380 
GRATITUDE. 
value it very much, and that it is just what 
I have been needing for some time.” 
“ I suppose he will expect to be paid for 
it,” said Annie, abruptly. 
“I do not suppose so at all,” said Rich¬ 
ard. “ He made it for a present, and would 
be very much hurt if you were to offer him 
money for it. He feels as though Aunt 
Louisa almost saved his life when he was 
sick, and he wanted to do something to 
show his gratitude. He has taken a great 
deal of pains with this; and I think it shows 
great ingenuity and perseverance.” 
“And something better than ingenuity,” 
added Sidney. 
“You boys think every thing your 
friend does is quite perfect,” said Matilda. 
“It is pretty enough, considering; but 1 
have seen a great deal handsomer in the 
shops.” 
“I don't consider Jack perfect by any 
means,” replied Richard; “but I think he 
tries to improve, and is improving very fast. 
And as to seeing prettier things in the 
shops, I am sure I have seen much hand¬ 
somer collars and things in the shops than 
