handed me a fan. She then left the room for a few minutes, and returned with a glass of sparkling water, which, perhaps I would like. I thought of the words of our Saviour, "Whoso giveth a cup of cold water-shall in no wise lose his reward,” and I inwardly blessed the thoughtful child, as I thanked her for her kindness. She conversed awhile, till the younger children returned from school. She then hastened to attend them, and I heard the pleasant tones of her voice as she welcomed them home-pitied them because they were so warm, and begged them not to make a noise, to wake up little brother, as mother was out; and after gently caressing, and putting away of caps and bonnets, she led them away for their luncheon. Presently her mother returned, and Clara, feeling no more responsibility on my account, devoted herself to the children. I could not but congratulate Mrs. Lee upon the possession of such an efficient little housekeeper as she had left at home. She knew the worth of her lovely child, and my words of praise were not unwelcome. Yes," answered she, "Clara is indeed a great comfort and assistance to me, young as she is only ten years; she has the best influence over the other children,

she is so mild and equal with them. She will coax and persuade them to try and be good, and to please

their mother, when, as all children sometimes will be, they are disposed to be perverse and unamiable. But Clara exerts herself in many ways for the comfort and happiness of us all. The servants are all much attached to her, and lazy or tired as they may be, if Clara desires anything done, there is not one who would hesitate for a moment to oblige her."

How I wish that many other little girls I know were as dutiful, kind, and obliging as Clara Lee.

Most people are not aware how strong a place they may make for themselves in the affections of children by very trifling acts. Here is an instance.

"When I was a very little boy," says a gentleman, "I set out on a fishing expedition from Edinburgh to Cramond. Returning homewards, foot-sore by travel, and dispirited by failure, I was overtaken by an empty post-chaise; and casting a wistful eye at the driver, I ran and got up behind. I expected, of course, an effort to dislodge me, and was not a little surprised to receive, instead, a good-natured smile of encouragement. I never forgot it. From that hour to this, I could not bear to call 'whip behind,' or allow another to do so, when I could prevent him.

I

If I was ever tempted, that little incident rose at once to my mind, and arrested me in a moment. never saw the man before or since. I know not even

his name. We never exchanged a word. It all passed in dumb show; but this small act of kindness has enabled him to exercise an influence on my whole after life."

And this puts me in mind of another instance which once happened to myself. I had been apprenticed in a town ten miles from home. A letter came to tell me that my infant brother Charles was dead, and I must come to the funeral, which was to be on the next sabbath morning, at nine o'clock. Saturday was market-day, and I could not be spared to go that evening. It was in dark November; but I got up early. The roads were dirty, and I had only got nearly half way, very tired, when a gentleman came up in his gig. He passed me, and then looking back, pulled up, and calling me, asked where I was going. I told him all about it. "Go round," he said, "and get in." I did, and rode all the rest of the way so nicely, and got home just in time to see poor little Charley's white cold face in the coffin, before they screwed him up, and then walked with them to the grave, wondering why mother should weep so much for such a very little baby! But that

kind gentleman. I knew not who he was, or where he came from, and I have never seen him since that I know of; but I have often thought of him, and shall never forget him as one of the kindest gentlemen I ever knew. I wish I may find him in heaven!

And now I remember some other things, though they took place nearly fifty years ago-I remember the boys among my companions who were rude and rough, and I feel as if I did not like them even now; and I remember those who were kind and goodnatured, and though most of my play-fellows are dead, yet if I happen to meet with one of these now, I am always glad to see him. So try to be kind and you will be remembered with pleasure.

THE LITTLE SCHOOL-MASTER.

DR. CHANNING, so much celebrated in the United States of America for his writings, was a very little man. In a Memoir of him lately published, the following amusing anecdote occurs. When a young man, he had under his charge twelve boys as scholars. One day an old coloured woman came into the school to complain of some of the boys who had damaged her garden, broken her fence, and torn up her flowers, making loud complaint, and wanting to

see the master. When he presented himself, she surveyed him for a moment, and said, "You de massa? You little ting, you can't lick e'm; dey put you out de window." He assured her, however, that the boys should be corrected, and that she should be satisfied for her loss, remarking-"Poor mother! she knew of no way of discipline but the lash.”

A MUSICAL CAT.

THERE is a family residing at South Boston, who have a cat which is exceedingly fond of music, and almost invariably seats herself beside any member of the family, when they commence playing the piano. A few days since, when the family were engaged in another part of the house, they heard sounds proceeding from the piano, and repaired at once to the parlour, where, much to their surprise, Tabby was discovered seated on the piano stool, with her forepaws upon the keys, making them fly in double quick time, evidently much delighted with her first effort, and also greatly to the amusement of the family. No sooner, however, did the mistress of the house appear, than puss very politely resigned her seat; but has since resumed her attempts whenever she had a chance, seemingly with a determination to acquire a knowledge of so desirable an accomplishment.