Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-10-19
Little Alice's Resolution.

Little Alice arose one bright MAY morn
Ing, just as the sun was peeping through
the white curtains of her little chamber
and, after offering simple morning prayer
from the depths of her happy heart, She
easily prepared herself for breakfast. How
beautiful the earth looked, all sparkling
with dew drops, and how merriIy the birds
sang on the tops of the apple trees! Al
ices heart grew happier as she looked out
upon them, and listened to the sweet hym-
nings All was astir ir in the yard below.
The speckIed hen hustled about her ten
chickens, anxious to pick them up a break
fast of stray worms and bugs; the big
Shanghai stood on stone and was pour
ing forth blast from his clarion which
might have awakened an armv. Alice
laughed at his pompous, ungainly figure,
which seemed still more uncouth by con,
trast with the stately peacock, which Just
then swept down the carriage walk. 1t
was, indeed, lovely morning, and the lit
tie girl had arisen just in time to appreciate
its beauties. 1t always makes us happier
and better to sympathize with the lovely
and beautiful in nature. 1t brings us near
er to God, the source of all true loyeliness,
and makes Us love more dearly all the crea-
lures he has made.
81 will see if cannot do good to some
one this day." said Alice. a know / am
only little girl, but feel sure / can do
! 'lsomething;" and with this good resolution
+ in her heart, she descended to the dining
room just as the bell rang for fa,.;iy -.
. .l~ls IV.
worried and cried, and would not sit on the
carpet as usual, and amuse himself Moth
er looked weary, and it was plain her head
ached badly.
'Please let me take Willie, mother"
said Alice. Il would just as lief wait, and
| know he will be quiet with me-"
Il should be very glad if you could di-
; vert him, Alice; he is cutting his teeth,
J and has worried all night. Poor little fel-
loww
Alice borrowed Franks marbles, and sat
1 down with baby on the carpet The bright
ened balls pleased him, and he loved to
roll them about with his little fat hands,
!, His sister patiently gathered them up when
they rolled beyond his reach, and thus the
; ; meal time passed. She did not envy hel
brother his warm breakfast; the though
fof helping her dear, kind mother was
hundred times more satisfaction. The In
= fuence of a good example is often conta
y gious, and after breakfast, the usually care
a less, whistling Frank sat down and playec
e with the baby while Alice was eating.
!, She did not conclude now that she haC
done enough for one day, but after the ba
At by had drank his cup of new milk, sh
coaxed him into his cradle, giving him on
J. of his gayest toys, and then sang swce
s lulling song, which presently soothed tn
=. weary, restless little one into a quiet, re
Y freshing slumber. 1t more than repaid he
ie for all her trouble to hear her mother say
ID "Dear Allie, you have helped me grea
deal this morning, and your little brothe
" will feel much better for good sleep"
i Just then grandpa entered, leaning o
W his staff, and walking feebly, as he fe
II more than usually unwell that mornin!
er Alice sprang to his side, and assisted hil
to cross the room, where his easy cha
% was placed beside his favorite window.
er Il will bring you in your toast and te
IN grandpa, as soon as Margaret makes them
I9 she SAID cheefAy.
~ "Thank you, my child, but / do not ca
"a 10 much for them; my appetite is quite po
K to day"
Just try little" she added, as she pas
er ed 'ut in the kitchen. She returned pre-
entl ;, with nice laid tray, and placi
lis it be fore him, she broke the the egg in
hise ass, and poured out cup of fl
: : !, grant tea, chatting pleasantly all the viii
e' The old mans heart warmed, as he j
"a tened to her sunny, cheering words. Tl
breakfast was eaten with relish that
did not anticipate. and his wasted frar
Gu was refreshed and inyigorated.
IN Who eff my little readers will form
ass same resolution, and then carry it out
m ins faithfully as did little Alice2