This picture-book was a small but very pretty picture-book, which Mary Bell had given to Bella for a present on her birth-day, the year before.

The picture-book looked, as it lay upon the desk, as if it were perfectly new.

Mary Erskine had kept it very carefully in her work-table drawer, as it was the only picture-book that Bella had.

She was accustomed to take it out sometimes in the evening, and show the pictures to Bella, one by one, explaining them at the same time, so far as she could guess at the story from the picture itself, for neither she herself, nor Bella, could understand a word of the reading.

On these occasions Mary Erskine never allowed Bella to touch the book, but always turned over the leaves herself, and that too in a very careful manner, so as to preserve it in its original condition, smooth, fresh, and unsullied.
Mary Bell and Bella looked at the desk which Mary Erskine had prepared for them, and liked it very much indeed.
"But where are _you_ going to study ?" asked Mary Bell.
"I shall study at my work-table, but not now.