New Year 's Day came and passed , but no gift hung on my door ; so I made up my mind it was all a mistake , and , being pretty busy about that time , thought no more of the matter till some weeks later , as I came into town one day after a visit in the country . I am fond of observing faces , and seldom forget one if anything has particularly attracted my attention to it . So this morning , as I rode along , I looked at the conductor , as there was no one else to observe , and he had a pleasant sort of face . Somehow , it looked familiar , and after thinking idly about it for a minute , I remembered where I had seen it before . He was the man who waited for `` little missy , '' and I at once began to hope that she would come again , for I wanted to ask about the holidays , remembering how `` fond of fun '' she was . When we came to the South End Square , where I met her first , I looked out , expecting to see the little figure running down the wide path again , and quite willing to wait for it a long time if necessary . But no one was to be seen but two boys and a dog . The car did not stop , and though the conductor looked out that way , his hand was not on the strap , and no smile on his face . `` Do n't you wait for the little girl now ? '' I asked , feeling disappointed at not seeing my pretty friend again . `` I wish I could , ma'am , '' answered the man , understanding at once , though of course he did not remember me . `` New rules , perhaps ? '' I added , as he did not explain , but stood fingering his punch , and never minding an old lady , wildly waving her bag at him from the sidewalk . `` No , ma'am ; but it 's no use waiting for little missy any more , because '' -- here he leaned in and said , very low , -- `` she is dead ; '' then turned sharply round , rung the bell , put the old lady in and shut the door . How grieved I was to have that pleasant friendship end so sadly , for I had planned many small surprises for my girl , and now I could do no more , could never know all about her , never see the sunny face again , or win another word from lips that seemed made for smiling . Only a little school-girl , yet how many friends she seemed to have , making them unconsciously by her gentle manners , generous actions , and innocent light-heartedness . I could not bear to think what home must be without her , for I am sure I was right in believing her a good , sweet child , because real character shows itself in little things , and the heart that always keeps in tune makes its music heard everywhere . The busy man of the horse-car found time to miss her , the schoolmates evidently mourned their queen , for when I met them they walked quietly , talked low , and several wore black bows upon the sleeve ; while I , although I never knew her name , or learned a single fact about her , felt the sweetness of her happy nature , and have not yet forgotten my little school-girl . X . WHAT A SHOVEL DID .
As my friend stood by the window , watching the `` soft falling snow , '' I saw him smile , -- a thoughtful yet a very happy smile , and , anxious to XXXXX what brought it , I asked , -- `` What do you see out there ? ''
am attracted explain know looked observe rung see waited waiting