II.
The search for the gold thimble was long and patient, but it could not be found; and when Mrs. Lee said it was useless to look any more, poor Flora burst into tears again.
“I don’t see what has become of it, mother,” said she. “I am so sorry I took it out of the work box! Aunt Sarah will think I am careless.”
“Why did you take it out?”
“I wanted to show it to Mary. It was so pretty, I thought it would please her.”
“I do not see that any one is to be blamed,” added her father.
“I don’t blame any one but myself. I was careless to carry it around the house with me. I remember when I went to open the blind, I was afraid I should scratch it, and so I put it on the table.”
“I will buy you another, Flora, the next time I go to Boston,” said Mr. Lee.
“But that wouldn’t be aunt Sarah’s thimble,” sobbed Flora.
“Perhaps aunt Sarah will give you another when she hears that you have lost it.”