A lady told me it was because God wanted to make a good woman of me, and that was why it was." "Does it make people good to have trouble ?" asked Dotty, trying to remember what dreadful trials had happened to herself.

"Our house was burnt all up, and I felt dreadfully.

I lost a tea-set, too, with gold rims.

I didn't know I was any better for that." "O, you see, it isn't very awful to have a house burnt up," said Emily; "not half so awful as it is to have your eyes put out." "But then, Emily, I've been sick, and had the sore throat, and almost drowned--and--and--the whooping-cough when I was a baby." "What is your name ?" asked Emily; "and how old are you ?" "My name is Alice Parlin, and I am six years old." "Why, I am nine; and see--your head! only comes under my chin." "Of course it doesn't," replied Dotty, with some spirit.

"I wouldn't be as tall as you are for anything, and me only six--going on seven." "I suppose your paw is rich, and good to you, and you have everything you want--don't you, Alice ?" "No, my father isn't rich at all, Emily, and I don't have many things--no, indeed," replied Miss Dimple, with a desire to plume herself on her poverty and privations.