ourage, child; take fast hold of
me. I am rough but trusty; so take my hand.'

'I fear to climb!' cried the other timidly.

'Nonsense, child! nothing is done without an effort. Only, when once you
have secured a chance, hold it fast,' was the caution given.

So she ventured to put forth a tender green tendril and clasp her kind
friend's helping hand, which, if rough and thorny, was certainly honest
and true.

It is very seldom in this world that the humble and shrinking find
friends ready and willing to raise them from the ground; for there is
such a rush and scramble to reach the temples of 'Fame' and of 'Mammon,'
that each one elbows the other in the crowd. Some of the weaker ones get
sadly pushed to the wall, others are trampled under foot, and it is only
the very boldest and most daring of the throng who ever reach the
desired goal.

But amongst the flowers it is not so; for how many of the weak ones
cling for support to others, and, through their tender care, gain
strength and beauty. And this was the case with the Honeysuckle; she
felt so secure resting on that strong, protecting arm, that by degrees
she began to gain courage, and to feel her own power. The Bramble, too,
perceiving she was something more than a mere 'little green sprig of
something,' kindly encouraged her to persevere in her upward course. So
she clambered up higher and higher; the delicate green tendrils became
firmer and stronger, and at length, after much painful toiling and many
a disappointment, she reached the highest summit of her hopes--the top
of a quickset hedge!

'Oh, how can I thank you all!' she joyfully cried, when from her lofty
position she gazed around on beautiful scenes undreamt of ere this, and
then looked back upon the toilsome path she had travelled, and beheld
the many kind friends who had helped her on her way, each one of whom
was now rejoicing in her success; 'and you, dear Bramble, my first
generous guide'--

'We are all very pleased to see that at last you have succeeded in your
efforts, my dear,' interrupted that sturdy friend; 'and, what is more,
we do not fear you will prove ungrateful, you are sure to remember us.'

'Indeed, indeed I ever shall!' cried the happy little flower. 'Can I
ever forget those who loved me when I was poor and lowly? that would be
cruel and unkind.'

And so it proved; for, as the summer grew warmer, and her lovely
blossoms opened to the bright sunshine, she in her gratitude showere