Little Alices Palace | Page 7

God. Most that she had ever heard of the other life was through Alice's story that day; and her heart was so glad of the knowledge, that it already began to go out towards her heavenly home and her gracious Father.
As she spoke these words, there came such a happy feeling to her spirit--a feeling that she was not alone, but that she was watched over and protected; and with a sense of security and safety, such as she had never before known, she lay down beside her sister, and was soon sweetly slumbering.
CHAPTER VI.
Lolly was awakened in the morning by the fretful voice of her mother, as she went scolding about the house, trying to pick up something for breakfast; and she heard her father answering her in no pleasant mood, and kicking about the floor whatever came in his way.
It was a sad awakening for poor Lolly, and, for the minute, it put wholly out of her mind the pleasure of the previous day, and the lesson learned in the green and sunny place by the brook-side; and she was sorely tempted to cover her head with the bed-clothes, and sleep again, until her parents were off to their work, and then give herself up to idleness and play, as she had always done. But the bright happy face of Alice came before her to help her, and she was out of bed in a minute.
"Maddie, Maddie!" said she, leaning over her sister and giving her the least bit of a shake in order to arouse her; "come, get up. The sun is shining on the wall, and it is a beautiful day. I want you to go with me for Alice."
"Get away!" returned Maddie in a huff. "I haven't slept half enough!" And, settling herself again, she dropped off into a heavier slumber; while Lolly, seeing that it would do no good to disturb her, dressed herself and went into the other room.
Her mother was baking a cake, and her father sat near, idle. Both looked surprised to see Lolly up so early.
There was a woollen-factory in the village, perhaps half a mile away, and they were off generally long before the children were up; and Maddie and Lolly usually ate such pickings as they left upon the table, and spent their days as they pleased, with little thought or care from their parents.
Lolly could not wait to get her breakfast. She cared for nothing to eat, now that her mind was intent upon some great thing, and she sped away over the dewy grass to find her new friend. She had never been in Alice's house, for they had only lived a little while in the place where they now were, and Maddie alone had found out their neighbour. Her sister would not always let her play with her, and it was only a mere chance that led her to follow Maddie the day before and get acquainted with Alice.
I did not mean to say chance. I would rather say a kind watchful Providence--which is the true and right word for a Christian to use; because everything that happens in this world is governed by God's over- ruling power for some good purpose; and Lolly was led to the spot where her sister and Alice were at play, expressly that she might learn something of her bright, eternal home.
Now that she had seen the sunny-hearted little girl once, it took her but very few minutes to find her again.
The distance seemed nothing at all; and, from the time she left her own door, she could see the cheerful face all along her way, making her walk very pleasant and not in the least lonely.
The cottage door was wide open, and the sunlight lay in golden streaks on the floor at the entrance, where Tabby had stretched herself comfortably. Lolly could see into the little square room at the right.
The table was spread with a neat, white cloth, and Alice and her mother were eating their breakfast together. There were two white plates on the table, and white cups and saucers, and a smoking dish of porridge. All this Lolly could see as she stood hesitating near the door; but, in a minute, Alice caught a glimpse of her little, shy face, and ran to lead her in.
"You must have some of this nice breakfast," said she, giving Lolly a plateful of the porridge, and pouring some milk on it from a small white pitcher.
Lolly looked timidly at Alice's mother, to see if she might eat it; and the kind pleasant smile she received made her feel quite at home, so that she needed no further urging.
Soon after the mother went away, and left Alice to put the room in order; and, when all things were right,