“A present for me, sir!” said Arthur,

“Yes, for you; and something you’ll like too, I guess.  What do you think it is?” Rover, who knew the sound of Arthur’s voice began to bark loudly, and in a moment the door was opened, and he was in Arthur’s arms.  Never was there a more joyful meeting between old friends.  Arthur was so excited that he laughed and cried at once, and said all kinds of wild things to Rover, who in his turn, kept caressing his young master, and telling him in his way, how glad he was to see him again.  And indeed the poor dumb animal seemed to express as much affection and delight, as if he had had a tongue to say in words, how much he loved him.

“How do you like your present, my boy?” said Mr. Martin.

Arthur could hardly speak for emotion, but in a moment he replied, “Very much, indeed, sir, and you are very good to get him for me.  But may he stay here with me?”

“Yes, he is your dog now, Arthur; they have given him to you at home; they seem to set a great deal by him too, there.”

Arthur well knew how dearly they all loved Rover, and he felt sure it must have been hard for them to give him up.  His heart was touched by this generosity and he resolved to become worthy of it, and to strive to do something to make the family happy in return.

Rover seemed to impart new life to Arthur.  He had now something to love, and something that loved him; and though it was only a poor dumb animal, it filled the vacant place in his heart.  Never had Mrs. Martin seen his dark eyes sparkle so, and his pale cheek look so bright.

And did the children at home regret making this sacrifice for their little brother’s sake?  If any little reader asks this question, we fear they have never tried the experiment of giving up something they loved, to make another happy.  If they had, they would know, what great delight there was in it; what a warm, delicious feeling it spreads throughout the heart.  “It is more blessed to give than to receive,” and happy as Arthur was in receiving this precious present, they were still happier in having given it.  As Mrs. Hamilton was undressing Emma that night, the latter said, “Mother, do you think Arthur has got Rover yet?”

“Oh yes, some hours ago, I hope.  I dare say he found him there when he got home from school; and how happy he is to-night!  Dear child!  I can see just how bright and happy he looks, as he strokes Rover, and talks to him!”

“Oh, I am glad he is gone, mother, for this dear brother was all alone.”

“So I glad,” echoed Charlie, who was snugly tucked into the trundle-bed.  “Yes,” said their mother, kissing them both, “it always makes us glad when we have made another happy; and I am glad you have had an opportunity of learning early how pleasant it is to make sacrifices for others.”

“The darkest lot is not all gloom,” thought she as she sat down by her little table and began to sew.  “Poverty can teach many sweet lessons, and give us many rich enjoyments.”  And her eyes filled with tears; but they were sweet, refreshing tears.