ALMIRA AND MINNIE.
MOTHER.
Almira, go and get your work,
And sit with me, my dear;
And, Minnie, you may read to us,—
We will with pleasure hear.
Two little misses thus employed
Is a delightful sight;
Then after tea the time’s your own,
And you may play till night.
Minnie, why do you look displeased?
Don’t you approve my plan?
Well, alter it yourself, my dear;
Improve it if you can.
MINNIE.
I’m tired of sitting here alone,
Mamma, with only you;
I’m tired of work, indeed I am,
I’m tired of reading, too.
And only just Almira here,
And Fido now to play;
If I’d my will I’d go abroad
Most gladly every day.
MOTHER.
Minnie, do you know Peggy Hill,
That little, modest child,
Who sometimes comes on errands here?
She lives with Mrs. Wild.