IT was truly a pleasant scene; the cheerful fire burned brightly in the grate, as the little group gathered around their mother, their eyes sparkling with the eager anticipation of pleasure. The hour so much longed for had arrived; and Mrs. Dermott, taking in her hand a nicely-bound volume of the Catechism, proceeded, in fulfilment of her promise, to explain and illustrate it to her youthful audience.
Addressing her eldest son, a bright, active boy of twelve summers, she asked, "Walter, what is the chief end of man?"
In a low but distinct voice, he replied, "Man's chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever."
"What is the meaning of chief end?"
"Principal object or business."
"Yes; Isabelle is just beginning to attend school. Can you tell me, Helen, what her chief end is while there?"
"To learn to read and spell."
"I learn geography, too," lisped the little one, "and can tell which is my right hand, and which is my left hand."
Mrs. Dermott and the children smiled, while she continued: "If Isabelle should go to school some day, and spend all her time in whispering or drawing pictures on her slate, what would be her chief end?"
"To play."