Janet was left an orphan, very young; and she had a little brother and a little sister to share her sad fate. It was a pretty sight to see her and them; she, working at a table, with a basketful of work upon it; little Paul trying to read; and little Jessy standing by him, helping him to spell, and find out the hard words. Janet, when she found herself alone in the world, was very sad, but she had no time for sorrow, she had to take care of her dear little ones, teach them, work for them, play with them; she hired a small neat room in which they all lived; and the smiles and kisses of Paul and Jessy were her sweetest comfort and reward. She used to rise early; and, whilst they yet slept, she was busy. Jessy was very proud, when she could do anything to help her dear sister; and Paul was all joy, when he had a job to do for her, or an errand to run on. The neighbours were very kind to the orphans; for when people behave well and help themselves, every body is willing to help them. What a seemingly small service is welcome to the poor and friendless! a basket of fruit, a half worn garment, even a few kind words. But Janet was not idle, nor wholly leaning on her friends for food and raiment. No, she earned a little money by her needle, and she made the best of all that was given her; and an old uncle used to send her a crown every Monday. How much good did this crown produce! Part of it paid the rent; and the rest was spent in bread and milk, fuel, soap, and candles. Ah! how many things we want, before we deem ourselves in comfort. Janet was thankful to procure those most needed, and without a sigh gave up all else. "If I can but keep myself in health to work for my two dear ones, and if I can but see them well and merry, I shall be content." So said Janet; and, when the weather was fine, she would send the children out to play in the fields, and sometimes go with them herself, as a treat. I think, we must call this story, "The Good Sister."
THE HAPPY FAMILY.
I once knew two charming little girls, and a smiling boy, who were so happy, so happy! They loved each other fondly, and what was the joy of one was the joy of all. I can fancy I see them now, seated all three at a table, their heads closely meeting, as they all read the same book, or looked at the same pictures. Their parents were rich, and could afford them many fine things, but their chief good arose from love, and concord.
If one was in trouble, the others would unite to help him out of it; and, if one was sick, he was sure of at least two good nurses. Had one a toy or a cake, it was worth nothing till shared with the other two; and if you pleased one, you were sure to please all. No noise, no murmurs were heard, where they dwelt. There was much laughing, indeed, and some singing; much chatting, and much dancing. If one played a tune on the piano, the other two would stand by, and sing to the merry music. All three could dance in a reel; so a reel was the chosen dance; and for the tune, all sang it as they danced. Was a letter to be written; one would write, and the others help to spell the words, and think what was best to say. Was a lesson to be learnt; there was such hearing, and prompting, and helping, that the lesson was soon learnt by all. With the early lark, they sprang from their beds, to meet each other; and not till the glow-worm was shining on the dark turf did they part, with many tender "Good-nights:" always at peace with each other, they were so with all the world. No harsh words passed their lips; no dark frowns gloomed their brows. They were not pretty; but people thought them lovely, because their looks were so sweet and gentle. They were not very clever; but people called them very clever, because their manners were so mild, and frank, and pleasing. By their conduct, these three dear children caused their own bliss, and gained the love and esteem of all around them. I should think, to copy them would be very easy and very pleasant suppose, Charles, you try!
THE OLD GRANDFATHER.
Once upon a time, as the story book says, there lived an old man, in a snug little cottage. There was only one room, and one door, and one window, and a small garden on the side. Old as the poor man was, he used to go out to work in the fields; and he would come home at night so tired and so weak, with his tools on his shoulder, and his hard-earned loaf tied up in his bag. And who do you think used to meet him at his cottage door? Two children, the little ones of his son, a boy and a girl. They were too young to work, except to weed the garden, or fetch water from the brook, or pick up stones in the meadows. For such little jobs, the farmers would pay them with a few old clothes; and the bread the aged grandsire earned, with what fruits and things grew in the garden, just kept them from starving. In winter, when it was cold, they had no lamp, and very little fire; so they used to huddle close to each other for warmth, the girl on one knee, the boy on the other, and listen to the old man. Sometimes, he would tell them droll tales; sometimes, he would teach them a prayer or a hymn; sometimes, he would talk to them of their father, who was at sea, and of their mother, who was in the grave. And then they would nestle in the old man's bosom, and so, lying down on their straw pallet, they would all fall into sweet slumber.
The Old Grandfather.