Mrs. Monson was delighted to see with what reverence both father and mother listened to the services; and she offered up a silent prayer that God, for the sake of Jesus Christ, his well-beloved Son, would convert them and their boy to himself.
[CHAPTER IX.]
CONCLUSION.
AFTER this, every day Oscar went to carry his father's dinner, on his way to school. The teacher had always considered him one of the worst boys in his class; but now she wondered at the change. One day she said,—
"Oscar, I scarcely know you. You have grown very studious and obedient."
"I'm trying to be good and to please Jesus," the boy answered, his lip quivering, while a new expression of humility was stamped upon his countenance.
It was nearly two months after Mr. Bryant's visit, when the gentleman received the following note from his little friend,—
"DEAR MR. BRYANT AND MRS. BRYANT AND IDA,—I like the books very much, indeed. I like the parrot volume best, because it is so funny to hear about parrots talking. I think the dog book is a very nice one, too. Mamma read me about the dogs that were dressed up in a party, and I laughed a good deal; but I don't like them so well as I do Gelert, the good dog, that saved the baby from the wolf.
"Oscar Russel comes here most every day. He is getting to be a real nice boy. I like him, and so does mamma. He never throws stones now. He has begun to pray to Jesus. His mother is growing good, too. She says she can't believe Oscar is her boy, he is so good at home. He tells mamma every naughty thing that he does, just as I do, you know; and she tells him how to conquer his bad temper, and how to be good, so that people will love and respect him.
"It is now very pleasant weather, and I have made a nice plan; but I cannot do it unless you all consent. It is for Abel to harness the old General into our large wagon, and take us together to a berry pasture, about three miles away. Mamma says, there is a beautiful grove near the place, where we can eat the lunch she means to carry, and where the horse can be tied in the shade. Mamma sends her love, and says she hopes you will join our party, and she invites you to leave your horse in our barn, and to come back with us and eat blueberries and milk for tea.
"Your little friend,
"CHARLEY MONSON."