Thus from cottage to cottage they passed, like angels of mercy, making glad the hearts of the poor.
Returning from these visits to Glen Morris, they prepared for church, where they heard a most excellent sermon, on the duty of gratitude to God. Divine service over, they returned home, sat down at the plentiful table, and feasted on the good things which usually make up a thanksgiving dinner, in homes of wealth and comfort.
When the dessert was brought on, a little paper box was placed, by the servant, beside Guy’s plate. His name was written upon it in the well-known handwriting of his uncle.
“What have you there, Guy?” inquired Hugh, who sat next to his brother.
“Perhaps it’s a jack in the box!” suggested Mr. Carlton.
“A watch! A gold hunting-watch! Oh, what a beauty! Just what I’ve been wanting,” exclaimed Guy, opening the box; “but what’s this writing?”
On the inside of the case was this inscription: “Presented to Guy Carlton in token of my admiration for his kindness to a poor widow in the time of her distress.—Mr. Morris.”
Guy blushed deeply as his brother read this inscription. He was not aware that his uncle knew about his kindness to the widow. But the old gentleman had heard all about it from the grateful woman’s own lips. He now told the story to the family. Mr. Carlton was delighted, and spoke words of approbation that sank deep into Guy’s heart, where they were treasured up with more care than he would have kept ingots of gold.
But there was a frown on Hugh’s face. He had no watch, and Guy now had two. Hence, he felt envious. But before he had time to express himself, as he was about to do, Guy took his old watch from his pocket and placing it in Hugh’s hand, said:
“There Hugh, I’ll give you my old watch. It’s a capital time-keeper!”