"Mamma is willing!" exclaimed the child, returning to the railing. "So now will you please tell me why you like to shell so many peas?"
"Because I can earn money by doing it. I like to do any kind of work."
A thoughtful expression passed over her bright face; she seemed disappointed at the answers. At length she asked, "What makes you like money so well? I don't."
"I don't like money," replied the boy; "but if I did not earn any I should not have bread for my breakfast and supper. I am poor, you know; but mother says I am a great deal happier for working. The Bible says, 'He that will not work, neither shall he eat.'"
"I never work," answered the child, in a sad tone.
"Oh! it don't mean such little girls as you! But I dare say you do work some. Don't you help your mother make the beds and dust the chairs? I had a little sister once, and she could do that."
"No," said Ella, shaking her head in a sorrowful manner. "Bridget is the chamber-girl. I wish I could work; but I only play with my dolls all day, except when I go to ride with mamma."
The boy looked somewhat surprised at this entire exemption from care; but he said, soothingly, "I dare say you will work when you are older. Mother says the command in the Bible is for all: 'Six days shalt thou labor and do all thy work.'"
Ella stood looking gravely upon the lad as he sat steadily at his employment, and then said, "Will you please tell me about your sister? What was her name?"
"Isabella. Oh, she was a dear little girl! She had eyes just like the blue sky, and such a pretty mouth, always full of, smiles. Now she's gone home to God."