 16. On Angels' Wings by Louisa Lylis Green. 16. Father's Letter. So the long days deepened, and the sun grew hot and strong over the town of Edelsheim. In the middle of the day the streets were almost deserted, except by those who, under cover of huge mushroom-shaped umbrellas, ventured out to make their purchases. Even the roofs opposite had been almost deserted by the birds, which only twittered in the early morning, and the pigeons patterned up and down in the shadow of the eaves or side-huddled together on the chain, which hung across the street opposite Violet's window. For at midday their pink feet would have been scorched on the hot tiles of the house, opposite where they generally congregated. Violet's canary seldom sang now. In the evening sometimes it trealed out a delicious song, with its head bent on one side, as if it were looking out through the opening and the roofs opposite to the hill, with its crown of trees and the blue sky over it so fresh and free. But in the morning it never sang. Evelina would not allow it to sing. Its chattering and loud rejoicing as the sun arose had disturbed her sleep. And rising up one early morning she had opened the door of her room suddenly, and with smothered angry words had rushed in and thrown a black shawl over the cage which she had carried with her in her hand from the inner room. Violet, who was awake, and listening to her favorite song, with silent pleasure, protested loudly, but it was all of no use. Evelina was really angry, and she said sharply that if Violet chose to make a fuss about it she would remove the cage from the room altogether. Violet's heart beat, and her eyes flamed, and she cried hotly after Evelina's retreating figure. Father will soon come home, and then, yes, and then thou mayest do as thou chooses no doubt, and eat the little beast head and tail if it pleases thee. But it shall not keep me awake. That is all. Evelina closed the door sharply after her, and flung herself back into bed, angry with Violet and angry with herself. Both their voices had been raised, and the windows of the room lay wide open to catch even a passing breath of the cool morning air, and as Evelina hurried past the window of her room she had caught a glimpse of the old policeman standing on the pavement opposite, and looking up anxiously with strained inquiring gaze at the projecting casement of Violet's room. He must have heard her anguished cry of protestation. Father will come home soon and then. But her own voice she hoped had not been raised so loud, the little spoiled thing she thinks she must not be crossed at anything, she said pettishly to herself, and so turning on her pillow fell fast asleep. The same morning brought a letter from Violet's father, and her trouble about the canary bird was soon forgotten. It was such a long letter, her eyes deepened and her cheeks flushed. She begged of Evelina to go across the street to ask Madame Adler to come over and read it out to her. Evelina took the message somewhat unwillingly, saying that she could read it for her with pleasure. But Violet shook her head and replied nervously, Madame Adler knows father, she will understand. I suppose, replied Evelina with a short laugh, anyone who does not know thy father must be a blockhead, hey? And running lightly down the stairs and across the street, she came suddenly face to face in the Adler's doorway with the policeman. Evelina blushed a deep conscious blush and tried to hurry past, but laying his hand a moment on her arm he said gravely, while he pointed across at the window opposite. How is the little maiden up yonder? Oh, she is like a mad thing this morning, she has gotten a letter from her father and I have just flown across to call Madame Adler to read it to her. So, that is good, he replied, still looking fixedly at Evelina's blushing face and seeking to fix the eyes which looked every way excepted him. Let me pass, if you please, she said nervously, the child will be impatient if I delay. You are very kind to our Violet, he said, moving a little aside. She is happy? Oh yes, happy enough, that is to say when she gets everything she wants, she is a trifle peevish sometimes and hard to manage, but we are great friends. I fancy I heard her crying this morning, very early, was it not so? cried Evelina with a toss of her head. One must not stand in the street and count every cry a sick child gives. The canary bird chattered so that she could not sleep, nor I either, so I threw a shawl over its head and there was an end of the matter. So, said the policeman again, only this time were gravely and allowed Evelina to go past him up the stairs. Madame Adler did not lose a moment in hastening to come at Violet's call. She too had had a letter from her husband and had only just read the first line, but she thrusted into her pocket and hurried across the street. Little Violet's trembling heart must first be quieted, and then when she was satisfied, Madame Adler would return and read her own letter, in the quiet of her room with many thanks to the good God who had spared her husband so far. Reading the letter, she drew her chair beside the bed, and having kissed the little white face with its ardent loving eyes, she took the letter from Violet's hand and read it out to her slowly. It was just such a letter as she had expected it would be, overflowing with love and with almost no allusion to the war or its horrors, but giving accounts of their camp life. The bivouacs under the trees, the fires lighted on the grass, and the large camp kettle swung upon poles over the blazing logs, and of the little children who came out of the villages and stole through the woods to stare at them, and of one little maiden who had made so bold as to come and sit on John's knee and had stroked his beard and chatted to him in French, and finally had kissed him ere she went away. Sometimes they slept on the ground with nothing but the bright stars overhead, and sometimes they made houses of leaves and boughs into which they crept at night and were as comfortable as could be, but the chief part of the letter was taken up with home affairs. John wanted to know all about his Violet, whether she was happy, what she did all day, whether she went out to drive in her carriage, if Fritz took good care of her, if Madame Adler came often to see her, had the good doctor been to pay her a visit, was the canary well, did the poor back ache much, and inside the envelope folded up carefully in a small piece of tissue paper where some wild flowers gathered from under the trees where they had bivouacked the night before. Violet could put them into her mother's Bible, the flowers which she had given him were quite safe. He kept them always in a little package near his heart, and he loved to think of the words which Violet had printed for him, to meet again. It was needless to say that Violet's eyes were full before this letter was ended, and Madame Adler had to speak quickly of the one which she must write to him in answer, and of all the news she would have to tell him about her watch and about the doctor's visit, and how Ella's front tooth had fallen out, and she could no longer eat the hard gingerbread nuts in the bakery. Madame Adler promised to come over the next day to help her write this letter, and having placed her mother's Bible on the bed beside her, she returned with an anxious heart to her own house, to finish the closely written page which lay hidden away in her pocket. End of Chapter 16 Chapter 17 of On Angel's Wings This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recorded by Céline Major. On Angel's Wings by Luisa Lilias-Green Chapter 17 The Kind Physician The next morning Violet waited with some impatience for the time to arrive at which Madame Adler had promised to come and help her to write her letter. She made Avelina put her desk upon the bed and her mother's Bible, and she had on a snowy clean pinafore and a fresh purple bow tying up her hair. Avelina looked very white this morning, and often when the child spoke to her, she did not answer her. She went in and out of the room perpetually, and once or twice Violet heard her chattering in the street below in a low excited voice. And when she did return, she did not look at Violet at all, but walked to the window and stared across at the house opposite. Is Madame Adler coming? asked Violet a little wearily as for the 20th time she pushed the desk to one side, for the weight of it on the counterpane tired her so. I heard the clock strike twelve ages ago. I do not see her coming, replied Avelina evasively. Is Fritz at the window? No. Or Ella? No. Couldst thou not go across and see if she will soon be here? Do Avelina, please? Avelina turned slowly away from the window and went downstairs, while the little girl once more drew the desk near her and opening it took out a sheet of paper and pen. But Avelina did not return for a long time, and Violet's head ached so much she had to lie back on her pillows. So the weary minutes dragged on and there was no sound of anyone coming. She drew out her watch and looked at it. It wanted but a quarter to one, and then it would be dinnertime, and the letter would surely be late for the post. How fast the watch ticked, and yet how slowly the hands moved on. Her heart, too, was beating so loud and so fast she felt as if she were a part of the watch, and it made her more restless and impatient. So she put it back under her pillow and tried to lie quite still. It was such a hot morning, and the sun was beating straight in on her bed. If only Avelina would come back and draw down the blind, she murmured, for it was useless now to think of writing a letter before dinnertime. There were ducks quacking somewhere down in the street, too, and making such a noise. Whenever Avelina returned she must ask her to shut the window, and perhaps if she fell asleep for a few minutes, her head would see-saking, and the sun would have moved away from her bed. All at once, just as she had pushed her desk quite away and laying down with her back to the window, she heard Fritz's voice raised quite loud and high in the room on the opposite side of the street. He was evidently calling out to someone in a tone of entreaty and dismay. Violet with a sudden eagerness struggled upwards in her bed and listened. Mother, mother, look up. Thou must look up. Father is not dead. Father is not dead. Speak to Fritz. What is it? murmured Violet to herself with a sudden catch at her breath. What is Fritz saying? Oh, here is someone coming. For there was a sound of footsteps on the stairs and then a low knock at the door. It was the doctor. Violet recognized his kind good face with a start of joy and stretched out her little white hands lovingly. So he cried, looking first at her and then was surprised round the room. How is this? Quite a lone little one. Yes, Avelina is gone out. She went across to call Madame Adler to come to see me again. So said the doctor again, his face growing somewhat graver as he looked earnestly at her. I do not think that Madame Adler can come to see thee this morning. But first I must tell thee some good news. I have just heard that thy father is quite well. Yes, said Violet questioningly. I also had a letter from my father, and she held up an envelope which she had kept tightly pressed until now in her left hand. But mine was not a letter, it was a telegram. A telegram? She repeated puzzled and distressed. Yes, dearest child, said the doctor, taking her hand in his and half turning aside his head. Thank God thy father is safe and well. I have made that sure for thee. But there has been a battle, a great battle, and our regiment was given the honor of being placed in the front, and some, of course, have been wounded, and some will never suffer any more, and some are safe, and thy father is amongst those whom God has spared. My father cried Violet excitedly. He has been in a battle, and he did not tell me so in his letter, and he is safe. Yes, he could not have told thee in his letter. The battle was fought yesterday, and the news only came in last night. And is anyone hurt? She cried, clasping the doctor's hand with her burning fingers. Is Fritz's father safe? I am afraid he has been very seriously hurt, he replied. He is not dead, gasped Violet. No, no, not dead, but it is uncertain whether he can recover. Poor, poor Fritz! That is why he cried so loud this morning. I heard him in my bed here calling to his mother. Just so. Madam Adler is in terrible distress, and Fritz, like a brave boy, is doing all he can to comfort her, and when Fritz comes to see thee, thou must be brave also, my Violet, and try to comfort him. Yes, she replied, nodding her head in ascent, for words were growing difficult to speak, and large tears were rolling down her face. I never thought of battles, she said pleadingly, as if an excuse for her tears. So much the better, said the doctor, pressing the little hot hand in his. It is much pleasanter to think of peace. And soon there will be peace, she said, lifting up her dark pitiful eyes to his face heavy with tears. Yes, soon there will be peace, he replied, looking at her with a strange, long earnestness. And then, I shall see, Father, she added softly, while through the troubled darkness of her eyes there came a slow, sweet smile. At this moment Evelina came into the room, and the doctor, hearing her enter, rose up to take his leave. Do not leave the child again to-day alone, he said in an undertone as he walked on towards the window where Evelina stood, and watch her carefully. People may come in and tell her things which may excite and pain her, and her little thread of life will not bear it. We must try to keep it going for a little longer. She is very weak this morning and seems excited and restless. It is all about a letter to her father which she wishes Madame Adler to write for her. And now the thing is impossible. Why cannot you write it for her, eh? She will not have me to do it. No, not on any account, replied Evelina somewhat pettishly. Hump! The doctor gazed out of the window for a moment and then turning to her he said quickly, You are very good to the child, careful, gentle, patient. These things are an absolute necessity. I do all I can to please her, said Evelina, blushing hotly under the doctor's earnest gaze. But sick children are full of fancies. It is a privilege to nurse such a child. Had I not my own hands full of work and the sick and the dying to think of, I should come and sit here day and night to watch by her and comfort her. A little one, he said, turning suddenly round and moving again towards the bed. Shall I come to-morrow morning early and write that letter for thee to thy father? Oh, wilt thou? cried Violet with a sudden access of unmeasured delight as she stretched out her arms gratefully. That will be too lovely, and thou can't tell him everything, and that Violet is quite well, and so—so—happy, suggested the doctor. Yes, a faint blush. Yes, so happy waiting for him to come home. The blush deepened as the truthful heart sought about to extricate itself. I understand, he said, taking both the little hands in his. So happy when thou thinkest of father coming home, but often a little lonely and a little tired of waiting, and often the head aches, and one cannot be very happy when one said his aching can one. Yes, that is it, replied Violet, but I was not thinking of headaches, only sometimes. I am too tired. And then—she glanced towards Evelina nervously—and then I am sorry if— Exactly, so am I, cried the doctor, laughing, when I am too tired I feel as I must take a stick and beat someone, and I am sure Evelina must be black and blue with all the bruises thou giveest her. I should not at all like to receive a blow from this powerful wrist. The doctor stooped as he spoke and kissed the little hand he held in his. Violet laughed, and the rain of repentant tears was averted. When the doctor left the room Evelina came and sat by Violet's bed. She drew her chair quite close, and, speaking very gently to her, she lifted the heavy desk off the counterpane, and put it aside on the long walnut wood chest which standing close to the bed served as a kind of table. What a kind old fellow that doctor seems, she said presently. He appears to be a great friend of thine. Yes, replied Violet softly, father's friend and mother's, and now mine. Ah, so, and he has known thee all thy life. Yes, all my life. And has thou been sick always? Yes, always, Violet sighed a little and moved somewhat restlessly on her pillow. And thy mother, can't thou remember her? Oh, yes, quite well. She has not left me so very long. She slept there in that very room. She was too beautiful. All day long she sat with me, and I was always happy. And thy father, what is he like? My father, has thou not seen him? He is, oh, so tall, almost up to the ceiling. He is thee, but thou wilt see him for thyself, and then thou wilt know how splendid he is, and how good. When the war is over he will come home ever so fast to Violet. Without doubt, replied Avelina cheerfully, and is he dark or fair? Quite dark. And thy mother, was she dark also? Oh, no, my mother is quite, quite fair. She has yellow hair. I will show thee some of it. Violet put out her hand and drew over her mother's Bible which lay on the counterpane. She touched it so reverently and opened it with such a nervous thrill that Avelina watched her movements with a growing interest. Between the fly leaves of the book there was a small package pulled it up in silver paper. The child opened this with nervous trembling fingers, and revealed a lock of soft golden hair tied up with a black ribbon. And that is thy mother's hair? How fine and soft and golden it is. Why, it is almost the very same color as mine. Let us see. Avelina stretched out her hand to take it, but Violet drew back the book quickly, and then, blushing painfully at her own rudeness, shut up the little packet and closed the cover of the Bible. Ah, there is a page of thy book coming out now, cried Avelina, taking no apparent notice of her distress, and pointing to a loose sleeve which stretched some distance beyond the cover. No, it is not possible. She lifted up the book with a gesture of horror, but soon recovering herself said quickly, Ah, see, it is not out of the Bible. It is only the picture of the poor little hunchback. It fell out of its own cover, so I put it in here. The picture of what? asked Avelina, looking curiously at the loose sleeve which Violet had drawn from its resting place. It is only a fairy tale, said Violet, somewhat sadly as she placed the old faded print in Avelina's extended hand. How comical! cried Avelina, laughing. The child has a face like an old man, but then all hunchbacks have got that kind of dried-up, wise-and-expression. Violet bent her head low down over her mother's Bible to hide the sudden, vivid cutter which flooded all her face, but presently lifting up her head and seeing that Avelina was still staring curiously at the picture, she said very softly, almost in a whisper, Thou knowest, dost thou not, that I am a little hunchback? Oh, what folly! It was now Avelina's turn to grow confused and absolutely awkward. Why, thou little vain monkey, thou art fishing for compliments. It is useless for me to tell thee what thou art. Thou knowest well enough. The sweet Violet of Edosheim, the flower of all the town. No response of smile lit up Violet's face at this sudden outburst of flattery. She only added as if following out her own thoughts. Fritz knows I am a hunchback, but he does not believe about the wings. What about the wings? Dost thou not see in the picture there, low down on the page where it is written, no more tears? For dost thou not see God gave the little hunchback wings, and she flew quite away with the angels up, up to heaven. Oh, yes, of course, cried Avelina. I have read the story in another book, only it was about a boy. He had, oh, such a dreadful hump on his back, so ugly, people could not bear to look at him, or if they did they made faces at him and pointed their fingers at him, and even his own mother was ashamed. But all the time there were beautiful golden wings folded up inside his hump, and one day, when, when… Avelina hesitated a little and pinched up the frilling of her cuff nervously. Yes, what? Go on, cried Violet. Avelina looked up. The child's eyes shone with a purple light of joy, her face was radiant, her lips trembled. Go on, go on. Well, one day when he was out walking in the street, a wicked, cruel boy threw a stone at him, a large, heavy stone, and it struck him on the back. Go on, cried Violet, clutching Avelina's wrist with her burning little hand. God helped him, I am sure. Yes, God helped him. For when all the people cried out and ran to him suddenly, there came a great light all round him, so that they could not see where he lay, and there were angels all round about him comforting him. And then, out of his poor, aching shoulders, there sprang up all at once two great shining wings, and the angels whispered something in his ears, and he stretched his wings wide out, and away he flew with them right up to heaven, and God opened the gates and took him in, and he was at rest. Yes, quite at rest, and he too had no more tears, and he was quite, quite happy, said Violet. And this is all true, is it not, Avelina? Avelina caught one glimpse of the little quivering face, and she replied quickly, without doubt, at least it is just as I read it in the book, it was not a fairytale. No, certainly not. Avelina, come closer. There, put thy arms round my neck. Violet pressed her little burning lips on Avelina's cheek. I will never be cross with thee any more, never, never. I will try to love thee better every day. And all the poor, sick hunchbacks have wings, have they not, and I too, I shall have wings. Oh, yes, beautiful shining wings. In Avelina's own throat there was a catch now, and she breathed painfully. There, let me settle thy pillows, and try and rest a bit. It will do thee good to sleep a while. Yes, I am so tired, but that story thou told us me is too, too lovely. She loosened her arms from Avelina's neck, and lay back with a long, contented sigh. Where shall I put this Bible, darling? On the chest, please? Or stay, it is better to put it inside. Open the lid and lay it down in the corner quite close to my bed. Avelina raised the cover as she was told, and placed the book in the spot indicated by Violet. Take care that thou dost not crush the hat. Just lift the muslin and see. Avelina lifted a long strip of muslin, which lay all along the inside of the chest. In the corner next the bed there lay a large leghorn hat, trimmed with pale blue ribbon and forget-me-nots. Ah, how beautiful! Whose hat is it? She asked, stooping quickly to examine it. It is my mother's. She always worked on Sundays, and father put it by there with all her other clothes when… when… but please cover it up and shut the box. Avelina closed the lid very slowly, her eyes to the last moment dwelling on the forget-me-nots and the trimming of pale blue satin. Lovely! She said again to herself as she shut down the cover. Yes, lovely! murmured Violet, whose eyelids were already closing. And when Violet has wings, mother will be standing there beside God waiting for her. Poor child! said Avelina, turning and looking compassionately at the little faded face on the pillow. She has but one idea, and that is heaven. Then crossing the room and opening the door of the inner apartment, she walked gently over to the glass which stood on the dressing table and gazed at herself for a long time in the mirror. I am sure I should look lovely in that hat, she said presently. I have just the complexion for forget-me-nots, and besides my hair is just the same color as the lock she showed me. And then, taking up her knitting from the table, she returned to Violet's room and sat down in the window to work. End of Chapter 17 Chapter 18 of On an Angel's Wings This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recorded by Céline Major. On Angel's Wings by Louisa Lilias-Green 18. Sorrowful Tidings The next morning the doctor came early and, true to his promise, acted as scribe for Violet. Such a long letter as was dispatched to poor John, full of all the little scraps of news that Violet had been treasuring up for ever so long, and a few leaves of the ivy which grew up the side of the house and in at the window where she generally sat, and one yellow feather which had dropped out of the canary bird's wing. Violet felt quite elated when the letter was finished, and the doctor himself carried it off to the post, leaving her smiling, with eyes bright with pleasure and cheeks just a little flushed by the unusual exertion. When the doctor was gone, she insisted on being lifted up and placed as usual in the window. Evelina was surprised at the energy she showed in all her movements, and the weary time of her dressing went on with fewer sighs than usual. It was not until she was actually seated in her old chair in the embrasure that she seemed for the first time to realize the terrible trouble that had come upon her friends in the house opposite. She had been so busy thinking of her father and of the letter which was to go to him, that she had not taken in all the sorrow that had fallen on the town and its inhabitants, but she could not sit long at the window this morning and not see or hear something of it. It seemed to her after a little time that all the people in Edelsheim were weeping. There were women standing at Madame Adler's door ringing their hands and others with aprons to their eyes sobbing. Many of them had slips of paper in their hands which they gazed at every moment and then burst out crying afresh. Even the policeman as he passed down the street opposite had tears in his eyes, and as he tried to smile up at her window Violet saw how they fell on the breast of his coat. What are they all crying for in the street below? She asked plaintively as Evelina came out of the inner room and sat down in the window seat opposite her. Is Fritz's father so very, very ill, or what is it? It is not only for him they are weeping poor creatures. Cryed Evelina gazing earnestly after the policeman who was slowly pacing down the street with his head bent upon his chest. They have all suffered poor souls. There is not one in Edelsheim that has not lost a friend or a brother, a father, or a husband, or a lover. The regiment was in the very front of the battle and the men were mowed down like grass, at least so the paper says. What paper? The newspaper. But the doctor said that we're on no account to see it. Indeed I ought not to speak to thee of such things at all. Only one must answer plain questions when they are put to one. Oh, here comes the little Ella and her brother. They are crossing the street and they will bring thee all the news. Violet turned quickly round for her eyes had been fixed with an ever-increasing horror on Evelina's face and now she just got a glimpse of Ella's fair hair floating behind her as she passed under the overhanging eaves of the window. In a moment more both children had burst into the room. Ella, a little in advance of Fritz who was quite breathless and red in his endeavors to keep pace with her and had his hand tightly locked in the gathers of her dress by which he vainly tried to hold her back. Has thou heard, Violet? cried Ella, her voice raised almost to a scream as she endeavored to be the first to tell the news. Has thou heard that father has lost his leg? One whole leg. It is quite true. First they shot it off and then they cut it off and now he is in the hospital and the policeman's son had both his arms shot off him and the father of the orange girl is dead and she was screaming all the mourning on the steps of the chapel and no oranges in her basket at all. Silence, you little dunderhead! cried Fritz, shaking Ella so violently by her skirt that she was forced for a moment to pause and resent his rudeness. Did not mother tell thee this morning that thou were not to frighten Violet with all these dories? But are they true? asked Violet eagerly. Yes, quite true, echoed Ella. Violet still looked towards Fritz for confirmation. Yes, they are quite true, he said gravely. But thy father is safe, mother said so. She had a telegram from him this morning. A telegram? Well, yes. A message to say father was going on well and to give thee his love. His love, echoed Violet in a whisper. And loads and loads of people are dead, continued Ella who had not have exhausted her store of news. And the little man who used to sell the peppermint sticks has had his whole head blown off. His wife says it is not a bit true and she wanted to go off in a cart this morning to look for him, only the doctor would not let her. Mother said the poor woman's head was gone. So then you see, they would neither of them have heads, I suppose, and would not that be rather funny, Violet. Evelina tittered a little and went into the next room to hide her laughter, but Fritz grew very red and said angrily. The little donkey, she does not know what she talks about, only picking up what other people say. I don't pick up what other people say. I heard every word and lots more, rejoined Ella stoutly, but still she blushed at Fritz's reproof and shuffled her shoulders along the wall uneasily. And is thy father very sick? Will he come home soon? asked Violet, whose face and lips had been gradually whitening as the children's talk went on. Ah, that I cannot tell thee. Mother says it will be a long time before he can move at all, and then he will have to get crutches. And must he always walk with crutches? Always, always? asked Violet, whose mind was only gradually opening up to all the sadness of the occasion. Yes, always, replied Fritz, for, of course, he could not walk on one leg. I can hop on one leg, observed Ella from the corner into which he had been gradually retreating. This morning when I heard all about, Father, I hopped six times up and down the kitchen and never put my hand on anything. And can thy father never bake any more bread nor stand any more at the door in the evening and kiss hands up to me? That I do not know. He will stand, perhaps, in the bakery and look on, and then, thou knowest, he can have a chair put down in the doorway, and he can see thee from there. Oh, Ella, canst thou not keep still? For Ella had now emerged from her corner near the stove and with the handle of the little stove-brush planted under her arm was prancing up and down the floor with one leg drawn up behind her and the other coming down at intervals with tremendous thumps on the floor. Do keep still? cried Fritz again. But Ella, who had sat all day long, silent and miserable in the house opposite, was now flushed with the excitement of freedom both of limb and speech, and up and down the room she hopped and bounded with glowing cheeks and flying hair crying out, see how I can hop? Until at last the brushstick sipped with a sudden jerk from under her arm and she came crashed down on the floor on her face. Ha-ha! That comes from pretending to have only one leg, shouted Fritz, half laughing himself at the catastrophe. But when he picked up poor Ella and found that her lip was cut and swelled and her little fat elbow all scraped and bleeding too, he carried her over in his arms to a chair and kissed her a hundred times. It was all, however, of no avail. Ella, it is true, made no sound whatever for a moment or two and Violet, quite terrified, leaned forward in her chair anxiously. But Ella was only waiting to recover her breath, her nerves had been strained to the highest pitch, poor child, and now, with almost a convulsive struggle, a piercing cry burst forth, loud and long and terrifying to hear. Avelina came rushing out of the inner room and snatching the child from Fritz's arms without listening to explanation or remonstrance, she carried her down the stairs and quickly across the street to her mother. Fritz sprang up to follow, but looking round at Violet's pale face, he paused and hesitated. I will stay with thee till she comes back, he said comfortingly, and he returned and stood by her side, though his lips and hands trembled with the passion he strove to repress. They could hear poor Ella's cries all the way up the stairs and long after she entered the little sitting-room opposite. They saw her mother take her upon her knee and press her head against her bosom and dry her eyes softly with her handkerchief and wipe the blood from her lip. And then Fritz saw Avelina come out of the door again, but she did not cross the street or look up at their window as he expected she would do, but instead she walked for some distance along the narrow pavement until she met the policeman who was slowly returning on his beat. Bah! cried Fritz, shooting out his lips with emotion of the supremus contempt. She is a sigh old fox and I hate her. Whom? asked Violet, whose mind had wandered far away and whose hand was resting wearily on the cover of her mother's Bible. Avelina! cried Fritz stoutly. She is a vain old chattering peahen. Ah, no! Thou must not say so, Fritz. Why not? She does not care one straw for thee. Yes, yes, she does. She has told me such lovely things. What about? Ah! About a poor sick boy. It was not a fairy tale. It was quite true. He was a poor little hunchback like me and God gave him wings, beautiful silver wings, and someone threw a stone at him and all at once he stretched out his wings and angels came to meet him and he went right up to heaven, and this story is true. Fritz colored violently and made no reply. He looked a moment into Violet's eyes and then gazed nervously aside. Presently he came over to her chair and put his arm round her neck. No, no, it is not true. He cried in a sudden anguish. It must not be true. I do not want thee to have wings. Thou must get well. I do not want thee to die and go away and leave me. To die? said Violet with a little gasp. Ah, no! I do not want to die. Only mother said when I had wings I should have no more pain and no more tears. And now thou art crying Fritz and I do not like to see it. I cannot help crying, sobbed Fritz. Then thou hath better take up thy cap and go away, said Evelina somewhat sharply from the doorway. We have had tears enough in this room for one day. Fritz rose up proudly and took his cap from the table at the foot of the bed. And when thou talkest to the policeman next time, continued Evelina in the same unpleasant tone, thou mayest find some other subject more interesting to him than to talk about me and tales of. I told no tales, cried Fritz hotly. He asked me, were't thou very good to his little friend Violet, that was all. Well, and what did thou say? I said nothing. I did not answer him. I went into the house and shut the door. That was the most unkind thing thou couldst have done. It was worse than telling tales. I will be kinder next time, cried Fritz with a sudden spirit. I will tell him everything. Thou hast nothing to tell, screamed Evelina down the staircase. Ha ha, laughed Fritz, asked the looking-glass. It sees more of thee than any one else. Little villain, he shall not see much more of us, said Evelina angrily as she shut the door and came back into the room. The children at Gutsberg would not dare to speak to me like that. They have better manners. Well, thou have thy dinner now. She added more quietly as she caught the look of weary pain and deep distress on Violet's face. No, thank you. I could not eat, I am so tired. Please, let me go back to bed. Evelina undressed the child in silence. She was not cross, but her cheeks burned and she seemed engrossed in her own thoughts. Violet was not long in bed before she fell asleep. She was very tired and she slept heavily. When she woke again, the afternoon was almost spent and the room was empty. She raised herself a little on her pillows and looked about her. The door of the inner room was slightly ajar and she leaned forward to see if anyone was there. She could just catch a glimpse of Evelina's figure. She was standing opposite the mirror and was trying something on her head. It is Mother's hat, gasped Violet. I see the blue ribbons. At this moment Evelina turned round quickly and catching a glimpse of the child's face she shut the door with a snap. End of Chapter 18 Chapter 19 of On Angel's Wings This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recorded by Céline Majore. On Angel's Wings by Louisa Lilius-Green 19. A Bright Prospect It seemed to Violet as the long autumn days went by and she sat in the old place in the window that the town was changed. All the people who went by in the street were dressed in black, very few smiled as they looked up at her though they kissed their hands as usual and nodded their heads. The basket bell seldom rang now and worst of all Fritz never came to see her. It was not that Evelina had carried her thread into execution, but alas Fritz had got the whooping cough and the daughter had forbidden him to enter Violet's house. It would be fatal to the child he said to catch such an illness, and one must remember not only her weakness but also the great love of poor John away at the war who was ever day and night thinking of his darling and wondering whether God would spare her to him until his return. So the days dragged on somewhat heavily and Violet grew very weary. No air seemed to come down from the hill far away. The little children who went on expeditions to gather nuts were nearly all dressed in black and they did not come back singing and dancing as they used to do. Evelina once brought in an apron full of nuts and poured them into Violet's lap and Ella too came bouncing in one afternoon with an old cap of Fritz's full to the brim with the choicest hazels, but Violet had no fancy for them though she kissed Ella and thanked Evelina for remembering her. When father comes home, she said to Ella, then he will take me in my carriage to the hill, first to see mother, and then all the way up the hill. The nuts will not be gone by that time, she said questioningly. I will take the out tomorrow to the hill if thou choosest, said Evelina, looking round towards the corner of the room where the carriage stood covered over by a rug. It would brighten the up a bit and Miss Ella could come to if she liked. Yes, yes, cried Ella jumping about wildly and flinging her arms around Violet's neck. Come, come, come, come, tomorrow and gather nuts with Ella. I should like to go with father first, said Violet nervously for the temptation was great and my back aches so I should be frightened. Thy back will not ache less for waiting, observed Evelina shortly. No, not one bit less, urged Ella with the broadest smile of satisfaction on her face. And as to waiting for thy father, continued Evelina, goodness knows when he will be back again. The leaves and nuts and all may be off the trees before the war is over. Yes, leaves and nuts and all, echoed Ella, and mother says perhaps the snow will be on the ground before our soldiers come home. And battles and battles and battles. And do you know they tumble all the dead horses into great big holes? Fifteen great horses into one hole and one great enormous shell which a man shot out of a gun first went through a house and then it went through a garden and then it went through a wall and then it went through a woman who was baking a cake and at last it went through a steeple and down tumbled the whole church and everyone was killed and was not that a grand shot Violet. Ella spread out her arms triumphantly and laughed in concert with Evelina who shrieked in the corner. The policeman said it was not one bit true but he is a moldy old fellow, cried Ella excitedly. He was never in no battles, only marching up and down and up and down. He gave me a flower for the Violet yesterday and as I was standing in the street it fell in the gutter and the water carried it off in one moment under the stones. A flower? For me? Yes, he had it in his hand and he said, Give this to my little friend in the window up there. And while I was looking ever so high up trying to see thee, down fell the flower in the water and away it goes. But what harm? It was only a little Violet, cried Ella, drawing close to Violet with eyes full of a great mystery. What is it? Fritz found it out himself the other day and showed it to me and to mother. What? Again asked Violet, her eyes gazing eagerly into the little face before her. Violets have got humps on their backs and thou, thou art a Violet too and thou has to hump on thy back and is not that funny? Hush, cried Evelina, catching Ella by the skirt of her dress and trying to draw her back from Violet's chair. Such talk is not allowed in this room. Oh yes, let her tell me. I love to hear what Fritz says about the Violet. What a strange child she is, cried Evelina to herself as she let go the skirt. Go on, said Violet anxiously. What more did Fritz say? He had seven Violets in his hand. He spread them all out on the table and counted them, for he had sent me with a whole penny to the shop and only got back seven flowers. The woman had no flowers in her shop, only lovely yellow reese with writing on them to hang on dead people's graves. And when I brought one back to Fritz he was mad angry and said he would not send thee over such a thing for all the world. He called me a blockhead and said thy father was not dead but quite alive and well and it was no use. And so the woman gave the Violets. Yes, said Violet somewhat faintly. And Fritz was so angry, he spread them all out on the table and was going to chop off all their heads with a knife when he found out about the humps. And then he called mother up from the bakery and showed them to her. And what did she say? Asked Violet deeply interested in Ella's recital. Fritz asked was that why they called thee Violet because thou also hast a hump. And mother said, hush foolish boy. Violet was like a little angel when she was born and soon she would be an angel again. And then Fritz got his pen knife and cut open all the humps to see what was in them. And there wasn't anything to see, only things all folded up and quite shining. Ah, murmured Violet faintly. And then Fritz gave a great cough and away flew all the Violets off the table, heads and tails and humps and all. And mother had to hold Fritz by both the hands for he caught as if his head would have fallen off too. Ella laughed heartily at the recollection and letting go Violet's dress clambered up into the window where, kneeling on the windowsill, she seized upon some of the wooden animals ranged along the ledges and began with infinite pains to make the camel try to kiss the elephant. Only I don't know where the elephant keeps his mouth, she said plaintively. By and by she seats playing and felt a singing, her round face pressed against the window frame and her eyes looking out towards the hill. Avelina put down her knitting and listened. The child had the sweetest voice and all Edelsoym, clear, fresh and true. She sang unconsciously a hymn about green pastures and lambs who followed their shepherd by the side of still waters and whom when weary he carried in his bosom tenderly and full of care. Avelina looked across at Violet to express her admiration and amazement at the beauty and pathos of the child's voice, but Violet did not see her for her eyes were fixed on the little cap beside her filled with the fresh hazelnuts with their pale green leaves and rich with the odor of the trees which grew on the hill yonder still hanging about them. A great longing was beginning to fill her soul, to go out like all the other children and see the woods and the squirrels and the boughs laden with their fruit, to see the cattle and the fields and the little waterfall close by the road at the foot of which Pritz had told her one could always find a lovely damp moss with leaves which looked like trees. She had some of these leaves put away in Mother's Bible and she would like to see them and gather them for herself. And now so deep was her reverie that she did not even notice Ella's descent from the windowsill and was scarcely conscious of the parting kiss given in some haste as Pritz had signaled to Ella to return home at once and had held out to her view a tempting cake full of currents and covered over with pink sugar. When Ella was gone Avelina rose up to prepare the dinner, but her attention was once more drawn to the child's deep reverie and to the earnest gaze fixed so immovably upon the cap full of green nuts which rested on her knees. Well, Violet, what art thou thinking of with thy great big eyes so wide open? She asked, turning round with the wooden bread plate in her hand. Art thou searching for a wood fairy amongst the leaves? No, I was thinking. Thinking of what? I was thinking of the hill and of the carriage father made for me and of what thou were saying a few minutes ago about—about—about going to the hill. Yes, certainly, why not? We will put thee and thy carriage after dinner, and away we shall go all the way up the hill, and we shall have rare fun. I shall send a cross after dinner for Miss Ella, and she shall push and I will pull. And then, when we are there, we can pack all the nuts into the foot of the carriage, and then we will cover thee all over with bows, and everyone will say as we return, Oh, look at our little Violet hidden among the sweet green leaves! Evalina was in her best mood today, and besides, when she looked into the child's eyes, she always felt a stirring in her heart, like the good seed trying to thrust itself up amongst the tears and follies of her bane and wavering nature. Violet could not eat much of the dinner Evalina had got ready for her, though it was hot and tempting enough. Evalina had a taste for cookery, and the meals were always well and skillfully prepared. Today her mind was too disturbed to be conscious almost of what she was eating. This expedition to the hill was full of an excitement which choked and stifled her. To be out in the fresh air, to hear the birds sing, to see the trees waving, to watch the children gathering nuts. Perhaps the even might hold down some of the bows close enough to her carriage so that she might gather some herself. And then, only to think what a letter she could write to her father, how rejoiced he would be to think that his carriage had been used at last and that the expedition to the hill had been such a happy one. Evalina ate her own dinner very happily and tried to induce Violet to do the same. She laughed and chatted and was herself quite elated at the thought of the expedition. The little girl grew more and more excited as Evalina described all the things they would see and all the people they would meet. Her eyes glowed and her cheeks burned and when the dinner was over she watched with an ever-increasing anxiety the preparations which Evalina began to make for their expedition. The carriage was drawn out from its covering. The cushions were dusted. Pillows with clean, frilled covers over them were placed carefully on the cushions to support Violet's back and shoulders. Then on the rail at the back was hung a basket for the nuts. And on the foot Evalina threw a scarlet shawl at her own which gave her bright and glowing finish to it all. Evalina, thou art too kind! cried Violet, stretching out her arms suddenly. I will tell Father, I will tell everybody, how good thou art to me! Evalina returned the chas embrace warmly, blushing a little as she did so. Ah, if so, thou wilt be better than Master Fritziander! She cried, looking quickly across at the house opposite. A nice character he gave of me to the policeman who will not so much as look at me now if I meet him in the street. But what do I care? Not one hazel nut for him or his long sallow face, the old stick in the mud? He asks everyone as many questions about thee as if he were thy father. He is my friend, said Violet nervously as she heard the thrill of anger in Evalina's tones. Bah, I suppose because he walks up and down the street and kisses hands to thee now and again as he goes by, he reckons himself thy friend, much more of a friend than those who take care of thee all day and all night. But what is the use of talking? It is not of him we are thinking, but of the lovely ride we are going to have to day in the woods. Let me see now. Where is thy hat, and thou wilt want some little coat I suppose to put over thy dress? I have no hat, replied Violet looking up with suddenly clouded eyes. No hat and no coat. How is that? Neither hat nor coat? Father said he would buy me a hat and cloak when he took me out in my carriage, but he is not here now. Oh, Evalina, cannot I go in the carriage as Ella often goes in Fitzwood and Cart? Or Ella perhaps would lend me a hat? Do go across if thou canst find me one somewhere? It seemed to Violet as if some great impediment had suddenly started up in the path of her promised happiness. I need not go to trouble Madame Adler about hats. I could put something better on thy head than anything she could lend thee, said Evalina with a little laugh, why a beggar child in Edelsheim would not pick Miss Ella's hat out of the gutter. Violet did not hear this remark about Edelsheim or her little friend Ella. A thought had suddenly come into her head and she was struggling with herself how best she could make it known to her companion. Evalina? Well, what is it? I suppose thou art too grand to wear one of my hats. No, no, but I have thought of something. I would like to wear mother's hat, which is in the box. What, the splendid leghorn with the blue silk ribbons? Impossible. Why, asked Violet, coloring violently as she met the astonished eyes of Evalina, it has forget-me-nots on it and I would love to wear it, O this one day. Do not shake thy head so, Evalina. Father said that by and by when I was big I might wear it. Thy father, of course, can give thee leave to do what he likes when he is here, but to wear such a hat to go to the hill the very thought of it is ridiculous. But mother would love me to wear it. She gave me always what I asked for, pleaded Violet with tear-choked earnestness. And that is just why thou art such a little spoiled brat who must have everything thine own way. Then let us talk no more about it. The hat would be destroyed if it were crushed up against the pillows, the brim would be broken, and the dust and leaves and dirt off the trees would ruin the trimming. Wait some day until I take thee to church and then. To church, cried Violet, stretching out her hand suddenly and uttering a cry of joy. Yes, yes, why not? We can draw thee there some day in the carriage and I can carry thee inside in my arms. And I shall see where mother is asleep. Is it not so, Evalina? Yes, yes. Now dry up thy tears and think of the nuts and the trees and all the fun we are going to have. Violet drew a deep sigh of relief and turned her eyes once more towards the carriage. Her heart was too full for any words as she wiped the tears off her cheeks and pinafore and gazed with interest at Evalina, who having finished setting the room in order began to prepare herself for the expedition by putting a little muslin tippet on her shoulders tied up with blue bows and the daintiest white-friiled cap upon her head, which sat just far enough back to show the pretty golden curls which clustered round her forehead coaxingly. Now, little love-bird, she said, turning with her pleasantest smile towards the sick child whose eyes she could see were following all her movements with almost ardent admiration. Now I am off to look for a little hat for thyself. I saw one in a shop yesterday just beside the flower shop, and it is just the very thing for thee. It is made of brown straw, shady, and yet not too large. I shall not be a moment away. Thou art too good, Evalina, cried Violet eagerly. And if thou seest the policeman, tell him that I'm going out today in my carriage. He will be glad I know to hear that, for he is my friend, and I will say to him how good thou art to me. Yes, yes! shouted Evalina, turning briskly down the stairs. If I see him I shall tell him. And Violet, leaning back in her chair, folded her arms on her lap and looked across at the top of the Green Hill, in whose cool shadows she hoped so soon to be resting. Evalina was not very long away. She returned, blushing and smiling with a pretty brown hat in her hand, having a wreath of yellow buttercups twisted round its crown. There, darling, she cried, placing it on Violet's head. Is not that lovely? The woman in the shop nearly wept for joy when she heard it was for thee, and she chose this wreath for thee herself. She actually refused to take any money for it, not a penny, though I said if thy father were at home he would insist on paying her. Ah, that is another thing! She said pinning the flowers round the hat so tastefully. I would accept twenty shillings this moment to know he were safe at home. Was not that good of her? asked Evalina, tilting the hat a little back on Violet's head. We must not quite cover up thy face for all that, my angel. She added, laughing. Or what would the old policeman say? The policeman cried Violet eagerly. Why didst thou see him? Ah, now indeed I have some news for thee. I met him just at the corner by the flower shop, and told him all about that promised drive to the hill this afternoon. And what does thou think? He said if we would wait a while until his duty was over, he would come with us there himself, in that he would rather draw thee one mile in thy little cart than the king himself and his state coach. I laughed at the old silly. As if he could draw the king one step, let alone the heavy state coach. But he is after all a good soul, for he nearly wept with joy at the news that thou werest going out, and asked so many questions about the carriage and the cushions that I thought I should never get home. So now I have been across and told little Ella that we shall not be ready just yet a while, and her mother is delighted at the delay, for the child had just spilt a whole bottle of ink over her dress and pinafore and stockings, and she will require time to make her need again. She had been crying too, poor little wretch. For her eyes were sticking out like crab's eyes, and Fritz had her on his knee and was cramming bonbons into her mouth. Good old Fritz, said Violet softly. Oh, good indeed! Thou shouldst have heard all he said and the names he called me, because why? He thinks thou shouldst not go to the hill without him. But his mother told him that was folly as the summer would be over before he had done coughing. And then he talked a lot of rubbish about the doctor and asking his leave. But, Bah, who listens to such a chattering magpie? Poor Fritz! Father promised him that he should be the first to draw me in the carriage to the hill, said Violet half-speaking to herself, but Evelina, who had grown angry, caught the words and said quickly. Very good! Let Fritz be the first to draw thee to the hill. The policeman and I can well afford to wait for such an honour. Then, seeing that the child had quite failed to take in the meaning of her cutting words, she added in a more kindly tone. See now, it wants nearly two hours to the time when the policeman can come here and… Two hours! interrupted Violet with almost a cry of disappointment. Yes, two hours, and so much the better for thee, for now the sun is so hot it would just beg thee into a little pie. There was a child yesterday, Master Fritz said, who went to the hill and got such a headache from standing in a cornfield beside the river, that last night they thought it was going to die. Oh! said Violet thoughtfully. She was thinking of the story in the Bible which Fritz had told her one time long ago. And is it well now, Evelina? I do not know, I did not ask. The policeman can tell thee. He is not such a bad old fellow after all. He is going to bring out cakes and strawberries and cream and a kettle, and I don't know what else, and we are to have tea under the trees. Is not that lovely? Lovely to do lovely, replied Violet, her eyes kindling with a speechless joy. And perhaps, Evelina, I shall hear the nightingale singing in the woods. Mother used to walk down there with Father in the evenings long ago to listen, and once she had me in her arms. Father told me so, but then I was only a very small baby. And shall I see glow-worms, too, and those little mice which have wings? Yes, yes, everything, replied Evelina, who was busy buttoning on a pair of very dainty boots. We shall have a delicious evening, that is certain. And I would have thee go to sleep now and think no more about it, and when thou awakeest the two hours will be gone, and we shall lift thee straight away into thy carriage and then hurrah for the hill. Why, thou wilt feel just like a bird escaped from its cage, and when once thou hast stretched thy wings and flown to the woods, I reckon we shall have pretty hard work to keep thee in the house any longer. My wings! echoed Violet in a tone of such concentrated interest that Evelina looked up startled and astonished. When shall I have wings? Little goose! replied the girl, turning away her head suddenly from the side of those pleading eyes. How can I tell thee? Perhaps we shall cheat thee after all of thy wings when we get thee out into the fresh air and the fields, and then what will thy father think when he comes home? I do not understand what thou meanest, said Violet plaintively. Never mind what I mean, wings are all very well, no doubt, for birds and things that cannot walk, but fine fat arms and legs are better still. Ah, thou shouldst see thy cousins at Gutsberg. They are something like children. I would not drag one of those fat things to the hill in thy carriage, not for all thou couldst give me. But thou rememberest the little sick girl in the book, dost thou not, Evelina? asked Violet puzzled and anxious. In what book? Violet placed her hand on the spotted cover beside her on the table. The picture is in Mother's Bible, she said softly. Oh yes, to be sure I remember all about it, but we need not think about such sad things today. Go to sleep now, and I will draw this blind down beside thee and darken the room a bit. As Evelina stretched up her arms to reach the tassel of the narrow blind beside Violet's chair, she caught her by her apron and said earnestly, But thou, Evelina, thou believest that I shall have wings? Of course I do. And will it be soon? Oh, how can I tell? Before the winter, I daresay. Before the winter, repeated Violet reflectively, that is not long to wait. What a strange child thou art, cried Evelina, putting her arms suddenly round Violet's neck and kissing her. Why art thou in such a hurry to leave us all? Is not Evelina good to thee? Oh yes, too good. Only my back aches so, and the wings are so long coming. Evelina looked at the little white face turned up to her so wistfully and said in her softest voice, Pray to God, darling, for thy wings. He can give them to thee when he likes. Yes, I do pray every day, and fritz too, and thou, Evelina, Thou also wilt ask God every morning and every evening when thou sayest thy prayers, wilt thou not? Evelina suddenly flushed Scarlet and turned away her face from the earnest pleading eyes. Wilt thou not, Evelina? Yes, yes, of course. Only do not let us talk any more about wings. Thou wilt be too tired for thy drive. Lie back on thy pillows now and dream of strawberries and cream, and thy friend the old policeman sitting with thee under the trees on the hill, and all the care he will take of thee and of the long letter we must write by and by to thy father of all we have seen and done. Chapter 20 of On Angel's Wings This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recorded by Celine Major. On Angel's Wings by Louisa Lillias Green. 20. All Alone It was the sound of a cannon fired from the fort just across the river that woke Violet from the sleep into which she had fallen and in which she had lain now peacefully resting for the last two hours. She did not often sleep so heavily in the daytime, but this afternoon she had been so excited and restless that her little body had felt quite worn out, and she had scarcely lain back on her pillows before a most delicious sleep had overtaken her. She had dreamt, too, such a lovely dream, a dream that she was out gathering flowers in a wide meadow at the foot of the hill. Beautiful blue forget-me-nots and the yellow narcissist. And that morning beside her and holding her hand all dressed in white with beautiful silver wings was another child whom she seemed to know at once to be the little girl the daughter had told her of who in the springtime when the flowers were starting up and the larks were beginning to sing had suddenly escaped like a bird from its cage and spreading her wings had flown right up to God. But now in the dream she was in the meadow with Violet holding her hand and leading her along and pointing out to her the beautiful flowers which were growing here and there through the grass. And Violet wondered even in her dream how it was that she had no pain in her shoulders and that her feet seemed to carry her along so easily and swiftly over the meadows. Sometimes indeed they did not seem to touch the ground at all but only to skim over the heads of the tall grasses. And a delicious breeze was blowing down from the hill and wafting her along towards the spot where the forget-me-nots grew thickest and where the sweet-scented jonquals stood up so pure and white in their beauty. And while she was stooping and gathering the blue flowers which she loved the best, she thought she heard a voice calling to her a long way off down the meadow, a very gentle voice which at first sounded as if Aunt Lizzie were calling to her. But the little girl touched her on the shoulder and said, Violet, does thou not hear thy mother calling to thee? My mother? Where? And then remembering suddenly that her mother was dead she said very sadly, it cannot be my mother for she is not here any longer. She is up in heaven with the angels and I cannot go to her until God has given me wings. Ah, does thou not know that this is heaven and that thou hast wings? Then Violet, looking up suddenly, saw that the air was full of shining figures flitting to and fro across the sky and there was a shining hill on which stood a great white throne and on the steps of the throne the Lord Jesus was standing with a little lamb in his arms. And Violet suddenly felt herself rising up into the air like the angels and soon she was flying swiftly across the meadow in the direction of the throne, flying, flying ever faster that she might meet the good Lord Jesus whom she loved so much and see the lamb that he had folded so closely to his breast. At last she came to the foot of the shining steps and the good Lord Jesus was standing there waiting for her with a smile on his face and she said to him very softly, Dear Lord Jesus, show me the little lamb whom thou art carrying in thy bosom? And the Lord Jesus answered her in a low, sweet voice, does thou not know this is the little Violet from Edelsheim? She has fallen asleep and I am going to lay her in her mother's arms. And Violet saw then it was a little sick maiden that he carried so lovingly and she stretched up that she might see the little girl's face and when she did see it was quite white and there were tears upon the cheeks though the eyes were closed. But even while she was looking at it wonderingly the Lord Jesus duped down and kissed the child on the forehead and she heard him say in a low voice as he leaned over her, no more tears. Then Violet remembered that she had heard those words before and she stirred in her sleep and stretched out her hand towards the table on which lay her mother's Bible and the book with the spotted cover. But before she could find them she awoke with a sudden start and a scream for from the fort across the river one of the great cannon had been fired off and which always shook the town from end to end and the window frames were still rattling and the Noah's Ark animals falling down over the cushions beside her when she awoke. What is that? She cried hastily clutching at the rails of her chair to draw herself up from her pillows. Evelina, what was that dreadful noise? Either Evelina was not in the room or the voice had deafened her for she did not answer Violet's question and before she could speak again or look round there was another roar of cannon from the fort and once more the window frames rattled and the animals fell pale mail upon the cushioned window seat beneath. Evelina, Evelina, where art thou? Why dost thou not answer? cried Violet who suddenly aroused from a delicious dream of rest and peace had scarcely yet realized either where she was or what was going on. She sat up now and gazed around the room with a flushed face and anxious eyes. But no Evelina was there though the carriage was still drawn out in the middle of the room and the new brown hat was lying on the coverlet and gradually Violet remembered that this was the afternoon that she was to have tea with a policeman and Ella under the trees on the hill. But surely the afternoon must be almost over now for the evening shadows were already creeping into the room and the pigeons were clustering on the window sill beside her looking for their usual meal as they always did ere they went to roost. Evelina, where art thou? she cried once more as she gazed at the door leading into the little room which once had been her mother's long ago but no answer came from there either only another dreadful roar from the cannon which put all the pigeons to flight and pitch Noah's wife headlong on the carpet. Violet had often heard them firing from the fort before so after the first three or four great bangs it did not frighten her so much only it made her head ache. But presently leaning a little forward and looking through the window opposite her chair she saw now that some great event must have happened for people were racing down the street eagerly and some were waving their hats and some had no hats at all while far off in the distance she could hear a great sound of voices like a deafening cheer of joy. Again the cannon roared and again there came the same hoarse shout which seemed to come from somewhere down near the barracks and now the people in the street were shouting also as they ran along and so eager and breathless was their race that when a woman stumbled and fell on the pathway no one turned to lift her up or to notice the white face which for many minutes afterwards remained turned up motionless towards the sky at last another woman dressed in black came out of a shop opposite with a cup of water in her hand she waited until the street was pretty clear and then crossing over she put the cup to the woman's lips and helped to raise her up. Violet could hear the woman's voice speaking comfortingly to her companion for the narrow casement which formed part of the great window looking over the street was open and through it a soft breeze was coming in which blew straight from the hill and by and by when the woman who had fainted was able to walk she saw the other lead her across the street and she distinctly heard her say uh is not this good news for the town now in Edelstein we shall have no more tears no more tears they were the same words that Violet had just heard in her dream she listened eagerly if she could hear more but the woman had evidently gone into the little toy shop close by and another roar from the cannon set her trembling again and her heart beat wildly against her little purple frock as she heard again and this time nearer than before a deafening shout of men and women's voices rising high upon the evening air evelina evelina she cried striving with trembling lips to make her voice heard above the din and uproar come come to Violet will no one come to Violet but it was quite useless to call her cry out evelina the girl had evidently gone out and though tears of fear and disappointment streamed from Violet's eyes and poured down over her little flush cheeks no one came to wipe them away or to comfort her the cannon too roared louder and faster than ever and all at once the great church bell at the foot of the street began to ring and clanged out great strokes which set the whole air trembling so that Violet thought even the blue sky over the house tops was shaking with the din but soon this blue sky began to change to a pale green and then golden streaks came across it and presently again broad bands of red and all the green hill seemed on fire till at last the great red sun dropped down behind it and a gray light stole over all and still Violet sat all alone in the window while every church bell in the town was jangling and the roar of voices came up hoarsely from the public gardens down by the barracks she could not see across the street to the adler's house for the blind which evelina had drawn down beside her chair hit their windows from her sight and there was no one stirring outside who could hear her cry for the rush of the people towards the marketplace was over and the street had become utterly silent and deserted as the darkness crept on a dreadful fear came over the child's mind that she was going to be left alone in the room all the night that evelina had perhaps gone back to goods bag or that some accident had happened to her in the street the corners of the room were growing dusky and there were sounds of mice nibbling in the cupboard beside her the bells in the town ceased ringing and a dreadful silence seemed to fall over everything presently one of the mice stole out of the cupboard and passing close to the foot of Violet's chair climbed up the cord of the canary's birdcage and squeezing itself in through the bars disappeared in a twinkling even the lantern man had forgotten to come and light the lamp outside her window and the pigeons had reluctantly deserted their posts on the sill outside and retired to roost without their evening meal if only i could get out of this chair if only i could walk if only someone would come and open the door and poor Violet moved restlessly to and fro in her chair and grained her neck to see beyond the strip of narrow blind which hid the opposite house from her view the window which looked across to the hill lay wide open and every now and then a breeze came rushing in which blew her hair softly about her face and refreshed her but the hill itself lay now like a great black heap against the evening sky no friendly moon was up to frost the branches of the distant trees with silvery light and only a few faint stars twinkled now and again through the gathering darkness presently she grew quite desperate and strove in the foolishness of her fear to free herself from the bands which held her fast in her chair she clutched at the blind and tried to drag it down and she called out frantically to Madame Adler to have Alina to Ella to anyone to come and help her but no one answered her and she sank back tired out on the pillows behind her then someone in a neighboring house began to sing and she felt comforted the first note of a human voice which sounded not so far off gave her some confidence and she dragged herself up painfully and listened it was a song which she had heard before but at first she could not remember the words the air was intensely sad for Abelina had sung it one night when Violet was lying awake in her bed and she remembered that she had put her fingers in her ears that she might not hear the words but now with a strange eagerness she leaned forward the woman was singing with all her heart she's scarcely touched the notes of the old piano on which she was accompanying herself and by and by the words came out with a cruel clearness upon the evening air Violet now knew who it was it was the woman who kept the little toy shop a few doors off and whose husband Ella told her had been killed in the war she had a little spin it not very musical on which Violet had often heard her play in the pleasant spring evenings before the war began but until this evening the spin it had been silent for many a long day and the woman's voice had been silent too tonight it seemed as if she must cry out to someone my love is dead and I am left alone Violet listened so earnestly to the words she was so anxious not to lose one of them that for a time she forgot her own sorrows and only thought of the poor woman who was never to see her husband anymore and whose heart seemed so terribly sad in that house only a few doors off but presently the mouse plumped down out of the cage overhead almost upon her very knees and startled her so that she screamed aloud indeed she screamed several times and clutched once more at the window blind to try and drag it aside and then she paused for she fancied she had heard a step in the street beneath and by and by she was sure there was a footsteps slowly and stealthily creeping up the stairs towards the door of her room but no one knocked or asked permission to enter only there was a slight wrestling against the wood as if someone were waiting and listening outside Violet whose heart had leaped up with joy at the first sound of a human step now felt terrified a sudden sickness came over her the wind from the hill blew in chilly through the window and seemed to pass over her forehead in waves of ice her hands grew damp and cold and the voice outside singing in its pain so quite alone appeared to her to come from miles away and in a kind of curious dream she fancied that it was the little girl in the book with the spotted cover who was sitting in a window somewhere so quite alone and crying out to the Lord Jesus across the roofs and the distant steeple but in a moment and before she had time to reason out this thought or to wonder whether she was awake or dreaming there was a crash a loud crackling as if all the houses in Edelstein were falling to pieces and as Violet completely startled out of her faintness sat up and looked out of the window it appeared to her that the gray clouds over the hill had suddenly split open and that hundreds of fairy snakes were rushing up with a swift fury through the sky this was immediately succeeded by the same loud sound of voices which she had heard so often through the evening and then in a moment the fairy snakes were gone and the sky was full of pale red and green stars falling softly in a shower of beauty to the earth Evelina she cried once more in a piteous entreaty full of the agony of fear Evelina were art thou there was a knock at the door now and Violet forgetful in her new terror of the steps she had heard a moment ago on the stairs cried out eagerly come in the door opened her eyes were still full of the red and green stars which she had seen falling outside over the dark outline of the hill so for a moment she was dazzled and could not see who had entered but all at once as the figure drew quite close to her chair she called out loudly and lovingly my friend my friend and threw her arms round the neck of the old policeman oh thou art frightened little maiden he said softly and quite alone he added looking keenly around the room as he held down beside her chair and took the two icy hands in his the action and the tenderness of the touch brought back for a moment the thought of her father yes oh so frightened she said and so lonely and she laid her head weirdly against the shoulder of her protector it was so good of thee to come then suddenly she turned her face inwards against his cloak for once again there came that fearful crackling noise down by the hill and hundreds of fiery snakes again rushed upwards at work the dark gray sky there there little darling sweetest child thou must not be so afraid there is nothing to frighten one only splendid fireworks with the people in the town are sending up to show their joy fireworks and are they only fireworks gasp violet still keeping her face pressed in close to the old man's heart and thou art sure that they are only fireworks yes look out now and see how lovely they are blue and yellow and red stars are falling to the ground I do not like to look it makes my heart go so fast there was no need to tell him that fact for the little fluttering heart was beating at that moment with terrifying speed against his bosom so he rose up and drew down the blind across the window and then returned quietly to the chair and placed his arm tenderly around the little trembling figure and has thou been long alone poor little maiden he asked softly as he lifted the damp hair off her forehead and stroked her cheek yes a long time she sighed where is thy maid I do not know I awoke and she was not here it was quite bright daylight oh such long hours ago and I was to go in the carriage father made for me to the hill in Della too and violet paused and hesitated and a burning blush covered all her face she had remembered suddenly about the tea under the trees on the hill and that the old policeman was to have been there too well he said curiously as she paused and hesitated then I awoke and all the people were running screaming down the street and the bells made such a noise and I was frightened and no one was here to tell the good news what good news ah now I have something to gladden thy poor little heart with great news there has been a great victory for us the war people think is over and soon all our loved ones may come home to us again my father cried violet sitting suddenly upright in her chair and gazing into the policeman's face with eyes which even in the gloom of the shaded room shown with a more wonderful light than the violet stars which were falling again in a shower of beauty on the hill outside yes thy father dearest maiden he will soon be home and that is why the people ran so fast in the street this afternoon and why they are so noisy now sending up rockets and making such a riot screaming and shouting how soon past violet in a scarcely audible voice for the sick faintness she had felt before was returning ah that I have not heard but if all be true it cannot be very long a month or so at most violet sighed unconsciously I am so so tired she said almost under her breath poor little maiden it is weary work waiting when the lambs are very tired and cannot walk anymore the Lord Jesus lifts them in his arms and carries them does he not she said dreamily yes yes of course and does thou know my friend that I saw that lambs face and it was violets and the Lord Jesus was going to put her into her mother's arms to rest herself when where as the policeman growing frightened at the words which the child was so slowly uttering and even in the darkness he could see the strange paleness of the little face in the meadow with the other little girl what little girl the little one who sent me this watch she was a very sick little girl like me oh so sick the doctor said but she flew up in the spring with the flowers and the larks to heaven and she at this moment allowed clattering on the stairs outside made itself heard over everything and the door of the room burst open with a startling haste it was Ella breathless and panting loudly who rushing blindly forward in the darkness first fell over the handle of the carriage which stood in the middle of the room ready for its first journey and then over a low stool by the stove she recovered herself quickly however and made for the corner where the dim outline of violet's head was visible against the Holland blind violet has thou heard the news Evelina has stopped to buy the a cake at the shop so I ran on ever so fast to tell it to the first there is a great battle which is all over and we have a great victory and lots and lots of people killed and a whole town tumbled down and the man with the big nose the grand emperor we saw in the picture is all beaten into little pieces and had to give up his sword to our king and he will soon be put in prison he's not that splendid and they sent up fire into the sky and frightened Ella and lots of it tumbled down again and stars and blue things and a great red hot stick fell on the shoulders of the orange girl and made her give such a hop and a scream and and who is that sitting in the window beside thee Ella paused her breath almost gone and not a little frightened at the strange figure sitting wrapped in a cloak beside Violet's chair will Evelina soon be here asked Violet plaintively for the noise and the fuss were overpowering her yes Evelina is here replied a voice at the door ah poor little maiden all in the dark but it is not my fault as I will explain to thee see here is a lovely cake I have bought for thy supper though it's so fast to sleep I just step down a moment to hear the grand news and then the crowd was so great one could not budge a foot I thought a hundred times of thee and thy carriage where we could never have dragged the afoot through the throngs of people and besides that faithless old policeman never turned up and I suppose forgot all about thee but I will make him answer for it tomorrow she added with a light laugh the policeman is here to answer for himself said a voice coming out of the darkness and between Evelina and the window there rose up a figure tall and dark into her eyes terrible to look at oh who is that she cried hastily but no one replied to her question only the figure in the window bent down low over the chair on which Violet sat and said softly in her ear dearest little maiden the old policeman was not faithless he did not forget thee but he was sent for by his captain and had to go to the gardens to keep order please god tomorrow I will take thee to the hill and now thou wilt say good night wilt thou not and go to bed and rest and dream of the good news of the home coming and the good father's joy to see his violet once more good night little heart's love Violet stretched up her arms and drew the kind grave face down to her good night my friend she said lovingly ah now I can hear thy watch ticking he said in a horse whisper and it seems to say something to me what does it say it says forget me not what said violet clutching eagerly at his coat but he had stood up now and was fixing his helmet firmly on his head Evelina abashed and confounded had moved noiselessly into the inner room and Ella was gaping with open mouth at Violet's friend good night he said once more in a horse voice and tomorrow if I'll be well we shall have tea under the trees on the hill yes yes yes cried Ella joyfully and forgetting her shyness she plung her fat arms around the knees of the advancing policeman and Ella may come too may she not certainly miss Ella must come also and now thou will take my hand and I will leave the at thy mother's house for the little maiden in the chair is very tired and she must sleep and rest good night he cried once more as he reached the door and looked back good night she replied with eagerness and then in a low voice he heard her say softly forget me not end of chapter 20 chapter 21 of on angel's wings this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recorded by Céline Major on angel's wings by Louisa Lelius Green 21 A Guilty Conscience The next morning rose beautiful and bright and fair the town was as gay as could be flags were hung from almost every window and the hum of a great content seemed to fail the air in Violet's room all was still the carriage had been pushed back into the corner of the room and the little girl was asleep she had been sleeping nearly all the morning indeed so profound was her repose that Evelina had grown nervous and summoned the doctor whose carriage she had seen outside the toy shop door he came in quietly and stood beside the bed the child's breathing was quick and regular in her hand lay softly open upon the counterpane how long has she slept like this he asked in a low voice of Evelina who stood with tearful eyes near the window ever since last night when I put her to bed it was the news of the victory sir which I think upset her who told her of it little Ella sir madam Adler's daughter ah of course of course children will talk and she must have heard it some time or other as she's spoken at all since morning a few words sir but not much sense in them about larks and flowers and about wings she is always rambling on to me about having wings wings she will soon have them said the doctor shortly what said violet opening her eyes suddenly and looking up is that true will violet soon have wings yes my poor little child very soon oh how beautiful how lovely she said with a sigh of the utmost content then turning her head suddenly she said quickly fritz does thou hear what the doctor says violet will soon have wings then she closed her eyes again and fell asleep we can do nothing for her said the doctor as he moved aside from the bed this stupor that she has fallen into is the result of the shock she received yesterday for in her state good news is almost as disturbing in its results as bad I think she may awake out of this sleep and be perhaps none the worse but we cannot tell God is very merciful and the thread of her life is in his hands yes sir said evalina faintly has she spoken at all today of her father no sir not exactly only once she said something about a great victory and smiled a little the doctor turned back and looked again at the quiet face on the pillow and repeated in a low voice several times the words a great victory yes poor violet thy victory too is close at hand and then come at the peace which passeth all understanding I shall come again tonight he said as he turned away towards the door and meanwhile no one must enter this room to disturb her nor must she be left alone for a moment remember she has been entrusted to your care by her father and to mine and we are responsible for her yes sir I shall watch her very carefully replied evalina humbly when the doctor was gone evalina sat down on the chair by the stove and cried bitterly for a miserable feeling of guilt was over her the smile on violet's face was more difficult for her to look at now than the wakeful restlessness of pain and weariness indeed everything in the room seemed to reproach her this morning the carriage standing in the corner the little brown hat with its wreath of buttercups which something in evalina's heart told her would never be asked for again the cake which had not been tasted the windowsill littered with the fallen animals which had been shaken from their usual resting place by the firing of the cannon and a kind of dull consciousness resting overall that the end was close at hand and that the child lying so quietly on the bed yonder was oh so near heaven and she where was she and what did she know of that piece which the doctors had passed all understanding she stood up presently and going over to the bed opened the dead mother's bible between the leaves lay the picture which violet loved so much to look at evalina's eye fell on the center plate where the little girl was represented seated all alone in the garret room looking out over the roofs and the chimneys towards the far off sky all alone she murmured reading the print beneath it then turned on hastily for it seemed to remind her painfully of her conduct yesterday presently she came on the lock of golden hair which violet price so highly the long glistening curl tied up with a knot of black ribbon and she lifted it up carefully and looked at it with interest then walking softly across to a little mirror which hung against the wall she laid it against her own golden curls and said under her breath just the same color she put back the hair into the bible and then some other thought following quickly on the comparison she went over to the trunk which stood beside violets bed and lifting the lid noiselessly drew out once more from the corner the hat trimmed with the blue forget me knots which she carried into her own room and presently closed the door meanwhile violet quite unconscious that her most precious possessions were being ruthlessly trifled with in the adjoining chamber slept on quietly she did not rouse up until quite late in the afternoon when she saw evalina sitting in the window seat as usual and knitting stockings for the goosebag children i am going soon to see father she said softly but at the words evalina who was in a reverie started violently and almost let the knitting slip from her fingers and lizzie will be glad when father comes home will she not evalina yes of course everyone will be glad and the children the little cousins at goosebag will not they too be delighted oh they are too young to know such things but they will be watching all this time for thee to go back so thou art thinking already of sending me back to gooseberg no no cried violet blushing hotly i do not want to send thee away only aunt lizzie said she could spare thee a little while and now it is so long since father went and when he comes home he will take care of me all day long and never be the least bit tired and i will tell father how good thou has been to me all this long time i had a letter from thy aunt this morning said evalina turning away her face towards the window only a few lines she is coming over here in a few days to see thee and probably if thy father returns i shall go back with her she sent thee her love and she is making thee a little cloak to wear when thou goest out in thy carriage ah how good i will wear it when father takes me out that will not belong to wait when the doctor came again in the evening he was quite delighted with the brightness of the little face and with the rare happy smile which was lighting up all its features violet chatted to him more naturally than she had done for many a long day she showed him her carriage and told him of the cloak aunt lizzie was making for her and laughed when she said how the cannon shot had thrown down Noah's wife and all the animals i may see Ella tomorrow may i not she asked wistfully as he moved towards the door certainly if she is not too noisy oh Ella is always good she cried joyously and i am never lonely when she is here madame adler too came across in the evening her heart was full of anger against evalina for having deserted her charge the day before but when she entered the room and found violet sitting on evalina's knee by the stove with her arms round the girl's neck who was singing to her she thought the reprimand would be all timed and she determined to wait for a better opportunity end of chapter 21 chapter 22 of on angel's wings this is a libravox recording all libravox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit libravox.org recorded by selen major on angel's wings by louisa lilius green 22 a startling message it was not many days before the town of edelstein awoke to the fact that the war was not over and that though the french emperor was a prisoner france seemed determined to fight to the bitter end the gay flags which had been hung out of the windows so joyfully were now rolled up again and put aside and the people went about their work with dejected faces awaiting the dread tidings that their loved ones were ordered to march forward towards paris and fight the enemy there but violet knew nothing of all this secure in the certainty of her father's speedy return she sat daily in the window watching she very seldom spoke now it seemed to tire her but she smiled to herself much oftener than she had hitherto done and waved her little thin hand to fritz who was ever on the watch in the house opposite and constantly in the warm autumn evenings when the windows of both houses were open he called across to her and told her his news violet smiled and nodded her head but she had no strength to call back again nor even to draw up the cord of the little basket into which fritz was constantly dropping little gifts and scraps of paper on which were printed in large letters messages of love and comfort fritz will soon be well enough to see violet fritz is making a boat for violet and once or twice in a very closely folded message were the words fritz is always asking god to make violet well but at last there came a message from fritz which roused her for a time out of her lethargy and set her heart beating wildly it was a beautiful autumn evening the town was rosy red in the sunset and all the casements of the oriel window lay wide open violet who had not spoken for several hours was lying back on her pillows half sleeping half waking with her eyes dreamily fixed on the hill which was wrapped in a soft purple mist the canary bird was picking out the loose feathers from its wings in the cage overhead and the old jacked on the opposite side of the street for a wonder was at rest with his head tucked under his wing fritz for a long time had been making signals to violet from the high up dormer window of the house but her face had been turned away and though her eyes were fixed on the far off hill she saw nothing but a waving meadow bright with flowers over whose green fragrant grass she was passing with a delicious freedom her feet not actually touching the ground only here and there skimming over the cool meadow grass while a refreshing air wafted her along without fatigue and without pain she often had this fancy now that she was floating along over the earth that she was free from the ache in her back and the weary heaviness of her limbs and this afternoon she was listening again to that voice from the meadow saying I am going to lay this poor tired lamb in its mother's bosom but all at once when she was seeking once more to see the face of the child which the Lord Jesus held so lovingly in his arms the basket bell rang with a sharp tinkle overhead and she awoke from her dream to find herself no longer wandering amid green pastures but propped up among her pillows oh so tired and with a sudden tearful longing to lay her head against some loving heart and be at rest at the sound of the bell Avelina who had been dozing also in a chair near the stove started up angrily and going over to the window looked down into the street ha it is just as I thought thou little donkey has thou no sense master fritz but to go and ring bells and people's ears when they are asleep see now thou has startled by it out of her dreams and she will be ill all the night no no said violet eagerly but there were sudden tears of distress and weakness standing in her uplifted eyes look in the basket violet cried fritz taking no notice of Avelina's wrath there is something in it that I want thee to see and it is all before however fritz could finish his sentence his mother had appeared in the doorway and seizing fritz by the collar of his coat had dragged him backwards into the bakery I will not have thee disturbing violet with thy folly she said angrily and pushed him back into the back passage meantime Avelina her own curiosity aroused had drawn up the little cord from which dangled the basket it is uncommonly light she said as she lifted it in at the window it strikes me if I am not mistaken that master fritz is at his old pranks again yes it is just as I thought the basket is quite empty it is just a silly trick he has played upon thee and nothing else Avelina turned the basket upside down as she spoke and shook out some old dried moss and withered leaves at a little scrap of dirty paper folded into a minute size which fluttered down and lit on the window seat beside violet little wretch I shall box his ears the next time I see him cried Avelina angrily to come and awaken people up for such a senseless joke there was something in the basket pleaded violet in a low voice I tell thee there was not replied Avelina sharply unless thou callest a handful of dead leaves something the child's eyes rested wistfully on the little scrap of folded paper lying almost within her reach on the window seat but she said nothing when Avelina was vexed violet felt afraid of her and besides she was down on her knees now gathering the moss and the dirt off the floor and she did not like to trouble her further but Avelina's tempers were never of long duration when she stood up again she was smiling and said with a laugh I have a mind to go across the street and tie this basket onto master fritz's back and hurt him up and down the town for his pains at any rate the next time it happens I shall just cut the cord and then there will be an end of it all no no that will not do that Avelina cried violet stretching out her hands eagerly there is no saying what Avelina might do when she is angry replied the girl laughing lightly as she dropped the basket once more out of the window ah there is the newsman in the street and lots of people gathered round him I must run down for a moment and see what fresh telegrams have come in I shall just buy a paper from him and be back immediately violet nodded her head silently and Avelina having again arranged the cord in its place left the room when the door was closed and Avelina's flying footsteps were distinctly audible in the street beneath violet tried to stretch out her hand for the piece of paper which had fluttered down out of the basket onto the window seat beside her but she found to her grief that it was just an inch or two beyond the reach of her fingertips she looked around for something with which she could draw it nearer to her and at last after some difficulty she succeeded with the help of the spotted book in pushing it to the edge of the cushion where she could stretch out her hand and take hold of it even this little exertion tried her she panted and for some moments did not attempt to open the paper her heart beat quickly and her hands trembled she did not believe that Fritz had been playing a trick upon her and she guessed that there was some special piece of news to be found in the little crumpled scrap which she held tightly pressed up in her hand at last she opened it out and as she read the words printed across it in large letters she gave quite a sharp cry and started up in her chair Ella is going to be an angel and have wings this was the whole message no explanation no other word to give a hint or a reason and no Fritz at the window opposite to make things clear she stared again at the words her cheeks grew crimson her eyes darkened tears came into them and fell upon the dirty scrap of paper on her knee Ella was going to have wings Ella who could run and jump and walk and was never tired who could laugh and sing and hop and follow Fritz wherever he went Ella was going to have wings and Ella had no hump upon her back no pain no tiredness she had not been waiting for them long oh so long as she had a great lump came struggling up into her throat drops of sweat gathered on her forehead the book with the spotted cover lay across her knees the tears came splash splash upon the yellow binding and violet bending her head down lower said in a sobbing whisper oh dear lord jesus can't thou not also give wings to violet violet is so tired and cannot walk or run then followed another long sob and a shower of burning tears in the midst of which the door opened and Avelina came laughing in her eyes brimming with fun and her whole manner joyous and gay did anyone ever hear of such an idea she cried flinging herself down on a chair to make that great fat miss Ella an angel the very thought of it gives one almost a fit I could almost die of laughter but what is the matter with the child what art thou crying for violet and Avelina rose and came over to violet whose head was bent upon her purple frock and her face was covered with her hands what troubles the look up violet and hear my news there is going to be a great procession through the town the general is coming home wounded from the war such a brave old fellow he has had both his arms shot off and two of his sons have been killed in the battle of Sedan so while Edelsheim is going out to meet him on his return and give him a welcome and there are to be hundreds of girls dressed in white who are to sing beautiful songs and scatter flowers on the road and a whole band of little angels who are to have wings and they are to sing too and just imagine Ella over the way is to be an angel such an idea one might just as well make an angel of a little fat squeaking pig but of course it is for her voice they want her ah miss violet it is a shame for thee to go on crying so when I have brought the home such a grand piece of news what ails thee look up and tell me I want to be an angel too cried violet with a bursting sob an angel ah is that it poor little darling there will to be an angel soon enough but Ella will have wings first and will fly away from violet and violet is so lonely miss Ella fly cried abalina throwing up her hands again and bursting into a fresh fit of laughter why it would take all the wings in the town to lift her off her feet no no do not be afraid miss Ella will not fly could not I go with the other little angels sobbed violet ah no no my treasure that would be impossible thou can't not walk and it is a long way to the station but if I had wings yes yes of course if thou hats wings that would be another thing then thou could fly wherever thou hats to wish said abalina soothingly for the pleading eyes so full of their sorrow paint her and the doctor said soon very soon violet would have them and perhaps god would give violet wings that very day and then she could go with all the other angels is it not so abalina yes yes of course when the lord jesus gives violet wings then she can go where she likes I will ask him yes I will ask him said violet softly and through her tears there broke a sweet struggling smile as she lifted her eyes to the sky above the shadowy hill and held communion with her god end of chapter 22