"Now for Nelly's needlework," said Affection.
The whole party moved on to the spot, when they saw a plant—not beautiful, it must be owned, but with three fruits, as big as pumpkins, resting upon the ground, half covered with large green leaves.
"Shall I pluck one?" said Nelly, modestly.
"Let us see it," replied Mr. Learning.
Nelly stooped, and broke from its stalk the smallest of the fruits. It was so ripe that the rind burst open in her hands, and out dropped a cap as white as snow, with a number of delicate frills all neatly hemmed and gathered. With a smile and a blush, Nelly presented her little offering to her mother, while a murmur of approbation sounded from all around.
"Ah, how useful this will be!" exclaimed Dame Desley; "this fruit is charming indeed!"
"Let us see the others," said Duty, bending forward to gaze.
Again Nelly stooped and raised the ripe fruit; again it burst open in her grasp. She pulled out an apron, very prettily made, with neat little pockets in front!
"The very thing that I have been wanting!" cried the dame, putting it on with pleasure and pride.
"There's more yet to be seen," said Mr. Learning.