She hurriedly interposed to prevent him, and summoning her utmost fortitude, passed into the recess, and brought it out herself.
'Mother,' said Barnaby, looking at her steadfastly as she sat down beside him after doing so; 'is to-day my birthday ?' 'To-day!' she answered.

'Don't you recollect it was but a week or so ago, and that summer, autumn, and winter have to pass before it comes again ?' 'I remember that it has been so till now,' said Barnaby.

'But I think to-day must be my birthday too, for all that.' She asked him why?
'I'll tell you why,' he said.

'I have always seen you--I didn't let you know it, but I have--on the evening of that day grow very sad.

I have seen you cry when Grip and I were most glad; and look frightened with no reason; and I have touched your hand, and felt that it was cold--as it is now.