asked Tony , who had been sleeping like a dormouse . `` Just eleven . Now pack up and let us be off . The storm is over , the moon coming out , and we shall find a good supper waiting for the loved and lost . Bear a hand , Tom , and ship this little duffer , for he 's off again . '' Uncle Ed put Gus into the captain 's arms , and , taking Rita himself , led the way to the sleigh which stood at the door . In they all bundled , and after making the house safe , off they went , feeling that they had had a pretty good time on the whole . `` I will learn cooking and courage , before I try camping out again , '' resolved Gwen , as she went jingling homeward ; and she kept her word . IX . MY LITTLE SCHOOL-GIRL . The first time that I saw her was one autumn morning as I rode to town in a horse-car . It was early , and my only fellow-passenger was a crusty old gentleman , who sat in a corner , reading his paper ; so when the car stopped , I glanced out to see who came next , hoping it would be a pleasanter person . No one appeared for a minute , and the car stood still , while both driver and conductor looked in the same direction without a sign of impatience . I looked also , but all I could see was a little girl running across the park , as girls of twelve or thirteen seldom run nowadays , if any one can see them . `` Are you waiting for her ? '' I asked of the pleasant-faced conductor , who stood with his hand on the bell , and a good-natured smile in his eyes . `` Yes , ma'am , we always stop for little missy , '' he answered ; and just then up she came , all rosy and breathless with her run . `` Thank you very much . I 'm late to-day , and was afraid I should miss my car , '' she said , as he helped her in with a fatherly air that was pleasant to see . Taking a corner seat , she smoothed the curly locks , disturbed by the wind , put on her gloves , and settled her books in her lap , then modestly glanced from the old gentleman in the opposite corner to the lady near by .
Such a bright little face as I XXXXX under the brown hat-rim , happy blue eyes , dimples in the ruddy cheeks , and the innocent expression which makes a young girl so sweet an object to old eyes .
Thank answered bundled coming disturbed find looked miss saw smoothed