Citation
Things will take a turn

Material Information

Title:
Things will take a turn a story for children
Added title page title:
Little Rosebud or, Things will take a turn
Creator:
Harraden, Beatrice, 1864-1936
Blackie & Son ( publisher )
Place of Publication:
London ;
Glasgow ;
Dublin
Publisher:
Blackie and Son
Publication Date:
Language:
English
Edition:
New and rev. ed.
Physical Description:
163, 32 p., [4] leaves of plates : ill. ; 19 cm.

Subjects

Subjects / Keywords:
Children -- Conduct of life -- Juvenile fiction ( lcsh )
Conduct of life -- Juvenile fiction ( lcsh )
Grandfathers -- Juvenile fiction ( lcsh )
Booksellers and bookselling -- Juvenile fiction ( lcsh )
Secondhand trade -- Juvenile fiction ( lcsh )
Poverty -- Juvenile fiction ( lcsh )
Orphans -- Juvenile fiction ( lcsh )
Kindness -- Juvenile fiction ( lcsh )
Friendship -- Juvenile fiction ( lcsh )
Children with disabilities -- Juvenile fiction ( lcsh )
Publishers' catalogues -- 1895 ( rbgenr )
Prize books (Provenance) -- 1895 ( rbprov )
Bldn -- 1895
Genre:
Publishers' catalogues ( rbgenr )
Prize books (Provenance) ( rbprov )
novel ( marcgt )
Spatial Coverage:
England -- London
Scotland -- Glasgow
Ireland -- Dublin
Target Audience:
juvenile ( marctarget )

Notes

General Note:
Issued also under title: Little Rosebud; or, things will take a turn.
General Note:
Publisher's catalogue follows text.
General Note:
"Preface to new and revised edition" -- p. [5].
Statement of Responsibility:
by Beatrice Harraden ; with forty-six illustrations by J.H. Bacon.

Record Information

Source Institution:
University of Florida
Holding Location:
University of Florida
Rights Management:
This item is presumed to be in the public domain. The University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries respect the intellectual property rights of others and do not claim any copyright interest in this item. Users of this work have responsibility for determining copyright status prior to reusing, publishing or reproducing this item for purposes other than what is allowed by fair use or other copyright exemptions. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions may require permission of the copyright holder. The Smathers Libraries would like to learn more about this item and invite individuals or organizations to contact The Department of Special and Area Studies Collections (special@uflib.ufl.edu) with any additional information they can provide.
Resource Identifier:
026803086 ( ALEPH )
ALH1553 ( NOTIS )
03350559 ( OCLC )

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Full Text








oi exe:

SCHOOL FOR GIRLS, ASHBURTON,
Le Leach es Z Fepe
ei Lp.
Litck heel 2128

| Optubnes (EG







THINGS WILL TAKE A TURN





‘AIN'T I JUST PROUD TO SEE YOU, THAT’S ALL!”



THINGS WILL TAKE A TURN.

A STORY FOR CHILDREN

BY

BEATRICE HARRADEN

AUTHOR OF ‘SHIPS THAT PASS IN THE NIGHT”, “IN VARYING MOODS”, ETC,

WITH FORTY-SIX ILLUSTRATIONS
BY ¥..H. BACON



LONDON

BLACKIE & SON, LimiTep, 50 OLD BAILEY, E.C.
GLASGOW AND DUBLIN

1895







PREFACE

TO NEW AND REVISED EDITION.

I have taken the opportunity kindly offered me by
the publishers to revise the text of this little story, which
was written more than five years ago, and published by
then in a series of tales for children.

I had forgotten Childie, and the old bookseller, and
the bird-fancier with the red nose, and Mrs. White with
the terrifying bonnet, and James the footman with the
stiff neck. But now, reading the little book once more,
. memories of my old friends come back to me; and I
fancy I can see Childie,—as I often saw her,—standing at
the door of the second-hand book-shop, and looking out
anxiously for customers, or waving her handkerchief to
Mr. Jones, or smiling at some bit of fun which she and
the bird-fancier had in common.

But the little narrow street has been pulled down, and
the bird-shop and the book-shop have given place to
more stately buildings. So that I and my readers would
search in vain for the queer old dwelling where the
parrot was taught to say: ‘Thzngs will take a turn!

BEATRICE HARRADEN.
Suite 5th, 1894.







CONTENTS.

Cuap. Page
I. THe OLD Book-SHOP, . . . 2. « « © © e+e « « OT
II. Rosepup’s NEw FRIEND, . . . . - + «© © © «© - 27
III. RosrBUD PREPARES FOR Hicu Lirz, . ..... + 37
IV. Mr. Dicgnton’s HOUSEKEEPER, . . . . +. +s + 56
V. VIOLET AND ROSEBUD, . . - 2 6 8 8 + ee ee 93
VI. THe WoNDERFUL PARROT, . . . - ee ee ee 85
VII. Mr. Jonges visirs GROSVENOR SQUARE, . . . - . + 95
VIII A CHAPTER OF PLEASANT SURPRISES,. - .« « + «© « II3
IX. A New Lease oF LIFE, . . «+ - 6 « 6 6 « « 130
X. A PLEASANT PROSPECT,. . . . «1 6 #© © «© « © «© 142

XI. GRAND-DAD’s DREAM COMES TRUE, . - « « « « «© 148

XII. Tur OLD AND THE NEW,. . « «© 2 6 «© © © « « 159







LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

FULL-PAGE ILLUSTRATIONS,
Page
‘“‘CHILDIE WAITED IN BREATHLESS ANXIETY WHILST HE EX-
AMINE: D SE VE Riva © © Kernen toi fie) spintea er eee weet op one teee teins 120)

“‘THANK YOU, ROSEBUD, FOR MAKING MY LITTLE GIRL HAPPY,” 80
‘“*THE DOCTOR CAME TO SEE HIM AND LOOKED GRAVE,” . . I13

‘““Ain’T I JUST PROUD TO SEE YOU, THAT’S ALL!” . . . . 139

ILLUSTRATIONS IN THE TEXT.

‘¢ She spent her time in patching them up,” . . . ogo al
“* Childie had seen him give back the book together with tho money,” 14
‘*Childie put her arms round grand-dad’s neck,” . . . . . . 16
‘“¢ She fetched him his rusty hat and his stick,” . 2. 1. 1. ew IQ
‘Mr. Jones,” she said, ‘‘your sleeve istorn,”. . . . . . . 21
“The dear little face . . . became once more anxious and sad,”. 25
‘Tf you please, sir, I will serve you.” . . . . . . «.. . 26
“‘Meantime do you take this’eresoup,” . . . . «© + e + 35
‘“¢ Grand-dad then sneezed several times,” . . Siemans eer 3 O)
‘Good gracious! I’ve been treading on your doll! aaa ners,
“Do let me give Bully 2 hemp seed—just one, Mr. Jones,” . . 50

“He stooped down and kissed her very gently”. . 2. . . + 55
‘She was lifted on to the sofa by the window,” . . . . . . 57

comhissispMyarcien cle lyre) OMeSswaier sco som ae rete) ait) Muon i= eeeen OS
“Mrs, White smiled and closed her eyes”. . . . . . « « 65
“He found her dolls in a corner of the shop,”. . . . . . . 68
“If you please, Miss, I’ve come,” . . . . . » + + s + 92
‘¢Here is a doll I want you very much to have”. . . . . « 97

“Mr, Jones whirled her round and round,” . . . . « . . 84



Things will Take a Turn.



‘“Things ’ave took a turn,—’urrah! Say that, Donkey,” . . . 90
‘*He lit his pipe and offered the match to grand-dad,” . . . . QI
‘* He heard some wonderful sounds,” . . . . . . sss 94
‘*Mr. Jones went into fits of laughter,” . . . . . . . . . IOI
““Nice, tidy, pretty room this is, to be sure!”. . . . 2. . . 107

‘* Childie was kneeling. . . . kissing his dear hands,” . . . . III
“* Sick folks like a whole sight of flowers in their sick-room,”. . 116
‘Mr. Jones, slipping off his boots, crept upstairs,” . . . . . 118
“‘Mr. Jones, dear, they say he is very ill,”. . . .-. . . . II9
‘*Mr. Dighton carried her tenderly ees ee 122

“* Seizing the biggest book he could find, he placed her feet upon it,” 125
‘There, you’ve been and told, said Mr. Jones, shaking his fist,”. 128
‘*She took them out of a private drawer, and put them tidy,”. . 135
‘*Grand-dad came down . ... leaning on Childie’s arm,” . . 143
‘*Do you think Rosebud will consent to come, Mrs. White?”. . 149
‘*Mr. Dighton found Childie alone, putting the books in order,”. 151
‘* He blew his red nose very violently”. . . . . . . + « 156
‘‘ Her little head was resting against his cheek,” . . . . . .« I6I

























































































— BY POorr





(CBUAME INS INS Ih.

THE OLD BOOK-SHOP.

There was no denying it that trade was bad in
the little tumble-down old second-hand book-shop
in a poor street of London. Even little Rose
Burnley, a ten-year-old lass, with large, wondering
eyes, and a smile which was more often sad than
merry, knew that things were not going on pros-

perously in grand-dad’s shop. I think she troubled



12 Things will Take a Turn.

more about them than he did; for he was always
reading. I suppose he thought that as he could
not sell the books, he might just as well read them
and make some use of them. It was a pity they
should lie there idle. They were not good-looking
books: they were old, and grubby, and worn, and
had several names of the past owners written in-
side, and the second-hand price scratched in pencil
on the title-page. Nowadays, when one can buy
new copies so cheaply, these fusty, musty old
things do not seem very attractive, do they? Ah
well, we ought not to abuse them, for they have
lived their lives and done their work well.

And little Rose loved them all. She had a
profound reverence for the very oldest; and when
she was not reading, or seeing after grand-dad,
she spent her time in patching them up. She was
quite clever at making covers for them, and grand-
dad himself said she ought to have been a binder.
There was one dilapidated volume—I think it was
Clarendon’s History of the Great Rebellion—which

she restored in a marvellous way. Up to now



The Old Book-shop. 13

rN



this had been the triumph of her life, although I
am not sure whether she was not as well pleased
with her success in doctoring a forlorn Greek dic-
tionary, which she respected all the more because
she could not understand one single word in it.
No, she was not a Greek scholar; but she was an
English scholar in her own little way, and she
could read aloud as well as any grown-up person,
and she was not in the least frightened at long
words. She read aloud to her dolls. Good
gracious! I really tremble to think what intellectual
beings she had made of them. She had rather
odd names for them; her two favourites were
called Robinson Crusoe and Jane Eyre.

She often envied them.

“You have no worries,” she said. ‘ You don’t
get up every morning, wondering, wondering
whether anyone will come and buy some books.
And it is all the same to you whether grand-dad
looks happy or troubled.”

But grand-dad was really unhappy this fine ie

morning; for money was becoming very scarce,



14 Things will Take a Turn.

and no one came to the second-hand book-shop.
Ah, and there I am wrong.
People certainly did come, only they came to

sell books, not to duy them, and seemed’ rather



injured when shrivelled-up old David Burnley
refused their offers. Why, he had not any money
to spare now. He had not enough for Childie
and himself. But in the days gone by, when
starved-looking students begged him to buy their



The Old Book-shop. 15

most precious volumes for a mere song, Childie,
as he called his little grand-daughter, had often
stood by, and seen him give back the book together
with the money. She thought that very sweet of
him, and loved him for it.

But, you know, this was not the way to get on
in life. His neighbours told him so. They
thought him rather a silly old man.

‘He has read too much,” they said to each
other. ‘Of course he is silly!”

That was their way of looking at the matter;
but they were ignorant folk, and knew more about
Dutch cheeses and tinned sardines than they did
about books! Anyway, to-day he was very
troubled about his affairs; he could not fix his
attention on his book. He kept looking at Childie,
who sat by his side on a footstool, mending Robin-
son Crusoe’s coat. Poor coat! it was even shabbier
than grand-dad’s coat; and that was saying a good
deal. He kept looking at Jane Eyre, who was
lying flat on her back, gazing intently at the murky
ceiling of the old book-shop. She was very shabby



16 Things will Take a Turn.

WIRD



too. They were all shabby and poor, and rather
hungry, let me tell you. He combed his thin,



white hair with his thin hand, and then stroked
his brow.

“Childie,”” he said gently, “times are very
bad.”

In a moment Robinson Crusoe and his coat

were thrown on the ground, and Childie sprang
(M3)



Lhe Old Book-shop. 107,



up, and put her arms round grand-dad’s neck and
kissed him.

‘“‘T know, dear,” she whispered.

“Tt was easy enough to get along while there
was money in the till,” he said, smiling at her
sadly, “and one did not trouble much then. But
the quarter's rent is due soon, and there is very
little to pay it with, Childie. I have been thought-
less and selfish. There is nothing easier in the
whole world than to be selfish. Kiss me again,
. Childie, and tell me that you do not love me any
the less because I have been selfish.”

“Why, grand-dad,” she said, as she kissed him
lovingly, “it has not been your fault if people
have not come to buy our books. And every
one says trade is bad, you know. I went in to
look at the birds in Mr. Jones’s shop, and he told
me he had not sold a single one during the last
few days. I felt sorry for him, for he is very
kind although he has got a red nose. And what
a red nose it is, to be sure, grand-dad! But he

was not in the dumps. He said to me: ‘Look



18 Things will Take a Turn.



you, Rosebud child, things will take a turn. He
is always saying this to me; and, fancy, grand-dad,
he has taught that parrot of his to say: ‘ Things
will take a turn’. We must say it and believe it
too. Do you hear, grand-dad?”

“Yes, Childie,” he answered, smiling. “ Now
I am going out to try and get together some
money which has been owing me a long time.
It is not much, but it is better than nothing.
You mind the shop—you and Jane Eyre and
Robinson Crusoe. There will not be a great
deal for you to do,” he added with a sigh; “no
one is likely to come.”

Quick as thought she fetched him his rusty hat,
and his stick, and his horrid little snuff-box; and
off he started on his journey.

“Oh,” she said to herself, as she stood at the
shop door, watching that dear, bent figure trudg-
ing wearily along, ‘if I could only sell a book
whilst he is away, how glad and proud I should
be!”

And the tears darted to her eyes; but she



19

The Old Book-shop.

PRPPRARRAARARAR RARER APEAADALRAAALRAEAA PAPEL DLR PR

brushed them hastily from her face, for she heard

the parrot over the way screeching: ‘“ Things will

Things will take a turn!” And

take a turn!



Mr. Jones, the happy possessor of the red nose

and the bird-shop, seeing his little friend standing

at the door, crossed over the road to speak with

her.



20 Things will Take a Turn.

RRR eee ee eee OOOO



‘“Good-morning, Rosebud,” he said gently.
“ How’s yourself?”

“Quite well, thank you, Mr. Jones,” she an-
swered smiling. “And you?”

‘“Fust-rate,’ he answered. “Last night I sold
a pair of Norwich canaries and a bishop—you
know that fat, sleek fellow with a yellow crest.
And I tell you, Rosebud child, them bishop birds
bring in a sight of money, they do. I should like
to sell a dozen or two every jolly morning. But
upon my soul, littl’un, prosperity is peeping round
the corner. Time it should too. And how’s the
grand-dad?”

“Oh, pretty well,” she said. ‘He has gone
out and left me in charge.”

‘And ain’t you just proud?” he said, looking
kindly at her. ‘Fancy you being left in charge—
a bit of a bird like you! Why, if I had you ina
cage with some fine feathers on, I’d make a bet you'd
fetch more than a Norwich canary, or a weaver,
or a bishop, or a pope, or a piping bull-finch, or a

Virginian nightingale, or all of them put together.”



The Old Book-shop. 21

ea nn





“Mr. Jones,” she said, “your sleeve is torn.
Perhaps you had better wait while I mend it.”

“Thank you, hearty,” he said, as he sank into



grand-dad’s chair at the back of the tiny counter;
‘this ain’t the first piece of stitching you’ve done

for me, is it? You're fond of your needle, ain’t



2 Things will Take a Turn.

SS ARAN





RAR A



you? And you're fond of me too, in a sort of a
way?”

“Of course I am fond of you,” she said laughing.
‘“We are fond of all those who are kind to us.”

‘Are we now?” remarked Mr. Jones. ‘“ Well,
I suppose you ought to know, as you have read a
whole sight of books; but all 7 know is that many
folk has been kind to me in my life, and I’m blest
if lve been fond of them, or grateful to them for
the matter of that!”

‘“What a horrible person you must really be!”
said Rosebud, putting down his coat and looking
up at him.

“That may be,” he laughed, “but I ain’t no ex-
ception. Why, your little fingers have been quick!
Thank you kindly. I say, Rosebud child, do the
dolls like chocolate or toffee best?”

“They have not a sweet tooth,” she said as she
helped him on with his coat, and watched him
gazing admiringly at her work. ‘In fact, Mr.
Jones, if you look at Jane Eyre and Robinson

Crusoe, you'll find they have not any teeth at all.”



The Old Book-shop. 23

“Then [Im blessed if soup ain’t the best thing
for them to have!” he answered. ‘ But what can
you expect at their time of life? They look as if
they'd come out of the ark, they do.”

“They are not as young as they might be, Mr.
Jones,” she laughed; “but they are none the worse
for that.”

“That’s right, missy,” he replied; “always speak
up for your friends.”

And having wished her good luck for the morn-
ing, and bestowed a patronizing pat on the heads
of Jane Eyre and Mr. Crusoe, who were looking
rather sulky at his rude remarks about them, Mr.
Jones took his departure to his place of business
over the other side of the road. And Childie set
to work to dust the second-hand books.

She tried to be kind and just to them all, but it
was very hard to take any interest in those dis-
agreeable, dull school-books. She could not get
up any enthusiasm for Cornwell's Geography and
Mangnall’'s Questions and Mrs. Markham’s Hzstory
of England, but she did her duty by them.



24. Things will Take a Turn.

Nw A



And all the time she was thinking how proud
she should be if only she had some money to show
grand-dad on his return. And the dear little, fair
. face, which had brightened up at Mr. Jones's visit,
became once more sad and anxious—very anxious.

‘Are all people anxious?” she thought to her-
self, as she sat down on her stool, and rested her
elbows on her knees, and stared at the book-
shelves. “I wonder whether the people who
write books are as worried as the people who
try to sell them and can’t. Oh, if I were only
grown-up, and could work for grand-dad! He
should read all day, and never have any worries.
And [’d buy him a new snuff-box and a new
velvet skull-cap to keep the cold off his dear
head. And he’d look so nice in it too, for grand-
dad is handsome; I think he is quite a picture.
But he is old now, and he has no one to love him
but me, and I am not really old enough to take
care of him properly. If one could only become
old in a day, or a week, or even a year! It seems

to take sch a long time.”



The Old Book-shop. 25

~N AR







—



NT

Then she closed her eyes and smiled happily;
for it was pleasant to make plans, and her little

head was full of schemes and ideas—all for grand-







dad, not for herself, not even for Jane Eyre and

Robinson Crusoe.

Suddenly she heard a footstep, and looking up
saw a very tall gentleman standing just inside the
door. The colour flushed to her cheeks, and her



26 Things will Take a Turn.

a ee

heart beat excitedly, for here, in very truth, was a

real customer.





Rosebuds New Friend. 27

re SLO Cl A lA LLL Ol ef LAD ALLL LL APL al tal taf Map apy





CHAPTER II.
ROSEBUD 'S NEW FRIEND.

“Vou will serve me?” said the tall gentleman,
smiling somewhat incredulously. ‘Well, little
girl, I must tell you that I have been looking
everywhere for a particular volume to complete a
certain edition of Czsar’s works, suppose you
do not happen to know who Cesar was?”

“Oh, yes,” she answered, “of course I do. He
crossed the Rubicon. Grand-dad taught me all
about him; and then I’ve read, you know. Here’s
where we keep his works.”

And she pointed to the topmost shelf.

wy



“I'm sorry I can’t reach,” she said, looking at
him mournfully. “It seems very rude of me to

ask you to look yourself. But if I had the ladder
I would get up at once. Only I cannot carry the

ladder myself. Grand-dad generally carries it,



28 Things will Take a Turn.

a AN







and then I hold it while he mounts it. But he is
old now, and I am always fearful lest he should
tumble.”

The tall gentleman—whose name, by the way,
was Mr. Dighton—stared in amused astonishment
at this quaint little shopkeeper. He was quite
pleased with her manner and her appearance.

“And so you know who Cesar is?” he said.
“Well, that is more than my little girl knows.
Poor little girl! And she is just about your age,
too; only she cannot run about, and mount lad-
ders as you do. She lies on a sofa all through the
long day, which is very long for her sometimes.”

“[m sorry,” said Childie softly; and the tears
came into her eyes. She had such a sympathetic
heart.

“Then you must be sad, sir,” she said.

“Yes,” he answered; “I am very often sad.”
And he sighed. ‘Well now, for the book,” he
added. “We can very well do without the ladder,
for I can reach the top shelf with the aid of that
footstool.”







Ms

“CHILDIE WAITED IN BREATHLESS ANXIETY WHILST HE
EXAMINED EVERY BOOK.”



fostbud’s New Friend. 29

Childie waited in breathless anxiety whilst he
examined every book on the shelf. Oh, how she
hoped it would be there!

“Tt isn’t here,” he said. “I am disappointed.”

And he took his handkerchief from his pocket
and rubbed the dust off his hands. He looked

rather cross too. I suppose he did not like dust;



some people don’t.
Childie’s face fell. She was also disappointed.
“Tf you please, sir,” she said pleadingly, “it may
be on this shelf, or amongst that heap of books.
Will you take grand-dad’s seat, sir, whilst I look?”
But the book was nowhere to be found. They
both searched for it diligently; and it was really
quite funny to see Mr. Dighton kneeling on the
ground and diving amongst the miscellaneous
volumes.
“It is of no use,” he said, standing up again.
“T might have known that I should not find it

here.”



Childie’s courage had eradually been tees her,

and now, overcome with excitement, anxiety, and



30 Things will Take a Turn.

AN



ree



disappointment, she burst into tears, and cried as
though her heart would break.

“Please, sir,” she sobbed, “forgive me; but |
did so hope to sell a book as a surprise for grand-
dad. No one buys books from us now. And
trade is very bad, and things don’t seem to take a
turn, although the parrot over the way says they
will. And when you came in I was so proud and
glad, because grand-dad has left me in charge;
and you are the first customer we've had for a
very long time. And now you can’t find what
you want.”

She looked such a poor, sad little lass, that all
his kindly pity rose up in his heart.

He took her hand and put it into his own great,
big hands, and told her not to cry her blue eyes
away, for he wanted another book, which would
do just as well; and he pounced upon the first he
came to—it happened to be Mangnall’s Questions,
price ninepence—and he put a bright, shining
sovereign on the counter, and told her to keep it

all for herself and grand-dad.



Rosebuds New Friend. Bi



She smiled through her tears.

_ “low good you are!” she said, looking up at
him. “Only I don’t think I ought to take it from
you. Mangnall’s Questions is only ninepence.”

“Tam quite sure you ought to take it from me,”
he said kindly as he put the shabby little book
into his pocket; for he did not wish to hurt her feel-
ings by not taking itaway. “Do you know, I should
be ever so angry if you did not keep that gold
piece. Why, look at it. It is a jubilee sovereign,
quite new and spruce, and will bring you good
luck. Yes, I am quite sure it will bring you good
luck. Now, tell me your name, little girl?”

“If you please, sir,” she said, “my name is
Rose; but grand-dad calls me Childie, and Mr.
Jones calls me Rosebud.”

“Mr. Jones has very good taste,” said Mr.
Dighton. “And who may he be?”

“If you please, sir,” she answered, Mr. Jones is
the bird-fancier over the way. Oh! he has such
beautiful birds; only trade is bad with him too.

But he has harder times than we have; for birds



32 Things will Take a Turn.

want feeding, don’t they? and books only want
dusting. There is Mr. Jones at his shop window.
Won't he just be glad to see that I have got a
real customer!”

“A real customer!” laughed Mr. Dighton. “Not
wax-work, like your poor old dolls. What learned-
looking dolls they are too! Do they know about
Ceesar crossing the Rubicon?”

Childie laughed merrily.

“Perhaps they do,” she said; ‘only they never
tell me what they know. But I’ve read such a
lot to them that I think they can’t be altogether
stupid!”

“ Well, little Rosebud,” said the tall gentleman,
stooping down and holding out his hand to her, “J
must be going home now to my little girl. I shall
tell her about you. Perhaps you would like to
come and read to her, and help her to spend part
of the long day. Somehow or other I don’t think
she would find it at all sad and wearisome when
you were with her. You would be kind to her,

wouldn’t you, and patient and gentle?”



Rosebuad’s New Friend. 32

“Indeed, sir,” said Childie earnestly, ‘1 would
try to be so.”

“Then tell grand-dad,” he said, “that I shall
come in to-morrow, and speak with him myself.
Good-bye, Rosebud. Mind now, there must not
be any more tears in those blue eyes.”

And he put up his finger as though in solemn
warning, and left Childie staring after him in
bewilderment.

‘How kind he is!”.she thought. ‘It is a long
way to look up to his face; but when: you once get
there, what a kind, good face it is! And how sad
he looked when he spoke of his little girl. I shall
never forget him.”

And she sat down on her stool, and began to
_ put a brown-paper cover on a miserable, tattered
book. But the work did not get on very quickly,
for I fancy Rosebud was thinking that if people
did not have one kind of anxiety, they had another.

‘Perhaps the tall gentleman does not have to

she thought; “but then

,

trouble about customers,’

he must always be sad about his little girl.”
(M3) ¢



34 Things will Take a Turn.

IRR RIERIIII PRIIe



Then she looked at the bright sovereign, and
remembered how pleased and surprised grand-dad
would be when he came home and heard all the
wonderful news she had to tell him; and her little
face shone with June sunshine.

And she sang a snatch of melody, some-
thing about the trees and the birds and the
flowers. One always sings of them when one is
happy.

Suddenly a voice, not so melodious as hers,
called out:

“Bless me, Rosebud child! if that ain’t a more
lovely noise than any my birds could make! Why
weren't you a Norwich canary or a Virginian
nightingale? You'd just make my fortune—at a
handy time, too!”

‘Oh, Mr. Jones! you did startle me,” she said
laughing. “I’ve such a lot to tell you. The
parrot is quite right, for things will take a turn,
I am sure.”

“Of course they will, Birdie,” he said cheerily.

“And meantime do you take this ’ere soup, or



Rosebuds New Friend. 35



else I shall drop it. It’s for them toothless dolls
of yours; but, supposing they ain’t got no appetites,















































































































































































































































































then I guess you and your grand-dad had best
make away with it. And as soup ain’t good with-

out fresh rolls, so please you, littl’un, I’ve brought



36 Things will Take a Turn.

a OO ae a aa a a a a ead



some fresh rolls. Trade is reviving, Rosebud,
and so is soup and rolls.”

“You are very good,” she said gratefully. “Jane
Eyre and Robinson Crusoe can’t thank you, but
I thank you, Mr. Jones. You are always being
kind to me.”

‘©Tut, tut!” he answered. ‘ You must run over
and tell me about the tall customer. ‘Oh, there’s
someone going into my shop! “I’m off, littlun.”

“That soup and them rolls will do her good,”
he said to himself as he went back to his shop.
“She don’t look particular strong, dear little
lassie; and I’m thinking people don’t grow up
hearty in fusty old book-shops. Never a day goes
by that the sight of that littl'un don’t do me good.
Bless her heart!”





Rosebud Prepares for High Life. 37

aed



CHAPTER IL

ROSEBUD PREPARES FOR HIGH LIFE,

Grand-dad had not been successful in getting
any money together. Some people, you know, do
not trouble in the very least about peying their
debts; and it is a cruel and hard thing when the
poor have to wait a weary long time before they
can get paid for their work. Poor dress-makers
complain bitterly about the grand ladies who give
them their satins and silks to make, and expect
the dresses to be ready in less than no time; but
they are quite surprised if they are expected to
pay in less than no time. And they often let
whole weeks pass by without giving a thought to
the little scrawly bill waiting so patiently to be
noticed. And it would be nothing to them to take
out their purses and pay at once. Nothing pre-

vents them except thoughtlessness and selfishness.



38 Things will Take a Turn.

However this may all be, grand-dad came home
tired and disappointed. He was chiefly anxious
about the child, for he really did not care about
himself.

‘What is to become of her,” he thought, “when
the money has all been spent, and there is nothing
more coming in?”

No wonder that grand-dad’s heart was heavy,
and his footstep weary.

There was no one in the shop. He sank down
into his chair behind the counter, and took from
his pocket his red cotton handkerchief, which he
passed over his burning forehead. Then he pulled
out his horrid little snuff-box, and refreshed him-
self with a pinch of snuff. Childie did not like
snuff, and always congratulated Robinson Crusoe
on the fact that he did not care about it.

“T shall be quite content, Crusoe,” she used to
say to him in private, “if you take grand-dad as
your model in everything except his love for
snuff. Do you hear?”

I don’t know whether he heard, but he cer-



Rosebud Prepares for High Life. 39

wwe



tainly heeded, for he was a total abstainer from
snuff |

Grand-dad then sneezed several times, and then



took off his goggle-eyed spectacles and rubbed
them with the corner of his red cotton handker-
chief. Having made them clean and clear he put

them on again, about half-way down his nose. It



40 Things will Take a Turn.

eee NP



was always a puzzle to Childie why he should look
over his spectacles and not ¢hrough them. Some-
times, though, he did not wear them at all, but
closed his right eye with the second finger of his
right hand and read with his left eye. This
puzzled Childie too; she thought it rather hard on
that left eye.

“Use both your eyes when you read, Robinson
Crusoe,” she said to him. “I prefer it.”

Childie was strict in her own little quiet way.
She would have made an excellent schoolmistress.

But to-day grand-dad did not read. He looked
mournfully at the second-hand books, and for the
first time in his life wished they were all brand-
new, uncut, and sprucely dressed, because then he
would have a chance of selling them. He had
rather despised new books; but this morning he
had been gazing into a grand shop of every kind
of book—large, small, and medium, good, bad,
and indifferent, but fresh and new and beautiful;
and he saw so many people going in and coming

out again with parcels in their hands, that he quite



Rosebud Prepares for High Life. 41

ALLL ALL LILA AOL





longed to be the lucky possessor of that shop: just
for Childie’s sake, not for his own.

‘Just for Childie’s sake!” he murmured to him-
self as he took off his boots and thrust his tired
old feet into his slippers.

And at that moment she came into the shop.

“What luck, grand-dad?” she said cheerily.

“N one for us, child,” he answered sadly.

“Ah, you mustn't say that, dear!” she said,
picking up the red cotton handkerchief which had
fallen to the ground, and putting it into his pocket,
as though she were his little mother. ‘You
mustn’t say that, for I’ve had a real customer, and
I’ve a real sovereign to give you; and here it is,
grand-dad. So don’t ever tell me that I can’t
keep shop well!”

‘What book have you sold, child?” he asked,
looking at her wonderingly.

“Mangnall’s Questzons,” she answered laughing.
“What do you think of that?”

And then she told him the whole story of the
tall gentleman’s visit, and she begged that he



42 Things will Take a Turn.



RRR



would allow her to go and read to the little invalid
girl.

“Of course you shall go, Childie,” he said lov-
ingly. “And well might that gentleman wish to
have you to read to his little daughter. Where
could one hope to find a dearer, sweeter little girl-
flower than my Rosebud?”

And off they went, hand in hand, to the back-
room to enjoy Mr. Jones’s soup and fresh rolls,
which Jane Eyre and Robinson Crusoe had de-
clined with thanks.

About twelve o'clock the following morning the
tall gentleman called in to see old David Burnley.
Childie was not there at the time.

“Your grand-daughter pleased me mightily yes-
terday,” he said kindly, “and I have taken quite a
fancy to her. She speaks beautifully. You have
indeed taught her well. Now, I should like her to
come and see my little girl, who I am sure will be
kind to her. My little girl, you know, is an
invalid: a motherless invalid. And she cannot

read a great deal; for her eyes are weak. And



Rosebud Prepares for High Life. 43





she does not care about all children, but I think
she would be fond of your little Rosebud. And
Rosebud could read to her, and be her companion
for part of the day. I am sure your little grand-
daughter would be proud to earn some money.
And you would let her come, wouldn’t you?”

“You are very good, sir,” said the old man
gently. “Of course I would let her come.”

“Just for part of the day,” continued Mr.
Dighton. ‘Ah, here is the little woman,” he
added, as Childie came into the shop. ‘‘You see,
I have not forgotten you, have 1?”

And grand-dad was quite touched to see how
kindly he greeted Childie, stooping down and
taking her hand and speaking to her so freely and
gently. As for Rosebud herself, it seemed to her
the most natural thing in the world to see her tall
friend again and hear his kind fresh voice; and
she chattered away to him as if she had known
him all her life.

“I have just been to look at Mr. Jones's new
bullfinch,” she confided to him. ‘I wonder what



44 Things will Take a Turn.

RARER oOo



you'd think of it. Now, / think it’s a beauty, and
it pipes such pretty tunes.”

“Indeed,” he said, smiling at her. “And do
you know as much about birds as you do about
books?”

She laughed.

“Oh,” she answered, “I only know what Mr.
Jones tells me. And then one can’t help learning
a little when one sees all the birds, can one? But
sometimes I think it is very cruel to keep them
shut up in those tiny cages. But, do you know,
Mr. Jones has often put them in bigger cages just
to please me. Isn’t that nice of him? He laughs
at me when I ask him; but he never refuses me.
Oh, I remember he was a little cross once. But
then he had the toothache dreadfully; and one
can’t feel very kind when one has the toothache,
can one?”

“Certainly not,” he replied. ‘Well, you must
take me to see your friend Mr. Jones one day,
when he has not got the toothache. I should not

like him to be cross with me.”



Rosebud Prepares for High Life. 45

~



‘“‘As if anyone could be cross with you, sir!” she
said eagerly. ‘I am sure I couldn't if I tried

all the day long.”





WLM SELA



“That's all right,” he said laughing. ‘“I hope

you will always say that. Good gracious! I’ve



46 Lhings will Take a Turn.
BN

been treading on your doll, and I’ve broken its
right arm! What will you say to me now?”

He stooped down and picked up poor Robinson
Crusoe, who probably would have groaned if he
could; for it is not a particularly pleasant thing to
have a crushed arm!

Childie was certainly rather heartless this morn-
ing, for she giggled and seemed immensely
amused; and even grand-dad laughed to see the
tall gentleman holding the wounded doll in his
hand, and looking the picture of penitence and
misery.

“What will you say to me now?” he asked
again. ‘Won't you feel angry with me now?”

“No,” she laughed; “it is all Crusoe’s fault for
sprawling about on the ground. And it doesn’t
matter much whether he has one or two arms; he
never does any work, you know.”

She took the doll from Mr. Dighton and put it
safely on the counter; but although she laughed
and smiled, I think in her heart of hearts she was

really sorry. But she was not going to let him



Rosebud Prepares for High Life. 47

ake Pe!







see that; for he had been kind to her, and she
was grateful to him.

He stopped a few minutes longer arranging
with grand-dad that she should come to his house
on the morrow and see his little girl, and then he
asked about trade, and seemed sorry to hear that
things were so bad.

“But you must cheer up,” he said kindly. “By
the way, about that book. Suppose you try and
get it for me. And I daresay I shall be asking
you to look out for several other books for me. |
cannot spare the time just at present, and shail
be glad of your help. And Pll pay you gener-
ously; be sure of that.”

Grand-dad’s face brightened up with hope and
happiness.

“Thank you, sir,” he murmured. “Do you
know you have come to us just when we wanted
help. You have given me back strength and hope.
God bless you.”

Then Mr. Dighton turned to Childie, pointed to

Robinson Crusoe mournfully, and said:



48 Things will Take a Turn.

“And you really forgive me, little one, for hav-
ing squashed that poor doll’s right arm?”

“Yes, indeed!” she answered eagerly.

“Ah,” he said, as he was leaving the shop, “I
expect my little girl will scold me when she hears ~
what mischief I have been doing.”

“ Don’t tell her,” said Childie; ‘‘and I won’t tell
her either. Let it be a secret between ourselves.”

But he shook his head. ~

“It’s of no use,” he replied solemnly. “My
little girl guesses all my secrets. Good-bye, Rose-
bud. My housekeeper shall come and fetch you
to-morrow.” And he hailed a hansom cab and
drove to his beautiful house in Grosvenor Square,
all the time thinking to himself what a lucky
chance it was that took him to the second-hand
book-shop.

“That child will please my little Violet,” he said
to himself. “She is quaint and gentle; and if ever
there was a little lady, she is one. Her clothes
are poor and shabby, but they are quite neat.
And that white apron she wears is spotless. And



Rosebud Prepares for High Life. 49



what a little mother she seems to be to that
scholarly, worn-out old grandfather of hers. How
pleased she was to see him smile and look happy
when I spoke to him of work. Fancy me now
hunting about for a wretched old second-hand book
and finding instead a dear little Rosebud. Who
would have thought it?”

Childie meanwhile put her stool near grand-
dad’s arm-chair behind the counter, pulled out her
sewing, and began to work diligently.

“Only think, grand-dad,” she said, “I shall be
able to earn a little money for you before I am
grown-up! I always thought people had to wait
until they were grown-up before they could be of
any use to those they loved.”

“Why, Childie,” he said lovingly, as he lit his
pipe (for she had been out to get him a little
tobacco for a treat); “why, Childie, you have
been of use to me ever since you were born.
You have loved me.”

“Ts that being useful?” she asked, opening her

blue eyes wide.
(is) D



50 Things will Take a Turn.

ww





“Of course it is,” answered her grandfather.
“Tt is everything.”

In the course of the afternoon Childie ran over























































LEE



to Mr. Jones’s, just to tell him about the tall
gentleman’s visit, and to have another look at the

piping bullfinch.



Rosebud Prepares for High Life. 51

aan



«And so you're going to that grand gentleman’s
house?” said Mr. Jones, who was mixing seed
for the birds. “I don’t suppose you'll want to
come and see the old bird-fancier when you've got
them new swell friends of yours?”

“What a horrid thing to say, Mr. Jones!” an-
swered Childie reproachfully; but seeing that
there was a smile on his face, she added:

“There, | knew you did not mean it! What a
tease you are, Mr. Jones! Do you know, my tall
‘gentleman is coming to see you one day when you
are not feeling cross. You will let him look at
your birds, won’t you, Mr. Jones, as he is my
friend?”

“Delighted!” replied the gentleman of the red
nose. ‘Any time he likes to come I shall be
ready to say a civil word to him. So now you
know. And what I say I mean. Don’t I, litt!un?”

“Yes, Mr. Jones,” she answered. ‘But you're
spilling a lot of that seed. Mayn’t I help you?
And oh, do let me give Bully a hemp seed—just

one, Mr. Jones!”



52 Things will Take a Turn.



“You'll spoil that ’ere bird,” said Mr. Jones,
putting a few hemp seeds into Childie’s little hand.
“Too many hemp seeds is as bad for them birds
as too much beer or sweet stuff is bad for you and
me.”

“Took here, Rosebud,” he said when she had
finished feeding the bullfinch, ‘“‘what I say I mean,
don’t I? And this is what I say: You always look
a little dear; but I want you to look quite spruce
to-morrow, for my own honour, you know, and
for grand-dad’s too. I’ve found a few shillings
tucked away in a seed-tin. Bless me, I was just
surprised to find them yesterday! And I said to
myself I’m smashed if these sha’n’t go to buy
something fine for my little Rosebud. Grand-dad
don’t think of these things; he don’t notice. But
I notice, bless your heart! I look to the fashings.
And I’ve seen a sweet tidy cape as you must have.
Tut, tut, not a word! I'll get old John next door
to mind the shop for a half hour; and you and J,
we'll just go and buy that sweet pretty thing.

Grosvenor Square, indeed!—that’s where you're



Rosebud Prepares for High Life. 53

going to! We'll teach Grosvenor Square how to
look! And what do you say to a wee rosebud in
your hat, littl’un, just to make it spruce and
gay?”

Childie clapped her hands with delight; for, like
all of us, she was fond of a little bit of finery.

“Only, Mr. Jones,” she said, ‘you ought to
spend this money on yourself, for you sadly want
a new hat.”

“A new hat!” he said, laughing. ‘“Why, Rose-
' bud, what are you thinking about? That hat of
mine hanging on that peg ain’t more than four
year old come September. When it’s ten year
old, then I shall think it wants cleaning up or see-
ing to a bit. Come along. How that parrot do
screech to-day! Folks say the book-business makes
one’s eyes bad; but deary me, the bird-business
does try one’s ears!”

They called next door, and asked old John to
look after the shop for a short time; and then Mr.
Jones, taking Childie’s hand, plunged into the

linen-draper’s a few yards down the street.



54 Things will Take a Turn.



“That’s the article,” he said, pointing to a little
black cape. “What do you think of that,
Childie?”

“Oh, it’s beautiful, Mr. Jones,” she said admir-
ingly. ‘Only it is much too good for me.”

“Tut, tut!” he replied.

And he bought it then and there, and made her
put it on at once that he might see how she looked
in it.

‘“Fust-rate!” he said, smiling proudly.

And then they bought a little pink rosebud and
a pair of gray cotton gloves, and, armed with these
wonderful purchases, went back to the bird-shop.

“Don’t you say anything to grand-dad,” he said
as he stooped down and kissed her very gently;
“but just you put them fineries on to-morrow and
see if he notices. Maybe he won’t notice. . But
there, there! his eyesight is awful bad, you know.
And we can’t all notice the same things, can we?
Why, you know I don’t ever take any heed of
them seedy-looking books of yours.”

Childie thanked him many times for his beauti-



Rosebud Prepares for High Life. 55



ful presents, and went home to grand-dad to get
his tea ready. She found him in excellent spirits;
for he had three customers, one after the other.

‘Tt certainly does look as if things were taking
a turn, Childie,” he said, smiling brightly at her.
«And it is’ all through Childie. I am sure of
that.”



7 AEEACO



56 Things will Take a Turn.

~~



CHAPTER IV.
MR. DIGHTON’S HOUSEKEEPER.

Little Violet Dighton lay on the sofa in her
beautiful sitting-room, waiting for her father’s re-
turn home from his visit to the second-hand book-
seller's shop. She was fair-haired and fair-com-
plexioned; her face was thin and pain-weary, and
she was slight of form and figure. She wore a
pretty blue-coloured silk frock, with a yellow sash
round it, and some soft lace at the neck. Her
hands were very thin. She had a little gold ring
with a pearl in it on the third finger of her right
hand. She had been doing some fancy crotchet-
work; but I suppose she was tired, for she had let
it fall to the ground, and a handsome Persian cat
was making sport with the ball. Perhaps that cat
knew that Violet could not jump up and run after
him!



Mr. Dighton’s Housekeeper. 57





No, she could not jump up. In the morning
she was lifted very gently on to the sofa by the
window, and there she stayed all the day long.
She was an odd little lady; she could have had

































































































































many companions, for people wished to be kind,
but she did not care about them all. She liked
best to have her father with her, and was quite
happy for the whole day if he had found time to

spend an hour with her. The whole house was



58 Things will Take a Turn,



beautiful, but her room was full of wonderful
treasures. The walls were hung with pictures;
and there were all kinds of books and engravings
on the table near her, and lovely vases with fresh
flowers in them, and plants here and there and
everywhere. At least she had much to look at as.
she lay on her sofa, and Mr. Dighton seldom came
home without bringing her something to please her:
a sweet flower, or perhaps a little scented bag, or
a new puzzle; she was fond of puzzles and nearly
always made them out; and sometimes a new
picture would be brought in mysteriously, and he
would pretend to know nothing at all about it,
when, to tell you the truth, he had spent ever so
long in choosing it.

He would have wished above all things to give
her health, but he could not do that. It was sad
to think that she had everything she could possibly
wish for except health.

She was very anxious to see the little girl of
whom her father had spoken so much. She was

quite fearful lest the old grandfather should not



Mr. Dighton’s Housekeeper. 59

nn



allow Rosebud to come and see her; and so you
can imagine how pleased she was when her father
came home and told her that he had arranged for
Mrs. White, the housekeeper, to go and fetch
Rosebud at ten o'clock on the morrow.

“You always say that you are best pleased
when I bring you flowers, Violet,” said Mr.
Dighton as he put a beautiful orchid into a little
vase on the table by the sofa; ‘““and I am sure
you will like to have the little Rosebud: a little
‘human flower.

“Now, what do you think I have been doing
this morning?—I have broken that child’s doll.
So I went into a doll-shop, and I’ve bought this
concern. And you must give it to her to-morrow.
Is it a nice one, Violet?”

‘‘A beauty!” she answered, looking at it admir-
ingly. ‘How pleased Rosebud will be! Only it
has not got a very nice hat on. I think I must
make it a new one.”

She set to work diligently, and turned out a

wonderful thing for the doll’s head; and when



60 | Things will Take a Turn.

Mrs. White, the housekeeper, saw it, she declared
solemnly that a court milliner could not have done
it better.

Mrs. White started about half-past nine the
next morning to go to old David Burnley’s shop.
Between you and me, she did not quite like the
notion of “this chit of a child” coming to the
house.

‘Master has such odd ideas,” she said to herself
as she rolled along, for she was rather a stout per-
sonage. ‘‘ Miss Violet is going on very nicely by
herself, and doesn’t want any strange body coming
to worry her. Deary me! what a narrow street to
live in!”

I should tell you that years ago Mrs. White had
lived in a far narrower street than Childie’s; but
it was so long ago that she had quite forgotten.
People do forget, you know!

She had quite determined to be very stern and
patronizing and haughty to the “chit”; and she
was almost glad she had a cough, because a cer-

tain kind of cough is very awe-inspiring; and she



Mr. Dighton’s Housekeeper. 61

NSS



_—s



wished to impress Rosebud with a proper sense of
her importance. She was dressed in black, and
wore a wonderful black bonnet, with a terrifying
violet tuft on the top. Her face was broad and
flabby, but not unkind-looking, and she had a soft
old heart beneath her heavy mantle.

She stopped before the second-hand book-shop
and looked in. There was no one there except a
little girl, dressed in a gray frock, a black. hat,
with a tiny pink rosebud in it, and a neat little.
cross-over cape.

It was rather a warm morning, and Mrs. White
was somewhat out of breath. Childie saw this,
and fetched a chair, into which the old lady sank
with evident satisfaction.

“Thank you, deary,” she said between her
pants, forgetting all about her resolution to be
stern and haughty and patronizing. In fact, one
can't be very haughty when one is out of breath,
can one?

‘“‘T suppose, now, you are little Rose Burnley,

whom I’ve come to fetch?” she asked.



62 Things will Take a Turn.

~







“Yes, if you please,” said Childie.

“Well, you've made yourself very neat and tidy,”
said Mrs. White, looking at her with approval.

“She's always neat and tidy,” said a harsh
voice.

Mrs. White turned her face to the shop door
and saw a red-nosed individual standing on the
step.

“Ts this your grandfather?” she asked rather
stiffly.

“No,” answered Childie, going up to the red-
nosed individual and putting her hand in his.
“This is my friend, Mr. Jones.”

‘Pleased to make your acquaintance, ma’am.”
said Mr. Jones, bowing most courteously, and re-
moving his shabby hat from his bald head. “So
you are going to march our little Rosebud off with
you. Ah! well, ma’am, I’m sure you'll take care
of her. Good-bye, Rosebud child. I just popped
in to see how them ’ere fineries sat on you, and
my word, they do look nice! I’m just as proud

as I am when any of my bonny birds have got



Mr. Dighton’s Housekeeper. 63

ans



their new feathers on. Bless me, what a little

spruce thing it is, to be sure!”



tat

iia

(elie

hn hfe ACON
ett

And he went away grinning with pleasure.
Then Childie came nearer to Mrs. White and

said earnestly:



64 Things will Take a Turn.



‘He is so kind to me, dear good Mr. Jones.
Don’t you think, ma’am, that there are a great
many kind and good people in the world?”

‘Perhaps there are,” replied Mrs. White, leav-
ing off fanning herself with her handkerchief, and
staring curiously at the odd little girl, whose
manner was full of trust and confidence.

“Do you know,” continued Childie, ‘Mr. Jones
is only cross when he has toothache. Do you ever
have toothache, ma’am? I know a wonderful cure
which Mr. Jones uses.”

“No, child, I’m not troubled with it,” said Mrs.
White, who had a complete set of false teeth.
(But that’s a secret between you and me!)

“I’m glad of that,’ answered Childie smiling;
‘for it is dreadful to think of people suffering pain.
Please, ma’am, does the little lady suffer much pain?”

“‘ Sometimes,” said Mrs. White gently. ‘Come,
we must go to her. I am rested now.”

“You still look very hot and tired,” said Childie
in her own little motherly way. “Supposing I

fan you?”



Mr. Dighton’s Housekeeper. 65





And taking a newspaper from the counter, ;
Childie steadily waved it to and fro, and hot Mrs.
White smiled and closed her eyes, enjoying the

























































































































Ah GAN.



cool breeze, and pleased with Rosebud’s thought-
fulness.
‘“Why, I declare you’re quite a little mother,”

she said kindly, drawing the child near to her and
(403) E



66 Things will Take a Turn.



kissing her. ‘We must be great friends, mustn't
we?”

“If you please, ma’am,” answered Childie, “1
should like to be friends with you.”

“And so you shall,” replied Mrs. White, rising
from her chair and surveying the books.

“If you are really going, ma’am,” said Childie,
“T must just call grand-dad to mind the shop. And
I am sure he would wish to say good-bye to us.”

Mrs. White nodded pleasantly to her, and Rose-
bud ran into the back-room, and returned in a few
minutes followed by grand-dad, who seemed rather
nervous at the prospect of addressing a strange
lady. He kept quite close to Childie, as though
claiming her protection and care. She looked at
him affectionately and proudly, keeping her hand
in his, and watching anxiously to see whether Mrs.
White was impressed by his dear presence.

“This is grand-dad,” she said, smiling trium-
phantly.

A whole world of love and gentleness was con-

tained in those few words of hers.



Mr. Dighton’s Housekeeper. 67
Oe

And when he began to talk to Mrs. White, first
about the weather and then about Rosebud her-
self, Childie in the pride of her heart thought he



looked quite the gentleman, every inch the gentle-
man, although there was scarcely an inch of his
coat which was not shabby and shiny. Still, that
did not matter; he had gentle, courteous manners,
which are more becoming than fine clothes.

“Grand-dad,” said Childie as they were starting,
“you'll take care of the shop and of your own dear
old self, won’t you? And I shall be back to give
you your dinner, grand-dad. And ao use both
your eyes when you read; and don’t trouble to
dust the books, grand-dad dear, for Ill do all that
this afternoon. And say something kind to Jane
Eyre and Robinson Crusoe, for they’ll be lonely
without me. Good-bye, dear.”

“Good-bye, Childie,” he answered. “I think ]
shall be lonely too; so Jane Eyre and Robinson
Crusoe and I will comfort each other.”

When they had gone—and their departure was

witnessed by Mr. Jones, who stood at his door



68 Things will Take a Turn.



waving his hat frantically—when they had gone,
grand-dad pulled out that red cotton handkerchief,
and removed from his face several curious little
tears which were having a race down his thin old
cheeks.

“What should I do if
she were to leave me
altogether?” he thought
to himself. “I don't
think I should see any
brightness in the sun-
shine, or any blue in the
heavens.”

Perhaps you, too, will

think him rather a silly



old man; but you must
remember that Childie
was all in all to him, and that he had learnt to look
upon her as his friend and companion, yes, almost
as his little mother.

He found her dolls in a corner of the shop. He
lifted them up very tenderly, and examined Mr.



Mr. Dighton’s Housekeeper. 69





Crusoe’s squashed arm. He did not know
much about medicine, but he dressed the arm as
well as he could; and no doubt Crusoe would
have thanked him if he had had a tongue in his
mouth.

“Childie says you are to spend the morning
with me,” he said to them solemnly, just as if they
were real persons.

He put them both on her stool, which he placed
near his own arm-chair; and taking up a learned
book became deeply engrossed in it, stopping now
and again to have a pinch of that horrid snuff.
But, sorrowful to relate, he forgot all about Childie’s
injunction, and he closed his right eye with the
second finger of his right hand and read with his
left eye!

Meanwhile Rosebud and Mrs. White were creep-
ing slowly towards Grosvenor Square. Rosebud
herself could have been there and back six times
over; but Mrs. White was not able to get along
very fast, for she was heavy, and so was that

mantle of hers, and that wonderful bonnet with



70 Things will Take a Turn.

OG ES A
the violet tuft! But at last they arrived, and
Childie stood gazing in awe at the great big
solemn house.

“T suppose, ma’am,” she said, “the tall gentle-
man must have a very large family to have such a
very large house?”

Mrs. White laughed.

“Bless you, no!” she answered. “He's only
got Miss Violet.”

“Tf you please, ma’am,” said Childie timidly, as
they rang at the bell and waited to be admitted;
“if you please, ma’am, I’m rather frightened. T’ve
never been to such a grand place before. Ours
isn’t so grand, is it?”

“Not quite,” replied Mrs. White smiling, and
giving the child an encouraging nod. “ But don't
you be frightened, for I’m going to be your friend,
you know. And let me tell you, deary, that it
is something to have Mrs. Rebecca White as a
friend.”

The footman opened the door. Mrs. White
bade Childie follow her, and took her up some



Mr. Dighton’s Housekeeper. 71





stairs which led to the first floor. The landing
was covered with beautiful rich velvet carpet. The
whole place seemed to Childie like fairy-land.
There were huge vases with bulrushes in them,
and shining brass ornaments on brackets, and
curious spears and swords and costly plates of
many different colours and shapes fastened on to
the wall. Childie was quite bewildered at every-
thing, for she had been accustomed only to the
sight of shabby second-hand books all her little
life.

“Here we are,” said Mrs. White cheerily,
pointing to a door. ‘“That’s Miss Violet’s bou-
doir. You knock and go in bravely by yourself.
There'll be no one but her. And she’s quite
looking forward to seeing you. She don’t want
to see me.”

Childie’s heart beat very fast as she knocked
timidly at the door. A voice cried:

“Come in!”

Then Childie opened the door just wide
enough for her to slip through, and still holding



72 Things will Take a Turn.





on to the handle, she made a little curtsy and
said:
“Tf you please, miss, I’ve come.”





Violet and Rosebud. 73



CHAPTER V.

VIOLET AND ROSEBUD.

Violet's sofa was placed so that she could see
anyone coming into the room. Her face bright-
ened up at the sight of Childie’s dear quaint little
figure. She held out her hand in kindly welcome.

‘“‘T am very pleased you have come, Rosebud,”
she said, smiling brightly. ‘Mrs. White has put
a chair for you by my side. You will sit down,
won't you, and take your hat and cape off?”

There was something so friendly in her manner
that Childie lost all sense of nervousness.

“T am so glad to see you, miss,” she said
earnestly. ‘Ever since the tall gentleman, your
papa, spoke of you, I’ve been thinking, oh! such

a lot about you.”



74 Things will Take a Turn.

“That is very sweet of you,” said Violet gently.
‘‘Move your chair a little closer to me, will you?”

Childie drew it nearer to the sofa, and Violet
took her hand and kept it prisoner.

“JT am feeling much better to-day,” she said
brightly. “Do you know, the doctors promise
that in time I shall be quite strong—like you are.
But it seems too good to be true.”

“Oh, but it will be true!” cried Childe eagerly.
“One must always go on hoping. That is what
I say to grand-dad when he is sad and anxious.
It makes all the difference in the world if one has
hope, doesn’t it?”

“T think it does,” answered Violet. “I shall
remember what you say. Papa tells me you have
read a great many books, and that you are very
wise; so you must teach me to be wise.”

Childie laughed.

“T am sure I couldn’t do that,” she said,
‘because I am not wise myself. Grand-dad’s the
one to know a lot. He does knowa lot. Heisa

walking library. Oh! you would like him, I am



Violet and Rosebud. 75

BORSA RII IRENE LIL LALO Sa

sure, And then there's Mr. Jones. He is not
clever about books, but there is no one in the
world that knows more about birds than he does.
He has all the names on the tip of his tongue.
And he has the most wonderful parrot, whom he
has taught to say ‘Things will take a turn ae

“JT should like to hear him say that,” cried
Violet.

“ He says it about a thousand times every day,”
laughed Childie. “Mr. Jones declares we can’t
hear it too often. Mr. Jones has taught him other
things too; and I believe he is teaching him some-
thing quite new, but I don’t know what it is yet.”

And then Childie told Violet all about the birds
in Mr. Jones’s shop, not forgetting the little piping
bullfinch. Now and again she stopped, but Violet
always said:

“Do go on, Rosebud, if you're not tired; for
don’t think I am tired of listening.”

And then somehow or other they got on the
subject of dolls, and Childie gave her an account

of Jane Eyre and Robinson Crusoe, not mention-



76 Things will Take a Turn.

AAS





ing, however, the terrible accident which had de-
prived Mr. Crusoe of the use of his right arm.

“Are both your dolls in good health?” asked
Violet slyly.

“Oh! pretty good,” answered Childie cheerfully,
“considering the sudden heat, you know. That
seems to try every one. ‘The lady who came to
fetch me this morning was quite tired out.”

“ Rosebud,” said Violet suddenly, “I know one
of your dolls is not in good health. I always find
out papa’s secrets. Now, here is a doll I want
you very much to have. I madea hat for it last
night.”

She took from beneath the coverlet a most gor-
geously-dressed doll-individual.

“For me?” cried Childie aghast. In her wildest
dreams she had never imagined to herself such a
doll as this.

“Yes, for you,” answered Violet, delighted to
see her surprise and enjoyment.

“May I kiss you?” asked Childie, her little face

flushed with excitement and gratitude.



Violet and Rosebud. . 79

a



Aan





It was not the doll she cared so much about as
the kindness.

“Yes; please kiss me,” said Violet.

And Childie bent over and kissed the little girl

tenderly.



“J could love you so much if you would let me,”

she whispered.
“Do love me,” answered Violet, whose face

shone with a bright smile.
And this was the sweet beginning of their

friendship.



78 Things will Take a Turn.

PRPRIAAPRALRAAAARAARAAAAAAAAADLAAAAAAAAAALRARARARARAN



‘What are you going to call that doll?” asked
Violet. ‘“ You always choose odd names for your
dolls, don’t you?”

“T think I shall call her Queen Elizabeth,”
laughed Childie, “or Marie Antoinette. Which
do you prefer?”

‘“One of them lost her head,” said Violet. “I'd
choose the name of the person who did not lose
her head ?”

“That would be Queen Elizabeth, then,” replied
Childie; “although I read in a book the other
day that she too lost her head. But grand-dad
explained to me that it only meant she became
confused and didn’t know what she was doing.
I was very puzzled at the time, but I think I
understand now. Grand-dad says a great many
kings and queens have lost their heads—in both
senses, you know!”

Then they talked about books, and Childie was
quite distressed that some of Violet's beautiful
books did not wear brown-paper overcoats.

“Will you let me cover them?” she said with



Violet and Rosebud. 79

ne BS





motherly anxiety. ‘You don’t know how clever
I am at covering books. But at home I cut out
the over-coats to hide the shabbiness of our books;
here I should make them to protect the beautiful
binding.”

“You shall cover one now,” said Violet laugh-
ing. “Here is the brown paper that Queen
Elizabeth came in, and here is a pair of scissors,
and there is a book that ought to have a cover.”

And thus the morning sped away; and Mrs.
White arrived with some tempting cake, and
found the two little girls in happy and eager
conversation.

“You don’t look very frightened now, child,”
she said kindly.

“No, ma’am,” answered Rosebud with a bright,
frank smile; “I’m not at all frightened now. Only
I hope I have not tired the little lady.”

“Indeed she has not!” cried Violet. “I’ve
been so happy, Mrs. White, and the time has
passed only too quickly. I don’t often say that,
do I, Mrs. White?” she asked somewhat sadly.



80 Things will Take a Turn.



“No, deary,” answered Mrs. White. ‘“ But
you're going to begin to say it; that I’m sure of.
Ah! here’s the master.”

“Tm so glad you'll see papa before you go,”
said Violet, turning to Childie, who was putting on
her hat and cape. “Papa dear, Rosebud has
made me very happy.”

“Ah! I knew she would,” said Mr. Dighton,
sitting down on Violet’s sofa, and holding out his
hand to Childie, who smiled with delight to see
him, for he was a sort of tall hero to her. ‘‘ Thank
you, Rosebud, for making my little girl happy.
Now you are going home to your grandfather,
and you must remember to tell him that we shall
want him to spare you for a short time every day,
either in the morning or the afternoon, whichever
is best. for you.”

“Please, sir,” answered Childie, ‘I should pre-
fer to come in the afternoon, because grand-dad
likes to go out in the morning. And,” she added
quaintly, ‘I always feel a little anxious when he

goes out in the afternoon and does not come home





Mo
“THANK YOU, ROSEBUD, FOR MAKING MY LITTLE GIRL HAPPY.”



Violet and Rosebud. 81



until dusk; for he is old now, and his eyesight is
bad, and he can’t get over the crossings very
quickly.”

“Very well, little Rosebud,” he said kindly;
‘you shall come in the afternoons. Now, good-
bye, little junior partner. By the way, how is Mr.
Crusoe? Is his arm to be cut off?”

“The doctors cannot tell me yet,” she laughed
—for she enjoyed a bit of a joke—“but I do not
think Mr. Crusoe will take any harm!”

- “What a good thing it is,” said Mr. Dighton
solemnly, “that you are going to earn a little
money every week, for you will be able to give
Mr. Crusoe a few luxuries now that he is ill.”

‘“No,” said Childie, laughing again. ‘JI shall
keep the luxuries for Queen Elizabeth. The little
lady has given her to me, and I shall take every
care of her. Only I don’t see that I deserve to
have such a beautiful present. I can’t think what
grand-dad and Mr. Jones will say. They will be
surprised.”

“Oh, papa,” cried Violet, ‘‘mayn’t I have the
(M3) ¥



82 Things will Take a Turn.

as



TN



piping bullfinch from Mr. Jones's shop? I'd nearly
forgotten to ask you.”

‘Of course you shall, dear,” he answered, glad
to please her in anything and everything. “ Rose-
bud shall bring it with her to-morrow afternoon;
or, better still, we'll send the footman to fetch it.”

“Oh, thank you,” said Childie, tears of delight
glistening in her eyes. “That zs kind of you.
And I shall be so proud to tell Mr. Jones.”

Her little hands were clasped together tightly;
her face beamed with happiness.

“ He is so good to me,” she said earnestly. “You
can’t think how kind he is. And I know he will be
pleased to hear you are going to buy the bullfinch.”

She said good-bye to her new friends; and one
and all were pleased to have seen her. Even the
footman, James, condescended to give her a smile.
And this was very extraordinary; for he generally
frowned at people, or glared at them, especially
if they were inconsiderate enough to trouble him
to answer the front bell, when he was enjoying his

newspaper or his tea!



Violet and Rosebud. 83

TN



Childie went on her way home, thinking first of
the little delicate lady, then of the tall gentleman,
then of Mrs. White, then of Queen Elizabeth,
then of the footman with the stiff neck, and last,
not least, of grand-dad and Mr. Jones. She
had made many new friends, and seen many beau-
tiful things, but her heart was faithful to the old
friends and the old familiar things she loved.

“The house may be very grand,” she said to
herself, “but it’s not like our book-shop. There
‘may be many beautiful ornaments about, but I
don’t care for them as much as for our dear second-
hand books. And those stuffed birds under the
glass case! Why, Mr. Jones has real birds, and
of course they are better than stuffed ones!”

She could not resist running into Mr. Jones's
shop just to tell him the good news.

“Mr. Jones!” she cried. “I can’t wait because
erand-dad will be wanting his dinner, but I’ve sold
your piping bullfinch for you, and the footman is
coming to fetch it to-morrow. Mr. Jones, I’m so

glad, aren’t you?”



84 Things will Take a Turn.

sr



Mr. Jones made no answer, but catching hold of
both her hands, whirled her round and round,

until she called out to him to stop.









The Wonderful Parrot. 85



CHAPTER VI.

THE WONDERFUL PARROT.

So the junior partner of the second-hand book-
shop went backwards and forwards to the grand
- house in Grosvenor Square. Every afternoon at
two o'clock she said good-bye to grand-dad, Queen
Elizabeth, Jane Eyre, Mr. Crusoe, and Mr. Jones,
and hurried off to business.

“ Ain’t you just proud of yourself, Birdie?” said
Mr. Jones one afternoon, as she passed by his
shop and gave him her usual greeting. ‘‘ Ain’t
you just proud of helping grand-dad? There now,
I should be! What I like about you, Rosebud
child, is that you don’t alter to your old friends.
That’s saying a good deal, you know, in this ‘ere

queerish world.”



86 Things will Take a Turn.





“You don’t mean to say that people do forget
their old friends?” asked Childie, much shocked.

Mr. Jones nodded his head violently.

“JT mean what I say,” he remarked gravely.
“But there now, don’t you take no heed of me.
Time enough to think about these things when
you're old and ugly like I am.”

“You're not ugly, I’m sure!” laughed Childie.
“Of course there is one little bit of your face which
is not pretty, Mr. Jones. But I don’t think I'd
even have that altered. You wouldn’t be my Mr.
Jones unless you had a red nose.”

“ Ah,” he answered, ‘“‘] guessed it was my nose
you were finding fault with. You're always poking
fun at my nose.”

“Indeed, Mr. Jones,” she laughed, fondling his
rough old hand, “I’m very fond of your nose!
Mr. Jones, I want you to give a look-in to grand-
dad this afternoon, will you? I think he is rather
lonely sometimes; and of course I am obliged to
go out every afternoon. Business must be done

regularly, mustn’t it?”



The Wonderful Parrot. 87

SRS

Mr. Jones smiled at the little business-woman
standing before him.

“Quite right, Childie,” he answered. “Stick to
your work like a man.”

“Tt is very pleasant business,” she continued.
“T feel perfectly at home there now, and Miss
Violet seems to get stronger and brighter every
day. She says it is all through me; but I don't
see how that can be, for I’m not a doctor. I
thought only doctors could make people well.”

«« Ain’t you a doctor?” asked Mr. Jones. “Well,
I don’t know who is a doctor if you ain’t one.
Don’t you doctor up them sick books, and grand-
dad, and your humble servant, and your humble
servant’s torn coats? Why, if I’m just feeling in
the blues, don’t I come to you for physic, and you
give it me? Ain't kind words and bright smiles.
physic? Ain’t they or ain’t they not, Birdie?”

“Tm sure I don’t know,” laughed Childie.
“ And that reminds me, Mr. Jones, the bullfinch is
not feeling very well.”

“Too many hemp seeds, Rosebud, too many



88 Things will Take a [urn.

hemp seeds!” said Mr. Jones, trying to look very
stern and failing utterly. ‘Cut them off!”

“Do you think, Mr. Jones,’ asked Childie
timidly, “that you could find time to come and
see the bird yourself? Miss Violet would be so
grateful to you, and I should too.”

Mr. Jones stroked his chin thoughtfully.

“Tt ain't much in my line,” he answered, “to
visit them grand places; but I don’t mind making
an exception in your favour, Rosebud. Only it’s
the stout person as came to fetch you that I’m
thinking of. She’s awful proud and haughty.
And I’m frightened of her. That’s the plain
truth, Childie.”

“T will take care of you, Mr. Jones,” said
Childie smiling. ‘And you know she is really
very nice. It’s wonderful how nice people are
when you come to know them.”

“Are they now?” asked Mr. Jones doubtfully.

‘Well, I daresay you're right, Rosebud. Any-
way, I'll come to have a look at the bullfinch.

Name your time, and see if I’m not ready. And



The Wonderful Parrot. 89

Ieee





now off you go to your business. And keep your
mind easy about the grand-dad, for I’ll pop in to
see him.”

Then Childie went on her way to Grosvenor
Square, and Mr. Jones retired into his shop, mut-
tering to himself these mysterious words:

‘Won't that ’ere child be just took aback when
she hears the parrot saying her new lines!”

He then chuckled several times, for reasons
best known to himself, and turning up his shirt
. sleeves as he always did when he was about to
undertake a tough piece of work, he sat on a stool
and addressed his favourite parrot thus:

“Now, old Donkey, I’m just going on with our
bit of schooling. And hark you, if you’ve for-
gotten them new words, I'll crack your little skull
for you, that I will. Do you hear, old screecher?

“Things ‘ave took a turn—vurrah! Things ’ave
took a turn—'urrah! Say that, Donkey.”

With wonderful patience Mr. Jones repeated
these words a fearful number of times, until he was

really quite exhausted with the terrible exertion.



go Things will Take a Turn.



The parrot remained perfectly mute, but put
her head on one side and rolled her eyes in a very
knowing manner. She was taking it all in. But
not one little word
did she vouchsafe ;
and Mr. Jones,
having devoted a
long time to her
education, left her
to meditate on the
lesson, and ran
over to the second-
hand book-shop
to smoke a pipe
with grand-dad.

Grand-dad, as

usual, was reading



a very learnéd
book, which he put aside when the bird-fancier
entered.

“I’m glad to see you, Mr. Jones,” he said smil-

ing, and pointing to a chair.



The Wonderful Parrot. gl



“Thank you, sir, I’m sure,” answered Mr. Jones.
He always called grand-dad “sir”, for he had

an immense respect and admiration for the quiet,

white-haired, scholarly gentleman.



“T was feeling a wee bit lonely, sir,” he con-
tinued, as he lit his pipe and offered the match to
grand-dad, ‘“‘and I thought as I’d just come over
forasmoke andachat. The street seems queerish

without the littl’un; don’t it, sir?”



92 Things will Take a Turn.

“Yes, it does,” answered grand-dad, his face
brightening up as he thought of Childie. ‘ But
I’m glad she should have the change, Mr. Jones,
for it must be dull work along with me, you know.”

“Well, she don’t seem to find it so,” said Mr.
Jones earnestly. ‘‘ Rosebud is never so happy as
when she is sitting by your side reading, or doing
her bit of stitching. Why, to speak plain, I’m
sometimes an inch or two jealous of you.”

Grand-dad smiled and said gently:

“T am quite certain you need not be jealous,
for Childie loves you very dearly, Mr. Jones; and
indeed she ought to do so, since you are our kind
faithful friend. J do not say much about it, but
you must believe that I am grateful to you, will
you not?”

He leaned forward and held out his hand, which
Mr. Jones grasped heartily.

“Thank you, sir,” he said, rubbing his eyes
across his coat-sleeves; “thank you for them
words. I’m just as proud as a peacock to hear

you call me a friend. Bless me, how I’ve watched



The Wonderful Parrot. 93



that litt?un growing up! And every day I said to
myself she’s grown a bit taller and a bit beautifuller.
Ain’t I just proud of her now! There’s no one in
Grosvenor Square like our Rosebud, sir. Gros-
venor Square, indeed!”

‘““There’s no one in the whole world like Childie,”
answered grand-dad lovingly. “J think she is one
of God’s own gracious smiles.”

At that moment a very learnéd-looking lady,
with a stern face and a pair of stern spectacles,
- came into the shop and asked for a book, the very
name of which frightened Mr. Jones out of his
seven senses. Nodding kindly to Jane Eyre,
Robinson Crusoe, and Queen Elizabeth, who were,
as usual, reposing on a chair by grand-dad’s side,
Mr. Jones fled away, thinking to himself what a
good thing it was that birds had not such long
names as books. :

‘“‘T should be floored,” he said, “for I’m nothing
of a scholar, nothing at all.”

He crossed the road and made for his shop, and

as he neared it he heard some wonderful sounds



94 Things will Take a Turn.

which caused his red nose to become redder than
ever, and his heart to beat violently with excite-
ment.

The parrot, sly bird! had learnt her lesson and
was screeching at the top of her voice:

“Things ’ave took a turn! things ‘ave took a

23

turn—urrah! Say that, Donkey





Mr. Jones Visits Grosvenor Sguare. 95

lt



CHAPTER VIL

MR. JONES VISITS GROSVENOR SQUARE.

Childie had confided to Violet Mr. Jones’s fear
of Mrs. White.

‘Oh, we'll look after him, Rosebud,” Violet had
_ answered encouragingly. ‘You tell him from me
that there is nothing at all to be afraid of, and
that I am sure Mrs. White will be very kind to
him.”

All the same, she took the precaution of getting
Mrs. White into a very good temper on the after-
noon when Mr. Jones was to accompany Rosebud
to Grosvenor Square. She took her medicine
without a minute’s hesitation; and she was so
bright and cheerful that Mrs. White, who loved
her little mistress dearly, smiled with delight to

think she was really becoming stronger.



96 Things will Take a Turn.

“You've changed wonderful these last few
weeks, deary,” she said affectionately. ‘Why,
there’s a colour on your face, and you look
happier. You'll soon be getting about and running
faster than I can. It’s all along of that Rosebud.
Bless her dear little heart! Never shall I forget
the day when | went to fetch her, and she, seeing
me looking tired and hot, took a paper and fanned
me so nicely. She’s got a wonderful way about
her, Miss Violet. There’s not a soul in the house
that doesn’t love her. Even James smiles pleasant
when he sees her coming; and that’s saying a
good deal, because he generally looks awful cross
and disagreeable.”

“T am so glad you love Rosebud,” said Violet
eagerly. “I can’t tell you how I love her, dear
Mrs. White. I don’t know what I should do if
she could not come to me every day. She has :
always such a lot to tell me about her grandfather
and about her friend, Mr. Jones. I am quite
anxious to see them both. I am sorry not to have

seen her grandfather when he came the other



Full Text





oi exe:

SCHOOL FOR GIRLS, ASHBURTON,
Le Leach es Z Fepe
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Litck heel 2128

| Optubnes (EG




THINGS WILL TAKE A TURN


‘AIN'T I JUST PROUD TO SEE YOU, THAT’S ALL!”
THINGS WILL TAKE A TURN.

A STORY FOR CHILDREN

BY

BEATRICE HARRADEN

AUTHOR OF ‘SHIPS THAT PASS IN THE NIGHT”, “IN VARYING MOODS”, ETC,

WITH FORTY-SIX ILLUSTRATIONS
BY ¥..H. BACON



LONDON

BLACKIE & SON, LimiTep, 50 OLD BAILEY, E.C.
GLASGOW AND DUBLIN

1895

PREFACE

TO NEW AND REVISED EDITION.

I have taken the opportunity kindly offered me by
the publishers to revise the text of this little story, which
was written more than five years ago, and published by
then in a series of tales for children.

I had forgotten Childie, and the old bookseller, and
the bird-fancier with the red nose, and Mrs. White with
the terrifying bonnet, and James the footman with the
stiff neck. But now, reading the little book once more,
. memories of my old friends come back to me; and I
fancy I can see Childie,—as I often saw her,—standing at
the door of the second-hand book-shop, and looking out
anxiously for customers, or waving her handkerchief to
Mr. Jones, or smiling at some bit of fun which she and
the bird-fancier had in common.

But the little narrow street has been pulled down, and
the bird-shop and the book-shop have given place to
more stately buildings. So that I and my readers would
search in vain for the queer old dwelling where the
parrot was taught to say: ‘Thzngs will take a turn!

BEATRICE HARRADEN.
Suite 5th, 1894.

CONTENTS.

Cuap. Page
I. THe OLD Book-SHOP, . . . 2. « « © © e+e « « OT
II. Rosepup’s NEw FRIEND, . . . . - + «© © © «© - 27
III. RosrBUD PREPARES FOR Hicu Lirz, . ..... + 37
IV. Mr. Dicgnton’s HOUSEKEEPER, . . . . +. +s + 56
V. VIOLET AND ROSEBUD, . . - 2 6 8 8 + ee ee 93
VI. THe WoNDERFUL PARROT, . . . - ee ee ee 85
VII. Mr. Jonges visirs GROSVENOR SQUARE, . . . - . + 95
VIII A CHAPTER OF PLEASANT SURPRISES,. - .« « + «© « II3
IX. A New Lease oF LIFE, . . «+ - 6 « 6 6 « « 130
X. A PLEASANT PROSPECT,. . . . «1 6 #© © «© « © «© 142

XI. GRAND-DAD’s DREAM COMES TRUE, . - « « « « «© 148

XII. Tur OLD AND THE NEW,. . « «© 2 6 «© © © « « 159

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

FULL-PAGE ILLUSTRATIONS,
Page
‘“‘CHILDIE WAITED IN BREATHLESS ANXIETY WHILST HE EX-
AMINE: D SE VE Riva © © Kernen toi fie) spintea er eee weet op one teee teins 120)

“‘THANK YOU, ROSEBUD, FOR MAKING MY LITTLE GIRL HAPPY,” 80
‘“*THE DOCTOR CAME TO SEE HIM AND LOOKED GRAVE,” . . I13

‘““Ain’T I JUST PROUD TO SEE YOU, THAT’S ALL!” . . . . 139

ILLUSTRATIONS IN THE TEXT.

‘¢ She spent her time in patching them up,” . . . ogo al
“* Childie had seen him give back the book together with tho money,” 14
‘*Childie put her arms round grand-dad’s neck,” . . . . . . 16
‘“¢ She fetched him his rusty hat and his stick,” . 2. 1. 1. ew IQ
‘Mr. Jones,” she said, ‘‘your sleeve istorn,”. . . . . . . 21
“The dear little face . . . became once more anxious and sad,”. 25
‘Tf you please, sir, I will serve you.” . . . . . . «.. . 26
“‘Meantime do you take this’eresoup,” . . . . «© + e + 35
‘“¢ Grand-dad then sneezed several times,” . . Siemans eer 3 O)
‘Good gracious! I’ve been treading on your doll! aaa ners,
“Do let me give Bully 2 hemp seed—just one, Mr. Jones,” . . 50

“He stooped down and kissed her very gently”. . 2. . . + 55
‘She was lifted on to the sofa by the window,” . . . . . . 57

comhissispMyarcien cle lyre) OMeSswaier sco som ae rete) ait) Muon i= eeeen OS
“Mrs, White smiled and closed her eyes”. . . . . . « « 65
“He found her dolls in a corner of the shop,”. . . . . . . 68
“If you please, Miss, I’ve come,” . . . . . » + + s + 92
‘¢Here is a doll I want you very much to have”. . . . . « 97

“Mr, Jones whirled her round and round,” . . . . « . . 84
Things will Take a Turn.



‘“Things ’ave took a turn,—’urrah! Say that, Donkey,” . . . 90
‘*He lit his pipe and offered the match to grand-dad,” . . . . QI
‘* He heard some wonderful sounds,” . . . . . . sss 94
‘*Mr. Jones went into fits of laughter,” . . . . . . . . . IOI
““Nice, tidy, pretty room this is, to be sure!”. . . . 2. . . 107

‘* Childie was kneeling. . . . kissing his dear hands,” . . . . III
“* Sick folks like a whole sight of flowers in their sick-room,”. . 116
‘Mr. Jones, slipping off his boots, crept upstairs,” . . . . . 118
“‘Mr. Jones, dear, they say he is very ill,”. . . .-. . . . II9
‘*Mr. Dighton carried her tenderly ees ee 122

“* Seizing the biggest book he could find, he placed her feet upon it,” 125
‘There, you’ve been and told, said Mr. Jones, shaking his fist,”. 128
‘*She took them out of a private drawer, and put them tidy,”. . 135
‘*Grand-dad came down . ... leaning on Childie’s arm,” . . 143
‘*Do you think Rosebud will consent to come, Mrs. White?”. . 149
‘*Mr. Dighton found Childie alone, putting the books in order,”. 151
‘* He blew his red nose very violently”. . . . . . . + « 156
‘‘ Her little head was resting against his cheek,” . . . . . .« I6I






















































































— BY POorr





(CBUAME INS INS Ih.

THE OLD BOOK-SHOP.

There was no denying it that trade was bad in
the little tumble-down old second-hand book-shop
in a poor street of London. Even little Rose
Burnley, a ten-year-old lass, with large, wondering
eyes, and a smile which was more often sad than
merry, knew that things were not going on pros-

perously in grand-dad’s shop. I think she troubled
12 Things will Take a Turn.

more about them than he did; for he was always
reading. I suppose he thought that as he could
not sell the books, he might just as well read them
and make some use of them. It was a pity they
should lie there idle. They were not good-looking
books: they were old, and grubby, and worn, and
had several names of the past owners written in-
side, and the second-hand price scratched in pencil
on the title-page. Nowadays, when one can buy
new copies so cheaply, these fusty, musty old
things do not seem very attractive, do they? Ah
well, we ought not to abuse them, for they have
lived their lives and done their work well.

And little Rose loved them all. She had a
profound reverence for the very oldest; and when
she was not reading, or seeing after grand-dad,
she spent her time in patching them up. She was
quite clever at making covers for them, and grand-
dad himself said she ought to have been a binder.
There was one dilapidated volume—I think it was
Clarendon’s History of the Great Rebellion—which

she restored in a marvellous way. Up to now
The Old Book-shop. 13

rN



this had been the triumph of her life, although I
am not sure whether she was not as well pleased
with her success in doctoring a forlorn Greek dic-
tionary, which she respected all the more because
she could not understand one single word in it.
No, she was not a Greek scholar; but she was an
English scholar in her own little way, and she
could read aloud as well as any grown-up person,
and she was not in the least frightened at long
words. She read aloud to her dolls. Good
gracious! I really tremble to think what intellectual
beings she had made of them. She had rather
odd names for them; her two favourites were
called Robinson Crusoe and Jane Eyre.

She often envied them.

“You have no worries,” she said. ‘ You don’t
get up every morning, wondering, wondering
whether anyone will come and buy some books.
And it is all the same to you whether grand-dad
looks happy or troubled.”

But grand-dad was really unhappy this fine ie

morning; for money was becoming very scarce,
14 Things will Take a Turn.

and no one came to the second-hand book-shop.
Ah, and there I am wrong.
People certainly did come, only they came to

sell books, not to duy them, and seemed’ rather



injured when shrivelled-up old David Burnley
refused their offers. Why, he had not any money
to spare now. He had not enough for Childie
and himself. But in the days gone by, when
starved-looking students begged him to buy their
The Old Book-shop. 15

most precious volumes for a mere song, Childie,
as he called his little grand-daughter, had often
stood by, and seen him give back the book together
with the money. She thought that very sweet of
him, and loved him for it.

But, you know, this was not the way to get on
in life. His neighbours told him so. They
thought him rather a silly old man.

‘He has read too much,” they said to each
other. ‘Of course he is silly!”

That was their way of looking at the matter;
but they were ignorant folk, and knew more about
Dutch cheeses and tinned sardines than they did
about books! Anyway, to-day he was very
troubled about his affairs; he could not fix his
attention on his book. He kept looking at Childie,
who sat by his side on a footstool, mending Robin-
son Crusoe’s coat. Poor coat! it was even shabbier
than grand-dad’s coat; and that was saying a good
deal. He kept looking at Jane Eyre, who was
lying flat on her back, gazing intently at the murky
ceiling of the old book-shop. She was very shabby
16 Things will Take a Turn.

WIRD



too. They were all shabby and poor, and rather
hungry, let me tell you. He combed his thin,



white hair with his thin hand, and then stroked
his brow.

“Childie,”” he said gently, “times are very
bad.”

In a moment Robinson Crusoe and his coat

were thrown on the ground, and Childie sprang
(M3)
Lhe Old Book-shop. 107,



up, and put her arms round grand-dad’s neck and
kissed him.

‘“‘T know, dear,” she whispered.

“Tt was easy enough to get along while there
was money in the till,” he said, smiling at her
sadly, “and one did not trouble much then. But
the quarter's rent is due soon, and there is very
little to pay it with, Childie. I have been thought-
less and selfish. There is nothing easier in the
whole world than to be selfish. Kiss me again,
. Childie, and tell me that you do not love me any
the less because I have been selfish.”

“Why, grand-dad,” she said, as she kissed him
lovingly, “it has not been your fault if people
have not come to buy our books. And every
one says trade is bad, you know. I went in to
look at the birds in Mr. Jones’s shop, and he told
me he had not sold a single one during the last
few days. I felt sorry for him, for he is very
kind although he has got a red nose. And what
a red nose it is, to be sure, grand-dad! But he

was not in the dumps. He said to me: ‘Look
18 Things will Take a Turn.



you, Rosebud child, things will take a turn. He
is always saying this to me; and, fancy, grand-dad,
he has taught that parrot of his to say: ‘ Things
will take a turn’. We must say it and believe it
too. Do you hear, grand-dad?”

“Yes, Childie,” he answered, smiling. “ Now
I am going out to try and get together some
money which has been owing me a long time.
It is not much, but it is better than nothing.
You mind the shop—you and Jane Eyre and
Robinson Crusoe. There will not be a great
deal for you to do,” he added with a sigh; “no
one is likely to come.”

Quick as thought she fetched him his rusty hat,
and his stick, and his horrid little snuff-box; and
off he started on his journey.

“Oh,” she said to herself, as she stood at the
shop door, watching that dear, bent figure trudg-
ing wearily along, ‘if I could only sell a book
whilst he is away, how glad and proud I should
be!”

And the tears darted to her eyes; but she
19

The Old Book-shop.

PRPPRARRAARARAR RARER APEAADALRAAALRAEAA PAPEL DLR PR

brushed them hastily from her face, for she heard

the parrot over the way screeching: ‘“ Things will

Things will take a turn!” And

take a turn!



Mr. Jones, the happy possessor of the red nose

and the bird-shop, seeing his little friend standing

at the door, crossed over the road to speak with

her.
20 Things will Take a Turn.

RRR eee ee eee OOOO



‘“Good-morning, Rosebud,” he said gently.
“ How’s yourself?”

“Quite well, thank you, Mr. Jones,” she an-
swered smiling. “And you?”

‘“Fust-rate,’ he answered. “Last night I sold
a pair of Norwich canaries and a bishop—you
know that fat, sleek fellow with a yellow crest.
And I tell you, Rosebud child, them bishop birds
bring in a sight of money, they do. I should like
to sell a dozen or two every jolly morning. But
upon my soul, littl’un, prosperity is peeping round
the corner. Time it should too. And how’s the
grand-dad?”

“Oh, pretty well,” she said. ‘He has gone
out and left me in charge.”

‘And ain’t you just proud?” he said, looking
kindly at her. ‘Fancy you being left in charge—
a bit of a bird like you! Why, if I had you ina
cage with some fine feathers on, I’d make a bet you'd
fetch more than a Norwich canary, or a weaver,
or a bishop, or a pope, or a piping bull-finch, or a

Virginian nightingale, or all of them put together.”
The Old Book-shop. 21

ea nn





“Mr. Jones,” she said, “your sleeve is torn.
Perhaps you had better wait while I mend it.”

“Thank you, hearty,” he said, as he sank into



grand-dad’s chair at the back of the tiny counter;
‘this ain’t the first piece of stitching you’ve done

for me, is it? You're fond of your needle, ain’t
2 Things will Take a Turn.

SS ARAN





RAR A



you? And you're fond of me too, in a sort of a
way?”

“Of course I am fond of you,” she said laughing.
‘“We are fond of all those who are kind to us.”

‘Are we now?” remarked Mr. Jones. ‘“ Well,
I suppose you ought to know, as you have read a
whole sight of books; but all 7 know is that many
folk has been kind to me in my life, and I’m blest
if lve been fond of them, or grateful to them for
the matter of that!”

‘“What a horrible person you must really be!”
said Rosebud, putting down his coat and looking
up at him.

“That may be,” he laughed, “but I ain’t no ex-
ception. Why, your little fingers have been quick!
Thank you kindly. I say, Rosebud child, do the
dolls like chocolate or toffee best?”

“They have not a sweet tooth,” she said as she
helped him on with his coat, and watched him
gazing admiringly at her work. ‘In fact, Mr.
Jones, if you look at Jane Eyre and Robinson

Crusoe, you'll find they have not any teeth at all.”
The Old Book-shop. 23

“Then [Im blessed if soup ain’t the best thing
for them to have!” he answered. ‘ But what can
you expect at their time of life? They look as if
they'd come out of the ark, they do.”

“They are not as young as they might be, Mr.
Jones,” she laughed; “but they are none the worse
for that.”

“That’s right, missy,” he replied; “always speak
up for your friends.”

And having wished her good luck for the morn-
ing, and bestowed a patronizing pat on the heads
of Jane Eyre and Mr. Crusoe, who were looking
rather sulky at his rude remarks about them, Mr.
Jones took his departure to his place of business
over the other side of the road. And Childie set
to work to dust the second-hand books.

She tried to be kind and just to them all, but it
was very hard to take any interest in those dis-
agreeable, dull school-books. She could not get
up any enthusiasm for Cornwell's Geography and
Mangnall’'s Questions and Mrs. Markham’s Hzstory
of England, but she did her duty by them.
24. Things will Take a Turn.

Nw A



And all the time she was thinking how proud
she should be if only she had some money to show
grand-dad on his return. And the dear little, fair
. face, which had brightened up at Mr. Jones's visit,
became once more sad and anxious—very anxious.

‘Are all people anxious?” she thought to her-
self, as she sat down on her stool, and rested her
elbows on her knees, and stared at the book-
shelves. “I wonder whether the people who
write books are as worried as the people who
try to sell them and can’t. Oh, if I were only
grown-up, and could work for grand-dad! He
should read all day, and never have any worries.
And [’d buy him a new snuff-box and a new
velvet skull-cap to keep the cold off his dear
head. And he’d look so nice in it too, for grand-
dad is handsome; I think he is quite a picture.
But he is old now, and he has no one to love him
but me, and I am not really old enough to take
care of him properly. If one could only become
old in a day, or a week, or even a year! It seems

to take sch a long time.”
The Old Book-shop. 25

~N AR







—



NT

Then she closed her eyes and smiled happily;
for it was pleasant to make plans, and her little

head was full of schemes and ideas—all for grand-







dad, not for herself, not even for Jane Eyre and

Robinson Crusoe.

Suddenly she heard a footstep, and looking up
saw a very tall gentleman standing just inside the
door. The colour flushed to her cheeks, and her
26 Things will Take a Turn.

a ee

heart beat excitedly, for here, in very truth, was a

real customer.


Rosebuds New Friend. 27

re SLO Cl A lA LLL Ol ef LAD ALLL LL APL al tal taf Map apy





CHAPTER II.
ROSEBUD 'S NEW FRIEND.

“Vou will serve me?” said the tall gentleman,
smiling somewhat incredulously. ‘Well, little
girl, I must tell you that I have been looking
everywhere for a particular volume to complete a
certain edition of Czsar’s works, suppose you
do not happen to know who Cesar was?”

“Oh, yes,” she answered, “of course I do. He
crossed the Rubicon. Grand-dad taught me all
about him; and then I’ve read, you know. Here’s
where we keep his works.”

And she pointed to the topmost shelf.

wy



“I'm sorry I can’t reach,” she said, looking at
him mournfully. “It seems very rude of me to

ask you to look yourself. But if I had the ladder
I would get up at once. Only I cannot carry the

ladder myself. Grand-dad generally carries it,
28 Things will Take a Turn.

a AN







and then I hold it while he mounts it. But he is
old now, and I am always fearful lest he should
tumble.”

The tall gentleman—whose name, by the way,
was Mr. Dighton—stared in amused astonishment
at this quaint little shopkeeper. He was quite
pleased with her manner and her appearance.

“And so you know who Cesar is?” he said.
“Well, that is more than my little girl knows.
Poor little girl! And she is just about your age,
too; only she cannot run about, and mount lad-
ders as you do. She lies on a sofa all through the
long day, which is very long for her sometimes.”

“[m sorry,” said Childie softly; and the tears
came into her eyes. She had such a sympathetic
heart.

“Then you must be sad, sir,” she said.

“Yes,” he answered; “I am very often sad.”
And he sighed. ‘Well now, for the book,” he
added. “We can very well do without the ladder,
for I can reach the top shelf with the aid of that
footstool.”




Ms

“CHILDIE WAITED IN BREATHLESS ANXIETY WHILST HE
EXAMINED EVERY BOOK.”
fostbud’s New Friend. 29

Childie waited in breathless anxiety whilst he
examined every book on the shelf. Oh, how she
hoped it would be there!

“Tt isn’t here,” he said. “I am disappointed.”

And he took his handkerchief from his pocket
and rubbed the dust off his hands. He looked

rather cross too. I suppose he did not like dust;



some people don’t.
Childie’s face fell. She was also disappointed.
“Tf you please, sir,” she said pleadingly, “it may
be on this shelf, or amongst that heap of books.
Will you take grand-dad’s seat, sir, whilst I look?”
But the book was nowhere to be found. They
both searched for it diligently; and it was really
quite funny to see Mr. Dighton kneeling on the
ground and diving amongst the miscellaneous
volumes.
“It is of no use,” he said, standing up again.
“T might have known that I should not find it

here.”



Childie’s courage had eradually been tees her,

and now, overcome with excitement, anxiety, and
30 Things will Take a Turn.

AN



ree



disappointment, she burst into tears, and cried as
though her heart would break.

“Please, sir,” she sobbed, “forgive me; but |
did so hope to sell a book as a surprise for grand-
dad. No one buys books from us now. And
trade is very bad, and things don’t seem to take a
turn, although the parrot over the way says they
will. And when you came in I was so proud and
glad, because grand-dad has left me in charge;
and you are the first customer we've had for a
very long time. And now you can’t find what
you want.”

She looked such a poor, sad little lass, that all
his kindly pity rose up in his heart.

He took her hand and put it into his own great,
big hands, and told her not to cry her blue eyes
away, for he wanted another book, which would
do just as well; and he pounced upon the first he
came to—it happened to be Mangnall’s Questions,
price ninepence—and he put a bright, shining
sovereign on the counter, and told her to keep it

all for herself and grand-dad.
Rosebuds New Friend. Bi



She smiled through her tears.

_ “low good you are!” she said, looking up at
him. “Only I don’t think I ought to take it from
you. Mangnall’s Questions is only ninepence.”

“Tam quite sure you ought to take it from me,”
he said kindly as he put the shabby little book
into his pocket; for he did not wish to hurt her feel-
ings by not taking itaway. “Do you know, I should
be ever so angry if you did not keep that gold
piece. Why, look at it. It is a jubilee sovereign,
quite new and spruce, and will bring you good
luck. Yes, I am quite sure it will bring you good
luck. Now, tell me your name, little girl?”

“If you please, sir,” she said, “my name is
Rose; but grand-dad calls me Childie, and Mr.
Jones calls me Rosebud.”

“Mr. Jones has very good taste,” said Mr.
Dighton. “And who may he be?”

“If you please, sir,” she answered, Mr. Jones is
the bird-fancier over the way. Oh! he has such
beautiful birds; only trade is bad with him too.

But he has harder times than we have; for birds
32 Things will Take a Turn.

want feeding, don’t they? and books only want
dusting. There is Mr. Jones at his shop window.
Won't he just be glad to see that I have got a
real customer!”

“A real customer!” laughed Mr. Dighton. “Not
wax-work, like your poor old dolls. What learned-
looking dolls they are too! Do they know about
Ceesar crossing the Rubicon?”

Childie laughed merrily.

“Perhaps they do,” she said; ‘only they never
tell me what they know. But I’ve read such a
lot to them that I think they can’t be altogether
stupid!”

“ Well, little Rosebud,” said the tall gentleman,
stooping down and holding out his hand to her, “J
must be going home now to my little girl. I shall
tell her about you. Perhaps you would like to
come and read to her, and help her to spend part
of the long day. Somehow or other I don’t think
she would find it at all sad and wearisome when
you were with her. You would be kind to her,

wouldn’t you, and patient and gentle?”
Rosebuad’s New Friend. 32

“Indeed, sir,” said Childie earnestly, ‘1 would
try to be so.”

“Then tell grand-dad,” he said, “that I shall
come in to-morrow, and speak with him myself.
Good-bye, Rosebud. Mind now, there must not
be any more tears in those blue eyes.”

And he put up his finger as though in solemn
warning, and left Childie staring after him in
bewilderment.

‘How kind he is!”.she thought. ‘It is a long
way to look up to his face; but when: you once get
there, what a kind, good face it is! And how sad
he looked when he spoke of his little girl. I shall
never forget him.”

And she sat down on her stool, and began to
_ put a brown-paper cover on a miserable, tattered
book. But the work did not get on very quickly,
for I fancy Rosebud was thinking that if people
did not have one kind of anxiety, they had another.

‘Perhaps the tall gentleman does not have to

she thought; “but then

,

trouble about customers,’

he must always be sad about his little girl.”
(M3) ¢
34 Things will Take a Turn.

IRR RIERIIII PRIIe



Then she looked at the bright sovereign, and
remembered how pleased and surprised grand-dad
would be when he came home and heard all the
wonderful news she had to tell him; and her little
face shone with June sunshine.

And she sang a snatch of melody, some-
thing about the trees and the birds and the
flowers. One always sings of them when one is
happy.

Suddenly a voice, not so melodious as hers,
called out:

“Bless me, Rosebud child! if that ain’t a more
lovely noise than any my birds could make! Why
weren't you a Norwich canary or a Virginian
nightingale? You'd just make my fortune—at a
handy time, too!”

‘Oh, Mr. Jones! you did startle me,” she said
laughing. “I’ve such a lot to tell you. The
parrot is quite right, for things will take a turn,
I am sure.”

“Of course they will, Birdie,” he said cheerily.

“And meantime do you take this ’ere soup, or
Rosebuds New Friend. 35



else I shall drop it. It’s for them toothless dolls
of yours; but, supposing they ain’t got no appetites,















































































































































































































































































then I guess you and your grand-dad had best
make away with it. And as soup ain’t good with-

out fresh rolls, so please you, littl’un, I’ve brought
36 Things will Take a Turn.

a OO ae a aa a a a a ead



some fresh rolls. Trade is reviving, Rosebud,
and so is soup and rolls.”

“You are very good,” she said gratefully. “Jane
Eyre and Robinson Crusoe can’t thank you, but
I thank you, Mr. Jones. You are always being
kind to me.”

‘©Tut, tut!” he answered. ‘ You must run over
and tell me about the tall customer. ‘Oh, there’s
someone going into my shop! “I’m off, littlun.”

“That soup and them rolls will do her good,”
he said to himself as he went back to his shop.
“She don’t look particular strong, dear little
lassie; and I’m thinking people don’t grow up
hearty in fusty old book-shops. Never a day goes
by that the sight of that littl'un don’t do me good.
Bless her heart!”


Rosebud Prepares for High Life. 37

aed



CHAPTER IL

ROSEBUD PREPARES FOR HIGH LIFE,

Grand-dad had not been successful in getting
any money together. Some people, you know, do
not trouble in the very least about peying their
debts; and it is a cruel and hard thing when the
poor have to wait a weary long time before they
can get paid for their work. Poor dress-makers
complain bitterly about the grand ladies who give
them their satins and silks to make, and expect
the dresses to be ready in less than no time; but
they are quite surprised if they are expected to
pay in less than no time. And they often let
whole weeks pass by without giving a thought to
the little scrawly bill waiting so patiently to be
noticed. And it would be nothing to them to take
out their purses and pay at once. Nothing pre-

vents them except thoughtlessness and selfishness.
38 Things will Take a Turn.

However this may all be, grand-dad came home
tired and disappointed. He was chiefly anxious
about the child, for he really did not care about
himself.

‘What is to become of her,” he thought, “when
the money has all been spent, and there is nothing
more coming in?”

No wonder that grand-dad’s heart was heavy,
and his footstep weary.

There was no one in the shop. He sank down
into his chair behind the counter, and took from
his pocket his red cotton handkerchief, which he
passed over his burning forehead. Then he pulled
out his horrid little snuff-box, and refreshed him-
self with a pinch of snuff. Childie did not like
snuff, and always congratulated Robinson Crusoe
on the fact that he did not care about it.

“T shall be quite content, Crusoe,” she used to
say to him in private, “if you take grand-dad as
your model in everything except his love for
snuff. Do you hear?”

I don’t know whether he heard, but he cer-
Rosebud Prepares for High Life. 39

wwe



tainly heeded, for he was a total abstainer from
snuff |

Grand-dad then sneezed several times, and then



took off his goggle-eyed spectacles and rubbed
them with the corner of his red cotton handker-
chief. Having made them clean and clear he put

them on again, about half-way down his nose. It
40 Things will Take a Turn.

eee NP



was always a puzzle to Childie why he should look
over his spectacles and not ¢hrough them. Some-
times, though, he did not wear them at all, but
closed his right eye with the second finger of his
right hand and read with his left eye. This
puzzled Childie too; she thought it rather hard on
that left eye.

“Use both your eyes when you read, Robinson
Crusoe,” she said to him. “I prefer it.”

Childie was strict in her own little quiet way.
She would have made an excellent schoolmistress.

But to-day grand-dad did not read. He looked
mournfully at the second-hand books, and for the
first time in his life wished they were all brand-
new, uncut, and sprucely dressed, because then he
would have a chance of selling them. He had
rather despised new books; but this morning he
had been gazing into a grand shop of every kind
of book—large, small, and medium, good, bad,
and indifferent, but fresh and new and beautiful;
and he saw so many people going in and coming

out again with parcels in their hands, that he quite
Rosebud Prepares for High Life. 41

ALLL ALL LILA AOL





longed to be the lucky possessor of that shop: just
for Childie’s sake, not for his own.

‘Just for Childie’s sake!” he murmured to him-
self as he took off his boots and thrust his tired
old feet into his slippers.

And at that moment she came into the shop.

“What luck, grand-dad?” she said cheerily.

“N one for us, child,” he answered sadly.

“Ah, you mustn't say that, dear!” she said,
picking up the red cotton handkerchief which had
fallen to the ground, and putting it into his pocket,
as though she were his little mother. ‘You
mustn’t say that, for I’ve had a real customer, and
I’ve a real sovereign to give you; and here it is,
grand-dad. So don’t ever tell me that I can’t
keep shop well!”

‘What book have you sold, child?” he asked,
looking at her wonderingly.

“Mangnall’s Questzons,” she answered laughing.
“What do you think of that?”

And then she told him the whole story of the
tall gentleman’s visit, and she begged that he
42 Things will Take a Turn.



RRR



would allow her to go and read to the little invalid
girl.

“Of course you shall go, Childie,” he said lov-
ingly. “And well might that gentleman wish to
have you to read to his little daughter. Where
could one hope to find a dearer, sweeter little girl-
flower than my Rosebud?”

And off they went, hand in hand, to the back-
room to enjoy Mr. Jones’s soup and fresh rolls,
which Jane Eyre and Robinson Crusoe had de-
clined with thanks.

About twelve o'clock the following morning the
tall gentleman called in to see old David Burnley.
Childie was not there at the time.

“Your grand-daughter pleased me mightily yes-
terday,” he said kindly, “and I have taken quite a
fancy to her. She speaks beautifully. You have
indeed taught her well. Now, I should like her to
come and see my little girl, who I am sure will be
kind to her. My little girl, you know, is an
invalid: a motherless invalid. And she cannot

read a great deal; for her eyes are weak. And
Rosebud Prepares for High Life. 43





she does not care about all children, but I think
she would be fond of your little Rosebud. And
Rosebud could read to her, and be her companion
for part of the day. I am sure your little grand-
daughter would be proud to earn some money.
And you would let her come, wouldn’t you?”

“You are very good, sir,” said the old man
gently. “Of course I would let her come.”

“Just for part of the day,” continued Mr.
Dighton. ‘Ah, here is the little woman,” he
added, as Childie came into the shop. ‘‘You see,
I have not forgotten you, have 1?”

And grand-dad was quite touched to see how
kindly he greeted Childie, stooping down and
taking her hand and speaking to her so freely and
gently. As for Rosebud herself, it seemed to her
the most natural thing in the world to see her tall
friend again and hear his kind fresh voice; and
she chattered away to him as if she had known
him all her life.

“I have just been to look at Mr. Jones's new
bullfinch,” she confided to him. ‘I wonder what
44 Things will Take a Turn.

RARER oOo



you'd think of it. Now, / think it’s a beauty, and
it pipes such pretty tunes.”

“Indeed,” he said, smiling at her. “And do
you know as much about birds as you do about
books?”

She laughed.

“Oh,” she answered, “I only know what Mr.
Jones tells me. And then one can’t help learning
a little when one sees all the birds, can one? But
sometimes I think it is very cruel to keep them
shut up in those tiny cages. But, do you know,
Mr. Jones has often put them in bigger cages just
to please me. Isn’t that nice of him? He laughs
at me when I ask him; but he never refuses me.
Oh, I remember he was a little cross once. But
then he had the toothache dreadfully; and one
can’t feel very kind when one has the toothache,
can one?”

“Certainly not,” he replied. ‘Well, you must
take me to see your friend Mr. Jones one day,
when he has not got the toothache. I should not

like him to be cross with me.”
Rosebud Prepares for High Life. 45

~



‘“‘As if anyone could be cross with you, sir!” she
said eagerly. ‘I am sure I couldn't if I tried

all the day long.”





WLM SELA



“That's all right,” he said laughing. ‘“I hope

you will always say that. Good gracious! I’ve
46 Lhings will Take a Turn.
BN

been treading on your doll, and I’ve broken its
right arm! What will you say to me now?”

He stooped down and picked up poor Robinson
Crusoe, who probably would have groaned if he
could; for it is not a particularly pleasant thing to
have a crushed arm!

Childie was certainly rather heartless this morn-
ing, for she giggled and seemed immensely
amused; and even grand-dad laughed to see the
tall gentleman holding the wounded doll in his
hand, and looking the picture of penitence and
misery.

“What will you say to me now?” he asked
again. ‘Won't you feel angry with me now?”

“No,” she laughed; “it is all Crusoe’s fault for
sprawling about on the ground. And it doesn’t
matter much whether he has one or two arms; he
never does any work, you know.”

She took the doll from Mr. Dighton and put it
safely on the counter; but although she laughed
and smiled, I think in her heart of hearts she was

really sorry. But she was not going to let him
Rosebud Prepares for High Life. 47

ake Pe!







see that; for he had been kind to her, and she
was grateful to him.

He stopped a few minutes longer arranging
with grand-dad that she should come to his house
on the morrow and see his little girl, and then he
asked about trade, and seemed sorry to hear that
things were so bad.

“But you must cheer up,” he said kindly. “By
the way, about that book. Suppose you try and
get it for me. And I daresay I shall be asking
you to look out for several other books for me. |
cannot spare the time just at present, and shail
be glad of your help. And Pll pay you gener-
ously; be sure of that.”

Grand-dad’s face brightened up with hope and
happiness.

“Thank you, sir,” he murmured. “Do you
know you have come to us just when we wanted
help. You have given me back strength and hope.
God bless you.”

Then Mr. Dighton turned to Childie, pointed to

Robinson Crusoe mournfully, and said:
48 Things will Take a Turn.

“And you really forgive me, little one, for hav-
ing squashed that poor doll’s right arm?”

“Yes, indeed!” she answered eagerly.

“Ah,” he said, as he was leaving the shop, “I
expect my little girl will scold me when she hears ~
what mischief I have been doing.”

“ Don’t tell her,” said Childie; ‘‘and I won’t tell
her either. Let it be a secret between ourselves.”

But he shook his head. ~

“It’s of no use,” he replied solemnly. “My
little girl guesses all my secrets. Good-bye, Rose-
bud. My housekeeper shall come and fetch you
to-morrow.” And he hailed a hansom cab and
drove to his beautiful house in Grosvenor Square,
all the time thinking to himself what a lucky
chance it was that took him to the second-hand
book-shop.

“That child will please my little Violet,” he said
to himself. “She is quaint and gentle; and if ever
there was a little lady, she is one. Her clothes
are poor and shabby, but they are quite neat.
And that white apron she wears is spotless. And
Rosebud Prepares for High Life. 49



what a little mother she seems to be to that
scholarly, worn-out old grandfather of hers. How
pleased she was to see him smile and look happy
when I spoke to him of work. Fancy me now
hunting about for a wretched old second-hand book
and finding instead a dear little Rosebud. Who
would have thought it?”

Childie meanwhile put her stool near grand-
dad’s arm-chair behind the counter, pulled out her
sewing, and began to work diligently.

“Only think, grand-dad,” she said, “I shall be
able to earn a little money for you before I am
grown-up! I always thought people had to wait
until they were grown-up before they could be of
any use to those they loved.”

“Why, Childie,” he said lovingly, as he lit his
pipe (for she had been out to get him a little
tobacco for a treat); “why, Childie, you have
been of use to me ever since you were born.
You have loved me.”

“Ts that being useful?” she asked, opening her

blue eyes wide.
(is) D
50 Things will Take a Turn.

ww





“Of course it is,” answered her grandfather.
“Tt is everything.”

In the course of the afternoon Childie ran over























































LEE



to Mr. Jones’s, just to tell him about the tall
gentleman’s visit, and to have another look at the

piping bullfinch.
Rosebud Prepares for High Life. 51

aan



«And so you're going to that grand gentleman’s
house?” said Mr. Jones, who was mixing seed
for the birds. “I don’t suppose you'll want to
come and see the old bird-fancier when you've got
them new swell friends of yours?”

“What a horrid thing to say, Mr. Jones!” an-
swered Childie reproachfully; but seeing that
there was a smile on his face, she added:

“There, | knew you did not mean it! What a
tease you are, Mr. Jones! Do you know, my tall
‘gentleman is coming to see you one day when you
are not feeling cross. You will let him look at
your birds, won’t you, Mr. Jones, as he is my
friend?”

“Delighted!” replied the gentleman of the red
nose. ‘Any time he likes to come I shall be
ready to say a civil word to him. So now you
know. And what I say I mean. Don’t I, litt!un?”

“Yes, Mr. Jones,” she answered. ‘But you're
spilling a lot of that seed. Mayn’t I help you?
And oh, do let me give Bully a hemp seed—just

one, Mr. Jones!”
52 Things will Take a Turn.



“You'll spoil that ’ere bird,” said Mr. Jones,
putting a few hemp seeds into Childie’s little hand.
“Too many hemp seeds is as bad for them birds
as too much beer or sweet stuff is bad for you and
me.”

“Took here, Rosebud,” he said when she had
finished feeding the bullfinch, ‘“‘what I say I mean,
don’t I? And this is what I say: You always look
a little dear; but I want you to look quite spruce
to-morrow, for my own honour, you know, and
for grand-dad’s too. I’ve found a few shillings
tucked away in a seed-tin. Bless me, I was just
surprised to find them yesterday! And I said to
myself I’m smashed if these sha’n’t go to buy
something fine for my little Rosebud. Grand-dad
don’t think of these things; he don’t notice. But
I notice, bless your heart! I look to the fashings.
And I’ve seen a sweet tidy cape as you must have.
Tut, tut, not a word! I'll get old John next door
to mind the shop for a half hour; and you and J,
we'll just go and buy that sweet pretty thing.

Grosvenor Square, indeed!—that’s where you're
Rosebud Prepares for High Life. 53

going to! We'll teach Grosvenor Square how to
look! And what do you say to a wee rosebud in
your hat, littl’un, just to make it spruce and
gay?”

Childie clapped her hands with delight; for, like
all of us, she was fond of a little bit of finery.

“Only, Mr. Jones,” she said, ‘you ought to
spend this money on yourself, for you sadly want
a new hat.”

“A new hat!” he said, laughing. ‘“Why, Rose-
' bud, what are you thinking about? That hat of
mine hanging on that peg ain’t more than four
year old come September. When it’s ten year
old, then I shall think it wants cleaning up or see-
ing to a bit. Come along. How that parrot do
screech to-day! Folks say the book-business makes
one’s eyes bad; but deary me, the bird-business
does try one’s ears!”

They called next door, and asked old John to
look after the shop for a short time; and then Mr.
Jones, taking Childie’s hand, plunged into the

linen-draper’s a few yards down the street.
54 Things will Take a Turn.



“That’s the article,” he said, pointing to a little
black cape. “What do you think of that,
Childie?”

“Oh, it’s beautiful, Mr. Jones,” she said admir-
ingly. ‘Only it is much too good for me.”

“Tut, tut!” he replied.

And he bought it then and there, and made her
put it on at once that he might see how she looked
in it.

‘“Fust-rate!” he said, smiling proudly.

And then they bought a little pink rosebud and
a pair of gray cotton gloves, and, armed with these
wonderful purchases, went back to the bird-shop.

“Don’t you say anything to grand-dad,” he said
as he stooped down and kissed her very gently;
“but just you put them fineries on to-morrow and
see if he notices. Maybe he won’t notice. . But
there, there! his eyesight is awful bad, you know.
And we can’t all notice the same things, can we?
Why, you know I don’t ever take any heed of
them seedy-looking books of yours.”

Childie thanked him many times for his beauti-
Rosebud Prepares for High Life. 55



ful presents, and went home to grand-dad to get
his tea ready. She found him in excellent spirits;
for he had three customers, one after the other.

‘Tt certainly does look as if things were taking
a turn, Childie,” he said, smiling brightly at her.
«And it is’ all through Childie. I am sure of
that.”



7 AEEACO
56 Things will Take a Turn.

~~



CHAPTER IV.
MR. DIGHTON’S HOUSEKEEPER.

Little Violet Dighton lay on the sofa in her
beautiful sitting-room, waiting for her father’s re-
turn home from his visit to the second-hand book-
seller's shop. She was fair-haired and fair-com-
plexioned; her face was thin and pain-weary, and
she was slight of form and figure. She wore a
pretty blue-coloured silk frock, with a yellow sash
round it, and some soft lace at the neck. Her
hands were very thin. She had a little gold ring
with a pearl in it on the third finger of her right
hand. She had been doing some fancy crotchet-
work; but I suppose she was tired, for she had let
it fall to the ground, and a handsome Persian cat
was making sport with the ball. Perhaps that cat
knew that Violet could not jump up and run after
him!
Mr. Dighton’s Housekeeper. 57





No, she could not jump up. In the morning
she was lifted very gently on to the sofa by the
window, and there she stayed all the day long.
She was an odd little lady; she could have had

































































































































many companions, for people wished to be kind,
but she did not care about them all. She liked
best to have her father with her, and was quite
happy for the whole day if he had found time to

spend an hour with her. The whole house was
58 Things will Take a Turn,



beautiful, but her room was full of wonderful
treasures. The walls were hung with pictures;
and there were all kinds of books and engravings
on the table near her, and lovely vases with fresh
flowers in them, and plants here and there and
everywhere. At least she had much to look at as.
she lay on her sofa, and Mr. Dighton seldom came
home without bringing her something to please her:
a sweet flower, or perhaps a little scented bag, or
a new puzzle; she was fond of puzzles and nearly
always made them out; and sometimes a new
picture would be brought in mysteriously, and he
would pretend to know nothing at all about it,
when, to tell you the truth, he had spent ever so
long in choosing it.

He would have wished above all things to give
her health, but he could not do that. It was sad
to think that she had everything she could possibly
wish for except health.

She was very anxious to see the little girl of
whom her father had spoken so much. She was

quite fearful lest the old grandfather should not
Mr. Dighton’s Housekeeper. 59

nn



allow Rosebud to come and see her; and so you
can imagine how pleased she was when her father
came home and told her that he had arranged for
Mrs. White, the housekeeper, to go and fetch
Rosebud at ten o'clock on the morrow.

“You always say that you are best pleased
when I bring you flowers, Violet,” said Mr.
Dighton as he put a beautiful orchid into a little
vase on the table by the sofa; ‘““and I am sure
you will like to have the little Rosebud: a little
‘human flower.

“Now, what do you think I have been doing
this morning?—I have broken that child’s doll.
So I went into a doll-shop, and I’ve bought this
concern. And you must give it to her to-morrow.
Is it a nice one, Violet?”

‘‘A beauty!” she answered, looking at it admir-
ingly. ‘How pleased Rosebud will be! Only it
has not got a very nice hat on. I think I must
make it a new one.”

She set to work diligently, and turned out a

wonderful thing for the doll’s head; and when
60 | Things will Take a Turn.

Mrs. White, the housekeeper, saw it, she declared
solemnly that a court milliner could not have done
it better.

Mrs. White started about half-past nine the
next morning to go to old David Burnley’s shop.
Between you and me, she did not quite like the
notion of “this chit of a child” coming to the
house.

‘Master has such odd ideas,” she said to herself
as she rolled along, for she was rather a stout per-
sonage. ‘‘ Miss Violet is going on very nicely by
herself, and doesn’t want any strange body coming
to worry her. Deary me! what a narrow street to
live in!”

I should tell you that years ago Mrs. White had
lived in a far narrower street than Childie’s; but
it was so long ago that she had quite forgotten.
People do forget, you know!

She had quite determined to be very stern and
patronizing and haughty to the “chit”; and she
was almost glad she had a cough, because a cer-

tain kind of cough is very awe-inspiring; and she
Mr. Dighton’s Housekeeper. 61

NSS



_—s



wished to impress Rosebud with a proper sense of
her importance. She was dressed in black, and
wore a wonderful black bonnet, with a terrifying
violet tuft on the top. Her face was broad and
flabby, but not unkind-looking, and she had a soft
old heart beneath her heavy mantle.

She stopped before the second-hand book-shop
and looked in. There was no one there except a
little girl, dressed in a gray frock, a black. hat,
with a tiny pink rosebud in it, and a neat little.
cross-over cape.

It was rather a warm morning, and Mrs. White
was somewhat out of breath. Childie saw this,
and fetched a chair, into which the old lady sank
with evident satisfaction.

“Thank you, deary,” she said between her
pants, forgetting all about her resolution to be
stern and haughty and patronizing. In fact, one
can't be very haughty when one is out of breath,
can one?

‘“‘T suppose, now, you are little Rose Burnley,

whom I’ve come to fetch?” she asked.
62 Things will Take a Turn.

~







“Yes, if you please,” said Childie.

“Well, you've made yourself very neat and tidy,”
said Mrs. White, looking at her with approval.

“She's always neat and tidy,” said a harsh
voice.

Mrs. White turned her face to the shop door
and saw a red-nosed individual standing on the
step.

“Ts this your grandfather?” she asked rather
stiffly.

“No,” answered Childie, going up to the red-
nosed individual and putting her hand in his.
“This is my friend, Mr. Jones.”

‘Pleased to make your acquaintance, ma’am.”
said Mr. Jones, bowing most courteously, and re-
moving his shabby hat from his bald head. “So
you are going to march our little Rosebud off with
you. Ah! well, ma’am, I’m sure you'll take care
of her. Good-bye, Rosebud child. I just popped
in to see how them ’ere fineries sat on you, and
my word, they do look nice! I’m just as proud

as I am when any of my bonny birds have got
Mr. Dighton’s Housekeeper. 63

ans



their new feathers on. Bless me, what a little

spruce thing it is, to be sure!”



tat

iia

(elie

hn hfe ACON
ett

And he went away grinning with pleasure.
Then Childie came nearer to Mrs. White and

said earnestly:
64 Things will Take a Turn.



‘He is so kind to me, dear good Mr. Jones.
Don’t you think, ma’am, that there are a great
many kind and good people in the world?”

‘Perhaps there are,” replied Mrs. White, leav-
ing off fanning herself with her handkerchief, and
staring curiously at the odd little girl, whose
manner was full of trust and confidence.

“Do you know,” continued Childie, ‘Mr. Jones
is only cross when he has toothache. Do you ever
have toothache, ma’am? I know a wonderful cure
which Mr. Jones uses.”

“No, child, I’m not troubled with it,” said Mrs.
White, who had a complete set of false teeth.
(But that’s a secret between you and me!)

“I’m glad of that,’ answered Childie smiling;
‘for it is dreadful to think of people suffering pain.
Please, ma’am, does the little lady suffer much pain?”

“‘ Sometimes,” said Mrs. White gently. ‘Come,
we must go to her. I am rested now.”

“You still look very hot and tired,” said Childie
in her own little motherly way. “Supposing I

fan you?”
Mr. Dighton’s Housekeeper. 65





And taking a newspaper from the counter, ;
Childie steadily waved it to and fro, and hot Mrs.
White smiled and closed her eyes, enjoying the

























































































































Ah GAN.



cool breeze, and pleased with Rosebud’s thought-
fulness.
‘“Why, I declare you’re quite a little mother,”

she said kindly, drawing the child near to her and
(403) E
66 Things will Take a Turn.



kissing her. ‘We must be great friends, mustn't
we?”

“If you please, ma’am,” answered Childie, “1
should like to be friends with you.”

“And so you shall,” replied Mrs. White, rising
from her chair and surveying the books.

“If you are really going, ma’am,” said Childie,
“T must just call grand-dad to mind the shop. And
I am sure he would wish to say good-bye to us.”

Mrs. White nodded pleasantly to her, and Rose-
bud ran into the back-room, and returned in a few
minutes followed by grand-dad, who seemed rather
nervous at the prospect of addressing a strange
lady. He kept quite close to Childie, as though
claiming her protection and care. She looked at
him affectionately and proudly, keeping her hand
in his, and watching anxiously to see whether Mrs.
White was impressed by his dear presence.

“This is grand-dad,” she said, smiling trium-
phantly.

A whole world of love and gentleness was con-

tained in those few words of hers.
Mr. Dighton’s Housekeeper. 67
Oe

And when he began to talk to Mrs. White, first
about the weather and then about Rosebud her-
self, Childie in the pride of her heart thought he



looked quite the gentleman, every inch the gentle-
man, although there was scarcely an inch of his
coat which was not shabby and shiny. Still, that
did not matter; he had gentle, courteous manners,
which are more becoming than fine clothes.

“Grand-dad,” said Childie as they were starting,
“you'll take care of the shop and of your own dear
old self, won’t you? And I shall be back to give
you your dinner, grand-dad. And ao use both
your eyes when you read; and don’t trouble to
dust the books, grand-dad dear, for Ill do all that
this afternoon. And say something kind to Jane
Eyre and Robinson Crusoe, for they’ll be lonely
without me. Good-bye, dear.”

“Good-bye, Childie,” he answered. “I think ]
shall be lonely too; so Jane Eyre and Robinson
Crusoe and I will comfort each other.”

When they had gone—and their departure was

witnessed by Mr. Jones, who stood at his door
68 Things will Take a Turn.



waving his hat frantically—when they had gone,
grand-dad pulled out that red cotton handkerchief,
and removed from his face several curious little
tears which were having a race down his thin old
cheeks.

“What should I do if
she were to leave me
altogether?” he thought
to himself. “I don't
think I should see any
brightness in the sun-
shine, or any blue in the
heavens.”

Perhaps you, too, will

think him rather a silly



old man; but you must
remember that Childie
was all in all to him, and that he had learnt to look
upon her as his friend and companion, yes, almost
as his little mother.

He found her dolls in a corner of the shop. He
lifted them up very tenderly, and examined Mr.
Mr. Dighton’s Housekeeper. 69





Crusoe’s squashed arm. He did not know
much about medicine, but he dressed the arm as
well as he could; and no doubt Crusoe would
have thanked him if he had had a tongue in his
mouth.

“Childie says you are to spend the morning
with me,” he said to them solemnly, just as if they
were real persons.

He put them both on her stool, which he placed
near his own arm-chair; and taking up a learned
book became deeply engrossed in it, stopping now
and again to have a pinch of that horrid snuff.
But, sorrowful to relate, he forgot all about Childie’s
injunction, and he closed his right eye with the
second finger of his right hand and read with his
left eye!

Meanwhile Rosebud and Mrs. White were creep-
ing slowly towards Grosvenor Square. Rosebud
herself could have been there and back six times
over; but Mrs. White was not able to get along
very fast, for she was heavy, and so was that

mantle of hers, and that wonderful bonnet with
70 Things will Take a Turn.

OG ES A
the violet tuft! But at last they arrived, and
Childie stood gazing in awe at the great big
solemn house.

“T suppose, ma’am,” she said, “the tall gentle-
man must have a very large family to have such a
very large house?”

Mrs. White laughed.

“Bless you, no!” she answered. “He's only
got Miss Violet.”

“Tf you please, ma’am,” said Childie timidly, as
they rang at the bell and waited to be admitted;
“if you please, ma’am, I’m rather frightened. T’ve
never been to such a grand place before. Ours
isn’t so grand, is it?”

“Not quite,” replied Mrs. White smiling, and
giving the child an encouraging nod. “ But don't
you be frightened, for I’m going to be your friend,
you know. And let me tell you, deary, that it
is something to have Mrs. Rebecca White as a
friend.”

The footman opened the door. Mrs. White
bade Childie follow her, and took her up some
Mr. Dighton’s Housekeeper. 71





stairs which led to the first floor. The landing
was covered with beautiful rich velvet carpet. The
whole place seemed to Childie like fairy-land.
There were huge vases with bulrushes in them,
and shining brass ornaments on brackets, and
curious spears and swords and costly plates of
many different colours and shapes fastened on to
the wall. Childie was quite bewildered at every-
thing, for she had been accustomed only to the
sight of shabby second-hand books all her little
life.

“Here we are,” said Mrs. White cheerily,
pointing to a door. ‘“That’s Miss Violet’s bou-
doir. You knock and go in bravely by yourself.
There'll be no one but her. And she’s quite
looking forward to seeing you. She don’t want
to see me.”

Childie’s heart beat very fast as she knocked
timidly at the door. A voice cried:

“Come in!”

Then Childie opened the door just wide
enough for her to slip through, and still holding
72 Things will Take a Turn.





on to the handle, she made a little curtsy and
said:
“Tf you please, miss, I’ve come.”


Violet and Rosebud. 73



CHAPTER V.

VIOLET AND ROSEBUD.

Violet's sofa was placed so that she could see
anyone coming into the room. Her face bright-
ened up at the sight of Childie’s dear quaint little
figure. She held out her hand in kindly welcome.

‘“‘T am very pleased you have come, Rosebud,”
she said, smiling brightly. ‘Mrs. White has put
a chair for you by my side. You will sit down,
won't you, and take your hat and cape off?”

There was something so friendly in her manner
that Childie lost all sense of nervousness.

“T am so glad to see you, miss,” she said
earnestly. ‘Ever since the tall gentleman, your
papa, spoke of you, I’ve been thinking, oh! such

a lot about you.”
74 Things will Take a Turn.

“That is very sweet of you,” said Violet gently.
‘‘Move your chair a little closer to me, will you?”

Childie drew it nearer to the sofa, and Violet
took her hand and kept it prisoner.

“JT am feeling much better to-day,” she said
brightly. “Do you know, the doctors promise
that in time I shall be quite strong—like you are.
But it seems too good to be true.”

“Oh, but it will be true!” cried Childe eagerly.
“One must always go on hoping. That is what
I say to grand-dad when he is sad and anxious.
It makes all the difference in the world if one has
hope, doesn’t it?”

“T think it does,” answered Violet. “I shall
remember what you say. Papa tells me you have
read a great many books, and that you are very
wise; so you must teach me to be wise.”

Childie laughed.

“T am sure I couldn’t do that,” she said,
‘because I am not wise myself. Grand-dad’s the
one to know a lot. He does knowa lot. Heisa

walking library. Oh! you would like him, I am
Violet and Rosebud. 75

BORSA RII IRENE LIL LALO Sa

sure, And then there's Mr. Jones. He is not
clever about books, but there is no one in the
world that knows more about birds than he does.
He has all the names on the tip of his tongue.
And he has the most wonderful parrot, whom he
has taught to say ‘Things will take a turn ae

“JT should like to hear him say that,” cried
Violet.

“ He says it about a thousand times every day,”
laughed Childie. “Mr. Jones declares we can’t
hear it too often. Mr. Jones has taught him other
things too; and I believe he is teaching him some-
thing quite new, but I don’t know what it is yet.”

And then Childie told Violet all about the birds
in Mr. Jones’s shop, not forgetting the little piping
bullfinch. Now and again she stopped, but Violet
always said:

“Do go on, Rosebud, if you're not tired; for
don’t think I am tired of listening.”

And then somehow or other they got on the
subject of dolls, and Childie gave her an account

of Jane Eyre and Robinson Crusoe, not mention-
76 Things will Take a Turn.

AAS





ing, however, the terrible accident which had de-
prived Mr. Crusoe of the use of his right arm.

“Are both your dolls in good health?” asked
Violet slyly.

“Oh! pretty good,” answered Childie cheerfully,
“considering the sudden heat, you know. That
seems to try every one. ‘The lady who came to
fetch me this morning was quite tired out.”

“ Rosebud,” said Violet suddenly, “I know one
of your dolls is not in good health. I always find
out papa’s secrets. Now, here is a doll I want
you very much to have. I madea hat for it last
night.”

She took from beneath the coverlet a most gor-
geously-dressed doll-individual.

“For me?” cried Childie aghast. In her wildest
dreams she had never imagined to herself such a
doll as this.

“Yes, for you,” answered Violet, delighted to
see her surprise and enjoyment.

“May I kiss you?” asked Childie, her little face

flushed with excitement and gratitude.
Violet and Rosebud. . 79

a



Aan





It was not the doll she cared so much about as
the kindness.

“Yes; please kiss me,” said Violet.

And Childie bent over and kissed the little girl

tenderly.



“J could love you so much if you would let me,”

she whispered.
“Do love me,” answered Violet, whose face

shone with a bright smile.
And this was the sweet beginning of their

friendship.
78 Things will Take a Turn.

PRPRIAAPRALRAAAARAARAAAAAAAAADLAAAAAAAAAALRARARARARAN



‘What are you going to call that doll?” asked
Violet. ‘“ You always choose odd names for your
dolls, don’t you?”

“T think I shall call her Queen Elizabeth,”
laughed Childie, “or Marie Antoinette. Which
do you prefer?”

‘“One of them lost her head,” said Violet. “I'd
choose the name of the person who did not lose
her head ?”

“That would be Queen Elizabeth, then,” replied
Childie; “although I read in a book the other
day that she too lost her head. But grand-dad
explained to me that it only meant she became
confused and didn’t know what she was doing.
I was very puzzled at the time, but I think I
understand now. Grand-dad says a great many
kings and queens have lost their heads—in both
senses, you know!”

Then they talked about books, and Childie was
quite distressed that some of Violet's beautiful
books did not wear brown-paper overcoats.

“Will you let me cover them?” she said with
Violet and Rosebud. 79

ne BS





motherly anxiety. ‘You don’t know how clever
I am at covering books. But at home I cut out
the over-coats to hide the shabbiness of our books;
here I should make them to protect the beautiful
binding.”

“You shall cover one now,” said Violet laugh-
ing. “Here is the brown paper that Queen
Elizabeth came in, and here is a pair of scissors,
and there is a book that ought to have a cover.”

And thus the morning sped away; and Mrs.
White arrived with some tempting cake, and
found the two little girls in happy and eager
conversation.

“You don’t look very frightened now, child,”
she said kindly.

“No, ma’am,” answered Rosebud with a bright,
frank smile; “I’m not at all frightened now. Only
I hope I have not tired the little lady.”

“Indeed she has not!” cried Violet. “I’ve
been so happy, Mrs. White, and the time has
passed only too quickly. I don’t often say that,
do I, Mrs. White?” she asked somewhat sadly.
80 Things will Take a Turn.



“No, deary,” answered Mrs. White. ‘“ But
you're going to begin to say it; that I’m sure of.
Ah! here’s the master.”

“Tm so glad you'll see papa before you go,”
said Violet, turning to Childie, who was putting on
her hat and cape. “Papa dear, Rosebud has
made me very happy.”

“Ah! I knew she would,” said Mr. Dighton,
sitting down on Violet’s sofa, and holding out his
hand to Childie, who smiled with delight to see
him, for he was a sort of tall hero to her. ‘‘ Thank
you, Rosebud, for making my little girl happy.
Now you are going home to your grandfather,
and you must remember to tell him that we shall
want him to spare you for a short time every day,
either in the morning or the afternoon, whichever
is best. for you.”

“Please, sir,” answered Childie, ‘I should pre-
fer to come in the afternoon, because grand-dad
likes to go out in the morning. And,” she added
quaintly, ‘I always feel a little anxious when he

goes out in the afternoon and does not come home


Mo
“THANK YOU, ROSEBUD, FOR MAKING MY LITTLE GIRL HAPPY.”
Violet and Rosebud. 81



until dusk; for he is old now, and his eyesight is
bad, and he can’t get over the crossings very
quickly.”

“Very well, little Rosebud,” he said kindly;
‘you shall come in the afternoons. Now, good-
bye, little junior partner. By the way, how is Mr.
Crusoe? Is his arm to be cut off?”

“The doctors cannot tell me yet,” she laughed
—for she enjoyed a bit of a joke—“but I do not
think Mr. Crusoe will take any harm!”

- “What a good thing it is,” said Mr. Dighton
solemnly, “that you are going to earn a little
money every week, for you will be able to give
Mr. Crusoe a few luxuries now that he is ill.”

‘“No,” said Childie, laughing again. ‘JI shall
keep the luxuries for Queen Elizabeth. The little
lady has given her to me, and I shall take every
care of her. Only I don’t see that I deserve to
have such a beautiful present. I can’t think what
grand-dad and Mr. Jones will say. They will be
surprised.”

“Oh, papa,” cried Violet, ‘‘mayn’t I have the
(M3) ¥
82 Things will Take a Turn.

as



TN



piping bullfinch from Mr. Jones's shop? I'd nearly
forgotten to ask you.”

‘Of course you shall, dear,” he answered, glad
to please her in anything and everything. “ Rose-
bud shall bring it with her to-morrow afternoon;
or, better still, we'll send the footman to fetch it.”

“Oh, thank you,” said Childie, tears of delight
glistening in her eyes. “That zs kind of you.
And I shall be so proud to tell Mr. Jones.”

Her little hands were clasped together tightly;
her face beamed with happiness.

“ He is so good to me,” she said earnestly. “You
can’t think how kind he is. And I know he will be
pleased to hear you are going to buy the bullfinch.”

She said good-bye to her new friends; and one
and all were pleased to have seen her. Even the
footman, James, condescended to give her a smile.
And this was very extraordinary; for he generally
frowned at people, or glared at them, especially
if they were inconsiderate enough to trouble him
to answer the front bell, when he was enjoying his

newspaper or his tea!
Violet and Rosebud. 83

TN



Childie went on her way home, thinking first of
the little delicate lady, then of the tall gentleman,
then of Mrs. White, then of Queen Elizabeth,
then of the footman with the stiff neck, and last,
not least, of grand-dad and Mr. Jones. She
had made many new friends, and seen many beau-
tiful things, but her heart was faithful to the old
friends and the old familiar things she loved.

“The house may be very grand,” she said to
herself, “but it’s not like our book-shop. There
‘may be many beautiful ornaments about, but I
don’t care for them as much as for our dear second-
hand books. And those stuffed birds under the
glass case! Why, Mr. Jones has real birds, and
of course they are better than stuffed ones!”

She could not resist running into Mr. Jones's
shop just to tell him the good news.

“Mr. Jones!” she cried. “I can’t wait because
erand-dad will be wanting his dinner, but I’ve sold
your piping bullfinch for you, and the footman is
coming to fetch it to-morrow. Mr. Jones, I’m so

glad, aren’t you?”
84 Things will Take a Turn.

sr



Mr. Jones made no answer, but catching hold of
both her hands, whirled her round and round,

until she called out to him to stop.






The Wonderful Parrot. 85



CHAPTER VI.

THE WONDERFUL PARROT.

So the junior partner of the second-hand book-
shop went backwards and forwards to the grand
- house in Grosvenor Square. Every afternoon at
two o'clock she said good-bye to grand-dad, Queen
Elizabeth, Jane Eyre, Mr. Crusoe, and Mr. Jones,
and hurried off to business.

“ Ain’t you just proud of yourself, Birdie?” said
Mr. Jones one afternoon, as she passed by his
shop and gave him her usual greeting. ‘‘ Ain’t
you just proud of helping grand-dad? There now,
I should be! What I like about you, Rosebud
child, is that you don’t alter to your old friends.
That’s saying a good deal, you know, in this ‘ere

queerish world.”
86 Things will Take a Turn.





“You don’t mean to say that people do forget
their old friends?” asked Childie, much shocked.

Mr. Jones nodded his head violently.

“JT mean what I say,” he remarked gravely.
“But there now, don’t you take no heed of me.
Time enough to think about these things when
you're old and ugly like I am.”

“You're not ugly, I’m sure!” laughed Childie.
“Of course there is one little bit of your face which
is not pretty, Mr. Jones. But I don’t think I'd
even have that altered. You wouldn’t be my Mr.
Jones unless you had a red nose.”

“ Ah,” he answered, ‘“‘] guessed it was my nose
you were finding fault with. You're always poking
fun at my nose.”

“Indeed, Mr. Jones,” she laughed, fondling his
rough old hand, “I’m very fond of your nose!
Mr. Jones, I want you to give a look-in to grand-
dad this afternoon, will you? I think he is rather
lonely sometimes; and of course I am obliged to
go out every afternoon. Business must be done

regularly, mustn’t it?”
The Wonderful Parrot. 87

SRS

Mr. Jones smiled at the little business-woman
standing before him.

“Quite right, Childie,” he answered. “Stick to
your work like a man.”

“Tt is very pleasant business,” she continued.
“T feel perfectly at home there now, and Miss
Violet seems to get stronger and brighter every
day. She says it is all through me; but I don't
see how that can be, for I’m not a doctor. I
thought only doctors could make people well.”

«« Ain’t you a doctor?” asked Mr. Jones. “Well,
I don’t know who is a doctor if you ain’t one.
Don’t you doctor up them sick books, and grand-
dad, and your humble servant, and your humble
servant’s torn coats? Why, if I’m just feeling in
the blues, don’t I come to you for physic, and you
give it me? Ain't kind words and bright smiles.
physic? Ain’t they or ain’t they not, Birdie?”

“Tm sure I don’t know,” laughed Childie.
“ And that reminds me, Mr. Jones, the bullfinch is
not feeling very well.”

“Too many hemp seeds, Rosebud, too many
88 Things will Take a [urn.

hemp seeds!” said Mr. Jones, trying to look very
stern and failing utterly. ‘Cut them off!”

“Do you think, Mr. Jones,’ asked Childie
timidly, “that you could find time to come and
see the bird yourself? Miss Violet would be so
grateful to you, and I should too.”

Mr. Jones stroked his chin thoughtfully.

“Tt ain't much in my line,” he answered, “to
visit them grand places; but I don’t mind making
an exception in your favour, Rosebud. Only it’s
the stout person as came to fetch you that I’m
thinking of. She’s awful proud and haughty.
And I’m frightened of her. That’s the plain
truth, Childie.”

“T will take care of you, Mr. Jones,” said
Childie smiling. ‘And you know she is really
very nice. It’s wonderful how nice people are
when you come to know them.”

“Are they now?” asked Mr. Jones doubtfully.

‘Well, I daresay you're right, Rosebud. Any-
way, I'll come to have a look at the bullfinch.

Name your time, and see if I’m not ready. And
The Wonderful Parrot. 89

Ieee





now off you go to your business. And keep your
mind easy about the grand-dad, for I’ll pop in to
see him.”

Then Childie went on her way to Grosvenor
Square, and Mr. Jones retired into his shop, mut-
tering to himself these mysterious words:

‘Won't that ’ere child be just took aback when
she hears the parrot saying her new lines!”

He then chuckled several times, for reasons
best known to himself, and turning up his shirt
. sleeves as he always did when he was about to
undertake a tough piece of work, he sat on a stool
and addressed his favourite parrot thus:

“Now, old Donkey, I’m just going on with our
bit of schooling. And hark you, if you’ve for-
gotten them new words, I'll crack your little skull
for you, that I will. Do you hear, old screecher?

“Things ‘ave took a turn—vurrah! Things ’ave
took a turn—'urrah! Say that, Donkey.”

With wonderful patience Mr. Jones repeated
these words a fearful number of times, until he was

really quite exhausted with the terrible exertion.
go Things will Take a Turn.



The parrot remained perfectly mute, but put
her head on one side and rolled her eyes in a very
knowing manner. She was taking it all in. But
not one little word
did she vouchsafe ;
and Mr. Jones,
having devoted a
long time to her
education, left her
to meditate on the
lesson, and ran
over to the second-
hand book-shop
to smoke a pipe
with grand-dad.

Grand-dad, as

usual, was reading



a very learnéd
book, which he put aside when the bird-fancier
entered.

“I’m glad to see you, Mr. Jones,” he said smil-

ing, and pointing to a chair.
The Wonderful Parrot. gl



“Thank you, sir, I’m sure,” answered Mr. Jones.
He always called grand-dad “sir”, for he had

an immense respect and admiration for the quiet,

white-haired, scholarly gentleman.



“T was feeling a wee bit lonely, sir,” he con-
tinued, as he lit his pipe and offered the match to
grand-dad, ‘“‘and I thought as I’d just come over
forasmoke andachat. The street seems queerish

without the littl’un; don’t it, sir?”
92 Things will Take a Turn.

“Yes, it does,” answered grand-dad, his face
brightening up as he thought of Childie. ‘ But
I’m glad she should have the change, Mr. Jones,
for it must be dull work along with me, you know.”

“Well, she don’t seem to find it so,” said Mr.
Jones earnestly. ‘‘ Rosebud is never so happy as
when she is sitting by your side reading, or doing
her bit of stitching. Why, to speak plain, I’m
sometimes an inch or two jealous of you.”

Grand-dad smiled and said gently:

“T am quite certain you need not be jealous,
for Childie loves you very dearly, Mr. Jones; and
indeed she ought to do so, since you are our kind
faithful friend. J do not say much about it, but
you must believe that I am grateful to you, will
you not?”

He leaned forward and held out his hand, which
Mr. Jones grasped heartily.

“Thank you, sir,” he said, rubbing his eyes
across his coat-sleeves; “thank you for them
words. I’m just as proud as a peacock to hear

you call me a friend. Bless me, how I’ve watched
The Wonderful Parrot. 93



that litt?un growing up! And every day I said to
myself she’s grown a bit taller and a bit beautifuller.
Ain’t I just proud of her now! There’s no one in
Grosvenor Square like our Rosebud, sir. Gros-
venor Square, indeed!”

‘““There’s no one in the whole world like Childie,”
answered grand-dad lovingly. “J think she is one
of God’s own gracious smiles.”

At that moment a very learnéd-looking lady,
with a stern face and a pair of stern spectacles,
- came into the shop and asked for a book, the very
name of which frightened Mr. Jones out of his
seven senses. Nodding kindly to Jane Eyre,
Robinson Crusoe, and Queen Elizabeth, who were,
as usual, reposing on a chair by grand-dad’s side,
Mr. Jones fled away, thinking to himself what a
good thing it was that birds had not such long
names as books. :

‘“‘T should be floored,” he said, “for I’m nothing
of a scholar, nothing at all.”

He crossed the road and made for his shop, and

as he neared it he heard some wonderful sounds
94 Things will Take a Turn.

which caused his red nose to become redder than
ever, and his heart to beat violently with excite-
ment.

The parrot, sly bird! had learnt her lesson and
was screeching at the top of her voice:

“Things ’ave took a turn! things ‘ave took a

23

turn—urrah! Say that, Donkey


Mr. Jones Visits Grosvenor Sguare. 95

lt



CHAPTER VIL

MR. JONES VISITS GROSVENOR SQUARE.

Childie had confided to Violet Mr. Jones’s fear
of Mrs. White.

‘Oh, we'll look after him, Rosebud,” Violet had
_ answered encouragingly. ‘You tell him from me
that there is nothing at all to be afraid of, and
that I am sure Mrs. White will be very kind to
him.”

All the same, she took the precaution of getting
Mrs. White into a very good temper on the after-
noon when Mr. Jones was to accompany Rosebud
to Grosvenor Square. She took her medicine
without a minute’s hesitation; and she was so
bright and cheerful that Mrs. White, who loved
her little mistress dearly, smiled with delight to

think she was really becoming stronger.
96 Things will Take a Turn.

“You've changed wonderful these last few
weeks, deary,” she said affectionately. ‘Why,
there’s a colour on your face, and you look
happier. You'll soon be getting about and running
faster than I can. It’s all along of that Rosebud.
Bless her dear little heart! Never shall I forget
the day when | went to fetch her, and she, seeing
me looking tired and hot, took a paper and fanned
me so nicely. She’s got a wonderful way about
her, Miss Violet. There’s not a soul in the house
that doesn’t love her. Even James smiles pleasant
when he sees her coming; and that’s saying a
good deal, because he generally looks awful cross
and disagreeable.”

“T am so glad you love Rosebud,” said Violet
eagerly. “I can’t tell you how I love her, dear
Mrs. White. I don’t know what I should do if
she could not come to me every day. She has :
always such a lot to tell me about her grandfather
and about her friend, Mr. Jones. I am quite
anxious to see them both. I am sorry not to have

seen her grandfather when he came the other
Mr. Jones Visits Grosvenor Square. 97

aad



morning to look at papa’s library. But he will
come again soon, and then I shall tell him how I
love Rosebud.”

“fZ7e is the real gentleman,” answered Mrs.
White. “I know them when I see them. But,
deary me, Mr. Jones!—well, he’s a different sort.”

“He must be very nice for Rosebud to love
him,” said Violet staunchly. ‘You've got the
bullfinch ready, haven’t you, dear Mrs. White? for
you remember that Mr. Jones is coming this after-
noon. And you'll find him a cup of tea, won't
you? I daresay he will be tired after his long walk.”

She looked up pleadingly, for she was very
anxious to make everything pleasant for Rose-
bud’s great friend.

Mrs. White understood the look.

“Bless your heart, deary!” she said affec-
tionately, “I’m going to be kind to the bird-
fancier for your sake, and for Rosebud’s sake too.
He shall have tea enough for ten; so don’t you
worry your little self. Here they come, Miss

Violet: I can hear Rosebud’s voice. [’ll just go
(M13) G
98 Things will Take a Turn,

and meet them on the landing and say something
nice; and then when you want me, deary, I'll
come and serve the tea for you. You'd like him
to have his cup of tea along with you this after-
noon, wouldn’t you?”

“Thank you, dear Mrs. White,” she answered
gratefully. ‘1 should like that very much.”

Mrs. White trundled off to give a kindly greet-
ing to Mr. Jones, who, by the way, quite forgot to
take off his hat when he saw her, and became very
confused and nervous, and held Rosebud’s hand
very tightly; for he believed thoroughly in her
protecting care.

“T am pleased to see you,” said Mrs. White
benignly.

“Same to you, ma'am,” answered Mr. Jones in
a melancholy tone of voice.

“Jt is a warm afternoon, Mr. Jones, isn’t it?”
continued Mrs. White kindly.

‘Shockin’ ’ot,” he said, puffing rather violently,
and then taking out his handkerchief and wiping

his face.
Mr. Jones Vistts Grosvenor Square. 99

rN





“You will find Miss Violet in her room,” said
Mrs. White, smiling in a most friendly manner.
“She is anxiously waiting for her friends; and I
daresay you'll be glad of a cup of tea soon, Mr.
Jones?”

‘Right you are, ma'am,” he answered, gaining
confidence.

And when she had passed on her way down-
stairs, Mr. Jones, stooping down, whispered to
Childie:

“T say, littl’un, this polite business is harder
work than cleaning the whole blessed shop out.
How did I bear myself to that ’ere party?”

“Very nicely indeed, dear Mr. Jones,” she said.
“T’m sure I’m quite proud of you!”

“She don’t look near so frightening without
that haughty black bonnet concern on her old
head,” he remarked, as he took his hat off and put
it under his arm.

“ Didn’t I tell you she was very kind?” answered
Childie. ‘Oh, but I do wonder what you'll think
of dear Miss Violet, Mr. Jones. If you don’t love
100 Things will Take a Turn.

her the very first minute you see her, I'll never
speak to you again.”

She knocked at Violet’s boudoir-door and went
in, leading Mr. Jones by the right hand.

“Tf you please, dear Miss Violet,’ she said,
bringing her companion up to Violet’s sofa, “this
is my friend, Mr. Jones.”

The little lady on the sofa smiled her brightest,
and shook hands with Rosebud’s great friend.

“T’m pleased to make your acquaintance,” he
said cheerily, for he had quite recovered his com-
posure now. ‘I’ve heard a sight about you from
the littl'un, and I make bold to say I knows you
quite familiarlike.”

“And I am sure I know all about you, Mr.
Jones,” laughed Violet; “for Rosebud is always
saying nice things about you, and I am just long-
ing to come and see your shop. Rosebud has
given me a lovely description of all your beautiful
birds. I know which one I should choose to buy
Mextem :

‘“And which might that be?” asked Mr. Jones.
Mr. Jones Vistts Grosvenor Square. 101

mw





‘Why, of course, the parrot,” said Violet.

“Oh, the parrot, to be sure!” replied Mr. Jones,
and went into fits of laughter at some private joke
of his own. “Ah, she’s a ’cute bird that, although















she’s only had a governess at home, and ain’t been
to no grand school, and ain’t learned out of no
second-hand books from that ’ere child's grand-
dad’s shop. But she knows a thing or two, she
do, and she don’t forget.”

Rosebud, seeing that the two were getting on
102 Things will Take a Turn.

I
well together, went out of the room to fetch her
work, and then Mr. Jones nudged Violet and said
confidingly:

“You'll have to come and hear that parrot speak
her zew lines. When I heard her last evening |
thought I should have burst with joy, because I'd
taken a deal of trouble with schooling her. And
all she did was to roll her little eyes, and put her
little head on one side like this, you know, until I
felt that aggravated | could have wrung her obsti-
nate neck. But in the evening she said it pat off,
plainer than any human being; as nice as you or I
might speak.”

“And what was it she said?” asked Violet
eagerly.

“Well, I’m not sure as I'll tell you,” he an-
swered; then, seeing her look of disappointment,
he added:

“Yes, I will, missy, only don’t you go telling
the littl’un, because I] want her to hear for her
dear little self.”

Then he told the story to Violet, and she clapped
Mr. Jones Vistts Grosvenor Square. 103

PPPs



her hands with delight, and of course longed to
give this piece of news to Childie.

“Won't Rosebud laugh!” she said, smiling at
him.

‘“Won’t she just?” he answered proudly. “You
know, last night I hoped that bird would speak up
when Rosebud came in to brush up my things,
and make them look a bit fresh for to come and
see you in. And she brought this blue neck-tie,
and told me as I was to wear it to-day. A pretty
thing, ain’t it? Not the same style as your sash,
but wonderful sweet of its kind.”

‘““Very pretty,” said Violet, glancing at it.

“Oh, bless your heart! She has good taste,
she has,” he replied, stroking his red nose. “She’s
a clever little party, is Childie. She’s got more
learning in her finger-nail than you or me has got
in our whole bodies. But that’s neither here nor
there; what I looks to is her goodness; and I
ain't got fine words to speak about that. But
don’t I just feel, missy, don’t I just feel. That's

alll
104. Things will Take a Turn.



“T am sure you do,” answered Violet earnestly,
putting her little delicate hand on his arm, ‘and |
do too, Mr. Jones; for Rosebud is like a little
mother to me, and | love her more and more
every day.”

Mr. Jones listened delightedly whilst she spoke
of Childie, nodding his bald head approvingly and
smiling very proudly. And then, when she had
finished, and he saw the tears of eagerness in her
eyes, he took her little hand and put it very gently
and respectfully to his lips.

“[’m just blessed if Rosebud or anyone else
could keep themselves from loving you, dear little
missy,” he said kindly. “And I’m proud to see
you, am. And when you take to running about,
and come to my shop, won’t I just give you a wel-
come—trust me!”

“Thank you,” said Violet. “And oh, Mr.
Jones, what about the bullfinch? Rosebud and
I have been quite anxious about it, haven’t we,
Rosebud?” she added, as Childie came into the

room, carrying her work-basket in one hand and
Mr. Jones Visits Grosvenor Square. 105

ne



eee



some brown paper in another; for she was going
to cover a new book which Mr. Dighton had
brought home for Violet the previous night.
“Ves, indeed, we’ve been quite anxious,” said
Childie. “But Mr. Jones laughs at our fears, and
declares we’ve given the bird too many hemp seeds.
But he always says that just to tease me, I believe.”
“None of your poking fun at me,” said Mr.
Jones, shaking his fist at her. ‘“ You don’t know
nothing about birds, you don’t. That’s my line of
business. You go on with your stitching or what
not, whilst I have a peep at the bullfinch. Ah!”
he exclaimed, as he looked at the bird, “what a
beauty it is! Did you ever see the like of the
breast, and the wee bright black eyes, and the sly
little head? The finest bullfinch in the whole
world! And can't he just sing as loud as any
trumpet? He’s all right enough, except for them
hemp seeds. They make him feel heavy-like.
Cut them off! I’m proud, missy, that I sold you
this ’ere bird, for I declare he’s a downright credit

to you and to me too.”
106 Things will Take a Turn.



“T am very glad to have him,” said Violet
smiling. “He is quite a companion in the morn-
ings. And, do you know, he always sings directly
Rosebud comes into the room.”

‘‘Of course he does,” answered Mr. Jones. “He
thinks she’s the sunshine, he do. He’s a knowing
bird. But not like the parrot, bless me, not like
the parrot!”

Childie was busy cutting out a brown paper
overcoat for the new book, and did not see Mr.
Jones and Violet smiling mysteriously at each other.

She was very happy that they had made friends
together; for of course it was a responsibility for
her to introduce her friend to strange people, who
did not know his funny ways and his kind heart.
And it would have been very disappointing to her
if Violet had not taken kindly to him.

As for him, he was really in capital spirits, and
seemed quite at ease in the grand room.

“Nice, tidy, pretty room this is, to be sure!”
he remarked, “and what remarkable fine pictures.

They remind me rather of some my old grand-
Mr. Jones Vistts Grosvenor Square. 107







mother had as belonged to her mother, sweet,
pretty things! And so you lie here all the day
long and look at them, missy?”

“Yes; but I am going to walk soon, am’I not,







Rosebud dear?” said Violet, turning lovingly to
her little mother.
“Ves, indeed you are, dear Miss Violet,” she

answered, ‘That will be a happy day, won’t it?”
108 Things will Take a Turn.





At least that was a happy afternoon. Mrs.
White joined the company, and was graciousness
itself to Mr. Jones, although in her heart of hearts
she considered he was rather a queer sort of
person, certainly not the usual kind of visitor at
No. 12, Grosvenor Square. And then he looked
rather odd too: his coat, black broadcloth, was
certainly well brushed, but it was very shiny and
greasy, and somewhat. tight for him—he was not
a slim individual! His boots, which he had taken
a tremendous long time to polish, were not par-
ticularly elegant, and there was no denying that
his nose was very red and his head very bald.
But in spite of nose, and head, and boots, and
coat, Mrs. White was zzclined to like him. When
James the footman brought the tea-tray in, hold-
ing Azs nose rather high, because he felt rather
aggrieved at having to wait upon this kind of visitor,
Mrs. White ordered him about very sternly, and
his nose came down with a leap, for it was not
wise to displease or annoy Mrs. White.

Mr. Jones had partaken of the bulk of the tea-
Mr. Jones Vistts Grosvenor Sguare. 109

eee



cake and a portion of Swiss roll, which he called “a
wonderful relish”, and several cups of tea, which
he said were “prime”, and half a dozen or so thin
slices of bread-and-butter, which he declared were
“juicy little mouthfuls”, and was resting from his
exertions, when the door opened and Mr. Dighton
came in.

“Ah, I’m disturbing a tea-party,” he said smil-
ing kindly. ‘Well, Rosebud, and is this your
friend, Mr. Jones? JI am pleased to see you, Mr.
Jones. Can you speak with me a minute?”

Mr. Jones followed Mr. Dighton out of the
room, wondering what on earth the gentleman
could have to say to him.

“At your service, sir,” he said, as they stood
together on the landing.

“Well, it is just this, Mr. Jones,” said Mr.
Dighton quietly. “I have been calling at Mr.
Burnley’s shop to make some proposals to him
about my library, which sadly wants putting in
order; and to my grief I found he was ill. He had

fainted away in his chair. I called in help and
TIO Things will Take a Turn.

PDA



we brought him to, and when he opened his eyes
he murmured: ‘Childie, where is Childie?’ So I
left him in charge of a neighbour, and hurried on
here. Now, shall I tell Rosebud, or will you? I
fear the old man is going to be very ill. He looks
as pale as death.”

“T’ll tell her,” said Mr. Jones. ‘“ Rosebud is as
brave as a lion; she'll keep quiet, you see.”

He went straight back to the room, and himself
tried hard to keep calm.

“Littlun,” he said very tenderly, ‘‘grand-dad’s
not feeling particularly well, and wants you to
come home to him; just to look after him, you
know, Childie.”

Her face turned pale, her lips quivered slightly;
her loving heart was full of sadness to think that
grand-dad was ill and she was not by his side.
She gathered together her things, hastily kissed
Violet and Mrs. White, smiled sadly at Mr.
Dighton, who stood in the doorway and whispered:

“Good little Rosebud, keep up a_ brave
heart.”
Mr. Jones Vistts Grosvenor Square. 111





And clinging close to Mr. Jones she passed
silently down the endless stairs, through the long
passage, and out into the street.

“Grand-dad is ill and I am not by his side,”

ae

i



WT

was all she said; but there was a whole world of
sorrow in those few words.
“The way seems twelve times longer than

usual,” she sighed, when they had nearly arrived
at the book-shop.
12 Things will Take a Turn.



“Courage, Childie,” said Mr. Jones cheerily;
“Gust a few yards more, and you'll be with grand-
dad.”

And in two or three minutes Childie was kneel-
ing by grand-dad’s side, kissing his dear hands
and his dear face.

‘“‘Grand-dad, darling,” she whispered, “ Childie

has come, and will never leave you again.”

Ssee. \5 th VEEN)
Ns We =







OF)


”

“THE DOCTOR CAME TO SEE HIM AND LOOKED GRAVE.
A Chapter of Pleasant Surprises. 113





CHAPTER VIII.

A CHAPTER OF PLEASANT SURPRISES.

Grand-dad was very ill. Mr. Dighton’s own
doctor came to see him, and looked grave. He
had taken a bad chill, and he had to fight against
old age.

“Who is going to nurse him?” asked the doctor
of Childie.

‘If you please, sir,’ answered Childie, “I am
going to nurse him. But if you don’t think |
know enough, sir, I shall be quite content so
long as I am in the room all the time, just to
be near him if he wants me. But [ll take such
care of him, and Mr. Jones will help me.”

“T’m sure you will take care of him,” said the
doctor kindly. ‘Well, we shall see to-morrow

whether you can manage alone.”
(M8) H
T14_ Things will Take a Turn.

It was a sadly anxious time for Childie; but if
the kindness of friends can be any consolation in
the hour of trouble, then indeed Childie must
have had great consolation. For Mrs. White
arrived, bringing loving messages from Violet and
some few delicacies for grand-dad; and, dear old
soul that she was, she wouldn’t hear of going
home that night, but kept watch with Childie in
grand-dad’s room, and looked after Childie and
made her take food and tea, and spoke kind
cheering words to her.

“Don’t you fear, deary, that I’m going to
forget you now you want help,” she said to Rose-
bud. ‘And do you think, deary, as how I could
get a wink of sleep if you were sitting up alone
with your poor, dear grandfather? No, here’s my
place, and here I’m going to be; and if master had
refused me, I’d have come all the same. But he
was only too glad to have me come, bless his kind
heart.”

The next morning, as Mrs. White was leaving

the book-shop just to go and see after Violet, Mr.
A Chapter of Pleasant Surprises. 115

~~



Jones, laden with a large bunch of pinks and
cornflowers, which he had brought all the way
from Covent Garden, stopped her and begged
her to take them to Childie,

“T’ve never been sick myself,” he said, “but
I've heard as sick folk like a whole sight of
flowers in their rooms; and so I thought as I’d just
buy these ’ere bunches to make the place look
cheerful. Begging your pardon for troubling you,
ma'am, but I should feel very grateful if you’d
pop them into Childie’s little hands. I don’t like
to run up myself, for fear of creaking with these
heavy boots of mine.”

“Do you know, you are very kind, Mr. Jones?”
said Mrs. White, taking the flowers from him. “I
think you are a most kind person.”

“Why now, maam,” he: answered, “I do
believe you’re making fun of me, like Rosebud do
sometimes. Poor little dear thing! Ain’t she
got a brave heart, ma’am? How I think of her
in her trouble! And there’s very little work I

can do now. Last night a customer came in and
116 Things will Take a Turn.

[A





wanted a linnet. He could have had the whole
lot for all I cared, cages and seed and all, and I’d

never have asked him for no money in return.













But there now, ma’am, begging your pardon for
keeping you standing, I’m sure.”

In the afternoon, when Mrs. White returned,
she found him in the shop, dusting the books in a

melancholy kind of manner.
A Chapter of Pleasant Surprises. 117

re



“JT thought as I must do something,” he said
sadly. ‘Men is no good in a sick-room; and |
just knew Childie would be pleased if I gave a
dust to the grand-dad’s books. He and she think
a deal of them, they do. And Childie’s mighty
particular about them.”

Mrs. White was touched by his forlorn condition.

“Look you,” she said kindly, “I'll come down
and finish dusting the books, and you shall goup and
sit quietly for an hour with Rosebud, and she'll tell
you how pleased she was with the beautiful flowers.”

And she was true to her word, for she came
down in about a quarter of an hour; and Mr. Jones,
slipping off his boots, crept upstairs, taking with
him Jane Eyre, Robinson Crusoe, and Queen
Elizabeth, whom he had found neglected and
forgotten in a corner of the shop.

‘They're only dolls,” he said to himself; ‘but
they're part of the family household, and maybe
they'll gladden the littl’un.”

But 4e gladdened her still more, sitting quietly
by her side holding her hand.
118 Things well Take a Turn,



Ta





“Ain't you going to be a clever little doctor?”
he whispered as he watched her give grand-dad
some medicine. ‘ Ain’t you going to cure grand-
dad quickly? Why, to
be sure, you're cleverer
than twenty of them old
stupids as drives about
in their fine carriages,
and calls at the houses,
and looks awful solemn
and haughty. Our Rose-
bud is the doctor for us.”

But she shook her
head and whispered in
return:

“Mr. Jones dear, they

say he is very ill; and



of course he’s old too,

and hasn’t the strength that I have. I wish I
could give him mine.”

“ She ain’t got much to give,” thought Mr. Jones

as he looked at Rosebud’s sad anxious little face.
A Chapter of Pleasant Surprises. 119

AA







And so the weary days passed away, and some-
times grand-dad was better and sometimes worse.
Mrs. White came every day, and kind Mr. Digh-

ton was always calling in, bringing letters and



messages from Violet; and even James, the foot-

man with the stiff neck, came one evening quite
on his own account to inquire after Rosebud’s
erand-dad.

“Did you ever hear the like?” said Mrs. White
120 Things will Take a Turn.



when she heard of James’s visit. ‘I’d have sooner
thought of one of Madame Tussaud’s figures leav-
ing the wax-work room and coming here to pay a
friendly call!”

There was one little lady who was longing to
come and see Childie, and put her arms round her
and kiss her. She had not been very well for the
last few days, for she was but a fragile, delicate
little flower; and she was full of grief for Rose-
bud’s sake, and felt herself quite lost without her
little mother’s affectionate companionship.

One morning she said to Mr. Dighton:

“Papa, dear, will you take me to see Rosebud
to-day?”

It was the first time she had ever proposed
to go out. The doctors had told Mr. Dighton
repeatedly that if she could once make the effort
_ she would become all the stronger, and that she
would soon learn to have confidence in her
strength, and that confidence would bring more
strength.

Mr. Dighton was overjoyed at her request.
A Chapter of Pleasant Surprises. 121

“That is my brave little girl!” he said, fondling
her fair hair. ‘Of course I will take you to see
Rosebud. We will go quite by ourselves, and we
won't even tell Mrs. White our secret, so that she
will be just as surprised as Rosebud. Hurrah!
little Violet, you will see Rosebud again, and her
quaint old home, and Mr. Jones perhaps; and,
who knows, we may be able to pay a visit to his
shop. But what you will like best of all, Violet,
is that you will cheer Rosebud, and bid her take
hope and comfort for her poor old grandfather.”

“Ves, indeed, I will,” she answered earnestly.
“She has been so much to me, papa dear, and I
want to be something to her.”

When Mrs. White was safely out of the house
Mr, Dighton ordered James to get Violet's bath-
chair in readiness. He had bought it ever so long
ago in the hopes that she would be persuaded to
use it.

“We shall not want you, James,” said Mr.
Dighton, “because I myself am going to wheel

”)

it.
1212) Things will Take a Turn.

Ae







ow



James stared, and thought the world was com-
ing to an end; but he did not dare to ask any
questions.

Then Violet
was dressed, and
Mr. Dighton car-
ried her tenderly
downstairs, look-
ing very happy;
for he loved his
little girl with all
the love of his
kind heart, and it
seemed to him
that the future was
going to be very
bright for her and
for him. There

was nothing to cloud his happiness, except, indeed,



grand-dad’s illness; and he had wonderful schemes
in his mind for Rosebud and her grandfather when

he should have recovered his health and strength.
A Chapter of Pleasant Surprises. 123

PPERRRARARIRRRRIRIRADR Daa

He chatted cheerily to Violet as he wheeled her
along,

“Tell me if I bump you too much,” he said.

“You don’t bump me at all,” she said, smiling
happily. “And what a lovely morning it is, papa
dear! Doesn’t it seem sad that anyone should be
ill on such a beautiful warm day?”

She was not at all nervous, although this was
the first time she had been out in her chair. Her
one thought was to get to Rosebud.

At last they turned down the narrow street and
stopped in front of a tumble-down old second-hand
book-shop.

“Here we are!” said Mr. Dighton. ‘This is
Rosebud’s home. Now, little lady, shall I carry
you in, or are you going to step out for yourself?”

“IT am going to step out for myself,” she said,
trembling with eagerness.

And with the help of his strong hand she
walked into the book-shop.

But she had been observed by a certain red-

nosed person on the other side of the road. He
124 Things will Take a Turn.

RINNE AAA -

flew across and arrived just in time to get grand-
dad’s arm-chair ready for her.

“Well now!” he said excitedly, “this is just
pretty of you, it is! Who'd have thought as how
the little lady would have come here so soon.
God bless her little heart!”

Without any ceremonyat all he snatched a cushion
from Mr. Dighton and arranged it nicely for Violet,
and, seizing the biggest book he could find, placed
her little feet upon it, all the time murmuring:

“This is just pretty of you, it is. Ain’t I just
pleased too, that’s all!”

He then remembered the existence of Mr.
Dighton, who had stood watching his thoughtful
attentions.

“Begging your pardon, sir,” he sad’ politely,
“but I was so excited to see the little lady that I’m
blessed if I didn’t forget yourself.’ Please be
seated, sir; and make yourself at home, I’m sure,
while I go and tell Rosebud as some folks is
wanting to see her. She is a bit easier to-day,

sir; for the grand-dad’s had a good night.”
A Chapter of Pleasant Surprises. 125

“T am glad of that,” said Mr. Dighton.
“Mind you don’t tell her who has come, dear
Mr. Jones,” said Violet.



“Bless you, no!” he answered; “she'll soon
find out, she will.”
Childie did indeed wonder who her visitors
126 Things will Take a Turn.

Ne



OPPO PAAAAAAAPAAAAAAAAAAAAEOan

could be. She left grand-dad in Mrs. White's
charge, and followed Mr. Jones down to the shop.
He darted away, thinking that the two little
friends would like to be alone; and Mr. Dighton
had had the same thought too, for he strolled up
the street, smoking a cigar.

Childie gave one little cry of surprise and
delight when she saw Violet’s eager face and heard
her voice saying:

“Rosebud! darling Rosebud!”

She knelt down by her side, and whispered:

‘Miss Violet dear, it’s you,” and burst into tears,
resting her pale little face on Violet’s lap.

It was all too much for her. But she felt
Violet’s loving kiss on her forehead, and she
smiled through her tears.

‘“‘Tt’s you who are the little mother now,” she
said; “I’m only a silly baby. But, oh, dear Miss
Violet! I aw happy you’ve come.”

“Do you remember, Rosebud,” asked Violet,
“how you said that it would be a happy day when
I came to see you?”
A Chapter of Pleasant Surprises. 127

Ann

“And so it is,” said Childie, her face brighten-

ing; “for grand-dad’s ever so much better.”







And whilst they were talking there was a heavy
tread heard on the stairs, and good old Mrs.
White came into the shop.

“Grand-dad is sleeping sound,” she said
cheerily. ‘‘Deary me, Childie, I forgot you'd a
visitor.”

“Don’t go away,” said Childie, coming from
behind the counter. ‘My visitor would like to
speak to you. I’ve been telling her how kind and
good you've been to grand-dad and me.”

Mrs. White no sooner saw who the visitor was
than she put her ample arms round Violet, and
called her by a string of endearing names.

“My pretty little lamb, didn’t I say you'd be
running faster than me one of these fine days?”
she exclaimed. ‘My heart’s-ease, my sweetheart,
my little pet chicken! Deary me, to think of you
coming after Rosebud and me!”

“Everything has taken a turn, hasn't it?” said

Childie, smiling at Violet. “You have, and
128 Things will Take a Turn.

ener

darling grand-dad has; there’s no doubt about
that.”

“That's what the parrot says now!” cried
Violet excitedly ; and then she stopped suddenly,









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btn ft fiacon.

for Mr. Jones and Mr. Dighton stepped into the
shop.
“There, you've been and told,” said Mr. Jones,

shaking his fist at her. “Oh, you naughty little
A Chapter of Pleasant Surprises. 129

re



lady! But you'll all come and hear for yourselves
what that parrot says now. Childie, I learnt that
bird to say ‘Things ’ave took a turn’, just as a
surprise for you; and you was to have heard it the
very day grand-dad fell ill. And all the time you
and Mrs. White have been nursing grand-dad, —
that ’ere parrot has been calling this out; and I
scolded awful at her, and couldn’t bear to listen to
her saying words which weren't true. And every
time she called it, I cried ‘Stop that, do you
hear?’ But she called it all the same; and then I
threw a dark cloth over her head, and that didn’t
stop her prating! But now I love to hear them
words ; for they’re all true to-day, ain’t they?”
“Yes, they’re all true,” said Childie, smiling
happily. And all her kind friends, red-nosed Mr.
Jones, and dear fat Mrs. White, and fragile little
Violet, and tall Mr. Dighton, were glad to see her
smile again; for she had not smiled a great deal

lately.

(M3) 1
130 Things will Take a Turn.





CHAPTER 1d
A NEW LEASE OF LIFE.

Every afternoon at two o'clock, the hour when
Rosebud used to start for Grosvenor Square,
Violet, proud in her newly-found strength, left her
home for the second-hand book-shop. Sometimes
Mr. Dighton wheeled her, and sometimes James.
James, who had very high and mighty ideas,
thought the family had all gone mad, and that he
was going mad too; for he took a wonderful
interest in little Rosebud’s home, and once, when
he was waiting in the shop, he turned over the
books, and seeing one which he thought looked
interesting—it was about horse-racing—he bought
it then and there, and paid the money to Mr.
Jones, who divided his time between birds and

books, and had a great deal of exercise in running
A New Lease of Life. 131



from one side of the road to the other. But he
did not mind that. He would have liked to sell
as many books for grand-dad as he sold canaries
for himself.

“T’m selling canaries by the bushel, and linnets
by the gallon,” he confided to Violet. “See if I
don’t take one of them swell houses in Grosvenor
Square before this ’ere year is gone!”

“T wish you would,” said Violet, smiling at
him.

“Wait a bit,” he answered gravely; “don’t you
be in a hurry. You ain’t been in a hurry to step
across the road and see my place.”

“Why, Mr. Jones,” she replied, “you know
quite well I am waiting until Rosebud feels she
can leave her grandfather.”

“Bless your heart, I know that,” he answered.
“You mustn’t come without Rosebud. Why, she
made us acquainted, and we shouldn’t be happy
without her dear little self. Ah, the many hours
that ’ere child has passed with them birds in my

shop! She was always for getting the seed out
132 Things will Take a Turn.

wn



and feeding them. Childie ruined me in seed,
specially hemp seed; and I couldn't refuse her.
Who could, I wonder? ‘No seed to-day, Childie,’
I'd say to her, handing her a bagful against my
will. Oh, she has a wonderful way about her, she
has!”

That same afternoon Violet had a customer all
to herself. She was sitting as usual in grand-dad’s
arm-chair, waiting for Childie to come down and
have a cup of tea and a piece of cake, when a
gentleman stepped into the shop, took a book
from a certain box marked “ All one shilling”, and
tossed the shilling on to the counter, and hurried
away reading. It was only a shilling, but Violet
was so proud of it that she could have eaten it!

‘Who would have thought that I should sit here
and sell a book for Rosebud’s grandfather?” she
remarked to Mr. Jones.

“Well, it is a new sort of life to you,” he
answered as he chinked the shilling on the counter;
“and jolly nicer, too, than being shut up in that

ere fine room of yours.”
A New Lease of Life. 133





“ Jolly nicer,” laughed Violet, who was becoming
quite merry.

And as for grand-dad himself, every morning
saw him better. The doctor told Childie that he
had had a very severe attack, and that at one
time he did not think her grandfather would re-
cover.

‘But you never lost heart, my little dear,” he
said kindly.

“No, sir,” she answered simply, looking up at
him and smiling gravely. ‘When one loves, sir,
it is only natural to hope, isn’t it? And then you
know, sir, when grand-dad has been sad and
anxious about trade, I’ve always told him he must
never lose hope; and one must practice what one
preaches, mustn’t one?”

“That is true enough, little girl,” he replied.
‘At least you've done so. Well, I’m not going
to tell you to take extra care of the grandfather,
now that he is out of danger, for you are always
thinking of his comfort, and I can trust you

thoroughly. You are a famous little nurse.”
134 Things will Take a Turn.
DO ere

“Thank you, sir,” she answered, grateful for
his kind words. Indeed, her heart was full of
gratitude.

She sat by grand-dad’s side, holding his dear
hand, talking to him in her own motherly way,
sometimes stitching a little, sometimes putting
down her work and watching his dear face as
he lay asleep, and wondering what she should
have felt like if there had been no hope for his
recovery. Every one of his white hairs was
precious to her.

“He needed my care before he was ill,” she
said to herself, “but now hell need it doubly ;
and, oh, won’t I love him and look after him!”

Dear little heart, she had always done that.
Sometimes she would look up from her work, and
see his eyes fixed upon her.

“You are indeed one of God’s own gracious
smiles, Childie,’ he said once. “I am always
wondering about you, and always grateful for
you.”

And one afternoon he asked where her dolls
A New Lease of Life. 135



were. “I miss Jane Eyre, and Robinson Crusoe,
and Queen Elizabeth,” he said smiling. «They

were always sprawling about somewhere. | liked

PES



to have them near me, because you were fond of
them, Childie.”

She took them out of a drawer, and put them
tidy, and gave them a private scolding for looking

so sulky and disagreeable. But that was scarcely
136 Things will Take a Turn.



reasonable of her; for no one would particularly
enjoy being shut up in a drawer for nearly a fort-
night!

“J haven't had any thoughts to spare for you,”
she said to Queen Elizabeth; for she felt that she
owed some sort of explanation to royalty. “Grand-
dad has been ill, and when those we love are ill,
we can’t be bothered to think about inferior peo-

ple.

This was scarcely an explanation to give to a

”

queen. It was really a lucky thing for Childie’s
neck that Queen Elizabeth was only a stupid
powerless doll.

One day grand-dad asked Childie about the
shop. “Any more books gone, dear?” he inquired.

“ Several,” she answered. “Trade is very good
just now. Some one came yesterday and bought
the fat Greek dictionary. I was very sorry to
part with it. It is such an old friend, you know.
The same gentleman wanted to buy the learnéd
book you were reading before you were taken ill.

It had your spectacles in it, grand-dad. I couldn’t
A New Lease of Life. 137,

let it go; and your snuff-box was lying just by it
on the counter. The gentleman seemed rather
cross, and said I was a silly little girl.”

‘A very dear little girl,” murmured grand-dad,
smiling at her in his old proud way. He said to
himself that it was indeed worth while getting
well for the sake of being loved as Childie loved
him.

One morning he watched her covering an old
worn-out book. ‘Poor battered old thing,” he
said sympathetically. “Ah, Childie, what a glori-
ous library that is of Mr. Dighton’s! I am always
thinking about it. Do you know, Childie, Pve
dreamt ever so many times that it belonged to me.
Wasn't that a golden dream?”

“Yes, grand-dad,” she answered brightly, happy
to see that he. was so much better. ‘ But I wish,
dear, that it was not only a dream. I wish that I
had bags of money, and could buy a beautiful
library like Mr. Dighton’s, and give it to you.
Shouldn’t I be proud of myself then? I would
buy every book you loved, grand-dad; and I think
138 Things will Take a Turn.





I know the names of a great many of your fa-
vourite books, don’t I?”

He smiled.

“Yes, Childie,” he replied, “you know all about
me. Why, sometimes you can tell me the number
of the page where [I left off, can’t you?”

“Of course,” she answered, “it is easy enough
to learn that; and it saves you the trouble of
turning over a great many pages, doesn’t it?
And [I’m bound to put a mark in, or remember
in some way or other, when I take out your
spectacles and scold you. for having left them in
to be quashed — like poor Crusoe’s arm, you
know!”

He laughed quite merrily at the very thought
of Childie scolding him. There was no doubt
that grand-dad was now fairly on the road to
recovery.

The next day he was so very much better that
Childie was able to leave him, and make the long
promised visit to Mr. Jones’s shop, together with
Violet.
A New Lease of Life. 139



Mr. Jones, who was in a high state of excite-
ment, wanted to carry everybody across the road;
but Violet said she would walk with Rosebud,
and the two little friends took their first stroll
together, each one’s arm round the other one’s
waist.

“You're not frightened, dear Miss Violet?”
asked the little mother.

“Of course [’m not frightened with you, Rose-
bud dear,” answered Violet.

Mr. Jones stood at his shop door to receive his
little guests.

‘“‘Ain’t I just proud to see you, that’s all!” he
said, rubbing his hands. “Haven't I just been
busy cleaning out the place nice for you? Bless
your hearts, it’s as spruce as any drawing-room.
That’s your chair, missy dear. Sit you down.
And here littl’un’s special stool. And make your-
self at home, missy dear; for I’m blessed if I ain’t
particular glad to see you sitting so cosy and
friendly. And that ’ere bird’s the bird as we've
spoken of. Only don’t you just think she'll screech
140 Things will Take a Turn.

now that we want her to? Oh, no! Have you
ever seen one of them poodles perform when
people wishes them to perform? Bless you, no.
They go dead sulky, they do, and won't even look
cheerful.”

Violet was delighted with the birds. She fell in
love with a Virginian nightingale, and said she
intended to buy it if Mr. Jones would part with it.

“All right, missy, one of these days,” he said
cheerily. “We aren't selling or buying to-day.
This ain’t business, this is pleasure, jolly plea-
sure |”

Then Childie went to a certain cupboard,
and took out a certain bag, and said to Mr.
Jones:

“Tf you please, dear Mr. Jones, may the birds
have some hemp seed ?”

Mr. Jones turned to Violet and laughed.

“There now, didn’t I tell you as how that little
child would be after the hemp seeds? Oh, she'll
be the ruin of me! Who'd give me hemp seeds if

I was starving, I should like to know?”
A New Lease of Life. 141



“T would,” cried Violet.

“And I would,” cried Childie.

“Urrah!” said Mr. Jones, “I sha’n’t come off
badly then.”

At that moment the parrot became rather
excited. She had heard a word she recognized—
the word ’urrah,—and without any hesitation she
shrieked out at the top of her voice :

“Things ’ave took a turn—urrah! things ’ave
took a turn—urrah! Say that, Donkey. Stop
that, d’you hear ?”


142 Things will Take a Turn.



CE APE RX

A PLEASANT PROSPECT.

So grand-dad recovered from his illness, and
came down into the old shop one afternoon, lean-
ing on Childie’s arm.

“ Aren’t you glad to see the dear books again?”
Childie asked, as she made him comfortable in his
arm-chair, and took her accustomed place by his
side, “And isn’t it like old times, grand-dad, for
you and me and Jane Eyre and Mr. Crusoe and
Queen Elizabeth to be sitting here and waiting for
customers to come in? And, grand-dad darling,
here is a new snuff-box for you, with beautiful
fresh snuff in it. Violet has bought it for you.
And see, grand-dad, I’ve made a new velvet skull-
cap for your dear old head. Dear me! How
pretty your white hair looks beneath it. I think
A Pleasant Prospect. 143





you are just like a picture, grand-dad; and Mrs.
White thinks so too.”

She had put the cap on his head, and was
staring at him admiringly when Violet arrived,
and was introduced to
grand-dad, whom she
had never seen before;
and she made Rosebud
feel very proud and
happy by whispering:

“Oh, Rosebud dar-
ling, what a sweet old
gentleman !”

Childie hugged her
with delight, and said
blissfully :

“Tsn’t he just lovely?



Isn’t hejust beautiful?”
And then Violet had some wonderful news. to give
Rosebud about the country.

“Papa says you and your dear grandfather are

to come with us to our country-home next week.
144 Things will Take a Turn.

He is going to tell you all about it himself. Oh, you
don’t know how lovely it is, Rosebud. I haven't
seen much of it, because I have not been able to
walk about; but I love to lie on the sofa under the
trees, and listen to the birds singing, and the dear
cuckoo. You've never heard the cuckoo, have
you?”

“No,” answered Childie, her face aglow with
excitement at the prospect of going to the country.
“Tve only heard a cuckoo-clock. Is that any-
thing like ?”

“Something,” said Violet smiling; “but not like
the real thing, you know. And then, Rosebud,
the trees are so green, and the clouds are such a
lovely shape, and the cows look so pretty in the
fields. Oh, we shall be happy all together!”

“And won’t the colour just come into grand-
dad’s cheeks!” cried Childie, laughing with glee.
“Grand-dad, darling, do you hear what we are
saying? Won't you just be happy reading under
the trees with your poor left eye!”

“Won't the colour just come back into Childe S
A Pleasant Prospect. 145

Te





cheeks,” answered grand-dad, smiling at her: “pale,
thin little cheeks, pale and thin because of a stupid
old grandfather.”

“And Mr. Jones is to come and spend his holi-
day with us,” continued Violet breathlessly; “and
of course Jane Eyre and Mr. Crusoe and Queen
Elizabeth.”

“Of course,” said Childie gravely; ‘one couldn’t
go without them, you know. And have you told
dear Mr. Jones yet?”

“No,” answered Violet; “but papa will tell
him.”

“T think I must,” said Childie eagerly. ‘How
he will like to hear the birds singing in the trees!
And how he'll love to hear the cuckoo!”

“Who'll love to hear the cuckoo?” asked Mr.
Jones, popping in suddenly.

“You will,” cried Childie.

“That ’ere child’s mad,” said Mr. Jones, staring
at her. Then seeing grand-dad, he exclaimed:

“Hurrah, sir, a million welcomes to you! My

word, how we’ve missed you down here. Them
QM 3) K
146 Things will Take a Turn.

books has been quite forlorn, and we've been for-
lorner.”

After he had chatted a little to grand-dad, he
turned to Childie and said coaxingly:

‘‘What about that ’ere cuckoo you were naming
as I came?”

?

“T’m not going to tell you,” said Childie, trying
to be very haughty; but the next minute she had
caught hold of his hand, and was telling him the
wonderful news.

“Look here,” he said, “are you poking fun at
me, or is this real true?”

“Tt is real true!” cried the little girls delightedly,
and even grand-dad joined in too.

“Well, then, I am took aback,” he said, pulling
out his handkerchief, and blowing his noise rather
violently; “that’s all. To think of me having a holi-
day; not one of them bank holidays, when it always
rains cats and dogs, but a proper fine holiday with
Childie, and Childie’s grand-dad and little missy
here. Yes, I’m took aback, I am. Why, I’ve

not been to the country since I was a little inno-
A Pleasant Prospect. 147



cent-like boy, as climbed the neighbours’ trees
and stole the fruit; and didn’t it just taste fine! |
used to hear the cuckoo then, but it’s a sight of
years ago.”

He blew his nose again still more violently.

“You've got a cold, dear Mr. Jones,” said
Childie kindly.

“No, litt?un,” he answered gently, “I’ve not
got no cold; but I’ve got a bit of a lump in my
heart with thinking about my old home in the
country. And there’s nothing like that, Childie,
to make one just a bit sad. Begging your pardon,
I think I'll just go and clean up my shop.”

Childie followed him to the door, and then put
up her face to be kissed.

“Dear Mr. Jones,” she whispered, “1 think
you are an old darling, and I love you very
much.”

“TLitt?un,” he said as he lifted her up in his
arms, “you've got a sweet little, sympathetic
heart of your own, you have. Bless your dear,

tiny, wee self.”
148 Things will Take a Turn.



CHAPTER: XI.

GRAND-DAD'S DREAM COMES TRUE.

Before they all started for the country, Mr.
Dighton and Mrs. White had a long serious con-
sultation together in Mr. Dighton’s wonderful
library.

“T should not like to do anything of the kind
without your advice,” said Mr. Dighton; “but
tell me now, Mrs. White, what do you think of
my plan?” ,

“T think it is splendid, sir,’ she answered, her
kind face beaming with smiles. “Deary me! I
don’t know what we should do without Rosebud;
and Miss Violet is always her brightest when that
deary child is here. And Rosebud will never
leave her grand-dad now. She used to cry awful

because he'd been taken ill when she wasn’t with
Grand-dad’s Dream Comes True. 149



him. She was always reproaching herself, and
fretting her little tender heart away.”
“Well, she won’t do that any more,’ replied

Mr. Dighton; “for old Mr. Burnley will be quite







\
iy

happy here, looking after my library, and collecting
books for me, and reading them to his soul’s con-
tent. He is a scholarly old gentleman, and I
shall be pleased to have him with us. Do you

think Rosebud will consent to come, Mrs. White?”
150 _Things will Take a Turn.



“Yes, sir,” replied Mrs. White; “because,
begging your pardon, sir, she’s awful fond of you
and Miss Violet, and me too, sir, if you'll excuse
me saying so. But it'll be a shocking wrench to
part with her friend, Mr. Jones. That'll be the
trouble, sir.”

“But he shall come here just as often as he
likes,” said Mr. Dighton, “and he'll always be
welcome. Rosebud has done so much for my
little Violet that I feel I cannot do half enough for
her; and Mr. Jones is my friend now as well as
hers.”

“T’m sure he’s a very nice gentleman,” said
Mrs. White enthusiastically, for Mr. Jones had
quite won her good-will; “and I'll be glad to do
anything to make him cosy and comfortable here.
You've no idea, sir, how kind that person was
when Mr. Burnley was ill; and he was never
tired of running errands for me, and seeing to the
shop, and taking thought for me and every one.
And always a cheery word on his lips. And his
love for Childie is like a bit of poetry, sir.”
Grand-dad's Dream Comes True. 151



‘““T see he has made a friend of you,” said Mr.
Dighton smiling, “so that’s all right. For do
they not say here that it is the best thing in the
world to win Mrs. White for a friend, since she
has it all her own way at
No. 12, Grosvenor Square?
And a dear, good, kind way
it is!”

“Thank you, sir,” she
said, smiling with pleasure
at his words of praise.

Then Mr. Dighton, beg-
ging her not to tell Violet
until he had concluded the



arrangement, hurried off to
the second-hand book-shop
and found Childie alone, putting the books in order
and dusting them very lovingly, and looking into
some of them.

“Childie,” he said gently, “put these books down,
and come and sit near me. I want to talk with

you very seriously about grand-dad and yourself.”
152 Things will Take a Turn,

“Yes, sir,” she answered gravely.

Then he told her that he wanted grand-dad and
herself to come and live with him at Grosvenor
Square, and that grand-dad would look after the
library and have no troubles, and she would
divide her time between him and Violet, who loved
her dearly; and Mrs. White would take care of
them both.

“You would be sorry to leave the old book-
shop,” he said kindly; “but then grand-dad is old
and weary, and trade is very slack sometimes,
isn’t it? And grand-dad would be far happier in
my library, seeing to the beautiful old manuscripts
I collect, and reading my books to his heart’s con-
tent, and helping me in my work.”

“Oh, he would be happy!” she cried, as usual
thinking always of him. “He would be happy!”

“ And you, little Rosebud, would you be happy?”
he asked anxiously.

‘Oh, yes!” she answered brightly; but—”

“But what, child?” he asked, knowing quite

well what she meant.
Grand-dad’s Dream Comes True. 153



“But, dear Mr. Jones,” she stammered out
looking very distressed. ‘I love him so much,
and I couldn't bear not to see him again. You
see, he is my old friend; and | love my old friends
better than my new ones. You are not angry with
me for saying this, are you?”

‘Indeed not, Rosebud,” he said, taking her
hand. ‘You have a loyal little heart, and I love
you all the more for it. But you would not have
to say good-bye to Mr. Jones. Why, he should
come whenever he liked, and we would all be de-
lighted to see him. You know, Childie, we look
upon him as our friend too; first for your sake,
and then for hisown sake. He and his pipe would
always be welcome, and of course you could come
here to visit him as often as you liked. Does it
seem so very dreadful now, Rosebud?”

“No,” she answered, smiling at him through her
tears. ‘And indeed, sir, Pm not an ungrateful
little girl, for I think you are so very kind, you and
dear Miss Violet and Mrs. White. I can’t imagine

what I’ve done to receive such wonderful kindness.”
154 Things will Take a Lurn.

‘Why, Childie,” he said, “you have done
everything for me. If it had not been for you,
I believe my little girl would still be lying on the
sofa day after day, finding the hours drag very
wearily. But you came and made them spin
away like a bicycle! And, clever little doctor that
you are, you managed to put some colour into her
cheeks, and some strength into her body. And
so I say, ‘God bless you’, dear little Rosebud.
And Violet loves you, and nothing would make
her happier than for you and grand-dad to live
with us. Do you think you could leave the old
book-shop, Childie?”

“T am sure I could,” she answered gently; and
then she added to herself, “for grand-dad’s sake.”

So when grand-dad crept slowly into the shop,
she left Mr. Dighton to tell him of the great plan,
knowing that grand-dad would be happy beyond
all words to have the charge of, and to read in,
that beautiful library, which he had seen one
morning before he was taken ill, and which he had

spoken about so often during his illness.
Grand-dad's Dream Comes True. 155

nN



But she herself ran across the road to Mr.
Jones.

“Well, littl’un,” he said cheerily, placing her
stool for her, “and what can I serve you with
this fine morning? Here’s a pair of love-birds,
stupid cooing things they are, to be sure, and
here’s a tidy little goldfinch, and a new canary as
sings to knock you down; or perhaps you're think-
ing to buy the parrot. Buy the parrot indeed!
Pl trouble you! As long as I’ve got a bit of a
roof, that ’ere parrot will share it with me. We'll
eat our last hemp seed together, she and |
will.”

‘Of course you will,” replied Childie. ‘“ Why,
the parrot is part of you and you are part of the
parrot! And you know, dear Mr. Jones, your
nose is rather the same colour as the parrot’s tail,
ism’t it?”

“You leave my nose alone, Childie,” he said,
“or else you'll leave the bird-shop. But now I
look at your bit of a face, I see you’ve been crying

a wee morsel. What’s wrong, littlun?”
156 Things will Take a Turn.



eave

“Nothing,” she answered; “only I want to talk
to you very, very seriously.”

“Talk on,” he replied; “Tm your man.”

And she told him of Mr. Dighton’s proposal.

“Well, now,” he said, “and why aren’t you
looking jolly happy, and merry, and dancing about
like a young kittenish
thing, to think that grand-
dad is going to be nicely
cared for, and that ’ere
old shop of yours with
themshabby, stupid books
is going to be sent to
Jericho or some such
place?”

“Oh! Mr. Jones,” she

cried, ‘“‘I can’t bear to leave you—that’s what



I’m fretting about.”

He blew his red nose very violently.

“Look here,” he said, “didn’t you say as how
me and my pipe were always to be welcome at

that house? And me and my pipe won’t stay
Grand-dad’s Dream Comes True. 157

RRARARRRARARRARAR ARADO

away from that ’ere house from any shyness, |
can tell you! And who’s there to be frightened of
in that house? Mrs. White, bless you! I wasn't
ever frightened of the woman; it was her awful
black bonnet concern with the violet flag waving
on the top as first took me aback. When you lift
the bonnet off and get to the real person, why, to
be sure, it is a nice, kind person! I think a deal
of Mrs. White, I do; and I know she'll take care
of my Rosebud better than me or grand-dad can.
So don’t you be fretting for me, Childie. And
there! what a happy holiday we're going to have
in the country, aren’t we?”

“Yes,” she answered, smiling brightly.

“ And then when you come back, off you go to
Grosvenor Square,” he continued. “Fancy me,
now, having familiar-like friends in that ’ere swell
part of London. Horrid, ugly place it is too, not
near as snug as this shop! And hark you, Childie,
these last few months things have took such a
queer turn, that who knows, if I shove away my

odd farthings in a seed-tin, maybe I shall come
158 Things will Take a Turn.
Re

and buy one of them horrid, ugly, big houses in
Grosvenor Square. So it’s all settled now, Rose-
bud, and don’t you fear that I’m going to cut you
because you and grand-dad and them ’ere dolls of
yours is going to be fashionable-like people! So
you run across and offer Mr. Jones’s respects and
compliments to Mr. Dighton, and tell him as how
I give my consent to the plan, and as how I’m
hearty glad for grand-dad’s sake and Childie’s
sake. Kiss me, littl’un, and then run across as
hard as you can; before I change my mind, you
know.”

He looked after her, and rubbed his eyes.

“Well, well,” he said to himself, “I’m blessed if
I ever thought things would take this sort of turn.
But there, now, I’m not going to growl. Grand-
dad and Childie will be cosy and comfortable, and
she won’t have no troubles. Only it'll take a
sight of them seed-tins of money before I’m able |
to buy one of them ugly houses in Grosvenor

Square!”
The Old and the New. 159



CHAPTER XII.

THE OLD AND THE NEW.

Everyone at Grosvenor Square—James included
—was delighted to hear the good news. I think
Violet and Childie and Mrs. White must have
kissed one another hundreds of times. And then
Childie described to them how she told dear Mr.
Jones, and how unselfish and cheerful he was.
“Because, you know,” she said plaintively, ‘he
will miss me a little, won't he?” ;

“Of course, he will miss you ever so much,”
cried Violet. ‘ But he must come and see us very
often.”

“The kind, good man!” exclaimed Mrs. White.
“Yes, he must come and smoke his pipe and have
his cup of tea whenever he likes, and | will give

him such a welcome, Rosebud dear.”
160 Things will Take a Turn.

“T am sure you will,” said Childie earnestly.
“And he will come very often, I’m certain; for he
has promised me, and he always keeps his word.
Dear, dear Mr. Jones!”

That same evening grand-dad and Childie and
Jane Eyre and Mr. Crusoe and Queen Elizabeth
sat together in the old book-shop.

“It isn’t any use my covering the books,
grand-dad,” she said, ‘“‘as we are going to part
with them all.” -

He laid his hand on her head.

“Are you sorry we are going to part with them,
Childie ?” he asked lovingly.

“Just a little bit, grand-dad,” she answered
smiling. “But then, grand-dad darling, we shall
have heaps of other books to love, sha’n’t we?
And what I am so happy about is that you'll have
no worry, no anxiety. You'll be able to read in
the beautiful library just as long as you please, and
when your dear old eyes are feeling tired, why,
then I'll read to you. And I'll take such loving

care of you, grand-dad, in our new home; for
The Old and the New. 161

Te







you're not strong yet, dear, no, you’re not strong
Vict

She had risen up, and was standing at the back



of his chair, her hands clasped around his neck, and
her little head resting against his cheek.

“ Dear little Childie,” he murmured, there’s no
one like my Childie in the whole world. When I
want to say how much I love her, I cannot find

words half gentle enough, except when I call her
(M3) L
162 Things will Take a Turn.

one of God's brightest smiles, and one of his
sweetest, fairest flowers. Books are all very well,
Childie, but they are not as beautiful as flowers.
And my little Rosebud, my little flower, would
make any home happy for her old grand-dad.”

The weeks, the months, the years go merrily by
at the great house in Grosvenor Square. Violet’s
strength increases together with her love for her
little friend and companion, Rosebud; and Mr.
Dighton blesses the day when he first went into
that old second-hand book-shop, and made the
acquaintance of the sweet little shopkeeper who
was to become so dear to Violet and himself.
Grand-dad finds pleasure and delight in working
for Mr. Dighton, and collecting beautiful books
and manuscripts for the splendid library, which is
really the pride of his heart. And Childie loves
to see him happy, and feels that she can never be
thankful enough to the tall gentleman for all his
kindness to grand-dad and herself.

And she is happy too, especially when a certain
The Old and the New. 163

NPRPDLDIV



eae





red-nosed person leaves a certain bird-shop to take
care of itself, and comes to have a cup of tea and
a smoke with his friends in the “horrid ugly
house ”.

He does not seem to mind it being horrid and
ugly, for he comes very often, knowing full well
that he will always get a hearty welcome from his
own little Rosebud child, from dear old grand-dad,
from little missy, from little missy’s papa, from
James himself, and, last not least, from kind Mrs.
- White.









BLACKIE & SON’S
BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.

BY G. A. HENTY.

Wulf the Saxon: A Story of the Norman Conquest. By
G. A. Henry. With 12 page Illustrations by Ratpa Pxacock.
Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6s.

The hero is a young thane who wins the favour of Earl Harold and
becomes one of his retinue. When Harold becomes King of England,
Wulf assists in the Welsh wars, and takes part against the Norsemen
at the Battle of Stamford Bridge. When William of Normandy invades
England, Wulf is with the English host at Hastings, and stands by his
king to the last in the mighty struggle. Altogether this is a noble tale.
Wulf himself is a rare example of Saxon vigour, and the spacious ‘back-
ground of stormful history lends itself admirably to heroic romance.

When London Burned: A. Story of Restoration Times and
the Great Fire. By G. A. Henty. With 12 page Illustrations
by J. Fryyemorn. Crown &vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6s.

The hero of this story was the son of a nobleman who had Jost his estates
during the troublous times of the Commonwealth. Instead of hanging
idly about the court seeking favours, Cyril Shenstone determined to
maintain himself by honest work, and, as a scrivener in the city, soon
established a reputation for zcal and trustworthiness. He served after-
wards as 2 yoluntecr in the fleet under Prince Rupert, and highly dis-
tinguished himself in the Dutch wars. During the Great Plague and the
Great Fire Sir Cyril was prominent among those who brought help to the
panic-stricken inhabitants. ‘This tale has rich variety of interest, both
national and personal, and in the hero you have an English lad of the
noblest type—wise, humane, and unselfish.

Beric the Briton: A. Story of the Roman Invasion. By
G. A. Hunry. With 12 page Illustrations by W. PARKINSON.
Crown 8yo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6s.

“We are not aware that any one has given us quite so vigorous a picture of
Britain in the days of the Roman conquest. Mr. Henty has done his utmost to
make an impressive picture of the haughty Roman character, with its indomitable
courage, See and discipline. Beric is good all chroushee SS nec as 07.
2 BLACKIE & SON'S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.



BY G. A. HENTY.

“Mr. Henty is one of the best of story-tellers for young people.’——Spectator.

Through the Sikh War: A Tale of the Couquest of the
Punjaub. By G. A. Henry. With 12 page Illustrations by Hau
Horst, anda Map. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6s.

“The picture of the Punjaub during its last few years of independence, the
description of the battles on the Sutlej, and the portraiture generally of native
character, seem admirably true. . . . On the whole, we have never read a more
vivid and faithful narrative of military adventure in India.”—-T'he Academy.

With Wolfe in Canada: Or, The Winning of a Continent.
By G. A. Henry. With 12 page Tustrations by Gorpnoy Browne.

Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6s.

“A model of what a boys’ story-book should be. Mr. Henty has a great power
of infusing into the dead facts of history new life, and as no pains are spared by
him to ensure accuracy in historic details, his books supply useful aids to study
as well as amusement.”—School Guardian.

The Dash for Khartoum: A Tuale of the Nile Expedition.
By G. A. Heyvy. With 10 page Illustrations by J. Scuéwpere and
J. Nasu, and 4 Plans. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6s.
“Tt is literally true that the narrative never flags a moment; for the incidents
which fall to be recorded after the dash for Khartoum has been made and failed
are quite as interesting as those which precede it.”--dAeademy.
The Lion of St. Mark: A Tale of Venice in the Fourteenth
Century. By G. A. Hurry. With 10 page Illustrations by Gorbon
Browne. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6s.

“Tivery boy should read The Lion of St. Mark. Mr. Henty has never produced
any story more delightful, more wholesome, or more vivacious. From first to
last it will be read with keen enjoyment.’”—Zhe Saturday Review.

By England’s Aid: The Freeing of the Netherlands (1585—
1604). By G. A. Heyty. With 10 page Illustrations by ALFRED
Prarsz, and 4 Maps. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6s.

“The story is told with great animation, and the historical material is most
effectively combined with a most excellent plot.”—Saturday Review.

With Lee in Virginia: A Story of the American Civil
War. By G. A. Henry. With 10 page Illustrations by Gorpon
Browne, and 6 Maps. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6s.

“The story is a capital one and full of variety, and presents us with may
picturesque scenes of Southern life. Young Wingfield, who is conscientious,
spirited, and ‘hard ag nails’, would lave been a man after the very heart of

Stonewall Jackson.”—Tumes.

By Pike and Dyke: A Tale of the Rise of the Dutch Re-
public. By G. A. Henry. With 10 page Illustrations by Maynarp
Brown, and 4 Maps. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6s.

“The mission of Ned to deliver letters from William the Silerit to his adherents
at Brussels, the fight of the Good Venture with the Spanish man-of-war, the battle
on the ice at Amsterdam, the siege of Haarlem, are all told with a vividness and
skill which are worthy of Mr. Henty at his best.” Academy.
BLACKIE & SON'S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. 3



BY G. A. HENTY.

“Surely Mr, Henty should understand boys’ tastes better than any man living.”
—The Times.









































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































Reduced Illustration from “St. Bartholomew's Eve”.

St. Bartholomew’s Eve: A Tale of the Huguenot Wars.
By G. A. Henry. With 12 page Mlustrations by H. J. Drapzr,
anda Map. Crown 8vo, cloth clegant, olivine edges, 6s.

“A really noble story, which adult readers will tind to the full as satisfying as
the boys, Lueky boys! to have such a extercr as Mr, G. A. Henty.’—Black and
White.

With Clive in India: Or, The Beginnings of an Empire.
By G. A. Hunvy. With 12 page Illustrations by Gorpon Browne.
Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6s.

“Among writers of stories of adventure for boys Mr. Henty stands in the very
first rank. Those who know something about India will be the most ready to
thank Mr. Henty for giving them this instructive volume to place in the hands
of their children.” — Academy.
4 BLACKIE & SONS BOOKS FOR YOUNG PHOPLE.



BY G. A. HENTY.

“ Among writers of stories of adventure for boys Mr. Henty stands in the very
first rank.” —Academy.

Under Drake’s Flag: A Tale of the Spanish Main. By
G. A. Hmyry. Illustrated by 12 page Pictures by Gorpon Browne.
Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6s.

«There is not a dull chapter, nor, indeed, a dull page in the book; but the
author has so carefully worked up his subject that the exciting deeds of his
heroes are never incongruous or absurd.”-—Observer.

Bonnie Prince. Charlie: A Tale of Fontenoy and Culloden.
By G. A. Henry. With 12 page Illustrations by Gorpon Browne.
Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6s.

“Ronald, the hero, is very like the hero of Quentin Durward. The lad’s
journey across France with his faithful attendant Malcolm, and his hairbreadth
escapes from the machinations of his father’s enemies, make up as good a
narrative of the kind as we have ever read. For freshness of treatment and
variety of incident, My. Henty has here surpassed himself.” — Spectator.

For the Temple: A Tale of the Fall of Jerusalem. By
G. A. Henry. With 10 page Illustrations by 8. J. Sonomon, and
a Coloured Map. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6s.

“Mr. Henty’s graphic prose pictures of the hopeless Jewish resistance to Roman
sway adds another leaf to his record of the famous wars of the world. ‘he book
is one of Mr. Henty’s cleverest efforts.”—Graphic.

True to the Old Flag: A Tale of the American War of
Independence. By G. A. Hunty. With 12 page Illustrations by
Gorpon Brownz. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6s.

‘Does justice to the pluck and determination of the British soldiers. The son
of an American loyalist, who remains true to our flag, falls among the hostile red-
skins in that very Huron country which has been endeared to us by the exploits
of Hawkeye and.Chingachgook.”—The Times.

The Lion of the North: A Tale of Gustavus Adolphus and
the Wars of Religion. By G. A. Hunry. With 12 page Pictures
by J. Scuénpere. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6s.

“A praiseworthy attempt to interest British youth in the great deeds of the
Scotch Brigade in the wars of Gustavus Adolphus. Mackay, Hepburn, and Munro
live again in Mr. Henty’s pages, as those deserve to live whose disciplined bands
formed really the germ of the modern British army.”—A thenewin,

The Young Carthaginian: A Story of the Times of
Hannibal. By G. A. Hunry. With 12 page Mlustrations by C. J.
STANILAND, R.I. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6s.

“The effect of an interesting story, well constructed and vividly told, is en-
hanced by the picturesque quality of the scenic background. From first to last
nothing stays the interest of the narrative. It bears us along as on a stream,
whose current varies in direction, but never loses its force.” —Saturday Review.


BLACKIE & SON'S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. 5



BY G. A. HENTY.
“Mr, Henty is the king of story-tellers for boys.”—Sword and Trowel.



















Reduced Illustration from Henty’s “ Redskin and Cow-boy *

Redskin and Cow-boy: A Tale of the Western Plains. By
G. A. Henry. With 12 page Illustrations by Aurrep Prarse,
Crown 8vo, cloth clegant, olivine edges, 6s.

“Tt has a good plot; it abounds in action; the scenes are equally spirited and
realistic, and we can only say we have read it with much pleasure from first to
lasé. ‘The pictures of life on a cattle vanche are most graphically painted, as are
the manners of the reckless bub jovial cow-boys.”—T'imes.

In Freedom’s Cause: A Story of Wallace and Bruce. By
G. A. Hunty. With 12 page Illustrations by Gorpon Browne.
Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6s.

“Myr. Henty has broken new ground as an historical novelist. His tale of the
days of Wallace and Bruce is full of stirring action, and will commend itself to
boys.” —A theneeum.
6 BLACKIE & SON’S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.



BY G. A. HENTY.

“Mr. Henty is one of our most successful writers of historical tales.”—Scotsman.

By Right of Conquest: Or, With Cortez in Mexico. By
G. A. Henry. With 10 page Illustrations by W. 8. Sracry, and
2 Maps. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6s.

“By Right of Conquest is the nearest appr ‘oach to a perfectly successful histori
eal tale that Mr. Henty has yet published.”—Academy.

In Greek Waters: A Story of the Grecian War of Inde-
pendence (1821-1827). By G. A. Henry. With 12 page Ilus-
trations by W. 8. Stacey, and a Map. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant,
olivine edges, 6s.

“There are adventures of all kinds for the hero and his friends, whose pluck
and ingenuity in extricating themselves from awkward fixes are always equal to
the occasion. Tt is an excellent story, and if the proportion of history is smaller
than usual, the whole result leaves nothing to be desired.” Journal of Education.

Through the Fray: A. Story of the Luddite Riots. By
G. A. Henry. With 12 page Illustrations by H. M. Paget. Crown
8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6s.

“Mr. Henty i inspires a love and admiration for straightforwardness, truth, and
courage. This is one of the best of the many good books Mr. Henty has produced,
and deserves to be classed with his lacing Death.”—Standard,

Captain Bayley’s Heir: A Tale of the Gold Fields of Cali-
fornia. By G. A. Henry. With 12 page Illustrations by H. M.
Paget. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6s.

“A Westminster boy who makes his way in the world by hard work, good
temper, and unfailing courage. The descriptions given of life are just what a
healthy intelligent lad should delight in.”—St. James's Gazette.

In the Heart of the Rockies: A Story of Adventure in
Colorado. By G. A. Huyry. With 8 page Illustrations by G. C
Hinpizy. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 5s.

From first to last this is a story of splendid hazard. The hero, Tom
Wade, goes out to his uncle in Colorado, who is a hunter and gold-digger.
Going in quest of a gold mine the little band is spied by Indians, chased
across the Bad Lands, and overwhelmed by a snow-storm in the mountains,
where they camp all winter. ‘They build two canoes and paddle down the
terrible gorges of the Rocky Mountains, with many an upset on the way
and the instant danger of bloodthirsty Indians shooting from the banks.
After many perils they reach Fort Mojarve and safety, and the reader
finds that the record of this most daring journey has closed all too soon.

One of the 28th: A Tale of Waterloo. By G. A. Huwry.
With 8 page Illustrations by W. H. OverEnn, and 2 Maps. Crown
8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 5s.

“Written with Homeric vigour and heroic inspiration. It is graphic, pictur-
esque, and dramatically effective . . . shows us Mr. Henty at his best and
brightest. The adventures will hold a boy of a winter’s night enthralled as he
rushes through them with breathless interest ‘from cover to cover ’.”—Observer.
BLACKIE & SON'S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. 7



BY G. A. HENTY.

“No more interesting boys’ books are written than Mr. Henty’s stories.”—
Daily Chronicle.

The Cat of Brbastes: A Story of Ancient Egypt. By
G. A. Henty. With 8 page Illustrations by J. R. WEcvgELIn.
Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 5s.

«The story, from the critical moment of the killing of the sacred cat to the
perilous exodus into Asia with which it closes, is very skilfully constructed and
full of exciting adventures. It is admirably illustrated.”—Saturday Review.

Maori and Settler: A Story of the New Zealand War. By
G. A. Henry. With 8 page Illustrations by ALFRED PEarsz, and
a Map. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, is.

“It is a book which all young people, but especially boys, will read with
avidity.” — Atheneum.

“A first-rate book for boys, brimful of adventure, of humorous and interesting
conversation, and of vivid pictures of colonial life.”’—Schoolmaster.

St. George for England: A Tale of Cressy and Poitiers.
By G. A. Henry. With § full-page Illustrations by Gorpon
Brown. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 5s.

“A story of very great interest for boys, In his own forcible style the anthor
has endeavoured to show that determination and enthnsiasm can accomplish mar-
yellous results; and that courage is generally accompanied by magnanimity and
gentleness."--Pali Mall Gazette.

The Bravest of the Brave: With Peterborough in Spain.
By G. A. Henry. With 8 full-page Pictures by H. M. Pacer.
Crown Svo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 5s.

“Mar. Henty never loses sight of the moral purpose of his work—to enforce the
doctrine of courage and truth, mercy and lovingkindness, as indispensable to the
making of an English gentleman. British lads will read Dhe Bravest of the
Brave with pleasure and profit; of that we are quite sure.” —Daily Telegraph.




For Name and Fame: Or, Through Afghan Passes. By
G. A. Henry. With 8 full-page Illustrations by Gorpon Browne.
Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 5s.

e story, replete with all the varied forms of excitement of a
campaign, but, what is still more useful, an account of a territory and its inhabi-
tants which must fara long time possess a supreme interest for Englishmen, as
being the key to our Indian Kimpire.”—-Glesgow eral,

‘Not only a rousin










A Jacobite Exile: Being the Adventures of a Young English-
man in the Service of Charles XII. of Sweden. By G. A. Hanty.
With 8 page Tustrations by Paun Harpy, and a Map. Crown
8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 5s.

“ Incident succeeds incident, and adventure is piled upon adventure, and at the
end the reader, be he boy or man, will have experienced breathless enjoyment
ina romantic story that must have taught him much at its close.”—Army and
Navy Gazette.
8 BLACKIE & SON'S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.



BY G. A. HENTY.

“ Ask for Henty, and see that you get him.”—Punech.

Condemned as a Nihilist: A Story of Escape from Siberia.
By G. A. Hunty. With 8 page Illustrations by Warrer Pager.
Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 5s.

“The best of this year’s Henty. His narrative is more interesting than many
of the tales with which the public is familiar, of escape from Siberia. Despite
their superior claim to authenticity these tales are without doubt no less fic-
titious than Mr. Henty’s, and he beats them hollow in the matter of sensations.”
—WNational Observer.

Orange and Green: A Tale of the Boyne and Limerick.
By G. A. Henry. With 8 full-page Illustrations by Gorpon
Brownz. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 5s.

‘The narrative is free from the vice of pr ejudice, and ripples with life as
vivacious as if what is being described were really passing before the eye. x
Should be in the hands of every young student of Irish history.” —Belfast News. |

Held Fast for England: A Tale of the Siege of Gibraltar.
By G. A. Henry. With 8 page Dlustrations by Gorpon Browne,
Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 5s.

“Among them we would place first in interest and wholesome educational
value the story of the siege of Gibraltar. . . . There is no cessation of exciting
incident throughout the story.” —Athencwin.

In the Reign of Terror: The Adventures of 2 Westminster
Boy. By G. A. Henry. With 8 full-page Illustrations by J.
Scuinperc. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 5s.

“Tarry Sandwith, the Westminster boy, may fairly be said to beat Mr. Henty’s
record. His adventures will delight boys by the audacity and peril they depict.
The story is one of Mr. Henty’s best.” Saterday Review.

By Sheer Pluck: A Tale of the Ashanti War. By G. A.
Henry. With 8 full-page Pictures by Gorpon Browne. Crown
8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 5s.

“Morally, the book is everything that could be desired, setting before the boys
a bright and bracing ideal of the English gentleman.”-—Christian Leader.

The Dragon and the Raven: Or, The Days of King
Alfred. By G. A. Henry. With 8 page Illustrations by C. J.
STANILAND, R.I, Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 5s.

“A story that may justly be styled remarkable. Boys, in reading it, will be
surprised to find how Alfred persevered, through years of bloodshed and times
of peace, to rescue his people from the thraldom of the Danes. We hope the
book will soon be widely known in all our schools.”—Sehoolmaster.

A Final Reckoning: A Tale of Bush Life in Australia.
By G. A. Henry. With 8 page Illustrations by W. B. Wontzn.
Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 5s.

“ All boys will read this story with eager and unflageing interest. The episodes
are in Mr. Henty’s very best vein—graphic, exciting, realistic; and, as in all Mr.
Henty’s books, the tendency is to the formation of an honourable, manly, and
even heroic character.”—Birningham Post.
BLACKIE & SONS BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. 9



BY G. A. HENTY.

“Mr, Henty’s books are always alive with moving incident,”—Review of Reviews,

Facing Death: Or, The Hero of the Vaughan Pit. A Tale of
the Coal Mines. By
G. A. Heyty. With
8 page Pictures by
GorDoN Browne.
Crown 8vo, cloth
elegant, olivine edges,
5s.

“Tf any father, godfather,
clergyman, or schoolmaster is
on the look-out for a good
book to give as a present to a
boy who is worth his salt, this

is the book we would recom-
mend.”’—Standurd.

A Chapter of Ad-

ventures: Or,
Through the Bom-
bardment of Alex-
andria. By G. Heniy. With 6 page
Illustrations by W.
H. Overenp. Crown
8vo, cloth elegant,
3s. 6d.

“Tack Robson and his two
companions have their fill of
excitement, and their chapter
of adventures is so brisk and * .
entertaining we could have Reduced Lilustration from ‘ The Clever

wished it longer than it is.’”— Miss Follett”
Saturday Review.



alsa aah Le LES es:



Two Thousand Years Ago: Or, The Adventures of a Roman
Boy. By Professor A. J. Cuurcu. With 12 page Illustrations by
Apriun Mari. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6s.

«Adventures well worth the telling. ‘he book is extremely entertaining as
well ag useful, and there is a wonderful freshness in the Roman scenes and
characters.”——Lhe Limes.



The Clever Miss Follett. By J. K. H. Denny. With
12 page Illustrations by Gurrrupe D. Hammonp. Crown 8vo,
cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6s.

“Just the book to give to girls, who will delight both in the letterpress and
re illustrations. Miss Hammond has never done better work.’—Review of
Reviews.
10 BLACKIE & SON’S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.



BY ROSA MULHOLLAND.

Banshee Castle. By Rosa Mutuotnanp. With 12 page
Illustrations by Joun H. Bacon. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant,
olivine edges, 6s.

This story deals with the adventures of three girls who, with an old
governess, migrate from Kensington to the West of Ireland. Belonging
as they do to “the ould family” at the castle, the three girls are made
heartily welcome in the cabins of the peasantry, where they learn many
weird and curious tales from the folk-lore of the district. There is also
an interesting plot running through the narrative, but it is by reason of
its happy mingling of Irish humour and pathos that this story holds the
reader charmed to the end.

Giannetta: A Girl's Story of Herself. By Rosa Munmonnanp.
With 8 page Illustrations by LocxHart Boers. Crown 8vo, cloth
elegant, olivine edges, 5s.

“Giannetta is a true heroine—warm-hearted, self-sacrificing, and, as all good
women nowadays are, largely touched with the enthusiasm of humanity. “One
of the most attractive gift-books of the season.”—The Academy.

A Fair Claimant: Being a Story for Girls. By Francrs
Armstrone. With 8 page Illustrations by Gurrrupr D. Hammonn.
Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 5s.

“ As a gift-book for big girls it is among the best new books of the kind. The
story is interesting and natural, from first to last.”—Westnvinster Gazette.



The Heiress of Courtleroy. By Anne Bratz. With 8
page Illustrations by T. C. H. Castner. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant,
olivine edges, 5s.

‘““We can speak highly of the grace with which Miss Beale relates how the
young ‘Heiress of Courtleroy’ had such good influence over her uncle as to win
him from his intensely selfish ways.”—Guardian.

The White Conquerors of Mexico: A Tale of Toltec and
Aztec. By Kink Muwroz. With 8 page Tlustrations by W. 5.
Stacey. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 5s.

“Mr, Munroe gives most vivid pictures of the religious and civil polity of the
Aztecs, and of everyday life, as he imag é, in the streets and market- places
of the magnificent capital of Montezuma.”—The Times,



”



Highways and High Seas: Cyril Harley’s Adventures on
both. By IF. Franxyrorr Moorr. With 8 page Illustrations by
ALFRED PearsE. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 5s.

“This is one of the best stories Mr. Moore has written, perhaps the very best,
The exciting adventures are sure to attract boys.”—Spectator,
BLACKI# & SONS BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. il

BY GEORGE MAC DONALD.
A Rough Shaking. By Grorce Mac Dowanp. With

12 page Illustrations hy W. Parxtyson. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant,
olivine edges, 63.



Fa



"One of the very best
books for boys that has been
written. It is full of mate-
rial peculiarly well adapted
for the young, containing
in a marked degree the
elements of all that is neces-
sary to make up a perfect
boys’ book.” —Teachers’ Aid.

At the Back of
the North
Wind. By Gro.
Mac Donarp. With
75 Tllustrations by
ARTHUR HUGHES.
Crown 8vo, cloth ele-
gant, olivine edges,
5s.



“The story is thoroughly
original, full of fancy and
pathos. . . . We stand
with one foot in fairyland
and one on common earth.”
—The Times.

Ranald Banner-
man’s Boy-
hood. By Gro.
Mac Donatp. With Reduced Illustration from “A Rough Shaking”.
36 Illustrations by
Arruur Hueurs. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 5s.

“The sympathy with boy-nature in Ranald Bannerman’s Boyhood is perfect.
It is a beantiful picture of childhood, teaching by its impressions and suggestions
all noble things.”—British Quarterly Review.

The Princess and the Goblin. By Guoraw Mac Donat.
With 32 Tlustrations. Crown 8vo, cloth extra, 3s. 6d.

“Tbtle of what ig written for childven has the lightness of touch and play of
fancy which are characteristic of George Mac Donald’s fairy tales. My. Arthur
Hughes's illustrations are all that illustrations shonld be.’ —Manehester Guardian.

The Princess and Curdie. By Groraz Mac Donat.

With 8 page Illustrations. Crown 8vo, cloth extra, 3s. 6d.

“here is the finest and rarest genius in this brilliant story. Upgrown people
would do wisely occasionally to lay a de their newspapers and magazines to
spend an hour with Curdie and the Princess.”-—Shegield Independent,














12 BLACKIE & SONS BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.



BY HARRY COLLINGWOOD.

The Pirate Island: A Story of the South Pacific. By
Harry Coitinewoop. With 8 page Pictures by C. J. Stanrnanp
and J. R. Wexts. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 5s.

‘“A capital story of the sea; indeed in owr opinion the author is superior in some
respects as a marine novelist to the better known Mr. Clark Russell.”— The Times.

The Log of the ‘Flying Fish”: A Story of Aerial and
Submarine Adventure. By Harry Contrinewoop. With 6 page
Illustrations by Gorpon Brownz. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3s. 6d.

“The Flying Fish actually surpasses all Jules Verne’s creations; with incred-
ible speed she flies through the air, skims over the surface of the water, and darts
along the ocean bed. We strongly recommend our school-boy friends to possess
themselves of her log.”— Atheneum.

For other Books by Harry Collingwood, see pages 21 and 22.

BY GEORGE MANVILLLE FENN.

“Mr. Fenn stands in the foremost rank of writers in this department.” —Daily
News.

Quicksilver: Or, A Boy with no Skid to his Wheel. By
Gzorcr Manvitie Fenn. With 10 page Illustrations by Frank
Dapp. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6s.

“ Quicksilver is little short of an inspiration. In it that prince of story-writers
for boys—George Manville Fenn—has surpassed himself. It is an ideal book for
a boy’s library.”—-Practical Teacher.

Diek 0’ the Fens: A Romance of the Great East Swamp. By
G. Manvittr Fenn. With 12 page Illustrations by Frank Dapp.
Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6s.

“We conscientiously believe that boys will find it capital reading. It is full
of incident and mystery, and the mystery is kept up to the last moment. It is
rich in effective local colouring; and it has a historical interest.’”—Zimes.

Devon Boys: A Tale of the North Shore. By G. Manvinte
Fenn. With 12 page Illustrations by Gorpon Brown. Crown
8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6s.

“An admirable story, as remarkable for the individuality of its young heroes
as for the excellent descriptions of coast scenery and life in North Deyon. It is
one of the best books we-have seen this season.”-—A thenawm.

The Golden Magnet: A Tale of the Land of the Incas. By
G. Manvitre Fenn. Illustrated by 12 page Pictures by Gorpon
Browne. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6s.

“There could be no more welcome present for a boy. There is not a dull page
in the book, and many will be read with breathless interest. “The Golden Mag-
net’ is, of course, the same one that attracted Raleigh and the heroes of West-
ward Ho!”—Journal of Education.
BLACKIE & SON'S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. 18



BY GEORGE MANVILLE FENN.

se No one can find his way to the hearts of lads more readily than Mr. Fenn.”—
Nottingham Guardian.

- ’ : -

In the King’s Name: Or, The Cruise of the Kestrel. By
G. Manvittr Fenn. Illustrated by 12 page Pictures by Gorpoy
Browne. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6s.

“The best of all Mr. Fenn’s productions in this field. It has the great quality
of always ‘moving on’, adventure following adventure in constant succession.” —
Daily News.

Nat the Naturalist: A Boy’s Adventures in the Eastern
Seas. By G. Manvinue Fenn. With 8 page Pictures. Crown 8vo,
cloth elegant, olivine edges, 5s.

“This sort of book encourages independence of character, develops resource,
and teaches a boy to keep his eyes open.”—Saturday Review.

Bunyip Land: The Story of a Wild Journey in New Guinea,
By G. Manvitie Fuxy. With 6 page Illustrations by Gorpon
Browns. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 4s.

“Mr, Fenn deserves the thanks of everybody for Bunyip Land, and we may ven-
ture to promise that a quiet week may be reckoned on whilst the youngsters have
such fascinating literature provided for their evenings’ amusement.” —Spectator.
Brownsmith’s Boy. By G. Mayvitim Ferny. With 6 page

Illustrations. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3s. 6d.

“Myr, Fenn’s books are among the best, if not altogether the best, of the stories
for boys. Mr. Fenn is at his best in Brownsmith's Boy.” —Pictorial World.

*,* For other Books by G. MANVILLE FEnw, see pages 21 and 22.



BY ASCOTT R. HOPE.

Young Travellers’ Tales. By Ascorr R. Hors. With
6 Illustrations by H. J. Drarnr. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3s. 6d.
These lively records of haphazard experience are drawn from various
parts of the. world. There is a thrilling adventure in the Austrian Tirol,
a mischance in Norway, an exciting escapade in Africa, a tale of shooting
in India, a cyclist’s langhable exploit in France, a runaway experience in
Switzerland, an encounter with a Corsican bandit, and other stories of a
like entertaining character. All are presented in a crisp and engaging
style.
The Seven Wise Scholars. By Ascorr R. Horn. With
nearly 100 Tllustrations by Gorvon Browne. - Cloth elegant, 5s.
“Ag full of fun as a volume of Punch; with illustrations, more Janghter-
provoking than most we have seen since Leech died.”—Shefield Independent.
Stories of Old Renown: ‘ales of Knights and Heroes.
By Ascort R. Hopz. With 100 Illustrations by Gorpon Browne.

Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3s. 6d.

“A really fascinating book worthy of its telling title. There is, we venture to
say, not a dull page in the book, nota story which will not bear a second read-
ing.”—Guardian.
14 BLACKIE & SON'S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.



The Universe: OrThe Infinitely Great and the Infinitely Little.
A Sketch of Contrasts in Creation, and Marvels revealed and
explained by Natural Science. By F. A. Poucuzr, u.p. With
272 Engravings on wood, of which 55 are full-page size, and a
Coloured Frontispiece. Eleventh Edition, medium 8vo, cloth ele-
gant, gilt edges, 7s. 6d.; also morocco antique, 16s.

“We can honestly commend Professor Pouchet’s book, which is admirably, as
it is copiously illustrated.”—The Pines.

“‘Scarcely any book in French or in English is so likely to stimulate in the
young an interest in the physical phenomena.”—#ortnightly Review.



BY ROBERT LEIGHTON.

Olaf the Glorious. By Roserr Leeroy. With 8 page
Illustrations by Rate Pracocx, and a Map. Crown 8vo, cloth
elegant, olivine edges, 5s.

This story of Olaf the Glorious, King of Norway, opens with the incident
of his being found by his uncle living as a bond-slave in Esthonia, and it
follows him through his romantic youth in the court of King Valdemar of
Russia. Then come his adventures as a Viking and his raids upon the
coasts of Scotland and England, his victorious battle against the English
at Maldon in Essex, and his conversion to Christianity. He then returns
to pagan Norway, is accepted as king, and converts his people to the
Christian faith. The story closes with the great battle of Svold, when
Olaf, defeated, jumps overboard, and is last seen with the sunlight shining
on the glittering cross upon his shield.

The Wreck of ‘“‘The Golden Fleece”: The Story of a
North Sea Fisher-boy. By Roperr Lurcuron. With 8 page
Illustrations by Frank Branewyn. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant,
olivine edges, 5s.

“This story should add considerably to Mr. Leighton’s high reputation. Tx-
cellent in every respect, it contains every variety of incident. ‘The plot is very
cleverly devised, and the types of the North Sea sailors are capital.”—Vhe Times.
The Pilots of Pomona: A Story of the Orkney Islands.

By Roserr Leicuroy. With 8 page Illustrations by Joun Leicu-
Ton, anda Map. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 5s.

“A story which is quite as good in its way as Treasure Island, and is full of
adventure of a stirring yet most natural kind. Although it is primarily a boys’
book, it is a veal godsend to the elderly reader.”—Glasgow Evening Times.

The Thirsty Sword: A Story of the Norse Invasion of
Scotland (1262-63). By Roserr Lerenron. With 8 page Ilus-
trations by AnrreD Pxarse, and a Map. Crown 8vo, cloth ele-
gant, olivine edges, 5s.

“This is one of the most fascinating stories for boys that it has ever been our
pleasure to.read. From first to last the interest never flags, Boys will worship
Kenric, who is a hero in every sense of the word.”—Schoolmaster.
BLACKIE & SON'S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. 15



BY DR. GORDON STABLES.

To Greenland and the Pole. By Gorvow Srasuzs, m.p.
With 8 page Illustrations by G. C. Hinpiuy, and a Map. Crown
8vo, cloth elegant, oli-
vine edges, 5s.



The unfailing fascination
of Arctic venturing is pre-
sented in this story with
new vividness. The author
is himself an old Arctic
voyager, and he is thus
enabled to make excellent
use of the recent exploits of
Nansen in Greenland, and
the splendid daring of that
explorer’s present expedi-
tion. The story deals with
skilébning in the north of
Scotland, deer-hunting in
Norway, sealing in the Arc-

‘tic Seas, bear-stalking on
the ice-floes, the hardships
of a journey across Green-
land, and a _— successful
voyage to the back of the
North Pole. his is, in-
deed, a veal sea-yarn by a
real sailor, and the tone
is as bright and whole-
some as the adventures are
numerous.















Reduced Itlustration from “Grettir the Outlaw”.

Westward with Columbus. By Gorvon Srasius, m.v.,
om. With 8 page Illustrations by AnrreD PEarse. Crown 8vo,
cloth elegant, olivine edges, 5s.

“We must place Westward with Columbus mnong those books that all boys
ought to read.*—The Speetator.

’Twixt School and College: A Tale of Self-reliance. By
Gorpon STABLES, C.AL, M.D., R.N. With 8 page Illustrations by

W. Parxtyson. Crown Svo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 5s,
“One of the best of a prolific writer’s books for boys, being full of practical

instructions as to keeping pets, and inculcates in a way which a little recalls Miss
Edgeworth’s ‘Frank’ the virtue of self-reliance.” — 16 BLACKIE & SON'S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.



BY G. NORWAY.

A Prisoner of War: A Story of the Time of Napoleon
Bonaparte. By G. Norway. With 6 page Illustrations by Rost
BARNES, A.R.W.S. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3s. 6d.

When Napoleon Bonaparte suddenly broke the treaty of Amiens and .
declared war against England, many peaceful Englishmen who had ven-
tured to reside upon the Continent were made prisoners. Among these
was Captain Wynter, who was arrested at Helvoetsluys in Holland, and
from thence carried into France. His family escaped across the Channel,
but his son, a young lad, determined to return, trace out his father, and
assist him to escape. Disguised as a packman he searched France from
fortress to fortress. After many a mischance and many a hair-breadth
escape he finds his father, contrives his escape, and brings him safely to
England. It is a romantic narrative, with the additional merit of being
true.

A True Cornish Maid. By G. Norway. With 6 page
Illustrations by J. Finnemory. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3s. 6d.

“There is some excellent reading. . . . Mus. Norway brings before the eyes
of her readers the good Cornish folk, their speech, their manners, and their ways.
A True Cornish Maid deserves to be popular.”—Athencewm,

“Among girls’ books the success of the year has fallen, we think, to Mrs. Norway,
whose rue Cornish Maid is really an admirable piece of work. . . . The book
is full of vivid and accurate local colour; it contains, too, some very clever
character studies.”—Review of Reviews.

Hussein the Hostage: Or, A Boy’s Adventures in Persia.
By G. Norway. With 8 page Illustrations by Joun ScHonpere.
Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 5s.

“ Hussein the Hostage is full of originality and vigour. The characters are life-
like, there is plenty of stirring incident, the interest is sustained throughout, and
every boy will enjoy following the fortunes of the hero.”—Jouwrnal of Education.

The Loss of John Humble: What Led to It, and What
Came of It. By G. Norway. With 8 page Illustrations by Jouw
Scuénperc. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 5s.

“This story will place the author at once in the front rank. It is full of life
and adventure, He is equally at home in his descriptions of life in Sweden and
in the more stirring passages of wreck and disaster, and the interest of the story
is sustained without a break from first to last.”--Standard.



Under False Colours: A Story from Two Girls’ Lives.
By Saran Doupney. With 6 page Illustrations by G. G. Kin-
BURNE. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 4s.

“Sarah Doudney has no superior as a writer of high-toned stories—pure in
style, original in conception, and with skilfully wrought-out plots; but we have
seen nothing from her pen equal in dramatic energy to this book.”—Christian
Leader.
BLACKIE & SON'S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. 17

With the Sea Kings: A Story of the Days of Lord Nelson,
By F. H. Winner. With 6 page Illustrations by W. S. Sracuy.
Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 4s.

‘Just the book to put into a boy’s hands. Every chapter contains hoardings,
cuttings out, fighting pirates, escapes of thrilling audacity, and captures by corsairs,
sutticient to turn the quietest boy’s head. The story culminates in a vigorous
account of the battle of Trafalgar. Happy boys !”—Zhe Academy.



Grettir the Outlaw: A Story of Iceland. By 8. Barine-
GouLp. With 6 page Illustrations by M. Zeno Diemer, and a
Coloured Map. New Edition. Crown 8ve, cloth elegant, 4s.

‘Ts the boys’ book of its year. That is, of course, as much as to say that it
will do for men grown as well as juniors. It is told in simple, straightforward
Inglish, as all stories should be, and it has a freshness, a freedom, a sense of sun
and wind and the open air, which make it irresistible.”—National Observer.



Gold, Gold, in Cariboo: A Story of Adventure in British
Columbia. By Crive PHILurrrs-WoLLny. With 6 page Illustra-
tions by G. C. Hinpriy. Crown 8vo, cloth extra, 3s. 6d.

“Tt would be difficult to say too much in favour of Gold, Gold, in Cariboo. We
have seldom read a more exciting tale of wild mining adventure in a singularly
inaccessible country. There isa capital plot, and the interest is sustained to the
last page.” —The vines,

A Champion of the Faith: A Tale of Prince Hal and the
Lollards. By J. M. Caniwenn. With 6 page Illustrations by
Hersert J. Drarer. Crown Svo, cloth elegant, 4s.

‘* Will not be less enjoyed than My, Henty’s books. Sir John Oldcastle’s pathetic
story, and the history of his brave young squire, will make every boy enjoy this
lively story.”—London Quarterly.



BY ALICE CORKRAN.

Meg’s Friend. By Auice Corxrayn. With 6 page Illustra-
tions by Roperr Fowier. Crown 8vo, cloth extra, 3s. 6d.

ng books for girls, narrated in that simple
the authoress as one of the first amougst
The Spectator.

‘One of Miss Corkran’s charmit
and picturesque style whi
writers for young people.
Margery Merton’s Girlhood. By Anice Conran. With

6 page Pictures by GoRDoN Browne. Cr. 8vo, cloth extra, 8s. 6d.






“Another book for girls we can warmly commend, ‘There is a delightful
piquancy in the experiences and trials of a young English girl who studies
painting in Paris.”—Saturday Review.

Down the Snow Stairs: Or, From Good-night to Good-
morning. By Auice Corxran. With 60 Illustrations by Gorpon
BrowyeE. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 3s. 6d.

““A gem of the first water, bearing upon every page the mark of genius. It is
indeed a Little Pilgrim’s Progress.” —Christian Leader, B

&
18 BLACKIE & SON'S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.



Sou’wester and Sword. By Hueu Sr. Leazr. With 6
page Illustrations by Hat Hurst. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 4s.

his ig the book for a lad who loves a sea-yarn. The fun no less than the
dangers of a sailor's life are faithfully depicted. Shark fishing, mast-
heading, galley-ranging, mutiny, tropical gales, death at sea, and the
final shipwreck, are incidents in a tale which is one continuous adventure.
The hero aud several of the crew are saved from the wreck, and with the ©
harum-scarum recklessness of seamen they join the English expedition
against the Mahdi, taking part in the terrible fighting around Suakim.



BY EDGAR PICKERING.



In Press-Gang Days. By Epear Picxsrime. With 6
Illustrations by W. 8. Stacey. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3s. 6d.

In this story Harry Waring is caught by the Press-gang and carried on
board His Majesty’s ship Scxdwich. He takes part in the mutiny of the
Nore, and shares in some hard fighting on board the frigate Pheniz. He
is with Nelson, also, at the storming of Santa Cruz, and the battle of the
Nile. His career is like to end in a French prison, but he, with some
companions, manage to escape, seize a French schooner, fight their way
out of the harbour, and so return home with a prize.

An Old-Time Yarn: Wherein is set forth divers desperate
mischances which befell Anthony Ingram and his shipmates in the
West Indies and Mexico with Hawkins and Drake. By Hngar
Proxuriwe. Illustrated with 6 page Pictures drawn by ALrREp
Puarse. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3s. 6d.

“And avery good yarn it is, with not a dull page from first to last. There is

a flavour of Westward Ho! in this attractive book.”—Hducational Review.

Silas Verney: A Tale of the Time of Charles II. By Epear
Picxeninc. With 6 page Illustrations by ALrrep PEARSE, Crown
8vo, cloth elegant, 3s. 6d.

«sWonderful as the adventures of Silas are, it must be admitted that they are
very naturally worked out and very plausibly presented. Altogether this is an
excellent story for boys.” —Saturday Leview.



BY ANNIE E. ARMSTRONG.

Three Bright Girls: A Story of Chance and Mischance.
By Annis E. Anmsrrona. With 6 page Illustrations by W. PAR-
KINSON. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3s. 6d.

s for girls this is undoubtedly one of the very best.

The three girls whose portraits are so admirably painted are girls of carne t,

practical, and business-like mood, ver bright and cheerful, they influence other

lives, and at last they come ont of their trials and difficulties with honour to
themselves and benefits to all about them.”—eachers’ Aid.

A Very Odd Girl: or, Life at the Gabled Farm. By ANNIE
FE. Arusrrone. With 6 page Ilustrations by 8. T. Dapp. Crown
8vo, cloth elegant, 3s. 6d.

“The book is one we can heartily recommend, for it is not ouly bright and
interesting, but also pure and healthy in tone and teaching.”—Vhe Lady.





«© Among many good stori


BLACKIE & SON'S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. 19



BY C. J. HYNE.

The Captured Cruiser: or, Two Years from Land. By
C. J. Hyyz. With 6 page Illustrations by Frank Branewyn.
Crown. 8vo, cloth elegant, 3s. 6d.

“The two lads and the two skippers are admirably drawn. Mr. Hyne has
now secured a position in the first rank of writers of fiction for boys.” —Spectator.

Afloat at Last: A Sailor Boy’s Log of his Life at Sea. By
Joun ©. Hurcueson. With 6 page Illustrations by W. H.
OvEREND. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3s. 6d.

‘‘As healthy and breezy a book as one could wish to put into the hands of

a boy.” —Academy.

Picked up at Sea: Or, The Gold Miners of Minturne Creek.
By J. C. Hurcuuson. With 6 page Pictures. Cloth extra, 3s. 6d.

“The author's success with this book is so marked that it may well encourage him
to further efforts. ‘he description of mining life in the Far West is true and accu-
rate.’—Standard.

Cousin Geoffrey and I. By Canouinz Austin. With 6
page Illustrations by W. Parkrnson. Crown 8vo, cloth extra, 3s. 6d.
‘Miss Austin’s story is bright, clever, and well developed.”—Saturday Review,

Brother and Sister: Or, The Trials of the Moore Family.
By Exwanrru J. Lysacur. With 6 page Illustrations. Crown
S8vo, cloth elegant, 3s. 6d.

“A pretty story, and well told. The plot is cleverly constructed, and the moral
is excellent.” —Athencum.

The Search for the Talisman: A Story of Labrador.
By Heyry Fria. With 6 page Illustrations by J. Scuénzere.
Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3s. 6d.

“Mr. Frith’s volume will be among those most read and highest valued. The
adventures among seals, whales, and icebergs in Labrador will delight many a
young reader."—Pali Mall Gazette.

Reefer and Rifleman: A Tale of the Two Services. By
Licut.-Col. Puncy-Groves, With 6 page Dlusirations by Joun
Scudnpura. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3s. 6d.

“A good, old-fashioned, amphibious story of our fighting with the Frenchmen in
the beginning of our century, with a fair sprinkling of fun and frolic.’ —2%mes,



Dora: Or, A Girl withouta Home. By Mis. R. H. Reap. With
6 page Ulustrations. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3s. 6d.

“Tt is no slight thing, in an age of rubbish, to get a story so pure and healthy
as this."—The dcadeny.
20 BLACKIE & SON'S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.



Life’s Daily Ministry: A Story of Everyday Service for
Others. By Mrs. E. R. Prrman. With 4 page Illustrations. Crown
8vo, cloth extra, 3s. 6d.

“Shows exquisite touches of a master hand. She depicts in graphic outline
the characteristics of the beautiful and the good in life.”—Christian Union.



Storied Holidays: A Cycle of Red-letter Days. By E. 8.
Brooks. With 12 page Illustrations by Howarp PyLe. Crown
S8vo, cloth elegant, 3s. 6d.

“Tt is a downright good book for a senior boy, and is eminently readable from
first to last.”—Schoolmaster.

Chivalric Days: Stories of Courtesy and Courage im the
Olden Times. By E. §. Brooxs, With 20 Illustrations by
Gorpon Browne and other Artists. Crown 8vo, cloth extra, 3s. 6d.

“We have seldom come across a prettier collection of tales, These charming
stories of boys and girls of olden days are no mere fictitious or imaginary sketches,
but are real and actual records of their sayings and doings.” —Literury World.

Historic Boys: Their Endeavours, their Achievements, and
their Times. By E. 8. Brooxs. With 12 page Illustrations by
R. B. Bircu and Joun Scuénserc. Crown 8vo, cloth extra, 8s. 6d.

“'s wholesome hook, manly in tone, its character sketches enlivened by brisk
dialogue and high-class illustrations; altogether one that should incite hoys to
further acquaintance with those rulers of men whose careers are narrated. We
advise teachers to put it on their list of prizes.”—Kuowledge.

Dr. Jolliffe’s Boys: A Tale of Weston School. By Lewis
HovucH. With 6 page Pictures. Crown 8vo, cloth extra, 3s. 6d.

“Young people who appreciate Tom Brown's School-days will find this story a
worthy companion to that fascinating book. There is the same manliness of tone,
truthfulness of outline, avoidance of exaggeration and caricature, and healthy
morality as characterized the masterpiece of Mr. Hughes.” — Newcastle Journal,





The Bubbling Teapot. A Wonder Story. By Mrs. L. W.
CHampney. With 12 page Pictures by WaLrer Sarrerven.
Crown 8vo, cloth extra, 3s. 6d.

_ “Very literally a ‘wonder story’, and a wild and fanciful one. Nevertheless
it is made realistic enough, and there is a good deal of information to be gained
from it.”—The Times.

BY JENNETT HUMPHREYS.

Laugh and Learn: The Easiest Book of Nursery Lessons
and Nursery Games. By Junnerr Humpureys. Profusely Mlus-
trated. Square 8vo, cloth extra, 3s. 6d.

“One of the best books of the kind imaginable, full of practical teaching in
word and picture, and helping the little ones pleasantly along a right royal road
to learning.”—Graphic.
BLACKIE & SON'S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. 21



Thorndyke Manor: A Tale of Jacobite Times. By Mary
C. Rowsett. With 6 page Illustrations by L. Lestrz Brooxs,
Crown 8yo, cloth elegant, 3s. 6d.

“Miss Rowsell has never written a more attractive book than Thorndyke

Manor,”—Belfast News-Letter.

Traitor or Patriot? A Tale of the Rye-House Plot. By
Mary C. Rowsenn. With 6 page Pictures by C. O. Murray and
C. J. STANTLAND, B.I. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3s. 6d.

“Here the Rye-House Plot serves as the groundwork for a romantic love epi-
sode, whose true characters are lifelike beings.” —Graphie.



BLACKIE’S NEW THREE-SHILLING SERIES.
Beautifully lustrated and Handsomely Bound.

NEW VOLUMES.

Under Hatches: or, Ned Woodthorpe’s Adventures. By F.
Frankrort Moorz. With 6 page Illustrations by A. Forrsrter.
New Edition. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3s.

“The story as a story is one that will just suit boys all the world over. The
characters are well drawn and consistent; Patsy, the Irish steward, will be found

especially amusing.”—Schoolmaster,

The Congo Rovers: A Story of the Slave Squadron. By
Harry Continewoon. With 6 page Ilustrations by J. ScHONBERG.
New Edition. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3s.

“No better sea story has lately been written than the Congo Rovers. It is as
original as any boy could desire.’—Morning Post.

Menhardoec: A Story of Cornish Nets and Mines. By G.
Manvitie Fenn. With 6 page Illustrations by C. J. Srantann,
R.1. Crown 8vo, cloth extra, 3s.

“They are real living boys, with their virtues and fanlts. The Cornish fisher-
men are drawn from life, and stand out from the pages in their jerseys and
sea-boots all sprinkled with silvery pilchard scales.”—Syectator.

Yussuf the Guide: or, The Mountain Bandits. A Story of
Strange Adventure in Asia Minor. By G. Manvitue Fenn. With
6 page Illustrations by J. Scuénperc. Crown 8vo, cloth extra, 3s.

«‘Yold with such real freshness and vigour that the reader feels he is actually
one of the party, sharing in the fun and facing the dangers.” —Pall Mall Gazette.
Robinson Crusoe. With 100 Illustrations by Gorpon

Browne. Crown 8vo, cloth extra, 3s.

‘One of the best issues, if not absolutely the best, of Defoe’s work which has
ever appeared.”—The Standard.
22 BLACKIE & SON'S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.



THREE SHILLING SERIES—Continued.

Gulliver’s Travels. With 100 Tllustrations by Gorpon
Browne. Crown 8vo, cloth extra, 3s,

“Mr. Gordon Browne is, to my thinking, incomparably the most artistic,
spirited, and brilliant of ‘our illustrators of books for boys, and one of the most
humorous also, as his illustrations of ‘Gulliver’ amply testify.’—Z'ruth.

Patience Wins: or, War in the Works. By Grorer May-
VILLE Fenn. With 6 page Illustrations. Cr. 8vo, cloth extra, 3s.

“Mr. Fenn has never hit upon a happier plan than in writing this story of
Yorkshire factory life. ‘the whole book is all aglow with life.”—Pall Mall Gazette.

Mother Carey’s Chicken: Her Voyage to the Unknown
Isle. By G. Manvitte Fenn. With 6 page Illustrations by A.
Forestier, Crown 8vo, cloth extra, 3s.

“‘Undoubtedly one of the best Mr. Fenn has written. The incidents are of
thrilling interest, while the characters are drawn with a care and completeness
rarely found in a boys’ book.” —Literary World.

The Missing Merchantman. By Harry Coniiyewoop.
With 6 page Illustrations by W. H. Overenp. Cloth extra, 38s.

“One of the author's best sea stories. The hero is as heroic as any boy could
desire, and the ending is extremely happy.”—British Weekly.

The Rover’s Secret: A Tale of the Pirate Cays and Lagoons
of Cuba. By Harry Coniinewoop., With 6 page Illustrations by
W. C. Symons. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3s.

“The Rover's Secret is by far the best sea story we have read for years, and is

certain to give unalloyed pleasure to boys.”—Seturday Review.

The Wigwam and the War-path: Stories of the Red
Indians. By Ascorr R. Horz. With 6 page Illustrations. Crown
8vo, cloth elegant, 3s.

“Ts notably good. It gives a very vivid picture of life among the Indians,
which will delight the heart of many a schoolboy.’—Spectator.

Perseverance Island: or, The Robinson Crusoe of the 19th
Century. By Doucnas Frazar. With 6 page Illustrations.
Crown 8vo, cloth extra, 8s. °

“This is an interesting story, written with studied simplicity of style, much in

Defoe’s vein of apparent sincerity and scrupulous veracity; while for practical

instruction it is even better than Robinson Crusoe,”—Ilustrated London News.

Girl Neighbours: or, The Old Fashion and the New. By
Saran TyrLer. With 6 page Illustrations by C. T. Garnanp.
Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3s.

“One of the most effective and quietly humorous of Miss Sarah Tytler’s stories.
It is very healthy, very agreealle, and very well written.”—7he Spectator.
BLACKIE & SON'S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPHE. 23



BY BEATRICE HARRADEN.

Things Will Take a Turn. By Brarrice Harraven.
A New Edition, with 44 Illustrations by Joun H. Bacon. Crown
8vo, cloth elegant, 2s. 6d.

A happy creation this by the author of ‘Ships that P:

One cannot help loving the sunny-hearted child who assis her grand-dad

in his dusty second-hand book-shop, she is so gay, so engaging, 80 natural.

And to love Rosebud is to love all her friends, and enter sympathetically

into the good fortune she brought them. The charm of this tale, as of all

Miss Harraden’s work, is a delicate, wistful sympathy.



ss in the Night”.




The Whispering Winds, and the Tales that they Told. By
Mary H. Drpayuam. With 25 Dlustrations by Paun Harpy,
Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 2s. 6d.

Every wind whispered a story. The South Wind came from Italy and
told a bright little fairy tale about Baby Benedetta. The North Wind
brought a weird story of the spiteful fairy-folk from a Scottish glen; the
laughing West Wind from Devonshire told of the King of the Mist, and the
delights of clotted cream; and the Kast Wind spoke of the brave sea-king’s
daughter in Norway over the sea, And all the tales were passing good.



BLACKIE’S HALF-CROWN SERIES.

Illustrated by eminent Artists. In crown 8vo, cloth elegant.

Hammond’s Hard Lines. By Sxeuroy Kurrorp. Mlus-
trated by Haroip Corrine.

Tom Hammond was a pupil at a public school, and, boy-like, was much
given to grumbling and discontent with the “ powers that be”. He wished
oh! so many things. At length in a most curious and unexpected way he
received the offer of Mhree Wishes, which he joyfully accepted. The rela-
tion of the adventures that ensue forms a graphically diverting narrative
of the freshest interest.

Duleie King: A Story for Girls. By M. Corprr-Seymovr.
Illustrated by GurrrupE D. Hammonp.

A bright, happy-going story in which the heroine is taken from
her modest home and adopted by a rich relative. Dulcie King is not
dazzled, however, by her new and sumptuous surroundings, and the native
goodness of her heart helps her to resist all temptations to dispossess the
rightful heir, Dulcic King is a girl whom one cannot help loving.
Hugh Herbert’s Inheritance. By Caronixn Austin.

With 4 page Illustrations by C. I. Garnanp. New £dition.
Crown Svo, cloth elegant, 2s. 6d.

“Will please by its simplicity, its tenderness, and its healthy interesting
motive. It is admirably written.”—Scotsman.

Nicola: The Career of a Girl Musician. By M. Corser-Sry-
mMour. Tllustrated by Grrrrupr D. Hammonn.

“There is a great deal of quiet force and strength about the story. I can thor-
oughly and heartily recommend Nicola as a present for girls.”— Winter's Weekly.
24 BLACKIE & SON'S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPixn.



HALF-CROWN SERIES—Continued.

A Little Handful. By Harpur J. Scripps,

“A very charming picture of a bright, lovable, mischievous boy, who hails from
the New World.”—School Guardian.

A Golden Age: A Story of Four Merry Children. By Ismay
THorN. Illustrated by Gorpon Browne,
“Ought to have a place of honour on the nursery shelf.”"—The Atheneum.

A Rough Road: or, How the Boy Made a Man of Himself.
By Mrs. G. Linnzus Banks.

“Told with much simple force and that charm which belongs to one who has
known herself what a rough road is; and how to traverse it.”—-Winter’s Weekly.

The Two Dorothys. By Mrs. Herserr Marr.
“A book that will interest and please all girls.”—The Lady.

Penelope and the Others. By Amy Watron.

‘This is a charming book for children. Miss Walton proves herself a perfect
adept in understanding of school-room joys and sorrows.”—Christian Leader,

A Cruise in Cloudland. By Heyry Farru.

“A thoroughly interesting story.”—St. James’s Gazette,
Marian and Dorothy. By Ayyim E. Armsrrone

“This is distinctively a book for girls. A bright wholesome story.”—Academy.
Stimson’s Reef: A Tale of Adventure. By ©. J..Hynn.

“It may almost vie with Mr. R. L. Stevenson’s Treasure Island.’—G@uardian

Gladys Anstruther. By Lovisa Tompson.

“Tt is a clever book: novel and striking in the highest degree, ”—Schoolmistress.
The Secret of the Old House. By E. Everery-Green
“Tim, the little Jacobite, is a charming creation.”—Academy.

Hal Hungerford. By J. R. Hurcutsoy, p.a.

”

“Altogether, Hal Hungerford is a distinct literary success. ”—Spectator:

The Golden Weathercock. By Junia Goppanrn.

“A cleverly conceived quaint story, ingeniously written.”—Saturday Review.
White Lilae: or, The Queen of the May. By Amy Wauron.

“Every rural parish ought to add White Lilac to its library.” —A cadenry.
Miriam’s Ambition. By Everyy Evererr-Grern.

“Miss Green’s children are real British boys and girls.”—Liverpool Mereury.

The Brig ‘‘Audacious”. By Avan Coun.

‘Fresh and wholesome as a breath of sea air.”—Court Journal.
BLACKIE & SON'S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. 25

HALF-CROWN SERIES—Continued.
The Saucy May. By Henry Friern.

‘t My, Frith gives a new picture of life on the ocean wave.”—Shefield Independent.
Jasper’s Conquest. By Exizanera J. Lysacur.

“ One of the best boys’ books of the season,” —Sechoolinaster.
Little Lady Clare. By Evenyy Eversrr-Gresn,

“Reminds us in its quaintness of Mrs. Ewing’s delightful tales.”—Liter. World.
The Eversley Secrets. By Evntyy Everert-Green.

“ Roy Eversley is a very touching picture of high principle."—Guerdian.
The Hermit: Hunter of the Wilds. By G. Srasuas, Bn.

“Will gladden the heart of many a bright boy.” —Methodist Recorder.

Sturdy and Strong. By G. A. Henry.

“ A hero who stands as a good instance of chivalry in domestic life.” —The Empire.

Gutta Percha Willie. By Gzorez Mac Dowann.

“Get it for your boys and girls to read for themselyes.”—Practical Teacher.
The War of the Axe: Or, Adventures in South Africa. By
J. Percy-Groves.
“The story is well and brilliantly told."—Literary Wortd.
_The Lads of Little Clayton. By R. Srzav.
** 4 capital book for boys.” —Schoolimnaster.
Ten Boys who lived on the Road from Long Ago to Now.
By Janu Anprews. With 20 [lustrations.
© The idea is a very happy one, and admirably carried ont.”—Practical Teacher.
A Waif of the Sea: Or, The Lost Found. By Katz Woop.
‘Written with tenderness and grace."—Jorning Advertiser.
Winnie’s Secret. By Karz Woon.
“One of the best story-books we have read.’—Sehoolmaster.
Miss Willowburn’s Offer. By Saran Doupyzy.
Patience Willowburn is one of Miss Douducy’s heat creations.” —Spectator.

A Garland for Girls. By Lovisa M, Ancorr.

“These Little tales are the beau ideal of girls’ stories.”—Christian World.




Hetty Gray: Or, Nobody’s Bairn. By Rosa Munnoniann,
“Hetty is a delightful creature—piquant, teuder, aud trug,”—World,
Brothers in Arms: A Story of the Crnsades. By FP. Bar-
YORD HARmISON,
‘Sure to prove interesting to young people of both sexes.” Guardian.
Wiss Fenwick’s Failures. By Esai Svvarr.
“ § giv] true to veal life, who will put no nonsense into young heads.”"—Graphic.
Gytha’s Message. By Euwa Leswin.

“This is the sort of hook that all girls like.” —Journal of Bdueation.


Ns
a

BLACKIE & SONS BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE



HALF-CROWN SERIES—Continued.
Jack 0’ Lanthorn: A Tale of Adventure. By Henry Fairu.
«The narrative is crushed full of stirring incident.”— Christian Leader.

The Family Failing. By Dariey Date.

“A eapital lesson on the value of contentedness.”—A berdeen Journal,

My Mistress the Queen. By M. A. Pauvtt.

“The style is pure and graceful, and the story fall of interest.”—Scotsman,
The Stories of Wasa and Menzikoff.
Stories of the Sea in Former Days.
Tales of Captivity and Exile.
Famous Discoveries by Sea and Land.
Stirring Events of History.
Adventures in Field, Flood, and Forest.

“Tt would be difficult to place in the hands of young people books which
combine interest and instruction in a higher degree.”—Manchester Courier.



BLACKIE’S TWO-SHILLING SERIES.

Illustrated by eminent Artists. In crown 8vo, cloth elegant.



NEW VOLUMES.

The Organist’s Baby: A Story for Boys and Girls. By
Karutern Knox. Illustrated by Jonn H. Bacon.

School-Days in France. By A» Op Ginn. Illustrated
by W. ParxInson.

The Ravensworth Scholarship: A High School Story
for Girls. By Mrs. Heyry Ciarkn, w.a. Illustrated by Joun H.
Bacon.

Queen of the Daffodils: A Story of High School Life. By
Lesuig Larne.

Raff’s Ranche: A. Story of Adventure among Cow-boys and
Indians. By F. M. Honss.

An Unexpected Hero. By Eur. J. Lysacur.

The Bushranger’s Secret. By Mrs. Huyry Crarkn, uA.
The White Squall. By Jonn CG. Huvcuuson.

The Wreck of the ‘‘Nancy Bell”. By J. C. Huvcrmsoy.
The Lonely Pyramid. By J. H. Yoxatt.

Bab: or, The Triumph of Unselfishness. By Tsay Tory.
Climbing the Hill, and other Stories. By Annie S. Sway,
BLACKIE & SONS BOOKS FOR YOUNG PHOPLE. 27

TWO-SHILLING SERIES—Continued.



Brave and True, and other Stories. By Grucson Gow.
The Light Princess. By Grores Mac Donatp.
Nutbrown Roger and I By J. H. Yoxaut.
Warner’s Chase: Or, The Gentle Heart. By Ayyiz 8. Sway.



BIEN) seems LL
Reduced Tiustration from “The Queen of the Daffodils



Sam Silvan’s Sacrifice. By Jussu Corman.

Insect Ways on Summer Days in Garden, Forest, Field,
and Stream, By Jennerr Humpureys. With 70 Tlustrations.

Susan. By Amy Watton.

A Pair of Clogs. By Amy Watron.

The Hawthorns. By Amy Watton.
Dorothy’s Dilemma, By Canonine Austiy.
28 BLACKIE & SON'S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.



TWO-SHILLING SERIES—Continued.

Marie’s Home. By Caroriwm Austin.

A Warrior King. By J. Evetyy.

Aboard the ‘‘Atalanta”. By Heyry Friru.

The Penang Pirate. By Jouy C. Hurcunson.

Teddy: The Story of a “Little Pickle”. By Jony C. Hurcnzsoy.
A Rash Promise. By Cecmra Sersy Lownpus.

Linda and the Boys. By Cxcinia Srtey Lownpzs.

Swiss Stories for Children. From the German of Mapam
Jouanna Spyri. By Lucy WHEELOocK.

The Squire’s Grandson. By J. M. Caruwett.
Magna Charta Stories. Edited by Anraur Ginmay, a.m.

The Wings of Courage; ayn Tue Croup - Srinyer.
Translated from the French of GrorcE Sanp, by Mrs. Corkran.

Chirp and Chatter: Or, Lessons rrom Firnp anp Tren.
By Auice Banks. With 54 Illustrations by Gorpon Browns.

Four Little Mischiefs. By Rosa Mutuoranp.

New Light through Old Windows. By Greeson Gow.
Little Tottie, and Two Other Stories. By Tuomas Arcnen.
Naughty Miss Bunny. By Crara Mutnozanp.
Adventures of Mrs. Wishing-to-be. By Aurcz Corkray.
The Joyous Story of Toto. By Lavra E. Rictarps.
Our Dolly: Her Words and Ways. By Mus. BR. H. Reap. 2¢.
Fairy Faney’ What she Heard and Saw. By Mrs. Ruap. 2s.

BLACKIE’S EIGHTEENPENNY SERIES.

With Illustrations. In crown 8vo, cloth elegant.

NEW VOLUMES.

Olive and Robin: or, A Journey to Nowhere. By the Author of
“Two Dorothys ”. :
Mona’s Trust: A Story for Girls. By Pensnrorn Lusiin.

Little Jimmy: A Story of Adventure. By Rev. D. Ricr-Jones, M.A.
Pleasures and Pranks. By Isanenua Pearson.

In a Stranger’s Garden: A Story for Boys and Girls. By
Constance CuMING.
BLACKIE & SON'S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. 29

EIGHTEENPENNY SERIES-—Continued.

A Soldier’s Son: The Story of a Boy
who Succeeded. By ANNETTE Lys-
TER.

Mischief and Merry-making. By
ISABELLA PEARSON.

Littlebourne Lock. By

Town Mice in the Country. By
M. E. FRANCIS.

Phil and his Father,
THORN.

Prim’s Story. By L. E. TrppEMAN.

By IsMAY



FI. BAYFORD HARRISON.

Wild Meg and Wee
Dickie. By Mary E.
Ropus,

Grannie. By ELIZABETH
J. LYSAGHT.

The Seed She Sowed.
By EMMA LESLIE.
Unlucky: A Fragment of a
Girl’s Life. By Caro-

LINE AUSTIN.

Everybody’s Business:
or a Friend in Need.
By Ismay THORN.

Tales of Daring and
Danger. By G. A.
HauEntry.

The Seven Golden Keys.
By JAMES KW, ARNOLD.

The Story of a Queen.
By Mary ©. Rowsetn,

“Edwy: Or, Was he a
Coward?) By ANNETTE
LYSTER,

The Battlefield Trea-
sure. By F. Bayrorp
JTIARRISON,

Joan’s Adventures at
the North Pole. By
ALICN CORKRAN.

Filled with Gold. By J.
PERRET.

Our General: A Story for
Girls. By ELIZABETH
J. LYSAGHT.

Aunt Hesba’s Charge
By EqiaaBeTu J. Ly-
SAGHT.

By Order of Queen Maude: A Story
of Home Life. By Louisa Crow.

The Late Miss Hollingford. By
Rosa MULHOLLAND.

Our Frank. By AMY WALTON.

A Terrible Coward, By G. Man-

VILLE FENN,

Yarns on the Beach, By G. A.
HEN'TY.

Tom Finch’s Monkey. By J. C.
HULCHESON.

Miss Grantley’s Girls, and theStories
she told them. By THos. ARCHER.

The Pedlar and his Dog. By Mary
C. ROWSELL,



Reduced Specimen of the Illustrations.

Down and Up Again.
Gow,

Madge’s Mistake. By ANnNiIn E.
ARMSTRONG.

The Troubles and Triumphs of
Little Tim. By Gruason Gow.

The Happy Lad: A Story of Peasant
Life in Norway. By B. BIGRNSON.

Into the Haven. By ANNIE S. Swan.

A Box of Stories. Packed for Young
Folk by HoRACE HAPPYMAN,

The Patriot Martyr, and other Nar-
ratives of Female Heroism.

By GRuGsON
30

BLACKIE & SONS BOOKS FOR

YOUNG PEOPLE.



LIBRARY OF FAMOUS BOOKS FOR
BOYS AND GIRLS.

In Crown 8vo. Illustrated.
Waterton’s Wanderings in S.
America.
Anson’s Voyage Round the World.
Autobiography of Benjamin
Franklin.

Lamb’s Tales from Shakspeare.
Southey’s Life of Nelson.

Cloth extra, 1s. 6d. each.

Miss Mitford’s Our Village.

Dana's Two Years before the
Mast.

Marryat’s Children of the New
Forest.

Seott’s The Talisman.
The Basket of Flowers.
(Others in preparation.

THE SHILLING SERIES OF JUVENILES.

Square 16mo, Illustrated, and neatly bound in cloth extra.

NEW VOLUMES.

Only a Shilling. By M. Corber
SEYMOUR.

Sparkles. By Harri J. Scripps.

Just Like a Girl. By PrNELovy
LESLIE.

Daisy and her Friends. By L. E.
TIDDEMAN.

Brave Dorette, By JULIA GODDARD.

Piecrust Promises. By W. L.
ROOPER.

Summer Fun and Frolic.
BELLA PEARSON.

Little Aunt Dorothy. By Junnim
CHAPPELL,

The Lost Dog. By Ascorr R. Horn.

The Rambles of Three Children.
By GERALDINE MOCKLER.

By Isa-

A Council of Courtiers. By Cora
LANGTON.

A Parliament of Pickles. By Cora
LANGTON.

Sharp Tommy. By i. J. Lysaqur.

Adventures of Nell, Eddie, and
Toby. By GeraLbINE MockLur.

Freda’s Folly. By M. 8. Haycrary.

Philip Danford: A Story of Svhool
Life. By JULIA GODDARD.

The Youngest Princess. By JENNIE
CHAPPELL.

Arthur’s Temptation.
Lysis.

By EMMA



A Change for the Worse.
HARRIEt M. CApEs.

Our Two Starlings. By C. Ruprorp.

Mr. Lipscombe’s Apples. By Junta
GODDARD,

Gladys. By E. O’Byrng.

A Gypsy against Her Will. By
TnxistA LESLIE.

How the Strike Began. Do

The Castle on the Shore, By Isa-
BEL HORNIBROOK.

An Emigrant Boy’s Story.
Ascorr R, Horr.

Jock and his Friend.
LANGTON.

John a’ Dale. By Mary C. Rows@Eti..

In the Summer Holidays, By Jun-
NELT HUMPHREYS.

Tales from the Russian of Madame
Kabalensky. By G. JMNNER.
Cinderella’s Cousin. By PunuLovn.
Their New Home. By A. 8. Funn.

Janie’s Holiday. By C. Ruprorp.

A Boy Musician: or, ‘The Young Days
of Mozart,

Hatto’s Tower. By M. ©. Rowsmun.
Fairy Lovebairn’s Favourites.
Alf Jetsam. By Mrs. Guo. CuppLus.
The Redfords. By Mus. G. CUPPLES.
Missy. By I. BAyrorp HARRISON.
Hidden Seed. By EMMA LESLIE.
Tom Watkin’s Mistake. Do.

By M.

By

By Cora
BLACKIE & SON'S BOOKS FOR CHILDREN. 3l



SHILLING SERIES—Continued.

Ursula’s Aunt. By ANNIE S. Fenn. | The Wise Princess. By M. Harner

P 4 =! M. Capmrs.
Jack’s Two Sovereigns. By ANNIE .
S. PENN. = u The Blind Boy of Dresden.

A Little Adventurer. By G. Gow. aoe of lee
Olive Mount. By ANNr# S. FENN. tories from Shakespeare.

é : Every Man in his Place,
The Children of Haycombe. Do. Fireside Fairies and Fancies.
Three Little Ones. By C. LAnaeron.

To the Sea in Ships.
Two Little Brothers. By M. Iar- Jack’s Victory: Stories about Dogs.
RINT M. CAPES.

Story of a King.
The New Boy at Merriton.

By | Prince Alexis: or, Old Russia.

JULIA GODDARD. | Little Daniel: A Story of the Rhine.
The Cruise of the “‘Petrel”. By | Sasha the Serf: Stories of Russia.
J. M. HOLMES. | True Stories of Foreign History.

THE NINEPENNY SERIES FOR CHILDREN.

cap 8vo, Illustrated, and neatly bound in cloth extra.
NEW VOLUMES. , Things will Take a Turn. By
Toby. By L. &. Uinpeaan. | BEATRICE HARRADEN,
He, She, It. By A. pm V. Dawson. Max or Baby. By Ismay ‘l'uorn.
“The Carved Box. By Noruny | The Lost Thimble. By Mrs. Mus-
CHESTER. GRAVE,
Darby and Joan. By Eruun Pen- | Jack-a-Dandy. By l. J, Lysaqu.
ROSH. A Day of Adventures. By CHAR-
My Aunt Nan. By E. King Hann. | LOVE WYAT?.
or The Golden Plums. By I*. Charn.

A Little English Gentleman. By | The Queen of Squats. By Isapun
JANE DBAKIN. HORNIBROOK,

The Doctor’s Lass. By L. &. ‘I1p- | Little Troublesome. Do.

DEMAN. Shucks. By Hawa Leshin.
Spark and I. By ANNIE ARMSTRONG. Sylvia Brooke. By M. EH. M. Carus.
What Hilda Saw. By PuNELOPE | The Little Cousin. By A. S. Fenn.

__LNsuin. 5 In Cloudland. By Mrs. Musqravz.

Ente Miss Masterful. By L. E. Jack and the Gypsies. By Karn
IDDEMAN, Woop.

A Sprig of Honeysuckle. By ; p > Mary ©
GHORGINA MM. SQUIRD, SE Ceo Bye MARE

An Australian Childhood. By Mniuy Sepperl the Drummer Boy. Do.

CAMPBELL Fisherman Grim. D
Kitty Carroll. By b. i. UippeaMan nL ‘i cs
vy y oll Nae | My Lady May: and One Other Story.
A zeke fos a Picnic. by W. L. by Harrie BouLryoop,
BOOP EL >
A A Little Hero. By Mrs. MusGRAvVE.
Cross Purposes, and € 5 eas
e s, and The Shadows Prince Jon’s Pilgrimage.

By Guorge MAG DONALD. aus
Harold’s Ambition: or, A Dream of

Patty’s Ideas. By L. BE. Tippeman. Vame. By JENNIE PERRET.
Daphne. By K. O'BYRNE. ; Aboard the Mersey. By Mrs.
Lily and Rose in One. By Crernra GEORGE CUPPLES.

8. Lown bus. A Blind Pupil. By ANNE S. FENN.



Crowded Out. By M. B. MANWELLD. Lost and Found. By Mrs. Carn
Tom in a Tangle. By 'l. Sparrow. ROWER.
32 BLACKIE & SON'S BOOKS FOR CHILDREN.



SOMETHING FOR THE VERY LITTLE ONES.

Illustrated. 64 pp., cloth. 6d. each. Little Tales for Little Folk.
By Miss W. L. Roopmr. 2d. each.

Tales Easy and Small. FRED'S RUN.

Old Dick Grey and Aunt Kate’s Way. NORA’S DARK LOOK.
Maud’s Doll and Her Walk. ELLA’S FALL.

In Holi : PATTY’S WALK.

n Holiday Time. HONEST DOLLY.
Whisk and Buzz. LITTLE QUEEN PET.

“THE SIXPENNY SERIES FOR CHILDREN.
Neatly bound in cloth extra. Each contains 64 pages and an Illustration.

NEW VOLUMES. Fairy Stories: told by PENELOPE.
Nobody’s Pet, By A. Du V. DAWSON. | A New Year’sTale. ByM. A. CURRIE.
Daisy’s Visit to Unele Jack. —=—»_|_ Little Mop. By Mrs. CHARLES Bray.
ioe Soave: ees = Senos .| The Tree Cake, and other Stories.

ertaandJaunette. By Mrs. SHOR? | Nupse Peggy, and Little Dog Trip.
Mrs. Holland’s Peaches. Fanny’s King. By DAruEy DALE.
Marjory’s White Rat. ' Wild Marsh Marigolds. By D. DALE.
Grandmother’s Forget-me-nots. Kitty’s Cousin.
From over the Sea, ' Cleared at Last.
The Kitchen Cat. By AMY WALYroN. Little Dolly Forbes.
The Royal Eagle. By L. THOMPSON. A Year with Nellie. By A. 8. Frnn.
Two Little Mice. By Mrs. GARLICK. The Little Brown Bird.
A Little Man of War. The Maid of Domremy.
Lady Daisy. Py CAROLINE SrEWARS. Little Eric: a Story of Honesty.
Dew. By H. Mary WILSON. Uncle Ben the Whaler.
Chris’s Old Violin. By J. Lock Hart. The Palace of Luxury.
Mischievous Jack, By A. Corkran. | The Charcoal Burner,
The Twins. By L. i. TIpDEMAN. Willy Black: A Story of Doing Right.
Pet’s Project. By Corsa LANGTON. The Horse and his Ways.
The Chosen Treat. By C. Wyatt. The Shoemaker’s Present.
Little Neighbours. By A. 8. FENN. Lights to Walk by.
Jim: A Story of Child Life. The Little Merchant.
Little Curiosity. ByJ.M.CALLWELL. Nieholina: A Story about an Iceberg.
Sara the Wool-gatherer.



A SERIES OF FOURPENNY REWARD BOOKS.
Each 64 pages, 18mo, Illustrated, in Picture Boards.

A Start in Life. By J. Locxyart. Papa’s Birthday. By W. lL. Rooprr.
Happy Childhood. The Charm Fairy. By PENELOPE.
Dorothy’s Clock. Little Tales for Little Children.
Toddy. By L. E. TIDDEMAN. Brave and True, By Gkrason Gow,
Stories about my Dolls. Johnnie Tupper’s Temptation. Do.
Stories about my Cat Timothy. Maudie and Bertie.
Delia’s Boots. By W. L. Roopmr. The Children and the Water-Lily.
Climbing the Hill. By Anniu 8. By Junta Gopparn,

SWAN, Poor Tom Olliver. Do.
A Year at Coverley. By Do. Fritz’s Experiment.
Phil Foster. By J. Lockuarr. Luey’s Christmas-Box.

BLACKIE & SON, Liurrep., Lonpon, GLasaow, AND DUBLIN.

























































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