THE WHITE AND PINK TULIP.
The sad story of guilt and grief had so much hurt the two girls, that for some days they could think of nothing else; and they became grave and mournful. To revive their spirits, their Aunt took them to walk in the noble gardens of Lord Glenmore. Among the beds of flowers, was a plot of tulips of the finest forms, and the brightest colours: one of the tulips the Aunt plucked, and gave to Kate. It was a double one, of snowy brightness, with the edges tinted in shades of the richest crimson: nothing could be more lovely; and Kate said she would draw and paint it, as soon as she got home. "That is one of the uses of drawing and painting, Kate, to preserve an image of the lovely objects which nature scatters around us. When you have done this piece, we will take it to our friend, the widow; she is fond of flowers, and will value your sketch. Thus by your skill, in this charming art, you will not only preserve a picture of this lovely flower, but you will please one, who has pleased you, and deserves this mark of your regard."
Many other fine shrubs and plants were seen in the grounds and gardens; but no object gave them more joy, than their poor man digging away in one corner. He looked well, and seemed happy, and was kindly spoken of by the bailiff of Lord Glenmore, who told them the poor fellow worked hard, and was very grateful. And the man took off his ragged hat, and made a bow so humble, so thankful, it was cheering to look upon him. It was cheering to think a fellow-creature had been saved from sorrow, and placed where he could earn his bread with decent pride. "Do not let us think how often we have been misled by the poor," said the good Aunt; "let us only think of such as this man, who was a real object of distress, who has proved honest and grateful. It is better to take any trouble than to let one case of real distress pass without aid. How great is the reward for all our trouble, when we can gaze upon one eye lighted up to gladness through our efforts!"