Her picture lies before me as I write , -- a pretty child standing in a chair , with a basket of toys on the table before her ; curly hair pushed back from the face , pensive eyes , and a pair of stout little feet crossed one over the other as if glad to rest . I wish I could put the photograph into the story , because the small heroine is an interesting one , and still lives with the good aunt , who is very fond and proud of her , and writes pleasant accounts of her progress to the friends in America . So ends the journey of my second small traveller , and when I think of her safe and happy in a good home , I always fancy that -LRB- if such things may be -RRB- in the land which is lovelier than even beautiful old England , Maggie 's mother watches over little Annie . III . A JOLLY FOURTH . Door-step parties were the fashion that year , and it was while a dozen young folks sat chatting on Annie Hadwin 's steps in the twilight that they laid the plan which turned out such a grand success in the end . `` For my part , I am glad we are to be put on a short allowance of gunpowder , and that crackers are forbidden , they are such a nuisance , burning holes in clothes , frightening horses , and setting houses afire , '' said sober Fred from the gate , where he and several other fellows were roosting socially together . `` It wo n't seem a bit like a regular Fourth without the salutes three times during the day . They are afraid the old cannon will kick , and blow off some other fellow 's arm , as it did last year , '' added Elly Dickens , the beau of the party , as he pulled down his neat wristbands , hoping Maud admired the new cuff-buttons in them . `` What shall we do in the evening , since the ball is given up ? Just because the old folks are too tired to enjoy dancing , we ca n't have any , and I think it is too bad , '' said pretty Belle , impatiently , for she danced like a fairy and was never tired . `` The authorities did n't dare to stop our races in the morning . There would have been an insurrection if they had , '' called out long Herbert from the grass , where he lay at the feet of black-eyed Julia . `` We must do something to finish off with . Come , somebody suggest a new , nice , safe , and jolly plan for the evening , '' cried Grace , who liked fun , and had just slipped a little toad into Jack Spratt 's pocket as a pleasant surprise when he felt for his handkerchief . `` Let us offer a prize for the brightest idea . Five minutes for meditation , then all suggest a plan , and the best one shall be adopted , '' proposed Annie , glad to give a lively turn to her party . All agreed , and sudden silence followed the chatter , broken now and then by an exclamation of `` I 've got it ! No , I have n't , '' which produced a laugh at the impetuous party . `` Time 's up , '' announced Fred , looking at `` the turnip , '' as his big old-fashioned watch was called .
Every one had a proposal more or less original , and much discussion followed ; but it was finally decided that XXXXX 's idea of floating about in boats to enjoy the fireworks on the hill would be romantic , reposeful , and on the whole satisfactory .
Dickens Grace Herbert III Julia Maggie Maud cuff-buttons salutes year