The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1886-10-09

resolved that it should never again be
spoken with the least shadow Of truth to
give it venom.
"You can go down in the yard, Johnny,
but not out into the street." she replied.
II want to go into the street, mamma.
Can't L go?" urged the child.
Wouldn't you rather help mammal
asked Mrs. Clark, forcing herself to
speak in pleasant manner, though she
felt anxious and disturbed.
eyes," answered the boy, quickly and
earnestly.
"Tben as / have to work, you know"
said the mother, "I want you to help me,
by holding the end of the pillow case as I
sew the seam. Take hold just there and
keep it out even."
Pleased at the thought OF helping his
mother, Johnny took hold of the muslin,
and stood by her side for nearly an hour,
patiently dong as she directed; while
she, to keep him interested, talked to him
cheerfully, and even told him little sto-
ries. Surprised at the ease with which
she had thus far been able to hold the
attention of her child, Mrs. Clark's
thoughts began to reach out in the same
direction, and she saw many ways by
which he might be kept from the street.
After the pillow case was made, she
had skein of thread to wind off, and
Johnny was well pleased to aid his moth
er, by holding the skein for her. Then it
came to her mind that it would be o
very easy thing for her to teach him his
letters and to read and spell, while she
sat sewing. So, to begin at once, she
took from shelf a card on which an al
phabet was printed in large letters, and
proposed to give Johnny lesson. No.
thing could have pleased him better, and
for nearly an hour he went over and over
the sounds, repeating them after his
mother, until he knew many of the let
tiers at sight. Pleased at his earnestness
and attention, Mrs. Clark praised john
ny at every step Of his progress, and
suggested SO many great achievements
of learning in the future, that he was act
ually fired with child's ambition to be
a scholar. He did not ask togo into the
street again that day.
A few days after the little scene at Mrs.
Oldfeld's, Mrs. Clark called again upon
the lady who had given her kindly spoken
admonition instead of aims. This time
she had her little boy with her, for she
had resolved never again to leave him
exposed to the evil influence that sur
rounded them. Mr.. Oldfield was present
as before.
81 will take that work now, il you
please, ma'am," said the poor wo man.
$50 you thought well Of my suggestion"
remarked Mrs. Oldfeld.
"Ohl yes, indeed, ma am. You said
just the TRUTH" replied Mrs. Clark, with
All earnestness that was not to be mis-
taken. "This is my boy and 1 thank
you in his name"
Johnny was handsome, bright eyed
little fellow. Mr.. OldfeId held out his
hand to him and the boy came forward, in
manly way, giving his hand and an
swering without bashtulness any ques-
tions that were asked.
A few minutes talk with Mrs. CLARK
brought out the whole story of what had
occurred on the day Of her previous visit.
"Was L right or wrongf" asked Mrs.
Oldfield, after the woman had departed
with work enough to keep her employed
for week.
Fright, of course" replied her hus-
band. "You are always right in these
matters. But can't be so cool and CAL
culating. It isn't in me-"
"And SO oftener do harm than good in
your benevolent acts, am sorry to say"
replied Mrs. Oldfield. SIT isn't money
help, you may depend on it, that poor
people want half SO much as to be shown
how to help Themselves