The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1881-12-21
Childrem's Column.
Teddy's Lesson.
BY KATE SUMNER.

er to play Daniel in the Lions Den, with
Bose for lion, or Robinson Crusoe, with
Tommy Jones for his man Friday. Also
he was wondering, in vague sort of way,
If it could be possible that the days here
at Aunt Penelope's were not at least twice
as long as at home. What would he not
give to see papa, mamma, Nell and
Margie, to say nothing of Dick and Tom
The mere thought Of them all was too
much for lonely little Teddy; and,
though OF course he would never have
owned it, yet his blue eyes were very
misty just then and there.
Hannah" said Aunt Penelope, COM
ing into the kitchen; you may stone
some raisins and cut up some citron;
think [ II make some loafcake this morn
ing" Teddy rubbed his eyes briskly
with his jacket sleeve, and listened eager
ly.
Mr.. Kent is coming here to tea,
continued Aunt Penelope; "you may
make some biscuits and custards and,
some time in the course of the day, you
may bring up the strawberry preserve"
Teddy's face fairly shone. If he had a
weakness, it was for strawberry preserve
and loaf-cake. AS for Hannah biscuit and
custards, they were not to be eclipsed by
any one. 1t was not so bad, having to
stay at Aunt Penelope's, after all. At
any rate, he could wait until tomorrow
to see the folks at home.
declare" said Aunt Penelope an
hour later, going into the pantry, :" /
never saw handsomer loaf of cake in
my life, though do say it as shouldn't"
AS for Teddy, who-having at length
decided upon personating Daniel-was
busily engaged digging den, his mouth
fairly watered as he caught Whit of the
delicious odor.
It'll be an awful long time till night,
he sighed it most seems as though |
couldn't wait"
"Oh, Miss Penelope, do come quick
cried Tommy Jones, rushing into the
yard just then, " the baby took with
fit, and mothers off washing" Miss
Penelope left her cake by the open win
dow, picked up her sun bonnet and ran,
calling to Hannah to follow. For some
minutes Teddy continued his excavations
Presently, however, he paused.
Il should like he said to himself,
to know if that cake looks as nice as it
smells So, accordingly, he stood on
tip-toe, turned the Stats, and peeped in.
1t certainly did look very delicious.
Somehow he had lost all his interest in
Daniel
I'D like to see how it looks near, too,
he said after another short pause " and
m very thirsty for some milk"
There is an old saying, that distance
lends enchantment to the view" but
Teddy found it the opposite; the nearer
he came, the more enchanted he was.
1 wish had little piece, Just lit
tie teentytonty piece, cause I'm home
sick There d be plenty left. And then.
maybe Aunt Penelope was going to give
me some when Tommy came. shouldn't
wonder if she was, and she'll be real
disappointed if don't have it," Teddy
sighed dolefully-at thought of Aunt
Penelopes disappointment, of course.
Why, Hannah Jane Smith, did
you put my cake away ?" asked Aunt
Penelope.
"No, ma'am. I did not touch it
haven't even seen it since you took it out
of the oven"
But I left it here by the window. l
was just going to put it in the cake box
when Tommy came. Where can it be p
Tramps |" CALCULATED Hannah, in hor-
ror-stricken tones it's a mercy aOe
wasn't here, as they might have MUIR
dered US. And they had the audacity to
take drink Of milk, she added, spying
the empty glass. AS for Teddy, in the
excitement of the moment he was utterly
forgotten.
" Dinners ready" called Hannah.
Where's Teddy?
I'm sure I'm not after knowing. I've
not set eyes on him since breakfast"
Where can the child be?" said Aunt
Penelope, now thoroughly alarmed. They
called and called. They hunted the |
house, barn and neighborhood all over.
They looked down the well, and mp the
barn ridge pole, and in every other mag
Unable and unimaginable place.
1T will break his mothers heart"
sighed Aunt Penelope, though 1 can't
for the life Of me see why, for the house
is full and running over. They wear her
all out, and Teddy is worse than all the
rest put together"
Hannah was on her way up the garnet
for another search, when noticing the
store-room door aiar she looked in and |
there in the farther corner, on a pile Of
comfortables, was Teddy.
You needn't bother bout me-" he |