98 KATHERINE.

they were the size of common sparrows, and, looking out of
the window, she saw them hopping about the roof chirping and
twittering the same as ever; but all her rebellious naughty
feelings had gone, and, jumping up, she ran to her mother’s
door and knocked timidly. There was no answer, and she
opened the door softly ; no one was there. i
She went on to the nursery. Ellen was there with the baby,
who, seeing Katherine, turned away, saying, “No, no, not
naughty boy.” This made Katherine feel quite hurt as, with
a quivering lip, she closed the door and went down-stairs. —
The parlor was quiet and deserted, but, going into the
library, she saw her mother sitting in a large chair near the
window ; her head rested against the back of the chair. It was
nearly dark, but the evening light fell on her mother’s facé as
she sat there, and it seemed to Katherine to wear just the
expression it had worn in the picture the last bird had shown her.
With a little cry she ran forward, and, kneeling down by
her mother, she buried her face in her lap and began to cry
bitterly.
“Why! my ‘little girl, what is the matter?” said her
mother, gently stroking her hair. ;
“Oh, mamma! mamma! your face is so sad. If you will
only smile I never will be so naughty again,” sobbed Katherine.
Her mother bent over and kissed her, and when Katherine
looked up her mother was smiling, though there were tears in
her eyes. |