“Will you, mamma?” asked Walter, turning to her.

“Yes, I think it would perhaps be the wisest way.”

“And besides,” said Rosie, “mamma is going to give us young ones a chance to earn money for benevolence by paying us for good behavior.  I know we ought to be good without other reward than that of a good conscience, but I’m quite delighted with the plan for all that.”

“I too,” said Walter, looking greatly pleased.

“Thank you, mamma dear.  How much is it you’re going to give us?”

“Twenty-five cents for every day on which I have no occasion to find fault with either your conduct or recitations.”

“A new idea, daughter, isn’t it?” queried Mr. Dinsmore.

“Yes, sir; and not original.  I learned at Woodburn to-day, that the captain was going to try the plan with his children.  I trust it meets your approval?  I might better have consulted with you before announcing my intention to adopt it.”

“That was not at all necessary,” he returned pleasantly.  “But I quite approve, and trust, you will find it work to your entire satisfaction.”

“Talking of helping the blacks, and thinking of the advice so often given, ‘Do the work nearest at hand,’ it strikes me it would be well for us to begin with those in our own house and on the plantation,” remarked Edward.

“I think they have never been neglected, Edward,” said his grandfather; “a school-house was provided for them years ago, your mother pays a teacher to instruct them, visits the school frequently, often gives religious instruction herself to the pupils there, and to their parents in visiting them in their cabins; sees that they are taken care of in sickness too, and that they do not suffer for the necessaries of life at any time.”

“Yes, sir, that is all true,” returned Edward, “but I was only thinking of giving them some extra care, instruction and gifts during the approaching holidays; says a Christmas tree loaded with, not the substantials of life only, but some of the things that will give pleasure merely—­finery for the women and girls, toys for the children and so forth.”

“Meaning tobacco for the old folks and sweets for all, I suppose?” added Zoe with sportive look and tone.

“Yes, my dear, that’s about it,” he said, smiling affectionately upon her.

“O mamma, let us do it!” cried Rosie with enthusiasm; “let’s have a fine big tree in their school-room, and have them come there and get their gifts before we have ours here.  We should get Vi and the captain to join us in it as the colored children from Woodburn attend school there too.”

“I am well pleased with the idea,” replied her mother, “and have little doubt that the captain and Vi will be also.  But let us have your opinion, my dear father,” she added, turning upon him a look of mingled love and reverence.

“It coincides with yours, daughter,” Mr. Dinsmore answered.  “And I move that Ned’ and Zoe be appointed a committee to find out the needs of the proposed recipients of our bounty; others being permitted to assist if they like.”