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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1861 Excerpt:...been firmly convinced that the farmer's wife was a very cruel, hard-hearted old creature. Instead, therefore, of disputing the point, I told Cecie she might bring Mrs Speckle into the school-room, and put her by the fire in a basket, to see if she got any better. Then I gave her a little brandy, but it did her no good; and, presently, while Fanny and Cecie were watching her, poor Speckle stretched out her legs, and, with a melancholy screech, expired. I was quite prepared for a burst of grief; for, although she was, as Smith declared, "the most mischievousest, rampaging creature" of them all, still, just in that proportion was she the greatest favourite. Fanny was winking away a tear, but Cecie was bending over the lifeless bird with a curious expression of interest on her face. "Poor Speckle is quite dead, Cecie," I said, taking it up. "Where is she gone, auntie V asked the child. "She is dead, dear," I replied, not knowing well how to explain further, "and we must bury her in the garden." "Oh! yes, under the laburnum tree, where she was so fond of scratching; but won't she come back again? Is she gone to Heaven, do you think? Smith said she was spiteful; do you think spiteful hens go to Heaven?" Cecie would not be satisfied without an answer, so I tried to explain the difference between animals and human beings; but I have reason to believe I failed signally, for, a day or two afterwards, I chanced to overhear her making a discourse to the inhabitants of the hen-house, in which the probable felicity of their late companion held a prominent place. CHAPTER XXII. A SHADOW. The winter following Harry's departure was unusually trying, and the spring which succeeded it was not much better; it was what the g...