V.
SHADOW-CHILDREN.
NED, Polly, and Will sat on the steps one sunshiny morning, doing nothing, except wish they had something pleasant to do.
"Something new, something never heard of before,—wouldn't that be jolly?" said Ned, with a great yawn.
"It must be an amusing play, and one that we don't get tired of very soon," added Polly gravely.
"And something that didn't be wrong, else mamma wouldn't like it," said little Will, who was very good for a small boy.
As no one could suggest any thing to suit, they all sat silent a few minutes. Suddenly Ned said, rather crossly, "I wish my shadow wouldn't mock me. Every time I stretch or gape it does the same, and I don't like it."
"Poor thing, it can't help that: it has to do just what you do, and be your slave all day. I'm glad I ain't a shadow," said Polly.
"I try to run away from mine sometimes, but I can't ever. It will come after me; and in the night it scares me, if it gets big and black," said Will, looking behind him.
