There was hardly one among these seven children, unless it were the baby, who was too young to understand, who had not learned more in those few days of disaster than in many months when the course of their life was smoother. Madge had grown wiser than to think again that those who talk the most of their affection, will prove to possess more than those who are less demonstrative, when the trial comes. Bob had learned not only to be strong, and to act for those younger and weaker than himself, but also to be tender and patient with the little ones. Jack had given up amusing himself at the expense of other people. Jem could not often thenceforward deceive himself into the belief that he was doing what was best for others, when he was really only gratifying his own selfish wishes. Edie and Bessie had been taught to make themselves of use in the house, instead of playing or idling while Madge did all the drudgery, and scarcely had a moment in which to rest.
With all these lessons learned by heart, the children, big and little, could not fail to be happier than of old. They understood each other’s value better, and loved each other more, so that they were more lenient to one another’s failings.
Mrs. Coleson brought Amy up to London at intervals of a few months to see them; for the little girl’s plan was realized, and she and her mother and sisters lived in the most countrified of country places, where everything was fresh and sweet, and the air was pure, and, instead of smelling of smoke, was laden with the scent of flowers. Here the youngest child had learned to walk at last, and was growing healthier day by day, while little Kitty was becoming a sturdy brown-cheeked rustic girl, and Amy was acquiring round cheeks, tinged with rose-colour.
But Mrs. Coleson used always to look with wonder on her cousin’s family.
“How is it,” she would ask, “that, in spite of the London atmosphere and everything, you all look so healthy, strong, and bright?”
And Mr. Kayll would answer:
“It’s because we all work hard, and don’t make ourselves unhappy about little troubles, for we know what great ones are like.”
Blackie & Son’s
Illustrated Books for Children
THE BIG BOOK OF FAIRY TALES. Selected and edited by Walter Jerrold. With 400 illustrations in Colour and Black-and-White by Charles Robinson. Large 4to, cloth, gilt edges, 7s. 6d. net.