Mr. Lee was pleased to see his little daughter’s kindness to the poor dumb donkey; but he wished to know if Bessie would deny herself for Kate.
“Well, Bessie,” said her father, “if you have any money, give it to the man when he comes for the donkey. Tell him you wish to keep Kate all day.”
“I have the money you gave me for ice-cream,” said Bessie. “Will that pay the man?”
It was enough, and was given to the man. Bessie kept the donkey all day. She led Kate to the greenest places in the yard, and let her eat the grass. She divided her apples with Kate, and carried her a little pail of water.
At night Bessie told her father she had been happy all day. He made her still happier by telling her she could keep Kate every day while she was in the mountains.
Bessie kissed her father and was soon fast asleep. She dreamed of riding in a little carriage drawn by six white donkeys.
AUNT NELL.