The Basket of Flowers

e. For days they were unable to find a lodging, and the little money with which they had started was at last exhausted, and they had no p

indeed with abuse. Often their meal consisted only of a small piece of dry bread, washed down by water from the nearest fountain. A luxury would occasionally come their way in the shape of a little soup or

the road which stretched before them seemed endless, unbroken by the sight of any village or human habitation. Suddenly the old man began to fee

ection the country was without human habitation. Almost worn out with fatigue, she at last climbed to the top of the hill in order that she might more readily discover any dwelling-place where help might be obtained. It was then that she saw just behind the hill a small farmhouse surrounded b

id the farmer's wife to her husband, "an

and could not reach her father within half an hour, she took the water and vinegar in her hand, and went by the short road across the hill in order that she might the sooner minister to her father's needs. Gre

James in the waggon they carried him to their home, where they gave him a

ht have more money to spend on the things which James required to restore him to his usual health. For instance, they had been in the habit of taking a trip every year to a fair in a neighbouring village; but when the time came round they agreed to

eople everywhere, and in the most unlik

which she had practised, she filled up these hours with working for the farmer's wife by knitting or sewing, and as may be imagine

to be able to get up out of bed. As soon as he felt returning strength, he was desirous of doing something. Resuming their old habits, Mary gathered for h

f quite recovered,

n to you. It is time we should go

hand. "I hope we have not offended you in any way? The year is now far advanced; th

e he had for desiring to leave them was the f

further. The spare room which you occupy prevents you from being burdenso

rcise your trade of basket-maker, you will have your hands full. Not long since I took your pretty basket with me to the market, and all the cou

ain with their kind-hearted friends, who expressed the