22 THE POOR WOODCUTTER.

 

wood in front of his house, although it ‘was
getting quite dark.

“ A’n’t you done yet?” said he, as he
stood at his door.

“Very nearly,” replied the man. “TI
have only a few sticks more to split, and
it won't take me a great while to pile it up
in the cellar.”

Mr. Edgar went in and joined his family,
who were gathered in the parlours await-
ing his return. His children were all well
clad, healthy, and happy, and both he and
his family were in the enjoyment of every
comfort. As he sat down among them, he
could not help thinking of the man at work
before his door, nor was he able to repress
a faint sigh, as he thought of what would
be the condition of his beloved ones were
he able to earn only the pittance he had
grudged to the poor labourer.

But these thoughts gradually retired, and
the man was not again remembered until
they were all assembled in the dining-room
to partake of the evening meal. Then, the