this, her mother pointed out to her the unkindness of refusing so
small a favor to her sister; and in the hope of bringing her to a
sense of her fault, she told her what had passed in the morning, and
made known to her the whole affair of the work-box. Louisa was so much
struck by this proof of Emma's love, that her heart was quite
softened, and she not only owned that she had done amiss, but ran to
seek her sister, and asked her to forget their quarrel and be friends.

Emma was very glad to agree to this, and was also ready to take her
share of blame, saying that she had been very wrong in speaking so
unkindly, and she hoped never to be so naughty again. It was pleasant
after this, to see Louisa's desire that her sister should use the old
work-box, and what care Emma showed in keeping all its contents nicely
in their place.

The loss of the birthday present had a great effect upon Louisa, so
that she became more watchful over her temper and conduct. In a few
months she had improved so much, that though she was still far from
being all that could be wished, yet her mother thought she might
safely buy her the writing-desk, according to the desire of her aunt
Harding. Emma had still waited for her work-box with hope and
patience; and you may imagine the joy of both when they at last
received these long wished-for gifts. And as Emma was now not so
careless as formerly, and Louisa had grown more kind, the work-box and
the writing-desk were often lent in exchange; while the sisters soon
found out the truth of what their mother told them, that such little
frequent acts of mutual kindness do more to increase love than those
greater deeds which children sometimes talk about, but seldom have the
power to perform.