﻿202 PICTORIAL MISCELLANY. 



Her request was granted ; she departed for a farm of M'me de 

 Blinval's, situated at two leagues from Blois, to occupy there the 

 situation of second manager. Bathilde, who had formed a real 

 friendship for Pepita, proved this friendship to her by all the affec- 

 tionate words which she could find in her generous heart ; but the 

 surest proof was that she made her a present ot Caprice. The goat 

 did not regret leaving its performances on the public square to sport 

 among the thistles and trefoil on the hill-side, guarded by Pepita, 

 and finding herself queen of the little flock of this new shepherdess. 

 All the promises of the young Spaniard were fulfilled ; she be- 

 came, by her care and watchfulness, a real treasure to the farm. 

 Every month she received a visit from her mistress and Bathilde, 

 who called her always her darling Pepita. 



A year passed away ; Bathilde fell dangerously ill ; Pepita asked 

 to be allowed to take care of her young benefactress. Her care and 

 devotion were admirable ; she passed all her nights in watching the 

 invalid during six months, at the expiration of which Bathilde had 

 entirely recovered. 



Pepita returned to the farm, but as the physicians had recom- 

 mended goat's milk to the convalescent, the shepherdess supplicated 

 M'me de Blinval to allow her to lead Caprice to her every morning, 

 that the latter might contribute of her good milk to the kind mis- 

 tress who had so long taken care of her. 



" But, my child," said M'me de Blinval to Pepita, " you cannot 

 do it. Every morning two leagues to come and two leagues to re- 

 turn it is impossible." 



" Oh ! I have swift feet, Madame. Four leagues do not terrify 

 me. For my good friend, M'lle Bathilde, I could make a pilgrimage 

 on foot to Rome." 



" Try, then, Pepita ; we will see." 



Pepita tried, and, during three months, travelled her four leagues, 

 coming each morning, full of courage, to bring Caprice to Bathilde, 

 and returning, each time, full of happiness. 



This simple and firm devotion was gratefully acknowledged ; M'me 

 de Blinval took Pepita home, put her under the care of skilful mas- 

 ters, and a year and a half had not elapsed ere the little gypsy be- 

 came a companion for them. 



