The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1844-01-08
Youths Department,
THE HAPPY CHILD.
nv MIA, HARRIET n. STOWE.


%, yes,' said little Robert, when we were there
yesterday, he took US up into little room shat was
all full orpaythings just like a toy shop
HE had little guns and drums, and trumpet
and Rle,' said Edward, 'and one Of tho drums was
real one, papa, such as men play on
And, papa, he had railroad cars, with little
railroad for them to go on, and steam engine and al
said Robert
'And whole company of wooden soldiers said
Edward.
'And all sorts of blocks to build houses said Rob
cit
And besides, papa said Edward, he has real
live pony to ride on, such funny little fellow you
never saw, and he has such pretty little riding stick
and splendid saddle and bride.'
'ReaIy,' said their father, you make out quite
list ofposseSsions.'
20, but. papa we have not told you half /; he has
beautiful flower garden, and gardener to cultivate
j, for him, SO that he don't have take any trouble
with it, and he can do anything with the flowers he
chooses
o! and papa, he has rabbits. and beautiful SPUR
rel, with cage fixed nicely, and the squirrel plays
so many droll tricks ard he has parrot that can
talk and laugh, and call his name, and say great
many funny things
well sad their Gather, suppose you think that
James is very happy boy''
% yes, indeed, papa, how can he help being hap
py'' said both boys; besides, his mamma, he says
lets him do very much he kes-about every thing
Indeed said their father ; and was he so very
happy all day when you were there
why no, not all day. said Edw ard, but there
was reason for it for in the morning we had plan
ned to go to the Lake to fish, and it rained, and
il made James feel rather cross, / suppose.
But said his father, should have thought from
your account, that there were things enough in the
house to have amused you ALL
'But james said he was so used to all those things
that he did not want to play with them, said Robert;
'he called some OF the pretties things he had, ugly
old things and said he hated the sight of Them
'Wel,' said their father, Il suppose If the truth
known, james is not to be much enved after ALL
1 havo been week at time at his fathers house,
and have thought that more uncomfortable, un-
happy tempered little fellow, never saw
well, that is strange said Edward. / am sure
would be happy if was in his place
Il am afraid you would not said his father, 'for
believe it is having many things that makes HIM
unhappy
Having so many things, papa'' said both
boys.
'Yes, my sons; but will explain this more to you
some other time. However, this afternoon you
are going to have ride with me- think will take
you to little boy who is very happy boy,
as I think, said their father
Il wonder if this can be the house'' said Edward
to Robert the carriage stopped before very small
brown house.
Their father got ont and asked them to walk in
with him. 1t very little house with only two
rooms in it; and in the they entered that they
saw very pale, thin little boy. lying on small,
low bed in front of the door His face was all worn
away by disease, and his ttlc hands, were folded on
the outside of the bed, thin, could al
most see through them. He had few paythngs
lying by him on the bed, and a little stand by
him was cracked brown mug, in which were some
sweet peas, and lorkspurs, and lavender, and bright
yellow marigold; besides this lay well worn Bible
and Hymn Book. His mother ironing in the
next room, hut when she the boys and their
father, she came forward TO receive them.
'Wel, my little fellow said Mr. Thompson, how
do you do to day''
%, pretty comfortable he said.
Il have brought up my boys to you said MI
Thompson.
The sick boy smiled, and reached out one of his
Thin little hands to welcome them Edward and
Robert took his hand, and then turned around and
looked anxiousy at their father.
Papa, how long has he been sickl asked Rob-
ert.
More than year, young gentlemen said his
mother, Sits year since he's been able be turned
ut all in the bed he has to lie all the time, Just a.
you see on his back
%, what long time! said Edward, why CAM
you turn him and let him lie on his side''
Because it hurts him to lie on either sde'
what 10 the matter with him.' asked Rob
en.'
why, the doctor says it is a complain, of thu
bone; it began more than two years ago, down in hi
foot, and they had to cut the foot off, in hopes tina
it would stop it; but it didn't, and then they cut of
the leg above the knee, and that didn't stop it. ant
it's creeping.up, np and finally it will be the deati
of him. He suffers dreadfuly of nights, sometimes nc
sleep at all for two or three nights
20, father, how dreadful y said Edward, PRESSING
rclose to his father.
Papa said Robert looking up and whispering