Part 5 (1/2)

”'Whatever is inside that basket I'm sure to want,' I said, going out to my odd little visitor; 'but I don't quite know why you are so kind as to bring me things. I'm afraid there's some mistake; I shall be so disappointed if there is.'

”The blue eyes that looked up into mine began to smile.

”'Shall you really? There can't be any mistake, because last night, as Nurse wheeled me out of church, I heard daddy talking to Mrs.

Macdonald; and she said she'd got the new squire at home, but he'd a dreadful headache and couldn't come.'

”I could scarcely help laughing; I certainly had not intended my words to be accepted so literally.

”'Who are you?' I asked, 'and what's in that basket? It wouldn't be manners to peep inside, would it?'

”'Oh yes, it would,' with a delighted giggle. 'I'm Kitty--Kitty Curzon,--and daddy says it's my work to look after any one who is not well; and I'm to think what they will like, and take it to them. So, when I heard you had such a bad headache, I got Nurse to gather my last red gooseberries--they are _very, very_ ripe,--and I've brought them for you; and can I have the basket, please?'

”'Well, I can't accept them on the plea of headache: it's gone, you see; but perhaps you will be so kind as to leave them all the same, for if there is one thing I like more than another----”

”'It's gooseberries,' interposed Kitty, eagerly; and I nodded a.s.sent.

”The child shot a triumphant glance at Nurse.

”'She said you would not want them, and I'd better ask daddy; but he likes me to think of things by myself. And then at the end of the day I tell him where I've been; and he'll be so surprised to-night, for he didn't know I'd heard about you.'

”I carried off the basket, and brought it back, presently, empty.

”'I have not half thanked you, Kitty; but I am most grateful. How old are you, I wonder?'

”There was a moment's hesitation. 'I'm not young at all; I'm nine, although you'd never think it, because I'm so small. Daddy says running about makes you grow, and I can't run.'

”'Her back is not strong, sir,' said Nurse, hurriedly; and as I looked at the rec.u.mbent figure, I saw that the poor little child was deformed.

It seemed a terrible pity, for the face and head are singularly pretty.

”'That's why daddy says I must think of all the ill ones, because Nurse and he think so much about me.'

”'Very well. I shall be sure and send for you directly there is anything the matter. I fancy you would do me more good than a doctor.

And I've a sister coming, before long, and she will want companions.

You will have to come to tea.'

”'Is she as old as I am?'

”'A little older, I think.'

”'I'll come if daddy will let me; but Nurse must come too.'

”'By all means, and if you have any little brothers or sisters----'

”'I have not any. There's only me,' interposed Kitty, shaking her head.

”'I wonder what her name is?'

”'My sister's, do you mean? Sally. Rather a nice name, isn't it?'