120 files changed, 8294 insertions, 0 deletions

diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6833f05
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.gitattributes
@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+* text=auto
+*.txt text
+*.md text
diff --git a/23536-0.txt b/23536-0.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7c5ec7c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-0.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,2396 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Hatty and Marcus, by Aunt Friendly
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Hatty and Marcus
+       or, First Steps in the Better Path
+
+Author: Aunt Friendly
+
+Release Date: November 18, 2007 [EBook #23536]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HATTY AND MARCUS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Irma Spehar, Markus Brenner and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                           HATTY AND MARCUS;
+
+                                  OR,
+
+                    First Steps in the Better Path.
+
+                                  BY
+                            AUNT FRIENDLY,
+
+         AUTHOR OF “KATE DARLY; OR, ‘IT WILL ALL COME RIGHT.’”
+
+                               NEW YORK:
+                         ANSON D. F. RANDOLPH,
+                           No. 683 BROADWAY.
+                                 1859.
+
+
+
+Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1859, by
+
+ANSON D. F. RANDOLPH,
+
+In the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the United States, for
+the Southern District of New York.
+
+EDWARD O. JENKINS,
+Printer & Stereotyper,
+No. 26 Frankfort Street.
+
+
+
+[Illustration: AUNT BARBARA.]
+
+
+
+
+HATTY AND MARCUS.
+
+
+
+
+I.
+
+
+Hatty Lee had been on a visit to her grandmother, and now she was coming
+home.
+
+Mrs. Lee had hard work that morning to keep her young people in order,
+for Hatty was a favorite with her brothers and sister, and they were
+wild with delight at the idea of seeing her again.
+
+Hatty was only ten years of age, and Marcus, her brother, thought
+because he was two years older he was almost a man, and quite able to
+give Hatty advice on all subjects. He pretended a great contempt for
+girls, but the fact was he had missed his little playmate sorely, and
+was full of glee at the thought of her return. He showed his pleasure
+in a noisy way that made the house not very comfortable for any one
+else.
+
+Old Aunt Barbara had twice put her head out of her bed-room door, to
+tell him he was the “roughest, rudest boy in the world, and would drive
+her crazy if he did not behave himself;” but Marcus still ran up stairs,
+jumping up three steps at a time, with his heavy shoes, and sliding down
+the balusters, hallooing as he went, as if he were riding a race in an
+open meadow.
+
+Meggy, a mischievous little girl of six, joined her shouts with those of
+Marcus, while Harry, her next brother, was busy collecting all his new
+playthings in the hall, that he might show them to “sister Hatty” as
+soon as she arrived.
+
+As drums and trumpets were among his favorite toys, they of course had
+to be brought out, and thoroughly tried to prove that they were in
+perfect order.
+
+While all this tumult was going on in the hall, Mrs. Lee was vainly
+trying to hush the continual cries of her little baby, who, though only
+five weeks old, seemed to have remarkably strong lungs for its age, and
+to promise to resemble the rest of the family in his willingness to use
+them.
+
+Mrs. Lee was not very strong, and she was getting quite worn out with
+the screams of the baby, when old Aunt Barbara came stepping into the
+nursery, and declared that she was certain if she could take the child a
+moment, she could quiet it.
+
+Aunt Barbara put the baby on her lap, and began to say to it some of the
+queer old rhymes she had heard in her childhood, seventy years ago. It
+is not likely that the baby understood aunt Barbara’s funny stories, and
+wanted to listen,—but this is certain, it stopped crying, and soon
+closed its eyes and fell into a sweet sleep.
+
+When there was silence in the nursery, the noise in the hall sounded all
+the louder. Mrs. Lee stepped to the door quickly, as if she were going
+to speak severely to the children, but something within her whispered
+that they had no idea of the pain their frolic was giving, and that it
+was joy about their sister’s return that made them so unusually full of
+glee. When Mrs. Lee reached the head of the stairs, her face had a sweet
+motherly expression, and before she spoke, she could not help smiling
+to see little Harry blowing away at his trumpet with all his might, and
+marching up and down the hall as if he were a fat little soldier on
+parade, while they jumped up and down, and screamed with delight, to see
+how fast Marcus could move on his smooth-backed horse.
+
+Mrs. Lee knew that in their present state of mind it would be next to
+impossible to keep the children perfectly quiet, and she resolved to
+employ them about something, that they might not waste their energy in
+making a noise.
+
+Marcus heard somebody at the head of the stairs, and he looked up with
+an expression of provoking mischief, as if ready to receive another
+scolding from aunt Barbara. When he saw his mother’s kind, pale face
+bending towards him, he felt a little ashamed of the thoughtlessness
+which had made him forget that her weak head might have suffered from
+what he called his “fun.”
+
+“Well, Mother,” he said looking up cheerfully, “how soon do you think
+Hatty will come?”
+
+“Not for an hour yet, my son,” said the mother, kindly; “and, meanwhile,
+I have something for you to do. I want you to sweep the pavement, from
+the door-step to the gate, that it may look neat and tidy to Hatty when
+she comes home.”
+
+“Here, Meg, you go get me a broom, and I’ll set to work in a twinkling,”
+said Marcus, jumping down from the balusters, with a deafening stamp of
+his heavy shoes.
+
+The sound seemed to touch every nerve in Mrs. Lee’s head, and she drew
+her eyebrows together with an expression of pain; but she only said,
+quietly—“I must have a pair of slippers for you to wear in the house,
+Marcus, and then you can take off your shoes, when you come in, as your
+father does.”
+
+“O that will be first-rate,” said Marcus, with delight. “I should like
+dog’s-heads for the pattern; won’t you begin them to-day, Mother?”
+
+“I will make them as soon as I can,” said the mother, with a languid
+smile.
+
+Meg now came running along the hall, carrying the broom by the brush
+end, while the handle went “knock, knock,” along the floor, keeping time
+to the skipping motion with which she generally moved.
+
+Marcus seized the broom, and began to flourish it this way and that
+way, across the wide pavement, as if he meant to be rapid, if not
+particularly thorough, in his work.
+
+“Now, Harry,” said Mrs. Lee, quietly, “mother wants you to make a nice
+fence with your blocks all round your playthings. Meg will get them for
+you.”
+
+From a closet under the stairs Meg soon dragged out a box in which were
+Harry’s stores of blocks,—playthings of which he never tired, and which
+never wore out.
+
+The little fellow set to work very patiently; and then Mrs. Lee said,
+“Come, Meg, I will take you with me.” Meg gave her hand to her mother,
+and skipped up the stairs, ready to take in good part anything that
+should happen.
+
+Mrs. Lee led her to a small room at the end of the hall, and said, “Now
+listen to me, my little darling. You are to sleep in here with Hatty,
+and she is to help you dress, and to be very kind to you. I want you to
+be very careful not to hurt any of Hatty’s things, and to mind her, when
+I am not with you. If you do as I say, you will be sure to get on well.”
+
+Meg gave a little jump, and perched herself on the edge of the bed, as
+she said, “O how nice, Mother! I am so glad. It is a great deal
+pleasanter than being in the old nursery with Jane.”
+
+“Don’t sit on the bed, Meggy,” said Mrs. Lee, helping the little thing
+gently down—and smoothing the tumbled place she had made on the clean
+counterpane; “You know Hatty likes to keep her bed very nicely.”
+
+“Hatty can’t lock the door now—and say, ‘You can’t come in, Meg.’ It is
+my room, too, now,” said Meg, “and I shall have a right to come in.”
+
+“I hope my little girls will get on very pleasantly together,” said Mrs.
+Lee, gently. “Jesus’ little children never quarrel, never speak bad,
+angry words.”
+
+“Well, I won’t, Mother, if I can help it,” said Meg, and she put up her
+mouth to be kissed, as if that mother’s kiss could ensure her doing
+right.
+
+While this conversation was going on up stairs, Marcus had stopped in
+the midst of his work, and was actually still, for a moment, while his
+face bore the marks of deep thought.
+
+Marcus did not feel altogether comfortable about the way he had spoken
+to Aunt Barbara that morning; he knew he had done wrong, and that
+brought to his mind a letter his mother had received from Hatty during
+her absence. Hatty had written that she was very sorry for all the
+naughty things she had ever done, and that she had made up her mind to
+be one of Jesus’ little children, and that she believed He had forgiven
+her for all the past, and would help her to be a better girl. She sent
+much love to her brothers and sisters, and said she wanted them to
+forget every unkind word she had ever spoken to them, for she was very
+sorry, and never meant to do so again.
+
+Ever since Hatty could speak, her mother had been teaching her about her
+Heavenly Father, and trying to make her love Him and wish to serve Him.
+The little girl had always listened patiently, but Mrs. Lee had never
+been satisfied that Hatty had made her choice to be among the lambs of
+Jesus’ flock, who love to hear their Shepherd’s voice, and try to follow
+Him. This letter, therefore, written in the frankness and simplicity of
+childhood, had brought joy to the mother’s heart. She believed that the
+love of Christ had taken root in the soul of her child, and that by
+God’s grace it would grow and strengthen, and in time bear such fruit as
+angels love to see.
+
+Mrs. Lee had not only given the message Hatty sent to her brothers and
+sister, but she had read her letter to them, praying silently that by
+Hatty’s example they might be led to choose God for their guardian and
+guide.
+
+Marcus had listened intently, and had been moved more than he cared to
+show. When his mother laid the letter down, he said bluntly, “I have
+nothing laid up against Hatty,” and abruptly left the room.
+
+Now as he stood on the pavement leaning upon the broom, he was thinking
+of Hatty and her new resolution, and wondering if he should ever make up
+his mind to do right. Of one thing he was sure, doing wrong gave him no
+pleasure. He had been too well taught to be able to commit any sin,
+without being reminded of it by his conscience, but to obey that
+conscience was another thing.
+
+Marcus could not help fancying that he should see some great change in
+Hatty, that she would look differently, speak differently,—and he made
+up his mind not to be at all pleased with her if she affected any new,
+serious ways. This was but a momentary feeling, for Marcus really loved
+his sister, and in the depths of his heart he rejoiced that she had
+chosen the best portion, the only blessing that will last forever and
+ever.
+
+
+
+
+II.
+
+
+Marcus spent so much time in meditating about Hatty and her new
+resolution, that he had but just finished his task, when the carriage,
+so anxiously desired, drove up to the door, and out jumped Mr. Lee,
+followed in another moment by Hatty.
+
+Marcus threw down his broom, and sprang forward, and before he thought
+he had kissed Hatty several times. Marcus was not much in favor of
+kissing,—he thought it was “girlish;” but now he was so really glad, he
+did not think what he was about.
+
+While Mr. Lee was attending to the removal of his carpet-bag, Hatty’s
+little trunk, and sundry baskets and packages with which the carriage
+was loaded, Marcus and Hatty walked up the wide pavement together.
+
+“You are a good sweeper, Marcus,” said Hatty, looking at the clean
+bricks upon which they were stepping.
+
+Marcus did not answer; he was gazing straight into Hatty’s face to see
+if she were really altered. He could see no change, save that a few
+freckles about her nose disfigured her uncommonly fair skin, and told of
+the life in the open air she had lately led. Her red hair had not grown
+a shade darker during her absence, although it was brushed a little
+smoother than usual. Her bright, reddish brown eyes had their own lively
+expression, and her mouth seemed as ready as ever to smile, until all
+about it the tiny dimples came like little pin-pricks in her fair skin.
+
+Hatty’s face was not changed, certainly; and instead of having the grave
+manner that Marcus expected, she was all joy at her return, and seemed
+to have forgotten that she meant to be any better than any one else.
+
+Hatty had not forgotten her new resolutions, and if Marcus could have
+seen into her heart at the moment she stepped from the carriage, he
+would have read a prayer that she might be able to live among her dear
+brothers and sister like one of the lambs of the flock of Christ.
+
+Meg and Harry had heard the sound of the carriage wheels, and were on
+the door-step to receive Hatty. They first almost smothered her with
+kisses; then Meg untied her bonnet strings with rough kindness, and
+Harry seized her little travelling bag, as if it were his especial
+property.
+
+Hatty was a particular little soul, and the way Meg took hold of the new
+blue satin ribbons of her leghorn flat, hurt her as much as if Meg had
+given her one of the twisting little pinches she knew so well how to
+inflict. Hatty was going to twitch away, but instead of the twitch came
+a bright blush on her cheek, that she should have so soon been near
+being out of patience, when again among the little ones at home. As a
+kind of punishment to herself, she let Meg lay aside her bonnet, and
+suffered Harry to run off with her pretty travelling bag, without saying
+a word.
+
+“Where’s Mother?” asked Hatty, eagerly, passing along the hall, and
+going directly up stairs.
+
+“Here, here, my child,” said the mother, as she met her on the landing,
+and folded her affectionately in her arms.
+
+Very pleasant it was to Hatty to receive that mother’s tender kiss, but
+dearer still were the words which were, breathed in her ear: “God bless
+you, my darling, you are dearer to me than ever.”
+
+Hatty understood her mother’s earnest words, and she could have echoed
+them, “you are dearer to me than ever.” That was exactly what she felt.
+The mother who had talked to her of the blessed Jesus, and taught her
+His words and ways, was dearer than ever, now that she had resolved to
+follow Him.
+
+In silence Hatty and her mother ascended the short flight of stairs that
+led to the upper hall; then the little girl asked eagerly—“But where is
+the baby? I have not seen him yet—or Aunt Barbara, either.”
+
+“So you did think of Aunt Barbara. I didn’t know but you had forgotten
+me entirely, you were so taken up with your grandma,” said the old lady,
+coming slowly out of the nursery.
+
+“No, indeed, I had not forgotten you,” said Hatty, and she kissed her
+affectionately.
+
+Hatty had not forgotten Aunt Barbara; she had had painful reasons for
+remembering her. The unfortunate, disrespectful words she had spoken to
+the old lady, had risen up to her again and again, and made her pray
+with double earnestness to be forgiven for Jesus’ sake.
+
+Aunt Barbara led the way to the nursery, and there on the bed lay the
+baby, the pet of the house.
+
+“O what a dear, tiny little creature!” said Hatty, bending over it, with
+a look half wonder and half affection. “I never saw such a little baby
+before; that is, I don’t remember Harry very well, when he was so
+young,” she added, for Hatty was trying to be truthful, even about
+trifles.
+
+“Harry was twice as big at the same age,” said Aunt Barbara. “He always
+was a bouncer.”
+
+Hatty stooped down to kiss the wee mouth of the sleeping baby, but Aunt
+Barbara pushed her roughly back, and said impatiently: “Don’t, child!
+don’t, you’ll wake him.”
+
+“Mamma does not say I mustn’t!” sprang to Hatty’s lips, for she was
+sadly quick-tempered, but again a blush of shame took the place of
+hasty words.
+
+“He will wake soon,” said Mrs. Lee, quickly but quietly, “and then,
+Hatty, you can hold him in your arms; he is not much heavier than your
+dolly, Susan.”
+
+“Thank you, Mother. I should like that,” said Hatty; she felt that her
+mother had wished to speak quickly to keep her from wrong words, and she
+was grateful for the kindness that would help her to do right.
+
+“Now, Hatty, you had better come to your room, and take off your
+things.”
+
+“To _our_ room,” said Meg, with a saucy, mischievous look.
+
+Hatty turned towards her mother with a sudden glance of inquiry.
+
+“Yes,” said Mrs. Lee, “you are to have Meg for a room-mate.” Hatty’s
+face flushed, and Mrs. Lee hastened to add, “I thought you would like to
+help me, and you can do so best by taking Meg with you, and having a
+little charge over her.”
+
+Hatty looked very soberly, as she answered, “I _should_ like to help
+you, Mother.”
+
+Mrs. Lee opened the two lower drawers of the bureau, and said, “you see
+I have put some of Meg’s clothes here; when you need any more you can
+come to me for them.”
+
+“But, Mother, where are all my presents, and my pretty things? That is
+too bad! I have always kept them so nicely in those drawers!” said
+Hatty, hastily.
+
+Mrs. Lee did not speak for a moment; she opened a door leading into a
+large lighted closet, and then said, “Here, my darling, you will have a
+place for all you want to keep particularly nice; see, I have put your
+presents in this drawer, and your books are there above, on the shelf. I
+have put a little table here for your Bible, and you must not forget to
+‘enter into your closet,’ to pray to Him who seeth in secret.”
+
+“O, Mother, you are so very kind and I am so very hasty,” exclaimed
+Hatty; “I will not forget to do as you say, for indeed I need it. You
+will have to be very patient with me, Mother, for I am afraid I shall
+have hard work to keep my resolutions.”
+
+“Trust in God for help to struggle against your faults, and in the end
+you will conquer,” said the mother, with an affectionate kiss, and then
+she left her little daughter alone.
+
+Hatty had led an easy, quiet life with her grandmother for the last
+three months, and had had but little temptation to give way to her hasty
+temper. Now she began to realize that it would be quite another thing,
+where at almost every moment she was called on to give up her own will
+and pleasure for that of others; but she was not disheartened. God has
+promised to give his strength to those who really wish to serve Him, and
+on this promise little Hatty relied. In her closet she knelt and asked
+the blessing of Heaven on her poor efforts, and she rose cheerful and
+happy.
+
+
+
+
+III.
+
+
+When Hatty had arranged her clothes once more neatly in her own room,
+she began to wonder what had become of Marcus, and she concluded to go
+in search of him; she met him in the hall. He seemed much excited, and
+said, “O Hatty, what beautiful bantams! I have put them in a barrel, and
+carried all the packages grandma sent, to the kitchen, and now I want to
+know where we shall keep them?”
+
+Hatty was not quite pleased that Marcus should take the bantams so
+immediately under his protection, though she had brought them as a
+present to him. She checked the feeling of annoyance, and said
+pleasantly, “They are yours, Marcus, so you can plan for them as you
+think best; but perhaps you could manage to make a coop, as you do not
+go to school to-day.”
+
+Marcus was delighted with the presents, and resolved to set to work
+immediately to get the pets into comfortable quarters before Sunday.
+
+Hatty put on her sun-bonnet, and they both were soon very busy in the
+yard, planning for the chicken coop with as much interest as if they
+were going to build some wonderful specimen of architecture which all
+the world would admire.
+
+Marcus found in the wood-house a large packing box, and after much
+hammering he succeeded in knocking out one side, so the chickens could
+have their feet on the ground in their new home.
+
+“Chickens are like the Irishman who liked a mud floor that would never
+wear out, and never need washing,” said Marcus, with the air of one who
+was instructing some ignorant person.
+
+“Yes, grandma has all her coops made that way,” said Hatty, who was well
+pleased to show that she understood the subject.
+
+Marcus now selected a board of the right length, and had just begun to
+split it up into slabs for the front of the coop, when he heard Aunt
+Barbara’s bed-room window go up.
+
+Marcus did not raise his eyes, but he could not stop his ears, and he
+had to hear the shrill tone that called out, “Stop! stop! Marcus Lee!”
+
+Marcus rested his hatchet on the board, and looked up.
+
+“You are a wasteful boy!” began Aunt Barbara. “You ought to be ashamed
+to cut up that good board!”
+
+“Don’t mind her,” said Marcus, in an undertone, as he resumed his work.
+
+“Wait a minute, Marcus,” said Hatty; and then raising her voice she
+called out, “Aunt Barbara, we want a coop for the chickens—some dear
+little bantams I brought from grandma’s!”
+
+“Chickens!” said Aunt Barbara, much as if she had said bears! “What on
+earth did you bring them here for? why, they’ll ruin everything in the
+garden, and crow so in the morning nobody can sleep.”
+
+“We are going to shut them up, Aunt Barbara, and that will keep them out
+of mischief,” said Hatty, trying to speak pleasantly.
+
+“Take your own way! take your own way! Its never any use for me to say
+anything!” said Aunt Barbara, and her window was put down with such a
+force that made the glass rattle.
+
+Marcus had expected to hear Hatty answer in her usual hasty way, and he
+was quite surprised to see that she did not seem at all angry, and now
+had no unkind remarks to make about Aunt Barbara. He did not know that
+Hatty had been obliged to cast one look up to the clear sky, to remember
+the Great Being who was looking down upon her, before she dare trust
+herself to speak, nor did he know that she was now wondering why Aunt
+Barbara should be so unlike her dear, dear grandma.
+
+Marcus kept steadily on at his work, but Hatty did not feel satisfied
+about it until she had asked her mother if there was really any harm in
+what they were doing. After Mrs. Lee had given them free permission to
+go on, the morning passed pleasantly away in watching Marcus, and she
+was quite surprised when the dinner bell rang.
+
+“O dear!” said Hatty, “we shall have hardly time to put ourselves in
+order for the table.”
+
+Although Marcus knew that it was his mother’s express wish that he
+should never come to the table without looking neat and tidy, he paid
+little regard to his personal appearance; but there was something in
+the eager way in which Hatty hastened to brush the hair she had been too
+much inclined to neglect, that had its influence on him.
+
+Hatty was in her seat before her father was at the table, and a pleased
+smile crossed her face as she saw that Marcus had been using the clothes
+brush, and combing his straight black hair off his high forehead.
+
+The dinner hour was always a pleasant time at Mrs. Lee’s, for then all
+the family were together, and some interesting conversation was sure to
+take place. Marcus was a restless boy, active in body and mind. He
+enjoyed his father’s society, and affected to think that he was the only
+one in the family who was really a suitable companion for a boy of the
+mature age of twelve!
+
+Mr. Lee was a merchant; he had lately met with large losses, but he did
+not allow himself to be saddened by misfortunes that left his home
+untouched, and all his dear ones alive and well. Mr. Lee was a tall,
+slender man, with a bright, expressive eye, and a large, pleasant mouth,
+and his children thought him the handsomest man in Hyde, the large
+inland town where he lived.
+
+During the dinner-hour on the day about which we are writing, Mr. Lee
+was talking of a plan for building an Orphan Asylum, about which the
+citizens of Hyde were greatly interested.
+
+Marcus listened to his father’s remarks, and seemed to think himself
+called upon to reply. He did so, and showed uncommon quickness and good
+sense for a boy of his years in what he said. Mrs. Lee modestly made
+some suggestions, which her husband thought particularly useful; but
+Marcus’ lip curled as his mother spoke, in a way which it was well for
+him escaped his father’s observation. After dinner, Mr. Lee was obliged
+to hurry away, but not too soon to give Hatty a kiss, and to say to her
+how pleasant it was to see her face once more at the table.
+
+When Mr. Lee was gone, Mrs. Lee resumed the subject about which they had
+been talking, and sketched what she thought would be an improvement on
+the internal arrangement of the proposed building.
+
+“Now don’t, Mother!” said Marcus. “What do women know about such
+things?”
+
+“What do boys know? you had better say!” said Hatty, hastily taking
+part with her mother.
+
+“Any sensible boy of twelve knows more about such things than a woman!”
+said Marcus, turning to leave the room.
+
+“Stop, Marcus,” said Mrs. Lee, gently.
+
+Marcus stopped, but did not approach his mother. She stepped to his side
+and said: “Marcus, there was once a boy of twelve who had more wisdom
+than the learned doctors in the Jewish Temple. He, of course, knew more
+than his mother. Yet he went down with her to Nazareth, and was subject
+unto her. Even he was not above honoring his father and mother. Will you
+not try to imitate him?”
+
+Marcus was softened by his mother’s gentle manner, and he answered: “If
+I don’t behave as I ought to you, Mother, it is a great shame;” and then
+he was again turning away.
+
+Again he was detained. Hatty laid her hand on his arm and said: “Marcus,
+I did not speak rightly to you just now. I was angry. I am sorry.” Hatty
+blushed painfully when she spoke, and it was evident the acknowledgment
+cost her a great effort.
+
+“I did not notice it,” said Marcus, hurrying away.
+
+Hatty felt a little hurt at the way her apology was received, but her
+mother took her by the hand, and said: “That is right, Hatty. Confess
+your faults one to another, and pray one for another. You must not
+forget Marcus in your prayers.”
+
+Hatty was silent a moment, and then her mother said: “Come now, my dear,
+the baby is awake, and you will have an opportunity to see his queer
+little blue eyes, and to hold him in your lap.”
+
+Hatty was delighted when she reached the nursery, to be allowed to take
+the tiny being in her arms, and to hold his pretty soft hand in hers.
+
+Meg and Harry seemed to think it was a very attractive sight to see
+Hatty with the baby on her lap, and they left their soap-bubbles and
+came to stand about her.
+
+At this moment Aunt Barbara came in. She did not seem to notice Hatty
+and the baby. Her eyes at once fell upon the bowl full of soap-suds Meg
+had placed on a chair.
+
+“Dear! dear!” exclaimed Aunt Barbara, “what are the children coming to?
+Why, they waste soap as if it grew, instead of cost money! Here, Meg,
+pour this away directly, and don’t do such a thing again!”
+
+“It won’t help it to throw it away,” said Meg. “I want to blow bubbles.”
+
+“Shan’t have it! shan’t have it!” said little Harry, holding tight to
+the edge of the bowl with his little fat hands.
+
+“Aunt Barbara,” said Mrs. Lee, very gently, “I told the children they
+might blow bubbles a little while this afternoon. Jane mixed the soap
+for them, that they need not be wasteful.”
+
+“Its little use savin’ in such a house as this!” said Aunt Barbara, and
+she walked away as if she were particularly injured.
+
+Marcus now came in to tell how happy and contented the chickens seemed
+in the new coop. He saw some evidences of displeasure on the faces of
+Meg and Harry, and he exclaimed, “I met Aunt Barbara in the hall, with
+her indignation strut on. What’s up?”
+
+“Marcus, my son, I cannot bear to hear you speak in that way of any old
+person, especially of Aunt Barbara.”
+
+“But she is too tiresome and provoking, Mother. If I want a piece of
+twine for a kite-string she calls it wasteful, and—”
+
+“Yes,” broke in Meg, “and when I want to play tea, she won’t let me have
+a bit of milk or sugar,—that is, if mother is not here.”
+
+“Hush, hush, my children,” said Mrs. Lee, with a look of pain. “Come,
+sit down all of you, and I will tell you a story.”
+
+Marcus liked to hear stories as well as little Meg herself, and he
+forthwith sat down on the floor, where he could look straight into his
+mother’s eyes.
+
+Mrs. Lee began: “Once there was a little orphan girl, only seven years
+old. Her father and mother died, and she did not know what was to become
+of her. Now this little girl had an aunt, who was the widow of a
+clergyman. This aunt had a little cottage of her own, and just enough
+money to live quietly and comfortably by herself. She knew if she took
+the little orphan to her home, she must deny herself a great many
+comforts to which she had always been accustomed; but she resolved to do
+it.
+
+The little girl was very glad when she found that she was not alone in
+the wide world, and she soon learned to love the kind aunt who did so
+much for her.
+
+Sometimes she was surprised to see what care her aunt took, that nothing
+should be wasted; and she often wondered why her aunt did not buy
+herself a new bonnet, or a new dress, which she seemed to need. She did
+not know that her aunt had to practice so much care and economy, to give
+her a home. By and by, when she grew older, she understood all this, and
+tried to be like a daughter to the friend who had been so kind to her.
+Her aunt’s queer little ways only made her feel, then, that it was for
+her she had learned to save even the shreds she cut off when she was
+sewing. After the orphan girl was grown, she was married to a very kind
+gentleman. This gentleman was so grateful to the aunt for her care of
+the orphan, that he wanted her to come and live with them in her
+comfortable home; but Aunt Barbara said—”
+
+“There, there, Mother! you have let it out,” exclaimed the children in a
+breath.
+
+“Don’t, don’t,” said Hatty; “what did Aunt Barbara say, Mother?”
+
+“She said, your old aunty is queer and notional, and maybe you would be
+happier without her. No, no, let me stay here alone; I shall be quite
+contented to know my little orphan is so well taken care of! It was of
+no use urging Aunt Barbara, so we had to let her have her way. Now, my
+children, you know how Aunt Barbara got her very economical ways, and I
+hope you will have patience with her, for my sake.”
+
+“Indeed, I will!” said Hatty, looking up with her eyes full of tears.
+
+“I won’t tease her any more,” said Meg, nestling at her mother’s side.
+
+Marcus was silent; he felt too deeply to speak, how ill a return he had
+made to Aunt Barbara for her kindness to his mother.
+
+“But how came Aunt Barbara here?” asked Hatty, with much interest.
+
+“I will tell you,” said Mrs. Lee. “We had been married three years, when
+I had a little, helpless, sickly baby. I was too feeble to take proper
+care of it, and your father was obliged to be too much away from home to
+give me any help. Aunt Barbara heard how weak and pale I was looking,
+and what a poor, suffering baby I had. Then the old lady let her little
+home to a stranger, and came one day to us. She said she could not
+sleep for thinking of me and the little one, and she had come to take
+care of us. And what good care she took of us! She seemed to know just
+what I wanted. I was young, then, and there were many things about which
+I was as ignorant as you are. Aunt Barbara had nourishing food made for
+me just when I needed it, she took the care of the housekeeping from me,
+and so nursed me that I soon began to feel strong again. But I have not
+told you about the poor baby. Aunt Barbara could not do too much for
+that baby. It was a cross little thing, crying even when it was not
+sick. Aunt Barbara was never out of patience with it. She attended to
+its food, got up with it at night, and even when I was well enough to
+take it with me again, she was hardly willing to give it up.
+
+“All this watching and nursing was too much for Aunt Barbara; she has
+never been well since. When her rheumatism keeps her awake at night, she
+is often irritable and inclined to find fault the next day. When I feel
+tempted to be out of patience with her, I have only to remember that it
+was for me and my little baby she came here, and that for us she
+wearied herself until her health gave way.”
+
+“Mother,” said Hatty, in a whisper, “was I that little sickly baby that
+Aunt Barbara was so patient with?”
+
+“Yes, my darling,” was Mrs. Lee’s reply.
+
+The many impertinent, hasty, impatient words that she had spoken to her
+old aunt, returned to Hatty’s mind, and she resolved to ask God to give
+her strength to make amends for the past.
+
+“It is a sad truth,” said Mrs. Lee, “that old people have much less
+patience shown towards them than little children have, yet they need it
+quite as much. God has so arranged it, that those who are watched over
+and taken care of when they are helpless babes, should in their turn
+nurse and comfort the feeble old age of their parents. Remember, my
+children, old age makes people in one way like infants; that is, it
+leads them to be irritable and troublesome, and often helpless, and
+these defects should be borne with tenderly, as your father or I would
+soothe that dear baby on Hatty’s lap. God has taught in his holy book
+the greatest respect to the aged, and his eye sees with displeasure
+even a rude look cast towards one who is grey-haired.”
+
+The children were all silent. Mrs. Lee saw that they were moved, and in
+her heart she prayed that God would grant a blessing upon the earnest
+words she had spoken, and save her dear ones from falling into the sin
+so offensive to the Holy One of Israel.
+
+
+
+
+IV.
+
+
+When Hatty went to bed, on the evening of her return, she found Meg fast
+asleep, and apparently as much at home as if she had always had a right
+to talk of “our room,” instead of being one of the children in the
+nursery.
+
+Hatty looked at the little brown face lying on the pillow, and the long
+dark lashes hiding the mischievous eyes, and she felt that she loved her
+little sister dearly, and would be willing to be put to a great deal of
+inconvenience to be of service to her. When Hatty knelt that night in
+the quiet closet her mother had given up to her use, she did not forget
+to pray that she might be patient and gentle with Meg, and so win her
+confidence as to be able to lead her to the Saviour, who loves to call
+the little ones His own.
+
+Hatty’s short reading in the Bible that evening was about the
+crucifixion of our Saviour, and as she prepared to lie down, she
+wondered how he could have borne such suffering without one murmur.
+Hatty had a perfect horror of pain. Her skin was thin and delicate, and
+even the grasp of a rough hand on her arm was sure to leave a bruise.
+Her usually pleasant face was clouded over by a scratch or a pin-prick,
+and her tears often fell fast for a wound that many children would have
+met with a smile. Hatty was naturally very sensitive to pain, and that
+was not her fault; but she had never yet begun to try to bear it
+patiently, as a part of her christian duty. As she lay down that night,
+she resolved to be more patient under, little trials, and to make light
+of little pains.
+
+Hatty’s new resolution was soon put to the test. She had hardly put her
+head on the pillow, before she became conscious that her couch was
+anything but a bed of roses.
+
+Meg had consoled herself for going to sleep in a strange room by
+herself, by munching hard crackers until that pleasure was lost in the
+new joy of the dreams of childhood. The bed was strewn with the crumbs,
+and through her thin night-dress Hatty could feel them in all
+directions. After brushing them this way and that way, Hatty jumped out
+of bed with an angry bound, and proceeded to light the candle and
+rectify the mischief in a systematic manner.
+
+“The troublesome little thing!” exclaimed Hatty, as she saw a half-eaten
+cracker lying in Meg’s loosened grasp. “She ought to be punished for
+it!”
+
+At that moment Hatty thought of her resolution to be patient under
+trifling discomforts, and a feeling of mortification came over her. Very
+quietly she brushed away the offending crumbs, gently she removed the
+half-eaten cracker, and then she knelt to ask forgiveness for this new
+exhibition of her hasty temper, ere she again lay down to rest.
+
+Hatty was soon in a sweet sleep; but shortly after midnight she was
+awakened by a feeling very much as if a broom-handle were thrust against
+her, while at the same time Meg exclaimed, “Do move, Hatty, you crowd
+so. I wish you would’nt come on my side of the bed.”
+
+Meg was a thin bony little creature, and the children all dreaded a
+punch with her sharp elbows almost as much as one of her scientific
+pinches.
+
+Hatty’s tender side actually ached, but she made an effort to say,
+gently, “Meg, you must be dreaming; wake up!”
+
+“I am not asleep at all!” said Meg, pettishly. “I wish you would move!”
+
+Hatty passed her hand along the seam of the sheet (Mrs. Lee used her
+old-fashioned sheets on the children’s beds) to assure herself that she
+was on her own side of the bed, and then she was going to tell Meg that
+it was _she_ who was out of place; but something checked her, and she
+only said, pleasantly, “Never mind, Meg, where the middle of the bed
+is,—you shall have all the room you want;” and making way for her little
+friend with the sharp elbows, Hatty composed herself again to sleep,
+with a far happier feeling than if she had contended for her rights.
+
+Once she was going to say, “O Meg, it hurts me still where you punched
+me,” but she checked the words, and thought how trifling was such a pain
+compared with the nails in the hands of our great example, who has bid
+us follow him in his patience, as well as in perfect purity.
+
+Hatty’s long ride from her grandmother’s, a distance of sixteen miles,
+and the excitement of her return home, made her sleep very soundly, when
+not disturbed, and she would gladly have continued her nap until the
+rousing bell gave forth its summons.
+
+Meg was something like the uneasy birds who twitter at midnight on their
+perches, and wake at dawn to sing, as if they never knew the need of
+rest.
+
+By the first grey streak of morning she began to stir, and was soon wide
+awake and full of glee at finding herself in her new quarters.
+
+Hatty turned her back resolutely, but in vain. Meg was not to be so
+easily disposed of. Hatty was going to say some hasty words to Meg, as
+she twitched away from her, when Meg pleaded, “Do wake up, sister Hatty.
+It is Sunday morning.”
+
+“Sunday morning!” that thought brought Hatty to herself—and making an
+effort to throw off her sleepiness, she turned towards Meg, and said,
+“Well, then, give me a nice kiss to begin the day.”
+
+Meg gave the kiss with real good will, and then, nestling up close to
+Hatty, she began to talk as if her tongue needed violent exercise to
+make up for being quiet all night.
+
+Before many minutes were over, Hatty had set that little tongue at
+Sunday work, repeating all the hymns and Bible verses that Meg had
+learned during the three months that Hatty had been away from home.
+
+Meg was full of eager questions about her hymns and her verses, and
+Hatty had an opportunity of giving the little one some sweet lessons
+about the loving Saviour and what He wishes in His lambs, that she would
+have lost if she had given way to her selfish wish for a longer nap.
+
+We do not know, when we give way to our own whims, instead of being
+unselfish, what opportunities of usefulness we may be losing. If we do
+one duty well, some higher and more important duty generally follows
+close upon it.
+
+Hatty took a pleasure in making Meg look particularly nice that Sunday
+morning, and she was well pleased when her mother smilingly remarked at
+breakfast that Meg showed very plainly that she had fallen into good
+hands. “Hatty needs a little attention, herself,” added Mrs. Lee, and
+she glanced at the irregular white line which separated the two heavy
+masses of waving red hair on each side of Hatty’s head.
+
+Hatty would rather have gone without her breakfast than had her hair
+parted. Hatty was apt to fret about being hurt all the while the
+operation was going on, and Mrs. Lee actually dreaded to propose what,
+if borne cheerfully, would have been but the work of a moment. Happily
+for Hatty at that instant her thoughts were called in a different
+direction by Marcus’ sudden question—
+
+“Where is Aunt Barbara this morning?”
+
+Even the question showed some interest in the old lady; and Mrs. Lee
+hailed it as an indication of a better state of feeling in her son.
+
+“Aunt Barbara is not very well this morning; she did not get up as early
+as usual,” said Mrs. Lee.
+
+“Shan’t I go up to see if I can do anything for her?” said Hatty,
+eagerly.
+
+“She will be down soon, I think; but you may go,” said the mother,
+pleasantly.
+
+Hatty ran up stairs, and knocked very gently on Aunt Barbara’s door.
+
+“Who is it? What do you want?” answered Aunt Barbara’s voice from
+within.
+
+“It is Hatty. Can I do anything for you?” said the little girl.
+
+“No!” was at first the decided answer; then followed a sudden call
+“Stop, stop, child. Come in a moment.”
+
+Hatty stepped in, but felt like drawing back as Aunt Barbara stood
+there, half dressed, with her grey hair uncovered, and her thin,
+shrivelled arms bare.
+
+“Don’t stare as if you were frightened,” said Aunt Barbara, quickly.
+“Old people are not generally very beautiful to look at!”
+
+“Can I do anything for you?” said Hatty, pleasantly.
+
+“Yes, if you want to. I can’t find my pocket. Perhaps you can see it.”
+
+Aunt Barbara wore a pocket tied on under her dress with a string, and
+she had been for some moments looking for it, as she was ready to put it
+on.
+
+Hatty glanced round the room, and was delighted when she saw a piece of
+white Marseilles peeping out from under the tumbled bed-clothes. She
+sprang towards it, and handed the pocket to the old lady, who took it
+without a word, and went on dressing herself.
+
+Hatty began to pick up the things about the room, and to throw open the
+bed; for she knew Aunt Barbara would not think of going down to
+breakfast until the room was a little in order.
+
+Aunt Barbara did not seem to notice her; but when she had tied the
+strings to her close-quilted muslin cap, and pinned a broad black ribbon
+round it, she said: “Come, now, child, its not worth while your
+breakfast should get cold while you are waiting on me.”
+
+Hatty’s face brightened, and she said, eagerly: “I should be glad to do
+anything for you, Aunt Barbara.”
+
+“You may have more chance than you want, if I feel like this many
+mornings,” said Aunt Barbara, very sharply.
+
+Aunt Barbara was not very pleasant at breakfast that morning. Nothing
+seemed cooked to suit her. The fact was, the poor old lady was not well,
+and had no appetite, and that made everything seem out of the way to
+her.
+
+Hatty could not help noticing how pleasantly her mother took Aunt
+Barbara’s comments on the breakfast, that would have put many
+housekeepers out of patience. When nothing on the table seemed to suit
+Aunt Barbara, Mrs. Lee quietly sent out for a bit of ham to be boiled;
+and when it came in, she seemed pleased that the old lady ate a few
+mouthfuls,—complaining at first that it was done a trifle too much, and
+in the end making way with it all.
+
+Mr. Lee did not seem to notice that Aunt Barbara was not well,—at least
+he did not ask about her health; and Hatty thought at first it was not
+quite right in her father, and she wondered that he should do anything
+so unlike himself. By-and-by she noticed that all the topics he brought
+up were such as were likely to interest Aunt Barbara. He spoke of
+meeting an old minister who used to live near her own home, and told how
+cheerfully he talked of his long, active life, and of the happy time
+when he should meet his Master in heaven. Then he brought up the new
+orphan asylum, which was always sure to enlist Aunt Barbara’s
+attention; and at last she seemed to forget her pains, while listening
+to his account of the meeting on the subject he had attended the evening
+before.
+
+Hatty felt pleased as she saw the shadow passing from the old lady’s
+face, and she glanced across for Marcus to sympathize in her
+satisfaction. He did not see her, but Hatty noticed that he placed a
+comfortable chair, after breakfast, near the window where Aunt Barbara
+best loved to sit, and drew a footstool up to it.
+
+Marcus did not think that anybody observed him, but two hearts were made
+glad by this little effort of kindness. Mrs. Lee and Hatty both saw that
+Marcus’ feelings towards Aunt Barbara had undergone a happy change.
+Marcus’ feelings had been touched, but feelings are a poor dependence
+for doing right, without principle.
+
+Hatty was delighted at the idea of going to church once more in her dear
+native town. She felt that it would be a new and better thing to be
+there, now that she could count herself among those who were glad at the
+thought, “God is in His holy temple.” Hatty began, in her impatience, to
+make her preparations in very good season. She had laid out on her bed
+all the things she expected to wear, when her mother called her to come
+into the nursery.
+
+Hatty went promptly as far as the door, but she moved across the floor
+more slowly when she saw that her mother had a comb and brush in her
+hand.
+
+“I hope we shall have no trouble about the hair, this morning. It needs
+parting, sadly,” said Mrs. Lee, in her gentle way.
+
+Hatty’s mind was made up at that moment; her mother might pull as hard
+as was necessary, _she_ would not say a word if it hurt her ever so
+much.
+
+Mrs. Lee used the comb very carefully, yet it was disagreeable, almost
+painful to Hatty’s delicate skin. She shut her mouth tight, however, and
+thought of her resolution to bear little hurts pleasantly, and actually
+got through without a murmur.
+
+When the hair was brushed smoothly, Hatty’s face looked very sweet from
+the effort she had made to do right, and she well deserved the
+affectionate kiss her mother pressed on her lips.
+
+“Perhaps I could help Aunt Barbara get ready for church,” said Hatty,
+one right action leading to another.
+
+“Aunt Barbara is not well enough to go, to-day. I am very sorry, on my
+own account as well as on hers. It is Communion day, and I had hoped to
+go to church, for the first time in many weeks.”
+
+“But cannot you go, Mother?” said Hatty, earnestly.
+
+“No, my dear,” said Mrs. Lee, quietly. “I do not like to leave Aunt
+Barbara with no one to wait upon her. I promised Betsy, yesterday, that
+she should go out this morning, and Jane will be busy with the baby and
+Harry.”
+
+Hatty was silent for a moment; a struggle was going on in her mind. At
+length she looked up with a beautiful, bright expression on her face,
+and said, “I will stay with Aunt Barbara, if you could trust her with
+me. I do not want you to be kept at home.”
+
+Mrs. Lee knew the effort it must have cost her little girl to give up
+the pleasure for which she had been so eagerly preparing, but she did
+not refuse her kind offer.
+
+“Thank you, my darling; I shall feel quite easy leaving Aunt Barbara
+with you. ‘I was sick and ye visited me,’ our Saviour says, and then
+adds, ‘Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, ye
+have done it unto me.’ That thought makes taking care of the sick doubly
+pleasant. And now, darling, instead of putting on your own things, which
+are all laid out so nicely, you will have to help me to get ready.”
+
+Hatty was glad to be kept very busy that she might not have a moment to
+regret her choice, and she made herself so actively useful, that Mrs.
+Lee was not at all too late in joining the group waiting for her in the
+hall below.
+
+“Why! are you not going, Hatty?” exclaimed Marcus, as his sister
+appeared at her mother’s side.
+
+“Hatty is going to stay with Aunt Barbara. She may need some attention,
+and I did not like to leave her alone,” said Mrs. Lee.
+
+Marcus looked up in surprise. He knew with what eagerness Hatty had
+spoken in the morning of being at church, and could not but wonder at
+the sudden change,—she looked so cheerful. One glance at the sweet,
+bright expression of her face, convinced him of the generous motive that
+had kept her at home. Marcus began to think there was some strength in
+Hatty’s new resolution to do right.
+
+
+
+
+V.
+
+
+Aunt Barbara’s room was in the back building, and the entrance to it was
+on the first landing to the front stairs. The old lady had chosen that
+room, when she came to Mrs. Lee’s, because no one had ever occupied it;
+for she said, “I never did turn anybody out, and I never mean to.”
+
+There Aunt Barbara had collected about her all her favorite pieces of
+old-fashioned furniture, her dark mahogany secretary-bureau, with its
+bright brass rings held fast in the mouths of wrinkled old brass faces,
+and her curtained bed, with all its festoons and fringes.
+
+When Hatty stepped into the room, she saw Aunt Barbara sitting
+bolt-upright in a stuff, straight-backed chair, and looking not much in
+the humor for little visitors.
+
+“Aunt Barbara, mother thought perhaps you would like some one with you
+this morning, and so I have brought in my Sunday books, and will sit
+here, if you like,” said Hatty, in a cheerful tone.
+
+“I don’t mind your sitting here, if you choose,” was the old lady’s
+reply.
+
+Hatty did not know what to say next, so she mounted into one of the
+high, stiff chairs, and took up a book and tried to read. Her eyes would
+wander to Aunt Barbara, sitting up straight and still, and looking out
+of the window at the sky. At length Hatty said, “Do lie down, Aunt
+Barbara; I am sure you would be more comfortable. Let me fix your
+pillows nicely for you.”
+
+“I never go to bed when I can sit up. I was not brought up to loll about
+and make myself sick by being lazy,” said Aunt Barbara.
+
+Hatty tried to read for a few moments more; then Aunt Barbara moved, and
+she looked at her again.
+
+The old lady evidently wanted something she could not find in her
+pocket, and yet did not feel like getting up.
+
+Hatty glanced her eyes round the room, and saw Aunt Barbara’s
+spectacles on the mantel-piece.
+
+She jumped up and handed them to her. “You may give me my Bible, if you
+choose,” said Aunt Barbara, in a pleasanter tone than she had used that
+morning.
+
+Hatty laid the great Bible on Aunt Barbara’s lap, and for a few moments
+the old lady seemed nodding; but she soon began to rub her spectacles as
+if they were not clean, and then she put her hand to her head, and said,
+“old folks can’t sit and read all day like young ones.”
+
+“That is just what grandma tells me,” said Hatty; “and she says young
+people ought to remember that, and learn a great many Bible verses to
+think about when they are too sick or too old to read.”
+
+“But if they did not do that when they were young,” said Aunt Barbara,
+“did grandma say what they should do then?”
+
+“She did not say anything about that,” said Hatty, looking puzzled. In
+another moment she added, in her most pleasant way, “would not you like
+me to read to you a little, Aunt Barbara?”
+
+“If you can make that little tongue of yours go slow enough, for me to
+understand, you may try,” said Aunt Barbara.
+
+Hatty drew her chair close up to Aunt Barbara, and was going to ask when
+she should begin, when the old lady said, pettishly, “Go round to the
+other side, child! don’t you know that’s my deaf ear?” Hatty moved as
+she was requested, and then Aunt Barbara told her to read the 103d
+Psalm. Hatty was a very pleasant reader, and she had lately taken great
+pains not to speak too rapidly.
+
+Aunt Barbara must have been pleased, for she kept Hatty reading,
+reading, until the family came home from church; and when she turned to
+leave the room, she said, “Thank you, child; I think going to your
+grandma’s has done you good.”
+
+Mrs. Lee had not told Aunt Barbara of Hatty’s letter about her new
+resolutions, yet the old lady felt that some change must have taken
+place in Hatty to make her willing to give up her own pleasure to sit in
+that quiet room with a sick, fretful old woman, as Aunt Barbara knew
+herself to be that morning.
+
+Hatty enjoyed her afternoon at Sunday school all the more for the
+sacrifice she had made; and when the children all gathered in the parlor
+before tea to say their catechism and Bible verses to their father, she
+felt as if she were one of the happiest little girls in the world.
+
+Mrs. Lee was all the afternoon with Aunt Barbara, and when night came
+the Doctor was sent for, and Jane and Betsy were called in to help Mrs.
+Lee to get the poor old lady into bed, for she was very sick.
+
+The Doctor looked soberly, and said the disease must have been coming on
+some time—that there was a great deal of irritation in her system, and
+he could not say how her sickness might end.
+
+Hatty and Marcus heard the Doctor say these words in the hall as he went
+out. The tears came into Hatty’s eyes, and she said to her brother, “How
+I wish we had never spoken a wrong word to Aunt Barbara!”
+
+Marcus did not reply, but he walked away to his room, to lie awake with
+sad, repentant thoughts.
+
+Mrs. Lee had no idea how rude her children had often been to Aunt
+Barbara; her presence had been some check upon them, though she had
+heard enough to give her pain. Aunt Barbara had led for many years a
+quiet life, and the noise and restlessness of children tired and worried
+her; and latterly she had been far from well.
+
+Mrs. Lee had been for some weeks confined to her room, and during this
+time Aunt Barbara had had much to bear from Marcus and the little ones;
+but she never complained to Mrs. Lee, though she daily grew more harsh
+in her own manner to the children.
+
+A little gentleness, a little patience on the part of those who were
+young, healthy and happy, would have done much to make poor old Aunt
+Barbara more pleasant and cheerful.
+
+
+
+
+VI.
+
+
+Now came an anxious period in Hatty’s home. Mrs. Lee, and a nurse who
+was hired for the purpose, spent their time in Aunt Barbara’s room,
+while the Doctor came and went with a troubled, serious air.
+
+On Hatty, meanwhile, fell the care of Meg and Harry. Hatty found having
+Meg in her room by no means so troublesome as she had expected. Meg’s
+desire to meddle with Hatty’s things, and to put them out of order,
+seemed to have gone now that she could say “our room.” She even made
+herself a kind of guardian against Harry’s inroads; and when she heard
+his little feet pattering that way, she would get in advance of him with
+her swift skips, and have the door shut before he reached it.
+
+Hatty found it quite impossible to keep the children quiet, so she
+managed to have them in the garden as much as she could, in pleasant
+weather, that they might not disturb Aunt Barbara.
+
+At the foot of the wide walk that led down between the flower beds, was
+a pleasant arbour, and here Hatty made a kind of a little home of her
+own. Marcus put up a tight box on one of the seats, and there Hatty kept
+a store of books and playthings for herself and the children, to make
+the place attractive, and looked so bright and happy herself, that when
+Marcus came from school he was glad to leave the dull, quiet house, to
+join the circle in the arbour.
+
+Hatty was busy sewing there, one day, while Meg made a parasol for her
+doll, of a maple leaf, and Harry drew a long-necked squash up and down
+the walk for a carriage. Suddenly Hatty heard Marcus come out the back
+door, whistling a cheerful tune. Hatty tucked her work in her pocket,
+and quickly picked up some bits of bright-colored worsted that were
+scattered over her dress.
+
+Marcus came down the walk, kicking a ball before him, and leaped into
+the arbour with a regular bound.
+
+“Well, Hatty,” he exclaimed, “I was head of my class to-day, and did
+not get a mark for being late, either. So I stand a chance for the prize
+yet.”
+
+“Were you not late?” asked Hatty, with surprise.
+
+“O yes!” answered Marcus, with a laugh. “The boys were all on their
+knees when I went in, but I opened the door quietly, and nobody heard
+me; so I got off famously.”
+
+“But what did you say when your name was called? You did not tell an
+untruth, Marcus?” said Hatty, anxiously.
+
+“No, indeed!” said Marcus, indignantly. “I am above that!”
+
+“I don’t understand it at all,” said Hatty, uneasily.
+
+“Why, this was the way. When Mr. Briggs called over the names for
+punctuality, some how or other his attention wandered just before he got
+to my name, and he skipped it, so I did not have to answer at all. After
+Mr. Briggs went out I looked at my name, and there was a cross after it
+for punctual; so you see it is all right, and my chance for the prize is
+as good as ever.”
+
+“I would rather have a brother who told the truth, than one who got the
+prize,” said Hatty, earnestly. “Dear Marcus, won’t you tell Mr. Briggs
+about it?”
+
+“I shall do no such thing. Girls are so silly! You never can make them
+understand anything,” said Marcus, hastily.
+
+But Hatty did understand. She felt that Marcus had acted a lie for the
+sake of winning the prize he so greatly desired. She knew he would be
+angry if she said anything more about it; but she could not be silent
+and let him do wrong, without one more effort. After a moment, in which
+she asked God to help her to keep down her own quick temper if Marcus
+should make a harsh reply, Hatty said:
+
+“Marcus, you know what mother tells us about the book where what we call
+secret things are written down, to be read on the great day when all
+things will be known. Something will stand against your name, there,
+worse than a mark for being unpunctual. Dear Marcus, do tell the truth,
+and not mind the prize. You will not care about the prize when you are
+happy with the beautiful angels in Heaven; but you will love to remember
+how you did right, when it came so very hard.”
+
+It had cost Hatty a great effort to say all this, and now she burst
+into tears.
+
+“Girls are so silly!” said Marcus, impatiently. “I wish you would not
+set up to lecture me, Miss?” and the brother walked angrily away.
+
+“For shame! For shame!” shouted little Meg, who had been an unnoticed
+listener to the conversation, and her slender finger was pointed at her
+brother. He took no notice of her; and she turned to Hatty, and threw
+her arms round her neck, and said: “Don’t cry, sister. Meg will be a
+good girl. I will try very hard.”
+
+“Will you, Meg?” said Hatty, brightening. “Then I shall be very happy.”
+
+Now Meg had only wanted to say something to comfort Hatty, and had
+spoken the first words that came into her mind, without thinking what
+they meant. When she saw Hatty seem so much pleased, she thought to
+herself: “I do mean to try, if Hatty wants it so very much.”
+
+At that moment Harry’s voice was heard in loud, angry screams. Hatty and
+Meg ran to the spot from whence they came. Marcus walked sheepishly
+away, as they appeared, ashamed to own that in his ill-humor he had
+been teasing his little brother.
+
+Harry was a sweet-tempered, affectionate little fellow, ready to put up
+his mouth to kiss anybody who smiled upon him; but now he had been too
+far provoked to bear all patiently.
+
+Marcus had run away with his yellow carriage and dashed it against a
+stone, until all the seeds that had been riding about so comfortably
+were scattered far and wide on the grass. Then, because he looked
+displeased, and said, “Naughty boy!” Marcus had perched him on the high
+chicken-coop, and left him to scream for himself, or roll off as he best
+could.
+
+Hatty took the little fellow in her arms and wiped away his tears. She
+promised to hunt with him for a “beautiful squash,” larger than the one
+he had lost,—and he was soon comforted, and began to smooth her face and
+say, “Dear Hatty—Hatty so dood.”
+
+“Yes, Hatty is so good,” echoed Meg.
+
+“Sister is only trying to be good,” said Hatty, modestly. But the praise
+of the little ones went to her heart.
+
+Marcus was sulky towards Hatty all the noon. He did not go out to help
+her feed the bantams, though she went through the room where he was,
+with the food in her hand, to give him a chance, if he wished, to join
+her pleasantly.
+
+Hatty loved her brother, and since she had been making an effort to
+govern her temper, she had enjoyed being with him. He, too, found in her
+a very pleasant companion. She was ready to listen to him when he
+talked, and let herself be instructed, though she sometimes knew as much
+as he did about the subjects of which he was speaking. Marcus did not
+teaze Hatty much of late, as she had learned to laugh, herself, even
+when he warmed his hands by her red hair, or asked her if she was so
+hot-tempered that she had set her head on fire in a passion.
+
+Marcus was glad that day when it came time for him to go to school
+again, though he generally thought the intermission quite too short. He
+missed Hatty, and he felt uneasy about what she had said. An
+uncomfortable feeling was at his heart. He was acting a lie! The truth
+had been plainly told him, and he could not forget it.
+
+
+
+
+VII.
+
+
+Marcus was very cross to Hatty for a day or two after their conversation
+in the arbour; and whenever he was in the house he kept the children
+perpetually uncomfortable with his teasing.
+
+Hatty had all this to bear in silence, for she would not trouble her
+mother with complaints when she had so much on her mind.
+
+Saturday came, and Marcus was to be at home all day. Hatty actually
+dreaded it. She did not know how she should get through so many hours,
+with Marcus about the house, so she resolved to go early to the arbour,
+and perhaps he would not follow her there.
+
+Marcus lounged about by himself for a while, and at last, out of
+loneliness, he went down to the arbour, too.
+
+Hatty looked up pleasantly as he drew near, and said: “Why can’t you
+get a book, Marcus, and read something to Meg and me?”
+
+“To Meg and you!” said Marcus, contemptuously. “A pretty business for a
+boy of twelve!”
+
+Hatty did not like contempt, and she answered, hastily: “I am only two
+years younger than you are, and mother says I am farther advanced in
+some of my studies!”
+
+“Hurrah for the red-head; touch her, and she goes off like a brimstone
+match!” said Marcus, triumphantly, for he was tired of having all the
+crossness on his own side.
+
+“Hatty’s hair isn’t red,” said Meg, angrily. “I heard a lady say, the
+other day, it was beautiful auburn hair; and she said Hatty was
+sweet-looking and good, and that is more than anybody will say of you.”
+
+“Bad boy! bad boy! Go away!” said Harry, lifting his fat little leg and
+trying to kick Marcus with his wee foot.
+
+Hatty could not reprove the children, for she herself had set the
+example of speaking angry words.
+
+Heartily ashamed of herself, she said: “I am very sorry I spoke so to
+you, Marcus; it was not right. I ought not to mind being put with Meg,
+for she is a dear little girl, and I love her very much.”
+
+“And I love Hatty, and you shan’t be cross to her,” said Meg, putting
+her arms round Hatty.
+
+“It was Hatty who was cross,” said the little girl, sadly. “Poor Hatty
+is only _trying_ to be good. She does wrong very, very often.”
+
+“Hatty dood! Hatty dood!” said Harry, nestling at her side.
+
+Marcus walked away, without saying another word. He took his
+fishing-rod, and Hatty saw him no more that day.
+
+When Marcus came home in the evening he was very tired. The family had
+all done supper. He took what he wanted, alone, and then went up to bed
+without saying “good-night” to any body. When he got into his own room,
+he saw on the floor by his bed a beautiful pair of slippers, with dogs’
+heads worked neatly upon them. He took off his heavy shoes. How
+comfortable the slippers felt to his tired feet! Such an excellent
+fit—so loose and easy! “How kind in mother to make them!” he thought.
+“When could she have had the time.”
+
+Marcus was going to rush to the door of Aunt Barbara’s room to thank his
+mother, when he saw a little note lying on the table. He broke it open
+and read:
+
+“Dear Marcus: It has made me very sad all the week to think you were
+displeased with me. I love you very dearly, and cannot bear to have you
+look at me as if you did not care for me. I know I made you angry by
+speaking about the mark at school. If I had not cared for you I should
+not have spoken as I did. I hope you will yet tell Mr. Briggs. Perhaps I
+am too naughty myself to give anybody advice. Please forgive me all I
+have ever done wrong to you.—I began to work these slippers as soon as I
+got home from grandma’s, and they were only finished this week. I hope
+they will fit you.—Won’t you be pleasant to-morrow morning to your
+sister Hatty?”
+
+Marcus read the note, with the slippers on his feet. He felt ashamed of
+his unkindness to his little sister, and he resolved to meet her
+pleasantly in the morning. Marcus did not go to sleep until late that
+night, but we will not tell what was the subject of his thoughts.
+
+The next morning Marcus’ ill humor seemed to have all passed away. He
+made no apology to Hatty for his late rudeness, but she was generous
+enough to forget the past. She did not now in her turn sulk and pout,
+and so keep up the quarrel, but she received him as cheerfully as if
+nothing had happened.
+
+Marcus wore the new slippers, and declared he had never had a present
+that suited him better, and Hatty was repaid for all her trouble.
+
+Hatty fancied that at church Marcus was more attentive than usual, and
+once she thought she saw him wipe his eyes, as if he were affected by
+something the clergyman said; but she was soon afraid she had been
+mistaken, for he began to look about as usual, and even exchanged a
+glance of recognition with one of his acquaintances in the gallery.
+
+Hatty felt anxious for her brother, and she was particularly tender and
+kind in her manner towards him all day, and in the evening, when she
+went to bed, she prayed earnestly that God would soften his heart, and
+lead him to do right. Hatty had not forgotten that Marcus had acted a
+lie, and she remembered that our Heavenly Father is “a God who hateth a
+lie.”
+
+
+
+
+VIII.
+
+
+Monday morning rose bright and clear. For many days Aunt Barbara had
+been steadily gaining, and now she was coming down stairs, for the first
+time. Hatty felt it a pleasure to wait upon her mother, while she
+assisted the old lady to dress, and even Marcus seemed pleased to be
+useful. He and Jane carried down the old-fashioned easy chair, which
+Aunt Barbara particularly fancied, and then he drew a small table near
+it, placed a footstool beside it, and stood waiting to see if he could
+be of any further assistance. Mr. Lee helped Aunt Barbara down very
+tenderly, and looked at her as affectionately as if she were a dear
+little child instead of a poor invalid, tottering with age and sickness.
+
+Marcus expected to hear Aunt Barbara say, “This room is too light for
+anybody,” or “My! who could have chosen such a place for my chair?” but
+he was mistaken.
+
+Aunt Barbara sunk down among the pillows which Hatty had arranged, quite
+exhausted, and for a while was too weak to say one word. Mrs. Lee
+brought her a glass of wine, and a light biscuit, and when Aunt Barbara
+had taken them she seemed better.
+
+Then she looked round the cheerful library, and said, “How pleasant it
+is here, and how nicely you have prepared for me! And you helped, too,
+Marcus; that was kind!”
+
+“I am very glad you are pleased!” said Marcus; and away he ran to
+school, feeling more light-hearted than he had done for many days. Mrs.
+Lee said she would take care of the children in the nursery, as Jane
+must be busy, and leave Hatty with Aunt Barbara. Hatty was glad to be
+trusted, and she brought her sewing, and took a low seat near the old
+lady.
+
+Aunt Barbara did not seem inclined to talk at first, and Hatty kept very
+quiet, though every now and then she opened her mouth as if she were
+going to speak, and then shut it again quickly.
+
+Hatty had learned that there are often times when older people do not
+care to hear even pleasant young voices. She had found out that a little
+happy child may show a great deal of unselfishness by keeping quiet,
+when she would gladly let her tongue speak out the joy that is in her
+heart. Hatty tried to think over all the hymns she had ever learned, and
+so be silent until Aunt Barbara should choose to speak.
+
+Hatty’s lips were beginning to feel quite stiff with their unusual
+effort, when Aunt Barbara said, “Hatty, my dear.”
+
+Hatty looked up suddenly, (Aunt Barbara had never called her “my dear”
+before,) but she only said “What, ma’am,” and then waited to see what
+would come next.
+
+“Do you love your grandma?” asked Aunt Barbara.
+
+“Indeed I do!” said Hatty, warmly. “She is the dearest and sweetest old
+lady in the world!”
+
+“She is older than I am, I believe, and a great deal more wrinkled,—at
+least I have heard so!” said Aunt Barbara.
+
+“I don’t know, I never thought about that; she looks very sweet to me!”
+said Hatty, with a puzzled look.
+
+“I have had a notion,” said Aunt Barbara, “that children did not like
+old people, and perhaps I have not tried to make myself pleasant to
+them. Do you think if I tried to be like your grandma you could love me,
+too?” and the old lady looked earnestly at the little girl.
+
+“O Aunt Barbara, I love you now!” said Hatty affectionately; “and you
+grow more like grandma every day.”
+
+“Dear child!” said Aunt Barbara, and she laid her thin hand on the head
+of the little girl. After a moment’s pause she went on—“Hatty, I think I
+must have been very cross before I was sick; somehow everything seemed
+wrong to me. I am sorry!”
+
+“I and Marcus and Meg and all of us are sorry we were so naughty. It was
+our fault, Aunt Barbara,—and we mean to be better,” said Hatty, eagerly.
+
+“Poor old Aunt Barbara did wrong, too, child. God has laid her on her
+bed of sickness to think, and he has raised her up again for some good
+purpose. Perhaps he wanted to give her an opportunity to be more like
+what a person ought to be, who has had more than seventy years of
+blessings, and who has the promise of a home in Heaven. Aunt Barbara
+means to try not to be fretful, and you children must have patience with
+her if she don’t always speak just as she should.”
+
+The old lady was in earnest, and tears rolled down her cheeks.
+
+Hatty rose and wiped them away,—then she kissed Aunt Barbara, tenderly,
+and said, “We will never think any harm of what dear Aunt Barbara
+says,—for we all love you, and mean to make you very happy.”
+
+Aunt Barbara now asked Hatty to sing some sweet hymns; and she looked so
+quiet and peaceful as she listened, that Hatty could not help thinking
+that Jesus must be very near to old people, who are almost at the golden
+gate of Heaven.
+
+From that time Hatty was much with Aunt Barbara; and it was touching to
+see how hard the old lady tried to be gentle and pleasant.
+
+Hatty’s example had a great influence on the other children. Meg learned
+to skip more softly as she passed Aunt Barbara’s door; and Harry never
+ate an orange without pattering along to Aunt Barbara’s room, to give
+her a taste.
+
+In their hearts the children often acknowledged that it was their own
+thoughtlessness which had brought about much of the old lady’s
+harshness; and now that they were more gentle and considerate, they
+found her a dear, kind friend, who had pleasant stories to tell, of days
+gone by; and with her Hatty had many sweet talks of the loving Saviour,
+whom they were both striving to serve.
+
+
+
+
+IX.
+
+
+When Marcus came home from school on Monday afternoon, Hatty was in the
+garden, picking a bouquet to put in Aunt Barbara’s room. He stepped
+quietly behind her and put his hands round her waist, before she heard
+him coming.
+
+She looked round, expecting to see his face full of fun; but it was very
+sober,—and he said, quietly,
+
+“I have lost the prize, Hatty!”
+
+“Did you miss a lesson to-day!” said Hatty, eagerly.
+
+“I have not made a mistake this term, and I don’t mean to, if I can help
+it,” said Marcus, rather proudly.
+
+“Not a mark for misconduct?” said Hatty, anxiously.
+
+“A mark for tardiness stands against my name. I have told Mr. Briggs.”
+
+Hatty turned towards her brother, and kissed him tenderly. He did not
+push her away, but, putting his arm round her waist, he walked a few
+moments along the path in silence; then he said, “I have had a talk with
+Mr. Briggs, that I hope I shall never forget. I thank you, Hatty, for
+being a true sister to me.”
+
+Here Marcus broke away from Hatty, and ran into the house before she
+could speak a word in reply.
+
+Hatty finished gathering the flowers, but her thoughts were not on her
+bouquet, but on her brother. In her heart she thanked God for prompting
+him to take this first right step, and earnestly she prayed that he
+might go steadily forward in the path that leadeth unto life.
+
+
+
+
+X.
+
+
+The weeks flew by, and Aunt Barbara was able first to take a short
+drive, and then to be in the air hour after hour.
+
+One Saturday Mr. Lee pushed back his chair, after dinner, and looking
+pleasantly round on his children, said, “What do you all say to a visit
+to Mr. Sparrow’s peach orchard to-day?”
+
+The young faces flushed back a glad response, and every little voice was
+raised in a joyous welcome to the proposal.
+
+“Aunt Barbara must go, too,” said Meg, giving the old lady a protective
+look, which, although it was quite absurd, sprang from real kindness.
+
+“Yes, Aunt Barbara must go, of course,” said Mr. Lee, smiling.
+
+“And Hatty, Hatty so dood,” put in Harry, as he laid his plump hand
+caressingly on Hatty’s white arm.
+
+“Yes, every one must go, if the carriage is as full as the shoe where
+the old woman lived, with that wonderfully large family.”
+
+“I hope none of us will have to be whipped and sent to bed,” said Meg,
+laughingly.
+
+“No, no. You shall all have peaches and bread, instead,” said Mr. Lee,
+with a quizzical look.
+
+The children all laughed so much at what they thought a charming
+witticism on their father’s part, that they could hardly hear his voice
+when he spoke again to say they must be ready in an hour; and then away
+he went, to give orders about the carriage.
+
+At the first mention of the excursion Marcus had darted away to get his
+fishing-tackle in order; for he knew there was a famous trouting stream
+on Mr. Sparrow’s farm, and he meant to have sport, for which he cared
+more than for bushels of peaches.
+
+The hour passed quickly away in busy preparation for the coming
+pleasure, and all were ready when the great family carriage Mr. Lee had
+borrowed from his brother, came up to the door.
+
+The horses seemed as full of glee as the children, and Mr. Lee could not
+leave them to attend to the ladies. Marcus assisted Aunt Barbara very
+carefully down to the gate, and handed her in so dexterously that she
+was able to take her seat without complaining of twisting her joints
+with the exertion. Then Mrs. Lee was escorted with great ceremony, by
+Marcus, and placed at Aunt Barbara’s side. Jane (with the baby in her
+arms) and Hatty took up the middle seat. Marcus was to sit with his
+father,—but what was to become of Harry and Meg. The little things
+looked disconsolate as they saw the places filling up; but Hatty called
+out, cheerily, “I will hold Meg,” and Marcus said, almost in the same
+breath, “Harry must sit on my knee, that all the gentlemen may be
+together.”
+
+“All de dentlemen todedder!” said Harry, with a pompous look, as he
+stood ready to be lifted to the place of honor assigned him.
+
+“Now are all packed in tight?” said Mr. Lee, as he drew up the reins in
+his hand.
+
+“All right!” was the merry shout within, and away went the horses, as
+if they enjoyed the sport.
+
+The swift motion through the cool air made Hatty glad to draw close
+round her the shawl she had thrown over her bare neck and arms; and Mrs.
+Lee reached forward to fold the baby’s blanket closely about it.
+
+Hatty soon found Meg rather heavy, and she might have made the whole
+party uncomfortable by complaining,—but she had learned that one way of
+doing right is, to check all complaints about trifles, and to be as
+cheerful as possible.
+
+After a while Meg slipped quietly down into the bottom of the carriage,
+and said she had a charming seat there on the baby’s strong basket. She
+did not say that she saw sister Hatty was weary, and wished to relieve
+her. Little Meg was learning something of Christian kindness; so true is
+it that where one child in a family is really trying to do right, all
+the others soon catch something of her spirit.
+
+It was a real treat to the children to be fairly outside the town, among
+green fields and pleasant woods. Mrs. Lee had to keep her head bobbing
+this way and that way, to see a flock of turkeys that made Meg laugh;
+or a wild flower that pleased Hatty; or a “pretty moo cow” that Harry
+thought quite extraordinary.
+
+Marcus, meanwhile, was sitting up beside his father, and trying to talk
+learnedly of “crops and fallow-land, good timber, and pretty fair
+orchards.” His father listened when he spoke, and quietly corrected his
+mistakes, without showing him the least sign of contempt, or making him
+feel his youth unnecessarily.
+
+Mr. Lee saw that Marcus was bent upon appearing like a man, and he only
+tried to make him a sensible, accurate little man, instead of putting
+him down in a way likely to provoke him.
+
+All Marcus’ _mannish_ ways went off, suddenly, when the carriage drew up
+at Mr. Sparrow’s door. He leaped from his seat, and without waiting to
+hand out the ladies and children, he gave a merry shout, and started off
+for the brook at a pace that most men find neither easy nor comfortable.
+
+Good farmer Sparrow was away in the orchard; but stout Mrs. Sparrow
+helped Aunt Barbara out as well as if she had been a man; and by that
+time Mr. Lee had tied the horses, and was ready to lift down the
+children; Meg came out with a flying skip, and Hatty bounded down
+cheerfully; but Harry was so sleepy, that his father had to lift him as
+if he were a bag of meal.
+
+The sight of the peach orchard was enough to fill the children with
+astonishment,—the rich fruit looked so beautifully, hanging on the
+bending boughs. Aunt Barbara was placed on a comfortable chair by the
+window; Mrs. Lee took the baby,—and then Jane and the children went out
+into the peach orchard, with Mrs. Sparrow.
+
+The farmer’s wife knew exactly to what trees to take them; and she
+reached up and picked two of the largest peaches Hatty had ever seen,
+and placed one in the little girls’ hands. Away went Hatty back to the
+house with her treasures, and when she had given them to Aunt Barbara
+and her mother, she was ready for her own pleasure.
+
+Hatty was learning to think of others first, even in trifles.
+
+Mrs. Lee had told the children just how many peaches they must eat; and
+after they had come up to the number she named, they enjoyed going
+about with Mrs. Sparrow, and watching her while she filled the large
+basket that had been placed in the carriage, in front of Mr. Lee, for
+the purpose. Hatty could not help thinking, as she looked at the trees
+loaded with the beautiful fruit, how kind it was in our Heavenly Father
+to make so much that is “pleasant to the eye and good for food,” that we
+may take without breaking any of his commandments. She pitied poor Eve,
+if the forbidden fruit looked anything like those tempting peaches, and
+was glad that there was no “serpent” at farmer Sparrow’s that pleasant
+day.
+
+Hatty forgot that there is temptation every where, if not quite in the
+form that was tried upon Eve.
+
+After the children had enjoyed the orchard to their hearts’ content,
+little Harry grew tired, and Jane took him to rest. Mrs. Sparrow and her
+strong maid carried in the heavy basket of peaches, and Hatty and Meg
+had permission to wander about to look at the chickens, the bee-hives,
+or anything else that might interest them.
+
+Meg was full of glee, and would gladly have chased the chickens, handled
+the young ducks, and teazed the turkey-gobbler till he was quite in a
+passion. Hatty checked her as gently as she could, and managed to keep
+her for some time from doing any actual mischief.
+
+Meg was charmed when she got to the bee-hives. She had lately heard
+Marcus discoursing, in his most learned manner, as to the habits and
+peculiarities of bees, and she was curious to see these wise little
+insects in their own home.
+
+Hatty was glad to find her at last so absorbed as to be willing to be
+quiet a moment, and, a little relieved from her anxiety, she turned away
+to look at a curious plant that was growing in a small swampy place,
+into which the surplus water from the large back-yard was made to flow.
+
+The plant was, indeed, worth looking at; it was the pitcher plant, or
+side-saddle-flower,—every leaf of which is so formed as to hold water.
+She walked round and round it, looking into each pitcher-like leaf, and
+thinking of the wonderful variety which God has chosen to make even in
+the forms of the leaves, not to speak of the many-hued flowers.
+
+Turning accidentally towards Meg, Hatty saw her slender brown arms
+pushing with all their might against one of the hives, and it was
+evident from Meg’s determined air that she had made up her mind to do
+something—some mischief, Hatty concluded, of course, and hurried to the
+spot.
+
+She only reached it in time to see the hive tumbling over, while a swarm
+of angry bees came forth to avenge themselves for this overthrow of
+their home.
+
+The very impulsiveness of character, which made Hatty open to temptation
+from a hasty temper, now made her think and act quickly.
+
+She saw at once the danger that Meg was in, from the angry insects. It
+was but the work of a second for Hatty to throw her light shawl
+completely over Meg—the child’s straw hat—holding it at such a distance
+from her face and arms that the stings of the insects could not reach
+her.
+
+Then, with one hand, Hatty held her white sun-bonnet close together in
+front, while she extended the other, to lead Meg.
+
+Over Hatty’s bare neck and arms the bees now settled, and began to vent
+their anger in sharp stings that made her scream with pain.
+
+The cries of the children quickly brought Mr. Lee and Farmer Sparrow,
+who had been taking a survey of the place, together.
+
+Farmer Sparrow bade Mr. Lee keep at a distance, as soon as he saw, from
+the over-turned hive, and from the moving black spots on Hatty’s fair
+neck and arms, what was the matter.
+
+Mr. Lee found it hard to keep away from his children when they were in
+such trouble, but he knew it was best to obey.
+
+With a dexterous turn of the shawl, Farmer Sparrow shut the bees up in
+it, while he bade Meg run for her life. She needed no second command,
+and was soon sobbing in her father’s arms.
+
+The few bees who had escaped from the shawl settled upon Farmer Sparrow,
+but he minded them no more than if they were so many flies, for the
+sagacious insects knew him too well to sting him.
+
+“Stand quite still, child!” said Farmer Sparrow to Hatty, in a tone of
+command. It would have been hard for Hatty to obey, covered as she was
+with the tormenting bees, but for the belief that the prayer for help
+that she had sent up to God in her distress was about to be answered.
+One by one Farmer Sparrow picked off the bees with his hands, and
+slipped them into the shawl, which he held like a bag. They seemed to
+own him as a master, and not one offered him a disrespectful sting.
+
+When Hatty was freed from her tormentors she was in a piteous plight,
+her neck and arms being spotted over with the painful stings. Hatty
+struggled hard to bear them patiently, and Farmer Sparrow declared she
+was a perfect soldier.
+
+Mrs. Lee and Mrs. Sparrow were now on the spot. The latter hastened to
+bind indigo on the wounded parts, and poor Hatty soon presented an odd
+appearance, her white face peering out from her blue wrappings.
+
+Farmer Sparrow excused himself from any further attendance upon the
+party, as he must secure his beloved bees ere they were lost to him.
+
+The sun was now sinking in the west, and Marcus, laden with the results
+of his successful trouting, came whistling up to the farmhouse. He
+heard, in silence, the story of Hatty’s misfortune; but when his mother
+came quite to the end, Marcus walked up to his sister, and kissing her
+fondly, said: “You are a splendid girl, Hatty. You ought to have been a
+boy!” Then, turning to Meg, his indignation burst upon her, and he could
+not find words strong enough to express his anger at her mischief, and
+his conviction of the severity of the punishment she deserved.
+
+Meg could only reply in sobs.
+
+“Poor Meg is punished sufficiently by seeing her sister suffer. I think
+she will not soon forget this lesson!” said Mrs. Lee, kindly.
+
+“Meg did not know the harm she was doing!” added Hatty, pleadingly.
+
+“I only wanted to look inside,” said poor Meg, in the midst of her sobs.
+“I thought the wise little bees knew too much to hurt us!”
+
+“I hope my little Meg will remember, hereafter, ‘to touch not, taste
+not, handle not’ what is not her own,” said Mrs. Lee, soberly.
+
+“Indeed, I will try,” answered Meg, earnestly. “Do kiss me, Hatty,” and
+the child turned her swollen face towards her generous sister.
+
+Hatty kissed her, and assured her the pain of the stings was almost
+gone, and that she should soon be quite well.
+
+Mr. Lee was now ready with the horses, and the little party set out for
+home.
+
+As Hatty rode along in the carriage, and all seemed so tenderly
+interested for her, the little girl went back in memory to the time
+before she started on that all important visit to her grandmother.
+
+She recalled the frequent reproofs she then received from her mother,
+the stern displeasure of her father, her constant quarrels with Marcus,
+her impatience with Meg, and the saucy replies of the child. It seemed
+strange to her to remember that even Harry did not then like to be with
+her, and that she thought it quite a trial to be left with Aunt Barbara
+even for a few moments. Were all changed, or was the change in herself?
+When she thought all around her severe, cross, or quarrelsome, must not
+the fault have been in a great measure her own?
+
+Hatty could not bear to think of her old naughty self, and she turned
+with pleasure to the happy present. God had given her the wish to do
+right, and granted his blessing on her sincere efforts. How near and
+dear now seemed that Heavenly Father to his little one; she realized
+that He was at her side; she needed not to wait until she reached home
+to thank Him for his mercies. Into her heart she knew He was then
+looking, and beholding her gratitude there.
+
+Little Hatty felt very happy as she glanced round on the kind faces,
+beaming lovingly on her. Surrounded by such affection, she could bear
+almost anything. Yes, Hatty Lee, who once so dreaded pain, knew now that
+wrong, angry feelings, in herself, or the disapproval of her earthly
+parents, or the smile of her mother withdrawn, were far greater trials
+than the slight sufferings her body had been called to endure.
+
+
+
+
+XI.
+
+
+Hatty’s wounded neck and arms healed rapidly, but the red spots remained
+for many days to remind all the family of the late accident, and make
+them more tender than usual in their manner to the courageous little
+girl.
+
+Marcus seemed to have quite changed his opinion of his sister, and felt
+called upon to treat her with marked respect, and to honor her with many
+long talks on his favorite subjects.
+
+Hatty heard his footstep in the hall, as he was returning from school
+one afternoon, shortly after the accident. She knew that on that day was
+to be awarded the prize for which he had so faithfully labored, and
+which he had been induced to forfeit for the sake of truth.
+
+She felt great sympathy for him, and was planning in her own mind how
+she could best cheer him under his disappointment, when he threw open
+the door, and with a joyous bound sprang towards her.
+
+“Look, Hatty!” he said, as he laid on her lap the richly bound copy of
+Virgil which he had so desired for its own sake, as well as a mark of
+his teacher’s approval.
+
+“It is mine, given in the presence of the school, by Mr. Briggs!” said
+Marcus, with a joyous smile, “And I owe it all to you, Hatty.”
+
+“I am so glad!” said Hatty, with real pleasure. “But you do not owe it
+to me, Marcus.”
+
+“Yes, Hatty,” continued Marcus,—“Mr. Briggs knew all about my being
+late, and he was waiting for me to acknowledge it; if I had not I should
+have lost his confidence, and the prize would never have been mine, he
+said: as it was, no other boy stood as high as I did! Isn’t it
+splendid?”
+
+“I am very, very glad,” repeated Hatty. “Is it not better always to try
+to do right, Marcus!” she added softly.
+
+Marcus opened his mouth as if to speak, then turned silently away.
+
+That evening Mrs. Lee sat in the library, in the twilight, with Marcus
+and Hatty. She too had heard about the prize, and had rejoiced with her
+son, with a silent prayer in her heart that he might see the wisdom of
+the Better Path, and be led always to do right by the happy results
+which had followed the step that had cost him such an effort.
+
+After the subject of the prize had been discussed, a feeling of
+quietness stole over the little group; perhaps all had their own serious
+thoughts at that twilight hour.
+
+“Come, Hatty,” said Mrs. Lee, pleasantly, “can you not recite a hymn for
+us?”
+
+Mrs. Lee almost feared that Marcus would walk away at this proposal, as
+he had often done before, on similar occasions; but he sat down at his
+mother’s side, and listened, while Hatty repeated, in a voice of deep
+feeling, the hymn,—“Ashamed of Jesus.”
+
+“Mother,” said Hatty, earnestly, when she had done speaking, “Do you
+think anybody in a Christian country was ever _ashamed of Jesus?_”
+
+“There are few in a christian country, my dear, who would be willing to
+be called infidels, or heathen,” said Mrs. Lee, soberly; “and I doubt
+if there are any young people who have heard of Jesus, who would not
+shrink from the thought. Though this is quite true, there are many who
+are ashamed of Jesus—many children, I fear!”
+
+“O Mother! what do you mean?” said Hatty, earnestly.
+
+“I mean,” said Mrs. Lee, “there are many who are ashamed to have it
+known that they wish to serve him. They would rather their best actions
+should be attributed to any cause, than a desire to do His will. They
+hide their best feelings, and struggle to show indifference when holy
+things are named, in a way which proves them at heart to be _ashamed_ of
+Jesus. Alas, poor foolish children! what will be their lot when he is
+ashamed of them, in the presence of his Father in Heaven!”
+
+Marcus had laid his head on his mother’s hand, as he sat beside her, and
+now she felt the hot tears trickle over it.
+
+Hatty was questioning in heart whether she could be so situated as to be
+_ashamed of Jesus_, when Marcus suddenly rose, and said:
+
+“I am afraid I have been ashamed of Jesus! Let me say now to you, dear
+Mother, and to Hatty, that I do wish to serve Him, and I want you both
+to help me.
+
+“We will together ask God for his help, which is better than any human
+arm, my dear son,” said Mrs. Lee, solemnly.
+
+The mother knelt down with her children, and earnestly implored God’s
+blessing on their young hearts. Fervently she asked the Great Heavenly
+Friend so to guide and sustain them in the upward path, that they might
+at last be gathered to his Eternal Home, with all those that love Him in
+sincerity and truth.
+
+When they rose from their knees, Hatty’s heart was too full of joy for
+words. She walked to Marcus’ side, and putting her arm about him, kissed
+him, with a deep, trusting affection she had never felt before.
+
+Now came in Aunt Barbara, leading little Harry, full of glee, while Meg
+followed, with her usual cheerful skip.
+
+“Let us have one more hymn before supper,” said Mrs. Lee, as she
+gathered the little group around her. “We will have ‘I want to be like
+Jesus,’ and only those must sing who really feel what they say.”
+
+Mrs. Lee began in her own clear, sweet voice. Hatty quickly followed,
+and Marcus united with her in trembling tones, with sober earnestness.
+Meg, with her childlike warble, and even little Harry, felt that he
+wanted to be like Jesus, and tried to lisp in “sweet accord” his
+Saviour’s name, blending his baby notes with those that fell from Aunt
+Barbara’s faltering tongue.
+
+How welcome to the father’s ear, as he returned from his daily toil, was
+that evening hymn!
+
+At the closing verse his manly tones were heard as a deep, full echo to
+the rest, while devout thanksgiving filled the mother’s heart.
+
+And Hatty—little Hatty—she felt almost too happy for earth; and fully
+she realized the truth, that “Wisdom’s ways are pleasantness, and all
+her paths are peace.”
+
+
+
+[Transcriber’s Note: The table below lists all corrections applied to
+the original text.
+
+p. 009: [added pair of quotes] and say, ‘You can’t come in, Meg.’
+p. 009: [added open quotes] “Jesus’ little children never quarrel
+p. 011: obey that consicence -> conscience
+p. 016: I did’nt know -> didn’t
+p. 027: [removed wrong quotes] “Marcus was softened -> Marcus
+p. 058: [normalized] a store of books and play-things -> playthings
+p. 096: [added period] that love Him in sincerity and truth. ]
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Hatty and Marcus, by Aunt Friendly
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HATTY AND MARCUS ***
+
+***** This file should be named 23536-0.txt or 23536-0.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        http://www.gutenberg.org/2/3/5/3/23536/
+
+Produced by Irma Spehar, Markus Brenner and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+http://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+http://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at http://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit http://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations.
+To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     http://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
diff --git a/23536-0.zip b/23536-0.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..710dffc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-0.zip
diff --git a/23536-h.zip b/23536-h.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b2ab9e5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-h.zip
diff --git a/23536-h/23536-h.htm b/23536-h/23536-h.htm
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..629fb0a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-h/23536-h.htm
@@ -0,0 +1,3486 @@
+<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN"
+    "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd">
+
+<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en" xml:lang="en">
+  <head>
+    <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" />
+    <title>
+      The Project Gutenberg eBook of Hatty and Marcus, by Aunt Friendly
+    </title>
+    <style type="text/css">
+/*<![CDATA[  XML blockout */
+<!--
+    body {
+        margin-left: 15%;
+        margin-right: 15%;
+        }
+    p {
+        margin-top: .75em;
+        text-align: justify;
+        margin-bottom: .75em;
+        }
+    div.textbody p {
+        text-indent: 1em;
+        }
+
+    div.note {
+        margin: 4em 10% 0 10%;
+        padding: 0 0.5em 0 0.5em;
+        border: 1px dashed black;
+        background-color: rgb(80%,100%,80%);
+        color: black;
+        font-size: smaller;
+        }
+    h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 {
+        text-align: center; /* all headings centered */
+        clear: both;
+        margin-top: 0em;
+        margin-bottom: 0em;
+        font-weight: normal;
+        }
+    h1 {
+        font-size: xx-large;
+        margin-top: 1em;
+        }
+    h2 {
+        font-size: x-large;
+        font-weight: bold;
+        margin-top: 3em;
+        margin-bottom: 2em;
+        }
+    div.textbody h1 {
+        font-size: x-large;
+        margin-top: 100px;
+        }
+
+    em.gesperrt {
+        letter-spacing: 0.35ex;
+        padding-left: 0.35ex;
+        font-style: normal;
+        }
+    hr {
+        margin-top: 0em;
+        margin-bottom: 0em;
+        margin-left: auto;
+        margin-right: auto;
+        clear: both;
+        height: 1px;
+        border: 0;
+        background-color: black;
+        color: black;
+        }
+
+    p.by {
+        font-size: small;
+        text-align: center;
+        margin-top: 40px;
+        }
+    p.subtitle {
+        font-size: x-large;
+        text-align: center;
+        margin-top: 40px;
+        }
+    p.author {
+        font-size: x-large;
+        text-align: center;
+        margin-top: 0px;
+        margin-bottom: 0px;
+        }
+    p.authorof {
+        font-size: small;
+        text-align: center;
+        margin-top: 1em;
+        }
+    p.publisher {
+        font-size: large;
+        text-align: center;
+        line-height: 150%;
+        margin-top: 60px;
+        margin-bottom: 0px;
+        }
+    p.copyright {
+        margin-top: 100px;
+        margin-bottom: 5em;
+        font-size: smaller;
+        text-align: center;
+        }
+
+    img {
+        border: none;
+        }
+    div.initial {
+        float: left;
+        clear: both;
+        padding-top: 0.0em;
+        padding-right: 0.5em;
+        }
+    div.textbody p.dropcapsection {
+        padding-top: 5px;
+        text-indent: -0.4em;
+        clear: none;
+        }
+    span.firstwords {
+        text-transform: uppercase;
+        }
+
+    ul {
+        list-style: none;
+		margin-left: 0em;
+        padding-left: 0em;
+        }
+
+    .pagenum  { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */
+        /*  visibility: hidden;  */
+        position: absolute;
+        right: 1%;
+        font-size: x-small;
+        font-weight: normal;
+        font-style: normal;
+        text-align: right;
+        color: gray;
+        background-color: inherit;
+        }
+
+     a:link {
+        text-decoration: none;
+        color: rgb(10%,30%,60%);
+        background-color: inherit;
+        }
+     a:visited {
+        text-decoration: none;
+        color: rgb(10%,30%,60%);
+        background-color: inherit;
+        }
+     a:hover {
+        text-decoration: underline;
+        }
+     a:active {
+        text-decoration: underline;
+        }
+
+    .center   {text-align: center;}
+    .smcap    {font-variant: small-caps;}
+
+    p.caption {
+        text-align: center;
+        font-size: small;
+        letter-spacing: 0.35ex;
+        padding-left: 0.35ex;
+        margin-top: 10px;
+        margin-bottom: 0em;
+        }
+
+    .figcenter   {margin: auto; text-align: center;}
+    // -->
+    /* XML end  ]]>*/
+    </style>
+  </head>
+<body>
+
+
+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Hatty and Marcus, by Aunt Friendly
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Hatty and Marcus
+       or, First Steps in the Better Path
+
+Author: Aunt Friendly
+
+Release Date: November 18, 2007 [EBook #23536]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HATTY AND MARCUS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Irma Spehar, Markus Brenner and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+
+<h1><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[1]</a></span>HATTY AND MARCUS;</h1>
+
+<p class="by">OR,</p>
+
+<p class="subtitle">First Steps in the Better Path.</p>
+
+<p class="by">BY</p>
+
+<p class="author">AUNT FRIENDLY,</p>
+
+<p class="authorof">AUTHOR OF &#8220;KATE DARLY; OR, &#8216;IT WILL ALL COME RIGHT.&#8217;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p class="publisher">NEW YORK:<br />
+<em class="gesperrt">ANSON D. F. RANDOLPH,</em><br />
+<em class="gesperrt"><span style="font-size: small">No. 683 BROADWAY.</span></em><br />
+1859.</p>
+
+<p class="copyright"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[2]</a></span>Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1859, by<br />
+<br />
+ANSON D. F. RANDOLPH,<br />
+<br />
+In the Clerk&#8217;s Office of the District Court of the United States, for
+the Southern District of New York.</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 23ex;" />
+<p class="center" style="margin-top: 2px; margin-bottom: 2px;">EDWARD O. JENKINS,<br />
+<span style="font-size: small">Printer &amp; Stereotyper,<br />
+<span class="smcap">No. 26 Frankfort Street.</span></span></p>
+<hr style="width: 23ex;" />
+
+
+<p class="figcenter" style="margin-top: 75px;"><a href="images/frontispiece.jpg"><img src="images/frontispiece_th.jpg" alt="Aunt Barbara" title="Aunt Barbara" /></a></p>
+<p class="caption">AUNT BARBARA.</p>
+
+
+<div class="textbody">
+<h1><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[3]</a></span><a name="HATTY_AND_MARCUS" id="HATTY_AND_MARCUS"></a>HATTY AND MARCUS.</h1>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="I" id="I"></a>I.</h2>
+
+
+<div class="initial" style="clear: both">
+<img src="images/dropcap_03.jpg" alt="H" title="H" /></div>
+<p class="dropcapsection"><span class="firstwords">
+<span style="display: none;">H</span>atty Lee</span> had been on a visit to her
+grandmother, and now she was coming
+home.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Lee had hard work that morning
+to keep her young people in
+order, for Hatty was a favorite with
+her brothers and sister, and they were wild
+with delight at the idea of seeing her
+again.</p>
+
+<p>Hatty was only ten years of age, and Marcus,
+her brother, thought because he was two
+years older he was almost a man, and quite
+able to give Hatty advice on all subjects.
+He pretended a great contempt for girls, but
+the fact was he had missed his little playmate
+sorely, and was full of glee at the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[4]</a></span>
+thought of her return. He showed his
+pleasure in a noisy way that made the house
+not very comfortable for any one else.</p>
+
+<p>Old Aunt Barbara had twice put her head
+out of her bed-room door, to tell him he was
+the &#8220;roughest, rudest boy in the world, and
+would drive her crazy if he did not behave
+himself;&#8221; but Marcus still ran up stairs, jumping
+up three steps at a time, with his heavy
+shoes, and sliding down the balusters, hallooing
+as he went, as if he were riding a race
+in an open meadow.</p>
+
+<p>Meggy, a mischievous little girl of six,
+joined her shouts with those of Marcus,
+while Harry, her next brother, was busy
+collecting all his new playthings in the hall,
+that he might show them to &#8220;sister Hatty&#8221;
+as soon as she arrived.</p>
+
+<p>As drums and trumpets were among his
+favorite toys, they of course had to be brought
+out, and thoroughly tried to prove that they
+were in perfect order.</p>
+
+<p>While all this tumult was going on in the
+hall, Mrs. Lee was vainly trying to hush the
+continual cries of her little baby, who, though
+only five weeks old, seemed to have remarkably
+strong lungs for its age, and to promise<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[5]</a></span>
+to resemble the rest of the family in his willingness
+to use them.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Lee was not very strong, and she was
+getting quite worn out with the screams of
+the baby, when old Aunt Barbara came
+stepping into the nursery, and declared that
+she was certain if she could take the child a
+moment, she could quiet it.</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Barbara put the baby on her lap,
+and began to say to it some of the queer old
+rhymes she had heard in her childhood,
+seventy years ago. It is not likely that the
+baby understood aunt Barbara&#8217;s funny stories,
+and wanted to listen,&mdash;but this is certain,
+it stopped crying, and soon closed its eyes
+and fell into a sweet sleep.</p>
+
+<p>When there was silence in the nursery,
+the noise in the hall sounded all the louder.
+Mrs. Lee stepped to the door quickly, as if
+she were going to speak severely to the
+children, but something within her whispered
+that they had no idea of the pain
+their frolic was giving, and that it was joy
+about their sister&#8217;s return that made them so
+unusually full of glee. When Mrs. Lee
+reached the head of the stairs, her face had
+a sweet motherly expression, and before she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[6]</a></span>
+spoke, she could not help smiling to see little
+Harry blowing away at his trumpet with all
+his might, and marching up and down the
+hall as if he were a fat little soldier on parade,
+while they jumped up and down, and
+screamed with delight, to see how fast Marcus
+could move on his smooth-backed horse.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Lee knew that in their present state
+of mind it would be next to impossible to keep
+the children perfectly quiet, and she resolved
+to employ them about something, that they
+might not waste their energy in making a
+noise.</p>
+
+<p>Marcus heard somebody at the head of the
+stairs, and he looked up with an expression
+of provoking mischief, as if ready to receive
+another scolding from aunt Barbara. When
+he saw his mother&#8217;s kind, pale face bending
+towards him, he felt a little ashamed of the
+thoughtlessness which had made him forget
+that her weak head might have suffered from
+what he called his &#8220;fun.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, Mother,&#8221; he said looking up cheerfully,
+&#8220;how soon do you think Hatty will
+come?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Not for an hour yet, my son,&#8221; said the
+mother, kindly; &#8220;and, meanwhile, I have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span>
+something for you to do. I want you to
+sweep the pavement, from the door-step to
+the gate, that it may look neat and tidy to
+Hatty when she comes home.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Here, Meg, you go get me a broom, and
+I&#8217;ll set to work in a twinkling,&#8221; said Marcus,
+jumping down from the balusters, with a
+deafening stamp of his heavy shoes.</p>
+
+<p>The sound seemed to touch every nerve
+in Mrs. Lee&#8217;s head, and she drew her eyebrows
+together with an expression of pain;
+but she only said, quietly&mdash;&#8220;I must have a
+pair of slippers for you to wear in the house,
+Marcus, and then you can take off your
+shoes, when you come in, as your father
+does.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;O that will be first-rate,&#8221; said Marcus,
+with delight. &#8220;I should like dog&#8217;s-heads for
+the pattern; won&#8217;t you begin them to-day,
+Mother?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I will make them as soon as I can,&#8221; said
+the mother, with a languid smile.</p>
+
+<p>Meg now came running along the hall,
+carrying the broom by the brush end, while
+the handle went &#8220;knock, knock,&#8221; along the
+floor, keeping time to the skipping motion
+with which she generally moved.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span>Marcus seized the broom, and began to
+flourish it this way and that way, across the
+wide pavement, as if he meant to be rapid,
+if not particularly thorough, in his work.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now, Harry,&#8221; said Mrs. Lee, quietly,
+&#8220;mother wants you to make a nice fence
+with your blocks all round your playthings.
+Meg will get them for you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>From a closet under the stairs Meg soon
+dragged out a box in which were Harry&#8217;s
+stores of blocks,&mdash;playthings of which he
+never tired, and which never wore out.</p>
+
+<p>The little fellow set to work very patiently;
+and then Mrs. Lee said, &#8220;Come, Meg, I
+will take you with me.&#8221; Meg gave her
+hand to her mother, and skipped up the
+stairs, ready to take in good part anything
+that should happen.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Lee led her to a small room at the
+end of the hall, and said, &#8220;Now listen to me,
+my little darling. You are to sleep in here
+with Hatty, and she is to help you dress, and
+to be very kind to you. I want you to be
+very careful not to hurt any of Hatty&#8217;s
+things, and to mind her, when I am not
+with you. If you do as I say, you will be
+sure to get on well.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span>Meg gave a little jump, and perched herself
+on the edge of the bed, as she said, &#8220;O
+how nice, Mother! I am so glad. It is a
+great deal pleasanter than being in the old
+nursery with Jane.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t sit on the bed, Meggy,&#8221; said Mrs.
+Lee, helping the little thing gently down&mdash;and
+smoothing the tumbled place she had
+made on the clean counterpane; &#8220;You know
+Hatty likes to keep her bed very nicely.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hatty can&#8217;t lock the door now&mdash;and say,
+&#8216;You can&#8217;t come in, Meg.&#8217; It is my room, too,
+now,&#8221; said Meg, &#8220;and I shall have a right
+to come in.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I hope my little girls will get on very
+pleasantly together,&#8221; said Mrs. Lee, gently.
+&#8220;Jesus&#8217; little children never quarrel, never
+speak bad, angry words.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, I won&#8217;t, Mother, if I can help it,&#8221;
+said Meg, and she put up her mouth to be
+kissed, as if that mother&#8217;s kiss could ensure
+her doing right.</p>
+
+<p>While this conversation was going on up
+stairs, Marcus had stopped in the midst of
+his work, and was actually still, for a moment,
+while his face bore the marks of deep
+thought.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span>Marcus did not feel altogether comfortable
+about the way he had spoken to Aunt Barbara
+that morning; he knew he had done
+wrong, and that brought to his mind a letter
+his mother had received from Hatty during
+her absence. Hatty had written that she
+was very sorry for all the naughty things
+she had ever done, and that she had made
+up her mind to be one of Jesus&#8217; little children,
+and that she believed He had forgiven
+her for all the past, and would help her to
+be a better girl. She sent much love to her
+brothers and sisters, and said she wanted
+them to forget every unkind word she had
+ever spoken to them, for she was very sorry,
+and never meant to do so again.</p>
+
+<p>Ever since Hatty could speak, her mother
+had been teaching her about her Heavenly
+Father, and trying to make her love Him
+and wish to serve Him. The little girl had
+always listened patiently, but Mrs. Lee had
+never been satisfied that Hatty had made her
+choice to be among the lambs of Jesus&#8217;
+flock, who love to hear their Shepherd&#8217;s
+voice, and try to follow Him. This letter,
+therefore, written in the frankness and simplicity
+of childhood, had brought joy to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span>
+mother&#8217;s heart. She believed that the love
+of Christ had taken root in the soul of her
+child, and that by God&#8217;s grace it would grow
+and strengthen, and in time bear such fruit
+as angels love to see.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Lee had not only given the message
+Hatty sent to her brothers and sister, but
+she had read her letter to them, praying
+silently that by Hatty&#8217;s example they might
+be led to choose God for their guardian and
+guide.</p>
+
+<p>Marcus had listened intently, and had been
+moved more than he cared to show. When
+his mother laid the letter down, he said bluntly,
+&#8220;I have nothing laid up against Hatty,&#8221;
+and abruptly left the room.</p>
+
+<p>Now as he stood on the pavement leaning
+upon the broom, he was thinking of Hatty
+and her new resolution, and wondering if he
+should ever make up his mind to do right.
+Of one thing he was sure, doing wrong gave
+him no pleasure. He had been too well
+taught to be able to commit any sin, without
+being reminded of it by his conscience,
+but to obey that conscience was another thing.</p>
+
+<p>Marcus could not help fancying that he
+should see some great change in Hatty, that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span>
+she would look differently, speak differently,&mdash;and
+he made up his mind not to be at all
+pleased with her if she affected any new,
+serious ways. This was but a momentary
+feeling, for Marcus really loved his sister,
+and in the depths of his heart he rejoiced
+that she had chosen the best portion, the only
+blessing that will last forever and ever.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="II" id="II"></a>II.</h2>
+
+
+<div class="initial" style="clear: both">
+<img src="images/dropcap_13.jpg" alt="M" title="M" /></div>
+<p class="dropcapsection"><span class="firstwords">
+<span style="display: none;">M</span>arcus</span> spent so much time in meditating
+about Hatty and her new resolution,
+that he had but just finished
+his task, when the carriage, so anxiously
+desired, drove up to the door,
+and out jumped Mr. Lee, followed
+in another moment by Hatty.</p>
+
+<p>Marcus threw down his broom, and sprang
+forward, and before he thought he had kissed
+Hatty several times. Marcus was not much
+in favor of kissing,&mdash;he thought it was &#8220;girlish;&#8221;
+but now he was so really glad, he did
+not think what he was about.</p>
+
+<p>While Mr. Lee was attending to the removal
+of his carpet-bag, Hatty&#8217;s little trunk,
+and sundry baskets and packages with
+which the carriage was loaded, Marcus and
+Hatty walked up the wide pavement together.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span>&#8220;You are a good sweeper, Marcus,&#8221; said
+Hatty, looking at the clean bricks upon
+which they were stepping.</p>
+
+<p>Marcus did not answer; he was gazing
+straight into Hatty&#8217;s face to see if she were
+really altered. He could see no change,
+save that a few freckles about her nose disfigured
+her uncommonly fair skin, and told
+of the life in the open air she had lately led.
+Her red hair had not grown a shade darker
+during her absence, although it was brushed
+a little smoother than usual. Her bright,
+reddish brown eyes had their own lively expression,
+and her mouth seemed as ready as
+ever to smile, until all about it the tiny dimples
+came like little pin-pricks in her fair
+skin.</p>
+
+<p>Hatty&#8217;s face was not changed, certainly;
+and instead of having the grave manner that
+Marcus expected, she was all joy at her return,
+and seemed to have forgotten that she
+meant to be any better than any one else.</p>
+
+<p>Hatty had not forgotten her new resolutions,
+and if Marcus could have seen into
+her heart at the moment she stepped from
+the carriage, he would have read a prayer
+that she might be able to live among her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span>
+dear brothers and sister like one of the
+lambs of the flock of Christ.</p>
+
+<p>Meg and Harry had heard the sound of
+the carriage wheels, and were on the door-step
+to receive Hatty. They first almost
+smothered her with kisses; then Meg untied
+her bonnet strings with rough kindness, and
+Harry seized her little travelling bag, as if it
+were his especial property.</p>
+
+<p>Hatty was a particular little soul, and the
+way Meg took hold of the new blue satin
+ribbons of her leghorn flat, hurt her as
+much as if Meg had given her one of the
+twisting little pinches she knew so well how
+to inflict. Hatty was going to twitch away,
+but instead of the twitch came a bright blush
+on her cheek, that she should have so soon
+been near being out of patience, when again
+among the little ones at home. As a kind
+of punishment to herself, she let Meg lay
+aside her bonnet, and suffered Harry to run
+off with her pretty travelling bag, without
+saying a word.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Where&#8217;s Mother?&#8221; asked Hatty, eagerly,
+passing along the hall, and going directly up
+stairs.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Here, here, my child,&#8221; said the mother,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span>
+as she met her on the landing, and folded
+her affectionately in her arms.</p>
+
+<p>Very pleasant it was to Hatty to receive
+that mother&#8217;s tender kiss, but dearer still
+were the words which were, breathed in her
+ear: &#8220;God bless you, my darling, you are
+dearer to me than ever.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Hatty understood her mother&#8217;s earnest
+words, and she could have echoed them,
+&#8220;you are dearer to me than ever.&#8221; That
+was exactly what she felt. The mother who
+had talked to her of the blessed Jesus, and
+taught her His words and ways, was dearer
+than ever, now that she had resolved to follow
+Him.</p>
+
+<p>In silence Hatty and her mother ascended
+the short flight of stairs that led to the upper
+hall; then the little girl asked eagerly&mdash;&#8220;But
+where is the baby? I have not seen him yet&mdash;or
+Aunt Barbara, either.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So you did think of Aunt Barbara. I
+didn&#8217;t know but you had forgotten me entirely,
+you were so taken up with your
+grandma,&#8221; said the old lady, coming slowly
+out of the nursery.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No, indeed, I had not forgotten you,&#8221;
+said Hatty, and she kissed her affectionately.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span>Hatty had not forgotten Aunt Barbara;
+she had had painful reasons for remembering
+her. The unfortunate, disrespectful
+words she had spoken to the old lady, had
+risen up to her again and again, and made
+her pray with double earnestness to be forgiven
+for Jesus&#8217; sake.</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Barbara led the way to the nursery,
+and there on the bed lay the baby, the pet of
+the house.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;O what a dear, tiny little creature!&#8221; said
+Hatty, bending over it, with a look half wonder
+and half affection. &#8220;I never saw such
+a little baby before; that is, I don&#8217;t remember
+Harry very well, when he was so young,&#8221;
+she added, for Hatty was trying to be truthful,
+even about trifles.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Harry was twice as big at the same age,&#8221;
+said Aunt Barbara. &#8220;He always was a
+bouncer.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Hatty stooped down to kiss the wee mouth
+of the sleeping baby, but Aunt Barbara
+pushed her roughly back, and said impatiently:
+&#8220;Don&#8217;t, child! don&#8217;t, you&#8217;ll wake
+him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Mamma does not say I mustn&#8217;t!&#8221; sprang
+to Hatty&#8217;s lips, for she was sadly quick-tempered,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span>
+but again a blush of shame took the
+place of hasty words.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He will wake soon,&#8221; said Mrs. Lee, quickly
+but quietly, &#8220;and then, Hatty, you can
+hold him in your arms; he is not much heavier
+than your dolly, Susan.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Thank you, Mother. I should like that,&#8221;
+said Hatty; she felt that her mother had
+wished to speak quickly to keep her from
+wrong words, and she was grateful for the
+kindness that would help her to do right.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now, Hatty, you had better come to your
+room, and take off your things.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;To <i>our</i> room,&#8221; said Meg, with a saucy,
+mischievous look.</p>
+
+<p>Hatty turned towards her mother with a
+sudden glance of inquiry.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; said Mrs. Lee, &#8220;you are to have
+Meg for a room-mate.&#8221; Hatty&#8217;s face flushed,
+and Mrs. Lee hastened to add, &#8220;I thought
+you would like to help me, and you can do
+so best by taking Meg with you, and having
+a little charge over her.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Hatty looked very soberly, as she answered,
+&#8220;I <i>should</i> like to help you, Mother.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Lee opened the two lower drawers of
+the bureau, and said, &#8220;you see I have put<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span>
+some of Meg&#8217;s clothes here; when you need
+any more you can come to me for them.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But, Mother, where are all my presents,
+and my pretty things? That is too bad! I
+have always kept them so nicely in those
+drawers!&#8221; said Hatty, hastily.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Lee did not speak for a moment; she
+opened a door leading into a large lighted
+closet, and then said, &#8220;Here, my darling, you
+will have a place for all you want to keep
+particularly nice; see, I have put your presents
+in this drawer, and your books are there
+above, on the shelf. I have put a little table
+here for your Bible, and you must not forget
+to &#8216;enter into your closet,&#8217; to pray to Him
+who seeth in secret.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;O, Mother, you are so very kind and I
+am so very hasty,&#8221; exclaimed Hatty; &#8220;I will
+not forget to do as you say, for indeed I need
+it. You will have to be very patient with
+me, Mother, for I am afraid I shall have hard
+work to keep my resolutions.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Trust in God for help to struggle against
+your faults, and in the end you will conquer,&#8221;
+said the mother, with an affectionate kiss, and
+then she left her little daughter alone.</p>
+
+<p>Hatty had led an easy, quiet life with her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span>
+grandmother for the last three months, and
+had had but little temptation to give way to
+her hasty temper. Now she began to realize
+that it would be quite another thing, where
+at almost every moment she was called on
+to give up her own will and pleasure for that
+of others; but she was not disheartened. God
+has promised to give his strength to those
+who really wish to serve Him, and on this
+promise little Hatty relied. In her closet
+she knelt and asked the blessing of Heaven
+on her poor efforts, and she rose cheerful and
+happy.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="III" id="III"></a>III.</h2>
+
+
+<div class="initial" style="clear: both">
+<img src="images/dropcap_21.jpg" alt="W" title="W" /></div>
+<p class="dropcapsection"><span class="firstwords">
+<span style="display: none;">W</span>hen</span> Hatty had arranged her
+clothes once more neatly in her
+own room, she began to wonder
+what had become of Marcus, and
+she concluded to go in search of
+him; she met him in the hall.
+He seemed much excited, and said, &#8220;O Hatty,
+what beautiful bantams! I have put them in a
+barrel, and carried all the packages grandma
+sent, to the kitchen, and now I want to know
+where we shall keep them?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Hatty was not quite pleased that Marcus
+should take the bantams so immediately under
+his protection, though she had brought them
+as a present to him. She checked the feeling
+of annoyance, and said pleasantly, &#8220;They are
+yours, Marcus, so you can plan for them as
+you think best; but perhaps you could manage
+to make a coop, as you do not go to
+school to-day.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Marcus was delighted with the presents,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span>
+and resolved to set to work immediately to
+get the pets into comfortable quarters before
+Sunday.</p>
+
+<p>Hatty put on her sun-bonnet, and they both
+were soon very busy in the yard, planning
+for the chicken coop with as much interest
+as if they were going to build some wonderful
+specimen of architecture which all the
+world would admire.</p>
+
+<p>Marcus found in the wood-house a large
+packing box, and after much hammering he
+succeeded in knocking out one side, so the
+chickens could have their feet on the ground
+in their new home.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Chickens are like the Irishman who liked
+a mud floor that would never wear out, and
+never need washing,&#8221; said Marcus, with the air
+of one who was instructing some ignorant
+person.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, grandma has all her coops made that
+way,&#8221; said Hatty, who was well pleased to
+show that she understood the subject.</p>
+
+<p>Marcus now selected a board of the right
+length, and had just begun to split it up into
+slabs for the front of the coop, when he heard
+Aunt Barbara&#8217;s bed-room window go up.</p>
+
+<p>Marcus did not raise his eyes, but he could<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span>
+not stop his ears, and he had to hear the shrill
+tone that called out, &#8220;Stop! stop! Marcus Lee!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Marcus rested his hatchet on the board,
+and looked up.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are a wasteful boy!&#8221; began Aunt
+Barbara. &#8220;You ought to be ashamed to cut
+up that good board!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t mind her,&#8221; said Marcus, in an undertone,
+as he resumed his work.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Wait a minute, Marcus,&#8221; said Hatty; and
+then raising her voice she called out, &#8220;Aunt
+Barbara, we want a coop for the chickens&mdash;some
+dear little bantams I brought from
+grandma&#8217;s!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Chickens!&#8221; said Aunt Barbara, much as
+if she had said bears! &#8220;What on earth did
+you bring them here for? why, they&#8217;ll ruin
+everything in the garden, and crow so in the
+morning nobody can sleep.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We are going to shut them up, Aunt
+Barbara, and that will keep them out of mischief,&#8221;
+said Hatty, trying to speak pleasantly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Take your own way! take your own
+way! Its never any use for me to say anything!&#8221;
+said Aunt Barbara, and her window
+was put down with such a force that made
+the glass rattle.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span>Marcus had expected to hear Hatty answer
+in her usual hasty way, and he was quite
+surprised to see that she did not seem at all
+angry, and now had no unkind remarks to
+make about Aunt Barbara. He did not
+know that Hatty had been obliged to cast
+one look up to the clear sky, to remember
+the Great Being who was looking down upon
+her, before she dare trust herself to speak,
+nor did he know that she was now wondering
+why Aunt Barbara should be so unlike
+her dear, dear grandma.</p>
+
+<p>Marcus kept steadily on at his work, but
+Hatty did not feel satisfied about it until she
+had asked her mother if there was really any
+harm in what they were doing. After Mrs.
+Lee had given them free permission to go on,
+the morning passed pleasantly away in
+watching Marcus, and she was quite surprised
+when the dinner bell rang.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;O dear!&#8221; said Hatty, &#8220;we shall have
+hardly time to put ourselves in order for the
+table.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Although Marcus knew that it was his
+mother&#8217;s express wish that he should never
+come to the table without looking neat and
+tidy, he paid little regard to his personal appearance;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span>
+but there was something in the
+eager way in which Hatty hastened to brush
+the hair she had been too much inclined to
+neglect, that had its influence on him.</p>
+
+<p>Hatty was in her seat before her father
+was at the table, and a pleased smile crossed
+her face as she saw that Marcus had been
+using the clothes brush, and combing his
+straight black hair off his high forehead.</p>
+
+<p>The dinner hour was always a pleasant
+time at Mrs. Lee&#8217;s, for then all the family
+were together, and some interesting conversation
+was sure to take place. Marcus was a
+restless boy, active in body and mind. He
+enjoyed his father&#8217;s society, and affected to
+think that he was the only one in the family
+who was really a suitable companion for a
+boy of the mature age of twelve!</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Lee was a merchant; he had lately
+met with large losses, but he did not allow
+himself to be saddened by misfortunes that
+left his home untouched, and all his dear
+ones alive and well. Mr. Lee was a tall,
+slender man, with a bright, expressive eye,
+and a large, pleasant mouth, and his children
+thought him the handsomest man in Hyde,
+the large inland town where he lived.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span>During the dinner-hour on the day about
+which we are writing, Mr. Lee was talking of
+a plan for building an Orphan Asylum, about
+which the citizens of Hyde were greatly interested.</p>
+
+<p>Marcus listened to his father&#8217;s remarks, and
+seemed to think himself called upon to reply.
+He did so, and showed uncommon quickness
+and good sense for a boy of his years in what
+he said. Mrs. Lee modestly made some suggestions,
+which her husband thought particularly
+useful; but Marcus&#8217; lip curled as his
+mother spoke, in a way which it was well
+for him escaped his father&#8217;s observation.
+After dinner, Mr. Lee was obliged to hurry
+away, but not too soon to give Hatty a kiss,
+and to say to her how pleasant it was to see
+her face once more at the table.</p>
+
+<p>When Mr. Lee was gone, Mrs. Lee resumed
+the subject about which they had been talking,
+and sketched what she thought would
+be an improvement on the internal arrangement
+of the proposed building.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now don&#8217;t, Mother!&#8221; said Marcus.
+&#8220;What do women know about such things?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What do boys know? you had better<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span>
+say!&#8221; said Hatty, hastily taking part with
+her mother.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Any sensible boy of twelve knows more
+about such things than a woman!&#8221; said Marcus,
+turning to leave the room.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Stop, Marcus,&#8221; said Mrs. Lee, gently.</p>
+
+<p>Marcus stopped, but did not approach his
+mother. She stepped to his side and said:
+&#8220;Marcus, there was once a boy of twelve
+who had more wisdom than the learned doctors
+in the Jewish Temple. He, of course,
+knew more than his mother. Yet he went
+down with her to Nazareth, and was subject
+unto her. Even he was not above honoring
+his father and mother. Will you not
+try to imitate him?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Marcus was softened by his mother&#8217;s
+gentle manner, and he answered: &#8220;If I
+don&#8217;t behave as I ought to you, Mother, it is
+a great shame;&#8221; and then he was again turning
+away.</p>
+
+<p>Again he was detained. Hatty laid her
+hand on his arm and said: &#8220;Marcus, I did
+not speak rightly to you just now. I was
+angry. I am sorry.&#8221; Hatty blushed painfully
+when she spoke, and it was evident the acknowledgment
+cost her a great effort.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span>&#8220;I did not notice it,&#8221; said Marcus, hurrying
+away.</p>
+
+<p>Hatty felt a little hurt at the way her
+apology was received, but her mother took
+her by the hand, and said: &#8220;That is right,
+Hatty. Confess your faults one to another,
+and pray one for another. You must not
+forget Marcus in your prayers.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Hatty was silent a moment, and then her
+mother said: &#8220;Come now, my dear, the baby
+is awake, and you will have an opportunity
+to see his queer little blue eyes, and to hold
+him in your lap.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Hatty was delighted when she reached the
+nursery, to be allowed to take the tiny being
+in her arms, and to hold his pretty soft hand
+in hers.</p>
+
+<p>Meg and Harry seemed to think it was a
+very attractive sight to see Hatty with the
+baby on her lap, and they left their soap-bubbles
+and came to stand about her.</p>
+
+<p>At this moment Aunt Barbara came in.
+She did not seem to notice Hatty and the
+baby. Her eyes at once fell upon the bowl
+full of soap-suds Meg had placed on a chair.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Dear! dear!&#8221; exclaimed Aunt Barbara,
+&#8220;what are the children coming to? Why,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span>
+they waste soap as if it grew, instead of cost
+money! Here, Meg, pour this away directly,
+and don&#8217;t do such a thing again!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It won&#8217;t help it to throw it away,&#8221; said
+Meg. &#8220;I want to blow bubbles.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Shan&#8217;t have it! shan&#8217;t have it!&#8221; said little
+Harry, holding tight to the edge of the
+bowl with his little fat hands.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Aunt Barbara,&#8221; said Mrs. Lee, very
+gently, &#8220;I told the children they might blow
+bubbles a little while this afternoon. Jane
+mixed the soap for them, that they need not
+be wasteful.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Its little use savin&#8217; in such a house as
+this!&#8221; said Aunt Barbara, and she walked
+away as if she were particularly injured.</p>
+
+<p>Marcus now came in to tell how happy
+and contented the chickens seemed in the
+new coop. He saw some evidences of displeasure
+on the faces of Meg and Harry, and
+he exclaimed, &#8220;I met Aunt Barbara in the
+hall, with her indignation strut on. What&#8217;s
+up?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Marcus, my son, I cannot bear to hear
+you speak in that way of any old person,
+especially of Aunt Barbara.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But she is too tiresome and provoking,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span>
+Mother. If I want a piece of twine for a
+kite-string she calls it wasteful, and&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; broke in Meg, &#8220;and when I want
+to play tea, she won&#8217;t let me have a bit of
+milk or sugar,&mdash;that is, if mother is not
+here.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hush, hush, my children,&#8221; said Mrs. Lee,
+with a look of pain. &#8220;Come, sit down all
+of you, and I will tell you a story.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Marcus liked to hear stories as well as little
+Meg herself, and he forthwith sat down
+on the floor, where he could look straight
+into his mother&#8217;s eyes.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Lee began: &#8220;Once there was a little
+orphan girl, only seven years old. Her father
+and mother died, and she did not know
+what was to become of her. Now this little
+girl had an aunt, who was the widow of a
+clergyman. This aunt had a little cottage of
+her own, and just enough money to live
+quietly and comfortably by herself. She
+knew if she took the little orphan to her
+home, she must deny herself a great many
+comforts to which she had always been accustomed;
+but she resolved to do it.</p>
+
+<p>The little girl was very glad when she
+found that she was not alone in the wide<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span>
+world, and she soon learned to love the kind
+aunt who did so much for her.</p>
+
+<p>Sometimes she was surprised to see what
+care her aunt took, that nothing should be
+wasted; and she often wondered why her
+aunt did not buy herself a new bonnet, or a
+new dress, which she seemed to need. She
+did not know that her aunt had to practice
+so much care and economy, to give her a
+home. By and by, when she grew older,
+she understood all this, and tried to be like a
+daughter to the friend who had been so kind
+to her. Her aunt&#8217;s queer little ways only
+made her feel, then, that it was for her she
+had learned to save even the shreds she cut
+off when she was sewing. After the orphan
+girl was grown, she was married to a very
+kind gentleman. This gentleman was so
+grateful to the aunt for her care of the orphan,
+that he wanted her to come and live
+with them in her comfortable home; but
+Aunt Barbara said&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There, there, Mother! you have let it
+out,&#8221; exclaimed the children in a breath.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t, don&#8217;t,&#8221; said Hatty; &#8220;what did
+Aunt Barbara say, Mother?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;She said, your old aunty is queer and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span>
+notional, and maybe you would be happier
+without her. No, no, let me stay here alone;
+I shall be quite contented to know my little
+orphan is so well taken care of! It was of
+no use urging Aunt Barbara, so we had to
+let her have her way. Now, my children,
+you know how Aunt Barbara got her very
+economical ways, and I hope you will have
+patience with her, for my sake.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Indeed, I will!&#8221; said Hatty, looking up
+with her eyes full of tears.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I won&#8217;t tease her any more,&#8221; said Meg,
+nestling at her mother&#8217;s side.</p>
+
+<p>Marcus was silent; he felt too deeply to
+speak, how ill a return he had made to
+Aunt Barbara for her kindness to his mother.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But how came Aunt Barbara here?&#8221;
+asked Hatty, with much interest.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I will tell you,&#8221; said Mrs. Lee. &#8220;We
+had been married three years, when I had a
+little, helpless, sickly baby. I was too feeble
+to take proper care of it, and your father was
+obliged to be too much away from home to
+give me any help. Aunt Barbara heard
+how weak and pale I was looking, and what
+a poor, suffering baby I had. Then the old
+lady let her little home to a stranger, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span>
+came one day to us. She said she could not
+sleep for thinking of me and the little one,
+and she had come to take care of us. And
+what good care she took of us! She seemed
+to know just what I wanted. I was young,
+then, and there were many things about
+which I was as ignorant as you are. Aunt
+Barbara had nourishing food made for me
+just when I needed it, she took the care of
+the housekeeping from me, and so nursed me
+that I soon began to feel strong again. But
+I have not told you about the poor baby.
+Aunt Barbara could not do too much for that
+baby. It was a cross little thing, crying even
+when it was not sick. Aunt Barbara was
+never out of patience with it. She attended
+to its food, got up with it at night, and even
+when I was well enough to take it with me
+again, she was hardly willing to give it up.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All this watching and nursing was too
+much for Aunt Barbara; she has never been
+well since. When her rheumatism keeps her
+awake at night, she is often irritable and inclined
+to find fault the next day. When I
+feel tempted to be out of patience with her,
+I have only to remember that it was for me
+and my little baby she came here, and that for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span>
+us she wearied herself until her health gave
+way.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Mother,&#8221; said Hatty, in a whisper, &#8220;was
+I that little sickly baby that Aunt Barbara
+was so patient with?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, my darling,&#8221; was Mrs. Lee&#8217;s reply.</p>
+
+<p>The many impertinent, hasty, impatient
+words that she had spoken to her old aunt,
+returned to Hatty&#8217;s mind, and she resolved
+to ask God to give her strength to make
+amends for the past.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is a sad truth,&#8221; said Mrs. Lee, &#8220;that
+old people have much less patience shown
+towards them than little children have, yet
+they need it quite as much. God has so arranged
+it, that those who are watched over
+and taken care of when they are helpless
+babes, should in their turn nurse and comfort
+the feeble old age of their parents. Remember,
+my children, old age makes people
+in one way like infants; that is, it leads them to
+be irritable and troublesome, and often helpless,
+and these defects should be borne with
+tenderly, as your father or I would soothe that
+dear baby on Hatty&#8217;s lap. God has taught
+in his holy book the greatest respect to the
+aged, and his eye sees with displeasure even<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span>
+a rude look cast towards one who is grey-haired.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The children were all silent. Mrs. Lee
+saw that they were moved, and in her heart
+she prayed that God would grant a blessing
+upon the earnest words she had spoken, and
+save her dear ones from falling into the sin
+so offensive to the Holy One of Israel.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="IV" id="IV"></a>IV.</h2>
+
+
+<div class="initial" style="clear: both">
+<img src="images/dropcap_36.jpg" alt="W" title="W" /></div>
+<p class="dropcapsection"><span class="firstwords">
+<span style="display: none;">W</span>hen</span> Hatty went to bed, on the
+evening of her return, she found
+Meg fast asleep, and apparently
+as much at home as if she had
+always had a right to talk of &#8220;our
+room,&#8221; instead of being one of
+the children in the nursery.</p>
+
+<p>Hatty looked at the little brown face lying
+on the pillow, and the long dark lashes
+hiding the mischievous eyes, and she felt
+that she loved her little sister dearly, and
+would be willing to be put to a great deal
+of inconvenience to be of service to her.
+When Hatty knelt that night in the quiet
+closet her mother had given up to her use,
+she did not forget to pray that she might be
+patient and gentle with Meg, and so win her
+confidence as to be able to lead her to the
+Saviour, who loves to call the little ones His
+own.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span>Hatty&#8217;s short reading in the Bible that
+evening was about the crucifixion of our Saviour,
+and as she prepared to lie down, she
+wondered how he could have borne such
+suffering without one murmur. Hatty had
+a perfect horror of pain. Her skin was thin
+and delicate, and even the grasp of a rough
+hand on her arm was sure to leave a bruise.
+Her usually pleasant face was clouded over
+by a scratch or a pin-prick, and her tears
+often fell fast for a wound that many children
+would have met with a smile. Hatty
+was naturally very sensitive to pain, and that
+was not her fault; but she had never yet begun
+to try to bear it patiently, as a part of
+her christian duty. As she lay down that
+night, she resolved to be more patient under,
+little trials, and to make light of little pains.</p>
+
+<p>Hatty&#8217;s new resolution was soon put to
+the test. She had hardly put her head on
+the pillow, before she became conscious that
+her couch was anything but a bed of roses.</p>
+
+<p>Meg had consoled herself for going to sleep
+in a strange room by herself, by munching
+hard crackers until that pleasure was lost in
+the new joy of the dreams of childhood.
+The bed was strewn with the crumbs, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span>
+through her thin night-dress Hatty could
+feel them in all directions. After brushing
+them this way and that way, Hatty jumped
+out of bed with an angry bound, and proceeded
+to light the candle and rectify the
+mischief in a systematic manner.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The troublesome little thing!&#8221; exclaimed
+Hatty, as she saw a half-eaten cracker lying
+in Meg&#8217;s loosened grasp. &#8220;She ought to be
+punished for it!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>At that moment Hatty thought of her resolution
+to be patient under trifling discomforts,
+and a feeling of mortification came
+over her. Very quietly she brushed away
+the offending crumbs, gently she removed
+the half-eaten cracker, and then she knelt to
+ask forgiveness for this new exhibition of her
+hasty temper, ere she again lay down to
+rest.</p>
+
+<p>Hatty was soon in a sweet sleep; but
+shortly after midnight she was awakened by
+a feeling very much as if a broom-handle
+were thrust against her, while at the same
+time Meg exclaimed, &#8220;Do move, Hatty, you
+crowd so. I wish you would&#8217;nt come on my
+side of the bed.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Meg was a thin bony little creature, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span>
+the children all dreaded a punch with her
+sharp elbows almost as much as one of her
+scientific pinches.</p>
+
+<p>Hatty&#8217;s tender side actually ached, but
+she made an effort to say, gently, &#8220;Meg, you
+must be dreaming; wake up!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am not asleep at all!&#8221; said Meg, pettishly.
+&#8220;I wish you would move!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Hatty passed her hand along the seam of
+the sheet (Mrs. Lee used her old-fashioned
+sheets on the children&#8217;s beds) to assure herself
+that she was on her own side of the bed,
+and then she was going to tell Meg that it
+was <i>she</i> who was out of place; but something
+checked her, and she only said, pleasantly,
+&#8220;Never mind, Meg, where the middle of the
+bed is,&mdash;you shall have all the room you
+want;&#8221; and making way for her little friend
+with the sharp elbows, Hatty composed
+herself again to sleep, with a far happier
+feeling than if she had contended for her
+rights.</p>
+
+<p>Once she was going to say, &#8220;O Meg, it
+hurts me still where you punched me,&#8221; but
+she checked the words, and thought how
+trifling was such a pain compared with the
+nails in the hands of our great example, who<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span>
+has bid us follow him in his patience, as well
+as in perfect purity.</p>
+
+<p>Hatty&#8217;s long ride from her grandmother&#8217;s,
+a distance of sixteen miles, and the excitement
+of her return home, made her sleep
+very soundly, when not disturbed, and she
+would gladly have continued her nap until
+the rousing bell gave forth its summons.</p>
+
+<p>Meg was something like the uneasy birds
+who twitter at midnight on their perches,
+and wake at dawn to sing, as if they never
+knew the need of rest.</p>
+
+<p>By the first grey streak of morning she
+began to stir, and was soon wide awake and
+full of glee at finding herself in her new
+quarters.</p>
+
+<p>Hatty turned her back resolutely, but in
+vain. Meg was not to be so easily disposed
+of. Hatty was going to say some hasty
+words to Meg, as she twitched away from
+her, when Meg pleaded, &#8220;Do wake up, sister
+Hatty. It is Sunday morning.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Sunday morning!&#8221; that thought brought
+Hatty to herself&mdash;and making an effort to
+throw off her sleepiness, she turned towards
+Meg, and said, &#8220;Well, then, give me a nice
+kiss to begin the day.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span>Meg gave the kiss with real good will, and
+then, nestling up close to Hatty, she began
+to talk as if her tongue needed violent exercise
+to make up for being quiet all night.</p>
+
+<p>Before many minutes were over, Hatty
+had set that little tongue at Sunday work,
+repeating all the hymns and Bible verses
+that Meg had learned during the three
+months that Hatty had been away from
+home.</p>
+
+<p>Meg was full of eager questions about her
+hymns and her verses, and Hatty had an opportunity
+of giving the little one some sweet
+lessons about the loving Saviour and what
+He wishes in His lambs, that she would
+have lost if she had given way to her selfish
+wish for a longer nap.</p>
+
+<p>We do not know, when we give way to
+our own whims, instead of being unselfish,
+what opportunities of usefulness we may be
+losing. If we do one duty well, some higher
+and more important duty generally follows
+close upon it.</p>
+
+<p>Hatty took a pleasure in making Meg look
+particularly nice that Sunday morning, and
+she was well pleased when her mother smilingly
+remarked at breakfast that Meg showed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span>
+very plainly that she had fallen into good
+hands. &#8220;Hatty needs a little attention, herself,&#8221;
+added Mrs. Lee, and she glanced at the
+irregular white line which separated the two
+heavy masses of waving red hair on each side
+of Hatty&#8217;s head.</p>
+
+<p>Hatty would rather have gone without her
+breakfast than had her hair parted. Hatty
+was apt to fret about being hurt all the while
+the operation was going on, and Mrs. Lee
+actually dreaded to propose what, if borne
+cheerfully, would have been but the work of
+a moment. Happily for Hatty at that instant
+her thoughts were called in a different direction
+by Marcus&#8217; sudden question&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Where is Aunt Barbara this morning?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Even the question showed some interest in
+the old lady; and Mrs. Lee hailed it as an
+indication of a better state of feeling in her
+son.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Aunt Barbara is not very well this morning;
+she did not get up as early as usual,&#8221;
+said Mrs. Lee.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Shan&#8217;t I go up to see if I can do anything
+for her?&#8221; said Hatty, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;She will be down soon, I think; but you
+may go,&#8221; said the mother, pleasantly.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span>Hatty ran up stairs, and knocked very
+gently on Aunt Barbara&#8217;s door.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Who is it? What do you want?&#8221; answered
+Aunt Barbara&#8217;s voice from within.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is Hatty. Can I do anything for
+you?&#8221; said the little girl.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No!&#8221; was at first the decided answer;
+then followed a sudden call &#8220;Stop, stop,
+child. Come in a moment.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Hatty stepped in, but felt like drawing
+back as Aunt Barbara stood there, half
+dressed, with her grey hair uncovered, and
+her thin, shrivelled arms bare.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t stare as if you were frightened,&#8221;
+said Aunt Barbara, quickly. &#8220;Old people
+are not generally very beautiful to look at!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Can I do anything for you?&#8221; said Hatty,
+pleasantly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, if you want to. I can&#8217;t find my
+pocket. Perhaps you can see it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Barbara wore a pocket tied on under
+her dress with a string, and she had been for
+some moments looking for it, as she was
+ready to put it on.</p>
+
+<p>Hatty glanced round the room, and was
+delighted when she saw a piece of white Marseilles
+peeping out from under the tumbled<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span>
+bed-clothes. She sprang towards it, and
+handed the pocket to the old lady, who took
+it without a word, and went on dressing herself.</p>
+
+<p>Hatty began to pick up the things about
+the room, and to throw open the bed; for
+she knew Aunt Barbara would not think of
+going down to breakfast until the room was
+a little in order.</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Barbara did not seem to notice her;
+but when she had tied the strings to her
+close-quilted muslin cap, and pinned a broad
+black ribbon round it, she said: &#8220;Come, now,
+child, its not worth while your breakfast
+should get cold while you are waiting on
+me.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Hatty&#8217;s face brightened, and she said,
+eagerly: &#8220;I should be glad to do anything
+for you, Aunt Barbara.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You may have more chance than you
+want, if I feel like this many mornings,&#8221; said
+Aunt Barbara, very sharply.</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Barbara was not very pleasant at
+breakfast that morning. Nothing seemed
+cooked to suit her. The fact was, the poor
+old lady was not well, and had no appetite,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span>
+and that made everything seem out of the
+way to her.</p>
+
+<p>Hatty could not help noticing how pleasantly
+her mother took Aunt Barbara&#8217;s comments
+on the breakfast, that would have put
+many housekeepers out of patience. When
+nothing on the table seemed to suit Aunt
+Barbara, Mrs. Lee quietly sent out for a bit
+of ham to be boiled; and when it came in,
+she seemed pleased that the old lady ate a
+few mouthfuls,&mdash;complaining at first that it
+was done a trifle too much, and in the end
+making way with it all.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Lee did not seem to notice that Aunt
+Barbara was not well,&mdash;at least he did not ask
+about her health; and Hatty thought at first
+it was not quite right in her father, and she
+wondered that he should do anything so unlike
+himself. By-and-by she noticed that all
+the topics he brought up were such as were
+likely to interest Aunt Barbara. He spoke
+of meeting an old minister who used to live
+near her own home, and told how cheerfully
+he talked of his long, active life, and of the
+happy time when he should meet his Master
+in heaven. Then he brought up the new
+orphan asylum, which was always sure to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span>
+enlist Aunt Barbara&#8217;s attention; and at last
+she seemed to forget her pains, while listening
+to his account of the meeting on the subject
+he had attended the evening before.</p>
+
+<p>Hatty felt pleased as she saw the shadow
+passing from the old lady&#8217;s face, and she
+glanced across for Marcus to sympathize in
+her satisfaction. He did not see her, but
+Hatty noticed that he placed a comfortable
+chair, after breakfast, near the window where
+Aunt Barbara best loved to sit, and drew a
+footstool up to it.</p>
+
+<p>Marcus did not think that anybody observed
+him, but two hearts were made glad
+by this little effort of kindness. Mrs. Lee
+and Hatty both saw that Marcus&#8217; feelings
+towards Aunt Barbara had undergone a
+happy change. Marcus&#8217; feelings had been
+touched, but feelings are a poor dependence
+for doing right, without principle.</p>
+
+<p>Hatty was delighted at the idea of going
+to church once more in her dear native town.
+She felt that it would be a new and better
+thing to be there, now that she could count
+herself among those who were glad at the
+thought, &#8220;God is in His holy temple.&#8221; Hatty
+began, in her impatience, to make her preparations<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span>
+in very good season. She had laid
+out on her bed all the things she expected to
+wear, when her mother called her to come
+into the nursery.</p>
+
+<p>Hatty went promptly as far as the door,
+but she moved across the floor more slowly
+when she saw that her mother had a comb
+and brush in her hand.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I hope we shall have no trouble about
+the hair, this morning. It needs parting,
+sadly,&#8221; said Mrs. Lee, in her gentle way.</p>
+
+<p>Hatty&#8217;s mind was made up at that moment;
+her mother might pull as hard as was
+necessary, <i>she</i> would not say a word if it
+hurt her ever so much.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Lee used the comb very carefully,
+yet it was disagreeable, almost painful to
+Hatty&#8217;s delicate skin. She shut her mouth
+tight, however, and thought of her resolution
+to bear little hurts pleasantly, and actually
+got through without a murmur.</p>
+
+<p>When the hair was brushed smoothly,
+Hatty&#8217;s face looked very sweet from the
+effort she had made to do right, and she well
+deserved the affectionate kiss her mother
+pressed on her lips.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Perhaps I could help Aunt Barbara get<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span>
+ready for church,&#8221; said Hatty, one right action
+leading to another.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Aunt Barbara is not well enough to go,
+to-day. I am very sorry, on my own account
+as well as on hers. It is Communion
+day, and I had hoped to go to church, for
+the first time in many weeks.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But cannot you go, Mother?&#8221; said Hatty,
+earnestly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No, my dear,&#8221; said Mrs. Lee, quietly.
+&#8220;I do not like to leave Aunt Barbara with
+no one to wait upon her. I promised Betsy,
+yesterday, that she should go out this morning,
+and Jane will be busy with the baby
+and Harry.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Hatty was silent for a moment; a struggle
+was going on in her mind. At length she
+looked up with a beautiful, bright expression
+on her face, and said, &#8220;I will stay with Aunt
+Barbara, if you could trust her with me. I
+do not want you to be kept at home.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Lee knew the effort it must have cost
+her little girl to give up the pleasure for
+which she had been so eagerly preparing, but
+she did not refuse her kind offer.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Thank you, my darling; I shall feel
+quite easy leaving Aunt Barbara with you.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span>
+&#8216;I was sick and ye visited me,&#8217; our Saviour
+says, and then adds, &#8216;Inasmuch as ye have
+done it unto one of the least of these, ye have
+done it unto me.&#8217; That thought makes taking
+care of the sick doubly pleasant. And
+now, darling, instead of putting on your own
+things, which are all laid out so nicely, you
+will have to help me to get ready.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Hatty was glad to be kept very busy that
+she might not have a moment to regret her
+choice, and she made herself so actively useful,
+that Mrs. Lee was not at all too late in
+joining the group waiting for her in the hall
+below.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why! are you not going, Hatty?&#8221; exclaimed
+Marcus, as his sister appeared at her
+mother&#8217;s side.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hatty is going to stay with Aunt Barbara.
+She may need some attention, and I
+did not like to leave her alone,&#8221; said Mrs.
+Lee.</p>
+
+<p>Marcus looked up in surprise. He knew
+with what eagerness Hatty had spoken in
+the morning of being at church, and could
+not but wonder at the sudden change,&mdash;she
+looked so cheerful. One glance at the sweet,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span>
+bright expression of her face, convinced him
+of the generous motive that had kept her at
+home. Marcus began to think there was
+some strength in Hatty&#8217;s new resolution to
+do right.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="V" id="V"></a>V.</h2>
+
+
+<div class="initial" style="clear: both">
+<img src="images/dropcap_51.jpg" alt="A" title="A" /></div>
+<p class="dropcapsection"><span class="firstwords">
+<span style="display: none;">A</span>unt</span> Barbara&#8217;s room was in the
+back building, and the entrance to
+it was on the first landing to the
+front stairs. The old lady had chosen
+that room, when she came to
+Mrs. Lee&#8217;s, because no one had ever
+occupied it; for she said, &#8220;I never did turn
+anybody out, and I never mean to.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>There Aunt Barbara had collected about
+her all her favorite pieces of old-fashioned
+furniture, her dark mahogany secretary-bureau,
+with its bright brass rings held fast
+in the mouths of wrinkled old brass faces,
+and her curtained bed, with all its festoons
+and fringes.</p>
+
+<p>When Hatty stepped into the room, she
+saw Aunt Barbara sitting bolt-upright in a
+stuff, straight-backed chair, and looking not
+much in the humor for little visitors.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span>&#8220;Aunt Barbara, mother thought perhaps
+you would like some one with you this
+morning, and so I have brought in my Sunday
+books, and will sit here, if you like,&#8221; said
+Hatty, in a cheerful tone.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t mind your sitting here, if you
+choose,&#8221; was the old lady&#8217;s reply.</p>
+
+<p>Hatty did not know what to say next, so
+she mounted into one of the high, stiff
+chairs, and took up a book and tried to
+read. Her eyes would wander to Aunt
+Barbara, sitting up straight and still, and
+looking out of the window at the sky. At
+length Hatty said, &#8220;Do lie down, Aunt Barbara;
+I am sure you would be more comfortable.
+Let me fix your pillows nicely for
+you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I never go to bed when I can sit up. I
+was not brought up to loll about and make
+myself sick by being lazy,&#8221; said Aunt Barbara.</p>
+
+<p>Hatty tried to read for a few moments
+more; then Aunt Barbara moved, and she
+looked at her again.</p>
+
+<p>The old lady evidently wanted something
+she could not find in her pocket, and yet did
+not feel like getting up.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span>Hatty glanced her eyes round the room,
+and saw Aunt Barbara&#8217;s spectacles on the
+mantel-piece.</p>
+
+<p>She jumped up and handed them to
+her. &#8220;You may give me my Bible, if you
+choose,&#8221; said Aunt Barbara, in a pleasanter
+tone than she had used that morning.</p>
+
+<p>Hatty laid the great Bible on Aunt Barbara&#8217;s
+lap, and for a few moments the old
+lady seemed nodding; but she soon began to
+rub her spectacles as if they were not clean,
+and then she put her hand to her head, and
+said, &#8220;old folks can&#8217;t sit and read all day like
+young ones.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That is just what grandma tells me,&#8221;
+said Hatty; &#8220;and she says young people
+ought to remember that, and learn a great
+many Bible verses to think about when they
+are too sick or too old to read.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But if they did not do that when they
+were young,&#8221; said Aunt Barbara, &#8220;did
+grandma say what they should do then?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;She did not say anything about that,&#8221;
+said Hatty, looking puzzled. In another
+moment she added, in her most pleasant way,
+&#8220;would not you like me to read to you a
+little, Aunt Barbara?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span>&#8220;If you can make that little tongue of
+yours go slow enough, for me to understand,
+you may try,&#8221; said Aunt Barbara.</p>
+
+<p>Hatty drew her chair close up to Aunt
+Barbara, and was going to ask when she
+should begin, when the old lady said, pettishly,
+&#8220;Go round to the other side, child!
+don&#8217;t you know that&#8217;s my deaf ear?&#8221; Hatty
+moved as she was requested, and then Aunt
+Barbara told her to read the 103d Psalm.
+Hatty was a very pleasant reader, and she
+had lately taken great pains not to speak too
+rapidly.</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Barbara must have been pleased, for
+she kept Hatty reading, reading, until the
+family came home from church; and when she
+turned to leave the room, she said, &#8220;Thank
+you, child; I think going to your grandma&#8217;s
+has done you good.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Lee had not told Aunt Barbara of
+Hatty&#8217;s letter about her new resolutions, yet
+the old lady felt that some change must have
+taken place in Hatty to make her willing to
+give up her own pleasure to sit in that quiet
+room with a sick, fretful old woman, as Aunt
+Barbara knew herself to be that morning.</p>
+
+<p>Hatty enjoyed her afternoon at Sunday<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span>
+school all the more for the sacrifice she had
+made; and when the children all gathered
+in the parlor before tea to say their catechism
+and Bible verses to their father, she felt as if
+she were one of the happiest little girls in the
+world.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Lee was all the afternoon with Aunt
+Barbara, and when night came the Doctor
+was sent for, and Jane and Betsy were called
+in to help Mrs. Lee to get the poor old lady
+into bed, for she was very sick.</p>
+
+<p>The Doctor looked soberly, and said the
+disease must have been coming on some time&mdash;that
+there was a great deal of irritation in her
+system, and he could not say how her sickness
+might end.</p>
+
+<p>Hatty and Marcus heard the Doctor say
+these words in the hall as he went out. The
+tears came into Hatty&#8217;s eyes, and she said to
+her brother, &#8220;How I wish we had never
+spoken a wrong word to Aunt Barbara!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Marcus did not reply, but he walked away
+to his room, to lie awake with sad, repentant
+thoughts.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Lee had no idea how rude her children
+had often been to Aunt Barbara; her presence
+had been some check upon them,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span>
+though she had heard enough to give her
+pain. Aunt Barbara had led for many years
+a quiet life, and the noise and restlessness of
+children tired and worried her; and latterly
+she had been far from well.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Lee had been for some weeks confined
+to her room, and during this time
+Aunt Barbara had had much to bear from
+Marcus and the little ones; but she never
+complained to Mrs. Lee, though she daily
+grew more harsh in her own manner to the
+children.</p>
+
+<p>A little gentleness, a little patience on the
+part of those who were young, healthy and
+happy, would have done much to make poor
+old Aunt Barbara more pleasant and cheerful.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="VI" id="VI"></a>VI.</h2>
+
+
+<div class="initial" style="clear: both">
+<img src="images/dropcap_57.jpg" alt="N" title="N" /></div>
+<p class="dropcapsection"><span class="firstwords">
+<span style="display: none;">N</span>ow</span> came an anxious period in Hatty&#8217;s
+home. Mrs. Lee, and a nurse who
+was hired for the purpose, spent their
+time in Aunt Barbara&#8217;s room, while
+the Doctor came and went with a
+troubled, serious air.</p>
+
+<p>On Hatty, meanwhile, fell the care of Meg
+and Harry. Hatty found having Meg in her
+room by no means so troublesome as she had
+expected. Meg&#8217;s desire to meddle with
+Hatty&#8217;s things, and to put them out of order,
+seemed to have gone now that she could say
+&#8220;our room.&#8221; She even made herself a kind
+of guardian against Harry&#8217;s inroads; and
+when she heard his little feet pattering that
+way, she would get in advance of him with
+her swift skips, and have the door shut before
+he reached it.</p>
+
+<p>Hatty found it quite impossible to keep<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span>
+the children quiet, so she managed to have
+them in the garden as much as she could, in
+pleasant weather, that they might not disturb
+Aunt Barbara.</p>
+
+<p>At the foot of the wide walk that led
+down between the flower beds, was a pleasant
+arbour, and here Hatty made a kind of
+a little home of her own. Marcus put up a
+tight box on one of the seats, and there
+Hatty kept a store of books and playthings
+for herself and the children, to make the
+place attractive, and looked so bright and
+happy herself, that when Marcus came from
+school he was glad to leave the dull, quiet
+house, to join the circle in the arbour.</p>
+
+<p>Hatty was busy sewing there, one day,
+while Meg made a parasol for her doll, of a
+maple leaf, and Harry drew a long-necked
+squash up and down the walk for a carriage.
+Suddenly Hatty heard Marcus come out the
+back door, whistling a cheerful tune. Hatty
+tucked her work in her pocket, and quickly
+picked up some bits of bright-colored worsted
+that were scattered over her dress.</p>
+
+<p>Marcus came down the walk, kicking a
+ball before him, and leaped into the arbour
+with a regular bound.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span>&#8220;Well, Hatty,&#8221; he exclaimed, &#8220;I was head
+of my class to-day, and did not get a mark
+for being late, either. So I stand a chance
+for the prize yet.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Were you not late?&#8221; asked Hatty, with
+surprise.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;O yes!&#8221; answered Marcus, with a laugh.
+&#8220;The boys were all on their knees when I
+went in, but I opened the door quietly, and
+nobody heard me; so I got off famously.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But what did you say when your name
+was called? You did not tell an untruth,
+Marcus?&#8221; said Hatty, anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No, indeed!&#8221; said Marcus, indignantly.
+&#8220;I am above that!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t understand it at all,&#8221; said Hatty,
+uneasily.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, this was the way. When Mr.
+Briggs called over the names for punctuality,
+some how or other his attention wandered
+just before he got to my name, and he
+skipped it, so I did not have to answer at all.
+After Mr. Briggs went out I looked at my
+name, and there was a cross after it for
+punctual; so you see it is all right, and my
+chance for the prize is as good as ever.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I would rather have a brother who told<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span>
+the truth, than one who got the prize,&#8221; said
+Hatty, earnestly. &#8220;Dear Marcus, won&#8217;t you
+tell Mr. Briggs about it?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I shall do no such thing. Girls are so
+silly! You never can make them understand
+anything,&#8221; said Marcus, hastily.</p>
+
+<p>But Hatty did understand. She felt that
+Marcus had acted a lie for the sake of winning
+the prize he so greatly desired. She
+knew he would be angry if she said anything
+more about it; but she could not be
+silent and let him do wrong, without one
+more effort. After a moment, in which she
+asked God to help her to keep down her own
+quick temper if Marcus should make a harsh
+reply, Hatty said:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Marcus, you know what mother tells us
+about the book where what we call secret
+things are written down, to be read on the
+great day when all things will be known.
+Something will stand against your name,
+there, worse than a mark for being unpunctual.
+Dear Marcus, do tell the truth, and not
+mind the prize. You will not care about the
+prize when you are happy with the beautiful
+angels in Heaven; but you will love to remember
+how you did right, when it came so
+very hard.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span>It had cost Hatty a great effort to say all
+this, and now she burst into tears.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Girls are so silly!&#8221; said Marcus, impatiently.
+&#8220;I wish you would not set up to
+lecture me, Miss?&#8221; and the brother walked
+angrily away.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;For shame! For shame!&#8221; shouted little
+Meg, who had been an unnoticed listener to
+the conversation, and her slender finger was
+pointed at her brother. He took no notice
+of her; and she turned to Hatty, and threw
+her arms round her neck, and said: &#8220;Don&#8217;t
+cry, sister. Meg will be a good girl. I will
+try very hard.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Will you, Meg?&#8221; said Hatty, brightening.
+&#8220;Then I shall be very happy.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Now Meg had only wanted to say something
+to comfort Hatty, and had spoken the
+first words that came into her mind, without
+thinking what they meant. When she saw
+Hatty seem so much pleased, she thought to
+herself: &#8220;I do mean to try, if Hatty wants
+it so very much.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>At that moment Harry&#8217;s voice was heard
+in loud, angry screams. Hatty and Meg ran
+to the spot from whence they came. Marcus
+walked sheepishly away, as they appeared,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span>
+ashamed to own that in his ill-humor he had
+been teasing his little brother.</p>
+
+<p>Harry was a sweet-tempered, affectionate
+little fellow, ready to put up his mouth to
+kiss anybody who smiled upon him; but
+now he had been too far provoked to bear
+all patiently.</p>
+
+<p>Marcus had run away with his yellow
+carriage and dashed it against a stone, until
+all the seeds that had been riding about so
+comfortably were scattered far and wide on
+the grass. Then, because he looked displeased,
+and said, &#8220;Naughty boy!&#8221; Marcus
+had perched him on the high chicken-coop,
+and left him to scream for himself, or roll off
+as he best could.</p>
+
+<p>Hatty took the little fellow in her arms
+and wiped away his tears. She promised to
+hunt with him for a &#8220;beautiful squash,&#8221;
+larger than the one he had lost,&mdash;and he was
+soon comforted, and began to smooth her
+face and say, &#8220;Dear Hatty&mdash;Hatty so dood.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, Hatty is so good,&#8221; echoed Meg.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Sister is only trying to be good,&#8221; said
+Hatty, modestly. But the praise of the little
+ones went to her heart.</p>
+
+<p>Marcus was sulky towards Hatty all the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span>
+noon. He did not go out to help her feed
+the bantams, though she went through the
+room where he was, with the food in her
+hand, to give him a chance, if he wished, to
+join her pleasantly.</p>
+
+<p>Hatty loved her brother, and since she had
+been making an effort to govern her temper,
+she had enjoyed being with him. He, too,
+found in her a very pleasant companion. She
+was ready to listen to him when he talked,
+and let herself be instructed, though she
+sometimes knew as much as he did about the
+subjects of which he was speaking. Marcus
+did not teaze Hatty much of late, as she had
+learned to laugh, herself, even when he
+warmed his hands by her red hair, or asked
+her if she was so hot-tempered that she had
+set her head on fire in a passion.</p>
+
+<p>Marcus was glad that day when it came
+time for him to go to school again, though he
+generally thought the intermission quite too
+short. He missed Hatty, and he felt uneasy
+about what she had said. An uncomfortable
+feeling was at his heart. He was acting a
+lie! The truth had been plainly told him,
+and he could not forget it.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="VII" id="VII"></a>VII.</h2>
+
+
+<div class="initial" style="clear: both">
+<img src="images/dropcap_64.jpg" alt="M" title="M" /></div>
+<p class="dropcapsection"><span class="firstwords">
+<span style="display: none;">M</span>arcus</span> was very cross to Hatty for
+a day or two after their conversation
+in the arbour; and whenever
+he was in the house he kept the
+children perpetually uncomfortable
+with his teasing.</p>
+
+<p>Hatty had all this to bear in silence, for she
+would not trouble her mother with complaints
+when she had so much on her mind.</p>
+
+<p>Saturday came, and Marcus was to be at
+home all day. Hatty actually dreaded it.
+She did not know how she should get
+through so many hours, with Marcus about
+the house, so she resolved to go early to the
+arbour, and perhaps he would not follow her
+there.</p>
+
+<p>Marcus lounged about by himself for a
+while, and at last, out of loneliness, he went
+down to the arbour, too.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span>Hatty looked up pleasantly as he drew
+near, and said: &#8220;Why can&#8217;t you get a book,
+Marcus, and read something to Meg and
+me?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;To Meg and you!&#8221; said Marcus, contemptuously.
+&#8220;A pretty business for a boy
+of twelve!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Hatty did not like contempt, and she answered,
+hastily: &#8220;I am only two years
+younger than you are, and mother says I am
+farther advanced in some of my studies!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hurrah for the red-head; touch her, and
+she goes off like a brimstone match!&#8221; said
+Marcus, triumphantly, for he was tired of
+having all the crossness on his own side.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hatty&#8217;s hair isn&#8217;t red,&#8221; said Meg, angrily.
+&#8220;I heard a lady say, the other day, it was
+beautiful auburn hair; and she said Hatty
+was sweet-looking and good, and that is more
+than anybody will say of you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Bad boy! bad boy! Go away!&#8221; said
+Harry, lifting his fat little leg and trying to
+kick Marcus with his wee foot.</p>
+
+<p>Hatty could not reprove the children, for
+she herself had set the example of speaking
+angry words.</p>
+
+<p>Heartily ashamed of herself, she said: &#8220;I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span>
+am very sorry I spoke so to you, Marcus; it
+was not right. I ought not to mind being
+put with Meg, for she is a dear little girl,
+and I love her very much.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And I love Hatty, and you shan&#8217;t be
+cross to her,&#8221; said Meg, putting her arms
+round Hatty.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It was Hatty who was cross,&#8221; said the
+little girl, sadly. &#8220;Poor Hatty is only <i>trying</i>
+to be good. She does wrong very, very
+often.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hatty dood! Hatty dood!&#8221; said Harry,
+nestling at her side.</p>
+
+<p>Marcus walked away, without saying another
+word. He took his fishing-rod, and
+Hatty saw him no more that day.</p>
+
+<p>When Marcus came home in the evening
+he was very tired. The family had all done
+supper. He took what he wanted, alone,
+and then went up to bed without saying
+&#8220;good-night&#8221; to any body. When he got
+into his own room, he saw on the floor by
+his bed a beautiful pair of slippers, with dogs&#8217;
+heads worked neatly upon them. He took
+off his heavy shoes. How comfortable the
+slippers felt to his tired feet! Such an excellent
+fit&mdash;so loose and easy! &#8220;How kind in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span>
+mother to make them!&#8221; he thought. &#8220;When
+could she have had the time.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Marcus was going to rush to the door of
+Aunt Barbara&#8217;s room to thank his mother,
+when he saw a little note lying on the table.
+He broke it open and read:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Dear Marcus: It has made me very sad
+all the week to think you were displeased
+with me. I love you very dearly, and cannot
+bear to have you look at me as if you
+did not care for me. I know I made you
+angry by speaking about the mark at school.
+If I had not cared for you I should not have
+spoken as I did. I hope you will yet tell
+Mr. Briggs. Perhaps I am too naughty myself
+to give anybody advice. Please forgive
+me all I have ever done wrong to you.&mdash;I
+began to work these slippers as soon as I got
+home from grandma&#8217;s, and they were only
+finished this week. I hope they will fit you.&mdash;Won&#8217;t
+you be pleasant to-morrow morning
+to your sister Hatty?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Marcus read the note, with the slippers on
+his feet. He felt ashamed of his unkindness
+to his little sister, and he resolved to meet
+her pleasantly in the morning. Marcus did
+not go to sleep until late that night, but we<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span>
+will not tell what was the subject of his
+thoughts.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning Marcus&#8217; ill humor
+seemed to have all passed away. He made
+no apology to Hatty for his late rudeness,
+but she was generous enough to forget the
+past. She did not now in her turn sulk and
+pout, and so keep up the quarrel, but she received
+him as cheerfully as if nothing had
+happened.</p>
+
+<p>Marcus wore the new slippers, and declared
+he had never had a present that suited
+him better, and Hatty was repaid for all her
+trouble.</p>
+
+<p>Hatty fancied that at church Marcus was
+more attentive than usual, and once she
+thought she saw him wipe his eyes, as if he
+were affected by something the clergyman
+said; but she was soon afraid she had been
+mistaken, for he began to look about as
+usual, and even exchanged a glance of recognition
+with one of his acquaintances in the
+gallery.</p>
+
+<p>Hatty felt anxious for her brother, and she
+was particularly tender and kind in her manner
+towards him all day, and in the evening,
+when she went to bed, she prayed earnestly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span>
+that God would soften his heart, and lead
+him to do right. Hatty had not forgotten
+that Marcus had acted a lie, and she remembered
+that our Heavenly Father is &#8220;a God
+who hateth a lie.&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="VIII" id="VIII"></a>VIII.</h2>
+
+
+<div class="initial" style="clear: both">
+<img src="images/dropcap_70.jpg" alt="M" title="M" /></div>
+<p class="dropcapsection"><span class="firstwords">
+<span style="display: none;">M</span>onday</span> morning rose bright and
+clear. For many days Aunt Barbara
+had been steadily gaining, and
+now she was coming down stairs,
+for the first time. Hatty felt it a
+pleasure to wait upon her mother,
+while she assisted the old lady to dress, and
+even Marcus seemed pleased to be useful.
+He and Jane carried down the old-fashioned
+easy chair, which Aunt Barbara particularly
+fancied, and then he drew a small table near
+it, placed a footstool beside it, and stood
+waiting to see if he could be of any further
+assistance. Mr. Lee helped Aunt Barbara
+down very tenderly, and looked at her as affectionately
+as if she were a dear little child instead
+of a poor invalid, tottering with age and
+sickness.</p>
+
+<p>Marcus expected to hear Aunt Barbara<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span>
+say, &#8220;This room is too light for anybody,&#8221;
+or &#8220;My! who could have chosen such a
+place for my chair?&#8221; but he was mistaken.</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Barbara sunk down among the pillows
+which Hatty had arranged, quite exhausted,
+and for a while was too weak to say
+one word. Mrs. Lee brought her a glass of
+wine, and a light biscuit, and when Aunt
+Barbara had taken them she seemed better.</p>
+
+<p>Then she looked round the cheerful library,
+and said, &#8220;How pleasant it is here, and how
+nicely you have prepared for me! And you
+helped, too, Marcus; that was kind!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am very glad you are pleased!&#8221; said
+Marcus; and away he ran to school, feeling
+more light-hearted than he had done for many
+days. Mrs. Lee said she would take care of
+the children in the nursery, as Jane must be
+busy, and leave Hatty with Aunt Barbara.
+Hatty was glad to be trusted, and she
+brought her sewing, and took a low seat near
+the old lady.</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Barbara did not seem inclined to
+talk at first, and Hatty kept very quiet,
+though every now and then she opened her
+mouth as if she were going to speak, and then
+shut it again quickly.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span>Hatty had learned that there are often
+times when older people do not care to hear
+even pleasant young voices. She had found
+out that a little happy child may show a great
+deal of unselfishness by keeping quiet, when
+she would gladly let her tongue speak out
+the joy that is in her heart. Hatty tried to
+think over all the hymns she had ever learned,
+and so be silent until Aunt Barbara
+should choose to speak.</p>
+
+<p>Hatty&#8217;s lips were beginning to feel quite
+stiff with their unusual effort, when Aunt
+Barbara said, &#8220;Hatty, my dear.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Hatty looked up suddenly, (Aunt Barbara
+had never called her &#8220;my dear&#8221; before,) but
+she only said &#8220;What, ma&#8217;am,&#8221; and then waited
+to see what would come next.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Do you love your grandma?&#8221; asked
+Aunt Barbara.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Indeed I do!&#8221; said Hatty, warmly.
+&#8220;She is the dearest and sweetest old lady in
+the world!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;She is older than I am, I believe, and a
+great deal more wrinkled,&mdash;at least I have
+heard so!&#8221; said Aunt Barbara.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t know, I never thought about that;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span>
+she looks very sweet to me!&#8221; said Hatty,
+with a puzzled look.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I have had a notion,&#8221; said Aunt Barbara,
+&#8220;that children did not like old people, and
+perhaps I have not tried to make myself
+pleasant to them. Do you think if I tried to
+be like your grandma you could love me,
+too?&#8221; and the old lady looked earnestly at
+the little girl.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;O Aunt Barbara, I love you now!&#8221; said
+Hatty affectionately; &#8220;and you grow more
+like grandma every day.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Dear child!&#8221; said Aunt Barbara, and
+she laid her thin hand on the head of the
+little girl. After a moment&#8217;s pause she went
+on&mdash;&#8220;Hatty, I think I must have been very
+cross before I was sick; somehow everything
+seemed wrong to me. I am sorry!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I and Marcus and Meg and all of us are
+sorry we were so naughty. It was our fault,
+Aunt Barbara,&mdash;and we mean to be better,&#8221;
+said Hatty, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Poor old Aunt Barbara did wrong, too,
+child. God has laid her on her bed of sickness
+to think, and he has raised her up again
+for some good purpose. Perhaps he wanted
+to give her an opportunity to be more like<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span>
+what a person ought to be, who has had
+more than seventy years of blessings, and
+who has the promise of a home in Heaven.
+Aunt Barbara means to try not to be fretful,
+and you children must have patience with
+her if she don&#8217;t always speak just as she
+should.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The old lady was in earnest, and tears
+rolled down her cheeks.</p>
+
+<p>Hatty rose and wiped them away,&mdash;then
+she kissed Aunt Barbara, tenderly, and said,
+&#8220;We will never think any harm of what
+dear Aunt Barbara says,&mdash;for we all love
+you, and mean to make you very happy.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Barbara now asked Hatty to sing
+some sweet hymns; and she looked so quiet
+and peaceful as she listened, that Hatty could
+not help thinking that Jesus must be very
+near to old people, who are almost at the
+golden gate of Heaven.</p>
+
+<p>From that time Hatty was much with
+Aunt Barbara; and it was touching to see
+how hard the old lady tried to be gentle and
+pleasant.</p>
+
+<p>Hatty&#8217;s example had a great influence on
+the other children. Meg learned to skip
+more softly as she passed Aunt Barbara&#8217;s<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span>
+door; and Harry never ate an orange without
+pattering along to Aunt Barbara&#8217;s room,
+to give her a taste.</p>
+
+<p>In their hearts the children often acknowledged
+that it was their own thoughtlessness
+which had brought about much of the old
+lady&#8217;s harshness; and now that they were
+more gentle and considerate, they found her
+a dear, kind friend, who had pleasant stories
+to tell, of days gone by; and with her Hatty
+had many sweet talks of the loving Saviour,
+whom they were both striving to serve.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="IX" id="IX"></a>IX.</h2>
+
+
+<div class="initial" style="clear: both">
+<img src="images/dropcap_76.jpg" alt="W" title="W" /></div>
+<p class="dropcapsection"><span class="firstwords">
+<span style="display: none;">W</span>hen</span> Marcus came home from
+school on Monday afternoon,
+Hatty was in the garden, picking
+a bouquet to put in Aunt
+Barbara&#8217;s room. He stepped
+quietly behind her and put his
+hands round her waist, before she heard him
+coming.</p>
+
+<p>She looked round, expecting to see his face
+full of fun; but it was very sober,&mdash;and he
+said, quietly,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I have lost the prize, Hatty!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Did you miss a lesson to-day!&#8221; said
+Hatty, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I have not made a mistake this term,
+and I don&#8217;t mean to, if I can help it,&#8221; said
+Marcus, rather proudly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Not a mark for misconduct?&#8221; said Hatty,
+anxiously.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span>&#8220;A mark for tardiness stands against my
+name. I have told Mr. Briggs.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Hatty turned towards her brother, and
+kissed him tenderly. He did not push her
+away, but, putting his arm round her waist,
+he walked a few moments along the path in
+silence; then he said, &#8220;I have had a talk
+with Mr. Briggs, that I hope I shall never
+forget. I thank you, Hatty, for being a true
+sister to me.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Here Marcus broke away from Hatty, and
+ran into the house before she could speak a
+word in reply.</p>
+
+<p>Hatty finished gathering the flowers, but
+her thoughts were not on her bouquet, but
+on her brother. In her heart she thanked
+God for prompting him to take this first
+right step, and earnestly she prayed that he
+might go steadily forward in the path that
+leadeth unto life.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="X" id="X"></a>X.</h2>
+
+
+<div class="initial" style="clear: both">
+<img src="images/dropcap_78.jpg" alt="T" title="T" /></div>
+<p class="dropcapsection"><span class="firstwords">
+<span style="display: none;">T</span>he</span> weeks flew by, and Aunt Barbara
+was able first to take a short
+drive, and then to be in the air hour
+after hour.</p>
+
+<p>One Saturday Mr. Lee pushed
+back his chair, after dinner, and
+looking pleasantly round on his children,
+said, &#8220;What do you all say to a visit to Mr.
+Sparrow&#8217;s peach orchard to-day?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The young faces flushed back a glad response,
+and every little voice was raised in a
+joyous welcome to the proposal.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Aunt Barbara must go, too,&#8221; said Meg,
+giving the old lady a protective look, which,
+although it was quite absurd, sprang from
+real kindness.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, Aunt Barbara must go, of course,&#8221;
+said Mr. Lee, smiling.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And Hatty, Hatty so dood,&#8221; put in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span>
+Harry, as he laid his plump hand caressingly
+on Hatty&#8217;s white arm.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, every one must go, if the carriage
+is as full as the shoe where the old woman
+lived, with that wonderfully large family.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I hope none of us will have to be
+whipped and sent to bed,&#8221; said Meg, laughingly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No, no. You shall all have peaches
+and bread, instead,&#8221; said Mr. Lee, with a
+quizzical look.</p>
+
+<p>The children all laughed so much at what
+they thought a charming witticism on their
+father&#8217;s part, that they could hardly hear his
+voice when he spoke again to say they must
+be ready in an hour; and then away he
+went, to give orders about the carriage.</p>
+
+<p>At the first mention of the excursion
+Marcus had darted away to get his fishing-tackle
+in order; for he knew there was a
+famous trouting stream on Mr. Sparrow&#8217;s
+farm, and he meant to have sport, for which
+he cared more than for bushels of peaches.</p>
+
+<p>The hour passed quickly away in busy
+preparation for the coming pleasure, and all
+were ready when the great family carriage<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span>
+Mr. Lee had borrowed from his brother,
+came up to the door.</p>
+
+<p>The horses seemed as full of glee as the
+children, and Mr. Lee could not leave them
+to attend to the ladies. Marcus assisted
+Aunt Barbara very carefully down to the
+gate, and handed her in so dexterously that
+she was able to take her seat without complaining
+of twisting her joints with the exertion.
+Then Mrs. Lee was escorted with
+great ceremony, by Marcus, and placed at
+Aunt Barbara&#8217;s side. Jane (with the baby
+in her arms) and Hatty took up the middle
+seat. Marcus was to sit with his father,&mdash;but
+what was to become of Harry and Meg.
+The little things looked disconsolate as they
+saw the places filling up; but Hatty called
+out, cheerily, &#8220;I will hold Meg,&#8221; and Marcus
+said, almost in the same breath, &#8220;Harry must
+sit on my knee, that all the gentlemen may
+be together.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All de dentlemen todedder!&#8221; said Harry,
+with a pompous look, as he stood ready to
+be lifted to the place of honor assigned him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now are all packed in tight?&#8221; said Mr.
+Lee, as he drew up the reins in his hand.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All right!&#8221; was the merry shout within,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span>
+and away went the horses, as if they enjoyed
+the sport.</p>
+
+<p>The swift motion through the cool air
+made Hatty glad to draw close round her the
+shawl she had thrown over her bare neck
+and arms; and Mrs. Lee reached forward to
+fold the baby&#8217;s blanket closely about it.</p>
+
+<p>Hatty soon found Meg rather heavy, and
+she might have made the whole party uncomfortable
+by complaining,&mdash;but she had
+learned that one way of doing right is, to
+check all complaints about trifles, and to be
+as cheerful as possible.</p>
+
+<p>After a while Meg slipped quietly down
+into the bottom of the carriage, and said she
+had a charming seat there on the baby&#8217;s
+strong basket. She did not say that she saw
+sister Hatty was weary, and wished to relieve
+her. Little Meg was learning something
+of Christian kindness; so true is it
+that where one child in a family is really
+trying to do right, all the others soon catch
+something of her spirit.</p>
+
+<p>It was a real treat to the children to be
+fairly outside the town, among green fields
+and pleasant woods. Mrs. Lee had to keep
+her head bobbing this way and that way, to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span>
+see a flock of turkeys that made Meg laugh;
+or a wild flower that pleased Hatty; or a
+&#8220;pretty moo cow&#8221; that Harry thought quite
+extraordinary.</p>
+
+<p>Marcus, meanwhile, was sitting up beside
+his father, and trying to talk learnedly of
+&#8220;crops and fallow-land, good timber, and
+pretty fair orchards.&#8221; His father listened
+when he spoke, and quietly corrected his
+mistakes, without showing him the least sign
+of contempt, or making him feel his youth
+unnecessarily.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Lee saw that Marcus was bent upon
+appearing like a man, and he only tried to
+make him a sensible, accurate little man, instead
+of putting him down in a way likely
+to provoke him.</p>
+
+<p>All Marcus&#8217; <i>mannish</i> ways went off, suddenly,
+when the carriage drew up at Mr.
+Sparrow&#8217;s door. He leaped from his seat,
+and without waiting to hand out the ladies
+and children, he gave a merry shout, and
+started off for the brook at a pace that most
+men find neither easy nor comfortable.</p>
+
+<p>Good farmer Sparrow was away in the
+orchard; but stout Mrs. Sparrow helped
+Aunt Barbara out as well as if she had been<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span>
+a man; and by that time Mr. Lee had tied
+the horses, and was ready to lift down the
+children; Meg came out with a flying skip,
+and Hatty bounded down cheerfully; but
+Harry was so sleepy, that his father had to
+lift him as if he were a bag of meal.</p>
+
+<p>The sight of the peach orchard was enough
+to fill the children with astonishment,&mdash;the
+rich fruit looked so beautifully, hanging on
+the bending boughs. Aunt Barbara was
+placed on a comfortable chair by the window;
+Mrs. Lee took the baby,&mdash;and then Jane and
+the children went out into the peach orchard,
+with Mrs. Sparrow.</p>
+
+<p>The farmer&#8217;s wife knew exactly to what
+trees to take them; and she reached up and
+picked two of the largest peaches Hatty had
+ever seen, and placed one in the little girls&#8217;
+hands. Away went Hatty back to the
+house with her treasures, and when she had
+given them to Aunt Barbara and her mother,
+she was ready for her own pleasure.</p>
+
+<p>Hatty was learning to think of others first,
+even in trifles.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Lee had told the children just how
+many peaches they must eat; and after they
+had come up to the number she named, they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span>
+enjoyed going about with Mrs. Sparrow, and
+watching her while she filled the large basket
+that had been placed in the carriage, in front
+of Mr. Lee, for the purpose. Hatty could not
+help thinking, as she looked at the trees loaded
+with the beautiful fruit, how kind it was in
+our Heavenly Father to make so much that
+is &#8220;pleasant to the eye and good for food,&#8221;
+that we may take without breaking any of
+his commandments. She pitied poor Eve, if
+the forbidden fruit looked anything like
+those tempting peaches, and was glad that
+there was no &#8220;serpent&#8221; at farmer Sparrow&#8217;s
+that pleasant day.</p>
+
+<p>Hatty forgot that there is temptation
+every where, if not quite in the form that
+was tried upon Eve.</p>
+
+<p>After the children had enjoyed the orchard
+to their hearts&#8217; content, little Harry grew
+tired, and Jane took him to rest. Mrs. Sparrow
+and her strong maid carried in the
+heavy basket of peaches, and Hatty and
+Meg had permission to wander about to look
+at the chickens, the bee-hives, or anything
+else that might interest them.</p>
+
+<p>Meg was full of glee, and would gladly
+have chased the chickens, handled the young<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span>
+ducks, and teazed the turkey-gobbler till he
+was quite in a passion. Hatty checked her
+as gently as she could, and managed to keep
+her for some time from doing any actual
+mischief.</p>
+
+<p>Meg was charmed when she got to the
+bee-hives. She had lately heard Marcus
+discoursing, in his most learned manner, as
+to the habits and peculiarities of bees, and
+she was curious to see these wise little insects
+in their own home.</p>
+
+<p>Hatty was glad to find her at last so absorbed
+as to be willing to be quiet a moment,
+and, a little relieved from her anxiety, she
+turned away to look at a curious plant that
+was growing in a small swampy place, into
+which the surplus water from the large back-yard
+was made to flow.</p>
+
+<p>The plant was, indeed, worth looking
+at; it was the pitcher plant, or side-saddle-flower,&mdash;every
+leaf of which is so formed as
+to hold water. She walked round and round
+it, looking into each pitcher-like leaf, and
+thinking of the wonderful variety which God
+has chosen to make even in the forms of the
+leaves, not to speak of the many-hued
+flowers.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span>Turning accidentally towards Meg, Hatty
+saw her slender brown arms pushing with
+all their might against one of the hives, and
+it was evident from Meg&#8217;s determined air
+that she had made up her mind to do something&mdash;some
+mischief, Hatty concluded, of
+course, and hurried to the spot.</p>
+
+<p>She only reached it in time to see the hive
+tumbling over, while a swarm of angry bees
+came forth to avenge themselves for this
+overthrow of their home.</p>
+
+<p>The very impulsiveness of character, which
+made Hatty open to temptation from a hasty
+temper, now made her think and act quickly.</p>
+
+<p>She saw at once the danger that Meg was
+in, from the angry insects. It was but the
+work of a second for Hatty to throw her light
+shawl completely over Meg&mdash;the child&#8217;s straw
+hat&mdash;holding it at such a distance from her
+face and arms that the stings of the insects
+could not reach her.</p>
+
+<p>Then, with one hand, Hatty held her white
+sun-bonnet close together in front, while she
+extended the other, to lead Meg.</p>
+
+<p>Over Hatty&#8217;s bare neck and arms the bees
+now settled, and began to vent their anger in
+sharp stings that made her scream with pain.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span>The cries of the children quickly brought
+Mr. Lee and Farmer Sparrow, who had been
+taking a survey of the place, together.</p>
+
+<p>Farmer Sparrow bade Mr. Lee keep at a
+distance, as soon as he saw, from the over-turned
+hive, and from the moving black spots
+on Hatty&#8217;s fair neck and arms, what was the
+matter.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Lee found it hard to keep away from
+his children when they were in such trouble,
+but he knew it was best to obey.</p>
+
+<p>With a dexterous turn of the shawl, Farmer
+Sparrow shut the bees up in it, while he
+bade Meg run for her life. She needed no
+second command, and was soon sobbing in
+her father&#8217;s arms.</p>
+
+<p>The few bees who had escaped from the
+shawl settled upon Farmer Sparrow, but he
+minded them no more than if they were so
+many flies, for the sagacious insects knew
+him too well to sting him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Stand quite still, child!&#8221; said Farmer
+Sparrow to Hatty, in a tone of command. It
+would have been hard for Hatty to obey,
+covered as she was with the tormenting bees,
+but for the belief that the prayer for help
+that she had sent up to God in her distress<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span>
+was about to be answered. One by one Farmer
+Sparrow picked off the bees with his
+hands, and slipped them into the shawl, which
+he held like a bag. They seemed to own
+him as a master, and not one offered him a
+disrespectful sting.</p>
+
+<p>When Hatty was freed from her tormentors
+she was in a piteous plight, her neck and
+arms being spotted over with the painful
+stings. Hatty struggled hard to bear them
+patiently, and Farmer Sparrow declared she
+was a perfect soldier.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Lee and Mrs. Sparrow were now on
+the spot. The latter hastened to bind indigo
+on the wounded parts, and poor Hatty soon
+presented an odd appearance, her white face
+peering out from her blue wrappings.</p>
+
+<p>Farmer Sparrow excused himself from any
+further attendance upon the party, as he must
+secure his beloved bees ere they were lost to
+him.</p>
+
+<p>The sun was now sinking in the west, and
+Marcus, laden with the results of his successful
+trouting, came whistling up to the farmhouse.
+He heard, in silence, the story of
+Hatty&#8217;s misfortune; but when his mother
+came quite to the end, Marcus walked up<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span>
+to his sister, and kissing her fondly, said:
+&#8220;You are a splendid girl, Hatty. You ought
+to have been a boy!&#8221; Then, turning to Meg,
+his indignation burst upon her, and he could
+not find words strong enough to express his
+anger at her mischief, and his conviction of
+the severity of the punishment she deserved.</p>
+
+<p>Meg could only reply in sobs.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Poor Meg is punished sufficiently by
+seeing her sister suffer. I think she will not
+soon forget this lesson!&#8221; said Mrs. Lee,
+kindly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Meg did not know the harm she was
+doing!&#8221; added Hatty, pleadingly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I only wanted to look inside,&#8221; said poor
+Meg, in the midst of her sobs. &#8220;I thought the
+wise little bees knew too much to hurt us!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I hope my little Meg will remember,
+hereafter, &#8216;to touch not, taste not, handle not&#8217;
+what is not her own,&#8221; said Mrs. Lee, soberly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Indeed, I will try,&#8221; answered Meg, earnestly.
+&#8220;Do kiss me, Hatty,&#8221; and the child
+turned her swollen face towards her generous
+sister.</p>
+
+<p>Hatty kissed her, and assured her the pain
+of the stings was almost gone, and that she
+should soon be quite well.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span>Mr. Lee was now ready with the horses,
+and the little party set out for home.</p>
+
+<p>As Hatty rode along in the carriage, and
+all seemed so tenderly interested for her, the
+little girl went back in memory to the time
+before she started on that all important visit
+to her grandmother.</p>
+
+<p>She recalled the frequent reproofs she then
+received from her mother, the stern displeasure
+of her father, her constant quarrels with
+Marcus, her impatience with Meg, and the
+saucy replies of the child. It seemed strange
+to her to remember that even Harry did not
+then like to be with her, and that she thought
+it quite a trial to be left with Aunt Barbara
+even for a few moments. Were all changed,
+or was the change in herself? When she
+thought all around her severe, cross, or
+quarrelsome, must not the fault have been in
+a great measure her own?</p>
+
+<p>Hatty could not bear to think of her old
+naughty self, and she turned with pleasure to
+the happy present. God had given her the
+wish to do right, and granted his blessing on
+her sincere efforts. How near and dear now
+seemed that Heavenly Father to his little one;
+she realized that He was at her side; she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span>
+needed not to wait until she reached home to
+thank Him for his mercies. Into her heart she
+knew He was then looking, and beholding
+her gratitude there.</p>
+
+<p>Little Hatty felt very happy as she glanced
+round on the kind faces, beaming lovingly
+on her. Surrounded by such affection, she
+could bear almost anything. Yes, Hatty
+Lee, who once so dreaded pain, knew now
+that wrong, angry feelings, in herself, or the
+disapproval of her earthly parents, or the
+smile of her mother withdrawn, were far
+greater trials than the slight sufferings her
+body had been called to endure.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XI" id="XI"></a>XI.</h2>
+
+
+<div class="initial" style="clear: both">
+<img src="images/dropcap_92.jpg" alt="H" title="H" /></div>
+<p class="dropcapsection"><span class="firstwords">
+<span style="display: none;">H</span>atty&#8217;s</span> wounded neck and arms
+healed rapidly, but the red spots remained
+for many days to remind all
+the family of the late accident, and
+make them more tender than usual
+in their manner to the courageous
+little girl.</p>
+
+<p>Marcus seemed to have quite changed his
+opinion of his sister, and felt called upon to
+treat her with marked respect, and to honor
+her with many long talks on his favorite subjects.</p>
+
+<p>Hatty heard his footstep in the hall, as he
+was returning from school one afternoon,
+shortly after the accident. She knew that
+on that day was to be awarded the prize for
+which he had so faithfully labored, and
+which he had been induced to forfeit for the
+sake of truth.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span>She felt great sympathy for him, and was
+planning in her own mind how she could
+best cheer him under his disappointment,
+when he threw open the door, and with a
+joyous bound sprang towards her.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Look, Hatty!&#8221; he said, as he laid on her
+lap the richly bound copy of Virgil which
+he had so desired for its own sake, as well as
+a mark of his teacher&#8217;s approval.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is mine, given in the presence of the
+school, by Mr. Briggs!&#8221; said Marcus, with a joyous
+smile, &#8220;And I owe it all to you, Hatty.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am so glad!&#8221; said Hatty, with real
+pleasure. &#8220;But you do not owe it to me,
+Marcus.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, Hatty,&#8221; continued Marcus,&mdash;&#8220;Mr.
+Briggs knew all about my being late, and he
+was waiting for me to acknowledge it; if I
+had not I should have lost his confidence,
+and the prize would never have been mine,
+he said: as it was, no other boy stood as high
+as I did! Isn&#8217;t it splendid?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am very, very glad,&#8221; repeated Hatty.
+&#8220;Is it not better always to try to do right,
+Marcus!&#8221; she added softly.</p>
+
+<p>Marcus opened his mouth as if to speak,
+then turned silently away.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span>That evening Mrs. Lee sat in the library,
+in the twilight, with Marcus and Hatty. She
+too had heard about the prize, and had rejoiced
+with her son, with a silent prayer in
+her heart that he might see the wisdom of
+the Better Path, and be led always to do right
+by the happy results which had followed the
+step that had cost him such an effort.</p>
+
+<p>After the subject of the prize had been discussed,
+a feeling of quietness stole over the
+little group; perhaps all had their own serious
+thoughts at that twilight hour.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Come, Hatty,&#8221; said Mrs. Lee, pleasantly,
+&#8220;can you not recite a hymn for us?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Lee almost feared that Marcus would
+walk away at this proposal, as he had often
+done before, on similar occasions; but he sat
+down at his mother&#8217;s side, and listened,
+while Hatty repeated, in a voice of deep feeling,
+the hymn,&mdash;&#8220;Ashamed of Jesus.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Mother,&#8221; said Hatty, earnestly, when she
+had done speaking, &#8220;Do you think anybody
+in a Christian country was ever <i>ashamed of
+Jesus?</i>&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There are few in a christian country, my
+dear, who would be willing to be called infidels,
+or heathen,&#8221; said Mrs. Lee, soberly;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span>
+&#8220;and I doubt if there are any young people
+who have heard of Jesus, who would not
+shrink from the thought. Though this is
+quite true, there are many who are ashamed
+of Jesus&mdash;many children, I fear!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;O Mother! what do you mean?&#8221; said
+Hatty, earnestly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I mean,&#8221; said Mrs. Lee, &#8220;there are many
+who are ashamed to have it known that they
+wish to serve him. They would rather their
+best actions should be attributed to any
+cause, than a desire to do His will. They hide
+their best feelings, and struggle to show indifference
+when holy things are named, in a
+way which proves them at heart to be
+<i>ashamed</i> of Jesus. Alas, poor foolish children!
+what will be their lot when he is
+ashamed of them, in the presence of his
+Father in Heaven!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Marcus had laid his head on his mother&#8217;s
+hand, as he sat beside her, and now she felt
+the hot tears trickle over it.</p>
+
+<p>Hatty was questioning in heart whether
+she could be so situated as to be <i>ashamed of
+Jesus</i>, when Marcus suddenly rose, and said:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am afraid I have been ashamed of
+Jesus! Let me say now to you, dear Mother,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span>
+and to Hatty, that I do wish to serve Him,
+and I want you both to help me.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We will together ask God for his help,
+which is better than any human arm, my
+dear son,&#8221; said Mrs. Lee, solemnly.</p>
+
+<p>The mother knelt down with her children,
+and earnestly implored God&#8217;s blessing on
+their young hearts. Fervently she asked the
+Great Heavenly Friend so to guide and sustain
+them in the upward path, that they
+might at last be gathered to his Eternal Home,
+with all those that love Him in sincerity and
+truth.</p>
+
+<p>When they rose from their knees, Hatty&#8217;s
+heart was too full of joy for words. She
+walked to Marcus&#8217; side, and putting her arm
+about him, kissed him, with a deep, trusting
+affection she had never felt before.</p>
+
+<p>Now came in Aunt Barbara, leading little
+Harry, full of glee, while Meg followed, with
+her usual cheerful skip.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Let us have one more hymn before supper,&#8221;
+said Mrs. Lee, as she gathered the little
+group around her. &#8220;We will have &#8216;I want
+to be like Jesus,&#8217; and only those must sing
+who really feel what they say.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Lee began in her own clear, sweet<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span>
+voice. Hatty quickly followed, and Marcus
+united with her in trembling tones, with sober
+earnestness. Meg, with her childlike warble,
+and even little Harry, felt that he wanted to
+be like Jesus, and tried to lisp in &#8220;sweet accord&#8221;
+his Saviour&#8217;s name, blending his baby
+notes with those that fell from Aunt Barbara&#8217;s
+faltering tongue.</p>
+
+<p>How welcome to the father&#8217;s ear, as he
+returned from his daily toil, was that evening
+hymn!</p>
+
+<p>At the closing verse his manly tones were
+heard as a deep, full echo to the rest, while
+devout thanksgiving filled the mother&#8217;s heart.</p>
+
+<p>And Hatty&mdash;little Hatty&mdash;she felt almost
+too happy for earth; and fully she realized
+the truth, that &#8220;Wisdom&#8217;s ways are pleasantness,
+and all her paths are peace.&#8221;</p>
+
+</div>
+
+
+
+<div class="note">
+<p><strong>Transcriber&#8217;s Note:</strong> The table below lists all corrections applied to
+the original text.</p>
+
+<ul>
+<li><a href="#Page_9">p. 09</a>: [added pair of quotes] and say, &#8216;You can&#8217;t come in, Meg.&#8217;</li>
+<li><a href="#Page_9">p. 09</a>: [added open quotes] &#8220;Jesus&#8217; little children never quarrel</li>
+<li><a href="#Page_11">p. 11</a>: obey that consicence &rarr; conscience</li>
+<li><a href="#Page_16">p. 16</a>: I did&#8217;nt know &rarr; didn&#8217;t</li>
+<li><a href="#Page_27">p. 27</a>: [removed wrong quotes] &#8220;Marcus was softened &rarr; Marcus</li>
+<li><a href="#Page_58">p. 58</a>: [normalized] a store of books and play-things &rarr; playthings</li>
+<li><a href="#Page_96">p. 96</a>: [added period] that love Him in sincerity and truth.</li>
+</ul>
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Hatty and Marcus, by Aunt Friendly
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HATTY AND MARCUS ***
+
+***** This file should be named 23536-h.htm or 23536-h.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        http://www.gutenberg.org/2/3/5/3/23536/
+
+Produced by Irma Spehar, Markus Brenner and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+http://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+http://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at http://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit http://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations.
+To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     http://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
+
+
+</pre>
+
+</body>
+</html>
diff --git a/23536-h/images/dropcap_03.jpg b/23536-h/images/dropcap_03.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7c8016f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-h/images/dropcap_03.jpg
diff --git a/23536-h/images/dropcap_13.jpg b/23536-h/images/dropcap_13.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6a3d01c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-h/images/dropcap_13.jpg
diff --git a/23536-h/images/dropcap_21.jpg b/23536-h/images/dropcap_21.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9472b65
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-h/images/dropcap_21.jpg
diff --git a/23536-h/images/dropcap_36.jpg b/23536-h/images/dropcap_36.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..131a95c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-h/images/dropcap_36.jpg
diff --git a/23536-h/images/dropcap_51.jpg b/23536-h/images/dropcap_51.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3477cf9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-h/images/dropcap_51.jpg
diff --git a/23536-h/images/dropcap_57.jpg b/23536-h/images/dropcap_57.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..64edf94
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-h/images/dropcap_57.jpg
diff --git a/23536-h/images/dropcap_64.jpg b/23536-h/images/dropcap_64.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..da3f178
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-h/images/dropcap_64.jpg
diff --git a/23536-h/images/dropcap_70.jpg b/23536-h/images/dropcap_70.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b8b07be
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-h/images/dropcap_70.jpg
diff --git a/23536-h/images/dropcap_76.jpg b/23536-h/images/dropcap_76.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..45d5781
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-h/images/dropcap_76.jpg
diff --git a/23536-h/images/dropcap_78.jpg b/23536-h/images/dropcap_78.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..cfed56a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-h/images/dropcap_78.jpg
diff --git a/23536-h/images/dropcap_92.jpg b/23536-h/images/dropcap_92.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9da7a13
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-h/images/dropcap_92.jpg
diff --git a/23536-h/images/frontispiece.jpg b/23536-h/images/frontispiece.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7eca9c9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-h/images/frontispiece.jpg
diff --git a/23536-h/images/frontispiece_th.jpg b/23536-h/images/frontispiece_th.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..327752e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-h/images/frontispiece_th.jpg
diff --git a/23536-page-images/f001.jpg b/23536-page-images/f001.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3eaba07
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/f001.jpg
diff --git a/23536-page-images/f002.png b/23536-page-images/f002.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..30df707
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/f002.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/f003.png b/23536-page-images/f003.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3a1ec38
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/f003.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p003.png b/23536-page-images/p003.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2869a98
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p003.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p004.png b/23536-page-images/p004.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..df5d6ca
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p004.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p005.png b/23536-page-images/p005.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4c30e6f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p005.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p006.png b/23536-page-images/p006.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..be926a6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p006.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p007.png b/23536-page-images/p007.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4329086
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p007.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p008.png b/23536-page-images/p008.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..23ae75e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p008.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p009.png b/23536-page-images/p009.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6918d66
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p009.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p010.png b/23536-page-images/p010.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d6dc3e2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p010.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p011.png b/23536-page-images/p011.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..dd75c27
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p011.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p012.png b/23536-page-images/p012.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..49f8adc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p012.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p013.png b/23536-page-images/p013.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7353e4f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p013.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p014.png b/23536-page-images/p014.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..cdd767e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p014.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p015.png b/23536-page-images/p015.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0ac37b0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p015.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p016.png b/23536-page-images/p016.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1a57c70
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p016.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p017.png b/23536-page-images/p017.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6b99785
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p017.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p018.png b/23536-page-images/p018.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..177f363
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p018.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p019.png b/23536-page-images/p019.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6942258
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p019.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p020.png b/23536-page-images/p020.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a1a7277
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p020.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p021.png b/23536-page-images/p021.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5819cb2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p021.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p022.png b/23536-page-images/p022.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f702c57
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p022.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p023.png b/23536-page-images/p023.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..255c582
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p023.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p024.png b/23536-page-images/p024.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fe58c64
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p024.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p025.png b/23536-page-images/p025.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5b4393e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p025.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p026.png b/23536-page-images/p026.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3c2aed9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p026.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p027.png b/23536-page-images/p027.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..999455c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p027.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p028.png b/23536-page-images/p028.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..833971e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p028.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p029.png b/23536-page-images/p029.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..dca3414
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p029.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p030.png b/23536-page-images/p030.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..05d63f5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p030.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p031.png b/23536-page-images/p031.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..203f0bd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p031.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p032.png b/23536-page-images/p032.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6f23d9d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p032.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p033.png b/23536-page-images/p033.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..95efbb1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p033.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p034.png b/23536-page-images/p034.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bb3f1f5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p034.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p035.png b/23536-page-images/p035.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..88f7d0f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p035.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p036.png b/23536-page-images/p036.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ab00ed0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p036.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p037.png b/23536-page-images/p037.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0032d84
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p037.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p038.png b/23536-page-images/p038.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..598e3e3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p038.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p039.png b/23536-page-images/p039.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fdfcf27
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p039.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p040.png b/23536-page-images/p040.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d3dcc64
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p040.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p041.png b/23536-page-images/p041.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..45aa847
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p041.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p042.png b/23536-page-images/p042.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a724a6a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p042.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p043.png b/23536-page-images/p043.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b2f9f4e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p043.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p044.png b/23536-page-images/p044.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..97338ea
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p044.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p045.png b/23536-page-images/p045.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2a930f6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p045.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p046.png b/23536-page-images/p046.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c45b516
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p046.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p047.png b/23536-page-images/p047.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fd334d1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p047.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p048.png b/23536-page-images/p048.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2032946
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p048.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p049.png b/23536-page-images/p049.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7dbe346
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p049.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p050.png b/23536-page-images/p050.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..66ac0c2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p050.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p051.png b/23536-page-images/p051.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..151fca8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p051.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p052.png b/23536-page-images/p052.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..dd29a42
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p052.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p053.png b/23536-page-images/p053.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..58f0515
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p053.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p054.png b/23536-page-images/p054.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0f11a3c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p054.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p055.png b/23536-page-images/p055.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..20efe7a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p055.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p056.png b/23536-page-images/p056.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f5b783a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p056.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p057.png b/23536-page-images/p057.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..777079f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p057.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p058.png b/23536-page-images/p058.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b62ffb3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p058.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p059.png b/23536-page-images/p059.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..047e365
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p059.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p060.png b/23536-page-images/p060.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8842779
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p060.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p061.png b/23536-page-images/p061.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..868ac37
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p061.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p062.png b/23536-page-images/p062.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d9232d9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p062.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p063.png b/23536-page-images/p063.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ea7d06d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p063.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p064.png b/23536-page-images/p064.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bb69a8c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p064.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p065.png b/23536-page-images/p065.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9d78f6a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p065.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p066.png b/23536-page-images/p066.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9870d8a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p066.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p067.png b/23536-page-images/p067.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..41a0192
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p067.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p068.png b/23536-page-images/p068.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ce1cd92
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p068.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p069.png b/23536-page-images/p069.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1756977
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p069.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p070.png b/23536-page-images/p070.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6b5faf1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p070.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p071.png b/23536-page-images/p071.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0bc6e1e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p071.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p072.png b/23536-page-images/p072.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..cb29eab
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p072.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p073.png b/23536-page-images/p073.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9448f12
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p073.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p074.png b/23536-page-images/p074.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bcf9b00
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p074.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p075.png b/23536-page-images/p075.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..962a73a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p075.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p076.png b/23536-page-images/p076.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9d36a4d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p076.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p077.png b/23536-page-images/p077.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c3ac350
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p077.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p078.png b/23536-page-images/p078.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..80170c1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p078.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p079.png b/23536-page-images/p079.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9109269
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p079.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p080.png b/23536-page-images/p080.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..dd12d8b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p080.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p081.png b/23536-page-images/p081.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3ba5e69
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p081.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p082.png b/23536-page-images/p082.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d0dff89
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p082.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p083.png b/23536-page-images/p083.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2d2f3c2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p083.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p084.png b/23536-page-images/p084.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5bc094f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p084.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p085.png b/23536-page-images/p085.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e72a46e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p085.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p086.png b/23536-page-images/p086.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..02abbc7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p086.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p087.png b/23536-page-images/p087.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8e424b1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p087.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p088.png b/23536-page-images/p088.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0ca28dd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p088.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p089.png b/23536-page-images/p089.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..055c26d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p089.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p090.png b/23536-page-images/p090.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b57ce25
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p090.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p091.png b/23536-page-images/p091.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..05592b1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p091.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p092.png b/23536-page-images/p092.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3d40b07
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p092.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p093.png b/23536-page-images/p093.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..99277a8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p093.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p094.png b/23536-page-images/p094.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9dcb704
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p094.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p095.png b/23536-page-images/p095.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..cb36589
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p095.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p096.png b/23536-page-images/p096.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d082a45
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p096.png
diff --git a/23536-page-images/p097.png b/23536-page-images/p097.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b23a62d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536-page-images/p097.png
diff --git a/23536.txt b/23536.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6103f55
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,2396 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Hatty and Marcus, by Aunt Friendly
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Hatty and Marcus
+       or, First Steps in the Better Path
+
+Author: Aunt Friendly
+
+Release Date: November 18, 2007 [EBook #23536]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HATTY AND MARCUS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Irma Spehar, Markus Brenner and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                           HATTY AND MARCUS;
+
+                                  OR,
+
+                    First Steps in the Better Path.
+
+                                  BY
+                            AUNT FRIENDLY,
+
+         AUTHOR OF "KATE DARLY; OR, 'IT WILL ALL COME RIGHT.'"
+
+                               NEW YORK:
+                         ANSON D. F. RANDOLPH,
+                           No. 683 BROADWAY.
+                                 1859.
+
+
+
+Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1859, by
+
+ANSON D. F. RANDOLPH,
+
+In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, for
+the Southern District of New York.
+
+EDWARD O. JENKINS,
+Printer & Stereotyper,
+No. 26 Frankfort Street.
+
+
+
+[Illustration: AUNT BARBARA.]
+
+
+
+
+HATTY AND MARCUS.
+
+
+
+
+I.
+
+
+Hatty Lee had been on a visit to her grandmother, and now she was coming
+home.
+
+Mrs. Lee had hard work that morning to keep her young people in order,
+for Hatty was a favorite with her brothers and sister, and they were
+wild with delight at the idea of seeing her again.
+
+Hatty was only ten years of age, and Marcus, her brother, thought
+because he was two years older he was almost a man, and quite able to
+give Hatty advice on all subjects. He pretended a great contempt for
+girls, but the fact was he had missed his little playmate sorely, and
+was full of glee at the thought of her return. He showed his pleasure
+in a noisy way that made the house not very comfortable for any one
+else.
+
+Old Aunt Barbara had twice put her head out of her bed-room door, to
+tell him he was the "roughest, rudest boy in the world, and would drive
+her crazy if he did not behave himself;" but Marcus still ran up stairs,
+jumping up three steps at a time, with his heavy shoes, and sliding down
+the balusters, hallooing as he went, as if he were riding a race in an
+open meadow.
+
+Meggy, a mischievous little girl of six, joined her shouts with those of
+Marcus, while Harry, her next brother, was busy collecting all his new
+playthings in the hall, that he might show them to "sister Hatty" as
+soon as she arrived.
+
+As drums and trumpets were among his favorite toys, they of course had
+to be brought out, and thoroughly tried to prove that they were in
+perfect order.
+
+While all this tumult was going on in the hall, Mrs. Lee was vainly
+trying to hush the continual cries of her little baby, who, though only
+five weeks old, seemed to have remarkably strong lungs for its age, and
+to promise to resemble the rest of the family in his willingness to use
+them.
+
+Mrs. Lee was not very strong, and she was getting quite worn out with
+the screams of the baby, when old Aunt Barbara came stepping into the
+nursery, and declared that she was certain if she could take the child a
+moment, she could quiet it.
+
+Aunt Barbara put the baby on her lap, and began to say to it some of the
+queer old rhymes she had heard in her childhood, seventy years ago. It
+is not likely that the baby understood aunt Barbara's funny stories, and
+wanted to listen,--but this is certain, it stopped crying, and soon
+closed its eyes and fell into a sweet sleep.
+
+When there was silence in the nursery, the noise in the hall sounded all
+the louder. Mrs. Lee stepped to the door quickly, as if she were going
+to speak severely to the children, but something within her whispered
+that they had no idea of the pain their frolic was giving, and that it
+was joy about their sister's return that made them so unusually full of
+glee. When Mrs. Lee reached the head of the stairs, her face had a sweet
+motherly expression, and before she spoke, she could not help smiling
+to see little Harry blowing away at his trumpet with all his might, and
+marching up and down the hall as if he were a fat little soldier on
+parade, while they jumped up and down, and screamed with delight, to see
+how fast Marcus could move on his smooth-backed horse.
+
+Mrs. Lee knew that in their present state of mind it would be next to
+impossible to keep the children perfectly quiet, and she resolved to
+employ them about something, that they might not waste their energy in
+making a noise.
+
+Marcus heard somebody at the head of the stairs, and he looked up with
+an expression of provoking mischief, as if ready to receive another
+scolding from aunt Barbara. When he saw his mother's kind, pale face
+bending towards him, he felt a little ashamed of the thoughtlessness
+which had made him forget that her weak head might have suffered from
+what he called his "fun."
+
+"Well, Mother," he said looking up cheerfully, "how soon do you think
+Hatty will come?"
+
+"Not for an hour yet, my son," said the mother, kindly; "and, meanwhile,
+I have something for you to do. I want you to sweep the pavement, from
+the door-step to the gate, that it may look neat and tidy to Hatty when
+she comes home."
+
+"Here, Meg, you go get me a broom, and I'll set to work in a twinkling,"
+said Marcus, jumping down from the balusters, with a deafening stamp of
+his heavy shoes.
+
+The sound seemed to touch every nerve in Mrs. Lee's head, and she drew
+her eyebrows together with an expression of pain; but she only said,
+quietly--"I must have a pair of slippers for you to wear in the house,
+Marcus, and then you can take off your shoes, when you come in, as your
+father does."
+
+"O that will be first-rate," said Marcus, with delight. "I should like
+dog's-heads for the pattern; won't you begin them to-day, Mother?"
+
+"I will make them as soon as I can," said the mother, with a languid
+smile.
+
+Meg now came running along the hall, carrying the broom by the brush
+end, while the handle went "knock, knock," along the floor, keeping time
+to the skipping motion with which she generally moved.
+
+Marcus seized the broom, and began to flourish it this way and that
+way, across the wide pavement, as if he meant to be rapid, if not
+particularly thorough, in his work.
+
+"Now, Harry," said Mrs. Lee, quietly, "mother wants you to make a nice
+fence with your blocks all round your playthings. Meg will get them for
+you."
+
+From a closet under the stairs Meg soon dragged out a box in which were
+Harry's stores of blocks,--playthings of which he never tired, and which
+never wore out.
+
+The little fellow set to work very patiently; and then Mrs. Lee said,
+"Come, Meg, I will take you with me." Meg gave her hand to her mother,
+and skipped up the stairs, ready to take in good part anything that
+should happen.
+
+Mrs. Lee led her to a small room at the end of the hall, and said, "Now
+listen to me, my little darling. You are to sleep in here with Hatty,
+and she is to help you dress, and to be very kind to you. I want you to
+be very careful not to hurt any of Hatty's things, and to mind her, when
+I am not with you. If you do as I say, you will be sure to get on well."
+
+Meg gave a little jump, and perched herself on the edge of the bed, as
+she said, "O how nice, Mother! I am so glad. It is a great deal
+pleasanter than being in the old nursery with Jane."
+
+"Don't sit on the bed, Meggy," said Mrs. Lee, helping the little thing
+gently down--and smoothing the tumbled place she had made on the clean
+counterpane; "You know Hatty likes to keep her bed very nicely."
+
+"Hatty can't lock the door now--and say, 'You can't come in, Meg.' It is
+my room, too, now," said Meg, "and I shall have a right to come in."
+
+"I hope my little girls will get on very pleasantly together," said Mrs.
+Lee, gently. "Jesus' little children never quarrel, never speak bad,
+angry words."
+
+"Well, I won't, Mother, if I can help it," said Meg, and she put up her
+mouth to be kissed, as if that mother's kiss could ensure her doing
+right.
+
+While this conversation was going on up stairs, Marcus had stopped in
+the midst of his work, and was actually still, for a moment, while his
+face bore the marks of deep thought.
+
+Marcus did not feel altogether comfortable about the way he had spoken
+to Aunt Barbara that morning; he knew he had done wrong, and that
+brought to his mind a letter his mother had received from Hatty during
+her absence. Hatty had written that she was very sorry for all the
+naughty things she had ever done, and that she had made up her mind to
+be one of Jesus' little children, and that she believed He had forgiven
+her for all the past, and would help her to be a better girl. She sent
+much love to her brothers and sisters, and said she wanted them to
+forget every unkind word she had ever spoken to them, for she was very
+sorry, and never meant to do so again.
+
+Ever since Hatty could speak, her mother had been teaching her about her
+Heavenly Father, and trying to make her love Him and wish to serve Him.
+The little girl had always listened patiently, but Mrs. Lee had never
+been satisfied that Hatty had made her choice to be among the lambs of
+Jesus' flock, who love to hear their Shepherd's voice, and try to follow
+Him. This letter, therefore, written in the frankness and simplicity of
+childhood, had brought joy to the mother's heart. She believed that the
+love of Christ had taken root in the soul of her child, and that by
+God's grace it would grow and strengthen, and in time bear such fruit as
+angels love to see.
+
+Mrs. Lee had not only given the message Hatty sent to her brothers and
+sister, but she had read her letter to them, praying silently that by
+Hatty's example they might be led to choose God for their guardian and
+guide.
+
+Marcus had listened intently, and had been moved more than he cared to
+show. When his mother laid the letter down, he said bluntly, "I have
+nothing laid up against Hatty," and abruptly left the room.
+
+Now as he stood on the pavement leaning upon the broom, he was thinking
+of Hatty and her new resolution, and wondering if he should ever make up
+his mind to do right. Of one thing he was sure, doing wrong gave him no
+pleasure. He had been too well taught to be able to commit any sin,
+without being reminded of it by his conscience, but to obey that
+conscience was another thing.
+
+Marcus could not help fancying that he should see some great change in
+Hatty, that she would look differently, speak differently,--and he made
+up his mind not to be at all pleased with her if she affected any new,
+serious ways. This was but a momentary feeling, for Marcus really loved
+his sister, and in the depths of his heart he rejoiced that she had
+chosen the best portion, the only blessing that will last forever and
+ever.
+
+
+
+
+II.
+
+
+Marcus spent so much time in meditating about Hatty and her new
+resolution, that he had but just finished his task, when the carriage,
+so anxiously desired, drove up to the door, and out jumped Mr. Lee,
+followed in another moment by Hatty.
+
+Marcus threw down his broom, and sprang forward, and before he thought
+he had kissed Hatty several times. Marcus was not much in favor of
+kissing,--he thought it was "girlish;" but now he was so really glad, he
+did not think what he was about.
+
+While Mr. Lee was attending to the removal of his carpet-bag, Hatty's
+little trunk, and sundry baskets and packages with which the carriage
+was loaded, Marcus and Hatty walked up the wide pavement together.
+
+"You are a good sweeper, Marcus," said Hatty, looking at the clean
+bricks upon which they were stepping.
+
+Marcus did not answer; he was gazing straight into Hatty's face to see
+if she were really altered. He could see no change, save that a few
+freckles about her nose disfigured her uncommonly fair skin, and told of
+the life in the open air she had lately led. Her red hair had not grown
+a shade darker during her absence, although it was brushed a little
+smoother than usual. Her bright, reddish brown eyes had their own lively
+expression, and her mouth seemed as ready as ever to smile, until all
+about it the tiny dimples came like little pin-pricks in her fair skin.
+
+Hatty's face was not changed, certainly; and instead of having the grave
+manner that Marcus expected, she was all joy at her return, and seemed
+to have forgotten that she meant to be any better than any one else.
+
+Hatty had not forgotten her new resolutions, and if Marcus could have
+seen into her heart at the moment she stepped from the carriage, he
+would have read a prayer that she might be able to live among her dear
+brothers and sister like one of the lambs of the flock of Christ.
+
+Meg and Harry had heard the sound of the carriage wheels, and were on
+the door-step to receive Hatty. They first almost smothered her with
+kisses; then Meg untied her bonnet strings with rough kindness, and
+Harry seized her little travelling bag, as if it were his especial
+property.
+
+Hatty was a particular little soul, and the way Meg took hold of the new
+blue satin ribbons of her leghorn flat, hurt her as much as if Meg had
+given her one of the twisting little pinches she knew so well how to
+inflict. Hatty was going to twitch away, but instead of the twitch came
+a bright blush on her cheek, that she should have so soon been near
+being out of patience, when again among the little ones at home. As a
+kind of punishment to herself, she let Meg lay aside her bonnet, and
+suffered Harry to run off with her pretty travelling bag, without saying
+a word.
+
+"Where's Mother?" asked Hatty, eagerly, passing along the hall, and
+going directly up stairs.
+
+"Here, here, my child," said the mother, as she met her on the landing,
+and folded her affectionately in her arms.
+
+Very pleasant it was to Hatty to receive that mother's tender kiss, but
+dearer still were the words which were, breathed in her ear: "God bless
+you, my darling, you are dearer to me than ever."
+
+Hatty understood her mother's earnest words, and she could have echoed
+them, "you are dearer to me than ever." That was exactly what she felt.
+The mother who had talked to her of the blessed Jesus, and taught her
+His words and ways, was dearer than ever, now that she had resolved to
+follow Him.
+
+In silence Hatty and her mother ascended the short flight of stairs that
+led to the upper hall; then the little girl asked eagerly--"But where is
+the baby? I have not seen him yet--or Aunt Barbara, either."
+
+"So you did think of Aunt Barbara. I didn't know but you had forgotten
+me entirely, you were so taken up with your grandma," said the old lady,
+coming slowly out of the nursery.
+
+"No, indeed, I had not forgotten you," said Hatty, and she kissed her
+affectionately.
+
+Hatty had not forgotten Aunt Barbara; she had had painful reasons for
+remembering her. The unfortunate, disrespectful words she had spoken to
+the old lady, had risen up to her again and again, and made her pray
+with double earnestness to be forgiven for Jesus' sake.
+
+Aunt Barbara led the way to the nursery, and there on the bed lay the
+baby, the pet of the house.
+
+"O what a dear, tiny little creature!" said Hatty, bending over it, with
+a look half wonder and half affection. "I never saw such a little baby
+before; that is, I don't remember Harry very well, when he was so
+young," she added, for Hatty was trying to be truthful, even about
+trifles.
+
+"Harry was twice as big at the same age," said Aunt Barbara. "He always
+was a bouncer."
+
+Hatty stooped down to kiss the wee mouth of the sleeping baby, but Aunt
+Barbara pushed her roughly back, and said impatiently: "Don't, child!
+don't, you'll wake him."
+
+"Mamma does not say I mustn't!" sprang to Hatty's lips, for she was
+sadly quick-tempered, but again a blush of shame took the place of
+hasty words.
+
+"He will wake soon," said Mrs. Lee, quickly but quietly, "and then,
+Hatty, you can hold him in your arms; he is not much heavier than your
+dolly, Susan."
+
+"Thank you, Mother. I should like that," said Hatty; she felt that her
+mother had wished to speak quickly to keep her from wrong words, and she
+was grateful for the kindness that would help her to do right.
+
+"Now, Hatty, you had better come to your room, and take off your
+things."
+
+"To _our_ room," said Meg, with a saucy, mischievous look.
+
+Hatty turned towards her mother with a sudden glance of inquiry.
+
+"Yes," said Mrs. Lee, "you are to have Meg for a room-mate." Hatty's
+face flushed, and Mrs. Lee hastened to add, "I thought you would like to
+help me, and you can do so best by taking Meg with you, and having a
+little charge over her."
+
+Hatty looked very soberly, as she answered, "I _should_ like to help
+you, Mother."
+
+Mrs. Lee opened the two lower drawers of the bureau, and said, "you see
+I have put some of Meg's clothes here; when you need any more you can
+come to me for them."
+
+"But, Mother, where are all my presents, and my pretty things? That is
+too bad! I have always kept them so nicely in those drawers!" said
+Hatty, hastily.
+
+Mrs. Lee did not speak for a moment; she opened a door leading into a
+large lighted closet, and then said, "Here, my darling, you will have a
+place for all you want to keep particularly nice; see, I have put your
+presents in this drawer, and your books are there above, on the shelf. I
+have put a little table here for your Bible, and you must not forget to
+'enter into your closet,' to pray to Him who seeth in secret."
+
+"O, Mother, you are so very kind and I am so very hasty," exclaimed
+Hatty; "I will not forget to do as you say, for indeed I need it. You
+will have to be very patient with me, Mother, for I am afraid I shall
+have hard work to keep my resolutions."
+
+"Trust in God for help to struggle against your faults, and in the end
+you will conquer," said the mother, with an affectionate kiss, and then
+she left her little daughter alone.
+
+Hatty had led an easy, quiet life with her grandmother for the last
+three months, and had had but little temptation to give way to her hasty
+temper. Now she began to realize that it would be quite another thing,
+where at almost every moment she was called on to give up her own will
+and pleasure for that of others; but she was not disheartened. God has
+promised to give his strength to those who really wish to serve Him, and
+on this promise little Hatty relied. In her closet she knelt and asked
+the blessing of Heaven on her poor efforts, and she rose cheerful and
+happy.
+
+
+
+
+III.
+
+
+When Hatty had arranged her clothes once more neatly in her own room,
+she began to wonder what had become of Marcus, and she concluded to go
+in search of him; she met him in the hall. He seemed much excited, and
+said, "O Hatty, what beautiful bantams! I have put them in a barrel, and
+carried all the packages grandma sent, to the kitchen, and now I want to
+know where we shall keep them?"
+
+Hatty was not quite pleased that Marcus should take the bantams so
+immediately under his protection, though she had brought them as a
+present to him. She checked the feeling of annoyance, and said
+pleasantly, "They are yours, Marcus, so you can plan for them as you
+think best; but perhaps you could manage to make a coop, as you do not
+go to school to-day."
+
+Marcus was delighted with the presents, and resolved to set to work
+immediately to get the pets into comfortable quarters before Sunday.
+
+Hatty put on her sun-bonnet, and they both were soon very busy in the
+yard, planning for the chicken coop with as much interest as if they
+were going to build some wonderful specimen of architecture which all
+the world would admire.
+
+Marcus found in the wood-house a large packing box, and after much
+hammering he succeeded in knocking out one side, so the chickens could
+have their feet on the ground in their new home.
+
+"Chickens are like the Irishman who liked a mud floor that would never
+wear out, and never need washing," said Marcus, with the air of one who
+was instructing some ignorant person.
+
+"Yes, grandma has all her coops made that way," said Hatty, who was well
+pleased to show that she understood the subject.
+
+Marcus now selected a board of the right length, and had just begun to
+split it up into slabs for the front of the coop, when he heard Aunt
+Barbara's bed-room window go up.
+
+Marcus did not raise his eyes, but he could not stop his ears, and he
+had to hear the shrill tone that called out, "Stop! stop! Marcus Lee!"
+
+Marcus rested his hatchet on the board, and looked up.
+
+"You are a wasteful boy!" began Aunt Barbara. "You ought to be ashamed
+to cut up that good board!"
+
+"Don't mind her," said Marcus, in an undertone, as he resumed his work.
+
+"Wait a minute, Marcus," said Hatty; and then raising her voice she
+called out, "Aunt Barbara, we want a coop for the chickens--some dear
+little bantams I brought from grandma's!"
+
+"Chickens!" said Aunt Barbara, much as if she had said bears! "What on
+earth did you bring them here for? why, they'll ruin everything in the
+garden, and crow so in the morning nobody can sleep."
+
+"We are going to shut them up, Aunt Barbara, and that will keep them out
+of mischief," said Hatty, trying to speak pleasantly.
+
+"Take your own way! take your own way! Its never any use for me to say
+anything!" said Aunt Barbara, and her window was put down with such a
+force that made the glass rattle.
+
+Marcus had expected to hear Hatty answer in her usual hasty way, and he
+was quite surprised to see that she did not seem at all angry, and now
+had no unkind remarks to make about Aunt Barbara. He did not know that
+Hatty had been obliged to cast one look up to the clear sky, to remember
+the Great Being who was looking down upon her, before she dare trust
+herself to speak, nor did he know that she was now wondering why Aunt
+Barbara should be so unlike her dear, dear grandma.
+
+Marcus kept steadily on at his work, but Hatty did not feel satisfied
+about it until she had asked her mother if there was really any harm in
+what they were doing. After Mrs. Lee had given them free permission to
+go on, the morning passed pleasantly away in watching Marcus, and she
+was quite surprised when the dinner bell rang.
+
+"O dear!" said Hatty, "we shall have hardly time to put ourselves in
+order for the table."
+
+Although Marcus knew that it was his mother's express wish that he
+should never come to the table without looking neat and tidy, he paid
+little regard to his personal appearance; but there was something in
+the eager way in which Hatty hastened to brush the hair she had been too
+much inclined to neglect, that had its influence on him.
+
+Hatty was in her seat before her father was at the table, and a pleased
+smile crossed her face as she saw that Marcus had been using the clothes
+brush, and combing his straight black hair off his high forehead.
+
+The dinner hour was always a pleasant time at Mrs. Lee's, for then all
+the family were together, and some interesting conversation was sure to
+take place. Marcus was a restless boy, active in body and mind. He
+enjoyed his father's society, and affected to think that he was the only
+one in the family who was really a suitable companion for a boy of the
+mature age of twelve!
+
+Mr. Lee was a merchant; he had lately met with large losses, but he did
+not allow himself to be saddened by misfortunes that left his home
+untouched, and all his dear ones alive and well. Mr. Lee was a tall,
+slender man, with a bright, expressive eye, and a large, pleasant mouth,
+and his children thought him the handsomest man in Hyde, the large
+inland town where he lived.
+
+During the dinner-hour on the day about which we are writing, Mr. Lee
+was talking of a plan for building an Orphan Asylum, about which the
+citizens of Hyde were greatly interested.
+
+Marcus listened to his father's remarks, and seemed to think himself
+called upon to reply. He did so, and showed uncommon quickness and good
+sense for a boy of his years in what he said. Mrs. Lee modestly made
+some suggestions, which her husband thought particularly useful; but
+Marcus' lip curled as his mother spoke, in a way which it was well for
+him escaped his father's observation. After dinner, Mr. Lee was obliged
+to hurry away, but not too soon to give Hatty a kiss, and to say to her
+how pleasant it was to see her face once more at the table.
+
+When Mr. Lee was gone, Mrs. Lee resumed the subject about which they had
+been talking, and sketched what she thought would be an improvement on
+the internal arrangement of the proposed building.
+
+"Now don't, Mother!" said Marcus. "What do women know about such
+things?"
+
+"What do boys know? you had better say!" said Hatty, hastily taking
+part with her mother.
+
+"Any sensible boy of twelve knows more about such things than a woman!"
+said Marcus, turning to leave the room.
+
+"Stop, Marcus," said Mrs. Lee, gently.
+
+Marcus stopped, but did not approach his mother. She stepped to his side
+and said: "Marcus, there was once a boy of twelve who had more wisdom
+than the learned doctors in the Jewish Temple. He, of course, knew more
+than his mother. Yet he went down with her to Nazareth, and was subject
+unto her. Even he was not above honoring his father and mother. Will you
+not try to imitate him?"
+
+Marcus was softened by his mother's gentle manner, and he answered: "If
+I don't behave as I ought to you, Mother, it is a great shame;" and then
+he was again turning away.
+
+Again he was detained. Hatty laid her hand on his arm and said: "Marcus,
+I did not speak rightly to you just now. I was angry. I am sorry." Hatty
+blushed painfully when she spoke, and it was evident the acknowledgment
+cost her a great effort.
+
+"I did not notice it," said Marcus, hurrying away.
+
+Hatty felt a little hurt at the way her apology was received, but her
+mother took her by the hand, and said: "That is right, Hatty. Confess
+your faults one to another, and pray one for another. You must not
+forget Marcus in your prayers."
+
+Hatty was silent a moment, and then her mother said: "Come now, my dear,
+the baby is awake, and you will have an opportunity to see his queer
+little blue eyes, and to hold him in your lap."
+
+Hatty was delighted when she reached the nursery, to be allowed to take
+the tiny being in her arms, and to hold his pretty soft hand in hers.
+
+Meg and Harry seemed to think it was a very attractive sight to see
+Hatty with the baby on her lap, and they left their soap-bubbles and
+came to stand about her.
+
+At this moment Aunt Barbara came in. She did not seem to notice Hatty
+and the baby. Her eyes at once fell upon the bowl full of soap-suds Meg
+had placed on a chair.
+
+"Dear! dear!" exclaimed Aunt Barbara, "what are the children coming to?
+Why, they waste soap as if it grew, instead of cost money! Here, Meg,
+pour this away directly, and don't do such a thing again!"
+
+"It won't help it to throw it away," said Meg. "I want to blow bubbles."
+
+"Shan't have it! shan't have it!" said little Harry, holding tight to
+the edge of the bowl with his little fat hands.
+
+"Aunt Barbara," said Mrs. Lee, very gently, "I told the children they
+might blow bubbles a little while this afternoon. Jane mixed the soap
+for them, that they need not be wasteful."
+
+"Its little use savin' in such a house as this!" said Aunt Barbara, and
+she walked away as if she were particularly injured.
+
+Marcus now came in to tell how happy and contented the chickens seemed
+in the new coop. He saw some evidences of displeasure on the faces of
+Meg and Harry, and he exclaimed, "I met Aunt Barbara in the hall, with
+her indignation strut on. What's up?"
+
+"Marcus, my son, I cannot bear to hear you speak in that way of any old
+person, especially of Aunt Barbara."
+
+"But she is too tiresome and provoking, Mother. If I want a piece of
+twine for a kite-string she calls it wasteful, and--"
+
+"Yes," broke in Meg, "and when I want to play tea, she won't let me have
+a bit of milk or sugar,--that is, if mother is not here."
+
+"Hush, hush, my children," said Mrs. Lee, with a look of pain. "Come,
+sit down all of you, and I will tell you a story."
+
+Marcus liked to hear stories as well as little Meg herself, and he
+forthwith sat down on the floor, where he could look straight into his
+mother's eyes.
+
+Mrs. Lee began: "Once there was a little orphan girl, only seven years
+old. Her father and mother died, and she did not know what was to become
+of her. Now this little girl had an aunt, who was the widow of a
+clergyman. This aunt had a little cottage of her own, and just enough
+money to live quietly and comfortably by herself. She knew if she took
+the little orphan to her home, she must deny herself a great many
+comforts to which she had always been accustomed; but she resolved to do
+it.
+
+The little girl was very glad when she found that she was not alone in
+the wide world, and she soon learned to love the kind aunt who did so
+much for her.
+
+Sometimes she was surprised to see what care her aunt took, that nothing
+should be wasted; and she often wondered why her aunt did not buy
+herself a new bonnet, or a new dress, which she seemed to need. She did
+not know that her aunt had to practice so much care and economy, to give
+her a home. By and by, when she grew older, she understood all this, and
+tried to be like a daughter to the friend who had been so kind to her.
+Her aunt's queer little ways only made her feel, then, that it was for
+her she had learned to save even the shreds she cut off when she was
+sewing. After the orphan girl was grown, she was married to a very kind
+gentleman. This gentleman was so grateful to the aunt for her care of
+the orphan, that he wanted her to come and live with them in her
+comfortable home; but Aunt Barbara said--"
+
+"There, there, Mother! you have let it out," exclaimed the children in a
+breath.
+
+"Don't, don't," said Hatty; "what did Aunt Barbara say, Mother?"
+
+"She said, your old aunty is queer and notional, and maybe you would be
+happier without her. No, no, let me stay here alone; I shall be quite
+contented to know my little orphan is so well taken care of! It was of
+no use urging Aunt Barbara, so we had to let her have her way. Now, my
+children, you know how Aunt Barbara got her very economical ways, and I
+hope you will have patience with her, for my sake."
+
+"Indeed, I will!" said Hatty, looking up with her eyes full of tears.
+
+"I won't tease her any more," said Meg, nestling at her mother's side.
+
+Marcus was silent; he felt too deeply to speak, how ill a return he had
+made to Aunt Barbara for her kindness to his mother.
+
+"But how came Aunt Barbara here?" asked Hatty, with much interest.
+
+"I will tell you," said Mrs. Lee. "We had been married three years, when
+I had a little, helpless, sickly baby. I was too feeble to take proper
+care of it, and your father was obliged to be too much away from home to
+give me any help. Aunt Barbara heard how weak and pale I was looking,
+and what a poor, suffering baby I had. Then the old lady let her little
+home to a stranger, and came one day to us. She said she could not
+sleep for thinking of me and the little one, and she had come to take
+care of us. And what good care she took of us! She seemed to know just
+what I wanted. I was young, then, and there were many things about which
+I was as ignorant as you are. Aunt Barbara had nourishing food made for
+me just when I needed it, she took the care of the housekeeping from me,
+and so nursed me that I soon began to feel strong again. But I have not
+told you about the poor baby. Aunt Barbara could not do too much for
+that baby. It was a cross little thing, crying even when it was not
+sick. Aunt Barbara was never out of patience with it. She attended to
+its food, got up with it at night, and even when I was well enough to
+take it with me again, she was hardly willing to give it up.
+
+"All this watching and nursing was too much for Aunt Barbara; she has
+never been well since. When her rheumatism keeps her awake at night, she
+is often irritable and inclined to find fault the next day. When I feel
+tempted to be out of patience with her, I have only to remember that it
+was for me and my little baby she came here, and that for us she
+wearied herself until her health gave way."
+
+"Mother," said Hatty, in a whisper, "was I that little sickly baby that
+Aunt Barbara was so patient with?"
+
+"Yes, my darling," was Mrs. Lee's reply.
+
+The many impertinent, hasty, impatient words that she had spoken to her
+old aunt, returned to Hatty's mind, and she resolved to ask God to give
+her strength to make amends for the past.
+
+"It is a sad truth," said Mrs. Lee, "that old people have much less
+patience shown towards them than little children have, yet they need it
+quite as much. God has so arranged it, that those who are watched over
+and taken care of when they are helpless babes, should in their turn
+nurse and comfort the feeble old age of their parents. Remember, my
+children, old age makes people in one way like infants; that is, it
+leads them to be irritable and troublesome, and often helpless, and
+these defects should be borne with tenderly, as your father or I would
+soothe that dear baby on Hatty's lap. God has taught in his holy book
+the greatest respect to the aged, and his eye sees with displeasure
+even a rude look cast towards one who is grey-haired."
+
+The children were all silent. Mrs. Lee saw that they were moved, and in
+her heart she prayed that God would grant a blessing upon the earnest
+words she had spoken, and save her dear ones from falling into the sin
+so offensive to the Holy One of Israel.
+
+
+
+
+IV.
+
+
+When Hatty went to bed, on the evening of her return, she found Meg fast
+asleep, and apparently as much at home as if she had always had a right
+to talk of "our room," instead of being one of the children in the
+nursery.
+
+Hatty looked at the little brown face lying on the pillow, and the long
+dark lashes hiding the mischievous eyes, and she felt that she loved her
+little sister dearly, and would be willing to be put to a great deal of
+inconvenience to be of service to her. When Hatty knelt that night in
+the quiet closet her mother had given up to her use, she did not forget
+to pray that she might be patient and gentle with Meg, and so win her
+confidence as to be able to lead her to the Saviour, who loves to call
+the little ones His own.
+
+Hatty's short reading in the Bible that evening was about the
+crucifixion of our Saviour, and as she prepared to lie down, she
+wondered how he could have borne such suffering without one murmur.
+Hatty had a perfect horror of pain. Her skin was thin and delicate, and
+even the grasp of a rough hand on her arm was sure to leave a bruise.
+Her usually pleasant face was clouded over by a scratch or a pin-prick,
+and her tears often fell fast for a wound that many children would have
+met with a smile. Hatty was naturally very sensitive to pain, and that
+was not her fault; but she had never yet begun to try to bear it
+patiently, as a part of her christian duty. As she lay down that night,
+she resolved to be more patient under, little trials, and to make light
+of little pains.
+
+Hatty's new resolution was soon put to the test. She had hardly put her
+head on the pillow, before she became conscious that her couch was
+anything but a bed of roses.
+
+Meg had consoled herself for going to sleep in a strange room by
+herself, by munching hard crackers until that pleasure was lost in the
+new joy of the dreams of childhood. The bed was strewn with the crumbs,
+and through her thin night-dress Hatty could feel them in all
+directions. After brushing them this way and that way, Hatty jumped out
+of bed with an angry bound, and proceeded to light the candle and
+rectify the mischief in a systematic manner.
+
+"The troublesome little thing!" exclaimed Hatty, as she saw a half-eaten
+cracker lying in Meg's loosened grasp. "She ought to be punished for
+it!"
+
+At that moment Hatty thought of her resolution to be patient under
+trifling discomforts, and a feeling of mortification came over her. Very
+quietly she brushed away the offending crumbs, gently she removed the
+half-eaten cracker, and then she knelt to ask forgiveness for this new
+exhibition of her hasty temper, ere she again lay down to rest.
+
+Hatty was soon in a sweet sleep; but shortly after midnight she was
+awakened by a feeling very much as if a broom-handle were thrust against
+her, while at the same time Meg exclaimed, "Do move, Hatty, you crowd
+so. I wish you would'nt come on my side of the bed."
+
+Meg was a thin bony little creature, and the children all dreaded a
+punch with her sharp elbows almost as much as one of her scientific
+pinches.
+
+Hatty's tender side actually ached, but she made an effort to say,
+gently, "Meg, you must be dreaming; wake up!"
+
+"I am not asleep at all!" said Meg, pettishly. "I wish you would move!"
+
+Hatty passed her hand along the seam of the sheet (Mrs. Lee used her
+old-fashioned sheets on the children's beds) to assure herself that she
+was on her own side of the bed, and then she was going to tell Meg that
+it was _she_ who was out of place; but something checked her, and she
+only said, pleasantly, "Never mind, Meg, where the middle of the bed
+is,--you shall have all the room you want;" and making way for her little
+friend with the sharp elbows, Hatty composed herself again to sleep,
+with a far happier feeling than if she had contended for her rights.
+
+Once she was going to say, "O Meg, it hurts me still where you punched
+me," but she checked the words, and thought how trifling was such a pain
+compared with the nails in the hands of our great example, who has bid
+us follow him in his patience, as well as in perfect purity.
+
+Hatty's long ride from her grandmother's, a distance of sixteen miles,
+and the excitement of her return home, made her sleep very soundly, when
+not disturbed, and she would gladly have continued her nap until the
+rousing bell gave forth its summons.
+
+Meg was something like the uneasy birds who twitter at midnight on their
+perches, and wake at dawn to sing, as if they never knew the need of
+rest.
+
+By the first grey streak of morning she began to stir, and was soon wide
+awake and full of glee at finding herself in her new quarters.
+
+Hatty turned her back resolutely, but in vain. Meg was not to be so
+easily disposed of. Hatty was going to say some hasty words to Meg, as
+she twitched away from her, when Meg pleaded, "Do wake up, sister Hatty.
+It is Sunday morning."
+
+"Sunday morning!" that thought brought Hatty to herself--and making an
+effort to throw off her sleepiness, she turned towards Meg, and said,
+"Well, then, give me a nice kiss to begin the day."
+
+Meg gave the kiss with real good will, and then, nestling up close to
+Hatty, she began to talk as if her tongue needed violent exercise to
+make up for being quiet all night.
+
+Before many minutes were over, Hatty had set that little tongue at
+Sunday work, repeating all the hymns and Bible verses that Meg had
+learned during the three months that Hatty had been away from home.
+
+Meg was full of eager questions about her hymns and her verses, and
+Hatty had an opportunity of giving the little one some sweet lessons
+about the loving Saviour and what He wishes in His lambs, that she would
+have lost if she had given way to her selfish wish for a longer nap.
+
+We do not know, when we give way to our own whims, instead of being
+unselfish, what opportunities of usefulness we may be losing. If we do
+one duty well, some higher and more important duty generally follows
+close upon it.
+
+Hatty took a pleasure in making Meg look particularly nice that Sunday
+morning, and she was well pleased when her mother smilingly remarked at
+breakfast that Meg showed very plainly that she had fallen into good
+hands. "Hatty needs a little attention, herself," added Mrs. Lee, and
+she glanced at the irregular white line which separated the two heavy
+masses of waving red hair on each side of Hatty's head.
+
+Hatty would rather have gone without her breakfast than had her hair
+parted. Hatty was apt to fret about being hurt all the while the
+operation was going on, and Mrs. Lee actually dreaded to propose what,
+if borne cheerfully, would have been but the work of a moment. Happily
+for Hatty at that instant her thoughts were called in a different
+direction by Marcus' sudden question--
+
+"Where is Aunt Barbara this morning?"
+
+Even the question showed some interest in the old lady; and Mrs. Lee
+hailed it as an indication of a better state of feeling in her son.
+
+"Aunt Barbara is not very well this morning; she did not get up as early
+as usual," said Mrs. Lee.
+
+"Shan't I go up to see if I can do anything for her?" said Hatty,
+eagerly.
+
+"She will be down soon, I think; but you may go," said the mother,
+pleasantly.
+
+Hatty ran up stairs, and knocked very gently on Aunt Barbara's door.
+
+"Who is it? What do you want?" answered Aunt Barbara's voice from
+within.
+
+"It is Hatty. Can I do anything for you?" said the little girl.
+
+"No!" was at first the decided answer; then followed a sudden call
+"Stop, stop, child. Come in a moment."
+
+Hatty stepped in, but felt like drawing back as Aunt Barbara stood
+there, half dressed, with her grey hair uncovered, and her thin,
+shrivelled arms bare.
+
+"Don't stare as if you were frightened," said Aunt Barbara, quickly.
+"Old people are not generally very beautiful to look at!"
+
+"Can I do anything for you?" said Hatty, pleasantly.
+
+"Yes, if you want to. I can't find my pocket. Perhaps you can see it."
+
+Aunt Barbara wore a pocket tied on under her dress with a string, and
+she had been for some moments looking for it, as she was ready to put it
+on.
+
+Hatty glanced round the room, and was delighted when she saw a piece of
+white Marseilles peeping out from under the tumbled bed-clothes. She
+sprang towards it, and handed the pocket to the old lady, who took it
+without a word, and went on dressing herself.
+
+Hatty began to pick up the things about the room, and to throw open the
+bed; for she knew Aunt Barbara would not think of going down to
+breakfast until the room was a little in order.
+
+Aunt Barbara did not seem to notice her; but when she had tied the
+strings to her close-quilted muslin cap, and pinned a broad black ribbon
+round it, she said: "Come, now, child, its not worth while your
+breakfast should get cold while you are waiting on me."
+
+Hatty's face brightened, and she said, eagerly: "I should be glad to do
+anything for you, Aunt Barbara."
+
+"You may have more chance than you want, if I feel like this many
+mornings," said Aunt Barbara, very sharply.
+
+Aunt Barbara was not very pleasant at breakfast that morning. Nothing
+seemed cooked to suit her. The fact was, the poor old lady was not well,
+and had no appetite, and that made everything seem out of the way to
+her.
+
+Hatty could not help noticing how pleasantly her mother took Aunt
+Barbara's comments on the breakfast, that would have put many
+housekeepers out of patience. When nothing on the table seemed to suit
+Aunt Barbara, Mrs. Lee quietly sent out for a bit of ham to be boiled;
+and when it came in, she seemed pleased that the old lady ate a few
+mouthfuls,--complaining at first that it was done a trifle too much, and
+in the end making way with it all.
+
+Mr. Lee did not seem to notice that Aunt Barbara was not well,--at least
+he did not ask about her health; and Hatty thought at first it was not
+quite right in her father, and she wondered that he should do anything
+so unlike himself. By-and-by she noticed that all the topics he brought
+up were such as were likely to interest Aunt Barbara. He spoke of
+meeting an old minister who used to live near her own home, and told how
+cheerfully he talked of his long, active life, and of the happy time
+when he should meet his Master in heaven. Then he brought up the new
+orphan asylum, which was always sure to enlist Aunt Barbara's
+attention; and at last she seemed to forget her pains, while listening
+to his account of the meeting on the subject he had attended the evening
+before.
+
+Hatty felt pleased as she saw the shadow passing from the old lady's
+face, and she glanced across for Marcus to sympathize in her
+satisfaction. He did not see her, but Hatty noticed that he placed a
+comfortable chair, after breakfast, near the window where Aunt Barbara
+best loved to sit, and drew a footstool up to it.
+
+Marcus did not think that anybody observed him, but two hearts were made
+glad by this little effort of kindness. Mrs. Lee and Hatty both saw that
+Marcus' feelings towards Aunt Barbara had undergone a happy change.
+Marcus' feelings had been touched, but feelings are a poor dependence
+for doing right, without principle.
+
+Hatty was delighted at the idea of going to church once more in her dear
+native town. She felt that it would be a new and better thing to be
+there, now that she could count herself among those who were glad at the
+thought, "God is in His holy temple." Hatty began, in her impatience, to
+make her preparations in very good season. She had laid out on her bed
+all the things she expected to wear, when her mother called her to come
+into the nursery.
+
+Hatty went promptly as far as the door, but she moved across the floor
+more slowly when she saw that her mother had a comb and brush in her
+hand.
+
+"I hope we shall have no trouble about the hair, this morning. It needs
+parting, sadly," said Mrs. Lee, in her gentle way.
+
+Hatty's mind was made up at that moment; her mother might pull as hard
+as was necessary, _she_ would not say a word if it hurt her ever so
+much.
+
+Mrs. Lee used the comb very carefully, yet it was disagreeable, almost
+painful to Hatty's delicate skin. She shut her mouth tight, however, and
+thought of her resolution to bear little hurts pleasantly, and actually
+got through without a murmur.
+
+When the hair was brushed smoothly, Hatty's face looked very sweet from
+the effort she had made to do right, and she well deserved the
+affectionate kiss her mother pressed on her lips.
+
+"Perhaps I could help Aunt Barbara get ready for church," said Hatty,
+one right action leading to another.
+
+"Aunt Barbara is not well enough to go, to-day. I am very sorry, on my
+own account as well as on hers. It is Communion day, and I had hoped to
+go to church, for the first time in many weeks."
+
+"But cannot you go, Mother?" said Hatty, earnestly.
+
+"No, my dear," said Mrs. Lee, quietly. "I do not like to leave Aunt
+Barbara with no one to wait upon her. I promised Betsy, yesterday, that
+she should go out this morning, and Jane will be busy with the baby and
+Harry."
+
+Hatty was silent for a moment; a struggle was going on in her mind. At
+length she looked up with a beautiful, bright expression on her face,
+and said, "I will stay with Aunt Barbara, if you could trust her with
+me. I do not want you to be kept at home."
+
+Mrs. Lee knew the effort it must have cost her little girl to give up
+the pleasure for which she had been so eagerly preparing, but she did
+not refuse her kind offer.
+
+"Thank you, my darling; I shall feel quite easy leaving Aunt Barbara
+with you. 'I was sick and ye visited me,' our Saviour says, and then
+adds, 'Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, ye
+have done it unto me.' That thought makes taking care of the sick doubly
+pleasant. And now, darling, instead of putting on your own things, which
+are all laid out so nicely, you will have to help me to get ready."
+
+Hatty was glad to be kept very busy that she might not have a moment to
+regret her choice, and she made herself so actively useful, that Mrs.
+Lee was not at all too late in joining the group waiting for her in the
+hall below.
+
+"Why! are you not going, Hatty?" exclaimed Marcus, as his sister
+appeared at her mother's side.
+
+"Hatty is going to stay with Aunt Barbara. She may need some attention,
+and I did not like to leave her alone," said Mrs. Lee.
+
+Marcus looked up in surprise. He knew with what eagerness Hatty had
+spoken in the morning of being at church, and could not but wonder at
+the sudden change,--she looked so cheerful. One glance at the sweet,
+bright expression of her face, convinced him of the generous motive that
+had kept her at home. Marcus began to think there was some strength in
+Hatty's new resolution to do right.
+
+
+
+
+V.
+
+
+Aunt Barbara's room was in the back building, and the entrance to it was
+on the first landing to the front stairs. The old lady had chosen that
+room, when she came to Mrs. Lee's, because no one had ever occupied it;
+for she said, "I never did turn anybody out, and I never mean to."
+
+There Aunt Barbara had collected about her all her favorite pieces of
+old-fashioned furniture, her dark mahogany secretary-bureau, with its
+bright brass rings held fast in the mouths of wrinkled old brass faces,
+and her curtained bed, with all its festoons and fringes.
+
+When Hatty stepped into the room, she saw Aunt Barbara sitting
+bolt-upright in a stuff, straight-backed chair, and looking not much in
+the humor for little visitors.
+
+"Aunt Barbara, mother thought perhaps you would like some one with you
+this morning, and so I have brought in my Sunday books, and will sit
+here, if you like," said Hatty, in a cheerful tone.
+
+"I don't mind your sitting here, if you choose," was the old lady's
+reply.
+
+Hatty did not know what to say next, so she mounted into one of the
+high, stiff chairs, and took up a book and tried to read. Her eyes would
+wander to Aunt Barbara, sitting up straight and still, and looking out
+of the window at the sky. At length Hatty said, "Do lie down, Aunt
+Barbara; I am sure you would be more comfortable. Let me fix your
+pillows nicely for you."
+
+"I never go to bed when I can sit up. I was not brought up to loll about
+and make myself sick by being lazy," said Aunt Barbara.
+
+Hatty tried to read for a few moments more; then Aunt Barbara moved, and
+she looked at her again.
+
+The old lady evidently wanted something she could not find in her
+pocket, and yet did not feel like getting up.
+
+Hatty glanced her eyes round the room, and saw Aunt Barbara's
+spectacles on the mantel-piece.
+
+She jumped up and handed them to her. "You may give me my Bible, if you
+choose," said Aunt Barbara, in a pleasanter tone than she had used that
+morning.
+
+Hatty laid the great Bible on Aunt Barbara's lap, and for a few moments
+the old lady seemed nodding; but she soon began to rub her spectacles as
+if they were not clean, and then she put her hand to her head, and said,
+"old folks can't sit and read all day like young ones."
+
+"That is just what grandma tells me," said Hatty; "and she says young
+people ought to remember that, and learn a great many Bible verses to
+think about when they are too sick or too old to read."
+
+"But if they did not do that when they were young," said Aunt Barbara,
+"did grandma say what they should do then?"
+
+"She did not say anything about that," said Hatty, looking puzzled. In
+another moment she added, in her most pleasant way, "would not you like
+me to read to you a little, Aunt Barbara?"
+
+"If you can make that little tongue of yours go slow enough, for me to
+understand, you may try," said Aunt Barbara.
+
+Hatty drew her chair close up to Aunt Barbara, and was going to ask when
+she should begin, when the old lady said, pettishly, "Go round to the
+other side, child! don't you know that's my deaf ear?" Hatty moved as
+she was requested, and then Aunt Barbara told her to read the 103d
+Psalm. Hatty was a very pleasant reader, and she had lately taken great
+pains not to speak too rapidly.
+
+Aunt Barbara must have been pleased, for she kept Hatty reading,
+reading, until the family came home from church; and when she turned to
+leave the room, she said, "Thank you, child; I think going to your
+grandma's has done you good."
+
+Mrs. Lee had not told Aunt Barbara of Hatty's letter about her new
+resolutions, yet the old lady felt that some change must have taken
+place in Hatty to make her willing to give up her own pleasure to sit in
+that quiet room with a sick, fretful old woman, as Aunt Barbara knew
+herself to be that morning.
+
+Hatty enjoyed her afternoon at Sunday school all the more for the
+sacrifice she had made; and when the children all gathered in the parlor
+before tea to say their catechism and Bible verses to their father, she
+felt as if she were one of the happiest little girls in the world.
+
+Mrs. Lee was all the afternoon with Aunt Barbara, and when night came
+the Doctor was sent for, and Jane and Betsy were called in to help Mrs.
+Lee to get the poor old lady into bed, for she was very sick.
+
+The Doctor looked soberly, and said the disease must have been coming on
+some time--that there was a great deal of irritation in her system, and
+he could not say how her sickness might end.
+
+Hatty and Marcus heard the Doctor say these words in the hall as he went
+out. The tears came into Hatty's eyes, and she said to her brother, "How
+I wish we had never spoken a wrong word to Aunt Barbara!"
+
+Marcus did not reply, but he walked away to his room, to lie awake with
+sad, repentant thoughts.
+
+Mrs. Lee had no idea how rude her children had often been to Aunt
+Barbara; her presence had been some check upon them, though she had
+heard enough to give her pain. Aunt Barbara had led for many years a
+quiet life, and the noise and restlessness of children tired and worried
+her; and latterly she had been far from well.
+
+Mrs. Lee had been for some weeks confined to her room, and during this
+time Aunt Barbara had had much to bear from Marcus and the little ones;
+but she never complained to Mrs. Lee, though she daily grew more harsh
+in her own manner to the children.
+
+A little gentleness, a little patience on the part of those who were
+young, healthy and happy, would have done much to make poor old Aunt
+Barbara more pleasant and cheerful.
+
+
+
+
+VI.
+
+
+Now came an anxious period in Hatty's home. Mrs. Lee, and a nurse who
+was hired for the purpose, spent their time in Aunt Barbara's room,
+while the Doctor came and went with a troubled, serious air.
+
+On Hatty, meanwhile, fell the care of Meg and Harry. Hatty found having
+Meg in her room by no means so troublesome as she had expected. Meg's
+desire to meddle with Hatty's things, and to put them out of order,
+seemed to have gone now that she could say "our room." She even made
+herself a kind of guardian against Harry's inroads; and when she heard
+his little feet pattering that way, she would get in advance of him with
+her swift skips, and have the door shut before he reached it.
+
+Hatty found it quite impossible to keep the children quiet, so she
+managed to have them in the garden as much as she could, in pleasant
+weather, that they might not disturb Aunt Barbara.
+
+At the foot of the wide walk that led down between the flower beds, was
+a pleasant arbour, and here Hatty made a kind of a little home of her
+own. Marcus put up a tight box on one of the seats, and there Hatty kept
+a store of books and playthings for herself and the children, to make
+the place attractive, and looked so bright and happy herself, that when
+Marcus came from school he was glad to leave the dull, quiet house, to
+join the circle in the arbour.
+
+Hatty was busy sewing there, one day, while Meg made a parasol for her
+doll, of a maple leaf, and Harry drew a long-necked squash up and down
+the walk for a carriage. Suddenly Hatty heard Marcus come out the back
+door, whistling a cheerful tune. Hatty tucked her work in her pocket,
+and quickly picked up some bits of bright-colored worsted that were
+scattered over her dress.
+
+Marcus came down the walk, kicking a ball before him, and leaped into
+the arbour with a regular bound.
+
+"Well, Hatty," he exclaimed, "I was head of my class to-day, and did
+not get a mark for being late, either. So I stand a chance for the prize
+yet."
+
+"Were you not late?" asked Hatty, with surprise.
+
+"O yes!" answered Marcus, with a laugh. "The boys were all on their
+knees when I went in, but I opened the door quietly, and nobody heard
+me; so I got off famously."
+
+"But what did you say when your name was called? You did not tell an
+untruth, Marcus?" said Hatty, anxiously.
+
+"No, indeed!" said Marcus, indignantly. "I am above that!"
+
+"I don't understand it at all," said Hatty, uneasily.
+
+"Why, this was the way. When Mr. Briggs called over the names for
+punctuality, some how or other his attention wandered just before he got
+to my name, and he skipped it, so I did not have to answer at all. After
+Mr. Briggs went out I looked at my name, and there was a cross after it
+for punctual; so you see it is all right, and my chance for the prize is
+as good as ever."
+
+"I would rather have a brother who told the truth, than one who got the
+prize," said Hatty, earnestly. "Dear Marcus, won't you tell Mr. Briggs
+about it?"
+
+"I shall do no such thing. Girls are so silly! You never can make them
+understand anything," said Marcus, hastily.
+
+But Hatty did understand. She felt that Marcus had acted a lie for the
+sake of winning the prize he so greatly desired. She knew he would be
+angry if she said anything more about it; but she could not be silent
+and let him do wrong, without one more effort. After a moment, in which
+she asked God to help her to keep down her own quick temper if Marcus
+should make a harsh reply, Hatty said:
+
+"Marcus, you know what mother tells us about the book where what we call
+secret things are written down, to be read on the great day when all
+things will be known. Something will stand against your name, there,
+worse than a mark for being unpunctual. Dear Marcus, do tell the truth,
+and not mind the prize. You will not care about the prize when you are
+happy with the beautiful angels in Heaven; but you will love to remember
+how you did right, when it came so very hard."
+
+It had cost Hatty a great effort to say all this, and now she burst
+into tears.
+
+"Girls are so silly!" said Marcus, impatiently. "I wish you would not
+set up to lecture me, Miss?" and the brother walked angrily away.
+
+"For shame! For shame!" shouted little Meg, who had been an unnoticed
+listener to the conversation, and her slender finger was pointed at her
+brother. He took no notice of her; and she turned to Hatty, and threw
+her arms round her neck, and said: "Don't cry, sister. Meg will be a
+good girl. I will try very hard."
+
+"Will you, Meg?" said Hatty, brightening. "Then I shall be very happy."
+
+Now Meg had only wanted to say something to comfort Hatty, and had
+spoken the first words that came into her mind, without thinking what
+they meant. When she saw Hatty seem so much pleased, she thought to
+herself: "I do mean to try, if Hatty wants it so very much."
+
+At that moment Harry's voice was heard in loud, angry screams. Hatty and
+Meg ran to the spot from whence they came. Marcus walked sheepishly
+away, as they appeared, ashamed to own that in his ill-humor he had
+been teasing his little brother.
+
+Harry was a sweet-tempered, affectionate little fellow, ready to put up
+his mouth to kiss anybody who smiled upon him; but now he had been too
+far provoked to bear all patiently.
+
+Marcus had run away with his yellow carriage and dashed it against a
+stone, until all the seeds that had been riding about so comfortably
+were scattered far and wide on the grass. Then, because he looked
+displeased, and said, "Naughty boy!" Marcus had perched him on the high
+chicken-coop, and left him to scream for himself, or roll off as he best
+could.
+
+Hatty took the little fellow in her arms and wiped away his tears. She
+promised to hunt with him for a "beautiful squash," larger than the one
+he had lost,--and he was soon comforted, and began to smooth her face and
+say, "Dear Hatty--Hatty so dood."
+
+"Yes, Hatty is so good," echoed Meg.
+
+"Sister is only trying to be good," said Hatty, modestly. But the praise
+of the little ones went to her heart.
+
+Marcus was sulky towards Hatty all the noon. He did not go out to help
+her feed the bantams, though she went through the room where he was,
+with the food in her hand, to give him a chance, if he wished, to join
+her pleasantly.
+
+Hatty loved her brother, and since she had been making an effort to
+govern her temper, she had enjoyed being with him. He, too, found in her
+a very pleasant companion. She was ready to listen to him when he
+talked, and let herself be instructed, though she sometimes knew as much
+as he did about the subjects of which he was speaking. Marcus did not
+teaze Hatty much of late, as she had learned to laugh, herself, even
+when he warmed his hands by her red hair, or asked her if she was so
+hot-tempered that she had set her head on fire in a passion.
+
+Marcus was glad that day when it came time for him to go to school
+again, though he generally thought the intermission quite too short. He
+missed Hatty, and he felt uneasy about what she had said. An
+uncomfortable feeling was at his heart. He was acting a lie! The truth
+had been plainly told him, and he could not forget it.
+
+
+
+
+VII.
+
+
+Marcus was very cross to Hatty for a day or two after their conversation
+in the arbour; and whenever he was in the house he kept the children
+perpetually uncomfortable with his teasing.
+
+Hatty had all this to bear in silence, for she would not trouble her
+mother with complaints when she had so much on her mind.
+
+Saturday came, and Marcus was to be at home all day. Hatty actually
+dreaded it. She did not know how she should get through so many hours,
+with Marcus about the house, so she resolved to go early to the arbour,
+and perhaps he would not follow her there.
+
+Marcus lounged about by himself for a while, and at last, out of
+loneliness, he went down to the arbour, too.
+
+Hatty looked up pleasantly as he drew near, and said: "Why can't you
+get a book, Marcus, and read something to Meg and me?"
+
+"To Meg and you!" said Marcus, contemptuously. "A pretty business for a
+boy of twelve!"
+
+Hatty did not like contempt, and she answered, hastily: "I am only two
+years younger than you are, and mother says I am farther advanced in
+some of my studies!"
+
+"Hurrah for the red-head; touch her, and she goes off like a brimstone
+match!" said Marcus, triumphantly, for he was tired of having all the
+crossness on his own side.
+
+"Hatty's hair isn't red," said Meg, angrily. "I heard a lady say, the
+other day, it was beautiful auburn hair; and she said Hatty was
+sweet-looking and good, and that is more than anybody will say of you."
+
+"Bad boy! bad boy! Go away!" said Harry, lifting his fat little leg and
+trying to kick Marcus with his wee foot.
+
+Hatty could not reprove the children, for she herself had set the
+example of speaking angry words.
+
+Heartily ashamed of herself, she said: "I am very sorry I spoke so to
+you, Marcus; it was not right. I ought not to mind being put with Meg,
+for she is a dear little girl, and I love her very much."
+
+"And I love Hatty, and you shan't be cross to her," said Meg, putting
+her arms round Hatty.
+
+"It was Hatty who was cross," said the little girl, sadly. "Poor Hatty
+is only _trying_ to be good. She does wrong very, very often."
+
+"Hatty dood! Hatty dood!" said Harry, nestling at her side.
+
+Marcus walked away, without saying another word. He took his
+fishing-rod, and Hatty saw him no more that day.
+
+When Marcus came home in the evening he was very tired. The family had
+all done supper. He took what he wanted, alone, and then went up to bed
+without saying "good-night" to any body. When he got into his own room,
+he saw on the floor by his bed a beautiful pair of slippers, with dogs'
+heads worked neatly upon them. He took off his heavy shoes. How
+comfortable the slippers felt to his tired feet! Such an excellent
+fit--so loose and easy! "How kind in mother to make them!" he thought.
+"When could she have had the time."
+
+Marcus was going to rush to the door of Aunt Barbara's room to thank his
+mother, when he saw a little note lying on the table. He broke it open
+and read:
+
+"Dear Marcus: It has made me very sad all the week to think you were
+displeased with me. I love you very dearly, and cannot bear to have you
+look at me as if you did not care for me. I know I made you angry by
+speaking about the mark at school. If I had not cared for you I should
+not have spoken as I did. I hope you will yet tell Mr. Briggs. Perhaps I
+am too naughty myself to give anybody advice. Please forgive me all I
+have ever done wrong to you.--I began to work these slippers as soon as I
+got home from grandma's, and they were only finished this week. I hope
+they will fit you.--Won't you be pleasant to-morrow morning to your
+sister Hatty?"
+
+Marcus read the note, with the slippers on his feet. He felt ashamed of
+his unkindness to his little sister, and he resolved to meet her
+pleasantly in the morning. Marcus did not go to sleep until late that
+night, but we will not tell what was the subject of his thoughts.
+
+The next morning Marcus' ill humor seemed to have all passed away. He
+made no apology to Hatty for his late rudeness, but she was generous
+enough to forget the past. She did not now in her turn sulk and pout,
+and so keep up the quarrel, but she received him as cheerfully as if
+nothing had happened.
+
+Marcus wore the new slippers, and declared he had never had a present
+that suited him better, and Hatty was repaid for all her trouble.
+
+Hatty fancied that at church Marcus was more attentive than usual, and
+once she thought she saw him wipe his eyes, as if he were affected by
+something the clergyman said; but she was soon afraid she had been
+mistaken, for he began to look about as usual, and even exchanged a
+glance of recognition with one of his acquaintances in the gallery.
+
+Hatty felt anxious for her brother, and she was particularly tender and
+kind in her manner towards him all day, and in the evening, when she
+went to bed, she prayed earnestly that God would soften his heart, and
+lead him to do right. Hatty had not forgotten that Marcus had acted a
+lie, and she remembered that our Heavenly Father is "a God who hateth a
+lie."
+
+
+
+
+VIII.
+
+
+Monday morning rose bright and clear. For many days Aunt Barbara had
+been steadily gaining, and now she was coming down stairs, for the first
+time. Hatty felt it a pleasure to wait upon her mother, while she
+assisted the old lady to dress, and even Marcus seemed pleased to be
+useful. He and Jane carried down the old-fashioned easy chair, which
+Aunt Barbara particularly fancied, and then he drew a small table near
+it, placed a footstool beside it, and stood waiting to see if he could
+be of any further assistance. Mr. Lee helped Aunt Barbara down very
+tenderly, and looked at her as affectionately as if she were a dear
+little child instead of a poor invalid, tottering with age and sickness.
+
+Marcus expected to hear Aunt Barbara say, "This room is too light for
+anybody," or "My! who could have chosen such a place for my chair?" but
+he was mistaken.
+
+Aunt Barbara sunk down among the pillows which Hatty had arranged, quite
+exhausted, and for a while was too weak to say one word. Mrs. Lee
+brought her a glass of wine, and a light biscuit, and when Aunt Barbara
+had taken them she seemed better.
+
+Then she looked round the cheerful library, and said, "How pleasant it
+is here, and how nicely you have prepared for me! And you helped, too,
+Marcus; that was kind!"
+
+"I am very glad you are pleased!" said Marcus; and away he ran to
+school, feeling more light-hearted than he had done for many days. Mrs.
+Lee said she would take care of the children in the nursery, as Jane
+must be busy, and leave Hatty with Aunt Barbara. Hatty was glad to be
+trusted, and she brought her sewing, and took a low seat near the old
+lady.
+
+Aunt Barbara did not seem inclined to talk at first, and Hatty kept very
+quiet, though every now and then she opened her mouth as if she were
+going to speak, and then shut it again quickly.
+
+Hatty had learned that there are often times when older people do not
+care to hear even pleasant young voices. She had found out that a little
+happy child may show a great deal of unselfishness by keeping quiet,
+when she would gladly let her tongue speak out the joy that is in her
+heart. Hatty tried to think over all the hymns she had ever learned, and
+so be silent until Aunt Barbara should choose to speak.
+
+Hatty's lips were beginning to feel quite stiff with their unusual
+effort, when Aunt Barbara said, "Hatty, my dear."
+
+Hatty looked up suddenly, (Aunt Barbara had never called her "my dear"
+before,) but she only said "What, ma'am," and then waited to see what
+would come next.
+
+"Do you love your grandma?" asked Aunt Barbara.
+
+"Indeed I do!" said Hatty, warmly. "She is the dearest and sweetest old
+lady in the world!"
+
+"She is older than I am, I believe, and a great deal more wrinkled,--at
+least I have heard so!" said Aunt Barbara.
+
+"I don't know, I never thought about that; she looks very sweet to me!"
+said Hatty, with a puzzled look.
+
+"I have had a notion," said Aunt Barbara, "that children did not like
+old people, and perhaps I have not tried to make myself pleasant to
+them. Do you think if I tried to be like your grandma you could love me,
+too?" and the old lady looked earnestly at the little girl.
+
+"O Aunt Barbara, I love you now!" said Hatty affectionately; "and you
+grow more like grandma every day."
+
+"Dear child!" said Aunt Barbara, and she laid her thin hand on the head
+of the little girl. After a moment's pause she went on--"Hatty, I think I
+must have been very cross before I was sick; somehow everything seemed
+wrong to me. I am sorry!"
+
+"I and Marcus and Meg and all of us are sorry we were so naughty. It was
+our fault, Aunt Barbara,--and we mean to be better," said Hatty, eagerly.
+
+"Poor old Aunt Barbara did wrong, too, child. God has laid her on her
+bed of sickness to think, and he has raised her up again for some good
+purpose. Perhaps he wanted to give her an opportunity to be more like
+what a person ought to be, who has had more than seventy years of
+blessings, and who has the promise of a home in Heaven. Aunt Barbara
+means to try not to be fretful, and you children must have patience with
+her if she don't always speak just as she should."
+
+The old lady was in earnest, and tears rolled down her cheeks.
+
+Hatty rose and wiped them away,--then she kissed Aunt Barbara, tenderly,
+and said, "We will never think any harm of what dear Aunt Barbara
+says,--for we all love you, and mean to make you very happy."
+
+Aunt Barbara now asked Hatty to sing some sweet hymns; and she looked so
+quiet and peaceful as she listened, that Hatty could not help thinking
+that Jesus must be very near to old people, who are almost at the golden
+gate of Heaven.
+
+From that time Hatty was much with Aunt Barbara; and it was touching to
+see how hard the old lady tried to be gentle and pleasant.
+
+Hatty's example had a great influence on the other children. Meg learned
+to skip more softly as she passed Aunt Barbara's door; and Harry never
+ate an orange without pattering along to Aunt Barbara's room, to give
+her a taste.
+
+In their hearts the children often acknowledged that it was their own
+thoughtlessness which had brought about much of the old lady's
+harshness; and now that they were more gentle and considerate, they
+found her a dear, kind friend, who had pleasant stories to tell, of days
+gone by; and with her Hatty had many sweet talks of the loving Saviour,
+whom they were both striving to serve.
+
+
+
+
+IX.
+
+
+When Marcus came home from school on Monday afternoon, Hatty was in the
+garden, picking a bouquet to put in Aunt Barbara's room. He stepped
+quietly behind her and put his hands round her waist, before she heard
+him coming.
+
+She looked round, expecting to see his face full of fun; but it was very
+sober,--and he said, quietly,
+
+"I have lost the prize, Hatty!"
+
+"Did you miss a lesson to-day!" said Hatty, eagerly.
+
+"I have not made a mistake this term, and I don't mean to, if I can help
+it," said Marcus, rather proudly.
+
+"Not a mark for misconduct?" said Hatty, anxiously.
+
+"A mark for tardiness stands against my name. I have told Mr. Briggs."
+
+Hatty turned towards her brother, and kissed him tenderly. He did not
+push her away, but, putting his arm round her waist, he walked a few
+moments along the path in silence; then he said, "I have had a talk with
+Mr. Briggs, that I hope I shall never forget. I thank you, Hatty, for
+being a true sister to me."
+
+Here Marcus broke away from Hatty, and ran into the house before she
+could speak a word in reply.
+
+Hatty finished gathering the flowers, but her thoughts were not on her
+bouquet, but on her brother. In her heart she thanked God for prompting
+him to take this first right step, and earnestly she prayed that he
+might go steadily forward in the path that leadeth unto life.
+
+
+
+
+X.
+
+
+The weeks flew by, and Aunt Barbara was able first to take a short
+drive, and then to be in the air hour after hour.
+
+One Saturday Mr. Lee pushed back his chair, after dinner, and looking
+pleasantly round on his children, said, "What do you all say to a visit
+to Mr. Sparrow's peach orchard to-day?"
+
+The young faces flushed back a glad response, and every little voice was
+raised in a joyous welcome to the proposal.
+
+"Aunt Barbara must go, too," said Meg, giving the old lady a protective
+look, which, although it was quite absurd, sprang from real kindness.
+
+"Yes, Aunt Barbara must go, of course," said Mr. Lee, smiling.
+
+"And Hatty, Hatty so dood," put in Harry, as he laid his plump hand
+caressingly on Hatty's white arm.
+
+"Yes, every one must go, if the carriage is as full as the shoe where
+the old woman lived, with that wonderfully large family."
+
+"I hope none of us will have to be whipped and sent to bed," said Meg,
+laughingly.
+
+"No, no. You shall all have peaches and bread, instead," said Mr. Lee,
+with a quizzical look.
+
+The children all laughed so much at what they thought a charming
+witticism on their father's part, that they could hardly hear his voice
+when he spoke again to say they must be ready in an hour; and then away
+he went, to give orders about the carriage.
+
+At the first mention of the excursion Marcus had darted away to get his
+fishing-tackle in order; for he knew there was a famous trouting stream
+on Mr. Sparrow's farm, and he meant to have sport, for which he cared
+more than for bushels of peaches.
+
+The hour passed quickly away in busy preparation for the coming
+pleasure, and all were ready when the great family carriage Mr. Lee had
+borrowed from his brother, came up to the door.
+
+The horses seemed as full of glee as the children, and Mr. Lee could not
+leave them to attend to the ladies. Marcus assisted Aunt Barbara very
+carefully down to the gate, and handed her in so dexterously that she
+was able to take her seat without complaining of twisting her joints
+with the exertion. Then Mrs. Lee was escorted with great ceremony, by
+Marcus, and placed at Aunt Barbara's side. Jane (with the baby in her
+arms) and Hatty took up the middle seat. Marcus was to sit with his
+father,--but what was to become of Harry and Meg. The little things
+looked disconsolate as they saw the places filling up; but Hatty called
+out, cheerily, "I will hold Meg," and Marcus said, almost in the same
+breath, "Harry must sit on my knee, that all the gentlemen may be
+together."
+
+"All de dentlemen todedder!" said Harry, with a pompous look, as he
+stood ready to be lifted to the place of honor assigned him.
+
+"Now are all packed in tight?" said Mr. Lee, as he drew up the reins in
+his hand.
+
+"All right!" was the merry shout within, and away went the horses, as
+if they enjoyed the sport.
+
+The swift motion through the cool air made Hatty glad to draw close
+round her the shawl she had thrown over her bare neck and arms; and Mrs.
+Lee reached forward to fold the baby's blanket closely about it.
+
+Hatty soon found Meg rather heavy, and she might have made the whole
+party uncomfortable by complaining,--but she had learned that one way of
+doing right is, to check all complaints about trifles, and to be as
+cheerful as possible.
+
+After a while Meg slipped quietly down into the bottom of the carriage,
+and said she had a charming seat there on the baby's strong basket. She
+did not say that she saw sister Hatty was weary, and wished to relieve
+her. Little Meg was learning something of Christian kindness; so true is
+it that where one child in a family is really trying to do right, all
+the others soon catch something of her spirit.
+
+It was a real treat to the children to be fairly outside the town, among
+green fields and pleasant woods. Mrs. Lee had to keep her head bobbing
+this way and that way, to see a flock of turkeys that made Meg laugh;
+or a wild flower that pleased Hatty; or a "pretty moo cow" that Harry
+thought quite extraordinary.
+
+Marcus, meanwhile, was sitting up beside his father, and trying to talk
+learnedly of "crops and fallow-land, good timber, and pretty fair
+orchards." His father listened when he spoke, and quietly corrected his
+mistakes, without showing him the least sign of contempt, or making him
+feel his youth unnecessarily.
+
+Mr. Lee saw that Marcus was bent upon appearing like a man, and he only
+tried to make him a sensible, accurate little man, instead of putting
+him down in a way likely to provoke him.
+
+All Marcus' _mannish_ ways went off, suddenly, when the carriage drew up
+at Mr. Sparrow's door. He leaped from his seat, and without waiting to
+hand out the ladies and children, he gave a merry shout, and started off
+for the brook at a pace that most men find neither easy nor comfortable.
+
+Good farmer Sparrow was away in the orchard; but stout Mrs. Sparrow
+helped Aunt Barbara out as well as if she had been a man; and by that
+time Mr. Lee had tied the horses, and was ready to lift down the
+children; Meg came out with a flying skip, and Hatty bounded down
+cheerfully; but Harry was so sleepy, that his father had to lift him as
+if he were a bag of meal.
+
+The sight of the peach orchard was enough to fill the children with
+astonishment,--the rich fruit looked so beautifully, hanging on the
+bending boughs. Aunt Barbara was placed on a comfortable chair by the
+window; Mrs. Lee took the baby,--and then Jane and the children went out
+into the peach orchard, with Mrs. Sparrow.
+
+The farmer's wife knew exactly to what trees to take them; and she
+reached up and picked two of the largest peaches Hatty had ever seen,
+and placed one in the little girls' hands. Away went Hatty back to the
+house with her treasures, and when she had given them to Aunt Barbara
+and her mother, she was ready for her own pleasure.
+
+Hatty was learning to think of others first, even in trifles.
+
+Mrs. Lee had told the children just how many peaches they must eat; and
+after they had come up to the number she named, they enjoyed going
+about with Mrs. Sparrow, and watching her while she filled the large
+basket that had been placed in the carriage, in front of Mr. Lee, for
+the purpose. Hatty could not help thinking, as she looked at the trees
+loaded with the beautiful fruit, how kind it was in our Heavenly Father
+to make so much that is "pleasant to the eye and good for food," that we
+may take without breaking any of his commandments. She pitied poor Eve,
+if the forbidden fruit looked anything like those tempting peaches, and
+was glad that there was no "serpent" at farmer Sparrow's that pleasant
+day.
+
+Hatty forgot that there is temptation every where, if not quite in the
+form that was tried upon Eve.
+
+After the children had enjoyed the orchard to their hearts' content,
+little Harry grew tired, and Jane took him to rest. Mrs. Sparrow and her
+strong maid carried in the heavy basket of peaches, and Hatty and Meg
+had permission to wander about to look at the chickens, the bee-hives,
+or anything else that might interest them.
+
+Meg was full of glee, and would gladly have chased the chickens, handled
+the young ducks, and teazed the turkey-gobbler till he was quite in a
+passion. Hatty checked her as gently as she could, and managed to keep
+her for some time from doing any actual mischief.
+
+Meg was charmed when she got to the bee-hives. She had lately heard
+Marcus discoursing, in his most learned manner, as to the habits and
+peculiarities of bees, and she was curious to see these wise little
+insects in their own home.
+
+Hatty was glad to find her at last so absorbed as to be willing to be
+quiet a moment, and, a little relieved from her anxiety, she turned away
+to look at a curious plant that was growing in a small swampy place,
+into which the surplus water from the large back-yard was made to flow.
+
+The plant was, indeed, worth looking at; it was the pitcher plant, or
+side-saddle-flower,--every leaf of which is so formed as to hold water.
+She walked round and round it, looking into each pitcher-like leaf, and
+thinking of the wonderful variety which God has chosen to make even in
+the forms of the leaves, not to speak of the many-hued flowers.
+
+Turning accidentally towards Meg, Hatty saw her slender brown arms
+pushing with all their might against one of the hives, and it was
+evident from Meg's determined air that she had made up her mind to do
+something--some mischief, Hatty concluded, of course, and hurried to the
+spot.
+
+She only reached it in time to see the hive tumbling over, while a swarm
+of angry bees came forth to avenge themselves for this overthrow of
+their home.
+
+The very impulsiveness of character, which made Hatty open to temptation
+from a hasty temper, now made her think and act quickly.
+
+She saw at once the danger that Meg was in, from the angry insects. It
+was but the work of a second for Hatty to throw her light shawl
+completely over Meg--the child's straw hat--holding it at such a distance
+from her face and arms that the stings of the insects could not reach
+her.
+
+Then, with one hand, Hatty held her white sun-bonnet close together in
+front, while she extended the other, to lead Meg.
+
+Over Hatty's bare neck and arms the bees now settled, and began to vent
+their anger in sharp stings that made her scream with pain.
+
+The cries of the children quickly brought Mr. Lee and Farmer Sparrow,
+who had been taking a survey of the place, together.
+
+Farmer Sparrow bade Mr. Lee keep at a distance, as soon as he saw, from
+the over-turned hive, and from the moving black spots on Hatty's fair
+neck and arms, what was the matter.
+
+Mr. Lee found it hard to keep away from his children when they were in
+such trouble, but he knew it was best to obey.
+
+With a dexterous turn of the shawl, Farmer Sparrow shut the bees up in
+it, while he bade Meg run for her life. She needed no second command,
+and was soon sobbing in her father's arms.
+
+The few bees who had escaped from the shawl settled upon Farmer Sparrow,
+but he minded them no more than if they were so many flies, for the
+sagacious insects knew him too well to sting him.
+
+"Stand quite still, child!" said Farmer Sparrow to Hatty, in a tone of
+command. It would have been hard for Hatty to obey, covered as she was
+with the tormenting bees, but for the belief that the prayer for help
+that she had sent up to God in her distress was about to be answered.
+One by one Farmer Sparrow picked off the bees with his hands, and
+slipped them into the shawl, which he held like a bag. They seemed to
+own him as a master, and not one offered him a disrespectful sting.
+
+When Hatty was freed from her tormentors she was in a piteous plight,
+her neck and arms being spotted over with the painful stings. Hatty
+struggled hard to bear them patiently, and Farmer Sparrow declared she
+was a perfect soldier.
+
+Mrs. Lee and Mrs. Sparrow were now on the spot. The latter hastened to
+bind indigo on the wounded parts, and poor Hatty soon presented an odd
+appearance, her white face peering out from her blue wrappings.
+
+Farmer Sparrow excused himself from any further attendance upon the
+party, as he must secure his beloved bees ere they were lost to him.
+
+The sun was now sinking in the west, and Marcus, laden with the results
+of his successful trouting, came whistling up to the farmhouse. He
+heard, in silence, the story of Hatty's misfortune; but when his mother
+came quite to the end, Marcus walked up to his sister, and kissing her
+fondly, said: "You are a splendid girl, Hatty. You ought to have been a
+boy!" Then, turning to Meg, his indignation burst upon her, and he could
+not find words strong enough to express his anger at her mischief, and
+his conviction of the severity of the punishment she deserved.
+
+Meg could only reply in sobs.
+
+"Poor Meg is punished sufficiently by seeing her sister suffer. I think
+she will not soon forget this lesson!" said Mrs. Lee, kindly.
+
+"Meg did not know the harm she was doing!" added Hatty, pleadingly.
+
+"I only wanted to look inside," said poor Meg, in the midst of her sobs.
+"I thought the wise little bees knew too much to hurt us!"
+
+"I hope my little Meg will remember, hereafter, 'to touch not, taste
+not, handle not' what is not her own," said Mrs. Lee, soberly.
+
+"Indeed, I will try," answered Meg, earnestly. "Do kiss me, Hatty," and
+the child turned her swollen face towards her generous sister.
+
+Hatty kissed her, and assured her the pain of the stings was almost
+gone, and that she should soon be quite well.
+
+Mr. Lee was now ready with the horses, and the little party set out for
+home.
+
+As Hatty rode along in the carriage, and all seemed so tenderly
+interested for her, the little girl went back in memory to the time
+before she started on that all important visit to her grandmother.
+
+She recalled the frequent reproofs she then received from her mother,
+the stern displeasure of her father, her constant quarrels with Marcus,
+her impatience with Meg, and the saucy replies of the child. It seemed
+strange to her to remember that even Harry did not then like to be with
+her, and that she thought it quite a trial to be left with Aunt Barbara
+even for a few moments. Were all changed, or was the change in herself?
+When she thought all around her severe, cross, or quarrelsome, must not
+the fault have been in a great measure her own?
+
+Hatty could not bear to think of her old naughty self, and she turned
+with pleasure to the happy present. God had given her the wish to do
+right, and granted his blessing on her sincere efforts. How near and
+dear now seemed that Heavenly Father to his little one; she realized
+that He was at her side; she needed not to wait until she reached home
+to thank Him for his mercies. Into her heart she knew He was then
+looking, and beholding her gratitude there.
+
+Little Hatty felt very happy as she glanced round on the kind faces,
+beaming lovingly on her. Surrounded by such affection, she could bear
+almost anything. Yes, Hatty Lee, who once so dreaded pain, knew now that
+wrong, angry feelings, in herself, or the disapproval of her earthly
+parents, or the smile of her mother withdrawn, were far greater trials
+than the slight sufferings her body had been called to endure.
+
+
+
+
+XI.
+
+
+Hatty's wounded neck and arms healed rapidly, but the red spots remained
+for many days to remind all the family of the late accident, and make
+them more tender than usual in their manner to the courageous little
+girl.
+
+Marcus seemed to have quite changed his opinion of his sister, and felt
+called upon to treat her with marked respect, and to honor her with many
+long talks on his favorite subjects.
+
+Hatty heard his footstep in the hall, as he was returning from school
+one afternoon, shortly after the accident. She knew that on that day was
+to be awarded the prize for which he had so faithfully labored, and
+which he had been induced to forfeit for the sake of truth.
+
+She felt great sympathy for him, and was planning in her own mind how
+she could best cheer him under his disappointment, when he threw open
+the door, and with a joyous bound sprang towards her.
+
+"Look, Hatty!" he said, as he laid on her lap the richly bound copy of
+Virgil which he had so desired for its own sake, as well as a mark of
+his teacher's approval.
+
+"It is mine, given in the presence of the school, by Mr. Briggs!" said
+Marcus, with a joyous smile, "And I owe it all to you, Hatty."
+
+"I am so glad!" said Hatty, with real pleasure. "But you do not owe it
+to me, Marcus."
+
+"Yes, Hatty," continued Marcus,--"Mr. Briggs knew all about my being
+late, and he was waiting for me to acknowledge it; if I had not I should
+have lost his confidence, and the prize would never have been mine, he
+said: as it was, no other boy stood as high as I did! Isn't it
+splendid?"
+
+"I am very, very glad," repeated Hatty. "Is it not better always to try
+to do right, Marcus!" she added softly.
+
+Marcus opened his mouth as if to speak, then turned silently away.
+
+That evening Mrs. Lee sat in the library, in the twilight, with Marcus
+and Hatty. She too had heard about the prize, and had rejoiced with her
+son, with a silent prayer in her heart that he might see the wisdom of
+the Better Path, and be led always to do right by the happy results
+which had followed the step that had cost him such an effort.
+
+After the subject of the prize had been discussed, a feeling of
+quietness stole over the little group; perhaps all had their own serious
+thoughts at that twilight hour.
+
+"Come, Hatty," said Mrs. Lee, pleasantly, "can you not recite a hymn for
+us?"
+
+Mrs. Lee almost feared that Marcus would walk away at this proposal, as
+he had often done before, on similar occasions; but he sat down at his
+mother's side, and listened, while Hatty repeated, in a voice of deep
+feeling, the hymn,--"Ashamed of Jesus."
+
+"Mother," said Hatty, earnestly, when she had done speaking, "Do you
+think anybody in a Christian country was ever _ashamed of Jesus?_"
+
+"There are few in a christian country, my dear, who would be willing to
+be called infidels, or heathen," said Mrs. Lee, soberly; "and I doubt
+if there are any young people who have heard of Jesus, who would not
+shrink from the thought. Though this is quite true, there are many who
+are ashamed of Jesus--many children, I fear!"
+
+"O Mother! what do you mean?" said Hatty, earnestly.
+
+"I mean," said Mrs. Lee, "there are many who are ashamed to have it
+known that they wish to serve him. They would rather their best actions
+should be attributed to any cause, than a desire to do His will. They
+hide their best feelings, and struggle to show indifference when holy
+things are named, in a way which proves them at heart to be _ashamed_ of
+Jesus. Alas, poor foolish children! what will be their lot when he is
+ashamed of them, in the presence of his Father in Heaven!"
+
+Marcus had laid his head on his mother's hand, as he sat beside her, and
+now she felt the hot tears trickle over it.
+
+Hatty was questioning in heart whether she could be so situated as to be
+_ashamed of Jesus_, when Marcus suddenly rose, and said:
+
+"I am afraid I have been ashamed of Jesus! Let me say now to you, dear
+Mother, and to Hatty, that I do wish to serve Him, and I want you both
+to help me.
+
+"We will together ask God for his help, which is better than any human
+arm, my dear son," said Mrs. Lee, solemnly.
+
+The mother knelt down with her children, and earnestly implored God's
+blessing on their young hearts. Fervently she asked the Great Heavenly
+Friend so to guide and sustain them in the upward path, that they might
+at last be gathered to his Eternal Home, with all those that love Him in
+sincerity and truth.
+
+When they rose from their knees, Hatty's heart was too full of joy for
+words. She walked to Marcus' side, and putting her arm about him, kissed
+him, with a deep, trusting affection she had never felt before.
+
+Now came in Aunt Barbara, leading little Harry, full of glee, while Meg
+followed, with her usual cheerful skip.
+
+"Let us have one more hymn before supper," said Mrs. Lee, as she
+gathered the little group around her. "We will have 'I want to be like
+Jesus,' and only those must sing who really feel what they say."
+
+Mrs. Lee began in her own clear, sweet voice. Hatty quickly followed,
+and Marcus united with her in trembling tones, with sober earnestness.
+Meg, with her childlike warble, and even little Harry, felt that he
+wanted to be like Jesus, and tried to lisp in "sweet accord" his
+Saviour's name, blending his baby notes with those that fell from Aunt
+Barbara's faltering tongue.
+
+How welcome to the father's ear, as he returned from his daily toil, was
+that evening hymn!
+
+At the closing verse his manly tones were heard as a deep, full echo to
+the rest, while devout thanksgiving filled the mother's heart.
+
+And Hatty--little Hatty--she felt almost too happy for earth; and fully
+she realized the truth, that "Wisdom's ways are pleasantness, and all
+her paths are peace."
+
+
+
+[Transcriber's Note: The table below lists all corrections applied to
+the original text.
+
+p. 009: [added pair of quotes] and say, 'You can't come in, Meg.'
+p. 009: [added open quotes] "Jesus' little children never quarrel
+p. 011: obey that consicence -> conscience
+p. 016: I did'nt know -> didn't
+p. 027: [removed wrong quotes] "Marcus was softened -> Marcus
+p. 058: [normalized] a store of books and play-things -> playthings
+p. 096: [added period] that love Him in sincerity and truth. ]
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Hatty and Marcus, by Aunt Friendly
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HATTY AND MARCUS ***
+
+***** This file should be named 23536.txt or 23536.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        http://www.gutenberg.org/2/3/5/3/23536/
+
+Produced by Irma Spehar, Markus Brenner and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+http://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+http://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at http://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit http://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations.
+To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     http://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
diff --git a/23536.zip b/23536.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5615ca3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/23536.zip
diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6312041
--- /dev/null
+++ b/LICENSE.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements,
+metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be
+in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES.
+
+Procedures for determining public domain status are described in
+the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org.
+
+No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in
+jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize
+this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright
+status under the laws that apply to them.
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..44ba497
--- /dev/null
+++ b/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,2 @@
+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #23536 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/23536)