The Day

dropcap image OME with me," said the Day, "and let us do things together!"

"What kind of things?" asked the man.

"Beautiful things!" said the Day. "Your friend is sick, and a visit from you would give him infinite pleasure. Also, it is long since you saw your sister, who is poor and sorrowful; and on the way, you might get some presents for her children, since they have no father to buy them gifts. Then, suppose we take a walk in those woods, outside the city, where you and your brother used to play! How long is it since you saw them? or saw your brother? He is back again, I hear, and is minded to lead a new life. We might go to him, and take him by the hand, and go a few steps with him. Then we might—"

"What nonsense is all this?" cried the man. "These are things that I should like well enough to do some time, but not with you. I expect to make ten thousand dollars with your aid; sit down with me at the desk, instead of talking idly."

They sat down together, and the hours passed.

By and by it was time for the Day to go.

"Good-bye!" she said.

"Oh, good-bye!" said the man. "Why do you look at me so sadly and strangely? I mean to do all those things that you spoke of, I certainly mean to do them, with one of your sisters."

"I have no more sisters!" said the Day.

And passing through the door, she met the entering Night.