LITTLE JUSTINE.

to our sanitary commission and the Geneva-cross
Congress.

And another talk they liked was on the value of
little services, “the small, sweet courtesies of life,” as
aiding the health, and courage, and efficiency, of
those about us.

Some things I said and told them of pleased them
so much that, seeing the opportunity was ripe, I asked
if they would do me a favor? something to gratify me
very much?

And as they heartily agreed, I asked that for the
coming week, beginning as.soon as the class was dis-
missed, and with each other, they should try each one
to do what was agreeable and helping to others, at
home. and out of home — just as an experiment for
one week, ;

What visits this brought me from mothers! The
wonder and thanks and the laughing, with the tears
starting too over the sudden shamefaced goodness of
careless or unruly children.

Those were happy visits to receive. It would have

“been the millennium had the experiment lasted, but
they had made the trial once, and a good idea will
take root as surely as a bad one.

I would like to tell you more, but this is already far
too long for the space allotted me, and yet, looking
back on that time I see this is but husks, it is so con-
densed. &

We began in the autumn; we grew into better
understanding all the time until the term closed at
the end of June, and with it ended our Fridays
together,

The last day I went to them quite regretfully.
There was something~unusual in the effect of the room,
which I felt without exactly seeing. The desk on the

195

platform was always tidied for me,but this day no book
was left upon it, and fresh large sheets of white blot-
ing paper covered its whole surface. Three large
china vases adorned it, filled with garden flowers,
which are very hard to raise up there, and so more
than ever precious.

A conscious smile of satisfaction brightened all
their faces, and each girl had blue ribbons, while the
lads wore blue cravats.

This, then, was a féte in my honor, and my color was
adopted. All were in “Sunday clothes.” Few of
the class could carelessly use their best things; they
had earned them, and knew their value, All this
touched me, and the little I had to say was a regret in
parting, which they felt was true.

Then a nice English-born lad, whose parents were
our pleasant neighbors, stepped forward, blushing,
but resolved, with a roll of paper, and a morocco
case (with more blue ribbon),

We were not the less Americans if we were at the
outermost place, among Indians, and walled in by
mountains. We were to have our speeches and our
presentation of a testimonial. And I have it and
use it sometimes, and shall always value this souvenir
of my young friends; some sugar tongs, and the
small ladle for the powdered sugar. The silver
things are very pretty against their blue satin cush-
ion, but the best part is the inscription —

“ FROM PRESCOTT SCHOOL.”

I sent over for my album, and had each one write
me their name and birthplace, and then came good-
bye, which proved to be for always, but we will not
forget one another, my class and I,

 

LTTE US Tine

By Cetra THAXTER,

HERE'S a touch of frost in the crisp, fresh air,
And the trees and hedges are growing bare,
And autumn says “It is my turn now,”
As she strips the leaves from the patient bough,

All in the bright morning comes little Justin
With the prettiest bossy that ever was seen,

But though he’s so sleek and so handsome a calf
He has too much will of his own by half,