almost cried with disappointment because I had not seen it too. The girls
said it would be in the town one more day, and then it was going away. And
when I got into bed that night, I made up my mind that I would go and have
a look at it the next day.'

'But did your mother let you?' said Rosalie.

'No; I knew it was no use asking her. I meant to slip out of the house
before she knew anything about it; but it so happened that that day she was
called away to the next village to see my aunt, who was ill.'

'And did you go when she was out?'

'Yes, I did,' said Jessie; 'and I told her a lie about it.'

This was said with a great sob, and the poor girl's tears began to flow
again.

'What did you say?' asked little Rosalie.

'She said to me before she went, "Little Jess, you'll take care of Maggie
and baby, won't you, dear? You'll not let any harm come to them?" And I
said, "No, mother, I won't." But as I said it my cheeks turned hot, and I
felt as if my mother must see how they were burning. But she did not seem
to notice it; she turned back and kissed me, and kissed little Maggie and
the baby, and then she went to my aunt's. I watched her out of sight, and
then I put on my best clothes and set off for the town.'

'And what did you do with Maggie and baby?' said Rosalie; 'did you take
them with you?'