New-York tribune., 1899-06-09

A little violet grew at the foot Of a great strong
oak tree. 1t peeped from the soft, eafy mould in
the springtime. when the April rsindrops
ano the warmer Nav sunshine blessed old Mother
Earth and wakened all her dreaming children
Inc bright green moss waiting 10 welcome
the little violet, and its color refreshing
that the tiny leaves Of the violet soon reflected
the same tint: but the days advanced darker.
richer shades Of green appeared. Soon little buds
put up their faces to be kissed by the sunshine
into purple violets
Now at the base Of the old oak a delicate. gray
green hchen made It's home. II was with great
interest that the lichen discovered the first violet
bud that unfolded its purple petals and sweetly
the lichen spoke 20 the baby blossom
Il was thinking just this morning." said the
ichen, "how dull and gray was and how much
l needed charming bit of color to brighten my
life. when you blessed with your lovely morn
ing song"
How happy am to be comfort to YOU" re-
piled the violet. 81 hardly see, though, how that
can be. for very small while you strong
and calm. and do not seem to mind the east winds
or the pouring rain. Do you know that some
times when the wind angry 1 half
afraid"
LAS to that" answered the Hchen. II am strong
and am never afraid, for the old tree always pro-
tects l cling It and feel a Of safety
in its presence. The vino has no terror for me,
but I am not beautiful as you are. and sometimes
have wondered why such sombre thing as l
created. l plain and gray that
often fear no one Will ever love me. and If am
not beloved / must always remain grave and
lonely. though am strong"
II thank you for thinking beautiful" the
violet murmured. 1t dropped its pretty head
but your strength is helpful to me. and when the
sunbeams dancing about this old tree the soft
gray tones Of your coat are indeed beautiful and
restful. during the heat OF the day"
The lichen smiled gratefully he said: "Oh, in
deed! never thought Of that Perhaps I
be blessing to after all. and l have
been regretting much that I could not be a
| bright thing like yourself"
You might be much happier II you would
to regret and just want 10 be gray lichen," mod
estly suggested the violet. Have you forgotten
| what the beautiful woman said only yesterday
when she stopped 10 admire us? I am afraid you
| were not listening
The nchen admitted that 1t had felt gloomy all
! the previous day. and had closed fits eyes to the
! sunshine
"Oh. then. must tell youi" exclaimed the violet.
"she said All. 1t is true in all nature everything
| has its place and its misson-you in your small
| corner and in mine She admired you quite as
| much as she did me. have been trying think
IT all out and I am sure she thought that God
| created every living thing to AL some place and
| do work He must have wanted me TO be
| just tiny flower and because He gave you 4
| greater strength I murmur.'
| IT thank you for your wise. sweet lesson" meek
| y answered the lichen, and even as IT spoke the
| east wind began 10 wall and moan. and the old
tree whispered OF an April gale Soon the rain fell
so fast that the little violet drooped her pretty
| head The gray hChen watching her, and
| lovingly whispered. IF you will lean toward me.
dear little violet. i will make me happy indeed
have taught me that have mission IN life. and
would love TO protect you for you are frai
When the morning dawned the storm over
and the little violet was peacefully sleeping with
It's purple head against the calm breast Of the
gray hchen