Marjorie drew near confidingly , and looked down at the wide-spread book before her . She gave a start , and laughed out with surprise and delight ; for there was a lovely picture of her own little home , and her own little self on the door-step , all so delicate , and beautiful , and true , it seemed as if done by magic . `` Oh , how pretty ! There is Rover , and Kitty and the robins , and me ! How could you ever do it , ma'am ? '' said Marjorie , with a wondering glance at the long paint-brush , which had wrought what seemed a miracle to her childish eyes . `` I 'll show you presently ; but tell me , first , if it looks quite right and natural to you . Children sometimes spy out faults that no one else can see , '' answered the lady , evidently pleased with the artless praise her work received . `` It looks just like our house , only more beautiful . Perhaps that is because I know how shabby it really is . That moss looks lovely on the shingles , but the roof leaks . The porch is broken , only the roses hide the place ; and my gown is all faded , though it once was as bright as you have made it . I wish the house and everything would stay pretty forever , as they will in the picture . '' While Marjorie spoke , the lady had been adding more color to the sketch , and when she looked up , something warmer and brighter than sunshine shone in her face , as she said , so cheerily , it was like a bird 's song to hear her , -- `` It ca n't be summer always , dear , but we can make fair weather for ourselves if we try . The moss , the roses , and soft shadows show the little house and the little girl at their best , and that is what we all should do ; for it is amazing how lovely common things become , if one only knows how to look at them . '' `` I wish I did , '' said Marjorie , half to herself , remembering how often she was discontented , and how hard it was to get on , sometimes . `` So do I , '' said the lady , in her happy voice . `` Just believe that there is a sunny side to everything , and try to find it , and you will be surprised to see how bright the world will seem , and how cheerful you will be able to keep your little self . '' `` I guess granny has found that out , for she never frets . I do , but I 'm going to stop it , because I 'm twelve to-day , and that is too old for such things , '' said Marjorie , recollecting the good resolutions she had made that morning when she woke .
`` I am twice twelve , and not entirely cured yet ; but I try , and do n't mean to wear blue spectacles if I can help it , '' answered the lady , laughing so blithely that XXXXX was sure she would not have to try much longer .
Kitty Marjorie door-step first home morning paint-brush right robins sketch