s she could. "I hope they haven't eaten up all my peaches!" was
her first exclamation. She was quite indignant to find the basket had
been opened.

Mrs. Lindsley gave her all she considered it safe for her to eat; but
Ella was not happy. She felt as if they all ought to be hers, and she
really cried about it. A day or two after Ella saw her father, and he
told her the peaches were designed for the family. Ella was somewhat
mortified, and afterward told Mrs. Lindsley what her father said about
the basket of fruit.

It seems very strange that Ella should be so selfish, for her father
is not at all so, and I know it must grieve him to have a child of his
so forgetful of the enjoyment of others. This selfishness does not
make her happy. It occasions her much trouble, and it always will.

I know a little boy, six years old, who is very fond of fruit, and who
is much delighted when his father brings him an apple; yet I have seen
him, when he had but one, divide it between his brothers and sisters,
and reserve no part of it for himself. He seemed entirely happy in
doing so.

One day he heard his mother say, "I have not even a penny in my
purse." He went up-stairs to his money-box, and brought down a handful
of pennies, and gave them to her. His mother kissed his plump,
brown cheek, and thanked him for his gift.

[Illustration: His mother kissed his plump, brown cheek.]

Which should you prefer to be like--selfish Ella, or this generous
little boy?

The selfish person is always willing to receive favours, but to the
generous "it is more blessed to give than to receive."

[Illustration]

"OUR FATHER WHO ART IN HEAVEN."

"Father is coming, father is coming!" shout a merry group of children,
as Mr. Wilmot appears around a little knoll, on his return from his
business.

"Let us run and meet him,"--and away they scamper over the lawn to see
which will get to him first. They are laughing gaily, and their feet
trip lightly, as hatless and bonnetless they hasten to him. Mary's
brown curls are streaming in the wind, and it is a beautiful sight to
look upon these children, so full of life and joy and love.

Mr. Wilmot greets them with a smile, and stoops to kiss each of them,
as they put up their arms to give him a loving welcome to his home.
One of them takes his basket, and another his cane, and then the
unoccupied hands are claimed by the tiny ones who love to walk by his
side.

Why do these children hasten s