Lom pays a Veustt. 133

 

“He's taken very bad,” said she “I’m
staying at home to-day.”

Tom stood thinking.

“Leave the violets,” whispered Archie.

“Yes,’ said Tom, “of course. But I
wanted to say good-bye. Mightn’t I run in
just for a minute, Matty ?”

She shook her head.

“Not to-day, Master Tom.”

“But,” said Tom, with a sigh, “perhaps
he'll be gone to-morrow!” Then he handed
her the violets, saying, “ Please take them in,
and tell him I’ve picked them for him, because
I thought he might like to see them once
before he goes. And say good-bye from me,
Matty, please. You're quite sure I mightn’t
run in just for a minute ?”

“No, Master Tom, thank you,” answered
she.

“Tom,” said Archie, as they walked away ;
“did you see? she was holding her apron to
her eyes, because she was crying.”

“She shouldn’t cry,’ said Tom. ‘He
wanted to go. He has been waiting for a