"If you dread them they'll dislike you."

"As you do, Bessie?"

"I don't dislike you, Miss; I believe I am fonder of you than of all

the others."

"You don't show it."

"You little sharp thing! you've got quite a new way of talking.

What makes you so venturesome and hardy?"

"Why, I shall soon be away from you, and besides"--I was going to

say something about what had passed between me and Mrs. Reed, but on

second thoughts I considered it better to remain silent on that

head.

"And so you're glad to leave me?"

"Not at all, Bessie; indeed, just now I'm rather sorry."

"Just now! and rather! How coolly my little lady says it! I dare

say now if I were to ask you for a kiss you wouldn't give it me:

you'd say you'd RATHER not."

"I'll kiss you and welcome: bend your head down." Bessie stooped;

we mutually embraced, and I followed her into the house quite

comforted. That afternoon lapsed in peace and harmony; and in the

evening Bessie told me some of her most enchaining stories, and sang

me some of her sweetest songs. Even for me life had its gleams of

sunshine.




readonlinefreebook.com Copyright 2016 - 2024