Sallie from Massachusetts. I like to hear of an interested reader of my books, but, Sallie dear, do not let them lead you astray. I once went to call on a woman who needed help. It was nearly twelve o'clock, but her breakfast table still stood in the middle of the floor, black with flies; the little mass of oil in which some of them were drowning, had once been butter; her baby was playing with the coal hod, and his face and clothes were the color of it; and everything about the room was in disorder. The mother sat in the one rocking-chair, wiping her eyes over a story which she was reading. "I ought to a done up my work," she said, "but land, I do love to read. I always was literary!" You will never be such a woman as that! I hear you say. No, I do not think you will. Especially since you have taken your pledge.
Helen from Missouri. Poor little Blossom! You have had a hard experience. My heart aches for you; but I am hoping that before this time you are well. I once knew of a boy who was sent to mend a sidewalk, and did his work so poorly, that his mother tripped on the place and broke her limb. I hope no careless boy was the cause of all your suffering. There is a Bible verse for you; did you know it? Look at the latter part of Matthew 8:17.
Susie from Ohio. Welcome, little worker. I hope the new society prospered; let us know how you conduct your meetings, for what are you working, and all about it. With your dear father and mother waiting for you in Heaven, you will want to be sure not to disappoint them. I hope to meet you there.
Kittie and France from New York. To "obey promptly" and to avoid all words and ways which come under the head of "contradicting" are very important things to accomplish. May you and "little sister" be great helps to each other. I am glad you like "Grandma Burton."
Charlie from Missouri. There was no trouble in reading your letter, Charlie. I wish all my correspondents would write as plainly. Oh poor birds! Don't neglect them. If they could fly away in the free air, I think they would feed themselves; but since they can't, help them. As for the wood, perhaps it would come in of its own accord if it had feet. Who knows? But since it hasn't, Charlie must be brisk feet for it. "Do with your might what your hands find to do." Isn't that a good motto?
Millie from Pennsylvania. I am sorry you had such long waiting for your badges. Your first letter must have gone a journey around the world, for I have never seen it. However, I hope it has all been made right at last. If I were not so far away, I would be tempted to accept your kind invitation for Saturday afternoon, but I fear I could not get back in time for Sabbath school, next day!
Maud from Pennsylvania. So you "talk too loud!" Well, you have plenty of company. I know a boy who has to be reminded several times a day, that none of his friends are deaf. Are you ever just a trifle out of patience when your voice is loud? It affects some people in that way.
Lew from Pennsylvania. It is my opinion that a boy who has been "good" for two or three days, can be good the rest of the time. Don't you think so? Try it, my boy. Watch that tongue, for it is a good friend, and a dangerous enemy.
Dear Pansy: