“I would buy a basket and some matches, and other things, and sell them in the street; and then my poor mother would not have to work so hard.”
“You are a good son,” was the reply; “and I would willingly lend you the dollar, if I thought you were old enough to carry out the plan.”
“Only try me, sir!” exclaimed the animated child. “Only try me! You shall see that I can do it.”
At this moment, a hasty summons from a friend reminded the gentleman that he must not miss an approaching omnibus. He placed a dollar in Ernest’s hand; and without waiting to hear his expressions of gratitude, sprung into the coach, and was soon out of sight.
With rapid steps, Ernest passed through the crowded streets, until he turned down the narrow alley which led to his own home.
His delight was almost too great for utterance; and he clasped his arms around his mother’s neck, and fairly sobbed for joy.
“What is the matter, my dear son?” exclaimed Mrs. Lawrence, in alarm. “What new misfortune has befallen us! Would not Mr. Thayer give me employment?”
“Oh yes, mother; yes, indeed; and here is the dollar he sent you. I am not crying because I am sorry, mother. My heart is very glad. You will not have to work so hard any more, mother; and I shall help to support you and little Rosy. See what a kind friend has lent me.” And as Ernest spoke, he held up the dollar which the gentleman had given him.
“And how will this enable you to support us, my child?” asked the widow, in astonishment, for she could not understand the meaning of Ernest’s words.
“You shall see, mother. I will try my best, and our Heavenly Father will help me. This dollar will buy me a basket, and a few things to put in it; and when I have sold those, I can buy some more. You do not know how well I can call matches, mother;” and he imitated the shrill cry so skilfully, that Rosy clapped her hands with admiration, and even his mother smiled at his enthusiasm.