and sunshine and light hearts gave a keen 

 zest to the tempting viands, and the silver 

 cups were stretched forth for replenishing 

 with aunt Mary's delicious coffee. She 

 always looked out that I had my own little 

 cup of sweet, creamy milk, in my snug cor- 

 ner between her and mamma, as well as 

 many a tidbit of cold ham and chicken, 

 with bits of sugar frosting from the cake. 



I sat very still and ate what they gave me, 

 and looked from one to another and tried 

 to smile my approval out of my loving eyes, 

 which they said were like a doe's, as the 

 merry jest went round, for I caught at the 

 meaning of nearly everything. My heart 

 fairly brimmed over with joy when little 

 flaxen-haired, blue-eyed Violet, the little 

 girl guest of the occasion, whispered: 



"Isn't Fairy the sweetest darling of all, 

 mamma?" 



All arose refreshed from that sylvan 

 board; then came the restful ride homeward 

 in the cool of the day, the supper at sun- 

 down, the quiet watching of the western 

 glow over the sea, as I curled, a little lump 

 of contentment, in aunt Mary's lap. I al- 

 ways tried to show her my great love by 

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