The Tin Soldier
THE TIN SOLDIER by TEMPLE BAILEY Author of Glory of Youth, Contrary Mary, Etc. Illustrations by F. Vaux Wilson [Frontispiece: "I shall come back for more"]
"How ridiculous you are, Jo!" But Meg laughed at the
nonsense and felt better in spite of herself.
"Lucky for you I am, for if I put on crushed airs and
tried to be dismal, as you do, we should be in a nice state.
Thank goodness, I can always find something funny to keep me
up. Don't croak any more, but come home jolly, there's a dear."
Jo gave her sister an encouraging pat on the shoulder
as they parted for the day, each going a different way, each
hugging her little warm turnover, and each trying to be
cheerful in spite of wintry weather, hard work, and the
unsatisfied desires of pleasure-loving youth.
When Mr. March lost his property in trying to help an
unfortunate friend, the two oldest girls begged to be allowed
to do something toward their own support, at least. Believing
that they could not begin too early to cultivate energy,
industry, and independence, their parents consented, and
both fell to work with the hearty good will which in spite
of all obstacles is sure to succeed at last.
Margaret found a place as nursery governess and felt
rich with her small salary. As she said, she was 'fond of
luxury', and her chief trouble was poverty. She found it
THE TIN SOLDIER by TEMPLE BAILEY Author of Glory of Youth, Contrary Mary, Etc. Illustrations by F. Vaux Wilson [Frontispiece: "I shall come back for more"]