truth compels me to say that she has a great many brothers and sisters! But Stella is not to belong to their family any more.
Mabel from New York. I once had a kitchen girl who was a source of great amusement to my family because she fretted about everything. One morning I said to her: "Rebecca, we are going to have a rainy day, I fear."
"Of course we are," she answered; "as sure as I have a large wash, and need sunshine especially much, it is sure to rain." An hour afterwards the sun was shining brightly. As I went through the wash-room I said to Rebecca, "It didn't rain after all, did it? See what beautiful air for drying clothes."
"Oh yes," she said, "sun hot enough to bake me just as I am ready to hang out clothes; that is always the way."
The fact was, poor Rebecca in her younger days had contracted such a habit of fretting, that she really seemed unable to find a bright side to anything. I am glad you are pledged against such an enemy.
Agnes from Illinois. I think The Pansy is a very nice present. I am glad you agree with me. I agree with you that forgetful people are very troublesome, and sometimes in danger. There was once a little girl who forgot to turn out the gas in her room, but blew it out instead, as though it was a candle, and lost her life in consequence. We welcome you to the P. S.
Mertie from Maine. "Foolish" questions are really very troublesome. The other day I sent a boy to the cellar for a certain jar. "Which jar?" he asked. "I told you there was but one," I said. "Oh, where is it?" "In the cellar, as I told you." "Which cellar?" said this foolish boy; and yet he knew as well as I did, that there was but one cellar in the house.
This same boy once lost his breakfast because he did not get up when he was called. I congratulate your mother because of your pledge.
Medie from Michigan. Carelessness is a dangerous enemy. A careless little girl set a bottle on a chair within reach of her baby sister, and now poor baby is blind! It only took a moment to put the bottle in the right or wrong place. So sometimes the carelessness of one minute causes a life time of sorrow. Welcome to our garden. I am glad you mean to work to extend the usefulness of The Pansy.
Hattie from Illinois. Did you ever read the story of the great man who had a little dog named Diamond? I always admired his patience. If you do not know the story, suppose you look it up. Will you kiss Marion for me?