Thus saying, Clara opened the door of the closet, and stepped upon a chair that she might reach the basket. There were several other things upon the shelf, and amongst others a box of small papers, neatly folded up and carefully labelled. When Clara took her basket down she upset this box, and some of the papers fell to the floor. She picked them up and put them in their place; but after she had shut the door, she saw that one little parcel had fallen upon the table near to the closet. “Never mind,” thought Clara, “I will put it back directly, as soon as I have fixed the basket for Ellen.”
They continued their play, and an hour passed very happily. Clara had forgotten all about the paper, which still lay upon the table. She was showing Ellen the pictures in a large and valuable book of her father’s, when Margaret looked in at the door, and inquired if they wanted any thing.
“Nothing at all, I thank you, Margaret,” replied Clara; “you may quilt another hour, if you like. We are having a fine time.”
Margaret gave them each a cake, and returned to her work.
While they were eating their cake, Clara saw a little girl, of whom Ellen was very fond, driving her hoop back and forth in front of the house.
“Oh, there is Mary!” she exclaimed; “look, Ellen, how fast she drives her hoop! I wish I could take you out there.”
Ellen knocked upon the window, and called “Mamy, Mamy!” but Mary did not hear.
“I will run to the door and call her,” said Clara, “and then she will come and see Ellen. Will you sit still while I am gone?”
Ellen sat down very quietly, and folded her hands, as she always did when asked to wait for any one, and Clara ran to the door to call Mary.
Mary was an obedient, thoughtful child, and she told Clara that she could not come without her mother’s leave, but if she would wait a moment, she would ask her.