etter than children who have
eyes; perhaps because they cannot see to get into so much mischief,"
added Miss Percival, pinching Emily's cheek.
"Aunt 'Ria," said Dotty, in raptures, "_don't_ they have good
times here?"
"Yelly good times," said little Flyaway, clutching at her mother's dress.
"Mamma, I wish _I_ was blind-eyed, too."
"You, my darling baby! Mother hopes that will never be. But if you
cannot be blind-eyed yourself, perhaps you may make some of these little
ones happy. Is there anything you would like to give away?"
Flyaway winked slowly, trying to think what she had at home that she no
longer wished to keep.
"Yes, mamma," said she at last, with a smile of satisfaction, "I've got
a old hat."
"O, fie, Katie! I dare say you would be very glad to part with that, for
I remember you cried the other day when I asked you to wear it. Your old
hat would not be a pretty present."
"Then I can't fink of noffin' else," said Katie, shaking her head; at the
same time having a guilty recollection of several beautiful toys, and
"'most a hunnerd bushels of canny;" that is to say, a small box of
confectionery her uncle Edward had given her.
Mrs. Clifford had observed of late that her little daughter was not as
generous as she could wish. Both Katie and Dotty were peculiarly liable
to become selfish, as they were much petted at home, and had no younger
brothers or sisters with whom to share their treasures. Mrs. Clifford did
not insist upon Katie's making any sacrifice. The little one did not pity
the blind children at all. They seemed so happy that she almost envied
them. So did Miss Dimple. It was not, after all, very grievous to be
blind, she thought, if one could live at this Institute and have such
nice plays.
"Aunt 'Ria thinks I ought to give them something, I s'pose. When I get
home I mean to ask mamma and grandma to dress a beautiful doll, and I'll
send it to Emily. She'll keep it to remember me by; and it won't cost
any of _my_ money if papa buys the head."
"Good by, Emily," said she, as she parted from her. "I hope there won't
any more bad things happen to you."
"But I s'pose there will," replied Emily, cheerfully.
Mr. Parlin and Horace were waiting in the hall, and the latter was
impatiently watching the tall clock. They had been in the greenhouse,
looking at the flowers, and in the shop, where the blind boys learn to
make brooms and brushes.
"Well, ladies, are you ready to go?" asked Mr.
|