And the teacher was careful to tell them, it was the spirit of love in which the two mites were brought, not simply that they were two mites, which made Christ bless the woman; for if, in the same spirit, she had brought twenty mites, her blessing would have been the same.
The children saw, then, how shameful had been their conduct, and it seemed just to them that the Christ-child should refuse their offerings.
But they asked if they might not give their money to Susan and Johnny?
"No," replied the teacher; "she does not need your money; she could give you nothing in return for it. But, instead, you may give her your love;—that she would like, and can return;—and, by-and-by, when you have learned well your lessons of kindness, give the money where love prompts you."
And, from that time, they began to learn these lessons; they saw how Susan, if her clothes were coarse, had in her heart what was worth more than fine clothes, and all the riches which are in the world; and if they would have their gifts accept
able to the Christ-child, they must have such in their hearts!
Susan went home happy—bearing on her arm a basket of grapes and oranges for Johnny, to tell him how the teacher had sent them to him, and that they must be more and more loving and self-denying, since their God would love them.