“If the little wizard don’t hinder,” suggested her uncle, laughing and looking roguishly at her.
“Well, he won’t,” said Jessie, shaking her head. “He is too busy courting Miss Perseverance to trouble his head about me. Ha! ha!”
Mr. Morris laughed heartily at Jessie’s ready use of his quaint fancy about the little wizard. He had no doubt about her firmness. But shaking his finger at her he said, “Take care! the little wizard is a cunning fellow, and knows how to ensnare little misses who have tasks to perform,” and left the room.
Strong in purpose, and cheered by the hope of the afternoon’s pleasure, Jessie worked with such vigor on her watch-pocket, that she had put on the last bead, sewed the last stitch, and trimmed off the last loose thread before the clock struck twelve. Then she felt happier far than any child ever did in the enjoyment of pleasures gained by the neglect of duty. She had conquered a difficulty, had won a victory, had done a duty—had she not a right to be happy?
I could almost wish myself a child again for the sake of tasting that fresh, perfect, unmixed delight which welled up from Jessie’s heart on the afternoon of that clear December day. First came the play of coasting. Taking her on his sled—“The Never-say-die”—Guy drew her to the lane near Mr. Sherwood’s cottage and amused her until the merry sleigh-bells caused her to turn round. Then she saw a splendid sleigh drawn by two noble horses, and driven by a man who, from the way he handled the whip and reins, seemed born to be a coachman. Her mother and Uncle Morris were in the sleigh. She stepped in. Carrie and Guy followed. Having wrapped themselves up well in the buffalo robes, word was given to the driver, and away they dashed down the road.
Walter Sliding With Carrie and Jessie. Page 227.
Merrily jingled the dancing bells, swiftly trotted the lively horses, smoothly glided the steel-shod sleigh over the snowy pathway, passing houses, barns, and fields, as Guy said, with the speed almost of a steam-engine. On they went, mile after mile, drinking in health and spirits from the pure winter air and tasting that real enjoyment which is found in innocent pleasures only. No wicked amusement ever did or ever can yield such delight as Jessie and her friends tasted on that sleigh ride.
It was quite dark when they reached home again. They were a little chilled with their ride, but the glowing fire which burned so cheerfully in the parlor grate, soon restored them to warmth and comfort. The tea-table was made cheerful by Jessie’s account of the sports and pleasures of the afternoon.