The Washington herald., 1911-08-20

chllurcn, and winch 1t Is not always wise in
their elders to be guided by, since children,
as well a. grown-up people, sometimes change
their OPINIONS on many subjects. Kate loved
history, and enjoyed in her small way q dis
cussion on the sins Of Oliver Cromwell as
l., as much AZ her father and his friends did
an argument on the respective merits of Lord
Bcaconsfeld and Mr.. Gladstone. Edith, on
the contrary, disiked history, .and thought it
very dry, and preferred geography and
ahey had, however, one taste in common.
They, were very fond of poetry. and when
the day came round on which it stood on the
lesson-list they were glad.
poem OF Cassabianca" for her piece, and
having eaid it well, and enjoyed both the say.
ing l. and her mothers praise when it was
done. she laid down the book and saw that
her sister had been listening while she repeat
ed the verses.
,'Dq you like it, Kate?" she said.
:. Likr 1t! cried the excitable Kate; "I think
to be that boy! To die such a noble death,
and to be such a hero'
;, What do you call being a hero, Kate?'' said
her mother, smiling as she watched Kate's
nushlnS cheeks and sparkling eyes.
Oh. mother! A hero? Why, some one
who dies on the field of battle, or kills his
enemies; or-or-"
IL, rs burnt up alive" said Edith quietly, sup
plying an idea.
But l fancy" said Mrs. Graham. "that
you rather miss the lesson which the poem
Is intended to convey. What do you think,
hats; that Gsssabiansa died to prove?",
WY mother, said Kate, rather surprised
died because he was a brave, noble boy. and
was not afraid even Of such dreadful DEATH"
wen, admire him as much as you do, Kate:
D9t l still think you have not fully understood
wnat Is really the beauty of his character.
All the heroes that admire either suffer or
conquer, or do great deeds for some particular
end which they had in view; not merely for
the sake OF showing how brave, or how clever
you say was the reason that Cassabianca stood
so bravely there, while the terrible flames
came nearer and nearer, and even until they
wrapped him round in fire?'
His ther told him to wait there" said
Edith, in her gentle voice
s.,o &c, e., ened Hate, selzing the idea at once;
ne died at the'Iost of duty, and it was
splendid thing to do. / wish-I wish was a
field of battle, ,clasping the Queens colors in
my arms; or fighting bravey for my country"
Well" said Mrs. Graham. smiling ''as
that cannot be, my Kate, you must try to
everyday life There are plenty of opportu-
mites given both to men and women to do
brave things, and grand things; more, per-
haps; than you think. And do not forget that
its obedience He died., as every hero worth
the name has died such deaths as you ad-
mire. to prove his obedience"
Kate blushed at this, for her bright impul.
finds obedience the hardest lesson to learn.
Mother" she said, whenever | read or
hear of things. like this, ! cannot help longing
to have the chance Of doing, the same.
Don't be afraid, Kate. I he wish is in it.
self noble one; but remember, it requires a
great deal that you have yet to learn to be-
conc heroine, and the chance may come
sooner than you think
A week or two after this conversation there
came what Kate and Edith thought the most
important as well as the most delightful event
OF the whole year-the annual visit to the
seaside. 1t was month full of happiness
and enjoyment, and not the least exciting
hand; the deciding what to take and what to
leave. what books it would be least hard to
part with, what work materials were most
necessary, or which of the baskets and treas
ures" Of various kinds it would be hardest
to do without for one month.
The weather was glorious, the sea blue, the
sands most delightful and the cliffs as grand
as ever, in the eyes of the happy sisters.
them out on boating. expeditions, when they
were allowed to fish for mackerel One bright
morning, to their immense delight. the two
girls had coaxed their father into promising
to take them on one of these short sea trips.
They went down to the place where boats
were to be hired and chose the one they liked
best;
NOW, girls, said their father, "you two
can get in and arrange yourselves comfortably,
and you must wait for me here. ! have to 90
up into the town, but shall be back in ten
minutes. Don't be up to any mischief. now,
but whatever happens stay here. Sam, the
boatman, will look after his boat and you, too,
so wait quietly till | return"
Away went Captain Graham on his errand,
and Kate and Edith took their places, asked
many questions of old Sam Salter, whom they
had known for several years. and whose opin.
ion on wind, weather and fishing prospects,
they held in much respect.
A quarter of an hour went by and Mr.. Gra-
ham did not return; then Sam said to them
- hope the Cap'n won't be long; for the
tides a-comi9' in, and we might as well be
and it will not be all summer sain' by this
afternoon"
ooh. that, doesn't matter" said Kate Eve