Hollowmell | Page 8

afraid I might use it for
something else. I should have, I think, about seven or eight pounds by
this time, which will, I am sure, with part of our pocket-money, and
clever management go a good way to start us fairly on our expedition,
don't you think so?"
"Why, yes, that is quite a fortune; but are you sure you won't be sorry
for it when your birthday comes and you can't have the jacket you've
wished for so long?"
"O, I suppose I shall be sorry that I can't have the jacket, but that won't
matter much, I shall be so much more happy that it has been spent in
doing good that it will be recompense for any amount of jackets."
"But we must have some more definite plan than this to work upon, and
there will be no end of arrangements to be made. How about a place
where the entertainments may be held?"
"I've thought of that too," said Minnie, her eyes sparkling with delight.
"Such a glorious idea occurred to me yesterday, as I was coming home;
after I left you I went round by the Hollow--I was sorry I did not think
of it sooner, I might have gone along with you as far as that--well, I

noticed that one of the houses in the corner is not occupied, and it
struck me we might have that, as long as it is empty at anyrate, to hold
our meetings in. I am sure papa will consent."
"The very thing!" exclaimed Mabel, clapping her hands. "I noticed that
house also, and it did occur to me that it would be a promising spot, but
the idea of asking it, or even hinting at such a thing never entered my
mind."
"I am so glad that you like it. Now, confess that the exact direction in
which my genius lies has at last been revealed. I was sure you would
discover it some day."
"Pray, be more explicit, my talented friend," requested Mabel. "I am
doubtless very dull, but I should like to be quite certain about the
direction to which you alluded just now."
"Well I'm afraid I can't enlighten you very much," said Minnie, with a
look of comical dismay, "I am about as uncertain as yourself. I was just
trusting to your general stupidity not to go any deeper into the subject,
but simply to take my word for it."
"I think I won't cause you any further confusion by discussing the
matter more fully, but proceed to business. What do you think of taking
a walk down there this afternoon, and viewing the battlefield?"
"I am quite agreeable," responded Minnie, "and I shall speak to papa
to-night about our other arrangements. I must be off now, and dispose
of some of my lessons so that I may have time--I shall expect you about
four."
"Very well," agreed Mabel. "But I shall only have an hour to spare,
remember, I must be back by five."
"All right, we won't put off any time, you may count on my being
ready." And off she went with a light heart.
Mabel turned back and went in with a sigh.

"How bright and gay she is," said she to herself. "To look at her now,
one would think that a serious thought never entered her head, and yet
how full of good and unselfish thoughts that little head is, for all its
giddiness.
"She spoke just now of giving some of the blessings she had received
to others, to those who were thirsting for one drop, and did not guess
that I who stood so near her was even one of those. It would only
trouble and distress her to know how dark my mind is about these
things which she thinks I have known all about for years--aye, truly I
have known about them since I knew anything, yet of what use has the
knowledge been to me. It's like the 'learned lumber' Pope speaks
about--it's like rummaging in a library without a light. O, will light such
as Minnie speaks about ever dawn in my heart? Will such a change as
has beautified and softened her life with such a sweet and gracious
influence, ever come near to touch mine? Minnie, my friend, you seek
my aid to walk in the path you think I know so well, but it is I who
should lean on you. I hold the scroll in my hand, but you have the guide
in your heart." So thinking she turned wearily from the window and
began her studies.
CHAPTER III.
PREPARATIONS.
Sharply at four, Mabel appeared at the door of Minnie's home, and she,
being quite ready, they proceeded without delay to carry out their
purpose of "viewing the