The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-01-03
OUR YOUNG FOLKS COLUMN.


Amy's Speech.
w. FL. Snodgrass.
TITS just like her; she's always trying to push
herself forward
II don't think So said the girl on her right,
as they walked home from school. II never
heard anyone speak of Amy Dean before"
And | don't know of any of the girls who
could do it as we'll as she CAM chimed in Hat
tie, the girl on the left.
"Of course, / don't carev went on Clara, toss
ing her head, and strengthening herself until
she seemed taller than either of her compan-
ions; Il am sure don't care in the least" and
she looked scornfuliy at one and the other. Il
don't like the speech, anyway. and would be
very unwilling to repeat it if it had fallen to me-
ut must be quite a relief to you, then. that
you were not asked. !" said Hattie, with a queer
little smile. "One always hates so to refuse to
do anything of that sort, you know"
Clara gave her one look Of indignation, but
they had reached the corner where they separat
ed, and she did not care to tarry for more words.
Il think Clara is just as hateful as she can be,
said Hattie that afternoon, as she met her friend
Amy, and unwisely repeated all that had been
said. 1T is just jealousy, too; she is always
mad when she is not asked to- take the most
prominent part in everything.
Il wish had not taken it" answered poor
Amy. Il have good mind to give it up"
"Oh, no, indeed!' cried Hnttie ''That would
spoil everything, and you know how bad it would
be to have any unpleasantness now Mr.. How
ard would feel so badly"
Mr. Howard was the school-teacher, and it was
20 MIN that the speech was addressed 1t was
to be made the Wednesday before Thanksgiv
ing. when he was to be presented with beauti-
ful clock-a present from the school.
Up to this time all had gone smoothly, and it
was only to-day that the first unpleasant words
had been spoken.
mo one else could take the speech now" said
Hattie, in conclusion. 1T is too late, and, be-
sides, no one has said a word except Clara"
But for tho peace-loving Amy all the pleasure
n nm fa1n
II don't think you speak quite as well as you
did last night. my DEAR" remarked her mother,
as the little girl rehearsed again that evening.
Il should think you would feel more enthusi
asm, now that papa has brought home the
clock and you have it in your very hands"
Amys head dropped, and the tears began to
gather. II don't think / can do it at all, she
said, and hurried out Of the room.
Her mother followed, and, putting her arm
around her. soon heard the explanation
go ON and doyour part, dear, she said. sooth-
ingly Never mind what is said, and all will
come out right But remember to treat Clara
very pleasantly, and show her that you have no
hard feelings toward her on account of her un-
kind words. 1t is not easy at all times to show
this spirit but Jesus has told US to do it, and we
must never give up trying.
Next day the presentation Of the clock was
made Every one was delighted, and the speech
was pronounced beautiful"
CLARA did not come ont today said Hattie;
ibid you notices"
No, Amy had not noticed she had been so ex-
cited that she had almost forgotten the unpleas-
antness.
''She is pretending to be sick" said Hattie,
turning down the corners of her mouth. II guess
there isn't much the matter, though but jeal-
ousyn
II don't know about that. am afraid she is
really sick; her grandma said she was, remarked
one of the girls, coming up in time to hear Eat
ties last words.
''Well, don't think I shall trouble to find
out" said Hattie again, turning away
Now Amy would not have once thought of
finding out if it had not been for these words but
they kept sounding in her ears and following
her wherever she went
II believe will just step in on my way home
and see." she said to herself at last Neverthe-
less it cost her quite a struggle and it was only
the memory of her mothers words about the
command of Jesus Christ which finally decided
her.
Clara opened her eyes in surprise as she saw
her walk in. But there was resisting tn,
kindly spirit in which she had come. and the
girls jealousy melted before tie first ten minutes
were over.
ut was real kind of you to come" she said.
"And, oh, grandma couldn't you give Amy
some of the maple sugar papa brought home? 1
want you to have it," she went on; 81 shall enjoy
mine better if you do"
And Amy went home with her heart full of
real gladness. 1t was gladness deeper than the
mere pleasure Of receiving so many corgratula-
tions shout her speech; a gladness brighter than
any that could come from the world without;
that gladness which Jesus himself gives, in such
full measure to those who are trying to do His
will.