Page:The New-Year's Bargain (1884).djvu/144

 lips, and a sheaf of corn nodding over her shoulder.

Half-fearful and half-glad, the children rose to meet her. A basket was in her hand. Without speaking, she raised the lid, and showed clusters of ripe grapes, purple and white, whose delicious smell filled the air. Then, putting an arm round the brother and sister, she made them sit down on either side of her, and began to dole out the fruit, first to one and then the other; saying nothing, but laughing silently at the eager eyes and mouths. Coolness seemed to come from her garments; and, as if following her track, a fresh wind sprang up in the Forest, and, blowing down upon the group, rustled the leaves, waved Thekla's light hair, and refreshed soul and body like wine.

How comfortable it was! The children brightened, and began to chirp and twitter like birds. "How good you are to us!" cried Max; while Thekla, holding September's hand, cuddled close to her, and laughed with pleasure.