,illustration3 ,i say1 ,pollie1 how many have yer sold8 ,page #h4 ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------- ,,little ,,pollie ,,or ,a ,,bunch ,,of ,,violets ,,by ,,gertrude ,p4 ,,dyer ,author of ,armour ,clad1 ,how ,hettie ,caught the ,sunbeams1 etc4 ,,new ,,edition ,john ,f4 ,shaw ,co41 ,ltd41 ,publishers1 #c1 ,pilgrim ,street1 ,london1 ,e4,c4 ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------- ,,contents4 ,,page ,i4 ,,pollie ,,starts ,,in ,,business #g ,,ii4 ,,who ,,had ,,the ,,violets8 #ag ,,iii4 ,,how ,,pollie ,,spent ,,her ,,money #bg ,,iv4 ,,mrs4 ,,flanagan #cf ,v4 ,,the ,,kingdom ,,of ,,heaven #db ,,vi4 ,,on ,,waterloo ,,bridge #eb ,,vii4 ,,the ,,lost ,,one ,,found #fe ,,viii4 ,,sally',s ,,first ,,sunday ,,at ,,church #gc ,,ix4 ,,crippled ,,jimmy #ha ,x4 ,,nora #ie ,,xi4 ,,christmas ,,eve #ajd ,,xii4 ,,in ,,the ,,spring-,,time #aac ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------- ,,little ,,pollie4 ,,chapter ,i4 ,,pollie ,,starts ,,in ,,business4 ,a penny a bunch2 only a penny1 sweet violets1 cried a soft little voice1 just outside the ,bank of ,england1 one morning in early spring2 only a penny a bunch6 ,but the throng of busy clerks hurrying on to their various places of business heard not that childish voice amidst the confused din of omnibus and cabs1 and so she stood1 timidly uttering her cry--,sweet violets6--unheeded by the passers-by4 ,she was a fragile little creature of about ten years old1 small for her age1 with shy yet trustful eyes1 and soft1 brown1 curly hair2 and as she stood there1 clad in a black frock and a straw hat1 well worn1 it is true1 but free from tatters1 with a piece of crape neatly fastened around it1 had any one amidst that busy multitude paused to look at the little flower-seller1 they would have wondered why so young a child was trusted alone in that noisy1 bustling place4 ,i say1 ,pollie1 how many have yer sold1 eh8 exclaimed another girl1 coming up to her--quite a different type of girlhood1 a regular ,london arab1 one who from her very cradle 7if ever she possessed such a luxury7 had battled through life heedless of all rubs and bruises1 ready to hold her own against the entire world1 and yet with much of hidden goodness beneath the rugged surface4 ,only two bunches1 replied little ,pollie1 somewhat sadly4 ,only two6 repeated the other4 ,my eye6 yer won't make a fortin1 that's sartin6 ,the people don't seem to see me1 not even hear me1 said the child4 ',cos why1 you don't shout loud enuff1 explained the bigger girl4 ,if yer wants to get on in the world1 yer must make a noise somehow4 ,make the folks hear2 never minds if yer deafens 'em1 they'll pay 'tention to yer then4 ,see how ,i does it4 ,at that moment four smart youths came strolling leisurely along arm-in-arm1 trying to appear as though merely out on pleasure1 though they knew full well they must be in their office and at their desks before the clock struck ten4 ,these were just the customers for ,sally ,grimes1 and away she rushed full upon them1 her thin ragged shawl flying in the wind1 and her rough hair1 from which the net had fallen1 following the example of the shawl2 and as she reached the somewhat startled youths1 who almost stumbled over her1 she held her only remaining posy right in their faces1 screaming out in a harsh grating voice1 rendered harsh by her street training-- ,now1 then1 gents1 this last bunch--only a penny6 ,polly looked on in utter amazement4 ,it is true she did not understand ,sally's logic1 but she saw plainly that the sweet violets were sold1 for presently back came the girl1 crying out-- ,that's the way to do it4 ,i've sold all mine2 now let's see what you've got left4 ,why1 ten more bunches6 ,come1 give us two or three1 ,i'll get rid of 'em for yer2 ,i'll bring yer back the money4 ,look sharp1 ,i see some folks a-comin'4 ,and without further parley she snatched up several of the dainty little bunches tied up so neatly by ,pollie's mother1 and rushed off in pursuit of purchasers4 ,she was certainly very fortunate1 for in spite of a stern-looking policeman who was watching her movements1 she sold them1 speedily returning with the money to little ,pollie1 who by this time was getting almost bewildered with the noise around4 ,there1 my gal1 said the kind girl1 there's the money for yer2 look1 six pennies4 ,my6 ain't yer rich4 ,now ,i'm off to ,covent ,garding to the old 'ooman--mother1 ,i means1 yer know4 ,there ,st4 ,poll's a-strikin' ten2 good-bye4 ,so saying1 the friendly ,sally ,grimes darted off amidst the crowd1 leaving the child to manage for herself1 and very lonely she felt after her good-natured ally was gone4 ,it was ,pollie ,turner's first attempt at selling flowers1 and this her first day4 ,no wonder the poor child felt shy and sad1 for she could remember the time when father used to come home at eventide to the small but cosy cottage in that green lane1 far1 far away in the pleasant country2 and she used to stand at the gate to watch for his coming1 sometimes running half-way up the lane to meet him1 and he would perch her on his shoulder1 where she felt1 oh6 so safe1 and bring her home to mother4 ,or she would climb his knee as he sat by the fire1 and watch dear mother get the nice supper2 but father was dead now4 ,she had seen the pretty daisies growing above his grassy grave in that distant churchyard2 and the mother1 who had come up to ,london hoping to do better1 was so ill and weak1 scarcely able to do the needlework with which to gain food for them both4 ,and ,mrs4 ,flanagan had proposed the plan of ,pollie starting in business4 ,so this is how it had all come about4 ,pollie stood silently thinking over these events of the happy times gone by1 when some one touched her arm softly1 and then she looked up into the sweet face of a lady1 whose kind eyes were bent half-sadly1 half-pityingly upon her4 ,are you selling these violets1 my child8 she asked2 and her voice was so sweet4 ,yes1 ma'am4 ,then will you let me have three bunches8 ,pollie with a smile put them into her hand1 and the lady1 after thanking her1 placed the money for them in the child's basket1 and went towards a carriage that was drawn up near the ,royal ,exchange4 ,the child1 lost in admiration at such a nice lady1 followed her with her eyes1 never thinking to look at the money she had given for the flowers1 until glancing into the basket to see how many bunches were still left1 she beheld a shilling shining amidst the dingy coppers4 ,eager to return the money to its rightful owner1 little ,pollie darted amongst the people who thronged the pavement1 ran across the road at the risk of being run over1 and reached the lady just as she was stepping into her carriage4 ,please1 ma'am1 please1 she faltered quite out of breath1 and at the same time pulling her violently by the dress4 ,let go1 you little vagabond6 exclaimed the indignant footman1 taking ,pollie by the arm to pull her away4 ,fortunately the lady turned on hearing her servant speak thus1 and saw the child struggling in his grip4 ,what is the matter8 she asked4 ,please1 ma'am1 this1 cried ,pollie1 holding up the shilling4 ,that is for the violets you sold to me4 ,oh no1 ma'am1 it is all wrong1 exclaimed the child excitedly2 those flowers are but three-pence--a penny a bunch2 that's all4 ,here is your money1 ma'am6 ,the lady gazed earnestly into the little girl's flushed face1 as she asked-- ,why did you not keep that shilling8 ,because it was not mine1 was the answer4 ,i should not have known but that the money was correct4 ,you did not say the price of your flowers1 my child4 ,god knew the price1 said ,pollie reverentially1 and ,he would have been angry with me for cheating you1 ma'am4 ,who taught you of ,god8 asked the lady softly1 as she bent down to the little one4 ,mother6 was the reply4 ,and is your mother dead8 she questioned1 perceiving for the first time the child's poor mourning4 ,no1 ma'am1 but father is1 and mother is so ill and weak1 and the shy brown eyes filled with tears4 ,poor child1 poor little child1 murmured the lady compassionately4 ,what is your name8 she asked after a pause1 and where do you live8 ,pollie gave the desired information4 ,well then1 ,pollie1 said her new friend kindly1 here is the money for the violets2 and take this shilling3 it will buy something for your mother1 perhaps4 ,i shall come and see you one day4 ,so saying she patted ,pollie's thin cheeks with a soft loving touch2 then stepping into the carriage was driven away1 leaving ,pollie in a state of wonderful happiness at so much kindness from so nice a lady4 ,oh dear6 she thought1 ,i am rich now4 ,i must make haste home to mother1 and ,i've two bunches of violets still left4 ,mother shall have one and ,mrs4 ,flanagan the other4 ,,chapter ,,ii4 ,,who ,,had ,,the ,,violets6 ,pollie tied up the money securely in the corner of her clean pocket-handkerchief1 and with a light heart proceeded towards home1 which was situated in the neighbourhood of ,drury ,lane4 ,it was a long way for so young a child to traverse alone2 but the children of the poor early learn to be self-reliant4 ,therefore she heeded not the dangers of the ,london streets1 but threaded her way along2 and if at times she felt afraid of a crossing1 or some hurried foot-passenger hustled her roughly1 a sweet text1 taught by her dearly-loved mother1 came to her mind1 bringing a feeling of safety along with it4 ,this was little ,pollie's comfort--,fear thou not1 for ,i am with thee2 be not dismayed1 for ,i am thy ,god3 ,i will strengthen thee2 yea1 ,i will help thee2 yea1 ,i will uphold thee with the right hand of ,my righteousness4 ,and so she pursued her onward way1 in her child's faith1 trusting in ,him to safely guide4 ,as she was turning up ,drury ,court she met ,lizzie ,stevens1 a young woman who lived opposite to them1 and who earned a scanty living by working for cheap tailors4 ,often had the child looked from the window1 and across the ,court watched the poor girl bending her pale face over her work1 never pausing to rest1 but for ever stitch1 stitch4 ,however1 the young seamstress had seen her little neighbour watching her1 and once or twice had nodded to her1 and so a sort of acquaintance had sprung up between them2 indeed1 on several occasions they had met1 and the child's prattle had cheered the lonely work-girl4 ,where have you been1 ,pollie8 she asked as they went up ,drury ,court together1 the poor girl staggering under the weight of a huge bundle--the child kindly keeping pace with her1 though longing to run home with her budget of good news to mother4 ,i've been selling violets4 ,mrs4 ,flanagan got them for me1 and ,i've sold them all but two bunches--see6 ,and she lifted up a cloth which she had placed over the sweet flowers to prevent them fading too quickly4 ,oh1 how sweet they are6 exclaimed ,lizzie ,stevens1 and she stopped1 and putting her heavy bundle down on a door-step1 bent her pale face over the flowers to inhale their perfume4 ,when she raised her face it was whiter than before1 and on the violets something was glistening4 ,pollie at first thought it was a dew-drop1 but when she looked up into her neighbour's eyes she saw they were full of tears--one was resting on the flowers6 ,why are you crying8 asked the child softly2 are you ill8 ,oh no1 ,pollie1 she sobbed forth2 but those sweet flowers recall the time when ,i was a little girl like you1 and gathered them in the lanes near my happy home--before mother died4 ,is your mother dead1 then8 ,oh dear1 ,i am so sorry1 said the child with earnest pity4 ,yes1 ,i am all alone in the world2 no one to love or care for me1 she exclaimed passionately4 ,ah1 ,i wish ,i was dead too4 ,don't say so1 said ,pollie soothingly2 ,god cares for you1 and loves you dearly4 ,i sometimes think even ,he forgets me1 moaned the poor girl1 when ,i see rich folks having all things they desire1 and such as me almost starving1 working night and day for a mere crust4 ,i once said so to mother1 remarked the child1 but she opened our ,bible1 and bade me read a verse she pointed out4 ,shall ,i tell you what it was8 ,yes1 was the reply4 ,pollie folded her hands1 and repeated-- ,give me neither poverty nor riches2 feed me with food convenient for me1 lest ,i be full and deny ,thee1 and say1 ,who is the ,lord8 or lest ,i be poor and steal1 and take the name of my ,god in vain4 ,and then she turned to another to comfort me1 and this is it-- ,be careful for nothing2 but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto ,god4 ,and the peace of ,god1 which passeth all understanding1 shall keep your hearts and minds through ,christ ,jesus4 ,when the child ceased speaking1 she looked up into the face of her listener1 whose head was bent in reverence to ,god4 ,o ,pollie6 she said at last1 as again taking up her heavy load she proceeded slowly onwards1 ,i wish ,i had a good mother4 ,come over to us sometimes1 said the child1 eagerly4 ,will your mother let me8 was the question4 ,yes1 ,i am sure she will2 she is so good1 was the reply4 ,and then the two friends went on up ,drury ,lane1 not speaking much2 but as they were parting ,lizzie stooped down1 and kissing the child lovingly1 said softly-- ,good-bye1 and thank you1 little ,pollie4 ,would you like a bunch of violets8 she asked4 ,i can divide the other between mother and ,mrs ,flanagan4 ,the poor seamstress was unable to speak from emotion1 but held out her hand with trembling eagerness for the flowers4 ,how glad was the child in being able to give a pleasure to her lonely neighbour4 ,she felt more joy in seeing ,lizzie ,stevens' glad smile than even in the magnificent sum of money wrapped in her handkerchief2 for she experienced it is more blessed to give than to receive2 and after seeing her friend disappear through the dingy doorway which led to the garret called her home1 she turned with a light heart into the entry which led to her own place1 eager to see mother and tell her all2 but in doing so almost fell over a little cripple boy who sat crouched on the door-steps4 ,o ,jimmy6 did ,i hurt you8 she asked in alarm4 ,no4 ,everybody knocks me about2 ,i'se used to it1 was his answer4 ,poor ,jimmy6 said the little girl4 ,where's your mother8 ,down there1 drunk again1 he replied1 pointing his thin finger in the direction of what in other houses would be the kitchen1 but which was his home1 if it could be dignified by so sacred a name4 ,pollie looked sorrowfully on the poor boy1 whose thin1 wizened face1 with large1 hungry eyes1 was placed on a shrunk and distorted body4 ,his mother was the pest of the court1 always drunk1 and in her drunken fury beating her wretched offspring4 ,half-starved and half-clothed1 he passed his time on the door-step1 gazing vacantly at the passers-by1 uncared for1 unloved amidst the many4 ,poor ,jimmy6 repeated the little girl4 ,would you like some of my sweet violets8 ,the boy1 unused to even a breath of kindness1 gazed some few seconds at her with his eager eyes4 ,you be ,pollie ,turner1 bain't yer1 what lives upstairs with yer mother8 he asked at last4 ,yes1 she replied1 and repeated her question1 as she took some of the flowers from her last bunch4 ,would you like these8 ,he held out his claw-like hand--so dirty that ,pollie almost shrank from touching it as she gave him the violets4 ,he took them without a word of thanks1 but as she was moving away he called out-- ,i say1 did yer make these8 ,no1 ,jimmy1 she replied1 as she came back to him2 ,god made them4 ,god6 he repeated1 ,who's ,he2 ,him's mighty clever to fix up these little bits of things1 bain't ,he8 ,the little girl was for a moment shocked1 then she felt a tender pity for the poor boy4 ,o ,jimmy1 don't you know who ,god is8 she gently asked4 ,he shook his head2 so she went on-- ,god is our ,father in heaven1 and she pointed upwards4 ,he made these sweet flowers1 and us also1 and ,he sent ,his dear ,son to die for us1 so that all our sins should be taken away4 ,and when ,jesus 7that is the name of ,god's dear ,son7 was here on earth1 ,he gave sight to the blind1 healed the sick1 and was for ever doing good2 but now ,he is in heaven1 and still ,he loves us1 oh1 so dearly1 and wishes us all to come to ,him4 ,does ,he want me8 asked the outcast doubtfully2 ,he don't know me4 ,oh yes1 ,he knows you1 ,jimmy1 and loves you too2 once ,jesus blessed little children like you and me1 and said1 ',suffer little children to come unto ,me1 and forbid them not1 for of such is the kingdom of heaven4' ,the kingdom of heaven6 repeated poor benighted ,jimmy musingly--it was the first time he had ever heard those blessed words--where be that1 ,polly8 ,it is where ,god lives1 and where we shall go when we die if we believe in the ,saviour and love and pray to ,god4 ,how do you pray8 he asked1 fixing his keen eyes upon her1 as though hungering for the bread of life4 ,but before she could reply1 a loud1 harsh voice was heard uttering frightful oaths1 and a lumbering tread came stumbling up the cellar stairs4 ,the poor boy knew full well who was coming1 and with a terrified look started up and hobbled off1 supported by his clumsy crutches1 round the corner of the house1 whilst ,pollie1 who went in terror of the drunken woman1 ran hastily up the dirty staircase1 which served for all the inmates of the crowded house4 ,,chapter ,,iii4 ,,how ,,polly ,,spent ,,her ,,money4 ,the first two or three flights of stairs were thickly strewn with mud and dust from the feet of the different lodgers2 but when ,pollie reached the last landing she felt it was home indeed4 ,the stairs were as clean and white as hands could scrub them--no dirt was to be seen here1--and outside her mother's door was a little mat on which to rub the shoes before entering4 ,it was quite a relief to reach this part of the house4 ,there were only two rooms at the top part of the tenement--one inhabited by good ,mrs ,flanagan1 the other by ,pollie and her mother2 and though the apartments were small1 and the narrow windows overlooked the chimney-pots and tiles1 yet they felt it such an advantage to be up here1 removed1 as it were1 from the noisy people who lived in the same dwelling2 each room1 in fact1 was let out to separate families1 some of them very rough and boisterous4 ,pollie tapped at her mother's door1 and then peeped merrily in4 ,there sat that good and gentle woman1 busily working close by the narrow window1 so as to get as much light as possible for her delicate needlework4 ,the tea-things were already on the table1 which was spread with a clean white cloth1 and the kettle sang a cheery welcome to little ,pollie2 for though it was only three o'clock1 it was tea-time for them1 since dinner was an almost unknown luxury to this poor mother and child4 ,here ,i am1 mother dear6 she cried1 putting in her bright face1 which was as sunshine to the lonely widow's heart4 ,o ,pollie1 ,i am so glad you have come home2 ,i was getting so anxious and afraid1 and the time seemed so long without you1 my child4 ,then the little girl ran in and threw her arms around her mother's neck4 ,only look here6 she cried delightedly1 when after a loving kiss she proceeded to display her riches2 see1 mother1 she said1 arranging the money all in a row on the table1 the bright shilling flanked on either side by five brown pennies2 are we not rich now8 sixpence must be paid to kind ,mrs4 ,flanagan for the sweet violets she got for me1 and then we shall have one shilling and fourpence left1 and ,i shall buy lots of things for you1 mother darling1 she concluded1 clapping her hands in glee4 ,the widow smiled cheerfully as she folded up her work1 and prepared to get their simple meal of tea and bread1 listening the while as the child related the events of the morning4 ,and now1 mother1 she pursued1 ,i must divide these dear sweet violets between you and ,mrs4 ,flanagan4 ,then here are two little cups which will be just the thing for them1 said the happy mother1 whose pale face grew brighter as she gazed on the delighted child4 ,with the greatest care ,pollie divided the flowers equally1 and when putting theirs in the window1 so that they might still see some of the blue sky1 as she expressed it1 she looked across the ,court towards ,lizzie ,stevens' home4 ,yes1 there she was1 ,pollie could see1 busy plying her needle1 and there were the violets also1 in a broken jam jar close by her as she sat at work2 and raising her pale face towards them1 as though they were old friends returned to her1 she caught sight of little ,pollie arranging her bouquet in the window2 so with a bright smile 7unwonted visitor to those wan lips7 kissed her hand in token of recognition1 and then pointed to the flowers4 ,pollie quite understood this little pantomime1 and nodded her curly head a great many times to her opposite neighbour in proof of her so doing4 ,come to tea1 my child1 said the mother1 who had cut some slices of bread for the frugal repast1 but which she had no appetite to eat4 ,wait a bit1 mammie dear1 ,i must do some shopping first1 exclaimed ,pollie2 ,i shall not be long4 ,and away she ran1 gaily laughing at her mother's look of surprise4 ,down the stairs she went1 then out into the ,court2 and just round the corner in ,drury ,lane was a greengrocer's shop1 in the window of which hung a label ,new-laid ,eggs4 ,i fear that label told a fiction1 but ,pollie believed in it1 and thought the eggs were laid by the identical hens she saw earning a scanty living by pecking in the gutters and among the cabs and carts2 so with a feeling of being very womanly1 and tightly grasping the precious shilling in her hand1 she took courage to approach the shopkeeper1 who stood with arms akimbo in the doorway1 flanked on one side by potatoes in bins1 and on the other by cabbages and turnips in huge baskets4 ,please1 ma'am1 said ,pollie1 will you let me have a new-laid egg for mother8 ,the woman took an egg from a basket and gave it to her4 ,if you please1 is it quite fresh8 because mother is so poorly1 and ,i want it to do her good4 ,the shopkeeper looked at the earnest little face1 and somehow felt she could not tell an untruth to the child1 the brown eyes were raised so trustingly4 ,well1 my little gal1 ,i can't say as it be quite fresh1 but it's as good as any you'll get about here4 ,then ,i'd better not have it1 said the child1 giving it back to the woman again2 only ,i did so want to get her something nice for her tea1--she can't eat much4 ,and the lips quivered with suppressed sorrow at the disappointment4 ,why don't you get her a bit of meat instead8 asked the woman2 that'll do her good1 ,i warrant6 ,will this buy some8 questioned the child with brightened eyes1 and opening her hand she showed the shilling4 ,to be sure it will4 ,here1 give it to me2 ,i'll go and get you one pound of nice pieces at my brother's next door1 if you'll just mind the shop till ,i come back2 you can be trusted1 ,i see1 replied the mistress of the place1 whose woman's heart was touched by the little girl's distress4 ,pollie stood where she was left1 guarding the baskets with watchful eyes4 ,fortunately no mischievous people were about1 so the vegetables were safe1 though it was with no small relief she saw their owner return with such nice pieces of meat wrapped up in clean paper4 ,there1 said the greengrocer's wife 7whose name was ,mrs4 ,smith1 by the way71 these are good and fresh2 my brother let me choose them1 and have them cheap too1 only fourpence a pound6 ,oh1 thank you1 thank you1 ma'am6 cried ,pollie1 holding up her face to kiss the kind woman1 who1 totally unused to such affectionate gratitude in the poor little waifs about ,drury ,lane1 bent down and returned the caress with a feeling of unwonted tenderness tugging at her heart4 ,and now1 please1 ,i should like a bunch of water-cresses for ,mrs4 ,flanagan1 said the child4 ,i know she is very fond of them with her tea4 ,what are you going to buy for yourself8 asked the shopkeeper1 as1 after handing ,pollie the freshest bunch in the basket1 she stood watching her tiny customer4 ,the little girl hesitated2 at length she said-- ,well1 if ,i don't get something1 mother will want me to eat this meat1 and ,i mean her to have it all2 so ,i'll buy two little pies in ,russell ,court1--one for me1 and one for poor little crippled ,jimmy4 ,you're a good gal1 exclaimed the woman4 ,here1 put these taters in your basket2 maybe your mother would like 'em with the meat1 they boil nice and mealy4 ,pollie was so grateful to ,mrs4 ,smith for the kind thought1 and held out her money to pay for this luxury2 but to her surprise she told her to put it back into her pocket--the taters were a gift for her mother1 and patting her cheek1 bade her run home quickly1 and always be a good gal4 ,,chapter ,,iv4 ,,mrs ,,flanagan4 ,as ,pollie reached her mother's door at last1 after all this amount of shopping had been accomplished1 she heard a well-known voice inside1 and knew that ,mrs4 ,flanagan had returned from work1 and was now having her usual little chat with ,mrs4 ,turner4 ,good ,mrs4 ,flanagan1 who had been so kind to the widow and her child from the first moment they came to lodge in the room opposite to hers--good old woman1 with a heart as noble and true as the finest lady's in the land--a gentlewoman in every sense1 though not of the form or manner in which we are accustomed to associate that word4 ,years ago she had been a servant in a farmhouse1 where she was valued and esteemed by all as a sincere though humble friend2 but ,mike ,flanagan won her heart1 and she joined her fate to his1 leaving the sweet1 fresh country in which she had always lived1 and cheerfully giving up all the old familiar ties of home and kindred for his dear sake4 ,mike had constant work in ,london1 with good wages too1 as a carpenter1 so though at first ,london and ,london ways sadly puzzled her1 yet she soon became used to the change1 and they were so happy--he in his clean1 tidy wife1 she in her honest1 sober husband4 ,but one day1 through the carelessness of a drunken fellow-workman1 some heavy timber fell upon poor ,mike1 crushing him beneath its weight1 and when next ,martha ,flanagan looked on her husband's face1 she know he was past all suffering1 and that she was destitute1 and her sweet baby ,nora fatherless4 ,but time soothed her anguish2 she must be up and doing1 and for many years she struggled on1 working to keep a home for herself and child2 and proud she was of her darling1 her beautiful ,nora1 who grew up a sweet flower of loveliness from a rugged parent stem1 with all the beauty of her father's nation and something of the sweetness of ,english grace4 ,well might the poor mother be proud of her only treasure4 ,what delight it was to see this rare beauty brightening the lowly home6 ,but the mother's idol was of clay2 in worshipping the creature with such fond idolatry1 she almost forgot the merciful ,creator4 ,one sad night1 on returning home from ,covent ,garden1 where she was constantly employed by a fruiterer and florist1 she found the place empty1 no one to greet her now4 ,nora was gone1 lost in that turbid stream which flows through our city4 ,oftentimes1 as the lonely mother wended her way at night through the streets on her return from work1 would she look with a shudder into the faces of those poor wretches who flaunted by fearing yet hoping to see her lost child4 ,but the name of ,nora never passed her lips4 ,no one who knew ,mrs4 ,flanagan imagined of this canker at her heart2 that page of her life was folded down1 and closed to prying eyes2 it was only when alone with ,god that on bended knees she prayed ,him to bring the poor wanderer home4 ,ah1 my bird6 she cried1 as ,pollie came joyfully dancing into the room4 ,here you are1 then2 ,i thought from what your mother said that such a lot of money had turned you a bit crazed4 ,pollie did not reply1 but pursed up her lips with a look of supreme importance as she placed her basket on the table1 and proceeded to take out its contents4 ,there1 mother dearie1 she exclaimed with delight as she displayed the meat2 that's for you4 ,you must eat every tiny bit of it1 so let us try some directly4 ,see1 dear ,mrs ,flanagan1 ,i bought these water-cresses for you4 ,shall ,i fetch your tea-pot8 ,for let us all have tea together to-day1 like on ,sundays2 this is such a happy day4 ,and she ran across the landing without waiting for a reply1 to bring the little brown tea-pot1 which on the ,sabbath always found a place on ,mrs4 ,turner's table2 for that day was hailed as a peaceful festival by these two lonely widows1 who kept ,god's day in sincerity and truth4 ,when the busy child came back1 she set to work to carefully wash the cresses1 arranging them afterwards in a pretty plate of her own1 and then1 placing them and the violets she had saved in front of the kind old woman1 lifted up her bright face for a kiss4 ,but ,mrs ,flanagan was unable even to say ,thank you1 my bird4 ,her face was buried in her blue checked apron4 ,she muttered something about her eyes being weak1 and when after a little while she looked up1 and lovingly kissed the child1 ,pollie feared they must be very bad indeed1 they were so red1 just as though she had been crying4 ,ah1 my little one1 she said in a husky voice may ,god ever keep you pure and simple in heart2 yea1 even as a little child6 ,by this time the meat was fried1 the tea made1 and everything in readiness for this wonderful banquet--at least so ,pollie deemed it4 ,how happy they were6 ,mrs ,flanagan had recovered her usual spirits1 and indulged in many a hearty laugh at the child's plans of what she should now do for mother1 and the widow looked on with her quiet smile1 happy in her child's happiness1 glad because she was listening to her merry prattle2 and though the meal was but scanty1 no dainty dishes to tempt the appetite1 yet the wisest man has said1-- ,better a dinner of herbs where love is1 than a stalled ox and hatred therewith4 ,,chapter ,v4 ,,the ,,kingdom ,,of ,,heaven4 ,well1 the days passed on1 and little ,pollie pursued her work of selling violets2 for those sweet flowers are a long time in season1 bearing bravely the ,march winds and ,april showers1 as though desirous of gladdening the earth as long as possible4 ,all honour1 then1 to these hardy little blossoms4 ,so day after day found ,pollie in the same spot where we first saw her1 until at last the little brown-eyed girl became well known to the passers-by4 ,kind old gentlemen1 fathers1 or it may be grandfathers some of them1 thought of their own more fortunate children1 whose lives were so much easier1 and so thinking1 stopped and bought of the shy little maiden1 speaking kindly to her the while2 girls on their way to the city workrooms gladly spent a hard-earned penny for violets1 and worked more cheerfully afterwards1 gladdened by the mere remembrance of ,pollie's grateful thanks4 ,a sturdy policeman1 too1 whose beat was at that place1 and where he seemed to hold stern sway over all the omnibus and cab drivers1 took her1 as it were1 under his lordly care 7perhaps he had a little girl of his own71 and would shield her many times from the jostling crowd1 or take her safely over the crossings4 ,indeed1 he was so kind1 that one day1 when she was going home1 she summoned up courage enough to overcome her shyness1 and offer him some of the violets she had not sold4 ,to her great delight he accepted them1 saying kindly1-- ,thank you1 my little woman4 ,and all through that day he kept them in his pocket1 sometimes1 however1 taking them out to smell their fragrance1 and then1 somehow1 the remembrance of ,pollie's wee face as she looked when timidly offering the flowers1 carried him back to the days of auld lang syne1 those happy days when he and his little sister 7long since dead7 had rambled through the green lanes of his native village1 searching for sweet violets1 and this memory cheered the poor tired policeman1 made him forget the ceaseless din around and the never-ending wilderness of bricks4 ,even the ,london sparrows looked less dingy1 and the sunbeams falling across the dusty pavement recalled to his mind how fresh the green was where he used to play when a boy1 and how the shadows seemed to chase the sunshine over the uplands on such an ,april day as this4 ,yes1 ,pollie's violets were not useless1 they were speaking with their mute voices----speaking of the past with its brightest memories to this poor man4 ,not that ,sally ,grimes had deserted her little friend1 far from that1 for somehow she took to her1 as she herself expressed it1 and was always hovering about the child in case she needed protection4 ,but ,sally's movements were inclined to be erratic2 she dashed in and out among all sorts of vehicles in search of customers so recklessly1 any one less experienced would have trembled for her safety2 but she knew no fear1 and dared the dangers of the streets most bravely4 ,sometimes ,lizzie ,stevens would walk with ,pollie as far as the ,bank1 then leaving the child to sell her flowers1 would proceed to the ,east ,end with her own work2 but on her return1 the little girl was always ready to join her1 and they would all three go home together4 ,a great friendship existed between the hitherto lonely seamstress and ,pollie's mother1 whose kind heart was touched by the account the child gave of their friendless young neighbour2 so she sought her out1 and finding how good she was1 and how bravely she struggled to earn her daily bread honestjly1 gradually won her confidence2 so that now ,lizzie felt she was not quite alone in this wide wide world4 ,there was a kind motherly love in which she could rest1 and life was made brighter for her2 even the days were less dreary than before1 for as ,mrs4 ,turner's room was nicer than hers1 she invited her to bring her work over1 and they stitched hour after hour at their ceaseless work1 yet still they did not feel their loneliness so much1 and were a comfort and help to one another4 ,all this was a happiness to ,pollie1 as she felt her mother would not be sad during her absence 7as she very often was71 for the child's business had become more extensive1 her ally1 ,sally1 having persuaded her to sell flowers in the evening also2 and as her mother and ,mrs4 ,flanagan had offered no objection to this plan1 ,pollie was only too glad to earn more2 indeed the little girl's gains1 small though they were1 helped to get many simple comforts for the humble home4 ,one evening about six o'clock she came home1 swinging her empty basket in her hand and singing softly a merry song from sheer gladness thinking also of the dear face upstairs that would brighten up to welcome her1 as it ever did1 when1 as she entered the doorway1 she stumbled over poor little ,jimmy1 crouching as usual just inside the entrance4 ,there ain't nobody at home1 ,pollie1 he said2 yer mother has gone to help ,lizzie ,stevens carry to the shop a real heap of work4 ,i daresay ,mrs4 ,flanagan is in her room1 said the child4 ,no1 she ain't neither1 replied ,jimmy1 for ,i see'd her go out to the market2 ,i know1 'cos she took her great basket with her4 ,oh then6 exclaimed ,pollie1 laughing1 ,i must just let myself in1 and wait for mother2 ,i know where she puts our key4 ,good-night1 ,jimmy dear4 ,and she was going up the stairs when she felt the little cripple boy gently pull her frock to detain her4 ,i say1 ,pollie1 he said hesitatingly1 ,i be so lonesome here1 will yer mind biding with me and telling me about the kingdom of heaven1 and that good man what took such as you and me in his arms--like you told me t'other day8 ,oh yes1 ,jimmy1 that ,i will1 cried the little girl2 here1 let us sit on this lowest stair2 ,i don't think many people will be passing up now1 and then ,i shall see mother when she comes in4 ,the poor ragged outcast crept near to his tiny friend as she requested1 and then sat looking up into her bright face1 whilst in simple words such as a child would use she told him that sweet story of old--of our ,saviour1 a babe in the manger of ,bethlehem--,his loving tenderness to us--of ,his death upon the ,cross for our redemption--of ,his glorious resurrection and ascension to heaven1 whither ,he has gone to prepare a place for those who love and believe ,him4 ,and does ,he want me in that beautiful land8 asked the awe-struck boy1 almost in a whisper4 ,yes1 ,jimmy1 even you1 was the reply4 ,but ,i be so dirty and ugly1 he said4 ,god made you1 dear1 and ,he makes nothing ugly1 replied the little girl soothingly4 ,and you say we shall never hunger or thirst in heaven1 and never feel pain any more4 ,o ,pollie1 ,i wish ,i was there2 nobody wants me here4 ,his little friend took his claw-like hand tenderly in hers and stroked it gently4 ,she knew what a wretched life was his1 and could not wonder at what he said--nobody wants me here--but her heart was full of sympathy for his loneliness4 ,shall ,i teach you a prayer to say to ,jesus1 ,jimmy8 she asked after a pause of some length1 during which her companion had been silently gazing up at the only piece of sky that was visible in that narrow court1 as though trying to imagine where heaven really was1 the child having pointed upwards whilst speaking of the home beyond the grave4 ,what is prayer8 he asked4 ,pollie could not explain it correctly1 but she did her best to make it easy to his benighted mind4 ,she gave him her idea of what prayer is4 ,it is speaking to ,god1 she said with reverence4 ,and will ,he listen to the likes of me8 was the question4 ,oh yes1 if you pray to ,him with your whole heart1 was her reply4 ,the boy paused awhile1 as though musing upon what she had said4 ,pollie1 he presently entreated in hushed tones1 please teach me to pray4 ,and then at the foot of the stairs knelt those two children--children of the same heavenly ,father1 lambs of the dear ,saviour's fold--alike and yet so unlike2 and the poor outcast cripple1 following the actions of the little girl1 meekly folded his hands as she clasped hers1 and with eyes raised heavenward to where a few stars were now softly shining1 he repeated after her-- ,consider and hear me1 ,o ,lord my ,god6 lighten mine eyes1 lest ,i sleep the sleep of death2 for ,jesus' sake6 ,he murmured the blessed words over two or three times after she had ceased to speak2 then in silence they sat down upon the stair again1 to wait for mother4 ,the daylight faded quite away1 only the stars were shining4 ,the court at this time of the evening was always very quiet1 and the peace of ,god was resting on those little ones4 ,by degrees a calm had fallen upon the poor boy's soul4 ,never1 never so happy before1 he laid his weary head upon the little girl's lap with a feeling of perfect rest1 murmuring to himself-- ,for ,jesus' sake4 ,and so ,pollie's mother found them fast asleep1 with the star-light shining on their upturned faces4 ,of such is the kingdom of heaven4 ,,chapter ,,vi4 ,,on ,,waterloo ,,bridge4 ,i say1 why don't yer come with me on ,saturdays1 ,pollie8 asked ,sally ,grimes one ,thursday evening as they wended their way homewards4 ,it was opera night1 and the sale of their flowers had been very good1 so that ,sally1 who had cleared out1 as she termed it1 was elated with success4 ,even ,pollie had only a small bunch left4 ,truth to tell1 she always liked to keep a few buds to take home with her--just a few to brighten up their room1 or those of their two dear friends4 ,she was tying up her blossoms1 which had become unfastened1 so that for the moment she did not reply to her companion's question1 who asked again-- ,why don't yer come on ,saturdays1 eh8 ,i allers does a good trade then4 ,mother likes to get ready for the ,sabbath on that day4 ,so we clean our room right out1 so as to make it nice and tidy4 ,then ,i learn my hymns and texts for the ,sunday-school1 and then mother hears me say them over1 so as to be sure ,i know them well2 and oh1 it's so happy6 ,sunday-school6 repeated ,sally2 is that where yer goes on ,sundays8 ,i see yer sometimes with books1 eh8 ,lord do yer go there8 ,yes2 would you like to go with me8 ,pollie suddenly asked1 looking up at her friend with delight at the mere idea4 ,but ,sally rubbed her nose thoughtfully with a corner of her apron1 uncertain what to say on the subject4 ,don't they whop yer at school8 she asked1 after deliberating4 ,to her astonishment1 quiet little ,pollie burst into such a merry laugh4 ,no1 indeed6 she exclaimed1 when her mirth had subsided4 ,the teachers are far too kind for that4 ,oh1 ,i know you would like it1 so do come4 ,well1 ,i'll see about it1 was the rejoinder4 ,my gown ain't special1 but ,i've got such a hat6 ,i bought it in ,clare ,market1 with red1 blue1 and yaller flowers in it--so smart6 ,oh1 never mind your clothes1 said ,pollie1 somewhat doubtful as to the effect such a hat would have on the teachers and pupils2 come as you are1 only clean and tidy--that is all they want4 ,for some time they walked on in silence1 but their thoughts must have been on the same subject1 for suddenly ,sally asked-- ,what do you do at ,sunday-school8 ,we read the ,bible1 repeat our texts and hymns4 ,shall ,i say the one ,i am learning for next ,sunday to you8 ,well1 ,i should like to hear it1 was the reply4 ,suppose we go and sit on ,waterloo ,bridge--it's nice and quiet there--,i'll pay the toll4 ,pollie1 however1 would not consent to her friend's extravagance on her behalf1 so the two children paid each their halfpenny and passed on to the ,bridge4 ,it was a lovely evening1 and though ,april1 yet it was not too cold1 so they seated themselves in one of the recesses1 and for a time were amused by watching the boats on the river1 chatting merrily1 as only children can4 ,now1 then1 tell me yer pretty hymn1 said ,sally1 when at last they had exhausted their stock of fun1 and putting her arm around her little friend's neck1 they cuddled up lovingly together--the gentle little ,pollie1 and sturdy1 rugged ,sally4 ,then the child repeated to her listening companion-- ,abide with me6 fast falls the eventide2 ,the darkness deepens2 ,lord1 with me abide1 c4 ,she went on unto the end1 the bigger girl listening the while with almost breathless eagerness1 and when it was finished they both remained silent4 ,evidently those beautiful verses had struck a chord hitherto mute in the heart of the poor untaught ,london waif4 ,oh1 but that's fine6 she murmured at last in hushed tones4 ,tell me something else1 ,pollie4 ,however1 just at that moment the attention of the children was arrested by a young woman who came and sat down in the recess opposite them4 ,they had both noticed her pass and repass several times1 but as they were almost hidden by the stone coping of the bridge1 she had not observed them4 ,with wild gestures she threw herself upon the stone seat1 and imagining she was alone1 burst into piteous moans1 alternately clasping her hands tightly together1 as though in pain1 then hiding her pale but lovely face1 which showed traces of agony2 swaying backwards and forwards1 but with ever the same ceaseless moaning cry4 ,oh1 poor lady6 whispered ,pollie to her friend4 ,she ain't no lady1 though she be so smart in a silk gown and rings on her fingers1 replied her companion in the same low tone4 ,what is she then8 asked the child4 ,poor ,sally ,grimes6 her education had hitherto been confined to the ,london streets1 and that training had made her but too well acquainted with life in its worst phases2 so she replied-- ,she's only some poor creature---- ,i say6 was her exclamation1 as suddenly she started up1 what be yer going to do8 ,the latter part of this sentence was addressed to the stranger1 who had sprung upon the stone parapet1 and was about to throw herself into the deep waters beneath4 ,let me die6 let me die6 she cried1 wildly struggling to free herself from sturdy ,sally's strong grasp4 ,no1 ,i won't6 was the reply4 ,here1 ,pollie1 you hold hard too4 ,oh1 in mercy1 in pity1 let me die6 sobbed the unhappy creature in her agony4 ,oh1 if you only knew how ,i want to be at rest for ever6 and again she struggled franticly to escape from the saving hands that held her4 ,now1 if yer don't get down and sit quiet on this seat1 ,i'll call that there peeler1 and then he'll take yer to ,bow ,street1 exclaimed the undaunted ,sally4 ,ain't yer 'shamed to talk like that8 ,now1 come1 ,i'll call him if yer don't do what ,i say4 ,frightened by this threat1 or perhaps seeing how fruitless were her feeble struggles against the strong grasp of her preserver1 the unhappy girl--she was but a girl--shrank down submissively on to the seat1 still trembling and moaning1 whilst brave-hearted ,sally stood over her to prevent any further attempt at self-destruction4 ,pollie looked on in bewildered surprise at this sad scene1 not knowing what to make of it2 but she still kept her hold on the woman's dress1 as if her small strength could be of any service2 but ,sally had told her to hold on1 and so she obeyed4 ,the woman was now sobbing bitterly4 ,it was more than the child could bear to see any one in tears1 so laying her little hand tenderly upon the sorrow-bowed head1 she said very gently-- ,please don't cry1 ma'am2 it makes ,sally and me so sad4 ,at that soft touch and soothing voice the woman looked up1 and then the two children saw that she was very beautiful even now1--mere wreck as she seemed to be of all that is pure and lovely4 ,child6 she cried1 do you know what you touch8--a wretch not fit to crawl the earth much less be touched by innocent hands like yours4 ,pollie shrank back in terror at these words1 and the tone in which they were uttered1 but ,sally was equal to any emergency4 ,come1 come1 she exclaimed1 don't yer talk like that1 frightening this little gal in that way2 you just quiet yourself1 and then we'll see yer safe home4 ,home6 was the response4 ,i have none1 only the streets or the river4 ,stuff and nonsense6 cried practical ,sally4 ,no home6 repeated little ,pollie2 how sad6 ,now what's to be done8 debated the elder girl1 somewhat puzzled as to the course to be pursued2 here's night coming on1 and we can't leave you here1 yer know4 ,let us take her home to my mother1 exclaimed the child2 mother will know what to do4 ,but ,sally hesitated4 ,perhaps she might not like it1 she observed4 ,oh1 ,i am sure mother won't mind1 she is so good and so kind4 ,all the time the children were discussing what was to be done1 the unhappy creature sat there1 never heeding what was said1 but still sobbing and moaning1 and apparently utterly exhausted4 ,well1 then1 there's nothing else to be done that ,i see1 so come along1 young woman2 and so saying1 ,sally ,grimes grasped her firmly by the arm1 thus forcing her to rise4 ,where are you taking me8 she asked1 gazing wildly around4 ,to ,pollie's mother1 was the reply4 ,but the woman hung back and strove to free herself4 ,i will not go6 she cried2 let me stay here1 leave me to myself4 ,however1 there is much to be said in favour of strength of will4 ,sally ,grimes1 young as she was1 possessed it in a wonderful degree2 therefore1 without wasting another word1 she compelled the forlorn creature to go with her1 little ,pollie still keeping hold of the poor thing's dress4 ,,chapter ,,vii4 ,,the ,,lost ,,one ,,found4 ,mrs4 ,turner sat alone1 busily sewing1 but she heard her darling's well-known step come pattering up the stairs2 so she put on the tea-kettle directly1 for she knew the little one would be tired and hungry2 and forthwith it began to sing cheerily1 filling the room with its homely melody1 as though it would say ,pollie is coming1 ,pollie is coming2 and somehow the mother felt cheered4 ,it may be the kettle's fancied greeting was but the echo of her own loving heart4 ,time was too precious to be wasted1 so the widow continued her work1 and the light from the one candle being centred to the spot where she sat1 the entry was consequently dark2 but on looking up with a smile of greeting1 expecting only to see ,pollie1 she was surprised to see her hesitate on the threshold1 apparently clutching some one tightly by the dress3 but directly she saw her mother1 she seemed to feel she might let go her hold1 her charge was safe2 so running in1 she threw her arms around her neck and whispered-- ,o mother1 darling1 this poor lady has no home2 let her stay here to-night4 ,the widow rose from her seat in some surprise1 but before she could say a word1 trusty ,sally ,grimes led in the woman1 and then in a moment ,mrs4 ,turner comprehended it all4 ,she saw a poor lost girl1 and she thought of her own innocent little one2 then came into her heart those merciful words-- ,neither do ,i condemn thee2 go1 and sin no more4 ,with womanly tenderness she took the poor shivering creature by the hand1 seated her close to the fire1 saying gently-- ,god help you1 my poor child1 you are welcome here4 ,then the flood-gates of the unhappy girl's heart were opened1 and leaning her head on the widow's shoulder she sobbed aloud4 ,meanwhile ,pollie1 assisted by her faithful friend1 was busy getting the tea ready1 thinking it would refresh their strange visitor2 and whilst ,sally cut some bread-and-butter the child arranged her violets in a cup1 to make1 as she said1 the table look pretty4 ,but the stranger was unable to partake of the simple meal2 she seemed utterly worn and weary1 for1 leaning her head upon the arm of the chair1 she lapsed into an apathetic sleep1 as though completely exhausted4 ,whilst she thus slept1 ,sally ,grimes 7who had been invited to remain7 told ,mrs4 ,turner in a whisper all that had taken place that evening4 ,may ,god bless you1 my dear1 said the widow fervently2 you are indeed a good girl4 ,but ,pollie helped me1 exclaimed the warm-hearted girl4 ,the mother looked at her delicate little child1 and smiled to think of those tiny hands doing their part in saving this woman4 ,then she turned for counsel to ,sally4 ,i have but this one bed1 she said hesitatingly1 and--and--,i should not like her to sleep with ,pollie2 what shall ,i do8 ,let us make her a nice bed on the floor1 suggested the child4 ,that's the thing6 assented ,sally1 and the widow agreeing to the plan1 they soon had a comfortable bed ready for the stranger4 ,the poor creature suffered them to remove her hat and dress1 then they laid her down1 and she rested1 thankful for the shelter so cheerfully given1 humble though it was4 ,she was still very beautiful4 ,her golden brown hair1 released from its massive braids1 fell in rippling waves around her2 the long black lashes1 now that the eyes were closed1 lay like a silken fringe upon the pale and wasted cheeks4 ,yes1 she was very beautiful2 and as the good ,samaritans stood looking at her 7the children with wondering pity71 the widow thought of the time when this lost girl was tenderly loved by parents1 who perhaps were even now sorrowing for their erring child4 ,it was getting late1 and as it was ,pollie's bedtime the mother and child prepared to read their evening chapter4 ,sally1 too1 sat down by the fire to listen1 wondering in her own mind what they were about4 ,it was all so strange to this poor ,london waif1 this cleanly1 peaceful home1 this simple worship4 ,the appointed chapter for this evening was the parable of the ,good ,shepherd1 and the girl's attention was riveted by those words of ,divine love and mercy4 ,and other sheep ,i have1 which are not of this fold3 them also ,i must bring1 and they shall hear ,my voice2 and there shall be one fold1 and one shepherd4 ,would she be gathered into that fold also8 could there be room for her8 ,yes2 the seed was sown on that hitherto rugged soil2 it would take root and bring forth fruit for the ,lord of the harvest4 99 99 99 99 99 ,just as ,sally had put on her time-worn shawl1 and was bidding her kind friends good-night before going home1 heavy steps were heard ascending the stairs1 and soon the portly form of ,mrs4 ,flanagan entered the room4 ,well1 here ,i am again1 she exclaimed1 and right-down tired1 ,i can tell you2 why don't cooks know what they want1 and order things in the morning8 ,dear1 dear6 what a walk ,i've had1 to be sure--all the way to ,grosvenor ,square1 and with such a load too6 ,hush1 please1 whispered ,mrs4 ,turner1 pointing to the sleeper4 ,who have you got there8 she asked in surprise4 ,in a few words1 spoken in a subdued voice1 the widow told the sad tale1 and also of the two children's brave conduct4 ,what be she like8 was the natural question2 is it right to have her here1 think ye8 she added4 ,then1 as if to satisfy herself on the first point1 she stole softly to where the poor wanderer lay sleeping4 ,the light on the table was but dim1 not sufficient to enable her to see distinctly1 so that she was compelled to kneel down to scan the face of the sleeping girl4 ,at that moment a bright flame shot up from the flickering fire1 and lighted the corner where the bed had been made for the stranger4 ,there was a quick convulsive gasp4 ,my ,god6 oh1 can it be8 the old woman cried in a hushed voice4 ,no1 no1 ,i've been deceived too often4 ,quick6 quick6 a light6 ,mrs4 ,turner hurried with it to her side4 ,she almost snatched it from her in her eagerness2 she gazed long and earnestly upon those wasted features1 her breath coming thick and fast1 almost as though her very heart was bursting4 ,in silence she gave the light back into the hands of her wondering friend1 then laying her head down on the pillow beside the fallen girl1 and folding her arms around her1 she sobbed out-- ,my darling1 my ,nora6 you've come back at last to your poor old mother6 ,nothing but death shall part us now6 ,,chapter ,,viii4 ,,sally',s ,,first ,,sunday ,,at ,,church4 ,a feeling of ,sabbath peace stole over little ,pollie as she issued forth from her humble home on her way to ,sunday-school4 ,all was still1 so quiet2 the very court1 usually noisy1 seemed hushed4 ,none of its uproarious inhabitants were about1 only poor crippled ,jimmy was sitting on the door-step warming himself in the feeble sunlight that flickered down from among the crowded chimneys4 ,the little girl paused to speak a few kind words to him4 ,i wish you could come with me1 she said2 it is so nice4 ,what6 be school nice8 repeated the boy1 who seemed to have the same horror of learning as the more enlightened ,sally ,grimes4 ,yes1 she replied2 indeed it is4 ,they are all so kind to us there1 and teach us such beautiful verses and texts about ,god and our ,saviour4 ,be that ,him you told me on8 he asked4 ,i ain't forgot what you told me afore--',consider1 and hear me1 ,o ,lord my ,god6 lighten mine eyes1 lest ,i sleep the sleep of death4' ,oh1 you are a good boy6 exclaimed the child encouragingly4 ,now ,i will tell you my text for to-day1 and when ,i come back you shall hear what my teacher says about ',the ,lord is my shepherd1 ,i shall not want4' ',the ,lord is my shepherd1 ,i shall not want1' repeated the crippled boy with reverence4 ,i'll not forget it1 ,pollie1 he added1 as the little girl prepared to start again1 fearing to be late for school4 ,as she turned into ,drury ,lane1 to her great surprise there stood ,sally ,grimes1 looking strangely shy1 but tidily and1 above all1 neatly dressed4 ,the well-worn cotton gown was perfectly clean2 indeed1 for the last two days ,sally had been wearing a jacket over a petticoat whilst the dress was being washed and dried4 ,her hair1 usually rough1 was now smoothly brushed behind her ears1 and her face and hands were as clean as soap-and-water could make them4 ,evidently she had given up the idea of the gaudy hat1 for a neat bonnet covered her head4 ,altogether she looked quite neat and respectable4 ,good morning1 cried ,pollie1 joyously glad to see her kind friend4 ,where are you going8 ,sally hesitated ,may ,i come with you8 she stammered bashfully4 ,for the moment little ,pollie could not reply2 she felt too happy to speak4 ,oh1 ,i'm so glad6 she said at last1 and taking her friend's hand in hers1 she proceeded onwards1 the happiest little girl in the world4 ,what a contrast they were6--the sturdy1 self-reliant ,london arab1 willing1 ay1 and able1 to battle through the world unaided2 the timid1 fragile ,pollie1 strong only in her efforts after good1 firm only in her love of truth4 ,you may imagine with what delight and pride she introduced ,sally to her kind teacher2 what happiness it was to have her sitting by her side1 to see her rapt attention as the text was explained in simple words suitable to the comprehension of the listening children2 and when was read the parable of the ,good ,shepherd1 which had been the lesson on that memorable evening when ,sally first felt the eager longing to be gathered into the ,saviour's fold1 ,pollie instinctively grasped her friend's hand1 as once again the blessed message was repeated4 ,happy indeed are they who gather ,his children in1 shielding ,his little ones from future harm1 feeding ,his lambs with the bread of life4 ,for ,sally ,grimes this was all so new3 the quiet ,sabbath school1 those happy children2 a light was dawming upon her hitherto clouded mind as she heard of ,jesus1 who came on earth as a little child1 endured a life of poverty and sorrow1 then died a cruel death to save us from eternal misery4 ,never before had she heard the glad tidings of great joy1 and her heart was filled with unexpressed thankfulness and peace4 ,when class was over1 the little scholars went their way to church1 happy ,pollie with her friend's hand still clasped in hers2 and the bells rang out their peaceful chime1 ,it is the ,sabbath6 it is the ,sabbath6 ,even the usual noisy bustle of the ,strand was hushed in deference to ,god's holy day4 ,the busy world was calmed to celebrate the day of rest2 the peace of ,god seemed resting upon the earth4 ,how beautiful the church appeared to ,sally1 who had never until this day entered a house of prayer 7dear old ,st4 ,clement's ,danes1 hallowed to us by many memories71 and when the organ pealed forth1 and the voices sang ,i will arise1 she thought1 ,this must be ,god's house1 and those the angels singing4 ,there was some one else in the church that ,sabbath-day who also thought it must be heaven of which little ,pollie had-spoken1 and that was poor crippled ,jimmy4 ,mrs4 ,turner on coming downstairs to go to church had found the neglected boy as usual lonely and desolate4 ,his drunken mother had gone in a pleasure-van with a party of friends like herself to ,hampton ,court1 leaving her child to amuse himself as he could2 and kindly ,mrs4 ,turner had carried him up to her own room1 washed and dressed him in one of ,pollie's clean frocks1 given him some wholesome bread-and-butter1 then brought him with her to church4 ,he sat so still and quiet by the widow's side1 his eyes intently fixed upon the clergyman1 listening eagerly to every word that was spoken1 every hymn that was sung1 realising in his untutored mind a foretaste of that heaven of which his earliest friend had told1 where hunger was unknown1 and where sorrow and sighing should flee away4 ,once only1 when the rector gave forth his text1 ,consider the lilies of the field1 the boy grasped the widow's hand1 and whispered-- ,be they the flowers ,pollie give me8 ,heaven and ,pollie's violets filled his heart4 99 99 99 99 99 ,many were the happy children who issued forth from ,st4 ,clement's on that ,sabbath noon2 some hand-in-hand with loving parents1 wending their way to homes of plenty1 where kindly faces would be waiting to greet them2 but of the many1 none were or could be happier than those three little ones who gathered round ,mrs4 ,turner when service was over1 and1 walking side by side1 went home to squalid ,drury ,lane4 ,no well-filled table awaited their coming1 only the plain and scanty fare the poor widow could offer to her child's young friends2 but ,one hath said-- ,whosoever giveth a cup of water to one of these little ones in ,my name1 verily ,i say unto you1 he shall in no wise lose his reward4 ,and this was ,sally's first ,sunday at church4 ,,chapter ,,ix4 ,,crippled ,,jimmy4 ,many days and weeks had passed away1 much as life does with us all4 ,we heed not its passing1 and forget in the turmoil of worldly cares to scatter seed for the great ,husbandman1 to reap when ,he cometh4 ,and little ,pollie8 ,she had been busy as usual selling her flowers1 and as usual scattering1 in her simple way1 the golden grain4 ,gently had she led ,sally ,grimes to seek for higher things1 and every ,sabbath they were now to be seen sitting side by side1 learning of the life that is to come4 ,and at home8 ,affairs there had become much brighter1 for ,mrs4 ,turner's work had greatly increased1 her quiet1 unpretending manner having won for her many kind friends1 who kept her fully employed--indeed so much that ,lizzie ,stevens had given up her hard labour of working for the slopshops1 and now helped the widow in her lighter and more remunerative toil4 ,it is true they had to work early and late to keep the house 7such as it was7 above them--the wolf from the door2 but they were not so lonely as heretofore4 ,the widow found comfort in the companionship of the hitherto friendless girl1 and it was such a happiness for ,lizzie to have one so motherly in whom to confide1 and of whom she could ask counsel and advice4 ,then when ,pollie came in from her daily toil1 cheering them both like a very sunbeam1 how they would pause in their work to watch her as she merrily counted over her money1 and brushed out her empty basket in readiness for the morrow1 chatting gaily the while4 ,and then to see that active little figure so noiselessly busy getting the tea-dinner1 which she always insisted on doing to save mother the trouble2 indeed1 ,i think the tea would have lost its flavour for that dear mother had ,pollie's hands not prepared it4 ,sometimes1 during the hot ,july days1 the child would persuade them to take a rest2 and when it became too dark to see their work without the help of a candle1 they would walk out of ,drury ,lane for a while1 and go down one of the streets leading to the ,thames1 where the air felt purer and fresher1 and sitting down would watch the boats on the river4 ,sally usually joined them1 and these little rests from toil constituted their simple pleasures4 ,how deliciously cool the breezes felt1 so different to the heated atmosphere of their own neighbourhood6 ,both ,mrs4 ,turner and ,lizzie used to feel revived by the change4 ,no wonder then that the two children should decide on living near the river when they grew rich1 for with the hopefulness of youth they planned great things for the future4 ,so the summer passed by1 and autumn came1 and now1 instead of roses or pinks1 ,pollie's basket was filled with chrysanthemums and dahlias4 ,she often wondered what she should do when winter came and there were no sweet flowers to sell4 ,it grieved her to think she should not then be able to help her dear mother1 and as usual she opened her heart to that loving parent4 ,ah1 my ,pollie6 said the mother1 as she smoothed back the curls from the anxious little face1 have you forgotten8 ',the ,lord will provide4' ,then the child was comforted1 for she remembered that ,there is no want to them that fear ,him4 ,one ,october evening she turned up ,russell ,court1 tired and anxious to get home1 for it had been a dull1 dark day in the ,city1 and she had not succeeded in disposing of her flowers there4 ,the old bankers and merchants seemed not disposed for purchasing bouquets that day4 ,even ,sally's basket still remained filled1 and she was always a more successful seller than timid little ,pollie2 so the elder girl had proposed trying westward for better luck4 ,better luck they certainly had1 for their baskets became empty at last1 but they walked many a mile during the day1 and ,pollie's tiny feet were very1 very weary1 as bidding her friend a loving good-night she turned her steps towards home1 eagerly longing for its rest and shelter4 ,the gas was flaring in ,drury ,lane1 so that ,russell ,court looked dark by comparison2 but as she approached the house in which they lived1 she was surprised to see a dense crowd gathered around the door4 ,men were there speaking in hoarse whispers1 women talking with bated breath as though afraid to speak aloud1 and the bewildered child could hardly fancy it was the same place1 there was such a hushed commotion as it were2 the crowd swaying to and fro1 to give place to others who came to swell the excited throng4 ,little ,pollie stood amidst the people who were hustling each other to get as near the door as possible4 ,what was to be done8 how was she to get into the house8 and oh1 how anxious her mother would be at her long absence6 ,the poor child became frightened1 almost to tears1 totally unable to force her way through the mob1 which was increasing every moment1 when looking round for some friendly aid1 she saw to her delight ,mrs4 ,smith1 the greengrocer's wife1 standing close by1 with a shawl thrown over her head1 talking to a policeman1 and pointing excitedly towards the house4 ,pollie went up to her and ventured timidly to touch her arm4 ,please1 ,mrs4 ,smith1 she began4 ,lor' bless me1 child1 what are you doing out so late1 and in this crowd too8 was her exclamation4 ,i can't get in1 ,pollie sobbed2 oh1 what is the matter8 ,what6 don't you know8 ,lor'1 it's awful1 she replied2 here1 policeman1 do get this poor child through that there mob2 ,i guess her mother is in a way about her4 ,all right1 ,mrs4 ,s----1 said the man1 and to ,pollie's astonishment he took her up in his arms1 to carry her through the crowd1 who made way for him to pass with his light burden4 ,tallow candles were flaring in the narrow passage1 people with pallid1 haggard faces looked out from open room doors2 yet with all this unwonted stir1 there seemed to be a strange hushed awe upon them1 as though they were calmed by the mysterious presence of a great calamity4 ,when the man put ,pollie down she glanced from one to another in trembling alarm1 still clinging to her protector's hand4 ,here she is at last1 cried a voice2 and turning to the speaker she recognised a woman who lived in the house1 and whom she had often met on the stairs4 ,is it my mother8 asked the child1 with undefined dread at her poor little heart4 ,no1 no1 come with me2 he keeps calling for you4 ,then1 still holding the policeman's hand closely clasped in hers1 she followed the woman down the dirty dark stairs which led to the cellar where ,jimmy lived4 ,the door of the squalid room stood wide open2 two tallow candles stuck in empty bottles flared on the broken mantel-shelf above the rusty fireless grate2 a battered old chair and a rickety table constituted the entire furniture of the room 7if such it could be called71 for on a heap of dirty rags lay little ,jimmy4 ,by his side1 holding him in her arms1 knelt ,mrs4 ,turner1 whilst a gentleman1 evidently the parish doctor1 was bathing his head1 from which the blood was flowing4 ,lizzie ,stevens was there1 steeping linen in a basin for the doctor1 and another policeman1 no one else4 ,i forgot4 ,crouching in the farthest corner1 and glaring in drunken stupor around her1 was the poor dying child's wretched mother4 ,a broken bottle tightly grasped in her hands1 fragments of which lay about the dirt-encrusted floor1 told the tale1 alas6 too plainly4 ,in her drunken fury she had slain her child6 ,pollie felt safe directly she saw her own loved mother4 ,o mother1 what is it8 she whispered4 ,the dying boy heard her1 softly as she had spoken4 ,little ,pollie1 he feebly murmured1 and turned his dim eyes up to her4 ,dear ,jimmy1 she said1 kneeling down beside him4 ,he smiled as though at peace1 and yet the life-blood was ebbing slowly away4 ,pollie1 he said1 shall ,i go to the kingdom of heaven8 ,will ,jesus put ,his hands on me1 and bless me also8 ,the little girl could not speak for sobbing1 but she laid her soft cheek upon his clay-cold hand4 ,you've been very good to me1 he rambled on1 you told me of the ,good ,shepherd---- ,there was silence1 broken only by the choking sobs of the listeners2 even the policemen1 used as they were to similar scenes1 were deeply moved at the dying boy's love for his little friend4 ,his eyes were closed1 but his disengaged hand wandered feebly over the horse-rug that covered him1 until at last he laid it on ,pollie's bowed head4 ,there it rested2 his eyes unclosed1 and he gazed wildly round1 saying excitedly-- ,pollie1 ,pollie1 it's so dark4 ,is it night coming on8 ,don't go1 little ,pollie4 ,let me say the prayer you taught me4 ,he tried to fold his hands as she had always done4 ,in vain--they fell upon the coverlet1 weak and nerveless4 ,lighten mine eyes1 lest ,i sleep the sleep of death1 he murmured falteringly4 ,the voice ceased6 ,crippled ,jimmy had passed away safely into the fold of the ,good ,shepherd6 ,ah6 who would wish him back again8 ,misery exchanged for perfect bliss--sorrow and sighing for eternal joy4 ,they all gazed upon the sharp pinched features1 now gradually settling into the calm repose of death4 ,what in life was almost painful to look upon1 with the touch of immortality became lovely2 for the dead child's face bore the impress of an angel's smile1 as though he had caught a glimpse of heaven's happiness whilst passing through the dark valley of the shadow of death4 ,little ,pollie clung to her mother1 sobbing convulsively and hiding her face in her dress4 ,hush1 my darling1 soothed the widow2 poor ,jimmy is now with ,god1 free from all sorrow or pain4 ,think what his joy must be6 ,they were startled by a harsh voice screeching out-- ,that ain't my ,jimmy6 ,let me get at him6 ,i say1 what be you folks doing here8 ,it was the drunken creature1 who1 unnoticed by any of them1 had approached the spot where the dead child lay4 ,she darted forward1 crying out1 whilst she brandished the bottle-- ,i'll wake him1 never fear2 like ,i've done many a time before1 ,i warrant ye6 ,fortunately the policeman saw her in time to prevent her doing further mischief1 or even touching the boy1 for1 laying his firm grasp upon her arm1 he exclaimed authoritatively-- ,come1 none of this1 my good woman4 ,i must take you to ,bow ,street1 to answer the charge of killing that poor little chap4 ,then ensued a scene too terrible to describe4 ,the wretched woman was taken away from the place1 shrieking and swearing1 leaving her dead child to be tended by strangers1 kinder far than she had ever been4 ,,chapter ,x4 ,,nora4 ,a drizzling rain kept falling the day on which little ,jimmy was to be laid in his narrow home4 ,they had found beneath his ragged jacket a little packet1 carefully tied with a piece of thread1 and on opening it1 something dried and shrivelled fell to the ground4 ,it was the bunch of violets1 now withered1 ,pollie's first gift to him--the only gift he had ever received1 and which came fraught with such peace to him4 ,with tender pity ,mrs4 ,turner refolded the tiny packet1 and placed the faded flowers again where they had been so carefully treasured4 ,his unhappy mother was in prison1 which place she only quitted to be confined for life in a criminal lunatic asylum1 driven mad by that fearful curse of ,england--drink6 drink6 so that there would have been no one to follow him to his last resting-place had not good ,mrs4 ,turner offered to go4 ,she could not bear to think of the poor child being laid to rest so friendlessly1 and little ,pollie pleaded to be taken4 ,then ,lizzie ,stevens begged to be allowed to accompany the widow in her pious task1 and just as the humble parish funeral was leaving the house1 which had been but a miserable home for the dead child1 ,sally ,grimes came up1 and1 taking ,lizzie's hand silently1 joined the three mourners4 ,a large black cloak covered her patched but clean frock1 and she wore an old black bonnet of her mother's1 which had outlived many fashions4 ,it was the only outward semblance of mourning she could get1 but her heart sorrowed sincerely for the crippled boy whom she had seen for many years1 desolate and uncared for1 crouching in the dingy doorway--desolate until little ,pollie found him there1 and shed some brightness around his hitherto lonely life2 and another thing1 he was a sort of link between her and ,pollie4 ,the ,london streets looked dismal and dirty on this autumn afternoon with the pitiless rain and murky sky2 but when the little party reached the quiet suburban cemetery1 the clouds had somewhat dispersed1 though the late flowers which yet remained to gladden the earth drooped with the heavy moisture2 and when the last words were spoken1 and all that remained of ,crippled ,jimmy had been laid in his narrow bed1 the four kindly mourners turned tearfully from the spot1 leaving him alone in his poor humble grave4 ,at that moment a robin perched himself on a bush close by1 and warbled forth such a hymn1 so full of gladness1 it seemed as though the bird sang the echo of those joyful words-- ,i am the ,resurrection and the ,life4 99 99 99 99 99 ,and so they left little ,jimmy4 ,nothing could harm him now4 ,twas but his frail mortality they mourned2 his blest spirit1 freed from earthly stains1 was now with his ,saviour and ,god4 99 99 99 99 99 ,on their return home they found that ,mrs4 ,flanagan had prepared a comfortable tea for them all in ,mrs4 ,turner's room2 and it looked so cosy and home-like1 humble though it was1 with ,mrs4 ,flanagan's kindly face to greet them4 ,poor ,mrs4 ,flanagan--she was greatly changed2 no longer the same cheerful person1 but calm and subdued1 as if she dwelt beneath some dark shadow that clouded her existence4 ,she did not now1 when her day's work was ended1 come into ,mrs4 ,turner's room to have a friendly chat1 or interest herself in ,pollie's fortune-making1 as she used to do4 ,it is true1 she still brought the flowers for the child1 but her whole mind seemed too absorbed to dwell on these trivial matters which formerly possessed such an interest for her4 ,her entire thoughts were centred on ,nora4 ,no one1 save good ,mrs4 ,turner1 had seen the poor girl since the evening ,pollie had brought the lost one home4 ,the poor mother hid1 as it were1 her recovered treasure1 fearful that even the mere passing glance of scorn should for a moment rest on her blighted child4 ,so up in that little room1 away from prying eyes1 lived the mother and daughter4 ,nora was not idle4 ,not for worlds would she have rested dependent on that dear forgiving mother's hard earnings for her daily food2 therefore1 whilst ,mrs4 ,flanagan toiled in ,covent ,garden ,market1 her daughter's slender fingers diligently laboured at bookbinding1 the trade she had pursued years ago1 in the time when her heart was innocent and happy4 ,on the evening of which we write1 when ,sally ,grimes and ,lizzie ,stevens had gone to their own homes after the peaceful hours spent with ,mrs4 ,turner1 the old woman sat for some time silent and sad1 with elbows resting on the table1 and her face buried in her hands4 ,at length she looked up4 ,my ,nora's very sadly1 she observed4 ,the widow paused in her needlework1 and gazed at the troubled countenance of her old friend4 ,she is not ill1 is she8 was the question3 ,i saw her this morning1 and then she seemed pretty much the same4 ,no1 not ill in body1 at least not much1 replied the poor mother2 but oh6 ,mrs4 ,turner1 my ,nora is not like my ,nora of days gone by4 ,and the grey head bent low upon the table1 and the worn wrinkled face was hidden1 to hide the bitter tears which fell4 ,her sympathising listener put down her work1 and rising softly1 laid her hand gently upon her neighbour's sorrow-bent head4 ,take heart1 ,mrs4 ,flanagan1 she soothed2 it will all come right at last1 in ,god's own time4 ,just think how once you feared you should never see your daughter again1 and then---- ,oh1 but she's not the same2 no longer gay1 or even cheerful1 as she used to be1 was sobbed forth2 sits for hours looking far-away like1 as if she saw me not2 yet once ,i was all to her4 ,ah1 woe is me that ,i should be sorry she was not laid to rest years ago1 when a sinless child1 like little ,jimmy was to-day6 ,whilst the unhappy mother was thus pouring out her heart sorrow1 ,pollie had crept up1 and in loving pity had slidden her small hand into her aged friend's in token of sympathy with her grief4 ,for some time ,mrs4 ,flanagan was too absorbed with her great woe to heed that gentle caress1 but when alluding to the dead boy she raised her head1 and saw the little girl's tearful eyes lifted to hers4 ,please1 don't cry1 dear ,mrs4 ,flanagan1 she said timidly4 ,nora will soon be like she once was2 won't she1 mother8 ,bless you1 my precious1 cried the poor old woman1 laying her hand lovingly on the child's curly head1 you're a real comfort to me4 ,o mother1 murmured a soft voice1 have patience with me1 dearest2 ,i am still your own ,nora2 only--oh1 so worn and sin-stained6 ,they started in surprise4 ,unseen she had entered the room1 and had overheard her poor mother mourning for her child4 ,meekly she knelt at her parent's feet1 with tearless eyes upraised1 but clasping the hard rough hand that had so toiled for her in the years gone by1 and was willing still to toil1 could it but bring back some few gleams of former brightness to her child4 ,i am not changed in heart to you1 dear mother1 she continued1 but when ,i sit and think1 my sad thoughts fly back over the dreary desert of the past2 and ,i know what ,i am1 and what ,i might have been4 ,all trembling with emotion1 the poor old woman held out her arms to clasp her penitent child2 then laying her head upon her bosom1 she smoothed the beautiful hair caressingly1 as in the days when as an infant she nestled there4 ,yes1 yes1 dear mother1 pursued the poor girl2 let me lay my weary head where ,i can hear the beating of your heart1 whose every throb1 ,i know1 is full of love for me4 ,i will pray to forget the sad1 sad past1 and be to you once more your ,nora of the long ago4 ,we were so happy then6 ,yes1 we were happy in those days1 murmured the mother1 to herself as it were2 though often hungry1 and often cold2 but the wide world was our garden1 and we had to pluck what flowers we could from it4 ,you1 my poor child1 passed by the blossoms1 and gathered only weeds2 but take heart1 my darling1 there are yet some bonnie buds to cull1 and life after all will not be quite a barren wilderness to you and your poor old mother4 ,then ,mrs4 ,flanagan fairly broke down4 ,but the icy barrier which had divided the mother and daughter was fallen1 and they now knew what they were--all in all--to each other once again4 ,,chapter ,,xi4 ,,christmas ,,eve4 ,christmas ,eve6 ,what memories revive at those two almost hallowed words6 ,we think upon the first ,christmas ,eve1--of the manger at ,bethlehem1 the ,redeemer's humble cradle-bed2 the star1 guiding ,his first worshippers to ,his poor abode1--and we recall in imagination that glorious anthem sung by the heavenly host to those simple awe-struck shepherds whilst guarding their flocks by night6 ,yes2 those words1 ,christmas ,eve1 carry our thoughts1 for a time at least1 far from the cares of this transient world2 and strangely cold must be the heart that does not echo the glad tidings1 ,on earth1 peace1 goodwill toward men4 ,but on the ,christmas ,eve of which we speak the holy stars were shining above a far different scene than those peaceful plains of ,bethlehem--on ,london1 that wilderness to the poor and sad1 that golden city for the rich and gay1 and in a district of which 7,drury ,lane7 little star-light could be discerned through the murky air of its crowded streets4 ,drury ,lane was now at the height of its business3 flaring gas-jets flamed at the open shop-fronts1 whilst tradesmen and costermongers seemed to vie with each other as to which could shout the loudest to attract customers4 ,there were butchers urging passers-by to purchase joints of animals hanging up in the shops1 decked with rosettes and bows of coloured ribbon in honour of ,christmas2 greengrocers1 gay with holly and mistletoe1 interspersed with mottoes wishing every one the ,compliments of the season4 ,bakers1 too1 were doing a thriving trade in cakes of all sizes2 whilst down the centre of the street1 lining each side of the roadway1 were vendors of all sorts of things1 whose stalls were brightened either by oil-lamps or else the more humble candle stuck in a paper lantern4 ,i care not to speak of gin-palaces1 filled by poor wretches buying poison for soul and body4 ,would to ,god our loved country could be free from its curse of drunkenness6 ,and yet the poor denizens of this pent-up neighbourhood appeared more cheerful and better-tempered than they usually seem to be4 ,jokes were bandied freely between tradesmen and customers1 and kindly greetings exchanged in honour of ,christmas4 ,occasionally1 it is true1 a shivering creature would be seen shuffling along through the busy crowd1 glancing with furtive hungry eyes at the food exposed for sale1 but unable to buy even a loaf of bread4 ,the generality1 however1 had anticipated the coming festive season1 and had saved the wherewith to keep ,christmas4 ,it was a relief to turn from the noisy din of ,drury ,lane up ,russell ,court1 and thence to the quiet of ,mrs4 ,turner's room4 ,yes2 there they were all to be seen1 a happy family party1 preparing1 too1 to keep ,christmas4 ,at the one end of the table1 close to the candle 7they could only afford one71 sat ,mrs4 ,turner and ,lizzie1 busily stitching away1 anxious to do as much work as they possibly could1 as it was intended to celebrate the next day as an entire rest and holiday4 ,on the floor was ,sally ,grimes stoning some raisins into a basin for the plum-pudding1 and by her side1 at ,nora's feet1 sat ,pollie1 helping her trusty friend in her important work4 ,mrs4 ,flanagan was standing at the other end of the table1 busily mixing the various ingredients requisite for this crowning dish of the unwonted feast1 and there also was ,mrs4 ,grimes 7,sally's mother7 chopping up the seasoning for a goose1 which ,mrs4 ,flanagan's employers had given her as a ,christmas gift1 and on which they were all to dine4 ,mrs4 ,smith had also contributed something to this festival in the shape of oranges and nuts1 and had also given ,pollie a few sprigs of holly with which to deck their room4 ,seated on a low chair1 her lap filled with holly leaves and bright berries1 sat ,nora1 and her slender fingers were busy twining them into little garlands to brighten up their poor abode4 ,very pale and fragile looked the girl1 almost too fragile to struggle with the world1 but her sweet face was happier than when last we saw her kneeling at her mother's feet4 ,it was as though the storm of life had buffeted her until almost crushed1 and having vented its utmost fury1 had passed away1 leaving her at rest at last1 but oh6 so worn and weary with the strife4 ,poor old ,mrs4 ,flanagan6 ,every thought of her heart turned to ,nora4 ,when her daughter was sometimes gay with a touch of the light-heartedness of other days1 the gaiety would find an echo with her1 and she would strive to be merry for that dear one's sake4 ,and if1 as was more frequently the case1 the girl was sad1 the shadow rested on the mother also4 ,she seemed now but to live in the reflection of her daughter's life4 ,even now1 whilst busy with the morrow's good cheer1 she would ever and anon pause to glance at her child2 and if the girl chanced to look up1 and met the mother's eyes with a smile1 what intense joy spread over that mother's careworn face1 lighting it up with the sunshine of love4 ,ah me6 we can never fathom the depth of a mother's tenderness4 ,who in the whole world cares for us as she does8 ,pitiful to our faults1 sorrowing with our griefs1 rejoicing in our joys4 ,who so unselfish8 who so true8 ,happy the child who can truthfully say1 ,never has sin of mine furrowed thy brow1 or silvered thy hair1 my darling4 ,but to return to our story4 ,pollie1 seated as before mentioned at ,nora's feet1 was intently watching her 7making very little progress1 ,i fear1 with stoning the raisins7 as she daintily threaded some berries to form a word1 and many a merry laugh was caused by the two children trying to guess what the word was to be4 ,p was the letter first fixed on to the slip of cardboard1 and which she held up to them1 smiling brightly4 ,i know what it's to be6 cried ,sally1 who was becoming quite a scholar now2 it's plum-pudding4 ,but ,nora shook her head1 saying-- ,no1 that is not the word ,i am going to make4 ,can you guess1 ,pollie8 ,i don't think ,i can1 was the reply4 ,is it---- ,p stands for ,pollie1 cried out impetuous ,sally1 in her eagerness almost upsetting her basin of raisins upon the floor4 ,perhaps it's that4 ,there was much merriment over ,sally's guessing1 and much amazement too on the part of ,mrs ,grimes1 who was utterly astonished at her gal's larning2 but still ,nora shook her head4 ,no1 that was not the word intended4 ,many were the conjectures hazarded1 till at last ,pollie resolved to try no more1 but wait until the entire word or phrase was finished1 both children promising not to look until at a given signal from ,nora they should know it was completed4 ,then they resumed their employment1 waiting very patiently for the time4 ,at last it came4 ,now1 said ,nora1 and she held it up so that all could see1 then she gave it into ,pollie's hand4 ,the puzzle was solved4 ,peace on earth1 read the child aloud4 ,there was a silence1 each one occupied with thoughts those words suggested4 ,tears filled the eyes of the two widows1 for they clearly understood what was in the girl's heart when tracing those letters4 ,her head was bowed2 they could not see her face1 but her hands were very trembling as she clasped them together as if in silent prayer4 ,pollie broke the silence4 ,nora1 dearie1 she half whispered1 ,i wish we could get in the other beautiful words1 ',glory to ,god in the highest1' because it is ,he who gives us this sweet peace1 and ,i should so like to thank ,him4 ,,chapter ,,xii4 ,,in ,,the ,,spring-,,time4 ,christmas had come and gone1 even the ,new ,year was becoming old2 for three months had slipped by1 and ,march winds were preparing to usher in ,april showers4 ,the ,london shopkeepers were exhibiting their spring goods1 hoping that the few gleams of sun which had contrived to make themselves seen were indeed heralds of the coming season1 which season was supposed to bring an increase of business with it1 and1 of course1 as the homely adage says1 more grist to the mill4 ,but as yet the streets were wet and sloppy1 the bleak winds whistled round the corners1 and ,london looked very dull and cheerless1 even at the ,west ,end1 where it is always brighter than in the busy ,city4 ,far away in the country1 it is true1 the birds were twittering1 joyfully busy in making their nests1 flying hither and thither in search of materials to form their tiny homes4 ,there were sheep1 too1 in the meadows1 cropping the fresh young grass1 whilst the lambs skipped merrily about their staid mothers1 as though rejoicing in the warmer weather2 for the winter had been very severe1 and many a night had they huddled together beside a hedge to keep themselves warm when the snow was falling thickly around4 ,the buds on the trees1 especially the elms1 were filling1 so that after a few showers they would throw off their brown sheaths and put forth their delicate green leaves to court the breeze2 and as to the hedges1 they were already verdant4 ,yes1 all creation was awaking1 eager to proclaim ,his praise who hath said ,while the earth remaineth1 seed-time and harvest1 cold and heat1 and summer and winter1 and day and night shall not cease4 ,in the deep sheltered copse or hedgerows1 primroses and violets were to be found nestling amidst green leaves and soft moss1 filling the air with perfume4 ,it always seems a pity to gather them where they bloom so sweetly and linger so long1 yet gathered they were and sent up to ,london2 some1 indeed1 were to be found in ,sally ,grimes' basket as she stood outside the ,bank1 as she was standing on the day we first saw her4 ,she has certainly improved since then--no longer ragged or untidy1 but her hair is neatly plaited beneath a decent bonnet1 and her shawl is securely fastened1 instead of flying in the wind as it used to do4 ,she is still very successful in business1 although she does not now rush across the roads at peril of life or limb1 nor does she thrust her flowers into the faces of the passers-by1 frightening timid people by her roughness4 ,no2 all that is changed1 and she has become a quiet1 steady girl4 ,truth to tell1 she is beginning to dislike the life she leads--not the flowers2 she loves them more than ever6 and often looks after neat little servants she sometimes sees1 wishing to become like one of them4 ,patience1 ,sally6 who knows what may be by and by8 ,but where is little ,pollie1 that she is not with her trusty friend8 ,poor little ,pollie lies sick and ill at home1 so pale and thin one would scarcely recognise in that wan little face the ,pollie of last spring-time6 ,a severe cold1 followed by slow fever1 has laid her low1 and though all danger is over1 she still continues so weak1 too feeble to move2 therefore her dear mother or ,lizzie ,stevens lifts her from her bed and lays her in an easy-chair which ,mrs4 ,flanagan had borrowed1 in which she reclines all the day long1 very patient and uncomplaining though the poor little heart is often very sad as she watches her mother's busy fingers1 and feels that she cannot help to lift the burden as she used to do2 then like an angel's whisper comes the remembrance of that which cheered her the first day she started in business1 ,fear thou not1 for ,i am with thee2 be not dismayed1 for ,i am thy ,god2 ,i will strengthen thee2 yea1 ,i will help thee2 yea1 ,i will uphold thee with the right hand of ,my righteousness2 and so the brown eyes close1 shutting up the fast-gathering tears1 and she trusts in her ,heavenly ,father with all the fervour of her pure childish heart1 sure that the ,lord will provide4 ,then during the evening ,nora comes in1 and takes the little sufferer upon her lap1 and sings to her so beautifully that the child gazes up into the girl's lovely eyes1 now so calm and hopeful1 with the dreamy fancy that the angels must look like her4 ,there is one song1 an especial favourite with them both1 called ,beautiful ,blue ,violets2 and very often1 whilst listening to the sweet voice1 ,pollie falls asleep1 soothed by the melody4 ,indeed1 there is no lack of kind friends who love the little girl4 ,mrs4 ,smith brings up all sorts of nice things to tempt the child's appetite--sweet oranges and baked apples--even her brother1 the butcher at whose shop ,pollie's first purchase of meat was made1 sent a piece of mutton1 with his respects to ,mrs4 ,turner1 and it was just the right bit to make some broth for the little gal4 ,the good doctor 7the same who was present when crippled ,jimmy died71 though far from being a rich man1 would accept no fee for attending her1 so that if kindness and love could have called back her lost health1 ,pollie would soon have been well2 but she is very1 very ill1 and day by day grows weaker and weaker4 ,her poor mother watches each change in the little face so precious to her1 and when she lifts her in her arms feels how light the burden is becoming2 she dreads to think that ,god will take her only treasure from her2 her lips tremble as she says1 ,thy will be done4 ,but the poor have no time for repining2 every idle moment is money lost1 and money must be earned to buy food for the dear ones who look to them for bread2 so ,mrs4 ,turner was compelled to work on1 though her heart was sick with sadness1 and many a time gladly would she have laid it aside to take her suffering child in her arms1 and soothe the languid pain as none but a mother can4 ,the little girl seemed to guess the thought those anxious eyes revealed1 and when she saw her dear mother looking wistfully upon her1 she would say1 striving to be gay1 and hide from those loving eyes all trace of suffering-- ,i'm so cosy in this nice chair1 mother darling1 and ,nora is coming in soon1 you know6 ,and of the many who love little ,pollie1 who so true as ,sally ,grimes8 ,every morning before setting off for the ,city she comes1 anxiously asking1 ,how's ,pollie8 and on her return1 her first care is to inquire for her little sick friend1 bringing with her a few flowers1 if she has any left in the basket1 or some other trifle1 precious1 though1 to the grateful recipient1 whose white lips smile gratefully at the kind ,sally for thus thinking of her4 ,ay1 but ,i'm lonesome without you1 ,pollie1 says the girl1 as she kisses the pale cheeks of the child2 and glad ,i'll be when you gets about again1 the place don't seem the same without you2 why1 even that big peeler with the whiskers1 who is a'most allers near the ,bank1 he says to-day ',how's the little gal8' that he did4 ,one evening ,sally came1 rushing in quite breathless with excitement1 startling ,mrs4 ,turner and waking up ,pollie1 who was dozing in ,nora's arms4 ,good news1 good news1 she cried out2 luck's come at last1 hurray6 there's such a lovely lady coming to see you1 ,pollie4 ,to see ,pollie8 asked the widow in surprise2 who is she8 ,i don't know1 was the reply1 but she's coming2 she told me so1 and soon too4 ,who can it be8 they all questioned of each other1 pausing in their work to look at the excited girl4 ,i'll tell you all about it1 exclaimed ,sally1 who felt herself to be of some importance as the bearer of such wonderful news2 only just let me get my breath a bit4 ,well1 she continued1 when sufficiently recovered to proceed with her story1 but which1 like all narrators of startling intelligence1 she seemed to wish to spin out1 so as to excite the curiosity of her hearers to the utmost2 well1 ,i was standing at the top of ,threadneedle ,street1 with my back to the ,mansion ,house1 looking to see if any customers were coming from ,moorgate ,street way1 when some one touched me on my shoulder4 ,i turned sharp round1 as ,i thought maybe it was a gent wanting a bunch of flowers for his coat4 ,but instead of a gent it was1 oh1 such a pretty lady6 ,not a young lady2 p'raps as old as you1 ,mrs4 ,turner1 p'raps older4 ,she was dressed all in black1 with1 oh my6 such crape1 and jet beads2 and though she smiled when she spoke1 yet she seemed sad-like4 ,are you the little girl ,i saw here about a year ago8 says she4 ,may be ,i am1 marm1 says ,i2 cos ,i'm pretty well allers here1 leastway in the mornings4 ,she looked at me a bit1 and then she says-- ',i should not have thought to find you such a big girl in so short a time4 ,do you remember me8 ,i bought some violets1 and you told me your name1 and where you lived2 indeed ,i should have come to see you long ago as ,i promised1 but was obliged to go abroad suddenly with my own little girl4' ,and then ,i thought she was going to cry1 she looked so sad1 added ,sally1 and she said---- ',but ,god took her home4' ,poor dear lady6 was the exclamation of ,sally's attentive listeners4 ,even the rich have troubles also1 said ,mrs4 ,turner with a pitying sigh4 ,wait a bit1 ,i 'aint told you all yet1 cried the girl2 well1 ,i just then thought of what ,pollie told us about the lady who gave her a shilling the very first day she went with me selling violets4 ,so ,i says-- ,it warn't me1 marm1 you saw that day2 it was little ,pollie6 ',yes1 that was the name1' says she2 'and where is little ,pollie8' ,with that ,i up and told her as how ,pollie wasn't well1 and so she says1 ',i will come to see her directly ,i have finished my business in the ,city4' ,oh1 ,lor'6 cried ,sally1 suddenly pausing in her story1 here she be1 ,i'm sure1 for there's some one coming up the stairs with ,mrs4 ,flanagan1 some one who don't wear big heavy boots too2 can't you hear8 ,sally was right2 for the kindly face of their neighbour appeared in the doorway1 ushering in the beautiful lady4 ,and so this is little ,pollie1 the sweet voice said1 as1 after speaking cheerfully to the widow and the others who were in the room1 she stood beside the sick child4 ,well1 ,pollie1 ,i have come to see you at last1 and in return for the beautiful violets you gave me a year ago1 ,i will1 with our merciful ,father's blessing us1 put some roses on your white cheeks4 99 99 99 99 99 ,my story is told6 ,in a pretty lodge close to the gates of a magnificent park live ,pollie and her dear long-suffering mother1 but now as happy as it is possible for mortals to be4 ,the widow continues her needlework1 not as formerly1 to keep the wolf from the door1 but merely for their beloved lady1 or what is required for the house4 ,pollie1 whose cheeks are now truly rosy1 goes every day to school1 and when at home helps her mother1 so that in time she will become quite a useful girl to their kind and generous benefactress4 ,but who are those two neat young girls who are coming down the path towards the lodge1 looking so bright and cheerful8 ,surely one is ,lizzie ,stevens1 and the other ,sally ,grimes8 ,yes1 indeed1 and the housekeeper says she never had two better servants1 so willing and steady1 than our two young friends4 ,so ,sally's ambition is realised2 she is a servant1 and a good one too1 for trusty ,sally never did anything by halves4 ,and ,mrs4 ,flanagan8 ,if you will walk across the meadow by that narrow raised path1 you will see a cosy cottage adjoining the dairy4 ,there is ,mrs4 ,flanagan1 with sleeves tucked up above her elbows1 busily making butter2 it reminds her of the years long ago1 when she used to do the dairy-work at the farm1 and had never known a care4 ,but she is happy even now1 for outside the window is ,nora1 cheerful and contented1 feeding the poultry1 who gather round her1 clucking noisily1 while some white pigeons have flown down from the dove-cot1 and one has alighted on her shoulder1 and ,nora's merry laugh is as music to the mother's ear4 ,there is some one scouring milk-pans in the yard1 but whose features are almost hidden by a large black bonnet2 who is it8 ,the face turns towards us1 and we see ,sally ,grimes' mother6 ,so we leave all our old friends1 peaceful and happy1 doing their duty faithfully to the noble lady1 who1 though surrounded by all the world holds dear--riches--yet had sympathy for the poor ones of the earth1 and pity for their sorrows4 ,she had resided many years abroad1 but on returning to ,england and re-forming her establishment1 had chosen these honest hard-working friends of ours to serve her4 ,she learned from others how they had striven to live1 and how they had each endeavoured to do their ,heavenly ,master's work as ,he had appointed2 patient under privations1 and tender to others1 doing as they would be done by4 ,and thus sunshine had come to brighten the hitherto dreary paths of their struggling lives1 though even in their darkest hours our humble friends had never forgotten that ,behind a frowning providence ,he hides a smiling face4 ,and how gratefully did they now lift up their hearts to ,him who careth for us6 ,and when ,mrs4 ,flanagan and ,mrs4 ,grimes met at ,mrs4 ,turner's1 as they very often did when their work was done1 they would contrast their present happy lot with those sad days of the past4 ,and yet1 as ,mrs4 ,turner once said1 had it not been for our troubles we should never have known each other1 for it was those very sorrows that knit us together4 ,ay1 ay1 interrupted ,mrs4 ,grimes1 for your ,pollie somehow made my gal hate the streets1 else she might a run there till now1 and never a been the rale good scholar she be4 ,ah1 ,pollie be a comfort to you1 observed the other old friend2 and how she do grow1 to be sure6 ,well1 well1 bless her heart1 she won't have to rough it1 my dear--leastways ,i hope not1--nor be led to go wrong like my poor ,nora2 still she'll have her sorrows1 like the rest on us4 ,yes1 that was true2 she would have her share of the trials that fall to the lot of all1 and so would trusty ,sally2 but happily they knew where to take their cares1 and ,he who had led them to this peaceful home would be with them still4 ,and thus we leave them--living their lives in peaceful content1 grateful for the memories given1 and trusting in ,him always4 99 99 99 99 99 ,and all this happiness had been brought about by--a simple ,bunch of ,violets6