I must tell you that it was very dark between the high cliffs on this side of the island; the cottage stood in a gloomy pine-grove, which completely hid the view of the sea.
“And I want you to buy me a lot of toys, mammy.”
“Darling, we have so little money to buy toys with,” answered the mother, bending her head still lower over their work.
And that was the truth; for their comfort had changed into penury. They had no servant, and the mother had to do the whole house-work herself.
But when she saw the sad face of the little girl, she took her on her knees.
“Put your little arms round mammy’s neck,” she said.
The little one obeyed.
“Now give mammy a kiss!”
The rosy little half-open mouth, which looked like the mouth of a little bird, was pressed against her lips; and when the blue eyes, blue as the flower of the flax, smiled into hers, her beautiful face reflected the sweet innocence of the little one, and made her look like a happy child herself, playing in the sunshine.
“No use my singing to them of the Kingdom of Heaven,” thought the dove, “but if I can in any way serve them, I will.”