"It is only that you never know the things that we have to learn by heart.

And, now that I know why, I should just like to catch any one laughing at you again! They'd better try it!" Elsli was seldom merry and lighthearted, like other girls of her age; she was too much weighed down with care and hard work.

She looked gratefully at Fred for his kind confidence; but no real joy came into her worn face.

She stood up presently and took up her burden again, for Hanseli had given several signs that he was ready to start for home, and wanted her to carry him.

The two ladies stood at the door, and watched her as she walked away with slow and weary steps.
"Ah! how I wish that some ray of sunshine could come into that sweet girl's lot!" exclaimed the doctor's wife, and her sister was responding with the same thought, when the sound of noisy voices was heard, which became louder and louder, as Emma came running through the garden, a brother on each side, and both accosting her in vehement tones.
"What made you carry Fani off again ?" "What have you done with all the exercise-paper ?" "What are you and he up to now ?" "It's all your fault if we can't do our lessons." "Where have you hidden him, so that he doesn't keep his promise and come to the meeting ?" "Where have you put all the paper; I haven't even begun on my exercises!" The angry questioners, with Emma between them, came up the steps.