"Oh," said Maggie, "I guess the angels are too glad for us to be very sorry for their own disappointment."
But though mamma was much better, she was still very feeble, and it was necessary that she should be very careful not to fatigue or excite herself; and the doctor said it would be some weeks, perhaps months, before she would be able to go about her usual duties and occupations.
A book lay upon Mrs. Bradford's lap, but she was not reading. She sat watching the busy fingers of her little daughter with a look that was somewhat anxious and troubled.
"There!" said Maggie at last, looking up from her letter with a satisfied air; "when Bessie has put her name under mine it will be all done. Do you think Mrs. Porter will be able to make it out, mamma?"
"If she does not, I think it will be the fault of her eyes, and not of my Maggie's fingers," said Mrs. Bradford, smiling as she looked at the large, plain letters upon the sheet which Maggie held up before her. "That is very well done, my daughter; and Mrs. Porter will be gratified when she sees how much pains you have taken."
Well pleased at her mother's praise, which she certainly deserved, Maggie carefully laid by her letter until Bessie should be awake to sign it, and then came back to mamma's side for a little petting and loving.
"Maggie, darling," said Mrs. Bradford presently, laying her thin hand caressingly on the rosy cheek which nestled against her shoulder, "how should you like to go to school?"
Maggie raised her head quickly.
"O mamma!" she exclaimed.
Mrs. Bradford had fully expected to see just such a look, and hear just such a tone; but she only said, "Well, dear?"