"I never do talk to strangers," said Nelly: "granny told me not to."
"Granny is a wise old woman, and, if you are a wise little girl, you will be guided by her. But Nelly, I have something to tell you. Do you know I have sold my picture for two hundred and fifty dollars?"
"Two hundred and fifty dollars!" repeated Nelly, in a tone of awe. "What a heap of money! I am real glad you have got it, though; and won't Miss Nelly be pleased?"
"Miss Nelly thinks more of spending the money than of the way it comes," said Mr. Lambert. "But Nelly, some of this money belongs to you."
"I don't see how," said Nelly; "I didn't do any thing to earn it, did I?"
"Well, perhaps not, strictly speaking; but I should never have painted the picture if you had not given me the idea and served as my model. So I think some of the price is justly your due." He put his hand into his pocket and took out his purse. "I should like to give you more, if I could afford it; but you must accept this; and I hope it may do you a great deal of good." He put a ten-dollar bill into Nelly's hand as he spoke.
"I am sure I am much obliged," stammered Nelly, bewildered by this sudden stroke of good fortune; "but somehow, I don't feel as if I ought to take it."
"Nonsense!" said Mr. Lambert, lightly. "Don't say any more about that; but tell me what you mean to do with the money."
"I believe I will buy a load of hay, if granny will let me," said Nelly.
"A load of hay!" exclaimed Mr. Lambert, in surprise. "What could put that in your head?"