Page:Nattie Nesmith (1870).pdf/111

 "Tulip makes writing flowers."

The squaw looked up. Nattie carried her strip of red cloth and held it before her, waiting for some approving word.

"Well, what is it?" she asked.

"My name," said Nattie.

"Read it," said the squaw.

Black-bird was bending over her basket and did not glance towards the letters.

"Nathalie Norton," said Nattie.

"What a homely name!" said Black-bird.

Nattie was just ready to say that she had another name, but her words were cut short by the squaw's saying:

"And that is all the writing you can do?"

"I don't know but I could make a few short words, or names," answered Nattie.

"Could you make something to put on a pin-cushion?" asked the squaw.

"What would you want?" asked Nattie, feeling a new hope springing in her breast.