I hope you find your badge a reminder whenever you are tempted not to do the next thing promptly.
Rufus and Mamie from Massachusetts. So glad to welcome these dear people to our garden! I think often of Rufus’ pleasant face, and of his tender care of Mamie. I wonder if that little Blossom is becoming less timid? Flowers often droop their heads, but the sweet, gentle dews make them look up and smile. I think the dew of gentleness will drop all around Mamie’s life and give her courage. Thank the dear mamma for her sweet, kind, strong words to me. When we all get home, what a happy time we shall have together.
George from Indiana. Oh! these tempers. I think I must have said that at least a dozen times this morning. I find so many of my Pansies tortured by that weed “anger.” If we were not sure we could succeed, how discouraging it would be! As it is, I rejoice over every new name I write in our great pledge book.
Emma from Dakota. I congratulate mamma. I know by experience just how trying it is to have to repeat the same direction several times before it is obeyed. If you read the answers to letters, you will notice how many of our Pansies are at work in the same line. We will take courage; the next men and women will be stronger and better than we.
EXTRACTS FROM PANSY LETTERS.
Dear Pansy:
I am a little girl ten years old. I have taken The Pansy for two years, and like it ever so much. I got some nice presents from the Publishers: a knitting machine, two balls of yarn, a box of Logomachy, and your picture. I think Nettie Decker was splendid. And Grandma Burton did tell such lovely stories! My grandma went to Heaven just a little while ago. She was eighty-four years old. Mamma thinks I am making my letter too long, but I cannot tell you all I want to in a little short letter. If you would only come to Wells Island I would go down there on purpose to see you; I think a great many other Pansies would do the same.
I have many faults to overcome. One is, not being up in time for breakfast; another is, not doing things quickly; and, not putting things in their places when I have done with them. My two little brothers want badges. One will try not to act cross when he can’t have things just as he wants them, and one will try to remember to take off his hat when he comes into the room.
Your loving friend,
Gracie Conger.