"I am sure she will," answered the nurse; "it is very pretty, and so warm. But pray, Miss Miss Rhoda, where is your

toy ?"

“O, never mind the toy; I bought this instead: I was going to get something for you, my good Betsy, but I thought you might not like to have anything from me, as I had been so naughty; besides, I thought Mary Hollis wanted a shawl;-and then I had another reason, which cousin Lucy knows, and is going to talk to me about."

"Now, dear Miss Rhoda, I dare say you have deprived yourself of your toy, in order to buy this shawl. Well, you will feel the happier for it, no doubt, and the poor old dame will be delighted."

"Do not praise me, Betsy; for indeed my motive was a selfish one."

"I don't think it seems selfish, anyhow, to buy a warm covering for a poor old woman, my dear child, for so I must call you," said the kind nurse, smiling incredulously at Rhoda.

"That is because you do not know what my motive was, Betsy, and I have not time to explain it now."

Rhoda's countenance had recovered its usual cheerful expression when she entered the dining-room, for she had made her peace with Betsy.

After dinner, Mr. Bloomfield took his little girl on his knee, and patting her glowing cheek, said,

"Where have you been to-day?" "To the town, papa."

"And what have you been to the town for ?"

"To buy something," answered Rhoda, looking down, and playing with orange which she held in her hand.

an

"Oh, I remember, you were to purchase the doll's house," said Mrs. Bloom"I should like to see it."

field;

Rhoda was silent, not liking to say that she had bought the shawl instead of the long wished-for toy; and feeling that some explanation would be neceswhich she had not quite courage to give but, as I have said, she was frank and sincere, and would not on any account deceive her beloved pa

sary,

rents.

"Now then," said her father, " go and fetch the baby-house. I am fond of

C

looking at children's toys; and who knows but some article of furniture may be wanting, which I can probably supply? Come, let us see Miss Dolly's mansion, if you please."

Rhoda turned towards Lucy, as though she would say, "explain for me;" and then hiding her face in her father's breast, she sobbed aloud.

"What is all this?" exclaimed Mrs. Bloomfield anxiously, and tenderly. "What is the matter with my darling? Tell us all about it."

“Oh, I have been very, very naughty,” cried the child; "but indeed I am sorry: cousin Lucy and nurse have forgiven me; and indeed I will try not to do so again."

66

Well, well; calm yourself," said Mr.

Bloomfield gravely, but very kindly. "Whatever you may have done, you are sorry, and that is the first step to amendment. Perhaps dear cousin Lucy will tell us what has been the matter, since you cannot."

Lucy, who was much grieved to see Rhoda so distressed, though she hoped the lesson would prove an useful one, related in a few words the events of the morning.

Mr. and Mrs. Bloomfield were afflicted when they heard all that had passed, for they had trusted their child had profited more by their frequent remonstrances. As she was, however, evidently extremely penitent, they forgave her, intreating her to be watchful, and to check the first risings of angry feelings.