cried Belle , looking quite distressed . `` No one ; I take care of myself . I work for Madame , and she pays me a dollar a week . I stay with Mrs. Brown , and chore round to pay for my keep . My dollar do n't get many clothes , so I ca n't be as neat as I 'd like . '' And the forlorn look came back to poor Lizzie 's face . Belle said nothing , but sat among the sofa cushions , where she had thrown herself , looking soberly at this other girl , no older than she was , who took care of herself and was all alone in the world . It was a new idea to Belle , who was loved and petted as an only child is apt to be . She often saw beggars and pitied them , but knew very little about their wants and lives ; so it was like turning a new page in her happy life to be brought so near to poverty as this chance meeting with the milliner 's girl . `` Are n't you afraid and lonely and unhappy ? '' she said , slowly , trying to understand and put herself in Lizzie 's place . `` Yes ; but it 's no use . I ca n't help it , and may be things will get better by and by , and I 'll have my wish , '' answered Lizzie , more hopefully , because Belle 's pity warmed her heart and made her troubles seem lighter . `` What is your wish ? '' asked Belle , hoping mamma would n't come just yet , for she was getting interested in the stranger . `` To have a nice little room , and make flowers , like a French girl I know . It 's such pretty work , and she gets lots of money , for every one likes her flowers . She shows me how , sometimes , and I can do leaves first-rate ; but -- '' There Lizzie stopped suddenly , and the color rushed up to her forehead ; for she remembered the little rose in her pocket and it weighed upon her conscience like a stone . Before Belle could ask what was the matter , Marie came in with a tray of cake and fruit , saying : `` Here 's your lunch , Miss Belle . '' `` Put it down , please ; I 'm not ready for it yet . ''
And Belle shook her head as she glanced at XXXXX , who was staring hard at the fire with such a troubled face that Belle could not bear to see it .
Belle Brown French Lizzie Madame Marie idea milliner things week