce, down!" brought the St. Bernard to hisposition again, in the very meekness of strength; and then thepeople clapped for Daisy and the dog together. At last thecurtain fell. 

"Well, that will do, " said Mrs. Sandford. 

"Dolce — you rascal!" said Preston, as the great creature wasnow wagging his tail in honour of his master, "how came you toforget your business in that style, sir?"

"I do not think it really hindered the effect at all, Preston, " said Mrs. Sandford. "Daisy kept her countenance sowell. "

"Yes, — if Fortitude had smiled! —" said Theresa. "Mrs. Sandford, is it out of character for Fortitude to smile?"

"It would be out of character for Portia, just at this crisis— so take care of her. "

"What made them make such a great noise, Daisy?" said Nora, while Daisy was getting undressed. 

"I suppose they liked the picture, " said Daisy. 

"But they made a great deal more noise than they did foranybody else, " said Nora. 

"I suppose they liked the picture better than they liked anyof the others, " said Ella Stanfield. "I know they did, for Iwas in the other room. Come, let's go see this picture!"

"Not you, Daisy, " said Mrs. Sandford, as the children wererunning off — "I want you. Priscilla comes next. "

So Daisy had to stay and be dressed for Priscilla. She missedPortia and Bassanio. It was not much missed, for her littleheart began to be beating with excitement; and she wished verymuch that Priscilla might be as much liked as Fortitude. Thedressing was an easy matter, for the costume had been preparedfor her and a gown and vandyke made on purpose. WouldAlexander dare to wink this time, she wondered? And then sheremembered, to her great joy, that he could not; because hisface would be in full view of the people behind the scenes inthe library. The little brown spinning-wheel was brought onthe platform; a heap of flax, at which Priscilla is supposedto have been working, was piled together in front of it; andshe and Alexander took their places. The curtain was drawnaside, and a cry of pleasure from the company testified to thepicturesque prettiness of the representation. It was accordingto the fact, that Priscilla should be looking in John Alden'sface; it was just at the moment when she is supposed to berebuking him for bringing to her his friend's suit andpetition. Thinking herself safe, and wishing to have thepicture as good as possible, Daisy had ventured to direct hereyes upon the face of Alexander Fish, who personified thePuritan suitor. To her horror, Alexander, wholly untouched bythe poetry of the occasion, and unawed by its hazards, daredto execute a succession of most barefaced and disagreeablewinks right at Priscilla's eyes. Poor Daisy could not standthis. Forgetting her character and the picture and everything, her eyes went down; her eyelids drooped over them; and theexpression of grave displeasure would have done for a yet moredissatisfied mood of mind than Priscilla is supposed to haveknown at the time. The company could not stand this, either;and there burst out a hearty chorus of laughter and cheerstogether, which greatly mortified Daisy. The curtain wasdrawn, and she had to face the laughing comments of the peoplein the library. They were unmerciful, she thought. Daisy grewvery pink in the face. 

Cinderella was the next picture, in which she had also toplay. Dresses were changed in haste; but meanwhile Daisy beganto think about herself. Was she all right? Mortified at thebreaking of her picture; angry at Alexander; eager to get backpraise enough to make amends for this loss; — whom was littleDaisy trying to please? Where was the ornament of a meek andquiet spirit now? was it on?

They had after all given her place in the Cinderella tableau;she was one of the two wicked sisters; and she lookeddissatisfied enough for the character. She wanted to get awayto be alone for two minutes; but she had this part to fillfirst. It is very hard to play when one's heart is heavy. Daisy could not go on so. She could not bear it. Withoutwaiting till June could undress her, she slipped away, themoment the curtain was drawn, and ran across the hall to thedressing-room. People were coming and going everywhere; andDaisy went out upon the piazza. There, in a dark spot, shekneeled down and prayed; that this terrible spirit of pleasingherself might be put away from her. She had but a minute; sheknew she must be back again immediately; but she knew too ittakes but a minute for ever so little a prayer to go all theway to heaven; and the answer does not take any longer tocome, if it pleases God. Daisy was very much in earnest, andquite well knew all that. She went back to the library feelinghumbled and ashamed, but quiet. The library was all incommotion. 

Nora was begging that Esther might be put off till the last. Mrs. Sandford and Preston objected. They chose that it shouldcome next. 

"Here is Priscilla, " said Hamilton Rush, — "I beg pardon! itis Cinderella's wicked sister — I don't know what _her_ namewas. Let us have your vote, my angel; I will address you inyour prospective character; will you put on your wings atonce? Or shall we get done with the terrestrial first? What doyou say? — I hope you are going to make Miss Stanfield thequeen, Mrs. Sandford; she has done one part so well that Ishould like to see her in another. "

"Why, you are going to be Ahasuerus yourself!" said the lady. 

"Am I?" said Hamilton; who it must be noticed had not met forthe practisings as often as the other people, being held notto need them. "Then I must respectfully be allowed to choosemy own queen. I vote for Miss Theresa. "

"It is a capital idea, " said Preston. 

"I think so too, " said Mrs. Sandford. "Theresa, my dear, Iwonder we did not think before of something so much to ouradvantage; but these children seemed to have got the pictureinto their own hands. You will do it far better. Come! let merobe you. "

"I would rather be Vashti, " murmured Theresa. "I don't likesubmissive characters. Mrs. Sandford, Vashti is far more in myline. Go off, boys, and get ready! What a pity we didn't thinkof having Vashti, Mrs. Sandford. "

However, Theresa made no objection to be dressed for Esther. 

"Who will be your supporters? Ella is too short. Jane andNora? — Where is Nora?"

Nora was in the furthest corner of the room, seated in gloom. 

"Nora! —"

"I am not going to play any more —" said Nora. 

"You must come and be one of the queen's women — I want youfor that. "

"I am not going to play —" repeated Nora; but nobody heardexcept Daisy. "I am Esther myself! nobody else has any rightto be it. I have practised it, and I know how to do it; and Iam Esther myself. Nobody else has any right to be Esther!"

Daisy stood by in dismay. She did not know what comfort tobring to this distress. 

"I won't play at all!" said Nora. "If I can't be Esther Iwon't be anything. You have all the good things, Daisy! youhave all the prettiest pictures; and I might have had justthis one. Just Esther. I just wanted to be Esther! It's mean. "

"Why, you've been plenty of things I think, " said JaneLinwood, coming near this corner of gloom. 

"I haven't! I have been that hateful prince in the tower andCinderella's ugly sister — only hateful things. "

"But you were Little Red Riding-Hood. "

"Red Riding-Hood!" exclaimed Nora, in unspeakable disdain. "Red Riding-Hood was nothing at all but a red cloak! and Daisywore feathers, and had the dog —"

And the vision of Queen Esther's jewels and satin gown andmantle here overcame Nora's dignity if not her wrath; shebegan to cry. 

"But won't you come and be one of the queen's maids? _They_ willbe very nicely dressed too, " Daisy ventured, gently. 

"No! — I won't be anybody's maid, I tell you, " sobbed thedisconsolate child. 

"Bring her along, Daisy, " Mrs. Sandford called from the otherside of the room. — "I am almost ready for her. "

Daisy made another vain effort to bring Nora to reason, andthen went sorrowfully to Mrs. Sandford. She thought tableauxwere on the whole a somewhat troublesome amusement. 

"Will I do, Mrs. Sandford?" she said. "Nora does not want toplay. "

"In dudgeon, hey?" said the lady. "I expected as much. Well, Daisy — I will take you. I might perch you up on a foot-cushion to give you a little more altitude. However — I don'tknow but it will do. Theresa will be letting down her ownheight. "

"I think I am letting myself down altogether, Mrs. Sandford, in allowing Ahasuerus to pick me out in that lordly style. Butnever mind — I shan't touch his sceptre any way. Boys, boys! —are you ready?"

"Splendid, Theresa!" said Preston, as he came in. "Splendid!You are the very thing. "

"I am diamonds and satin, you mean. I thank you. I know thatis what I am at present. "

"You look the character, " said Hamilton. 

Theresa made him a mock little courtesy. It was admirablydone. It was the slightest gesture of supercilious disdain —excellent pantomime. The boys laughed and shouted, forTheresa's satin and diamonds gave effect to her acting, andshe was a good actor. 

This picture had been delayed so long, that at last, hearingthe shout of applause behind the scenes, the audience began tocall for their share. In haste, but not the less effectively, Theresa and the rest threw themselves into attitude, and thecurtain was pulled aside. 

Daisy wished she could have been in the drawing-room to seethe picture; she knew it must be beautiful; but she wassupporting one jewelled arm of Queen Esther, and obliged byher duty to look only at the Queen's face. Daisy thought eventhat was a good deal to look at, it was so magnificentlysurrounded with decoration: but at the same time she wastroubled about Nora and sorry for her own foolishness, so thather own face was abundantly in character for the grave concernthat sat upon it. This picture met with great favour. Thepeople in the library were in much glee after it was over; allbut Daisy and Nora. 

"It is all spoiled!" said the latter. "The evening has beenhateful. I wish I hadn't come. "

"Oh, Nora! don't say that, " Daisy urged. "The pictures arealmost over now; and then we shall have supper. "

"I don't want supper! I only wanted to be Queen Esther; andyou said I might. It was the prettiest picture of the wholelot. "

"But I couldn't help it, Nora. "

"I could have done it just as well as Theresa! She didn't lookhandsome a bit. "

"Oh, Nora, I think she did — for a picture. "

"She didn't a bit; the things she had on looked handsome. "

Daisy was called away. Her last dressing was to be done now, and the one of which Daisy was most doubtful. She was to standfor the angel in the "Game of Life. " Other people had no doubtabout it. Mrs. Sandford was sure that the angel's wings wouldmake a good representation, which Daisy was slow to believe;near by, they looked so very like gauze and pasteboard! Theywere arranged, at any rate, to appear as if they grew out ofher shoulders; she was arrayed in flowing white draperies overher own little cambrick frock; and then she was ready. Hamilton came in. He was to be the young man in the picture. Daisy liked his appearance well. But when Preston followedhim, she felt unspeakably shocked. Preston was well got up, inone respect; he looked frightful. He wore a black mask, uglybut not grotesque; and his whole figure was more like thedevil in the picture than Daisy had imagined it could be. Shedid not like the whole business at all. There was no gettingout of it now; the picture must be given; so the performerswere placed. 

Hamilton and Preston sat on two sides of a chess-board, andbehind them the little angel stood watching the game. Mrs. Sandford was right. By a skilful placing and shielding of thelamps, the lights were thrown broadly where they ought to be, on faces and draperies, leaving the gauze wings of the angelin such obscurity that they just showed as it was desired theyshould. The effect was extremely good, and even artistic. Thelittle angel herself was not in full light; it was through ashade of gloom that her grave face of concern looked down uponthe game on the chess-board. Truly Daisy looked concerned andgrave. She thought she did not like to play such things asthis, One of the figures below her was so very wicked anddevilish in its look; and Hamilton leaned over the pieces onthe board with so well-given an expression of doubt andperplexity, — his adversary's watch was so intent, — and themeaning of the whole was so sorrowfully deep; that Daisy gazedunconsciously most like a guardian angel who might see withsorrow the evil one getting the better over a soul of hiscare. For it was real to Daisy. She knew that the devil doesin truth try to bewitch and wile people out of doing rightinto doing wrong. She knew that he tries to get the mastery ofthem; that he rejoices every time he sees them make a "falsemove;" that he is a great cunning enemy, all the worse becausewe cannot see him, striving to draw people to their ruin; andshe thought that it was far too serious and dreadful a thingto be made a _play_ of. She wondered if guardian angels didreally watch over poor tempted souls and try to help them. Andall this brought upon Daisy's face a shade of awe, and sorrow, and fear, which was strangely in keeping with her character asan angel, and very singular in its effect on the picture. Theexpressions of pleasure and admiration which had burst fromthe company in the drawing-room at the first sight of it, gradually stilled and ceased; and it was amid a profound andcurious silence and hush that the curtain was at length drawnupon the picture. There were some people among the spectatorsnot altogether satisfied in their minds. 

"How remarkable!" was the first word that came from anybody'slips in the darkened drawing-room. 

"Very remarkable!" somebody else said. "Did you ever see suchacting?"

"It has all been good, " said a gentleman, Mr. Sandford; "butthis was remarkable. "

"Thanks, I suppose you know to whose management, " said thesoft voice of the lady of the house. 

"Management is a good thing, " said the gentleman; "but therewas more than management here, Mrs. Randolph. It was uncommon, upon my word! I suppose my wife came in for the wings, butwhere did the _face_ come from?"

"Daisy, " said Mr. Randolph, as he found his little daughter byhis side again, — "are you here?"

"Yes, papa. "

Her father put his arm round her, as if to assure himselfthere were no wings in the case. 

"How do you like playing pictures?"

"I think I do not like them very much —" Daisy said, sedately, nestling up to her father's side. 

"Not? How is that? Your performance has been much approved. "

Daisy said nothing. Mr. Randolph thought he felt a slighttremor in the little frame. 

"Do you understand the allegory of this last tableau, Daisy?"Dr. Sandford asked. 

"I do not know what an allegory is, Dr. Sandford. "

"What is the meaning of the representation, then, as you thinkof it?"

"This last picture?"

"Yes. "

"It is a trial of skill, Dr. Sandford. "

The room was still darkened, and the glance of intelligenceand amusement that passed between her friend and her father, their own eyes could scarcely catch. Daisy did not see it. Butshe had spoken diplomatically. She did not want to come anynearer the subject of the picture in talking with Dr. Sandford. His mind was different, and he went on. 

"What is the trial of skill about, Daisy?"

The child hesitated, and then said, speaking low and most un-child-like — "It is about a human soul. "

"And what do you understand are the powers at work — or atplay?"

"It is not play, " said Daisy. 

"Answer Dr. Sandford, Daisy, " said her father. 

"Papa, " said the child, "it isn't play. The devil tries tomake people do wrong — and if they try to do right, then thereis a —"

"A what?"

"I don't know — a fight, papa. "

Mr. Randolph again felt a tremor, a nervous trembling, passover Daisy. 

"You do not suppose, my darling, " he said, softly, "that sucha fight goes on with anything like this horrible figure thatyour cousin Preston has made himself?"

"I do not suppose he looks like that, papa. "

"I do not think there is such a personage at all, Daisy. I amsure you need not trouble your little head with thinking aboutit. "

Daisy made no answer. 

"There is a struggle always going on, no doubt, between goodand evil; but we cannot paint good and evil without imaginingshapes for them. "

"But papa, —" said Daisy, and stopped. It was no place or timefor talking about the matter, though her father spoke low. Shedid not want even Dr. Sandford to hear. 

"What is it, Daisy?"

"Yes, " said the doctor, "I should like to know what theargument is. "

"Papa, " said Daisy, awesomely, — "there is a _place_ preparedfor the devil and his angels. "

Mr. Randolph was silent now. But he felt again that Daisy wasnervously excited, by the quiver that passed over her littleframe. 

"So you think, Daisy, " said the doctor leaning towards her, —"that the white and the black spirits have a fight over thepeople of this world?"

Daisy hesitated, struggled, quivered with the feeling and theexcitement which were upon her, tried for self-command andwords to answer. Mr. Randolph saw it all and did not hurryher, though she hesitated a good deal. 

"You think they have a quarrel for us?" repeated the doctor. 

"I don't know, Dr. Sandford —" Daisy answered, in a strangelytender and sober voice. It was strange to her two hearers. 

"But you believe in the white spirits, I suppose, as well asin the other branch of the connexion?"

"Papa, " said Daisy, her feeling breaking a little through hercomposure so much as to bring a sort of cry into her voice —"there is joy among the angels of heaven whenever anybodygrows good! —"

She had turned to her father as she spoke and threw her armsround his neck, hiding her face, with a clinging action thattold somewhat of that which was at work in her mind. Mr. Randolph perhaps guessed at it. He said nothing; he held herclose to his breast; and the curtain drew at that moment forthe last tableau. Daisy did not see it, and Mr. Randolph didnot think of it; though people said it was very good. It wasonly the head and shoulders of Theresa Stanfield as an oldcountry schoolmistress, seen behind a picture frame, with heruplifted finger and a bundle of rods. Theresa was sotransformed that nobody would have known her; and while thecompany laughed and applauded, Daisy came back to her usualself; and slid out of her father's arms when the show wasover, all ready for supper and Nora Dinwiddie. 

There was a grand supper, and everybody was full of pleasureand complimentary speeches and discussion and praise of thetableaux. That was among the elder portion of the company. Thefour or five children were not disposed to such absoluteharmony. Grapes and ices and numberless other good things werewell enjoyed, no doubt; but amidst them all a spirit ofcriticism was rife. 

"Daisy, your wings didn't look a bit like real wings —" saidJane Linwood. 

"No, " echoed Nora, "I guess they didn't. They were like — letme see what they were like! They were like the wings of awindmill. "

"No, they weren't!" said Ella. "I was in the drawing-room —and they didn't look like a windmill a bit. They looked queer, but pretty. "

"Queer, but pretty!" repeated Nora. 

"Yes, they did, " said Ella. "And you laughed when you were RedRiding-hood, Nora Dinwiddie. "

"I didn't laugh a bit!"

"It is no matter if you did laugh, Nora, " said Daisy; — "yougot grave again, and the picture was very nice. "

"I didn't laugh!" said Nora; "and if I did, everybody elsedid. I don't think the pictures I saw were at all likepictures — they were just like a parcel of people dressed-up. "

Some gay paper mottoes made a diversion and stopped the littlemouths for a time; and then the people went away. 

"Well, Daisy, " said Mrs. Gary, — "how do you like this newentertainment?"

"The pictures? I think they were very pretty, aunt Gary. "

"How happened it that somebody else wore my diamonds?" saidher mother, — "and not you. I thought you were to be dressedfor Queen Esther?"

"Yes, mamma, so I was at first; and then it was thought best —"

"Not by me, " said Preston. "It was no doing of mine. Daisy wasto have been Esther, and she herself declared off — backed outof it, and left me to do as best I could. "

"What was that for, Daisy?" said Mrs. Gary. "You would havemade an excellent Esther. "

"What was that for, Daisy?" said Mrs. Randolph. "Did you notlike to be Esther?"

"Yes, mamma — I liked it at one time. "

"And why not at another time?"

"I found out that somebody else would like it too, mamma; andI thought —"

Mrs. Randolph broke out with a contemptuous expression ofdispleasure. 

"You thought you would put yourself in a corner! You were notmanager, Daisy; and you must remember something is due to theone that is. You have no right to please yourself. "

"Come here, Daisy, " said her father, "and bid me good-night. Idare say you were trying to please somebody else. Tell mammashe must remember the old fable, and excuse you. "

"What fable, Mr. Randolph?" the lady inquired, as Daisy leftthe room. 

"The one in which the old Grecian told the difficulty ofpleasing more people than one or two at once. "

"Daisy is ruined!" said Mrs. Randolph. 

"I do not see how it appears. "

"She has not entered into this thing at all as we hoped shewould — not at all as a child should. "

"She looked a hundred years old, in the Game of Life, " saidMrs. Gary. "I never saw such a representation in my life. Youwould have said she was a real guardian angel of somebody, whowas playing his game not to please her. "

"I am glad it is over!" said Mrs. Randolph. "I am tired of itall. " And she walked off. 

So did Mr. Randolph, but as he went he was thinking of Daisy'svoice and her words — "There is joy among the angels of heavenwhenever anybody grows good. "

CHAPTER XXXVII. 

AN ACCIDENT. 

It was growing late in the fall now. Mrs. Randolph began totalk of moving to the city for the winter. Mr. Randolph morethan half hinted that he would like as well to stay where hewas. But his wife said that for Daisy's sake they must quitMelbourne, and try what new scenes, and lessons, and dancingschool would do for her. "Not improve the colour in hercheeks, I am afraid, " said Mr. Randolph; but, however, he didnot oppose, and Mrs. Randolph made her arrangements. 

It was yet but a day or two after the tableaux, when somethinghappened to disturb her plans. Mr. Randolph was out ridingwith her, one fine October morning, when his horse becameunruly in consequence of a stone hitting him; a chance stonethrown from a careless hand. The animal was restive, took thestone very much in dudgeon, ran, and carrying his rider undera tree, Mr. Randolph's forehead was struck by a low-lyinglimb, and he was thrown off. The blow was severe; he wasstunned; and had not yet recovered his senses when theybrought him back to Melbourne. Mrs. Randolph was in a statealmost as much beyond self-management. Daisy was out of thehouse. Mrs. Gary had left Melbourne; and till the doctorarrived Mrs. Randolph was nearly distracted. 

He came; and though his fine face took no gloom upon it, andhis blue eye was as usual impenetrable, the eyes thatanxiously watched him were not satisfied. Dr. Sandford saidnothing; and Mrs. Randolph had self-control sufficient not toquestion him, while he made his examinations and applied hisremedies. But the remedies, though severe, were a good whilein bringing back any token of consciousness. It came at last, faintly. The doctor summoned Mrs. Randolph out of the roomthen, and ordered that his patient should be kept in the mostabsolute and profound quiet. No disturbance or excitement mustbe permitted to come near him. 

"How long, doctor?"

"I beg your pardon, Mrs. Randolph? —"

"How long will it be before he is better?"

"I cannot say that. Any excitement or disturbance would muchdelay it. Let him hear nothing and see nothing — except you, and some attendant that he is accustomed to. "

"Oh, doctor, can't you stay till he is better?"

"I will return again very soon, Mrs. Randolph. There isnothing to be done at present for which I am needed. "

"But you will come back as soon as you can?"

"Certainly!"

"And oh, Dr. Sandford, cannot you take Daisy away?"

"Where is she?"

"I don't know — she is not come home. Do take her away!"

The doctor went thoughtfully downstairs, and checking hisfirst movement to go out of the front door, turned to thelibrary. Nobody was there; but he heard voices, and passed outupon the piazza. Daisy's pony chaise stood at the foot of thesteps; she herself had just alighted. Preston was there too, and it was his voice the doctor had first heard, in anxiousentreaty. 

"Come, Daisy! — it's capital down at the river; and I want toshow you something. "

"I think I am tired now, Preston. I'll go another time, " saidDaisy. 

"Daisy, I want you now. Come! come! — I want you to go now, this minute. "

"But I do not feel like a walk, Preston. I can't go till Ihave had my dinner. "

Preston looked imploringly at the doctor, towards whom Daisywas now mounting the steps. It is safe to say that the doctorwould willingly have been spared his present task. 

"Where have you been now, Daisy?" he said. 

Daisy's face brightened into its usual smile at sight of him. "I have been to Crum Elbow, Dr. Sandford. "

"Suppose you go a little further and have luncheon with Mrs. Sandford and me? It will not take us long to get to it. "

"Does mamma say so, Dr. Sandford?"

"Yes. "

"Then I will be ready in a moment. "

"Where are you going?" said her friend, stopping her. 

"Only up stairs for a minute. I will be ready in two minutes, Dr. Sandford. "

"Stop, " said the doctor, still detaining her. "I would rathernot have you go upstairs. Your father is not quite well, and Iwant him kept quiet. "

What a shadow came over Daisy's sunshine. 

"Papa not well! What is the matter?"

"He does not feel quite like himself, and I wish him left inperfect repose. "

"What is the matter with him, Dr. Sandford?"

Daisy's words were quiet, but the doctor saw the gathering woeon her cheek; the roused suspicion. This would not do to goon. 

"He has had a little accident, Daisy; nothing that you needdistress yourself about; but I wish him to be quite quiet fora little. "

Daisy said nothing now, but the speech of her silent face wasso eloquent that the doctor found it expedient to go on. 

"He was riding this morning; his horse took him under the lowbough of a tree, and his head got a severe blow. That is allthe matter. "

"Was papa _thrown?_" said Daisy, under her breath. 

"I believe he was. Any horseman might be unseated by such athing. "

Daisy again was mute, and again the doctor found himselfobliged to answer the agony of her eyes. 

"I do not think he is in much, if any, pain, Daisy; but I wanthim to be still for a while. I think that is good for him; andit would not be good that you should disturb him. Your motheris there, and that is enough. "

Daisy stood quite still for a few minutes. Then making aneffort to withdraw herself from the doctor's arm, she said, "Iwill not go into the room — I will not make any noise. "

"Stop! Daisy, you must not go upstairs. Not this morning. "

She stood still again, grew white and trembled. 

"As soon as I think it will do him good to see you, I will letyou into his room. Now, shall we send June up for anything youwant?"

"I think, Dr. Sandford, " said Daisy, struggling forsteadiness, "I will not go away from home. "

Her words were inexpressibly tender and sorrowful. The doctorwas unrelenting. 

"Your mother desired it. "

"Did mamma? —"

"Yes; she wished me to carry you home with me. Come, Daisy! Itis hard, but it is less hard after all than it would be foryou to wander about here; and much better. "

Daisy in her extremity sunk her head on the doctor's shoulder, and so remained, motionless, for more minutes than he had tospare. Yet he was still too, and waited. Then he spoke to heragain. 

"I will go, " said Daisy. 

"You wanted something first?"

"I did not want anything but to change my gloves. It is nomatter. "

Very glad to have gained his point, the doctor went off withhis charge; drove her very fast to his own home, and thereleft her in Mrs. Sandford's care; while he drove off furiouslyagain to see another patient before he returned to Melbourne. 

It was a long day after that to Daisy; and so it was to Mrs. Sandford. Nora Dinwiddie was no longer with her; there wasnobody to be a distraction or a pleasure to the grave littlechild who went about with such a weird stillness, or satmotionless with such unchildlike quiet. Mrs. Sandford did notknow what to do; but indeed nothing could be done with Daisy. She could not be amused or happy; she did not wish Nora werethere; she could only keep patient and wait, and wait, with asore, straining heart, while the hours passed, and Dr. Sandford did not come, and she had no tidings. Was shepatient? It seemed to Daisy that her heart would burst withimpatience; or rather with its eager longing to know howthings were at home, and to get some relief. The hours of theday went by, and no relief came. Dr. Sandford did not return. Daisy took it as no good omen. 

It was hard to sit at the dinner-table and have Mr. And Mrs. Sandford showing her kindness, while her heart was breaking. It was hard to be quiet and still, and answer politely andmake no trouble for her entertainers. It was hard; but Daisydid it. It was hard to eat too; and that Daisy could not do. It was impossible. 

"Mustn't be cast down, " said Mr. Sandford. He was one of thepeople who look as if they never could be. Black whiskers anda round face sometimes have that kind of look. "Mustn't becast down! No need. Everybody gets a tumble from horsebackonce or twice in his life. I've had it seven times. Notpleasant; but it don't hurt you much, nine times in ten. "

"Hush, Mr. Sandford, " said his wife. "Daisy cannot feel aboutit just as you do. "

"Never been thrown yet herself, eh! Give her one of thosepeaches, my dear — she will like that better than meats to-day. Eat one of my red-cheeked peaches, Daisy; and tell mewhether you have any so good at Melbourne. I don't believeit. "

Daisy peeled her peach. It was all she could bear to do. Shepeeled it carefully and slowly; there never was a peach solong in paring; for it was hardly more than finished when theyrose from table. She had tried to taste it too; that was all;the taste never reached her consciousness. Mrs. Sandford knewbetter than her husband, and let her alone. 

Daisy could think of nothing now but to watch for the doctor;and to do it with the most comfort and the best chance sheplaced herself on the steps of the piazza, sitting down on theuppermost step. It was a fair evening, warm and mild; and Mrs. Sandford sitting in her drawing-room with the windows open wasbut a few feet from Daisy, and could observe her. She did sovery often, with a sorrowful eye. Daisy's attitude bespoke herintentness; the child's heart was wound up to such a pitch ofexpectation that eye and ear were for nothing else. She satbending both upon the road by which she looked for the doctorto come; her little figure did not stir; her head restedslightly on her hand with a droop that spoke of weariness orof weakness. So she sat looking down the road, and the sweetOctober light was all over her and all around her. Mrs. Sandford watched her, till the light lost its brightness andgrew fair and faint, and then began to grow dim. Daisy satstill, and Mrs. Sandford looked at her, till a step within theroom drew her attention on that side. 

"Why, there you are!" said the lady — "come the other way. What news?"

"I have no news. "

"Yes, but how is Mr. Randolph?" The lady had dropped her voicevery low. 

"He is sensible. "

"Sensible!" Mrs. Sandford said with a startled look; but thendrawing the doctor silently to her side, she pointed to thewatching, anxious little figure there on the steps. It did notneed that Dr. Sandford should speak her name. Daisy hadperfectly well heard and understood the words that had passed;and now she rose up slowly and came towards the doctor, whostepped out to meet her. 

"Well, Daisy — have you been looking for me?" he said. Butsomething in the little upturned face admonished him that nolight words could be borne. He sat down and took her hand. 

"Your father looks better than he did this morning; but hefeels badly yet after his fall. "

Daisy looked at him and was silent a moment. 

"Will they send for me home?"

"Not to-night, I think. Mrs. Randolph thought better that youshould stay here. Can't you do it contentedly?"

Daisy made no audible answer; her lip quivered a very little;it did not belie the singular patience which sat upon herbrow. Her hand lay yet in the doctor's; he held it a littlecloser, and drew the child affectionately to his side, keepingher there while he talked with Mrs. Sandford upon othersubjects; for he said no more about Melbourne. Still while hetalked he kept his arm round Daisy, and when tea was broughthe hardly let her go. But tea was not much more to Daisy thandinner had been; and when Mrs. Sandford offered to show her toher room if she desired it, Daisy accepted the offer at once. 

Mrs. Sandford herself wished to supply the place of June, andwould have done everything for her little guest if she couldhave been permitted. Daisy negatived all such proposals. Shecould do everything for herself, she said; she wanted no help. A bag of things had been packed for her by June and brought inthe doctor's gig. Daisy was somehow sorry to see them; theylooked like preparations for staying. 

"We will send for June to-morrow, Daisy, if your mamma willleave you still with me. "

"Oh, I shall go home to-morrow — I hope, " said Daisy. "I hope—" she repeated, humbly. 

"Yes, I hope so, " said Mrs. Sandford. She kissed Daisy andwent away. It was all Daisy wanted, to be alone. The Octobernight was mild; she went to the window; one of the windows, which looked out upon the grass and trees of the courtyard, now lighted by a faint moon. Daisy sunk down on her kneesthere; the sky and the stars were more homelike than anythingelse; and she felt so strange, so miserable, as her littleheart had never known anything like before. She knew wellenough what it all meant, her mother's sending her away fromhome, her father's not being able to bear any disturbance. Speak as lightly, look as calmly as they would, she knew whatwas the meaning underneath people's faces and voices. Herfather had been very much hurt; quite well Daisy was assuredof that. He was too ill to see her, or too ill for her motherto like her to see him. Daisy knelt down; she remembered shehad a Father in heaven, but it seemed at first as if she wastoo broken-hearted to pray. Yet down there, through the stillmoonlight, she remembered His eye could see her, and she knewHe had not forgotten His little child. Daisy never heard herdoor open; but it did once, and some time after it did again. 

"I do not know what to do —" said Mrs. Sandford, downstairs. There the lamps made a second bright day; and the twogentlemen were busy over the table with newspapers and books. Both of them looked up, at the sound of her perplexed voice. 

"That child, —" said Mrs. Sandford. "She is not in bed yet. "

The lady stood by the table; she had just come from Daisy'sroom. 

"What is she doing?" her husband asked. 

"I don't know. She is kneeling by the open window. She wasthere an hour ago, and she is there yet. She has not movedsince. "

"She has fallen asleep —" suggested Mr. Sandford. "I shouldsay, wake her up. "

"She is too wide awake now. She is lifting her little face tothe sky, in a way that breaks my heart. And there she hasbeen, this hour and more. "

"Have some supper directly, and call her down, —" was thesecond suggestion of the master of the house. "It will besupper-time soon. Here — it's some time after nine. "

"Grant, what is the matter with Mr. Randolph? Is it veryserious?"

"Mrs. Randolph thinks so, I believe. Have you spoken toDaisy?"

"No, and I cannot. Unless I had good news to carry to her. "

"Where is she?" said the doctor, getting up. 

"In the room next to yours. "

So Mrs. Sandford sat down and the doctor went up stairs. Thenext thing, he stood behind Daisy at her window. She was notgazing into the sky now; the little round head lay on her armson the window-sill. 

"What is going on here?" said a soft voice behind her. 

"Oh! Dr. Sandford —" said the child, jumping up. She turnedand faced her friend, with a face so wistful and searching, sopatient, yet so strained with its self-restraint and fear, that the doctor felt it was something serious with which hehad to do. He did not attempt a light tone before that littleface; he felt that it would not pass. 

"I came up to see _you_, " he said. "I have nothing new to tell, Daisy. What are you about?"

"Dr. Sandford, " said the child, "won't you tell me a little?"

The inquiry was piteous. For some reason or other, the doctordid not answer it with a put-off, nor with flattering words, as doctors are so apt to do. Perhaps it was not his habit, butcertainly in other respects he was not too good a man to doit. He sat down and let the moonlight show Daisy his face. 

"Daisy, " he said, "your father was stunned by his blow, andneeds to be kept in perfect quiet for a time, until he isquite over it. People after such a fall often do; but I do notknow that any other consequences whatever will follow. "

"He was stunned —" repeated Daisy. 

"Yes. "

The child did not say any more, yet her eyes of searchingeagerness plainly asked for fuller information. They were notcontent nor at rest. 

"Can't you have patience, and hope for other tidingstomorrow?"

"May I? —" said Daisy. 

"May you? Certainly. It was your mother's wish to send youhere — not mine. It was not needful; though if you could becontent, I think it would be well. "

She looked a little relieved; very little. 

"Now what are you doing? Am I to have two patients on my handin your family?"

"No, sir. "

"What are you doing then, up so late? Watching the stars?"

"No, sir. "

"I am your physician — you know you must tell me everything, What were you about, Daisy?"

"Dr. Sandford, " said Daisy, in difficulty how to speak, — "Iwas seeking comfort. "

And with the word, somehow, Daisy's self-restraint failed; herhead went down on the doctor's shoulder; and when she liftedit up there were two or three tears that needed to be brushedaway. No more; but the doctor felt the slight little frametremble. 

"Did you find comfort, Daisy?" he said, kindly. "I ask as yourphysician; because if you are using wrong measures for thatend I shall forbid them. What were you doing to get comfort?"

"I did not want to go to sleep, sir. "

"Daisy, I am going to carry you down to have some supper. "

"Oh, I do not want any, Dr. Sandford!"

"Are you ready to go down?"

"No sir — in a minute, — I only want to brush my hair. "

"Brush it, then. "

Which Daisy did; then coming to her friend with a face assmoothly in order as the little round head, she repeatedhumbly, "I do not want anything, Dr. Sandford. "

"Shall I carry you down?"

"Oh, no, sir. "

"Come then. One way or the other. And Daisy, when we are downstairs, and when you come up again, you must obey my orders. "

The supper-table was laid. Mrs. Sandford expressed delight atseeing Daisy come in, but it would maybe have been of littleavail had her kindness been the only force at work. It wasnot. The doctor prescribed peaches and bread, and gave Daisygrapes, and a little bit of cold chicken; and was very kind, and very imperative too; and Daisy did not dare nor like todisobey him. She eat the supper, which tasted good when hemade her eat it; and then was dismissed up stairs to bed, withorders to go straight to sleep. And Daisy did as she was told. 

CHAPTER XXXVIII. 

SOMETHING WRONG. 

The doctor's horse was before the door, and Daisy was on thepiazza. The doctor came out, ready for his day's work. 

"Do you want me to do anything for you at Melbourne, Daisy?"

"Cannot I go home to-day, Dr. Sandford?"

"I do not know. Supposing that you be still kept in banishment— what then?"

Daisy struggled with herself — succeeded, and spoke calmly. "Ishould like to have Loupe sent, Dr. Sandford, if you please. "

"Loupe? what is that? What is Loupe, Daisy?"

"My pony, sir. My pony-chaise. "

"Oh! — Not to drive to Melbourne?"

Daisy met the doctor's blue eye full, and answered withguileless submission. 

"No, sir. "

"I will send Loupe. By the way — Daisy, have you business onhand?"

"Yes, sir. "

"So much that you can do none for me?"

"Oh, no, sir. I have not a great deal of business. What may Ido, Dr. Sandford?"

"Can you go to Crum Elbow?"

"Yes, sir. I have got to go there. "

"All right, then. Daisy, there is a poor family down by therailway that were burnt out a night or two ago; they have losteverything. The neighbours will have to supply them with a fewthings. Will you go to the village and buy clothing for twolittle children, six and seven years old? One is a girl, theother a boy. "

The doctor took out his pocket-book and began to look overbank bills. 

"Dresses, do you mean, Dr. Sandford? — and a boy's dress?"

"I mean, everything they need to put on — dresses andpetticoats, and jacket and trousers, and a shirt or two forthe boy. Here is money, Daisy; spend whatever you findneedful. "

"But, Dr. Sandford —"

"Well?"

"I don't believe Mr. Lamb keeps those things ready made. "

"I am sure he does not. Buy the stuff, Daisy — all the stuff —we will see about getting it made afterwards. You can consultmy sister, Mrs. Sandford, about quantities and all that; or Idare say the storekeeper can tell you. "

So away went the doctor. Daisy felt in great need ofconsulting somebody; but Mrs. Sandford was busy, and soengaged that there was no chance for several hours. — Notindeed before the pony chaise came; and Daisy resolved then towait no longer, but to do some other business first. 

The news that she eagerly asked for from Melbourne was notmuch when she got it. Sam knew little; he believed Mr. Randolph was better, he said; but his tone of voice was notvery encouraging, and Daisy drove off to Juanita's cottage. There was one person, she knew, who could feel with her; andshe went with a sort of eagerness up the grassy pathway fromthe road to the cottage door, to get that sympathy. 

Juanita was within, busy at some ironing. The work fell fromher hands, and the iron was set down with an expression ofpleasure as she saw Daisy come in. The next minute her tonechanged and her look. 

"What ails my love?"

"Juanita —" said Daisy, standing still and pale by the ironingtable, — "haven't you heard? Papa —"

"What, Miss Daisy?"

"Papa — he was knocked off his horse yesterday — and theywon't let me see _him!_"

So far Daisy's power of composure went, and no further. Withthat last word her voice failed. She threw her arms aroundJuanita, and hiding her face in her gown, burst into suchtears as Daisy rarely shed at all; very rarely under any one'sobservation. Juanita, very much startled, sat down and drewthe child into her arms, so far as she could; for Daisy hadsunk on her knees, and with her face in Juanita's lap wasweeping all her heart out. Mrs. Benoit hardly knew how to askquestions. 

"Why must not Miss Daisy see her papa?"

"I don't know! — I suppose — he's not well enough. "

Juanita breathed more freely. 

"Let us pray for him, Miss Daisy. "

"Oh, yes, Juanita, do! —"

There was an intensity of meaning in these words and inDaisy's hurried assuming of another place and posture to leaveJuanita free to kneel too, that almost took away the blackwoman's power of speech. She read what was breaking thechild's heart; she knew what for was that suppressed cry oflonging. For a moment Juanita was silent. But she had longknown not only trouble but the Refuge from trouble; and tothat Refuge she now went, and carried Daisy. As one goes whohas often been there; who has many a time proved it a sureRefuge; who knows it sure and safe and unfailing. So sheprayed; while Daisy's sobs at first were excessive, and thenby degrees calmed and quieted and ceased. They were quitestill before Juanita finished; and when they rose up fromtheir knees Daisy's face was composed again. Then she came andstood with her hand on Juanita's shoulder, both of themsilent; till Daisy put her lips to the fine olive-dark cheekof the old woman and kissed it. Juanita drew her into herarms, and Daisy sat there, nestling and tired. 

"Can Miss Daisy trust the Lord?"

"Trust Him, — how, Juanita. "

"That He do no harm to His little child. "

"Oh, it isn't _me_, Juanita —" Daisy said, with a very tenderand sad accent. 

"When Joseph — my love knows the story — when he was sold awayfrom his father and home, to be servant of strangers far off —maybe he thought it was hard times. But the Lord meant it forgood, and the father and the child came together again, in ahappy day. "

Daisy rose up, or rather raised her head, and looked steadilyin her friend's face as if to see what this might mean. 

"The Lord knoweth them that trust in Him, " said the blackwoman. 

Daisy's head went down again; and there was a long silence. Itwas broken at last by Juanita's offering her some refreshment;and then Daisy started up to the business on hand. Sheexplained to Juanita where she was staying, and what she hadthat morning to do. Meanwhile Juanita made her take some breadand milk. 

"So how much must I get, Juanita? can you tell me? how muchfor two little frocks, and two little petticoats, and one suitof boy's clothes?"

"My love knows, it must be accordin' to the stuff. If thestuff narrow, she want more; if wide, she want less. "

"Then you cannot tell me; — and Mrs. Sandford could noteither. And I cannot tell. What shall I do?"

"Mrs. Sandford maybe get the things for Miss Daisy. "

"No, she must not. Dr. Sandford wants me to do it. I must getthem, Juanita. "

"H'm! Suppose I put up my irons and walk round to the village— and Miss Daisy go in her shay. "

"To the store!" cried Daisy. "Oh, yes, Juanita; get ready, andI will take you with me. Then you can tell me all about it. "

Juanita demurred and objected to this proposal, but Daisy wasgreatly pleased and would have it so. Mrs. Benoit put up herironing work, and arrayed her head in a new clean brighthandkerchief, wonderfully put on; she was ready then; and Samgrinned to see the tall fine figure of the old coloured womansitting in the pony-chaise by the side of his little mistress. It was as good to Daisy as anything could have been, that day. They drove into Crum Elbow, went to the store; and there sheand Juanita had a pretty large morning's business in choosingthe various goods Dr. Sandford had desired Daisy to get. Daisygot excited over it. Calico for a little frock, and muslin forthe underclothes, and stuff for the boy's jacket and trousersand shirt; Juanita knew the quantities necessary, and Daisyhad only the trouble of choice and judgment of various kinds. But that was a great responsibility, seeing she was doing itfor Dr. Sandford. It took a good while. Then Daisy droveJuanita home again, gave her another kiss, and with hercarriage load of dry goods, and a tired and hungry littlebody, went home to Mrs. Sandford's. 

It was then pretty late in the day, and the doctor not comein. Daisy dressed, and went down to the drawing-room to waitfor him. Not long this time. There was a certain air of calmstrength about Dr. Sandford's face and cool blue eye, thatDaisy loved; she felt she loved it now, as she saw him comein; she trusted him. He spoke first to his brother and sister;then came where Daisy was standing, sat down on the sofa andplaced her beside him. 

"I have no bad news for you, Daisy, " he said, kindly, — "andnot the good news neither that you are looking for. Yourfather is no worse, though it will require several days to lethim recover from the immediate effects of his accident. Thequieter he is meanwhile the better. "

"And mamma — she said? —"

"She said — yes, you have guessed it; she would like to haveyou remain here for a few days longer. She thinks you arebetter under my care than under hers. "

"Under _my_ care, I think it is, " said Mrs. Sandford. 

"Can you bear it, Daisy?"

She looked up meekly, and answered, "Yes, Dr. Sandford. " Someekly that the doctor's eye took special note of her. 

"Have you been to Crum Elbow to-day?"

"Yes, sir. I got all the things. "

"All of them?"

"Yes, sir. "

"What reward shall I give you?"

She had been speaking with a sad meekness, a sober self-restraint, unlike her years. If Dr. Sandford meant to break itup, which I think he did, he had partial success. Daisy lookedup and smiled at him. But yet it was a meek smile, and sadeven in its composed denial of any notion of reward. Notsatisfactory to the doctor. 

"I always repay anybody that does me any service, " he went on. 

"Ought one always to do that?" said Daisy. 

"What is your judgment?"

"I think _everybody_ could not. "

"Why not?"

"Some people have nothing to pay with, — for things that aredone for them. "

"I do not believe that. "

"_Some_ people, Dr. Sandford?"

"Whom do you know in that condition — for instance?"

"Why, I — for instance. "

"You! What cannot you pay for?"

"A great many things, " said Daisy, slowly. "Hardly anything. Iam only a child. "

"How is it about Molly Skelton? Does she pay you for thevarious attentions she receives from you?"

"Pay me, Dr. Sandford! I do not want pay. "

"You are very unlike me, then, " said the doctor; "that is allI have to say. "

"Why, Dr. Sandford, what pay could she give me?"

"Don't you get any, then?"

"Why, no, sir, " said Daisy, eagerly answering the doctor'sblue eye. "Except — yes, of course, I get a sort of pay; butMolly does not — yes she does give it to me; but I mean, shedoes not mean to pay me. "

The doctor smiled, one of those rare pleasant smiles, thatshowed his white teeth in a way that Daisy liked; it was onlya glimmer. 

"What sort of pay is that? — which she gives, and does notmean to give, and you take and do not ask for?"

"Oh! — _that_ sort of pay!" said Daisy. "Is it that sort youmean, Dr. Sandford?"

"That is one sort. "

"But I mean, is it the sort that you always give, you say?"

"Always, when people deserve it. And then, do you not think itis natural to wish to give them, if you can, some other sortof pay?"

"I think it is, " said Daisy, sedately. 

"I am glad you do not disapprove of it. "

"But I do not think people _want_ that other kind of pay, Dr. Sandford. "

"Perhaps not. I suppose it is a selfish gratification ofoneself to give it. "

Daisy looked so earnestly and so curiously at him, as if tosee what all this was about, that the doctor must have hadgood command of his lips not to smile again. 

They went in to dinner just then and the conversation stopped. But though not talked to, Daisy was looked after; and when shehad forgotten all about dinner, and was thinking mournfully ofwhat was going on at home, a slice of roast beef or a nicepeach would come on her plate with a word from the doctor —"You are to eat that, Daisy" — and though he said no more, somehow Daisy always chose to obey him. At last they went intothe drawing-room again, and were drinking coffee. Daisy wassomewhat comforted; she thought Dr. Sandford did not act as ifthere were anything very dreadful the matter at home. 

"Daisy, " said the doctor, "you have done work for me to-day —would you object to be paid?"

Daisy looked up smiling; it dependied on what the pay mightbe, she thought; but she said nothing. 

"Would it be violently against your principles?"

"I do not want pay, Dr. Sandford. "

"Not if I were to offer to give you a sight of those littlebaskets on the frond of the Marchantia?"

Daisy's face all changed; but she said in the quietest manner, "Can you do that, Dr. Sandford?"

"Come with me. "

He held out his hand, which Daisy willingly took, and theywent upstairs together. Just short of her room the doctorstopped, and turned into his own. This was a very plainapartment; there was no beauty of furniture, though it struckDaisy there was a great deal of something. There were boxes, and cabinets, and shelves full of books and boxes, and book-cases, and one or two tables. Yet it was not a pretty-lookingroom, like the others in Mrs. Sandford's house. Daisy was alittle disappointed. The doctor, however, gave her a chair, and then brought one of the unlikely deal boxes to the tableand opened it. Daisy forgot everything. There appeared apolished, very odd brass machine, which the doctor took outand spent some time in adjusting. Daisy patiently looked on. 

"Do you know what this is, Daisy?"

"No, sir. "

"It is a microscope. And looking through this, you will seewhat you could not see with your two eyes alone; there aresome strong magnifying glasses here — and I found to-day someplants of Marchantia growing in a sheltered place. Here is oneof the baskets for you —"

"Is it on that bit of green leaf?"

"Yes, but you can see nothing there. Try this view. "

He stood back and helped Daisy to take a kneeling position inher chair, so that her eye could reach the eye-piece of themicroscope. Daisy looked, took her eye away to give awondering glance of inquiry at her friend's face, and thenapplied it to the microscope again; a pink hue of delightactually spreading over her poor little pale cheeks. It was sobeautiful, so wonderful. Again Daisy took her eye away toexamine out of the glass the coarse little bit of green leafthat lay upon the stand; and looked back at the show in themicroscope with a bewitched mind. It seemed as if she couldnever weary of looking from one to the other. The doctor badeher take her own time, and Daisy took a good deal. 

"What stuffs did you buy this morning?" the doctor asked. 

Daisy drew back from the microscope. 

"I got all you told me, sir?"

"Exactly. I forget what that was. "

"I bought a little piece of red and green linsey-woolsey for afrock for the little girl — and some brown strong stuff forthe boy's suit; and then white muslin to make things for thegirl, and blue check for the boy's shirt. "

"Just right. Did your money hold out?"

"Oh, I had three dollars and two shillings left, Dr. Sandford. Two shillings and sixpence, I believe. "

"You did well. " The doctor was arranging something else in themicroscope. He had taken out the bit of liverwort. 

"I had Juanita to help me, " said Daisy. 

"How do you suppose I am going to get all those things madeup?" said the doctor. 

"Won't Mrs. Sandford attend to it?"

"Mrs. Sandford has her own contribution to attend to. I do notwish to give her mine too. "

"Cannot the children's mother make the things?"

The doctor's lip curled in funny fashion. 

"They have no mother, I think. There is an old aunt, orgrandmother, or something, that does _not_ take care of' thechildren. I shall not trust the business certainly to her. "

Daisy wondered a little that Mrs. Sandford, who was so good-natured, could not do what was needful; but she said nothing. 

"I think I shall turn over the whole thing in charge to you, Daisy. "

"But, Dr. Sandford, what can _I_ do?"

"Drive down with me to-morrow and see how big the childrenare, and then have the things made. "

"But I am afraid I do not know enough. "

"I dare say you can find out. _I_ do not know enough — that isvery certain; and I have other things to attend to besidesoverseeing mantua-makers. "

"Our seamstress could do it, — if I could see her. "

"Very well, then some other seamstress can. Now, Daisy — youmay look at this. "

"What a beautiful thing! But what is it, Dr. Sandford?"

"What does it look like?"

"It does not look like anything that I ever saw. "

"It is a scale from a butterfly's wing. "

"Why, it is as large as a small butterfly, " said Daisy. 

The doctor showed her where the little scale lay, so littlethat she could hardly see it out of the glass; and Daisy wentback to the contemplation of its magnified beauty with immenseadmiration. Then her friend let her see the eye of a bee, andthe tongue of a fly, and divers other wonders, which keptDaisy busy until an hour which was late for her. Busy anddelightfully amused. 

CHAPTER XXXIX. 

BREAKING UP. 

One day passed after another, and Daisy looked longingly forher summons home, and still she did not receive it. Her fearsand agonies were somewhat quieted; because Dr. Sandfordassured her that her father was getting better; but he neversaid that her father was well, or that he had not been veryill. Daisy knew that the matter had been very serious that hadprevented her being at Melbourne all these days. Herimaginings of evil were doubtful and dim; but it seemed to herthat her father himself would have commanded her presence inall ordinary circumstances; and a doubt like an ice-windsometimes swept over her little spirit, whether he could betoo ill to know of her absence! No word that could be saidwould entirely comfort Daisy while this state of thingslasted; and it was very well for her that she had a wise andenergetic friend watching over her welfare, in the meanwhile. If business could keep her from pining and hinder her from toomuch imagining, Dr. Sandford took care that she had it. Hecontrived that she should indeed oversee the making of thedresses for the poor children, and it was a very great chargefor Daisy. A great responsibility; it lay on her mind fordays, and gave occasion for a number of drives to Crum Elbowand to Juanita's cottage. Then at evening, after hearing herreport progress, the doctor would take Daisy up to his roomand show her many a wonder and beauty that little Daisy hadnever dreamed of before; and the friendship between the twogrew closer than ever. 

"Grant, you are a good fellow!" said Mrs. Sandford one night. "I do not know what I should do with that child, if it werenot for you. "

"You would do nothing. She would not be here if it were notfor me. "

"I do not suppose, however, that your care for her is dictatedby a conscientious regard for that fact. It is good of you. "

"She is my patient, Mrs. Sandford. "

"Yes, yes; _im_patient would be the word with some young men. "

"I am glad you do not class me with such young men. "

"Well, no child ever gave less cause for impatience, I willsay that. Nor had more. Poor child! How she looks at you everyday when you come home! But I suppose you doctors get hardhearts. "

Dr. Sandford's lips curled a little into one of the smilesthat Daisy liked, but he said nothing. 

Daisy did look hard at her friend those days, but it was onlywhen he came home. So she was not expecting anything the nextmorning when he said to her, "Daisy — will you take a ridewith me?"

Daisy looked up. The doctor was sitting by the breakfast-table, poring over a newspaper. Breakfast was done, and Daisyherself busy with a book. So she only answered, "If youplease, Dr. Sandford. "

"Where shall we go?"

Daisy looked surprised. "I supposed you had business, sir. "

"So I have. I am going to visit a patient. Perhaps you wouldlike to make the visit with me. "

"To one of your patients, Dr. Sandford?"

"Yes, one. Not more than one. But I think that one would liketo see you. "

A light came into Daisy's face, and colour started upon hercheeks, almost painfully. 

"Dr. Sandford — do you mean—"

"I think so, Daisy, " said her friend, quietly. "It will do noharm, — if you are a good child. "

He was so quiet, that it stilled Daisy's feeling, which elsemight have been impetuous. There was danger of that, as thechild's eye and cheek bore witness. But she only said, "I'llget ready, Dr. Sandford —" and went off in orderly style tillshe reached the hall, and was out of sight. Then Daisy's feetmade haste up the stairs. In three minutes she was back again, with her hat and gloves in her hand. 

The doctor threw down his newspaper and drew her up to him. 

"Daisy, can you be quiet?"

"I think so, Dr. Sandford. "

"I think so too; therefore I tell you beforehand that I wishit. Your father has not fully recovered his strength yet; andit would not be good for him to be excited. You will be veryglad to see him, and he will be very glad to see you; that isquite enough; and it would be too much, if you were to showhim how glad you are. "

Daisy said nothing, but she thought within herself she couldnot do that!

"Can you command yourself, Daisy?"

"I will try, Dr. Sandford. "

"You _must_ do it — for my sake, " added the doctor. 

"Dr. Sandford, " said Daisy, "was that what you meant?"

"When?"

"When you said, if I was a good child?"

"It must have been that I meant, I think. I could have said itin no other connection. "

"The pony-chaise, ma'am, for Miss Randolph —" said a servantat the door. 

"The chaise may go away again, Daisy, I suppose, " said Mrs. Sandford. "You will not want it. "

"Yes, she will, " said the doctor, — "to drive to Melbourne. Go, Daisy, since you are ready; I will follow you. That littlewaddling fellow can be overtaken without any greatdifficulty. "

"Do you want me to drive slowly, sir?"

"Not at all, " said the doctor; "only drive well, for I shallcome and see. "

If ever a little pride in her driving accomplishments hadlodged in Daisy's mind, she certainly did not feel it thatafternoon. She drove without knowing very well how she drove;she did not think of Dr. Sandford's criticism, or admiration;what she thought of, was the miles of the road to Melbourne. 

They were not very many, and unconsciously the eager spirit inDaisy's fingers made itself known to Loupe's understanding, through the medium of the reins. He travelled better thanusual, so that they were not more than half way from Melbournewhen the doctor's gig overtook them. And then Loupe wentbetter yet. 

"Remember, Daisy, and keep quiet —" said the doctor, as hetook her out of the chaise. Daisy trembled, but she followedhim steadily through the hall and up the stairs, and into herfather's room. Then she went before him, yet even then shewent with a moderated step, and stood by her father's couch atlast, silent and breathless. Breathless with the very effortshe made to keep silent and quiet. With excitement too; forMr. Randolph was looking feeble and pale, more than Daisy hadever seen him, and it frightened her. He was not in bed, buton a sofa; and as Daisy came to his side he put out his armand drew his little daughter close to him. Without a word atfirst and Daisy stooped her lips to his, and then stood hidingher face on his shoulder; perfectly quiet, though tremblingwith contained emotion, and not daring to say anything, lestshe should say too much. 

"Daisy, " said her father, — "Daisy, — do you know I have beenill?"

There was a little, little tone of surprise or disappointmentin the voice. Daisy felt it, knew it, but what could she do?She was afraid to speak, to say anything. She turned her facea little to Dr. Sandford; he saw an agony struggling in theeye that appealed to him. This was not what he wanted. 

"She knows it almost too well, " he said, coming to the rescue;"I have been her gaoler all these days; — a severe one. "

"Are you glad to see me, Daisy?" said Mr. Randolph. 

Daisy half raised herself, half glanced at his face, andturning from him threw herself upon Dr. Sandford's arm with acry, and gave way to a deep passion of weeping. Deep andstill; her sobs could not but be heard, but they were keptunder as much as the heaving of that little breast could bear. Mr. Randolph's pale face flushed; and the doctor saw that hisprecautions had been too good. 

"Why, Daisy!" he said, lightly, "is this your self-command?"

"Let me have her —" said Mr. Randolph. "Self-command is a goodthing, doctor; but people may have too much of it. "

And getting hold of Daisy's hand, which the doctor broughtwithin his reach, he again drew the sobbing child to hisbreast and folded her close in both his arms. The sobs werevery soon hushed; but during all the rest of the doctor'svisit, and through all the conversation that took place, Daisyand her father never changed their position. The conversationindeed was not much, being confined to a few quiet questionsand answers and remarks; and then Dr. Sandford took hisdeparture, leaving Daisy very unconscious of his movements. Heonly waved his hand to Mr. Randolph, with a smile at Daisy whodid not see him. 

"Daisy — my darling —" said Mr. Randolph, when he was gone. 

"Papa! —" came in a whisper. 

"What is the matter?"

Daisy lifted her face from its resting-place and kissed, withkisses that were like velvet, first one side of her father'smouth, and then the other. 

"Papa — Dr. Sandford told me I must keep quiet. "

"Well, you shall, " said Mr. Randolph. "That is right enough. You shall keep quiet, and I will go to sleep. "

So he did. But he did not loose his hold of Daisy; and shelay, still as happiness could make her, with her head upon hisbreast. She knew, she was conscious, that he must be veryfeeble yet, to go to sleep in that way; but she was with himagain, and in his arms, and her heart was so full of joy thatit could do nothing but overflow in silent thanksgivings andprayers. Daisy would not have stirred till he did, no matterhow long it might have been; but there came an interruption. Adoor opened, and Mrs. Randolph appeared on the threshold, andso soon as she saw Daisy, beckoned her to come to anotherroom. Mr. Randolph's arms had relaxed their hold somewhat, andDaisy obeyed the signal, and left him. 

Her mother wanted then to know all the story of her days atMrs. Sandford's; and Daisy had a good deal to tell. That is, Mrs. Randolph's questionings made it so. Daisy herself wouldnot have had it a long story. Then she must see June, andJoanna; and then came dinner. It was not till the afternoonwas well passed that the call came for her to go to her fatheragain. Daisy had watched and waited for it; her mother hadforbidden her to go in without it. At last she was sent for, and Daisy sprang away. 

Mrs. Randolph was there. 

"No noise! — remember, " she said, lifting her finger as Daisycame in. Daisy came near slowly. Her father held out his handto her, and folded her in his arms again. 

"You are such a noisy child!" he said, — "your mother doeswisely to warn you. "

"She is an excitable child, " — said Mrs. Randolph; — "and Ithink you want warning too. "

"We will keep each other quiet, " said Mr. Randolph. 

The lady looked on, with what seemed a doubtful eye. Nobodywatched it. Her husband's eyes were often closed; Daisy'slittle head lay on his breast, quiet enough, unless when shemoved it to give soft noiseless kisses to her father's cheek. They remained so a good while, with scarce any word spoken;and Mrs. Randolph was busy at her tetting. The light faded;the evening drew on. 

"It is time for Daisy's tea. " It was the first thing thatbroke a long silence. 

"She and I will have it together, " said Mr. Randolph. 

"Will that be best for you, Mr. Randolph?"

"I hope so. "

"I doubt it. "

"Most things in this world are doubtful, " said Mr. Randolph;"but we will try. "

"Will you choose to have tea now, then?"

"Now? — no. "

"This is Daisy's time. "

"Very well. She must wait for my time. "

Not a word did Daisy say; only little alternate throbs of joyand fear, as her father or her mother spoke, passed throughher heart. Mrs. Randolph gave it up; and there was anotherhour of quiet, very sweet to Daisy. Then lights were brought, and again Mrs. Randolph proposed to have the tea served; butagain Mr. Randolph negatived her proposal; and things remainedas they were. At last Mrs. Randolph was summoned to preside atthe tea-table downstairs; for even now there were one or twoguests at Melbourne. Then there was a stir in the roomupstairs. The tray came with Mr. Randolph's supper; and Daisyhad the delight of sharing it, and of being his attendant inchief. He let her do what she would; and without beingunquiet, Daisy and her father enjoyed themselves over thatentertainment. 

"Now I think I could bear a little reading, " said Mr. Randolph, as he laid his head back on his couch. 

"What, papa?" said Daisy, a sudden hope starting into somedark corner of her heart, almost without her knowing it. 

"What? — what you please. "

"Shall I read what I like, papa?"

"Yes. If I do not like it, I will tell you. "

Daisy ran away and flew through the rooms to her own, andthere hastily sought her Bible. She could not wait to getanother; she took her own and ran back softly with it. Herfather's languid eye watched the little white figure comingtowards him, book in hand; the gentle, eager step, the slightflush on the cheek; till she took her seat beside him. 

"What have you got there, Daisy?" he asked. 

"Papa — my Bible. "

"Well — what are you going to read?"

"I don't know, papa —" said Daisy, doubtfully. What would comenext?

"Do you remember your picture, the 'Game of Life'?"

"Yes, papa. "

"Do you remember your talk about good and evil spirits?"

"Yes, sir. "

"Find me the grounds of your philosophy. "

Daisy thought what that might mean, and guessed at it. Sheturned to the twenty-fifth chapter of Matthew, a favouritechapter, and read the parable of the sheep and the goats. Theservant had withdrawn; Daisy and her father were alone. Therewas a moment's pause when she had done. 

"Is that all?" said Mr. Randolph. 

"That is all of _this_, papa. "

"There is nothing there about the rejoicings of the goodspirits, " — said Mr. Randolph. 

Daisy's fingers trembled, she hardly knew why, as she turnedover the leaves to find the place. Her father watched her. 

"Are you sure it is there, Daisy?"

"Oh, yes, papa — it is in the story of the man with a hundredsheep — I will find it directly. "

So she did, and read the parable in the fifteenth chapter ofLuke. Her father listened with shut eyes, while the child'svoice gave the words in a sort of sweet clear gravity. 

" 'Then drew near unto Him all the publicans and sinners for tohear Him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, Thisman receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. And he spake thisparable unto them, saying, What man of you, having an hundredsheep, in he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety andnine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, untilhe find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on hisshoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he callethtogether his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoicewith me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say untoyou, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner thatrepenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, whichneed no repentance. Either what woman having ten pieces ofsilver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, andsweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? Andwhen she hath found it, she calleth her friends and herneighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have foundthe piece which I had lost. Likewise I say unto you, there isjoy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner thatrepenteth. ' "

There Daisy stopped, and there was silence. Presently herfather opened his eyes. He saw that hers were full, but theywere not looking at her book, neither at him; they were gazingaway at the light, with an intent, very serious expression. 

"Daisy! —" said her father. 

She came back instantly to a sweet happy look at him. 

"What were you studying?"

"Papa! — I was thinking —"

"What were you thinking. "

"I was thinking, papa, " said Daisy, unwillingly, — "howstrange it is that anybody should try to _hide himself fromGod_. "

She started a little and rose up, for her mother stood on theother side of the light now. Mrs. Randolph's voice was a notebelonging to another chord. 

"Daisy, it is your bedtime. "

"Yes, mamma. "

Mr. Randolph made no attempt to hinder his wife's arrangementsthis time. Daisy exchanged a very tender good-night with himand then went away. But she went away very happy. She thoughtshe saw good days coming. 

There were good days that followed — that one, for a while. Daisy's readings and sweet companionship with her father wereconstant, and grew sweeter as he grew stronger. But thestrengthening process was not rapid. About a fortnight hadpassed, when Mrs. Sandford one day made enquiry about it ofher brother-in-law. 

"Slow work —" said the doctor. 

"He will get over it, won't he?"

"I hope he will. "

"But cannot anything be done for him, Grant?"

"He is going to do the best thing. He is going to Europe. "

"To Europe! — This winter?"

"Now, in a few weeks, or less. "

"It will be good for your pet Daisy. "

"Doubtfully —" said the doctor, with a very complicatedexpression of face; but he was taking off his boot at themoment, and maybe it pinched him. "She will not go. "

"Not go! Daisy! Does not her mother go?"

"Yes. "

"And not Daisy? Why not Daisy. "

"She gives so much trouble —" said the doctor. 

"Trouble! — I thought her parents were so fond of her. "

"Mr. Randolph is unequal to any agitation; and Mrs. Randolphregulates everything. "

"But wouldn't it be good for Daisy?"

"I think so. "

"Poor child! What will they do with her?"

"Send her to a Southern plantation, under care of a governess, as I understand. "

"It will half kill Daisy, " said Mrs. Sandford. 

"It takes a great deal to kill people, " said the doctor. 

"I do not know how to believe you, " said the lady. "Is it allfixed and settled, Grant?"

"They leave Melbourne next week. "

THE END

BUTLER & TANNER, THE SELWOOD PRINTING WORKS, FROME, ANDLONDON