"Because he has written such lots of books," said Lily; "just see how many!"
"But you do not think Mr. —— has himself written all these books?"
"Why, yes'm," said Lily.
"It would indeed take a long life-time to write so many," said Mrs. Rush, "but I do not believe Mr. —— has written more than half a dozen."
"Who did it, then?" asked Lily.
"A great many different persons. People write books and bring them to Mr. ——, and he publishes them; that is, he has them printed and bound, and then sells them."
"I am glad it took a great many people to do it," said Maggie, "because if they take the trouble to write books for children, I suppose it's because they like us; and it is pleasant to have a great many people to love you."
"I wonder why 'most everybody loves children," said Gracie.
"If you thought about Christmas, you'd know that," said Bessie. "It's 'cause Jesus was once a little child; and besides, when he was a man, he loved children his own self."
Just then the gentleman for whom Mrs. Rush was waiting came forward, and said he was now at leisure to attend to her. She told him for what she had come, and that she wished these little girls, who were going to pay for the library, to choose their favorite books.