About two months after this time, all the children were taken ill with a fever which was then going about London. They all recovered, however, but little Charles; for though the lady took great care of him, because she now began to love him, and though a very skilful doctor came often to see him, yet he got worse and worse. For many days he could not speak, and did not know any body.
At last, the time of his death drew very near. He had been asleep; and opened his eyes, while the lady was standing by his bed. He looked quite cheerful; and holding out his hand to her, "I am going to die, Ma'am," he said, "I feel death approaching; but I am very happy. That dear Saviour whose love my father taught me to seek, is very near me, though my eyes do not now see him. He comforts me with his promises, and tells me that for his sake death shall be made easy to me.
"It was because I desired his love alone, that I ceased to wish for other things. I knew that they could not make me happy. All the world, my papa taught me, could not make me happy without my Saviour's love. And now I am going to this dear Saviour; and I know that he will forgive my sins, because he gave me grace to seek him."
Then little Charles prayed that God would bless the lady, and the other children under her care: and soon afterwards he died.
I am happy to tell you, that the lady never forgot little Charles's words upon his dying bed. From that time, she gave her heart to seek heavenly blessings instead of earthly possessions: and she used often to say to the other children, when they were wishing for toys, or other foolish things, "Remember little Charles; and, like him, put away the wishing-cap."
And so I say to you, my dear little children, who may hereafter read this story,—
DON'T PUT ON THE WISHING-CAP.
FINIS.