The churning was done that day without his help. Nothing was seen of him until just before dark, when he came into the house with the air of a prodigal son. He did not walk up like an honest dog to get his supper, but slunk under a table.
The family had agreed to neither chide him nor caress him; but grandfather, who was then a little boy, slyly carried him some supper. Romeo ate it greedily, but looked unhappy all the time as though he knew he had done wrong. It was plain that his conscience was smiting him.
The next week, when churning-time came, Romeo did not try to get away. He stood by watching while the cream was made ready; and, when his master whistled for him to take his place at the churn, he came forward, wagging his tail, as much as to say, "I am not going to be a shirk. I was not half so happy the day I ran away as I should have been if I had done my work cheerfully. I will never be caught shirking again." And he never was.
Daisy's Mamma.
MOTHER'S LAST LOOK.
They're asleep,
So I'll keep
Very still, and peep:
Not too bright,
Candle-light
Is for them to night.
Saturday
Makes them gay,
And they've had their play:
Sled and shout
Have, no doubt,
Tired them fairly out.
Once in bed,
Prayers were said
By each curly-head:
But, before
Half was o'er,
They saw slumber-shore.
Darlings! may
Angels stay,
Bless and for you pray!
May their love,
Like a dove,
Watch you from above!