May's Garden, and Where the Flowers Went (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1873. Excerpt: ... 'CHAPTER VI. THE ROSE. "I Can't bear that old man He is so ugly, and so cross and disagreeable, I'm sure nobody could like him if they tried ever so much," said Annie to May one day, after they had passed the Alms-houses in a street near their home. "I suppose we ought to love him," said May. "Love him " screamed Annie, in perfect horror. "You might as well love a tiger He looked as if he could eat me up just now, as we passed." "He does look cross, and no mistake; but I wonder whether anything would make him kind? Suppose we give him a rose for his coat? He couldn't eat us up, however cross he might be." "Don't ask me " said Annie. "I'd as soon hand a rose to a roaring lion as to that cross old fellow. Do it yourself, if you like, and I'll peep round the corner with Emma; and if he knocks you down, we'll come and pick you up." "Thank you " said May. "I'm sure you're very kind. Oh, never mind him. We'll give one to some one else." "There " said Annie. "You say, 'Never mind him, ' when you think you will have to give it yourself." "You are so sharp, Annie. I didn't think you'd mind it as much as I should." "Just as if I like being knocked down any more than you do," said Annie, laughing. But, however, the next day, before they went for their afternoon walk, May saw that Annie had got one of her very best roses in her hand. "Whatever have you got that for?" said May, not quite liking Annie having gathered it without her permission. "Don't look cross. I'm going to have a try at the old man. I thought we could run down the street in front of Emma, and then I could offer it to him quickly as I passed." "But suppose he's not at his door?" "Then I shan't go in. But he is there generally at this time." So, with beating hearts, the children started with Emma; and...