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 Lizzie , who was staring hard at the fire with such a troubled face that Belle could not bear to see it . Jumping out of her nest of cushions , she heaped a plate with good things , and going to Lizzie , offered it , saying , with a gentle courtesy that made the act doubly sweet : `` Please have some ; you must be tired of waiting . '' But Lizzie could not take it ; she could only cover her face and cry ; for this kindness rent her heart and made the stolen flower a burden too heavy to be borne . `` Oh , do n't cry so ! Are you sick ? Have I been rude ? Tell me all about it ; and if I ca n't do anything , mamma can , '' said Belle , surprised and troubled .
`` No ; I 'm not sick ; I 'm bad , and I ca n't bear it when you are so good to me , '' sobbed XXXXX , quite overcome with penitence ; and taking out the crumpled rose , she confessed her fault with many tears .
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