Such a pitiful thing it was to see this little one, in the beginning of life, bearing a burden so heavy for her weak shoulders, that the children’s tender hearts ached for her, and they poured out their compassion into the ears of their sympathizing friend.
“Papa has plenty of money,” said Rosie, “he might buy things for Alice’s mamma.” And when “papa” came home, the eager sprites surrounded him with designs upon his purse, and entreaties for charity to Mrs. Ross.
“Well, I’ll give you money. I’ll help her. Miss Lane shall tell us what she needs—on one condition.”
They were eager for the “condition;” of course, they would do anything.
“That you deny yourselves enough to pay me for what I give.”
“Of course; but what can we do without, papa? We have everything——” They were rather disappointed for the moment that he had not given them something great to do—some extraordinary self-sacrifice to perform.
“We must have dresses and shoes and stockings, and we can’t do without cloaks, unless we stay in the house all the time—and that would not be right, because we must go to church,” mused Rosie. It was such a novelty to all, that they seemed in great glee, and Jennie began to feel exceedingly virtuous immediately.
“We might sell our skates,” exclaimed Lillie, looking up brightly, but Frank cried out against “taking away all their fun.”
“You must be willing to give up some ‘fun,’ Frank; but I want you to keep your skates. Exercise is good and healthful,” said his papa. “But if you don’t give up something you like, it will not be denying yourself; don’t you see?”
Frank hung his head.