The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1883-02-14
Circumstances Alter Cases.

"I'll just go down by the lake, NAM
ma, and wait until you are ready"
But, Rollo, remember you are dressed
in white, and it soils very easily; don't
60 where you will get any stains
won't mamma; II be ever so care
full"
This was the talk they had as Rollo
in his newest white suit and brilliant red
stockings and fresh sailor hat, kissed his
hand to his mother and tripped out OF
the gate. Ten minutes more and he
expected to be off to the park to hear
the lovely music and see the swans and
the monkeys.
1t was less than ten minutes when he
came back, one shoe off, one elastic gone,
his bright red stockings torn and hang
ing, himself covered from head to foot
with mud How could boy have done
so much mischief to himself in so short a
time If only Rollo had had reputation
for being careful she would have surely
stopped to hear his story but alas
for him more needless boy never lived
than this same Rollo. Still, this was
worse than usual; so much worse that
the mother decided on the instant that
he must have a severe lesson.
Role" she said, in her coolest tone.
you may go at once to Hannah and
have her put your ry-day suit on
then you may go to my room and stay
until return.
But, mamma" said Rollo, his face in
a culver, his lips trembling SO that he
could hardly speak.
But she passed him on the stairs with
out word He called after her:
Mamma o, mamma Won't you
please listen to me?''
Then she said
Rollo, you may obey me immedi-
ately, and 1 do not wish to hear
word"
In few minutes after that the car
riage rolled away, stopped at Mrs. Mer-
rlvale's and took up Helen and her
mother, then on to the park.
You needn't suppose Rollo's mother
enjoyed it. She seemed to care nothing
for the park she hardly glanced at the
swans, and did not go near the monkeys
All the time she missed happy little
face and eager voice that she had ex-
pected to have with her. Miss Helen
Merrivale was another disappointed one.
Had not she and Rollo planned together
this ride to the park ? Now, all she
could learn from his mother was that
Rollo was detained at the last minute.
She did not intend to tell the Merrivales
that her careless little boy seemed to
grow more careless every day and how
she felt that she must shut her ears to
his pitlful little explanations, which
would amount to nothing more than
he didn't mean it at all and was so
sorry"
The mother believed that she had done
right, nevertheless she v as lonely and
sad. They came home earlier than they
had intended AS they passed Mrs.
Sullivans pretty cottage she was stand
ing at the gate with Mamie in her arms,
and out she came to speak to them
You haven't the dear little fellow
with you" she said, eagerly, her lips
trembling. wanted to kiss him, the
darling, brave boy o Mrs Gray l
hope and trust that he did not get hurt
in any way p
Who2'' said Mrs. Gray, wonderingly.
My Rollo? O no, he isn't hurt. Why?
Did YOU hear Of an accident 2''
"Ddn he tell you2 Didn't nybody
tell you? Why, Mrs. Gray, if it hadn't
been for your brave little Rollo-I SILVER
and grow cold all over when I think
where my baby would be now She
climbed into the boat it was locked,
but she tried to sit down at the farther