THE LITTLE BEGGAR.
"Mamma, do pray be so very good as to give me a pair of fine, open-worked, silk stockings."—"A modest request, Julia, for a little girl not higher than the table. And might I presume to ask for what use you want these showy articles?"—"Use! For wearing, to be sure, Mamma."—"Wearing! For you, Julia! For such a minikin as you!"—"All my playfellows have them, Mamma."—"A notable reason, certainly, why you should have them."—"Yes! Miss Montague, Lady Jane Hill, and Miss Carter."—"All the children of richer parents than yours."—"That makes no difference."—"Your pardon, little girl; that makes all the difference."—"How, Mamma!"—"Because, my love, all things should be done in character. If you wear fine stockings, you must have fine shoes; and then a carriage is indispensable."—"Now, Mamma, you are laughing at me. I, who am so stout, and can walk so well."—"In thin stockings and thin shoes, Julia?"—Julia pondered—her mother continued: "With these smart shoes and stockings, a smart frock is necessary, and a sash, and a rich lace, and ear-rings, and a fan, and——"—"Oh! stop, stop, dear Mamma!" exclaimed Julia, laughing, "I see, I understand. What a very silly child I am!"—"No, my dear Julia, you are not silly, you only was so. Young creatures, like you, must often form foolish wishes, and make absurd requests; however, you shew your sense, in being convinced of your error."—"Thank you, Mamma, for excusing me." Julia said this very soberly, and seemed thinking. "And what are you so grave about?" asked her mother.—"Why, I had another begging favour—but now—"—"Speak fearlessly, my child."—"I did so want a little money for poor old sick Kitty!"—"Take it, my dear girl. It is to give you and myself the means of bestowing money in charity, that I am loth to spend it in dress."—"Oh! Mamma, Mamma, how I thank you! Oh! this is better than a thousand stockings! Lucky beggar that I am!"