Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1881-09-14
POlly's first Half Dollar.

II never had whole half-dolar in my
life: suppose it is because grandma is so
dreful poor, and hain't got any father
and mother. only Just her."
Polly, the six-year old miss who made
this remark, was quite Mortified at seeing
Agnes Bond toss up four-bit piece on her
way to the store.
IL know your grandma is poor, but
like you all the same" and the affection.
ate girl put her arms lovingly around the
fol orsaken-looking girl.
"What be you gong to do with all that
money, Aggie?'
"Oh, don't know yet. Buy walnuts,
perhaps, or oranges. What would you do
with it, Polly, if it was yours?'
"Td buy grandma new dress. and
some shoes, and some flour, and some but
ter, and some candy, and some"
"Stop. Polly, you couldn't buy so many
things. You might get some butter, or the
candy, but dresses cost lots of money You
sit right still on the grass until | get
back"
Aggie ran home as fast as she could go,
but soon returned in a happy state of ex-
citement, and all out of breath.
Here. Polly; ma says you may have
my half-dolar, and buy what you please. y
"Oh, my" cried Polly, in great glee.
"Let me kiss you, and I'll 60 and trade
nv things before grandma comes. She's
up to Miss Holley's cleaning up the house
and guess she'll be surprised"
The little friends parted very happy.
Agge for home without her walnuts and
the young financier to the store, her head
filled with shoes, dresses and groceries
She tip.toed to look over the counter in
Mr.. Jones store, and found that gentle
man sitting at his desk.
"What will my little girl have to-dayp
he asked, tenderly, thinking of his own
darling, who but month ago had closed
her blue eyes, never to awaken.
II want grandma dress, because she
is so awful ragged, and some shoes, so she
can 20 10 church, and some molasses."
How much money have you my dearP
i've got whole half dollar that Aggie
Bond gave me-
"Aggie Bond is precious child, said
Mr.. Jones. recalling the sweet flowers she
had so often sent to his sick Maggie.
"When will you get my thingsp" asked
Polly, tired of standing so long on the tips
of her toes.
Mr.. Jones thought the matter over. "A
but three dollars and half. He that
giveth to the poor lendeth to the Lord
I'm afrail that haven't lent to the Lord
as much as ought"
"Tll wait on you in just one minute,
Polly Come right around here and pick
out grandma dress yourself. Anything
in this piep' said he, touching lot of
ginghams as he passed.
"I'l ny this" and she laid her hand on
the only piece she could reach.
After tying up a bundle of the gingham
and shoes, and making strong loop OF
twine to carry it by, he put the half collar
in his pocket and Polly laughed for joy as
she turned to go.
The trader thought of his own little
daughter again.
Look here, Polly, I've made a mistake
forgot to give you the change"
Il forgot, too," said Polly, and she turn
ed back to receive from MIR. Jones two
half dollars. "Are we all square nowp"
asked Polly.
II think we are. Why didn't you buy
something for yourself with your moneyp''
"Why, | just forgot myself. And
don't know as want anything
Polly's grandmother could not under
stand what it all meant. as she examined
her nice presents and the two half dollars
"Aggie gave me the half dollar, and
bought the dress and shoes, and had this
left"
But that is more than you had at first. ,
1t looked little mysterious to Polly, bu'
I A .. 4 l,a Il Il s..xt
give her the flour, and butter and molasses
1t was made clear to the grateful woman
when Mr. and Mrs. Jones called that even
ing with dresses, aprons and shoes, tina
their little girl had worn. and gave then
to Polly She clapped her hands with joy
Everybody is dretml good to me, anC
III trade with Mr.. Jones every time | g
to buy things. He never cheats one bit.