[Illustration: Bird Nest]
A TRUE SKETCH FOR THE TWO SISTERS.
On a beautiful farm in Worcester County, where nature seems to have
lavished all her charms, and where man is a vigorous rival in his
efforts to adorn the land, there sparkles a beautiful pond. On the
borders of that pond there is a pretty white house, in which the
following little occurrence took place.
Late in the evening a poor woman arrived, bearing in her arms a sick
baby, and leading by the hand a little tired girl. The woman was kindly
cared for, and a place of rest provided for the night, while food was
given to herself and children.
Upon asking her destination, she said she had just arrived from Ireland
in search of her sister, who was the mother of the little children. The
letter containing the directions had been lost, so there was no clue to
the parents, and she was left sad and lonely.
The little baby grew worse during the night, and in the morning, before
any physician could arrive, breathed its last in the arms of its nurse.
The poor woman seemed distracted with her grief, and constantly mourned,
"Oh! would that its mother could see her own handsome boy!" The little
girl watched everything that was going on with a quiet smile, and
thinking her little brother was asleep, kept saying, "Why don't he wake?
Poor brother, he is very sick."
Seeing her aunt weep as the beautiful child was about to be laid in its
last resting-place, she said, "Don't cry, he'll soon be well again; I'll
give him some of my cake, and then I know he'll be better."
'Twas a touching scene to see such heart-rending grief in the woman, and
the happy unconsciousness of the little girl. The poor creature could
not be comforted, as she thought of her sister's loss and her own
responsibility; but in her moments of calmness she was engaged in
earnest prayer.
As a last act of devotion, she placed a little cross, made of two pine
sticks, upon the breast of the infant, and then, as if feeling some
consolation from this act of her faith, she quietly resigned the body
for burial.
EMMA AND LINA.
[Illustration: Cat]
SCRAPS FROM A JOURNAL PICKED UP IN A GALE OF WIND.
Monday. Began the duties of the day by reciting the texts of the day
before, the commandments, and then reading in the Testament. We were all
very busy, and tried to have a good beginning for the week, so our
lessons were well said, and no one was kept in. We sewed all the
afternoon, and listened to the reading of "Kings and Queens," by Abbot,
and we like it very much.
Tuesday. The day was bright and beautiful, and after our lessons were
over, we all went to a printing office to see the process of setting
types, and printing newspapers, and we had a present of some types for
ourselves. In the afternoon, we had a drawing lesson, and some of us
have begun landscapes.
After school we all visited the jail, to see some little children there,
and we wondered what they had done to be put in such a place. We did not
want to see the convicts, but we took a peep into the little stone
cells, and heard some one singing.
Wednesday. We sang a whole hour, as some visitors come into the school,
and then recited our lessons as usual. In the afternoon, several old
scholars and the Sunday School class, were invited to hear a new story,
called "A Trap to catch a Sunbeam," and we enjoyed it very much. Before
they left we played games on the green, and then sat down to crack nuts
and talk. In the evening all the family went to a lecture, but I staid
at home to study.
Thursday. It stormed hard, so we said all our lessons early to have a
little longer recess. We danced cotillons and learned how to waltz, as
one of the girls was so kind as to show us, and we think she is a grand
teacher. We brought our dinners and all staid at noon, when we had a
fine time playing "Still Palm," "Keeping House," and acting Charades.
Friday. We were all as busy as bees, and the teacher was very happy
because we were good. At recess we all picked up the yellow leaves, and
pinned them on our shoulders, as a badge of our belonging to the
"Sunbeam Society;" and the first one who was not good natured, was to
forfeit membership.
In the afternoon we read as usual, and then counted up the pieces of
work finished off during the week, and there was quite a variety of
useful and tasteful articles. Susy had a pair of Polish boots; Jenny
several yards of edging; Lizzy a tidy; Sarah a bead purse; Julia a sack;
Lily a bag; Annie a pair of slippers and scarf; Angelina a quilt; Abby a
book mark; Mary a sampler; Emeline a pair of pantalets; Isabella a
dress; besides handkerchiefs, towels, and knit dishcloths, from the
little ones.
After school we visited the paper factory, and saw a great many curious
operations; cutting pasteboard, coloring and polishing paper,
enamelling cards, and then most wonderful of all, the making of marbled
paper.
Saturday. We all said poetry, and made preparations for the coming
Examination; then, after the marks were counted, we changed our desks
for the next fortnight, and the _gold cross_ was given to the best
scholar.
In the afternoon we went to see some Indians make baskets in their tent,
and came away each with a specimen of their work. We then went to the
church steps, heard an address on the subject, and were requested to
read all we could find about the Indians, and at some future day to make
them a subject for composition.
Sunday. I attended Sunday School, and heard a very interesting address
from the Superintendent on the duty of being good, and several pretty
anecdotes were told to illustrate the subject. The minister joined in
the exercises, and some hymns were sung preparatory to an approaching
Sunday School celebration on Fast-day. We are all very much pleased at
the prospect, for we anticipated hearing some excellent speakers.
Our lesson was as usual from "the Parables," and the scholars wrote an
abstract from the "Pearl of great price." I went to church in the
morning, and heard a very fine sermon on the duty of a contented and
grateful disposition.
SUSY A.
[Illustration: Reeds]
AN INCIDENT
_RECORDED FOR THE SAKE OF LITTLE ANNIE'S BENEFIT AND PLEASURE._
On a warm summer's day, as a class of little folks were reading from
their Natural History, in flew a lovely "bluebird," of which they were
at that moment reading a description.
Struck by the coincidence, they were allowed to examine his brilliant
plumage, his bright eyes and little beak, all of which he bore very
quietly, and then was set at liberty.
His flight was watched, and soon after he was seen to visit a grape-jar
placed in a neighbouring garden, and they recognized him as one of the
pets of a good lady who had often watched them from her window, whilst
patiently lingering in her last sickness. All her kindness came back to
their minds, and many were the pleasant things said about her goodness,
and their sorrow for her loss. They remembered her care of the two blue
birds, and of all the dumb creatures under her ever watchful eye; her
interest for the lone and friendless, and her unwearied attendance at
the sick and dying bed.
More than all they thought of the pleasant hours they had passed under
her roof, and of her gentleness and affectionate manner towards them.
For her sake they resolved to be good children; and all that knew her
must try to grow up as kind and benevolent to all around them, as was
this excellent and most disinterested woman.
A STORY FOR WILLIE.
Once upon a time, when leaves were falling and cold winds began to blow,
a birthday was to be celebrated. It was too late for pleasant summer
walks, and too early for winter sports, so what could be devised for
this important occasion. At last it came into the head of somebody, to
have a tea-party, and the idea was so acceptable, that it was declared a
unanimous vote.
The one useful boy offered to do errands, and bring all the necessary
articles; while the girls were to provide the feast and to array all
tastefully within the school-room. Many were the expedients, strange the
metamorphoses occasioned by the fete, and great was the fun thereof to
all concerned.
An ironing board placed upon two barrels, was converted into a beautiful
extension table, and was gracefully draped with a large white cloth. The
well-worn black-board became an elegant buffet, and instead of long rows
of figures, held pails of crystal water and jugs of sweet, fresh milk. A
solar lamp of diminutive size graced the centre of the table, which
groaned under the weight of cake, dough-nuts, bread and butter, and a
variety of other articles too numerous to mention.
One of the youngest was lady hostess, and presided at the head of the
table, aided in her duties by several nimble waiting maids.
Distinguished guests were invited, and partook of the ample
refreshments.
After a proper attention to the feast, the table was nicely cleared, the
dishes washed and wiped, and every thing put into the neatest order by
the young house-keepers. Then a merry set of dances followed to the
pleasant music of the piano, and after those, songs and choruses pealed
forth from the harmonious throng.
Last of all, Charades and Tableaux added brilliancy to the festival.
Among the words chosen for representation, were "Capital," "Caprice,"
"Childhood," and "Washington," and the actors excelled themselves.
All had a delightful time, and after one last song, sung with warmly
grasped hands, and hearts full of affection, they departed to their
various homes. Who will forget that birthday tea-party, on Thanksgiving
Eve?
[Illustration: Willow Tree]
A LETTER.
"THE VILLAGE OF TREES."
MY DEAR MOTHER:
I was very glad indeed to get your letter last week. I will try to do
all you wish, though I have already been silly enough to have one or two
crying spells. But I think I shall soon cure myself, for I have such
pleasant times, I have more cause for laughing than tears, and I mean to
keep up the good habit.
I have to study very hard, for the teacher is very particular; and the
scholars are so bright, that I must work to keep up with them. Out of
school we have grand times together, and this Spring we have formed a
Club, which we call the "Sunrise Society;" and we get up very early and
all go off to walk by six o'clock.
We have been in every direction, and I only wish you knew the delightful
walks there are here. One of the pleasantest is to the "Falls," near the
factories, through a narrow winding path, by the side of a beautiful
pond, the waters of which flow over a dam. As we look underneath the
bridge, the water rushes down with great rapidity and force, and the
noise is very loud. There is a beautiful grove close by, with rocks
scattered along the side of the stream, which runs quietly on after its
foaming, whirling jump over the dam, and it is a very romantic spot.
There are many other pleasant places, called "Rose Cottage;" "Lover's
Lane;" "Sandy Valley;" "Powder House Rock;" "Spider's Village;" "Tyot
Woods;" "Harrison Grove;" "West Retreat;" and "Purgatory;" and when you
come, I will show them all to you.
After school for the day is over, we often walk again; so you see I
shall have plenty of exercise. Yesterday, as there was no school, we
all went to the Court-House, to hear some speeches by two distinguished
lawyers, in a very interesting case, and the room was crowded. We went
early and carried our work, but we soon had to put it away for want of
elbow room. We learned something about the manner of trying a case
before a jury. There was one speaker who was very much interested in
what he was saying, and the ladies all seemed to like him the best; so I
hoped he would gain the case, and I believe he did.
Last week the weather was very warm and pleasant, so we rolled hoop at
recess and had fine fun. In the afternoon we sew and draw; and lately we
have been making garments for a poor woman and her family in another
part of the town.
After making up a large bundle, we all went to see her. She seemed very
much obliged to us, and dressed up her children to show us how nicely
the clothes fitted. We have very interesting lessons in History about
the Queens of England; and besides that we have been reading about
Marie Antoinette, who suffered so dreadfully in the French Revolution.
The little scholars have been reading some of "Mary Howitt's tales;"
"The Cousins in Ohio;" and the "Life of Robert Swain," which is very
interesting. We are all very busy with Arithmetic, and as each one gets
through any difficult section, we receive a _pictured card_ as a sort of
certificate. The little ones have been learning the Multiplication
Table, and one of them had a cunning little slate given to her, for
reciting perfectly at the fortnight's review.
Last Saturday we all went into town with our teacher, to see "Bayne's
Panorama of a Voyage to Europe," and we had to write a description of it
for our composition. We had a very pleasant time and it was very
beautiful; though I can remember but little about the scenes, they came
so fast one after another. We all liked the storm at sea, the icebergs,
and the views on the river Rhine very much; but we think Banvard's
Panorama of the Mississippi was the best. As we had been writing a
description of the Telegraph, we stopped at a place where it was made,
examined all the different parts, and had them explained to us; and some
of these days we are to see a message sent to New York.
You ask me to tell you everything, so I will end my letter, by relating
an event which took place in our school-room. As we were all sitting
round the fire, studying our lessons, down tumbled the stove-pipe with a
tremendous noise, scattering soot in every direction. Fortunately no one
was hurt; but we were all very much frightened. We had a longer play
time than usual, while a man was repairing the damage.
P.S. I forgot to tell you that I went to see a little play performed,
called "Old Poz." We had a fine time, for all the characters were well
dressed and the parts were well acted. We did not have much scenery, but
that was no matter, we had such a grand curtain. After the play we had
a young "Indian Girl," in complete costume, and "The three Sisters of
Scio," which puzzled the audience very much indeed. I went to bed later
than usual, but I had all my lessons perfect the next day; so I do not
think it did me any harm. But if you do not like such things, I will not
go again.
With a kiss, I remain
Your Affectionate Daughter,
"POLLY PRIPPETS."
PARODY ON THE MOWER'S SONG.
When early morning's ruddy light
Bids man to labor go,
We haste, with faces fresh and bright,
Our early walk to go.
Chorus.
And then at school we next appear,
To pass the hours away,
And all is lively, sprightly here,
Like merry, merry May.
Chorus.
The scholars come in gladsome train,
And skip along the way,
Rejoiced to con their books again,
As flies the happy day.
Chorus.
With jokes, and jests, and lively din,
We eat our recess cheer;
While in the healthful game we join,
With nought to make us fear.
Chorus.
When evening's shades begin to fall,
In study's busy hum,
We willing list to learning's call,
And think of days to come.
Chorus.
We'll fill our heads with ample store,
Our hearts with love are stirred;
And thus, before youth's days are o'er,
For age our armor gird.
Chorus.
And when life's harvest all is done,
We'll give our souls the wing,
And happy spirits all as one,
Make Heaven with music ring.
Chorus.
CHORUS.
We scholars--dal de ral dey,
We'll study and then we will play;
Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, play!
Hey-day! yes play--hey-day;
We'll study and then we will play.
A FEW RHYMES FOR "CHARLIE BOY."
There was a brown squirrel on a tree,
Hopping about so merrily;
And spying below some children near,
Said, "I wonder what they're doing here?"
Busy they brought both stones and sticks,
And ovens and fires they tried to fix,
Grand parlors too, sprang up beside,
Their greatest work, their greatest pride!
And there were Emma, and Willy, and Molly,
All so bright, and merry, and jolly;
With Charley too, and roguish Dan,
Named for the great New Hampshire man.
Says Bunny, "I'll try if I can see
Anything there, will do for me;"
So slyly he peeped from his high seat,
As they were munching their luncheon treat.
Says Molly to Willy and rosy Ju,
"Here's a piece of cake for both of you;"
And in the sunshine they cosily sat,
Eating and talking childish chat.
But pretty soon their play was o'er,
And each went in at the school-room door;
Then down came Bunny and ate their crumbs,
And then sat coolly wiping his thumbs.
[Illustration: Bough]
A STORY FOR LIZZIE.
A little sparrow who had been very carefully, reared by her mother, was
one day permitted to go off by herself to see a little of the great
world. Delighted with her freedom, she hopped from bough to bough, and
finally alighted near a school-house.
Kindly voices met her ears, and friendly faces soon came out to watch
her motions. Without fear of molestation, she picked up the bread and
cake scattered round, and eyed the children with her bright black eyes.
Soon after she came again, bringing a little mate; and together they
chirped their thanks, and for a long time were regular and welcome
visitors.
One morning, feeling less timid than usual, one of them hopped into the
school-room, watching everything with a keen interest; but thinking he
might intrude, he flew away, very much pleased with the song the
children sung to him. It is so pretty, we will sing it now for those who
did not hear it on that occasion.
[From the School Singer.]
"With your singing,
Pleasure bringing,
Come sweet lovely bird again;
Winter sighing
Off is hieing,
Joy again with you shall reign.
Fruits and berries,
Plums and cherries,
Now shall be your welcome meat;
Come to cheer us,
Do not fear us,
Glad indeed your songs we'll greet.
None shall harm you,
None alarm you,
Sacred be your dear retreat;
Love shall guard you,
Love reward you,
For your music pure and sweet.
Oh how hateful,
How ungrateful,
He who would disturb your rest!
No dear treasure,
Wake your measure,
Softly may you cheer my breast."
THE GERMAN MUSICIANS.
On a dark, rainy day, two weary-looking street minstrels took shelter
from the storm, under the projecting roof of a horse shed. Not far from
the place stood a small but pretty school-house, in which might be seen
a group of bright-faced and busy children; some conning their lessons,
some reciting with earnest attention, and others rejoicing with
childhood's happy freedom from care, at a temporary release from some
expected recitation.
The teacher, during the intervals of occupation, spied out the poor
wanderers, and feeling a desire to help them, she concluded to invite
them into the school-room, after receiving a promise from the
sympathizing circle, that the interruption should not interfere in the
least with their studies. Accordingly, the foreigners, who had begun to
find their covering insufficient against the drenching rain, very gladly
accepted the invitation, and modestly took their places at the farther
end of the apartment.
Many bright and inquisitive eyes were turned upon them; but remembering
their promise, the children again turned their prompt attention to their
various exercises, and while the strangers were busily engaged with some
books and a slate, they soon accomplished their required duties.
As a reward for their attention, they were allowed at recess to listen
to several gay tunes upon the organ, accompanied by the tambourine, and
very soon their lively feet joined in a merry dance. After this
irrepressible ebullition of their glee, they each played a tune
themselves, and when fully satisfied, voluntarily presented the tired
ones with donations from their luncheon baskets, and with flowers that
decked the room.
With these the boy made a wreath for his sister's head, but the girl
adorned the little image of the virgin placed upon the organ; and then
after a few entreaties, they both sang some German songs. In return the
scholars sang their prettiest pieces from the "School Singer," and at
any familiar melody, the faces of the listeners beamed with pleasure and
delight. Before the group was dismissed for home, the boy asked for a
pen and paper; and during the time he was left alone, he wrote the
following history of himself and his pretty sister for the teacher and
her scholars.
"My name is Hendrik Glaubenstein, and I am fourteen years old. My sister
Gertruyd, who is as good as an angel, is just sixteen. We have left our
poor old father and mother in Germany, and have come to this happy
country to make money.
I went to school every winter, and in summer I staid at home on account
of work; but after it was done, my sister and I studied together,
sometimes in the fields, sometimes in our little cabin. My sister
earned all she could by spinning yarn and knitting stockings, which I
took once a fortnight to the nearest town to sell. In the mean time I
earned all I could, by driving the sheep of a rich neighbor of ours to
pasture.
But somehow or other, we did not get along, as well as we wanted to; and
we always found it difficult to get the rent ready for our landlord, who
was cruel and bad tempered. What to do we did not know, so I had at last
to give up my winter's schooling, to do errands for a little money.
Finally I bought me an organ, and with that I continued to pick up
something at the Fairs; and I often had a kind word from the ladies and
gentlemen, who would listen to me and give me silver pieces. At home my
sister always sang with me when I practised, and we could make different
parts to our music. I begged her to go with me sometimes, for I knew we
could get more money if she would help me with her voice. But she said
she could not leave our poor old mother, so I wandered round alone.
In one of my journeys, I met a lad who said he was going to America, and
he told me if I would go too, I should make money fast, and we should
come home rich men. I told my sister all about this, and she thought it
would be a good plan, but that I should not go alone, for I was too
young.
After waiting a little while, we got our sister Liesle and her husband
Klaus, to come and live with mother, and then we made ready to leave as
fast possible. As soon as we could get enough money to pay our passage,
with many tears we bade good-bye to all at home; and then with prayers
to the good God, we travelled on foot through France, till we reached
the sea-shore. Here, we were stowed away in the great hold of the ship,
with many other poor companions; and sometimes we were sick, and
sometimes we were hungry, for we did not bring enough victuals to last
us all our voyage. But Gertruyd was so pleasant to the others, helping
the women to take care of their babies, and often singing her pretty
songs, that every one gave us something, and we managed to get along.
When we reached New York we were in great trouble, for we knew nobody,
and had no home to go to; but the good God took care of us, and made a
kind lady notice us standing alone on the Battery. We told her our
wants, and after giving us a supper and a nice bed for the night, she
sent us to some poor Germans, where we staid till we had learned a
little of the American language.
We did very well for a while, singing together, while my sister played
upon the tambourine; but soon there were so many other organ players in
the streets, that we thought we would go to some other towns near by. We
went all through New York, and now we are going to travel over your
pleasant State, and if we do well we can go home in two years. Then I
shall buy a farm, and a cow for our dear old mother and father, and then
we can all live together as happy as princes. Gertruyd can marry our
friend Cornelius, for though he is poor, she has always liked him.
Many good people have offered us both nice places; but I like my organ
too well to give it up, and my sister will not leave me for never so
fine a home, because she promised mother to take care of me always. We
live on as little as possible, and dress in very poor clothes so as to
save all we can; for we say, no one will care how we look, if we are
only tidy and honest, and make trouble for nobody.