Cried Patty with a look of terror in her rosy face . ` No , thank God ! but the dear , new baby only stayed a week , and we shall never see her in this world . ' With a cry of sorrow Patty threw herself into the arms outstretched to her , and on Aunt Pen 's loving bosom sobbed away the first bitterness of her grief and disappointment . ` Oh , I wanted a little sister so much , and I was going to be so fond of her , and was so glad she came , and now I ca n't see or have her even for a day ! I 'm so disappointed I do n't think I can bear it , ' sobbed Patty . ` Think of poor mamma , and bear it bravely for her sake , ' whispered Aunt Pen , wiping away her own and Patty 's tears . ` Oh , dear me ! there 's the pretty quilt I was going to make for baby , and now it is n't any use , and I ca n't bear to finish it ; ' and Patty broke out afresh at the thought of so much love 's labour lost . ` Mamma will love to see it , so I would n't give it up . Work is the best cure for sorrow ; and I think you never will be sorry you tried it . Let us put a bright bit of submission with this dark trouble , and work both into your little life as patiently as we can , deary . ' Patty put up her trembling lips , and kissed Aunt Pen , grateful for the tender sympathy and the helpful words . ` I 'll try , ' was all she said ; and then they sat talking quietly together about the dear , dead baby , who only stayed long enough to make a place in every one 's heart , and leave them aching when she went . Patty did try to bear her first trouble bravely , and got on very well after the first day or two , except when the sewing-hour came . Then the sight of the pretty patchwork recalled the memory of the cradle it was meant to cover , and reminded her that it was empty now . Many quiet tears dropped on Patty 's work ; and sometimes she had to put it down and sob , for she had longed so for a little sister , it was very hard to give her up , and put away all the loving plans she had made for the happy time when baby came . A great many tender little thoughts and feelings got sewed into the gay squares ; and if a small stain showed here and there , I think they only added to its beauty in the eyes of those who knew what made them . Aunt Pen never suggested picking out certain puckered bits and grimy stitches , for she knew that just there the little fingers trembled , and the blue eyes got dim as they touched and saw the delicate , flowery bits left from baby 's gowns . Lizzie was full of sympathy , and came hopping over on her crutches with her only treasure , a black rabbit , to console her friend .
But of all the comfort given , Mother Bunch 's share was the greatest and best ; for that very XXXXX sad day , as Patty wandered about the house disconsolately , puss came hurrying to meet her , and in her dumb way begged her mistress to follow and see the fine surprise prepared for her -- four plump kits as white as snow , with four gray tails all wagging in a row , as they laid on their proud mamma 's downy breast , while she purred over them , with her yellow eyes full of supreme content .
Lizzie Pen day deary first labour left quilt sewing-hour week