"Well, now!" said Mrs. Van Brunt.
Ellen gave a longing look at her little black and white favourite, which was uneasily endeavouring to find out the height of the basket, and mewing at the same time with a most ungratified expression. However, though sadly disappointed, she submitted with a very good grace to what could not be helped. First setting down the little cat out of the basket it seemed to like so ill, and giving it one farewell pat and squeeze, she turned to the kind old lady, who stood watching her, and throwing her arms around her neck, silently spoke her gratitude in a hearty hug and kiss.
"Good-bye, Maam," said she; "I may come and see them some time again, and see you, mayn't I?"
"Indeed you shall, my darling," said the old woman; "just as often as you like just as often as you can get away. I'll make 'Brahm bring you home, sometimes. 'Brahm, you'll bring her, won't you?"
"There's two words to that bargain, mother, I can tell you; but if I don't, I'll know the reason on't."
And away they went. Ellen drew two or three sighs at first, but she could not help brightening up soon. It was early not sunrise; the cool freshness of the air was enough to give one new life and spirit; the sky was fair and bright; and Mr. Van Brunt marched along at a quick pace. Enlivened by the exercise, Ellen speedily forgot everything disagreeable; and her little head was filled with pleasant things. She watched where the silver light in the east foretold the sun's coming. She watched the silver change to gold, till a rich yellow tint was flung over the whole landscape, and then broke the first rays of light upon the tops of the western hills the sun was up. It was a new sight to Ellen.
"How beautiful! Oh! how beautiful!" she, exclaimed.
"Yes," said Mr. Van Brunt, in his slow way, "it'll be a fine day for the field. I guess I'll go with the oxen over to that 'ere big meadow."
"Just look," said Ellen, "how the light comes creeping down the side of the mountain now it has got to the wood oh, do look at the tops of the trees! Oh! I wish Mamma was here!"
Mr. Van Brunt didn't know what to say to this. He rather wished so, too, for her sake.