"What's the matter?" said papa briskly, picking up his little boy.
"Lonesome? Too bad! Thought you went to Aunt Lucy's with Esther."
"I didn't want to," said Harlis, breaking out in big, shaking sobs.
Papa knew something was wrong, then, and by degrees the story came
out.
Papa said very little, for he seemed to understand the real suffering
Harlis had already gone through because of his wrongdoings.
"But the nickel was mine," said Harlis, as he and mamma were talking
it over.
"Was it?" said mamma. "What did I give it to you for?"
"For the poor little girl."
"You can put it back, but you must earn it," she said.
"Oh, I will! I will!" Harlis was only too glad to do this. "And I'll
never do so again, mamma."
And his mamma felt sure he never would.
--_Written for Dew Drops by Florence Maule._
* * * * *
THE LIGHT OF A SMILE.
If it drizzles and pours,
Is there any reason
The weather indoors
Should be dull, like the season?
There is something makes bright
The cloudiest places;
Can you guess? 'Tis the light
Of the smiles on your faces.
--_Selected_.
* * * * *
Mother's Valentines
By Elizabeth P.
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