And Emma replied, "Yes, Mrs. Graffam; I will come as long as I am able, and when I am not, you must come and see me."
"I will," was the warm reply; "I would walk miles to see you, if you were sick."
CHAPTER V.
THE OLD PEDDLER—BITTER WORDS—THE MEEK REPLY—THE EFFECT—ACTING A PART—SOFTER FEELINGS—THE DEATH-SCENE—THE DAY OF SMALL THINGS—SIMPLE CHRISTIAN COURTESY.
"I know," said Fanny Brighton, "that there is not a word of truth in what you say. Peddlers are always liars. This ring is nothing but brass, and would turn black with a week's wearing."
"I bought it for gold," meekly replied the old man, as he placed his heavy box upon the ground, and wiped the large drops of sweat from his wrinkled face.
"What else have you?" inquired Alice, as she turned over a box of thimbles, and pulled out a large handkerchief. "What a splendid thing!" said Alice; but at the same time she winked at Fanny, and laughed.
[Illustration: THE GIRLS AND THE PEDDLER.]
"Half cotton," said Fanny; "and now pray tell me when you take time to split your skeins of silk."
"I never do such a thing!" said the old man, with some spirit.