The shadow nodded and beckoned , and patted its head , as if it was all right . `` I wish I had n't promised to do as you do ; then I could do as I like , and not make a fright of myself , '' said Polly , rather sulkily , as she put away the hat , and tied on the old bonnet with a jerk . Once out in the lovely sunshine , she soon forgot the little disappointment ; and , as they did n't go through the village , but by a green lane , where she found some big blackberries , she was quite contented . Polly had a basket to hold fruit or flowers , Ned his jackknife , and Will a long stick on which he rode , fancying that this sort of horse would help his short legs along ; so they picked , whittled , and trotted their way to the wood , finding all manner of interesting things on the road . The wood was full of pleasant sights and sounds ; for wild roses bloomed all along the path , ferns and scarlet berries filled the little dells , squirrels chattered , birds sang , and pines whispered musically overhead . `` I 'm going to stop here and rest , and make a wreath of these pretty wild roses for baby : it 's her birthday , and it will please mamma , '' said Polly , sitting down on a mound of moss , with a lapful of flowers . `` I 'm going to cut a fishing-pole , and will be back in a minute . '' And Ned went crashing into the thickest part of the wood . `` I shall see where that rabbit went to , and maybe I 'll find some berries , '' said Will , trotting down the path the wild rabbit had gone . The sound of the boys ' steps died away , and Polly was wondering how it would seem to live all alone in the wood , when a little girl came trudging by , with a great pail of berries on her arm . She was a poor child : her feet were bare , her gown was ragged , she wore an old shawl over her head , and walked as if lame . Polly sat behind the ferns , and the child did not see her till Polly called out . The sudden sound startled her ; and she dropped her pail , spilling the berries all over the path . The little girl began to cry , and Polly to laugh , saying , in a scornful tone : `` How silly to cry for a few berries ! '' `` I 've been all day picking 'em , '' said the girl ; `` and I 'm so tired and hungry ; 'cause I did n't dare to go home till my pail was full , -- mother scolds if I do , -- and now they 're all spoilt . Oh , dear ! dear me ! '' And she cried so hard that great tears fell on the moss . Polly was sorry now , and sat looking at her till she saw her shadow down on its knees , picking up the berries ; then it seemed to fold its little handkerchief round the girl 's bruised foot , and give her something from its pocket . Polly jumped up and imitated the kind shadow , even to giving the great piece of gingerbread she had brought for fear she should be hungry .
`` Take this , '' she XXXXX gently .
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