THE following morning, as soon as breakfast was over, William went as usual to his work in the garden. I had declined accompanying him, complaining that my head ached, which was the truth; but it was not so bad as to have prevented me from helping him, had I felt inclined. But I did not see the use of it.

"You can come out, at any rate," said my brother. "The air will do you good this fine morning."

For a few moments he worked on in silence. Presently he looked up with his bright, smiling face, and asked

"What is the matter, John ?"

"I told you that I did not feel well." "Is that all ? "

"Yes, what else should there be?"

"I do not know-why I fancied that you

were not quite yourself this morning."

"About what happened last night?"

"Yes, partly. How providential it was, just when we wanted it so much. And yet I know it was wrong, but I could not help feeling disappointed. I believe that I am feeling so still, and that's the whole truth."

"Disappointed!"

"Yes. I wanted to have done something myself. Do you recollect saying that perhaps God would put some bright thought into our hearts, and point out a way in which we might be useful to our dear mother?"

"What if he should have done both, John?" "Oh! William, can it be possible ? "

"It is both possible and true. Yesterday, after you went in doors, Mr. Martin came to bring me some seeds which he had promised to give me."

"I saw him talking to you. What did he Say?"

"He began by praising the neatness and order, as he called it, of our little garden." "Small thanks to any one but yourself for that," interrupted I, again.

"He then proceeded to admire several of the

flowers, observing that they would fetch a good price just now at Covent Garden market. 'But how could I get them there?' asked I, eagerly. 'Would you sell them, then?' he inquired, looking keenly at me. 'Most thankfully,' replied I. He then said that he went there twice a week, and would take them for me in his market cart, together with any vegetables, if I could manage to raise them, or anything of the kind that I might want to dispose of. He spoke very kindly; promised me some more seeds and cuttings; and told me that if ever I was at a loss about anything, that I had only. to come to him."

"Oh, William, I am so glad! May I help you?"

"To be sure you may.. I could not manage at all without your assistance. But not while your head is so bad."

"It is well now. Your good news has cured it. I am longing to go to work. Oh! brother, I do not deserve to be so happy."

"We none of us do, John. This will be a lesson for you."

"It will indeed. Have you told our mother ? "

I

"To be sure I have, and my father too. The thought of it, may be, will serve to shorten his long walk to-day."

What did they say?"

"Not much.

They both appeared pleased,

and thought that it would be a nice healthful

occupation for us.

My father intends to try

and help us of an

evening when he comes home; but we will take care not to leave anything for him to do. Besides, we must not lose our little learning."

"I had forgotten about that," said I. "While we are working with our hands, we ought to be working with our heads."

"We must wait God's will for that, John, and be thankful to have our waiting time so well employed. Who knows but what we may be able, after a while, to lay by something towards paying for our schooling? but not if we talk instead of working."

"What had I better do first, William ? You shall be master, and I will be your man."

"With all my heart. There is no fear about my finding you plenty to do. But are you sure that your head is really better?"

"Yes, quite sure.”

After that we both began in right good earnest, and worked steadily until dinner time. I could not help rejoicing to see what a hearty dinner William ate that day, and my mother, and all of us. I remember feeling very thankful when grace was said, and being very merry afterwards, until reminded by William that it was time to return to our work.

"You must not work him too hard, William," said my mother,

John, are you?"

"You are not feeling tired,

"Not a bit, mother."

'Away with you, then. But what is the matter with my little Alice ? "

"I was only wishing that I was able to help. them."

"But then I should have no one left to help me, and take care of Charley."

"Oh! mother, do I really help you?"

"To be sure you do. I do not know how I should manage at times without my little thoughtful girl."

"Mother, I am so glad! I was afraid I was not old enough to be of use to any one." "The youngest child may do something, if she tries," replied my mother.

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