Doing Good

DEAN'S
Illustrated Farthing Books.
DOING GOOD .
LONDON: DEAN & SON, 11, Ludgate Hill.
Little Alice arose one bright May morning just as the sun was peering through the white curtains of her little chamber, and after offering a simple morning prayer from the depths of her happy heart, she prepared herself for breakfast. How beautiful the earth looked, all sparkling with dew drops, and how merrily the birds sang in the tops of the apple-trees! Alice's heart grew happier still as she looked out upon them, and listened to their sweet hymnings. All was astir in the yard below. The speckled hen bustled about her ten chickens, anxious to pick them up a breakfast of stray worms and slugs; the big Shanghai stood on a stone and poured forth a blast from his clarion, which might have awakened an army. Alice laughed at his pompous, ungainly figure, which seemed still more uncouth by contrast with the stately peacock, which just then swept down the carriage walk. It was, indeed, a lovely morning, and the little girl had arisen just in time to appreciate its beauties. It always makes us happier and better to sympathize with the lovely and beautiful in nature. It brings us nearer to God, the source of all true loveliness, and makes us love more dearly all the creatures He has made.
I will see if I cannot do good to some one this day, said Alice. I know I am only a little girl, but I feel sure I can do something; and with this good resolution in her heart, she descended to the dining-room, just as the bell rang for family worship.
When breakfast was ready, the baby worried and cried, and would not sit on the carpet as usual, and amuse himself. Mother looked weary, and it was plain her head ached badly.
Please let me take Willie, mother? said Alice. I would just as soon wait, and I know he will be quiet with me.
I should be very glad if you could divert him, Alice; he is cutting his teeth, and has worried all the night. Poor little fellow!