The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1881-10-15
WHAT BETTY DID.

Little Betty Grey trudged along
through the streets of R with
basket full of watercresses for sale.
The clock was just striking six. Pm
glad it's so early" she whispered to
herself. "No one is out before me; |
am sure shall sell them all to-day"
And down she sat upon stoop near by
and commenced tying into bundles the
fresh greens, which had been gathered
only an hour before.
Although but twelve years of age,
Betty was doing her life-work, for she
was almost the sole support of an in
valid mother and little sister. Her
mother had been great sufferer from
rheumatism for many years, and Mamie
was just beginning to help about their
humble home-for you must know that
it was gerry humble place indeed
where Betty's mother and her children
lived. A low bed in one corner, two or
three chairs and small sewing table,
with bit of broken stove, made up
all the furniture.
Now you will wonder, my young
friends, how watercresses could ever
support anybody. But this was not all
that Betty could do for the dear ones
so entirely dependent upon her. She
had conceived an idea that was worthy
of an older head than hers, that in the
small plot of ground adjoining the house
there might be planted great many
different seeds, which would spring up
into beautiful flowers, and that her
mother in the intervals of pain, as she
lay upon her bed, could tie them into
buttonhole bouquets, and that, after
her crosses were sold, she and her lit
tie sister might sell them to the many
guests that frequent the hotels, as the
village where they lived was famous
summer resort, and upon Saturday
nights particularly, when city gentle
men assemble in large numbers at such
places.
Well, the seeds were planted and wa
tered, and to Betty's great delight she
found herself abundantly repaid for the
labor she had bestowed on her small
garden, by seeing the flowers spring
up, one after another, which God
causes to grow, to reward even the
poorest of His children for their toll.
His rains and sun and dew are free to
all. Thanks be to His loving kindness
and tender mercy.
Aud now, with a small basket, filled
with lovely little punches, in the hand
of each, with dresses neat but spare and
thin, and underneath the sun-bonnets
such sweet young faces-except that
Bettys wore look of sadness and of
care, for one of her tender years-they
started on their expedition.
From stoop to stoop they offered their
flowers. The good people were all
sympathy. One bunch after another
was taken from the baskets, until there
was not one left. The feet that started
out so doubtful and so tagging, in spite
of Betty's determination to be brave
whatever might be the result, now ran
joyfully over the ground until they
reached the little brown house, where
the mother was praying for the success
of her children. 1t always seemed as
though Betty brought rays of sunlight
in with her, and everything wore q
more cheerful aspect. But now, as she
saw the radiant faces of her children,
she knew that God had not only made
the flowers grow, but had heard the
simple prayer so sincerely offered by
Betty, as she started on her way:
"Please God. tell the people to buy
my flowers" Please God! what a les
son for children of larger growth
children in Christ's school who find it
so hard to learn those two words,
"Please God"
Day after day, at its close, those
children might be seen in the park, ON
the street, or at the door of some hotel,
and day after day the baskets were
emptied of their contents. Many a
quarter, many half-dollar, was given
for five-cent bouquet because Of the
faithful service of these little girls. All
summer long they went on with their
sales, which amounted often to three or
four dollars day, carrying home every
penny, excepting as Betty might stop
sometimes ON the way to buy little
tea or bit of meat, or some little deli
cacy as a surprise to her poor sick
mother.
l wish you might see Betty and her
sister, and if you should ever visit this
spot so famed for its healing springs,
and should look sharply for two little
girls with bright faces and pretty ways,
you would find them, baskets in hand,
offering their flowers. If they come to
you, do not refuse them, and, if you
can, give them a little more than they
ask for the bunch, remembering that
"they that give to the poor lend to the
Lord" and that if we "bear one an
others burdens, we so fulfill the law of
Christ"
Now, after what 1 have told you,
what is your opinion of dear Betty
GreyP Is any one made happier be-
cause she livesP Have yoW ever done
one-half as much for anybSdyP
We often hear it said: what can I
do? Pm only little child" Well,
there is something for every living
soul to do. If you are not called to sell
flowers, you can do great deal in the
home where you live. You can be kind
and helpful to your poor tired mother,
taking care of your brothers and sisters
who may be younger than you; or you
can go and read to some poor old man
or woman whose eyes are dim with age
the Bible, perhaps. And l am sure
that is great deal to do.