“Without shoes and caps,” said they, “you cannot attend school. Therefore, back to the farm and feed pigs.”
GLAD YEN
I’m so glad! so glad!” shouted little Yen.
“Why?” asked Wou. “Has any one given you a gold box with jewels, or a peacock feather fan, or a coat of many colors, or a purse of gold? Has your father become rich or been made a high mandarin?”
Wou sighed as he put these questions. He had voiced his own longings.
“No,” answered Yen, giving a hop, skip, and jump.
“Then, why are you glad?” repeated Wou.
“Why?” Yen’s bright face grew brighter. “Oh, because I have such a beautiful blue sky, such a rippling river, waterfalls that look like lace and pearls and diamonds, and sun-beams brighter and more radiant than the finest jewels. Because I have chirping insects, and flying beetles, and dear, wiggly worms—and birds, oh, such lovely birds, all colors! And some of them can sing. I have a sun and a moon and stars. And flowers? Wouldn’t any one be glad at the sight of flowers?”
Wou’s sad and melancholy face suddenly lighted and overflowed with smiles.