Presently the little hats began to go bobbing by , the silent street to echo with laughter , and the sidewalk to bloom with gay gowns , for the girls were all out in winter colors now . From behind a curtain I peeped at them , and saw , with great satisfaction , that nearly all had bits of my cake in their hands , and were talking it over with the most flattering interest . My particular little girl , with a friend on each arm , passed so near me that I could see the happy look in her eyes , and hear her say , with a toss of the bright hair , -- `` Mother will plan it for me , and I can get it done by New Year . Wo n't it be fun to hang it on the door some day , and then run ? '' I fancied that she meant to make something for me , and waited with patience , wondering how this odd frolic with my little school-girl would end . New Year 's Day came and passed , but no gift hung on my door ; so I made up my mind it was all a mistake , and , being pretty busy about that time , thought no more of the matter till some weeks later , as I came into town one day after a visit in the country . I am fond of observing faces , and seldom forget one if anything has particularly attracted my attention to it . So this morning , as I rode along , I looked at the conductor , as there was no one else to observe , and he had a pleasant sort of face . Somehow , it looked familiar , and after thinking idly about it for a minute , I remembered where I had seen it before . He was the man who waited for `` little missy , '' and I at once began to hope that she would come again , for I wanted to ask about the holidays , remembering how `` fond of fun '' she was . When we came to the South End Square , where I met her first , I looked out , expecting to see the little figure running down the wide path again , and quite willing to wait for it a long time if necessary . But no one was to be seen but two boys and a dog . The car did not stop , and though the conductor looked out that way , his hand was not on the strap , and no smile on his face . `` Do n't you wait for the little girl now ? '' I asked , feeling disappointed at not seeing my pretty friend again . `` I wish I could , ma'am , '' answered the man , understanding at once , though of course he did not remember me . `` New rules , perhaps ? '' I added , as he did not explain , but stood fingering his punch , and never minding an old lady , wildly waving her bag at him from the sidewalk . `` No , ma'am ; but it 's no use waiting for little missy any more , because '' -- here he leaned in and said , very low , -- `` she is dead ; '' then turned sharply round , rung the bell , put the old lady in and shut the door . How grieved I was to have that pleasant friendship end so sadly , for I had planned many small surprises for my girl , and now I could do no more , could never know all about her , never see the sunny face again , or win another word from lips that seemed made for smiling .
Only a little XXXXX , yet how many friends she seemed to have , making them unconsciously by her gentle manners , generous actions , and innocent light-heartedness .
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