Here she found that her father and mother had started for home on the first night. As they had not since been heard of, she had little doubt that they must have fallen into some hole or brook and have perished in the snow.
Still faithful to her trust, the poor child returned to the cottage, where she carefully watched over her brothers and sisters, until kind friends found new homes for the little orphans.
E. M. W.
A MORNING VISIT.
"and at last nurse says i may carry up her morning tea."
D
arling mother! not to see her
For a whole week and a day!
It was hard; but she is better,
And at last nurse says I may
Carry up her morning tea.
Only one wee, tiny minute
Must I wait to kiss her cheek,
And to whisper how I missed her
Every day this long, long week,
And to ask if she missed me.
Often, while they thought me sleeping,
Did I lie an hour and more,
Crying—when the house was quiet—
Softly at her bedroom door,
Where she could not hear nor see.
Oh, it was so dull without her!
Every one was grave and sad;
But I think, now she is better,
Even the little birds look glad
As they hop from tree to tree.
Maggie Macdonald.