In an instant the little head was raised resolutely, and the child smiled with the tears glistening on her lashes, while her eyes turned again toward the stranger, who seemed to attract her greatly.
The boy had noticed the lovely little creature and the sorrowful young mother, and his generous heart went out to them at once; therefore, when the child raised her tearful eyes and looked at him so earnestly, he smiled responsively and invitingly.
Again the little head went shyly down to the mother’s shoulder, and she whispered:
“Mama, there’s something alive in that basket. How I wish I could see it!”
“My dear, he’s a stranger. I can’t ask him to show it to you; he might not be willing.”
“Oh, I think he would, mama! He smiled at me when I looked at him. Can’t I ask him? Please,—please let me.”
The mother turned a side glance in the direction of the boy, who moved a little nearer the end of the seat and looked at her intelligently, as if he understood that they were speaking of him. Their eyes met, and he smiled good-naturedly, while he nodded and pointed to the basket. “I thought she would like to see it,” he said, as he began untying the string that fastened the cover.
“You’re very kind to gratify her curiosity,” said the mother, in a gentle voice; “she’s sure that it’s something alive.”
“It is,” laughed the boy. “It’s very much alive; so much so that I’m almost afraid to take off the cover.”
“Go, my darling, and see what it is,” said the mother, as the child slipped past her and stood before the boy, looking at him from under the shadow of her black hat with eager, inquiring eyes.