THE END OF THE PARTY. 99

 

His sudden interposition. Its effects.

session

“ No,” said the boy. “ She is only frightened, because
her sister has gone away.”

Beechnut paused a moment, on hearing this, and then
went forward, directly into the circle, and before Augusta
or any of the children around her had time scarcely even
to observe his approach, he took Augusta up in his arms,
and began immediately to talk in her ear in a rapid and
earnest manner, though in a kind and soothing tone, and
at the same time carrying her off entirely away from the
circle that had surrounded her.

“Come to me,” said he. “Iwill take care of you,—I
like you very much; they shall not one of them hurt you.
I will take care of you; you area very good girl; and a
very pretty girl too, and they shall not touch you.”

Augusta was at first immeasurably astonished at find-
ing herself so suddenly lifted up, and carried from the
scene which had terrified her so much. She began to
listen to Beechnut’s words. Beechnut’s earnest assurances
that he would take care of her, and especially his cordial
commendations of her goodness and her béauty, attracted
her attention, and gradually comforted and appeased her.
Beechnut, in the mean time, walked up and down the
yard, carrying her in his arms, and repeating incessantly,
the same words.

“T like you very much. You are an excellent girl, I
am very glad that you are here. I will take care of you.
These children shall not hurt you at all. I like you very
much.”

Augusta lay with her head wpon Beechnut’s shoulder,
sobbing a little now and then, but gradually becoming
more composed, until at length she appeared perfectly

calm.
H 2