`` The poor insect was very dry , and crumbled at a touch , so my task there was done , and as my mistress rolled up the packet , she took me to fasten it securely , singing as she did so , for every penny was precious . `` We all went together to the rich lady , and she embroidered the flowers on a screen very like that one yonder . I thought she would throw me away , I was so battered now , but she took a fancy to use me in various ways about her canvas work , and I lived with her all winter . A kind lady , my dear , but I often wished I could suggest to her better ways of spending her life than everlasting fancy-work . She never seemed to see the wants of those about her , never lent an ear to the poor , or found delight in giving of her abundance to those who had little , to brighten their lives ; but sighed because she had nothing to do when the world was full of work , and she blessed with so many good gifts to use and to enjoy . I hope she will see her mistake some day , and not waste all her life on trifles , else she will regret it sadly by and by . '' Here the pin paused with a keen glance at Miss Ellen , who had suddenly begun to sew with a bright color in her cheeks , for the purple pansies were on the screen that stood before her fire-place , and she recognized the portrait of herself in that last description . But she did not fancy being lectured by a pin , so she asked with a smile as she plaited up her lace , -- `` That is all very interesting , but you have not yet told me what becomes of the pins , Granny . '' `` Pins , like people , shape their own lives , in a great measure , my dear , and go to their reward when they are used up . The good ones sink into the earth and turn to silver , to come forth again in a new and precious form . The bad ones crumble away to nothing in cracks and dust heaps , with no hope of salvation , unless some human hand lifts them up and gives them a chance to try again . Some are lazy , and slip out of sight to escape service , some are too sharp , and prick and scratch wherever they are . Others are poor , weak things , who bend up and lose their heads as soon as they are used . Some obtrude themselves on all occasions , and some are never to be found in times of need . All have the choice to wear out or to rust out . I chose the former , and have had a useful , happy life so far . I 'm not as straight as I once was , but I 'm bright still , my point is sharp , my head firm , and age has not weakened me much , I hope , but made me wiser , better , and more contented to do my duty wherever I am , than when I left my native paper long ago . '' Before Miss Ellen could express her respect for the worthy old pin , a dismal groan was heard from the blue cushion , and a small voice croaked aloud , -- `` Alas , alas , I chose to rust out , and here I am , a miserable , worthless thing , whom no one can use or care for . Lift the ruffle , and behold a sad contrast to the faithful , honest , happy Granny , who has told us such a varied tale . '' `` Bless me , what possesses everything to-day ! ''
exclaimed Miss XXXXX , looking under the frill of the old cushion to see who was speaking now .
Ellen day escape fancy-work fire-place lace left pin ruffle trifles