Phil thought it was all the fairies’ doing and not Joe’s—­poor pleased Joe—­who looked on with a radiant face of delight.  Phil would not eat unless Joe took one of his cakes, so the old fellow munched one to please him.

Meanwhile Miss Schuyler gazed at the boy with more and more interest; a something she could hardly define attracted her.  At first it had been his suffering and poverty, for her heart was tender, and she was always doing kind deeds; but now as she looked at him she saw in his face a likeness to some one she had loved, the look of an old and familiar friend, a look also of thought and ability, which only needed fostering to make of Phil a person of great use in the world—­one who might be a leader rather than a follower in the path of industry and usefulness.  The grateful little kiss on her hand had gone deeply into her heart.  Phil must no longer be left alone:  he must have good food and medical care and fresh air, and Lisa must be consulted as to how these things should be gained.  So while Phil nibbled at the good things, and Joe chuckled and talked, half to himself and half to Phil, Miss Schuyler wrote a note to Lisa, asking her to come and see her that evening, if convenient, explaining how her interest had been aroused in Phil, and that she wanted to know more about him, and wanted to help him, and was sure she could make his life more comfortable, and that Lisa must take her interference kindly, for it was offered in a loving spirit.  Then she folded the note, and gave it to Phil for Lisa, and arranging all his little comforts about him, bade him good-bye.

Phil thought her face like that of an angel’s when she stooped to kiss him; and after Joe, too, had hobbled off, promising to come again soon with his violin, he took up his pencil, and tried to sketch Miss Schuyler.  Face after face was drawn, but none to his taste; first the nose was crooked, then the eyes were too small, then the mouth would be twisted, and just as Lisa came in, with a tired and flushed face, he threw his pencil away and began to sob.

“Why, my dear Phil,” said Lisa, in surprise, “are you so very miserable to-night?”

“No, I am not miserable at all,” said Phil, between his tears; “that is, I have had pain enough, but I have had such a lovely visitor!—­Joe brought her—­and I wanted to make a little picture of her, so that you could see what she looked like, and I cannot.  Oh dear!  I wish I could ever do anything!”

“Ah, you are tired; drink this nice milk and you will be better.”

“I have had delicious things to eat, and I saved some for you, Lisa.  Look!” and he showed her the little parcel of cakes Miss Schuyler had left.  “And see the big piece of ice in my glass.”

“Some one has been kind to my boy.”

“Yes; and here is a note for you; and you must dress up, Lisa, when you go to see our new friend.”

Lisa looked down at her shabby garments; they were all she had; but she did not tell Phil that her only black silk had been sold long ago.  She read the note, and her face brightened.  There seemed a chance of better things for Phil.