Evening star., 1903-09-05
Robert a. "a Setting Hsn.s

II was the Day after Easter and Robert.
who had received many gifts on that occa-
sion OF china eggs. fluffy little chickens
sitting on fancy willow nests filled with
candles: toy rabbits, whose bodies, when
their heads were removed. proved to be
hiding places for sweets. and Easter cards
chanting praises Of the Christ child" had
danced with glee on perceiving what the
Dummies had brought him. and mother
to stand still long enough to curl the
bright, golden hair. with which his active.
well-shaped pate was covered, in time to
start him off to Sunday school.
Robert had been particularly interested
in a large, handsome china egg with
picture of a naughty king OF the barn
yard" etched in blue on one side. He had
often noticed when visiting grandfather.
quantities OF chickens. that the hens sat
on the eggs for a while and then the
fluffy little fowls appeared.
And now on this Easter Monday morning
the children OF Roberts family. with the
exception of himself, were all ready to
start leach child with q small basket filled
with gaily colored hens eggs) for the
White House. where they. with hundreds
would roll the saudy little ''hen fruit on
the beautiful lawn surrounding the noble
structure. The hue and cry went up.
Where's Robertr' Finally, after re-
pOdtS0 CdaAo utllS NolC0 was ASaEO "
say. Don't 'sturb me, I'm busy" TIE
sound Of the little scamp's vedce came from
the nursery, and mother. who was to ac-
company the children. volunteered to pro
''the gatherer In enter the nursery and
heard her say, in tones of amazement,
What on earth are you trying to do.
Robert?' That was enough. Every child
rushed UP the stairs. each one curious to
find the reason for their mothers surprised
outcry.
A strange sight met their wondering eyes.
Robert was crouched in the middle OF his
little white bed in the position. for all the
world, of "a setting hen."
He did not move at the sight of his won
dering audience, but said, seriously Walt,
I'm Matching q chicken"
What q shout Of laughter went UP from
the children. mother Joining in the mirth
until she noticed the grieved droop to the
rosy lips, ever prone to smiles, and the
blue eyes fill with tears.
Then motioning to the laughing children
to leave the room she went to her little
son and. lifting him from his unnatural
position, was astounded to see the admired
egg in the center OF tho bed.
Although her lips twitched with mirth at
the absurdity Of the affair. she controlled
her desire to laugh. and, taking Robert on
her lap said:
Now tell mother all about It."
WELL" said he, Jimmy "a little friend
who was not 30 we'll blessed with friends
as Robert) told me this morning that the
Dummies did not bring him any Easter
chickens, and he was 50 disappointed he
cried. told him not to mind: I would
hatch him one"
Mother explained that It was impossible
for him or any one or anything to hatch
china egg.
She delighted Roberts generous heart by
giving him q wonderful Easter rooster
taken from that secret store mothers seem
able to draw from at will-to give to
Jimmy
She put Roberts hat on his head and he
hoped down the stairs as happy as a king.
the gift for Jimmy" clutched firmly In his
small hand.
Mother made q sign to the other children,
gathered in the lower hall, not to laugh;
but when Robert had skipped across the
street to take the rooster" to his new
master she told them Of the difficult feat
their young brother had attempted. and
Joined in the laughter that followed her
recital.
"Do not make fun Of him." said mother,
as the miniature man was seen scamperlng
back to them.
The children promised not to, and Robert
receiving his basket Of eggs, mother, who
said she felt like hen that had hatched
out "ducklings'' instead Of chickens, gath
cred her noisy brood together and haiing
a trolley" they were soon at their des-
There Is no doubt but that all the throng
of children at the "egg rolling" enjoyed
themselves that day, but I am Of the belief
that none had better time than Robert.
for there Is nothing that makes US feel so
at peace with our fellow man as q kindly
act or deed graciously conferred.