It happened, that, as she was reading in the old spot by herself one

day, this child came running in with his eyes full of tears, and after

holding her from him, and looking at her eagerly for a moment,

clasped his little arms passionately about her neck.

What now?' said Nell, soothing him. 'What is the matter?'

She is not one yet!' cried the boy, embracing her still more closely.

No, no. Not yet.'

She looked at him wonderingly, and putting his hair back from his

face, and kissing him, asked what he meant.

You must not be one, dear Nell,' cried the boy. 'We can't see them.

They never come to play with us, or talk to us. Be what you are. You

are better so.'

I do not understand you,' said the child. 'Tell me what you mean.'

Why, they say , replied the boy, looking up into her face, that you will

be an Angel, before the birds sing again. But you won't be, will you?

Don't leave us Nell, though the sky is bright. Do not leave us!'

The child dropped her head, and put her hands before her face.

'She cannot bear the thought!' cried the boy, exulting through his

tears. 'You will not go. You know how sorry we should be. Dear Nell,

tell me that you'll stay amongst us. Oh! Pray, pray, tell me that you

will.'

The little creature folded his hands, and knelt down at her feet.

Only look at me, Nell,' said the boy, 'and tell me that you'll stop, and

then I shall know that they are wrong, and will cry no more. Won't you

say yes, Nell?'

Still the drooping head and hidden face, and the child quite silent -

save for her sobs.

'After a time,' pursued the boy, trying to draw away her hand, the kind

angels will be glad to think that you are not among them, and that

you stayed here to be with us. Willy went away, to join them; but if he

had known how I should miss him in our little bed at night, he never

would have left me, I am sure.'

Yet the child could make him no answer, and sobbed as though her

heart were bursting. 'Why would you go, dear Nell? I know you would

not be happy when you heard that we were crying for your loss. They

The Old Curiosity Shop