walking before them, at some
little distance, amusing himself with a shepherd's pipe.

While Amelia and Charlotte were thus rambling about, they cast their
eyes on some beautiful apples that hung on a fine tree, from which all
the fruit had been supposed to be gathered; but the branches had hidden
some from view, and in course had escaped the notice of the gatherers.
The beautiful vermilion with which these apples were tinged, and which
the leaves could not entirely hide, seemingly invited the hand to come
and take them. William instantly climbed the tree they were admiring,
and threw down as many apples as he could reach, while the ladies below
held their aprons to catch them as they fell.

Chance directed it, that two or three, which were considered as the
finest, fell into the apron of Charlotte, who was much pleased with this
accidental distribution, as she might with reason have been, had a
premeditated preference been the cause of it; for William was in reality
the politest and prettiest little fellow in the village.

Charlotte, with joy and triumph in her eyes, thus addressed herself to
Amelia: "Only see how fine and large my apples are, while yours are
nothing to compare to them!" Amelia was very much displeased with these
words; she hung down her head, and putting on a serious countenance,
remained silent during the remainder of the walk. William, by a hundred
assiduities, endeavoured to recover Amelia's cheerfulness, again to
spread a smile on her clouded countenance, and make her renew her usual
pleasing prattle.

As soon as they arrived near home, Charlotte took her leave. Little
William then addressed his sister, for by that tender name he always
called her, and asked her why she seemed so angry with him. "Certainly,"
said he, "you cannot be angry at Charlotte having her share of the
apples. You very well know that I always loved you best, and therefore
endeavoured to throw into your apron those apples, which, by chance,
fell into Charlotte's. You must be sensible, that I could not afterwards
take them from her. Besides, I thought you of too generous a disposition
to take notice of such trifles. Be assured, the first opportunity that
shall offer, I will give you a convincing proof that I had no design to
vex you, whatever you may at present think of my intentions."

"Very pretty, indeed, Mr. William!" replied Amelia, with a look of
uneasiness and disdain. "Pray who told you that I was vexed? Suppose
M