The Potter journal and news item. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1872-1874, 1873-02-28

Does my ltIle arthur KNOW That
he has been very naughty?' said
she, as she led him into the sitting
room and took the dripping little
figure upon her lap.
Pm all wet as anything was his
evasive reply.
Mother told you not to co. she
continued, seriously; 'and now she
must punish you.'
Arthur understood that. His face
became very sober, and the salt tears
mingled plentifully with the rain
drops, which still stood upon his rosy
checks.
Meanwhile the little girls looked
quietly on; but the lady took no no
tice Of them.
What are you going to do with
him" whispered Mabel, at length.
Put him to bed,' was the reply.
At which Arthur's distress became
audible.
4 wish you wouldn't begged Nam
ME, earnestly; because, you see, We
made him go,'
'He disobeyed me- said the lady.
But we told him to- said Mabel,
the tears standing in her gray eyes.
You ought to send US to bed
You're not my little girls. can't
send you to bed
MY mother isn't here said Nam
ME, apologetically.
Mine isn't, ether echoed Mabel /;
'and Aunt Eliza never does anything
to us unless we break something
very well. You can have good
time this afternoon, then, replied the
lady; 'but Arthur must stay in bed
until teatime.'
A good time, indeed! Never were
two little faces more utterly crest
fallen and disconsolate in expression.
'Iou1l give him some dinner,
won't your sobbed Mabel.
oh! yes. And you had better go
now and get off your wet clothing
before the bell rings
They crept slowly up the stairs.
! 'Oh! l wish mother Yves here,
cried Mamie, vainly trying to unite
the knot in her boot-lacing. ARTHUR
wouldn't have gone one step if it
hadn't been for me; and now-he-'
Here the little voice gave way utterly;
and, notwithstanding her hurry, she
indulged in good hearty cry.
1s'pose, said Mabel, thongktfplly,
his mother thinks he might go Oil
with some other girls some time; and
that's the reason she put him to bed.
! A wise thought, as Mabel's gener-
ally were; but, somehow, it brought
no consolation. after dinner, tic
rain continuing, the little girls .,ont
to their room again and, finding
books and games equally dull and
uninteresting, Shrew themselves upon
the bed, apparently sick at heart and
weary of the world; but after awhile
Though how it happened NTcs never
satisfactorily explained) were FORUM
ate enough to forget their sorrows
and remorse in a long, sound sleep
When they awoke, Arthur's mother
stood at the bedside, with her little
boy in her arms. He looked smiling
and happy (perhaps kind-heartei'
Morpheus had done something for
him also); but his first question
showed that he had not quite forgot
ten the mornings adventure:
sYou dot all dwied up?'
'OhI you cunning little thing,
cried Mamie. IF you're evernaughty
again, it won't be my fault; at least,
| don't think it will
Nor mine,' rejoined Mabel, deci.
) dedly.
: The lady seated herself upon the
!; bed, and Arthur crawled over to Ma.
I bells side and laid his little head up,
on the pillow beside her.
I'm dood now, said he, compla
5 Gently.
Arthur thinks he shall always be
: a good boy in future, said his mother
But I'm afraid he may forget some
S times; so I want you to try and helr
, him while you stay here. Will you?
Both the children gave an uncon
5 ditional promise.
!. Il know l can trust you (Sht
/ was really touched at the traces O
D tears upon the little round cheeks.
S 'Let us all try to be good now. W.
8 know who loves us and takes care O
Y US always; don't we?'
e Yes whispered Mabel, I'VE know.