[Illustration:  Robert and John.]

Robert and John.

One fine May morning, Robert and John were told by their mamma to go to school.  So they put on their caps, and having kissed their mamma, were soon on their way.  Now, first they had to pass through a pleasant lane, with tall elm trees on one side, and a hawthorn hedge on the other; then across two fields; then through a churchyard, and then up a little grove, at the end of which was the school-house.  But they had not gone more than half the way down the lane, when John began to loiter behind, to gather wild flowers, and to pick up smooth little pebbles which had been washed clean by the rain, while Robert walked on reading his book.  At last, John, calling after his brother, said, “I do not see what is the use of going to school this fine morning; let us play truant.”

“No,” replied Robert; “I will not take pleasure, for which I know I must suffer in after hours.”

“Nonsense about that,” said John; “I will enjoy myself while I can.”

“And so will I,” replied Robert; “and I shall best enjoy myself by keeping a good conscience, and so I will go to school.”

“Very well, Robert, then tell the master that I am ill and cannot come,” said John.

“I shall do no such thing, John,” replied Robert; “I shall simply tell the truth, if I am asked why you are not with me.”

“Then I say you are very unkind, Robert,” said John.

“You will not go with me, then?” asked Robert, with a tear in his sweet blue eye.

“I shall go up into this tree,” said John; “and so good morning to you.”

Poor Robert gave one long look at his brother, heaved a deep sigh, and went on his way.  And naughty John sat in the tree and watched him, after he had crossed the stile, walk along the smooth broad pathway that led through the field, then enter the church-yard, and stoop to read a verse on a tomb-stone; then take out his kerchief, wipe a tear from his eye, look upward to the cloudless heaven, and then he was gone.  And John sat still in the tree, and he said to himself, “Oh! that I were as good as my brother; but I will go down and follow him.”

So he went down from the tree, leapt over the stile, ran along the fields, and did not stay to gather one cowslip, though each one made him a golden bow as he passed.  And when he went into the school-room, though he was only five minutes later than his brother, he told his master the whole truth, and how naughty he would have been, had it not been for a kind little thought, which came into his mind, and bade him try to be as good as his brother.

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[Illustration:  The Frosty Morning.]

The Frosty Morning.

“Oh! this clear frosty morning! it makes one feel all life and glee.  I declare I have been running about the garden till I am all of a glow; and there you sit by the fire, Emma, looking quite dull.  Come with me, and I will show you how the little pond is frozen over.”