Маленькая принцесса
The Indian Gentleman
Shemadesuchfriendswiththesparrowsthatwhenshestooduponthetable,putherheadandshouldersoutoftheatticwindow,andchirped,sheheardalmostimmediatelyaflutterofwingsandansweringtwitters,andalittleflockofdingytownbirdsappearedandalightedontheslatestotalktoherandmakemuchofthecrumbsshescattered.WithMelchisedecshehadbecomesointimatethatheactuallybroughtMrs.Melchisedecwithhimsometimes,andnowandthenoneortwoofhischildren.Sheusedtotalktohim,and,somehow,helookedquiteasifheunderstood.
TherehadgrowninhermindratherastrangefeelingaboutEmily,whoalwayssatandlookedonateverything.Itaroseinoneofhermomentsofgreatdesolateness.ShewouldhavelikedtobelieveorpretendtobelievethatEmilyunderstoodandsympathizedwithher.Shedidnotliketoowntoherselfthatheronlycompanioncouldfeelandhearnothing.Sheusedtoputherinachairsometimesandsitoppositetoherontheoldredfootstool,andstareandpretendaboutheruntilherowneyeswouldgrowlargewithsomethingwhichwasalmostlikefear—particularlyatnightwheneverythingwassostill,whentheonlysoundintheatticwastheoccasionalsuddenscurryandsqueakofMelchisedec’sfamilyinthewall.Oneofher"pretends"wasthatEmilywasakindofgoodwitchwhocouldprotecther.
