ts of love and kindness bring rich returns into the hearts of
those who perform them; and then, perhaps, he would have seen at least one
reason why he should "wait all the time on Miss Jessie."

It happened that afternoon to blow up cold and rainy, so that Jessie and
her young guests could not play out of doors. The bright fire in the grate
tempted them into the parlor, where they amused themselves in various
ways. At last, wearied with quiet games, master Charlie said--

"Let us play blind-man's-buff?"

"Oh yes, do, Jessie! It's such good fun," said Emily.

"I like it first rate," said Jessie. "Who will be blind-man first?"

"I will," said Emily, in a very positive tone of voice.

"No, you won't, either, I shall be blind-man first," said Charlie.

"Well, I say you _shan't_. There now!" cried Emily, stamping the floor
with her little foot.

"But I tell you I _will_!" retorted Charlie with anger.

"Hush! Charlie dear," said Jessie, in soothing tones. "Let Emily be
blind-man first, for, you know, polite boys always give way to young
ladies."

"Well, I won't, I don't want to be polite, I want to be blind-man first,
and I WILL," rejoined Charlie, as the fire flashed from his eyes.

"Then I won't play at all," said Emily, going to an ottoman and seating
herself in a very sulky mood.

Thus did these unamiable cousins spoil their own pleasure, and give pain
to Jessie by their selfish quarrel. In vain did she try to soothe and coax
them into good-nature for some time. At last, tired of the attempt, she
rose up, and said--

"Well, if you won't play, I'll go into the library and have a good talk
with my Uncle Morris."

This movement made Emily feel slightly ashamed of herself. She was
unwilling, too, to be left alone with her brother. So she jumped up, and
with a forced smile, said--

"Don't go, Jessie, I'll let Charlie be blind-man."

"I've a great mind not to play with you at all now," growled Charlie.

"Oh yes, do, there's a dear, good Charlie," said Jessie, as she approached
him, "See! here is the handkerchief, let me tie it over your eyes so that
you won't be able to see the least bit of a mite! I don't think you will
be able to catch me before tea-time."

This challenge did more to drive the sulks out of Charlie than the
coaxing. Charles held his head forward to be bound, while he replied--

"Can't I catch you! I'll bet a dollar I catch you in less than five
minutes!"

"Young ladies _don't bet_, and