text
stringlengths 4
299
| metadata
dict |
|---|---|
Sara put down her book and shook her head slowly. "That's almost like telling lies," she said. "And lies--well, you see, they are not only wicked--they're VULGAR. Sometimes"--reflectively--"I've thought perhaps I might do something wicked--I might suddenly fly into a rage and kill Miss Minchin, you | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1201,
"chunk_size": 299,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
fly into a rage and kill Miss Minchin, you know, when she was ill-treating me--but I COULDN'T be vulgar. Why can't you tell your father I read them?" | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1202,
"chunk_size": 149,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
"He wants me to read them," said Ermengarde, a little discouraged by this unexpected turn of affairs.
"He wants you to know what is in them," said Sara. "And if I can tell it to you in an easy way and make you remember it, I should think he would like that." | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1203,
"chunk_size": 259,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
"He'll like it if I learn anything in ANY way," said rueful Ermengarde. "You would if you were my father."
"It's not your fault that--" began Sara. She pulled herself up and stopped rather suddenly. She had been going to say, "It's not your fault that you are stupid." | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1204,
"chunk_size": 269,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
"That what?" Ermengarde asked.
"That you can't learn things quickly," amended Sara. "If you can't, you can't. If I can--why, I can; that's all." | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1205,
"chunk_size": 145,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
She always felt very tender of Ermengarde, and tried not to let her feel too strongly the difference between being able to learn anything at once, and not being able to learn anything at all. As she looked at her plump face, one of her wise, old-fashioned thoughts came to her. | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1206,
"chunk_size": 277,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
"Perhaps," she said, "to be able to learn things quickly isn't everything. To be kind is worth a great deal to other people. If Miss Minchin knew everything on earth and was like what she is now, she'd still be a detestable thing, and everybody would hate her. Lots of clever people have done harm | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1207,
"chunk_size": 297,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
hate her. Lots of clever people have done harm and have been wicked. Look at Robespierre--" | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1208,
"chunk_size": 91,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
She stopped and examined Ermengarde's countenance, which was beginning to look bewildered. "Don't you remember?" she demanded. "I told you about him not long ago. I believe you've forgotten."
"Well, I don't remember ALL of it," admitted Ermengarde. | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1209,
"chunk_size": 249,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
"Well, you wait a minute," said Sara, "and I'll take off my wet things and wrap myself in the coverlet and tell you over again." | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1210,
"chunk_size": 128,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
She took off her hat and coat and hung them on a nail against the wall, and she changed her wet shoes for an old pair of slippers. Then she jumped on the bed, and drawing the coverlet about her shoulders, sat with her arms round her knees. "Now, listen," she said. | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1211,
"chunk_size": 264,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
She plunged into the gory records of the French Revolution, and told such stories of it that Ermengarde's eyes grew round with alarm and she held her breath. But though she was rather terrified, there was a delightful thrill in listening, and she was not likely to forget Robespierre again, or to | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1212,
"chunk_size": 296,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
was not likely to forget Robespierre again, or to have any doubts about the Princesse de Lamballe. | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1213,
"chunk_size": 98,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
"You know they put her head on a pike and danced round it," Sara explained. "And she had beautiful floating blonde hair; and when I think of her, I never see her head on her body, but always on a pike, with those furious people dancing and howling." | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1214,
"chunk_size": 249,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
It was agreed that Mr. St. John was to be told the plan they had made, and for the present the books were to be left in the attic.
"Now let's tell each other things," said Sara. "How are you getting on with your French lessons?" | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1215,
"chunk_size": 229,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
"Ever so much better since the last time I came up here and you explained the conjugations. Miss Minchin could not understand why I did my exercises so well that first morning."
Sara laughed a little and hugged her knees. | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1216,
"chunk_size": 222,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
"She doesn't understand why Lottie is doing her sums so well," she said; "but it is because she creeps up here, too, and I help her." She glanced round the room. "The attic would be rather nice--if it wasn't so dreadful," she said, laughing again. "It's a good place to pretend in." | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1217,
"chunk_size": 282,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
The truth was that Ermengarde did not know anything of the sometimes almost unbearable side of life in the attic and she had not a sufficiently vivid imagination to depict it for herself. On the rare occasions that she could reach Sara's room she only saw the side of it which was made exciting by | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1218,
"chunk_size": 297,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
saw the side of it which was made exciting by things which were "pretended" and stories which were told. Her visits partook of the character of adventures; and though sometimes Sara looked rather pale, and it was not to be denied that she had grown very thin, her proud little spirit would not admit | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1219,
"chunk_size": 299,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
thin, her proud little spirit would not admit of complaints. She had never confessed that at times she was almost ravenous with hunger, as she was tonight. She was growing rapidly, and her constant walking and running about would have given her a keen appetite even if she had had abundant and | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1220,
"chunk_size": 293,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
a keen appetite even if she had had abundant and regular meals of a much more nourishing nature than the unappetizing, inferior food snatched at such odd times as suited the kitchen convenience. She was growing used to a certain gnawing feeling in her young stomach. | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1221,
"chunk_size": 266,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
"I suppose soldiers feel like this when they are on a long and weary march," she often said to herself. She liked the sound of the phrase, "long and weary march." It made her feel rather like a soldier. She had also a quaint sense of being a hostess in the attic. | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1222,
"chunk_size": 263,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
"If I lived in a castle," she argued, "and Ermengarde was the lady of another castle, and came to see me, with knights and squires and vassals riding with her, and pennons flying, when I heard the clarions sounding outside the drawbridge I should go down to receive her, and I should spread feasts | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1223,
"chunk_size": 297,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
down to receive her, and I should spread feasts in the banquet hall and call in minstrels to sing and play and relate romances. When she comes into the attic I can't spread feasts, but I can tell stories, and not let her know disagreeable things. I dare say poor chatelaines had to do that in time | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1224,
"chunk_size": 297,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
dare say poor chatelaines had to do that in time of famine, when their lands had been pillaged." She was a proud, brave little chatelaine, and dispensed generously the one hospitality she could offer--the dreams she dreamed--the visions she saw--the imaginings which were her joy and comfort. | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1225,
"chunk_size": 292,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
So, as they sat together, Ermengarde did not know that she was faint as well as ravenous, and that while she talked she now and then wondered if her hunger would let her sleep when she was left alone. She felt as if she had never been quite so hungry before. | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1226,
"chunk_size": 258,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
"I wish I was as thin as you, Sara," Ermengarde said suddenly. "I believe you are thinner than you used to be. Your eyes look so big, and look at the sharp little bones sticking out of your elbow!"
Sara pulled down her sleeve, which had pushed itself up. | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1227,
"chunk_size": 255,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
"I always was a thin child," she said bravely, "and I always had big green eyes." | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1228,
"chunk_size": 81,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
"I love your queer eyes," said Ermengarde, looking into them with affectionate admiration. "They always look as if they saw such a long way. I love them--and I love them to be green--though they look black generally." | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1229,
"chunk_size": 217,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
"They are cat's eyes," laughed Sara; "but I can't see in the dark with them--because I have tried, and I couldn't--I wish I could." | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1230,
"chunk_size": 131,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
It was just at this minute that something happened at the skylight which neither of them saw. If either of them had chanced to turn and look, she would have been startled by the sight of a dark face which peered cautiously into the room and disappeared as quickly and almost as silently as it had | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1231,
"chunk_size": 296,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
as quickly and almost as silently as it had appeared. Not QUITE as silently, however. Sara, who had keen ears, suddenly turned a little and looked up at the roof. | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1232,
"chunk_size": 162,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
"That didn't sound like Melchisedec," she said. "It wasn't scratchy enough."
"What?" said Ermengarde, a little startled.
"Didn't you think you heard something?" asked Sara.
"N-no," Ermengarde faltered. "Did you?" {another ed. has "No-no,"} | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1233,
"chunk_size": 242,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
"Perhaps I didn't," said Sara; "but I thought I did. It sounded as if something was on the slates--something that dragged softly."
"What could it be?" said Ermengarde. "Could it be--robbers?"
"No," Sara began cheerfully. "There is nothing to steal--" | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1234,
"chunk_size": 252,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
She broke off in the middle of her words. They both heard the sound that checked her. It was not on the slates, but on the stairs below, and it was Miss Minchin's angry voice. Sara sprang off the bed, and put out the candle. | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1235,
"chunk_size": 224,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
"She is scolding Becky," she whispered, as she stood in the darkness. "She is making her cry."
"Will she come in here?" Ermengarde whispered back, panic-stricken.
"No. She will think I am in bed. Don't stir." | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1236,
"chunk_size": 210,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
It was very seldom that Miss Minchin mounted the last flight of stairs. Sara could only remember that she had done it once before. But now she was angry enough to be coming at least part of the way up, and it sounded as if she was driving Becky before her. | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1237,
"chunk_size": 256,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
"You impudent, dishonest child!" they heard her say. "Cook tells me she has missed things repeatedly."
"'T warn't me, mum," said Becky sobbing. "I was 'ungry enough, but 't warn't me--never!" | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1238,
"chunk_size": 192,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
"You deserve to be sent to prison," said Miss Minchin's voice. "Picking and stealing! Half a meat pie, indeed!"
"'T warn't me," wept Becky. "I could 'ave eat a whole un--but I never laid a finger on it." | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1239,
"chunk_size": 204,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
Miss Minchin was out of breath between temper and mounting the stairs. The meat pie had been intended for her special late supper. It became apparent that she boxed Becky's ears.
"Don't tell falsehoods," she said. "Go to your room this instant." | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1240,
"chunk_size": 246,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
Both Sara and Ermengarde heard the slap, and then heard Becky run in her slipshod shoes up the stairs and into her attic. They heard her door shut, and knew that she threw herself upon her bed. | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1241,
"chunk_size": 193,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
"I could 'ave e't two of 'em," they heard her cry into her pillow. "An' I never took a bite. 'Twas cook give it to her policeman." | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1242,
"chunk_size": 130,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
Sara stood in the middle of the room in the darkness. She was clenching her little teeth and opening and shutting fiercely her outstretched hands. She could scarcely stand still, but she dared not move until Miss Minchin had gone down the stairs and all was still. | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1243,
"chunk_size": 264,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
"The wicked, cruel thing!" she burst forth. "The cook takes things herself and then says Becky steals them. She DOESN'T! She DOESN'T! She's so hungry sometimes that she eats crusts out of the ash barrel!" She pressed her hands hard against her face and burst into passionate little sobs, and | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1244,
"chunk_size": 291,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
face and burst into passionate little sobs, and Ermengarde, hearing this unusual thing, was overawed by it. Sara was crying! The unconquerable Sara! It seemed to denote something new--some mood she had never known. Suppose--suppose--a new dread possibility presented itself to her kind, slow, little | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1245,
"chunk_size": 299,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
presented itself to her kind, slow, little mind all at once. She crept off the bed in the dark and found her way to the table where the candle stood. She struck a match and lit the candle. When she had lighted it, she bent forward and looked at Sara, with her new thought growing to definite fear in | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1246,
"chunk_size": 299,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
with her new thought growing to definite fear in her eyes. | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1247,
"chunk_size": 58,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
"Sara," she said in a timid, almost awe-stricken voice, "are--are--you never told me--I don't want to be rude, but--are YOU ever hungry?"
It was too much just at that moment. The barrier broke down. Sara lifted her face from her hands. | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1248,
"chunk_size": 236,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
"Yes," she said in a new passionate way. "Yes, I am. I'm so hungry now that I could almost eat you. And it makes it worse to hear poor Becky. She's hungrier than I am."
Ermengarde gasped.
"Oh, oh!" she cried woefully. "And I never knew!" | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1249,
"chunk_size": 239,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
"I didn't want you to know," Sara said. "It would have made me feel like a street beggar. I know I look like a street beggar."
"No, you don't--you don't!" Ermengarde broke in. "Your clothes are a little queer--but you couldn't look like a street beggar. You haven't a street-beggar face." | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1250,
"chunk_size": 289,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
"A little boy once gave me a sixpence for charity," said Sara, with a short little laugh in spite of herself. "Here it is." And she pulled out the thin ribbon from her neck. "He wouldn't have given me his Christmas sixpence if I hadn't looked as if I needed it." | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1251,
"chunk_size": 262,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
Somehow the sight of the dear little sixpence was good for both of them. It made them laugh a little, though they both had tears in their eyes.
"Who was he?" asked Ermengarde, looking at it quite as if it had not been a mere ordinary silver sixpence. | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1252,
"chunk_size": 251,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
"He was a darling little thing going to a party," said Sara. "He was one of the Large Family, the little one with the round legs--the one I call Guy Clarence. I suppose his nursery was crammed with Christmas presents and hampers full of cakes and things, and he could see I had nothing." | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1253,
"chunk_size": 287,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
Ermengarde gave a little jump backward. The last sentences had recalled something to her troubled mind and given her a sudden inspiration.
"Oh, Sara!" she cried. "What a silly thing I am not to have thought of it!"
"Of what?" | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1254,
"chunk_size": 227,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
"Something splendid!" said Ermengarde, in an excited hurry. "This very afternoon my nicest aunt sent me a box. It is full of good things. I never touched it, I had so much pudding at dinner, and I was so bothered about papa's books." Her words began to tumble over each other. "It's got cake in it, | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1255,
"chunk_size": 298,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
to tumble over each other. "It's got cake in it, and little meat pies, and jam tarts and buns, and oranges and red-currant wine, and figs and chocolate. I'll creep back to my room and get it this minute, and we'll eat it now." | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1256,
"chunk_size": 226,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
Sara almost reeled. When one is faint with hunger the mention of food has sometimes a curious effect. She clutched Ermengarde's arm.
"Do you think--you COULD?" she ejaculated. | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1257,
"chunk_size": 176,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
"Do you think--you COULD?" she ejaculated.
"I know I could," answered Ermengarde, and she ran to the door--opened it softly--put her head out into the darkness, and listened. Then she went back to Sara. "The lights are out. Everybody's in bed. I can creep--and creep--and no one will hear." | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1258,
"chunk_size": 291,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
It was so delightful that they caught each other's hands and a sudden light sprang into Sara's eyes.
"Ermie!" she said. "Let us PRETEND! Let us pretend it's a party! And oh, won't you invite the prisoner in the next cell?"
"Yes! Yes! Let us knock on the wall now. The jailer won't hear." | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1259,
"chunk_size": 289,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
Sara went to the wall. Through it she could hear poor Becky crying more softly. She knocked four times.
"That means, 'Come to me through the secret passage under the wall,' she explained. 'I have something to communicate.'"
Five quick knocks answered her.
"She is coming," she said. | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1260,
"chunk_size": 285,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
"She is coming," she said.
Almost immediately the door of the attic opened and Becky appeared. Her eyes were red and her cap was sliding off, and when she caught sight of Ermengarde she began to rub her face nervously with her apron.
"Don't mind me a bit, Becky!" cried Ermengarde. | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1261,
"chunk_size": 283,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
"Don't mind me a bit, Becky!" cried Ermengarde.
"Miss Ermengarde has asked you to come in," said Sara, "because she is going to bring a box of good things up here to us."
Becky's cap almost fell off entirely, she broke in with such excitement. | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1262,
"chunk_size": 245,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
"To eat, miss?" she said. "Things that's good to eat?"
"Yes," answered Sara, "and we are going to pretend a party."
"And you shall have as much as you WANT to eat," put in Ermengarde. "I'll go this minute!" | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1263,
"chunk_size": 208,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
She was in such haste that as she tiptoed out of the attic she dropped her red shawl and did not know it had fallen. No one saw it for a minute or so. Becky was too much overpowered by the good luck which had befallen her. | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1264,
"chunk_size": 222,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
"Oh, miss! oh, miss!" she gasped; "I know it was you that asked her to let me come. It--it makes me cry to think of it." And she went to Sara's side and stood and looked at her worshipingly. | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1265,
"chunk_size": 190,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
But in Sara's hungry eyes the old light had begun to glow and transform her world for her. Here in the attic--with the cold night outside--with the afternoon in the sloppy streets barely passed--with the memory of the awful unfed look in the beggar child's eyes not yet faded--this simple, cheerful | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1266,
"chunk_size": 298,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
child's eyes not yet faded--this simple, cheerful thing had happened like a thing of magic. | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1267,
"chunk_size": 91,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
She caught her breath.
"Somehow, something always happens," she cried, "just before things get to the very worst. It is as if the Magic did it. If I could only just remember that always. The worst thing never QUITE comes."
She gave Becky a little cheerful shake. | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1268,
"chunk_size": 264,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
She gave Becky a little cheerful shake.
"No, no! You mustn't cry!" she said. "We must make haste and set the table."
"Set the table, miss?" said Becky, gazing round the room. "What'll we set it with?"
Sara looked round the attic, too. | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1269,
"chunk_size": 237,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
Sara looked round the attic, too.
"There doesn't seem to be much," she answered, half laughing.
That moment she saw something and pounced upon it. It was Ermengarde's red shawl which lay upon the floor. | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1270,
"chunk_size": 204,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
"Here's the shawl," she cried. "I know she won't mind it. It will make such a nice red tablecloth."
They pulled the old table forward, and threw the shawl over it. Red is a wonderfully kind and comfortable color. It began to make the room look furnished directly. | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1271,
"chunk_size": 264,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
"How nice a red rug would look on the floor!" exclaimed Sara. "We must pretend there is one!"
Her eye swept the bare boards with a swift glance of admiration. The rug was laid down already. | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1272,
"chunk_size": 190,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
"How soft and thick it is!" she said, with the little laugh which Becky knew the meaning of; and she raised and set her foot down again delicately, as if she felt something under it.
"Yes, miss," answered Becky, watching her with serious rapture. She was always quite serious. | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1273,
"chunk_size": 277,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
"What next, now?" said Sara, and she stood still and put her hands over her eyes. "Something will come if I think and wait a little"--in a soft, expectant voice. "The Magic will tell me." | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1274,
"chunk_size": 187,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
One of her favorite fancies was that on "the outside," as she called it, thoughts were waiting for people to call them. Becky had seen her stand and wait many a time before, and knew that in a few seconds she would uncover an enlightened, laughing face.
In a moment she did. | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1275,
"chunk_size": 275,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
In a moment she did.
"There!" she cried. "It has come! I know now! I must look among the things in the old trunk I had when I was a princess." | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1276,
"chunk_size": 143,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
She flew to its corner and kneeled down. It had not been put in the attic for her benefit, but because there was no room for it elsewhere. Nothing had been left in it but rubbish. But she knew she should find something. The Magic always arranged that kind of thing in one way or another. | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1277,
"chunk_size": 287,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
In a corner lay a package so insignificant-looking that it had been overlooked, and when she herself had found it she had kept it as a relic. It contained a dozen small white handkerchiefs. She seized them joyfully and ran to the table. She began to arrange them upon the red table-cover, patting | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1278,
"chunk_size": 296,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
to arrange them upon the red table-cover, patting and coaxing them into shape with the narrow lace edge curling outward, her Magic working its spells for her as she did it. | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1279,
"chunk_size": 172,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
"These are the plates," she said. "They are golden plates. These are the richly embroidered napkins. Nuns worked them in convents in Spain."
"Did they, miss?" breathed Becky, her very soul uplifted by the information. | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1280,
"chunk_size": 218,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
"You must pretend it," said Sara. "If you pretend it enough, you will see them."
"Yes, miss," said Becky; and as Sara returned to the trunk she devoted herself to the effort of accomplishing an end so much to be desired. | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1281,
"chunk_size": 221,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
Sara turned suddenly to find her standing by the table, looking very queer indeed. She had shut her eyes, and was twisting her face in strange convulsive contortions, her hands hanging stiffly clenched at her sides. She looked as if she was trying to lift some enormous weight. | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1282,
"chunk_size": 277,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
"What is the matter, Becky?" Sara cried. "What are you doing?"
Becky opened her eyes with a start.
"I was a-'pretendin',' miss," she answered a little sheepishly; "I was tryin' to see it like you do. I almost did," with a hopeful grin. "But it takes a lot o' stren'th." | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1283,
"chunk_size": 271,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
"Perhaps it does if you are not used to it," said Sara, with friendly sympathy; "but you don't know how easy it is when you've done it often. I wouldn't try so hard just at first. It will come to you after a while. I'll just tell you what things are. Look at these." | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1284,
"chunk_size": 266,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
She held an old summer hat in her hand which she had fished out of the bottom of the trunk. There was a wreath of flowers on it. She pulled the wreath off. | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1285,
"chunk_size": 155,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
"These are garlands for the feast," she said grandly. "They fill all the air with perfume. There's a mug on the wash-stand, Becky. Oh--and bring the soap dish for a centerpiece."
Becky handed them to her reverently. | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1286,
"chunk_size": 216,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
Becky handed them to her reverently.
"What are they now, miss?" she inquired. "You'd think they was made of crockery--but I know they ain't." | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1287,
"chunk_size": 142,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
"This is a carven flagon," said Sara, arranging tendrils of the wreath about the mug. "And this"--bending tenderly over the soap dish and heaping it with roses--"is purest alabaster encrusted with gems." | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1288,
"chunk_size": 203,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
She touched the things gently, a happy smile hovering about her lips which made her look as if she were a creature in a dream.
"My, ain't it lovely!" whispered Becky. | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1289,
"chunk_size": 167,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
"My, ain't it lovely!" whispered Becky.
"If we just had something for bonbon dishes," Sara murmured. "There!"--darting to the trunk again. "I remember I saw something this minute." | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1290,
"chunk_size": 181,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
It was only a bundle of wool wrapped in red and white tissue paper, but the tissue paper was soon twisted into the form of little dishes, and was combined with the remaining flowers to ornament the candlestick which was to light the feast. Only the Magic could have made it more than an old table | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1291,
"chunk_size": 296,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
Magic could have made it more than an old table covered with a red shawl and set with rubbish from a long-unopened trunk. But Sara drew back and gazed at it, seeing wonders; and Becky, after staring in delight, spoke with bated breath. | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1292,
"chunk_size": 235,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
"This 'ere," she suggested, with a glance round the attic--"is it the Bastille now--or has it turned into somethin' different?"
"Oh, yes, yes!" said Sara. "Quite different. It is a banquet hall!" | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1293,
"chunk_size": 196,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
"My eye, miss!" ejaculated Becky. "A blanket 'all!" and she turned to view the splendors about her with awed bewilderment. | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1294,
"chunk_size": 122,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
"A banquet hall," said Sara. "A vast chamber where feasts are given. It has a vaulted roof, and a minstrels' gallery, and a huge chimney filled with blazing oaken logs, and it is brilliant with waxen tapers twinkling on every side."
"My eye, Miss Sara!" gasped Becky again. | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1295,
"chunk_size": 274,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
Then the door opened, and Ermengarde came in, rather staggering under the weight of her hamper. She started back with an exclamation of joy. To enter from the chill darkness outside, and find one's self confronted by a totally unanticipated festal board, draped with red, adorned with white napery, | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1296,
"chunk_size": 298,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
draped with red, adorned with white napery, and wreathed with flowers, was to feel that the preparations were brilliant indeed. | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1297,
"chunk_size": 127,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
"Oh, Sara!" she cried out. "You are the cleverest girl I ever saw!"
"Isn't it nice?" said Sara. "They are things out of my old trunk. I asked my Magic, and it told me to go and look." | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1298,
"chunk_size": 184,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
"But oh, miss," cried Becky, "wait till she's told you what they are! They ain't just--oh, miss, please tell her," appealing to Sara. | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1299,
"chunk_size": 133,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
So Sara told her, and because her Magic helped her she made her ALMOST see it all: the golden platters--the vaulted spaces--the blazing logs--the twinkling waxen tapers. As the things were taken out of the hamper--the frosted cakes--the fruits--the bonbons and the wine--the feast became a splendid | {
"author": "Frances Hodgson Burnett",
"chunk_id": 1300,
"chunk_size": 298,
"language": "en",
"source": "data/TheLittlePrince.md"
} |
Subsets and Splits