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 know what brought it , I asked , -- `` What do you see out there ? '' `` Myself , '' was the answer that made me stare in surprise , as I joined him and looked curiously into the street . All I saw was a man shovelling snow ; and , thoroughly puzzled , I turned to Richard , demanding an explanation . He laughed , and answered readily , -- `` While we wait for Kate and the children , I 'll tell you a little adventure of mine . It may be useful to you some day .
`` Fifteen years ago , on a Sunday morning like this , I XXXXX at the window of a fireless , shabby little room , without one cent in my pocket , and no prospect of getting one .
added came feeling know put puzzled saw shovelling shut stood