154 History of Gutta-Percha Willie.

 

as it rose, when suddenly a new morning star burst
out in golden glitter. It was the gilt ball; it saw
the sun. The glory which, striking on the heart of
the lark, was there transmuted into song, came
back from the ball, after its kind, in glow and
gleam. He danced with delight, and shouted and
sang his welcome to the resurrection of the sun, as
he watched his golden ball alone in the depth of
the air.

He never thought of any one hearing him, nor
was it likely that any one in the village would be
up yet. He was therefore a good deal surprised
when he heard the sweet voice of Mona, Shepherd
behind him; and turning, saw her running to him
bare-headed, with her hair flying in the wind.

“Willie! Willie!” she was crying, half-breathless
with haste and the buffeting of the breeze.

“Well, Mona, who would have thought of seeing
you out so early?”

“Mayn’t a girl get up early, as well as a boy? »
It’s not like climbing walls and trees, you know,
though I can’t see the harm of that either.”

“No more can I,” said Willie, “if they’re not too
difficult, you know. But what brought you out
now? Do you want me?”

“Mayn’t I stop with you? I saw you looking
up, and I looked up too, and then I saw something
flash ; and I dressed as hard as I could, and ran
out. Are you catching the lightning?”