Nelly's Hospital

Nelly sat beside her mother picking lint; but while her fingers flew, her eyes often looked wistfully out into the meadow, golden with buttercups, and bright with sunshine. Presently she said, rather bashfully, but very earnestly, "Mamma,
I want to tell you a little plan I've made, if you'll please not laugh."
I think I can safely promise that, my dear,"
said her mother, putting down her work that she might listen quite respectfully.