She did not show it to Frank till it was finished.

'When did you draw this, mother?' said Frank; 'I have not seen you drawing for a long time; you have been making my clothes every day from morning till night.'

'I did it after you were in bed.'

How kind, thought Frank, though he did not say it; for children do not often speak when they are much moved by kindness.

'They are beautiful,' at last he exclaimed; 'just such as I like.'

'When you are in want of amusement, you can copy these,' said his mother; 'and then you will think of me.'

'And so I shall, let me do what I will.'

'I hope so,' said his father; 'it will be your surest talisman.'

'Talismans are good things, father. I wish there were real ones in the world; such as I have read about, in the Arabian nights. If I had one to take away with me, you would always feel sure that I was safe.'