"But you shall have it on," said James, taking it off the table, and putting it on his head.
Charles took it quietly off his head, and laid it on the table.
The lady looked surprised; and drawing Charles to her, she said, "What is the meaning of your behaviour? Why will you not play with us?"
"Perhaps you may not be pleased, if I tell you, Ma'am; and I do not wish to make you angry," answered little Charles.
"But I will know," said the lady, looking vexed.
"My poor papa, when he was alive," said Charles, "used to tell me that I ought not to wish for any thing but God's blessing: and he taught me this verse—Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you: (Matt. vi. 33.) and this is the reason why I do not like to put on the wishing-cap."
While little Charles was speaking, the rest of the children stood staring and laughing; and when he had done, the lady pushed him away, saying, "You are a strange, foolish boy, and not fit to play with other children. Go to bed immediately."
Charles went up to his room. His cheeks were wet with tears, and his heart was very sad. He remembered, that he once had a papa to lean his head against when he was unhappy, and a dear mamma to wipe away his tears; but they were both dead: yet still he had a Saviour to whom he might freely go. So he tried to lift up his heart to this dear Saviour, and laying his little head on his pillow, he fell asleep. In his sleep he had a very sweet dream about heaven: and when he awoke in the morning, he remembered these words in the Prophet Isaiah—As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you. (Isaiah lxvi. 13.)
While Charles was dressing himself, he heard a very great noise down stairs. He made haste, and running into the play-room, he found the rest of the children screaming and jumping for joy. Charlotte dressed in a new muslin frock; Louisa with the wax doll she had wished for; James riding on a large new rocking-horse; and Edward with a coachman's whip.