fluttered and fell to the ground. Had her sister been
more sensitive, she could have seen her tremble in every limb, though her
voice was sweet and clear as she commenced, saying, "I have been very
busy the past year, but in a direction which no one but myself could
perceive. Knowing that we are subject to periods of drought, I have been,
and I think wisely too, occupying all my time in sending fibres into the
earth in every direction. I have already got one as far as the brook, the
other side of the wall. I heard the gardener say it was never dry, so I
struck out in that direction, and expect to bring forth fruit next year
for all."

"But could you not have put forth some leaves, at least, and made a
more pleasing appearance?" inquired her sister.

"No: it took all my strength to strike into the earth. I hope to see
the time when no one will be ashamed of my appearance."

The vain vine grew quite thoughtful. Was she, after all, ahead of her
sister? Was a good external appearance the sure sign of merit?

These questions kept her busy for many days. She reasoned them in her
mind, but did not act on the lesson they taught. She, too, would like to
have made preparation for seasons of drought, but her pride stood in the
way. She feared to lose her lovely foliage; and the month sped on.

Another year came. The earth was parched: no rain fell on the dry plants
and leaves. The once lovely vine lost all her foliage, while her sister
was full of leaves and promise of fruit.

"I declare," said the gardener, "it does seem strange. I expected this
vine had lost all its life; yet it is now bright and vigorous, while the
one I looked to for much fruit is fast fading. What can be the reason?"

Later in the season, the vine which had worked so long out of sight
had the pleasure of seeing not only the table of its owner supplied with
delicious fruits from its branches, but also of hearing the gardener
remark to visitors that the sick and feeble of the neighborhood were
strengthened and refreshed by the cooling grapes which she had, through
so much exertion brought forth.

The other vine bore no fruit, and had to be pruned severely; but pride
stood no longer in the way of her progress. She began to send forth her
fibres into the earth, as her sister had done. It was hard at first for
her to be obliged to listen to the praises of one whom she considered
her inferior; but she at length attained that glorious height which
enables us