"They do; look how the ground is carpeted under that pine- tree."
"But they stay green all winter, don't they?"
"Yes; their leaves are fitted to resist frost; I don't know what the people in cold countries would do else. They have the fate of all other leaves, however; they live awhile, do their work, and then die; not all at once, though; there is always a supply left on the tree. Are we rested enough to begin again?"
"I am," said Ellen; "I don't know about the Captain. Poor fellow! he's fast asleep. I declare it's too bad to wake you up, pussy. Haven't we had a pleasant little rest, Miss Alice? I have learnt something while we have been sitting here."
"That is pleasant, Ellen," said Alice, as they began their upward march; "I would I might be all the while learning something."
"But you have been teaching, Miss Alice, and that's as good. Mamma used to say, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "
"Thank you, Ellen," said Alice, smiling; "that ought to satisfy me, certainly."
They bent themselves against the steep hill again, and pressed on. As they rose higher, they felt it grow more cold and bleak; the woods gave them less shelter, and the wind swept round the mountain head and over them with great force, making their way quite difficult.
"Courage, Ellen!" said Alice, as they struggled on; "we shall soon be there."
"I wonder," said the panting Ellen, as, making an effort, she came up alongside of Alice "I wonder why Mrs. Vawse will live in such a disagreeable place."