"But now let's to business. I think you approve
Of doing kind 'favours' for those whom we love;
And if they deserve it, why, so much the better,
For here is the gist of this wonderful letter.
"I must own, my dear cousin, I thought it a shame
This prize for fine writing fell not to your name.
In the judge's decision I can't quite agree,
So, dear little maiden, it seemeth to me
"That your 'subject' herself should do what she can;
And, after some thought, I have hit on this plan:
To send you this prize for the story you tell
Of the 'angel' who loves you so truly and well,
"But remember, my darling, you always will find
That a heart that is generous, truthful, and kind,
Where self and deceit and envyings hard
No entrance can find, is its own best reward.
"And the smile of the Shepherd, who dwells up above,
And watches His lambs with the tenderest love,
Will always be ours when the victory we win,
By the help of His grace in the conflict with sin.
"And now this long letter I'll bring to a close,
The thought it has cost me, oh, nobody knows!
With much love to yourself, and to Bessie the same,
I'll say no more, Maggie, but just sign my name,
"Your 'subject,' MAY BESSIE."
Maggie went into ecstasies of delight over this letter, as well as over the beautiful gift which accompanied it; but Bessie, although she shared to the full her sister's pleasure in the latter, could not be persuaded to say she thought the verses so very fine.
"Why, what's the matter with it?" said Maggie, "I think it's lovely."
"I don't think it's so very nice," answered Bessie, gravely regarding the letter with an air of comic displeasure.
"Well," said Maggie, "maybe it's not so very po'try, but it jingle-jangles so nicely. I wish you would like it."