Page:The Cottagers of Glenburnie - Hamilton (1808).djvu/38

 had only lain down upon my bed to read a novel I got from Mrs Flinders, when I heard the nasty things come into this room; but I could not be at the trouble to put them out, I was so interested in the book. Little did I think it was my cap they were tearing to pieces, all the while they went bouncing and jumping about the room. Whurt, whurt! cried one; Wouf, wouf! cried the other; but I still read on, till I was so much affected by the story, that I was obliged to get up to look for my pocket-handkerchief—when, lo! the first thing I beheld, was the fragments of my poor cap! not one morsel of it together. The lace torn into perfect scraps, and the ribbon quite useless! Do now let me have your cap like a good creature, and I promise to take care of it."

Mary, who was indeed a good creature, could refuse her sister nothing, when she spoke to her with temper. She brought her the cap, and assisted her in dressing