`` P ` r ` aps if we sew ever so many flannel shirts we may be rich by-and-by . I should give mother a new bonnet first of all , for I heard Miss Kent say no lady would wear such a shabby one . Mrs. Smith said fine bonnets did n't make real ladies . I like her best , but I do want a locket like Miss Kent 's . '' `` I should give mother some new rubbers , and then I should buy a white apron , with frills like Miss Kent 's , and bring home nice bunches of grapes and good things to eat , as Mr. Chrome does . I often smell them , but he never gives me any ; he only says , ` Hullo , chick ! ' and I 'd rather have oranges any time . '' `` It will take us a long while to get rich , I 'm afraid . It makes me tired to think of it . I guess we 'd better go to sleep now , dear . '' `` Good-night , Dolly . '' `` Good-night , Polly . '' Two soft kisses were heard , a nestling sound followed , and presently the little sisters lay fast asleep cheek against cheek , on the pillow wet with their tears , never dreaming what was going to happen to them to-morrow . Now Miss Kent 's room was next to theirs , and as she sat sewing she could hear the children 's talk , for they soon forgot to whisper . At first she smiled , then she looked sober , and when the prattle ceased she said to herself , as she glanced about her pleasant chamber : `` Poor little things ! they think I 'm rich , and envy me , when I 'm only a milliner earning my living . I ought to have taken more notice of them , for their mother has a hard time , I fancy , but never complains . I 'm sorry they heard what I said , and if I knew how to do it without offending her , I 'd trim a nice bonnet for a Christmas gift , for she is a lady , in spite of her old clothes . I can give the children some of the things they want anyhow , and I will . The idea of those mites making a fortune out of shirts at six cents apiece ! ''
Miss XXXXX laughed at the innocent delusion , but sympathized with her little neighbors , for she knew all about hard times .
Chrome Dolly Kent Polly Smith bonnets bunches milliner mites rubbers