iend Carrie, and take a sleigh-ride, too,
at three o'clock with a funny old gentleman named Morris. What do you say
to that my puss, eh?"

"I'm _so_ glad, I don't know what to say, Uncle. But, see here! (and
Jessie held up a purple velvet watch-bag, ornamented with steel beads.) I
shall have it all done by twelve o'clock!"

"If the little wizard don't hinder," suggested her uncle, laughing and
looking roguishly at her.

"Well, he won't," said Jessie, shaking her head. "He is too busy courting
Miss Perseverance to trouble his head about me. Ha! ha!"

Mr. Morris laughed heartily at Jessie's ready use of his quaint fancy
about the little wizard. He had no doubt about her firmness. But shaking
his finger at her he said, "Take care! the little wizard is a cunning
fellow, and knows how to ensnare little misses who have tasks to perform,"
and left the room.

Strong in purpose, and cheered by the hope of the afternoon's pleasure,
Jessie worked with such vigor on her watch-pocket, that she had put on the
last bead, sewed the last stitch, and trimmed off the last loose thread
before the clock struck twelve. Then she felt happier far than any child
ever did in the enjoyment of pleasures gained by the neglect of duty. She
had conquered a difficulty, had won a victory, had done a duty--had she
not a right to be happy?

I could almost wish myself a child again for the sake of tasting that
fresh, perfect, unmixed delight which welled up from Jessie's heart on the
afternoon of that clear December day. First came the play of coasting.
Taking her on his sled--"The Never-say-die"--Guy drew her to the lane near
Mr. Sherwood's cottage and amused her until the merry sleigh-bells caused
her to turn round. Then she saw a splendid sleigh drawn by two noble
horses, and driven by a man who, from the way he handled the whip and
reins, seemed born to be a coachman. Her mother and Uncle Morris were in
the sleigh. She stepped in. Carrie and Guy followed. Having wrapped
themselves up well in the buffalo robes, word was given to the driver, and
away they dashed down the road.

[Illustration: Walter Sliding With Carrie and Jessie. Page 227.]

Merrily jingled the dancing bells, swiftly trotted the lively horses,
smoothly glided the steel-shod sleigh over the snowy pathway, passing
houses, barns, and fields, as Guy said, with the speed almost of a
steam-engine. On they went, mile after mile, drinking in health and
spirits from the pure winter air