By and by, Mary was so well that Dr. P— said she must be carried home, as her bed was needed for another patient. When the ladies who visited the hospital so often heard that, they loaded her with books and toys, and some gave her money.
The day she left, the kind doctor put five dollars which had been given her in small sums, into the bank in her name; and promised if no one else bought her a cork leg, he would do so; that she could go to school.
Ruth was dismissed about the same time, and others were brought in to take their places; but Miss Alden did not soon forget her cheerful little charge, nor the endearing title, "Darling," which Mary had so lovingly given her. She parted from her with many tears, after making her promise to come and see "Darling," as soon as she was able.
I have written you this true story, my young readers, that you may learn in the history of Alick, how peaceful and happy is the death of those who put their trust in God; and by the contrast between little Mary and the dropsical old woman; how much more amiable and beloved are those who endure suffering with meekness and patience, than those who fret and murmur at every trifling annoyance, or repine at the allotments of Providence.
[Johnny's Fretting.]
[CHAPTER I.]
JOHNNY'S HOME.
"OH, dear!" exclaimed little Johnny, his full, round face drawn up into a sad scowl, "Oh dear!"
Now I suppose that all the children who read this true story, will imagine that Johnny was sick, or had cut his finger badly, or perhaps had fallen down and bumped his head. But no; he was perfectly well, his fingers were all whole, and he had met with no injury at all.
Perhaps some little Mary or Susy or John, will say, "Johnny must have lived in an old house, with no bed except some straw thrown upon the floor, and no food but a mouldy crust, that was why he kept saying, 'Oh, dear!'"