"Oh, it is nothing; only the basket-bell, Aunt Lizzie."
"The basket-bell? what is that, and where is it?"
"The bell is over Violet's chair, and the basket is in the street," replied the child wearily. "Lay me down, Aunt Lizzie, for Violet's head aches so."
Lizzie laid the child on the bed, and shook up the pillows. The bell rang again.
Aunt Lizzie crept over to the window quietly and looked about her curiously, till presently, catching sight of a red cord attached to Violet's chair, she imagined she had lit on the right object. She drew it up inch by inch, and by-and-by the little straw basket made its appearance at the window, and she lifted it in.
She hesitated a moment, then seeing Violet's eyes open she asked her softly,—
"Am I to open it, darling? or shall I give it to thee?"
"Do thou open it, Aunt Lizzie; Violet is too tired."
Her aunt drew out with some surprise a small package, most carefully fastened up and sealed. On the outside was printed in a clear strong hand,—"For little Violet, from a friend."