But，Philip，saidMrs。Price，I’llholdthejug——you’llbelatewithyourmessagetoyourmother。we’llnotdetainyouanylonger。
　　Philipdeparted，andashewentoutofthegarden-wicket，helookedup，andsawBabandhermaidBettystaringoutofthewindow，asusual。Onthis，heimmediatelyturnedbacktotrywhetherhehadshutthegatefast，lesttheguinea-henmightstrayout，andfallagainintothehandsoftheenemy。
　　MissBarbara，inthecourseofthisday，feltconsiderablemortification，butnocontrition。Shewasvexedthathermeannesswasdiscovered，butshefeltnodesiretocureherselfofanyofherfaults。Theballwasstilluppermostinhervain，selfishsoul。Well，saidshetoherconfidante，Betty，youhearhowthingshaveturnedout。butifMissSomerswon’tthinkofaskingmetogooutwithher，I’veanotionIknowwhowill。Aspapasays，it’sagoodthingtohavetwostringstoone’sbow。
　　Now，someofficers，whowerequarteredatShrewsbury，hadbecomeacquaintedwithMr。Case。Theyhadgottenintosomequarrelwithatradesmanofthetown，andAttorneyCasehadpromisedtobringthemthroughtheaffair，asthemanthreatenedtotakethelawofthem。Uponthefaithofthispromise，andwiththevainhopethat，bycivility，theymightdisposehimtobringinaREASONABLEbillofcosts，theseofficerssometimesinvitedMr。Casetothemess。andoneofthem，whohadlatelybeenmarried，prevaileduponhisbrideSOMETIMEStotakealittlenoticeofMissBarbara。ItwaswiththisladythatMissBarbaranowhopedtogototheharpers’ball。
　　TheofficersandMrs。Strathspey，or，moreproperly，Mrs。Strathspeyandtheofficers，aretobreakfasthere，tomorrow，doyouknow，saidBabtoBetty。OneofthemdinedattheAbbey，to-day，andtoldpapathatthey’dallcome。Theyaregoingoutonaparty，somewhereintothecountry，andbreakfasthereontheirway。Pray，Betty，don’tforgetthatMrs。Strathspeycan’tbreakfastwithouthoney。Iheardhersaysomyself。
　　Then，indeed，saidBetty，I’mafraidMrs。Strathspeywillbelikelytogowithoutherbreakfasthere。fornotaspoonfulofhoneyhavewe，letherlongforiteversomuch。
　　But，surely，saidBab，wecancontrivetogetsomehoneyintheneighbourhood。
　　There’snonetobebought，asIknowof，saidBetty。
　　Butistherenonetobebeggedorborrowed？saidBab，laughing。DoyouforgetSusan’sbeehive？StepovertoherinthemorningwithMY
　　COMPLIMENTS，andseewhatyoucando。Tellherit’sforMrs。
　　Strathspey。
　　InthemorningBettywentwithMissBarbara’scomplimentstoSusan，tobegsomehoneyforMrs。Strathspey，whocouldnotbreakfastwithoutit。
　　Susandidnotliketopartwithherhoney，becausehermotherlovedit，andshethereforegaveBettybutasmallquantity。WhenBarbarasawhowlittleSusansent，shecalledherAMISER，andshesaidsheMUSThavesomemoreforMrs。Strathspey。I’llgomyselfandspeaktoher。Comewithme，Betty，saidtheyounglady，whofounditatpresentconvenienttoforgetherhavingdeclared，thedaythatshesuckedupthebroth，thatsheneverwouldhonourSusanwithanothervisit。Susan，saidshe，accostingthepoorgirl，whomshehaddoneeverythinginherpowertoinjure，ImustbegalittlemorehoneyfromyouforMrs。Strathspey’sbreakfast。Youknow，onaparticularoccasionsuchasthis，neighboursmusthelponeanother。
　　Tobesuretheyshould，addedBetty。
　　Susan，thoughshewasgenerous，wasnotweak。shewaswillingtogivetothosesheloved，butnotdisposedtoletanythingbetakenfromher，orcoaxedoutofher，bythoseshehadreasontodespise。Shecivillyanswered，thatshewassorryshehadnomorehoneytospare。
　　Barbaragrewangry，andlostallcommandofherself，whenshesawthatSusan，withoutregardingherreproaches，wentonlookingthroughtheglasspaneinthebeehive。I’lltellyouwhat，SusanPrice，saidshe，inahightone，thehoneyIWILLhave，soyoumayaswellgiveittomebyfairmeans。Yesorno！Speak！Willyougiveitmeornot？Willyougivemethatpieceofthehoney-combthatliesthere？
　　Thatbitofhoney-combisformymother’sbreakfast，saidSusan。I
　　cannotgiveityou。
　　Can’tyou？saidBab，thenseeifIdon’ttakeit！ShestretchedacrossSusanforthehoney-comb，whichwaslyingbysomerosemaryleavesthatSusanhadfreshlygatheredforhermother’stea。Babgrasped，butatherfirsteffortsheonlyreachedtherosemary。Shemadeaseconddartatthehoney-comb，and，inherstruggletoobtainit，sheoversetthebeehive。Thebeesswarmedabouther。HermaidBettyscreamedandranaway。Susan，whowasshelteredbyalaburnumtree，calledtoBarbara，uponwhomtheblackclustersofbeeswerenowsettling，andbeggedhertostandstill，andnottobeatthemaway。Ifyoustandquietlyyouwon’tbestung，perhaps。Butinsteadofstandingquietly，Babbuffetedandstampedandroared，andthebeesstungherterribly。
　　Herarmsandherfaceswelledinafrightfulmanner。ShewashelpedhomebypoorSusanandtreacherousMrs。Betty，who，nowthemischiefwasdone，thoughtonlyofexculpatingherselftohermaster。
　　Indeed，MissBarbara，saidshe，thiswasquitewrongofyoutogoandgetyourselfintosuchascrape。Ishallbeturnedawayforit，you’llsee。
　　Idon’tcarewhetheryouareturnedawayornot，saidBarbara。Ineverfeltsuchpaininmylife。Can’tyoudosomethingforme？Idon’tmindthepaineithersomuchasbeingsuchafright。Pray，howamItobefittobeseenatbreakfastbyMrs。Strathspey。andIsupposeIcan’tgototheballeitherto-morrow，afterall！
　　No，thatyoucan’texpecttodo，indeed，saidBetty，thecomforter。
　　Youneednotthinkofballs。forthoselumpsandswellingswon’tgooffyourfacethisweek。That’snotwhatpainsme。butI’mthinkingofwhatyourpapawillsaytomewhenheseesyou，miss。
　　Whilstthisamiablemistressandmaidwereintheiradversityrevilingoneanother，Susan，whenshesawthatshecouldbeofnofurtheruse，waspreparingtodepart，butatthehouse-door，shewasmetbyMr。Case。Mr。
　　Casehadrevolvedthingsinhismind。forhissecondvisitattheAbbeypleasedhimaslittleashisfirst，owingtoafewwordswhichSirArthurandMissSomersdroppedinspeakingofSusanandFarmerPrice。Mr。Casebegantofearthathehadmistakenhisgameinquarrellingwiththisfamily。Therefusalofhispresentdweltupontheattorney’smind。andhewasawarethat，ifthehistoryofSusan’slambeverreachedtheAbbey，hewasundone。HenowthoughtthatthemostprudentcoursehecouldpossiblyfollowwouldbetoHUSHUPmatterswiththePriceswithallconvenientspeed。Consequently，whenhemetSusanathisdoor，heforcedagracioussmile。Howisyourmother，Susan？saidhe。Isthereanythinginourhousecanbeofservicetoher？Onhearinghisdaughterhecriedout，Barbara，Barbara——Bab！comedownstairs，child，andspeaktoSusanPrice。ButasnoBarbaraanswered，herfatherstalkedupstairsdirectly，openedthedoor，andstoodamazedatthespectacleofherswelledvisage。
　　BettyinstantlybegantotellthestoryofBarbara’smishapherownway。
　　Babcontradictedherasfastasshespoke。Theattorneyturnedthemaidawayonthespot。andpartlywithrealanger，andpartlywithfeignedaffectationofanger，hedemandedfromhisdaughterhowshedaredtotreatSusanPricesoill，when，ashesaid，shewassoneighbourlyandobligingastogiveyousomeofherhoney？Couldn’tyoubecontent，withoutseizinguponthehoney-combbyforce？Thisisscandalousbehaviour，andwhat，Iassureyou，Ican’tcountenance。
　　SusannowintercededforBarbara。andtheattorney，softeninghisvoice，saidthatSusanwasagreatdealtoogoodtoher。asyouare，indeed，
　　addedhe，toeverybody。Iforgiveherforyoursake。Susancurtsied，ingreatsurprise。butherlambcouldnotbeforgotten，andshelefttheattorney’shouseassoonasshecould，tomakehermother’srosemaryteabreakfast。
　　Mr。CasesawthatSusanwasnotsosimpleastobetakeninbyafewfairwords。HisnextattemptwastoconciliateFarmerPrice。Thefarmerwasablunt，honestman，andhiscountenanceremainedinflexiblycontemptuous，whentheattorneyaddressedhiminhissoftesttone。
　　Sostoodmattersthedayofthelongexpectedharpers’ball。MissBarbaraCase，stungbySusan’sbees，couldnot，afterallhermanoeuvres，gowithMrs。Strathspeytotheball。Theballroomwasfilledearlyintheevening。Therewasanumerousassembly。Theharpers，whocontendedfortheprize，wereplacedunderthemusic-galleryatthelowerendoftheroom。Amongstthemwasouroldblindfriend，who，ashewasnotsowellcladashiscompetitors，seemedtobedisdainedbymanyofthespectators。Sixladiesandsixgentlemenwerenowappointedtobejudgesoftheperformance。Theywereseatedinasemicircle，oppositetotheharpers。TheMissSomerses，whowerefondofmusic，wereamongsttheladiesinthesemicircle。andtheprizewaslodgedinthehandsofSirArthur。Therewasnowsilence。Thefirstharpsounded，andaseachmusiciantriedhisskill，theaudienceseemedtothinkthateachdeservedtheprize。Theoldblindmanwasthelast。Hetunedhisinstrument。andsuchasimple，patheticstrainwasheardastouchedeveryheart。Allwerefixedindelightedattention。andwhenthemusicceased，thesilenceforsomemomentscontinued。
　　Thesilencewasfollowedbyauniversalbuzzofapplause。Thejudgeswereunanimousintheiropinions，anditwasdeclaredthattheoldblindharper，whoplayedthelast，deservedtheprize。
　　Thesimple，patheticairwhichwonthesuffragesofthewholeassembly，washisowncomposition。Hewaspressedtogivethewordsbelongingtothemusic。andatlasthemodestlyofferedtorepeatthem，ashecouldnotseetowrite。MissSomers’readypencilwasinstantlyproduced。andtheoldharperdictatedthewordsofhisballad，whichhecalled——
　　Susan’sLamentationforherLamb。
　　MissSomerslookedatherbrotherfromtimetotime，asshewrote。andSirArthur，assoonastheoldmanhadfinished，tookhimaside，andaskedhimsomequestions，whichbroughtthewholehistoryofSusan’slambandofAttorneyCase’scrueltytolight。
　　Theattorneyhimselfwaspresentwhentheharperbegantodictatehisballad。Hiscolour，asSirArthursteadilylookedathim，variedcontinually。tillatlength，whenheheardthewordsSusan’sLamentationforherLamb，hesuddenlyshrunkback，skulkedthroughthecrowd，anddisappeared。Weshallnotfollowhim。wehadratherfollowouroldfriend，thevictoriousharper。
　　Nosoonerhadhereceivedthetenguineas，hiswellmeritedprize，thanheretiredtoasmallroombelongingtothepeopleofthehouse，askedforpen，inkandpaper，anddictated，inalowvoice，tohisboy，whowasatolerablygoodscribe，aletter，whichheorderedhimtoputdirectlyintotheShrewsburypost-office。Theboyranwiththelettertothepost-office。Hewasbutjustintime，forthepostman’shornwassounding。
　　Thenextmorning，whenFarmerPrice，hiswife，andSusan，weresittingtogether，reflectingthathisweek’sleaveofabsencewasnearlyatanend，andthatthemoneywasnotyetmadeupforJohnSimpson，thesubstitute，aknockwasheardatthedoor，andthepersonwhousuallydeliveredthelettersinthevillageputaletterintoSusan’shand，saying，Apenny，ifyouplease——here’saletterforyourfather。
　　Forme！saidFarmerPrice。here’sthepennythen，butwhocanitbefrom，Iwonder？Whocanthinkofwritingtome，inthisworld？Hetoreopentheletter。butthehardnameatthebottomofthepagepuzzledhim——
　　yourobligedfriend，Llewellyn。
　　Andwhat’sthis？saidhe，openingapaperthatwasinclosedintheletter。It’sasong，seemingly。itmustbesomebodythathasamindtomakeanAprilfoolofme。
　　ButitisnotApril，itisMay，father，saidSusan。
　　Well，letusreadtheletter，andweshallcometothetruthallingoodtime。
　　FarmerPricesatdowninhisownchair，forhecouldnotreadentirelytohissatisfactioninanyother，andreadasfollows：——
　　MYWORTHYFRIEND，——IamsureyouwillbegladtohearthatIhavehadgoodsuccessthisnight。Ihavewonthetenguineaprize，andforthatI
　　aminagreatmeasureindebtedtoyoursweetdaughterSusan。asyouwillseebyalittleballadIincloseforher。Yourhospitalitytomehasaffordedtomeanopportunityoflearningsomeofyourfamilyhistory。
　　Youdonot，Ihope，forgetthatIwaspresentwhenyouwerecountingthetreasureinSusan’slittlepurse，andthatIheardforwhatpurposeitwasalldestined。Youhavenot，Iknow，yetmadeupthefullsumforyoursubstitute，JohnSimpson。thereforedomethefavourtousethefiveguineabanknotewhichyouwillfindwithintheballad。YoushallnotfindmeashardacreditorasAttorneyCase。Paymethemoneyatyourownconvenience。Ifitisneverconvenienttoyoutopayit，Ishallneveraskit。Ishallgomyroundsagainthroughthiscountry，I
　　believe，aboutthistimenextyear，andwillcalltoseehowyoudo，andtoplaythenewtuneforSusanandthedearlittleboys。
　　Ishouldjustadd，tosetyourheartatrestaboutthemoney，thatitdoesnotdistressmeatalltolendittoyou。IamnotquitesopoorasIappeartobe。ButitismyhumourtogoaboutasIdo。Iseemoreoftheworldundermytatteredgarbthan，perhaps，Ishouldeverseeinabetterdress。Therearemanyofmyprofessionwhoareofthesamemindasmyselfinthisrespect。andweareglad，whenitliesinourway，todoanykindnesstosuchaworthyfamilyasyours——So，fareyewell。
　　YourobligedFriend，LLEWELLYN。
　　Susannow，byherfather’sdesire，openedtheballad。Hepickedupthefiveguineabanknote，whilstsheread，withsurprise，Susan’sLamentationforherLamb。Hermotherleanedoverhershouldertoreadthewords。buttheywereinterrupted，beforetheyhadfinishedthefirststanza，byanotherknockatthedoor。Itwasnotthepostmanwithanotherletter。ItwasSirArthurandhissisters。
　　Theycamewithanintention，whichtheyweremuchdisappointedtofindthattheoldharperhadrenderedvain——theycametolendthefarmerandhisgoodfamilythemoneytopayforhissubstitute。
　　But，sincewearehere，saidSirArthur，letmedomyownbusiness，whichIhadliketohaveforgotten。Mr。Price，willyoucomeoutwithme，andletmeshowyouapieceofyourland，throughwhichIwanttomakearoad。Lookthere，saidSirArthur，pointingtothespot，Iamlayingoutarideroundmyestate，andthatbitoflandofyoursstopsme。
　　Why，sir，saidPrice，theland’smine，tobesure，forthatmatter。
　　butIhopeyoudon’tlookuponmetobethatsortofpersonthatwouldbestiffaboutatrifleorso。
　　Thefactis，saidSirArthur，Ihadheardyouwerealitigious，pig-
　　headedfellow。butyoudonotseemtodeservethischaracter。
　　Hopenot，sir，saidthefarmer。butaboutthematteroftheland，I
　　don’twanttotakeanyadvantageofyourwishingforit。Youarewelcometoit。andIleaveittoyoutofindmeoutanotherbitoflandconvenienttomethatwillbeworthneithermorenorless。orelsetomakeupthevaluetomesomewayorother。Ineedsaynomoreaboutit。
　　Ihearsomething，continuedSirArthur，afterashortsilence——Ihearsomething，Mr。Price，ofaFLAWinyourlease。Iwouldnotspeaktoyouaboutitwhilstwewerebargainingaboutyourland，lestIshouldover-
　　aweyou。but，tellme，whatisthisflaw？
　　Intruth，andthetruthisthefittestthingtobespokenatalltimes，
　　saidthefarmer，Ididn’tknowmyselfwhataflaw，astheycallit，meant，tillIheardofthewordfromAttorneyCase。and，Itakeit，aflawisneithermorenorlessthanamistake，asoneshouldsay。Now，byreasonamandoesnotmakeamistakeonpurpose，itseemstometobethefairthing，thatifamanfindsouthismistake，hemightsetitright。
　　butAttorneyCasesaysthisisnotlaw。andI’venomoretosay。Themanwhodrewupmyleasemadeamistake。andifImustsufferforit，I
　　must，saidthefarmer。However，Icanshowyou，SirArthur，justformyownsatisfactionandyours，afewlinesofamemorandumonaslipofpaper，whichwasgivenmebyyourrelation，thegentlemanwholivedherebefore，andletmemyfarm。You’llsee，bythatbitofpaper，whatwasmeant。buttheattorneysays，thepaper’snotworthabuttoninacourtofjustice，andIdon’tunderstandthesethings。AllIunderstandisthecommonhonestyofthematter。I’venomoretosay。
　　Thisattorney，whomyouspeakofsooften，saidSirArthur，youseemtohavesomequarrelwith。Now，wouldyoutellmefranklywhatisthematterbetween——？
　　Thematterbetweenus，then，saidPrice，isalittlebitofground，notworthmuch，thatisthereopentothelaneattheendofMr。Case’sgarden，sir，andhewantedtotakeitin。NowItoldhimmymind，thatitbelongedtotheparish，andthatIneverwouldwillinglygivemyconsenttohiscribbingitinthatway。Sir，Iwasthemoreloathtoseeitshutintohisgarden，which，moreover，islargeenoughofallconsciencewithoutit，becauseyoumustknow，SirArthur，thechildreninourvillagearefondofmakingalittleplay-greenofit。andtheyhaveacustomofmeetingonMaydayatahawthornthatstandsinthemiddleofit，andaltogetherIwasveryloathtosee’emturnedoutofitbythosewhohavenoright。
　　Letusgoandseethisnook，saidSirArthur。Itisnotfaroff，isit？
　　Oh，no，sir，justhardbyhere。
　　Whentheygottotheground，Mr。Case，whosawthemwalkingtogether，wasinahurrytojointhem，thathemightputastoptoanyexplanations。
　　Explanationswerethingsofwhichhehadagreatdread。but，fortunately，hewasuponthisoccasionalittletoolate。
　　Isthisthenookindispute？saidSirArthur。
　　Yes。thisisthewholething，saidPrice。
　　Why，SirArthur，interposedthepoliticattorney，withanassumedairofgenerosity，don’tletustalkanymoreaboutit。Letitbelongtowhomitwill，Igiveituptoyou。
　　Sogreatalawyer，Mr。Case，asyouare，repliedSirArthur，mustknow，thatamancannotgiveupthattowhichhehasnolegaltitle。andinthiscaseitisimpossiblethat，withthebestintentionstoobligemeintheworld，youcangiveupthisbitoflandtome，becauseitisminealready，asIcanconvinceyoueffectuallybyamapoftheadjoiningland，whichIhavefortunatelysafeamongstmypapers。Thispieceofgroundbelongedtothefarmontheoppositesideoftheroad，anditwascutoffwhenthelanewasmade。
　　Verypossibly。Idaresayyouarequitecorrect。youmustknowbest，
　　saidtheattorney，tremblingfortheagency。
　　Then，saidSirArthur，Mr。Price，youwillobservethatInowpromisethislittlegreentothechildrenforaplay-ground。andIhopetheymaygatherhawthornmanyaMaydayatthistheirfavouritebush。Mr。Pricebowedlow，whichheseldomdid，evenwhenhereceivedafavourhimself。
　　Andnow，Mr。Case，saidSirArthur，turningtotheattorney，whodidnotknowwhichwaytolook，yousentmealeasetolookover。
　　Ye-ye-yes，stammeredMrCase。Ithoughtitmydutytodoso。notoutofanymaliceorill-willtothisgoodman。
　　Youhavedonehimnoinjury，saidSirArthur，coolly。Iamreadytomakehimanewlease，wheneverhepleases，ofhisfarm，andIshallbeguidedbyamemorandumoftheoriginalbargain，whichhehasinhispossession。IhopeInevershalltakeanunfairadvantageofanyone。
　　Heavenforbid，sir，saidtheattorney，sanctifyinghisface，thatI
　　shouldsuggestthetakinganUNFAIRadvantageofanyman，richorpoor。
　　buttobreakabadleaseisnottakinganunfairadvantage。
　　Youreallythinkso？saidSirArthur。
　　CertainlyIdo，andIhopeIhavenothazardedyourgoodopinionbyspeakingmymindconcerningtheflawsoplainly。Ialwaysunderstoodthattherecouldbenothingungentlemanlike，inthewayofbusiness，intakingadvantageofaflawinalease。
　　Now，saidSirArthur，youhavepronouncedjudgmentundesignedlyinyourowncase。Youintendedtosendmethispoorman’slease。butyourson，bysomemistake，broughtmeyourown，andIhavediscoveredafatalerrorinit。
　　Afatalerror！saidthealarmedattorney。
　　Yes，sir，saidSirArthur，pullingtheleaseoutofhispocket。Hereitis。Youwillobservethatitisneithersignednorsealedbythegrantor。
　　But，youwon’ttakeadvantageofme，surely，SirArthur？saidMr。Case，forgettinghisownprinciples。
　　Ishallnottakeadvantageofyou，asyouwouldhavetakenofthishonestman。InbothcasesIshallbeguidedbymemorandawhichIhaveinmypossession。Ishallnot，Mr。Case，defraudyouofoneshillingofyourproperty。Iamready，atafairvaluation，topaytheexactvalueofyourhouseandland。butuponthiscondition——thatyouquittheparishwithinonemonth！
　　AttorneyCasewasthuscompelledtosubmittothehardnecessityofthecase，forheknewthathecouldnotlegallyresist。Indeedhewasgladtobeletoffsoeasily。andhebowedandsneakedaway，secretlycomfortinghimselfwiththehope，thatwhentheycametothevaluationofthehouseandlandheshouldbethegainer，perhapsofafewguineas。
　　Hisreputationhejustlyheldverycheap。
　　Youareascholar。youwriteagoodhand。youcankeepaccounts，cannotyou？saidSirArthurtoMr。Price，astheywalkedhometowardsthecottage。IthinkIsawabillofyourlittledaughter’sdrawingouttheotherday，whichwasveryneatlywritten。Didyouteachhertowrite？
　　No，sir，saidPrice，Ican’tsayIdidTHAT。forshemostlytaughtitherself，butItaughtheralittlearithmetic，asfarasIknew，onourwinternights，whenIhadnothingbettertodo。
　　Yourdaughtershowsthatshehasbeenwelltaught，saidSirArthur。
　　andhergoodconductandgoodcharacterspeakstronglyinfavourofherparents。
　　Youareverygood，verygoodindeed，sir，tospeakinthissortofway，
　　saidthedelightedfather。
　　ButImeantodomorethanPAYYOUWITHWORDS，saidSirArthur。Youareattachedtoyourownfamily，perhapsyoumaybecomeattachedtome，whenyoucometoknowme，andweshallhavefrequentopportunitiesofjudgingofoneanother。Iwantnoagenttosqueezemytenants，ordomydirtywork。Ionlywantasteady，intelligent，honestman，likeyou，tocollectmyrents，andIhope，Mr。Price，youwillhavenoobjectiontotheemployment。
　　Ihope，sir，saidPrice，withjoyandgratitudeglowinginhishonestcountenance，thatyou’llneverhavecausetorepentyourgoodness。
　　Andwhataremysistersabouthere？saidSirArthur，enteringthecottage，andgoingbehindhissisters，whowerebusilyengagedinmeasuringanextremelyprettycolouredcalico。
　　ItisforSusan，mydearbrother，saidthey。Iknowshedidnotkeepthatguineaforherself，saidMissSomers。Ihavejustprevaileduponhermothertotellmewhatbecameofit。Susangaveittoherfather。
　　butshemustnotrefuseagownofourchoosingthistime。andIamsureshewillnot，becausehermother，Isee，likesit。And，Susan，IhearthatinsteadofbecomingQueenoftheMaythisyear，youweresittinginyoursickmother’sroom。Yourmotherhasalittlecolourinhercheeksnow。
　　Oh，ma’am，interruptedMrs。Price，I’mquitewell。Joy，Ithink，hasmademequitewell。
　　Then，saidMissSomers，Ihopeyouwillbeabletocomeoutonyourdaughter’sbirthday，which，Ihear，isthe25thofthismonth。Makehasteandgetquitewellbeforethatday。formybrotherintendsthatalltheladsandlassiesofthevillageshallhaveadanceonSusan’sbirthday。
　　Yes，saidSirArthur，andIhopeonthatday，Susan，youwillbeveryhappywithyourlittlefriendsupontheirplay-green。Ishalltellthemthatitisyourgoodconductwhichhasobtaineditforthem。andifyouhaveanythingtoask，anylittlefavourforanyofyourcompanions，whichwecangrant，nowask，Susan。Theseladieslookasiftheywouldnotrefuseyouanythingthatisreasonable。and，Ithink，youlookasifyouwouldnotaskanythingunreasonable。
　　Sir，saidSusan，afterconsultinghermother’seyes，thereis，tobesure，afavourIshouldliketoask。itisforRose。
　　Well，Idon’tknowwhoRoseis，saidSirArthur，smiling。but，goon。
　　Ma’am，youhaveseenher，Ibelieve。sheisaverygoodgirl，indeed，
　　saidMrs。Price。Andworksveryneatly，indeed，continuedSusan，eagerly，toMissSomers。andsheandhermotherheardyouwerelookingoutforsomeonetowaituponyou。
　　Saynomore，saidMissSomers。yourwishisgranted。TellRosetocometotheAbbey，to-morrowmorning，or，rather，comewithheryourself。
　　forourhousekeeper，Iknow，wantstotalktoyouaboutacertaincake。
　　Shewishes，Susan，thatyoushouldbethemakerofthecakeforthedance。andshehasgoodthingsreadylookedoutforitalready，Iknow。
　　Itmustbelargeenoughforeverybodytohaveaslice，andthehousekeeperwilliceitforyou。Ionlyhopeyourcakewillbeasgoodasyourbread。Fareyewell。
　　Howhappyarethosewhobidfarewelltoawholefamily，silentwithgratitude，whowillblessthemaloudwhentheyarefaroutofhearing！
　　HowdoIwish，now，saidFarmerPrice，andit’salmostasinforonethathashadsuchapoweroffavoursdonehim，towishforanythingmore。
　　buthowIDOwish，wife，thatourgoodfriend，theharperwasonlyhereatthistime。Itwoulddohisold，warmheartgood。Well，thebestofitis，weshallbeablenextyear，whenhecomeshisrounds，topayhimhismoneywiththanks，beingallthetime，andforever，asmuchobligedtohimasifwekeptit。Ilong，soIdo，toseehiminthishouseagain，drinking，ashedid，justinthisspot，aglassofSusan’smead，toherverygoodhealth。
　　Yes，saidSusan，andthenexttimehecomes，Icangivehimoneofmyguinea-hen’seggs，andIshallshowmylamb，Daisy。
　　True，love，saidhermother，andhewillplaythattuneandsingthatprettyballad。Whereisit？forIhavenotfinishedit。
　　Roseranawaywithit，mother，butI’llstepafterher，andbringitbacktoyouthisminute，saidSusan。
　　SusanfoundherfriendRoseatthehawthorn，inthemidstofacrowdedcircleofhercompanions，towhomshewasreadingSusan’sLamentationforherLamb。
　　Thewordsaresomething，butthetune——thetune——Imusthavethetune，
　　criedPhilip。I’llaskmymothertoaskSirArthurtotryandfindoutwhichwaythatgoodoldmanwentaftertheball。andifhe’saboveground，we’llhavehimbackbySusan’sbirthday，andheshallsithere——
　　justexactlyherebythis，ourbush，andheshallplay——Imean，ifhepleases——thatsametuneforus，andIshalllearnit——Imean，ifIcan——
　　inaminute。
　　ThegoodnewsthatFarmerPricewastobeemployedtocollecttherents，andthatAttorneyCasewastoleavetheparishinamonth，soonspreadoverthevillage。ManycameoutoftheirhousestohavethepleasureofhearingthejoyfultidingsconfirmedbySusanherself。Thecrowdontheplay-greenincreasedeveryminute。
　　Yes，criedthetriumphantPhilip，Itellyouit’salltrue，everywordofit。Susan’stoomodesttosayitherself。butItellyeall，SirArthurgaveusthisplay-greenforever，onaccountofherbeingsogood。
　　Yousee，atlastAttorneyCase，withallhiscunninghasnotprovedamatchforSimpleSusan。
　　THEWHITEPIGEON。
　　ThelittletownofSomerville，inIreland，has，withinthesefewyears，assumedtheneatandcheerfulappearanceofanEnglishvillage。Mr。
　　Somerville，towhomthistownbelongs，wishedtoinspirehistenantrywithatastefororderanddomestichappiness，andtookeverymeansinhispowertoencourageindustrious，wellbehavedpeopletosettleinhisneighbourhood。Whenhehadfinishedbuildingarowofgoodslatedhousesinhistown，hedeclaredthathewouldletthemtothebesttenantshecouldfind，andproposalswerepubliclysenttohimfromallpartsofthecountry。
　　Bythebesttenants，Mr。Somervilledidnot，however，meanthebestbidders。andmany，whohadofferedanextravagantpriceforthehouses，weresurprisedtofindtheirproposalsrejected。AmongstthesewasMr。
　　Cox，analehousekeeper，whodidnotbearaverygoodcharacter。
　　Pleaseyourhonour，sir，saidhetoMr。Somerville，Iexpected，sinceIbidasfairandfairerforitthananyother，thatyouwouldhaveletmethehousenexttheapothecary’s。WasnotitfifteenguineasI
　　mentionedinmyproposal？anddidnotyourhonourgiveitagainstmeforthirteen？
　　Myhonourdidjustso，repliedMr。Somerville，calmly。
　　Andpleaseyourhonour，butIdon’tknowwhatitisIorminehavedonetooffendyou。I’msurethereisnotagentlemaninallIrelandI’dgofurthertosarve。WouldnotIgotoCorkto-morrowfortheleastwordfromyourhonour？
　　Iammuchobligedtoyou，Mr。Cox，butIhavenobusinessatCorkatpresent，answeredMr。Somerville，drily。
　　ItisallIwish，exclaimedMr。Cox，thatIcouldfindoutandlightuponthemanthathasbeliedmetoyourhonour。
　　Nomanhasbeliedyou，Mr。Cox，butyournosebeliesyoumuch，ifyoudonotlovedrinkingalittle，andyourblackeyeandcutchinbelieyoumuchifyoudonotlovequarrellingalittle。
　　Quarrel！Iquarrel，pleaseyourhonour！Idefyanyman，orsetofmen，tenmileround，toprovesuchathing，andIamreadytofighthimthatdarestosaythelikeofme。I’dfighthimhereinyourhonour’spresence，ifhe’donlycomeoutthisminute，andmeetmelikeaman。
　　HereMr。Coxputhimselfintoaboxingattitude，butobservingthatMr。
　　Somervillelookedathisthreateninggesturewithasmile，andthatseveralpeople，whohadgatheredroundhimashestoodinthestreet，laughedattheproofhegaveofhispeaceabledisposition，hechangedhisattitude，andwentontovindicatehimselfagainstthechargeofdrinking。
　　Andastodrink，pleaseyourhonour，there’snotruthinit。Notadropofwhisky，goodorbad，haveItouchedthesesixmonths，exceptwhatI
　　tookwithJemmyM’DoolethenightIhadthemisfortunetomeetyourhonourcominghomefromthefairofBallynagrish。
　　TothisspeechMr。Somervillemadenoanswer，butturnedawaytolookatthebowwindowofahandsomenewinn，whichtheglazierwasatthisinstantglazing。Pleaseyourhonour，thatnewinnisnotlet，Ihear，asyet，resumedMr。Cox。ifyourhonourrecollects，youpromisedtomakemeacomplimentofitlastSeraphtidewastwelvemonth。
　　Impossible！criedMr。Somerville，forIhadnothoughtsofbuildinganinnatthattime。
　　Oh，Ibegyourhonour’spardonbutifyou’dbejustpleasedtorecollect，itwascomingthroughthegapinthebogmeadows，FORENENT
　　ThadyO’Connor，youmademethepromise——I’llleaveittohim，soI
　　will。
　　ButIwillnotleaveittohim，Iassureyou，criedMr。Somerville。I
　　nevermadeanysuchpromise。Ineverthoughtoflettingthisinntoyou。
　　Thenyourhonourwon’tletmehaveit？
　　No，youhavetoldmeadozenfalsehoods。Idonotwishtohaveyouforatenant。
　　Well，Godblessyourhonour。I’venomoretosay，butGodblessyourhonour，saidMr。Cox。andhewalkedaway，mutteringtohimself，asheslouchedhishatoverhisface，IhopeI’lllivetoberevengedonhim！
　　Mr。Somervillethenextmorningwentwithhisfamilytolookatthenewinn，whichheexpectedtoseeperfectlyfinished。buthewasmetbythecarpenter，who，witharuefulface，informedhimthatsixpanesofglassinthelargebow-windowhadbeenbrokenduringthenight。
　　Ha！perhapsMr。Coxhasbrokenmywindows，inrevengeformyrefusingtolethimmyhouse，saidMr。Somerville。andmanyoftheneighbours，whoknewthemaliciouscharacterofthisMr。Cox，observedthatthiswaslikeoneofhistricks。Aboyofabouttwelveyearsold，however，steppedforwardandsaid，Idon’tlikeMr。Cox，I’msure。foroncehebeatmewhenhewasdrunk。but，forallthat，nooneshouldbeaccusedwrongfully。Hecouldnotbethepersonthatbrokethesewindowslastnight，forhewassixmilesoff。Hesleptathiscousin’slastnight，andhehasnotreturnedhomeyet。SoIthinkheknowsnothingofthematter。
　　Mr。Somervillewaspleasedwiththehonestsimplicityofthisboy，andobservingthathelookedineagerlyatthestaircase，whenthehousedoorwasopened，heaskedhimwhetherhewouldliketogoinandseethenewhouse。Yes，sir，saidtheboy，Ishouldliketogoupthosestairs，andtoseewhatIshouldcometo。
　　Upwithyou，then！saidMr。Somerville。andtheboyranupthestairs。
　　Hewentfromroomtoroomwithgreatexpressionsofadmirationanddelight。Atlength，ashewasexaminingoneofthegarrets，hewasstartledbyaflutteringnoiseoverhishead。andlookingup，hesawawhitepigeon，who，frightenedathisappearance，begantoflyroundandroundtheroom，tillitfounditswayoutofthedoor，andflewintothestaircase。
　　ThecarpenterwasspeakingtoMr。Somervilleuponthelanding-placeofthestairs。but，themomenthespiedthewhitepigeon，hebrokeoffinthemidstofaspeechaboutTHENOSEofthestairs，andexclaimed，Thereheis，pleaseyourhonour！There’shethathasdoneallthedamagetoourbow-window——that’stheverysamewickedwhitepigeonthatbrokethechurchwindowslastSundaywasse’nnight。buthe’sdownforitnow。wehavehimsafe，andI’llchophisheadoff，ashedeserves，thisminute。
　　Stay！Ostay！don’tchophisheadoff：hedoesnotdeserveit，criedtheboy，whocamerunningoutofthegarretwiththegreatesteagerness——
　　_I_brokeyourwindow，sir，saidhetoMr。Somerville。Ibrokeyourwindowwiththisball。butIdidnotknowthatIhaddoneit，tillthismoment，Iassureyou，orIshouldhavetoldyoubefore。Don’tchophisheadoff，addedtheboytothecarpenter，whohadnowthewhitepigeoninhishands。
　　No，saidMr。Somerville，thepigeon’sheadshallnotbechoppedoff，noryourseither，mygoodboy，forbreakingawindow。Iampersuadedbyyouropen，honestcountenance，thatyouarespeakingthetruth。butprayexplainthismattertous。foryouhavenotmadeitquiteclear。Howhappeneditthatyoucouldbreakmywindowswithoutknowingit？andhowcameyoutofinditoutatlast？
　　Sir，saidtheboy，ifyou’llcomeuphere，I’llshowyouallIknow，andhowIcametoknowit。
　　Mr。Somervillefollowedtheboyintothegarret，whopointedtoapaneofglassthatwasbrokeninasmallwindowthatlookedoutuponapieceofwastegroundbehindthehouse。Uponthispieceofwastegroundthechildrenofthevillageoftenusedtoplay。Wewereplayingthereatballyesterdayevening，continuedtheboy，addressinghimselftoMr。
　　Somerville，andoneoftheladschallengedmetohitamarkinthewall，whichIdid。buthesaidIdidnothitit，andbademegivehimupmyballastheforfeit。ThisIwouldnotdo。andwhenhebegantowrestlewithmeforit，Ithrewtheball，asIthought，overthehouse。Herantolookforitinthestreet，butcouldnotfindit，whichIwasverygladof。butIwasverysorryjustnowtofinditmyselflyinguponthisheapofshavings，sir，underthisbrokenwindow。for，assoonasIsawitlyingthere，IknewImusthavebeenthepersonthatbrokethewindow。
　　andthroughthiswindowcamethewhitepigeon。Here’soneofhiswhitefeathersstickinginthegap。
　　Yes，saidthecarpenter，andinthebow-windowroombelowthere’splentyofhisfeatherstobeseen。forI’vejustbeendowntolook。ItwasthepigeonbrokeTHEMwindows，sureenough。
　　ButhecouldnothavegotinhadInotbrokethislittlewindow，saidtheboy，eagerly。andIamabletoearnsixpenceaday，andI’llpayforallthemischief，andwelcome。Thewhitepigeonbelongstoapoorneighbour，afriendofours，whoisveryfondofhim，andIwouldnothavehimkilledfortwiceasmuchmoney。
　　Takethepigeon，myhonest，generouslad，saidMr。Somerville，andcarryhimbacktoyourneighbour。Iforgivehimallthemischiefhehasdoneme，tellyourfriend，foryoursake。Astotherest，wecanhavethewindowsmended。anddoyoukeepallthesixpencesyouearnforyourself。
　　That’swhatheneverdidyet，saidthecarpenter。Many’sthesixpenceheearns，butnotahalfpennygoesintohisownpocket：itgoeseveryfarthingtohispoorfatherandmother。Happyforthemtohavesuchason！
　　Morehappyforhimtohavesuchafatherandmother，exclaimedtheboy。
　　Theirgooddaystheytookallthebestcareofmethatwastobehadforloveormoney，andwould，ifIwouldletthem，goonpayingformyschoolingnow，fallingastheybeintheworld。butImustlearntomindtheshopnow。Goodmorningtoyou，sir。andthankyoukindly，saidhetoMr。Somerville。
　　Andwheredoesthisboylive，andwhoarehisfatherandmother？Theycannotliveintown，saidMr。Somerville，orIshouldhaveheardofthem。
　　Theyarebutjustcomeintothetown，pleaseyourhonour，saidthecarpenter。TheylivedformerlyuponCounsellorO’Donnel’sestate。buttheywereruined，pleaseyourhonour，bytakingajointleasewithaman，whofellafterwardsintobadcompany，ranoutallhehad，socouldnotpaythelandlord。andthesepoorpeoplewereforcedtopayhisshareandtheirowntoo，whichalmostruinedthem。Theywereobligedtogiveuptheland。andnowtheyhavefurnishedalittleshopinthistownwithwhatgoodstheycouldaffordtobuywiththemoneytheygotbythesaleoftheircattleandstock。Theyhavethegood-willofallwhoknowthem。
　　andIamsureIhopetheywilldowell。Theboyisveryreadyintheshop，thoughhesaidonlythathecouldearnsixpenceaday。Hewritesagoodhand，andisquickatcastingupaccounts，forhisage。Besides，heislikelytodowellintheworld，becauseheisneverinidlecompany，andI’veknownhimsincehewastwofoothigh，andneverheardofhistellingalie。
　　Thisisanexcellentcharacteroftheboy，indeed，saidMr。Somerville，andfromhisbehaviourthismorningIaminclinedtothinkthathedeservesallyourpraises。
　　Mr。Somervilleresolvedtoinquiremorefullyconcerningthispoorfamily，andtoattendtotheirconducthimself，fullydeterminedtoassistthemifheshouldfindthemsuchastheyhadbeenrepresented。
　　Inthemeantime，thisboy，whosenamewasBrianO’Neill，wenttoreturnthewhitepigeontoitsowner。Youhavesaveditslife，saidthewomantowhomitbelonged，andI’llmakeyouapresentofit。Brianthankedher。andhefromthatdaybegantogrowfondofthepigeon。Healwaystookcaretoscattersomeoatsforitinhisfather’syard。andthepigeongrewsotameatlastthatitwouldhopaboutthekitchen，andeatoffthesametrencherwiththedog。
　　Brian，aftertheshopwasshutupatnight，usedtoamusehimselfwithreadingsomelittlebookswhichtheschoolmasterwhoformerlytaughthimarithmeticwassogoodastolendhim。Amongsttheseheoneeveningmetwithalittlebookfullofthehistoryofbirdsandbeasts。helookedimmediatelytoseewhetherthepigeonwasmentionedamongstthebirds，and，tohisgreatjoy，hefoundafulldescriptionandhistoryofhisfavouritebird。
　　So，Brian，Iseeyourschoolinghasnotbeenthrownawayuponyou。youlikeyourbook，Isee，whenyouhavenomasteroveryoutobidyouread，
　　saidhisfather，whenhecameinandsawBrianreadinghisbookveryattentively。
　　Thankyouforhavingmetaughttoread，father，saidBrian。HereI’vemadeagreatdiscovery：I’vefoundoutinthisbook，littleasitlooks，father，amostcuriouswayofmakingafortune。andIhopeitwillmakeyourfortune，father。andifyou’llsitdown，I’lltellittoyou。
　　Mr。O’Neill，inhopesofpleasinghissonratherthanintheexpectationofhavinghisfortunemade，immediatelysatdowntolisten。andhissonexplainedtohim，thathehadfoundinhisbookanaccountofpigeonswhocarriednotesandletters：and，father，continuedBrian，Ifindmypigeonisofthissort。andIintendtomakemypigeoncarrymessages。
　　Whyshouldnothe？Ifotherpigeonshavedonesobeforehim，Ithinkheisasgood，and，Idaresay，willbeaseasytoteachasanypigeonintheworld。Ishallbegintoteachhimto-morrowmorning。andthen，father，youknowpeopleoftenpayagreatdealforsendingmessengers。andnoboycanrun，nohorsecangallop，sofastasabirdcanfly。thereforethebirdmustbethebestmessenger，andIshouldbepaidthebestprice。
　　Hey，father？
　　Tobesure，tobesure，myboy，saidhisfather，laughing。IwishyoumaymakethebestmessengerinIrelandofyourpigeon。butallIbeg，mydearboy，isthatyouwon’tneglectourshopforyourpigeon。forI’veanotionwehaveabetterchanceofmakingafortunebytheshopthanbythewhitepigeon。
　　Brianneverneglectedtheshop。butinhisleisurehoursheamusedhimselfwithtraininghispigeon。andaftermuchpatienceheatlastsucceededsowell，thatonedayhewenttohisfatherandofferedtosendhimwordbyhispigeonwhatbeefwasapoundinthemarketofBallynagrish，wherehewasgoing。
　　Thepigeonwillbehomelongbeforeme，father。andhewillcomeinatthekitchenwindow，andlightuponthedresser。thenyoumustuntiethelittlenotewhichIshallhavetiedunderhisleftwing，andyou’llknowthepriceofbeefdirectly。
　　Thepigeoncarriedhismessagewell。andBrianwasmuchdelightedwithhissuccess。Hesoonwasemployedbytheneighbours，whowerearousedbyBrian’sfondnessofhisswiftmessenger。andsoonthefameofthewhitepigeonwasspreadamongstallwhofrequentedthemarketsandfairsofSomerville。
　　Atoneofthesefairsasetofmenofdesperatefortunesmettodrink，andtoconcertplansofrobberies。Theirplaceofmeetingwasattheale-houseofMr。Cox，themanwho，asourreadersmayremember，wasoffendedbyMr。Somerville’shintingthathewasfondofdrinkingandofquarrelling，andwhothreatenedvengeanceforhavingbeenrefusedthenewinn。
　　Whilstthesemenweretalkingovertheirscheme，oneofthemobserved，thatoneoftheircompanionswasnotarrived。Anothersaid，No。He’ssixmilesoff，saidanother。andathirdwishedthathecouldmakehimhearatthatdistance。Thisturnedthediscourseuponthedifficultiesofsendingmessagessecretlyandquickly。Cox’sson，aladofaboutnineteen，whowasoneofthisgang，mentionedthewhitecarrier-pigeon，andhewasdesiredtotryallmeanstogetitintohispossession。
　　Accordingly，thenextdayyoungCoxwenttoBrianO’Neill，andtried，atfirstbypersuasionandafterwardsbythreats，toprevailuponhimtogiveupthepigeon。Brianwasresoluteinhisrefusal，moreespeciallywhenthepetitionerbegantobullyhim。
　　Ifwecan’thaveitbyfairmeans，wewillbyfoul，saidCox。andafewdaysafterwardsthepigeonwasgone。Briansearchedforitinvain——
　　inquiredfromalltheneighboursiftheyhadseenit，andapplied，buttonopurpose，toCox。Hesworethatheknewnothingaboutthematter。Butthiswasfalse，foritwashewhoduringthenight-timehadstolenthewhitepigeon。Heconveyedittohisemployers，andtheyrejoicedthattheyhadgottenitintotheirpossession，astheythoughtitwouldservethemforausefulmessenger。
　　Nothingcanbemoreshortsightedthancunning。Theverymeanswhichthesepeopletooktosecuresecrecywerethemeansofbringingtheirplotstolight。Theyendeavouredtoteachthepigeon，whichtheyhadstolen，tocarrymessagesfortheminapartofthecountryatsomedistancefromSomerville。andwhentheyfanciedthatithadforgottenitsformerhabits，anditsoldmaster，theythoughtthattheymightventuretoemployhimnearerhome。Thepigeon，however，hadabettermemorythantheyimagined。TheyloosedhimfromabagnearthetownofBallynagrishinhopesthathewouldstopatthehouseofCox’scousin，whichwasonitsroadbetweenBallynagrishandSomerville。Butthepigeon，thoughhehadbeenpurposelyfedatthishouseforaweekbeforethistrial，didnotstopthere，butflewontohisoldmaster’shouseinSomerville，andpeckedatthekitchenwindow，ashehadformerlybeentaughttodo。Hisfather，fortunately，waswithinhearing，andpoorBrianranwiththegreatestjoytoopenthewindowandtolethimin。
　　O，father，here’smywhitepigeoncomebackofhisownaccord，
　　exclaimedBrian。Imustrunandshowhimtomymother。Atthisinstantthepigeonspreadhiswings，andBriandiscoveredunderoneofitswingsasmallandverydirtylookingbillet。Heopeneditinhisfather’spresence。Thescrawlwasscarcelylegible。butthesewordswereatlengthdeciphered：——
　　Thareareeightofuzsworn。Isendyoatbotomtharenames。Wemeatattinthisniteatmyfaders，andhaveharmsandallinradinesstobrakintothegrate’ouse。Mr。Summervillistolyeouttonite——kipthepigeonuntillto-morrow。Foreveryours，MURTAGHCOX，JUN。
　　Scarcelyhadtheyfinishedreadingthisnote，thanbothfatherandsonexclaimed，LetusgoandshowittoMr。Somerville。Beforetheysetout，theyhad，however，theprudencetosecurethepigeon，sothatheshouldnotbeseenbyanyonebutthemselves。Mr。Somerville，inconsequenceofthisfortunatediscovery，tookpropermeasuresfortheapprehensionoftheeightmenwhohadsworntorobhishouse。Whentheywereallsafelylodgedinthecountygaol，hesentforBrianO’Neillandhisfather。andafterthankingthemfortheservicetheyhaddonehim，hecountedouttenbrightguineasuponatable，andpushedthemtowardsBrian，saying，IsupposeyouknowthatarewardoftenguineaswasofferedsomeweeksagoforthediscoveryofJohnMacDermod，oneoftheeightmenwhomwehavejusttakenup？
　　No，sir，saidBrian。Ididnotknowit，andIdidnotbringthatnotetoyoutogettenguineas，butbecauseIthoughtitwasright。Idon’twanttobepaidfordoingit。
　　That’smyownboy，saidhisfather。Wethankyou，sir。butwe’llnottakethemoney。IDON’TLIKETOTAKETHEPRICEOFBLOOD。
　　Iknowthedifference，mygoodfriends，saidMr。Somerville，betweenvileinformersandcourageous，honestmen。
　　Why，astothat，pleaseyourhonour，thoughwearepoor，Ihopewearehonest。
　　And，whatismore，saidMr。Somerville，Ihaveanotionthatyouwouldcontinuetobehonest，evenifyouwererich。Willyou，mygoodlad，
　　continuedMr。Somerville，afteramoment’spause——willyoutrustmewithyourpigeonafewdays？
　　O，andwelcome，sir，saidtheboy，withasmile。andhebroughtthepigeontoMr。Somervillewhenitwasdark，andnobodysawhim。
　　Afewdaysafterwards，Mr。SomervillecalledatO’Neill’shouse，andbidhimandhissonfollowhim。Theyfollowedtillhestoppedoppositetothebow-windowofthenewinn。Thecarpenterhadjustputupasign，whichwascoveredoverwithabitofcarpeting。
　　Gouptheladder，willyou？saidMr。SomervilletoBrian，andpullthatsignstraight，forithangsquitecrooked。There，nowitisstraight。Nowpulloffthecarpet，andletusseethenewsign。
　　Theboypulledoffthecover，andsawawhitepigeonpainteduponthesign，andthenameofO’Neillinlargelettersunderneath。
　　Takecareyoudonottumbledownandbreakyourneckuponthisjoyfuloccasion，saidMr。Somerville，whosawthatBrian’ssurprisewastoogreatforhissituation。Comedownfromtheladder，andwishyourfatherjoyofbeingmasterofthenewinncalledthe’WhitePigeon。’AndIwishhimjoyofhavingsuchasonasyouare。Thosewhobringuptheirchildrenwell，willcertainlyberewardedforit，betheypoororrich。
　　THEBIRTHDAYPRESENT。
　　Mamma，saidRosamond，afteralongsilence，doyouknowwhatIhavebeenthinkingofallthistime？
　　No，mydear——What？
　　Why，mamma，aboutmycousinBell’sbirthday。doyouknowwhatdayitis？
　　No，Idon’tremember。
　　Dearmother！don’tyourememberit’sthe22ndofDecember。andherbirthdayisthedayafterto-morrow？Don’tyourecollectnow？Butyouneverrememberaboutbirthdays，mamma。ThatwasjustwhatIwasthinkingof，thatyouneverremembermysisterLaura’sbirthday，or-or-orMINE，mamma。
　　Whatdoyoumeanmydear？Irememberyourbirthdayperfectlywell。
　　Indeed！butyouneverKEEPit，though。
　　Whatdoyoumeanbykeepingyourbirthday？
　　Oh，mamma，youknowverywell——asBell’sbirthdayiskept。Inthefirstplace，thereisagreatdinner。
　　AndcanBelleatmoreuponherbirthdaythanuponanyotherday？
　　No。norIshouldnotmindaboutthedinner，exceptthemince-pies。ButBellhasagreatmanynicethings——Idon’tmeanniceeatablethings，butnicenewplaythings，giventoheralwaysonherbirthday。andeverybodydrinksherhealth，andshe’ssohappy。
　　Butstay，Rosamond，howyoujumblethingstogether！Isiteverybody’sdrinkingherhealththatmakeshersohappy？orthenewplaythings，orthenicemincepies？Icaneasilybelievethatsheishappywhilstsheiseatingamincepie，orwhilstsheisplaying。buthowdoeseverybody’sdrinkingherhealthatdinnermakeherhappy？
　　Rosamondpaused，andthensaidshedidnotknow。But，addedshe，theNICENEWplaythings，mother！
　　Butwhythenicenewplaythings？DoyoulikethemonlybecausetheyareNEW？
　　NotONLY——_I_donotlikeplaythingsONLYbecausetheyarenew。butBellDOES，Ibelieve——forthatputsmeinmind——Doyouknow，mother，shehadagreatdrawerfullofOLDplaythingsthatsheneverused，andshesaidthattheyweregoodfornothing，becausetheywereOLD。butIthoughtmanyofthemweregoodforagreatdealmorethanthenewones。Nowyoushallbejudge，mamma。I’lltellyouallthatwasinthedrawer。
　　Nay，Rosamond，thankyou，notjustnow。Ihavenottimetolistentoyou。
　　Wellthen，mamma，thedayafterto-morrowIcanshowyouthedrawer。I
　　wantyoutojudgeverymuch，becauseIamsureIwasintheright。And，mother，addedRosamond，stoppingherasshewasgoingoutoftheroom，willyou——notnow，butwhenyou’vetime——willyoutellmewhyyouneverkeepmybirthday——whyyounevermakeanydifferencebetweenthatdayandanyotherday？
　　Andwillyou，Rosamond——notnow，butwhenyouhavetimetothinkaboutit——tellmewhyIshouldmakeanydifferencebetweenyourbirthdayandanyotherday？
　　Rosamondthought，butshecouldnotfindoutanyreason。besides，shesuddenlyrecollectedthatshehadnottimetothinkanylonger。fortherewasacertainwork-baskettobefinished，whichshewasmakingforhercousinBell，asapresentuponherbirthday。Theworkwasatastandforwantofsomefiligree-paper，and，ashermotherwasgoingout，sheaskedhertotakeherwithher，thatshemightbuysome。HersisterLaurawentwiththem。
　　Sister，saidRosamond，astheywerewalkingalong，whathaveyoudonewithyourhalf-guinea？
　　Ihaveitinmypocket。
　　Dear！youwillkeepitforeverinyourpocket。Youknow，mygodmotherwhenshegaveittoyou，saidyouwouldkeepitlongerthanIshouldkeepmine。andIknowwhatshethoughtbyherlookatthetime。Iheardhersaysomethingtomymother。
　　Yes，saidLaura，smiling。shewhisperedsoloudthatIcouldnothelphearinghertoo。ShesaidIwasalittlemiser。
　　ButdidnotyouhearhersaythatIwasveryGENEROUS？andshe’llseethatshewasnotmistaken。Ihopeshe’llbebywhenIgivemybaskettoBell——won’titbebeautiful？Thereistobeawreathofmyrtle，youknow，roundthehandle，andafrostground，andthenthemedallions——
　　Stay，interruptedhersister，forRosamond，anticipatingthegloriesofherwork-basket，talkedandwalkedsofastthatshehadpassed，withoutperceivingit，theshopwherethefiligree-paperwastobebought。Theyturnedback。Nowithappenedthattheshopwasthecornerhouseofastreet，andoneofthewindowslookedoutintoanarrowlane。Acoachfullofladiesstoppedatthedoor，justbeforetheywentin，sothatnoonehadtimeimmediatelytothinkofRosamondandherfiligree-paper，andshewenttothewindowwhereshesawhersisterLauralookingearnestlyatsomethingthatwaspassinginthelane。
　　Oppositetothewindow，atthedoorofapoor-lookinghouse，therewassittingalittlegirlweavinglace。Herbobbinsmovedasquickaslightning，andsheneveroncelookedupfromherwork。Isnotsheveryindustrious？saidLaura。andveryhonest，too？addedsheinaminuteafterwards。forjustthenabakerwithabasketofrollsonhisheadpassed，andbyaccidentoneoftherollsfellclosetothelittlegirl。
　　Shetookitupeagerly，lookedatitasifshewasveryhungry，thenputasideherwork，andranafterthebakertoreturnittohim。Whilstshewasgone，afootmaninalivery，lacedwithsilver，whobelongedtothecoachthatstoodattheshopdoor，ashewasloungingwithoneofhiscompanions，chancedtospytheweavingpillow，whichshehadleftuponastonebeforethedoor。Todiverthimselfforidlepeopledomischiefoftentodivertthemselveshetookupthepillow，andentangledallthebobbins。Thelittlegirlcamebackoutofbreathtoherwork。butwhatwashersurpriseandsorrowtofinditspoiled。Shetwistedanduntwisted，placedandreplaced，thebobbins，whilethefootmanstoodlaughingatherdistress。Shegotupgently，andwasretiringintothehouse，whenthesilverlacedfootmanstoppedher，saying，insolently，Sitstill，child。
　　Imustgotomymother，sir，saidthechild。besides，youhavespoiledallmylace。Ican’tstay。
　　Can’tyou？saidthebrutalfootman，snatchingherweaving-pillowagain，I’llteachyoutocomplainofme。Andhebrokeoff，oneafteranother，allthebobbins，putthemintohispocket，rolledherweaving-pillowdownthedirtylane，thenjumpedupbehindhismistress’coach，andwasoutofsightinaninstant。
　　Poorgirl！exclaimedRosamond，nolongerabletorestrainherindignationatthisinjustice。poorlittlegirl！
　　AtthisinstanthermothersaidtoRosamond——Come，now，mydear，ifyouwantthisfiligreepaper，buyit。
　　Yes，madam，saidRosamond。andtheideaofwhathergodmotherandhercousinBellwouldthinkofhergenerosityrushedagainuponherimagination。Allherfeelingsofpitywereimmediatelysuppressed。
　　SatisfiedwithbestowinganotherexclamationuponthePoorlittlegirl！
　　shewenttospendherhalf-guineauponherfiligreebasket。Inthemeantime，shethatwascalledthelittlemiserbeckonedtothepoorgirl，and，openingthewindow，said，pointingtothecushion，Isitquitespoiled？
　　Quite！quitespoiled！andIcan’t，normotherneither，buyanother。andIcan’tdoanythingelseformybread。Afew，butveryfew，tearsfellasshesaidthis。
　　Howmuchwouldanothercost？saidLaura。
　　Oh，agreat——GREATdeal。
　　Morethanthat？saidLaura，holdingupherhalf-guinea。
　　Oh，no。
　　Thenyoucanbuyanotherwiththat，saidLaura，droppingthehalf-
　　guineaintoherhand。andsheshutthewindowbeforethechildcouldfindwordstothankher，butnotbeforeshesawalookofjoyandgratitude，whichgaveLauramorepleasureprobablythanallthepraisewhichcouldhavebeenbestoweduponhergenerosity。
　　Lateonthemorningofhercousin’sbirthday，Rosamondfinishedherwork-
　　basket。Thecarriagewasatthedoor——Lauracamerunningtocallher。
　　herfather’svoicewasheardatthesameinstant。soshewasobligedtogodownwithherbasketbuthalfwrappedupinsilverpaper——acircumstanceatwhichshewasagooddealdisconcerted。forthepleasureofsurprisingBellwouldbeutterlylostifonebitofthefiligreeshouldpeepoutbeforethepropertime。Asthecarriagewenton，Rosamondpulledthepapertoonesideandtotheother，andbyeachofthefourcorners。
　　Itwillneverdo，mydear，saidherfather，whohadbeenwatchingheroperations。Iamafraidyouwillnevermakeasheetofpapercoveraboxwhichistwiceaslargeasitself。
　　Itisnotabox，father，saidRosamond，alittlepeevishly。it’sabasket。
　　Letuslookatthisbasket，saidhe，takingitoutofherunwillinghands，forsheknewofwhatfrailmaterialsitwasmade，andshedreadeditscomingtopiecesunderherfather’sexamination。Hetookholdofthehandleratherroughly。when，startingoffthecoachseat，shecried，Oh，sir！father！sir！youwillspoilitindeed！saidshe，withincreasedvehemence，when，afterdrawingasidetheveilofsilverpaper，shesawhimgraspthemyrtlewreathedhandle。Indeed，sir，youwillspoilthepoorhandle。
　　ButwhatistheuseofTHEPOORHANDLE，saidherfather，ifwearenottotakeholdofit？Andpray，continuedhe，turningthebasketroundwithhisfingerandthumb，ratherinadisrespectfulmanner，pray，isthisthethingyouhavebeenaboutallthisweek？Ihaveseenyouallthisweekdabblingwithpasteandrags。Icouldnotconceivewhatyouwereabout。Isthisthething？
　　Yes，sir。Youthink，then，thatIhavewastedmytime，becausethebasketisofnouse。butthenitisapresentformyCousinBell。
　　YourCousinBellwillbeverymuchobligedtoyouforapresentthatisofnouse。Youhadbetterhavegivenherthepurplejar。
　　Oh，father！Ithoughtyouhadforgottenthat——itwastwoyearsago。I’mnotsosillynow。ButBellwilllikethebasket，Iknow，thoughitisofnouse。
　　ThenyouthinkBellissilliernowthanyouweretwoyearsago，——well，perhapsthatistrue。buthowcomesit，Rosamond，nowthatyouaresowise，thatyouarefondofsuchasillyperson？
　　_I_，father？saidRosamond，hesitating，Idon’tthinkIamVERYfondofher。
　　IdidnotsayVERYfond。
　　Well，butIdon’tthinkIamatallfondofher。
　　Butyouhavespentawholeweekinmakingthisthingforher。
　　Yes，andallmyhalfguineabesides。
　　Yetyouthinkhersilly，andyouarenotfondofheratall。andyousayyouknowthisthingwillbeofnousetoher。
　　Butitisherbirthday，sir。andIamsureshewillEXPECTsomething，andeverybodyelsewillgivehersomething。
　　Thenyourreasonforgivingisbecausesheexpectsyoutogivehersomething。Andwillyou，orcanyou，orshouldyou，alwaysgive，merelybecauseothersEXPECT，orbecausesomebodyelsegives？
　　Always？——no，notalways。
　　Oh，onlyonbirthdays。
　　Rosamond，laughing：Nowyouaremakingajokeofme，papa，Isee。butI
　　thoughtyoulikedthatpeopleshouldbegenerous，——mygodmothersaidthatshedid。
　　SodoI，fullaswellasyourgodmother。butwehavenotyetquitesettledwhatitistobegenerous。
　　Whyisitnotgeneroustomakepresents？saidRosamond。
　　Thatisthequestionwhichitwouldtakeupagreatdealoftimetoanswer。But，forinstance，tomakeapresentofathingthatyouknowcanbeofnousetoapersonyouneitherlovenoresteem，becauseitisherbirthday，andbecauseeverybodygiveshersomething，andbecausesheexpectssomething，andbecauseyourgodmothersaysshelikesthatpeopleshouldbegenerous，seemstome，mydearRosamond，tobe，sinceImustsayit，rathermorelikefollythangenerosity。
　　Rosamondlookeddownuponthebasket，andwassilent。ThenIamafool，amI？saidshelookingupatlast。
　　BecauseyouhavemadeONEmistake？No。Ifyouhavesenseenoughtoseeyourownmistakes，andcanafterwardsavoidthem，youwillneverbeafool。
　　Herethecarriagestopped，andRosamondrecollectedthatthebasketwasuncovered。
　　Nowwemustobserve，thatRosamond’sfatherhadnotbeentoosevereuponBellwhenhecalledherasillygirl。Fromherinfancyshehadbeenhumoured。andateightyearsoldshehadthemisfortunetobeaspoiledchild。Shewasidle，fretful，andselfish。sothatnothingcouldmakeherhappy。Onherbirthdaysheexpected，however，tobeperfectlyhappy。
　　Everybodyinthehousetriedtopleaseher，andtheysucceededsowell，thatbetweenbreakfastanddinnershehadonlysixfitsofcrying。Thecauseoffiveofthesefitsnoonecoulddiscover：butthelast，andmostlamentable，wasoccasionedbyadisappointmentaboutaworkedmuslinfrock。andaccordingly，atdressingtime，hermaidbroughtittoher，exclaiming，Seehere，miss，whatyourmammahassentyouonyourbirthday。Here’safrockfitforaqueen——ifithadbutlaceroundthecuffs。
　　Andwhyhasnotitlacearoundthecuffs？mammasaiditshould。
　　Yes，butmistresswasdisappointedaboutthelace。itisnotcomehome。
　　Notcomehome，indeed！anddidn’ttheyknowitwasmybirthday？ButthenIsayIwon’twearitwithoutthelace——Ican’twearitwithoutthelace，andIwon’t。
　　Thelace，however，couldnotbehad。andBellatlengthsubmittedtoletthefrockbeputon。
　　Come，MissBell，dryyoureyes，saidthemaidwhoeducatedher。dryyoureyes，andI’lltellyousomethingthatwillpleaseyou。
　　What，then？saidthechild，poutingandsobbing。
　　Why——butyoumustnottellthatItoldyou。
　　No，——butifIamasked？
　　Why，ifyouareasked，youmusttellthetruth，tobesure。SoI’llholdmytongue，miss。
　　Nay，tellme，though，andI’llnevertell——ifIAMasked。
　　Well，then，saidthemaid，yourcousinRosamondiscome，andhasbroughtyouthemostBEAUTIFULLESTthingyoueversawinyourlife。butyouarenottoknowanythingaboutittillafterdinner，becauseshewantstosurpriseyou。andmistresshasputitintoherwardrobetillafterdinner。
　　Tillafterdinner！repeatedBell，impatiently。Ican’twaittillthen。
　　Imustseeitthisminute。Themaidrefusedherseveraltimes，tillBellburstintoanotherfitofcrying，andthemaid，fearingthathermistresswouldbeangrywithHER，ifBell’seyeswereredatdinnertime，consentedtoshowherthebasket。
　　Howpretty！——butletmehaveitinmyownhands，saidBell，asthemaidheldthebasketupoutofherreach。
　　Oh，no，youmustnottouchit。forifyoushouldspoilit，whatwouldbecomeofme？
　　Becomeofyou，indeed！exclaimedthespoiledchild，whoneverconsideredanythingbutherownimmediategratification——BecomeofYOU，indeed！whatsignifiesthat——Isha’n’tspoilit。andIwillhaveitinmyownhands。Ifyoudon’tholditdownformedirectly，I’lltellthatyoushowedittome。
　　Thenyouwon’tsnatchit？
　　No，no，Iwon’tindeed，saidBell。butshehadlearnedfromhermaidatotaldisregardoftruth。Shesnatchedthebasketthemomentitwaswithinherreach。Astruggleensued，inwhichthehandleandlidweretornoff，andoneofthemedallionscrushedinwards，beforethelittlefuryreturnedtohersenses。