Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1873-12-03


school unless you choose, but should like
you to write it for your own good. Get
your paper, DEAR
Now there was one thing in which Bessie
took real satisfaction, and that was her
penmanship. Few children of her age
could form letters more neatly than could
she, so II was with quite a pleasant ex.
preston that she seated herself with pen
and paper before her. "What shall
write2" asked She
"suro enough, what will you2 am
quite curious to see."
But, really" returned Bessie, petu.
lantly, | do not know what to say"
"First Of all with Blessings for which
| ought TO feel thankful Perhaps, BY
lnd-by, you can erase the words ought to-"
Bessie colored, but she wrote the SEN
tence as her mother gave it. "Will that
do ~ asked she, as she displayed her neat
execution.
Very nicely, indeed. Now write your
first blessing, and then you may 20 down
town with me. | must purchase some new
iiannels, for it is quite time for you to get
on thicker ones"
Going down town was a great treat to
Bessie. They lived in the suburbs Of the
city, and she was never allowed to 90
down among the stores" as she expressed
it, without being accompanied by some
grown person. So she now eagerly set her.
self to work
" Do you think had better write that
ought TO be thankful live in America 2"
If you like. But tell me, first, which
you would prefer, England or Papua7"
"Why, England, to be sure"
why that2"
Because it is a cultivated country
oh, now know what III write. III say
| am glad ! was born in civilized coun.
try"
And what besides civilized, dear2
Isn't 1t n blessing that VIC can worship our
Creator in the form VIC choose ?"
" might add free, Christian coun-
try. viii that do ?"
Yes, that will express your meaning.
And now, prepare yourself as quickly as
possible. 1t is pretty chilly, so you must
dress warmly"
After they had ridden several blocks in
one car, Mrs. Winton changed to another.
"Why, mamma, we have never been this
way before"
"You never have, Bessie | often come
this way"
Presently Mrs Winton motioned for the
car to be stopped.
"Are we TO get out here T. asked Bessie,
unable to conceal her surprise
ayes, Bessie" replied her mother quiz
ety. adding, as they passed to the side
walk, 81 wish to carry little jelly to
some invalids."
Bessie, quite unconscious that she had
been brought here to learn one of those
lessons which are not found in books,
walked along, chatting about the sights
which were so new to her, when suddenly
she came to pause.
80, mamma whispered she, "see all
those barefooted children. And just think
how cold it is"
Suppose, Bessie, that as you do not
care for your shoes and stockings you give
them to one Of those children"
Bessie looked up in bewilderment.
! Among all these strange scenes, had her
own mother slipped away from her?
No. there she stood, apparently expect
ing her child would comply with the
{ strange request.
"Why don't you take them off You
do not think you will miss them, do you2
You are no better off with your warm
/ shoes than those children are in their little
/ bare feet, are you2"
e Bessie understood now. II see what
o you mean, mamma. | will not forget to
. write this blessing down."
e "Are you sure warm clothing is one of
the blessings for which you ought to be
r thankful" 2"
o "Qute sure, mamma" said Bessie.
firmly
t "What are you going to do with those
/ books2' presently asked Bessie, for the
8 first time noticing that her mother was carry
ing some.
0 take one to boy named Albert, and
+ one to girl named Lizzie"
c Let me carry them for you"
] Mrs. Winton handed them in silence.
I "Why, these are Eddie's. Are you 60
ing to give them away2"
" No, only going to lend them. And
this is the house where Albert lives"
, "What dark halls said Bessie as her
! mother led the way up stairs. "Why, are
4. you going up higher 2' continued she, as
: they began to ascend second fight.
1 "Yes, just these"
Mrs. Winton lightly knocked and the
D door was quickly opened by little girl,
whose face Frightened as she saw who stood
without
How do you do, Ella ?" have brought
, my little girl with me to-day"
\ Ella smiled shyly, but only said, "Will
! you walk in please, ma'Omf"
Another face frightened as they stepped
into the room, and Mrs. Winton, taking
) Bessie by the hand, led her across the
, room to where Albert was sitting
How do you feel, to-day ?"
! Better, thank YOU" replied Albert,
cheerfully.
You see have brought you visitor.
This is my little daughter, who is going
down street with me, so | can stay but
few minutes, to-day. l have brought you
another book Are you ready for one 2"
"Yes, ma'am. finished the last, yes
terday."
As for Bessie, she dropped into the chair
which Ella brought to her, unable to speak
I one word Never before had she behed so
pitiful an object as the poor deformed boy.
who now sat before her. Only the head
which was placed on this poor, misshapen
body seemed perfect. Albert's limbs were
badly distorted, and Bessie saw, at a glance,
that he could use neither his hands nor his
feet, as strong and healthy children can.
But the face was one Of rare beauty, and
in it there dweltan expression Of something
beyond mere conteptment-peacelul happi-
ness.
Mrs Winton talked with the little Grip
pie for few moments, and then telling him
she would come again soon, led her little
daughter down the stairs
"0h, mamma Isn't it perfectly dread
, full |" cried Bessie, as they reached the
street.
f" Poor Albert lie is twelve years old
aud yet he has never taken a step in bis
life.n
Bessie sighed. Then she looked up in
/ ha. n,otho.f. c,aa a. ana ,n.n,. \