HELENA. 109

“That sounds very comfortable, but it doesn’t sound as if
you sympathize with me,” Helena went on. “However, I sup-
pose a cat cannot be expected to understand how little girls feel
when they want to do something all themselves. Now, Tiptoe,
I really and truly want to do good, but I do not know how to
begin. I don’t know any one who wants my coat, and it is in
my Sunday-school lesson that if any one asks for your coat
you must give him your cloak too. I don’t think that is quite
fair; but maybe I don’t understand it, and I will do just what
it says if it is really right.”

Just then a hand-organ outside struck up a lively tune,
and Helena ran to the window. “Oh, Tiptoe,” she cried,
“there is a monkey and a little girl!” And she caught up
Tiptoe, regardless of her desire to nap, and held her up to
the window. The little girl below smiled and held out her
tambourine. -

“Oh, dear!” said Helena, “I have no money, and mamma
is out, what shall Ido? And here is such a good chance to help
some one. Maybe the little girl would like my coat; she has
only a shawl over her shoulders and nothing on her head.”

Putting Tiptoe down, Helena ran out of the room, and
presently appeared at the front door with her school coat and
her mackintosh over her arm. The little girl with the tam-
bourine advanced. “I haven’t any money, but you may have
these if you want them,” said Helena, piling the two garments
into the arms of the little girl, who nodded and smiled,