The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1853-05-18
.ST0RY FOR CHILDREN
LEARNING LESSONS.
BY MRS. Macy r. DUDLEY.

"
By MRS. MARxE. DUDLEY
"tfurrah! here is fun forus, boys-le,us
give it toshem!'' exclaimed several lads, as
they rushed from the school room Of the
district, for the morning recess.
Suiting the action to the word. they ST
once made the sof snow in balls, with which
they commenced assailing a liileboy and
girl who we're slowly ascending the hill
near the school-house. s@tf
"Give il 'em ArihurP' exclaimed a big
hoy. as he handed a ball to Arthur Leslie.
who apparently had no relish for the.fun.
"Come, Arthur, you're no coward-let
it driye!" said another.
sThey're nothing but poor Paddies!"
chimes in a third.
Arthur hesitated a moment, and then
said.
wouldn't-they never hurt u.s."
"Hurt us!' exclaimed another, mo mat
ter If they haynt-h's too good fun to see
Them. shake off the snow, and try TO
dodge them"
Get out of the way, If you can Paddles"
exclaimed he, as W. balls nearly brought
little Mary Mckay to the ground.
You had better 60 with them, if you
like them % well, Arthur Halo! Arthur
Leslie is afraid Of q Paddy boy-or may
be it's the girl he's afraid of" shouted
one.
Nov is your turn, we know you're no
coward;s' and down crouched Arthur be-
hind a bigger boy; and his SNOWFALL hit
little Pat Mckay on the side Of his head.
for his cap was off. and his little sister was
reaching il to linn.
Down vent his pail Of milk, for which
he had walked two miles this cold, frosty
morning. IIc was evidently hurt. for he
now sat down in the snow, and cried Bit
terly, while lille Mary went for the pail,
which had tumbied down Hill.
One boy, more unfeeling than the 9TH
ers, exclaims-
"Lap up the milk, Pat-,hatll cure
yon.n
Tho bell rung. and the fun was over.
but not its effect upon the hearts of the
children who had been actors in the
scene.
"IIow happens it that your spelling is
imperfect, Arthur" asked the teacher, who
was evidently surprised attthe occurrence
80 unusual.
wasnt thinking-but please try me
again. | can spell the words;''' andhe did
spell them.
Next time you must think before you
spell. and not after. Stop zone momeit
are you welli'' said the. teacher, who had
noticed Arthur's unusually sad expression
Of countenance.
tsYee'unh pretty vel. replied he, as he
sgain tried 10 force back The tears.
When Arthur returned home, at noon
he wes not as happy-looking as usual, and
his grandmother. with whom he lived
hotioed thai he ate his dinner hurriedly,
and once or twice his little chubby red
hand brushed across his eyes.
Aher dinner, Arthur look up o book in
which he had been much Interested bul
that wssasoon laid aside. He then went
into the garden, to see if there was any.
thing gfeen where the snow had melted
away-then. as he walked slowly towards
the house, he met his grandma atthe door.
who exciaimed-
"come here, Arthur. and see this pretty
present-twas brought for you thissmorn.
ing. Sec. isn't ii beantifull' said she,
holding up ! little bunch Of hackleberry
plums.
How bright and red they look, as they
peep out from behind The brown and green
leavesi
"Nhy, grandma / didn't know they
bad come. Did grandpa get them? ]
didn't know he was going 10 the woods
to-dsy!' exclaimed Arthur, as. taking
them, his cotntenance frightened.
.No, dear. Grandfather has not been
To- lhe woods; but q little friend of yours
brouehs them. and ! think be must have
had no little trouble finding them. Task
ed him II he had none for himself. "No
ma'am; but n you please. ma'am. give
them 10 Arthur!'' said little Patrick"
.,Ohl grandma" said Arthur, asShe
huffiedly laid them on the table, 81 don
want Them if he drought ihem-I don'i,'
and he burs, intossears.
my child, charlottesville mean? Why
Idon't understand Il at all-areSyou sick
Arthur" 8
sOh,. no, gfandma, but please let-me
sssy-s q home this afternoon; do grandma
Lam not sick, but. oh, dear! / feel dread.
fully
ssYou may lie down on the lounge, Ar.
,h,,r and affer net through with my. werl,