The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1893-04-20
CHILDRBN'S CORNER.
By LOUISA NJ. ALCoTT.
(Canfinttad From ast Issue !

mind il / give this pretty box OF
handkerchiefs to mother, will you,
dear? have so many things, i must
90 halves with some one. The mus
lin apron and box Of bonbons are for
Janey, because she can't wear the
gloves, and this lovely jabot is too old
for her." said Daisy, surveying her
new possessions with girlish satisfac-
ton.
'Do what you like with your own.
Mamma has II box of presents for
your mother and sister. She is pack
ing it now, but / don't believe you
can get it in; your trunk seems to
be full. This must go in safe place
or your heart will break" and Laura
took up the jewel box, adding, with
laugh, as she opened it, "yon havn't
filled it, after all. What did Won do
with papa's gold piece"
'That's secret. I'll tell some
day, but not yet" said Daisy, diving
into her trunk to hide the color III
her cheeks.
"Sly thing. | know you have sill
yer spiders and filagree racquets. and
Rhinestone moons and stars slowed
away somewhere ard wont confess it.
| wanted to fill this box, but mama
said you'd do it better yourself, 50 ]
let it alone; but | was afraid you'd
think was very selfish to have Il
pin for every month and never give
you one," said Laura, as she looked
at the single little breach reposing
on the satin cussion. "Where's your
chain?" she added, before Daisy could
speak.
at is safe enough. I'm tired of
it, and don't care if | never see it
again." And Daisy packed away,
and laughed as she smoothed the
white dress in its tray, remembering
that il was paid for by the sale of
the old necklace.
"Give it to me then. like it inn
mensely; it's so odd. I'll exchange
for anything of mine you choose.
Will you," asked Laura, who seemed
bent on asking inconvenient ques-
tions.
81 shall have to tell, or she will
think me ungrateful," thought Dali
sy, not without pang of regret even
then, for Laura's offer was Il gener-
Gus one.
"Well, like George Washington, Il
cannot tell Ge;' so / must confess
that ! sold ii, and spent the money
for something | wanted very much,-
not jewelry, but something to give
away" she said.
Daisy was spared further confess
sions by the entrance of Mrs. Vaughn,
with a box in her hand.
81 have room for something more.
Give me that, Laura, it will just fit
in" and taking the little iewel-box,
she added, "Mary White wishes you
to try on your dress, Laura. Go at
once; / will help Daisy"
Laura went, and her mother stood
looking down at the kneeling girl
with an expression of affectionate
satisfaction which would have puz-
zled Daisy, had she seen it.
elias the visit been pleasant one,
my dear?"
"Oh, very! l can't thank you
enough for the good it has done me.
hope | can pay "a little of the debt
next summer, if you come our way
again." caied Daisy, looking up with
face full of gratitude"
"We shall probably so to Europe
for the summer. Laura is of good
age for it now, and we all shall en-
JOY it."
"How delightful. We shall miss
you very much, but Pm glad you are
going, and | hope Laura will find
time to write me now and then. |
shall want to know how she likes the
foreign parts we've talked about so
much"
"You SHALL know. We shall not
forget you, my DEAR" and with
caressing touch on the smiling yet
wisttul face upturned to hers, Mrs.
Vaughn went away to pack the emp
ty jewel-box. leaving Daisy to drop
few irrepressible tears Oh the new
gown, over the downfall of her sum-
mer hopes, and the longings all girls
feel for that enchanted world that
lies beyond the sea.
ave shall see you before we go, so
we wont gush now," said Laura, as
she babe her friend goodbye, adding
in whisper, "Some folks can have
secrets as well as other folks, and be
as sly. So don't think you have all
the fun to yourself, you dear, good,
generous darling.
Daisy looked bewildered, and Mrs.
Vaughn added to her surprise by
= kissing her very warmly as she said:
81 wished to find a good friend for
my spoiled girl, and | think | have
succeeded"
There was no time for explanation,
and all the way home Daisy kept
wondering what they meant. But she
forgot everything when she saw the
dear faces beaming at the door, and
ran straight into her mothers arms,
while Janey Rugged the trunk till
her turn came for something better.
When the first raptures were over
ont came the cloak, and Daisy was
well repaid for her little trials and
sacrifices when she was folded in it
as her mother held her close, and
thanked her as mothers only can.
Sitting in its soft shelter, she told all
about it, and coming to the end said,
as she took up the jewel-box, I'M
packed with the other generous gift
81 hayn't a thing to put in it, but |
shall value it because it taught me
lesson which hope never shall
foget. See how pretty it is!' and