Anemone.

Could it be possible? That well-known English flower blooming there! How
could it have come across the ocean?

Ah, how often had she seen it at home--for England is ever home to those
who are far away--seen it in the early spring days clustering thickly in
the woods and copse, heralding the cuckoo, and bringing with it a
promise of summer days to come.

'Dear, dear little flower!' she cried, kneeling down and kissing, in
excess of joy, its delicate petals. 'Welcome a thousand times, for you
bring with you memories from the old land. I will not gather your
pretty flowers, nor take them away to myself, but will leave you here,
so that others, perhaps more home-sick than I, will take heart, and be
cheered by your soothing though silent message.'

And the young girl was right.

Others passing by--some poor wanderers, footsore and weary--were cheered
by the bonnie wild-flower, which, happy in giving happiness to others,
swayed its tiny bells as it danced in utter gladness, whispering to the
wild bees who also came to visit it,--

'I thought at one time, when the Sparrow let me fall, that there was no
more use for me in the world, that my work was finished; but God had
still a mission for me, and I have done what others equally small can
do--given happiness, and cheered those who came across my path. It is
not much to do,' it continued meekly, 'not great and glorious deeds at
which the world stands amazed; but it was all I could do, and was the
work He meant for me--we must not despise the day of small things. The
acorn is very small, yet look at the oak. A gentle word, a bright
smile, is not hard to bestow, but oh, the blessing they can be to hearts
pining perhaps for kindness!'

* * * * *

So the Sparrow's good intention was carried out after all.

PARABLE SIXTH.

THE CROWN IMPERIAL--HOPE.

Have you ever seen a Crown Imperial, that lovely flower which comes in
the early spring-time, just after the Snowdrops have gone? You will not
find it in _new_ gardens, I fear; but in those delightful shady nooks
and corners where the old-fashioned flowers seem to come and go just as
they please, there it is to be found, coming up year after year in all
its beauty, and yet, though so lovely, meekly drooping its velvet
petals, upon which tear-drops are ever resting.

It has been said that it droops thus in humiliation, because its pride
was once rebuked; but I do not think th