Though I do sometimes wish I was able to trudge , one gets on so slowly with crutches . '' A little sigh followed the words , and Belle put her own plump hand on the delicate one that held the crutch , saying , in her cordial young voice : `` I 'll come and take you to drive sometimes , for you are too pale , and you 'll get ill sitting here at work day after day . Please let me ; I 'd love to ; for I feel so idle and wicked when I see busy people like you that I reproach myself for neglecting my duty and having more than my share of happiness . '' Lizzie thanked her with a look , and then said , in a tone of interest that was delightful to hear : `` Tell about the wreath you want ; I should so love to do it for you , if I can . '' Belle had forgotten all about it in listening to this sad little story of a girl 's life . Now she felt half ashamed to talk of so frivolous a matter till she remembered that it would help Lizzie ; and , resolving to pay for it as never garland was paid for before , she entered upon the subject with renewed interest . `` You shall have the flowers in time for your ball to-morrow night . I will engage to make a wreath that will please you , only it may take longer than I think . Do n't be troubled if I do n't send it till evening ; it will surely come in time . I can work fast , and this will be the happiest job I ever did , '' said Lizzie , beginning to lay out mysterious little tools and bend delicate wires . `` You are altogether too grateful for the little I have done . It makes me feel ashamed to think I did not find you out before and do something better worth thanks . '' `` Ah , it was n't the boots or the cake or the roses , dear Miss Belle . It was the kind looks , the gentle words , the way it was done , that went right to my heart , and did me more good than a million of money . I never stole a pin after that day , for the little rose would n't let me forget how you forgave me so sweetly . I sometimes think it kept me from greater temptations , for I was a poor , forlorn child , with no one to keep me good . '' Pretty Belle looked prettier than ever as she listened , and a bright tear stood in either eye like a drop of dew on a blue flower . It touched her very much to learn that her little act of childish charity had been so sweet and helpful to this lonely girl , and now lived so freshly in her grateful memory . It showed her , suddenly , how precious little deeds of love and sympathy are ; how strong to bless , how easy to perform , how comfortable to recall . Her heart was very full and tender just then , and the lesson sunk deep into it never to be forgotten .
She sat a long time watching flowers bud and blossom under XXXXX 's skilful fingers , and then hurried home to tell all her glad news to mamma .
Belle Lizzie bend day duty evening heart night right sigh