She had commenced it before his return, and having spent upon it
nearly every spare moment since, when she could feel secure from
intrusion, she now had it nearly completed. Ah! many a silent tear
had fallen as she worked, and many a sigh over disappointed hopes
had been woven into its bright meshes of gold and blue.
But now she had been much comforted and encouraged by her aunt's
sympathy and kind promise of assistance, and, though there were
still traces of tears upon it, the little face looked quite bright
and cheerful again as she settled herself in her little sewing
chair, and began her work.
The small white fingers moved right briskly, the bright shining
needles glancing in and out, while the thoughts, quite as busy,
ran on something in this fashion: "Ah! I am so sorry I have done
so badly the past month; no wonder papa was vexed with me. I don't
believe I ever had such a bad report before. What has come over
me? It seems as if I _can't_ study, and must have a holiday.
I wonder if it is all laziness? I'm afraid it is, and that I ought
to be punished.
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