Then Willie turned round, and, as still as a mouse,

Crept slowly and carefully into the house.

In his own little chamber he knelt down to pray

That the Lord would forgive him, and please not to say,

“Little Willie almost stole an apple to-day.”

THE CHILD’S PRAYER.

The curtains drawn across the light

Made darkness in the room,

And in our watching eyes and hearts

Fear wrought an answering gloom.