"Why, those apples! I thought I would come here so early, and then when I found I must do all those baskets of apples first I was very ill-humoured; and Aunt Fortune saw I was, and said something that made me worse. And I tried as hard as I could to get through before dinner, and when I found I couldn't I said I wouldn't come to dinner, but she made me, and that vexed me more, and I wouldn't eat scarcely anything, and then when I got back to the apples again I sewed so hard that I ran the needle into my finger ever so far--see there! what a mark it left!--and Aunt Fortune said it served me right and she was glad of it, and that made me angry. I knew I was wrong afterwards, and I was very sorry. Isn't it strange, dear Alice, I should do so when I have resolved so hard I wouldn't?" "Not very, my darling, as long as we have such evil hearts as ours are--it _is_ strange they should be so evil." "I told Aunt Fortune afterwards I was sorry, but she said 'actions speak louder than words, and words are cheap.' If she only wouldn't say that just as she does! it does worry me so." "Patience!" said Alice, passing her hand over Ellen's hair as she sat looking sorrowfully up at her; "you must try not to give her occasion. Never mind what she says, and overcome evil with good." "That is just what mamma said!" exclaimed Ellen, rising to throw her arms round Alice's neck, and kissing her with all the energy of love, gratitude, repentance, and sorrowful recollection. "Oh, what do you think!" she said suddenly, her face changing again--"I got my letter last night!" "Your letter!" "Yes, the letter the old man brought--don't you know? And it was written on the ship, and there was only a little bit from mamma, and a little bit from papa, but so good! Papa says she is a great deal better, and he has no doubt he will bring her back in the spring or summer quite well again. Isn't that good?" "Very good, dear Ellen. I am very glad for you." "It was on my bed last night. I can't think how it got there--and don't care either, so long as I have got it. What are you making?" "A purse," said Alice, laying it on the table for her inspection. "It will be very pretty. Is the other end to be like this?" "Yes, and these tassels to finish them off." "Oh, that's beautiful!" said Ellen, laying them down to try the effect; "and these rings to fasten it with. Is it black?" "No, dark green. I am making it for my brother John." "A Christmas present!" exclaimed Ellen. "I am afraid not; he will hardly be here by that time. It may do for New Year." "How pleasant it must be to make Christmas and New Year presents!" said Ellen, after she had watched Alice's busy fingers for a few minutes. "I wish I could make something for somebody. Oh, I wonder if I couldn't make something for Mr. Van Brunt! Oh, I should like to very much!" Alice smiled at Ellen's very wide-open eyes. "What could you make for him?"