100 RUTH.

tent. Now, when we were young, I distinctly remember that
we had very few such luxuries about us as Ruth has. You
will recall, Maria, how we used to sleep in a bitterly cold room,
where the ice froze in the pitcher so that we had to break it
before we could use the water; and how we trudged through
all sorts of weather to school, which was two miles away. As
for candy, we never saw it; and dolls! did either of us ever
have a doll? I am sure I never did.”

“Nor I,” returned Miss Maria; “and yet, forsooth, Miss
Ruth says she has nothing but two small china dolls, which
we would have considered more than enough.”

“Well, I don’t know, it seems a useless expenditure, and I
should not like to encourage the child in habits of extravagance,
but if she is unhappy——”

“Oh, nonsense!” interrupted Miss Maria; “she will be no
happier with a doll than without it. We were not put in the
world merely to be happy. Ido not countenance the fostering
of self-indulgence.” |

Just then Ruth came in. “Have you wiped your feet,
Ruth?” asked Miss Maria. “There, child, do not sit down
without first removing your wraps and putting away your
books. ‘Order is Heaven’s first iaw.’ After you have at-
tended to those matters properly, come to me;'I wish to
question you upon your progress at school.”

Ruth turned away, but she very soon came back, and sat
down obediently, with folded hands.