MRS. V. Goose-cap! why ask that silly question? Reflect on what you have yourself said, and find out the reason if you can.
JULIA. Oh, now I guess, mamma! Because, though the lamb might have been taken care of, I should not have had any merit: I should have been cruel all the same, though chance might have brought some one else to its assistance.
MRS. V. True, my dear; you would have been conscious of having acted improperly.
JULIA. Mamma, if I get up early to-morrow morning, may I go and gather the primroses, violets, and cowslips, before breakfast?
MRS. V. You may; I am glad this idea has occurred to you. I hope you will still enjoy the pleasure of ornamenting Mary’s room.
JULIA. Why do you say _hope_, mamma? I am now sure of the flowers, as you have given me permission to gather them.
MRS. V. You considered yourself sure of them, this evening, when you left me; yet, Julia, you were disappointed. No one is sure of the future. It is possible, something we do not at present foresee may again disappoint you.
JULIA. I do not think so: Miss Beauchamp has no more pet-lambs to fall over the hedge.
MRS. V. Are Miss Beauchamp’s pet-lambs the only things in the world? Suppose it should rain to-morrow morning, I should not then allow you to go out in the wet: I should fear you would catch cold, and be ill, as you were in the winter.
MRS. V. No, Julia; I do not expect a rainy day to-morrow. The appearance of the evening promises a fine morning. I do not think you will be again disappointed: I hope not. I only said, it was possible you might not be able to accomplish your wishes.
JULIA. Oh dear! If I am disappointed again, what shall I do, mamma?
MRS. V. Bear the trial well, my love. If you should not have all you wish for, you will still have a great deal to make you happy. Do not look sorrowfully, Julia. You are not disappointed yet. It will be time enough for that dismal face, when the evil is come. It is wise to resolve to behave well when we are tried: it is silly to fret about misfortunes which may never happen. You told me you talked a little—to whom?
MRS. V. What did she say to you? What did you say to her?
JULIA. She thanked me for carrying the lamb home: she asked me to go with her, to eat strawberries and milk.