he last happy moment
that poor Lizzie knew for many weary months.

The new boots were large for her, the steps slippery with sleet, and
down went the little errand girl, from top to bottom, till she landed in
the gutter directly upon Mrs. Turretville's costly bonnet.

"I've saved my posies, anyway," sighed Lizzie, as she picked herself
up, bruised, wet, and faint with pain; "but, oh, my heart! won't Madame
scold when she sees that band-box smashed flat," groaned the poor child,
sitting on the curbstone to get her breath and view the disaster.

The rain poured, the wind blew, the sparrows on the park railing chirped
derisively, and no one came along to help Lizzie out of her troubles.
Slowly she gathered up her burdens; painfully she limped away in the big
boots; and the last the naughty sparrows saw of her was a shabby little
figure going round the corner, with a pale, tearful face held lovingly
over the bright bouquet that was her one treasure and her only comfort
in the moment which brought to her the great misfortune of her life.

II. FORGET-ME-NOTS

"Oh, mamma, I am so relieved that the box has come at last! If it had
not, I do believe I should have died of disappointment," cried pretty
Belle, five years later, on the morning before her eighteenth birthday.

"It would have been a serious disappointment, darling; for I had sot
my heart on your wearing my gift to-morrow night, and when the steamers
kept coming in without my trunk from Paris, I was very anxious. I hope
you will like it."

"Dear mamma, I know I shall like it; your taste is so good and you know
what suits me so well. Make haste, Marie; I'm dying to see it," said
Belle, dancing about the great trunk, as the maid carefully unfolded
tissue papers and muslin wrappers.

A young girl's first ball-dress is a grand affair,--in her eyes, at
least; and Belle soon stopped dancing, to stand with clasped hands,
eager eyes and parted lips before the snowy pile of illusion that was
at last daintily lifted out upon the bed. Then, as Marie displayed
its loveliness, little cries of delight were heard, and when the whole
delicate dress was arranged to the best effect she threw herself upon
her mother's neck and actually cried with pleasure.

"Mamma, it is too lovely I and you are very kind to do so much for me.
How shall I ever thank you?"

"By putting it right on to see if it fits; and when you wear it look
your happiest, that I may be proud of my prett