Little Pollie / Or a Bunch of Violets

he knew the little one would be tired and hungry; and forthwith it began to sing cheerily, filling the room with its homely melody, as though it would say "

k; but on looking up with a smile of greeting, expecting only to see Pollie, she was surprised to see her hesitate on the threshold, apparently clutching some one tightly by

poor lady has no home; le

es led in the woman, and then in a moment Mrs. Turner comprehended it all. She saw a poor lost gi

ndemn thee; go,

or shivering creature by the hand, seat

poor child, you

s heart were opened, and leaning her head

bread-and-butter the child arranged her violets in a cup, to make, as she said, "the table look pretty." But the stranger was unable to partake of the simpl

been invited to remain) told Mrs. Turner in a

" said the widow fervently;

me," exclaimed th

hild, and smiled to think of those tiny ha

ned for coun

tatingly, "and-and-I should not like her

ce bed on the floor,"

bed ready for the stranger. The poor creature suffered them to remove her hat and dress, then they

were closed, lay like a silken fringe upon the pale and wasted cheeks. Yes, she was very beautiful; and as the good Samaritans stood looking at her (the children

ing chapter. Sally, too, sat down by the fire to listen, wondering in her own mind what they were ab

ble of the Good Shepherd, and the girl's attention

: them also I must bring, and they shall hear My vo

or her? Yes; the seed was sown on that hitherto rugged soil; it

friends "good-night" before going home, heavy steps were heard ascendin

on't cooks know what they want, and order things in the morning? Dear, dear! what a

ered Mrs. Turner, poi

t there?" she as

ce, the widow told the sad tale, and al

ral question; "is it right to ha

erer lay sleeping. The light on the table was but dim, not sufficient to enable her to see

he flickering fire, and lighted the corner w

quick conv

ed in a hushed voice. "No, no, I've been d

features, her breath coming thick and fast, almost as though her very heart was bursting. In silence she gave the light back into the hand

ck at last to your poor old mother!