We are divided into classes by birth and constitution , and each can do much in its own sphere . I am a shawl pin , and it would be foolish in me to aspire to the duties of those dainty lace pins made to fasten a collar . I am contented with my lot , however , and , being of a strong make and enterprising spirit , have had many adventures , some perils , and great satisfactions since I left the factory long ago . I well remember how eagerly I looked about me when the paper in which I lived , with some hundreds of relations , was hung up in a shop window , to display our glittering ranks and tempt people to buy . At last a purchaser came , a dashing young lady who bought us with several other fancy articles , and carried us away in a smart little bag , humming and talking to herself , in what I thought a very curious way . `` When we were taken out I was all in a flutter to see where I was and what would happen next . There were so many of us , I could hardly hope to go first , for I was in the third row , and most people take us in order . But Cora was a hasty , careless soul , and pulled us out at random , so I soon found myself stuck up in a big untidy cushion , with every sort of pin you can imagine . Such a gay and giddy set I never saw , and really , my dear , their ways and conversation were quite startling to an ignorant young thing like me . Pearl , coral , diamond , jet , gold , and silver heads , were all around me as well as vulgar brass knobs , jaunty black pins , good for nothing as they snap at the least strain , and my own relations , looking eminently neat and respectable among this theatrical rabble . For I will not disguise from you , Miss Ellen , that my first mistress was an actress , and my life a very gay one at the beginning . Merry , kind , and careless was the pretty Cora , and I am bound to confess I enjoyed myself immensely , for I was taken by chance with half a dozen friends to pin up the folds of her velvet train and mantle , in a fairy spectacle where she played the queen . It was very splendid , and , snugly settled among the soft folds , I saw it all , and probably felt that I too had my part ; humble as it was , it was faithfully performed , and I never once deserted my post for six weeks . `` Among the elves who went flitting about with silvery wings and spangled robes was one dear child who was the good genius of the queen , and was always fluttering near her , so I could not help seeing and loving the dear creature . She danced and sung , came out of flowers , swung down from trees , popped up from the lower regions , and finally , when all the queen 's troubles are over , flew away on a golden cloud , smiling through a blaze of red light , and dropping roses as she vanished . `` When the play ended , I used to see her in an old dress , a thin shawl , and shabby hat , go limping home with a tired-looking woman who dressed the girls . `` I thought a good deal about ` Little Viola , ' as they called her , -- though her real name was Sally , I believe , -- and one dreadful night I played a heroic part , and thrill now when I remember it . '' `` Go on , please , I long to know , '' said Miss Ellen , dropping the needle-book into her lap , and leaning forward to listen better . `` One evening the theatre took fire , '' continued the old pin impressively . `` I do n't know how , but all of a sudden there was a great uproar , smoke , flames , water pouring , people running frantically about , and such a wild panic I lost my small wits for a time .
When I recovered them , I found Cora was leaning from a high window , with something wrapped closely in the velvet mantle that I pinned upon the XXXXX shoulder just under a paste buckle that only sparkled while I did all the work .
Cora Ellen Pearl elves evening left needle-book night purchaser third