Lillie, Edna, Harry, Walter, Rose, Thad, from Kansas. A full bouquet which bloomed together! We welcome you, every one. Let me see what weeds are to be rooted out; “Getting angry and answering back,” “Forgetting work,” “Carelessness,” “Speaking cross words,” “Being too noisy.” Just imagine what earnest work will have to be done in getting rid of all these choking weeds! Besides these, one Blossom is going to keep careful watch over a set of pearls which have been given her for her own use. She knows that if she takes proper care of them they will be beautiful and helpful all her life; and that if she neglects them, they will become her enemies. I wish you all great success, and will hope to hear from you.
Freddie from New York. So you have a watch to prove to you what a little persevering work will accomplish? Good! The people who get discouraged seldom accomplish much. I hope your temper will, after this, keep as good time as your watch; and that you will be as prompt to follow orders as it is to tick. My boy, you have a special work to do for your mother, in trying to fill your dear father’s place as much as you can. I hope you will be one of her greatest blessings.
Mattie and Philemon from Georgia. A “careless” Blossom and an “impatient” one starting together! Good! I fancy that the careless ways may sometimes provoke the impatient words; and so you two can surely help each other. We shall hope to hear of your great success.
Frank from Massachusetts. “Kind words” are needed everywhere, my boy; but I do not know that they will do more good anywhere than at school among the scholars. I have often wondered at the rough words I heard floating out on the air as I passed playgrounds. If one boy sets an example of kindness and courtesy to all the young people around him, who can tell how the habit may spread, and cause many Blossoms to spring up?
Davenport from Massachusetts. Glad to welcome you; I hope your badge is helping you in all the ways in which you need help. Thank your kind sister for writing in your name. I think she is a very excellent writer for one so young. Let me hear what you are doing, in which your badge has been a help.
Arthur from New Jersey. Ever so many people “don’t want to do the thing which they ought next to do.” Did you know that? the great difference between them is, that some people seize hold of the thing they didn’t want to do, and do it; while some growl around, or whine around, and leave it undone as long as they can. I am glad to know you are, from this time, to belong to the first class.
Robbie from New York. I am very glad to welcome you to the P. S. I am much interested in the club of which you are a member, and would be glad to hear from it from time to time. You did not give me the special habit which you are trying to conquer, but I suppose you know, very well, which it is, and are doing brave work over it.
Florence from New York. When you “get the better” of your temper, and are its mistress instead of being controlled by it, what a happy Blossom you will be! Some people do not think this can be done, but I am sure it can by any one who truly wishes to do so, and seeks and finds the right sort of help.
Kimball from Illinois. Welcome to our garden. “Talking back” is a weed which chokes many flowers; quite hides their sweetness oftentimes. Root it out. Thank you for the kind invitation. I should like to accept it, but fear I will not have time. Will you give my love to grandma, and all the dear ones, and thank them for their kind words to me?
