Her complexion, unblemished, except for the sun-tinge which showed an
out-of-doors life, was of that peculiar tint, neither blond nor
brunette, which is usually found with hair of that coppery hue, and the
whole artistic head but crowned a form whose grace and roundness not
even her ill-fitting gown could conceal.
"One of nature's gems!" whispered the on-looker in her native tongue.
"And what a cherub of a baby! I must make their acquaintance."
She took an orange from the satin bag hanging on her arm, and held it
towards the little one, who had now toddled to the open gate, and was
gazing shyly at her.
He looked at the tempting yellow apple, then back at sister, oblivious
in the door-way, then once more at the coveted fruit, and was conquered.
As Madame Grandet stepped towards him, he did not retreat, but reached
up his dimpled, dirty little hands (he had been making sand-pies) and
caught the fruit she dropped into them.
Then he gave a delighted little laugh, which roused Sara, who raised her
large eyes, now dreamy with far-away thoughts, but which flashed into
pleasure at sight of the two.
"Pray pardon me," said madame with a gracious little nod; "I would not
deesturb you, but the babee, he ees so sweet! You will let me give to
him the orange?"
"Oh, certainly; thank you! It will be a great treat for him," rising and
coming forward, with her book in her hand.
Pages:
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75