 6. Intimate Friends May I ask Imogen Clark to spend the day here on Saturday? cried Katie, bursting in one afternoon. Who on earth is Imogen Clark? I never heard the name before, replied her aunt. Oh, the loveliest girl! She hasn't been going to Mrs Knight's school for a little while, but we're the greatest friends. And she's perfectly beautiful, Aunt Izzy. Her hands are just as white as snow, and no bigger than that. She's got the littlest waist of any girl in school. And she's real sweet, and so self-denying and unselfish. I don't believe she has a bit good times at home either. Do let me ask her. How do you know she's so sweet and self-denying, if you've known her such a short time? Asked Aunt Izzy, in an unpromising tone. Oh, she tells me everything. We always walk together at recess now. I know all about her, and she's just lovely. Her father used to be real rich, but their core now, and Imogen, had to have her boots patched twice last winter. I guess she's the flower of her family. You can't think how I love her, concluded Katie sentimentally. No, I can't, said Aunt Izzy. I never could see into these sudden friendships of yours, Katie, and I'd rather you wouldn't invite this Imogen, or whatever her name is, till I've had a chance to ask somebody about her. Katie clasped her hands in despair. Oh, Aunt Izzy, she cried. Imogen knows that I came in to ask you, and she's standing at the gate at this moment, waiting to hear what you say. Please let me, just this once, I shall be so dreadfully ashamed not to. Well, said Miss Izzy, moved by the wretchedness of Katie's face. If you've asked her already, it's no use my saying no, I suppose. But recollect, Katie, this is not to happen again. I can't have you inviting girls, and then coming for my leave. Your father won't be at all pleased. He's very particular about whom you make friends with. Remember how Mrs. Spencer turned out? Poor Katie. Her propensity to fall violently in love with new people was always getting her into scrapes, ever since she began to walk and talk. Katie's intimate friends had been one of the jokes of the household. Papa once undertook to keep a list of them, but the number grew so great that he gave it up in despair. First on the list was a small Irish child named Marianne O'Reilly. Marianne lived in a street which Katie passed on her way to school. It was not Mrs. Knight's, but an ABC school to which Dory and John now went. Marianne used to be always making sand pies in front of her mother's house, and Katie, who was about five years old, often stopped to help her. Over this mutual pastry, they grew so intimate that Katie resolved to adopt Marianne as her own little girl and bring her up in a safe and hidden corner. She told Clover of this plan, but nobody else. The two children, full of their delightful secret, began to save pieces of bread and cookies from their supper every evening. By degrees, they collected a great heap of dry crusts and other refreshments, which they put safely away in the garrick. They also saved the apples, which were given them for two weeks and made a bed in a big empty box with cotton quilts and the dolls' pillows out of their baby house. When all was ready, Katie broke the plan to her beloved Marianne and easily persuaded her to run away and take possession of this new home. We won't tell Papa and Mama till she's quite grown up, Katie said to Clover. Then we'll bring her downstairs and won't they be surprised? Don't let's call her Marianne any longer either. It isn't pretty. We'll name her Sasquahana instead. Sasquahana, car. Recollect, Marianne, you must answer if I call you Marianne, only when I say Sasquahana. Yes, and replied Marianne very meagly. For a whole day all went on delightfully. Sasquahana lived in her wooden box, ate all the apples and the freshest cookies and was happy. The two children took turns to steal away and play with the baby, as they called Marianne, though she was a great deal bigger than Clover. But when night came on and nurse squirped on Katie and Clover and carried them off to bed, Miss O'Reilly began to think that the garret was a dreadful place. Peeping out of her box, she could see black things standing in corners which she did not recollect seeing in the daytime. They were really trunks and brooms and warming pans, but somehow in the darkness they looked different, big and awful. Poor little Marianne bore it as long as she could, but when at last a rat began to scratch in the wall close beside her, her courage gave way entirely and she screamed at the top of her voice. "'What is that?' said Dr. Carr, who had just come in and was on his way upstairs. "'It sounds as if it came from the attic,' said Mrs. Carr. For this was before Mama died. "'Can it be that one of the children has got out of bed and wandered upstairs in her sleep?' No, Katie and Clover were safe in the nursery, so Dr. Carr took a candle and went as fast as he could to the attic, where the yells were growing terrific. When he reached the top of the stairs, the cries ceased. He looked about. Nothing was to be seen at first. Then a little head appeared over the edge of a big wooden box and a piteous voice sobbed out. "'Ah, Miss Katie, and indeed I can't be staying any longer. There's rats in it. "'Who on earth are you?' asked the amazed doctor. "'Sure, I'm Miss Katie's and Miss Clover's baby. "'But I don't want to be a baby any longer. "'I want to go home and see my mother and again the poor little midge lifted up her voice and wept. "'I don't think Dr. Carr ever laughed so hard in his life, "'as when finally he got to the bottom of the story "'and found that Katie and Clover had been adopting a child. "'But he was very kind to poor Susquehanna "'and carried her downstairs in his arms to the nursery. "'There, in a bed close to the other children, "'she soon forgot her troubles and fell asleep. "'The little sisters were much surprised "'when they waved in the morning "'and found their baby asleep beside them. "'But their joy was speedily turned to tears. "'After breakfast, Dr. Carr carried Mary Ann home "'to her mother, who was in a great fright "'over her disappearance "'and explained to the children "'that the Garrett plan must be given up. "'Great was the morning in the nursery. "'But as Mary Ann was allowed to come and play with them now "'and then they gradually got over their grief. "'A few months later, Mr. O'Reilly moved away from Burnett "'and that was the end of Katie's first friendship. "'The next was even funnier. "'There was a queer old black woman "'who lived all alone by herself "'in a small house near the school. "'This old woman had a very bad temper. "'The neighbors told horrible stories about her "'so that the children were afraid to pass the house. "'They used to turn always just before they reached it "'and crossed to the other side of the street. "'This they did so regularly "'that their feet had worn a path in the grass. "'But for some reason Katie found a great fascination "'in the little house. "'She liked to dodge about the door, "'always holding herself ready to turn "'and run in case the old woman rushed out upon her "'with a broomstick. "'One day she begged a large cabbage of Alexander "'and rolled it in at the door of the house. "'The old woman seemed to like it. "'But this Katie always stopped to speak "'when she went by. "'She even got so far as to sit on the step "'and watch the old woman at work. "'There was a sort of perilous pleasure in doing this. "'It was like sitting at the entrance of a lion's cage. "'Uncertain at what moment his majesty "'might take it into his head "'to give a spring and eat you up. "'After this Katie took a fancy to a couple "'of twin sisters, daughters of a German jeweler. "'They were quite grown up "'and always wore dresses exactly alike. "'Hardly anyone could tell them apart. "'They spoke very little English, "'and as Katie didn't know a word of German "'their intercourse was confined to smiles "'and to the giving of bunches of flowers, "'which Katie used to tie up and present to them "'whenever they passed the gate. "'She was too shy to do more than just put the flowers "'in their hands and run away. "'But the twins were evidently pleased. "'For one day, when Clover happened to be looking "'out of the window, she saw them open the gate, "'fasten a little parcel to a bush "'and walk rapidly off. "'Of course she called Katie at once, "'and the two children flew out to see what the parcel was. "'It held a bonnet, a beautiful doll's bonnet, "'a blue silk, trimmed with artificial flowers. "'A bonnet was pinned a slip of paper "'with these words, in an odd foreign hand. "'To the nice little girl who was so kindly "'to give us some flowers. "'You can judge whether Katie and Clover were pleased or not. "'This was when Katie was six years old. "'I can't begin to tell you how many different friends "'she had set up since. "'There was an Ashman and a steamboat captain. "'There was Mrs. Sawyer's cook, a nice old woman, "'who gave Katie lessons in cooking "'and taught her to make soft custard and sponge cake. "'It was a bonnet maker, pretty and dressy, "'whom, to Aunt Izzy's great indignation, "'Katey persisted in calling cousin Estelle. "'There was a thief in the town jail, "'under whose window Katie used to stand, saying, "'I'm so sorry, poor man, "'and have you got any little girls like me? "'In the most pitiest way. "'The thief had a piece of string "'which he let down from the window. "'Katey would tie rose buds and cherries to this string, "'and the thief would draw them up. "'It was so interesting to do this "'that Katie felt dreadfully "'when they carried the man off to the state prison. "'Then followed a short interval of Cornelia Perum, "'a nice, good-natured girl "'whose father was a fruit merchant. "'I am afraid Katie's liking for prunes and white grapes "'played apart in this intimacy. "'It was splendid fun to go with Cornelia "'to her father's big shop "'and have whole boxes of raisins and drums of figs "'open for their amusement, "'and be allowed to ride up and down in the elevator "'as much as they liked. "'But of all Katie's queer acquaintances, "'Mrs. Spencer, to whom uneasy had eluded, "'was the queerest. "'Mrs. Spencer was a mysterious lady "'whom nobody ever saw. "'Her husband was a handsome, rather bad-looking man "'who had come from parts unknown "'and rented a small house in Burnett. "'He didn't seem to have any particular business "'and was away from home a great deal. "'The wife was said to be an invalid "'and people when they spoke of him shook their heads "'and wondered how the poor woman got on all alone "'in the house while her husband was absent. "'Of course, Katie was too young to understand these whispers "'or the reasons why people were not disposed "'to think well of Mr. Spencer. "'The romance of the closed door "'whom nobody saw interested her very much. "'She used to stop and stare at the windows "'and wonder what was going on inside "'till at last it seemed as if she must know. "'So one day she took some flowers "'and Victoria, her favourite doll, "'and boldly marched into the Spencer's yard. "'She tapped at the front door but nobody answered. "'And she tapped again. "'Still nobody answered. "'She tried the door, it was locked. "'So shouldering Victoria, "'she trudged round to the back of the house. "'As she passed the side door "'she saw that it was open a little way. "'She knocked for the third time "'and as no one came she went in "'and passing through the little hall "'began to tap at all the inside doors. "'There seemed to be no people in the house. "'Katy peeped into the kitchen first. "'It was bare and full on. "'All sorts of dishes were standing about. "'There was no fire in the stove. "'The parlor was not much better. "'Mr. Spencer's boots lay in the middle of the floor. "'There were dirty glasses on the table, "'on the mantelpiece was a platter with bones of meat upon it. "'Thus lay thick over everything "'and the whole house looked as if it hadn't been lived in "'for at least a year. "'Katy tried several other doors, "'all of which were locked, "'and then she went upstairs. "'As she stood on the top step, "'grasping her flowers "'and a little doubtful what to do next, "'a feeble voice from a bedroom called out. "'Who is there?' "'This was Mrs. Spencer. "'She was lying on her bed, "'which was very tossed and tumbled, "'as if it hadn't been made up that morning. "'The room was as disorderly and dirty "'as all the rest of the house. "'And Mrs. Spencer's wrapper and nightcap "'were by no means clean, "'that her face was so sweet, "'and she had beautiful curling hair "'which fell over the pillow. "'She was evidently very sick, "'and altogether, Katie felt sorry for her "'than she had ever done for anybody in her life. "'Who are you, child?' asked Mrs. Spencer. "'I'm Dr. Carr's little girl,' answered Katie, "'going straight up to the bed. "'I came to bring you some flowers, "'and she laid the bouquet on the dirty sheet. "'Mrs. Spencer seemed to like the flowers. "'She took them up and smelled them "'for a long time without speaking. "'But how did you get in?' she said, at last. "'The door was open,' faltered Katie, "'who was beginning to feel scared "'at her own daring. "'And they said you were sick, "'so I thought perhaps you would like me to come and see you. "'You are a kind little girl,' said Mrs. Spencer, "'and gave her a kiss. "'After this Katie used to go every day. "'Sometimes Mrs. Spencer would be up "'and moving feebly about, "'but more often she was in bed. "'And Katie would sit beside her. "'The house never looked a bit better "'than it did that first day. "'But after a while Katie used to brush "'Mrs. Spencer's hair "'and wash her face with the corner of the towel. "'I think her visits were a comfort "'to the poor lady, who was very ill and lonely. "'Sometimes when she felt pretty well "'she would tell Katie stories "'about the time when she was a little girl "'and lived at home with her father and mother. "'But she never spoke of Mr. Spencer. "'And Katie never saw him except once "'when she was so frightened "'that for several days she did not go near the house. "'At last Stessie reported "'that she had seen him go off in the stage "'with his carpet bag. "'So Katie ventured in again. "'Mrs. Spencer cried when she saw her. "'And thought she were never coming any more, she said. "'Kate was touched and flattered at having been missed "'and after that she never lost a day. "'She always carried the prettiest flowers she could find "'and if anyone gave her especially nice peach "'or a bunch of grapes she saved it for Mrs. Spencer.' "'And Izzy was much worried at all this "'but Dr. Carr would not interfere. "'He said it was a case where grown people could do nothing "'and if Katie was a comfort to the poor lady "'he was glad. "'Kate was glad too "'and the visits did her as much good "'as they did Mrs. Spencer. "'For the intense pity she felt for the sick woman "'made her gentle and patient "'as she had never been before. "'One day she stopped as usual on her way home from school. "'She tried the side door, it was locked. "'The back door, it was locked too. "'All the blinds were shut tight. "'This was very puzzling. "'As she stood in the yard "'a woman put her head out of the window of the next house. "'It's no use knocking,' she said. "'All the folks have gone away. "'Gone away where?' asked Katie. "'Nobody knows,' said the woman. "'The gentleman came back in the middle of the night "'and this morning before light he had a wagon at the door "'and just put in the trunks and the sick lady "'and drove off. "'There's been more than one knocking beside you since then "'but Mr. Pudgett, he's got the key "'and nobody can get in without going to him. "'It was too true, Mrs. Spencer was gone "'and Katie never saw her again. "'In a few days it came out that Mr. Spencer "'was a very bad man and had been making false money, "'counterfeiting, as grown people call it. "'The police were searching for him to put him in jail "'and that was the reason he had come back "'in such a hurry and carried off his poor, sick wife. "'Aunt Izzy cried with mortification when she heard this. "'She said she thought it was a disgrace "'that Katie should have been visiting "'in account of Theta's family. "'But Dr. Carr only laughed. "'He told Aunt Izzy that he didn't think "'that kind of crime was catching "'and as for Mrs. Spencer, she was much to be pitted. "'But Aunt Izzy could not get over her vexation "'and every now and then, when she was vex, "'she would refer to the affair, "'though this all happened so long ago "'that most people had forgotten all about it. "'And Philly and John had stopped playing "'at putting Mr. Spencer in jail, "'which for a long time was one of their favorite games. "'Katie always felt badly when Aunt Izzy spoke "'unkindly of her poor, sick friend. "'She had tears in her eyes now "'as she walked to the gate "'and looked so very sober "'that Imogen Clark, who stood there waiting, "'clasped her hands and said, "'Ah, I see your aristocratic aunt refuses.' "'Imogen's real name was Elizabeth. "'She was rather a pretty girl "'with a screwed-up, sentimental mouth, "'shiny brown hair, and a little round curl "'on each of her cheeks. "'These curls must have been fastened "'on with glue or tin-tacks, "'one would think, for they never moved, "'however much she laughed or shook her head. "'Imogen was a bright girl, naturally, "'but she had read so many novels "'that her brain was completely turned. "'It was partly this "'which made her so attractive to Katie, "'who adored stories "'and thought Imogen was a real heroine of romance. "'Oh, no, she doesn't,' she replied, "'hardly able to keep from laughing "'at the idea of Aunt Izzy's being called "'an aristocratic relative. "'She says she shall be my hap, "'but here Katie's conscience gave a prick, "'and the sentence ended in, "'so you'll come, won't you, darling? "'I am so glad. "'And I, said Imogen, turning up her eyes theatrically. "'From this time on till the end of the week, "'the children talked of nothing but Imogen's visit "'and the nice time they were going to have. "'Before breakfast on Saturday morning, "'Katy and Clover were at work "'putting a beautiful bower of asparagus boughs "'under the trees. "'All the playthings were set out in order. "'Debbie baked them some cinnamon cakes. "'The kitten had a pink ribbon tied round her neck, "'and the dolls, including Piperi, "'were arrayed in their best clothes. "'About half past ten, Imogen arrived. "'She was dressed in a light blue barrage, "'with a low neck and short sleeves, "'and wore coral beads in her hair, "'white satin slippers and a pair of yellow gloves. "'The gloves and slippers were quite dirty, "'and that their age was old and darned. "'But the general effect was so very gorgeous "'that the children who were dressed for play "'in gingham frocks and white aprons "'were quite dazzled at the appearance of their guest. "'Oh, Imogen, you look just like a young lady in the story,' "'said simple Katy, "'were upon Imogen tossed her head "'and rustled her skirts about more than ever. "'Somehow, with these fine clothes, "'Imogen seemed to have put on a fine manner, "'quite different from the one she used every day. "'You know some people always do "'when they go out visiting. "'You would almost have supposed "'that this was a different Imogen, "'who was kept in a box most of the time "'and taken out for Sundays and grand occasions. "'She swum about and dill and list "'and looked at herself in the glass "'and was generally grown up and eerie. "'When Aunt Izzy spoke to her, "'she cluttered and behaved so clearly. "'The clover almost laughed, "'and even Katy, who could see nothing wrong "'in people she loved, "'was glad to carry her away to the playroom. "'Come out to the bower,' she said, "'putting her arm round the blue barrage waist. "'A bower!' cried Imogen. "'How sweet! But when they reached "'the asparagus boughs her face fell. "'Why, it hasn't any root or pinnacles "'or any fountain,' she said. "'Why, no, of course not,' said clover, "'steering. We made it ourselves.' "'Oh,' said Imogen. "'She was evidently disappointed. "'Katy and clover felt mortified, "'but as their visitor did not care for the bower, "'they tried to think of something else. "'Let us go to the loft,' they said. "'So they all crossed the yard together. "'Imogen picked her way daintily "'in the white satin slippers, "'but when she saw the spiked post, "'she gave a scream. "'Oh, not up there, darling, "'not up there,' she cried. "'Never, never!' "'Oh, do try it. "'It's just as easy as can be,' pleaded Katy, "'going up and down half a dozen times in succession "'to show how easy it was, "'but Imogen wouldn't be persuaded. "'Do not ask me,' she said effectively. "'My nerves could never stand such a thing. "'And besides my dress.' "'What made you wear it?' said Philly, "'who was a plain-spoken child, "'and given to questions. "'While John whispered to Dory, "'That's a real stupid girl. "'Let's go off somewhere and play by ourselves.' "'So one by one, the small fry crept away, "'leaving Katy and Clover "'to entertain the visitor by themselves. "'They tried dolls, "'but Imogen did not care for dolls. "'Then they proposed to sit down in the shade, "'and capped verses, "'a game they all liked. "'But Imogen said that though she adored poetry, "'she never could remember any. "'So it ended in their going to the orchard, "'where Imogen ate a great many plums and early apples, "'and really seemed to enjoy herself. "'But when she could eat no more, "'a dreadful dullness fell over the party. "'At last, Imogen said, "'Don't you ever sit in the dooring room?' "'The what?' asked Clover. "'The drawing room,' repeated Imogen. "'Oh, she means the parlour,' cried Katy. "'No, we don't sit there, "'except when Aunt Izzy has company to tea. "'It is all dark and pokey, you know. "'Beside, it's so much pleasanter to be outdoors. "'Don't you think so?' "'Yes, sometimes,' replied Imogen doubtfully. "'But I think it would be pleasant to go in "'and sit there for a while. "'Now, my head aches dreadfully, "'being out here in this horrid sun. "'Katy was at her wit's end to know what to do. "'They scarcely ever went into the parlour, "'which Aunt Izzy regarded as a sort of sacred place. "'She kept cotton petticoats over all the chairs "'for fear of dust, "'and never opened the blinds for fear of flies. "'The idea of children with dusty boots "'going in there to sit. "'On the other hand, Katy's natural politeness "'made it hard to refuse a visitor anything she asked for. "'And beside, it was dreadful to think "'that Imogen might go away and report "'Katy Carr isn't allowed to sit in the best room, "'even when she has company. "'With a quaking heart, she led the way to the parlour. "'She did not open the blinds, "'so the room looked very dark. "'She could just see Imogen's figure as she sat on the sofa "'and clover twirling uneasily about on the piano stool. "'All the same, she kept listening to hear "'if Aunt Izzy were not coming. "'And all together, the parlour was a dismal place to her, "'not half so pleasant as the asparagus bowler, "'where they felt perfectly safe. "'But Imogen, who, for the first time, "'seemed comfortable, began to talk. "'Her talk was about herself, "'such stories she told about the things "'which had happened to her. "'All the young ladies in the ledger put together, "'never had stranger adventures. "'Gradually, Katie and Clover got so interested "'that they left their seats "'and crouched down close to the sofa, "'listening with open mouths to these stories. "'Katy forgot to listen for Aunt Izzy. "'The parlour door swung open, "'but she did not notice it. "'She did not even hear the front door shut "'when Papa came home to dinner. "'Dr. Carr, stopping in the hall "'to glance over his newspaper, "'heard the high-pitched voice running on in the parlour. "'At first he hardly listened, "'then these words caught his ear. "'Oh, it was lovely, girls, perfectly delicious. "'I supposed I did look well, "'for I was all in white with my hand let down "'and just one rose, you know, here on top, "'and he leaned over me "'and said in a low, deep tone, "'Lady, I'm a brigand, "'but I feel the enchanting power of your beauty. "'You are free.' "'Dr. Carr pushed the door open, a little father. "'Nothing was to be seen but some indistinct figures, "'but he heard Katie's voice in an eager tone. "'Oh, do go on. What happened next? "'Who on earth have the children got in the parlour?' "'He asked Aunt Izzy, whom he found in the dining room. "'The parlour cried Mrs. Izzy breathfully. "'Why, what are they there for?' "'Then going to the door, she called out. "'Children, what are you doing in the parlour? "'Come out right away. "'I thought you were playing outdoors.' "'Imagine had a headache,' faltered Katie. "'The three girls came out into the hall. "'Clover and Katie looked scared, "'and neither the enchanter had brigand quite crestfallen. "'Oh,' said Aunt Izzy, grimly, "'I am sorry to hear that. "'Probably you are bilgeous. "'Would you like some camphor or anything?' "'No, thank you,' replied Imogen meekly. "'But afterwards she whispered to Katie. "'Your aunt isn't very nice, I think. "'She's just like Jackama, that horrid old woman "'I told you about, who lived in the brigand's cave "'and did the cooking. "'I don't think you're a bit polite to tell me so,' retorted Katie, very angry at this speech. "'Oh, never mind, dear. "'Don't take it to heart,' replied Imogen sweetly. "'We can't help having relations that ain't nice, you know.' "'The visit was evidently not a success. "'Papa was very civil to Imogen at dinner, "'but he watched her closely, "'and Katie saw a comical twinkle in his eye, "'which she did not like. "'Papa had very droll eyes. "'They saw everything, "'and sometimes they seemed to talk "'almost as distinctly as his tongue. "'Katy began to feel low-spirited. "'She confessed afterward "'that she should never have got through the afternoon "'if she hadn't run upstairs two or three times "'and comforted herself by reading a little in Rosamond. "'Aren't you glad she's gone, whispered Clover, "'as they stood at the gate together, "'watching Imogen walk down the street. "'Oh, Clover, how can you?' said Katie, "'but she gave Clover a great hug. "'And I think in her heart she was glad.' "'Katy,' said Papa, next day, "'you came into the room then, "'exactly like your new friend, Miss Clark. "'How?' "'I don't know what you mean,' answered Katie, blushing deeply. "'So,' said Dr. Carr, "'when he got up, raising his shoulders "'and squaring his elbows, "'and took a few minting steps across the room. "'Katy couldn't help laughing. "'It was so funny and so like Imogen. "'Then Papa sat down again "'and drew her close to him. "'My dear,' he said, "'you're an affectionate child, "'and I'm glad of it. "'There is such a thing as throwing away one's affection. "'I didn't fancy that little girl at all yesterday. "'What makes you like her so much?' "'I didn't like her so much yesterday,' admitted Katie reluctantly. "'She's a great deal nicer than that at school, sometimes.' "'I'm glad to hear it,' said her father, "'for I should be sorry to think "'that you really admired such silly manners. "'And what was that nonsense "'I heard her telling you about, Brigands?' "'It really happened,' began Katie. "'Then she caught Papa's eye "'and bit her lip, for he looked very quizzical. "'Well, she went on laughing. "'I suppose it didn't really all happen, "'but it was ever so funny, Papa, "'even if it was a makeup. "'And Imogen's just as good-natured as can be. "'All the girls like her. "'Makeups are all very well,' said Papa, "'as long as people don't try "'to make you believe they are true. "'When they do that, it seems to me "'it comes too near the edge "'of falsehood to be very safe or pleasant. "'If I were you, Katie, "'I'd be a little shy "'of swearing eternal friendship for Miss Clark. "'She may be good-natured, as you say, "'but I think two or three years hence "'she won't seem so nice to you as she does now. "'Give me a kiss, Chick, and run away, "'for there's Alexander with the buggy.'" End of chapter six. Chapter seven of What Katie Did This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Daniel Cranston. What Katie Did by Susan Coolidge. Chapter seven. Cousin Helen's Visit A little knot of the schoolgirls were walking home together one afternoon in July. As they neared Dr. Carr's gate, Maria Fisk exclaimed at the sight of a bunch of pretty flowers lying in the middle of the sidewalk. "'Oh, my!' she cried. "'See what somebody's dropped? I'm going to have it.'" She stooped to pick it up. But just as her fingers touched the stems, the nosegay, as if bewitched, began to move. Maria made a bewildered clutch. The nosegay moved faster and at last vanished under the gate while a giggle sounded from the other side of the hedge. "'Did you see that?' shrieked Maria. "'Those flowers ran away of themselves.' "'Nonsense,' said Katie. "'It's those absurd children.' Then, opening the gate, she called, "'John, Dory, come out and show yourselves.'" But nobody replied and no one could be seen. The nosegay lay on the path, however, and picking it up, Katie exhibited to the girls a long end of black thread tied to the stems. "'That's a very favorite trick of Johnny's,' she said. "'She and Dory are always tying up flowers and putting them out on the sidewalk to tease people. "'Here, Maria, take them if you like, though I don't think John's taste in vocays is very good. "'Isn't it splendid to have vacation come?' said one of the bigger girls. "'What are you all going to do? "'We're going to the seaside.' "'Pa says, he'll take Susie and me to Niagara,' said Maria. "'I'm going to make my aunt a visit,' said Alice Blair. "'She lives in a real lovely place in the country, "'and there's a pond there. "'And Tom, that's my cousin, says he'll teach me to row. "'What are you going to do, Katie?' "'Oh, I don't know. "'Play around and have splendid times,' replied Katie, throwing her bag of books into the air and catching it again. But the other girls looked as if they didn't think this good fun at all. And as if they were sorry for her. And Katie felt suddenly that her vacation wasn't going to be so pleasant as that of the rest. "'I wish Papa would take us somewhere,' she said to Clover as they walked up the gravel path. "'All the other girls, Papa's, do.' "'He's too busy,' replied Clover. "'Beside, I don't think any of the rest of the girls "'have half such good times as we.' "'Ellen Robbins said she'd give a million of dollars "'for such nice brothers and sisters as ours to play with. "'And you know, Maria and Susie have awful times at home. "'Though they do go to places, Mrs. Fisk is so particular. "'She always says don't, "'and they haven't got any yard to their house or anything. "'I wouldn't change.' "'Nor I,' said Katie, cheering up at these words of wisdom. "'Oh, isn't it lovely to think there won't be any school tomorrow?' "'Vacations are just splendid.' And she gave her bag another toss. It fell to the ground with a crash. "'There, you've cracked your slate,' said Clover. "'No matter, I shan't want it again for eight weeks,' replied Katie comfortably as she ran up the steps. They burst open the front door and raced upstairs, crying, "'Hurrah! Hurrah! Vacations begun! Aunt Izzy, vacations begun!' Then they stopped short, for lo, the upper hall was all in confusion. Sounds of beating and dusting came from the spare room, tables and chairs were standing about, and a cot bed, which seemed to be taking a walk all by itself, stopped short at the head of the stairs and barred the way. "'By how queer,' said Katie, trying to get by. "'What can be going to happen?' "'Oh, there's Aunt Izzy. "'Aunt Izzy, who's coming? "'What are you moving the things out of the blue room for?' "'Oh, gracious, is that you,' replied Aunt Izzy, who looked very hot and flurried. "'Now, children, it's no use for you to stand there asking questions. "'I haven't got time to answer them. "'Let the bed's dead alone. Katie, you'll push it into the wall. "'There, I told you so,' as Katie gave an impatient shelf. "'You've made a mark on the paper. What a troublesome child you are. "'Go right downstairs, both of you, and don't come up this way again till after tea. "'I've just as much as I can possibly attend till then. "'Just tell us what's going to happen, and we will,' cried the children. "'Your cousin Helen is coming to visit us,' said Miss Izzy curtly and disappeared into the blue room. "'This,' was news indeed. Katie and Clover ran downstairs in great excitement, and after consulting a little, retired to the loft to talk it over in peace and quiet. "'Cousin Helen coming?' It seemed as strange as if Queen Victoria, gold crown and all, had invited herself to tea. Or, as if some character out of a book, Robinson Crusoe, say, or Amy Herbert, had driven up with a trunk and announced the intention of spending a week. For to the imaginations of the children, Cousin Helen was as interesting and unreal as anybody in the fairy tales, Cinderella or Bluebeard or dear Red Riding Hood herself. Only there was a sort of mixture of Sunday school book in their idea of her, for Cousin Helen was very, very good. None of them had ever seen her. Philly said he was sure she hadn't any legs because she never went away from home and lay on a sofa all the time. But the rest knew that this was because Cousin Helen was ill. Papa always went to visit her twice a year and he liked to talk to the children about her and tell how sweet and patient she was and what a pretty room she lived in. Katie and Clover had played Cousin Helen so long that now they were frightened as well as glad at the idea of seeing the real one. Do you suppose she will want us to say hymns to her all the time? Asked Clover. Not all the time, replied Katie, because you know she'll get tired and have to take naps in the afternoons. And then, of course, she reads the Bible a great deal. Oh dear, how quiet we shall have to be. I wonder how long she's going to stay. What do you suppose she looks like? went on Clover. Something like Lucy, who misses Sherwood, I guess, with blue eyes and curls and a long straight nose. And she'll keep her hands clasped so all the time and wear frilled wrappers and lie on the sofa perfectly still and never smile but just look patient. We'll have to take off our boots in the hall, Clover, and go upstairs and stocking feet so as not to make a noise all the time she stays. Want to be funny? giggled Clover, her sober little face growing bright at the idea of this variation on the hymns. The time seemed very long till the next afternoon when Cousin Helen was expected. Aunt Izzy, with great excitement, gave the children many orders about their behavior. They were to do this and that and not to do the other. Dory, at last, announced that he wished Cousin Helen would just stay at home. Clover and Elsie, who had been thinking pretty much the same thing in private, were glad to hear that she was on her way to a water cure and would stay only four days. Five o'clock came. They all sat on the steps waiting for the carriage. At last, it drove up. Papa was on the box. He motioned the children to stand back. Then, he helped out a nice-looking young woman who, Aunt Izzy told them, was Cousin Helen's nurse. And then, very carefully, lifted Cousin Helen in his arms and brought her in. Oh, there are the chicks with the first words the children heard in such a gay, pleasant voice. Do set me down somewhere, Uncle. I want to see them so much. So Papa put Cousin Helen on the hall sofa. The nurse fetched a pillow and when she was made comfortable, Dr. Carr called to the little ones. Cousin Helen wants to see you, he said. Indeed, I do, said the bright voice. So this is Katie. Why, what a splendid tall Katie it is. And this is Clover, kissing her. And this, dear little Elsie. You all look as natural as possible, just as if I had seen you before. And she hugged them all around. Not as if it were polite to like them because they were relations, but as if she had loved them and wanted them all her life. There was something in Cousin Helen's face and manner which made the children at home with her at once. Even Philly, who had backed away with his hands behind him after staring hard for a minute or two, came up with a sort of rush to get his share of kissing. Still, Katie's first feeling was one of disappointment. Cousin Helen was not at all like Lucy in Mrs. Sherwood's story. Her nose turned up the least bit in the world. She had brown hair, which didn't curl, a brown skin and bright eyes, which danced when she laughed or spoke. Her face was thin, but except for that you wouldn't have guessed that she was sick. She didn't fold her hands and she didn't look patient, but absolutely glad and merry. Her dress wasn't a frilled wrapper, but a sort of loose traveling thing of pretty gray stuff with a rose-colored bow and bracelets and a round hat trimmed with a gray feather. All Katie's dreams about the saintly invalid seemed to take wings and fly away. But the more she watched Cousin Helen, the more she seemed to like her and to feel as if she were nicer than the imaginary person which she and Clover had invented. She looks just like other people, don't she? whispered Sessy, who would come over to have a peep at the new arrival. Sessy replied Katie doubtfully, only a great, great deal prettier. By and by Papa carried Cousin Helen upstairs. All the children wanted to go too, but he told them she was tired and must rest, so they went outdoors to play till tea time. Oh, do let me take up the tray, cried Katie at the tea table as she watched Aunt Izzy getting ready Cousin Helen's supper. Such a nice supper, cold chicken and raspberries and cream and tea in a pretty pink and white china cup and such a snow white napkin as Aunt Izzy spread over the tray. No indeed said Aunt Izzy, he'll drop it the first thing, but Katie's eyes begged so hard, the doctor car said, yes, let her Izzy, I'd like to see the girls useful. So Katie, proud of the commission, took the tray and carried it carefully across the hall. There was a bowl of flowers on the table as she passed she was struck with a bright idea. She sat down the tray and picking out a rose laded on the napkin beside the saucer of crimson raspberries. It looked very pretty and Katie smiled to herself with pleasure. What are you stopping for? cried Aunt Izzy from the dining room. Do be careful Katie, I really think Bridget had better take it. Oh no, no, protested Katie. I'm most up already and she sped upstairs as fast as she could go. Luckless speed, she had just reached the door of the blue room when she tripped upon her boot lace which as usual was dangling, made a misstep and stumbled. She caught at the door to save herself. The door flew open and Katie with the tray, cream, raspberries, rose and all descended in a confused heap upon the carpet. I told you so, exclaimed Aunt Izzy from the bottom of the stairs. Katie never forgot how kind Cousin Helen was on this occasion. She was in bed and was of course a good deal startled at the sudden crash and tumble on the floor. But after one little jump nothing could have been sweeter than the way in which she comforted the best fallen Katie and made so merry over the accident that even Aunt Izzy almost forgot to scold. The broken dishes were piled up and the carpet made clean again while Aunt Izzy prepared another tray just as nice as the first. Please let Katie bring it up. Please Cousin Helen in her pleasant voice. I'm sure she will be careful this time. And Katie, I want just such another rose on the napkin. That was your doing, wasn't it? Katie was careful. This time all went well. The tray was placed safely on a little table beside the bed and Katie sat watching Cousin Helen eat her supper with a warm loving feeling at her heart. I think we are scarcely ever so grateful to people as when they help us to get back our own self-esteem. Cousin Helen hadn't much appetite. Though she declared everything was delicious. Katie could see that she was very tired. Now she said when she had finished if you'll shake up this pillow so and move this other pillow a little I think I will settle myself to sleep. Thanks that that's just right. Why Katie dear, you are a born nurse. Now kiss me. Good night. Tomorrow we will have a nice talk. Katie went downstairs very happy. Cousin Helen's perfectly lovely she told Clover and she's got on the most beautiful nightgown all lace and ruffles. It's just like a nightgown in a book. Isn't it wicked to care about clothes when you're sick questions CC? I don't believe Cousin Helen could do anything wicked said Katie. I told Ma that she had on bracelets and Ma said she feared your cousin was a worldly person. Retorted CC, priming up her lips. Katie and Clover were quite distressed at this opinion. They talked over it while they were on dressing. I mean to ask Cousin Helen tomorrow. Said Katie. Next morning the children got up very early. They were so glad that it was vacation. If it hadn't been, they would have been forced to go to school without seeing Cousin Helen. For she didn't wake till late. They grew so impatient of the delay and went upstairs so often to listen at the door and see if she were moving that Aunt Izzy finally had to order them off. Katie rebelled against this order a good deal but she consoled herself by going into the garden and picking the prettiest flowers she could find to give to Cousin Helen the moment she should see her. When Aunt Izzy let her go up, Cousin Helen was lying on the sofa all dressed for the day in a fresh blue muslin with blue ribbons and cunning bronze slippers with rosettes on the toes. The sofa had been wheeled round with its back to the light. There was a cushion with a pretty fluted cover that Katie had never seen before and several other things were scattered about which gave the room quite a different air. All the house was neat but somehow Aunt Izzy's rooms never were pretty. Children's eyes are quick to perceive such things and Katie saw at once that the blue room had never looked like this. Cousin Helen was white and tired but her eyes and smile were as bright as ever. She was delighted with the flowers which Katie presented rather shyly. Oh how lovely she said and must put them in water right away. Katie dear, don't you want to bring that little vase on the bureau and set it on the chair beside me and please pour a little water into it first? What a beauty! cried Katie as she lifted the graceful white cup swung on a gilt stand. Is it yours Cousin Helen? Yes, it is my pet vase. It stands on a little table beside me at home and I fancied that the water cure would seem more home like if I had it with me there so I brought it along. But why do you look so puzzled Katie? Does it seem queer that a vase should travel about in a trunk? No, said Katie slowly. I was only thinking Cousin Helen, is it worldly to have pretty things when you're sick? Cousin Helen laughed heartily. Who put that idea into your head? She asked. Cici said so when I told her about your beautiful nightgown. Cousin Helen laughed again. Well, she said. I'll tell you what I think Katie. Pretty things are no more worldly than ugly ones except when they spoil us by making us vain or careless of the comfort of other people. And sickness is such a disagreeable thing in itself that unless sick people take great pains they soon grow to be eyesores to themselves and everybody about them. I don't think it is possible for an invalid to be too particular and when one has the back ache and the headache and the all over ache she added smiling. There isn't much danger of growing vain because of a ruffle more or less than a nightgown or a bit of bright ribbon. Then she began to arrange the flowers touching each separate one gently and as if she loved it. What a queer noise she exclaimed suddenly stopping it was queer. A sort of snuffing and snorting sound as if a walrus or a seahorse were promenading up and down in a hall. There was John and Dory very red in the face from flattening their noses against the keyhole in a vain attempt to see if Cousin Helen were up and ready to receive company. Oh let them come in cried Cousin Helen from her sofa. So they came in followed before long by Clover and Elsie such a merry morning as they had. Cousin Helen proved to possess a perfect genius for storytelling and for suggesting games which could be played about her sofa and did not make more noise than she could bear. Aunt Izzy dropping in about 11 o'clock found them having such a good time that almost before she knew it she was drawn into the game too. Nobody had ever heard of such a thing before. There sat Aunt Izzy on the floor with three long lamp lighters stuck in her hair playing I'm a gentile lady always gentile in the jolliest manner. The children were so enchanted at the spectacle that they could hardly attend the game and were always forgetting how many horns they had. Clover privately thought that Cousin Helen must be a witch and Papa when he came home at noon said almost the same thing what have you been doing to them Helen? He inquired as he opened the door and saw the Mary circle on the carpet. Aunt Izzy's hair was half pulled down and Philly was rolling over and over in convulsions of laughter but Cousin Helen said she hadn't done anything and pretty soon Papa was on the floor too playing away as fast as the rest I must put a stop to this he cried when everybody was tired of laughing and everybody's head was stuck as full of paper quills as a porcupine's back Cousin Helen will be worn out run away all of you and don't come near this door again till the clock strikes four. Do you hear chicks run run shoo shoo The children scuttled away like a brood of fouls all but Katie oh Papa I'll be so quiet she pleaded mightn't I stay just till the dinner bell rings? Do let her said Cousin Helen so Papa said yes Katie sat on the floor holding Cousin Helen's hand and listening to her talk with Papa it interested her though it was about things and people that she did not know how was Alex asked Dr. Carr at length quite well now applied Cousin Helen with one of her brightest looks he was run down and tired in the spring and we were a little anxious about him but Emma persuaded him to take a fortnight's vacation and he came back alright do you see him often almost every day and little Helen comes every day you know for her lessons she is pretty as she used to be oh yes prettier I think she is a lovely little creature having her so much with me is one of my greatest treats Alex tries to think that she looks a little as I used to but that is a compliment so great that I dare not appropriate it Dr. Carr stooped and kissed Cousin Helen as if he could not help it my dear child he said that was all but something in the tone made Katie curious Papa she said after dinner who is Alex that you and Cousin Helen were talking about why Katie what makes you want to know I can't exactly tell only Cousin Helen looked so and you kissed her and I thought perhaps it was something interesting so it is said Dr. Carr drawing her onto his knee I have a mind to tell you about it Katie because you are old enough to see how beautiful it is and wise enough I hope not to chatter or ask questions Alex is the name of somebody who long ago when Cousin Helen was well and strong she loved and expected to marry oh why didn't she she met with a dreadful accident continued Dr. Carr for a long time they thought she would die then she grew slowly better and the doctors told her that she might live a good many years but that she would have to lie on her sofa always and be helpless and a cripple Alex felt dreadfully when he heard this he wanted to marry Cousin Helen just the same and be her nurse and take care of her always but she would not consent she broke the engagement and told him that someday she hoped he would love somebody else well enough to marry her after a good many years he did and now he and his wife live next door to Cousin Helen and are her dearest friends their little girl is named Helen all their plans are talked over with her and there is nobody in the world they think so much of but doesn't it make Cousin Helen feel bad when she sees him walking about and enjoying themselves and she can't move no said Dr. Carr it doesn't because Cousin Helen is half an angel already and loves other people better than herself I'm very glad she could come here for once she's an example to us all Katie and I couldn't ask anything better than to have my little girls take pattern after her it must be awful to be sick so little acquiesed Katie after Papa was gone why if I had to stay in bed a whole week I should die I know I would poor Katie it seemed to her as it does to almost all young people that there is nothing in the world so easy as to die the moment things go wrong this conversation with Papa made Cousin Helen doubly interesting in Katie's eyes it was just like something in a book to be in the same house with a heroine of a love story so sad and sweet the play that afternoon was much interrupted for every few minutes somebody had to run in and see if it wasn't four o'clock the instant the hour came all six children galloped upstairs I think we'll tell stories this time said Cousin Helen so they told stories Cousin Helen's were the best of all there was one of them about a robber which sent delightful chills creeping down all their backs all but Philly he was so excited he grew warlike I ain't afraid of robbers he declared, strutting up and down when they come I shall just cut them in two with my sword which Papa gave me they did come once I did cut them in two three, five, eleven of them after the younger children were gone to bed and Katie and Clover were sitting in the blue room a lamentable howling was heard from the nursery Clover ran to see what was the matter behold, there was Phil sitting up in bed and crying for help there's robbers under the bed he sobbed ever so many robbers I know Philly said Clover peeping under the valence there isn't anybody there yes there is I tell you declared Phil holding her tight I heard one they were chewing my India robbers poor little fellow said Cousin Helen when Clover having pacified Phil came back to report it's a warning against robber stories but this one ended so well that I didn't think of anybody's being frightened it was no use after this for Aunt Izzy to make rules about going into the blue room she might as well have ordered flies to keep away from a sugar bowl by hook or by crook the children would get upstairs whenever Aunt Izzy went in she was sure to find them there just as close to Cousin Helen as they could get and Cousin Helen begged her not to interfere we have only three or four days to be together she said let them come as much as they like it won't hurt me a bit little Elsie clung with a passionate love to this new friend Cousin Helen had sharp eyes she saw the wistful look in Elsie's face at once and took special pains to be sweet and tender to her this preference made Katie jealous she couldn't bear to share her cousin with anybody when the last evening came she went up after tea to the blue room Cousin Helen was opening a box which had just come by express it's a goodbye box she said all of you must sit down in a row and when I hide my hands behind me so you must choose in turn which you will take so they all chose in turn which hand will you have the right or the left and Cousin Helen brought out from behind her pillow something pretty for each one first came a vase exactly like her own which Katie had admired so much Katie screamed with delight as it was placed in her hands oh how lovely, how lovely she cried I'll keep it as long as I live and breathe if you do it'll be the first time you ever kept anything for a week without breaking it next came a pretty purple pocketbook for Clover it was just what she wanted where she had lost her Port Monet then a cunning little locket on a bit of velvet ribbon which Cousin Helen tied around Elsie's neck there's a piece of my hair in it she said why Elsie darling, what's the matter don't cry so oh you're so beautiful so sweet sobbed Elsie and you're going away Dory had a box of dominoes and John a solitaire board for Phil there appeared a book the history of the robber cat that will remind you of the night when the thieves came and chewed your Indian rubbers said Cousin Helen with a mischievous smile they all laughed of all nobody was forgotten there was a notebook for Papa and a set of ivory tablets for Aunt Izzy even Cici was remembered her present was the book of golden deeds with all sorts of stories about boys and girls who had done brave and good things she was almost too pleased to speak oh thank you Cousin Helen she said at last Cici wasn't a cousin but she and the car children were in the habit of sharing their aunts and uncles and relations generally as they did their other good things next day came the sad parting all the little ones stood at the gate to wave their pocket handkerchiefs as the carriage drove away when it was quite out of sight Katie rushed off to weep a little weep all by herself Papa said he wished we were all like Cousin Helen she thought as she wiped her eyes and I mean to try though I don't suppose if I tried a thousand years I should ever get to be half so good I'll study and keep my things in order and be ever so kind to the little ones dear me if only Aunt Izzy was Cousin Helen how easy it would be never mind I'll think about her all the time and I'll begin tomorrow end of Chapter 7 Cousin Helen's Visit recording by Daniel Cranston Chapter 8 of What Katie Did This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Hattie Lennox What Katie Did by Susan Coolidge Chapter 8 Tomorrow I will begin thought Katie as she dropped asleep that night how often we all do so and what a pity it is that when morning comes and tomorrow is today we so frequently wake up feeling quite differently careless or impatient and not a bit inclined to do the fine things we planned overnight sometimes it seems as if there must be wicked little imps in the world tied up so long as the sun shines but who creep into our bedrooms when we are asleep to tease us and ruffle our tempers else why when we go to rest good-natured and pleasant should we wake up so cross now there was Katie her last sleepy thought was an intention to be an angel from that time on and as much like Cousin Helen as she could and when she opened her eyes she was all out of sorts and as fractious as a bear old Mary said that she got out of bed on the wrong side by the way if anybody will ever be wise enough to tell us which side that is so that we may always choose the other how comfortable it would be if they could you know how if we begin the day in a cross mood all sorts of unfortunate accident seemed to occur to add to our vexations the very first thing Katie did this morning was to break her precious vase the one Cousin Helen had given her it was standing on the bureau with a little cluster of blush roses in it the bureau had a swing glass while Katie was brushing her hair the glass tipped a little so that she could not see at a good human moment this accident wouldn't have troubled her much but being out of temper to begin with it made her angry she gave the glass a violent push the lower part swung forward there was a smash and the first thing Katie knew the blush roses lay scattered all over the floor and Cousin Helen's pretty present was ruined Katie just sat down on the carpet and cried as hard as she had been Phil himself and Izzy heard lamenting and came in I'm very sorry she said picking up the broken glass but it's no more than I expected you're so careless Katie now don't sit there in that foolish way get up and dress yourself you'll be late to breakfast what's the matter asked Papa noticing Katie's red eyes as she took her seat at the table I've broken my vase said Katie dolefully it was extremely careless of you to put it in such a dangerous place said her aunt the glass would swing and knock it off then seeing a big tear fall in the middle of Katie's plate she added really Katie you're too big to behave like a baby why Dory would be ashamed to do so pre-control yourself this snub did not improve Katie's temper she went on with her breakfast in sulky silence what are you all going to do today asked Dr. Carr hoping to give things a more cheerful turn swing cried John and Dory both together Alexander's put us up a splendid one in the wood shed no you're not said aunt Izzy in a positive tone the swing is not to be used till tomorrow remember that children not till tomorrow and not then unless I give you leave this was unwise of aunt Izzy she would better have explained farther the truth was that Alexander and having put up the swing had cracked one of the staples which fastened it to the roof he meant to get a new one in the course of the day and meantime he had cautioned Miss Carr to use the swing because it really was not safe if she had told us to the children all would have been right but on Izzy's theory was that young people must obey their elders without explanation John and Elsie and Dory all powdered when they heard this order Elsie recovered her good humor first I don't care she said because I'm going to be very busy I've got to write a letter to cousin Helen about something Elsie could never quite pronounce the TH what asked Clover oh something answered Elsie wagging her head mysteriously none of the rest of you must know cousin Helen said so it's a secret she and me has got I don't believe cousin Helen said so at all said Katie Crossley she wouldn't tell secrets to a silly little girl like you yes she would too retorted Elsie angrily she said I was just as good to trust as if I was ever so big and she said I was her pet so there Katie Carr stop disputing said Aunt Izzy Katie your top drawer is all out of order I never saw anything look so badly go upstairs at once and straighten it before you do anything else children you must keep in the shade this morning it's too hot for you to be running about in the sun Elsie go into the kitchen and tell Debbie I want to speak to her yes said Elsie in an important tone and afterwards I'm coming back to write my letter to cousin Helen Katie went slowly up the stairs dragging one foot after the other it was a warm languid day her head ached a little and her eyes smarted and felt heavy from crying so much everything seemed dull and hateful she said to herself that Aunt Izzy was very unkind to make her work in vacation and she pulled the top drawer open with a disgusted groan it must be confessed that Miss Izzy was right a bureau drawer could hardly look worse than this one did it reminded one of the white nights recipe for pudding which began with blotting paper and ended with sealing sticks and gunpowder all sorts of things were mixed together as if somebody had put in a long stick and stirred them well up there were books and paint boxes and bits of scribbled paper and lead pencils and brushes stocking legs had come unrolled and twisted themselves about pocket handkerchiefs and ends of ribbons and linen collars ruffles all crushed out of shape stuck up from under the heavier things and sundry little paper boxes lay empty on the drawer and disappeared beneath the general mass it took much time and patience to bring order out of this confusion but Katie knew that Aunt Izzy would be up by and by and she dared not stop till all was done by the time it was finished she was very tired going downstairs she met Elsie coming up with a slate in her hand which as soon as she saw Katie she put behind her you mustn't look she said it's my letter to cousin Helen nobody but me knows the secret and I'm going to send it to the office see there's a stamp on it and she exhibited a corner of the slate sure enough there was a stamp stuck on the frame you little goose said Katie impatiently you can't send that to the post office here give me the slate I'll copy what you've written on paper and pop will give you an envelope no no cried Elsie struggling you mustn't you'll see what I've said and cousin Helen said I wasn't a tell it's a secret let go of my slate I say I'll tell cousin Helen what a mean girl you are and then she won't love you a bit there then take your old slate said Katie giving her a vindictive push Elsie slipped, screamed caught at the banisters, missed them and rolling over and over fell with a thump on the hall floor it wasn't much of a fall only half a dozen steps but the bump was a hard one and Elsie roared as if she had been half killed Aunt Izzy and Mary came rushing to the spot Katie pushed me shoved Elsie she wanted me to tell her my secret and I wouldn't she's a bad naughty girl well Katie Carr I should think you'd be ashamed of yourself said Aunt Izzy reeking your temper on your poor little sister I think your cousin Helen will be surprised when she hears this there there Elsie don't cry anymore dear come upstairs with me I'll put on some Arnica and Katie shunt hurt you again so they went upstairs Katie left below felt very miserable repentant, defiant, discontented and sulky all at once she knew in her heart that she had not meant to hurt Elsie but was thoroughly ashamed of that push but Aunt Izzy's hint about telling cousin Helen had made her too angry to allow of her confessing this to herself or anybody else I don't care she murmured choking back her tears Elsie is a real cry baby anyway Elsie always takes her part just because I told the little silly not to go and send a great heavy slate to the post office she went out by the side door into the yard as she passed the shed the new swing caught her eye how exactly like Aunt Izzy she thought ordering children not to swing until she gives them leave I suppose she thinks it's too hot or something I shan't mind her anyhow she seated herself in the swing it was a first rate one with a broad comfortable seat and thick new ropes the seat hung just the right distance from the floor Alexander was a capital hand at putting up swings and the wood shed was the nicest possible spot in which to have one it was a big place with a very high roof there was not much wood left in it just now and the little there was was piled neatly about the sides of the shed so was to leave plenty of room the place felt cool and dark and the motion of the swing seemed to set the breeze blowing it waved Katie's hair like a great fan and made her dreamy and quiet all sorts of sleepy ideas began to filth through her brain swinging to and fro like the pendulum of a great clock she gradually rose higher and higher driving herself along by the motion of her body and striking the floor smartly with her foot at every sweep now she was at the top of the high arched door then she could almost touch the cross beam above it and through the small square window could see pigeons sitting and pluming themselves on the eaves of the barn and white clouds blowing over the blue sky she had never swung so high before it was like flying she thought and she bent and curved more strongly in the seat trying to send herself yet higher and grazed the roof with her toes suddenly at the very highest point of the sweep there was a sharp noise of cracking the swing gave a violent twist spun half round and tossed Katie into the air she clutched the rope felt it dragged from her grasp then down, down, down she fell all grew dark and she knew no more when she opened her eyes she was lying on the sofa in the dining room Clover was kneeling beside her with a pale scared face and aunt Izzy was dropping something cold and wet on her forehead what's the matter? said Katie faintly oh she's alive and Clover put her arms around Katie's neck and sobbed hush dear, aunt Izzy's voice sounded unusually gentle Katie don't you recollect? a tumble? oh yes out of the swing said Katie as it all came slowly back to her did the rope break aunt Izzy? I can't remember about it no Katie not the rope the staple drew out of the roof it was a cracked one and not safe don't you recollect my telling you not to swing today did you forget? no aunt Izzy I didn't forget she closed her eyes and big tears rolled from under the lids don't cry whispered Clover crying herself please don't aunt Izzy isn't going to scold you but Katie was too weak and shaken not to cry I think I'd like to go upstairs and lie on the bed she said but when she tried to get off the sofa everything swam before her and she fell back on the pillow why I can't stand up she gasped looking very much frightened I'm afraid you've given yourself a sprain somewhere said aunt Izzy who looked rather frightened herself you'd better lie still a while dear before you try to move ah here's the doctor well I am glad and she went forward to meet him it wasn't Papa but Dr. Alsop who lived quite near them I'm so relieved that you could come aunt Izzy said my brother has gone out of town not to return till tomorrow and one of the little girls has had a bad fall Dr. Alsop sat down beside the sofa and counted Katie's pulse then he began feeling all over her can you move this leg he asked Katie gave a feeble kick and this the kick was a good deal more feeble did that hurt you asked Dr. Alsop seeing a look of pain on her face yes a little replied Katie trying hard not to cry in your back eh was the pain high up or low down and the doctor punched Katie's spine for some minutes making her squirm uneasily I'm afraid she's done some mischief he said at last but it's impossible to tell yet exactly what it may only be a twist or a slight sprain he added seeing the look of terror on Katie's face you'd better get her upstairs and undress her as soon as you can in this car I'll leave a prescription to rub her with and Dr. Alsop took out a bit of paper and began to write almost I go to bed said Katie how long will I have to stay there doctor that depends on how fast you get well replied the doctor not long I hope perhaps only a few days a few days repeated Katie in a despairing tone after the doctor was gone Aunt Izzy and Debbie lifted Katie and carried her slowly up the stairs it was not easy for every motion hurt her and the sense of being helpless hurt most of all she couldn't help crying after she was undressed and put into bed it all seemed so dreadful and strange if only Papa was here she thought but Dr. Carr had gone into the country to see someone who was very sick and couldn't possibly be back till tomorrow such a long long afternoon as that was Aunt Izzy sent up some dinner but Katie couldn't eat her lips were parched and her head ached violently the sun began to pour in and the room grew quite warm flies buzzed in the window and tormented her by lighting on her face little prickles of pain ran up and down her back she lay with her eyes shut because it hurt to keep them open and all sorts of uneasy thoughts perhaps if my back is really sprained I shall have to lie here as much as a week she said to herself oh dear dear I can't the vacation is only eight weeks and I was going to do such lovely things how can people be as patient as Cousin Helen when they have to lie still won't you be sorry when she hears was it really yesterday that she went away it seems a year if only I hadn't gotten to that nasty old swing and then Katie began to imagine what would have been if she hadn't and how she and Cloverm had meant to go to the paradise that afternoon they might have been there under the cool trees now as these thoughts ran through her mind her head grew hotter and her position in the bed more uncomfortable suddenly she became conscious that the glaring light from the window was shaded and that the wind seemed to be blowing freshly over her she opened her heavy eyes the blinds were shut and there beside the bed sat little Elsie fanning her with a palm leaf can I wake you up Katie? she asked in a timid voice Katie looked at her with startled amazed eyes don't be frightened said Elsie I won't disturb you Johnny and me are so sorry you're sick and her little lips trembled but we need to keep real quiet and never bang the nursery door or make noises on the stairs till you're well again and I've brought you something real nice some of it's from John and some from me it's because you got tumbled out of the swing see an Elsie pointed triumphantly to a chair which she had pulled up close to the bed and on which were solemnly set forth first a pewter tea set second a box with a glass lid on which flowers were painted third a jointed doll fourth a transparent slate and lastly two new lead pencils they're all yours yours to keep said generous little Elsie you can have Pickery too if you want only he's pretty big and I'm afraid he'd be lonely without me don't you like the things Katie? they're real pretty it seemed to Katie as if the hottest sort of a coal of fire was burning into the top of her head as she looked at the treasures on the chair and then at Elsie's face all lighted up with affectionate self-sacrifice she tried to speak but began to cry instead which frightened Elsie very much does it hurt you so bad she asked crying too from sympathy oh no it isn't that sobbed Katie but I was so crossed to you this morning Elsie and pushed you oh please forgive me please do why it's got well said Elsie surprised and Izzy put a finger out of a bottle on it and the bump all went away shall I go and ask her to put some on you too I will and she ran toward the door oh no cried Katie don't go away Elsie come here and kiss me instead Elsie turned as if doubtful expectation could be meant for her Katie held out her arms Elsie ran right into them and the big sister and the little exchanged an embrace which seemed to bring their hearts closer together than they had ever been before you're the most precious little darling murmured Katie clasping Elsie tight I've been real horrid to you Elsie but I'll never be again you shall play with me and Clover and CC just as much as you like and write notes in all the post offices and everything else she cried Elsie executing little skips of transport how sweet you are Katie I mean to love you next best to Cousin Helen and Papa and racking her brains for some way of repaying this wonderful kindness I'll tell you the secret if you want me to very much I guess Cousin Helen would let me no said Katie never mind about the secret I don't want you to tell it to me sit down by the bed and fan me some more instead no persisted Elsie who now that she had made up her mind the treasured secret could not bear to be stopped Cousin Helen gave me a half dollar and told me to give it to Debbie and tell her she was much obliged to her for making her such nice things to eat and I did and Debbie was real pleased and I wrote Cousin Helen a letter and told her that Debbie liked the half dollar that's the secret isn't it a nice one? only you mustn't tell anybody about it ever just as long as you live no said Katie smiling faintly I won't this afternoon Elsie sat beside the bed with her palm leaf fan keeping off the flies and shooing away the other children when they peeped in at the door do you really like to have me here? she asked more than once and smiled oh so triumphantly when Katie said yes but though Katie said yes I'm afraid it was only half the truth for the sight of the dear little forgiving girl whom she had treated unkindly gave her more pain than pleasure I'll be so good to her when I get well tossing uneasily to and fro Aunt Izzie slept in her room that night Katie was feverish when morning came and Dr. Carr returned he found her in a good deal of pain hot and restless with wide open anxious eyes Papa she cried first thing must I lie here as much as a week my darling I'm afraid you must replied her father who looked worried and very grave dear dear sobbed Katie how can I bear it end of chapter 8 recording by Hattie Lennox chapter 9 of what Katie did this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Barbara Bulkley BigBible.org what Katie did by Susan Coolidge chapter 9 dismal days if anybody had told Katie that first afternoon that at the end of a week she would still be in bed and in pain and with no time fixed for getting up I think it would almost have killed her she was so restless and eager that July still seemed one of the hardest things in the world but July still and have her back ache all the time was worse yet day after day she asked Papa to go down and wave her ring lip meant I get up and go downstairs this morning and when he shook his head the lip would quiver more and tears would come but if she tried to get up it hurt her so much that in spite of herself she was glad to sink back again on the soft pillows and mattress which felt so comfortable to her poor bones then there came a time when Katie didn't even ask to be a lie to get up there was a sharp dreadful pain such as she never imagined before took hold of her when days and nights got all confused and tangled up together and aunt Izzy never seemed to go to bed a time when Papa was constantly in her room when other doctors came and stood over her and punched and felt her back and talked to each other in low whispers it was all like a long bad dream from which she couldn't wake up her so hard now and then she would rise a little and catch the sound of voices or be aware that Clover or Elsie stood at the door crying softly or that aunt Izzy in creaking slippers was going about the room on tiptoe then all these things would slip away again and she would drop off into a dark place where there was nothing but pain and sleep which made her forget pain and so seemed the best thing in the world we will hurry over this sad time for it is hard to think of our bright Katie in such a sad plight by and by the pain grew less and the sleep quieter then as the pain became easier still Katie woke up as it were began to take notice of what was going on about her to put questions how long have I been sick? she asked one morning it is four weeks yesterday said Papa four weeks said Katie didn't know it was so long as that was I very sick Papa very dear but you are a great deal better now how did I hurt me when I tumbled out of the swing asked Katie who was in an unusually wakeful mood I don't believe I could make you understand dear but try Papa well did you know that you had a long bone down your back called a spine I thought that was a disease said Katie Clover said that Helen had the spine no the spine is a bone it is made up of a row of smaller bones or knobs and in the middle of it is a sort of rope of nerves called the spinal cord nerves you know are the things we feel with well this spinal cord is rolled up for safe keeping in a soft wrapping called membrane when you fell out of the swing you struck against one of these knobs and bruised the membrane inside and the nerve inflamed the fever in the back do you see a little said Katie not quite understanding but too tired to question father after she had rested a while she said is the fever well now Papa can I get up again and go downstairs right away not right away I'm afraid said Dr. Carr trying to speak cheerfully Katie didn't ask any more questions then another week passed the pain was almost gone it only came back now and then for a few minutes she could sleep now and eat and be raised in bed without feeling giddy but still the once active limbs hung heavy and lifeless and she was not able to walk or even stand alone my legs feel so queer she said one morning they are just like the princess legs which were turned to black marble in the Arabian nights won't they feel natural soon not soon answered Dr. Carr then he said to himself poor child she had better know the truth so he went on I'm afraid my darling that you must make up your mind to stay in bed a long time how long said Katie looking frightened a month more I can't tell exactly how long answered her father the doctors think as I do your spine is one which you will outgrow by and by because you are so young and strong but it may take a good while to do it it may be that you will have to lie here for months or it may be more the only cure for such a hurt is time and patience it is hard darling for Katie began to sob wildly but you have hope to help you alone think of poor cousin Helen bearing all these years without hope Papa gasped Katie between her sobs doesn't it seem dreadful that just getting into a swing for a few minutes should do so much harm such a little thing is that yes such a little thing repeated Dr. Carr sadly and it was only a little thing too forgetting Aunt Izzie's order about the swing just for the want of the small horseshoe nail of obedience Katie years afterwards Katie told somebody that the longest six weeks of her life were those which followed this conversation with Papa now that she knew there was no chance of getting well at once the days dragged dreadfully each seemed duller and dismaler than the day before she lost heart about herself and took no interest in anything Aunt Izzie brought her books but she didn't want to read or to sew nothing amused her Clover and Cece would come and sit with her but hearing them tell about their plays and the things they had been doing made her cry so miserably that Aunt Izzie wouldn't let them come often they were very sorry for Katie but the room was so gloomy and Katie so cross that they didn't mind much not being alive to see her in those days Katie made Aunt Izzie keep the blind shut tight and she lay in the dark thinking how miserable she was and how wretched all the rest of her life was going to be but she was too selfishly miserable to notice it Aunt Izzie ran up and down stairs and was on her feet all day trying to get something which would please her but Katie hardly said thank you and never saw how tired and Izzie looked so long as she was forced to stay in bed Katie could not be grateful for anything that was done for her but doleful as the days were they were not so bad as the nights when after Aunt Izzie was asleep Katie would lie wide awake and have long hopeless fits of crying at these times she would think of all the plans she had made for doing beautiful things when she was growing up and now she'll never do any of them she would say to herself only just lie here Papa says I may get well by and by but I shant I know I shant and even if I do I shall have wasted all these years and the others will grow up and get ahead of me and I shant be a comfort to them or to anybody else oh dear oh dear how dreadful it is the first thing which broke in upon the sad state of affairs was a letter from cousin Helen which Papa brought one morning and handed to Aunt Izzie Helen tells me she's going home this week said Aunt Izzie from the window where she'd gone to read the letter well I'm sorry but I think she's quite right not to stop it's just as she says one invalid at a time is enough in a house I'm sure I have my hands full with Katie oh Aunt Izzie cried Katie is cousin Helen coming this way when she goes home oh do make her stop if it's just for one day do ask her I want to see her so much I can't tell you how much won't you please please dear Papa she was almost crying with eagerness why yes darling if you wish it so much said Doctor Carr it will cost Aunt Izzie some trouble but she's so kind that I'm sure she'll manage it if it's to give you so much pleasure can't do Izzie and he looked eagerly at the sister of course I will said Mrs. Izzie heartily Katie was so glad that for the first time in her life she threw her arms of her own accord around aunt Izzie's neck and kissed her thank you dear auntie she said and Izzie looked as pleased as could be she had a warm heart hidden under her fidgety ways only Katie had never been sick before to find it out for the next week Katie was feverish with expectation at last cousin Helen came this time Katie was not on the steps to welcome her but after a little while Papa brought cousin Helen in his arms and sat her in the big chair beside the bed how dark it is she said after they kissed each other and talked for a minute or two I can't see your face at all would it hurt your eyes to have a little more light oh no answered Katie it don't hurt my eyes only I hate to have the sun come in it makes me feel worse somehow push the blind open a little bit then Clover and Clover did so now I can see said cousin Helen it was a forlorn looking child enough which she saw lying before her Katie's face had grown thin and her eyes had red circles about them from continual crying her hair had been brushed twice this morning by aunt Izzie but Katie had run her fingers impatiently through it till it stood out above her head like a frizzy bush she wore a calico dressing which though clean was particularly ugly in pattern and the room for all its tidiness had a dismal look with the chair set up against the wall and a row of medicine bottles on the chimney piece isn't it horrid side Katie as cousin Helen looked around everything's horrid but I don't mind so much now that you've come oh cousin Helen I've had such a dreadful dreadful time I know said her cousin pityingly I've heard all about it Katie and I'm so very sorry for you it is a hard trial my poor darling but how do you do it cried Katie how do you manage to be so sweet and beautiful and patient when you're feeling badly all the time and can't do anything or walk or stand her voice was lost in sobs cousin Helen didn't say anything for a little while she just sat and stroked Katie's hand Katie she said at last has papa told you that he thinks I can't get well by and by yes replied Katie he did say so but perhaps it won't be for a long long time and I wanted to do so many things and now I can't do anything at all what sort of things study and help people and become famous and I wanted to teach the children mama said I must take care of them and I meant to and now I can't go to school or learn anything myself and if I ever do get well the children are drawn up and they won't need me but why must you wait till you get well ask cousin Helen smiling why cousin Helen what can I do lying here in bed a good deal shall I tell you Katie what it seems to me that I should say to myself if I were in your place yes please replied Katie wonderingly I should say this now Katie car you wanted to go to school and learn to be wise and useful and here's a chance for you God is going to let you go to his school where he teaches all sorts of beautiful things to people perhaps he will only keep you for one term or perhaps it may be for three or four but whichever it is you must make the very most of the chance because he gives it to you himself but what is the school ask Katie I don't know what you mean it is called the school of pain replied cousin Helen with her sweetest smile and the place where the lessons are to be learned is yours the rules of the school are pretty hard but the good scholars who keep them best find out after a while how right and kind they are and the lessons aren't easy either but the more you study the more interesting they become what are the lessons ask Katie getting interested and beginning to feel as if cousin Helen were telling her a story well there's the lesson of patience that's one of the hardest studies you can't learn much of it at a time but every bit you get by heart makes the next bit easier and there's the lesson of cheerfulness and the lesson of making the best of things sometimes there isn't anything to make the best of remark Katie dolefully yes there is always everything in the world has two handles didn't you know that one is a smooth handle if you take hold of it the thing comes up lightly and easily but if you seize the rough handle it hurts your hand and the thing is hard to lift some people always manage to get hold of the wrong handle is Aunt Izzy a thing? asked Katie cousin Helen was glad to hear her laugh yes Aunt Izzy is a thing and she has a nice pleasant handle too if you just try to find it and the children are things also in one sense all their handles are different you know human beings aren't made just alike like red flower pots we have to feel and guess before we can make out just how other people go and how we ought to take hold of them it is very interesting I advise you to try it and while you're trying you will learn all sorts of things which will help you to help others if only I could side Katie are there any other studies in the school cousin Helen yes there's the lesson of hopefulness that class has ever so many teachers the son is one he sits outside the window all day waiting a chance to slip in and get at his pupil he's a first rate teacher too I wouldn't shut him out if I were you every morning the first thing when I woke up I would say to myself I am going to get well so papa thinks perhaps it may be tomorrow so in case this should be the last day of my sickness let me spend it beautifully and make my sick room so pleasant that everybody will like to remember it then there is one more lesson Katie the lesson of neateness school rooms must be kept in order you know a sick person ought to be as fresh and dainty as a rose but it is such a fast pleaded Katie I don't believe you have any idea what a bother it is to always be nice and in order you were never careless like me and Helen you were born neat oh was I said her cousin well Katie we won't dispute that point I'll tell you a story if you like about a girl I once knew who wasn't born neat oh do cried Katie enchanted cousin Helen had done her good already she looked brighter and less listless than for days this girl was quite young continued cousin Helen she was strong and active and liked to run and climb and ride and do all sorts of jolly things then something happened an accident and they told her that all the rest of her life she had got to lie on her back and suffer pain and never walk anymore or do any of the things she enjoyed most just like you and me whispered Katie squeezing cousin Helen's hand something like me but not so much like you because you know we hope you are going to get well one of these days the girl didn't mind it so much when they first told her for she was so ill that she felt sure she should die but when she got better and began to think of the long life which lay before her that was worse than the pain had been she was so wretched that she didn't care what became of anything or how anything looked she had no aunt easy to look after things so her room soon got into a dreadful state it was full of dust and confusion and dirty spoons and files of physics she kept the blind shut and let her hair tangle every which way and all together was a dismal spectacle this girl had a dear old father went on cousin Helen who used to come every day and sit beside her bed one morning he said to her my daughter I'm afraid you've got to live in this room for a long time now there's one thing I want you to do for my sake what's that she asked surprised to hear there was anything left which she could do for anybody I want you to turn out all these physics bottles and make your room pleasant and pretty for me to come and sit in you see I shall spend a good deal of my time here now I don't like dust and darkness I like to see flowers in the table and sunshine in at the window will you do this to please me yes said the girl but she gave a sigh and I'm afraid she felt as if it was going to be a dreadful trouble then another thing continued her father I want you to look pretty can't nightgowns and wrappers be trimmed and made becoming just as much as dresses a sick woman who isn't neat is a disagreeable object do to please me send for something pretty and let me see you looking nice again I can't bear to have my Helen turn into a slatter Helen exclaimed Katie with wide open eyes was it you yes said her cousin smiling it was I though I didn't mean to let the name slip out so soon so after my father had gone away I sent for a looking glass such a sight Katie my hair was a perfect mice's nest and I had frined so much that my forehead was all crisscrossed with lines of pain till it looked like an old woman's Katie stared at cousin Helen's smooth, bright and glossy hair I can't believe it she said your hair never could be rough yes it was worse a great deal than yours looks now but that peep in the glass did me good I began to think I selfishly I was behaving and the desire to do better and after that when the pain came on I used to lie and keep my forehead smooth with my fingers and try not to let my face show what I was enduring so by and by the wrinkles wore away and though I am a good deal older now they have never come back it was a great deal of trouble at first to have to think and plan to keep my room and myself looking back but after a while it grew to be a habit and then it became easy and the pleasure it gave my dear father repaid for it all he had been so proud of his act of healthy girl but I think she was never such a comfort to him as his sick one lying there in her bed my room was his favourite sitting place and he spent so much time there that neither room and everything in it makes me think of him there were tears in cousin Helen's eyes as she ceased speaking but Katie looked bright and eager it seemed somehow to be a help that ever there should have been a time when cousin Helen was less perfect than she was now do you really think I could do so too she asked do what comb your hair cousin Helen was smiling now oh no be nice and sweet and patient and a comfort to people you know what I mean I am sure you can if you try but what would you do first ask Katie who now that her mind had grasped a new idea eager to begin well first I would open the blinds and make the room look a little less dismal are you taking all those medicines in the bottles now no only that big one with the blue label then you might ask aunt Izzy to take away the others and I'd get clover to pick a bunch of fresh flowers every day for your table by the way I don't see the little white vase no it got broken the very day after you went away the day I fell out of the swing said Katie sorrowfully never mind pet don't look so doleful I know the tree those vases grow upon and you shall have another then after the room is made pleasant I would have all my lesson books fetched up if I were you and I would study a couple of hours every morning oh cried Katie making a rye face at the idea cousin Helen smiled I know said she it sounds like dull work learning geography and doing sums up here all by yourself but I think if you make the effort you'll be glad by and by you won't lose so much ground you see won't slip back quite so far in your education and then studying will be like working at a garden where things don't grow easily every flower you raise will be a sort of triumph and you will value it twice as much as a common flower which has cost no trouble well said Katie rather for lonely I'll try but it won't be a bit nice studying without anybody to study with me is there anything else cousin Helen just then the door creaked and Elsie timidly put her head into the room oh Elsie run away cried Katie cousin Helen and I are talking don't come just now Katie didn't speak unkindly but Elsie's face fell and she looked disappointed she said nothing but shut the door and stole away cousin Helen watch this little scene without speaking for a few minutes after Elsie was gone she seemed to be thinking Katie she said at last you were saying just now that one of the things you were sorry about was that while you were ill you could be of no use to the children do you know I don't think you have that reason for being sorry why not said Katie astonished because you can be of use it seems to me that you have more of a chance with the children now than you ever had when you were well and flying about as you used to you might do almost anything you liked with them I can't think what you mean said Katie sadly why cousin Helen half the time I don't even know where they are or what they're doing and I can't get up and go after them you know but you can make your room such a delightful place that they will want to come to you don't you see a sick person has one splendid chance she is always on hand everybody who wants her knows just where to go if people love her she gets naturally to be the heart of the house once make the little ones feel that your room is the place of all others to come to when they're tired or happy or grieved or sorry about anything and that the Katie who lives there is sure to give them a loving reception and the battle is won for you know we never do people good by lecturing only by living their lives with them and helping them settle here and a little there to make them better and when one's own life is laid aside for a while as yours is now that is the very time to take up other people's lives as we can't do when we're scurrying and bustling over our own affairs but I didn't mean to preach a sermon I'm afraid you're tired no I'm not a bit said Katie holding cousin Helen's hand tight in hers you can't think how much better I feel oh cousin Helen I will try it won't be easy but her cousin there will be days when your headaches and you feel cross and fretted and don't want to think of anyone but yourself and there'll be other days when Clover and the rest will come in as Elsie did just now and you will be doing something else and will feel as if their coming was a bother but you must recollect that every time you forget and are impatient or selfish you chill them and drive them further away they are loving little things and are so sorry for you now that by and by they will get used to having you sick and if you haven't won them as friends they will grow away from you as they get older just then doctor car came in oh papa you haven't come to take cousin Helen have you cried Katie indeed I have said her father I think the big invalid and the little invalid have talked quite long enough cousin Helen looks tired for a minute Katie felt just like crying but she choked back the tears my first lesson in patience she said to herself and managed to give a faint watery smile as papa looked at her that's right dear whispered cousin Helen as she bent forward to kiss her and one last word Katie in this school to which you and I belong there is one great comfort and that is that the teacher is always at hand he never goes away if things puzzle us there he is close by ready to explain and make all easy try to think about this darling and don't be afraid to ask him for help if the lesson seems too hard Katie had a strange dream that night she thought she was trying to study a lesson out of the book which wouldn't come quite open she could just see a little bit of what was inside but it was in a language which she did not understand she tried in vain not a word could she read and yet for all that it looked so interesting that she longed to go on and tried impatiently suddenly a hand came over her shoulder and took hold of the book it opened at once and showed the whole page and then the forefinger of the hand began to point to line after line and as it moved the words became plain and Katie could read them easily she looked up there stripping over her was a great beautiful face the eyes met hers the lips smiled why didn't you ask me before little scholar said a voice why it is you just as cousin Helen told me cried Katie she must have spoken in her sleep for aunt Izzy half woke up and said what is it do you want anything the dream broke and Katie rise to find herself in bed with the first sunbeam struggling in at the window and aunt Izzy raised on her elbow looking at her with a sort of sleepy wonder end of chapter nine recording by Barbara Barclay Auckland New Zealand