THE PREMIUM. 183

what long speech to an end. Forgetful of her
own premium, she eagerly clasped the book—
which was a handsomely-bound copy of Robinson
Crusoe, illustrated by fine engravings—and hasten-
ed with it to Lucy, her face glowing with joyful
emotion. To Lucy all this had been a great
surprise, and the tears which sprang to her eyes,
as she threw her arms around Mary’s neck and
kissed her, were caused more by sympathy with
her cousin’s generous affection than by pleasure
at Mrs. Butler’s handsome present, gratifying as
that was.

The day had been hitherto all of pleasure, but
it was not to end without some painful emotion.
Mary and Lucy were returning home by their
usual route through Washington Park, attended
by several of their young companions, when some
one approached Lucy from behind, and touched
her on the arm. She turned quickly, and saw
beside her the wicked boy who had annoyed her
so much by his taunts once before. With a mis-
chievous laugh he sprang away from her, crying,
“Now, don’t beat me with your crutch, old Mo-
ther Hippity-Hop !”