The Candy Country

by Louisa May Alcott

forget whatyou have learned, and you will always be glad you came to us," saidSally, kissing her good-by.

  "Where is Muffin? I can't go without seeing him, my dear old friend,"answered Lily, looking round for him.

  "He is here," said Sally, touching the loaf. "He was ready to go, andchose to pass into your bread rather than any other, for he said heloved you and would be glad to help feed so good a little girl."

  "How kind of him! I must be careful to grow wise and excellent, else hewill be disappointed and have died in vain," said Lily, touched by hisdevotion.

  Then, bidding them all farewell, she hugged her loaf close, wished threetimes to be in her own home, and like a flash she was there.

  Whether her friends believed the wonderful tale of her adventures Icannot tell; but I know that she was a nice little housekeeper from thatday, and made such good bread that other girls came to learn of her. Shealso grew from a sickly, fretful child into a fine, strong woman,because she ate very little cake and candy, except at Christmas time,when the oldest and the wisest love to make a short visit toCandy-land.

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