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 Lizzie , quite overcome with penitence ; and taking out the crumpled rose , she confessed her fault with many tears . `` Do n't feel so much about such a little thing as that , '' began Belle , warmly ; then checked herself , and added , more soberly , `` It WAS wrong to take it without leave ; but it 's all right now , and I 'll give you as many roses as you want , for I know you are a good girl . '' `` Thank you . I did n't want it only because it was pretty , but I wanted to copy it . I ca n't get any for myself , and so I ca n't do my make-believe ones well . Madame wo n't even lend me the old ones in the store , and Estelle has none to spare for me , because I ca n't pay her for teaching me . She gives me bits of muslin and wire and things , and shows me now and then . But I know if I had a real flower I could copy it ; so she 'd see I did know something , for I try real hard . I 'm SO tired of slopping round the streets , I 'd do anything to earn my living some other way . '' Lizzie had poured out her trouble rapidly ; and the little story was quite affecting when one saw the tears on her cheeks , the poor clothes , and the thin hands that held the stolen rose . Belle was much touched , and , in her impetuous way , set about mending matters as fast as possible . `` Put on those boots and that pair of dry stockings right away . Then tuck as much cake and fruit into your pocket as it will hold . I 'm going to get you some flowers , and see if mamma is too busy to attend to me . ''
With a nod and a smile , Belle flew about the room a minute ; then vanished , leaving XXXXX to her comfortable task , feeling as if fairies still haunted the world as in the good old times .
Belle Estelle Lizzie boots girl muslin penitence right something story