Just then the door opened, and Mrs. Sterling entered, carrying whatlooked very like a pile of snow-flakes in her arms. Laying this uponthe bed, she kissed Christie, saying with a tone and gesture thatmade the words a benediction:

 

　　"A happy birthday, and God bless thee, my daughter!"Before Christie could do more than hug both gift and giver, a greatbouquet came flying in at the open window, aimed with such skillthat it fell upon the bed, while David's voice called out frombelow: "A happy birthday, Christie, and many of them!""How sweet, how kind of you, this is! I didn't dream you knew aboutto-day, and never thought of such a beautiful surprise," criedChristie, touched and charmed by this unexpected celebration.

 

　　"Thee mentioned it once long ago, and we remembered. They are veryhumble gifts, my dear; but we could not let the day pass withoutsome token of the thanks we owe thee for these months of faithfulservice and affectionate companionship."Christie had no answer to this little address, and was about to cryas the only adequate expression of her feelings, when a hearty"Hear! Hear!" from below made her laugh, and call out:

 

　　"You conspirators! how dare you lay plots, and then exult over mewhen I can't find words to thank you? I always did think you were aset of angels, and now I'm quite sure of it.""Thee may be right about Davy, but I am only a prudent old woman,and have taken much pleasure in privately knitting this light wrapto wear when thee sits in the porch, for the evenings will soon growchilly. My son did not know what to get, and finally decided thatflowers would suit thee best; so he made a bunch of those theeloves, and would toss it in as if he was a boy.""I like that way, and both my presents suit me exactly," saidChristie, wrapping the fleecy shawl about her, and admiring thenosegay in which her quick eye saw all her favorites, even to aplumy spray of the little wild asters which she loved so much.

 

　　"Now, child, I will step down, and see about breakfast. Take thytime; for this is to be a holiday, and we mean to make it a happyone if we can."With that the old lady went away, and Christie soon followed,looking very fresh and blithe as she ran down smiling behind hergreat bouquet. David was in the porch, training up themorning-glories that bloomed late and lovely in that sheltered spot.

 

　　He turned as she approached, held out his hand, and bent a little asif he was moved to add a tenderer greeting. But he did not, onlyheld the hand she gave him for a moment, as he said with thepaternal expression unusually visible:

 

　　"I wished you many happy birthdays; and, if you go on gettingyounger every year like this, you will surely have them."It was the first compliment he had ever paid her, and she liked it,though she shook her head as if disclaiming it, and answeredbrightly:

 

　　"I used to think many years would be burdensome, and just before Icame here I felt as if I could not bear another one. But now I liketo live, and hope I shall a long, long time.""I'm glad of that; and how do you mean to spend these long years ofyours?" asked David, brushing back the lock of hair that was alwaysfalling into his eyes, as if he wanted to see more clearly thehopeful face before him.

 

　　"In doing what your morning-glories do,--climb up as far and as fastas I can before the frost comes," answered Christie, looking at thepretty symbols she had chosen.

 

　　"You have got on a good way already then," began David, smiling ather fancy.

 

　　"Oh no, I haven't!" she said quickly. "I'm only about half way up.

 

　　See here: I'll tell how it is;" and, pointing to the different partsof the flowery wall, she added in her earnest way: "I've watchedthese grow, and had many thoughts about them, as I sit sewing in theporch. These variegated ones down low are my childish fancies; mostof them gone to seed you see. These lovely blue ones of all shadesare my girlish dreams and hopes and plans. Poor things! some aredead, some torn by the wind, and only a few pale ones left quiteperfect. Here you observe they grow sombre with a tinge of purple;that means pain and gloom, and there is where I was when I camehere. Now they turn from those sad colors to crimson, rose, and softpink. That's the happiness and health I found here. You and yourdear mother planted them, and you see how strong and bright theyare."She lifted up her hand, and gathering one of the great rosy cupsoffered it to him, as if it were brimful of the thanks she could notutter. He comprehended, took it with a quiet "Thank you," and stoodlooking at it for a moment, as if her little compliment pleased himvery much.

 

　　"And these?" he said presently, pointing to the delicate violetbells that grew next the crimson ones.

 

　　The color deepened a shade in Christie's cheek, but she went on withno other sign of shyness; for with David she always spoke outfrankly, because she could not help it.

 

　　"Those mean love to me, not passion: the deep red ones half hiddenunder the leaves mean that. My violet flowers are the best andpurest love we can know: the sort that makes life beautiful andlasts for ever. The white ones that come next are tinged with thatsoft color here and there, and they mean holiness. I know there willbe love in heaven; so, whether I ever find it here or not, I am sureI shall not miss it wholly."Then, as if glad to leave the theme that never can be touchedwithout reverent emotion by a true woman, she added, looking up towhere a few spotless blossoms shone like silver in the light:

 

　　"Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I cannotreach them: but I can look up, and see their beauty; believe inthem, and try to follow where they lead; remember that frost comeslatest to those that bloom the highest; and keep my beautiful whiteflowers as long as I can.""The mush is ready; come to breakfast, children," called Mrs.

 

　　Sterling, as she crossed the hall with a teapot in her hand.

 

　　Christie's face fell, then she exclaimed laughing: "That's alwaysthe way; I never take a poetic flight but in comes the mush, andspoils it all.""Not a bit; and that's where women are mistaken. Souls and bodiesshould go on together; and you will find that a hearty breakfastwon't spoil the little hymn the morning-glories sung;" and David sether a good example by eating two bowls of hasty-pudding and milk,with the lovely flower in his button-hole.

 

　　"Now, what are we to do next?" asked Christie, when the usualmorning work was finished.

 

　　"In about ten minutes thee will see, I think," answered Mrs.

 

　　Sterling, glancing at the clock, and smiling at the bright expectantlook in the younger woman's eyes.

 

　　She did see; for in less than ten minutes the rumble of an omnibuswas heard, a sound of many voices, and then the whole Wilkins broodcame whooping down the lane. It was good to see Ma Wilkins jogponderously after in full state and festival array; her bonnettrembling with bows, red roses all over her gown, and a parasol ofuncommon brilliancy brandished joyfully in her hand. It was betterstill to see her hug Christie, when the latter emerged, flushed andbreathless, from the chaos of arms, legs, and chubby faces in whichshe was lost for several tumultuous moments; and it was best of allto see the good woman place her cherished "bunnit" in the middle ofthe parlor table as a choice and lovely ornament, administer thefamily pocket-handkerchief all round, and then settle down with ahearty:

 

　　"Wal, now, Mis Sterlin', you've no idee how tickled we all was whenMr. David came, and told us you was goin' to have a galy hereto-day. It was so kind of providential, for 'Lisha was invited outto a day's pleasuring so I could leave jest as wal as not. Thechildern's ben hankerin' to come the wust kind, and go plummin' asthey did last month, though I told 'em berries was gone weeks ago. Ireelly thought I'd never get 'em here whole, they trained so in thatbus. Wash would go on the step, and kep fallin' off; Gusty's hatblew out a winder; them two bad boys tumbled round loose; and dearlittle Victory set like a lady, only I found she'd got both feet inthe basket right atop of the birthday cake, I made a puppose forChristie.""It hasn't hurt it a bit; there was a cloth over it, and I like itall the better for the marks of Totty's little feet, bless 'em!" andChristie cuddled the culprit with one hand while she revealed thedamaged delicacy with the other, wondering inwardly what evil starwas always in the ascendant when Mrs. Wilkins made cake.

 

　　"Now, my dear, you jest go and have a good frolic with themchildern, I'm a goin' to git dinner, and you a goin' to play; so wedon't want to see no more of you till the bell rings," said Mrs.

 

　　Wilkins pinning up her gown, and "shooing" her brood out of theroom, which they entirely filled.

 

　　Catching up her hat Christie obeyed, feeling as much like a child asany of the excited six. The revels that followed no pen can justlyrecord, for Goths and Vandals on the rampage but feebly describesthe youthf ul Wilkinses when their spirits effervesced after amonth's bottling up in close home quarters.

 

　　David locked the greenhouse door the instant he saw them; andpervaded the premises generally like a most affable but verywatchful policeman, for the ravages those innocents committed muchafflicted him. Yet he never had the heart to say a word of reproof,when he saw their raptures over dandelions, the relish with whichthey devoured fruit, and the good it did the little souls and bodiesto enjoy unlimited liberty, green grass, and country air, even for aday.

 

　　Christie usually got them into the big meadow as soon as possible,and there let them gambol at will; while she sat on the broken boughof an apple-tree, and watched her flock like an old-fashionedshepherdess. To-day she did so; and when the children were happilysailing boats, tearing to and fro like wild colts, or discoveringthe rustic treasures Nurse Nature lays ready to gladden littlehearts and hands, Christie sat idly making a garland of greenbrakes, and ruddy sumach leaves ripened before the early frosts hadcome.

 

　　A FRIENDLY CHAT.

 

　　David saw her there, and, feeling that he might come off guard for atime, went strolling down to lean upon the wall, and chat in thefriendly fashion that had naturally grown up between thesefellow-workers. She was waiting for the new supply of ferns littleAdelaide was getting for her by the wall; and while she waited shesat resting her cheek upon her hand, and smiling to herself, as ifshe saw some pleasant picture in the green grass at her feet.

 

　　"Now I wonder what she's thinking about," said David's voice closeby, and Christie straightway answered:

 

　　"Philip Fletcher.""And who is he?" asked David, settling his elbow in a comfortableniche between the mossy stones, so that he could "lean and loaf" athis ease.

 

　　"The brother of the lady whose children I took care of;" andChristie wished she had thought before she answered that firstquestion, for in telling her adventures at diiferent times she hadomitted all mention of this gentleman.

 

　　"Tell about him, as the children say: your experiences are alwaysinteresting, and you look as if this man was uncommonly entertainingin some way," said David, indolently inclined to be amused.

 

　　"Oh, dear no, not at all entertaining! invalids seldom are, and hewas sick and lazy, conceited and very cross sometimes." Christie'sheart rather smote her as she said this, remembering the last lookpoor Fletcher gave her.

 

　　"A nice man to be sure; but I don't see any thing to smile about,"persisted David, who liked reasons for things; a masculine traitoften very trying to feminine minds.

 

　　"I was thinking of a little quarrel we once had. He found out that Ihad been an actress; for I basely did not mention that fact when Itook the place, and so got properly punished for my deceit. Ithought he'd tell his sister of course, so I did it myself, andretired from the situation as much disgusted with Christie Devon asyou are.""Perhaps I ought to be, but I don't find that I am. Do you know Ithink that old Fletcher was a sneak?" and David looked as if hewould rather like to mention his opinion to that gentleman.

 

　　"He probably thought he was doing his duty to the children: fewpeople would approve of an actress for a teacher you know. He hadseen me play, and remembered it all of a sudden, and told me of it:

 

　　that was the way it came about," said Christie hastily, feeling thatshe must get out of the scrape as soon as possible, or she would bedriven to tell every thing in justice to Mr. Fletcher.

 

　　"I should like to see you act.""You a Quaker, and express such a worldly and dreadful wish?" criedChristie, much amused, and very grateful that his thoughts had takena new direction.

 

　　"I'm not, and never have been. Mother married out of the sect, and,though she keeps many of her old ways, always left me free tobelieve what I chose. I wear drab because I like it, and say 'thee'

 

　　to her because she likes it, and it is pleasant to have a littleword all our own. I've been to theatres, but I don't care much forthem. Perhaps I should if I'd had Fletcher's luck in seeing youplay.""You didn't lose much: I was not a good actress; though now and thenwhen I liked my part I did pretty well they said," answeredChristie, modestly.

 

　　"Why didn't you go back after the accident?" asked David, who hadheard that part of the story.

 

　　"I felt that it was bad for me, and so retired to private life.""Do you ever regret it?""Sometimes when the restless fit is on me: but not so often now as Iused to do; for on the whole I'd rather be a woman than act aqueen.""Good!" said David, and then added persuasively: "But you will playfor me some time: won't you? I've a curious desire to see you doit.""Perhaps I'll try," replied Christie, flattered by his interest, andnot unwilling to display her little talent.

 

　　"Who are you making that for? it's very pretty," asked David, whoseemed to be in an inquiring frame of mind that day.

 

　　"Any one who wants it. I only do it for the pleasure: I always likedpretty things; but, since I have lived among flowers and naturalpeople, I seem to care more than ever for beauty of all kinds, andlove to make it if I can without stopping for any reason but thesatisfaction.""'Tell them, dear, that if eyes were made for seeing, "'Then beautyis its own excuse for being,'" observed David, who had a weaknessfor poetry, and, finding she liked his sort, quoted to Christiealmost as freely as to himself.

 

　　"Exactly, so look at that and enjoy it," and she pointed to thechild standing knee-deep in graceful ferns, looking as if she grewthere, a living buttercup, with her buff frock off at one plumpshoulder and her bright hair shining in the sun.

 

　　Before David could express his admiration, the little picture wasspoilt; for Christie called out, "Come, Vic, bring me some morepretties!" startling baby so that she lost her balance, anddisappeared with a muffled cry, leaving nothing to be seen but apair of small convulsive shoes, soles uppermost, among the brakes.

 

　　David took a leap, reversed Vic, and then let her compose her littlefeelings by sticking bits of green in all the button-holes of hiscoat, as he sat on the wall while she stood beside him in the safeshelter of his arm.

 

　　"You are very like an Englishman," said Christie, after watching thepair for a few minutes.

 

　　"How do you know?" asked David, looking surprised.

 

　　"There were several in our company, and I found them very muchalike. Blunt and honest, domestic and kind; hard to get at, but trueas steel when once won; not so brilliant and original as Americans,perhaps, but more solid and steadfast. On the whole, I think themthe manliest men in the world," answered Christie, in the decidedway young people have of expressing their opinions.

 

　　"You speak as if you had known and studied a great variety of men,"said David, feeling that he need not resent the comparison she hadmade.

 

　　"I have, and it has done me good. Women who stand alone in theworld, and have their own way to make, have a better chance to knowmen truly than those who sit safe at home and only see one side ofmankind. We lose something; but I think we gain a great deal that ismore valuable than admiration, flattery, and the superficial servicemost men give to our sex. Some one says, 'Companionship teaches menand women to know, judge, and treat one another justly.' I believeit; for we who are compelled to be fellow workers with menunderstand and value them more truly than many a belle who has adozen lovers sighing at her feet. I see their faults and follies;but I also see so much to honor, love, and trust, that I feel as ifthe world was full of brothers. Yes, as a general rule, men havebeen kinder to me than women; and if I wanted a staunch friend I'dchoose a man, for they wear better than women, who ask too much, andcannot see that friendship lasts longer if a little respect andreserve go with the love and confidence."Christie had spoken soberly, with no thought of flattery or effect;for the memory of many kindnesses bestowed on her by many men, fromrough Joe Butterfield to Mr. Power, gave warmth and emphasis to herwords.

 

　　The man sitting on the wall appreciated the compliment to his sex,and proved that he deserved his share of it by taking it exactly asshe meant it, and saying heartily:

 

　　"I like that, Christie, and wish more women thought and spoke as youdo.""If they had had my experience they would, and not be ashamed of it.

 

　　I am so old now I can say these things and not be misjudged; foreven some sensible people think this honest sort of fellowshipimpossible if not improper. I don't, and I never shall, so if I canever do any thing for you, David, forget that I am a woman and tellme as freely as if I was a younger brother.""I wish you were!""So do I; you'd make a splendid elder brother.""No, a very bad one."There was a sudden sharpness in David's voice that jarred onChristie's ear and made her look up quickly. She only caught aglimpse of his face, and saw that it was strangely troubled, as heswung himself over the wall with little Vic on his arm and wenttoward the house, saying abruptly:

 

　　"Baby 's sleepy: she must go in."Christie sat some time longer, wondering what she had said todisturb him, and when the bell rang went in still perplexed. ButDavid looked as usual, and the only trace of disquiet was anoccasional hasty shaking back of the troublesome lock, and a slightknitting of the brows; two tokens, as she had learned to know, ofimpatience or pain.

 

　　She was soon so absorbed in feeding the children, hungry andclamorous as young birds for their food, that she forgot every thingelse. When dinner was done and cleared away, she devoted herself toMrs. Wilkins for an hour or two, while Mrs. Sterling took her nap,the infants played riotously in the lane, and David was busy withorders.

 

　　The arrival of Mr. Power drew every one to the porch to welcome him.

 

　　As he handed Christie a book, he asked with a significant smile:

 

　　"Have you found him yet?"She glanced at the title of the new gift, read "Heroes andHero-worship," and answered merrily: "No, sir, but I'm lookinghard." "Success to your search," and Mr. Power turned to greetDavid, who approach............