pon the
subject with renewed interest.

"You shall have the flowers in time for your ball to-morrow night. I
will engage to make a wreath that will please you, only it may take
longer than I think. Don't be troubled if I don't send it till evening;
it will surely come in time. I can work fast, and this will be the
happiest job I ever did," said Lizzie, beginning to lay out mysterious
little tools and bend delicate wires.

"You are altogether too grateful for the little I have done. It makes
me feel ashamed to think I did not find you out before and do something
better worth thanks."

"Ah, it wasn't the boots or the cake or the roses, dear Miss Belle. It
was the kind looks, the gentle words, the way it was done, that went
right to my heart, and did me more good than a million of money. I never
stole a pin after that day, for the little rose wouldn't let me forget
how you forgave me so sweetly. I sometimes think it kept me from greater
temptations, for I was a poor, forlorn child, with no one to keep me
good."

Pretty Belle looked prettier than ever as she listened, and a bright
tear stood in either eye like a drop of dew on a blue flower. It touched
her very much to learn that her little act of childish charity had been
so sweet and helpful to this lonely girl, and now lived so freshly in
her grateful memory. It showed her, suddenly, how precious little deeds
of love and sympathy are; how strong to bless, how easy to perform, how
comfortable to recall. Her heart was very full and tender just then, and
the lesson sunk deep into it never to be forgotten.

She sat a long time watching flowers bud and blossom under Lizzie's
skilful fingers, and then hurried home to tell all her glad news to
mamma.

If the next day had not been full of most delightfully exciting events,
Belle might have felt some anxiety about her wreath, for hour after hour
went by and nothing arrived from Lizzie.

Evening came, and all was ready. Belle was dressed, and looked so lovely
that mamma declared she needed nothing more. But Marie insisted that
the grand effect would be ruined without the garland among the sunshiny
hair. Belle had time now to be anxious, and waited with growing
impatience for the finishing touch to her charming toilette.

"I must be downstairs to receive, and can't wait another moment; so
put in the blue pompon and let me go," she said at last, with a sigh
of disappointment, for the desire to look beautiful that night in