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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Bertie and the Gardeners, by Madeline Leslie
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Bertie and the Gardeners
+       or, The Way to be Happy
+
+Author: Madeline Leslie
+
+Release Date: August 31, 2008 [EBook #26497]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BERTIE AND THE GARDENERS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by D Alexander and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was
+produced from images generously made available by The
+Internet Archive)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ _THE WOODLAWN SERIES._
+
+ Bertie and the Gardeners:
+
+ OR,
+
+ THE WAY TO BE HAPPY.
+
+ BY
+
+ MRS MADELINE LESLIE.
+
+ AUTHOR OF "AUNT HATTIE'S LIBRARY FOR BOYS AND
+ GIRLS," ETC.
+
+ CHICAGO:
+
+ HENRY A. SUMNER & COMPANY
+ 1880.
+
+
+
+
+ Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1868, by
+
+ A. R. BAKER,
+
+ In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Massachusetts.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Winnie catching the Snow-flakes.
+                    Vol. VI., p. 103]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: THE WOODLAWN SERIES.]
+
+
+
+
+TO
+
+HARRY, NELLIE, AND WILLIE SAMPSON;
+
+ALSO,
+
+To the Memory of their Deceased Brothers and Sister,
+
+BERTIE, FRANKEY AND EMMA,
+
+THESE LITTLE BOOKS ARE AFFECTIONATELY INSCRIBED.
+
+If the perusal prompt them and other readers to imitate the virtues of
+our hero in his efforts to _be_ good, and to _do_ good, the wishes of
+the author will be realized.
+
+
+
+
+ BERTIE; OR, THE WOODLAWN SERIES.
+
+ BY MRS. MADELINE LESLIE.
+
+ 16 mo. 6 vols., Illustrated.
+
+   I. BERTIE'S HOME.
+
+  II. BERTIE AND THE CARPENTERS.
+
+ III. BERTIE AND THE MASONS.
+
+  IV. BERTIE AND THE PLUMBERS.
+
+   V. BERTIE AND THE PAINTERS.
+
+  VI. BERTIE AND THE GARDENERS.
+
+
+
+
+ CONTENTS.
+
+
+                    CHAPTER I.
+ THE NEW FARMER,                                       11
+
+                    CHAPTER II.
+ THE SICK WORKMAN,                                     21
+
+                    CHAPTER III.
+ THE MERRY GARDENER,                                   30
+
+                    CHAPTER IV.
+ VISITORS TO WOODLAWN,                                 40
+
+                    CHAPTER V.
+ THE SORROWING FATHER,                                 51
+
+                    CHAPTER VI.
+ CLEARING THE CREEK,                                   64
+
+                    CHAPTER VII.
+ PAT'S VISIT HOME,                                     74
+
+                    CHAPTER VIII.
+ LETTER FROM PAT,                                      84
+
+                    CHAPTER IX.
+ BERTIE'S SPELLING MATCH,                              97
+
+                    CHAPTER X.
+ BERTIE'S PRESENTS,                                   107
+
+                    CHAPTER XI.
+ THE HEART AND HAND,                                  118
+
+                    CHAPTER XII.
+ VIOLETS AND VIOLETTA,                                127
+
+                    CHAPTER XIII.
+ BERTIE'S REWARD,                                     138
+
+                    CHAPTER XIV.
+ BERTIE AND THE NEWSBOY,                              148
+
+                     CHAPTER XV.
+ THE LAST CHAPTER,                                    155
+
+
+
+
+Bertie and the Gardeners.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+THE NEW FARMER.
+
+
+The new house at Woodlawn was nearly completed; and Mr. Curtis now set
+to work in earnest, clearing the grounds of the rubbish, in order to
+make the terraces and lay out his avenue in front.
+
+Those who have read the other books about Bertie, will know that two
+wide avenues, enclosed by handsome iron gates, had been already made;
+one winding along on the shores of Lake Shawsheen, the other entering
+from a higher point which led through a grove toward the house where
+the enchanting view of lawn and water burst at once on the vision.
+
+But in the vicinity of the house, no grading had been done, on account
+of the vast amount of bricks, lime, mortar-bins, wood and chips lying
+scattered in every direction.
+
+The house, elegant in proportion and finish, stood about a hundred
+rods in front of a high, grassy mound, upon the top of which a cluster
+of chestnut-trees cast a pleasant shade.
+
+The rich, green turf on the lawn which sloped to the lake, was dotted
+with magnificent old trees undisturbed for a century. Back of the
+house, or rather beyond the barn, was another swell or mound, which
+like the first, was so regular in its form as almost to excite the
+belief that it was artificial. Indeed, from the fact that two
+tomahawks were found buried in the spot where the barn stood, Mr.
+Curtis inferred that it might have been used for the grand council of
+the Indian tribe, and that here they buried all hostilities.
+
+"Certainly," Mrs. Curtis remarked, "this was a pleasant view to take
+of it," and as there was no one to dispute the fact, the larger mound
+was called "Peace Mountain."
+
+Mr. Curtis, or the Squire, as the Oxford villagers called him, was
+now in his element. Every pleasant morning he might be seen, his
+wife leaning on his arm, walking over the premises, planning the
+improvements to be made, and often Bertie and Winifred accompanied
+them.
+
+When the weather was not so clear, the gentleman and his son hurried
+from one part of the grounds to the other, directing Tom Grant, or
+measuring with a ten-foot pole.
+
+There was a nice sunny plat containing sixteen acres back of Peace
+Mountain, which had been ploughed earlier in the season, to be in
+readiness next year for a garden and orchard. Besides this there were
+to be heart-shaped and diamond-shaped figures and circlets cut in the
+lawn, near the house, for flowers of every hue.
+
+It was now October, and the most must be made of the fine weather.
+Ploughing and preparing the ground for agricultural purposes, was what
+the farmers in the neighborhood were accustomed to, and therefore help
+was easily to be obtained.
+
+Through the summer, Mr. Curtis had borne in mind that he should need a
+skilful farmer to till his land, one who understood the science as
+well as the art of farming to the best advantage. He greatly approved
+Thomas Grant's industry, and the zeal he manifested in all that
+concerned his master's interests; but he feared the man was so
+attached to the old ways of managing land, that he would be unwilling
+to avail himself of the improved implements of agriculture, or the
+new-fangled notions, as he called mowing-machines, horse-rakes,
+sowing-machines, etc., etc.
+
+But one noon, while his oxen were eating their dinner, Mr. Curtis
+found him sitting under the shade of a tree, examining with great
+interest the latest report of the State Agricultural Society.
+
+Turning to a picture of a Devon cow, he exclaimed:
+
+"Well, Squire, if Adam carried such cows as that with him when he went
+outside of Eden, I think he might have set up another paradise To my
+thinking, Squire, nothing can beat that cow."
+
+Mr. Curtis threw himself on the grass, wishing to test Tom's ideas of
+farming; and after conversing half an hour, resolved to hire him for
+his farmer.
+
+But still it was necessary for the gentleman to employ a gardener, one
+who loved flowers and had a taste for landscape gardening.
+
+"I must advertise, Cecilia," he said one day to his wife; "I want
+exactly the right kind of a man for there is a great opportunity to
+improve and beautify the place."
+
+While his papa and mamma were talking, Bertie sat on a cricket before
+a wooden chair which he had borrowed of Mrs. Taylor from the kitchen.
+Winnie was by his side, and he was teaching her to make a penny spin
+around so that it looked like a ball.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+THE SICK WORKMAN.
+
+
+Neither Mr. nor Mrs. Curtis noticed that their son listened to the
+conversation; but he did, and remembered it.
+
+The next day he harnessed Whitefoot into his donkey carriage as soon
+as he had read his chapter, with his mamma, and drove away with all
+speed to Woodlawn.
+
+Mr. Fuller and most of the workmen had left; but Joe Allen and his
+father were busy in the conservatory which they were just finishing.
+It was a beautiful building, the centre much higher than the rest, to
+be filled with climbing roses, vines, etc.; the sides sloped off until
+they were only high enough to allow free entrance at the doors. It was
+finished in a highly ornamental manner, and in the distance resembled
+a heathen pagoda.
+
+This was Joe's first effort at architecture; and he was proud of it.
+When he left Oxford he was going directly to Mr. Bryant's with whom
+his kind friend Mr. Curtis had made arrangements for him to study and
+perfect himself in his chosen pursuit.
+
+Joe was not at work when Bertie found him; he was giving directions to
+the man who had brought a load of marble blocks for the walks.
+
+The little fellow found he would be busy for some time; so he
+sauntered on to the back of the building till he came to the painter
+Mr. Dodge, who was engaged in setting some panes of glass which had
+been broken. He smiled directly when he saw Bertie, but he did not
+speak, and presently the child noticed he was very pale. Occasionally
+he put his handkerchief to his mouth; and the little fellow was
+frightened when he saw that it was spotted with blood.
+
+"Oh, dear!" he exclaimed, "you are sick. You must go home, and send
+for the Doctor."
+
+"I confess I don't feel like moving a mountain this morning," answered
+Dodge, with a sickly laugh; "I'm on my last job at painting. Did you
+know it?"
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+"I wasn't brought up to be a painter; and it doesn't agree with me."
+
+"What did you do before?"
+
+"Oh, I turned my hand to anything! I took up painting because it paid
+best at the time, and I had my mother and sister to support."
+
+"What shall you do then?"
+
+"I don't know." He laid down his putty knife and leaned back, wiping
+his mouth again.
+
+"I know you're sick," Bertie urged anxiously, "and I'm going to call
+my papa."
+
+"No, don't! I've had such turns before; but they do make me weak as a
+baby."
+
+But the child was alarmed, and had already gone. When he returned the
+painter had risen and was slowly walking toward the house on his way
+to his boarding place.
+
+"My son," said Mr. Curtis, "call Whitefoot and harness him into the
+carriage as quick as you can."
+
+"Sit down on the boards, Dodge, until he brings the donkey round.
+Bertie tells me you think painting disagrees with you."
+
+"Yes, sir, I am sure it does. I half promised my mother never to do
+another day's work at it; but when Torrey was hurt I couldn't refuse
+Mr. Fuller; he's been a good friend to me in times past."
+
+"What would you choose for an employment?"
+
+"Out-door work, sir, was what I was brought up to. I shall try to get
+something at that. There's nothing more healthy for the lungs than
+being over horses and cattle."
+
+The gentleman noticed that the effort of talking seemed to give the
+man pain, and instantly checked him from saying more.
+
+"You must stop at once," he urged in a firm voice. "Such warnings as
+that," pointing to the blood-stained handkerchief, "are not to be
+trifled with. I shall send a physician to see you; and I will talk
+with you again."
+
+At noon Mr. Curtis found that the woman who boarded Mr. Dodge
+couldn't keep him while he was sick; and arrangements were made at
+once to remove him to the chamber in Mrs. Taylor's farm-house which
+Patrick Riley had left.
+
+The next day he was so much worse that his mother was sent for; and
+thus an acquaintance commenced which continued for life.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+THE MERRY GARDENER.
+
+
+Mrs. Dodge was the widow of a clergyman. At her husband's death she
+was left destitute; and until Albert was able to labor for her
+support, she kept school, filling up every moment out of school hours,
+in sewing for the slop-shops.
+
+In this way she injured her health, and her son insisted she should
+hire a couple of rooms, take his sister from an uncle's where she was
+not happy, and keep house for him.
+
+Her health was now entirely restored, and she had resolved to
+advertise for a situation as housekeeper, and thus relieve her son of
+the burden of her own and her daughter's support.
+
+The longer Mrs. Curtis knew Mrs. Dodge, the better she was convinced
+that she was exactly the person to relieve her of her household care.
+
+
+They sent to the city for Nelly the daughter, and found she was old
+enough to be of service as a chamber girl. Nancy was to retain her old
+place as nurse, so that only a cook was needed to make the corps
+complete.
+
+It was not long before Albert was able to return to the city. He was
+delighted that his mother and sister were provided for, and kept Mr.
+and Mrs. Taylor laughing from morning till night; and yet Mr. Curtis
+suspected there was something on his mind that troubled him.
+
+The night before he was to leave he requested an interview with the
+Squire, when with some embarrassment he said:
+
+"Bertie told me to-day that you were looking for a gardener. If I can
+fit myself for the business by next spring, will you let me try it?"
+
+"Do you know any thing about flowers?"
+
+"I worked one winter for a gentleman who cultivated flowers and fruit
+for sale. He had violets and carnation-pinks and roses, and in other
+houses he had strawberries and mushrooms, and lettuce. I think as far
+as I went I learned the business thoroughly."
+
+"Capital! and do you understand about laying out grounds? I mean small
+plats for flowers."
+
+"I can't say, sir, how I should please you or the lady; but I could
+draw you a plan of what I've been wanting to see in front of the
+house. Perhaps you could judge something by that."
+
+Mr. Curtis sat thinking for a time, and then Albert said with his
+old, merry twinkle:
+
+"I'd like first rate to work for you, Squire; and I suppose mother
+would like to have me where she can look after me a little. I needn't
+promise, I'd try to do my best, for you know that already. I'd work
+for considerable less wages for the sake of being near Bertie."
+
+"But your Mission School! what will become of that?"
+
+Albert's face grew serious. "That's the only thing I regret, in
+leaving the city," he said. "There's so much to be done for the poor
+children wandering about the streets, I am sorry to leave my school;
+but the doctor says my life depends on quitting my present business."
+
+As Mr. Curtis still seemed absorbed in thought, the young man added
+presently: "If you give me any encouragement I shall go back to Hantz
+where I once worked. Before you would need me in the spring I could
+learn something if I tried."
+
+"Does Bertie know of your wish?"
+
+"No, sir, I was afraid you'd consent to try me just to please him; and
+I want you to feel yourself that I'm worth trying."
+
+This was said with a laugh.
+
+"Well," answered the gentleman, "I'll think of it, and possibly I may
+give you an answer in the morning. But, as you are going to leave the
+city, you mustn't give up trying to do good. Workmen are needed in the
+country as well as the city."
+
+It was Mr. Curtis' intention to move into his new house the first week
+in November. Upholsterers were already engaged inside in fitting
+carpets, and making ready for the furniture to be removed from their
+city home.
+
+Mrs. Dodge, therefore, was going to give up her rooms, sell her plain
+furniture, and be ready to return as soon as possible. She knew
+nothing of her son's application to Mr. Curtis and felt considerable
+anxiety on his account. Her delight, therefore, may be imagined when
+after they were seated in the cars on their return to the city he
+informed her that the Squire had engaged him for a gardener, and thus
+they would all be together once more.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+VISITORS TO WOODLAWN.
+
+
+I suppose some of my young readers will be glad to know that Torrey
+recovered entirely from his accident, and had returned to his painting
+in the city. Perhaps there was no one of the workmen, aside from the
+Allens, who parted with Bertie with so much regret as he did, for
+there was no one who owed him so much for his kindness.
+
+When the little fellow called to bid him good-by and to send a book by
+Mrs. Torrey to Edgar, the man caught his hand, exclaiming:
+
+"I'm getting to like all children for your sake. At any rate nobody
+will ever hear me say again that children are a bother."
+
+"Tell Edgar, please," urged the boy, "that I'm so glad to hear he is
+patient; and that the doctors think there is hope he will be well.
+Papa says he can stay there as long as he wishes, without any pay. I
+mean to ask Miss Lerow to go with me and see him when I'm in the city
+next time."
+
+Mrs. Torrey promised to go to the girls' ward the first time she
+visited Edgar and ask for Susy Hunt and the tame linnet. The bird had
+arrived safely at the Hospital and proved a great amusement to the
+patients. Miss Lerow wrote a short note in answer, which I shall copy.
+
+     "DEAR BERTIE:--This morning when I carried the cage into Mrs.
+     Ayer's ward there was great rejoicing. Susy and Marianne, that
+     bright eyed girl you spoke to near the door, laughed aloud and
+     clapped their hands, and exclaimed:
+
+     "'Bertie didn't forget. He did send his bird. Oh, Miss Lerow will
+     you please thank him, and say we like it ever so much!'
+
+     "Mrs. Ayers says, 'Tell that blessed little boy I'll take the
+     best care of his linnet. Tell him the cage is hung on the hook
+     where all the children can see it; and the pretty creature is
+     chirping as merrily as if it had always been here.'
+
+     "So, my dear little friend, you will be pleased that your
+     self-denying act has given pleasure to so many suffering
+     children, and that they think of you with gratitude. Your friend,
+
+                         "CARRIE LEROW."
+
+One pleasant afternoon Bertie and his sister were riding through the
+street, when a handsome carriage came slowly toward them.
+
+"There's Whitefoot, and that dear little boy Mr. Carpenter told us
+about," exclaimed a young girl, who was no other than Emma Blagden.
+
+The donkey trotted on until the two carriages met, when a pleasant
+voice called out:
+
+"Stop a minute, please. Is your name Herbert Curtis?"
+
+"Yes, ma'am."
+
+"How do you do, Whitefoot?" exclaimed the young girl, springing to the
+ground and throwing her arms around the donkey's neck.
+
+"Oh, you stupid creature not to know your old mistress!" she went on,
+as the animal took no notice of her caresses.
+
+"I'm very glad to see you," Bertie began, his eyes sparkling with
+pleasure. "Will you please go and see mamma?"
+
+"Have you moved into the new house yet," inquired the lady who had
+asked them to stop.
+
+"No, ma'am. Mamma is over there though; and she would be very glad to
+see you, and thank you for sending me the bird."
+
+"Oh, yes!" cried Emma. "Where is the linnet? I dare say she'd know
+me."
+
+"I'm sorry; but I lent my bird to a little girl in the hospital. It
+does amuse the children there so much to watch it."
+
+"Did you tire of it, then?"
+
+"Oh, no, indeed! I like it dearly; but they have to be in their cots,
+you know; and it makes them feel better to have something to look at."
+
+"Shall we waive ceremony and call at Woodlawn?" asked the lady of her
+husband.
+
+"Just as you say," answered the gentleman smiling.
+
+"Well, Bertie, if you think your mamma is not too much engaged, we
+will call for a few moments. You may drive Whitefoot on, and we will
+follow."
+
+"Oh, mamma! Mr. Carpenter didn't tell half the beauties of the
+scenery," exclaimed Emma, gazing from the carriage window; "and we
+thought that he exaggerated. Only look at the water glistening through
+the trees; and then the reflection of that weeping willow in the lake
+is so perfect."
+
+Bertie drove quickly to the front door, and lifting Winnie from her
+seat, ran into the house to announce the visitors.
+
+It was a pleasant call, though a short one, the only seats being the
+stairs. Then Bertie persuaded his sister to stay with Nancy, who was
+washing windows; and he took mamma in his donkey carriage and
+accompanied their new friends over the nicely gravelled road to the
+lake.
+
+There were a pair of swans, now, which had grown so tame that they
+would sail up close to the shore and pick up the crumbs the children
+threw to them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+THE SORROWING FATHER.
+
+
+In another volume of this series, I have told you about Mr. Cahart
+who brought the stone steps from the granite quarry. He had a son who
+gave him great trouble, and whom he promised that that he would send to
+Oxford for Bertie to take to his mamma, hoping she would do him good.
+
+Every day for a long time the little fellow expected the boy would
+come up the avenue at Woodlawn. But nothing had ever been seen or
+heard from him; and now more than a month had passed.
+
+One lovely afternoon during the pleasant season called the Indian
+summer, Mr. Curtis invited his wife, Bertie and Winnie to ride with
+him to the quarry where he wished to pay the balance of his bill, part
+of which Bertie had paid Mr. Cahart.
+
+The lady gladly consented and told Nancy to dress the children as
+soon as possible.
+
+The country never had looked so delightful to Mrs. Curtis as now that
+the fields were dressed in their gay, autumn attire. Their road lay
+through rich woods of maple, birch and oak, brilliant in their red and
+yellow hues.
+
+Mrs. Curtis could scarcely express her delight.
+
+"Oh, there is a branch so perfect! I must have that!" or, "Lawrence,
+it's too bad to trouble you again; but it does seem wicked to pass so
+many beauties. They would look so lovely in our new house."
+
+And Lawrence, the most indulgent of husbands, would check up his gay
+horses, and spring from the carriage and break off branch after branch
+as she directed.
+
+Herbert had inherited all his mother's love for the beauties of
+nature, as well as her enthusiasm. His cheeks glowed and his blue eyes
+sparkled as she piled her treasures in his lap, charging him to guard
+them with care.
+
+At length they reached the town and drove at once to the hotel, where
+Mr. Curtis left them, promising to return in fifteen or twenty
+minutes.
+
+The air was so fine that Mrs. Curtis preferred to sit in the carriage,
+which she could easily do as the hostler stood at the horses' heads.
+
+The children were chatting gayly when a loud geeing was heard; and
+presently an ox-team was seen slowly approaching from the direction of
+the granite quarry.
+
+"Oh, mamma!" said Bertie greatly excited, "there's Mr. Cahart. I do
+hope he will stop and speak to me. I want to know why his son did not
+come to Woodlawn as he promised."
+
+The child leaned as far as he could from the carriage, hoping to
+attract attention; but the man did not once glance toward him. His
+face looked very sober, as if his heart were sore.
+
+Just as the great load of granite was opposite the carriage Bertie
+shouted in an excited tone:
+
+"Mr. Cahart! Oh, Mr. Cahart! Please stop! I want to see you!"
+
+Mrs. Curtis was surprised at the effect of her son's voice on the man.
+He started, gazed about him, and then spying the little fellow in the
+carriage, came quickly toward them, seizing the small hand Bertie so
+cordially held out, and exclaiming with great energy:
+
+"Aye, aye, boy, I'm powerful glad to see you!"
+
+"This is my mamma," explained Bertie. "We came to pay Mr. Fuller's
+bill, and I hoped I should see you somewhere; but why didn't you let
+your son come to see us?"
+
+Mr. Cahart's face worked convulsively. For a moment he seemed unable
+to articulate one word; but presently recovering himself he said, with
+a gasp:
+
+"I've never set eyes on that boy since."
+
+"Why, I'm so sorry, where is he?"
+
+"Run off."
+
+"Oh, dear! how could he do so?"
+
+"Did you never find where he had gone?" inquired Mrs. Curtis in a
+deeply sympathizing tone.
+
+"I followed him to the city, ma'am, found he'd sailed the morning
+before, in company with one of his mates, the worst boy in town."
+
+The last words were accompanied by a groan.
+
+"Where was the vessel bound?" asked the lady.
+
+"For the West Indies, ma'am. She's due next week; but I'm afeard that
+during the voyage my boy has learned nothing but wickedness in
+company with those rough, swearing sailors."
+
+Mrs. Curtis thought this so probable that she could not think of a
+word to comfort the poor father's heart, and Bertie could only gaze
+sorrowfully in his face.
+
+The man turned away, and made a step towards his oxen, but then came
+back and said abruptly:
+
+"I never shall forget your boy, ma'am. His words led me to the Bible.
+Bad as wife and I have taken on since our only child ran away from
+us, we should have been a great deal worse but for the words of
+comfort we found in God's book."
+
+"I am truly rejoiced to hear you say that," exclaimed Mrs. Curtis,
+warmly. "If you have learned to pray, you will find comfort in leaving
+your child in the hands of the almighty Friend whose eye has followed
+him in all his wanderings. Remember the heart of our Saviour yearns
+over the creatures for whom he has shed his blood."
+
+"Thank you, ma'am," faltered the man, his eyes growing dim. "I wish
+wife could have heard you talk; but I shall tell her every word I can
+remember. I don't mind saying to you, that wife and I were never so
+nigh each other as since we began to pray. There used to be high words
+between us, I accusing her of humoring the boy; and she calling me a
+hard old tyrant. But each of us sees now that we were both in the
+wrong. If we'd taught him the Bible from the first, he would have
+stuck to it. There's the promise, 'Train up a child in the way he
+should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.'"
+
+At this moment Mr. Curtis was seen hurrying toward them; and Mr.
+Cahart with a "God bless your boy, ma'am," turned abruptly away.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+CLEARING THE CREEK.
+
+
+Albert Dodge, the new gardener passed ten days while he was recruiting
+his health, in visiting gardens and green houses, trying to improve
+his taste and gain all the information in his power. He had agreed
+with Mr. Curtis to return to Oxford as soon as the family were settled
+at Woodlawn and remain as long as the weather would allow out-door
+work. When the frost forbade further improvements, he was to leave and
+spend three months in the employ of Hantz, the celebrated florist.
+
+But one morning the very last of October, as Mr. Curtis was sauntering
+along near the lake, absorbed in a project he had just formed, the
+daily coach stopped before the gate, and who should spring from it but
+Albert Dodge.
+
+This young man, as I have already described, had such a merry face
+that few could meet him without a warmth in the region of the heart.
+Certainly his new master could not, and advancing cordially he held
+out his hand, exclaiming:
+
+"I was just thinking of you, and wishing you were at hand to help me
+plan a little. I want to do something with this brook."
+
+"I came on purpose to offer a suggestion, sir. I've been here and
+there on an exploring tour; and I am happy to say I have found no
+place which has so many natural advantages as _ours_."
+
+He laid some stress on the word; his eye twinkling, and then added:
+
+"It is my intention to make myself so important to you, that you will
+never part with me. I already feel almost as much interest in Woodlawn
+as if the deeds stood registered in the name of Albert Dodge."
+
+"I'm glad of it," answered the Squire, laughing, "and to prove my
+confidence in your ability, I will ask you what I shall do with this
+little creek; it spreads itself out very awkwardly just at this point
+where it ought to be most graceful."
+
+"I have it, sir," said Dodge after a careful survey. "I should clear
+the stream which runs muddy in this place by throwing pebbles to the
+bottom; widen it twenty feet more; make a pretty little egg-shaped
+island in the centre, upon which I should plant a few shrubs and
+perhaps a weeping willow, which would thrive admirably in this wet
+soil."
+
+"Good! good! It shall be done! When shall you be ready to go to
+work?"
+
+"To-day, if Grant can come with his oxen. I can postpone one visit I
+wish to make till winter."
+
+The next morning Bertie came riding to the spot on Whitefoot's back.
+Buck and Bright were there, the wagon backed down to the very edge of
+the water, while Star and Spot were dragging off a load of mud scraped
+or scooped up from the bed of the shallow brook.
+
+"Where is papa?" inquired Bertie, after he had sat awhile watching
+the operations.
+
+"Gone with the new gardener to buy some trees," answered Tom,
+laughing. "The Squire's up to all sorts of improvements. Shouldn't
+wonder a mite if he should take down yonder mountain to give him a
+view of the city."
+
+"I think this will be very pretty when it's done," remarked the child.
+"How long did they say they should be gone?"
+
+"Didn't say in my hearing. Bertie I wish you'd ask the Squire if he'd
+like a load of beach pebbles, 'cause if he does, I'll bring him a load
+to-morrow morning. Those are the kind to make this water run clear."
+
+"Oh, there they are!" shouted the boy, trotting off to meet them.
+"Have you bought the trees, Papa?"
+
+"Yes, and brought them home, don't you see them?"
+
+"What, those little things?"
+
+"Willows grow very fast, my son. They will thrive better than if they
+were larger."
+
+"But, papa, how can we get to the island? Shall we have a bridge?"
+
+"You must ask Dodge, Bertie. He is the author of this plan."
+
+"I'll tell you what would be better than a bridge," explained Dodge,
+laughing. "You must learn to row a boat; and then you can land at any
+place, you know. But our island is more for ornament than for profit.
+We don't expect to have a settlement there."
+
+"Why wouldn't it be pretty to have a little house for the swans on it?
+Joe Allen told me they could be taught to come on shore for their
+feed."
+
+"We will consider that proposal, my dear, when the island is in
+existence," answered papa; "in the meantime you may think of a pretty
+name for it."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+PAT'S VISIT HOME.
+
+
+I hope my readers have become so much interested in Pat Riley that
+they will be as glad to hear from him as Bertie was.
+
+We left him, as you know, in Mrs. Taylor's back chamber, making tops
+for the children. In a few days he was able to go down stairs. The
+first use he made of his liberty was to make a reel for Mrs. Taylor
+to wind her yarn on.
+
+Wishing to keep the boy employed, the good woman had borrowed a reel
+of a neighbor, and set him to work winding thread. The contrivance
+greatly delighted him. He examined it with the utmost care, pushing it
+up and down, to fit it for a larger or smaller skein, much to the
+amusement of the good woman.
+
+"Did you never see one before?" she asked, smiling.
+
+"No, ma'am, but it's very nice."
+
+No more was said on the subject, and she never noticed that he
+examined it again; but the third day after he was released from the
+chamber he followed her one day into the pantry, and presented her a
+new one made by his own hands.
+
+"You won't have to borrow again," he said, his face all in a glow of
+pleasure. "I'm going to try it now. I saved one skein on purpose."
+
+Mrs. Taylor carried it out and exhibited it in triumph to the family.
+
+"Did you do it all yourself?" asked Mr. Curtis, smiling his
+approbation.
+
+"Yes, sir; but I had seen the one up stairs. I made more holes though,
+'cause that was too large for some skeins and not large enough for
+others."
+
+"You are a genius, Pat. I have no doubt you'll succeed, now that
+you've resolved to try your best."
+
+The day before he left for the school, Pat asked Mrs. Taylor's
+permission to go and bid his father good-by. It was some weeks since
+the old man had been there, though he promised to come in a day or
+two. The good woman consented, though she told him the air was rather
+chilly for a boy who had been so sick.
+
+On his way he passed the spot where Bertie had first talked with him.
+He stopped and sat on the top of the stone wall, where he had listened
+to the first kind words he ever remembered to have heard addressed to
+him. I trust no little boy or girl who reads this will think the worse
+of him, when I tell them that his breast began to heave, and the
+tears gushed to his eyes.
+
+"I wouldn't be 'thieving Pat' again," he said, doubling his fist, "no,
+not for--not for--" At this moment his eye rested on the handsome new
+edifice at Woodlawn; and he added with an impressive gesture, "no, not
+for the Squire's new house. I'd rather starve again and have mammy
+push me down stairs or anything rather than go sneaking round hiding
+behind the walls, and feeling so ashamed to look any body in the face.
+No, no, I'll stick to the new Patrick, as Mrs. Taylor tells about,
+let what will come, I'll never lie to Bertie, and go back to my old
+ways."
+
+He felt stronger and better after this resolve, and walked on rapidly
+until he reached the tree into which he had climbed to watch for
+Bertie. The sight of his old home just beyond, had excited him a good
+deal; and he laughed at the recollections of his fear that the Squire
+had sent Joe Allen to take him to jail.
+
+Then he stepped up to the door and looked within. All seemed
+deserted. A few half-burnt brands had broken and fallen apart on the
+wide, old-fashioned hearth, the low wooden chair usually occupied by
+his father was vacant; a piece of crust, mouldy with age, lay on the
+table, and a broken pipe beside it.
+
+Pat stood a moment gazing around, his face growing every moment more
+sad, then suddenly ran up the old creaking stairs to his own chamber.
+
+"She's done it. I knew she would," he exclaimed, angrily. "She always
+did everything she could to spite me!"
+
+He picked from the dirty floor two or three tail feathers of a tiny
+yellow bird which he had saved from the jaws of a cat, though not
+until it had received it's death wound; and which after a fashion of
+his own he had stuffed.
+
+This, almost his only treasure, his drunken step-mother had
+deliberately pulled to pieces, scattering the feathers on the floor.
+
+One tiny feather he put into his pocket as a memorial of the life
+which had forever passed, and then hurried away from scenes which
+recalled such bitter memories.
+
+"Dad is gone," he exclaimed aloud, walking a short distance from the
+house, then turning back for another last gaze; "and perhaps I shall
+never see him again."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+LETTER FROM PAT.
+
+
+Before this he had been glad to meet no one; but now he felt a keen
+desire to ascertain where his father had gone; and resolved to return
+by the way of Tom Grant's, though a flurry of snow filled the air, and
+inquire whether Mr. Riley had been seen of late. Mrs. Grant, Tom's
+mother, was getting dinner, while Jerry was at work cutting wood in
+the back yard. The old lady knew how hard Pat had tried to reform, and
+greeted him in a most cordial manner.
+
+"Why, Patrick!" she exclaimed, catching hold of his arm, "Come right
+in out of the snow. So yer going off to school, I hear my son say,
+well it's a lucky chance for ye, and I wish ye well. Sit right down
+now. Thomas will be at home soon, and he'll be glad to see ye."
+
+"I must be going in a minute," Pat answered, "twirling his hat, I
+only wanted to know when you've seen Daddy. I've been to the old
+place, and there's no sign of anybody living in it."
+
+"Haven't ye heard? Well, I s'pose ye haven't. Yer daddy's cleared out,
+bag and baggage. I don't s'pose he had to hire much of a team, either,
+to carry off what was left at the old place; but he took his pipe and
+a change of clothes; and I don't believe there is enough left in the
+shanty, to make it dangerous to leave the door open o' nights. Folks
+as heard him talk, do say he was clear discouraged with yer mammy's
+drinking and quarrelling; and he's gin her up entirely. But I can't
+tell nothing how that is."
+
+"Do you know where he's gone?" asked Pat.
+
+"La, no; I don't s'pose he knew hisself. He had a stick over his
+shoulder, and his bundle hung on the end on't, and that's all I can
+tell ye."
+
+The boy turned without a word, and walked away. He knew now why his
+father came to the farm again so soon after his first visit; and why
+he consented so easily that the Squire should send him to school. He
+had resolved to quit his old home forever.
+
+All this he told Mrs. Taylor that night, and ended with a sigh.
+
+"I don't suppose he and I shall ever see each other again. He wasn't
+so bad till mammy came."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+About a week after he reached the school, his teacher wrote Mr.
+Curtis,
+
+    "Patrick Riley arrived here a few days after the term commenced,
+    and has conducted himself in such a manner as to win the
+    approbation of all his teachers. I agree with you, that he will
+    make a smart man; and from present appearances, I hope also, a
+    useful one. I mentioned to him that I intended to write you, and
+    was gratified to notice that he is not destitute of gratitude for
+    all you have done to improve his condition. He requested me to
+    express his thanks, also to your son, who he says first awoke in
+    him a desire to become an honest boy, and likewise to Mrs. Taylor.
+    Patrick is taking hold of his lessons with a will, and hopes to
+    write you soon.
+
+                    "Respectfully yours,
+
+                         "JOHNATHAN HAVEN."
+
+This letter was read with great interest by all the family; but there
+was no one who rejoiced so much at Pat's good conduct as Bertie.
+
+Mrs. Curtis was greatly affected the night following to hear the
+little boy thank God for helping Pat to be good and obey the
+commandments.
+
+About a fortnight later, Whitefoot stopped at the village post office,
+and Bertie jumped from his carriage and ran in with a package of
+letters for the mail.
+
+"Look here!" exclaimed the girl, who delivered letters. "Is this for
+you?"
+
+The child glanced at it, laughing and blushing. It was a curious
+shaped epistle, almost square, without an envelope, the name being a
+rough imitation of printing, and spelled Birty Kertis, Oxford; care
+Squier Kertis.
+
+"I think it must be intended for you," said the girl, with an arch
+glance. "It is post-marked Lexington."
+
+"Oh, yes, it's mine!" exclaimed the boy. "It's from Pat Riley, I guess
+he wrote it himself."
+
+It was indeed from Patrick. I do not think my readers could decipher
+it, if I copied the curious spelling, I shall, therefore, give it as
+Mrs. Curtis, after considerable study, read it to Bertie.
+
+     "DEAR FRIEND:--There's a big boy here as knows how to write
+     tip-top. I and Tip (that's his name) are the most popular boys
+     in school. He's agreed to write this letter for me, 'cause I want
+     ye to know how I'm getting on; and there's something I want to
+     tell ye awful bad, 'cause I know ye'll like it. You was the first
+     one that ever spoke encouraging to me, and I'll never forget it
+     of ye as long as I know myself, nor then either. I'm going to try
+     and be a Squire like your pa; and then I'll take all the little
+     thieving fellows I can find, and help 'em to be good. Rich folks
+     don't know how hard 'tis for poor ones to keep from stealin' when
+     their stomach is as flimpsy as a rag. I know how to pity 'em, for
+     when mammy locked me up till I'd agree to steal again, there was
+     such a gnawing and gnawing, that I should have give in, if it
+     hadn't been for you.
+
+     "Every time, I'd say to myself, I can't stand it no longer; then
+     I'd see you a-sitting in your donkey carriage, looking at me with
+     such sorry eyes.
+
+     "But that isn't what I was going to tell yer; and Tip is getting
+     tired writing such a lot of stuff. I've begun to be a soldier, I
+     don't wear any uniform except a little blue star on my coat; but
+     everybody knows by this, that I'm trying to fight against all my
+     old habits. It's hard work I tell you. 'Tisn't as if I was at
+     Mrs. Taylor's, with everybody helping me, and nothing to make me
+     cross. There's lots of bad boys here, who won't join the company
+     of soldiers, and they do everything they can to hinder and bother
+     us. I'm most afraid to tell yer one thing, for fear ye'll think
+     Tip and I are better than we are. We've begun to pray God to help
+     us, and it does come a sight easier to do as we oughter.
+
+     "If ever ye see anything of my poor old father, I'd like him to
+     know that I pray for him whenever I do for myself. I shouldn't
+     wonder if I should get so I could forgive mammy sometime. Perhaps
+     she didn't know any better.
+
+                    "Your true friend,
+
+                         "PATRICK RILEY."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+BERTIE'S SPELLING MATCH.
+
+
+Early in November, Mr. Curtis removed his family to Woodlawn; and
+Bertie commenced attending school. It was too far for him to walk, and
+now he found Whitefoot a greater convenience than ever. Close by the
+schoolhouse lived a farmer by the name of Camp, who readily agreed
+with Mr. Curtis to allow the donkey to stand in his barn during
+school hours.
+
+Miss Esther Taylor, his former teacher, welcomed him back with great
+pleasure, for she had learned to love him like a brother. His health
+had now greatly improved by so much exercise in the open air, and he
+resolved to study hard through all the winter months.
+
+I suppose there are many children more forward in their lessons than
+he was; but he had laid a good foundation for an education. He could
+read correctly, and with expression, and had begun Colburn's Mental
+Arithmetic. In geography he had only learned the general divisions of
+the globe, and had begun to draw upon his slate, islands, lakes,
+capes, peninsulas, etc., which greatly helped him to understand the
+explanations in his book.
+
+In spelling, Bertie was rather backward, not being quick to learn the
+sounds of which the word was composed.
+
+Miss Taylor was resolved her pupils should excel in arithmetic and
+spelling. In order to excite their ambition she allowed them twice a
+week to have what is called a spelling-match.
+
+Two boys or two girls among the best spellers were chosen alternately
+by vote of the scholars, and these called out from among their mates
+the names of those they wished on their side. Of course each one
+wished the best spellers, in order that his side might win the prize,
+and as poor Bertie generally failed, he was left out.
+
+After this had occurred two or three times, the little fellow began to
+feel mortified; and one night said to his mamma,--
+
+"Will you please buy me a satchel? I'm going to bring home my
+spelling-book every night; and I can't carry it very well on
+Whitefoot's back, without it's in a satchel."
+
+Mrs. Curtis left the room, and presently returned with a small leather
+bag, to which a strap was attached.
+
+"Will this do?" she asked.
+
+"Oh, yes, mamma! that is just what I wanted."
+
+After this, mamma, and papa, and Mrs. Dodge, and Nellie, and Bertie,
+and Nancy had a great many spelling-matches, the rule being that every
+one who pronounced the word must do so with the greatest distinctness,
+so that every letter as far as possible should be articulated.
+
+Before the winter was past, Bertie's dislike to his spelling-book was
+wholly conquered, and he was called as often as any scholar to try
+for the prize in the spelling-match.
+
+This was the first winter the children had ever passed in the country.
+When the snow began to fall, Winnie was delighted, and went out to
+catch the flakes on a piece of paper.
+
+Their house was of a June temperature, while the new conservatory
+furnished bouquets and cut flowers in abundance.
+
+It was not the intention of Mr. and Mrs. Curtis to keep aloof from the
+villagers. Indeed, by this time, the Oxford people well understood
+that the Squire and his wife were ready to befriend them whenever they
+were in distress.
+
+The gentleman taught a class in the Sabbath School, composed of
+married ladies who had never before been members.
+
+Mrs. Taylor, who was one of the class, often remarked she would arise
+long before light rather than to lose the opportunity of hearing the
+Bible explained in the simple, practical way the Squire performed the
+service.
+
+It was a happy day for the good pastor of Oxford when Mr. Curtis
+purchased his farm at Woodlawn. From their first introduction, the
+hearts of these truly Christian persons were drawn toward each other.
+They were working in the same cause to win souls to the Saviour whom
+they loved. One was rich, and the other comparatively poor; but both
+had consecrated themselves and all that they possessed, to the
+Saviour, who had bought them with his precious blood; and both desired
+so to live and to train their families, that when lying on the bed of
+death, they might say with Paul,--"I have fought a good fight; I have
+finished my course; I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up
+for me a crown of righteousness."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+BERTIE'S PRESENTS.
+
+
+Christmas Day dawned clear and cold. As soon as it was light enough to
+see across the chamber Bertie crept from his bed toward the window,
+where on one of the knobs belonging to the shutters, he could see a
+huge stocking tied by a string, and stuffed to its utmost capacity.
+
+The little fellow laughed heartily as he felt of the stocking, to
+ascertain what was within it. Then he jumped on a chair, trying to
+take the sock down, but with a sudden thought,--
+
+"Winnie would like to see me take the things out," he leaped into bed
+again, and began in his childish way to guess what presents he had
+received, and who they were from.
+
+"I wonder whether I shall have a new Bible," he said half aloud, "I
+had a Bible last year from mamma; but no, I don't think she'll give
+me another, because she said she hoped that one would last me for a
+long time."
+
+Presently he heard some little feet pattering along the hall, and then
+Winnie's bright face peeped into the room.
+
+"Dit up, Bertie," she said, laughing, and showing all her white teeth.
+"Dit up, and have a merry Tismus."
+
+"Oh, Winnie darling, I hope you'll have many merry Christmases! Now
+let's go and see papa and mamma, and then when Nancy has dressed you,
+I'll show you my presents."
+
+"Law!" exclaimed Nancy, raising her hands, "you don't mean to say you
+haven't taken down your stocking. What would Saint Nick say?"
+
+"I know who Saint Nick is," Bertie answered, with a merry laugh. "It's
+mamma, I saw her last year come creeping softly into my room in the
+city, and hang it up. I'd rather have mamma than anybody, because she
+knows what I would like."
+
+"Well, dear, hurry and dress. Your mamma isn't awake yet; and then
+you can show us your presents."
+
+"Did you give me anything, nurse?"
+
+"I! what a question!" she exclaimed, in pretended horror.
+
+"But I think you did, because when I went to the nursery of a sudden
+last night, you threw your apron over something you was working, and
+you looked ever so queer."
+
+"Why, Bertie, I never thought you watched me so, I must be careful
+what I do. Well, supposing I did, what should you like best?"
+
+"A ball for Winnie and I to play in the house with. One that would not
+break the windows, I mean."
+
+Nurse laughed and looked wise, and then left the room. Soon after
+Bertie finished dressing, and ran to wish mamma and papa a "Merry
+Christmas."
+
+"Well, my son, has St. Nick crept down your chimney?" asked papa
+directing an arch glance at his wife.
+
+"My St. Nick has," was the boy's answer, as he kissed his mamma.
+
+"What was in the stocking, then? I think it's very strange no one hung
+a stocking for me."
+
+"What is that over yonder, Lawrence?" asked the lady, laughing.
+
+"Ah, a stocking for me! that is more than I expected. Well, now I'm
+satisfied that's a joke; and I shall find nothing in it but paper."
+
+"I'll run and get mine, and then we'll look over our presents
+together," said Bertie, in great glee.
+
+Winnie now came in bringing a doll almost as large as herself. It was
+made of kid, with a porcelain face, and had dresses which could be
+taken off or put on at pleasure. This was given her by Mrs. Dodge and
+the clothes by Nelly.
+
+With a loud shout Bertie pulled out a small box in which was a
+gingerbread man riding on a donkey. "I know where that came from very
+quick," he said. "It smells just like Mrs. Taylor's gingerbread. Oh,
+isn't it funny?"
+
+"It is a very striking resemblance of you and Whitefoot," remarked
+papa, trying to look grave, at which everybody laughed heartily.
+
+Next came a small package tied with red cord, which contained--what do
+you imagine? Why, a nightcap, with cook's compliments.
+
+It was found to be a perfect fit, and mamma told him it would keep his
+hair from being so snarled in the morning.
+
+A pretty ball, just such as Bertie had caught a glimpse of under
+Nancy's apron was next brought to view, which so much delighted him
+that he dropped the stocking and began to toss it at once.
+
+There was a gift from Miss Lerow of a beautiful pair of reins, knit of
+bright worsted and ornamented with little bells. But what pleased him
+perhaps more than everything else, was a jack-knife from Edward Torrey
+with the words, "To the forgiving boy," marked on the inside of the
+pasteboard box.
+
+Old Mrs. Grant had not forgotten to add her gift, which was a pair of
+warm mittens, done up with a nice, knit comforter from Mary Jerrold
+Monsey.
+
+Altogether it was a great success, and everybody felt very happy.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+THE HEART AND HAND.
+
+
+"Why don't you open your stocking, papa?" inquired Bertie, when he saw
+the gentleman about to leave his chamber.
+
+"I'll leave that to mamma," he said laughing.
+
+"But really, Lawrence," she answered, "you might see for yourself.
+You'll regret it if you don't."
+
+"Oh, of course, Cecilia, and spoil your joke!" He hesitated a moment
+but catching a glimpse of Bertie's anxious face, he turned back
+suddenly, and took down the stocking from the hook.
+
+Putting his hand cautiously into the top, as if he were afraid of
+being bitten, at which the children shouted with laughter, he pulled
+forth a nicely rolled package, the outside of which he most carefully
+examined with his fingers.
+
+"Very fine!" he exclaimed, with a quick glance at his wife. "It is a
+doughnut, I presume."
+
+"Doughnuts are not to be despised when they are given to express
+affection," she answered, gravely.
+
+"Well," he said, laying the package on his knees, "I'll see what else
+there is. I may find a solitary raisin enveloped in a pound or two of
+paper."
+
+"Oh, papa, you're too funny!" shouted Bertie.
+
+"Quick, Lawrence, the bell will ring for breakfast presently."
+
+He drew cautiously from the stocking a small box, tied and sealed
+with wax.
+
+"All very grand," he began, with a shrug of the shoulders, when his
+wife caught it from his hands.
+
+"Open the other, first," she said.
+
+He tore off the paper, and presently came to a note addressed to
+"Lawrence Curtis, Esq." in a beautifully neat hand. Opening it
+cautiously, he glanced at the bottom, and saw the names of his entire
+class, when his countenance changed at once.
+
+"Really," he said, "I had no idea of this," reading aloud, "'Will our
+dear teacher please accept the enclosed slippers as a trifling token
+of our gratitude?'
+
+"They are beautiful! very tasteful; exactly what I wanted! I must have
+them made up at once. Oh! here is the cash for that purpose! Well, my
+friends, I'm very grateful. Now I'm encouraged to try again," taking
+up the box, and quizzically glancing into the blushing face before
+him.
+
+It contained a watch-chain of exquisite workmanship, manufactured of
+hair and gold, attached to which was an ornament in the shape of a
+heart, and a key in the form of a hand.
+
+"My heart and my hand are all I have to give," she whispered, kissing
+his forehead, while a tear glistened in her eye. "The chain was made
+from the hair you cut from my head when I was so very sick."
+
+He raised the precious token to his lips, exclaiming with great
+tenderness, "I shall wear it as long as I live. What would the world
+be to me, Cecilia, without your heart and hand?"
+
+There was a service in the church at ten, and at noon all the really
+aged people in the parish had been invited to a dinner at Woodlawn.
+
+"I want to have a regular house-warming," Mr. Curtis had said to his
+wife. "I want to warm it with the good will of all our villagers." So
+it was decided that the old people should come to dinner, the married
+persons and children to tea, and the young people of both sexes in the
+evening.
+
+I wish I could paint a picture of the happy faces that gathered around
+the festal board during that lovely Christmas Day. There was the good
+pastor and his family improving this pleasant occasion to speak a word
+here and there as it was needed among their flock. There were Mr. and
+Mrs. Hunt, leading Susy who had just returned from the hospital. There
+was Thomas Grant, his face red as a beet, gallanting a very sensible
+looking girl who was soon to become his wife. There were swarms of
+laddies and lasses, kept in constant good humor by Albert Dodge, who
+had returned to Oxford for the occasion. There were groups of
+children headed by Bertie, playing all sorts of games, or gathering in
+a circle around the Squire, who told them funny stories.
+
+"You have learned the secret of living," remarked the Pastor, when he
+came to take leave. "In promoting the happiness and welfare of those
+about us we ensure our own."
+
+"That is the rule by which my wife is training our boy," answered the
+gentleman. "No other house-warming could have pleased us so well as
+this."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+VIOLETS AND VIOLETTA.
+
+
+When spring came, Bertie went one morning into his mamma's chamber
+with a bunch of the earliest violets.
+
+The curtains were dropped before the large bay window, and though it
+was not cold a pleasant fire crackled in the open grate.
+
+"Why, mamma, are you sick?" Bertie asked, running quickly to the side
+of the bed.
+
+"Have you seen papa?" said mamma, smiling. "He went out to tell you I
+have a present for you."
+
+"No, mamma, I didn't see him."
+
+She turned down the sheet and showed him a tiny baby lying by her
+side, trying to suck its own little rosy finger.
+
+Bertie was so astonished he could not speak.
+
+"It's your little sister, my son, and if papa consents, you may call
+her Violetta in memory of these pretty flowers."
+
+"Oh, mamma! I'm so glad! I love babies so dearly. Isn't she a
+darling?"
+
+At this moment Mrs. Dodge came into the room. "Well, Bertie," she
+began, "your mamma has a pretty surprise for you. What do you think
+Winnie will say?"
+
+"She'll think it's a doll, mamma. Oh, may I bring her in?"
+
+He ran to the door, and met papa with Winnie in his arms.
+
+Papa looked very smiling and happy as he walked to the side of the
+bed.
+
+Baby had fallen asleep now, and was so quiet Bertie could hardly
+believe she was alive.
+
+Winnie's eyes grew larger and larger as she gazed, until at last she
+gave a spring almost out of her papa's arms upon the bed.
+
+Mamma screamed, and Mrs. Dodge came forward quickly; but papa had
+caught her again and held her firm.
+
+"It's your little sister," he explained; "but you must go now and
+stay with Nellie, for Nancy wants the new baby to sleep."
+
+"Let me take it a minute. Please, mamma, I wont break it. I wont,
+certain," pleaded the child.
+
+"Some day," said mamma, and then she turned so pale that Mrs. Dodge
+hurried them all out of the chamber before mamma could ask whether the
+little spring flower should be named Violetta.
+
+With his treasures safe in the house, Mr. Curtis, with his gardener,
+went to work with renewed zeal to beautify his grounds. His heart was
+full of gratitude to the kind Being who had given him so many
+blessings; and his delight was to be of benefit to those around him.
+No one really in need was ever turned from his door; while many, like
+Susy Hunt and Edgar Torrey, received the benefit of his donations.
+
+"The Squire's son will be the father over again," said Mr. Taylor to
+the clergyman, "there's nothing pleases him so much, as to give him a
+chance to make somebody happy."
+
+"Yes," was the reply, "and I never see him without recalling to
+remembrance the words: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"
+
+The fall previous all the rubbish about the place had been cleared
+away, the pieces of board and shavings, except what had been given to
+the poor, being carried to the shed adjoining the barn. The turf
+around the house had of course been a good deal cut up by the teams,
+and Mr. Curtis resolved to have new sods immediately laid down, not
+only on the terraces, but as far as the turf was broken.
+
+This was quite a curiosity to Bertie, who followed Albert to the field
+where the men were cutting out pieces of turf about one foot in width
+and two feet in length; then back again to see that they were laid
+smoothly upon the well prepared ground, and nicely hammered down with
+large flat, wooden mallets.
+
+With his exercise in the open air, Albert had lost something of his
+flesh; but his spirits were never better; and in his management of
+men, Mr. Curtis thought he had never known his equal. His gay good
+humor seemed to inspire all in his employ with new life, while his
+firm, clear manner of giving orders convinced them that he intended to
+be obeyed.
+
+It was often a severe trial to Bertie to leave for school just as the
+men were engaged in some job which he particularly wished to see; but
+mamma explained that if he wished to be a useful man he must lay in a
+stock of knowledge while he was young.
+
+One morning Mr. Curtis proposed to go to a nursery of trees near the
+city for the purchase of currant, gooseberry, blackberry and other
+bushes, together with a variety of ornamental shrubs.
+
+Bertie's curiosity was greatly excited to visit such a place, which he
+fancied must be almost like Eden.
+
+His mamma shook her head, saying:
+
+"You have had a long vacation, my dear. School is the first duty now."
+
+The little fellow's lip quivered; and for a moment he looked quite
+vexed; but while his parents with anxious hearts waited to see
+whether he would submit cheerfully to parental authority, his brow
+cleared, and he exclaimed:
+
+"You always do know best, mamma. I should admire to go; but I dare say
+papa will take me some time."
+
+Papa smiled, but said nothing. Mamma drew her son to her side, and
+kissed her approval of his conduct.
+
+In five minutes he was trotting Whitefoot out of the yard, his smiles
+as bright, and his brow serene as ever.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+BERTIE'S REWARD.
+
+
+At noon, Bertie was obliged to hurry through his lunch, in order to be
+back in time for the afternoon session, which commenced at one
+o'clock, so that it often happened that he did not see his father till
+night.
+
+When he came into the house, he was eager to tell his mamma that at
+last he had attained the honor of being at the head of the arithmetic
+class. He supposed of course his father had gone to the city, and did
+not therefore enquire for him. He only said:
+
+"Please, mamma, don't tell papa when he comes home, because I want to
+tell him myself."
+
+"No, I promise," answered mamma, smiling.
+
+At the supper-table, his delight was great, therefore, when he found
+that instead of going to the city, Mr. Curtis had been to the town
+where the quarry of granite was.
+
+"I concluded," said papa, with a curious smile, "that it would be a
+pleasure to go to the nursery in company with a boy who put aside his
+own wishes in order to please his mother. Dodge must get his ground
+ready, and wait till Saturday for his trees."
+
+"Oh, papa! papa!!" shouted the boy, dancing with delight. "I mean to
+be always good, you and mamma are so very kind."
+
+This was Thursday; on Saturday morning at an early hour the Squire and
+his son were on their way to the nursery.
+
+They drove Duke in the carriage to the depot station, and left him in
+a stable close by, so that he would be ready as soon as they returned
+from the city. Bertie was in the gayest of spirits. He sat by the
+window, watching the farmers at work in the fields, ploughing,
+harrowing, or making furrows for putting the seed into their land. He
+enjoyed all this vastly, because he understood how it ought to be
+done.
+
+He was so absorbed in watching these operations as they whizzed along
+past one farm and then another, that he quite forgot the pleasant
+errand on which he was bound. But suddenly he was recalled to the
+present by a plaintive voice asking,--"Have a paper, sir? This
+morning's paper, sir, and all the telegram news."
+
+Mr. Curtis was absorbed in thought, and took no notice of the newsboy;
+but there was something in the sad voice, which awoke Bertie's quick
+sympathies.
+
+"Papa! papa!" he repeated, pulling his father's arm, "won't you please
+buy a paper? See how many the boy has left."
+
+"I've too much on my mind to care for newspapers, dear."
+
+Bertie raised himself till he could speak in his father's ear.
+
+"Please, papa, see how sick he looks. Can't you buy one?"
+
+The gentleman opened his pocket-book, and gave his son fifty cents.
+
+"Use it as you please," he said, softly.
+
+All this time the newsboy had been making change for a coarse,
+rough-looking man who sat opposite, who was obliged to squirt a whole
+mouthful of tobacco juice out of his mouth, before he could say,--
+
+"Give me a Erald," and then another mouthful to add,--"Don't cheat,
+now, you young rascal."
+
+When the right change had been given, and the man was settled to his
+paper, the newsboy turned back to the boy whose eyes had expressed so
+much sympathy.
+
+Bertie asked his papa if it would be too much trouble to change seats,
+and then he asked,--
+
+"Do you sell many papers?"
+
+"Sometimes."
+
+"What do you do with the money?"
+
+"I give it to mother. It doesn't half support us, though, and now
+she's going to die."
+
+As the newsboy said this, a great sob seemed to choke him. Mr. Curtis,
+whose eyes were fixed full on his face, saw the little fellow
+resolutely suppress his emotion, and his sympathies were enlisted at
+once.
+
+"Where does your mother live?" he inquired.
+
+"Close by the depot in the city."
+
+"Go and sell all the papers you can, and then come back here."
+
+"Yes, sir," with a grateful glance at Bertie.
+
+The cars, however, had run into the depot, and the passengers were
+beginning to alight, before they saw anything more of the newsboy.
+Bertie was begging his father to wait a little longer, when some one
+touched his arm; and there was the boy struggling up from behind.
+
+"I've sold 'em all," he began, eagerly.
+
+"Show me where your mother lives," Mr. Curtis said, when they stepped
+to the platform.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+These were all the words spoken, but a beautiful ray of gratitude shot
+from the poor boy's eyes.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+BERTIE AND THE NEWSBOY.
+
+
+A few steps brought them to an old block, where their young guide
+stopped.
+
+"May I run in and tell mother you're coming. She's so very sick, sir."
+
+"Yes, but be as quick as you can. I must catch the next train to
+E----"
+
+Before they had time to miss him, the boy returned, his face very,
+very sad.
+
+Bertie instinctively caught his hand, as they followed him to the
+humble chamber.
+
+A woman lay there in the last stages of consumption. On a table near
+her was a cup, a tumbler, and a spoon, all empty.
+
+"You are in distress," said Mr. Curtis, in a soothing tone; "tell me
+what you need."
+
+"Nothing for myself. I shall soon be where want and sorrow shall
+never enter; but it is hard to leave my boy alone."
+
+"Is he your only child?"
+
+"The only one left of five. He will soon be an orphan."
+
+Mr. Curtis stood a moment gazing about as if trying to judge from the
+surroundings something of the character of the inmates, when he caught
+a glimpse of Bertie.
+
+The boy's eyes were fixed on his face with such an eager, wistful
+gaze, as if he wondered his father did not offer relief, that he
+resolved at once to befriend the orphan.
+
+"You say," he began, "that you hope soon to be in heaven. Cannot you
+cast your care for your child on your heavenly Father?"
+
+"I have tried to; but sometimes my faith is weak. He has been taught
+his duty to God. I"--
+
+A fit of coughing interrupted her, after which, Mr. Curtis hastened to
+say:
+
+"I will be a friend to your boy. I must leave you now; but here is a
+sum of money, you will need for immediate wants. I will try and call
+again before night. In the meantime, what is your name?"
+
+"Martha Washburn."
+
+They hurried away, reached the cars just in time, found exactly what
+they wished, smoke trees, tartarian honeysuckles, azalias, etc., etc.,
+ordered them to be ready for Mr. Grant's team Monday noon, and then
+went back to the city.
+
+Bertie enjoyed everything. The long rows of trees, the neat lines of
+bushes; but his heart was full of Jimmy Washburn. His little hand
+nestled itself into his father's, and every chance he had to speak, he
+repeated,--
+
+"Oh, papa! I do love you. I do thank you so much. How glad that poor
+woman looked when you told her you would take care of her boy."
+
+Mr. Curtis told his wife afterward that he kept thinking, as he saw
+Bertie's flushed, eager face, of the text, "of such is the kingdom of
+heaven," and prayed that God might keep his heart like that of his
+pure-minded boy.
+
+Before he left the city, he made arrangements for Jamie's admission to
+a mission school, where he would be well educated, and then sent to a
+home in the great West. Then they hurried to Woodlawn to receive a
+warm welcome from mamma, Winnie, and a smile from little Violetta.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+THE LAST CHAPTER.
+
+
+My young reader, I hope ere this you have come to love our little
+Bertie, and are sorry that this is the last chapter of the last volume
+about him and his sister Winnie.
+
+I love Bertie dearly, and should like to tell you much more about him;
+but in the short space that is left I can only relate a few words of
+his after life.
+
+Suppose I were to say that he became a liar, a thief and a
+Sabbath-breaker, would you believe me? You could not, because you have
+seen that he loved God and feared sin. You know how he grieved when he
+disobeyed his parents; and how earnestly he confessed his fault to his
+heavenly Father. You know how he tried to conquer his impatience, and
+to be a dutiful, loving child. You know how earnestly he endeavored to
+win every one around him to be good; and how anxious he was to make
+others happy. Have I convinced you that in order to be happy yourself,
+you must make others so? If I have, I shall be well paid for writing
+the history of Bertie and his friends.
+
+Perhaps you will remember that he was not over fond of study when he
+first began to attend school; but when his mamma explained to him that
+in order to become a useful member of society, as his father was, he
+must learn to read, write and spell, which were the first steps
+toward acquiring a good education, he made it a duty to learn every
+lesson thoroughly, so that by the time he was sixteen years old he was
+prepared to enter college.
+
+In the meanwhile Winnie had come into her teens, and little Violetta
+was no longer the baby; for there were a pair of beautiful twin
+brothers at Woodlawn, "as near alike," Mrs. Dodge declared, "as two
+peas in a pod."
+
+In the quiet, country town of Oxford Mrs. Curtis had gained health
+and strength. Of course, with so many little ones, her family cares
+had greatly increased, but with faithful Nancy in the nursery, she
+found time for visiting the poor and distressed, all of whom felt well
+assured that no one in need of help would be refused aid from the kind
+family at Woodlawn.
+
+On a cold, windy December night, the inhabitants of Oxford were
+startled by cries of "Fire! fire!" What was their horror to see the
+flames coming from the large barn over the lake. With one accord men,
+women and children rushed from all parts of the town to offer aid in
+extinguishing the fire. It was, indeed, not the barn, but only an
+immense stack of hay behind it. Mr. Curtis, with the aid of his men,
+soon succeeded in extinguishing the flames; but the neighbors, once
+aroused, could not be persuaded that all the dear family were safe,
+until they had caught a glimpse of every member.
+
+Mr. and Mrs. Curtis were deeply affected at the kind solicitude
+manifested for their safety; and when they tried, with tearful eyes,
+to express it, Mr. Taylor answered for the rest:
+
+"Don't talk of thanking us for wanting to preserve one of God's
+greatest blessings to us. Oxford would be a sorry place enough without
+our dear ones at Woodlawn. No, my friends, we all feel that you belong
+to us, from the Squire down to the tiny babes in the cradle. We're
+thankful you didn't need our aid to-night to put out the fire; yet if
+you ever do, there isn't a man, woman or child in Oxford, but would
+be proud to render it, for there isn't one who hasn't received some
+good at your hands."
+
+When the hearty speech was ended, Bertie went around among the people,
+shaking hands and thanking them earnestly for their kindness; and then
+they quietly returned to their homes.
+
+
+
+
+TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE:
+
+
+Minor changes have been made to correct typesetter's errors; otherwise,
+every effort has been made to remain faithful to the author's words and
+intent.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Bertie and the Gardeners, by Madeline Leslie
+
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