he countess
placed in his hand all the gold which had been found in the purse?--the
count adding, that in a few days he might look for a fine young cow and
two sheep from his own farm, in the vicinity of his castle; and also
saying, at the same time, that he and his lady should have great
pleasure in doing anything for him and his family at any time when they
might apply to them.

"The lady did not overlook Meeta and Ella; she assured them that she
would remember them when the cow was brought; and truly there was an
ample store of linen and flowered aprons, and kerchiefs and caps of
fine linen, in packets directed to each. But the little one, like
Benjamin, had more than her share even of these presents also; and she
had well deserved them, for she had shared her golden fish with her
brother, sister, and cousin.

"The young count took upon himself to make presents to Jacques; he sent
him a strong set of gardener's and carpenter's tools, and a Sunday suit
of better clothes than Jacques had ever worn before.

"Martin put his gold into the pastor's hands till he should require it,
being in no mind to keep much treasure in his house.

"It is only necessary to add, that the count took proper steps for
finding the wicked gipsy and her son, but they had left the country and
could not be found; neither were they ever again seen by the peasants
of the Hartsberg."

* * * * *

"Well," said Henry, when Emily had finished reading, "that is a
beautiful book: it made me so hot when they were all running, my feet
felt as if they would run too--they quite shook--I could not keep them
quiet."

"And how nicely you kept papa's secret!" said Mrs. Fairchild; "you
showed that you were not much more clever than Meeta."

"But then, mamma," replied Henry, "papa's secret was not of so much
consequence as Meeta's was."

"Now, mamma," said Emily, "when do you think the day will come for
Henry's story?"

Mrs. Fairchild answered:

"Papa will tell us when he can spare an evening."

"My book, I am certain," said Henry, "will be prettier than yours,
Emily."

"Why must it be prettier?" asked his mother.

"Because Lucy said it is all about boys; I like boys' stories--there
are so few books about boys."

"But I think it is a grave story," said Lucy.

"Never mind," answered Henry, "if it be about boys."

[Illustration: "_Meeta offered to carry the honey._"--Page 269.]

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