r wanted to read or write quietly he had to go
apart from Charlie, for there was no peace in the presence of the
chatterbox. Of course he was a dunce, for how could he chatter and learn
as well? And you may be sure he made plenty of mischief, for tongues
that are always on the move do not keep to the exact truth sometimes
when repeating what the ears have heard.

One day Grandfather said, "I really must teach that little tongue a
lesson. If you can be silent for half an hour, Charlie, I will give you
half-a-dollar." "Half-a-dollar! I'll earn it, grandfather." Charlie
watched the clock and thought of tops and balls and kites and sweets and
apples, and all the wonderful things half-a-dollar would buy; he had to
keep silence till the clock had struck twelve, and just as the hand
approached the hour he grew so excited with his success that he cried
out, "There, I've done it! Please give me the money, grandfather." But
Charlie never got that half-dollar, and I do not think such a chatterbox
_deserved_ it. You have two ears and one tongue, children; listen
quietly, pay attention, but do not always make your voice to be heard,
else other people may grow just a little tired of the sound.

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SILVIO AND FRANCESCO.

On the side of one of the vine-clad hills of Italy dwelt a poor man with
a large family. Though he was a hard-working man, he could only earn
enough to poorly support his children, and to give them an education was
beyond his power. He was an intelligent man, and though he had grown up
without even learning to read, he wanted his children to have the
advantages of schools and books, and he decided to seek for them a home
in America. He saved all the money he could from his meagre earnings to
pay the expense of the voyage. It was a hard struggle, and there were
many days of stern self-denial and stringent economy ere the required
amount could be obtained. When one has an earnest purpose, and bends his
energies to accomplish it, he is quite sure of success. It was thus with
this Italian family. Both father and mother were united in carrying out
one fixed purpose,--to give their four children the advantages of a land
of free schools,--and though their struggles were hard, yet they were
working for their loved ones, and love lightens heavy burdens. There
always comes pleasure from what is done for the benefit of others.

When all was ready they em