Vermont farmer. [volume] (Newport, Orleans County, Vt.) 1870-1877, 1876-02-11
THE spEcKED APPLE.

Mr. Arden had two daughters, Jsns and
MARTINIQUE twelve years old AID the other
thirteen-at the time of the incident we are
about to relate.
A little girl named Mary. about the age
Of Martha, also made one Of the family of
Mr. Arden. She was the orphan child of a
friend, and had been received by Mr. Arden
when quite young, and treated with all the
kindness that marked his conduct toward
his own children.
Mr. Arden was q man who understood
very well that all the unhappiness in the
world had its origin in sefshness, and that
the true way to find happiness was to seek
the good of others. He often explained
this to his children, and taught them that in
prefeTriDg one another, 10 little as we'll
as great things, they would feel more
real delight than in selfShly looking to
their own indulgence.
But this he found very hard lesson for
young minds to learn. Especially bard did
it seem to Jane and Martha to prefer Mary
in anything to themselves. They loved her
because she was gentle, swest-tempered girl,
and, therefore, they could not help loving
her; but they loved themselves better.
One day, late in the winter, at q time
when fruit was scarce, Mr. Arden, on coming
from his Office, brought home with him three
large mellow pippiDs. They were intended
for Jane, Martha, and Mary. While at tea
Mr. Arden mentioned the fact that he had
three large apples in his coat pocket for the
girls.
30 give me mine !" said Jane, eagerly.
"iiys me mine, papa said Martha.
But Mary said nothing although she
looked pleased.
after tea you shall have them" re-
piled Mr. Arden; 'but let me tell you there
is something about these three apples that
will test, to some extent, your characters"
"How can that be, papa asked Jane.
ave shall see," replied Mr. Arden,
smiling.
INC doubt they will test our love Of
apples" said Martha, who was a merry
little girl.
"Not the least doubt Of that in the world, u
said the father; "but take care, Martha
that in receiving your apple you do not lose
your appetite for eating it,"
81 shall if it is very sour, or has a poor
flavor"
They are as fine apples as have seen for a
long time"
"What mystery papa makes about
these apples!" said Jane III am really i'm.
patient to see them"
"YOu shall both see and taste them, dear
after tea. But don't forget that there i.
something about these apples that is going
to try your characters ta
After they had risen from the tea.table
and the tea-things had been cleared away
Mr. Arden brought out his three apples and
laid them upon plate They were indeed
tempting to look upon; they were nearly
equal 10 size, but one was less beautiful il
shape than the others, and had become
"specked,' or slightly decRyed on one side
of the STEM This defect, though small, wal
quite apparent. nt.. u9 y
"They are very beautiful" said til,
mother, taking the plate in her hand and
examining the fruit; IL think father hal
neglected me-"
40, you shall have half of mine" sale
Mary quickly.
"And papa shall have half Of mine" saiC
Martha. -~
Sand to whom then, shall give half o
mine asked Jane. 20. l know, l viii
divide the half of mine between papa Anc
mamma" NJ
"By which means we shall get the larRes
share" said Mr. Arden so mother, We shall
not only fare as well, but better than the
rest"
"And that will all be fair; for yOI
ought to have the largest portion always
said Mary, while her eyes expressed thu
warm affection that MAS in her heart for hsl