Then , not in the least realizing what lay before her , the child was consigned to the conductor of the train to be forwarded to persons in New York who would see her safely on board the steamer . I should dearly like to have seen the little maid and the big basket as they set out on that long trip as tranquilly as if for a day 's visit ; and it is a comfort to know that before the train started , the persons who took her there had interested a motherly lady in the young traveller , who promised to watch over her while their ways were the same . All went well , and Maggie was safely delivered to the New York friends , who forwarded her to the steamer , well supplied with toys and comforts for the voyage , and placed in charge of captain and stewardess . She sailed on the 3d of March , and on the 12th landed at Liverpool , after a pleasant trip , during which she was the pet of all on board . The aunt welcomed her joyfully , and the same day the child reached her new home , the Commercial Inn , Compstall , after a journey of over four thousand miles . The consul and owners of the steamer wanted to see the adventurous young lady who had come so far alone , and neighbors and strangers made quite a lion of her , for all kindly hearts were interested , and the protective charity which had guided and guarded her in two hemispheres and across the wide sea , made all men fathers , all women mothers , to the little one till she was safe . Her picture lies before me as I write , -- a pretty child standing in a chair , with a basket of toys on the table before her ; curly hair pushed back from the face , pensive eyes , and a pair of stout little feet crossed one over the other as if glad to rest . I wish I could put the photograph into the story , because the small heroine is an interesting one , and still lives with the good aunt , who is very fond and proud of her , and writes pleasant accounts of her progress to the friends in America . So ends the journey of my second small traveller , and when I think of her safe and happy in a good home , I always fancy that -LRB- if such things may be -RRB- in the land which is lovelier than even beautiful old England , Maggie 's mother watches over little Annie . III . A JOLLY FOURTH . Door-step parties were the fashion that year , and it was while a dozen young folks sat chatting on Annie Hadwin 's steps in the twilight that they laid the plan which turned out such a grand success in the end . `` For my part , I am glad we are to be put on a short allowance of gunpowder , and that crackers are forbidden , they are such a nuisance , burning holes in clothes , frightening horses , and setting houses afire , '' said sober Fred from the gate , where he and several other fellows were roosting socially together . `` It wo n't seem a bit like a regular Fourth without the salutes three times during the day . They are afraid the old cannon will kick , and blow off some other fellow 's arm , as it did last year , '' added Elly Dickens , the beau of the party , as he pulled down his neat wristbands , hoping Maud admired the new cuff-buttons in them . `` What shall we do in the evening , since the ball is given up ? Just because the old folks are too tired to enjoy dancing , we ca n't have any , and I think it is too bad , '' said pretty Belle , impatiently , for she danced like a fairy and was never tired . `` The authorities did n't dare to stop our races in the morning . There would have been an insurrection if they had , '' called out long Herbert from the grass , where he lay at the feet of black-eyed Julia . `` We must do something to finish off with .
Come , somebody suggest a new , nice , safe , and jolly plan for the XXXXX , '' cried Grace , who liked fun , and had just slipped a little toad into Jack Spratt 's pocket as a pleasant surprise when he felt for his handkerchief .
America Belle Compstall FOURTH Fred Julia Liverpool York cuff-buttons evening