HELENA. | 111

girls are not wise enough to know when to give and what to
give. There are many ways of helping beside that, and when

you want to doa real charity, you must ask me. I have no
doubt money would have helped the little tambourine girl, and
that her father will sell the garments you gave; perhaps the
child will never have any benefit from them.”

“Well, mamma,” Helena replied, with a sigh, “I will
know better next time. I will do something else when I want
to be charitable.”

The idea seemed to have taken such hold of the child’s
mind that, a few days afterwards, her mother was. very much
surprised to see her lugging a very ugly, very dirty little poten
up the steps and into the house.

“Why, Helena,” said Mrs. Travers, “ whose child is that ?”

“A poor woman’s, mamma. Isn’t it a nice little baby?
Won’t you let me keep it?” she asked, as if it were a small
puppy or a kitten. .

“Why, no, dear, of course not. I cannot allow you to
keep it.”

Helena’s face fell. “Oh, dear!” she said, “what shall I
do? The woman was begging, mamma, and she said she was
glad to be rid of the brat. Think of calling the poor little
thing a brat!”

Mrs. Travers re as she looked at the very unattractive
infant, who was now sitting in round-eyed wonder upon the
floor. “Where did you leave the woman ?” she asked.