11/21 Then she drew the delicate little figure close to her, and kissed her with a sort of passion. "May the Lord look out for you," she said, "if you should happen to outlive me! I don't know what would become of you, Maria, you are so heedless, wearing your best things every day, and everything." Maria's face paled. "Mother, you aren't any worse ?" said she, in a terrified whisper. Run along, child, and hang up your dress, then go to bed; it's after nine o'clock." It did not take much at that time to reassure Maria. She had inherited something of the optimism of her father. |