Page:The Poor Rich Man, and the Rich Poor Man.djvu/111

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AN ORPHAN GIRL.
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and prospects. She therefore intercepted Juliet in the entry, and asked her to tell her mother she wished to speak with her. Juliet returned immediately, saying, "Her mother was too busy."

"Come down, then, Juliet, and let me know as soon as she is at leisure." Juliet smiled, bowed her head assentingly, and was seen no more that day. The next, a similar effort was baffled by a like evasion. On the third, Mrs. Aikin went herself to the door, knocked, and, after some bustle, Juliet opened a crack, just enough to show her face, which was died with blushes, as she said, "Mother says she don't wish at any time to see strangers."

"Then let the door remain ajar, Juliet, while I speak to her." She concisely communicated her plan, and requested that Juliet might regularly attend with the class. When she had finished, "Oh, please—please, ma'am," said Juliet, "wait one minute!"

Again the door was shut, and there were earnest whisperings within; the latch was then lifted, and Juliet most joyfully cried—"I may come, I may come!"

There is one thing more delightful than to make a child happy—the expectation that the happiness will lead to permanent good.