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| committer | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-02-07 09:05:08 -0800 |
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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..9fe4f2d --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #54803 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/54803) diff --git a/old/54803-0.txt b/old/54803-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 82cee47..0000000 --- a/old/54803-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,4897 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook, Playing Santa Claus and Other Christmas -Tales, by Sarah P. (Sarah Parsons) Doughty - - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world 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. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - - -Title: Playing Santa Claus and Other Christmas Tales - - -Author: Sarah P. (Sarah Parsons) Doughty - - - -Release Date: May 28, 2017 [eBook #54803] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - - -***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PLAYING SANTA CLAUS AND OTHER -CHRISTMAS TALES*** - - -E-text prepared by MFR and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team -(http://www.pgdp.net) from page images generously made available by -Internet Archive (https://archive.org) - - - -Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this - file which includes the original illustration. - See 54803-h.htm or 54803-h.zip: - (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/54803/54803-h/54803-h.htm) - or - (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/54803/54803-h.zip) - - - Images of the original pages are available through - Internet Archive. See - https://archive.org/details/playingsantaclau00dougiala - - -Transcriber’s note: - - Italicized text is presented by surrounding the text with - _underscores_. - - - - - -[Illustration: book cover] - - -PLAYING SANTA CLAUS, -AND -Other Christmas Tales. - - -[Illustration: drawing of children playing] - - -by - -MRS. S. P. DOUGHTY. - - - - - - -Boston: -Nichols and Noyes. -1865. - -Boston: -Printed by Charles H. Crosby, -Nos. 11 & 13, Water Street. - - - - - CONTENTS. - - - Page. - - PLAYING SANTA CLAUS 7 - NOTHING TO GIVE 19 - WILLIE’S GOLD DOLLAR 30 - THE THANKSGIVING PARTY 40 - A CHRISTMAS STORY 48 - APRIL FOOL’S DAY 61 - THE CHRISTMAS TREE 70 - A DREAM 77 - NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT 87 - THE LITTLE MATCH BOY 104 - I FORGOT 123 - THE SILVER MORNING AND GOLDEN DAY 151 - TWO SIDES TO A STORY 167 - - - - - PREFACE. - - -A merry Christmas and a happy New Year to you, dear children! This -little volume comes to you as a holiday gift, and in its pages we have -endeavored to show you that true and lasting happiness can be found only -in doing good to others. Let the lesson sink deep into your hearts. Even -the least among you can do much good. Look around you. Do not wait for -some great opportunity to offer, but with willing hearts and busy hands -perform the most trifling acts of usefulness to others. Continue to do -this throughout the year, and we will promise you that when another New -Year dawns upon the earth, you will look back with rejoicing, giving -thanks to your Heavenly Father that you have found that true happiness -which can never be taken from you. - - - - - PLAYING SANTA CLAUS. - - -“Wake up, wake up, Emma!” said little Caroline Meredith, as she gently -shook her sister very early one winter’s morning; “I have something very -pleasant to tell you.” - -“What is it, Carrie?” answered the sleepy little girl, as she rubbed her -eyes, and tried to comply with her sister’s request to “wake up.” - -“Do you remember what day it is, Emma? To-morrow will be Christmas; and -this evening will be Christmas Eve.” - -“O Carrie, so it will!” exclaimed Emma, now fully awake; “and we shall -hang up our stockings; and, oh, what beautiful things Santa Claus will -bring us!” - -“And what fine times we shall have to-morrow!” continued Caroline. “Aunt -Margaret and all our cousins are coming to dine with us.” - -“Oh, it will be delightful!” replied Emma. “We can show them our -presents, and perhaps they will bring theirs to show to us; and we shall -play so happily together!” - -“And, you know, I have made a needle-book to give Aunt Margaret; and you -have a work-bag for her,” added Caroline. “I am sure she will be -pleased.” - -“I know she will,” said Emma; “and father and mother will be pleased -with the little presents we have got for them. I like to give things -away; don’t you, Carrie?” - -“Yes, very much,” replied Carrie. “I should like to be Santa Claus.” - -“O Carrie! what a funny Santa Claus you would make!” exclaimed Emma; and -both of the little girls laughed heartily at the idea. - -“How I would come tumbling down the chimney, with my bag full of toys!” -continued Caroline. “I would fill your stocking just as full as it could -be, Emma.” - -Emma laughed again; and then she was silent for a few moments, and -looked very thoughtful. - -“Do you think Santa Claus fills the poor children’s stockings, Carrie?” -she asked. - -Carrie looked grave also, as she replied,— - -“I don’t know, Emma. _I_ would fill their stockings if _I_ were Santa -Claus. But, Emma,” she continued, after a short pause, “you know there -is not really any such person as Santa Claus. It is our father and -mother, and other kind friends, who fill our stockings.” - -“I know that, Carrie; and this makes me afraid that the _poor_ children -do not have their stockings filled; because, you know, their friends -have no money to spend for toys and pretty presents. Don’t you think it -would be a good plan for every rich child to be a Santa Claus to some -poor child?” - -“O, yes, Emma!” exclaimed Carrie; “I think it would be a _beautiful_ -plan. How came you to think of it?” - -“I do not know, Carrie; but I suppose the good angels whispered it to -me. You know mother says that all our good thoughts are from the -angels.” - -“Well, that is a good thought, I am sure,” replied Carrie; “and I am -very glad that our father is rich, so that we can play Santa Claus. And -then it is very pleasant to live in such a handsome house, and have such -nice clothes and playthings; don’t you think so, Emma?” - -“Yes, I do,” answered Emma; “and I always feel sorry for poor little -children, who have none of these good things. You know little Mary and -Ellen Drayton? Their mother is very poor.” - -“I know she is, Emma; but she always seems cheerful, and the little -girls look very happy. How neat and clean they always look!” - -“Yes, Carrie: but their clothes are very old and patched; and they have -very few books, and no playthings but one rag baby. When mother sent me -there, the other day, to ask Mrs. Drayton about doing some work for her, -I stopped a few moments to talk to the little girls.” - -“Let us be their Santa Claus, if mamma is willing,” said Carrie. “I have -got two little gold dollars that I will spend for them.” - -“And I have two more,” added Emma. “I meant to have bought a large doll; -but I would rather give the money to Mary and Ellen.” - -The little girls now hastened to dress themselves, that they might go to -their mother, and tell her of their plan, and ask her consent to spend -their money in the way that they proposed. - -Mrs. Meredith was quite willing, and, indeed, she was much pleased that -her little daughters had thought of a way in which they might do good -and give pleasure to others; and she said that she would add two more -gold dollars to theirs, and would go with them to buy the gifts for Mary -and Ellen. - -After breakfast was over, she talked a little more with them on the -subject, and told them that it would not be best to spend all the money -for books and toys, because the little girls were much in need of warm -clothing, and it would be doing them more good to buy some things of -that kind. - -Caroline and Emma were willing to do as their mother thought best; but -they begged her to buy a _few_ books and toys, because they thought it -would make the little girls so happy. They felt very happy to find that -six dollars would buy so many things. There was not only a pretty dress -for each little girl, and some warm stockings and shoes, but also a -dress for Mrs. Drayton; and there was still money enough left for two -pretty books, two dolls, and some other toys. To these, Mrs. Meredith -proposed that Caroline and Emma should add some of their own books and -playthings, which they could well spare; and she said that she had -several articles, which would be useful to Mrs. Drayton, which she would -put with those they had bought. - -The little girls could hardly contain their delight when they saw all -these nice presents packed in one large basket, and another one filled -with tea, sugar, pies, cakes, a roasted chicken, and some other articles -of food, that Mrs. Drayton and her children might have a good -Christmas-dinner. - -Carrie and Emma were so happy that they could hardly wait for evening, -that they might play “Santa Claus,” as they called it; and they quite -forgot to think about the pretty presents which they hoped to receive -themselves, because they were so busy in thinking of the joy that Mary -and Ellen would feel when the baskets should be unpacked. - -“Let us try to be patient, and wait until the girls have gone to bed,” -said Carrie. “Mrs. Drayton sits up very late to sew; and, if mother will -let John carry the baskets for us, we will go and knock softly at the -door, and give her the things, and ask her to put some of the toys into -Mary’s and Ellen’s stockings. How surprised they will be in the -morning!” - -Emma readily agreed to this plan; and, as the house was very near, Mrs. -Meredith was quite willing that they should do so. - -We will now leave them to pass a happy afternoon in assisting their -mother in some preparations which she wished to make for the -entertainment of the young friends whom they expected to spend Christmas -with them, while we take a peep into Mrs. Drayton’s neat but humble -dwelling. - -Mary and Ellen were seated close by the side of their mother, who was -sewing busily on a pair of coarse overalls,—the last of a dozen pairs -which she had engaged to make. Mary had learned to sew neatly enough to -be of some assistance, and her mother had just given her leave to hem -the bottom of one of the legs of the overalls; while little Ellen was -reading aloud from a story-book, which had been given to her at school -as a reward for her good behavior. The story which she was reading was a -Christmas-tale; and it told of a happy family of children who gathered -around the beautiful Christmas-tree. - -When Ellen had finished her story, she laid down the book, and seemed -very thoughtful for a few minutes. Presently she looked up in her -mother’s face, and said, very gently,— - -“Will you please to let us hang up our stockings to-night, dear mother? -This is Christmas Eve. I should like a pretty tree like the one in the -story; but it will be just as pleasant to hang up our stockings. Don’t -you remember the pretty things that we found in them one year, Mary, a -good while ago, when father lived in this world with us?” - -Mrs. Drayton’s eyes filled with tears; and Mary whispered,— - -“Hush, Ellen! you grieve poor mother.” - -“No, dear, she does not grieve me,” replied Mrs. Drayton, making an -effort to speak calmly and cheerfully. “You may hang up your stockings, -my children; but you must remember that mother has no ‘pretty things’ to -put in them. The weather is now becoming very cold, and you are in need -of many articles of clothing, which I am working hard to try to procure -for you. I shall take these overalls home this evening; and, if I get -the money which I have earned by making them, I will try to put -something useful into each stocking: but you must not expect to find -toys or candies.” - -Mary’s countenance brightened as she exclaimed, “O mother! I shall like -a new apron better than a toy; for I have worn mine so long, and it -looks so very shabby.” - -But little Ellen looked sorrowful as she said, “I wish you could buy -just one stick of candy, mother,—only one; half for Mary, and half for -me.” - -“Well, dear, I will try to do so, as it is for Christmas,” answered Mrs. -Drayton; and, at this reply, Ellen’s face was also bright with smiles. - -Evening soon came: and, as their mother was obliged to leave them alone -while she carried home the work which she had finished, the little girls -concluded to hang up their stockings, and go to bed early, so that they -need not feel lonely while she was gone. They were soon fast asleep, and -dreaming of the new aprons and the stick of candy which they were to -receive the next morning. - -When Mrs. Drayton promised her children these things, she did not feel -the least doubt that she should be able to keep her promise; for the man -for whom she had been working always paid her very punctually, and on -this night he would owe her nearly two dollars. Of this sum, a large -portion must be spent for food and fuel; but there would be enough left -to buy an apron for each of the little girls, and the stick of candy -which Ellen so much desired. - -“Poor children! it is not often that I can spend even one penny for -them, except to purchase what is really necessary,” thought Mrs. -Drayton, as she entered the shop where she was to leave the work. To her -great disappointment, there was no one there but a young lad, who told -her that his employer had gone away for the evening. - -“You can leave the work,” he added, “and call again any day after -Christmas. Mr. Williams will settle with you.” - -Mrs. Drayton’s heart was very sad as she silently placed her bundle upon -the counter and left the shop. She had but six cents in the world; and -this must be spent for a loaf of bread, or her little ones would suffer -for food on Christmas Day, when they expected to be so happy. - -Her eyes filled with tears as she passed the groups of merry children, -and heard them talking so eagerly of the expected pleasures of the next -day, and thought of the empty stockings which her own darlings would -find when they awoke in the morning. But she was a good woman; and she -tried hard to put away these sad feelings, and to believe that the Lord -would do what was best for her and for her children. - -“I cannot buy the aprons,” she said: “but I will take a loaf of bread -which was baked yesterday,—that will cost but five cents; and, with the -penny which remains, I will buy the stick of candy. That will comfort -them a little.” - -She went into the baker’s shop for the loaf; and the woman in -attendance, who had often seen her before with her two little girls, -handed her two cakes, saying kindly,— - -“Your children will like a cake for Christmas.” - -Mrs. Drayton thanked her, and walked homeward with a lighter step; for -this would be such a treat to the little ones, that they would almost -forget the promised aprons. - -The last penny was spent for the candy; and she gently opened her own -door, and entered noiselessly, lest she should disturb the sleeping -children. - -“It will be but a poor Christmas,” she said, as she opened a small -cupboard, and, placing the bread in its accustomed place, looked around -upon the scanty portion of food which it contained; “but we shall not -really suffer from cold or hunger, and this should make us very -thankful.” - -As she said this, she heard a low knock at the door; and, hastening to -open it, she was surprised to find Caroline and Emma Meredith, -accompanied by John bearing two large baskets. - -“Have Mary and Ellen gone to bed?” inquired Carrie, eagerly. - -“Yes, they are both asleep, miss; but I can awaken them, if you wish.” - -“Oh, no!” was the reply; “we wanted them to be asleep, and so we waited -as long as we could. We are playing Santa Claus; and we have brought -some things for you and the girls.” - -“And we want you to put some in their stockings,” continued Emma. “Did -they hang them up?” - -“They did, indeed, my dear young lady; but I little thought that they -would be filled. I spent my last penny for one stick of candy to divide -between them.” - -“Oh! there is plenty of candy, and toys also, in the baskets,” replied -Emma. “Fill the stockings full; and tell Mary and Ellen that Santa Claus -sent them.” - -Mrs. Drayton’s heart was almost too full to speak as they wished her -good-night; and she could not help weeping with joy as she unpacked the -baskets, and saw all the good and useful things which they contained. - -The stockings were soon loaded with toys and books, and papers of cakes -and candies; the cupboard was well filled with articles of food; while -the new clothes were spread upon a chair, where the children could see -them when they awoke. - -You may be sure it was a merry Christmas morning both at Mrs. Meredith’s -and Mrs. Drayton’s. - -Carrie and Emma were full of joy, not only from receiving a variety of -beautiful presents, but from the thought of the pleasure which Mary and -Ellen would feel when they found their stockings so well filled. And -breakfast had not long been over, when the two little girls came hand in -hand, with sparkling eyes and hearts full of gratitude, to thank the -young ladies for their kindness. - -“Oh, we never saw so many pretty things!” exclaimed Ellen. “Mary and I -are so glad, and we thank you so much! Mamma cried when she saw us jump -and laugh so much when we awoke this morning; but she said she cried -because she was glad too, and not because she was sorry.” - -“Yes, she was _very, very_ glad,” said Mary. “We needed all the things -very much; and poor mamma had no money.” - -Mrs. Meredith and Carrie and Emma felt very happy as they listened to -these expressions of the children’s gratitude and joy; and, when Mr. -Meredith heard the story, he said he would send a load of wood and coal -to Mrs. Drayton, that he might have his share in “playing Santa Claus.” - - - - - NOTHING TO GIVE. - - -“A happy New Year to you, Lottie!” exclaimed a bright-eyed and neatly -dressed little girl, as she tapped at the door of a small apartment in -the second story of a large dwelling-house which was occupied by a -number of poor families. - -The summons was answered, and the greeting returned, by Lottie herself, -who proved to be a pleasant-looking little girl of about the same age as -the visitor. - -“A happy New Year to you, Miss Emily!” she replied; “and thank you for -calling to see me so early in the morning. Will you walk in?” - -“No, thank you, Lottie: for I have several places to go to; and I must -be at home in good season. Mamma says that this is the day for the -gentlemen to make calls, and the ladies must stay at home; but she gave -me leave to call upon you, and three or four other little girls who go -to sabbath school with me. Here is a New-Year’s gift for you, Lottie. Is -your mother well?” - -“Oh! thank you, Miss Emily. Yes, my mother is quite well. She will be -here in a few moments.” - -“I will call and see her another time. Good morning, Lottie!” And, with -a kind smile, Emily ran quickly down the steep stairs; and, in another -moment, Lottie heard the street-door close after her. - -The “New-Year’s gift” which she had handed to Lottie was contained in -quite a large and neatly folded parcel; and the little girl hastened to -close the door of the room, that she might examine it at her leisure. - -She placed it upon the table, and untied the string; but still she did -not feel quite willing to unfold the paper until her mother returned to -share her pleasure. - -She had not long to wait: for, just then, a step was heard in the entry; -and her mother entered, with a small basket on her arm, containing a few -articles of daily food which she had been purchasing. - -The paper was quickly unfolded now; and a neat hood and shawl, with a -pair of warm mittens, soon appeared. - -Lottie clapped her hands with delight. “Miss Emily brought them to me, -mother!” she exclaimed. “Is she not very kind? Now I can go to sabbath -school all winter; for my frock and shoes are quite good yet: but my -thin cape and my straw hat were very cold.” - -“They were indeed, my child,” replied Mrs. Wilton (Lottie’s mother); -“and I am very grateful to the young lady and her mother for their -kindness in sending you these warm garments. This is a happy New-Year’s -Day for you.” - -Very happy did Lottie feel, and bright as the sunshine was her face, for -some minutes: but then a shadow seemed to come over her glad spirit; -and, after a little thought, she said, almost sadly, “How very happy -Miss Emily must be to be able to give such nice presents to poor people, -mother! How I wish I had something to give!” - -“And have you nothing, Lottie?” asked Mrs. Wilton, kindly. - -“Nothing at all, mother. You know we are so poor, that we need -everything we have for ourselves.” - -“We are, indeed, quite poor, Lottie; but that need not prevent us from -giving to others. You cannot go, as Miss Emily does, and carry warm -garments to those who are poorer than yourself; but still you may do -much for their happiness and comfort. Give them the love that is in your -little heart; and you will soon find that you have no reason to say that -you have nothing to give.” - -“But love will not do them any good, mother,” persisted the little girl. -“I want to be able to make New-Year’s gifts to those who are in want.” - -“Give them your love, and you will often find that the gifts will come -of themselves, Lottie,” replied her mother. And, as she spoke, Lottie’s -countenance brightened; and she exclaimed,— - -“O mother! I know what I can do, if you are willing. I can give a part -of my breakfast to those two little children up in the third story; for -you know they are a great deal poorer than we are.” - -“I think they are, Lottie; and you may divide your breakfast with them, -if you please. And here is a New-Year’s cake that the baker gave me for -you when I went for the loaf of bread.” - -“Such a nice large one! and so pretty!” said Lottie, as she looked -admiringly at the figures upon the cake. “I can give a part of this to -the children, mother.” - -“Very well: now eat your own bread, and then you may go with theirs. So -you will have the pleasure of making one New-Year’s gift this pleasant -morning; and if you keep your heart filled with love, and all your -servants busy in helping you to make this love useful to others, you -will find many opportunities to make gifts before the day passes away.” - -“My _servants_, mother!” exclaimed Lottie. “Who are they?” - -Mrs. Wilton smiled, as she replied, “You have two bright eyes, Lottie; -and, with these, you can look around for those who are in need of your -assistance. You have two quick ears with which to hear their wants; and -you have hands and feet which will cheerfully work at your bidding.” - -The shadow had quite gone from Lottie’s heart and from her face: for she -now began to see clearly what her mother meant; and she had already -formed many little plans for doing good. - -A large portion of her own breakfast and of the tempting cake were given -to the hungry little children; and their joy, and the eagerness with -which they ate the food, showed that the gift was a most acceptable one. - -The next hour was passed in assisting her mother: for, as Lottie justly -observed, “Mother ought to have a New-Year’s gift as well as other -people;” and the only thing she could give her would be a little more -help than usual. - -Mrs. Wilton was glad to find her room in neat order, and to be able to -sit down to her sewing at an early hour: for she was making some -garments, which she had promised to have completed within a few days; -and, if they were ready at the promised time, she was to receive extra -pay. - -“And now, mother,” said Lottie, “I will take the basket, and try to find -some bits of wood around the new buildings. Perhaps I shall find some -one to whom I can make a New-Year’s gift while I am gone.” - -“I have no doubt you will, dear,” replied Mrs. Wilton; and Lottie ran -merrily away, while her mother employed her hands very busily, and her -thoughts no less so: for New-Year’s Day brings many recollections,—both -sad and pleasant memories of years gone by. Mrs. Wilton thought of the -time when she had a kind husband to love and care for her, and when a -fine manly boy, some two or three years older than Lottie, was among her -household treasures. Both husband and son had long since passed to the -spiritual world; and the poor widow was now obliged to work hard for the -support of herself and her little girl. But she had a cheerful, -uncomplaining spirit; and she trusted with full faith in our heavenly -Father, who never forsakes the widow and the fatherless. - -The little that she could earn with her needle was not always sufficient -to supply them with necessary comforts; but, as yet, they had never -suffered from cold or hunger. Often their most pressing wants, as in the -case of Lottie’s hood and shawl, had been unexpectedly supplied; and, -thankfully acknowledging the Providence which watched over them, the -widow worked away steadily and cheerfully, with little anxiety for the -future. - -But we must accompany little Lottie, as she bounded merrily along, with -her basket in her hand. The first object which attracted her attention, -when she reached the new buildings, was an old woman, bent nearly double -with infirmity and age, slowly endeavoring to gather a few of the chips -which lay scattered upon the ground. - -“Poor old creature!” thought Lottie, pityingly, “I have a great mind to -fill her basket before I do my own. There are not many children picking -up chips this morning: and I shall find enough, I dare say.” - -“I will fill your basket for you,” she said kindly, as she drew near to -the woman; “and you can sit on these boards, and rest.” - -The old woman looked surprised, and, at first, seemed a little afraid to -let Lottie take the basket. Perhaps she thought she might run away with -the pieces she had already collected; for some children are wicked -enough to do such things. But, when she looked in the little girl’s -pleasant face, all her fear went away; and she gladly rested herself -upon the boards, while Lottie’s busy hands and feet worked briskly until -the basket was well loaded with the nice dry chips. - -“Have you far to go? Shall I help you to carry it?” asked Lottie, as she -placed the load at the old woman’s feet. - -“You are a good child; and I thank you,” was the reply. “But I am well -rested now, and can get home by myself. Make haste, and fill your own -basket. Good-by! and may God bless you!” - -Lottie’s heart was very glad, as she watched the old woman moving -quickly along with the basket. - -“She walks quite fast,” she said to herself. “I am so glad that I helped -her, and gave her time to rest! Those chips were a nice New-Year’s gift -for her.” - -After half an hour of patient labor, Lottie succeeded in filling her own -basket, and set out on her return home. - -As she turned into the street which led to her own dwelling, she saw a -richly dressed lady upon the sidewalk, a little in advance of her. -Lottie looked admiringly at her velvet hat, and the soft, warm furs, and -splendid silk dress. - -“What a happy lady!” she said to herself. “What beautiful New-Year’s -gifts _she_ can make!” - -As Lottie said this, a rich lace-veil, which had been lightly thrown -over the lady’s hat, fell upon the sidewalk; and the owner passed on -without observing her loss. - -“Stop, ma’am! please stop!” called the little girl, as she placed her -basket upon the stones, and ran quickly along, with the veil in her -hand. - -“Thank you, my child,” said the lady, as she turned around in answer to -Lottie’s repeated calls. “I should have been very sorry to have lost my -veil. Here is a quarter of a dollar for you.” - -“No, thank you, ma’am,” returned Lottie, blushing deeply. “I do not want -any pay. I am glad that I found your veil. It is New-Year’s Day; and I -like to have something to give people.” - -“Well, you have made me a beautiful present,” replied the lady, smiling; -“for I should certainly have lost my veil if it had not been for you. -But why may I not make you a little gift in return?” - -Lottie still shrunk from taking the money; and, after a moment’s -thought, the lady ceased to urge her, and, after inquiring the number of -her residence, bade her “Good-morning!” and walked on; while the little -girl took up her basket of wood, and hastened to her mother. - -Mrs. Wilton listened with delight to her account of the adventures of -the morning, and sympathized with her pleasure in having already made -three or four New-Year’s gifts. - -“And now, mother,” said Lottie, “I will help you to sew; and by and by, -if you will give me leave, I will go and read one of my pretty books, -that the teacher gave me, to that little sick girl in the next street. -Don’t you remember I told you about her? She used to come to sabbath -school.” - -“Yes, I remember what you told me, Lottie. You may go to see her this -afternoon. And now I have a long seam for you to sew.” - -“I am glad that I can sew neatly enough to help you, mother,” said -Lottie; and in a few moments she was seated at her mother’s side, sewing -away as busily as Mrs. Wilton herself. - -The afternoon visit to the little sick girl proved a very pleasant one; -and Lottie came home with the delightful consciousness that she had done -much good, and almost made the little sufferer forget her pain. - -“This has been a _happy, happy_ day,” she said. “I wish every New-Year’s -Day would be like it.” - -“_All_ days may be much like it, my dear child,” replied her mother, “if -you continue to find happiness in doing good to others. You will not -again complain that you have ‘nothing to give.’” - -“No, indeed, mother; for I have found that even poor people like us have -many things to give which make others happy. And you know, mother, I -gave something even to that rich lady.” - -“You did, indeed, dear,” answered Mrs. Wilton, smiling. “And now go to -sleep, and dream of your happy day.” - -Lottie’s dreams were very pleasant, you may be sure; and her mother saw -her smile many times in her sleep, as if the angels were whispering to -her in their words of love. - -The next day brought a visit from the lady who had lost the veil. She -had not forgotten little Lottie; and now came to inquire into Mrs. -Wilton’s circumstances, and to offer her assistance if she was in need. -A kind friend she proved to the widow and her child; and they often -thought with thankfulness of the day when Lottie picked up the veil, -rejoicing, in her simplicity, that she had _something to give_. - - - - - WILLIE’S GOLD DOLLAR. - - -“Such beautiful toys! such beautiful toys!” exclaimed little Willie -Duncan, as he clapped his hands, and capered about the room with -delight. - -It was a bright, frosty, Christmas morning; and Willie had just taken -down the stocking, which he had carefully hung in the chimney-corner the -evening before, in the hope that some kind friend would play the part of -Santa Claus for him. - -His hope was not disappointed: for the stocking was found most -bountifully filled; and Willie eagerly hastened to examine its contents. -It was fortunate that he had borrowed his grandfather’s long stocking -for the occasion; for his own little sock could never have contained the -beautiful, large humming-top, and the pretty Noah’s ark, which now met -his eyes. And then the large, soft ball, just right for playing in the -house in stormy weather; and the nice transparent slate, with which -Willie could amuse himself when the older folks wished him to be quiet. -All these things, and many more, were safely packed away in grandpa’s -great stocking. Papers of candy, stores of nuts and almonds, and pretty -little lady-apples, came to light as Willie continued his search; and -last of all, in a tiny wooden box, was found a bright gold dollar. - -“I am sure grandpa must have put that in himself,” said Willie; “for I -saw a gold dollar in his desk-drawer yesterday. But oh, mother! did you -ever see so many pretty things? Am I not very happy?” - -“I hope so, indeed, my dear boy,” answered Mrs. Duncan, smiling; “but -pretty things do not always make us happy.” - -“Not unless we are good, you mean, mother. But I will try to be good. -Only look at this humming-top!” - -“It is a fine one, Willie. Here is a cord. Try if you can spin it.” - -The top was soon whirling merrily upon the floor, and humming so loudly -that Willie had to clap his hands once more; and even baby, who was -pillowed up in his crib, unpacking his own wee little stocking, dropped -the china pussy-cat, which he had just taken out, and stretched his -little hands toward the top, crowing with delight. - -But now mother said that both Willie and baby must put by their toys, -and be dressed for breakfast; and she gave Willie a basket to put all -his new treasures into, that he might carry them down stairs easily, and -exhibit them to his father. - -“And what will you buy with the gold dollar, Willie?” asked Mr. Duncan, -after he had examined and admired all the pretty gifts. - -Willie looked very thoughtful as he replied, “I should like to do some -good with it, father. I think I ought to,—do not you?” - -“We ought always to try to do good, Willie; but I am not sure that I -quite understand what you mean.” - -“I heard you say the other day, father, that we should love to share -with others the blessings which the Lord gives to us.” - -“That is right, my son: I did say something of the kind.” - -“Well, father, I have a great many blessings this morning,—all these -pretty toys; and so I think I ought to spend the gold dollar for other -people.” - -“I am glad you think so, Willie. And who would you like to spend it -for?” - -“If you are willing, father, I should like to give it to lame Georgie to -buy a book. He told me, a few days ago, that he wanted very much to buy -a book called ‘Rollo at Work,’ because there is a story in it about a -lame boy named Georgie, just like him. You know Georgie’s father is -poor; and I do not think he can spare the money to buy a book. May I -give him my dollar, father?” - -“Certainly, Willie: you may take it to him as soon as you have eaten -your breakfast.” - -Willie’s eyes sparkled with delight. His breakfast was quickly eaten, -and his warm comforter and mittens put on. - -“May I go to the bookstore and buy the book for Georgie, if he wishes me -to, mother?” he asked; “and may I stay with him a little while?” - -Mrs. Duncan readily granted her permission; for although Georgie’s -father and mother were poor, yet they were very worthy people, and had -taught him to be an obedient, good boy, so that Willie’s parents were -quite willing that he should sometimes go to play with him. - -Willie found Georgie sitting in his usual seat by the fireside, with a -small stand placed near him, on which were a little box and a new -gimlet. - -“O Willie,” he exclaimed joyfully, as Willie entered, “I am so glad you -have come! Only see what nice Christmas-gifts I have got! Father bought -me this new gimlet; and a kind lady, who comes to see my mother -sometimes, sent me this pretty dissected map. I have been playing with -it all the morning.” - -As Georgie spoke, he opened the box which stood upon the stand, and -showed Willie that it contained a map of the world, cut into small -pieces, which could all be neatly fitted together. Willie had several -maps of this kind at home; and he was just going to say that he did not -think this was much of a present, and to tell Georgie how many pretty -toys he had received, when he remembered that it would not be kind to do -so; and he said, pleasantly,— - -“It is a very pretty map, Georgie: I am glad the lady gave it to you. -And what a nice gimlet! You can bore large holes with this.” - -“Yes,” replied Georgie: “you know I have a small one; and I have wanted -a large one for a long time. But tell me about your presents, Willie; -for I am sure you have had a great many.” - -“Yes, I have had a good many,” answered Willie; “and I have brought one -of them to you.” - -So saying, Willie took out the little box, which contained the gold -dollar, and handed it to Georgie. - -“What a pretty little box!” said Georgie: “I never saw so small a one in -my life. Thank you, Willie!” - -“Open it, Georgie!” exclaimed Willie, laughing: “it has got your new -book in it.” - -“My new book!” said Georgie: “it must be a very small one, then. O -Willie, what a beautiful gold dollar!” he exclaimed, as he took off the -cover. “Do you mean to give all this to me?” - -“Yes, Georgie: it is to buy the book that you want so much.” - -“You are _very_ kind, Willie! I shall be so happy to have that book! I -wish I could walk to the bookstore, and I would go for it this minute.” - -“I can go,” replied Willie. “Mother gave me leave; and, when I come -back, we will read the book, Georgie, and I will tell you all about my -presents; for I can stay with you a while.” - -Georgie was very glad to hear this; and Willie took the gold dollar, and -ran joyfully away. - -He very soon returned, with the much-wished-for book in his hand. - -“Here it is, Georgie,” he said; “and here is a half-dollar in change: -that is enough to buy another book, if you wish.“ - -“But I think you ought to keep the half-dollar, Willie. This book is -enough for you to give me. I am sure I am very much obliged to you.” - -“Oh, no, Georgie! I meant to give you the whole dollar. Shall I run back -to the bookstore, and buy another Rollo book? There are a great many -different kinds.” - -Georgie thought for a moment; and then he said,— - -“No, Willie: I think it would not be right. I have my new map, my -gimlet, and this pretty book: I am very happy to have such beautiful -presents. And now, if you are so kind as to give me this half-dollar, I -should like to buy something to give to some one who is not so happy as -I am.” - -“That is right, Georgie,” said Willie. “Father says we should always be -willing to share our blessings with others. But what will you buy, -Georgie?” - -“There is a little girl in the other part of this house,” replied -Georgie, “who has been ill for a long time. Her mother is poor, and -cannot buy her many nice things, such as sick people need. I think I -should like to buy some nice grapes with the half-dollar, and give them -to her for Christmas.” - -“Oh, yes, Georgie!” exclaimed Willie. “She will like them, I am sure: -for once, when I was ill, my mother bought a bunch of grapes for me; and -they tasted so good!” - -Georgie’s mother now came into the room; and Georgie showed her the -book, and asked her if he could buy grapes for the sick girl with the -half-dollar. She was quite willing, and said that she was going out for -a little while, and would take the money, and buy the grapes. - -“And please come home before Willie goes away, mother,” said Georgie; -“for I want him to go with me to give Mary the grapes.” - -Georgie’s mother said she would not stay long; and then she put on her -bonnet and shawl, and went away, while the two little boys amused -themselves very pleasantly with the new book and the map. Willie also -told Georgie about his Christmas-gifts, and promised to bring the -humming-top to show him the next time that he came. - -Very soon Georgie’s mother came, with a paper containing some beautiful -bunches of white grapes; and Georgie took his crutches, which he was -obliged to use in walking, and, asking Willie to bring the grapes, he -led the way to the part of the house where little Mary and her mother -lived. - -They found the little sick girl lying upon a small cot-bed. Every thing -was very neat and clean about her; and although she looked very pale and -sick, yet her countenance was cheerful and pleasant; and she smiled -sweetly when she saw the little boys. - -“I wish you a merry Christmas, Georgie,” she said; “and I am very glad -you have come to see me; for I have something so beautiful to show you! -Please, mother, bring it to me.” - -Her mother brought a tumbler containing a pretty little bunch of -flowers, and held it close to Mary. - -“Only look, Georgie!” continued the little girl, as she stretched out -her small, white hand, and gently touched the flowers; “are they not -beautiful? The kind doctor who comes to see me sometimes sent them to me -for Christmas. They smell _so_ sweet!” - -“They are beautiful, Mary,” said Georgie. “I am very glad that you have -got them; and Willie and I have brought you something for Christmas, -too.” - -As he spoke, he took the paper of grapes from Willie’s hands, and gave -it to Mary’s mother, saying,— - -“Will you please to put a bunch upon a plate, and give them to Mary?” - -“O Mary! this is just what I have wanted to give you when your mouth is -so hot and parched,” exclaimed her mother. “I am sure we thank you very -much, Georgie.” - -“Willie gave me the money,” replied Georgie. “He gave me a gold dollar -to buy a book: but it cost only half a dollar; and so we could buy -grapes for Mary.” - -“They are _very_ nice,” said the little girl, as her mother carefully -removed the skin from one of the grapes, and placed it in her mouth. “I -thank you, Georgie; and I thank Willie, too: I am glad he came to see -me.” - -“I will come again, Mary,” said Willie, going up to the bedside: “and I -will bring you one of my boxes of guava jelly; for I had two in my -Christmas stocking. Sick people can eat guava jelly; and you will like -it, I am sure.” - -Mary’s mother did not like to have the little girl talk long at one -time: so Georgie and Willie bade her good-by, and went away; and very -soon it was time for Willie to go home. - -His mother was much pleased to hear about his visit; and she said, “Your -gold dollar has made several people happy,—has it not Willie?” - -“Yes, mother. It made grandpa happy to give it to me; and it made me -happy to give it to Georgie; and then Georgie was happy to give the -grapes to the little girl; and she and her mother were both happy to -have them. I am glad that my gold dollar has given so many people -pleasure, mother.” - -“And I am glad also, Willie. It is good to love to share with others the -blessings which the Lord gives to us.” - - - - - THE THANKSGIVING PARTY. - - -“Oh, mother, mother!” exclaimed Lucy Welford, as she bounded into her -mother’s room, one bright, frosty morning in November, “Uncle John is in -the parlor, and he has come to ask you if he may take Mary and me home -with him to pass Thanksgiving. O, please, mother, let us go. -Thanksgiving in the country is so delightful, much more so than in the -city. Such fine sleigh-rides, and such grand slides on the pond.” - -“And the delicious pumpkin pies, and the roast turkeys, and the bowls of -sweet milk and cream,” continued Mary, who had followed her sister to -hear their mother’s decision. “Oh, it will be so pleasant. And only -think, mother, Uncle John is going to have a large party—a regular -feast—he says; and Aunt Clara thinks that Lucy and I can assist her very -much if you will be so kind as to let us go.” - -“Very well,” replied their mother, smiling; “we will go and talk with -Uncle John about it, and see if father thinks he can spare both of his -girls for a few days.” - -To the great joy of Mary and Lucy, father and mother at length gave -their consent; and, warmly wrapped in hoods and cloaks, with a large -carpet-bag to contain such articles as would be necessary for them -during their stay, they sprang lightly into Uncle John’s comfortable -sleigh, and with many a kind good-by to the dear ones at home, were soon -riding swiftly away, leaving far behind the various sights and sounds of -the busy city. - -A pleasant ride of fifteen miles brought them to the old-fashioned farm -house, where the sound of the merry bells soon called Aunt Clara to the -door, and with a most affectionate welcome, she embraced her young -nieces, and expressed her joy that their parents had consented to spare -them to her for a short time. - -The ride in the fresh air had given the girls fine rosy cheeks and -excellent appetites, and they were quite ready to accept Aunt Clara’s -invitation to take a luncheon of bread and milk, and some of her nice -doughnuts. - -“And now, dear aunt, do tell us all about the party,” exclaimed Lucy. -“Will there be any young folks, or is it only for grown up people like -you and Uncle John? We tried to make him tell us about it as we rode -along; but he only laughed, and said we should find out when the day -came.” - -“There will be both young and old,” replied their aunt, smiling, “about -fifty in all; so you see I shall be much in need of your assistance in -entertaining so large a company.” - -“We will do everything we can to help you,” said Mary, “and we have -brought our new winter frocks to wear, and new ribbons for our hair; and -mother said, if anything else was needed, we could send her word -to-morrow, as Uncle John said he should be obliged to go into town.” - -“Oh, your dress will do very well, I have no doubt,” replied her aunt. -“Our friends are not very showy people, and will come in plain attire. -But I must leave you and Lucy to entertain yourselves for a short time, -as a part of my morning work is unfinished. I suppose you will not be at -a loss for amusement.” - -“Not at all,” answered both of the girls. “We will go to the barn, and -find Uncle John, and see if our old pets among the sheep and the cows -have forgotten us.” - -The remainder of the day passed pleasantly away, and the girls were so -much fatigued with the unusual exercise they had taken in running about -the farm, that they were quite glad when bed-time came, and slept -soundly until the bright rays of the morning sun were beaming in at -their window. - -“To-morrow will be the day for the party,” exclaimed Lucy, as she and -her sister hastened to dress for breakfast, fearful that they had -already kept their aunt waiting. “I expect to enjoy it so much.” - -“So do I,” replied Mary. “I am very glad that there are young people -coming. There are some sweet little girls in the neighborhood. I hope -Aunt Clara has invited Mrs. Carlton’s family. They live in the great -white house on the hill, and are very genteel, pleasant people.” - -“No doubt they will be here,” returned Lucy, “and the Wilsons and -Smiths, and, perhaps, Mr. Marion’s family. There must be many others -coming whom we do not know, for aunt said there would be about fifty -guests. O, I am sure it will be delightful!” - -Breakfast over, Aunt Clara soon found abundance of work for her two -young assistants. There were nutmegs to grate, eggs to beat, apples to -pare, meat to mince, and various other employments, which the girls -found very interesting. The tables were soon loaded with pies, cakes, -warm bread, and every variety of eatables, while turkeys and chickens by -the dozen were in a state of preparation, and the large pots over the -fire were filled with the nice hams which Uncle John had provided for -the occasion. Everything showed that there was to be a bountiful feast, -and our young friends danced for joy, as they thought of the pleasure in -store for them. - -The much wished for day came at length, and a bright and beautiful day -it was. The guests were expected to assemble about noon, and by eleven -o’clock, Lucy and Mary, having assisted their aunt in preparing the long -table in the dining-room, hastened to their own apartment to dress, that -they might be in readiness to receive them. - -The great double sleigh with the pretty gray ponies was already -harnessed, for some of the visitors, as Uncle John observed, lived at -quite a distance from the farm, and he had promised to send for them at -the proper time. - -“Very kind in Uncle John,” observed Mary to her sister, “but I should -think they would prefer coming in their own carriages.” - -“But it is so pleasant to load up that old double sleigh,” returned -Lucy. “The younger part of the company will enjoy the arrangement -exceedingly. Just tie this bow for me, Mary, and then, I believe, we are -all ready. Let us go down at once. I have no doubt that a part of the -company have arrived.” - -But the parlors were still empty. Even Aunt Clara had not yet appeared, -and after surveying themselves with much satisfaction in the large -mirror, and impatiently walking up and down the room for a short time, -the girls resolved to seek her, and inquire if the appointed dinner hour -had not nearly arrived. To their surprise, they found the table already -loaded with the smoking plum puddings, and nicely roasted turkeys and -chickens, which Uncle John and Aunt Clara were carrying with all -possible despatch. - -“But no one has come yet, Uncle John,” exclaimed both Lucy and Mary in a -breath. “Will not the dinner be cold?” - -“Our friends have all arrived,” was their uncle’s quiet reply; and as he -spoke, the door leading from the great kitchen was thrown open, and a -crowd of persons, young and old, appeared. - -There was the honest laborer, who had toiled hard through the year for -the support of his large family. There, too, was the cheerful wife and -the joyful little ones, and, perhaps, the aged grand-parents, whose -feeble steps were supported by their children, as they took their seats -at the bountifully spread table. In short, most of the worthy poor in -the immediate vicinity of the farm were there assembled, and some few -from a greater distance. - -Mary and Lucy had not time to recover from their surprise, before all -the guests were seated at the table, and Uncle John, rising from his -chair, bade them all a kindly welcome, and after explaining in a few -words the origin of Thanksgiving Day, asked them all to unite with him -in a prayer of thankfulness to the Lord, from whom every mercy is -received. - -Each guest was then plentifully supplied with the good things upon the -table, and Aunt Clara requested her nieces to attend particularly to the -little children, and see that all their wants were cared for. - -A happier party was seldom seen. After dinner, presents of food and -clothing were distributed among them, and Mary and Lucy found great -satisfaction in dressing the children in new clothes, and seeing the -gratitude and joy in their smiling little faces. - -After an hour or two spent in this manner, the great sleigh and the gray -horses came merrily jingling to the door, and the old people and the -children were safely conveyed to their homes, and the rest of the party, -with many thanks and blessings to their kind entertainers, took their -leave. - -“Well, girls, how did you enjoy my party?” exclaimed Uncle John, as he -reëntered the parlor, after bidding farewell to the last of his guests. - -“O, very much indeed,” was the reply. “It was very different from what -we expected, but still we enjoyed it very much. It is so pleasant to -make others happy.” - -“It is, indeed, my children,” returned Uncle John, “and it appears to me -that on a day like this, it is the duty of all those whom the Lord has -blessed with abundance, to seek out the needy and afflicted, and -endeavor to relieve their wants.” - -When the harvest is gathered in, and the farmer beholds his table loaded -with the rich fruits of the year, he should call upon the aged, the -poor, and the helpless to come in with him and share his feast. - - - - - A CHRISTMAS STORY. - - -“Have you recollected that this is the first day of winter, Mary?” asked -Isabel Gordon as she came into the room where her younger sister was -seated with her atlas spread before her, busily engaged in preparing her -lessons for the next day. - -“I have not thought of it before,” replied Mary, quietly. - -“But now you do think of it, Mary, do you remember what we agreed to do -on this day? Christmas will soon be here now, you know.” - -“In little more than three weeks. Yes, Isabel, I know what you are -thinking of. We agreed to open our banks to-day, and see how much we -have saved to spend for Christmas gifts.” - -“Yes, that is it,” replied Isabel, joyfully. “I am so glad that we can -open them at last. I want to know how much we have saved. Shall I bring -them now?” - -“If you please. I have just finished learning my geography lesson.” - -Isabel ran to the closet, and quickly returned with two money-boxes, or -banks, in her hand. She gave one to her sister, and taking the other -herself, they both succeeded, without much difficulty, in making an -opening so that they could get at the treasure within. For nearly a year -the little girls had saved almost every penny which had been given them, -that they might have the pleasure of giving as well as receiving the -pretty holiday gifts. - -“Well, Mary, how much have you?” asked Isabel, as she finished counting -the pile of pennies, sixpences, and shillings which lay before her. - -“Four dollars and a few pennies,” answered Mary. “I did not think I had -so much.” - -“And I have a little more than _five_ dollars,” said Isabel, -triumphantly. “You know I saved the gold dollar which grandfather gave -me, and you did not. Are you not sorry that you spent it?” - -“Not at all, Isabel. That dollar has done more good in the last two -months than it would have done lying in our little banks. You know I -bought a nice pair of shoes and some stockings for Susan Green, that she -might attend the sabbath school. Her teacher says she is learning very -fast, and is one of the best children in her class.” - -“Well, never mind that now, Mary. Let us talk about the best way to -spend our money. What will you buy for father and mother? I am going to -work a pair of slippers for father, and I shall buy a pretty worked -collar for mother. I heard her say the other day that she needed some -new collars.” - -“Have you time to embroider a pair of slippers?” asked Mary. - -“Oh yes! Ellen Shaw taught me a new way. I shall buy the slippers ready -made, and then embroider them with gold thread. They will cost me about -a dollar, and mother’s collar will be nearly two. Then I must buy a -present for Betsey; a new apron will please her, I think, and will not -cost too much. I have a nice plan for spending the remainder of the -money; but first let me hear what you are going to do with yours.” - -“I shall buy a handsome inkstand for father’s desk. You know he broke -his large one the other day, and is using an old one of mother’s now. I -will try to get one just like that which he broke. For mother I will buy -a beautiful rose-bush to put upon her flower-stand. For Betsey I shall -have a nice warm hood. I am to buy the materials, and mother has -promised to help me make it. There will still be as much as a dollar and -a half remaining, and mother says that if this is expended prudently it -will do a great deal of good. I have not quite decided what to do with -it, but I think I shall make a nice warm coverlet for that poor old man -and his wife whom we went to see last week. I heard the old woman -telling mother that she often suffered dreadfully with rheumatism during -the winter; and when I looked around and saw what a miserable shanty -they have to shelter them, I could hardly keep from weeping.” - -“But I dare say that some one else will give them a coverlet,” replied -Isabel, with a look of disappointment, “and I want you to put your money -with mine, and buy a pretty present for our teacher. We can get a very -pretty work-box for three dollars, and I am sure she would be very much -pleased.” - -Mary was silent for a few minutes. She loved her teacher very much, and -thought it would be very pleasant to make her a present; but then the -remembrance of the poor old couple in the wretched shanty came strongly -to her mind, and she said, decidedly, “No, Isabel, I cannot do it. I -should be very glad to make Miss Spencer a present, and perhaps mother -will show me how to make a needle-book for her, but the poor people need -a coverlet more than she needs a work-box.” - -“That is no rule, Mary. We cannot always give to those who need it the -most. All of the girls are going to call at Miss Spencer’s house on -Christmas morning, and each one will take her a little gift. If you will -only join with me, our present will be prettier and more valuable than -any other she will receive.” - -“I do not care about that, Isabel. Miss Spencer will not value the gifts -for the sake of what they cost. She will be pleased to find that we -think of her and love her. But I am sure she would rather I would spend -my money in doing good. You know we both agreed to save a part for the -poor.” - -“I know we did, but some other time will do as well as Christmas,” -replied Isabel. “If you will not help me to buy the work-box, I will buy -it myself, and not spend so much on my other presents. I saw a beauty -for three dollars, the other day, and I am determined to have one like -it.” - -“Father says that we ought to try to do all the good we can upon -Christmas day,” answered Mary, gently. “You know it is the anniversary -of the day when the Lord Jesus Christ came into the world, that He might -do more good to men; and if we love to do as He teaches us, we shall be -willing to give up our own pleasure for the sake of helping others.” - -Isabel felt that she was in the wrong, but she was not willing to -acknowledge it, and therefore replied rather crossly that Mary could do -as she pleased, but she had no idea of spending her money in Christmas -gifts for the poor. - -The girls therefore said no more to each other upon the subject. They -were both very busy in their preparations for Christmas, however, and -long before the important day arrived everything was in readiness. The -work-box for her teacher had taken so large a portion of Isabel’s money, -that her gifts for her other friends were necessarily trifling, but she -did not regret this when she thought how pleased Miss Spencer would be -with so valuable a present, and how astonished her young companions -would appear at her generosity. - -Mary had, with the advice of her mother, expended the part of her money -which she had set apart for the poor, so judiciously, that it went much -farther than she had anticipated. Some partly worn dresses served for -the outside of the coverlet, and with the money thus saved, many other -comfortable things were procured. The happy little girl danced for joy -when all was completed, and she thought how much good even her small -hands could do. - -The day before Christmas arrived; and a merry group of girls had -assembled at an early hour in Miss Spencer’s pleasant school-room, to -talk over their plans for the holidays. - -“And now, girls, let us arrange at what hour we will call on Miss -Spencer, to wish her a merry Christmas, and present our little gifts,” -exclaimed Caroline Elwyn, one of the oldest of the scholars. “I propose -that we should all meet at the great oak tree, at ten o’clock to-morrow -morning, and then we can go together. Only you must be sure to be -punctual, for the weather is rather too cold to make it very agreeable -to wait for each other.” - -All of the girls readily agreed to this plan, and then followed an -animated discussion as to the beauty and value of their separate gifts. -One had prepared a work-bag, another a needle-book, a third had worked a -collar, a fourth a pin-cushion. - -“And now, tell us what your present is to be, Isabel,” said Caroline -Elwyn. “You are so wonderfully silent about it, that we suspect it must -be something far surpassing our humble offerings. You shake your head. -Well, we will not urge you. Cannot you enlighten us, Mary?” - -“I can only tell you what my own gift is to be,” was the smiling reply, -“I have made a pen-wiper to lie upon her desk.” - -“We shall soon discover Isabel’s secret,” exclaimed another of the -girls. “Only a few hours, now, before the happy time will be here. I -wish it were night. Time passes so quickly when we are sleeping.” - -The merry laugh which this remark occasioned had hardly subsided, when -their teacher entered the room. She greeted them with her usual -affectionate good morning, and pleasantly remarked that they must study -with unusual diligence that day, as the holidays were so near. - -The girls cheerfully took their books, and, in spite of their joyful -anticipations for the coming weeks, their lessons were well learned and -recited. - -Toward the close of the afternoon session, Miss Spencer requested them -to put away their books, as she had something to say to them before she -closed the school. - -When everything was arranged in an orderly manner, she told them that it -had been her custom for several years to visit the poor families in the -neighborhood on Christmas day, and endeavor to do what she could for -their comfort. She said that she hoped that all of her scholars had -thought of the poor in preparing their Christmas gifts, and had -remembered that though it was very pleasant and proper to present tokens -of affection to their friends, yet it was better still to relieve those -who were in need. - -Mary looked at her teacher while she was speaking, with such a bright, -animated expression, that Miss Spencer could not help remarking it, and -said, kindly, - -“Have you thought of this in your preparations for Christmas, Mary?” - -“I have tried to do what I could, ma’am,” was the modest reply. - -“I had thought of proposing that some of my scholars should accompany me -in my visits to the poor to-morrow,” continued Miss Spencer. “There is -one old couple in particular whom I am very anxious to assist, as they -are exceedingly destitute. They live in that miserable shanty at the -foot of the hill. How many of you are willing to aid me in this good -work, provided your parents consent?” - -Almost every hand was raised, and then each spoke in turn. One had saved -a dollar for the use of the poor, and would give any part of it which -her teacher thought best. Another had a half dollar, another a quarter, -and three pretty little girls said they each had a bright dime, which -mother had given them to spend for the poor. Mary had no money, but she -told of the warm coverlet and some comfortable flannels which she had -prepared for the very couple whom her teacher wished to assist. - -“We shall make their home a happy one to-morrow,” said Miss Spencer. “I -have two dollars of my own to give them, and I have also prepared a -basket of food suitable for their Christmas dinner. But I think you have -not yet spoken, Isabel. Have you nothing to give? I believe you told me -that you had saved five dollars for Christmas gifts. A part of this -would be well disposed in relieving these poor sufferers.” - -Isabel blushed deeply, as she said, in a low tone, that she had already -spent her money. - -It was then arranged that the girls should meet at their teacher’s house -the next morning, bringing with them whatever their parents were willing -that they should bestow in charity. Miss Spencer did not know that they -had already agreed to meet there to present the gifts which they had -prepared for herself, and the girls were quite pleased to think how -surprised she would be when she discovered this little secret. - -Among all the merry group which left the school-house, Isabel alone was -sad and uncomfortable. - -“I do not know why I should feel so badly,” she said to herself. “I have -done nothing wrong. I have not been selfish, for I have spent every -penny of my money in preparing gifts for others.” - -But Isabel had not yet learned to examine her motives strictly. She did -not reflect that the greater part of her money had been expended for -gifts which it would gratify her vanity and pride to present. The box -which she had purchased for her teacher was bought for the very purpose -of outshining her companions. She did not love Miss Spencer any better -than the other scholars, but she wished to make a display of generosity -and affection which would astonish them all. - -Miss Spencer had frequently noticed this defect in Isabel’s character, -and when she found that none of the money which she had boasted of -having saved was reserved for charitable purposes, she felt grieved, and -calling Isabel to her as the other scholars left the room, she passed -her arm around her, and said, gently, “I am sorry that you cannot aid us -in our good work, Isabel.” - -“I am sorry, too, Miss Spencer, but I have spent all my money in -preparing gifts for my friends.” - -“We should never forget the poor, Isabel. Would not less valuable gifts -have expressed equal affection for those you love, and then there would -have been some remaining for those who need it more.” - -Isabel made no reply, but she looked sad and mortified as she bade her -teacher good afternoon. And yet her pride was not subdued; for when Mary -kindly offered to share with her the articles which she had prepared for -the poor, she answered, haughtily, that she could easily have bought -these things if she had chosen to do so. - -Christmas morning was bright and beautiful, and very mild for the -season. With happy hearts and faces the little girls met around the old -oak tree, and after telling each other of the pretty gifts they had -received, and displaying those which they had brought for their teacher, -they all proceeded to Miss Spencer’s house. - -Now was the time for Isabel’s expected triumph. With glowing cheeks and -a self-satisfied air she presented her present; but the murmur of -admiration which she had anticipated was not heard. - -Miss Spencer thanked her, and said it was a very pretty box; but she -seemed quite as well pleased with some of the most trifling articles -which were given her. She particularly commended the neatness and good -taste which Mary had shown in making the pen-wiper. Indeed, she seemed -more delighted with even the most simple gifts which the scholars had -made themselves, than with far more costly ones which had been purchased -for her. - -As for the scholars, they were so much occupied with examining what they -had brought for the poor, that they could give but a passing glance of -admiration at the work-box. - -As Isabel had nothing to give she did not wish to accompany the happy -party, and therefore returned immediately home. Her mother found her in -her own room weeping bitterly, and gently drew from her the cause of her -grief. - -“This may be a useful lesson to you, dear Isabel,” she said. “It will -teach you that no real happiness is ever derived from a selfish act. -Your motive in presenting a more expensive gift to your teacher than the -rest of your companions were prepared to do, was selfish. You expected -to receive praise and admiration. In this you were disappointed, and -therefore you are unhappy. Another time I trust you will do better. In -expending your money for Christmas gifts, you will remember those who -need it most, and will gladly give, hoping for nothing again.” - -Isabel still wept, but less violently than before, and when Mary entered -with a beaming countenance, and told her mother of the gratitude and joy -of the poor people whom they had visited, Isabel put her arm around her -neck and asked her forgiveness for her ill humor, and promised that when -another Christmas came, she too would remember _those who need it most_. - - - - - APRIL FOOL’S DAY. - - -“What new experiment are you trying, my son?” asked Mr. Willard, as he -entered his pleasant parlor late in the afternoon of a day in early -spring, unperceived by his little son Arthur, who was busily employed in -tying up several small packages which lay on the table before him. - -Arthur looked up at his father with a bright smile; for Mr. Willard -always took a great interest in the amusements of his children, and they -were in the habit of consulting him and asking his assistance in many of -their sports. - -“Don’t tell Willie and Jane, father,” said Arthur, “and I will tell you -all about it. You know to-morrow will be the first day of April, and I -expect to have a fine time playing tricks upon people. There is nothing -in these parcels but little chips and stones. I shall put one of them -upon Jane’s table after she is asleep to-night; and she will be sure to -open it the first thing in the morning. I expect she will think that -Uncle Samuel or Aunt Mary were here in the evening, and brought her a -nice little present. Then I shall drop another package where Willie will -find it when he goes to feed his chickens. What a hurry he will be in to -pick it up! - -“And, father,” continued Arthur, “you do not know what a nice joke I -shall play upon Susan! Sometimes, when I get up early in the morning, -and she is in a hurry getting breakfast, I go to Mr. Conant’s for the -milk. Now, to-morrow morning I mean to be up very early, before Susan -leaves her room. Then I will take the milk-pail, and put a quart of -water into it, and set it in the place where I usually put it when I -bring the milk. When Susan comes into the kitchen, she will see the pail -on the table, and, finding it heavy, will suppose I have been for the -milk. So she will say, ‘O, Arthur! you are a good boy to bring my milk;’ -and then she will take off the cover to pour it into the pitcher. How I -shall laugh at her when she finds it is water!” - -Mr. Willard smiled a little as Arthur clapped his hands at the thought -of Susan’s vexation: but in a moment he looked grave, and, seating -himself in his rocking-chair, he drew his little son close to his side, -and said, kindly,— - -“Do the angels try to make people happy or unhappy, Arthur?” - -“Happy, father,” replied the boy, looking wonderingly in his father’s -face. - -“Then you are not trying to do like the angels,—are you, Arthur. You -mean to vex people, and make them unhappy.” - -Arthur blushed, and looked very thoughtful; and his father continued,— - -“Jane and Willie and Susan will all feel somewhat vexed and displeased -at your jokes,—will they not, my son?” - -“Yes, sir, I suppose they will,” answered Arthur; “but, then, I want to -have a little fun on April Fool’s Day.” - -“It is poor fun to make others unhappy. I have no objection to your -playing jokes or tricks, as you call them, upon your brother and sister -and Susan; but I should like to have you think of something which would -please them, instead of making them vexed.” - -“But, father, I cannot think of any tricks of that kind.” - -“I will help you a little, Arthur, and then you will understand what I -mean. We will take the trick which you intended to play upon Susan, for -instance. Now, if, instead of putting water in the pail, and deceiving -her by making her think it is milk, you should rise early, and really -bring her the milk, you might still have a pleasant joke by putting the -pail in the place where it usually stands when it is empty, instead of -on the table where you leave it when it is filled. Then Susan will be -greatly surprised when she takes it up, intending to go for the milk.” - -Arthur’s face grew very bright again. - -“Oh, yes, father! I shall like that plan very much: it is much better -than my own. And how shall I manage about Willie and Jane?” - -“Try to think of some way yourself, Arthur. Only remember to have your -joke of a kind that will give pleasure, and not pain.” - -“I know of a grand trick to play upon Jane, father, if you will let me -run to the shop and spend my bright half-dollar that my grandfather gave -me. Jane has a hole in her thimble, and she pricked her finger sadly -to-day. Now, I can buy a nice new thimble for her, and take her old one -from her work-basket, and put the new one in its place. How surprised -she will be! May I do this, father?” - -“If you feel willing to spend your money for your sister, I shall be -glad to have you do so, Arthur.” - -“I am willing, father. And now for Willie; what shall I do for him? I -think I must drop a little parcel where he will pick it up, father; but -I will not put sticks and stones in it. I have some nice candies in my -pocket, which a boy at school gave me. Willie does not know that I have -them; and I will put them into his paper. How he will wonder where they -came from!” - -Mr. Willard felt much pleased to see how readily Arthur followed his -advice; and the little boy himself felt far happier now that his plans -for the jokes of the next day were all of a kind to make others happy. - -The thimble was bought; the package of candy tied up, and carefully -placed where Willie would be sure to find it. Every thing succeeded -quite to Arthur’s satisfaction. He awoke very early, and, stealing -softly from the house, brought the milk, and replaced the pail in the -closet. - -Susan came out of her room somewhat later than usual, and hurried -around, fearful that her breakfast would not be ready at the appointed -hour. She did not observe Arthur, who had seated himself where he -thought he should be unnoticed, that he might enjoy her surprise. He -came very near laughing aloud when he heard Susan exclaim, as she -hastily tied on her bonnet and ran to the closet,— - -“Oh, dear, I must go for the milk! I was so in hopes that Arthur would -have got it for me this morning!” - -Arthur held his hand tightly over his mouth; but when he saw Susan lift -the pail up suddenly, and then quickly take off the cover to see what -made it so heavy, he could no longer keep quiet, but with a merry laugh -bounded from his hiding-place, exclaiming,— - -“Now, Susan, didn’t I tell you I would play a trick on you to-day?” - -Susan smiled pleasantly, and said she did not care how many tricks he -played on her if they were all as good as that. - -Next came Willie, full of wonder at the contents of the package which he -had found in the box where he kept the corn for his chickens. - -“Only think, Arthur,” said he; “the door of the chicken-house was -locked, so no one could have got in last night, and yet I feel sure that -this was not there when I fed the chickens at supper-time. Such nice -candy! Do you think it will be right for us to eat it, or must we try to -find out to whom it belongs?” - -There was such a roguish look on Arthur’s face, as he replied that he -thought there would be no harm in eating it, that Willie began to -understand the joke; and, well pleased, he divided the candy with his -brother and sister. - -But Arthur felt still more pleased when little Jane took up her -work-basket with a sigh, saying,— - -“I will try to hem the handkerchief you wish me to, mother; but my -thimble has such a great hole in it, that the head of my needle pricks -my finger every few minutes.” - -What a joyful surprise,—to find the old thimble missing, and a bright -new one in its place! It would have been hard to tell which felt the -most pleased, Jane or Arthur. Both were delighted; and we are very sure -that Arthur did not once regret that he had spent his half-dollar for -his sister’s pleasure. - -When evening came, and Mr. Willard was at leisure to sit down with his -children, Arthur had many funny stories to tell of the pleasant jokes -which he had played through the day. - -Charley Mason, one of his schoolmates, had torn a large hole in his kite -when they were flying it at recess. At noon, he hurried home for his -dinner; intending, if possible, to return in season to mend the kite, -and have another play, before school commenced in the afternoon. Arthur, -having brought his dinner with him in the morning, was not obliged to -return home; and he carefully mended the kite while Charley was absent. - -“It was such fun to see him turn it over and over, and look for the -hole!” continued Arthur, as he told the story to his father; “and Johnny -Gardiner looked almost as funny when he found a long slate-pencil in his -desk, which I had slyly slipped in, just as he had made up his mind to -go and tell the teacher the old story,—that he had no pencil. Johnny -does not like to tell Miss Grant that very well, for he is famous for -losing his pencil. - -“And, father, I played a nice joke on Miss Grant. She thought I could -not learn so long a lesson in geography as she had given to the rest of -the class, because I am younger than the others, and have never been -through the book before. So she told me to take half of the lesson; but -I studied hard, and learned the whole. When we were reciting, she -stopped when she had heard about half, and said, ‘You may take your seat -now, Arthur.’ - -“‘Thank you, ma’am,’ I answered; ‘but I can say it all.’ - -“Then she looked surprised, and said I must have worked very hard. - -“But, father, that book _is_ too hard for me; and Miss Grant told me to -ask you to buy one more suitable. I wish you would, father: I love to -study geography. Henry Williams has such a beauty! all full of pictures. -Oh, how I should like one like that!” - -“We must think about it,” replied Mr. Willard. “And now, Arthur, I must -attend to some writing for a little while, and you may look over your -lessons for to-morrow.” - -“Yes, father, my geography: I always have to study that in the evening.” -And, with a little sigh, Arthur went for his satchel of books. But it -was now his turn to find a pleasant joke; for the old geography had been -taken from the bag, and in its place was one exactly like the “beauty” -owned by Henry Williams, upon the blank leaf of which was written, -“Arthur Willard; from his father, April first, eighteen hundred -fifty-six.” - - - - - THE CHRISTMAS-TREE. - - -“Oh, dear, it is almost Christmas!” exclaimed Mary Bradley with a deep -sigh, which caused her younger brother Horace to look up from his book -with surprise. - -“Why do you sigh about it, Mary?” he asked. “Are you not glad that -Christmas is coming?” - -“I _should_ be glad, Horace,” replied his sister in a melancholy tone, -“if things were as they used to be. What beautiful gifts we had last -year! But father was rich then; and now he is poor.” And again Mary -sighed deeply. - -“I do not think father is very poor,” replied Horace, laughing. “I am -sure we have all we want,—a good house to live in, plenty of food and -clothing, a warm fire, and many kind friends. Do you call that being -poor, sister Mary? You ought to see the poor wretches that I meet -sometimes on my way to school.” - -“How foolishly you talk, Henry!” answered his sister, rather petulantly. -“You know very well what I mean. Of course, we are not street beggars; -but we live very differently from what we did last year at this time. -Our beautiful house, our horses and carriage, and nearly all of our -servants, are gone.” - -“No matter for that,” returned Master Horace. “Father has paid all his -debts like an honest man, and we have all we need. A small house is just -as comfortable as a large one; the cars and omnibuses answer as good a -purpose as our own carriage; and as to the servants, I much prefer -waiting upon myself. As long as I have good Mrs. Betty to cook my -dinner, it is all I want.” - -“It is of no use talking to you, Horace,” answered his sister, as she -rose to leave the room; “but, when you see what a bare Christmas-tree we -shall have this year, you will be convinced that we are poor.” - -“We had more than we knew what to do with last year,” persisted Horace, -following his sister. “Suppose we hunt up about half a bushel of books -and toys, and present them to Santa Claus for distribution. No doubt he -will be grateful to us; for times are hard, and his purse may be poorly -filled.” - -“What nonsense!” exclaimed Mary, impatiently. “I will not stay talking -with you any longer.” - -But, at this moment, the pleasant voice of their mother was heard -calling them from the adjoining room. - -She had heard their conversation, and now replied to Horace’s -suggestion,— - -“Your plan is an excellent one, my son; and I will try to put it in a -form that will be less displeasing to your sister.” - -“Horace talks _so much nonsense_!” said Mary, as she took an offered -seat by her mother’s side. - -“A _little_ nonsense, but a good deal of sense, my daughter,” returned -her mother. “Your mind is in a disturbed and unhappy state, and -therefore you are not ready to meet his pleasant way of treating our -troubles.” - -Although Mary indulged in occasional fits of ill humor and selfish -repining, she was really a sensible and very affectionate little girl. -She loved her mother very dearly, and felt sad and mortified that she -should have added in the least degree to her trials. In a few moments, -therefore, she looked up with a cheerful smile, and said, “I will try to -do better, mother. I know we have every comfort that we need. It was -only the thought of the Christmas-tree that made me unhappy. But I will -try not to think of it any more.” - -“Think of it in a different way, my dear Mary. Our Christmas-tree -will, I doubt not, be well filled, though with less costly gifts than -you have hitherto received. But how many there are who have no -Christmas-tree!—how many who will even want for food and clothing on -that happy day!” - -Mary’s eyes filled with tears, but she made no reply; and her mother -proceeded,— - -“When the Lord, in his divine providence, permits us to meet with such -trials as he sees to be for our good, we must not harden our hearts. We -will not look back with regret upon the luxuries we have lost: but we -will rejoice in the comforts remaining; and we will endeavor, as far as -possible, to share those comforts with others more needy than ourselves. -The proposal which Horace made in regard to your old books and -playthings is a very good one. There are many children who may be made -happy with what you now consider useless. Collect every thing which you -feel willing to part with, and I will add some articles of clothing. -Betty can tell us of several poor families who will be thankful for a -portion of our abundance.” - -“I will go and look over our things at once!” exclaimed Mary. “I have no -doubt we can spare a great many. Come, Horace!” And, for the next few -hours, the brother and sister were busily engaged, not in useless -regrets concerning their own Christmas-tree, but in active efforts to -prepare gifts to adorn the trees of children far more destitute than -themselves. - -Betty, having been made their confidante on the occasion, took much -interest in hunting up destitute families who were deserving of -assistance; and Mary and Horace soon found that there would be no -difficulty in disposing of their little stock. Long before the important -day arrived, the gifts at their disposal were done up in neat packages, -and duly marked with the names of those for whom they were designed. -Mrs. Bradley had added an ample supply of partly worn clothing; and Mr. -Bradley, when he found what was going on, had promised to provide some -articles of food to distribute among those who were most in want. - -Mary and Horace were to have the pleasure of presenting these gifts -themselves; and they were now eagerly longing for the happy day, not for -the sake of what they would themselves receive, but that they might have -the happiness of imparting their blessings to others. - -Christmas Eve came at last: and, attended by Betty, the children left -their little parcels at their various destinations; and then, with their -hearts warmed and cheered by the grateful words and smiles which they -had received, they turned their steps toward home, that they might enjoy -the pleasant sight of their own Christmas-tree, which they rightly -concluded would be brilliantly lighted up during their absence. - -As they turned the corner near their own home, they met a pale-faced, -thinly clad little boy, with a small branch of evergreen in his hand, -which he was carrying carefully along, as if he considered it a precious -treasure. - -“Is that your Christmas-tree, little boy?” asked Horace, as they drew -near to him. - -“I found it!” exclaimed the child, joyfully. “I am so glad! Now Susy and -I can have a Christmas-tree!” And he was hurrying along; but Horace -stopped him by saying,— - -“Have you any thing to put on the tree, little boy?” - -“Not much,” was the reply. “But Susy and I have each got a penny: that -will buy something.” - -“Who is Susy?” asked Mary, as the little fellow was again hastening on -his way. - -“My little sister, miss. She will be so glad that I have got the tree! I -must go to her.” - -“Come with us first,” returned Mary, “and we will give you something to -hang on the tree. I have a little doll for Susy, and some candles to -light up the tree.” - -The little pale face looked bright and almost rosy now as he trudged -along with the children, still holding fast to his precious tree. - -It did not take many moments to fill a small basket with what appeared -to the child great treasures; and his eyes sparkled with joy as a warm -cape was placed upon his shoulders, and a cap, long since outgrown by -Horace, upon his head. Finding, upon inquiry, that his mother was a poor -widow, residing in their immediate neighborhood, Mrs. Bradley directed -Betty to fill another basket with food, and accompany the child home. -Mary and Horace begged leave to go with her, although they had not as -yet given one glance at their own Christmas-tree. - -It was a pleasant sight to look at little Susy, as her brother eagerly -displayed his treasures to her admiring gaze; and it was even more -gratifying to witness the gratitude of the mother, as Betty emptied the -contents of her basket. - -After assisting in planting the branch of evergreen in a broken -flower-pot which the children produced for the purpose, Mary and Horace -took leave, and joyfully returned to their home. - -Their Christmas-tree was indeed radiant with light. It seemed to the -happy children that it had never been so brilliant before; for their -hearts were filled with the delight of doing good to others, and this -made all seem bright around them. - -Morning found the tree well loaded with fruit,—pretty and useful gifts, -which the children were delighted to receive. It was indeed a happy -Christmas. They felt that they were surrounded with blessings; and, -above all, they rejoiced in the happiness of sharing these blessings -with others. - - - - - A DREAM. - - -It was Christmas Eve; the brilliantly-lighted streets were thronged with -happy faces, and the merry hum of children’s voices seemed to rise above -all other sounds in the busy crowd. Our own young folks had gone to rest -with their little hearts filled with joyous expectations for the morrow. -The stockings, hung by the chimney corner, had already been duly visited -by the representatives of Santa Claus, and fatigued with the labors of -the day, we would gladly have sought repose, when a gentle ring at the -bell attracted our attention, and directly after, our maid of all work -entered, and asked if we had any thing to give to a poor child who was -standing at our door. - -“Poor thing!” we exclaimed involuntarily. “It is hard to think that any -child is begging from door to door, on Christmas Eve, when our own -darlings are so happy.” - -“Tell the child to step in,” was the direction to Jenny, and in a few -moments a modest-looking little girl stood before us. Her slender form -was but scantily protected from the cold; and her countenance showed -that she was indeed in need of the assistance which she craved. - -Her tale was a simple one. Her mother was very poor, and there were five -children, of whom she was the eldest. - -We inquired for the father, and her blue eyes were fixed upon the -ground, as she answered timidly, that he was at home, but he was often -sick, and did not do much for their support. A few more questions -convinced us that he was a victim to that fatal evil which destroys the -happiness of so many homes. - -Our means would not allow us to do much for the poor child, but the -little that we had to give was given cheerfully, and with many thanks -she bade us good evening. As she left the room I recalled her, and -placing a small piece of silver in her hands, I said: - -“You may have this for yourself. I give it to you for a Christmas gift.” - -“And may I spend it for what I please?” she asked, her whole face -brightening with pleasure. - -“Certainly. What will you buy?” - -“O, a great many things! A present for mother and each of my brothers -and sisters, and one for poor father too.” - -“But, my child, you have not money enough to buy something for each -one.” - -“O yes, ma’am, a great plenty! I will buy a nice spool of cotton for -mother, she needs one very much, and a penny book for Mary, a whistle -for Johnny, a cake for Thomas, and a stick of candy for the baby. Then -there will be four cents to spend for father, and I will go to the cheap -bookstore, and ask them to sell me some good book, which will teach him -not to drink rum any more. He is very, very kind when he is sober.” - -“And will you come and see me again next week, and tell me how they -liked their presents?” I asked, much interested by the simple, -disinterested manner of the child. - -“Thank you, ma’am, I will gladly do so,” was the reply, and with another -grateful good-evening, she departed. - -This little incident gave rise to a train of sad reflections. Happiness, -it appeared to me, was unequally distributed. Even at this most joyous -season of the year, how few sunbeams found their way to the homes of the -poor. Indeed, their burdens must seem more heavy to bear, when -contrasted with the luxury and gayety of the wealthy. They gazed upon -their ill-fed, half naked little ones, while the children of their more -prosperous neighbor passed their door loaded with useless toys, the -price of which would have seemed to them a little mine of wealth. -Oppressed with these thoughts, I laid my head upon my pillow, and was -soon in the land of dreams. - -Strange visions flitted before me. At one time I seemed to be revelling -in the luxurious mansions of the rich, and then, by some sudden and -mysterious transformation, the extreme of want was my portion. Suddenly -a lovely being stood before me, whose very presence seemed to fill my -soul with joy. Taking my hand in hers, she said, “Come with me, and I -will show thee that this joyous season of the year may bring happiness -to the homes of the poor, as well as to those of the wealthy. I am the -Spirit of Happiness, and in the most humble abode on earth I often find -a dwelling-place.” Joyfully I yielded to her guidance, and together we -seemed to traverse the busy streets of the city. At one of the most -splendid of the brilliantly-illuminated mansions we paused, and in -another moment had gained admittance, and, apparently unseen ourselves, -surveyed the happy party within. Young men and maidens were gliding -through the graceful figures of the merry dance, lovely children were -sporting around, joyfully displaying the Christmas gifts of parents and -friends; while a less active, but no less happy looking group, were -seated in a distant part of the room, gazing with quiet pleasure upon -their children and grandchildren, who at this cheerful season had -gathered around them. Every thing around gave evidence of luxury and -splendor, and turning to my companion, I exclaimed almost in a tone of -upbraiding: - -“Yes, here indeed is happiness. The New Year is to them a time for -rejoicing, and ‘Merry Christmas’ a day of joyful expectations and -realities; but it is not thus with the poor. The words merriment and joy -would seem to them a mockery.” - -“Not so, my friend,” replied my guide. “The happiness which you see -before you is capable of extension. These are the mediums of the -blessings of Him whose birth into this natural world they now celebrate. -The day which proclaimed peace and good will upon earth, is well -calculated to remind these stewards of the Lord, that the wealth -intrusted to their charge is not for themselves alone. Behold that -venerable old man. He is the grandfather of this little flock. Every -year he distributes large sums among the poor, making his grandchildren -and great grandchildren his almoners. The happiness which you see in the -countenances of the youth and maidens, the innocent glee of the -children, is in a great measure caused by the joy which they have this -day dispensed among the needy. Merely selfish gratification would not -produce genuine contentment and joy. All selfish delights are evanescent -and changeable.” - -The scene changed, and we stood in a meanly-furnished apartment of one -of the most humble dwellings in a narrow street of the city. A father, -mother, and five children, were just seated to partake of their frugal -meal. Every thing around told of poverty, but the countenances of the -parents beamed with contentment, and the bright eyes of the children -shone with joy. In the short but fervent prayer which the father uttered -ere they commenced eating, gratitude was expressed to heaven for the -blessings which this most joyful season of the year had brought to them. - -“For what are they thus grateful?” I inquired. “Contrast their situation -with that of the happy party whom we have just left.” - -“And yet they are not less happy,” was the reply. “Listen to the joyful -exclamations of the children.” - -I listened, and the words of the little ones soon convinced me that my -guide was right. Their hearts seemed overflowing with joy. The gifts -which Christmas had brought to them and their parents were, mostly, -substantial articles of food and clothing; but there was one small -package of toys which had lost the charm of novelty for the children of -some wealthy neighbor, and which, though no longer new and glittering, -were whole and good. In the eyes of the poor children they were of -inestimable value, and they gathered around them with so much delight, -that I doubted not that they derived more pleasure from them than the -original possessors had ever done. - -Again the scene changed, and we stood in a miserable hovel, where sat a -poor mother, with three little children clinging to her side, and -rending her heart with their cries for bread. No fire was on the hearth, -and the whole scene was one of extreme poverty and desolation. - -“Surely there is no happiness here,” I whispered. - -“Christmas will bring them at least one ray,” replied my guide; and even -as she spoke, a load of wood and coal stopped at their door, and a man -entered to inform them that he had orders to supply them with fuel, and -desired to know where it should be put. While the grateful woman was yet -uttering heartfelt expressions of thankfulness, a lad entered with a -large basket of provisions, which he placed upon the table, at the same -time slipping a bank note of trifling value into her hand, saying -gayly,— - -“Here is a merry Christmas to you, my good woman.” - -Tears streamed from the eyes of the mother, while the hungry little ones -clustered around the basket, and were soon bountifully supplied with a -portion of its contents. - -Deeply interested in this affecting little scene, I had nearly forgotten -the presence of my companion, when a gentle whisper aroused me. - -“Would you see the effects of your own Christmas gift?” and scarcely had -I signified my assent, when we stood in another humble dwelling, where I -recognized the little girl to whom I had given the shilling, surrounded -by her family. They had apparently just received their gifts, for the -mother was smiling through her tears, as she looked at the spool of -cotton which lay on her lap; and Mary, and Johnny, and Thomas, and the -baby were all in the enjoyment of the book, the whistle, the cake, and -the candy: while the elder sister stood gazing on the happy little -group, herself the happiest of them all, and joining heartily in the -blessings which they heaped upon the good lady who had given her the -shilling. In the corner of the room sat the father, and in his hand was -the book which had been purchased at the cheap bookstore with the four -cents. I saw at once that it was a Testament. He had not yet opened it, -but sat looking at his wife and children with a subdued, mournful -expression of countenance, which awakened a strong conviction that there -was yet a chance for his reformation. - -At length little Mary approached him timidly, and said: - -“Look at the book sister bought for me, father; it is not so large as -yours. May I look at yours?” - -“Yes, Mary, you may read to me from it, if you like; my head aches, and -I cannot read myself.” - -The noisy mirth of the children was hushed, while the child read from -the Book of Life. Some of the passages were singularly appropriate, and -tears rolled down the cheeks of the unhappy man as he listened. As she -paused at the close of the chapter, the elder girl drew to his side and -whispered,— - -“Will you not pray with us, as you used to do long ago, dear father?” - -As if impelled by an irresistible power, he complied. Prayer and praise -had long been strangers to his lips, but now his petitions were fervent, -his confessions of past error full, and expressive of deep humility. - -As they rose from their knees, the eyes of the husband and wife met, and -they fell into each others arms. - -One long, earnest embrace, and then the father clasped his children to -his bosom. - -“With the help of God, I will no longer be unworthy of you,” he -exclaimed. “This precious little Christmas gift shall be my guide, and -in obedience to its precepts we shall yet find happiness.” - -I uttered a joyful exclamation and awoke, but the remembrance of my -dream was vividly present; and as the rays of the morning sun beamed -brightly in at our windows, I felt a pleasing confidence that the day -would bring happiness to the poor as well as to the rich. All -reflections upon the visions of the night were soon banished, however, -by the shouts of “Merry Christmas” from numerous happy little voices at -our door, and we hastened to join in their pleasure. - -A week passed by, and the little heroine of Christmas Eve again stood at -our door. It was wonderful what a change a few happy days had wrought in -her appearance; and her whole face was radiant with joy, as she told me -that they were all so happy now. - -“Dear father had promised never to drink again, and he had good work, -and they could all live comfortably.” And again and again she assured me -that their happiness was all owing, through the blessing of God, to the -little book which she bought for father with a part of my Christmas -gift. - - - - - NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT. - - -“Father! father! can I go a-nutting with Dick Rogers and Sam Roberts?” -shouted Frank Wilbur, as he bounded into the room where his father was -seated at a desk, busily engaged in sorting some papers. - -“Softly, my son, softly!” replied Mr. Wilbur; “you will disturb your -mother, who is not very well, you know. Where do you wish to go?” - -“Out in the woods, father. The frost has cracked the chestnut-burs, and -the nuts are rattling down so fast!” - -“Have you heard them, Frank?” asked his father, smiling at his -eagerness. - -“No, father, I have not heard them, because I have been at school; but -the boys say so, and I know they are. There was a real hard frost last -night. May I go, father?” - -Mr. Wilbur drew his watch from his pocket, and looked at it -thoughtfully, as he replied,— - -“You may go if you think it best, Frank; but I rather advise you not to -do so. There is but one hour of daylight left, and a large part of this -would be spent in going to and from the woods. You have had a good play -since you came from school; and now is the time to look over your -lessons for to-morrow.” - -“Oh, no, father!” urged Frank. “This evening or to-morrow morning will -do for the lessons.” - -“There is no time like the present, Frank. Better learn your lessons -now, and put off the nutting expedition until Saturday afternoon. That -will soon be here,—only day after to-morrow.” - -But Frank felt unwilling to follow this advice; and, as his father gave -him leave to do as he pleased, he hastened to get a basket and join his -school-fellows. - -“My father says there is no time like the present for learning my -lessons, and I think there is no time like the present for gathering -nuts,” he said to himself as he ran merrily along. - -But Frank had forgotten another of his father’s mottoes, “Duty first, -and pleasure afterwards.” - -It must be confessed that he was rather in the habit of delaying the -performance of duties until the last moment, although he had many times -experienced the bad results of so doing. - -It was indeed a long walk to the chestnut-trees; and, after the boys had -entered the wood, it seemed much darker than it did before, and the nuts -were by no means “_rattling down_” very fast. The frost had opened the -burs a little, but the nuts were still safely enclosed in their prickly -nests. - -“It is too late to get nuts to-night,” said Sam Roberts, the eldest of -the three boys, looking somewhat fearfully around him; for Sam was not -remarkable for his bravery. - -“What are you afraid of?” asked Dick Rogers. “It will not be dark for a -long time yet, only the trees keep out the light; besides, there is -nothing to be afraid of in these woods,—neither lions, nor tigers, nor -bears, nor wolves. So help me find some good clubs, Frank, and we will -knock off some burs, at any rate.” - -“And, if it grows too dark, we can carry them home, and get the nuts out -there,” said Frank, as he eagerly looked around for a club. - -Sam felt somewhat re-assured by the courage of his companions; and all -three of the boys were soon busily employed in knocking the burs from -the trees. - -It was quite dusk when they reached home. Frank found his supper ready -for him; and, after this was over, he spent an hour or two very -pleasantly in getting the nuts from the burs, and roasting some of them -in the kitchen fire. His sister Clara enjoyed this as much as he did; -and they were quite surprised when their father came to tell them that -it was half-past eight, and time for them to go to bed. - -“Can we go into mother’s room and say good night?” asked the children; -for their mother had been ill for some weeks, and had not yet recovered -sufficiently to leave her room. - -“Yes, if you will move gently,” replied Mr. Wilbur. “I think she is not -asleep.” - -The children opened the door of their mother’s room very softly, and -peeped in. She was sitting in a large easy-chair, and smiled pleasantly -upon them as they entered. - -“You have been very quiet this evening, my children,” she said. “How -have you amused yourselves?” - -“We have been cracking chestnut-burs, and roasting some of the nuts,” -answered Frank. “I went to the woods after school, and got a fine lot of -burs; but the frost has not opened them very well yet.” - -“I am glad that you got so many,” replied his mother. “And are your -lessons all prepared for to-morrow?” - -“O mother!” exclaimed Frank, “I have forgotten them entirely! I promised -father to study them this evening. I am very sorry; but I will get up -very early in the morning, and study them before breakfast. Will that -do, mother?” - -“It would do, Frank, if you could be sure that you would rise early, and -that nothing would take your attention from your lessons. But it is very -dangerous to delay the performance of any duty until the last moment. -Perhaps there is time to look over at least one lesson before you go to -bed.” - -“I am pretty sleepy, mother,” replied Frank, yawning. “I do not think I -could understand the lessons. But I will be sure to get them in the -morning.” - -“I hope nothing will prevent you, my son; and so now kiss me a -good-night, and go to your own room.” - -“Will you come down stairs to-morrow, mother?” asked Clara, as she -affectionately twined her arms around her mother’s neck, and gave her a -good-night kiss. - -“Yes, dear, if I feel pretty well I think I shall come down to -breakfast.” - -The children clapped their hands with delight, and joyfully went to -their own rooms. - -Frank’s sleeping-room was on the west side of the house, and it was not -very light there early in the morning. The clock was just striking when -Frank awoke the next morning. - -“That’s right!” he exclaimed, “just six o’clock. I knew I should have -time to learn my lessons before breakfast.” - -But, to Frank’s great astonishment, the clock gave another stroke after -he had counted six. - -“It cannot be seven,” he said to himself. “It looks very early yet. -Perhaps I counted too fast.” - -Frank thought it better to hurry to dress himself, however, and was soon -seated by the window, with his book in his hand. - -But he had scarcely commenced studying when the breakfast-bell rung. -Frank knew then that it must be half-past seven; and he ran down stairs, -feeling a good deal mortified, and somewhat anxious as to how he should -get through his lessons. - -He found his father already seated, with the large Bible open before -him; for morning worship always preceded breakfast. So Frank took his -place at once, only waiting to give his mother a smile and a kiss; for -he felt delighted to see her in her accustomed seat once more. - -The family remained at the breakfast-table rather longer than usual, -because it seemed so pleasant to be all together again; but at length -Mr. Wilbur rose, and said he must go to his business. - -“I am half an hour behind-hand this morning,” he added, smiling; “but, -as it is mother’s first appearance since her illness, I did not like to -be in haste.” - -Frank cast his eyes toward the clock as his father spoke, and saw to his -dismay that it was half-past eight. - -“Are your lessons prepared, Frank?” asked his mother rather anxiously, -as he sprang up in haste. - -Frank felt ashamed to say that they were not, for he remembered how -positive he had been the evening before that nothing could prevent him -from learning them in the morning. But he was an honest boy, and told -the whole truth at once. - -There was no help for it now, for it was time for him to go to school; -and so, with a heavy satchel of books upon his shoulder, and with a -heart almost as heavy as the books, Frank bade his mother good-morning, -and set off on his walk. - -Mental arithmetic was the first lesson. It was always a difficult one -for Frank; and, as might have been expected, he failed entirely in the -recitation, and was obliged to leave the class and retire to his seat. -This was but the beginning of troubles. The mortification of being sent -from the class in arithmetic quite unfitted him for learning his other -lessons well. His next recitation was very imperfect; his sums were all -marked “_wrong_;” his writing was blotted, and looked very badly; in -short, it was a day of misfortunes. He was not allowed to leave the room -at recess, and was also detained nearly an hour after school to recite -the lessons which he had failed to learn through the day. - -It was with a sad countenance that he appeared in his mother’s room on -his return home. - -“Where is Clara?” he asked, observing the absence of his sister. - -“Gone to town with your father, my son,” was the reply. - -There was a large town near the village where Mr. Wilbur resided, and -the children thought it a great privilege to be allowed to accompany -their father when business obliged him to go there. - -“Gone to town, mother!” echoed Frank. “Are they going to see the -menagerie?” - -“I believe they are, Frank.” - -“O mother! mother! why could not I have gone with them?” And, quite -overcome by the disappointment and the previous disasters of the day, -the poor boy burst into tears, and hid his face in his hands. - -His mother pitied him very much; and, moving her chair nearer to him, -placed her hand gently and soothingly upon his head. - -Frank was comforted by this, and gradually ceased his sobs, and, seating -himself at his mother’s feet, laid his head in her lap. - -“Your father waited more than half an hour after the usual time of your -return from school, my son. He could not wait longer, as it would have -made it too late for him to attend to his business. Why did you not come -home sooner?” - -“I could not, mother. I was kept after school because I did not know my -lessons,” answered Frank, sadly. - -“And why did you not know them, Frank? Were you idle?” - -“No, mother, I was not idle; I really tried to learn them, but somehow -they would not stay in my mind. I think it was all because I did not -know my first lesson this morning; and that made me feel so sorry and -ashamed that I could not get the next one; and then I was sorry again, -and could not get the third; and so on. One lesson knocked the other -down,” continued Frank, smiling a little, “just as one card-house knocks -the other, when I build the row of tents.” - -His mother smiled also at this comparison, for she was glad to have -Frank feel cheerful again. - -“And why did you not know your first lesson?” she asked. “We must find -out what gave the first blow to your tents; for, if we know the cause of -the evil, we can perhaps find a remedy for the future.” - -“The first lesson is in mental arithmetic, mother, and the boys are -expected to learn it at home. I got up too late to study it this -morning; and so, of course, I did not know it.” - -“But yesterday afternoon was the time to study it, Frank. An hour before -tea is the rule. Your school closes at three, and this leaves you time -for a good play until half-past five; then you should study till -half-past six.” - -“But I went to the woods for nuts, mother. I wish father had not given -me leave to go.” - -“Your father likes to leave you in freedom sometimes,” replied his -mother. “He wishes you to observe and feel the consequences of your own -actions.” - -“Well, I have felt the consequences this time, and they are bad enough,” -said Frank, sighing. “You do not know how much I want to go to the -menagerie, mother.” - -“I know you want to go very much, and I feel much grieved at your -disappointment, Frank; but the misfortunes of the day may be a useful -lesson to you through your whole life, if you will try to profit by -them.” - -“I will, mother. I am resolved to act up to father’s motto in -future,—‘There is no time like the present.’ You will see that all my -duties will be done in proper time.” - -“I hope so, my son. A habit of promptness, in the performance of even -the most trifling duties, will be invaluable to you through life.” - -“For a good beginning, mother,” continued Frank, “I will learn my lesson -for the morning now, before Clara comes home, and then I shall be at -leisure to talk to her.” - -“I shall be glad to have you do so, Frank. And now I will tell you that -your father intends going to town again on Saturday, and, if you are a -good boy, will then take you to the menagerie.” - -Frank’s face grew bright with pleasure. - -“I am very glad!” he exclaimed. “But why did you not tell me before, -mother?” - -“I thought it better not to do so, my son. And now get your book, and I -will explain the lesson to you.” - -Frank obeyed; and the next half-hour was a pleasant one, although the -dreaded arithmetic was in his hand. - - * * * * * - -Our young readers will wish to know whether Frank kept his resolution of -never delaying the performance of duties; and if they will pass over -with us the lapse of some six or seven years, and take another peep at -him as a young man of seventeen, they will, we think, be able to answer -the question to their own satisfaction. - -Frank was now the only earthly protector of his mother and sister, for -Mr. Wilbur had been removed to the spiritual world about two years -before. He had left but little property; and Mrs. Wilbur found it better -to leave her pleasant home in the village, and hire rooms in the town to -which Frank and Clara used to love to go when they were children. Frank -was very desirous to earn something to aid in their support; and his -mother at length found a good situation for him in a large -shipping-store. His salary was small, however; and Mrs. Wilbur and Clara -were obliged to take fine sewing to do, and, even with this assistance, -found it difficult to maintain themselves comfortably. - -“To-morrow I shall be seventeen, mother!” suddenly exclaimed Frank, as -he sat thoughtfully gazing into the fire one evening after his return -from the store. - -“Yes, my son,” answered his mother. “You are almost a man.” - -“And I ought to be able to take care of you and Clara, mother. My salary -is too small. I know that my services are worth more than Mr. Lewiston -pays me. - -“That may be, Frank; but he gives you as much as it is customary to -allow boys of your age. I do not know that we ought to expect him to do -more.” - -“I cannot bear to have you and Clara work so constantly, mother. I am -the one to work.” - -His mother smiled affectionately upon him as she replied,— - -“You do work for us all the time, Frank, and we love to look to you for -help; but it cannot be supposed that, at your age, you can support us -entirely.” - -Just at this moment, Clara put the last stitches to the work upon which -she was engaged; and, throwing it aside, she said joyfully,— - -“Come, Frank, I have finished work for this evening. Bring your flute, -and I will sing the new song that we like so much.” - -Frank readily complied; and Mrs. Wilbur listened with delight as Clara’s -sweet voice mingled with the soft notes of her brother’s flute. - -But, at the end of the first song, Frank rose hurriedly, as if suddenly -recollecting something, saying as he did so,— - -“Mother, I must go back to the store for a little while.” - -“Go back to the store, my son! For what purpose, at this hour?” - -“A cask of gunpowder was brought there this afternoon, mother, and I -fear that it was not put in a place of safety. We have a particular -place for keeping it, in order to guard against accidents. It was given -in charge to our head clerk; but he was unexpectedly called away this -evening, and I do not feel sure that he attended to it.” - -“But as you were not desired to take care of it, Frank, will it not -answer to leave it where it is until morning?” asked Mrs. Wilbur, for -the walk was a long one, and she felt sorry to have Frank go at so late -an hour. - -“You can move it to-morrow, when you open the store,” urged Clara. “You -will need some one to help you, and there is no one there to-night.” - -“There are men enough near by,” replied Frank, smiling. “I think I will -go, mother. I do not love to leave this pleasant room, especially as -Clara is ready to sing with me; but I believe it is my duty to attend to -that powder immediately. _There is no time like the present_, you know, -mother. I do not forget father’s motto.” - -“You have always remembered it well since the day of misfortunes at -school,” answered his mother, “and I will not urge you to act contrary -to it now. Go, if you think it your duty.” - -And Frank went. As he expected, the gunpowder had not been put in a -place of security. He attended to its removal, and then, with a quick -step and a light heart, returned home. Clara had already retired to -rest, and his mother was only awaiting his return to follow her example. -Soon all were sleeping quietly. - -An alarm of fire in the middle of the night, and the noise of the -engines as they passed, aroused Frank; and, on looking from his window, -he felt convinced that the light was in the direction of the store in -which he was employed. - -Hastily dressing himself, and pausing at his mother’s door to tell her -where he was going, he was soon walking rapidly to the spot. - -As he approached, he felt relieved at finding that the fire had not -originated in the store, as he had at first feared. It was, however, -fearfully near; and, in spite of the efforts of the firemen, one part of -it was soon in flames. - -It was at this moment that Frank arrived at the scene of action; and, at -the same instant, Mr. Lewiston and the head clerk came running from -opposite directions. - -Frank followed his employer as he was hastily passing into the store, -hoping that the most valuable goods might be removed; but they were both -forcibly pulled back by the clerk, who, with a countenance full of -horror, exclaimed,— - -“The powder! O, Mr. Lewiston, I did not remove it; and the fire is in -that part of the building!” - -Mr. Lewiston uttered an exclamation of despair, and was springing from -the door, when Frank laid his hand upon his arm. - -“All is right, Mr. Lewiston. I saw the powder properly stored.” - -“Bless you, my boy!” was the heartfelt reply; and, relieved from this -dreadful fear, all hands were soon at work to rescue the property from -the devouring flames. - -But the firemen had now gained the victory, and the fire was -extinguished before it had reached the main part of the building. Only -the left wing was burned; but it was there that the powder had been -placed, and from there Frank had removed it, in his late visit at the -store the previous evening. He thanked the Lord that he had done this, -as he thought of the dreadful loss of life and property which might -otherwise have taken place. - - * * * * * - -Again the little party had assembled around the table to enjoy their -pleasant evening chat. It was on the day after the fire, Frank’s -seventeenth birthday. - -“And now, mother, I have a piece of good news to tell you,” he said, as -he finished the recital of the adventures of the previous night; for, at -Clara’s request, he had told the story a second time. - -“Mr. Lewiston has doubled my salary; and, moreover, he assures me that -he will continue to advance me, and will at some future time endeavor to -establish me in business for myself. And now, Miss Clara, you may put -away your needle, and read and study a part of your time; and mother -will no longer be so incessantly occupied with her work, but will have -leisure to take some air and exercise, and she will look bright and -happy again, as she used to when dear father lived with us.” - -“I ought to look happy when I have such kind children to take care of -me,” answered Mrs. Wilbur, smiling through her tears. - -“I am _so glad_ you went back to the store last evening, Frank!” -exclaimed Clara. “I will never again try to persuade you to neglect the -prompt performance of any duty.” - -“It will be a lesson to both of us,” replied Frank. “You do not know how -happy I felt this morning when our head clerk offered me his hand, and -told me that I had saved him from a life of misery; for, had there been -an explosion, he should have considered himself as the cause of the -disasters which must have followed.” - -“It must make you very happy to think that you have been the means of -preventing so frightful a calamity,” answered Mrs. Wilbur. “The lesson -is indeed a useful one to us all; and in every duty, whether great or -small, we will ever bear in mind your favorite motto, ‘There is no time -like the present.’” - - - - - THE LITTLE MATCH BOY. - - -“Don’t cry, mother. I shall soon be older and stronger, and then I can -do more for you and little sister. You shall never want for bread when I -am a man. Don’t cry, mother, _please_ don’t; it breaks my heart.” - -The speaker was a manly little fellow of some seven years. His -countenance would have been beautiful, but for an expression of -premature and anxious care, and a look of patient suffering which it was -painful to see on the face of happy childhood. - -One arm was thrown around the neck of a pale, sad-looking woman, while -the other clasped a chubby little girl, who, smiling through her tears, -lisped, in her pretty childish accents, - -“Don’t cry, mother. Rosy loves you.” - -There was comfort in this. The last crust of bread had been eaten, and -not a solitary sixpence remained to buy another loaf. The mother was too -feeble and ill to ply her needle with that unremitting diligence which -was necessary for the support of her little ones. Her strength had -already been too severely taxed; and now the time had come when Nature -could no longer support the heavy burden. The future was very, very -dark; and yet the mother’s heart was comforted by the innocent love of -her darlings. She wiped away those bitter tears, and tried to smile, as -she clasped them to her bosom. - -“My good Ernest,” she exclaimed, “my sweet little Rosy, I will weep no -more. Our Heavenly Father careth even for the sparrows. Surely He will -not forsake us in our hour of need. You must go to Mr. Thayer’s, my son, -and see if he will give me some more work. Tell him that I have been -very ill, but am better now, and should be glad of employment. Tell him, -also, that it would be a great relief to me if he would pay me one -dollar in advance. Perhaps he will do this for me.” - -“If he does not, he will be a cross man,” said Ernest, “for he has a -pocket-book full of dollars. I saw them the last time I was there.” - -“Yes, dear; but he employs a great many people, and has to pay out a -great deal of money.” - -“You are not able to sew, mother,” said Ernest, thoughtfully, as he took -up his hat. “It will bring back the bad pain in your side.” - -“Perhaps not, Ernest. At any rate, I must try. Go now, my son, for I -have no bread to give little Rosy for her dinner; and you, too, will -soon be hungry.” - -The heart of the boy swelled almost to bursting, as he obeyed his -mother’s command. For many weeks she had been stretched on the bed of -sickness; and the kind physician, whom she was at length obliged to call -in, had said, in Ernest’s hearing, that she needed rest; that such -constant exertion would certainly cause her death. - -“And now she has sent me for the sewing again,” sobbed the poor child, -“and I know it will kill her: and then, what will become of poor little -Rosy and me. Oh! how I wish I was older. If I could only earn a very -little, it would be some help. Is there nothing in the world that little -boys can do?” - -As Ernest said this, the shrill cry of a match boy attracted his -attention; and a bright thought entered his mind. - -He could carry a basket, surely. It could not be so heavy as the baskets -of wood and blocks which he often picked up around the new buildings for -his mother. And he could call matches, and sell them, too, and take the -money to his mother. And then, how comfortable she would be; and she -would not have to work so hard. - -Pleasant visions of tea and bread, and even of a pound of butter, passed -before Ernest’s eyes; but then an unexpected difficulty arose. Where was -the sum necessary for the outfit to come from? It certainly did not need -a very extensive capital; but dollars, or even shillings, were hard to -find. Ernest had not answered the question to his satisfaction, when he -found himself at the door of the building, where he was to obtain the -work for his mother. There was little trouble in making the desired -arrangement. Mrs. Lawrence was well known at the establishment as an -excellent workwoman; and the work, and the dollar in advance, were -readily furnished. - -Encouraged by this success, Ernest involuntarily exclaimed, - -“Oh, how I wish that some one would lend me a dollar!” - -“And what would you do with a dollar, my little man?” inquired a -gentleman standing by, attracted by the earnestness of the boy’s manner. - -Ernest blushed deeply, but answered, in a firm tone, - -“I would buy a basket and some matches, and other things, and sell them -in the street; and then my poor mother would not have to work so hard.” - -“You are a good son,” was the reply; “and I would willingly lend you the -dollar, if I thought you were old enough to carry out the plan.” - -“Only try me, sir!” exclaimed the animated child. “Only try me! You -shall see that I can do it.” - -At this moment, a hasty summons from a friend reminded the gentleman -that he must not miss an approaching omnibus. He placed a dollar in -Ernest’s hand; and without waiting to hear his expressions of gratitude, -sprung into the coach, and was soon out of sight. - -With rapid steps, Ernest passed through the crowded streets, until he -turned down the narrow alley which led to his own home. - -His delight was almost too great for utterance; and he clasped his arms -around his mother’s neck, and fairly sobbed for joy. - -“What is the matter, my dear son?” exclaimed Mrs. Lawrence, in alarm. -“What new misfortune has befallen us! Would not Mr. Thayer give me -employment?” - -“Oh yes, mother; yes, indeed; and here is the dollar he sent you. I am -not crying because I am sorry, mother. My heart is very glad. You will -not have to work so hard any more, mother; and I shall help to support -you and little Rosy. See what a kind friend has lent me.” And as Ernest -spoke, he held up the dollar which the gentleman had given him. - -“And how will this enable you to support us, my child?” asked the widow, -in astonishment, for she could not understand the meaning of Ernest’s -words. - -“You shall see, mother. I will try my best, and our Heavenly Father will -help me. This dollar will buy me a basket, and a few things to put in -it; and when I have sold those, I can buy some more. You do not know how -well I can call matches, mother;” and he imitated the shrill cry so -skilfully, that Rosy clapped her hands with admiration, and even his -mother smiled at his enthusiasm. - -But it was a sad smile; for it was a trial to her to have Ernest -commence this new mode of life. He was a bright boy, and a good scholar -for his age; and she had hoped that he would continue steadily at -school, until he had acquired a good education. - -But something must be done for their relief; and it was possible that -the boy’s small earnings might at least help to supply their scanty -food. - -So the basket was bought, and a moderate supply of matches and other -trifling articles placed in it; and early on the following morning, -Ernest commenced his new life. - -His neat appearance, and bright, animated countenance, were so -prepossessing, that many who observed him were disposed to buy; and one -kind lady even bestowed an extra sixpence upon him, because he thanked -her so gratefully for buying half-a-dozen boxes of his matches. - -With a joyful heart, he placed his earnings in his mother’s hands. - -“Look, mother!” he exclaimed, “all this, besides what I need to buy more -things with, and the sixpence which I have laid aside toward paying the -dollar. You know I must lay by some every day to pay the gentleman. But -how am I to find him, mother? I never thought to ask where he lived.” - -“He probably meant to give you the money, Ernest, or he would have told -you where to bring it.” - -“Oh no, mother, he only lent it to me; I will pay it back, if I search -the city to find him. How much I thank him for his kindness.” - -“And I thank him too,” said little Rosy. “Now, we shall never be poor -any more—shall we, Ernest?” “I think not,” replied Ernest. “Mother shall -have a cup of tea every evening; and after a little while, Rosy, we will -have butter to eat on our bread, and I will buy you a pretty new frock.” - -“Poor children!” thought the mother, as she gazed fondly upon them. “How -little it takes to make them happy!” - -It was really wonderful what success attended our little match boy. Not -only were many daily comforts provided, but quite a sum was laid by for -time of need. Ernest was almost too happy when he saw both his mother -and Rosy dressed neatly in frocks which had been bought with his -earnings; and his only trouble was, that he had not yet been able to -discover the good gentleman who had lent him the first dollar. - -“I should so love to thank him, and tell him how nicely we are getting -along,” he would sometimes say. “Your cheeks are not quite so pale as -they used to be when you sewed so many hours in the night, mother. I am -very glad that I am old enough to help you.” - -“You are a great help to me, indeed, my son,” replied Mrs. Lawrence; -“but I feel anxious that you should have a little time to devote to your -learning. We have some money laid by now, and I think you may let your -basket rest for awhile, and attend school.” - -Ernest loved his books, and his eyes brightened at the thought of -school; but after a moment’s thought, he said, - -“It would not do, mother, to give up my basket altogether, because there -are a good many kind ladies who buy many things from me, and always wait -for me to come; and besides, we should soon spend the little money that -we have, and then you would have to work so hard again. But I will -study, mother; you will help me, and I will try my best. I can spare two -or three hours every day for my books.” - -And from that time, with his mother’s help, and his own patient -industry, Ernest made rapid progress; and even found leisure to instruct -his little sister in several branches. - -Rosy was an active little girl, and loved to make herself useful. It was -her busy fingers that placed everything in such neat and attractive -order in her brother’s basket; and it was she, also, who made the room -look so very bright and cheerful, to welcome his return. While her -mother was engaged with her sewing, she would sweep the floor, wipe -every particle of dust from the scanty furniture, set the table, and do -everything that one so young could do toward preparing their frugal -meal. - -“See, Ernest,” she said, as her brother seated himself by her side one -evening, after the tea table was cleared away, and Mrs. Lawrence had -resumed her work. “See how nicely I have pasted this strip of sand paper -over the mantel-piece, that you may have a place to light the match upon -when you kindle the fire for mother in the morning.” - -“Yes, it looks very nicely,” answered Ernest; “and I will try to -remember never to draw the matches across the wall any more, since it -leaves such ugly marks. But, Rosy, I see those same marks in very nice -houses sometimes.” - -“Perhaps they did not think about pasting up sand paper,” replied Rosy, -thoughtfully; and then, after a moment’s pause, she added, “You might -cut some little strips, Ernest, and sell them with your matches.” - -“I might do something better than that,” exclaimed her brother, as a -sudden thought struck him. “If mother will give us some paste, and you -will let me use some of your pasteboard and bits of colored paper which -the paper hanger, next door, gave you, I think I can make something very -pretty to hold matches, and light them too.” - -The paste and paper were readily supplied, but Ernest soon found that it -was quite beyond his skill to carry out the plan which he had formed; -and he was delighted when his mother laid aside her work, and offered to -assist him. - -With her help, a stiff piece of pasteboard, seven or eight inches -square, was partly covered with sand paper, and neatly bordered with -colored paper. Two little round cases were then fastened upon the upper -part of the card, to hold the matches; and a small hole was made in the -middle, so that it could be hung upon a nail driven into the wall. - -Ernest and Rosy fairly jumped for joy when the first one was completed -and placed upon the mantel-piece to dry. The second one was made much -quicker than the first; and Mrs. Lawrence soon became so expert, that -she had finished half a dozen in a very short time. These were enough -for an experiment. Ernest was sure they would sell for sixpence a-piece; -and after he went to bed, he could hardly close his eyes, his mind was -so busy thinking what a little fortune he should make with this pretty -invention. - -His expectations were not disappointed. At every house where he called -with his basket, the match cases were noticed and admired; and before he -had been an hour from home, he had sold the last one, and with a light -heart returned to tell his success to his mother. - -A fresh supply was soon obtained; and for several days, he was equally -successful in disposing of them. - -At one house, where a little girl had purchased one of the first cases -which had been made, he received an order for half-a-dozen, to be -furnished as soon as possible. - -“And be sure to make them very pretty, little boy,” said the young girl, -as she stood at the door talking with Ernest; “for my father will look -at them himself, and he will want them very nice. He was quite pleased -when I showed him the one which I bought the other day, and he said you -were an ingenious boy.” - -“My mother makes the greater part of them, Miss,” replied Ernest, -blushing. “We will do our best to please you.” - -Rosy had been uncommonly successful, that day, in collecting pretty -pieces of colored paper; and the six little cases, far prettier than any -which had been made before, were soon completed and placed upon the -mantel-piece to dry, that they might be in readiness for Ernest’s -morning expedition. - -Very happy he felt, as with his basket upon his arm, he knocked at the -basement door of the handsome house where he had often sold his little -wares, and inquired of the girl who opened the door, if he could see the -young lady. - -“Oh, you are Miss Ellen’s little match boy,” was the reply. “Wait a -moment, and I will call her.” - -Just then the door of the breakfast room opened, and Miss Ellen herself -appeared. - -“Have you brought them so soon?” she exclaimed, joyfully, as Ernest -eagerly displayed his treasures. “Oh, they are very pretty! Come with -me, and I will show them to papa. He has finished his breakfast, and is -reading the morning paper. Come right along. Do not be afraid.” - -Ernest took off his hat, and followed his little conductress into the -front basement. A pleasant-looking gentleman sat in an arm-chair, with a -newspaper in his hand. - -“Here is the little match boy, papa,” said Ellen, as they entered. “He -has brought the cases which you wished for. Look! are they not pretty?” - -“Very pretty, my daughter, and very neatly made. What is your name, my -little lad?” - -But Ernest made no reply. He was looking intently and eagerly at the -gentleman, and after a moment’s pause, exclaimed, - -“It must be the very one! I am so glad!” - -“Glad of what, my little fellow?” asked the gentleman, smiling. - -“Glad to find you, Sir. Do you not remember that you lent me a dollar? -Oh, it has been of great use to me; and I have wanted so much to thank -you, and pay it back to you. I have carried it in my pocket for a long -time; but I did not know that you lived in this house.” - -As Ernest spoke, he drew a silver dollar from his pocket, carefully -wrapped in a piece of paper, and offered it to the gentleman; but he -drew back, saying, - -“This is some mistake, my lad. I never lent you a dollar.” - -“Oh yes, Sir, a long time ago; more than a year. It was in Mr. Thayer’s -shop, Sir. We were very poor then, and I was so anxious to do something -to help my mother. You thought I was too small to carry a basket; but -you lent me the dollar.” - -“I remember it now, my boy. You are an honest little fellow. And have -you really succeeded well?” - -“Very well, Sir. We are not so poor now. Mother does not have to work so -hard, and we have good food and comfortable clothes. It is all owing to -your kindness, Sir.” - -Once more Ernest offered the dollar; but the gentleman refused it, -saying, - -“I intended to give it to you, my child.” - -“But I should feel happier if you would take it, Sir; I have saved it -for you so long.” - -“I will take the little match boxes instead, then,” replied his friend. -“Will that satisfy you?” - -“They are not worth a dollar,” replied Ernest; “but I can bring you -more, if you like.” - -“We have enough, my good boy. A dollar is not too much for them. And -now, give me your name, and tell me where you live, for I shall wish to -see more of you.” - -“My name is Ernest Lawrence, Sir; and we live in one room of the large -white house near the Baptist church.” - -“Ah, yes, I know the place. Well, Ernest, tell your mother that I will -call to see her to-morrow morning, about ten o’clock.” - -“Thank you, Sir; I will not forget to tell her. She will be very much -obliged to you for your kindness, and so will Rosy.” - -“Who is Rosy?” asked Ellen, who had been an attentive listener to the -conversation between her father and the little match boy. - -“My sister, Miss,” replied Ernest, as he took up his basket, and made -his best bow to the gentleman. - -The next morning was a long one to the two children. Very early had Rosy -assisted her mother in putting their little room in the neatest order; -and two hours before the time when they might expect the gentleman, she -was gazing eagerly from the window, hoping that he would soon arrive. - -The right time came at last; and Mr. Burnap—for this was the name of -Ernest’s benefactor—was seen ascending the steps. The children ran to -the door to receive him, and show him the way to their room. - -He spoke kindly to them both, and stroked Rosy’s golden curls; but he -had not long to stay, and seemed anxious to have some conversation with -their mother. So the children employed themselves quietly in another -part of the room, and were careful not to speak a loud word, for fear of -disturbing their guest. - -After a little while, they softly left the room, and seated themselves -on the step of the outer door, where they could talk together in more -freedom, and yet be very sure to see Mr. Burnap before he left the -house. - -In about half an hour, their mother called them. - -“Come here, my boy,” said Mr. Burnap, extending his hand to Ernest, as -he advanced. “Your mother tells me that you are fond of your books. -Would you like to give up going out with your basket, and attend a good -school?” - -Ernest hesitated. - -“Speak out, my boy. Tell us what is in your mind.” - -“I should love to go to school very much, Sir, if I was sure that my -mother would not have to work too hard. My basket earns enough to buy us -many comforts.” - -“I will see that your mother is provided for. Would you, then, like to -attend school?” - -“Oh, very much, Sir. I will study hard.” - -“That is right. You are a good son, and I think you will be a good man. -As for my little Rosy, I am sure she is a good little girl, and does all -she can to be useful.” - -“I can sweep the room, Sir,” replied Rosy, smiling pleasantly, as the -gentleman drew her to his side. - -“I thought so, my child. It looks very nice. I must bring my little -daughter to see you some time. And now, I must bid you all good morning. -I will call again in one week, Mrs. Lawrence; please to have all in -readiness.” - -Mrs. Lawrence bowed her head gratefully, but her heart was too full to -speak; and she quite alarmed the children by weeping some time after Mr. -Burnap left the room. - -At length she grew calm, and was able to tell them all that had passed. -Their kind friend had expressed his interest in Ernest’s welfare, and -had offered to give him a good education at his own expense. He had -asked Mrs. Lawrence many questions concerning her present employment; -and finding that constant confinement to her needle was injurious to her -health, and yielded them but a scanty support, he had proposed to her to -remove to some comfortable rooms in a house of his own, part of which -was at this time vacant. One of these rooms was fitted for a shop; and -he offered to advance a sufficient sum to enable her to open a small -thread and needle store, which would, he thought, be successful, and -might be gradually increased. - -Ernest and Rosy were almost wild with delight, when their mother told -them of this plan. Rosy was sure she could soon learn to attend the shop -as well as her mother; and Ernest thought he could help a great deal -when he was not in school. Their hearts were filled with gratitude to -their Heavenly Father, who had raised them up such a kind friend. - -In about a week they were established in their new home, which seemed to -them almost like a palace. Several articles of furniture were given them -by Mr. Burnap; and the whole place presented a remarkably neat and -attractive appearance. - -The little shop was very successful; and before many months had passed -away, Mrs. Lawrence was able, not only to repay the sum which their -friend had advanced to them, but also to increase her stock of goods -considerably. - -Mr. Burnap would have objected to receiving the money, but Mrs. Lawrence -begged that he would take it, and if he pleased, use it to assist others -who were poor and needy. - -Ernest applied with great diligence to his studies, and made rapid -progress. Little Rosy, also, was soon placed at school; and was no less -an industrious scholar than her brother. They delighted to do everything -in their power to assist their mother, and often wished they could do -more, to show their gratitude to the friends who had been so kind to -them. - -Mr. Burnap had no son, and Ernest became very dear to him. After several -years, he took him into his own counting-room, and, as he grew older, -made him a partner in his business. - -Ernest, while still a young man, was a wealthy merchant. If you could -have looked into his beautiful parlors, and have seen that -handsomely-dressed, cheerful-looking old lady, seated in her -rocking-chair, and that lovely young girl by her side, you would not -have recognized poor Mrs. Lawrence and her little Rosy; and in that -gentlemanly-looking man who has just entered, you would have been still -more unable to have recalled the little match boy, whose shrill cry had -once been heard through those very streets, where he was now known and -respected. - -Ernest still loved to tell the story; and when Rosy would sometimes say, - -“That little thread and needle store seems like a dream to me now,” he -would produce the very basket which he had formerly carried, and the -silver dollar which he had so long reserved to repay his benefactor, and -would smilingly reply, - -“My match basket is still a reality to me, Rosy. We will not forget the -days gone by.” - - - - - I FORGOT. - - -“I am glad you have come, Clara,” said Mrs. Gray, as her little daughter -entered the room, on her return from an errand to a neighboring shop; “I -began to fear you would be too late. Where are the buttons?” - -“The buttons!” exclaimed Clara. “Oh, mother, I forgot to buy them!” - -“Forgot to buy them, Clara; how is that possible, when you went to the -shop for the very purpose of getting them? I gave you no other errand.” - -“I know that, mother; but you gave me leave to buy the worsted to work -the slippers for father, for which I have been saving my money so long. -I met Anna Lee, and we were so busy talking together, and selecting the -prettiest shades of worsted, that I quite forgot the buttons. I will go -back again, mother.” - -“No, Clara, it will be too late; your father is now eating his dinner, -and he expects the coach in a few minutes. I should have but just time -to sew the buttons on his coat, if I had them now. If he had not been so -suddenly called from home, his clothes would have been in readiness. I -have exerted myself all the morning to put every thing in proper order -for his journey, and all is now ready excepting his overcoat, which -needs new buttons very much.” - -Clara looked sorry and ashamed, and just then her father entered the -room, saying,— - -“Is my coat nearly ready? I think the coach will be here in five -minutes.” - -“I am sorry to say that Clara forgot the buttons,” replied his wife, -“and there is no time to send her again to the shop.” - -“Oh, no!” said Mr. Gray, “I must wear the coat as it is. I should be -gone before she could reach the shop. It is not pleasant to think that -my little daughter’s forgetfulness obliges me to wear a shabby coat; but -do not trouble yourself about it. I will get a tailor to repair it at -the town where we stop for the night.” - -A few minutes passed, and the coach rattled to the door. Mr. Gray -hastily bade his wife an affectionate farewell, and stooping to kiss -Clara he said, “My daughter must remember that forgetfulness is, often, -only another name for selfishness.” - -In another minute he had taken his place in the coach, the door was -closed, the driver sprang to his seat, and they whirled away as fast as -the four stout horses could carry them. - -Clara stood at the door until the coach was out of sight, and then -slowly and sadly returned to the parlor, and seated herself by her -mother. - -“I am very sorry I forgot the buttons,” she said; “but what did father -mean by saying that forgetfulness is only another name for selfishness? -I did not mean to forget, mother; I was willing to go for them. Selfish -people are unwilling to do any thing to help others.” - -“There are many kinds of selfishness, Clara, and forgetfulness is -certainly one kind. You have a bad habit of excusing many acts of -thoughtlessness and carelessness by saying, ‘I forgot.’ Now can you tell -me why you forgot to buy the buttons?” - -“Because I was so engaged in selecting the worsteds and in admiring the -pretty colors, mother.” - -“And was not that selfish, Clara? You did not forget your own errand, -but you allowed it to engross your mind so entirely, that you forgot the -real object for which you were sent to the shop. If you loved to be of -use to me, as well as you love to please yourself, you would have -remembered what I sent you for, and purchased that before you attended -to your own wants.” - -“I will try to do better another time, mother,” replied Clara, “and in -this case I believe I was a little selfish; but I do not believe that -forgetfulness is always selfishness.” - -“Not always, perhaps; but very often,” said Mrs. Gray. “If we love our -neighbor as ourselves, we shall remember his desires as well as we do -our own. It is a poor excuse for any fault to say, ‘I forgot to do -right.’ Now, tie on your bonnet, Clara, and we will take a short walk -this fine afternoon.” - -“Oh, thank you, mother! I love to walk with you; and will you tell me -where father has gone, and all about it, as you said you would do when -you were at leisure.” - -“I will,” replied her mother. “We will take the pleasant retired path -which leads through the woods, and when we reach our favorite seat we -will rest ourselves, and talk about your father’s journey.” - -Clara always found a walk with her mother instructive as well as -delightful; for Mrs. Gray allowed nothing to escape her observation, but -made even the most trifling objects the means of conveying pleasant and -useful information. A simple flower, or blade of grass, often served to -impress upon Clara’s mind the wisdom and beauty which is visible in all -the works of the Lord; and the music of the birds never fell unheeded -upon her ear, but elevated her affections to her Heavenly Father, -without whom not even a sparrow falleth to the ground. From her earliest -childhood her mother had endeavored to give her habits of observation, -and had taught her to regard nothing which the Lord has made as too -trifling to be instructive and useful, if examined with proper -attention. - -“Anna Lee has collected specimens of a great many different kinds of -leaves, mother,” said Clara, as she plucked a large oak leaf from a tree -which they were passing, and admired its deep green and smooth glossy -surface. “She has a very large book quite full, and yet she tells me -that she has never been able to find two leaves exactly alike.” - -“She will never find two leaves alike, Clara. There are no two things in -creation that are exactly alike.” - -“Why, mother, how can you know?” exclaimed Clara, in surprise. “There -may be two things alike which you have never seen.” - -“No, Clara, this cannot be. The Lord is infinite, and therefore there is -an infinite variety in all things that He has made. There is not given -any thing the same as another, and neither can be given to eternity.” - -“Not even two blades of grass, mother?” asked Clara. - -“No, Clara,” replied her mother, smiling. “When you are older you will -understand this better, but it will always fill your mind with wonder -and admiration. At present, it is sufficient for you to recollect what I -have said,—that the Lord is infinite, and that therefore, there is an -infinite variety in all things. To impress this upon your mind, you may -compare as many things as you please, and you will soon find that -although they will frequently look alike, yet by careful observation you -will always find some slight shades of difference.” - -“Yes, mother, I will try,” said Clara, “and I think I should like to -collect a book of leaves like Anna’s, if you are willing, mother.” - -“I have no objection, Clara; and, if you like, I will give you a short -lesson to learn in a little book which I have on Botany, and then you -will know the names of the different forms of leaves, and I will show -you how to arrange them properly in your book.” - -“Oh, thank you, mother! I shall like that very much. And now here we are -at our mossy seat, and I shall hear where father has gone, and why he -looked so grave when he read that letter this morning.” - -“Yes, you shall now hear all about it,” replied Mrs. Gray. “I was -pleased to observe that you tried to suppress your curiosity this -morning, and when your father requested you to leave the room, as he -wished to talk with me alone, that you obeyed readily and without asking -any questions. The letter was from your aunt Catharine. She tells us -that her husband’s health is evidently declining, and the physicians -strongly recommend a milder climate. They also think that a voyage at -sea might be useful to him. He will leave home for Italy in a few days, -and your aunt has decided to accompany him.” - -“And is little Ellen going with them, mother?” asked Clara, who was -listening with eager attention. - -“No, my dear,” replied Mrs. Gray; “your aunt thinks that she could not -devote herself so entirely to her husband if little Ellen was with her, -and she has therefore decided to leave her behind, although it is a -great trial to part with her. She would like to have Ellen remain with -us during their absence, and this was the principal subject of the -letter to your father.” - -“And shall you let her come, mother?” exclaimed Clara. “Oh, do say yes! -I shall be so delighted to have a little sister like Ellen to play with. -I will help you take care of her all the time.” - -“Her nurse will come with her,” replied Mrs. Gray, smiling at Clara’s -eagerness. “Your father has now gone to visit your uncle and aunt, and -it is quite probable that little Ellen and her nurse will return with -him.” - -“How glad I am,” said Clara; “I hope aunt will remain in Italy a long -time. I do not mean that I hope uncle Henry’s health will oblige them to -stay, but I should love to have him get better, and conclude to travel -for two or three years, and leave Ellen with us.” - -“There is no probability of their doing this, Clara. If your uncle -should recover, they will return next summer; and though we may have -become much attached to your little cousin, and grieve to part with her, -I trust we shall not be so selfish as to wish to prolong her separation -from her parents.” - -“I can teach her a great deal before they come home,” said Clara. “She -is nearly two years old now. I might teach her to read before she is -three.” - -“We will first teach her to talk,” replied her mother; “but we will not -teach her to say, ‘I forgot!’” - -“No, mother, I will not teach her to say that. I will teach her all that -I can that is good, but nothing that is evil.” - -“A very good resolution, Clara. And now we will return home, for the air -is rather too cool.” - -Before I tell my young readers about Mr. Gray’s return with little -Ellen, I must introduce them more particularly to Clara; although, from -what I have already said concerning her, they may have formed a good -idea of her character, and have justly concluded that she is very much -like themselves, sometimes trying to do what is right, and suffering -herself to be led by the good spirits around her, and at other times -somewhat selfish and thoughtless, allowing evil spirits to lead her in -the wrong path. - -Clara was nearly eleven years old. She was generally obedient to her -parents and teachers, kind to her playmates, diligent in her studies, -and orderly and industrious in her habits. Still she had some faults. -Although obliging in her disposition, and desirous to be useful to those -around her, she frequently entirely disregarded their wishes through -mere thoughtlessness and inattention. Like most children, she was fond -of play, and sometimes allowed her amusements to make her forget to -perform her duties. - -She was unwilling to believe that this forgetfulness was one form of -selfishness; for Clara, like many other persons, believed herself free -from this evil, because she was glad to share whatever she had with -those who needed it, and was even willing to give up her own pleasure -for the sake of being useful to others. I have known her to decline an -invitation to a pleasant little party, because her mother was not quite -well, and needed her attention; and yet, perhaps, in the course of that -same afternoon, she would become so much interested in some book, or -favorite amusement, that she would quite forget the object for which she -remained at home, and entirely neglect to attend to her mother. - -I will relate an instance of Clara’s thoughtlessness, and you will then -see that she sometimes gave great trouble to herself and to others, -although she very seldom intended to do wrong;—she only _forgot to do -right_. - -Very near to Mr. Gray’s there lived a good old woman, whom the children -in the neighborhood called aunt Molly. She lived in a small cottage, -with a neat little garden in front, containing a few flowers and -vegetables, and one large apple-tree. Aunt Molly was quite lame, and -always used a crutch in walking. She had one son, about eighteen years -of age, who lived with her, and took care of her. During the day he was -obliged to be from home to attend to his work, but he took good care to -bring wood, and water, and every thing that he thought his mother could -want, before he left her; and with the help of her crutch she was able -to move about quite briskly, and her little cottage was always in the -neatest order. Every child in the neighborhood loved to visit aunt -Molly, for she had a kind word for each of them, and often a pleasant -story to tell, or a gift of a rosy-cheeked apple or a pretty flower. - -One bright afternoon in October, Clara asked her mother’s leave to pass -an hour or two at the cottage. Mrs. Gray readily consented, and -requested her to take a glass of grape jelly, which she had just been -making, to the old lady. - -“I love to carry aunt Molly a little present, because she is always so -much pleased,” said Clara; and, tying on her bonnet, she bade her mother -good afternoon, and taking the glass in her hand, soon reached the -cottage, where she found aunt Molly comfortably seated in her large -arm-chair, with her knitting-work in her hands, and her crutch lying by -her side. She was, as Clara expected, much pleased with the jelly, and -said it was the best she had tasted for many years. Clara sat by her -side for half an hour, chatting away very happily, and then aunt Molly -requested her to read aloud to her for a little while, as her eyes were -failing, and she often found it difficult to see to read herself. Clara -readily complied, for she was glad to be of use, and another half hour -passed away very pleasantly. - -“Now,” said aunt Molly, “you must go to the garden, and find a nice -apple for yourself. In a few days my son will gather them all, but I -have none in the house to-day. You will probably find some good ones on -the ground, or perhaps you can reach the lower branches of the tree.” - -So Clara ran to the apple-tree, and looked around upon the grass beneath -it for a nice apple. There were some pretty good ones, but they did not -suit her exactly, for high up above her head she saw those that were -much larger and fairer. - -“There is a beauty!” she exclaimed; “I can almost reach it. I wish I had -a stick. I will run and borrow aunt Molly’s crutch, and knock it down.” - -Aunt Molly was quite willing to lend her crutch, but she charged Clara -to bring it back directly, as it was nearly time for her to put by her -knitting and prepare tea. - -“Oh, yes, I will come right back!” said Clara, “and I will set the -table, and hang on the tea-kettle, and help you get tea.” - -While Clara was endeavoring to knock the apple from the tree, she saw -two of her schoolmates running along a lane not far from the cottage; -they were talking very merrily, and seemed to be much pleased about -something. Clara threw down the crutch and ran after them. They stopped -when they heard her call to them, and told her that they were going to -the grove to see a new swing which their brother had just put up. - -“Can every one swing in it who wishes to?” asked Clara. - -“Certainly,” replied Susan Allen, one of the little girls. “My brother -said it was for the accommodation of all the children in the -neighborhood. Come with us, and we will have a fine swing.” - -In her eagerness to try the new swing, Clara quite forgot aunt Molly’s -crutch, which she had left under the apple-tree, and ran hastily along -with the other girls until they reached a small grove of willow-trees at -the end of the lane. Here they found a fine large swing, and enjoyed -their play so much that the time passed very quickly. It was nearly an -hour since Clara had left the apple-tree, when she suddenly sprung from -the swing, exclaiming,— - -“Oh, dear, I forgot aunt Molly’s crutch! I am so sorry,” and she run as -fast as she could toward the cottage. - -Poor aunt Molly, after waiting fifteen or twenty minutes for Clara to -return with the crutch, began to fear that some accident had befallen -her, and thought she would try to get to the door and look out into the -garden. She succeeded in doing this, by taking hold of the chairs and -other furniture. She saw her crutch lying under the tree, but nothing -was to be seen of Clara. She called as loudly as she could, but no one -answered. Becoming still more alarmed, aunt Molly endeavored to get down -the steps which led into the garden, hoping to be able to reach her -crutch. - -“If I can only get my crutch,” she said to herself, “I will go to the -next house, and ask them to look for the poor child, for I know not what -has become of her.” - -But, unfortunately, the old lady, having nothing to take hold of, lost -her balance and fell to the ground. The steps were high, and she was a -good deal bruised by the fall, and her lameness entirely prevented her -from rising, or helping herself in any way. - -Providentially, however, her son returned at an earlier hour than usual. -He was much shocked at finding his mother in such a condition, and -carefully raising her from the ground, he helped her into the cottage, -and laid her upon the bed. He was then preparing to attend to the -bruises upon her face and arm, which were beginning to look very badly, -but his mother begged him to leave her and look for Clara, for she felt -exceedingly anxious concerning her. Just at this moment Clara ran -hastily into the room, with the crutch in her hand, which she had found -under the tree where she left it. She felt very sad at finding aunt -Molly so much injured through her forgetfulness and neglect. The kind -old lady did not reproach her, but she begged her to try to grow more -thoughtful and considerate. - -Clara went immediately to her mother, and told her of what she had done, -and Mrs. Gray hastened to the cottage with some liniment and other -things which were useful for bruises and sprains. - -It was several weeks before aunt Molly was able to sit in her chair and -knit again, for her arm was so badly sprained by the fall that it was a -long time before she could use it. Clara went every day to the cottage -to assist her, and gladly gave up many of her hours for play that she -might have leisure to attend to aunt Molly’s wants, without neglecting -her studies and other duties. This lesson appeared to make so deep an -impression upon her mind, that her mother hoped it would quite cure her -fault; but after a short time had passed away, Clara was nearly as -heedless as she was before. When bad habits are once acquired it is -difficult to overcome them, and many sad lessons are often necessary -before we sincerely endeavor to remove the evil. - - * * * * * - -A few days after Mr. Gray had left home, his wife received a letter from -him naming the day that he should probably return, and requesting to -have a room prepared for Ellen and her nurse, as they would accompany -him. - -Clara was quite overjoyed, and begged her mother to allow her a holiday, -that she might collect every thing that could please her little cousin -from her old stores of playthings, some of which had long been laid -aside. Mrs. Gray consented, and gave her leave to use the lower shelves -of a closet in the room which Ellen was to occupy, for a baby-house. To -this closet, therefore, Clara brought all her treasures, and spent -several hours very happily in making new dresses for the dolls, and in -arranging the different apartments of a house upon the shelves. At -length the parlor, kitchen, and sleeping-rooms were all in proper order; -the dolls were suitably dressed, and placed in their respective places; -one or two were quietly seated in the parlor, another was standing by a -washtub in the kitchen, and another might be seen in the neatly made bed -in the upper room. Mrs. Gray was then summoned to look at the -baby-house. She admired the neatness with which every thing was -arranged, but warned Clara not to be disappointed if she found Ellen too -young to understand and appreciate it. - -“Why, mother,” exclaimed Clara, “even very little babies like -playthings.” - -“Certainly,” replied her mother, “but they like to play with them in -their own way. Ellen will, I doubt not, be much pleased with the -baby-house, but she will not know how to arrange things in an orderly -manner, as you do. For instance, you have placed the clothes for your -dolls very neatly in the drawers of the little bureau. Now, it is quite -probable that Ellen will be delighted with the bureau, but she will not -be willing to allow the clothes to remain in the drawers. Every drawer -will be taken out, and the clothes unfolded; the bureau will be turned -upside down, and perhaps a block-house built with the drawers.” - -“Oh, mother,” said Clara, “that will not do at all! I will show Ellen -how to play properly.” - -“You can let her see how you use the playthings, and she will soon begin -to imitate you; but do not interfere with her plays too much. It is -better to let little children play in their own way, as much as we can, -without allowing them to injure themselves or others. The Lord keeps -good spirits constantly near to them, and in every innocent amusement -they are endeavoring to impart those remains of goodness and truth which -will enable them to be useful and happy as they grow older.” - -“I will remember this, mother, and I will try to be patient, even if -little Ellen pulls my pretty bed to pieces, and puts the ladies into the -kitchen, and Susy, the girl who does my work, into the parlor.” - -“She will probably do these and many other strange things,” replied Mrs. -Gray; “but you must always try, when playing with little children, to -play entirely for their amusement. Do not attempt to have things in your -own way, but devote yourself to making them happy.” - -“And now all is ready,” said Clara, “and how I wish to-morrow evening -was here.” - -“Never wish away time, my dear Clara, but endeavor to improve every -moment as it flies. When we are busily engaged in our duties and -pleasures, time always passes quickly.” - -Clara followed her mother’s advice, and attended diligently to her -studies during the forenoon of the following day. The afternoon was -devoted to reading, sewing, and walking. The hours soon passed away, and -the coach containing the travellers drove to the door before Clara had -begun to watch for its appearance. - -For two or three days little Ellen was too much grieved, by the -separation from her father and mother, to show much affection for the -new friends around her; but she soon forgot her troubles, and appeared -perfectly contented and happy. She was a sweet-looking, happy child, and -no one could look in her innocent face without loving her dearly. - -Clara devoted every leisure moment to her. The baby-house was at first -in constant disorder, but very soon Ellen would try to arrange the -playthings as she saw Clara do, and if she did not succeed in putting -them in their proper places, she would run to her cousin, and pull her -by the frock, saying, “Come, Tara, come.” When all the things were in -order, she would clap her little hands, and say, “Pretty, pretty! Ellen -happy now.” This pleased Clara very much, and she sometimes told her -mother that she loved Ellen more and more every day. - -“I can teach her many things,” she said, “but there are some things -which she teaches me. I never thought so much about the Lord, and -heaven, and the angels, as I have done since Ellen has lived with us. I -love to think how the angels watch over her, and try to teach her what -is good and true. Sometimes when my lessons trouble me, and I feel idle -and cross, if little Ellen comes into the room all these evil feelings -go away, and I resolve to be good and happy. I think she brings the -angels with her, and this makes me feel better.” - -“You must remember that the Lord keeps angels near to you as well as to -Ellen, Clara,” replied Mrs. Gray. “The evil spirits are suffered to have -more power over you than over her, because you are older, and have -learned to distinguish between good and evil. You can easily tell -whether the thoughts which come into your mind are right or wrong, and -you know that the Lord will always enable you to remove the evil -spirits, and suffer the angels to draw near to you, if you sincerely -desire it.” - -“Yes, mother, I know this; but sometimes I think I should love to be a -little child like Ellen, and then I should not so often feel tempted to -do wrong. How sweet she looks when she is asleep. When I look at her -then, mother, I always feel like praying to the Lord. My heart seems to -be raised to Him.” - -“It is a good feeling, my dear, child,” said Mrs. Gray, kissing Clara -affectionately. “The angels are indeed near to you when your heart is -thus raised to your Heavenly Father, and He will always hear your -prayer, and strengthen you to walk in the path of goodness and truth.” - -Several months had passed since the commencement of our story, and in -many respects Clara had considerably improved. “I forgot” was an -expression less frequently used than formerly; but still her old habits -of heedless forgetfulness were often troublesome, and she was frequently -mortified to find that her friends feared to trust her in any important -matter, lest she should neglect to perform her duty. - -“Why will you never allow Ellen to walk alone with me, Margaret?” -inquired Clara of the faithful woman who had charge of her little -cousin; “I am sure I am old enough to take good care of her, and she -loves me almost as well as she does you.” - -“You are very kind to her, and she loves you very much, Miss Clara,” -replied Margaret; “but I should fear to trust her in the street with -you, because you are sometimes a little thoughtless, and some accident -might happen to her. When your aunt parted from the dear child, she -begged me, with tears in her eyes, to watch over her night and day, and -I shall faithfully try to keep the promise I then made.” - -“But, Margaret,” urged Clara, “what accident could happen to Ellen if I -took her to walk up and down the street, and kept hold of her hand all -the way. I would not leave her an instant.” - -“You might forget her,” said Margaret, hesitatingly, for she did not -wish to grieve Clara. “Some of your schoolmates might call to you, or -something else might take your attention.” - -“You ought not to say so,” replied Clara, looking a little offended. “I -know I forget things sometimes, but they are almost always trifling -matters, such as errands, or some other little thing. I could not forget -Ellen. Could I, mother?” she continued, appealing to her mother, who was -sitting in the next room, and had heard the conversation.. - -“I think Margaret is right, Clara,” replied Mrs. Gray. “While we see you -so forgetful of little duties, it would not be proper to intrust you -with any thing important. I think you have improved in this respect -lately, but you are still very thoughtless, and do not make so much -effort to correct the fault as I could wish.” - -Clara did not look very pleasant while her mother was speaking. - -“I do not think I am any more forgetful than other people,” she said. -“Every one forgets sometimes.” - -“You speak improperly, Clara,” said her mother. “You are not in a good, -humble state,—willing to acknowledge your faults and try to remove -them.” - -Clara made no reply, and soon left the room. She felt grieved and -displeased that her little cousin could not be intrusted to her care, -and she felt disposed to charge her mother and Margaret with unkindness, -rather than to blame herself for deserving the mortification. - -Not many days after the above conversation, Clara and Ellen were playing -in the sitting-room, while Mrs. Gray and Margaret were busily engaged in -one of the upper rooms, quilting a bed-spread. There was no fire in the -room where the children were, and it appeared perfectly safe to leave -them together for an hour or two. - -Clara was keeping house, and she frequently sent Ellen to different -parts of the room to purchase such articles as she supposed herself to -need. Sometimes she was ordered to go to the grocer’s for tea and sugar, -sometimes to the market for meat and vegetables. Ellen would run -cheerfully to the place pointed out, pick up a bit of paper or any thing -else that she could find, and return with it to Clara. I suppose you -have all seen children playing in this manner. - -“You must have a market-basket, Ellen,” said Clara. “I know where there -is one that will do nicely. It belongs to me, but I never used it, so -mother put it up on the upper shelf in this closet. I will take it -down.” - -Thus saying, Clara opened the door of the closet, and stepped upon a -chair that she might reach the basket. There were several other things -upon the shelf, and amongst others a box of small papers, neatly folded -up and carefully labelled. When Clara took her basket down she upset -this box, and some of the papers fell to the floor. She picked them up -and put them in their place; but after she had shut the door, she saw -that one little parcel had fallen upon the table near to the closet. -“Never mind,” thought Clara, “I will put it back directly, as soon as I -have fixed the basket for Ellen.” - -They continued their play, and an hour passed very happily. Clara had -forgotten all about the paper, which still lay upon the table. She was -showing Ellen the pictures in a large and valuable book of her father’s, -when Margaret looked in at the door, and inquired if they wanted any -thing. - -“Nothing at all, I thank you, Margaret,” replied Clara; “you may quilt -another hour, if you like. We are having a fine time.” - -Margaret gave them each a cake, and returned to her work. - -While they were eating their cake, Clara saw a little girl, of whom -Ellen was very fond, driving her hoop back and forth in front of the -house. - -“Oh, there is Mary!” she exclaimed; “look, Ellen, how fast she drives -her hoop! I wish I could take you out there.” - -Ellen knocked upon the window, and called “Mamy, Mamy!” but Mary did not -hear. - -“I will run to the door and call her,” said Clara, “and then she will -come and see Ellen. Will you sit still while I am gone?” - -Ellen sat down very quietly, and folded her hands, as she always did -when asked to wait for any one, and Clara ran to the door to call Mary. - -Mary was an obedient, thoughtful child, and she told Clara that she -could not come without her mother’s leave, but if she would wait a -moment, she would ask her. - -The house where Mary lived was next door to Mr. Gray’s, so Clara -promised to wait while she asked her mother. - -“Be as quick as you can, Mary,” she said, “for I left Ellen alone.” - -Mary ran into the house, but returned directly, saying, “I cannot come -now, Clara, because mother wants me to take care of the baby. But just -look at this beautiful present that my aunt sent me last evening,” and -she showed Clara a pretty little work-box, and, touching a spring, it -commenced playing a lively tune. “How pretty!” exclaimed Clara, “I never -saw a musical work-box before;” and she stood still listening to the -music until the sounds died away, and the box was as silent as any other -work-box. - -“Oh, make it play once more, Mary!” said Clara; and Mary again touched -the spring, and it played another tune even prettier than the first. - -Clara would still have begged for another, for the music and the pretty -box had banished every thing else from her mind; but her more thoughtful -companion reminded her that Ellen was alone, and that she must go to her -mother. - -“Oh, dear!” exclaimed Clara, “I forgot all about Ellen; I hope she has -not cried for me. Perhaps she opened the door and went up stairs. She -goes up alone sometimes. Good-bye, Mary,” and she ran back to the -sitting-room. - -Ellen had left the seat where Clara had placed her, and was standing by -the table, with the little parcel which had been left there in her hand. - -As her cousin entered the room, she looked up and said,— - -“Ellen cry when Tara gone,—then Ellen find sugar.” - -“Sugar,” said Clara, snatching the paper from her hand. “Have you been -eating it, Ellen? I wonder what it is.” - -As she spoke she looked at the writing upon the back of the paper, and -saw “Sugar of Lead” written upon it in large letters, and the word -“poison” beneath. - -Clara saw that the paper was now empty, and she knew that Ellen must -have eaten its contents. She turned deadly pale, and for a few moments -stood motionless, as if at a loss what to do. Then rushing to the -staircase, she screamed to her mother and Margaret in such a frantic -manner that they both ran to her in great alarm. - -“Oh, mother, mother!” she sobbed, “I have killed Ellen. I left her alone -for a few minutes, while I listened to Mary’s music-box, and she has -eaten some sugar of lead.” - -“Eaten sugar of lead!” exclaimed Mrs. Gray. “It is impossible, for it -was upon the upper shelf in the closet; she could not have reached it.” - -“No, no, mother, she did not reach it; but I left it on the table, and -forgot to put it back, and then I forgot to return to Ellen, and stood -listening to the music a long time. She has eaten it all, and she will -die, mother. Oh, what shall I do?” - -Poor Margaret had caught Ellen in her arms, and was now sobbing as if -her heart would break; but Mrs. Gray, with more presence of mind, begged -her to be calm, and not alarm the child, as any agitation might hasten -the effect of the poison. - -“Do you, Margaret, go immediately for Dr. Gregory,” she said, “and Clara -must go to her father’s office and ask him to come directly home. There -was but a small quantity in the paper. We may do much for her if we are -calm.” - -Then, taking the child in her own arms, she spoke to her in a quiet and -soothing manner, and taking her up stairs, gave her an antidote for -poison, and then amused her until the physician and Mr. Gray arrived. - -Prompt and judicious remedies in a measure counteracted the fatal -effects of the poison, but a serious illness could not be avoided. For -many days little Ellen seemed to hover between life and death, and even -after the physician had pronounced her out of danger, she was for a long -time so feeble that no one would have supposed her to be the same child -who had seemed so full of life and health but a few weeks before. - -I shall not attempt to describe the agony which poor Clara suffered -during the sickness of her little cousin. Her parents treated her with -great kindness, for they thought the lesson she had received was -sufficiently severe, without adding to it by their reproaches. - -For a long time she could not bear to say a word upon the subject, but -it was evident that a great change was taking place in her character. -She was now not only industrious and obliging, but so thoughtful and -considerate that her friends soon felt willing to trust her, even where -the greatest care was necessary. - -The cold winter months had passed away, and spring had again returned to -gladden the earth. Favorable accounts had been received from Ellen’s -parents. Her father’s health had improved rapidly, and they were now -about to return home. - -“Do you think they will be here in another month, mother?” asked Clara, -as her mother finished reading a letter which she had just received from -their distant friends. - -“I think they will, Clara,” replied Mrs. Gray. “Are you prepared to part -with our dear Ellen?” - -Clara’s eyes filled with tears as she replied, “I shall try to be -prepared, mother, but it will be a great trial. I always loved Ellen -dearly, and since I came so near being the cause of her death, I have -loved her more than ever. Every day I thank the Lord for His mercy in -restoring her to health. It was a sad lesson, mother, but it helped me -to see how really selfish I was. I could never quite understand why you -and father should call forgetfulness a kind of selfishness; but when I -sincerely endeavored to become more thoughtful, I found that the true -reason why I used to forget so often was because I thought so much more -of myself than I did of others. I now try to be very watchful of this -fault, and I pray to the Lord to help me put it away.” - -“And you will never look to Him in vain, my dear Clara,” said Mrs. Gray. -“You have already improved very much. Persevere steadily in the endeavor -to remove selfishness in all its forms. It is the fountain from which -many evils flow.” - - - - - THE SILVER MORNING - AND - THE GOLDEN DAY. - - -“O Father! please to come to the door, and see how pretty everything -looks,” exclaimed William Mason, running eagerly into the room where his -father was sitting. - -Mr. Mason was always glad to give his son pleasure, and he laid aside -the newspaper which he was reading, and followed him to the door. - -There had been quite a heavy snow-storm a few days before, which was -succeeded by rain, and then by severe cold. Everything was now entirely -cased in ice. - -“Is it not beautiful, father?” said William. “I have been all around the -yard and garden, and everything has put on its winter coat. Every little -branch and twig, every blade of grass, and even the little stones are -covered with ice.” - -“This is what we used to call a silver morning, when I was a boy,” said -Mr. Mason. - -“That is a good name for it, father,” replied William; “for everything -shines like silver. Look at the road; it is almost as smooth as the -pond. I think I can skate to school this morning.” - -“You would probably find some rough places, which would injure your -skates,” replied Mr. Mason; “but look towards the east, my son, and you -will see something more beautiful than anything you have yet observed.” - -There was a thick wood of pines toward the east, and, as William looked, -he saw that the trees glittered like diamonds, and he could see colors -like those of a rainbow in every direction. - -He clapped his hands with delight. - -“O father,” he exclaimed, “this is the most beautiful sight of all. The -sun is rising, and soon it will shine on all the trees and plants, and -then everything will look as beautiful as the pine trees do now. It was -a silver morning, father, but it will be a golden day.” - -“It will, indeed,” replied Mr. Mason. “Everything looked cold and dead -before the rays of the sun shone upon them, but now all are sparkling -with beauty. The trees will soon lose their icy casing, but the water -will sink into the ground, and perform many important uses. The frosts -and snows of winter prepare the way for the warmth and beauty of spring -and summer. The earth rests from its labors, and is in various ways -enriched and strengthened.” - -“I like all the seasons, father,” said William. “In winter, I am so -happy when skating and sliding in the fine cool air, that I wish the -weather might always be cold; but when spring and summer and autumn -come, with their long sunny days, and their beautiful birds and flowers -and delicious fruits, I quite forget winter and its pleasures.” - -“Yes, every season has its delights,” replied his father; “but look, -William, there is one of your school-fellows. Is he already on his way -to school?” - -“Oh, that is only Louis Cunningham,” returned William, glancing rather -contemptuously at a plainly dressed, but intelligent and manly looking -boy, who was passing by. - -“_Only Louis Cunningham_,” repeated Mr. Mason! “Well, is he not one of -your school-fellows?” - -“Why, yes, father, he goes to the same school. The master gives him his -schooling for making the fire and keeping the room in good order. We -call him the charity scholar.” - -“I am grieved to hear you speak in this manner,” said Mr. Mason, -gravely. “Mr. Cunningham died when Louis was very young, and his mother -has been obliged to deny him many advantages of education, which she -would gladly have given him if it had been in her power. Your teacher -heard of their situation, and finding, from conversation with Louis, -that he was an intelligent boy, and very desirous to learn, he kindly -offered to take him into his school. But Louis and his mother, although -they were very grateful for the offer, felt unwilling to accept it, -unless they could make some return for the kindness; and it was finally -arranged, that Louis should take care of the school-room and make the -fire, and I have been told that he performs these duties very -faithfully.” - -“He does, indeed,” replied William. “The room is always warm and -comfortable, and so nicely swept and dusted, that we never have any -cause of complaint.” - -“One would suppose, then, my son, that you would feel grateful to the -person who performs these kind offices, instead of regarding him with -contempt and dislike.” - -“Oh, we do not dislike Louis, Father. He is always kind and obliging; -but we do not like to see him placed on an equality with the rest of the -boys, and often pronounced the best scholar in his class.” - -“These are evil feelings, William, and I hope to have the pleasure of -helping you put them away. Sit down by me in the parlor for a few -minutes, and we will talk about Louis. Can you tell me why the boys -think he should not be placed upon an equality with them? Is he inferior -to the others as a scholar, or is he a wicked, profane boy?” - -“Oh no, father. Louis is a very good boy, and a better scholar than many -who have had greater advantages; but, as he does not pay for his -schooling, we do not think that he is entitled to the same privileges -that we are.” - -“Even if this were the case, he would be entitled to every privilege, -William, if Mr. Grant chose to instruct him without remuneration; but -Louis does pay for his schooling; not indeed with his father’s -money,—because the Lord has seen fit to remove his father to the -spiritual world,—but with his own labor. Mr. Grant considers his -services as an equivalent to his instruction, and, according to your own -account, the duties are well performed. Louis, then, pays for his -schooling as much, or more, than any boy in school; for the others -depend upon their father’s labor, while he depends upon his own. Your -school bills, as well as other expenses, are paid from the proceeds of -my daily labor in my profession, and the case is the same with the other -boys who attend your school.” - -“This is very true, father,” replied William, “and I know it is wrong to -despise those who are poorer than ourselves. We often laugh at Louis, -when he comes to school with coarse, patched clothes; but I suppose his -mother cannot afford to buy him any better.” - -“She cannot, indeed, William; and of how little consequence is external -clothing, compared to many other things in which Louis probably -surpasses your other school-mates. It is right to be neat and clean, and -as well dressed as our circumstances will admit; but the clothing of our -soul is of more importance than the clothing of our bodies. If Louis is -industrious, obedient, faithful in the performance of his duties, and in -the endeavor to shun evil words and deeds, he appears to the Lord and -the angels as if clothed in the most beautiful raiment.” - -William made no reply, but appeared much interested in what his father -was saying, and Mr. Mason continued,— - -“You must ever remember the Golden Rule, my son. Think how you would -wish to be treated, if you were situated like Louis; and then you will -be more careful not to wound his feelings, by contempt or idle jests.” - -“I will try to remember, father. I know I have done wrong, and I will -begin to-day, and treat Louis just the same as I do the other scholars. -Perhaps I may be able to help in some way.” - -“These are good resolutions, my son; and, if they are carried into -practice, they will do you and others much good. The light has dawned in -your mind. It is a _silver morning_, and the rays of the spiritual sun -will render it a _golden day_.” - -Within an hour after this conversation, William was on his way to -school, with his satchel of books and his skates slung over his -shoulder, and his dinner pail in his hand. He was soon joined by several -companions, and each boy tried to display his skill in keeping his -balance on the glare ice, which to many would have rendered the road -almost impassable. But boys have little fear of ice and snow, and, half -running and half sliding, they soon reached the school-house, where they -found, as usual, a comfortable and neatly arranged room. - -Louis Cunningham was busily engaged at his desk, and, being little -accustomed to any morning salutations from his school-fellows, he did -not look up when they entered. He was somewhat surprised to hear William -exclaim: “Good morning, Louis. What a grand fire you have got for us. I -am sure we are much obliged to you, this cold morning.” - -“You are very welcome,” he replied with a pleasant smile. “I came -earlier than usual, on account of the severe cold. I am glad you find -the room comfortable.” - -“I should not have liked to have been the one to make the fire this -morning,” remarked one of the boys. “In many schools the scholars take -turns in cleaning the room and making the fire.” - -“It is not fair that they should do so,” observed another. “Their -parents pay for their schooling, and it is not right that they should be -obliged to spend their time and injure their clothes in sweeping rooms -and making fires. It does well enough for those who cannot pay.” - -“For shame! John Gray,” exclaimed William. “You should not speak so -thoughtlessly. You trouble Louis,” he added in a whisper. - -John was a kind-hearted boy, but rude and thoughtless in his manners. - -“I do not wish to trouble Louis,” he said aloud. “I only spoke the -truth.” - -The color, which had deepened on Louis’s cheek, faded away, and he said, -kindly,— - -“You do not trouble me, John. I agree with you in thinking that those -whose parents can pay for their schooling should not be expected to take -care of the room. But as I am situated, I regard it as a very great -favor that I am in this way enabled to earn my own schooling.” - -“It is a great favor to us,” exclaimed several boys. “We never before -had so neat and comfortable a room.” - -The entrance of Mr. Grant, the teacher, prevented any farther -conversation, and each boy quietly took his seat, and performed his -accustomed duties. - -At noon, there was fine sport with coasting and skating, but, in the -midst of his play, William remembered his promise to his father; and, -finding that Louis was not among his companions, he sought him in the -school-house. He found him seated at his desk, busily engaged with a -pencil and piece of paper. - -“Come, Louis,” he exclaimed, “Come and play with us. There is fine -skating on the pond.” - -“Thank you,” replied Louis, “but I have no skates this winter. I had a -pair once, but they are worn out.” - -“Then I will lend you mine, and I will slide for a little while. I shall -like that quite as well. Do come,” urged William; and, as he spoke, he -approached the desk, and looked at the picture which Louis was drawing. - -“Why, Louis!” he said, with an expression of surprise, “I had no idea -that you could draw so beautifully. You almost equal our drawing-master. -Who taught you?” - -“No one,” replied Louis. “I love to draw. If it were not wrong to -neglect other duties, I would spend every day in doing nothing else.” - -“Why do you not take lessons with the rest of us, Louis? I am sure our -drawing-master would be proud of such a pupil. How you would laugh at -our strange-looking pictures!” - -“Mr. Grant is very kind, to give me so many other advantages,” answered -Louis; “I should not like to ask the privilege of a seat at the -drawing-tables, and then the pencils and paper are quite an expense. And -if I learned to paint, it would be still more expensive; but, oh! I -should love to learn so much,” and his face grew bright with pleasure at -the very thought. - -“You must learn, Louis; I am resolved that you shall,” said William; -“but come now, and have one good play before school.” - -Thus urged, Louis joined his companions, and, encouraged by William’s -example, all received him kindly, and were careful to allow him equal -rights with themselves, and not to wound his feelings by foolish jokes -and sarcastic observations. - -About fifteen minutes before the hour for school to commence, William -saw Mr. Grant enter the school-house, and, quietly leaving his -play-fellows, he hastened to follow him. - -Taking from Louis’s desk the picture upon which he had been so busily -engaged at noon, he presented it to the teacher, saying,— - -“Is not this pretty well done, sir?” - -“Remarkably well,” replied Mr. Grant. “You have improved wonderfully, -William.” - -“It is not mine, sir. Louis did it. He has never had any instruction in -drawing, but I am sure if you will allow him a seat at the -drawing-tables, he will soon equal our drawing-master himself.” - -“He shall have every advantage, certainly,” replied Mr. Grant. “I am -pleased with your request, William; for I have observed with pain that -some of the scholars regard Louis with feelings of contempt and dislike, -which are certainly quite undeserved.” - -“I have been in fault in this respect,” replied William, blushing -deeply, “but my father has convinced me that such feelings are very -wrong, and I am resolved to do better.” - -“I am glad that you have made so good a resolution, William. Your -example will help the other scholars to do right also. You may have the -pleasure of telling Louis that he can receive regular instruction in -drawing, on the afternoons when the drawing-master attends the school.” - -“Thank you, sir,” replied William, and he joyfully returned to his -play-fellows. - -A few whispered words told Louis of what had passed, and the glow of -pleasure which suffused his countenance, and the warm pressure of the -hand, amply rewarded William for his kindness. - -“I have pencils and paper enough for both, Louis,” he continued, “and I -know my father will be glad to have me share them with you.” - -The sound of the bell now summoned the whole party to the school-room, -and as this was the afternoon for the drawing-master, William had the -pleasure of seeing his new friend seated by his side, and of hearing the -warm commendations which were bestowed upon the contents of his little -portfolio, which, at the request of the teacher, Louis modestly -exhibited. - -Much of the ice in the streets had melted away, but the trees were still -glittering in the bright sunlight, when William left the school-house -and took the road toward home. To him everything seemed even more -beautiful than it had done in the morning, for his heart was filled with -that happiness which always results from doing good. His father met him -at the door. - -“Well, my son,” he said, “has it been a golden day with you?” - -“It has, indeed, father,” replied William. “I have remembered what you -told me, and I have already found an opportunity to do Louis some good.” - -Mr. Mason listened with much interest to William’s little story, and -gladly gave him leave to assist Louis, by lending him his own drawing -implements. - -It was pleasing to observe the effect which William’s example of -friendliness to Louis had upon the rest of the scholars. He was no -longer regarded with contempt or indifference, but became as great a -favorite with the boys as a play-fellow, as he was with the master as a -scholar. The younger boys looked to him for assistance in all their -pleasures and troubles, for they found that he was always willing to -give up his own pleasure for the sake of making them happy; and the -older ones frequently assisted him in his duties in the school-room, in -order to gain so valuable a companion in their plays. - -His improvement in drawing and painting was so rapid, that, before many -months had elapsed, the drawing-master declared he could teach him -nothing more, and advised him to procure a situation in some of the -large schools in the neighborhood, as teacher of these branches. But -about this time circumstances occurred, which induced Mrs. Cunningham to -remove to a distant part of the country, and Louis was obliged to bid -farewell to his teachers and companions. - -All parted from him with regret, but none felt the loss so keenly as -William Mason. He had been the first among the boys to love Louis and -endeavor to assist him; and, although the latter was some years older, a -warm attachment had sprung up between them. - -Many years passed before they again met. Both had grown to manhood, but -the remembrance of their early days was still fresh in their minds. -William was travelling through the principal States of the Union, and -stopped for the night in one of our most flourishing cities. In the -course of the evening he visited, with some of his friends, a gallery of -paintings which had been particularly recommended to his notice. The -collection was a fine one, and an hour soon passed pleasantly away. At -length William suddenly stopped before a small picture, and uttered an -exclamation of surprise, which brought his friends to his side. The -scene represented was not a remarkable one,—a bright winter’s morning, -and a lad with a satchel of books and a pair of skates slung upon his -shoulder, and a dinner-pail in his hand, quietly pursuing his way to -school. - -“What do you find surprising in this?” asked one of William’s -companions. “It is a spirited little sketch, to be sure. That lad bears -a strong resemblance to you, William.” - -“It is myself,” exclaimed William; “and there is the old school-house in -the distance, and the pond where we used to skate. Every object in the -picture is familiar to me, even that old tree which seems so completely -cased in ice. I must find the name of the artist.” - -“That is easily ascertained,” replied his companion, turning to the -catalogue which he held in his hand; “Cunningham, Louis Cunningham. -There are several other fine pictures in the gallery by the same person. -Do you know him, William?” - -“He is an old school-mate and particular friend,” replied William; “I -must inquire if he resides in this city.” - -Louis Cunningham’s address was easily obtained, and William had the -pleasure of hearing him spoken of as a young artist of uncommon talents. -At an early hour the following morning he sought his early friend, and -received a warm welcome. Louis’s story was soon told. His mother’s -situation in life had been improved, by a legacy left by a distant -relative, and she was thus enabled to give her son many advantages. He -had travelled in Europe, and received the best instruction in his -favorite pursuit, and his name was now becoming widely known as one of -our best American artists. - -“But I have not forgotten the old school-house, and our boyish days, -dear William,” he continued; “and I do not forget that my first -instructions in drawing were received through your kindness. It was a -bright day to me when I was first seated at the drawing-table, and -allowed free access to your pencils and paper.” - -“I remember it, as if it were but yesterday,” replied William. “We had -indulged a strange prejudice against you up to that day, Louis. My -father had labored hard that bright and beautiful morning, to show me -the sin of which I was guilty, in indulging such feelings, and his words -sunk deep in my heart. When I parted from him, at school time, he -remarked on the beautiful appearance of the earth, clad in its robe of -silver, but pointed out the new beauty it would receive when the rays of -the sun should fall upon it; and he prayed that the rays of the -spiritual sun might thus vivify and add new beauty to the good -resolutions springing up in my mind, that the silver morning might -become the golden day.” - -“It was indeed a golden day to me,” said Louis, with emotion. “A -fountain of kind feelings, which had been checked by the coldness of my -companions, gushed forth at the kindness with which you treated me; and -it seemed as if from that time all coldness toward me disappeared, and I -was treated by all with kindness which I have ever remembered with -gratitude. The little picture which you saw in the gallery is a proof of -my remembrance of that day. You must take it to your father, as a token -of my respect and love.” - -“I will gladly do so,” replied William. “My father will receive it with -pleasure, and it shall hang in our room as a memento of our early -friendship, and of a day which I shall always remember with pleasing -reflections.” - - - - - TWO SIDES TO A STORY. - - -“I should not think you would let him off so easily, father,” exclaimed -Herbert Archer, as he listened to a conversation between his father and -a poor tenant who begged for a little delay in the usual demand for the -rent. - -“And why not, my son?” replied Mr. Archer, as they continued the walk -which had been thus interrupted. “He is poor and has been unfortunate. -The wealthy should not be indifferent to the sufferings of those less -prosperous than themselves.” - -“I know they should not, father; but did I not hear you say last winter -that you would not assist Simon Brown again, for it was only encouraging -him in idleness? Do you not remember what we were told about his -allowing his poor wife, with her feeble health, to go out to wash, while -he remained sitting quietly at home smoking his pipe and attending to -the children?” - -“I do recollect it well, Herbert; but my conclusions were too hasty. -Upon inquiry I found that there was another side to the story. Poor -Simon had the rheumatism so badly that for several weeks he could not -walk one step. In this situation he could do nothing better than to make -himself useful in the house, while his wife procured what work she could -to aid in the support of their family. The truth is, my son, there is -almost always two sides to a story, and if we suspend our judgment until -we are sure that we know all the particulars, we shall avoid the -injustice which too often results from hasty decisions.” - -Herbert listened with respect and attention to his father’s words, and -acknowledged their truth; but it was not until after several useful -lessons that he learned to put this simple rule in practice. - -Among the most valued of his playthings was a fine kite, remarkable for -its beauty and the swiftness of its flight. - -On his return from school one pleasant afternoon, Herbert perceived that -there was a fine breeze, and hastily putting away his books, ran for his -kite. But, to his surprise, it was not in its proper place. Who could -have taken it? He felt quite sure that he put it away when he last -played with it, and he felt much displeased that any one should have -ventured to touch it without his leave. - -He inquired of his mother and sisters, but they knew nothing of it. He -then went to the kitchen, and Alice, the chambermaid, told him that -about an hour before she had seen his younger brother, Henry, with it in -his hand. - -“He had no business to touch it without my leave,” exclaimed Herbert -angrily. “I wish he would learn to let my things alone,” and his -feelings toward his brother were filled with unkindness. - -He went to the barn in search of him, but Henry was not there. In one -corner, however, he discovered his kite, soiled and torn, with the -sticks broken and the tail draggled in the dirt. This sight vexed him -still more, and he seized a little wagon which he had been making for -his brother that morning, and dashed it in pieces. - -“He is a naughty, bad boy,” he exclaimed, “and I will do nothing for -him.” - -Upon further inquiry, he found that Henry had received permission to -pass the afternoon at their Uncle’s, and would not return until evening. - -For several hours Herbert suffered evil thoughts and feelings against -his brother to remain in his mind, and he complained to his mother and -several others of the injury which had been done to his favorite kite; -and when his father came in to tea, he repeated the story to him, with -many severe comments on the unkindness of his brother. - -He felt somewhat rebuked when his father said quietly, “Wait till you -hear your brother’s explanation, my son. Remember there are always two -sides to a story.” - -“There cannot be two sides to this one, father, for Alice saw Henry with -the kite in his hand, and no one else has touched it.” - -“Strong proof, certainly, Herbert; but, nevertheless, suspend your -judgment until Henry comes. It is possible that he did not tear the -kite.” - -Herbert was silenced, but not convinced. His feelings were not changed, -and he met Henry in a sullen and irritated manner. - -“Oh, Herbert!” exclaimed the little boy, “I wish you could have been -with me. I have had such a delightful play with my cousins. I should -have been quite happy all the afternoon, only I could not help thinking -of your poor kite. Did you see it in the barn?” - -“To be sure I did,” replied Herbert, crossly; “I wish you had taken a -fancy to destroy some other of my playthings and let my kite alone.” - -“Why, Herbert, I did not destroy it. I found our dog Pompey playing with -it in the yard. I do not know where he got it, but I took it away as -quickly as I could. I was very sorry that I did not see him before it -was spoiled.” - -A deep blush of shame overspread Herbert’s face as he thought of the -wicked and unkind feelings which he had harbored for so many hours. He -now remembered perfectly, that, being called away in haste, he had left -his kite beneath a tree in the yard, and no doubt Pompey had found it -there. There was, indeed, two sides to this story, and now that the -truth was known, it was quite plain that he alone was to blame for the -accident. - -His sorrow was increased when Henry eagerly inquired if he had finished -the little wagon which he had begun for him in the morning. - -It was hard to tell his affectionate little brother that he had been so -very angry with him for his supposed injury, that he had purposely -destroyed the wagon from which he had expected so much pleasure; but -Herbert, though often hasty and passionate, was an honest boy, and he -answered frankly,— - -“I have done very wrong to-day, Henry. I supposed that you had taken my -kite without leave, and had carelessly spoiled it, and I felt so angry -that I tossed the wagon upon the ground and broke it; but, if you will -forgive me, I will make you a much larger and better one to-morrow.” - -Henry readily expressed his forgiveness, and Herbert, of his own accord, -sought his father and told him “the other side of the story.” - -For some time the little incident of the kite was well remembered, and -served as a warning to Herbert to be less hasty in judging evil of -others; but as the recollection of it faded from his mind, he was -frequently led into the same error, and often had cause to repent of his -rash decisions. - -Among his schoolfellows was the son of a poor widow, who had, until -lately, labored hard with the neighboring farmers to aid his mother in -the support of her little family. His admittance into the school -occasioned considerable surprise among the scholars, who had hitherto -regarded him as on a footing with their fathers’ workmen, rather than on -an equality with themselves; and there were some who were wicked and -foolish enough to wonder what business William Camden had to attend the -best school in the neighborhood, and where he got the money to pay for -his tuition. - -The greater part, however, were pleased that he could have so good an -opportunity for acquiring knowledge, and were surprised to find that he -had already made great progress in many branches which they were -pursuing. - -Herbert Archer seemed particularly pleased with the studiousness and -good behavior of the widow’s son, and with the consent of his parents -frequently aided him in various ways, by presents of suitable books and -other things necessary to his advancement. - -There was one circumstance, however, in regard to William for which -Herbert found it difficult to account. He was frequently absent from -school for whole days, and when his companions inquired the cause, he -would answer indefinitely that his time had been much occupied. The -teacher expressed no displeasure on these occasions, which had the -effect of assuring the scholars that all was right, until one -unfortunate day, when a boy, who had appeared to regard William with -contempt and dislike from his first entrance into the school, made a -discovery which he eagerly communicated to the other pupils, hoping -thereby to convince them that his opinion was well founded. - -“Who would like to know the reason why William Camden stays from school -so often?” he exclaimed, as he entered the school-room, where many of -the boys were assembled. - -A large group immediately gathered around him, and he continued in a -sarcastic, contemptuous tone,— - -“I have at length found out the useful business which so occupies his -time. He is fond of wandering in the woods and fields, amusing himself -with robbing birds’ nests.” - -“For shame, George Wilson,” replied Herbert Archer. “It is impossible -that you have detected William engaged in so senseless and cruel a -sport.” - -“Impossible or not, Master Archer,” retorted the other, “it is -nevertheless a fact, and I can give you ample proof of the truth of my -words. One of my father’s workmen has recently been engaged in cutting -down several large trees in the wood adjoining our house. On the last -day that William was absent from school, he assures me that he spent the -whole of our school hours in climbing trees and robbing the pretty birds -of their young. He reproved him for his cruelty, but William only -replied that he had a use for them, and went on his way. Probably he -intended to enjoy the pleasure of giving the poor things to his cat.” - -Herbert, who was a great enemy to all cruelty, could hardly restrain his -indignation, and as William entered at that moment, he turned to him -abruptly, and demanded, with some authority of manner, if it was true -that he had stayed from school a few days before for the purpose of -robbing birds’ nests? Somewhat hurt and offended at the tone in which -Herbert addressed him, and at the indignant countenances of his -schoolmates, William answered, rather shortly,— - -“That it was perfectly true that he had taken several young birds from -their nests a day or two previous, and thought it quite probable that he -should do so again, if it suited his convenience.” - -This was a wrong way of answering, and only increased the ill feeling -which prevailed against him. George Wilson looked triumphantly at -Herbert, who was only restrained from a burst of passion by the entrance -of the teacher, and the usual summons to their studies. - -After school, instead of joining William, as usual, that they might walk -part of the way together, Herbert carefully avoided him, and selecting -another companion, declared his intention of having nothing more to do -with one who could thus wantonly engage in cruel sport. - -This resolution he also expressed to his father, after relating to him -the circumstances which had come to his knowledge. Mr. Archer shook his -head, saying, “Are you sure there are not two sides to the story, my -son?” But Herbert replied in a positive manner that there could not be -another side, as William had himself admitted the truth of the charge. - -Nothing farther was said upon the subject, and Mr. Archer soon forgot -the whole affair. - -Weeks passed on, and the intimacy between the two boys was not resumed. -William continued to absent himself occasionally from school, and -several boys testified that they had two or three times met him with -young birds in his hand, and when asked what he intended doing with -them, he had replied in his usual unsatisfactory manner. - -One day, as Herbert was returning from school, he met an old friend of -his father’s, a gentleman residing in a neighboring town, at whose house -he had often visited, and with whom he was very familiar. Mr. Morgan was -a widower, and he had one little son several years younger than Herbert, -to whose welfare he was constantly devoted. - -“I am glad to see you, Herbert,” he said, kindly; “it is a long time -since you have visited me. My little Arthur has missed you very much.” - -“We shall soon have a vacation at our school,” replied Herbert, “and -then I shall be much pleased to come and see you. My studies occupy me -very closely just now.” - -“That is right, my boy. Youth is the time for improvement. Speaking of -your school reminds me of one of your schoolfellows, of whom I should -like your opinion, for I know that boys have many opportunities of -finding out each other’s characters, and I can rely upon your statement. -I refer to William Camden. I knew his father well. He was a sensible, -honest man, and I have often thought that I should like to do something -for his family. I have lately formed a plan for travelling for the next -two or three years with my little boy, and I have concluded, if I can -find a well-principled lad, somewhat advanced in his education, to take -him with us as a sort of tutor and companion for Arthur. I shall watch -over them both myself, and shall procure the best instruction in my -power at the different places where we may sojourn; but there are many -of the common branches which Arthur would learn even more readily from a -sensible lad, a few years his senior, than from an older person, and he -would at the same time have the advantage of a pleasant companion. The -great difficulty is to find one on whose principles and habits I can -fully depend. I have thought of William Camden, as I have often heard -him well spoken of. His mother depends somewhat upon his assistance, but -I will make that easy for them. Now, tell me plainly what you think of -William.” - -Herbert hesitated, for he knew that the proposition of Mr. Morgan would -be of great advantage to his schoolfellow; and, in spite of his present -dislike to William, he was unwilling to say any thing which might -deprive him of an advantageous offer. But he thought it right to tell -the whole truth, and he answered, with some indignation in his manner,— - -“A few weeks ago, sir, I should have thought that William Camden would -have suited your purpose better than any boy of my acquaintance, but I -fear I was deceived in him. He frequently stays from school, and passes -his time in the woods engaged in the cruel sport of robbing birds’ -nests.” - -“Cruel sport, indeed!” exclaimed Mr. Morgan. “A boy who will do that -must be destitute of kind and generous feelings. It may seem a trifle, -but it would decide me at once not to make him the companion of my son. -You are sure that there is no mistake in this matter, Herbert?” - -“Quite sure, sir. I heard William acknowledge it myself. I was very -unwilling to believe it until there was no room for doubt.” - -“I am glad I met with you,” remarked his friend. “I have another boy in -view, who will perhaps suit me better. I must make all proper -inquiries.” - -Thus saying, he bade Herbert good afternoon, and rode away in the -direction of his own home. - -A few days after, Herbert accompanied his father to a large town several -miles distant from their own home. While his father was engaged in the -transaction of business, he walked slowly through the principal streets, -amusing himself with what was passing around him, and occasionally -stopping to look at something attractive in the shop windows. At length -he became much interested in watching the quick motions of several birds -of different kinds, whose cages were suspended at the door of a bird -fancier’s establishment. - -As he stood looking at their lively movements and listening to their -sweet songs, he was surprised to observe William Camden standing in the -shop with a large cage in his hand containing a great many young birds -of various kinds, for which he appeared to be just concluding a bargain -with the bird fancier. - -“This, then, is what he does with his young birds,” thought Herbert; -“but why was he so secret about it?” - -At this instant William turned around and recognized his companion. He -colored deeply, and at first seemed inclined not to speak; but better -feelings gained the ascendancy, and, approaching Herbert, he said -pleasantly,— - -“You have discovered what I do with my young birds. It does seem cruel -to catch them, but I try to do it as kindly as possible. I seldom take -more than one from a nest, and always watch the time when the old birds -are absent, that I may not alarm them. The money which I earn in this -way not only defrays the expenses of my education, but enables me to -assist my poor mother.” - -“But why were you so secret about it?” asked Herbert. “Why did you not -tell us plainly for what purpose you caught the birds?” - -“My first motive for secrecy,” replied William, “Was to prevent -thoughtless and idle boys from following my example, fearing that they -would not so strictly endeavor to avoid cruelty. But when you questioned -me on the subject, I should have answered frankly had I not felt -irritated by your manner, and hurt that you could suppose me capable of -engaging in such an occupation for sport.” - -“I did wrong,” replied Herbert; “as usual, my judgment was too hasty. I -ask your forgiveness, William, for my suspicions; but I fear I have been -the means of doing you a great injury. I must seek my father without -delay;” and thus saying he abruptly departed, leaving William much -surprised at his words. - -Mr. Archer listened with interest to Herbert’s story, and yielded to his -entreaties to go immediately to Mr. Morgan, in the hope that it was not -yet too late to repair the wrong which he had done his companion. - -When they reached the house, Herbert’s impatience was so great that he -could hardly wait until the customary salutations were exchanged, before -he said, with much earnestness,— - -“Have you yet found any one to fill the place of which you spoke to me, -Mr. Morgan?” - -“I have not, my young friend. It is a more difficult task than I -anticipated, and sometimes I think I will relinquish the plan -altogether.” - -“I am so glad I am not too late,” exclaimed Herbert joyfully. “I have -come to tell you, sir, that what I related to you of William Camden can -all be explained, and I am quite sure that he would suit you in every -respect.” - -He then gave Mr. Morgan a full account of the whole affair, to which the -gentleman listened with much satisfaction, and declared his intention of -calling upon Mrs. Camden that evening. - -“This will be a warning to you, my dear boy,” he said to Herbert, “to -judge less rashly of the actions of your friends.” - -“It will indeed, sir,” was the reply. “I have too often disregarded -these warnings; but in future I am resolved never to forget that there -may be ‘two sides to a story.’” - -[Illustration: back cover] - - - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - -Transcriber’s note: - -Punctuation has been made consistent. - -Variations in hyphenation have been retained as they were in the -original publication. - -The following changes have been made: - -suprised —> surprised {page 178} - -The chapter entitled “Two Sides to a Story” beginning on page 167 has -been added to the Table of Contents, from which it was omitted in the -original book. - - - -***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PLAYING SANTA CLAUS AND OTHER -CHRISTMAS TALES*** - - -******* This file should be named 54803-0.txt or 54803-0.zip ******* - - -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: -http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/5/4/8/0/54803 - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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(Sarah Parsons) Doughty</h1> -<p>This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States -and most other parts of the world 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 <a -href="http://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you are not -located in the United States, you'll have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this ebook.</p> -<p>Title: Playing Santa Claus and Other Christmas Tales</p> -<p>Author: Sarah P. (Sarah Parsons) Doughty</p> -<p>Release Date: May 28, 2017 [eBook #54803]</p> -<p>Language: English</p> -<p>Character set encoding: UTF-8</p> -<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PLAYING SANTA CLAUS AND OTHER CHRISTMAS TALES***</p> -<p> </p> -<h4>E-text prepared by MFR<br /> - and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team<br /> - (<a href="http://www.pgdp.net">http://www.pgdp.net</a>)<br /> - from page images generously made available by<br /> - Internet Archive<br /> - (<a href="https://archive.org">https://archive.org</a>)</h4> -<p> </p> -<table border="0" style="background-color: #ccccff;margin: 0 auto;" cellpadding="10"> - <tr> - <td valign="top"> - Note: - </td> - <td> - Images of the original pages are available through - Internet Archive. See - <a href="https://archive.org/details/playingsantaclau00dougiala"> - https://archive.org/details/playingsantaclau00dougiala</a> - </td> - </tr> -</table> -<p> </p> -<hr class="full" /> -<p> </p> -<p> </p> -<p> </p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/cover.jpg' alt='book cover' class='ig001' /> -</div> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div> - <h1 class='c001'><b><span class='large'>PLAYING SANTA CLAUS,</span></b> <br /> <br /> <b><span class='small'>AND</span></b> <br /> <br /> <b><span class='large'>Other Christmas Tales.</span></b></h1> -</div> - -<div class='figcenter id002'> -<img src='images/i_title.jpg' alt='drawing of children playing' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c000'> - <div><b><span class='small'>BY</span></b></div> - <div class='c000'><b>MRS. S. P. DOUGHTY.</b></div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c002' /> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><b>BOSTON:</b></div> - <div><b>NICHOLS AND NOYES.</b></div> - <div><b>1865.</b></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c003'> - <div><b><span class='small'>BOSTON:</span></b></div> - <div><b><span class='small'>PRINTED BY CHARLES H. CROSBY,</span></b></div> - <div><b><span class='small'>Nos. 11 & 13, Water Street.</span></b></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c004'><b><span class='large'>CONTENTS.</span></b></h2> -</div> - -<table class='table0' summary=''> - <tr> - <td class='c005'> </td> - <td class='c006'>Page.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'><span class='sc'>Playing Santa Claus</span></td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#playing'>7</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'><span class='sc'>Nothing to Give</span></td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#nothing'>19</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'><span class='sc'>Willie’s Gold Dollar</span></td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#willie'>30</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'><span class='sc'>The Thanksgiving Party</span></td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#thanksgiving'>40</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'><span class='sc'>A Christmas Story</span></td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#christmas'>48</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'><span class='sc'>April Fool’s Day</span></td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#april'>61</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'><span class='sc'>The Christmas Tree</span></td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#tree'>70</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'><span class='sc'>A Dream</span></td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#dream'>77</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'><span class='sc'>No Time like the Present</span></td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#time'>87</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'><span class='sc'>The Little Match Boy</span></td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#little'>104</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'><span class='sc'>I Forgot</span></td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#forgot'>123</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'><span class='sc'>The Silver Morning and Golden Day</span></td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#silver'>151</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'><span class='sc'>Two Sides to a Story</span></td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#twosides'>167</a></td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c004'><b><span class='large'>PREFACE.</span></b></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>A merry Christmas and a happy New Year to you, -dear children! This little volume comes to you as a -holiday gift, and in its pages we have endeavored to -show you that true and lasting happiness can be found -only in doing good to others. Let the lesson sink deep -into your hearts. Even the least among you can do -much good. Look around you. Do not wait for -some great opportunity to offer, but with willing hearts -and busy hands perform the most trifling acts of usefulness -to others. Continue to do this throughout the -year, and we will promise you that when another New -Year dawns upon the earth, you will look back with -rejoicing, giving thanks to your Heavenly Father that -you have found that true happiness which can never -be taken from you.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_7'>7</span> - <h2 id='playing' class='c004'><b><span class='large'>PLAYING SANTA CLAUS.</span></b></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>“Wake up, wake up, Emma!” said little Caroline -Meredith, as she gently shook her sister very early -one winter’s morning; “I have something very pleasant -to tell you.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“What is it, Carrie?” answered the sleepy little -girl, as she rubbed her eyes, and tried to comply with -her sister’s request to “wake up.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Do you remember what day it is, Emma? To-morrow -will be Christmas; and this evening will be -Christmas Eve.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“O Carrie, so it will!” exclaimed Emma, now -fully awake; “and we shall hang up our stockings; -and, oh, what beautiful things Santa Claus will bring -us!”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“And what fine times we shall have to-morrow!” -continued Caroline. “Aunt Margaret and all our -cousins are coming to dine with us.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Oh, it will be delightful!” replied Emma. “We -can show them our presents, and perhaps they will -<span class='pageno' id='Page_8'>8</span>bring theirs to show to us; and we shall play so happily -together!”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“And, you know, I have made a needle-book to -give Aunt Margaret; and you have a work-bag for -her,” added Caroline. “I am sure she will be -pleased.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I know she will,” said Emma; “and father and -mother will be pleased with the little presents we -have got for them. I like to give things away; don’t -you, Carrie?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Yes, very much,” replied Carrie. “I should like -to be Santa Claus.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“O Carrie! what a funny Santa Claus you would -make!” exclaimed Emma; and both of the little -girls laughed heartily at the idea.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“How I would come tumbling down the chimney, -with my bag full of toys!” continued Caroline. “I -would fill your stocking just as full as it could be, -Emma.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Emma laughed again; and then she was silent for -a few moments, and looked very thoughtful.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Do you think Santa Claus fills the poor children’s -stockings, Carrie?” she asked.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Carrie looked grave also, as she replied,—</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I don’t know, Emma. <i>I</i> would fill their stockings -if <i>I</i> were Santa Claus. But, Emma,” she continued, -after a short pause, “you know there is not really any -<span class='pageno' id='Page_9'>9</span>such person as Santa Claus. It is our father and -mother, and other kind friends, who fill our stockings.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I know that, Carrie; and this makes me afraid -that the <i>poor</i> children do not have their stockings -filled; because, you know, their friends have no money -to spend for toys and pretty presents. Don’t you think -it would be a good plan for every rich child to be a -Santa Claus to some poor child?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“O, yes, Emma!” exclaimed Carrie; “I think it -would be a <i>beautiful</i> plan. How came you to think -of it?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I do not know, Carrie; but I suppose the good -angels whispered it to me. You know mother says -that all our good thoughts are from the angels.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Well, that is a good thought, I am sure,” replied -Carrie; “and I am very glad that our father is rich, -so that we can play Santa Claus. And then it is very -pleasant to live in such a handsome house, and have -such nice clothes and playthings; don’t you think so, -Emma?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Yes, I do,” answered Emma; “and I always feel -sorry for poor little children, who have none of these -good things. You know little Mary and Ellen Drayton? -Their mother is very poor.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I know she is, Emma; but she always seems -cheerful, and the little girls look very happy. How -neat and clean they always look!”</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_10'>10</span>“Yes, Carrie: but their clothes are very old and -patched; and they have very few books, and no playthings -but one rag baby. When mother sent me there, -the other day, to ask Mrs. Drayton about doing some -work for her, I stopped a few moments to talk to the -little girls.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Let us be their Santa Claus, if mamma is willing,” -said Carrie. “I have got two little gold dollars that I -will spend for them.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“And I have two more,” added Emma. “I meant -to have bought a large doll; but I would rather give -the money to Mary and Ellen.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>The little girls now hastened to dress themselves, -that they might go to their mother, and tell her of -their plan, and ask her consent to spend their money -in the way that they proposed.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mrs. Meredith was quite willing, and, indeed, she -was much pleased that her little daughters had thought -of a way in which they might do good and give pleasure -to others; and she said that she would add two -more gold dollars to theirs, and would go with them to -buy the gifts for Mary and Ellen.</p> - -<p class='c008'>After breakfast was over, she talked a little more -with them on the subject, and told them that it would -not be best to spend all the money for books and toys, -because the little girls were much in need of warm -clothing, and it would be doing them more good to buy -some things of that kind.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_11'>11</span>Caroline and Emma were willing to do as their -mother thought best; but they begged her to buy a -<i>few</i> books and toys, because they thought it would -make the little girls so happy. They felt very happy -to find that six dollars would buy so many things. -There was not only a pretty dress for each little girl, -and some warm stockings and shoes, but also a dress -for Mrs. Drayton; and there was still money enough -left for two pretty books, two dolls, and some other -toys. To these, Mrs. Meredith proposed that Caroline -and Emma should add some of their own books -and playthings, which they could well spare; and she -said that she had several articles, which would be useful -to Mrs. Drayton, which she would put with those -they had bought.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The little girls could hardly contain their delight -when they saw all these nice presents packed in one -large basket, and another one filled with tea, sugar, -pies, cakes, a roasted chicken, and some other articles -of food, that Mrs. Drayton and her children might -have a good Christmas-dinner.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Carrie and Emma were so happy that they could -hardly wait for evening, that they might play “Santa -Claus,” as they called it; and they quite forgot to -think about the pretty presents which they hoped to -receive themselves, because they were so busy in -thinking of the joy that Mary and Ellen would feel -when the baskets should be unpacked.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_12'>12</span>“Let us try to be patient, and wait until the girls -have gone to bed,” said Carrie. “Mrs. Drayton sits -up very late to sew; and, if mother will let John carry -the baskets for us, we will go and knock softly at the -door, and give her the things, and ask her to put some -of the toys into Mary’s and Ellen’s stockings. How -surprised they will be in the morning!”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Emma readily agreed to this plan; and, as the -house was very near, Mrs. Meredith was quite willing -that they should do so.</p> - -<p class='c008'>We will now leave them to pass a happy afternoon -in assisting their mother in some preparations which -she wished to make for the entertainment of the young -friends whom they expected to spend Christmas with -them, while we take a peep into Mrs. Drayton’s neat -but humble dwelling.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mary and Ellen were seated close by the side of -their mother, who was sewing busily on a pair of -coarse overalls,—the last of a dozen pairs which she -had engaged to make. Mary had learned to sew -neatly enough to be of some assistance, and her mother -had just given her leave to hem the bottom of one of -the legs of the overalls; while little Ellen was reading -aloud from a story-book, which had been given to her -at school as a reward for her good behavior. The -story which she was reading was a Christmas-tale; -and it told of a happy family of children who gathered -around the beautiful Christmas-tree.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_13'>13</span>When Ellen had finished her story, she laid down -the book, and seemed very thoughtful for a few -minutes. Presently she looked up in her mother’s -face, and said, very gently,—</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Will you please to let us hang up our stockings -to-night, dear mother? This is Christmas Eve. I -should like a pretty tree like the one in the story; but -it will be just as pleasant to hang up our stockings. -Don’t you remember the pretty things that we found -in them one year, Mary, a good while ago, when -father lived in this world with us?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mrs. Drayton’s eyes filled with tears; and Mary -whispered,—</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Hush, Ellen! you grieve poor mother.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“No, dear, she does not grieve me,” replied Mrs. -Drayton, making an effort to speak calmly and cheerfully. -“You may hang up your stockings, my children; -but you must remember that mother has no -‘pretty things’ to put in them. The weather is now -becoming very cold, and you are in need of many -articles of clothing, which I am working hard to try -to procure for you. I shall take these overalls home -this evening; and, if I get the money which I have -earned by making them, I will try to put something -useful into each stocking: but you must not expect to -find toys or candies.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mary’s countenance brightened as she exclaimed, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_14'>14</span>“O mother! I shall like a new apron better than a -toy; for I have worn mine so long, and it looks so -very shabby.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>But little Ellen looked sorrowful as she said, “I -wish you could buy just one stick of candy, mother,—only -one; half for Mary, and half for me.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Well, dear, I will try to do so, as it is for Christmas,” -answered Mrs. Drayton; and, at this reply, -Ellen’s face was also bright with smiles.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Evening soon came: and, as their mother was -obliged to leave them alone while she carried home -the work which she had finished, the little girls concluded -to hang up their stockings, and go to bed early, -so that they need not feel lonely while she was gone. -They were soon fast asleep, and dreaming of the new -aprons and the stick of candy which they were to -receive the next morning.</p> - -<p class='c008'>When Mrs. Drayton promised her children these -things, she did not feel the least doubt that she should -be able to keep her promise; for the man for whom -she had been working always paid her very punctually, -and on this night he would owe her nearly two dollars. -Of this sum, a large portion must be spent for food -and fuel; but there would be enough left to buy an -apron for each of the little girls, and the stick of candy -which Ellen so much desired.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Poor children! it is not often that I can spend -<span class='pageno' id='Page_15'>15</span>even one penny for them, except to purchase what -is really necessary,” thought Mrs. Drayton, as she -entered the shop where she was to leave the work. -To her great disappointment, there was no one there -but a young lad, who told her that his employer had -gone away for the evening.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“You can leave the work,” he added, “and call -again any day after Christmas. Mr. Williams will -settle with you.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mrs. Drayton’s heart was very sad as she silently -placed her bundle upon the counter and left the shop. -She had but six cents in the world; and this must be -spent for a loaf of bread, or her little ones would -suffer for food on Christmas Day, when they expected -to be so happy.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Her eyes filled with tears as she passed the groups -of merry children, and heard them talking so eagerly -of the expected pleasures of the next day, and thought -of the empty stockings which her own darlings would -find when they awoke in the morning. But she was a -good woman; and she tried hard to put away these -sad feelings, and to believe that the Lord would do -what was best for her and for her children.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I cannot buy the aprons,” she said: “but I will -take a loaf of bread which was baked yesterday,—that -will cost but five cents; and, with the penny -which remains, I will buy the stick of candy. That -will comfort them a little.”</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_16'>16</span>She went into the baker’s shop for the loaf; and -the woman in attendance, who had often seen her -before with her two little girls, handed her two cakes, -saying kindly,—</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Your children will like a cake for Christmas.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mrs. Drayton thanked her, and walked homeward -with a lighter step; for this would be such a treat to -the little ones, that they would almost forget the -promised aprons.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The last penny was spent for the candy; and she -gently opened her own door, and entered noiselessly, -lest she should disturb the sleeping children.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“It will be but a poor Christmas,” she said, as she -opened a small cupboard, and, placing the bread in its -accustomed place, looked around upon the scanty portion -of food which it contained; “but we shall not -really suffer from cold or hunger, and this should -make us very thankful.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>As she said this, she heard a low knock at the door; -and, hastening to open it, she was surprised to find -Caroline and Emma Meredith, accompanied by John -bearing two large baskets.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Have Mary and Ellen gone to bed?” inquired -Carrie, eagerly.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Yes, they are both asleep, miss; but I can awaken -them, if you wish.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Oh, no!” was the reply; “we wanted them to be -<span class='pageno' id='Page_17'>17</span>asleep, and so we waited as long as we could. We -are playing Santa Claus; and we have brought some -things for you and the girls.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“And we want you to put some in their stockings,” -continued Emma. “Did they hang them up?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“They did, indeed, my dear young lady; but I -little thought that they would be filled. I spent my -last penny for one stick of candy to divide between -them.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Oh! there is plenty of candy, and toys also, in the -baskets,” replied Emma. “Fill the stockings full; -and tell Mary and Ellen that Santa Claus sent them.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mrs. Drayton’s heart was almost too full to speak -as they wished her good-night; and she could not help -weeping with joy as she unpacked the baskets, and -saw all the good and useful things which they contained.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The stockings were soon loaded with toys and books, -and papers of cakes and candies; the cupboard was -well filled with articles of food; while the new clothes -were spread upon a chair, where the children could -see them when they awoke.</p> - -<p class='c008'>You may be sure it was a merry Christmas morning -both at Mrs. Meredith’s and Mrs. Drayton’s.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Carrie and Emma were full of joy, not only from -receiving a variety of beautiful presents, but from the -thought of the pleasure which Mary and Ellen would -<span class='pageno' id='Page_18'>18</span>feel when they found their stockings so well filled. -And breakfast had not long been over, when the two -little girls came hand in hand, with sparkling eyes and -hearts full of gratitude, to thank the young ladies for -their kindness.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Oh, we never saw so many pretty things!” exclaimed -Ellen. “Mary and I are so glad, and we -thank you so much! Mamma cried when she saw us -jump and laugh so much when we awoke this morning; -but she said she cried because she was glad too, -and not because she was sorry.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Yes, she was <i>very, very</i> glad,” said Mary. “We -needed all the things very much; and poor mamma -had no money.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mrs. Meredith and Carrie and Emma felt very -happy as they listened to these expressions of the children’s -gratitude and joy; and, when Mr. Meredith -heard the story, he said he would send a load of wood -and coal to Mrs. Drayton, that he might have his -share in “playing Santa Claus.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_19'>19</span> - <h2 id='nothing' class='c004'><b><span class='large'>NOTHING TO GIVE.</span></b></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>“A happy New Year to you, Lottie!” exclaimed a -bright-eyed and neatly dressed little girl, as she tapped -at the door of a small apartment in the second story -of a large dwelling-house which was occupied by a -number of poor families.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The summons was answered, and the greeting returned, -by Lottie herself, who proved to be a pleasant-looking -little girl of about the same age as the visitor.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“A happy New Year to you, Miss Emily!” she -replied; “and thank you for calling to see me so early -in the morning. Will you walk in?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“No, thank you, Lottie: for I have several places -to go to; and I must be at home in good season. -Mamma says that this is the day for the gentlemen to -make calls, and the ladies must stay at home; but she -gave me leave to call upon you, and three or four -other little girls who go to sabbath school with me. -Here is a New-Year’s gift for you, Lottie. Is your -mother well?”</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_20'>20</span>“Oh! thank you, Miss Emily. Yes, my mother is -quite well. She will be here in a few moments.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I will call and see her another time. Good morning, -Lottie!” And, with a kind smile, Emily ran -quickly down the steep stairs; and, in another moment, -Lottie heard the street-door close after her.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The “New-Year’s gift” which she had handed to -Lottie was contained in quite a large and neatly folded -parcel; and the little girl hastened to close the door -of the room, that she might examine it at her leisure.</p> - -<p class='c008'>She placed it upon the table, and untied the string; -but still she did not feel quite willing to unfold the -paper until her mother returned to share her pleasure.</p> - -<p class='c008'>She had not long to wait: for, just then, a step was -heard in the entry; and her mother entered, with a -small basket on her arm, containing a few articles of -daily food which she had been purchasing.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The paper was quickly unfolded now; and a neat -hood and shawl, with a pair of warm mittens, soon -appeared.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Lottie clapped her hands with delight. “Miss -Emily brought them to me, mother!” she exclaimed. -“Is she not very kind? Now I can go to sabbath -school all winter; for my frock and shoes are quite -good yet: but my thin cape and my straw hat were -very cold.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“They were indeed, my child,” replied Mrs. Wilton -<span class='pageno' id='Page_21'>21</span>(Lottie’s mother); “and I am very grateful to the -young lady and her mother for their kindness in sending -you these warm garments. This is a happy New-Year’s -Day for you.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Very happy did Lottie feel, and bright as the sunshine -was her face, for some minutes: but then a -shadow seemed to come over her glad spirit; and, -after a little thought, she said, almost sadly, “How -very happy Miss Emily must be to be able to give -such nice presents to poor people, mother! How I -wish I had something to give!”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“And have you nothing, Lottie?” asked Mrs. Wilton, -kindly.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Nothing at all, mother. You know we are so -poor, that we need everything we have for ourselves.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“We are, indeed, quite poor, Lottie; but that need -not prevent us from giving to others. You cannot go, -as Miss Emily does, and carry warm garments to -those who are poorer than yourself; but still you may -do much for their happiness and comfort. Give them -the love that is in your little heart; and you will soon -find that you have no reason to say that you have -nothing to give.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“But love will not do them any good, mother,” persisted -the little girl. “I want to be able to make -New-Year’s gifts to those who are in want.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Give them your love, and you will often find that -<span class='pageno' id='Page_22'>22</span>the gifts will come of themselves, Lottie,” replied her -mother. And, as she spoke, Lottie’s countenance -brightened; and she exclaimed,—</p> - -<p class='c008'>“O mother! I know what I can do, if you are -willing. I can give a part of my breakfast to those -two little children up in the third story; for you know -they are a great deal poorer than we are.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I think they are, Lottie; and you may divide your -breakfast with them, if you please. And here is a -New-Year’s cake that the baker gave me for you when -I went for the loaf of bread.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Such a nice large one! and so pretty!” said Lottie, -as she looked admiringly at the figures upon the cake. -“I can give a part of this to the children, mother.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Very well: now eat your own bread, and then -you may go with theirs. So you will have the pleasure -of making one New-Year’s gift this pleasant -morning; and if you keep your heart filled with love, -and all your servants busy in helping you to make this -love useful to others, you will find many opportunities -to make gifts before the day passes away.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“My <i>servants</i>, mother!” exclaimed Lottie. “Who -are they?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mrs. Wilton smiled, as she replied, “You have two -bright eyes, Lottie; and, with these, you can look -around for those who are in need of your assistance. -You have two quick ears with which to hear their -<span class='pageno' id='Page_23'>23</span>wants; and you have hands and feet which will cheerfully -work at your bidding.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>The shadow had quite gone from Lottie’s heart and -from her face: for she now began to see clearly what -her mother meant; and she had already formed many -little plans for doing good.</p> - -<p class='c008'>A large portion of her own breakfast and of the -tempting cake were given to the hungry little children; -and their joy, and the eagerness with which they ate -the food, showed that the gift was a most acceptable -one.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The next hour was passed in assisting her mother: -for, as Lottie justly observed, “Mother ought to have -a New-Year’s gift as well as other people;” and the -only thing she could give her would be a little more -help than usual.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mrs. Wilton was glad to find her room in neat -order, and to be able to sit down to her sewing at an -early hour: for she was making some garments, which -she had promised to have completed within a few days; -and, if they were ready at the promised time, she was -to receive extra pay.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“And now, mother,” said Lottie, “I will take the -basket, and try to find some bits of wood around the -new buildings. Perhaps I shall find some one to -whom I can make a New-Year’s gift while I am -gone.”</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_24'>24</span>“I have no doubt you will, dear,” replied Mrs. Wilton; -and Lottie ran merrily away, while her mother -employed her hands very busily, and her thoughts no -less so: for New-Year’s Day brings many recollections,—both -sad and pleasant memories of years gone -by. Mrs. Wilton thought of the time when she had -a kind husband to love and care for her, and when a -fine manly boy, some two or three years older than -Lottie, was among her household treasures. Both -husband and son had long since passed to the spiritual -world; and the poor widow was now obliged to work -hard for the support of herself and her little girl. But -she had a cheerful, uncomplaining spirit; and she -trusted with full faith in our heavenly Father, who -never forsakes the widow and the fatherless.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The little that she could earn with her needle was -not always sufficient to supply them with necessary -comforts; but, as yet, they had never suffered from -cold or hunger. Often their most pressing wants, as -in the case of Lottie’s hood and shawl, had been unexpectedly -supplied; and, thankfully acknowledging the -Providence which watched over them, the widow -worked away steadily and cheerfully, with little anxiety -for the future.</p> - -<p class='c008'>But we must accompany little Lottie, as she bounded -merrily along, with her basket in her hand. The first -object which attracted her attention, when she reached -<span class='pageno' id='Page_25'>25</span>the new buildings, was an old woman, bent nearly -double with infirmity and age, slowly endeavoring to -gather a few of the chips which lay scattered upon the -ground.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Poor old creature!” thought Lottie, pityingly, -“I have a great mind to fill her basket before I do -my own. There are not many children picking up -chips this morning: and I shall find enough, I dare -say.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I will fill your basket for you,” she said kindly, -as she drew near to the woman; “and you can sit on -these boards, and rest.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>The old woman looked surprised, and, at first, -seemed a little afraid to let Lottie take the basket. -Perhaps she thought she might run away with the -pieces she had already collected; for some children -are wicked enough to do such things. But, when she -looked in the little girl’s pleasant face, all her fear -went away; and she gladly rested herself upon the -boards, while Lottie’s busy hands and feet worked -briskly until the basket was well loaded with the nice -dry chips.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Have you far to go? Shall I help you to carry -it?” asked Lottie, as she placed the load at the old -woman’s feet.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“You are a good child; and I thank you,” was the -reply. “But I am well rested now, and can get home -<span class='pageno' id='Page_26'>26</span>by myself. Make haste, and fill your own basket. -Good-by! and may God bless you!”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Lottie’s heart was very glad, as she watched the -old woman moving quickly along with the basket.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“She walks quite fast,” she said to herself. “I am -so glad that I helped her, and gave her time to rest! -Those chips were a nice New-Year’s gift for her.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>After half an hour of patient labor, Lottie succeeded -in filling her own basket, and set out on her return -home.</p> - -<p class='c008'>As she turned into the street which led to her own -dwelling, she saw a richly dressed lady upon the sidewalk, -a little in advance of her. Lottie looked admiringly -at her velvet hat, and the soft, warm furs, -and splendid silk dress.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“What a happy lady!” she said to herself. “What -beautiful New-Year’s gifts <i>she</i> can make!”</p> - -<p class='c008'>As Lottie said this, a rich lace-veil, which had been -lightly thrown over the lady’s hat, fell upon the sidewalk; -and the owner passed on without observing her -loss.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Stop, ma’am! please stop!” called the little girl, -as she placed her basket upon the stones, and ran -quickly along, with the veil in her hand.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Thank you, my child,” said the lady, as she turned -around in answer to Lottie’s repeated calls. “I should -have been very sorry to have lost my veil. Here is a -quarter of a dollar for you.”</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_27'>27</span>“No, thank you, ma’am,” returned Lottie, blushing -deeply. “I do not want any pay. I am glad that I -found your veil. It is New-Year’s Day; and I like to -have something to give people.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Well, you have made me a beautiful present,” -replied the lady, smiling; “for I should certainly have -lost my veil if it had not been for you. But why may -I not make you a little gift in return?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Lottie still shrunk from taking the money; and, -after a moment’s thought, the lady ceased to urge her, -and, after inquiring the number of her residence, bade -her “Good-morning!” and walked on; while the little -girl took up her basket of wood, and hastened to her -mother.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mrs. Wilton listened with delight to her account of -the adventures of the morning, and sympathized with -her pleasure in having already made three or four -New-Year’s gifts.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“And now, mother,” said Lottie, “I will help you -to sew; and by and by, if you will give me leave, I -will go and read one of my pretty books, that the -teacher gave me, to that little sick girl in the next -street. Don’t you remember I told you about her? -She used to come to sabbath school.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Yes, I remember what you told me, Lottie. You -may go to see her this afternoon. And now I have a -long seam for you to sew.”</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_28'>28</span>“I am glad that I can sew neatly enough to help -you, mother,” said Lottie; and in a few moments she -was seated at her mother’s side, sewing away as busily -as Mrs. Wilton herself.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The afternoon visit to the little sick girl proved a -very pleasant one; and Lottie came home with the -delightful consciousness that she had done much good, -and almost made the little sufferer forget her pain.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“This has been a <i>happy, happy</i> day,” she said. “I -wish every New-Year’s Day would be like it.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“<i>All</i> days may be much like it, my dear child,” -replied her mother, “if you continue to find happiness -in doing good to others. You will not again complain -that you have ‘nothing to give.’”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“No, indeed, mother; for I have found that even -poor people like us have many things to give which -make others happy. And you know, mother, I gave -something even to that rich lady.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“You did, indeed, dear,” answered Mrs. Wilton, -smiling. “And now go to sleep, and dream of your -happy day.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Lottie’s dreams were very pleasant, you may be -sure; and her mother saw her smile many times in -her sleep, as if the angels were whispering to her in -their words of love.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The next day brought a visit from the lady who -had lost the veil. She had not forgotten little Lottie; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_29'>29</span>and now came to inquire into Mrs. Wilton’s circumstances, -and to offer her assistance if she was in need. -A kind friend she proved to the widow and her child; -and they often thought with thankfulness of the day -when Lottie picked up the veil, rejoicing, in her simplicity, -that she had <i>something to give</i>.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_30'>30</span> - <h2 id='willie' class='c004'><b><span class='large'>WILLIE’S GOLD DOLLAR.</span></b></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>“Such beautiful toys! such beautiful toys!” exclaimed -little Willie Duncan, as he clapped his hands, and -capered about the room with delight.</p> - -<p class='c008'>It was a bright, frosty, Christmas morning; and -Willie had just taken down the stocking, which he had -carefully hung in the chimney-corner the evening before, -in the hope that some kind friend would play the -part of Santa Claus for him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>His hope was not disappointed: for the stocking -was found most bountifully filled; and Willie eagerly -hastened to examine its contents. It was fortunate -that he had borrowed his grandfather’s long stocking -for the occasion; for his own little sock could never -have contained the beautiful, large humming-top, and -the pretty Noah’s ark, which now met his eyes. And -then the large, soft ball, just right for playing in the -house in stormy weather; and the nice transparent -slate, with which Willie could amuse himself when -the older folks wished him to be quiet. All these -<span class='pageno' id='Page_31'>31</span>things, and many more, were safely packed away in -grandpa’s great stocking. Papers of candy, stores of -nuts and almonds, and pretty little lady-apples, came -to light as Willie continued his search; and last of all, -in a tiny wooden box, was found a bright gold dollar.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I am sure grandpa must have put that in himself,” -said Willie; “for I saw a gold dollar in his desk-drawer -yesterday. But oh, mother! did you ever see -so many pretty things? Am I not very happy?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I hope so, indeed, my dear boy,” answered Mrs. -Duncan, smiling; “but pretty things do not always -make us happy.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Not unless we are good, you mean, mother. But -I will try to be good. Only look at this humming-top!”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“It is a fine one, Willie. Here is a cord. Try if -you can spin it.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>The top was soon whirling merrily upon the floor, -and humming so loudly that Willie had to clap his -hands once more; and even baby, who was pillowed -up in his crib, unpacking his own wee little stocking, -dropped the china pussy-cat, which he had just taken -out, and stretched his little hands toward the top, -crowing with delight.</p> - -<p class='c008'>But now mother said that both Willie and baby -must put by their toys, and be dressed for breakfast; -and she gave Willie a basket to put all his new treasures -<span class='pageno' id='Page_32'>32</span>into, that he might carry them down stairs easily, -and exhibit them to his father.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“And what will you buy with the gold dollar, -Willie?” asked Mr. Duncan, after he had examined -and admired all the pretty gifts.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Willie looked very thoughtful as he replied, “I -should like to do some good with it, father. I think -I ought to,—do not you?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“We ought always to try to do good, Willie; but I -am not sure that I quite understand what you mean.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I heard you say the other day, father, that we -should love to share with others the blessings which -the Lord gives to us.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“That is right, my son: I did say something of the -kind.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Well, father, I have a great many blessings this -morning,—all these pretty toys; and so I think I ought -to spend the gold dollar for other people.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I am glad you think so, Willie. And who would -you like to spend it for?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“If you are willing, father, I should like to give it -to lame Georgie to buy a book. He told me, a few -days ago, that he wanted very much to buy a book -called ‘Rollo at Work,’ because there is a story in it -about a lame boy named Georgie, just like him. You -know Georgie’s father is poor; and I do not think he -can spare the money to buy a book. May I give him -my dollar, father?”</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_33'>33</span>“Certainly, Willie: you may take it to him as soon -as you have eaten your breakfast.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Willie’s eyes sparkled with delight. His breakfast -was quickly eaten, and his warm comforter and mittens -put on.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“May I go to the bookstore and buy the book for -Georgie, if he wishes me to, mother?” he asked; “and -may I stay with him a little while?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mrs. Duncan readily granted her permission; for -although Georgie’s father and mother were poor, yet -they were very worthy people, and had taught him to -be an obedient, good boy, so that Willie’s parents were -quite willing that he should sometimes go to play with -him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Willie found Georgie sitting in his usual seat by the -fireside, with a small stand placed near him, on which -were a little box and a new gimlet.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“O Willie,” he exclaimed joyfully, as Willie entered, -“I am so glad you have come! Only see what nice -Christmas-gifts I have got! Father bought me this -new gimlet; and a kind lady, who comes to see my -mother sometimes, sent me this pretty dissected map. -I have been playing with it all the morning.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>As Georgie spoke, he opened the box which stood -upon the stand, and showed Willie that it contained a -map of the world, cut into small pieces, which could -all be neatly fitted together. Willie had several maps -<span class='pageno' id='Page_34'>34</span>of this kind at home; and he was just going to say -that he did not think this was much of a present, and -to tell Georgie how many pretty toys he had received, -when he remembered that it would not be kind to do -so; and he said, pleasantly,—</p> - -<p class='c008'>“It is a very pretty map, Georgie: I am glad the -lady gave it to you. And what a nice gimlet! You -can bore large holes with this.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Yes,” replied Georgie: “you know I have a small -one; and I have wanted a large one for a long time. -But tell me about your presents, Willie; for I am sure -you have had a great many.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Yes, I have had a good many,” answered Willie; -“and I have brought one of them to you.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>So saying, Willie took out the little box, which contained -the gold dollar, and handed it to Georgie.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“What a pretty little box!” said Georgie: “I never -saw so small a one in my life. Thank you, Willie!”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Open it, Georgie!” exclaimed Willie, laughing: -“it has got your new book in it.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“My new book!” said Georgie: “it must be a -very small one, then. O Willie, what a beautiful gold -dollar!” he exclaimed, as he took off the cover. “Do -you mean to give all this to me?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Yes, Georgie: it is to buy the book that you want -so much.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“You are <i>very</i> kind, Willie! I shall be so happy -<span class='pageno' id='Page_35'>35</span>to have that book! I wish I could walk to the bookstore, -and I would go for it this minute.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I can go,” replied Willie. “Mother gave me -leave; and, when I come back, we will read the book, -Georgie, and I will tell you all about my presents; for -I can stay with you a while.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Georgie was very glad to hear this; and Willie -took the gold dollar, and ran joyfully away.</p> - -<p class='c008'>He very soon returned, with the much-wished-for -book in his hand.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Here it is, Georgie,” he said; “and here is a half-dollar -in change: that is enough to buy another book, -if you wish.“</p> - -<p class='c008'>“But I think you ought to keep the half-dollar, -Willie. This book is enough for you to give me. I -am sure I am very much obliged to you.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Oh, no, Georgie! I meant to give you the whole -dollar. Shall I run back to the bookstore, and buy -another Rollo book? There are a great many different -kinds.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Georgie thought for a moment; and then he said,—</p> - -<p class='c008'>“No, Willie: I think it would not be right. I -have my new map, my gimlet, and this pretty book: I -am very happy to have such beautiful presents. And -now, if you are so kind as to give me this half-dollar, -I should like to buy something to give to some one -who is not so happy as I am.”</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_36'>36</span>“That is right, Georgie,” said Willie. “Father -says we should always be willing to share our blessings -with others. But what will you buy, Georgie?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“There is a little girl in the other part of this house,” -replied Georgie, “who has been ill for a long time. -Her mother is poor, and cannot buy her many nice -things, such as sick people need. I think I should like -to buy some nice grapes with the half-dollar, and give -them to her for Christmas.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Oh, yes, Georgie!” exclaimed Willie. “She will -like them, I am sure: for once, when I was ill, my -mother bought a bunch of grapes for me; and they -tasted so good!”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Georgie’s mother now came into the room; and -Georgie showed her the book, and asked her if he -could buy grapes for the sick girl with the half-dollar. -She was quite willing, and said that she was going out -for a little while, and would take the money, and buy -the grapes.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“And please come home before Willie goes away, -mother,” said Georgie; “for I want him to go with -me to give Mary the grapes.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Georgie’s mother said she would not stay long; and -then she put on her bonnet and shawl, and went away, -while the two little boys amused themselves very -pleasantly with the new book and the map. Willie -also told Georgie about his Christmas-gifts, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_37'>37</span>promised to bring the humming-top to show him the -next time that he came.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Very soon Georgie’s mother came, with a paper containing -some beautiful bunches of white grapes; and -Georgie took his crutches, which he was obliged to use -in walking, and, asking Willie to bring the grapes, he -led the way to the part of the house where little Mary -and her mother lived.</p> - -<p class='c008'>They found the little sick girl lying upon a small -cot-bed. Every thing was very neat and clean about -her; and although she looked very pale and sick, yet -her countenance was cheerful and pleasant; and she -smiled sweetly when she saw the little boys.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I wish you a merry Christmas, Georgie,” she -said; “and I am very glad you have come to see me; -for I have something so beautiful to show you! Please, -mother, bring it to me.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Her mother brought a tumbler containing a pretty -little bunch of flowers, and held it close to Mary.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Only look, Georgie!” continued the little girl, as -she stretched out her small, white hand, and gently -touched the flowers; “are they not beautiful? The -kind doctor who comes to see me sometimes sent them -to me for Christmas. They smell <i>so</i> sweet!”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“They are beautiful, Mary,” said Georgie. “I am -very glad that you have got them; and Willie and I -have brought you something for Christmas, too.”</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_38'>38</span>As he spoke, he took the paper of grapes from -Willie’s hands, and gave it to Mary’s mother, saying,—</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Will you please to put a bunch upon a plate, and -give them to Mary?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“O Mary! this is just what I have wanted to give -you when your mouth is so hot and parched,” exclaimed -her mother. “I am sure we thank you very much, -Georgie.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Willie gave me the money,” replied Georgie. -“He gave me a gold dollar to buy a book: but it cost -only half a dollar; and so we could buy grapes for -Mary.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“They are <i>very</i> nice,” said the little girl, as her -mother carefully removed the skin from one of the -grapes, and placed it in her mouth. “I thank you, -Georgie; and I thank Willie, too: I am glad he came -to see me.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I will come again, Mary,” said Willie, going up -to the bedside: “and I will bring you one of my boxes -of guava jelly; for I had two in my Christmas stocking. -Sick people can eat guava jelly; and you will -like it, I am sure.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mary’s mother did not like to have the little girl -talk long at one time: so Georgie and Willie bade her -good-by, and went away; and very soon it was time -for Willie to go home.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_39'>39</span>His mother was much pleased to hear about his -visit; and she said, “Your gold dollar has made several -people happy,—has it not Willie?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Yes, mother. It made grandpa happy to give it -to me; and it made me happy to give it to Georgie; -and then Georgie was happy to give the grapes to the -little girl; and she and her mother were both happy -to have them. I am glad that my gold dollar has -given so many people pleasure, mother.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“And I am glad also, Willie. It is good to love to -share with others the blessings which the Lord gives -to us.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_40'>40</span> - <h2 id='thanksgiving' class='c004'><b><span class='large'>THE THANKSGIVING PARTY.</span></b></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>“Oh, mother, mother!” exclaimed Lucy Welford, -as she bounded into her mother’s room, one bright, -frosty morning in November, “Uncle John is in the -parlor, and he has come to ask you if he may take -Mary and me home with him to pass Thanksgiving. -O, please, mother, let us go. Thanksgiving in the -country is so delightful, much more so than in the -city. Such fine sleigh-rides, and such grand slides on -the pond.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“And the delicious pumpkin pies, and the roast turkeys, -and the bowls of sweet milk and cream,” continued -Mary, who had followed her sister to hear their -mother’s decision. “Oh, it will be so pleasant. And -only think, mother, Uncle John is going to have a -large party—a regular feast—he says; and Aunt Clara -thinks that Lucy and I can assist her very much if you -will be so kind as to let us go.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Very well,” replied their mother, smiling; “we -will go and talk with Uncle John about it, and see if -<span class='pageno' id='Page_41'>41</span>father thinks he can spare both of his girls for a few -days.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>To the great joy of Mary and Lucy, father and -mother at length gave their consent; and, warmly -wrapped in hoods and cloaks, with a large carpet-bag -to contain such articles as would be necessary for them -during their stay, they sprang lightly into Uncle John’s -comfortable sleigh, and with many a kind good-by to -the dear ones at home, were soon riding swiftly away, -leaving far behind the various sights and sounds of the -busy city.</p> - -<p class='c008'>A pleasant ride of fifteen miles brought them to the -old-fashioned farm house, where the sound of the -merry bells soon called Aunt Clara to the door, and -with a most affectionate welcome, she embraced her -young nieces, and expressed her joy that their parents -had consented to spare them to her for a short time.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The ride in the fresh air had given the girls fine -rosy cheeks and excellent appetites, and they were -quite ready to accept Aunt Clara’s invitation to take -a luncheon of bread and milk, and some of her nice -doughnuts.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“And now, dear aunt, do tell us all about the -party,” exclaimed Lucy. “Will there be any young -folks, or is it only for grown up people like you and -Uncle John? We tried to make him tell us about it -<span class='pageno' id='Page_42'>42</span>as we rode along; but he only laughed, and said we -should find out when the day came.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“There will be both young and old,” replied their -aunt, smiling, “about fifty in all; so you see I shall -be much in need of your assistance in entertaining so -large a company.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“We will do everything we can to help you,” said -Mary, “and we have brought our new winter frocks -to wear, and new ribbons for our hair; and mother -said, if anything else was needed, we could send her -word to-morrow, as Uncle John said he should be -obliged to go into town.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Oh, your dress will do very well, I have no doubt,” -replied her aunt. “Our friends are not very showy -people, and will come in plain attire. But I must -leave you and Lucy to entertain yourselves for a short -time, as a part of my morning work is unfinished. I -suppose you will not be at a loss for amusement.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Not at all,” answered both of the girls. “We -will go to the barn, and find Uncle John, and see if -our old pets among the sheep and the cows have forgotten -us.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>The remainder of the day passed pleasantly away, -and the girls were so much fatigued with the unusual -exercise they had taken in running about the farm, -that they were quite glad when bed-time came, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_43'>43</span>slept soundly until the bright rays of the morning sun -were beaming in at their window.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“To-morrow will be the day for the party,” exclaimed -Lucy, as she and her sister hastened to dress -for breakfast, fearful that they had already kept their -aunt waiting. “I expect to enjoy it so much.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“So do I,” replied Mary. “I am very glad that -there are young people coming. There are some -sweet little girls in the neighborhood. I hope Aunt -Clara has invited Mrs. Carlton’s family. They live -in the great white house on the hill, and are very genteel, -pleasant people.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“No doubt they will be here,” returned Lucy, “and -the Wilsons and Smiths, and, perhaps, Mr. Marion’s -family. There must be many others coming whom -we do not know, for aunt said there would be about -fifty guests. O, I am sure it will be delightful!”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Breakfast over, Aunt Clara soon found abundance -of work for her two young assistants. There were -nutmegs to grate, eggs to beat, apples to pare, meat to -mince, and various other employments, which the girls -found very interesting. The tables were soon loaded -with pies, cakes, warm bread, and every variety of -eatables, while turkeys and chickens by the dozen were -in a state of preparation, and the large pots over the -fire were filled with the nice hams which Uncle John -had provided for the occasion. Everything showed -<span class='pageno' id='Page_44'>44</span>that there was to be a bountiful feast, and our young -friends danced for joy, as they thought of the pleasure -in store for them.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The much wished for day came at length, and a -bright and beautiful day it was. The guests were -expected to assemble about noon, and by eleven o’clock, -Lucy and Mary, having assisted their aunt in preparing -the long table in the dining-room, hastened to their -own apartment to dress, that they might be in readiness -to receive them.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The great double sleigh with the pretty gray ponies -was already harnessed, for some of the visitors, as -Uncle John observed, lived at quite a distance from -the farm, and he had promised to send for them at the -proper time.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Very kind in Uncle John,” observed Mary to her -sister, “but I should think they would prefer coming -in their own carriages.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“But it is so pleasant to load up that old double -sleigh,” returned Lucy. “The younger part of the -company will enjoy the arrangement exceedingly. -Just tie this bow for me, Mary, and then, I believe, -we are all ready. Let us go down at once. I have -no doubt that a part of the company have arrived.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>But the parlors were still empty. Even Aunt Clara -had not yet appeared, and after surveying themselves -with much satisfaction in the large mirror, and impatiently -<span class='pageno' id='Page_45'>45</span>walking up and down the room for a short time, -the girls resolved to seek her, and inquire if the appointed -dinner hour had not nearly arrived. To their -surprise, they found the table already loaded with the -smoking plum puddings, and nicely roasted turkeys -and chickens, which Uncle John and Aunt Clara were -carrying with all possible despatch.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“But no one has come yet, Uncle John,” exclaimed -both Lucy and Mary in a breath. “Will not the dinner -be cold?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Our friends have all arrived,” was their uncle’s -quiet reply; and as he spoke, the door leading from -the great kitchen was thrown open, and a crowd of -persons, young and old, appeared.</p> - -<p class='c008'>There was the honest laborer, who had toiled hard -through the year for the support of his large family. -There, too, was the cheerful wife and the joyful little -ones, and, perhaps, the aged grand-parents, whose -feeble steps were supported by their children, as they -took their seats at the bountifully spread table. In -short, most of the worthy poor in the immediate vicinity -of the farm were there assembled, and some few -from a greater distance.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mary and Lucy had not time to recover from their -surprise, before all the guests were seated at the table, -and Uncle John, rising from his chair, bade them all -a kindly welcome, and after explaining in a few words -<span class='pageno' id='Page_46'>46</span>the origin of Thanksgiving Day, asked them all to -unite with him in a prayer of thankfulness to the Lord, -from whom every mercy is received.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Each guest was then plentifully supplied with the -good things upon the table, and Aunt Clara requested -her nieces to attend particularly to the little children, -and see that all their wants were cared for.</p> - -<p class='c008'>A happier party was seldom seen. After dinner, -presents of food and clothing were distributed among -them, and Mary and Lucy found great satisfaction in -dressing the children in new clothes, and seeing the -gratitude and joy in their smiling little faces.</p> - -<p class='c008'>After an hour or two spent in this manner, the great -sleigh and the gray horses came merrily jingling to the -door, and the old people and the children were safely -conveyed to their homes, and the rest of the party, -with many thanks and blessings to their kind entertainers, -took their leave.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Well, girls, how did you enjoy my party?” exclaimed -Uncle John, as he reëntered the parlor, after -bidding farewell to the last of his guests.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“O, very much indeed,” was the reply. “It was -very different from what we expected, but still we -enjoyed it very much. It is so pleasant to make others -happy.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“It is, indeed, my children,” returned Uncle John, -“and it appears to me that on a day like this, it is the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_47'>47</span>duty of all those whom the Lord has blessed with -abundance, to seek out the needy and afflicted, and -endeavor to relieve their wants.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>When the harvest is gathered in, and the farmer -beholds his table loaded with the rich fruits of the -year, he should call upon the aged, the poor, and the -helpless to come in with him and share his feast.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_48'>48</span> - <h2 id='christmas' class='c004'><b><span class='large'>A CHRISTMAS STORY.</span></b></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>“Have you recollected that this is the first day of -winter, Mary?” asked Isabel Gordon as she came -into the room where her younger sister was seated -with her atlas spread before her, busily engaged in -preparing her lessons for the next day.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I have not thought of it before,” replied Mary, -quietly.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“But now you do think of it, Mary, do you remember -what we agreed to do on this day? Christmas -will soon be here now, you know.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“In little more than three weeks. Yes, Isabel, I -know what you are thinking of. We agreed to open -our banks to-day, and see how much we have saved -to spend for Christmas gifts.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Yes, that is it,” replied Isabel, joyfully. “I am so -glad that we can open them at last. I want to know -how much we have saved. Shall I bring them now?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“If you please. I have just finished learning my -geography lesson.”</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_49'>49</span>Isabel ran to the closet, and quickly returned with -two money-boxes, or banks, in her hand. She gave -one to her sister, and taking the other herself, they both -succeeded, without much difficulty, in making an opening -so that they could get at the treasure within. For -nearly a year the little girls had saved almost every -penny which had been given them, that they might -have the pleasure of giving as well as receiving the -pretty holiday gifts.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Well, Mary, how much have you?” asked Isabel, -as she finished counting the pile of pennies, sixpences, -and shillings which lay before her.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Four dollars and a few pennies,” answered Mary. -“I did not think I had so much.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“And I have a little more than <i>five</i> dollars,” said -Isabel, triumphantly. “You know I saved the gold -dollar which grandfather gave me, and you did not. -Are you not sorry that you spent it?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Not at all, Isabel. That dollar has done more -good in the last two months than it would have done -lying in our little banks. You know I bought a nice -pair of shoes and some stockings for Susan Green, -that she might attend the sabbath school. Her teacher -says she is learning very fast, and is one of the best -children in her class.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Well, never mind that now, Mary. Let us talk -about the best way to spend our money. What will -<span class='pageno' id='Page_50'>50</span>you buy for father and mother? I am going to work -a pair of slippers for father, and I shall buy a pretty -worked collar for mother. I heard her say the other -day that she needed some new collars.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Have you time to embroider a pair of slippers?” -asked Mary.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Oh yes! Ellen Shaw taught me a new way. I -shall buy the slippers ready made, and then embroider -them with gold thread. They will cost me about a -dollar, and mother’s collar will be nearly two. Then -I must buy a present for Betsey; a new apron will -please her, I think, and will not cost too much. I -have a nice plan for spending the remainder of the -money; but first let me hear what you are going to do -with yours.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I shall buy a handsome inkstand for father’s desk. -You know he broke his large one the other day, and is -using an old one of mother’s now. I will try to get -one just like that which he broke. For mother I will -buy a beautiful rose-bush to put upon her flower-stand. -For Betsey I shall have a nice warm hood. I am to -buy the materials, and mother has promised to help -me make it. There will still be as much as a dollar -and a half remaining, and mother says that if this is -expended prudently it will do a great deal of good. I -have not quite decided what to do with it, but I think -I shall make a nice warm coverlet for that poor old -<span class='pageno' id='Page_51'>51</span>man and his wife whom we went to see last week. I -heard the old woman telling mother that she often suffered -dreadfully with rheumatism during the winter; -and when I looked around and saw what a miserable -shanty they have to shelter them, I could hardly keep -from weeping.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“But I dare say that some one else will give them -a coverlet,” replied Isabel, with a look of disappointment, -“and I want you to put your money with mine, -and buy a pretty present for our teacher. We can get -a very pretty work-box for three dollars, and I am sure -she would be very much pleased.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mary was silent for a few minutes. She loved her -teacher very much, and thought it would be very pleasant -to make her a present; but then the remembrance -of the poor old couple in the wretched shanty came -strongly to her mind, and she said, decidedly, “No, -Isabel, I cannot do it. I should be very glad to make -Miss Spencer a present, and perhaps mother will show -me how to make a needle-book for her, but the poor -people need a coverlet more than she needs a work-box.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“That is no rule, Mary. We cannot always give -to those who need it the most. All of the girls are -going to call at Miss Spencer’s house on Christmas -morning, and each one will take her a little gift. -If you will only join with me, our present will be -<span class='pageno' id='Page_52'>52</span>prettier and more valuable than any other she will -receive.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I do not care about that, Isabel. Miss Spencer -will not value the gifts for the sake of what they cost. -She will be pleased to find that we think of her and -love her. But I am sure she would rather I would -spend my money in doing good. You know we both -agreed to save a part for the poor.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I know we did, but some other time will do as -well as Christmas,” replied Isabel. “If you will not -help me to buy the work-box, I will buy it myself, and -not spend so much on my other presents. I saw a -beauty for three dollars, the other day, and I am determined -to have one like it.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Father says that we ought to try to do all the good -we can upon Christmas day,” answered Mary, gently. -“You know it is the anniversary of the day when the -Lord Jesus Christ came into the world, that He might -do more good to men; and if we love to do as He -teaches us, we shall be willing to give up our own -pleasure for the sake of helping others.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Isabel felt that she was in the wrong, but she was -not willing to acknowledge it, and therefore replied -rather crossly that Mary could do as she pleased, but -she had no idea of spending her money in Christmas -gifts for the poor.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The girls therefore said no more to each other upon -<span class='pageno' id='Page_53'>53</span>the subject. They were both very busy in their preparations -for Christmas, however, and long before the -important day arrived everything was in readiness. -The work-box for her teacher had taken so large a -portion of Isabel’s money, that her gifts for her other -friends were necessarily trifling, but she did not regret -this when she thought how pleased Miss Spencer would -be with so valuable a present, and how astonished her -young companions would appear at her generosity.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mary had, with the advice of her mother, expended -the part of her money which she had set apart for the -poor, so judiciously, that it went much farther than she -had anticipated. Some partly worn dresses served for -the outside of the coverlet, and with the money thus -saved, many other comfortable things were procured. -The happy little girl danced for joy when all was completed, -and she thought how much good even her small -hands could do.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The day before Christmas arrived; and a merry -group of girls had assembled at an early hour in Miss -Spencer’s pleasant school-room, to talk over their plans -for the holidays.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“And now, girls, let us arrange at what hour we -will call on Miss Spencer, to wish her a merry Christmas, -and present our little gifts,” exclaimed Caroline -Elwyn, one of the oldest of the scholars. “I propose -that we should all meet at the great oak tree, at ten -<span class='pageno' id='Page_54'>54</span>o’clock to-morrow morning, and then we can go together. -Only you must be sure to be punctual, for the -weather is rather too cold to make it very agreeable to -wait for each other.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>All of the girls readily agreed to this plan, and then -followed an animated discussion as to the beauty and -value of their separate gifts. One had prepared a -work-bag, another a needle-book, a third had worked -a collar, a fourth a pin-cushion.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“And now, tell us what your present is to be, Isabel,” -said Caroline Elwyn. “You are so wonderfully -silent about it, that we suspect it must be something -far surpassing our humble offerings. You shake your -head. Well, we will not urge you. Cannot you enlighten -us, Mary?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I can only tell you what my own gift is to be,” -was the smiling reply, “I have made a pen-wiper to -lie upon her desk.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“We shall soon discover Isabel’s secret,” exclaimed -another of the girls. “Only a few hours, now, before -the happy time will be here. I wish it were night. -Time passes so quickly when we are sleeping.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>The merry laugh which this remark occasioned had -hardly subsided, when their teacher entered the room. -She greeted them with her usual affectionate good -morning, and pleasantly remarked that they must -study with unusual diligence that day, as the holidays -were so near.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_55'>55</span>The girls cheerfully took their books, and, in spite -of their joyful anticipations for the coming weeks, -their lessons were well learned and recited.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Toward the close of the afternoon session, Miss -Spencer requested them to put away their books, as -she had something to say to them before she closed -the school.</p> - -<p class='c008'>When everything was arranged in an orderly manner, -she told them that it had been her custom for several -years to visit the poor families in the neighborhood -on Christmas day, and endeavor to do what she could -for their comfort. She said that she hoped that all of -her scholars had thought of the poor in preparing their -Christmas gifts, and had remembered that though it -was very pleasant and proper to present tokens of affection -to their friends, yet it was better still to relieve -those who were in need.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mary looked at her teacher while she was speaking, -with such a bright, animated expression, that Miss -Spencer could not help remarking it, and said, kindly,</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Have you thought of this in your preparations for -Christmas, Mary?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I have tried to do what I could, ma’am,” was the -modest reply.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I had thought of proposing that some of my scholars -should accompany me in my visits to the poor -to-morrow,” continued Miss Spencer. “There is one -<span class='pageno' id='Page_56'>56</span>old couple in particular whom I am very anxious to -assist, as they are exceedingly destitute. They live in -that miserable shanty at the foot of the hill. How -many of you are willing to aid me in this good work, -provided your parents consent?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Almost every hand was raised, and then each spoke -in turn. One had saved a dollar for the use of the -poor, and would give any part of it which her teacher -thought best. Another had a half dollar, another a -quarter, and three pretty little girls said they each had -a bright dime, which mother had given them to spend -for the poor. Mary had no money, but she told of the -warm coverlet and some comfortable flannels which -she had prepared for the very couple whom her teacher -wished to assist.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“We shall make their home a happy one to-morrow,” -said Miss Spencer. “I have two dollars of -my own to give them, and I have also prepared a -basket of food suitable for their Christmas dinner. -But I think you have not yet spoken, Isabel. Have -you nothing to give? I believe you told me that you -had saved five dollars for Christmas gifts. A part of -this would be well disposed in relieving these poor -sufferers.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Isabel blushed deeply, as she said, in a low tone, -that she had already spent her money.</p> - -<p class='c008'>It was then arranged that the girls should meet at -<span class='pageno' id='Page_57'>57</span>their teacher’s house the next morning, bringing with -them whatever their parents were willing that they -should bestow in charity. Miss Spencer did not know -that they had already agreed to meet there to present -the gifts which they had prepared for herself, and the -girls were quite pleased to think how surprised she -would be when she discovered this little secret.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Among all the merry group which left the school-house, -Isabel alone was sad and uncomfortable.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I do not know why I should feel so badly,” she -said to herself. “I have done nothing wrong. I have -not been selfish, for I have spent every penny of my -money in preparing gifts for others.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>But Isabel had not yet learned to examine her motives -strictly. She did not reflect that the greater part -of her money had been expended for gifts which it -would gratify her vanity and pride to present. The -box which she had purchased for her teacher was -bought for the very purpose of outshining her companions. -She did not love Miss Spencer any better -than the other scholars, but she wished to make a display -of generosity and affection which would astonish -them all.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Miss Spencer had frequently noticed this defect in -Isabel’s character, and when she found that none of -the money which she had boasted of having saved was -reserved for charitable purposes, she felt grieved, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_58'>58</span>calling Isabel to her as the other scholars left the -room, she passed her arm around her, and said, gently, -“I am sorry that you cannot aid us in our good work, -Isabel.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I am sorry, too, Miss Spencer, but I have spent -all my money in preparing gifts for my friends.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“We should never forget the poor, Isabel. Would -not less valuable gifts have expressed equal affection -for those you love, and then there would have been -some remaining for those who need it more.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Isabel made no reply, but she looked sad and mortified -as she bade her teacher good afternoon. And -yet her pride was not subdued; for when Mary kindly -offered to share with her the articles which she had -prepared for the poor, she answered, haughtily, that -she could easily have bought these things if she had -chosen to do so.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Christmas morning was bright and beautiful, and -very mild for the season. With happy hearts and -faces the little girls met around the old oak tree, and -after telling each other of the pretty gifts they had -received, and displaying those which they had brought -for their teacher, they all proceeded to Miss Spencer’s -house.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Now was the time for Isabel’s expected triumph. -With glowing cheeks and a self-satisfied air she presented -her present; but the murmur of admiration -which she had anticipated was not heard.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_59'>59</span>Miss Spencer thanked her, and said it was a very -pretty box; but she seemed quite as well pleased with -some of the most trifling articles which were given -her. She particularly commended the neatness and -good taste which Mary had shown in making the pen-wiper. -Indeed, she seemed more delighted with even -the most simple gifts which the scholars had made -themselves, than with far more costly ones which had -been purchased for her.</p> - -<p class='c008'>As for the scholars, they were so much occupied -with examining what they had brought for the poor, -that they could give but a passing glance of admiration -at the work-box.</p> - -<p class='c008'>As Isabel had nothing to give she did not wish to -accompany the happy party, and therefore returned -immediately home. Her mother found her in her -own room weeping bitterly, and gently drew from her -the cause of her grief.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“This may be a useful lesson to you, dear Isabel,” -she said. “It will teach you that no real happiness is -ever derived from a selfish act. Your motive in presenting -a more expensive gift to your teacher than the -rest of your companions were prepared to do, was selfish. -You expected to receive praise and admiration. -In this you were disappointed, and therefore you are -unhappy. Another time I trust you will do better. -In expending your money for Christmas gifts, you will -<span class='pageno' id='Page_60'>60</span>remember those who need it most, and will gladly -give, hoping for nothing again.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Isabel still wept, but less violently than before, and -when Mary entered with a beaming countenance, and -told her mother of the gratitude and joy of the poor -people whom they had visited, Isabel put her arm -around her neck and asked her forgiveness for her ill -humor, and promised that when another Christmas -came, she too would remember <i>those who need it most</i>.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_61'>61</span> - <h2 id='april' class='c004'><b><span class='large'>APRIL FOOL’S DAY.</span></b></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>“What new experiment are you trying, my son?” -asked Mr. Willard, as he entered his pleasant parlor -late in the afternoon of a day in early spring, unperceived -by his little son Arthur, who was busily employed -in tying up several small packages which lay -on the table before him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Arthur looked up at his father with a bright smile; -for Mr. Willard always took a great interest in the -amusements of his children, and they were in the -habit of consulting him and asking his assistance in -many of their sports.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Don’t tell Willie and Jane, father,” said Arthur, -“and I will tell you all about it. You know to-morrow -will be the first day of April, and I expect to -have a fine time playing tricks upon people. There is -nothing in these parcels but little chips and stones. I -shall put one of them upon Jane’s table after she is -asleep to-night; and she will be sure to open it the -first thing in the morning. I expect she will think -<span class='pageno' id='Page_62'>62</span>that Uncle Samuel or Aunt Mary were here in the -evening, and brought her a nice little present. Then -I shall drop another package where Willie will find it -when he goes to feed his chickens. What a hurry he -will be in to pick it up!</p> - -<p class='c008'>“And, father,” continued Arthur, “you do not -know what a nice joke I shall play upon Susan! -Sometimes, when I get up early in the morning, and -she is in a hurry getting breakfast, I go to Mr. Conant’s -for the milk. Now, to-morrow morning I mean -to be up very early, before Susan leaves her room. -Then I will take the milk-pail, and put a quart of -water into it, and set it in the place where I usually -put it when I bring the milk. When Susan comes -into the kitchen, she will see the pail on the table, and, -finding it heavy, will suppose I have been for the milk. -So she will say, ‘O, Arthur! you are a good boy to -bring my milk;’ and then she will take off the cover -to pour it into the pitcher. How I shall laugh at her -when she finds it is water!”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mr. Willard smiled a little as Arthur clapped his -hands at the thought of Susan’s vexation: but in a -moment he looked grave, and, seating himself in his -rocking-chair, he drew his little son close to his side, -and said, kindly,—</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Do the angels try to make people happy or unhappy, -Arthur?”</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_63'>63</span>“Happy, father,” replied the boy, looking wonderingly -in his father’s face.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Then you are not trying to do like the angels,—are -you, Arthur. You mean to vex people, and make -them unhappy.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Arthur blushed, and looked very thoughtful; and -his father continued,—</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Jane and Willie and Susan will all feel somewhat -vexed and displeased at your jokes,—will they not, -my son?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Yes, sir, I suppose they will,” answered Arthur; -“but, then, I want to have a little fun on April Fool’s -Day.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“It is poor fun to make others unhappy. I have -no objection to your playing jokes or tricks, as you -call them, upon your brother and sister and Susan; -but I should like to have you think of something which -would please them, instead of making them vexed.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“But, father, I cannot think of any tricks of that -kind.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I will help you a little, Arthur, and then you will -understand what I mean. We will take the trick -which you intended to play upon Susan, for instance. -Now, if, instead of putting water in the pail, and -deceiving her by making her think it is milk, you -should rise early, and really bring her the milk, you -might still have a pleasant joke by putting the pail in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_64'>64</span>the place where it usually stands when it is empty, -instead of on the table where you leave it when it is -filled. Then Susan will be greatly surprised when she -takes it up, intending to go for the milk.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Arthur’s face grew very bright again.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Oh, yes, father! I shall like that plan very -much: it is much better than my own. And how -shall I manage about Willie and Jane?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Try to think of some way yourself, Arthur. Only -remember to have your joke of a kind that will give -pleasure, and not pain.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I know of a grand trick to play upon Jane, father, -if you will let me run to the shop and spend my bright -half-dollar that my grandfather gave me. Jane has a -hole in her thimble, and she pricked her finger sadly -to-day. Now, I can buy a nice new thimble for her, -and take her old one from her work-basket, and put -the new one in its place. How surprised she will be! -May I do this, father?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“If you feel willing to spend your money for your -sister, I shall be glad to have you do so, Arthur.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I am willing, father. And now for Willie; what -shall I do for him? I think I must drop a little parcel -where he will pick it up, father; but I will not put -sticks and stones in it. I have some nice candies in -my pocket, which a boy at school gave me. Willie -does not know that I have them; and I will put them -<span class='pageno' id='Page_65'>65</span>into his paper. How he will wonder where they came -from!”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mr. Willard felt much pleased to see how readily -Arthur followed his advice; and the little boy himself -felt far happier now that his plans for the jokes of the -next day were all of a kind to make others happy.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The thimble was bought; the package of candy tied -up, and carefully placed where Willie would be sure -to find it. Every thing succeeded quite to Arthur’s -satisfaction. He awoke very early, and, stealing softly -from the house, brought the milk, and replaced the -pail in the closet.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Susan came out of her room somewhat later than -usual, and hurried around, fearful that her breakfast -would not be ready at the appointed hour. She did -not observe Arthur, who had seated himself where he -thought he should be unnoticed, that he might enjoy -her surprise. He came very near laughing aloud when -he heard Susan exclaim, as she hastily tied on her -bonnet and ran to the closet,—</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Oh, dear, I must go for the milk! I was so in -hopes that Arthur would have got it for me this -morning!”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Arthur held his hand tightly over his mouth; but -when he saw Susan lift the pail up suddenly, and then -quickly take off the cover to see what made it so heavy, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_66'>66</span>he could no longer keep quiet, but with a merry laugh -bounded from his hiding-place, exclaiming,—</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Now, Susan, didn’t I tell you I would play a trick -on you to-day?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Susan smiled pleasantly, and said she did not care -how many tricks he played on her if they were all as -good as that.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Next came Willie, full of wonder at the contents of -the package which he had found in the box where he -kept the corn for his chickens.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Only think, Arthur,” said he; “the door of the -chicken-house was locked, so no one could have got in -last night, and yet I feel sure that this was not there -when I fed the chickens at supper-time. Such nice -candy! Do you think it will be right for us to eat it, -or must we try to find out to whom it belongs?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>There was such a roguish look on Arthur’s face, as -he replied that he thought there would be no harm in -eating it, that Willie began to understand the joke; -and, well pleased, he divided the candy with his brother -and sister.</p> - -<p class='c008'>But Arthur felt still more pleased when little Jane -took up her work-basket with a sigh, saying,—</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I will try to hem the handkerchief you wish me -to, mother; but my thimble has such a great hole in -it, that the head of my needle pricks my finger every -few minutes.”</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_67'>67</span>What a joyful surprise,—to find the old thimble -missing, and a bright new one in its place! It would -have been hard to tell which felt the most pleased, -Jane or Arthur. Both were delighted; and we are -very sure that Arthur did not once regret that he had -spent his half-dollar for his sister’s pleasure.</p> - -<p class='c008'>When evening came, and Mr. Willard was at leisure -to sit down with his children, Arthur had many funny -stories to tell of the pleasant jokes which he had played -through the day.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Charley Mason, one of his schoolmates, had torn a -large hole in his kite when they were flying it at -recess. At noon, he hurried home for his dinner; intending, -if possible, to return in season to mend the -kite, and have another play, before school commenced -in the afternoon. Arthur, having brought his dinner -with him in the morning, was not obliged to return -home; and he carefully mended the kite while Charley -was absent.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“It was such fun to see him turn it over and over, -and look for the hole!” continued Arthur, as he told -the story to his father; “and Johnny Gardiner looked -almost as funny when he found a long slate-pencil in -his desk, which I had slyly slipped in, just as he had -made up his mind to go and tell the teacher the old -story,—that he had no pencil. Johnny does not like -<span class='pageno' id='Page_68'>68</span>to tell Miss Grant that very well, for he is famous for -losing his pencil.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“And, father, I played a nice joke on Miss Grant. -She thought I could not learn so long a lesson in geography -as she had given to the rest of the class, because -I am younger than the others, and have never been -through the book before. So she told me to take half -of the lesson; but I studied hard, and learned the -whole. When we were reciting, she stopped when she -had heard about half, and said, ‘You may take your -seat now, Arthur.’</p> - -<p class='c008'>“‘Thank you, ma’am,’ I answered; ‘but I can say -it all.’</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Then she looked surprised, and said I must have -worked very hard.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“But, father, that book <i>is</i> too hard for me; and -Miss Grant told me to ask you to buy one more suitable. -I wish you would, father: I love to study geography. -Henry Williams has such a beauty! all full -of pictures. Oh, how I should like one like that!”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“We must think about it,” replied Mr. Willard. -“And now, Arthur, I must attend to some writing for -a little while, and you may look over your lessons for -to-morrow.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Yes, father, my geography: I always have to -study that in the evening.” And, with a little sigh, -Arthur went for his satchel of books. But it was now -<span class='pageno' id='Page_69'>69</span>his turn to find a pleasant joke; for the old geography -had been taken from the bag, and in its place was one -exactly like the “beauty” owned by Henry Williams, -upon the blank leaf of which was written, “Arthur -Willard; from his father, April first, eighteen hundred -fifty-six.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_70'>70</span> - <h2 id='tree' class='c004'><b><span class='large'>THE CHRISTMAS-TREE.</span></b></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>“Oh, dear, it is almost Christmas!” exclaimed Mary -Bradley with a deep sigh, which caused her younger -brother Horace to look up from his book with surprise.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Why do you sigh about it, Mary?” he asked. -“Are you not glad that Christmas is coming?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I <i>should</i> be glad, Horace,” replied his sister in a -melancholy tone, “if things were as they used to be. -What beautiful gifts we had last year! But father -was rich then; and now he is poor.” And again -Mary sighed deeply.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I do not think father is very poor,” replied Horace, -laughing. “I am sure we have all we want,—a -good house to live in, plenty of food and clothing, a -warm fire, and many kind friends. Do you call that -being poor, sister Mary? You ought to see the poor -wretches that I meet sometimes on my way to school.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“How foolishly you talk, Henry!” answered his -sister, rather petulantly. “You know very well what -<span class='pageno' id='Page_71'>71</span>I mean. Of course, we are not street beggars; but -we live very differently from what we did last year at -this time. Our beautiful house, our horses and carriage, -and nearly all of our servants, are gone.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“No matter for that,” returned Master Horace. -“Father has paid all his debts like an honest man, -and we have all we need. A small house is just as -comfortable as a large one; the cars and omnibuses -answer as good a purpose as our own carriage; and -as to the servants, I much prefer waiting upon myself. -As long as I have good Mrs. Betty to cook my dinner, -it is all I want.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“It is of no use talking to you, Horace,” answered -his sister, as she rose to leave the room; “but, when -you see what a bare Christmas-tree we shall have this -year, you will be convinced that we are poor.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“We had more than we knew what to do with last -year,” persisted Horace, following his sister. “Suppose -we hunt up about half a bushel of books and toys, -and present them to Santa Claus for distribution. No -doubt he will be grateful to us; for times are hard, -and his purse may be poorly filled.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“What nonsense!” exclaimed Mary, impatiently. -“I will not stay talking with you any longer.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>But, at this moment, the pleasant voice of their -mother was heard calling them from the adjoining -room.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_72'>72</span>She had heard their conversation, and now replied -to Horace’s suggestion,—</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Your plan is an excellent one, my son; and I will -try to put it in a form that will be less displeasing to -your sister.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Horace talks <i>so much nonsense</i>!” said Mary, as -she took an offered seat by her mother’s side.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“A <i>little</i> nonsense, but a good deal of sense, my -daughter,” returned her mother. “Your mind is in a -disturbed and unhappy state, and therefore you are -not ready to meet his pleasant way of treating our -troubles.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Although Mary indulged in occasional fits of ill -humor and selfish repining, she was really a sensible -and very affectionate little girl. She loved her mother -very dearly, and felt sad and mortified that she should -have added in the least degree to her trials. In a few -moments, therefore, she looked up with a cheerful -smile, and said, “I will try to do better, mother. I -know we have every comfort that we need. It was -only the thought of the Christmas-tree that made me -unhappy. But I will try not to think of it any -more.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Think of it in a different way, my dear Mary. -Our Christmas-tree will, I doubt not, be well filled, -though with less costly gifts than you have hitherto -received. But how many there are who have no -<span class='pageno' id='Page_73'>73</span>Christmas-tree!—how many who will even want for -food and clothing on that happy day!”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mary’s eyes filled with tears, but she made no -reply; and her mother proceeded,—</p> - -<p class='c008'>“When the Lord, in his divine providence, permits -us to meet with such trials as he sees to be for our -good, we must not harden our hearts. We will not -look back with regret upon the luxuries we have lost: -but we will rejoice in the comforts remaining; and we -will endeavor, as far as possible, to share those comforts -with others more needy than ourselves. The -proposal which Horace made in regard to your old -books and playthings is a very good one. There are -many children who may be made happy with what -you now consider useless. Collect every thing which -you feel willing to part with, and I will add some -articles of clothing. Betty can tell us of several poor -families who will be thankful for a portion of our -abundance.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I will go and look over our things at once!” exclaimed -Mary. “I have no doubt we can spare a -great many. Come, Horace!” And, for the next -few hours, the brother and sister were busily engaged, -not in useless regrets concerning their own Christmas-tree, -but in active efforts to prepare gifts to adorn the -trees of children far more destitute than themselves.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Betty, having been made their confidante on the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_74'>74</span>occasion, took much interest in hunting up destitute -families who were deserving of assistance; and Mary -and Horace soon found that there would be no difficulty -in disposing of their little stock. Long before -the important day arrived, the gifts at their disposal -were done up in neat packages, and duly marked with -the names of those for whom they were designed. -Mrs. Bradley had added an ample supply of partly -worn clothing; and Mr. Bradley, when he found what -was going on, had promised to provide some articles -of food to distribute among those who were most in -want.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mary and Horace were to have the pleasure of presenting -these gifts themselves; and they were now -eagerly longing for the happy day, not for the sake of -what they would themselves receive, but that they -might have the happiness of imparting their blessings -to others.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Christmas Eve came at last: and, attended by Betty, -the children left their little parcels at their various -destinations; and then, with their hearts warmed and -cheered by the grateful words and smiles which they -had received, they turned their steps toward home, -that they might enjoy the pleasant sight of their own -Christmas-tree, which they rightly concluded would be -brilliantly lighted up during their absence.</p> - -<p class='c008'>As they turned the corner near their own home, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_75'>75</span>they met a pale-faced, thinly clad little boy, with a -small branch of evergreen in his hand, which he was -carrying carefully along, as if he considered it a precious -treasure.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Is that your Christmas-tree, little boy?” asked -Horace, as they drew near to him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I found it!” exclaimed the child, joyfully. “I -am so glad! Now Susy and I can have a Christmas-tree!” -And he was hurrying along; but Horace -stopped him by saying,—</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Have you any thing to put on the tree, little boy?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Not much,” was the reply. “But Susy and I -have each got a penny: that will buy something.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Who is Susy?” asked Mary, as the little fellow -was again hastening on his way.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“My little sister, miss. She will be so glad that I -have got the tree! I must go to her.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Come with us first,” returned Mary, “and we will -give you something to hang on the tree. I have a -little doll for Susy, and some candles to light up the -tree.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>The little pale face looked bright and almost rosy -now as he trudged along with the children, still holding -fast to his precious tree.</p> - -<p class='c008'>It did not take many moments to fill a small basket -with what appeared to the child great treasures; and -his eyes sparkled with joy as a warm cape was placed -<span class='pageno' id='Page_76'>76</span>upon his shoulders, and a cap, long since outgrown by -Horace, upon his head. Finding, upon inquiry, that -his mother was a poor widow, residing in their immediate -neighborhood, Mrs. Bradley directed Betty to fill -another basket with food, and accompany the child -home. Mary and Horace begged leave to go with -her, although they had not as yet given one glance at -their own Christmas-tree.</p> - -<p class='c008'>It was a pleasant sight to look at little Susy, as her -brother eagerly displayed his treasures to her admiring -gaze; and it was even more gratifying to witness the -gratitude of the mother, as Betty emptied the contents -of her basket.</p> - -<p class='c008'>After assisting in planting the branch of evergreen -in a broken flower-pot which the children produced for -the purpose, Mary and Horace took leave, and joyfully -returned to their home.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Their Christmas-tree was indeed radiant with light. -It seemed to the happy children that it had never been -so brilliant before; for their hearts were filled with the -delight of doing good to others, and this made all seem -bright around them.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Morning found the tree well loaded with fruit,—pretty -and useful gifts, which the children were delighted -to receive. It was indeed a happy Christmas. -They felt that they were surrounded with blessings; -and, above all, they rejoiced in the happiness of sharing -these blessings with others.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_77'>77</span> - <h2 id='dream' class='c004'><b><span class='large'>A DREAM.</span></b></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>It was Christmas Eve; the brilliantly-lighted streets -were thronged with happy faces, and the merry hum -of children’s voices seemed to rise above all other -sounds in the busy crowd. Our own young folks had -gone to rest with their little hearts filled with joyous -expectations for the morrow. The stockings, hung by -the chimney corner, had already been duly visited by -the representatives of Santa Claus, and fatigued with -the labors of the day, we would gladly have sought -repose, when a gentle ring at the bell attracted our -attention, and directly after, our maid of all work -entered, and asked if we had any thing to give to a -poor child who was standing at our door.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Poor thing!” we exclaimed involuntarily. “It -is hard to think that any child is begging from door to -door, on Christmas Eve, when our own darlings are -so happy.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Tell the child to step in,” was the direction to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_78'>78</span>Jenny, and in a few moments a modest-looking little -girl stood before us. Her slender form was but scantily -protected from the cold; and her countenance showed -that she was indeed in need of the assistance which -she craved.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Her tale was a simple one. Her mother was very -poor, and there were five children, of whom she was -the eldest.</p> - -<p class='c008'>We inquired for the father, and her blue eyes were -fixed upon the ground, as she answered timidly, that -he was at home, but he was often sick, and did not do -much for their support. A few more questions convinced -us that he was a victim to that fatal evil which -destroys the happiness of so many homes.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Our means would not allow us to do much for the -poor child, but the little that we had to give was given -cheerfully, and with many thanks she bade us good -evening. As she left the room I recalled her, and -placing a small piece of silver in her hands, I said:</p> - -<p class='c008'>“You may have this for yourself. I give it to you -for a Christmas gift.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“And may I spend it for what I please?” she -asked, her whole face brightening with pleasure.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Certainly. What will you buy?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“O, a great many things! A present for mother -and each of my brothers and sisters, and one for poor -father too.”</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_79'>79</span>“But, my child, you have not money enough to buy -something for each one.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“O yes, ma’am, a great plenty! I will buy a nice -spool of cotton for mother, she needs one very much, -and a penny book for Mary, a whistle for Johnny, a -cake for Thomas, and a stick of candy for the baby. -Then there will be four cents to spend for father, and -I will go to the cheap bookstore, and ask them to sell -me some good book, which will teach him not to drink -rum any more. He is very, very kind when he is -sober.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“And will you come and see me again next week, -and tell me how they liked their presents?” I asked, -much interested by the simple, disinterested manner -of the child.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Thank you, ma’am, I will gladly do so,” was the -reply, and with another grateful good-evening, she -departed.</p> - -<p class='c008'>This little incident gave rise to a train of sad reflections. -Happiness, it appeared to me, was unequally -distributed. Even at this most joyous season of the -year, how few sunbeams found their way to the homes -of the poor. Indeed, their burdens must seem more -heavy to bear, when contrasted with the luxury and -gayety of the wealthy. They gazed upon their ill-fed, -half naked little ones, while the children of their more -prosperous neighbor passed their door loaded with -<span class='pageno' id='Page_80'>80</span>useless toys, the price of which would have seemed to -them a little mine of wealth. Oppressed with these -thoughts, I laid my head upon my pillow, and was -soon in the land of dreams.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Strange visions flitted before me. At one time I -seemed to be revelling in the luxurious mansions of -the rich, and then, by some sudden and mysterious -transformation, the extreme of want was my portion. -Suddenly a lovely being stood before me, whose very -presence seemed to fill my soul with joy. Taking my -hand in hers, she said, “Come with me, and I will -show thee that this joyous season of the year may -bring happiness to the homes of the poor, as well as to -those of the wealthy. I am the Spirit of Happiness, -and in the most humble abode on earth I often find a -dwelling-place.” Joyfully I yielded to her guidance, -and together we seemed to traverse the busy streets of -the city. At one of the most splendid of the brilliantly-illuminated -mansions we paused, and in another -moment had gained admittance, and, apparently unseen -ourselves, surveyed the happy party within. -Young men and maidens were gliding through the -graceful figures of the merry dance, lovely children -were sporting around, joyfully displaying the Christmas -gifts of parents and friends; while a less active, -but no less happy looking group, were seated in a distant -part of the room, gazing with quiet pleasure upon -<span class='pageno' id='Page_81'>81</span>their children and grandchildren, who at this cheerful -season had gathered around them. Every thing around -gave evidence of luxury and splendor, and turning to -my companion, I exclaimed almost in a tone of upbraiding:</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Yes, here indeed is happiness. The New Year is -to them a time for rejoicing, and ‘Merry Christmas’ a -day of joyful expectations and realities; but it is not -thus with the poor. The words merriment and joy -would seem to them a mockery.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Not so, my friend,” replied my guide. “The -happiness which you see before you is capable of extension. -These are the mediums of the blessings of -Him whose birth into this natural world they now -celebrate. The day which proclaimed peace and good -will upon earth, is well calculated to remind these -stewards of the Lord, that the wealth intrusted to their -charge is not for themselves alone. Behold that venerable -old man. He is the grandfather of this little -flock. Every year he distributes large sums among -the poor, making his grandchildren and great grandchildren -his almoners. The happiness which you see -in the countenances of the youth and maidens, the -innocent glee of the children, is in a great measure -caused by the joy which they have this day dispensed -among the needy. Merely selfish gratification would -not produce genuine contentment and joy. All selfish -delights are evanescent and changeable.”</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_82'>82</span>The scene changed, and we stood in a meanly-furnished -apartment of one of the most humble dwellings -in a narrow street of the city. A father, mother, and -five children, were just seated to partake of their frugal -meal. Every thing around told of poverty, but the -countenances of the parents beamed with contentment, -and the bright eyes of the children shone with joy. In -the short but fervent prayer which the father uttered -ere they commenced eating, gratitude was expressed -to heaven for the blessings which this most joyful season -of the year had brought to them.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“For what are they thus grateful?” I inquired. -“Contrast their situation with that of the happy party -whom we have just left.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“And yet they are not less happy,” was the reply. -“Listen to the joyful exclamations of the children.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>I listened, and the words of the little ones soon convinced -me that my guide was right. Their hearts -seemed overflowing with joy. The gifts which Christmas -had brought to them and their parents were, -mostly, substantial articles of food and clothing; but -there was one small package of toys which had lost -the charm of novelty for the children of some wealthy -neighbor, and which, though no longer new and glittering, -were whole and good. In the eyes of the poor -children they were of inestimable value, and they gathered -around them with so much delight, that I doubted -<span class='pageno' id='Page_83'>83</span>not that they derived more pleasure from them than -the original possessors had ever done.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Again the scene changed, and we stood in a miserable -hovel, where sat a poor mother, with three little -children clinging to her side, and rending her heart -with their cries for bread. No fire was on the hearth, -and the whole scene was one of extreme poverty and -desolation.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Surely there is no happiness here,” I whispered.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Christmas will bring them at least one ray,” replied -my guide; and even as she spoke, a load of -wood and coal stopped at their door, and a man entered -to inform them that he had orders to supply them with -fuel, and desired to know where it should be put. -While the grateful woman was yet uttering heartfelt -expressions of thankfulness, a lad entered with a large -basket of provisions, which he placed upon the table, -at the same time slipping a bank note of trifling value -into her hand, saying gayly,—</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Here is a merry Christmas to you, my good -woman.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Tears streamed from the eyes of the mother, while -the hungry little ones clustered around the basket, and -were soon bountifully supplied with a portion of its -contents.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Deeply interested in this affecting little scene, I had -nearly forgotten the presence of my companion, when -a gentle whisper aroused me.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_84'>84</span>“Would you see the effects of your own Christmas -gift?” and scarcely had I signified my assent, when -we stood in another humble dwelling, where I recognized -the little girl to whom I had given the shilling, -surrounded by her family. They had apparently just -received their gifts, for the mother was smiling through -her tears, as she looked at the spool of cotton which -lay on her lap; and Mary, and Johnny, and Thomas, -and the baby were all in the enjoyment of the book, -the whistle, the cake, and the candy: while the elder -sister stood gazing on the happy little group, herself -the happiest of them all, and joining heartily in the -blessings which they heaped upon the good lady who -had given her the shilling. In the corner of the room -sat the father, and in his hand was the book which -had been purchased at the cheap bookstore with the -four cents. I saw at once that it was a Testament. -He had not yet opened it, but sat looking at his wife -and children with a subdued, mournful expression of -countenance, which awakened a strong conviction that -there was yet a chance for his reformation.</p> - -<p class='c008'>At length little Mary approached him timidly, and -said:</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Look at the book sister bought for me, father; it -is not so large as yours. May I look at yours?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Yes, Mary, you may read to me from it, if you -like; my head aches, and I cannot read myself.”</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_85'>85</span>The noisy mirth of the children was hushed, while -the child read from the Book of Life. Some of the -passages were singularly appropriate, and tears rolled -down the cheeks of the unhappy man as he listened. -As she paused at the close of the chapter, the elder -girl drew to his side and whispered,—</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Will you not pray with us, as you used to do long -ago, dear father?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>As if impelled by an irresistible power, he complied. -Prayer and praise had long been strangers to his lips, -but now his petitions were fervent, his confessions of -past error full, and expressive of deep humility.</p> - -<p class='c008'>As they rose from their knees, the eyes of the husband -and wife met, and they fell into each others arms.</p> - -<p class='c008'>One long, earnest embrace, and then the father -clasped his children to his bosom.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“With the help of God, I will no longer be unworthy -of you,” he exclaimed. “This precious little -Christmas gift shall be my guide, and in obedience to -its precepts we shall yet find happiness.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>I uttered a joyful exclamation and awoke, but the -remembrance of my dream was vividly present; and -as the rays of the morning sun beamed brightly in at -our windows, I felt a pleasing confidence that the day -would bring happiness to the poor as well as to the -rich. All reflections upon the visions of the night -were soon banished, however, by the shouts of “Merry -<span class='pageno' id='Page_86'>86</span>Christmas” from numerous happy little voices at our -door, and we hastened to join in their pleasure.</p> - -<p class='c008'>A week passed by, and the little heroine of Christmas -Eve again stood at our door. It was wonderful -what a change a few happy days had wrought in her -appearance; and her whole face was radiant with joy, -as she told me that they were all so happy now.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Dear father had promised never to drink again, -and he had good work, and they could all live comfortably.” -And again and again she assured me that -their happiness was all owing, through the blessing of -God, to the little book which she bought for father -with a part of my Christmas gift.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_87'>87</span> - <h2 id='time' class='c004'><b><span class='large'>NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT.</span></b></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>“Father! father! can I go a-nutting with Dick -Rogers and Sam Roberts?” shouted Frank Wilbur, -as he bounded into the room where his father was -seated at a desk, busily engaged in sorting some -papers.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Softly, my son, softly!” replied Mr. Wilbur; -“you will disturb your mother, who is not very well, -you know. Where do you wish to go?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Out in the woods, father. The frost has cracked -the chestnut-burs, and the nuts are rattling down so -fast!”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Have you heard them, Frank?” asked his father, -smiling at his eagerness.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“No, father, I have not heard them, because I have -been at school; but the boys say so, and I know they -are. There was a real hard frost last night. May I -go, father?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mr. Wilbur drew his watch from his pocket, and -looked at it thoughtfully, as he replied,—</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_88'>88</span>“You may go if you think it best, Frank; but I -rather advise you not to do so. There is but one hour -of daylight left, and a large part of this would be spent -in going to and from the woods. You have had a -good play since you came from school; and now is the -time to look over your lessons for to-morrow.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Oh, no, father!” urged Frank. “This evening -or to-morrow morning will do for the lessons.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“There is no time like the present, Frank. Better -learn your lessons now, and put off the nutting expedition -until Saturday afternoon. That will soon be -here,—only day after to-morrow.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>But Frank felt unwilling to follow this advice; and, -as his father gave him leave to do as he pleased, he -hastened to get a basket and join his school-fellows.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“My father says there is no time like the present -for learning my lessons, and I think there is no time -like the present for gathering nuts,” he said to himself -as he ran merrily along.</p> - -<p class='c008'>But Frank had forgotten another of his father’s -mottoes, “Duty first, and pleasure afterwards.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>It must be confessed that he was rather in the habit -of delaying the performance of duties until the last -moment, although he had many times experienced the -bad results of so doing.</p> - -<p class='c008'>It was indeed a long walk to the chestnut-trees; -and, after the boys had entered the wood, it seemed -much darker than it did before, and the nuts were by -<span class='pageno' id='Page_89'>89</span>no means “<i>rattling down</i>” very fast. The frost had -opened the burs a little, but the nuts were still safely -enclosed in their prickly nests.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“It is too late to get nuts to-night,” said Sam Roberts, -the eldest of the three boys, looking somewhat -fearfully around him; for Sam was not remarkable -for his bravery.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“What are you afraid of?” asked Dick Rogers. -“It will not be dark for a long time yet, only the trees -keep out the light; besides, there is nothing to be -afraid of in these woods,—neither lions, nor tigers, nor -bears, nor wolves. So help me find some good clubs, -Frank, and we will knock off some burs, at any rate.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“And, if it grows too dark, we can carry them -home, and get the nuts out there,” said Frank, as he -eagerly looked around for a club.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Sam felt somewhat re-assured by the courage of his -companions; and all three of the boys were soon busily -employed in knocking the burs from the trees.</p> - -<p class='c008'>It was quite dusk when they reached home. Frank -found his supper ready for him; and, after this was -over, he spent an hour or two very pleasantly in getting -the nuts from the burs, and roasting some of them -in the kitchen fire. His sister Clara enjoyed this as -much as he did; and they were quite surprised when -their father came to tell them that it was half-past -eight, and time for them to go to bed.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_90'>90</span>“Can we go into mother’s room and say good -night?” asked the children; for their mother had been -ill for some weeks, and had not yet recovered sufficiently -to leave her room.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Yes, if you will move gently,” replied Mr. Wilbur. -“I think she is not asleep.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>The children opened the door of their mother’s room -very softly, and peeped in. She was sitting in a large -easy-chair, and smiled pleasantly upon them as they -entered.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“You have been very quiet this evening, my children,” -she said. “How have you amused yourselves?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“We have been cracking chestnut-burs, and roasting -some of the nuts,” answered Frank. “I went to -the woods after school, and got a fine lot of burs; but -the frost has not opened them very well yet.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I am glad that you got so many,” replied his -mother. “And are your lessons all prepared for to-morrow?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“O mother!” exclaimed Frank, “I have forgotten -them entirely! I promised father to study them this -evening. I am very sorry; but I will get up very -early in the morning, and study them before breakfast. -Will that do, mother?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“It would do, Frank, if you could be sure that you -would rise early, and that nothing would take your -<span class='pageno' id='Page_91'>91</span>attention from your lessons. But it is very dangerous -to delay the performance of any duty until the last -moment. Perhaps there is time to look over at least -one lesson before you go to bed.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I am pretty sleepy, mother,” replied Frank, yawning. -“I do not think I could understand the lessons. -But I will be sure to get them in the morning.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I hope nothing will prevent you, my son; and -so now kiss me a good-night, and go to your own -room.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Will you come down stairs to-morrow, mother?” -asked Clara, as she affectionately twined her arms -around her mother’s neck, and gave her a good-night -kiss.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Yes, dear, if I feel pretty well I think I shall -come down to breakfast.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>The children clapped their hands with delight, and -joyfully went to their own rooms.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Frank’s sleeping-room was on the west side of the -house, and it was not very light there early in the -morning. The clock was just striking when Frank -awoke the next morning.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“That’s right!” he exclaimed, “just six o’clock. -I knew I should have time to learn my lessons before -breakfast.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>But, to Frank’s great astonishment, the clock gave -another stroke after he had counted six.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_92'>92</span>“It cannot be seven,” he said to himself. “It looks -very early yet. Perhaps I counted too fast.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Frank thought it better to hurry to dress himself, -however, and was soon seated by the window, with -his book in his hand.</p> - -<p class='c008'>But he had scarcely commenced studying when the -breakfast-bell rung. Frank knew then that it must be -half-past seven; and he ran down stairs, feeling a -good deal mortified, and somewhat anxious as to how -he should get through his lessons.</p> - -<p class='c008'>He found his father already seated, with the large -Bible open before him; for morning worship always -preceded breakfast. So Frank took his place at once, -only waiting to give his mother a smile and a kiss; -for he felt delighted to see her in her accustomed seat -once more.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The family remained at the breakfast-table rather -longer than usual, because it seemed so pleasant to be -all together again; but at length Mr. Wilbur rose, -and said he must go to his business.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I am half an hour behind-hand this morning,” he -added, smiling; “but, as it is mother’s first appearance -since her illness, I did not like to be in haste.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Frank cast his eyes toward the clock as his father -spoke, and saw to his dismay that it was half-past eight.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Are your lessons prepared, Frank?” asked his -mother rather anxiously, as he sprang up in haste.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_93'>93</span>Frank felt ashamed to say that they were not, for -he remembered how positive he had been the evening -before that nothing could prevent him from learning -them in the morning. But he was an honest boy, and -told the whole truth at once.</p> - -<p class='c008'>There was no help for it now, for it was time for -him to go to school; and so, with a heavy satchel of -books upon his shoulder, and with a heart almost as -heavy as the books, Frank bade his mother good-morning, -and set off on his walk.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mental arithmetic was the first lesson. It was always -a difficult one for Frank; and, as might have -been expected, he failed entirely in the recitation, and -was obliged to leave the class and retire to his seat. -This was but the beginning of troubles. The mortification -of being sent from the class in arithmetic quite -unfitted him for learning his other lessons well. His -next recitation was very imperfect; his sums were all -marked “<i>wrong</i>;” his writing was blotted, and looked -very badly; in short, it was a day of misfortunes. He -was not allowed to leave the room at recess, and was -also detained nearly an hour after school to recite the -lessons which he had failed to learn through the day.</p> - -<p class='c008'>It was with a sad countenance that he appeared in -his mother’s room on his return home.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Where is Clara?” he asked, observing the absence -of his sister.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_94'>94</span>“Gone to town with your father, my son,” was the -reply.</p> - -<p class='c008'>There was a large town near the village where Mr. -Wilbur resided, and the children thought it a great -privilege to be allowed to accompany their father when -business obliged him to go there.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Gone to town, mother!” echoed Frank. “Are -they going to see the menagerie?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I believe they are, Frank.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“O mother! mother! why could not I have gone -with them?” And, quite overcome by the disappointment -and the previous disasters of the day, the poor -boy burst into tears, and hid his face in his hands.</p> - -<p class='c008'>His mother pitied him very much; and, moving her -chair nearer to him, placed her hand gently and soothingly -upon his head.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Frank was comforted by this, and gradually ceased -his sobs, and, seating himself at his mother’s feet, laid -his head in her lap.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Your father waited more than half an hour after -the usual time of your return from school, my son. -He could not wait longer, as it would have made it too -late for him to attend to his business. Why did you -not come home sooner?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I could not, mother. I was kept after school -because I did not know my lessons,” answered Frank, -sadly.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_95'>95</span>“And why did you not know them, Frank? Were -you idle?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“No, mother, I was not idle; I really tried to learn -them, but somehow they would not stay in my mind. -I think it was all because I did not know my first -lesson this morning; and that made me feel so sorry -and ashamed that I could not get the next one; and -then I was sorry again, and could not get the third; -and so on. One lesson knocked the other down,” continued -Frank, smiling a little, “just as one card-house -knocks the other, when I build the row of tents.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>His mother smiled also at this comparison, for she -was glad to have Frank feel cheerful again.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“And why did you not know your first lesson?” -she asked. “We must find out what gave the first -blow to your tents; for, if we know the cause of the -evil, we can perhaps find a remedy for the future.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“The first lesson is in mental arithmetic, mother, -and the boys are expected to learn it at home. I got -up too late to study it this morning; and so, of course, -I did not know it.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“But yesterday afternoon was the time to study it, -Frank. An hour before tea is the rule. Your school -closes at three, and this leaves you time for a good -play until half-past five; then you should study till -half-past six.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“But I went to the woods for nuts, mother. I wish -father had not given me leave to go.”</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_96'>96</span>“Your father likes to leave you in freedom sometimes,” -replied his mother. “He wishes you to observe -and feel the consequences of your own actions.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Well, I have felt the consequences this time, and -they are bad enough,” said Frank, sighing. “You do -not know how much I want to go to the menagerie, -mother.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I know you want to go very much, and I feel -much grieved at your disappointment, Frank; but the -misfortunes of the day may be a useful lesson to you -through your whole life, if you will try to profit by -them.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I will, mother. I am resolved to act up to father’s -motto in future,—‘There is no time like the present.’ -You will see that all my duties will be done in proper -time.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I hope so, my son. A habit of promptness, in the -performance of even the most trifling duties, will be -invaluable to you through life.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“For a good beginning, mother,” continued Frank, -“I will learn my lesson for the morning now, before -Clara comes home, and then I shall be at leisure to -talk to her.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I shall be glad to have you do so, Frank. And -now I will tell you that your father intends going to -town again on Saturday, and, if you are a good boy, -will then take you to the menagerie.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Frank’s face grew bright with pleasure.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_97'>97</span>“I am very glad!” he exclaimed. “But why did -you not tell me before, mother?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I thought it better not to do so, my son. And -now get your book, and I will explain the lesson to -you.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Frank obeyed; and the next half-hour was a pleasant -one, although the dreaded arithmetic was in his hand.</p> - -<hr class='c009' /> - -<p class='c008'>Our young readers will wish to know whether -Frank kept his resolution of never delaying the performance -of duties; and if they will pass over with us -the lapse of some six or seven years, and take another -peep at him as a young man of seventeen, they will, -we think, be able to answer the question to their own -satisfaction.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Frank was now the only earthly protector of his -mother and sister, for Mr. Wilbur had been removed -to the spiritual world about two years before. He -had left but little property; and Mrs. Wilbur found it -better to leave her pleasant home in the village, and -hire rooms in the town to which Frank and Clara used -to love to go when they were children. Frank was -very desirous to earn something to aid in their support; -and his mother at length found a good situation -for him in a large shipping-store. His salary was -small, however; and Mrs. Wilbur and Clara were -obliged to take fine sewing to do, and, even with this -<span class='pageno' id='Page_98'>98</span>assistance, found it difficult to maintain themselves -comfortably.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“To-morrow I shall be seventeen, mother!” suddenly -exclaimed Frank, as he sat thoughtfully gazing -into the fire one evening after his return from the store.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Yes, my son,” answered his mother. “You are -almost a man.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“And I ought to be able to take care of you and -Clara, mother. My salary is too small. I know that -my services are worth more than Mr. Lewiston pays -me.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“That may be, Frank; but he gives you as much -as it is customary to allow boys of your age. I do -not know that we ought to expect him to do more.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I cannot bear to have you and Clara work so constantly, -mother. I am the one to work.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>His mother smiled affectionately upon him as she -replied,—</p> - -<p class='c008'>“You do work for us all the time, Frank, and we -love to look to you for help; but it cannot be supposed -that, at your age, you can support us entirely.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Just at this moment, Clara put the last stitches to -the work upon which she was engaged; and, throwing -it aside, she said joyfully,—</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Come, Frank, I have finished work for this evening. -Bring your flute, and I will sing the new song -that we like so much.”</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_99'>99</span>Frank readily complied; and Mrs. Wilbur listened -with delight as Clara’s sweet voice mingled with the -soft notes of her brother’s flute.</p> - -<p class='c008'>But, at the end of the first song, Frank rose hurriedly, -as if suddenly recollecting something, saying as -he did so,—</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Mother, I must go back to the store for a little -while.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Go back to the store, my son! For what purpose, -at this hour?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“A cask of gunpowder was brought there this afternoon, -mother, and I fear that it was not put in a place -of safety. We have a particular place for keeping it, -in order to guard against accidents. It was given in -charge to our head clerk; but he was unexpectedly -called away this evening, and I do not feel sure that -he attended to it.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“But as you were not desired to take care of it, -Frank, will it not answer to leave it where it is until -morning?” asked Mrs. Wilbur, for the walk was a -long one, and she felt sorry to have Frank go at so -late an hour.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“You can move it to-morrow, when you open the -store,” urged Clara. “You will need some one to -help you, and there is no one there to-night.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“There are men enough near by,” replied Frank, -smiling. “I think I will go, mother. I do not love -<span class='pageno' id='Page_100'>100</span>to leave this pleasant room, especially as Clara is -ready to sing with me; but I believe it is my duty to -attend to that powder immediately. <i>There is no time -like the present</i>, you know, mother. I do not forget -father’s motto.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“You have always remembered it well since the -day of misfortunes at school,” answered his mother, -“and I will not urge you to act contrary to it now. -Go, if you think it your duty.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>And Frank went. As he expected, the gunpowder -had not been put in a place of security. He attended -to its removal, and then, with a quick step and a light -heart, returned home. Clara had already retired to -rest, and his mother was only awaiting his return to -follow her example. Soon all were sleeping quietly.</p> - -<p class='c008'>An alarm of fire in the middle of the night, and the -noise of the engines as they passed, aroused Frank; -and, on looking from his window, he felt convinced -that the light was in the direction of the store in which -he was employed.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Hastily dressing himself, and pausing at his mother’s -door to tell her where he was going, he was soon -walking rapidly to the spot.</p> - -<p class='c008'>As he approached, he felt relieved at finding that -the fire had not originated in the store, as he had at -first feared. It was, however, fearfully near; and, in -spite of the efforts of the firemen, one part of it was -soon in flames.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_101'>101</span>It was at this moment that Frank arrived at the -scene of action; and, at the same instant, Mr. Lewiston -and the head clerk came running from opposite -directions.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Frank followed his employer as he was hastily passing -into the store, hoping that the most valuable goods -might be removed; but they were both forcibly pulled -back by the clerk, who, with a countenance full of horror, -exclaimed,—</p> - -<p class='c008'>“The powder! O, Mr. Lewiston, I did not remove -it; and the fire is in that part of the building!”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mr. Lewiston uttered an exclamation of despair, -and was springing from the door, when Frank laid his -hand upon his arm.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“All is right, Mr. Lewiston. I saw the powder -properly stored.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Bless you, my boy!” was the heartfelt reply; -and, relieved from this dreadful fear, all hands were -soon at work to rescue the property from the devouring -flames.</p> - -<p class='c008'>But the firemen had now gained the victory, and -the fire was extinguished before it had reached the -main part of the building. Only the left wing was -burned; but it was there that the powder had been -placed, and from there Frank had removed it, in his -late visit at the store the previous evening. He thanked -the Lord that he had done this, as he thought of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_102'>102</span>dreadful loss of life and property which might otherwise -have taken place.</p> - -<hr class='c009' /> - -<p class='c008'>Again the little party had assembled around the -table to enjoy their pleasant evening chat. It was on -the day after the fire, Frank’s seventeenth birthday.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“And now, mother, I have a piece of good news to -tell you,” he said, as he finished the recital of the -adventures of the previous night; for, at Clara’s request, -he had told the story a second time.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Mr. Lewiston has doubled my salary; and, moreover, -he assures me that he will continue to advance -me, and will at some future time endeavor to establish -me in business for myself. And now, Miss Clara, -you may put away your needle, and read and study a -part of your time; and mother will no longer be so -incessantly occupied with her work, but will have -leisure to take some air and exercise, and she will -look bright and happy again, as she used to when dear -father lived with us.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I ought to look happy when I have such kind children -to take care of me,” answered Mrs. Wilbur, -smiling through her tears.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I am <i>so glad</i> you went back to the store last evening, -Frank!” exclaimed Clara. “I will never again -try to persuade you to neglect the prompt performance -of any duty.”</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_103'>103</span>“It will be a lesson to both of us,” replied Frank. -“You do not know how happy I felt this morning -when our head clerk offered me his hand, and told me -that I had saved him from a life of misery; for, had -there been an explosion, he should have considered -himself as the cause of the disasters which must have -followed.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“It must make you very happy to think that you -have been the means of preventing so frightful a -calamity,” answered Mrs. Wilbur. “The lesson is -indeed a useful one to us all; and in every duty, -whether great or small, we will ever bear in mind -your favorite motto, ‘There is no time like the -present.’”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_104'>104</span> - <h2 id='little' class='c004'><b><span class='large'>THE LITTLE MATCH BOY.</span></b></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>“Don’t cry, mother. I shall soon be older and stronger, -and then I can do more for you and little sister. You -shall never want for bread when I am a man. Don’t -cry, mother, <i>please</i> don’t; it breaks my heart.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>The speaker was a manly little fellow of some seven -years. His countenance would have been beautiful, -but for an expression of premature and anxious care, -and a look of patient suffering which it was painful to -see on the face of happy childhood.</p> - -<p class='c008'>One arm was thrown around the neck of a pale, sad-looking -woman, while the other clasped a chubby little -girl, who, smiling through her tears, lisped, in her -pretty childish accents,</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Don’t cry, mother. Rosy loves you.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>There was comfort in this. The last crust of bread -had been eaten, and not a solitary sixpence remained -to buy another loaf. The mother was too feeble and -ill to ply her needle with that unremitting diligence -<span class='pageno' id='Page_105'>105</span>which was necessary for the support of her little ones. -Her strength had already been too severely taxed; and -now the time had come when Nature could no longer -support the heavy burden. The future was very, very -dark; and yet the mother’s heart was comforted by -the innocent love of her darlings. She wiped away -those bitter tears, and tried to smile, as she clasped -them to her bosom.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“My good Ernest,” she exclaimed, “my sweet little -Rosy, I will weep no more. Our Heavenly Father -careth even for the sparrows. Surely He will not forsake -us in our hour of need. You must go to Mr. -Thayer’s, my son, and see if he will give me some -more work. Tell him that I have been very ill, but -am better now, and should be glad of employment. -Tell him, also, that it would be a great relief to me if -he would pay me one dollar in advance. Perhaps he -will do this for me.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“If he does not, he will be a cross man,” said -Ernest, “for he has a pocket-book full of dollars. I -saw them the last time I was there.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Yes, dear; but he employs a great many people, -and has to pay out a great deal of money.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“You are not able to sew, mother,” said Ernest, -thoughtfully, as he took up his hat. “It will bring -back the bad pain in your side.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Perhaps not, Ernest. At any rate, I must try. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_106'>106</span>Go now, my son, for I have no bread to give little -Rosy for her dinner; and you, too, will soon be hungry.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>The heart of the boy swelled almost to bursting, as -he obeyed his mother’s command. For many weeks -she had been stretched on the bed of sickness; and the -kind physician, whom she was at length obliged to call -in, had said, in Ernest’s hearing, that she needed rest; -that such constant exertion would certainly cause her -death.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“And now she has sent me for the sewing again,” -sobbed the poor child, “and I know it will kill her: -and then, what will become of poor little Rosy and -me. Oh! how I wish I was older. If I could only -earn a very little, it would be some help. Is there -nothing in the world that little boys can do?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>As Ernest said this, the shrill cry of a match boy -attracted his attention; and a bright thought entered -his mind.</p> - -<p class='c008'>He could carry a basket, surely. It could not be -so heavy as the baskets of wood and blocks which he -often picked up around the new buildings for his -mother. And he could call matches, and sell them, -too, and take the money to his mother. And then, -how comfortable she would be; and she would not -have to work so hard.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Pleasant visions of tea and bread, and even of a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_107'>107</span>pound of butter, passed before Ernest’s eyes; but then -an unexpected difficulty arose. Where was the sum -necessary for the outfit to come from? It certainly -did not need a very extensive capital; but dollars, or -even shillings, were hard to find. Ernest had not -answered the question to his satisfaction, when he -found himself at the door of the building, where he -was to obtain the work for his mother. There was -little trouble in making the desired arrangement. Mrs. -Lawrence was well known at the establishment as an -excellent workwoman; and the work, and the dollar -in advance, were readily furnished.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Encouraged by this success, Ernest involuntarily -exclaimed,</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Oh, how I wish that some one would lend me a -dollar!”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“And what would you do with a dollar, my little -man?” inquired a gentleman standing by, attracted -by the earnestness of the boy’s manner.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Ernest blushed deeply, but answered, in a firm tone,</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I would buy a basket and some matches, and other -things, and sell them in the street; and then my poor -mother would not have to work so hard.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“You are a good son,” was the reply; “and I would -willingly lend you the dollar, if I thought you were old -enough to carry out the plan.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Only try me, sir!” exclaimed the animated child. -“Only try me! You shall see that I can do it.”</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_108'>108</span>At this moment, a hasty summons from a friend -reminded the gentleman that he must not miss an -approaching omnibus. He placed a dollar in Ernest’s -hand; and without waiting to hear his expressions of -gratitude, sprung into the coach, and was soon out -of sight.</p> - -<p class='c008'>With rapid steps, Ernest passed through the crowded -streets, until he turned down the narrow alley which -led to his own home.</p> - -<p class='c008'>His delight was almost too great for utterance; and -he clasped his arms around his mother’s neck, and -fairly sobbed for joy.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“What is the matter, my dear son?” exclaimed -Mrs. Lawrence, in alarm. “What new misfortune -has befallen us! Would not Mr. Thayer give me -employment?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Oh yes, mother; yes, indeed; and here is the -dollar he sent you. I am not crying because I am -sorry, mother. My heart is very glad. You will not -have to work so hard any more, mother; and I shall -help to support you and little Rosy. See what a kind -friend has lent me.” And as Ernest spoke, he held -up the dollar which the gentleman had given him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“And how will this enable you to support us, my -child?” asked the widow, in astonishment, for she -could not understand the meaning of Ernest’s words.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“You shall see, mother. I will try my best, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_109'>109</span>our Heavenly Father will help me. This dollar will -buy me a basket, and a few things to put in it; and -when I have sold those, I can buy some more. You -do not know how well I can call matches, mother;” -and he imitated the shrill cry so skilfully, that Rosy -clapped her hands with admiration, and even his mother -smiled at his enthusiasm.</p> - -<p class='c008'>But it was a sad smile; for it was a trial to her to -have Ernest commence this new mode of life. He -was a bright boy, and a good scholar for his age; and -she had hoped that he would continue steadily at -school, until he had acquired a good education.</p> - -<p class='c008'>But something must be done for their relief; and it -was possible that the boy’s small earnings might at -least help to supply their scanty food.</p> - -<p class='c008'>So the basket was bought, and a moderate supply -of matches and other trifling articles placed in it; and -early on the following morning, Ernest commenced his -new life.</p> - -<p class='c008'>His neat appearance, and bright, animated countenance, -were so prepossessing, that many who observed -him were disposed to buy; and one kind lady even -bestowed an extra sixpence upon him, because he -thanked her so gratefully for buying half-a-dozen -boxes of his matches.</p> - -<p class='c008'>With a joyful heart, he placed his earnings in his -mother’s hands.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_110'>110</span>“Look, mother!” he exclaimed, “all this, besides -what I need to buy more things with, and the sixpence -which I have laid aside toward paying the dollar. -You know I must lay by some every day to pay the -gentleman. But how am I to find him, mother? I -never thought to ask where he lived.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“He probably meant to give you the money, Ernest, -or he would have told you where to bring it.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Oh no, mother, he only lent it to me; I will pay -it back, if I search the city to find him. How much -I thank him for his kindness.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“And I thank him too,” said little Rosy. “Now, -we shall never be poor any more—shall we, Ernest?” -“I think not,” replied Ernest. “Mother shall have -a cup of tea every evening; and after a little while, -Rosy, we will have butter to eat on our bread, and I -will buy you a pretty new frock.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Poor children!” thought the mother, as she gazed -fondly upon them. “How little it takes to make them -happy!”</p> - -<p class='c008'>It was really wonderful what success attended our -little match boy. Not only were many daily comforts -provided, but quite a sum was laid by for time of need. -Ernest was almost too happy when he saw both his -mother and Rosy dressed neatly in frocks which had -been bought with his earnings; and his only trouble -was, that he had not yet been able to discover the good -gentleman who had lent him the first dollar.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_111'>111</span>“I should so love to thank him, and tell him how -nicely we are getting along,” he would sometimes say. -“Your cheeks are not quite so pale as they used to be -when you sewed so many hours in the night, mother. -I am very glad that I am old enough to help you.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“You are a great help to me, indeed, my son,” -replied Mrs. Lawrence; “but I feel anxious that you -should have a little time to devote to your learning. -We have some money laid by now, and I think you -may let your basket rest for awhile, and attend school.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Ernest loved his books, and his eyes brightened at -the thought of school; but after a moment’s thought, -he said,</p> - -<p class='c008'>“It would not do, mother, to give up my basket -altogether, because there are a good many kind ladies -who buy many things from me, and always wait for -me to come; and besides, we should soon spend the -little money that we have, and then you would have to -work so hard again. But I will study, mother; you -will help me, and I will try my best. I can spare -two or three hours every day for my books.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>And from that time, with his mother’s help, and his -own patient industry, Ernest made rapid progress; -and even found leisure to instruct his little sister in -several branches.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Rosy was an active little girl, and loved to make -herself useful. It was her busy fingers that placed -<span class='pageno' id='Page_112'>112</span>everything in such neat and attractive order in her -brother’s basket; and it was she, also, who made the -room look so very bright and cheerful, to welcome his -return. While her mother was engaged with her sewing, -she would sweep the floor, wipe every particle of -dust from the scanty furniture, set the table, and do -everything that one so young could do toward preparing -their frugal meal.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“See, Ernest,” she said, as her brother seated himself -by her side one evening, after the tea table was -cleared away, and Mrs. Lawrence had resumed her -work. “See how nicely I have pasted this strip of -sand paper over the mantel-piece, that you may have a -place to light the match upon when you kindle the fire -for mother in the morning.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Yes, it looks very nicely,” answered Ernest; “and -I will try to remember never to draw the matches -across the wall any more, since it leaves such ugly -marks. But, Rosy, I see those same marks in very -nice houses sometimes.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Perhaps they did not think about pasting up sand -paper,” replied Rosy, thoughtfully; and then, after a -moment’s pause, she added, “You might cut some -little strips, Ernest, and sell them with your matches.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I might do something better than that,” exclaimed -her brother, as a sudden thought struck him. “If -mother will give us some paste, and you will let me -<span class='pageno' id='Page_113'>113</span>use some of your pasteboard and bits of colored paper -which the paper hanger, next door, gave you, I think -I can make something very pretty to hold matches, -and light them too.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>The paste and paper were readily supplied, but -Ernest soon found that it was quite beyond his skill to -carry out the plan which he had formed; and he was -delighted when his mother laid aside her work, and -offered to assist him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>With her help, a stiff piece of pasteboard, seven or -eight inches square, was partly covered with sand -paper, and neatly bordered with colored paper. Two -little round cases were then fastened upon the upper -part of the card, to hold the matches; and a small -hole was made in the middle, so that it could be hung -upon a nail driven into the wall.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Ernest and Rosy fairly jumped for joy when the first -one was completed and placed upon the mantel-piece to -dry. The second one was made much quicker than -the first; and Mrs. Lawrence soon became so expert, -that she had finished half a dozen in a very short time. -These were enough for an experiment. Ernest was -sure they would sell for sixpence a-piece; and after he -went to bed, he could hardly close his eyes, his mind -was so busy thinking what a little fortune he should -make with this pretty invention.</p> - -<p class='c008'>His expectations were not disappointed. At every -<span class='pageno' id='Page_114'>114</span>house where he called with his basket, the match cases -were noticed and admired; and before he had been an -hour from home, he had sold the last one, and with a -light heart returned to tell his success to his mother.</p> - -<p class='c008'>A fresh supply was soon obtained; and for several -days, he was equally successful in disposing of them.</p> - -<p class='c008'>At one house, where a little girl had purchased one -of the first cases which had been made, he received an -order for half-a-dozen, to be furnished as soon as -possible.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“And be sure to make them very pretty, little boy,” -said the young girl, as she stood at the door talking -with Ernest; “for my father will look at them himself, -and he will want them very nice. He was quite -pleased when I showed him the one which I bought -the other day, and he said you were an ingenious -boy.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“My mother makes the greater part of them, Miss,” -replied Ernest, blushing. “We will do our best to -please you.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Rosy had been uncommonly successful, that day, in -collecting pretty pieces of colored paper; and the six -little cases, far prettier than any which had been made -before, were soon completed and placed upon the mantel-piece -to dry, that they might be in readiness for -Ernest’s morning expedition.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Very happy he felt, as with his basket upon his -<span class='pageno' id='Page_115'>115</span>arm, he knocked at the basement door of the handsome -house where he had often sold his little wares, and -inquired of the girl who opened the door, if he could -see the young lady.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Oh, you are Miss Ellen’s little match boy,” was -the reply. “Wait a moment, and I will call her.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Just then the door of the breakfast room opened, -and Miss Ellen herself appeared.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Have you brought them so soon?” she exclaimed, -joyfully, as Ernest eagerly displayed his treasures. -“Oh, they are very pretty! Come with me, and I -will show them to papa. He has finished his breakfast, -and is reading the morning paper. Come right -along. Do not be afraid.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Ernest took off his hat, and followed his little conductress -into the front basement. A pleasant-looking -gentleman sat in an arm-chair, with a newspaper in -his hand.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Here is the little match boy, papa,” said Ellen, as -they entered. “He has brought the cases which you -wished for. Look! are they not pretty?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Very pretty, my daughter, and very neatly made. -What is your name, my little lad?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>But Ernest made no reply. He was looking intently -and eagerly at the gentleman, and after a moment’s -pause, exclaimed,</p> - -<p class='c008'>“It must be the very one! I am so glad!”</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_116'>116</span>“Glad of what, my little fellow?” asked the gentleman, -smiling.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Glad to find you, Sir. Do you not remember that -you lent me a dollar? Oh, it has been of great use -to me; and I have wanted so much to thank you, and -pay it back to you. I have carried it in my pocket for -a long time; but I did not know that you lived in this -house.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>As Ernest spoke, he drew a silver dollar from his -pocket, carefully wrapped in a piece of paper, and -offered it to the gentleman; but he drew back, saying,</p> - -<p class='c008'>“This is some mistake, my lad. I never lent you -a dollar.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Oh yes, Sir, a long time ago; more than a year. -It was in Mr. Thayer’s shop, Sir. We were very poor -then, and I was so anxious to do something to help -my mother. You thought I was too small to carry a -basket; but you lent me the dollar.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I remember it now, my boy. You are an honest -little fellow. And have you really succeeded well?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Very well, Sir. We are not so poor now. Mother -does not have to work so hard, and we have good food -and comfortable clothes. It is all owing to your kindness, -Sir.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Once more Ernest offered the dollar; but the gentleman -refused it, saying,</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I intended to give it to you, my child.”</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_117'>117</span>“But I should feel happier if you would take it, -Sir; I have saved it for you so long.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I will take the little match boxes instead, then,” -replied his friend. “Will that satisfy you?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“They are not worth a dollar,” replied Ernest; -“but I can bring you more, if you like.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“We have enough, my good boy. A dollar is not -too much for them. And now, give me your name, -and tell me where you live, for I shall wish to see -more of you.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“My name is Ernest Lawrence, Sir; and we live -in one room of the large white house near the Baptist -church.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Ah, yes, I know the place. Well, Ernest, tell -your mother that I will call to see her to-morrow -morning, about ten o’clock.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Thank you, Sir; I will not forget to tell her. -She will be very much obliged to you for your kindness, -and so will Rosy.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Who is Rosy?” asked Ellen, who had been an -attentive listener to the conversation between her father -and the little match boy.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“My sister, Miss,” replied Ernest, as he took up -his basket, and made his best bow to the gentleman.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The next morning was a long one to the two children. -Very early had Rosy assisted her mother in -putting their little room in the neatest order; and two -<span class='pageno' id='Page_118'>118</span>hours before the time when they might expect the gentleman, -she was gazing eagerly from the window, hoping -that he would soon arrive.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The right time came at last; and Mr. Burnap—for -this was the name of Ernest’s benefactor—was seen -ascending the steps. The children ran to the door to -receive him, and show him the way to their room.</p> - -<p class='c008'>He spoke kindly to them both, and stroked Rosy’s -golden curls; but he had not long to stay, and seemed -anxious to have some conversation with their mother. -So the children employed themselves quietly in another -part of the room, and were careful not to speak a loud -word, for fear of disturbing their guest.</p> - -<p class='c008'>After a little while, they softly left the room, and -seated themselves on the step of the outer door, where -they could talk together in more freedom, and yet be -very sure to see Mr. Burnap before he left the house.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In about half an hour, their mother called them.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Come here, my boy,” said Mr. Burnap, extending -his hand to Ernest, as he advanced. “Your mother -tells me that you are fond of your books. Would you -like to give up going out with your basket, and attend -a good school?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Ernest hesitated.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Speak out, my boy. Tell us what is in your mind.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I should love to go to school very much, Sir, if I -was sure that my mother would not have to work too -<span class='pageno' id='Page_119'>119</span>hard. My basket earns enough to buy us many comforts.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I will see that your mother is provided for. -Would you, then, like to attend school?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Oh, very much, Sir. I will study hard.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“That is right. You are a good son, and I think -you will be a good man. As for my little Rosy, I am -sure she is a good little girl, and does all she can to be -useful.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I can sweep the room, Sir,” replied Rosy, smiling -pleasantly, as the gentleman drew her to his side.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I thought so, my child. It looks very nice. I -must bring my little daughter to see you some time. -And now, I must bid you all good morning. I will -call again in one week, Mrs. Lawrence; please to have -all in readiness.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mrs. Lawrence bowed her head gratefully, but her -heart was too full to speak; and she quite alarmed the -children by weeping some time after Mr. Burnap left -the room.</p> - -<p class='c008'>At length she grew calm, and was able to tell them -all that had passed. Their kind friend had expressed -his interest in Ernest’s welfare, and had offered to give -him a good education at his own expense. He had -asked Mrs. Lawrence many questions concerning her -present employment; and finding that constant confinement -to her needle was injurious to her health, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_120'>120</span>yielded them but a scanty support, he had proposed to -her to remove to some comfortable rooms in a house -of his own, part of which was at this time vacant. -One of these rooms was fitted for a shop; and he -offered to advance a sufficient sum to enable her to -open a small thread and needle store, which would, -he thought, be successful, and might be gradually -increased.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Ernest and Rosy were almost wild with delight, -when their mother told them of this plan. Rosy was -sure she could soon learn to attend the shop as well as -her mother; and Ernest thought he could help a great -deal when he was not in school. Their hearts were -filled with gratitude to their Heavenly Father, who -had raised them up such a kind friend.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In about a week they were established in their new -home, which seemed to them almost like a palace. -Several articles of furniture were given them by Mr. -Burnap; and the whole place presented a remarkably -neat and attractive appearance.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The little shop was very successful; and before -many months had passed away, Mrs. Lawrence was -able, not only to repay the sum which their friend had -advanced to them, but also to increase her stock of -goods considerably.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mr. Burnap would have objected to receiving the -money, but Mrs. Lawrence begged that he would take -<span class='pageno' id='Page_121'>121</span>it, and if he pleased, use it to assist others who were -poor and needy.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Ernest applied with great diligence to his studies, -and made rapid progress. Little Rosy, also, was soon -placed at school; and was no less an industrious scholar -than her brother. They delighted to do everything in -their power to assist their mother, and often wished -they could do more, to show their gratitude to the -friends who had been so kind to them.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mr. Burnap had no son, and Ernest became very -dear to him. After several years, he took him into -his own counting-room, and, as he grew older, made -him a partner in his business.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Ernest, while still a young man, was a wealthy merchant. -If you could have looked into his beautiful -parlors, and have seen that handsomely-dressed, cheerful-looking -old lady, seated in her rocking-chair, and -that lovely young girl by her side, you would not have -recognized poor Mrs. Lawrence and her little Rosy; -and in that gentlemanly-looking man who has just -entered, you would have been still more unable to have -recalled the little match boy, whose shrill cry had once -been heard through those very streets, where he was -now known and respected.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Ernest still loved to tell the story; and when Rosy -would sometimes say,</p> - -<p class='c008'>“That little thread and needle store seems like a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_122'>122</span>dream to me now,” he would produce the very basket -which he had formerly carried, and the silver dollar -which he had so long reserved to repay his benefactor, -and would smilingly reply,</p> - -<p class='c008'>“My match basket is still a reality to me, Rosy. -We will not forget the days gone by.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_123'>123</span> - <h2 id='forgot' class='c004'><b><span class='large'>I FORGOT.</span></b></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>“I am glad you have come, Clara,” said Mrs. Gray, -as her little daughter entered the room, on her return -from an errand to a neighboring shop; “I began to -fear you would be too late. Where are the buttons?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“The buttons!” exclaimed Clara. “Oh, mother, -I forgot to buy them!”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Forgot to buy them, Clara; how is that possible, -when you went to the shop for the very purpose of getting -them? I gave you no other errand.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I know that, mother; but you gave me leave to -buy the worsted to work the slippers for father, for -which I have been saving my money so long. I met -Anna Lee, and we were so busy talking together, and -selecting the prettiest shades of worsted, that I quite -forgot the buttons. I will go back again, mother.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“No, Clara, it will be too late; your father is now -eating his dinner, and he expects the coach in a few -minutes. I should have but just time to sew the buttons -<span class='pageno' id='Page_124'>124</span>on his coat, if I had them now. If he had not -been so suddenly called from home, his clothes would -have been in readiness. I have exerted myself all the -morning to put every thing in proper order for his -journey, and all is now ready excepting his overcoat, -which needs new buttons very much.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Clara looked sorry and ashamed, and just then her -father entered the room, saying,—</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Is my coat nearly ready? I think the coach will -be here in five minutes.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I am sorry to say that Clara forgot the buttons,” -replied his wife, “and there is no time to send her -again to the shop.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Oh, no!” said Mr. Gray, “I must wear the coat -as it is. I should be gone before she could reach the -shop. It is not pleasant to think that my little daughter’s -forgetfulness obliges me to wear a shabby coat; -but do not trouble yourself about it. I will get a -tailor to repair it at the town where we stop for the -night.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>A few minutes passed, and the coach rattled to the -door. Mr. Gray hastily bade his wife an affectionate -farewell, and stooping to kiss Clara he said, “My -daughter must remember that forgetfulness is, often, -only another name for selfishness.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>In another minute he had taken his place in the -coach, the door was closed, the driver sprang to his -<span class='pageno' id='Page_125'>125</span>seat, and they whirled away as fast as the four stout -horses could carry them.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Clara stood at the door until the coach was out of -sight, and then slowly and sadly returned to the parlor, -and seated herself by her mother.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I am very sorry I forgot the buttons,” she said; -“but what did father mean by saying that forgetfulness -is only another name for selfishness? I did not -mean to forget, mother; I was willing to go for them. -Selfish people are unwilling to do any thing to help -others.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“There are many kinds of selfishness, Clara, and -forgetfulness is certainly one kind. You have a bad -habit of excusing many acts of thoughtlessness and -carelessness by saying, ‘I forgot.’ Now can you tell -me why you forgot to buy the buttons?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Because I was so engaged in selecting the worsteds -and in admiring the pretty colors, mother.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“And was not that selfish, Clara? You did not -forget your own errand, but you allowed it to engross -your mind so entirely, that you forgot the real object -for which you were sent to the shop. If you loved to -be of use to me, as well as you love to please yourself, -you would have remembered what I sent you for, and -purchased that before you attended to your own wants.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I will try to do better another time, mother,” replied -Clara, “and in this case I believe I was a little -<span class='pageno' id='Page_126'>126</span>selfish; but I do not believe that forgetfulness is always -selfishness.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Not always, perhaps; but very often,” said Mrs. -Gray. “If we love our neighbor as ourselves, we -shall remember his desires as well as we do our own. -It is a poor excuse for any fault to say, ‘I forgot to do -right.’ Now, tie on your bonnet, Clara, and we will -take a short walk this fine afternoon.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Oh, thank you, mother! I love to walk with you; -and will you tell me where father has gone, and all -about it, as you said you would do when you were at -leisure.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I will,” replied her mother. “We will take the -pleasant retired path which leads through the woods, -and when we reach our favorite seat we will rest ourselves, -and talk about your father’s journey.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Clara always found a walk with her mother instructive -as well as delightful; for Mrs. Gray allowed nothing -to escape her observation, but made even the most -trifling objects the means of conveying pleasant and -useful information. A simple flower, or blade of -grass, often served to impress upon Clara’s mind the -wisdom and beauty which is visible in all the works -of the Lord; and the music of the birds never fell -unheeded upon her ear, but elevated her affections to -her Heavenly Father, without whom not even a sparrow -falleth to the ground. From her earliest childhood -<span class='pageno' id='Page_127'>127</span>her mother had endeavored to give her habits of -observation, and had taught her to regard nothing -which the Lord has made as too trifling to be instructive -and useful, if examined with proper attention.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Anna Lee has collected specimens of a great many -different kinds of leaves, mother,” said Clara, as she -plucked a large oak leaf from a tree which they were -passing, and admired its deep green and smooth glossy -surface. “She has a very large book quite full, and -yet she tells me that she has never been able to find -two leaves exactly alike.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“She will never find two leaves alike, Clara. There -are no two things in creation that are exactly alike.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Why, mother, how can you know?” exclaimed -Clara, in surprise. “There may be two things alike -which you have never seen.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“No, Clara, this cannot be. The Lord is infinite, -and therefore there is an infinite variety in all things -that He has made. There is not given any thing the -same as another, and neither can be given to eternity.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Not even two blades of grass, mother?” asked -Clara.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“No, Clara,” replied her mother, smiling. “When -you are older you will understand this better, but it -will always fill your mind with wonder and admiration. -At present, it is sufficient for you to recollect -what I have said,—that the Lord is infinite, and that -<span class='pageno' id='Page_128'>128</span>therefore, there is an infinite variety in all things. To -impress this upon your mind, you may compare as -many things as you please, and you will soon find that -although they will frequently look alike, yet by careful -observation you will always find some slight shades of -difference.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Yes, mother, I will try,” said Clara, “and I think -I should like to collect a book of leaves like Anna’s, -if you are willing, mother.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I have no objection, Clara; and, if you like, I -will give you a short lesson to learn in a little book -which I have on Botany, and then you will know the -names of the different forms of leaves, and I will show -you how to arrange them properly in your book.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Oh, thank you, mother! I shall like that very -much. And now here we are at our mossy seat, and -I shall hear where father has gone, and why he looked -so grave when he read that letter this morning.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Yes, you shall now hear all about it,” replied Mrs. -Gray. “I was pleased to observe that you tried to -suppress your curiosity this morning, and when your -father requested you to leave the room, as he wished -to talk with me alone, that you obeyed readily and -without asking any questions. The letter was from -your aunt Catharine. She tells us that her husband’s -health is evidently declining, and the physicians strongly -recommend a milder climate. They also think that a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_129'>129</span>voyage at sea might be useful to him. He will leave -home for Italy in a few days, and your aunt has -decided to accompany him.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“And is little Ellen going with them, mother?” -asked Clara, who was listening with eager attention.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“No, my dear,” replied Mrs. Gray; “your aunt -thinks that she could not devote herself so entirely to -her husband if little Ellen was with her, and she has -therefore decided to leave her behind, although it is a -great trial to part with her. She would like to have -Ellen remain with us during their absence, and this -was the principal subject of the letter to your father.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“And shall you let her come, mother?” exclaimed -Clara. “Oh, do say yes! I shall be so delighted to -have a little sister like Ellen to play with. I will help -you take care of her all the time.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Her nurse will come with her,” replied Mrs. -Gray, smiling at Clara’s eagerness. “Your father -has now gone to visit your uncle and aunt, and it is -quite probable that little Ellen and her nurse will -return with him.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“How glad I am,” said Clara; “I hope aunt will -remain in Italy a long time. I do not mean that I -hope uncle Henry’s health will oblige them to stay, -but I should love to have him get better, and conclude -to travel for two or three years, and leave Ellen with -us.”</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_130'>130</span>“There is no probability of their doing this, Clara. -If your uncle should recover, they will return next -summer; and though we may have become much -attached to your little cousin, and grieve to part with -her, I trust we shall not be so selfish as to wish to -prolong her separation from her parents.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I can teach her a great deal before they come -home,” said Clara. “She is nearly two years old -now. I might teach her to read before she is three.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“We will first teach her to talk,” replied her mother; -“but we will not teach her to say, ‘I forgot!’”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“No, mother, I will not teach her to say that. I -will teach her all that I can that is good, but nothing -that is evil.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“A very good resolution, Clara. And now we will -return home, for the air is rather too cool.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Before I tell my young readers about Mr. Gray’s -return with little Ellen, I must introduce them more -particularly to Clara; although, from what I have -already said concerning her, they may have formed a -good idea of her character, and have justly concluded -that she is very much like themselves, sometimes trying -to do what is right, and suffering herself to be led -by the good spirits around her, and at other times -somewhat selfish and thoughtless, allowing evil spirits -to lead her in the wrong path.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Clara was nearly eleven years old. She was generally -<span class='pageno' id='Page_131'>131</span>obedient to her parents and teachers, kind to her -playmates, diligent in her studies, and orderly and -industrious in her habits. Still she had some faults. -Although obliging in her disposition, and desirous to -be useful to those around her, she frequently entirely -disregarded their wishes through mere thoughtlessness -and inattention. Like most children, she was fond of -play, and sometimes allowed her amusements to make -her forget to perform her duties.</p> - -<p class='c008'>She was unwilling to believe that this forgetfulness -was one form of selfishness; for Clara, like many other -persons, believed herself free from this evil, because -she was glad to share whatever she had with those -who needed it, and was even willing to give up her -own pleasure for the sake of being useful to others. I -have known her to decline an invitation to a pleasant -little party, because her mother was not quite well, -and needed her attention; and yet, perhaps, in the -course of that same afternoon, she would become so -much interested in some book, or favorite amusement, -that she would quite forget the object for which she -remained at home, and entirely neglect to attend to -her mother.</p> - -<p class='c008'>I will relate an instance of Clara’s thoughtlessness, -and you will then see that she sometimes gave great -trouble to herself and to others, although she very -seldom intended to do wrong;—she only <i>forgot to do -right</i>.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_132'>132</span>Very near to Mr. Gray’s there lived a good old -woman, whom the children in the neighborhood called -aunt Molly. She lived in a small cottage, with a neat -little garden in front, containing a few flowers and -vegetables, and one large apple-tree. Aunt Molly was -quite lame, and always used a crutch in walking. She -had one son, about eighteen years of age, who lived -with her, and took care of her. During the day he -was obliged to be from home to attend to his work, -but he took good care to bring wood, and water, and -every thing that he thought his mother could want, -before he left her; and with the help of her crutch she -was able to move about quite briskly, and her little -cottage was always in the neatest order. Every child -in the neighborhood loved to visit aunt Molly, for she -had a kind word for each of them, and often a pleasant -story to tell, or a gift of a rosy-cheeked apple or a -pretty flower.</p> - -<p class='c008'>One bright afternoon in October, Clara asked her -mother’s leave to pass an hour or two at the cottage. -Mrs. Gray readily consented, and requested her to -take a glass of grape jelly, which she had just been -making, to the old lady.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I love to carry aunt Molly a little present, because -she is always so much pleased,” said Clara; and, -tying on her bonnet, she bade her mother good afternoon, -and taking the glass in her hand, soon reached -<span class='pageno' id='Page_133'>133</span>the cottage, where she found aunt Molly comfortably -seated in her large arm-chair, with her knitting-work -in her hands, and her crutch lying by her side. She -was, as Clara expected, much pleased with the jelly, -and said it was the best she had tasted for many years. -Clara sat by her side for half an hour, chatting away -very happily, and then aunt Molly requested her to -read aloud to her for a little while, as her eyes were -failing, and she often found it difficult to see to read -herself. Clara readily complied, for she was glad to -be of use, and another half hour passed away very -pleasantly.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Now,” said aunt Molly, “you must go to the garden, -and find a nice apple for yourself. In a few days -my son will gather them all, but I have none in the -house to-day. You will probably find some good ones -on the ground, or perhaps you can reach the lower -branches of the tree.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>So Clara ran to the apple-tree, and looked around -upon the grass beneath it for a nice apple. There -were some pretty good ones, but they did not suit her -exactly, for high up above her head she saw those that -were much larger and fairer.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“There is a beauty!” she exclaimed; “I can -almost reach it. I wish I had a stick. I will run -and borrow aunt Molly’s crutch, and knock it down.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Aunt Molly was quite willing to lend her crutch, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_134'>134</span>but she charged Clara to bring it back directly, as it -was nearly time for her to put by her knitting and -prepare tea.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Oh, yes, I will come right back!” said Clara, -“and I will set the table, and hang on the tea-kettle, -and help you get tea.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>While Clara was endeavoring to knock the apple -from the tree, she saw two of her schoolmates running -along a lane not far from the cottage; they were talking -very merrily, and seemed to be much pleased -about something. Clara threw down the crutch and -ran after them. They stopped when they heard her -call to them, and told her that they were going to the -grove to see a new swing which their brother had just -put up.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Can every one swing in it who wishes to?” asked -Clara.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Certainly,” replied Susan Allen, one of the little -girls. “My brother said it was for the accommodation -of all the children in the neighborhood. Come -with us, and we will have a fine swing.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>In her eagerness to try the new swing, Clara quite -forgot aunt Molly’s crutch, which she had left under -the apple-tree, and ran hastily along with the other -girls until they reached a small grove of willow-trees -at the end of the lane. Here they found a fine large -swing, and enjoyed their play so much that the time -<span class='pageno' id='Page_135'>135</span>passed very quickly. It was nearly an hour since -Clara had left the apple-tree, when she suddenly -sprung from the swing, exclaiming,—</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Oh, dear, I forgot aunt Molly’s crutch! I am so -sorry,” and she run as fast as she could toward the -cottage.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Poor aunt Molly, after waiting fifteen or twenty -minutes for Clara to return with the crutch, began to -fear that some accident had befallen her, and thought -she would try to get to the door and look out into the -garden. She succeeded in doing this, by taking hold -of the chairs and other furniture. She saw her crutch -lying under the tree, but nothing was to be seen of -Clara. She called as loudly as she could, but no one -answered. Becoming still more alarmed, aunt Molly -endeavored to get down the steps which led into the -garden, hoping to be able to reach her crutch.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“If I can only get my crutch,” she said to herself, -“I will go to the next house, and ask them to look for -the poor child, for I know not what has become of -her.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>But, unfortunately, the old lady, having nothing to -take hold of, lost her balance and fell to the ground. -The steps were high, and she was a good deal bruised -by the fall, and her lameness entirely prevented her -from rising, or helping herself in any way.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Providentially, however, her son returned at an -<span class='pageno' id='Page_136'>136</span>earlier hour than usual. He was much shocked at -finding his mother in such a condition, and carefully -raising her from the ground, he helped her into the -cottage, and laid her upon the bed. He was then -preparing to attend to the bruises upon her face and -arm, which were beginning to look very badly, but his -mother begged him to leave her and look for Clara, -for she felt exceedingly anxious concerning her. Just -at this moment Clara ran hastily into the room, with -the crutch in her hand, which she had found under -the tree where she left it. She felt very sad at finding -aunt Molly so much injured through her forgetfulness -and neglect. The kind old lady did not reproach -her, but she begged her to try to grow more thoughtful -and considerate.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Clara went immediately to her mother, and told her -of what she had done, and Mrs. Gray hastened to the -cottage with some liniment and other things which -were useful for bruises and sprains.</p> - -<p class='c008'>It was several weeks before aunt Molly was able to -sit in her chair and knit again, for her arm was so -badly sprained by the fall that it was a long time -before she could use it. Clara went every day to the -cottage to assist her, and gladly gave up many of her -hours for play that she might have leisure to attend to -aunt Molly’s wants, without neglecting her studies and -other duties. This lesson appeared to make so deep -<span class='pageno' id='Page_137'>137</span>an impression upon her mind, that her mother hoped -it would quite cure her fault; but after a short time -had passed away, Clara was nearly as heedless as she -was before. When bad habits are once acquired it is -difficult to overcome them, and many sad lessons are -often necessary before we sincerely endeavor to remove -the evil.</p> - -<hr class='c009' /> - -<p class='c008'>A few days after Mr. Gray had left home, his wife -received a letter from him naming the day that he -should probably return, and requesting to have a room -prepared for Ellen and her nurse, as they would -accompany him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Clara was quite overjoyed, and begged her mother -to allow her a holiday, that she might collect every -thing that could please her little cousin from her old -stores of playthings, some of which had long been laid -aside. Mrs. Gray consented, and gave her leave to -use the lower shelves of a closet in the room which -Ellen was to occupy, for a baby-house. To this closet, -therefore, Clara brought all her treasures, and spent -several hours very happily in making new dresses for -the dolls, and in arranging the different apartments of -a house upon the shelves. At length the parlor, kitchen, -and sleeping-rooms were all in proper order; the dolls -were suitably dressed, and placed in their respective -places; one or two were quietly seated in the parlor, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_138'>138</span>another was standing by a washtub in the kitchen, and -another might be seen in the neatly made bed in the -upper room. Mrs. Gray was then summoned to look -at the baby-house. She admired the neatness with -which every thing was arranged, but warned Clara -not to be disappointed if she found Ellen too young to -understand and appreciate it.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Why, mother,” exclaimed Clara, “even very little -babies like playthings.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Certainly,” replied her mother, “but they like to -play with them in their own way. Ellen will, I doubt -not, be much pleased with the baby-house, but she will -not know how to arrange things in an orderly manner, -as you do. For instance, you have placed the clothes -for your dolls very neatly in the drawers of the little -bureau. Now, it is quite probable that Ellen will be -delighted with the bureau, but she will not be willing -to allow the clothes to remain in the drawers. Every -drawer will be taken out, and the clothes unfolded; -the bureau will be turned upside down, and perhaps a -block-house built with the drawers.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Oh, mother,” said Clara, “that will not do at all! -I will show Ellen how to play properly.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“You can let her see how you use the playthings, -and she will soon begin to imitate you; but do not -interfere with her plays too much. It is better to let -little children play in their own way, as much as we -<span class='pageno' id='Page_139'>139</span>can, without allowing them to injure themselves or -others. The Lord keeps good spirits constantly near -to them, and in every innocent amusement they are -endeavoring to impart those remains of goodness and -truth which will enable them to be useful and happy -as they grow older.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I will remember this, mother, and I will try to be -patient, even if little Ellen pulls my pretty bed to -pieces, and puts the ladies into the kitchen, and Susy, -the girl who does my work, into the parlor.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“She will probably do these and many other strange -things,” replied Mrs. Gray; “but you must always -try, when playing with little children, to play entirely -for their amusement. Do not attempt to have things -in your own way, but devote yourself to making them -happy.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“And now all is ready,” said Clara, “and how I -wish to-morrow evening was here.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Never wish away time, my dear Clara, but endeavor -to improve every moment as it flies. When -we are busily engaged in our duties and pleasures, -time always passes quickly.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Clara followed her mother’s advice, and attended -diligently to her studies during the forenoon of the -following day. The afternoon was devoted to reading, -sewing, and walking. The hours soon passed away, -and the coach containing the travellers drove to the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_140'>140</span>door before Clara had begun to watch for its appearance.</p> - -<p class='c008'>For two or three days little Ellen was too much -grieved, by the separation from her father and mother, -to show much affection for the new friends around -her; but she soon forgot her troubles, and appeared -perfectly contented and happy. She was a sweet-looking, -happy child, and no one could look in her -innocent face without loving her dearly.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Clara devoted every leisure moment to her. The -baby-house was at first in constant disorder, but very -soon Ellen would try to arrange the playthings as she -saw Clara do, and if she did not succeed in putting -them in their proper places, she would run to her -cousin, and pull her by the frock, saying, “Come, -Tara, come.” When all the things were in order, she -would clap her little hands, and say, “Pretty, pretty! -Ellen happy now.” This pleased Clara very much, -and she sometimes told her mother that she loved -Ellen more and more every day.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I can teach her many things,” she said, “but there -are some things which she teaches me. I never thought -so much about the Lord, and heaven, and the angels, -as I have done since Ellen has lived with us. I love -to think how the angels watch over her, and try to -teach her what is good and true. Sometimes when -my lessons trouble me, and I feel idle and cross, if -<span class='pageno' id='Page_141'>141</span>little Ellen comes into the room all these evil feelings -go away, and I resolve to be good and happy. I -think she brings the angels with her, and this makes -me feel better.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“You must remember that the Lord keeps angels -near to you as well as to Ellen, Clara,” replied Mrs. -Gray. “The evil spirits are suffered to have more -power over you than over her, because you are older, -and have learned to distinguish between good and evil. -You can easily tell whether the thoughts which come -into your mind are right or wrong, and you know that -the Lord will always enable you to remove the evil -spirits, and suffer the angels to draw near to you, if -you sincerely desire it.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Yes, mother, I know this; but sometimes I think -I should love to be a little child like Ellen, and then I -should not so often feel tempted to do wrong. How -sweet she looks when she is asleep. When I look at -her then, mother, I always feel like praying to the -Lord. My heart seems to be raised to Him.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“It is a good feeling, my dear, child,” said Mrs. -Gray, kissing Clara affectionately. “The angels are -indeed near to you when your heart is thus raised to -your Heavenly Father, and He will always hear your -prayer, and strengthen you to walk in the path of -goodness and truth.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Several months had passed since the commencement -<span class='pageno' id='Page_142'>142</span>of our story, and in many respects Clara had considerably -improved. “I forgot” was an expression less -frequently used than formerly; but still her old habits -of heedless forgetfulness were often troublesome, and -she was frequently mortified to find that her friends -feared to trust her in any important matter, lest she -should neglect to perform her duty.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Why will you never allow Ellen to walk alone -with me, Margaret?” inquired Clara of the faithful -woman who had charge of her little cousin; “I am -sure I am old enough to take good care of her, and -she loves me almost as well as she does you.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“You are very kind to her, and she loves you very -much, Miss Clara,” replied Margaret; “but I should -fear to trust her in the street with you, because you -are sometimes a little thoughtless, and some accident -might happen to her. When your aunt parted from -the dear child, she begged me, with tears in her eyes, -to watch over her night and day, and I shall faithfully -try to keep the promise I then made.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“But, Margaret,” urged Clara, “what accident -could happen to Ellen if I took her to walk up and -down the street, and kept hold of her hand all the -way. I would not leave her an instant.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“You might forget her,” said Margaret, hesitatingly, -for she did not wish to grieve Clara. “Some -of your schoolmates might call to you, or something -else might take your attention.”</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_143'>143</span>“You ought not to say so,” replied Clara, looking a -little offended. “I know I forget things sometimes, -but they are almost always trifling matters, such as -errands, or some other little thing. I could not forget -Ellen. Could I, mother?” she continued, appealing -to her mother, who was sitting in the next room, and -had heard the conversation..</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I think Margaret is right, Clara,” replied Mrs. -Gray. “While we see you so forgetful of little duties, -it would not be proper to intrust you with any thing -important. I think you have improved in this respect -lately, but you are still very thoughtless, and do not -make so much effort to correct the fault as I could -wish.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Clara did not look very pleasant while her mother -was speaking.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I do not think I am any more forgetful than other -people,” she said. “Every one forgets sometimes.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“You speak improperly, Clara,” said her mother. -“You are not in a good, humble state,—willing to -acknowledge your faults and try to remove them.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Clara made no reply, and soon left the room. She -felt grieved and displeased that her little cousin could -not be intrusted to her care, and she felt disposed to -charge her mother and Margaret with unkindness, -rather than to blame herself for deserving the mortification.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_144'>144</span>Not many days after the above conversation, Clara -and Ellen were playing in the sitting-room, while Mrs. -Gray and Margaret were busily engaged in one of the -upper rooms, quilting a bed-spread. There was no -fire in the room where the children were, and it appeared -perfectly safe to leave them together for an -hour or two.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Clara was keeping house, and she frequently sent -Ellen to different parts of the room to purchase such -articles as she supposed herself to need. Sometimes -she was ordered to go to the grocer’s for tea and -sugar, sometimes to the market for meat and vegetables. -Ellen would run cheerfully to the place pointed -out, pick up a bit of paper or any thing else that she -could find, and return with it to Clara. I suppose you -have all seen children playing in this manner.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“You must have a market-basket, Ellen,” said -Clara. “I know where there is one that will do -nicely. It belongs to me, but I never used it, so -mother put it up on the upper shelf in this closet. I -will take it down.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Thus saying, Clara opened the door of the closet, -and stepped upon a chair that she might reach the -basket. There were several other things upon the -shelf, and amongst others a box of small papers, neatly -folded up and carefully labelled. When Clara took -her basket down she upset this box, and some of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_145'>145</span>papers fell to the floor. She picked them up and put -them in their place; but after she had shut the door, -she saw that one little parcel had fallen upon the table -near to the closet. “Never mind,” thought Clara, “I -will put it back directly, as soon as I have fixed the -basket for Ellen.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>They continued their play, and an hour passed very -happily. Clara had forgotten all about the paper, -which still lay upon the table. She was showing -Ellen the pictures in a large and valuable book of her -father’s, when Margaret looked in at the door, and -inquired if they wanted any thing.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Nothing at all, I thank you, Margaret,” replied -Clara; “you may quilt another hour, if you like. -We are having a fine time.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Margaret gave them each a cake, and returned to -her work.</p> - -<p class='c008'>While they were eating their cake, Clara saw a -little girl, of whom Ellen was very fond, driving her -hoop back and forth in front of the house.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Oh, there is Mary!” she exclaimed; “look, Ellen, -how fast she drives her hoop! I wish I could -take you out there.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Ellen knocked upon the window, and called “Mamy, -Mamy!” but Mary did not hear.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I will run to the door and call her,” said Clara, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_146'>146</span>“and then she will come and see Ellen. Will you sit -still while I am gone?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Ellen sat down very quietly, and folded her hands, -as she always did when asked to wait for any one, and -Clara ran to the door to call Mary.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mary was an obedient, thoughtful child, and she -told Clara that she could not come without her mother’s -leave, but if she would wait a moment, she would -ask her.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The house where Mary lived was next door to Mr. -Gray’s, so Clara promised to wait while she asked her -mother.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Be as quick as you can, Mary,” she said, “for I -left Ellen alone.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mary ran into the house, but returned directly, saying, -“I cannot come now, Clara, because mother wants -me to take care of the baby. But just look at this -beautiful present that my aunt sent me last evening,” -and she showed Clara a pretty little work-box, and, -touching a spring, it commenced playing a lively tune. -“How pretty!” exclaimed Clara, “I never saw a -musical work-box before;” and she stood still listening -to the music until the sounds died away, and the -box was as silent as any other work-box.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Oh, make it play once more, Mary!” said Clara; -and Mary again touched the spring, and it played -another tune even prettier than the first.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_147'>147</span>Clara would still have begged for another, for the -music and the pretty box had banished every thing -else from her mind; but her more thoughtful companion -reminded her that Ellen was alone, and that -she must go to her mother.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Oh, dear!” exclaimed Clara, “I forgot all about -Ellen; I hope she has not cried for me. Perhaps she -opened the door and went up stairs. She goes up -alone sometimes. Good-bye, Mary,” and she ran -back to the sitting-room.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Ellen had left the seat where Clara had placed her, -and was standing by the table, with the little parcel -which had been left there in her hand.</p> - -<p class='c008'>As her cousin entered the room, she looked up and -said,—</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Ellen cry when Tara gone,—then Ellen find sugar.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Sugar,” said Clara, snatching the paper from her -hand. “Have you been eating it, Ellen? I wonder -what it is.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>As she spoke she looked at the writing upon the -back of the paper, and saw “Sugar of Lead” written -upon it in large letters, and the word “poison” beneath.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Clara saw that the paper was now empty, and she -knew that Ellen must have eaten its contents. She -turned deadly pale, and for a few moments stood motionless, -as if at a loss what to do. Then rushing to -the staircase, she screamed to her mother and Margaret -<span class='pageno' id='Page_148'>148</span>in such a frantic manner that they both ran to -her in great alarm.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Oh, mother, mother!” she sobbed, “I have killed -Ellen. I left her alone for a few minutes, while I -listened to Mary’s music-box, and she has eaten some -sugar of lead.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Eaten sugar of lead!” exclaimed Mrs. Gray. “It -is impossible, for it was upon the upper shelf in the -closet; she could not have reached it.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“No, no, mother, she did not reach it; but I left it -on the table, and forgot to put it back, and then I forgot -to return to Ellen, and stood listening to the music -a long time. She has eaten it all, and she will die, -mother. Oh, what shall I do?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Poor Margaret had caught Ellen in her arms, and -was now sobbing as if her heart would break; but -Mrs. Gray, with more presence of mind, begged her -to be calm, and not alarm the child, as any agitation -might hasten the effect of the poison.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Do you, Margaret, go immediately for Dr. Gregory,” -she said, “and Clara must go to her father’s -office and ask him to come directly home. There was -but a small quantity in the paper. We may do much -for her if we are calm.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Then, taking the child in her own arms, she spoke -to her in a quiet and soothing manner, and taking -her up stairs, gave her an antidote for poison, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_149'>149</span>then amused her until the physician and Mr. Gray -arrived.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Prompt and judicious remedies in a measure counteracted -the fatal effects of the poison, but a serious -illness could not be avoided. For many days little -Ellen seemed to hover between life and death, and -even after the physician had pronounced her out of -danger, she was for a long time so feeble that no one -would have supposed her to be the same child who -had seemed so full of life and health but a few weeks -before.</p> - -<p class='c008'>I shall not attempt to describe the agony which poor -Clara suffered during the sickness of her little cousin. -Her parents treated her with great kindness, for they -thought the lesson she had received was sufficiently -severe, without adding to it by their reproaches.</p> - -<p class='c008'>For a long time she could not bear to say a word -upon the subject, but it was evident that a great change -was taking place in her character. She was now not -only industrious and obliging, but so thoughtful and -considerate that her friends soon felt willing to trust -her, even where the greatest care was necessary.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The cold winter months had passed away, and -spring had again returned to gladden the earth. Favorable -accounts had been received from Ellen’s parents. -Her father’s health had improved rapidly, and they -were now about to return home.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_150'>150</span>“Do you think they will be here in another month, -mother?” asked Clara, as her mother finished reading -a letter which she had just received from their distant -friends.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I think they will, Clara,” replied Mrs. Gray. -“Are you prepared to part with our dear Ellen?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Clara’s eyes filled with tears as she replied, “I shall -try to be prepared, mother, but it will be a great trial. -I always loved Ellen dearly, and since I came so near -being the cause of her death, I have loved her more -than ever. Every day I thank the Lord for His -mercy in restoring her to health. It was a sad lesson, -mother, but it helped me to see how really selfish I -was. I could never quite understand why you and -father should call forgetfulness a kind of selfishness; -but when I sincerely endeavored to become more -thoughtful, I found that the true reason why I used to -forget so often was because I thought so much more -of myself than I did of others. I now try to be very -watchful of this fault, and I pray to the Lord to help -me put it away.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“And you will never look to Him in vain, my dear -Clara,” said Mrs. Gray. “You have already improved -very much. Persevere steadily in the endeavor -to remove selfishness in all its forms. It is the fountain -from which many evils flow.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_151'>151</span> - <h2 id='silver' class='c004'><b><span class='large'>THE SILVER MORNING</span></b> <br /> <b><span class='small'>AND</span></b> <br /> <span class='large'>THE GOLDEN DAY.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>“O Father! please to come to the door, and see how -pretty everything looks,” exclaimed William Mason, -running eagerly into the room where his father was -sitting.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mr. Mason was always glad to give his son pleasure, -and he laid aside the newspaper which he was reading, -and followed him to the door.</p> - -<p class='c008'>There had been quite a heavy snow-storm a few -days before, which was succeeded by rain, and then -by severe cold. Everything was now entirely cased in -ice.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Is it not beautiful, father?” said William. “I -have been all around the yard and garden, and everything -has put on its winter coat. Every little branch -and twig, every blade of grass, and even the little -stones are covered with ice.”</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_152'>152</span>“This is what we used to call a silver morning, -when I was a boy,” said Mr. Mason.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“That is a good name for it, father,” replied William; -“for everything shines like silver. Look at the -road; it is almost as smooth as the pond. I think I -can skate to school this morning.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“You would probably find some rough places, which -would injure your skates,” replied Mr. Mason; “but -look towards the east, my son, and you will see something -more beautiful than anything you have yet -observed.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>There was a thick wood of pines toward the east, -and, as William looked, he saw that the trees glittered -like diamonds, and he could see colors like those of a -rainbow in every direction.</p> - -<p class='c008'>He clapped his hands with delight.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“O father,” he exclaimed, “this is the most beautiful -sight of all. The sun is rising, and soon it will -shine on all the trees and plants, and then everything -will look as beautiful as the pine trees do now. It was -a silver morning, father, but it will be a golden day.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“It will, indeed,” replied Mr. Mason. “Everything -looked cold and dead before the rays of the sun -shone upon them, but now all are sparkling with beauty. -The trees will soon lose their icy casing, but the water -will sink into the ground, and perform many important -uses. The frosts and snows of winter prepare the way -<span class='pageno' id='Page_153'>153</span>for the warmth and beauty of spring and summer. -The earth rests from its labors, and is in various ways -enriched and strengthened.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I like all the seasons, father,” said William. “In -winter, I am so happy when skating and sliding in the -fine cool air, that I wish the weather might always be -cold; but when spring and summer and autumn come, -with their long sunny days, and their beautiful birds -and flowers and delicious fruits, I quite forget winter -and its pleasures.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Yes, every season has its delights,” replied his -father; “but look, William, there is one of your school-fellows. -Is he already on his way to school?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Oh, that is only Louis Cunningham,” returned -William, glancing rather contemptuously at a plainly -dressed, but intelligent and manly looking boy, who -was passing by.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“<i>Only Louis Cunningham</i>,” repeated Mr. Mason! -“Well, is he not one of your school-fellows?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Why, yes, father, he goes to the same school. -The master gives him his schooling for making the -fire and keeping the room in good order. We call -him the charity scholar.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I am grieved to hear you speak in this manner,” -said Mr. Mason, gravely. “Mr. Cunningham died -when Louis was very young, and his mother has been -obliged to deny him many advantages of education, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_154'>154</span>which she would gladly have given him if it had been -in her power. Your teacher heard of their situation, -and finding, from conversation with Louis, that he was -an intelligent boy, and very desirous to learn, he kindly -offered to take him into his school. But Louis and -his mother, although they were very grateful for the -offer, felt unwilling to accept it, unless they could make -some return for the kindness; and it was finally arranged, -that Louis should take care of the school-room -and make the fire, and I have been told that he performs -these duties very faithfully.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“He does, indeed,” replied William. “The room -is always warm and comfortable, and so nicely swept -and dusted, that we never have any cause of complaint.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“One would suppose, then, my son, that you would -feel grateful to the person who performs these kind -offices, instead of regarding him with contempt and -dislike.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Oh, we do not dislike Louis, Father. He is -always kind and obliging; but we do not like to see -him placed on an equality with the rest of the boys, -and often pronounced the best scholar in his class.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“These are evil feelings, William, and I hope to -have the pleasure of helping you put them away. Sit -down by me in the parlor for a few minutes, and we -will talk about Louis. Can you tell me why the boys -<span class='pageno' id='Page_155'>155</span>think he should not be placed upon an equality with -them? Is he inferior to the others as a scholar, or is -he a wicked, profane boy?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Oh no, father. Louis is a very good boy, and a -better scholar than many who have had greater advantages; -but, as he does not pay for his schooling, we -do not think that he is entitled to the same privileges -that we are.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Even if this were the case, he would be entitled to -every privilege, William, if Mr. Grant chose to instruct -him without remuneration; but Louis does pay for his -schooling; not indeed with his father’s money,—because -the Lord has seen fit to remove his father to the -spiritual world,—but with his own labor. Mr. Grant -considers his services as an equivalent to his instruction, -and, according to your own account, the duties -are well performed. Louis, then, pays for his schooling -as much, or more, than any boy in school; for the -others depend upon their father’s labor, while he depends -upon his own. Your school bills, as well as -other expenses, are paid from the proceeds of my daily -labor in my profession, and the case is the same with -the other boys who attend your school.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“This is very true, father,” replied William, “and -I know it is wrong to despise those who are poorer -than ourselves. We often laugh at Louis, when he -comes to school with coarse, patched clothes; but -<span class='pageno' id='Page_156'>156</span>I suppose his mother cannot afford to buy him any -better.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“She cannot, indeed, William; and of how little -consequence is external clothing, compared to many -other things in which Louis probably surpasses your -other school-mates. It is right to be neat and clean, -and as well dressed as our circumstances will admit; -but the clothing of our soul is of more importance -than the clothing of our bodies. If Louis is industrious, -obedient, faithful in the performance of his -duties, and in the endeavor to shun evil words and -deeds, he appears to the Lord and the angels as if -clothed in the most beautiful raiment.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>William made no reply, but appeared much interested -in what his father was saying, and Mr. Mason -continued,—</p> - -<p class='c008'>“You must ever remember the Golden Rule, my -son. Think how you would wish to be treated, if you -were situated like Louis; and then you will be more -careful not to wound his feelings, by contempt or idle -jests.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I will try to remember, father. I know I have -done wrong, and I will begin to-day, and treat Louis -just the same as I do the other scholars. Perhaps I -may be able to help in some way.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“These are good resolutions, my son; and, if they -are carried into practice, they will do you and others -<span class='pageno' id='Page_157'>157</span>much good. The light has dawned in your mind. It -is a <i>silver morning</i>, and the rays of the spiritual sun -will render it a <i>golden day</i>.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Within an hour after this conversation, William was -on his way to school, with his satchel of books and his -skates slung over his shoulder, and his dinner pail in -his hand. He was soon joined by several companions, -and each boy tried to display his skill in keeping his -balance on the glare ice, which to many would have -rendered the road almost impassable. But boys have -little fear of ice and snow, and, half running and half -sliding, they soon reached the school-house, where they -found, as usual, a comfortable and neatly arranged -room.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Louis Cunningham was busily engaged at his desk, -and, being little accustomed to any morning salutations -from his school-fellows, he did not look up when -they entered. He was somewhat surprised to hear -William exclaim: “Good morning, Louis. What a -grand fire you have got for us. I am sure we are -much obliged to you, this cold morning.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“You are very welcome,” he replied with a pleasant -smile. “I came earlier than usual, on account of -the severe cold. I am glad you find the room comfortable.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I should not have liked to have been the one to -make the fire this morning,” remarked one of the boys. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_158'>158</span>“In many schools the scholars take turns in cleaning -the room and making the fire.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“It is not fair that they should do so,” observed -another. “Their parents pay for their schooling, and -it is not right that they should be obliged to spend -their time and injure their clothes in sweeping rooms -and making fires. It does well enough for those who -cannot pay.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“For shame! John Gray,” exclaimed William. -“You should not speak so thoughtlessly. You trouble -Louis,” he added in a whisper.</p> - -<p class='c008'>John was a kind-hearted boy, but rude and thoughtless -in his manners.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I do not wish to trouble Louis,” he said aloud. -“I only spoke the truth.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>The color, which had deepened on Louis’s cheek, -faded away, and he said, kindly,—</p> - -<p class='c008'>“You do not trouble me, John. I agree with you -in thinking that those whose parents can pay for their -schooling should not be expected to take care of the -room. But as I am situated, I regard it as a very -great favor that I am in this way enabled to earn my -own schooling.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“It is a great favor to us,” exclaimed several boys. -“We never before had so neat and comfortable a -room.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>The entrance of Mr. Grant, the teacher, prevented -<span class='pageno' id='Page_159'>159</span>any farther conversation, and each boy quietly took his -seat, and performed his accustomed duties.</p> - -<p class='c008'>At noon, there was fine sport with coasting and -skating, but, in the midst of his play, William remembered -his promise to his father; and, finding that -Louis was not among his companions, he sought him -in the school-house. He found him seated at his desk, -busily engaged with a pencil and piece of paper.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Come, Louis,” he exclaimed, “Come and play -with us. There is fine skating on the pond.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Thank you,” replied Louis, “but I have no skates -this winter. I had a pair once, but they are worn -out.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Then I will lend you mine, and I will slide for a -little while. I shall like that quite as well. Do -come,” urged William; and, as he spoke, he approached -the desk, and looked at the picture which -Louis was drawing.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Why, Louis!” he said, with an expression of surprise, -“I had no idea that you could draw so beautifully. -You almost equal our drawing-master. Who -taught you?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“No one,” replied Louis. “I love to draw. If it -were not wrong to neglect other duties, I would spend -every day in doing nothing else.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Why do you not take lessons with the rest of us, -Louis? I am sure our drawing-master would be proud -<span class='pageno' id='Page_160'>160</span>of such a pupil. How you would laugh at our strange-looking -pictures!”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Mr. Grant is very kind, to give me so many other -advantages,” answered Louis; “I should not like to -ask the privilege of a seat at the drawing-tables, and -then the pencils and paper are quite an expense. And -if I learned to paint, it would be still more expensive; -but, oh! I should love to learn so much,” and his face -grew bright with pleasure at the very thought.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“You must learn, Louis; I am resolved that you -shall,” said William; “but come now, and have one -good play before school.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Thus urged, Louis joined his companions, and, encouraged -by William’s example, all received him -kindly, and were careful to allow him equal rights -with themselves, and not to wound his feelings by -foolish jokes and sarcastic observations.</p> - -<p class='c008'>About fifteen minutes before the hour for school to -commence, William saw Mr. Grant enter the school-house, -and, quietly leaving his play-fellows, he hastened -to follow him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Taking from Louis’s desk the picture upon which -he had been so busily engaged at noon, he presented -it to the teacher, saying,—</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Is not this pretty well done, sir?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Remarkably well,” replied Mr. Grant. “You have -improved wonderfully, William.”</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_161'>161</span>“It is not mine, sir. Louis did it. He has never -had any instruction in drawing, but I am sure if you -will allow him a seat at the drawing-tables, he will -soon equal our drawing-master himself.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“He shall have every advantage, certainly,” replied -Mr. Grant. “I am pleased with your request, William; -for I have observed with pain that some of the -scholars regard Louis with feelings of contempt and -dislike, which are certainly quite undeserved.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I have been in fault in this respect,” replied William, -blushing deeply, “but my father has convinced -me that such feelings are very wrong, and I am resolved -to do better.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I am glad that you have made so good a resolution, -William. Your example will help the other -scholars to do right also. You may have the pleasure -of telling Louis that he can receive regular instruction -in drawing, on the afternoons when the drawing-master -attends the school.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Thank you, sir,” replied William, and he joyfully -returned to his play-fellows.</p> - -<p class='c008'>A few whispered words told Louis of what had -passed, and the glow of pleasure which suffused his -countenance, and the warm pressure of the hand, -amply rewarded William for his kindness.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I have pencils and paper enough for both, Louis,” -<span class='pageno' id='Page_162'>162</span>he continued, “and I know my father will be glad to -have me share them with you.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>The sound of the bell now summoned the whole -party to the school-room, and as this was the afternoon -for the drawing-master, William had the pleasure of -seeing his new friend seated by his side, and of hearing -the warm commendations which were bestowed upon -the contents of his little portfolio, which, at the request -of the teacher, Louis modestly exhibited.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Much of the ice in the streets had melted away, but -the trees were still glittering in the bright sunlight, -when William left the school-house and took the road -toward home. To him everything seemed even more -beautiful than it had done in the morning, for his heart -was filled with that happiness which always results -from doing good. His father met him at the door.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Well, my son,” he said, “has it been a golden day -with you?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“It has, indeed, father,” replied William. “I have -remembered what you told me, and I have already -found an opportunity to do Louis some good.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mr. Mason listened with much interest to William’s -little story, and gladly gave him leave to assist Louis, -by lending him his own drawing implements.</p> - -<p class='c008'>It was pleasing to observe the effect which William’s -example of friendliness to Louis had upon the rest of -the scholars. He was no longer regarded with contempt -<span class='pageno' id='Page_163'>163</span>or indifference, but became as great a favorite -with the boys as a play-fellow, as he was with the -master as a scholar. The younger boys looked to him -for assistance in all their pleasures and troubles, for -they found that he was always willing to give up his -own pleasure for the sake of making them happy; and -the older ones frequently assisted him in his duties in -the school-room, in order to gain so valuable a companion -in their plays.</p> - -<p class='c008'>His improvement in drawing and painting was so -rapid, that, before many months had elapsed, the -drawing-master declared he could teach him nothing -more, and advised him to procure a situation in some -of the large schools in the neighborhood, as teacher -of these branches. But about this time circumstances -occurred, which induced Mrs. Cunningham to remove -to a distant part of the country, and Louis was obliged -to bid farewell to his teachers and companions.</p> - -<p class='c008'>All parted from him with regret, but none felt the -loss so keenly as William Mason. He had been the -first among the boys to love Louis and endeavor to -assist him; and, although the latter was some years -older, a warm attachment had sprung up between -them.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Many years passed before they again met. Both -had grown to manhood, but the remembrance of their -early days was still fresh in their minds. William -<span class='pageno' id='Page_164'>164</span>was travelling through the principal States of the -Union, and stopped for the night in one of our most -flourishing cities. In the course of the evening he -visited, with some of his friends, a gallery of paintings -which had been particularly recommended to his notice. -The collection was a fine one, and an hour soon passed -pleasantly away. At length William suddenly stopped -before a small picture, and uttered an exclamation of -surprise, which brought his friends to his side. The -scene represented was not a remarkable one,—a bright -winter’s morning, and a lad with a satchel of books -and a pair of skates slung upon his shoulder, and a -dinner-pail in his hand, quietly pursuing his way to -school.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“What do you find surprising in this?” asked one -of William’s companions. “It is a spirited little -sketch, to be sure. That lad bears a strong resemblance -to you, William.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“It is myself,” exclaimed William; “and there is -the old school-house in the distance, and the pond -where we used to skate. Every object in the picture -is familiar to me, even that old tree which seems so -completely cased in ice. I must find the name of the -artist.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“That is easily ascertained,” replied his companion, -turning to the catalogue which he held in his hand; -“Cunningham, Louis Cunningham. There are several -<span class='pageno' id='Page_165'>165</span>other fine pictures in the gallery by the same person. -Do you know him, William?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“He is an old school-mate and particular friend,” -replied William; “I must inquire if he resides in this -city.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Louis Cunningham’s address was easily obtained, -and William had the pleasure of hearing him spoken -of as a young artist of uncommon talents. At an -early hour the following morning he sought his early -friend, and received a warm welcome. Louis’s story -was soon told. His mother’s situation in life had been -improved, by a legacy left by a distant relative, and -she was thus enabled to give her son many advantages. -He had travelled in Europe, and received the best -instruction in his favorite pursuit, and his name was -now becoming widely known as one of our best American -artists.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“But I have not forgotten the old school-house, and -our boyish days, dear William,” he continued; “and I -do not forget that my first instructions in drawing were -received through your kindness. It was a bright day -to me when I was first seated at the drawing-table, -and allowed free access to your pencils and paper.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I remember it, as if it were but yesterday,” replied -William. “We had indulged a strange prejudice -against you up to that day, Louis. My father had -labored hard that bright and beautiful morning, to show -<span class='pageno' id='Page_166'>166</span>me the sin of which I was guilty, in indulging such -feelings, and his words sunk deep in my heart. When -I parted from him, at school time, he remarked on the -beautiful appearance of the earth, clad in its robe of -silver, but pointed out the new beauty it would receive -when the rays of the sun should fall upon it; and he -prayed that the rays of the spiritual sun might thus -vivify and add new beauty to the good resolutions -springing up in my mind, that the silver morning might -become the golden day.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“It was indeed a golden day to me,” said Louis, -with emotion. “A fountain of kind feelings, which -had been checked by the coldness of my companions, -gushed forth at the kindness with which you treated -me; and it seemed as if from that time all coldness -toward me disappeared, and I was treated by all with -kindness which I have ever remembered with gratitude. -The little picture which you saw in the gallery is a -proof of my remembrance of that day. You must -take it to your father, as a token of my respect and -love.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I will gladly do so,” replied William. “My -father will receive it with pleasure, and it shall hang -in our room as a memento of our early friendship, -and of a day which I shall always remember with -pleasing reflections.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_167'>167</span> - <h2 id='twosides' class='c004'><b><span class='large'>TWO SIDES TO A STORY.</span></b></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>“I should not think you would let him off so easily, -father,” exclaimed Herbert Archer, as he listened to a -conversation between his father and a poor tenant who -begged for a little delay in the usual demand for the -rent.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“And why not, my son?” replied Mr. Archer, as -they continued the walk which had been thus interrupted. -“He is poor and has been unfortunate. The -wealthy should not be indifferent to the sufferings of -those less prosperous than themselves.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I know they should not, father; but did I not -hear you say last winter that you would not assist -Simon Brown again, for it was only encouraging him -in idleness? Do you not remember what we were -told about his allowing his poor wife, with her feeble -health, to go out to wash, while he remained sitting -quietly at home smoking his pipe and attending to the -children?”</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_168'>168</span>“I do recollect it well, Herbert; but my conclusions -were too hasty. Upon inquiry I found that there was -another side to the story. Poor Simon had the rheumatism -so badly that for several weeks he could not -walk one step. In this situation he could do nothing -better than to make himself useful in the house, while -his wife procured what work she could to aid in the -support of their family. The truth is, my son, there -is almost always two sides to a story, and if we suspend -our judgment until we are sure that we know all -the particulars, we shall avoid the injustice which too -often results from hasty decisions.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Herbert listened with respect and attention to his -father’s words, and acknowledged their truth; but it -was not until after several useful lessons that he learned -to put this simple rule in practice.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Among the most valued of his playthings was a fine -kite, remarkable for its beauty and the swiftness of its -flight.</p> - -<p class='c008'>On his return from school one pleasant afternoon, -Herbert perceived that there was a fine breeze, and -hastily putting away his books, ran for his kite. But, -to his surprise, it was not in its proper place. Who -could have taken it? He felt quite sure that he put it -away when he last played with it, and he felt much -displeased that any one should have ventured to touch -it without his leave.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_169'>169</span>He inquired of his mother and sisters, but they -knew nothing of it. He then went to the kitchen, and -Alice, the chambermaid, told him that about an hour -before she had seen his younger brother, Henry, with -it in his hand.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“He had no business to touch it without my leave,” -exclaimed Herbert angrily. “I wish he would learn -to let my things alone,” and his feelings toward his -brother were filled with unkindness.</p> - -<p class='c008'>He went to the barn in search of him, but Henry -was not there. In one corner, however, he discovered -his kite, soiled and torn, with the sticks broken and -the tail draggled in the dirt. This sight vexed him -still more, and he seized a little wagon which he had -been making for his brother that morning, and dashed -it in pieces.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“He is a naughty, bad boy,” he exclaimed, “and I -will do nothing for him.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Upon further inquiry, he found that Henry had -received permission to pass the afternoon at their -Uncle’s, and would not return until evening.</p> - -<p class='c008'>For several hours Herbert suffered evil thoughts and -feelings against his brother to remain in his mind, and -he complained to his mother and several others of the -injury which had been done to his favorite kite; and -when his father came in to tea, he repeated the story -<span class='pageno' id='Page_170'>170</span>to him, with many severe comments on the unkindness -of his brother.</p> - -<p class='c008'>He felt somewhat rebuked when his father said -quietly, “Wait till you hear your brother’s explanation, -my son. Remember there are always two sides -to a story.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“There cannot be two sides to this one, father, for -Alice saw Henry with the kite in his hand, and no one -else has touched it.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Strong proof, certainly, Herbert; but, nevertheless, -suspend your judgment until Henry comes. It is -possible that he did not tear the kite.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Herbert was silenced, but not convinced. His feelings -were not changed, and he met Henry in a sullen -and irritated manner.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Oh, Herbert!” exclaimed the little boy, “I wish -you could have been with me. I have had such a -delightful play with my cousins. I should have been -quite happy all the afternoon, only I could not help -thinking of your poor kite. Did you see it in the -barn?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“To be sure I did,” replied Herbert, crossly; “I -wish you had taken a fancy to destroy some other of -my playthings and let my kite alone.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Why, Herbert, I did not destroy it. I found our -dog Pompey playing with it in the yard. I do not -know where he got it, but I took it away as quickly as -<span class='pageno' id='Page_171'>171</span>I could. I was very sorry that I did not see him -before it was spoiled.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>A deep blush of shame overspread Herbert’s face as -he thought of the wicked and unkind feelings which he -had harbored for so many hours. He now remembered -perfectly, that, being called away in haste, he -had left his kite beneath a tree in the yard, and no -doubt Pompey had found it there. There was, indeed, -two sides to this story, and now that the truth was -known, it was quite plain that he alone was to blame -for the accident.</p> - -<p class='c008'>His sorrow was increased when Henry eagerly inquired -if he had finished the little wagon which he -had begun for him in the morning.</p> - -<p class='c008'>It was hard to tell his affectionate little brother that -he had been so very angry with him for his supposed -injury, that he had purposely destroyed the wagon -from which he had expected so much pleasure; but -Herbert, though often hasty and passionate, was an -honest boy, and he answered frankly,—</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I have done very wrong to-day, Henry. I supposed -that you had taken my kite without leave, and -had carelessly spoiled it, and I felt so angry that I -tossed the wagon upon the ground and broke it; but, -if you will forgive me, I will make you a much larger -and better one to-morrow.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Henry readily expressed his forgiveness, and Herbert, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_172'>172</span>of his own accord, sought his father and told him -“the other side of the story.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>For some time the little incident of the kite was -well remembered, and served as a warning to Herbert -to be less hasty in judging evil of others; but as the -recollection of it faded from his mind, he was frequently -led into the same error, and often had cause to repent -of his rash decisions.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Among his schoolfellows was the son of a poor -widow, who had, until lately, labored hard with the -neighboring farmers to aid his mother in the support -of her little family. His admittance into the school -occasioned considerable surprise among the scholars, -who had hitherto regarded him as on a footing with -their fathers’ workmen, rather than on an equality -with themselves; and there were some who were -wicked and foolish enough to wonder what business -William Camden had to attend the best school in the -neighborhood, and where he got the money to pay for -his tuition.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The greater part, however, were pleased that he -could have so good an opportunity for acquiring knowledge, -and were surprised to find that he had already -made great progress in many branches which they -were pursuing.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Herbert Archer seemed particularly pleased with -the studiousness and good behavior of the widow’s son, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_173'>173</span>and with the consent of his parents frequently aided -him in various ways, by presents of suitable books and -other things necessary to his advancement.</p> - -<p class='c008'>There was one circumstance, however, in regard to -William for which Herbert found it difficult to account. -He was frequently absent from school for whole days, -and when his companions inquired the cause, he would -answer indefinitely that his time had been much occupied. -The teacher expressed no displeasure on these -occasions, which had the effect of assuring the scholars -that all was right, until one unfortunate day, when a -boy, who had appeared to regard William with contempt -and dislike from his first entrance into the school, -made a discovery which he eagerly communicated to -the other pupils, hoping thereby to convince them that -his opinion was well founded.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Who would like to know the reason why William -Camden stays from school so often?” he exclaimed, as -he entered the school-room, where many of the boys -were assembled.</p> - -<p class='c008'>A large group immediately gathered around him, -and he continued in a sarcastic, contemptuous tone,—</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I have at length found out the useful business -which so occupies his time. He is fond of wandering -in the woods and fields, amusing himself with robbing -birds’ nests.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“For shame, George Wilson,” replied Herbert -<span class='pageno' id='Page_174'>174</span>Archer. “It is impossible that you have detected -William engaged in so senseless and cruel a sport.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Impossible or not, Master Archer,” retorted the -other, “it is nevertheless a fact, and I can give you -ample proof of the truth of my words. One of my -father’s workmen has recently been engaged in cutting -down several large trees in the wood adjoining our -house. On the last day that William was absent from -school, he assures me that he spent the whole of our -school hours in climbing trees and robbing the pretty -birds of their young. He reproved him for his cruelty, -but William only replied that he had a use for them, -and went on his way. Probably he intended to enjoy -the pleasure of giving the poor things to his cat.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Herbert, who was a great enemy to all cruelty, -could hardly restrain his indignation, and as William -entered at that moment, he turned to him abruptly, -and demanded, with some authority of manner, if it -was true that he had stayed from school a few days -before for the purpose of robbing birds’ nests? Somewhat -hurt and offended at the tone in which Herbert -addressed him, and at the indignant countenances of -his schoolmates, William answered, rather shortly,—</p> - -<p class='c008'>“That it was perfectly true that he had taken several -young birds from their nests a day or two previous, -and thought it quite probable that he should do so -again, if it suited his convenience.”</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_175'>175</span>This was a wrong way of answering, and only increased -the ill feeling which prevailed against him. -George Wilson looked triumphantly at Herbert, who -was only restrained from a burst of passion by the -entrance of the teacher, and the usual summons to -their studies.</p> - -<p class='c008'>After school, instead of joining William, as usual, -that they might walk part of the way together, Herbert -carefully avoided him, and selecting another companion, -declared his intention of having nothing more -to do with one who could thus wantonly engage in -cruel sport.</p> - -<p class='c008'>This resolution he also expressed to his father, after -relating to him the circumstances which had come to -his knowledge. Mr. Archer shook his head, saying, -“Are you sure there are not two sides to the story, -my son?” But Herbert replied in a positive manner -that there could not be another side, as William had -himself admitted the truth of the charge.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Nothing farther was said upon the subject, and Mr. -Archer soon forgot the whole affair.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Weeks passed on, and the intimacy between the two -boys was not resumed. William continued to absent -himself occasionally from school, and several boys testified -that they had two or three times met him with -young birds in his hand, and when asked what he -intended doing with them, he had replied in his usual -unsatisfactory manner.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_176'>176</span>One day, as Herbert was returning from school, he -met an old friend of his father’s, a gentleman residing -in a neighboring town, at whose house he had often -visited, and with whom he was very familiar. Mr. -Morgan was a widower, and he had one little son -several years younger than Herbert, to whose welfare -he was constantly devoted.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I am glad to see you, Herbert,” he said, kindly; -“it is a long time since you have visited me. My -little Arthur has missed you very much.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“We shall soon have a vacation at our school,” -replied Herbert, “and then I shall be much pleased to -come and see you. My studies occupy me very closely -just now.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“That is right, my boy. Youth is the time for -improvement. Speaking of your school reminds me -of one of your schoolfellows, of whom I should like -your opinion, for I know that boys have many opportunities -of finding out each other’s characters, and I -can rely upon your statement. I refer to William -Camden. I knew his father well. He was a sensible, -honest man, and I have often thought that I should -like to do something for his family. I have lately -formed a plan for travelling for the next two or three -years with my little boy, and I have concluded, if I -can find a well-principled lad, somewhat advanced in -his education, to take him with us as a sort of tutor -<span class='pageno' id='Page_177'>177</span>and companion for Arthur. I shall watch over them -both myself, and shall procure the best instruction in -my power at the different places where we may sojourn; -but there are many of the common branches which -Arthur would learn even more readily from a sensible -lad, a few years his senior, than from an older person, -and he would at the same time have the advantage of -a pleasant companion. The great difficulty is to find -one on whose principles and habits I can fully depend. -I have thought of William Camden, as I have often -heard him well spoken of. His mother depends somewhat -upon his assistance, but I will make that easy -for them. Now, tell me plainly what you think of -William.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Herbert hesitated, for he knew that the proposition -of Mr. Morgan would be of great advantage to his -schoolfellow; and, in spite of his present dislike to -William, he was unwilling to say any thing which -might deprive him of an advantageous offer. But he -thought it right to tell the whole truth, and he answered, -with some indignation in his manner,—</p> - -<p class='c008'>“A few weeks ago, sir, I should have thought that -William Camden would have suited your purpose better -than any boy of my acquaintance, but I fear I was -deceived in him. He frequently stays from school, -and passes his time in the woods engaged in the cruel -sport of robbing birds’ nests.”</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_178'>178</span>“Cruel sport, indeed!” exclaimed Mr. Morgan. -“A boy who will do that must be destitute of kind -and generous feelings. It may seem a trifle, but it -would decide me at once not to make him the companion -of my son. You are sure that there is no -mistake in this matter, Herbert?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Quite sure, sir. I heard William acknowledge it -myself. I was very unwilling to believe it until there -was no room for doubt.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I am glad I met with you,” remarked his friend. -“I have another boy in view, who will perhaps suit -me better. I must make all proper inquiries.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Thus saying, he bade Herbert good afternoon, and -rode away in the direction of his own home.</p> - -<p class='c008'>A few days after, Herbert accompanied his father to -a large town several miles distant from their own -home. While his father was engaged in the transaction -of business, he walked slowly through the principal -streets, amusing himself with what was passing -around him, and occasionally stopping to look at something -attractive in the shop windows. At length he -became much interested in watching the quick motions -of several birds of different kinds, whose cages were -suspended at the door of a bird fancier’s establishment.</p> - -<p class='c008'>As he stood looking at their lively movements and -listening to their sweet songs, he was surprised to -observe William Camden standing in the shop with a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_179'>179</span>large cage in his hand containing a great many young -birds of various kinds, for which he appeared to be -just concluding a bargain with the bird fancier.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“This, then, is what he does with his young birds,” -thought Herbert; “but why was he so secret about -it?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>At this instant William turned around and recognized -his companion. He colored deeply, and at first -seemed inclined not to speak; but better feelings gained -the ascendancy, and, approaching Herbert, he said -pleasantly,—</p> - -<p class='c008'>“You have discovered what I do with my young -birds. It does seem cruel to catch them, but I try to -do it as kindly as possible. I seldom take more than -one from a nest, and always watch the time when the -old birds are absent, that I may not alarm them. -The money which I earn in this way not only defrays -the expenses of my education, but enables me to assist -my poor mother.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“But why were you so secret about it?” asked -Herbert. “Why did you not tell us plainly for what -purpose you caught the birds?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“My first motive for secrecy,” replied William, -“Was to prevent thoughtless and idle boys from following -my example, fearing that they would not so -strictly endeavor to avoid cruelty. But when you -questioned me on the subject, I should have answered -<span class='pageno' id='Page_180'>180</span>frankly had I not felt irritated by your manner, and -hurt that you could suppose me capable of engaging in -such an occupation for sport.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I did wrong,” replied Herbert; “as usual, my -judgment was too hasty. I ask your forgiveness, -William, for my suspicions; but I fear I have been -the means of doing you a great injury. I must seek -my father without delay;” and thus saying he abruptly -departed, leaving William much surprised at his words.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mr. Archer listened with interest to Herbert’s story, -and yielded to his entreaties to go immediately to Mr. -Morgan, in the hope that it was not yet too late to -repair the wrong which he had done his companion.</p> - -<p class='c008'>When they reached the house, Herbert’s impatience -was so great that he could hardly wait until the customary -salutations were exchanged, before he said, -with much earnestness,—</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Have you yet found any one to fill the place of -which you spoke to me, Mr. Morgan?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I have not, my young friend. It is a more difficult -task than I anticipated, and sometimes I think I -will relinquish the plan altogether.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“I am so glad I am not too late,” exclaimed Herbert -joyfully. “I have come to tell you, sir, that -what I related to you of William Camden can all be -explained, and I am quite sure that he would suit you -in every respect.”</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_181'>181</span>He then gave Mr. Morgan a full account of the -whole affair, to which the gentleman listened with -much satisfaction, and declared his intention of calling -upon Mrs. Camden that evening.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“This will be a warning to you, my dear boy,” he -said to Herbert, “to judge less rashly of the actions -of your friends.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“It will indeed, sir,” was the reply. “I have too -often disregarded these warnings; but in future I am -resolved never to forget that there may be ‘two sides -to a story.’”</p> - -<div class='figcenter id002'> -<img src='images/i_back.jpg' alt='back cover' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c004'><b><span class='large'>TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE.</span></b></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c010'>Punctuation has been made consistent.</p> - -<p class='c010'>Variations -in hyphenation have been retained as they were in the -original publication.</p> - -<p class='c010'>The following changes have been made:</p> - -<p class='c011'>suprised —> surprised {page 178}</p> - -<p class='c011'>The chapter entitled “Two Sides to a Story” beginning -on page 167 has been added to the Table of Contents, -from which it was omitted in the original book.</p> - -<p> </p> -<p> </p> -<hr class="full" /> -<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PLAYING SANTA CLAUS AND OTHER CHRISTMAS TALES***</p> -<p>******* This file should be named 54803-h.htm or 54803-h.zip *******</p> -<p>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br /> -<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/5/4/8/0/54803">http://www.gutenberg.org/5/4/8/0/54803</a></p> -<p> -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed.</p> - -<p>Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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