CONCLUSION.
AFTER this, every day Oscar went to carry his father's dinner, on his
way to school. The teacher had always considered him one of the worst
boys in his class; but now she wondered at the change. One day she
said,—
"Oscar, I scarcely know you. You have grown very studious and obedient."
"I'm trying to be good and to please Jesus," the boy answered, his lip
quivering, while a new expression of humility was stamped upon his
countenance.
It was nearly two months after Mr. Bryant's visit, when the gentleman
received the following note from his little friend,—
"DEAR MR. BRYANT AND MRS. BRYANT AND IDA,—I like the books very much,
indeed. I like the parrot volume best, because it is so funny to hear
about parrots talking. I think the dog book is a very nice one, too.
Mamma read me about the dogs that were dressed up in a party, and I
laughed a good deal; but I don't like them so well as I do Gelert, the
good dog, that saved the baby from the wolf.
"Oscar Russel comes here most every day. He is getting to be a real
nice boy. I like him, and so does mamma. He never throws stones now. He
has begun to pray to Jesus. His mother is growing good, too. She says
she can't believe Oscar is her boy, he is so good at home. He tells
mamma every naughty thing that he does, just as I do, you know; and she
tells him how to conquer his bad temper, and how to be good, so that
people will love and respect him.
"It is now very pleasant weather, and I have made a nice plan; but I
cannot do it unless you all consent. It is for Abel to harness the old
General into our large wagon, and take us together to a berry pasture,
about three miles away. Mamma says, there is a beautiful grove near
the place, where we can eat the lunch she means to carry, and where
the horse can be tied in the shade. Mamma sends her love, and says she
hopes you will join our party, and she invites you to leave your horse
in our barn, and to come back with us and eat blueberries and milk for
tea.
"Your little friend,
"CHARLEY MONSON."