Year: 1866




only this one was sd lasliUiiably
dressed, and had different air; the Sc
cond look showed him it was not his own
dear sister, Bat it was 50 pleasant TO sec
so bright a scene. The oyster stew, that
Grey called ter, wass nice. They chat
ted and ate and cnjcycdj and the home
sickiics3 was gone.


Come, l must have glass of Croton,
said Grey.


What ? asked Frank.


'Crotoni the nitcst beverage for such
an evening.


Frank did not like to acknowledge his
ignorance, and SO beard the orlcr given
for two glasses Of Crottn; they were
brought foaming and sparkling. Frank
saw it was ale, and refused to take it.


Just try it It's only sort of ginger
beer. | dare say your mother makes it
in the summer. Take it, say


And Frank did but it was hardly
swallowed before his head swan, AMI lie
felt he must 20 into the air. Grey laughed,
chafitd him for his country habits, and
then left him TO find his way home with
his unsteady feet and wandering brain.


The next morning Frank woke with
an aching head, and a heavy load pressing
upon his heart. lie had dreamed of
standing on a precipcc, one foot raised to
take the inevitable plunge, when lis
mother threw around him a bond, twisted
from little Nell's curls, and the moment
he felt their touch lie was able to step
back. lie carried sad heart to the
office. He knew he had taken the first
wrong step, and he distrustcd himself.
He went about his work, however, faith
fully. Smith asked him if lie was sick,
he was so pale and heavy-cyed.


When he brought the letters from the
office to Mr. Tompkins he found lady
with him, and a little girl about NclIs
age, with the same sunny curls, though
not so pretty, he thought. lie could not
take his eyes from her, and only wished
he could hug her and nestle his head
among those bright curls it would lit
the weight off his heart.


You are the young man from Plain
field said Mrs Tompkins, for she it was
Don't you miss the country! love it
so much; | only hope we sh Ill live there
sometime


Frank looked up to answer, bit tic
kind tune had touched tender chord in
his heart and he could not speak Mrs.
Tompkins saw the tears well up into his
eyes; she caught his mournful glance, and
noted, TOO, the dark, heavy look and un-
happy expression Of his face,


i think you must be homcsick, s0riie-
times; won't you come and see us? My
boy would like some one to play chess
with; and my girls enjoy a round game,
or will give you music, too, So come
when you would enjoy it,


20 thank you, thank you. Those are
the first words that have seemed like
home since | came to the city,


MIR. TompkinS, who had been too much
engaged with his letters to note what had
passed, here gave two or three to Frank,
and babe him take them to NJ. Smith
The boy gave a glance of beaming graft
tude to Mrs Tompkins, and lingering
look to pet Sue,' and went out,


Nice looking lad, that, benjamin, said
Mrs. T.; 'but he seems unhappy. l am
afraid he is getting into bad ways, there
are so many exposures in strange city.
Don't you think we had better ask him
to come and see us soonY Perhaps we
can watch a little over him.


'Just as you please, Maria If you
choose to fash yourself with all my office
boys, you may but think us foolish
bit Of knight or saint crrantry, giving
more trouble than profit


~, but Benjamin, think If i. was our
Walter in strange city, without friends !;
tempted, perhaps. One kind word or
act, one friend to show an interest in him,
might save him from great HARM


well, well, that's different affair
our son from this country lad. Do as
you please, Maria After all l dare say
you know best; your heart is always
right; but am busy now


What's his name-that boy, / mean >


Frank-Frank Baker. Don't tease
me any more about him, that's a dear,
good Maria good bye


And with this broad hint the merchant
turned TO his books and Mrs Tompkins,
passing out, asked a porter To show her
Mr.. Smiths Office. The clerk, a good
deal fustered by the appearance OF his
masters lady, hustled about and offered
her chair.


no, thank you only want to speak
to Frank. lie came molestly forward.
'Will you come Tonight and take tea
with us I You don't look very well, and
an evening little like home will do you
good. My young folks will all be at
home, and ! think you will enjoy it,


%, thank you very much | should
be better if | was only to look at the little
girl, she is so much like my sister Nellie.
Is her name Nellie, ma'am9 p


NO, 'et 'ooe, lisped the child


Pet Susie, she means, though you
would hardly guess it. Remember seven
O'clock


She was gone, and the load gone too.
The kind word, the beaming smile, the
sympathetic tone. had restored Frank
Baker TO himself, and from that time he
never had a homesick feeling. Mrs.
Tompkins made him feel at home the
tastes of the young people became