Madeline Leslie

“ I'll carry the yarn some other day."
"Poor Nancy is dependent on her knitting for her daily bread, my son."
"Can't Edward carry it to her, then?"
"Edward has his drawing lesson."
Frankie began to look red and angry; but presently brightened with the words,—"I'll run to Nancy's right away, if you'll let me. Tony may go with me."
"Have you practised your music, my dear?"
The boy's face grew dark.
"No, ma, I haven't. I hate music, and I wish I never need take another lesson, Mr. Lenox is so cross." ”

“ You know I haven't told one for a long time."
"May God help you to keep so good a resolution!" said Colonel Jameson, very solemnly, laying his hand on the boy's head. "Be truthful and obedient, and you will not only have the friendship of all good people; but God, your heavenly Father, will reward you with his favor."
Tony, at this, sprang into Frankie's arms, and laid her head on his breast.
Colonel Jameson smiled as he saw the little boy lay his cheek against Tony's nose. He loved Frankie for the kind care he took of the dog. ”

“ Lenox asks for teaching you."
"But, ma," urged the boy, "I didn't know how it would make my fingers ache. If I could play nice marches like Etty Bowles, I'd like it first-rate."
"Etty began when you did, Frankie; and I dare say her fingers ached till they became accustomed to the motion. If you persevere, you will soon be able to play marches. Every lesson you learn thoroughly is a good step in advance. You know how easy your first lessons have become."
"Oh, yes, ma! I can diddle 'em off tip-top." He laughed merrily, as he began to practise with his finger on Tony's back. ”

“ You see what a nuisance Tony would become if she did not obey you; and there is no sight more dreadful to good people, than an unruly, disobedient child. Such a one is sure to grow up disregardful of the laws of God and man, and very often ends his days in a prison, or on the gallows. ”

“ Mrs. Colvin, however, thought it best to have a bed made for Tony in the corner of the room, where she lay, wrapped in the shawl, very quietly till morning.
The next day, when Frankie was getting ready for school, he told his mother he was going to take Tony into the seat with him.
"I am afraid your teacher will object, my dear," she said, "and the dog will take your mind from your studies."
But the boy pleaded very earnestly that he might take her once. "I want to show Willie Miles and George Holmes how she obeys me," he exclaimed. ”

“ I would take nice care of her, and let her go to school with me every day."
"I rather think the teacher would object to such a scholar," answered the gentleman, laughing.
He then told Mrs. Colvin that he had found some business, and had a very good boarding-place; but they would not consent to keep Tony. He felt very sad to part from the dog, but as he found there were few boarding-houses, where a dog was not considered a nuisance, he was willing Frankie should take her, if his mother would consent. ”

“ But remember all depends on your prompt attention to your music."
"It's lonesome in the parlor, ma."
"Your aunt is there sewing, and she will help you count the time."
Frank went through the hall slowly, as if to an unpleasant task; for every day he grew more neglectful of his practice, and gave greater offence to his teacher. The piano was already open; so, after spending four or five minutes in finding the place in his book and pushing the music-stool back and forth, he took his seat. ”

“ This dear little doggy has given me one good lesson, and I love her better than ever," he added, hugging the faithful creature.
"It is a lesson," said his mother, gravely, "which I hope you will remember as long as you may live. Prompt, cheerful obedience, in the performance of duty, makes old and young happy. Now, my darling, you shall take a walk with me; and then it will be time for tea."
CHAPTER V. THE STOLEN DOG.
ONE day, Frankie was going an errand for his mother ”

“ There are no white lies. Every lie is, in God's sight, black; and he has told us how he will punish liars who do not repent and forsake their sins. You broke the rule of the school by whispering to your companion, and thus tempting him to answer ”

“ It was very hard for the good boy to study his lesson, while his seat-mate was muttering so angrily behind the cover; but, remembering his victory over himself with his music lesson, he bent his whole mind to the task, and soon learned all the map questions in his geography lesson.
The class was called to recite directly after recess; and Frankie was standing in front of the teacher, when he heard a familiar bark, and suddenly Tony bounded into the room and rushed up to him.
Then there was a knock at the door, and presently Colonel Jameson and Mrs. ”

“ You can easily imagine how glad Frankie was that he had learned his lesson so perfectly. He stood very erect, his eyes sparkling, his cheeks rosy-red, and was ready with every answer, the moment the question was asked.
"Your class appears uncommonly well," remarked the visitor. "I am glad to see that a little friend of mine is so studious."
"Bow! Wow! Wow!" barked Tony. "So am I, — so am I."
Mrs. Colvin smiled and was very happy. Nothing makes mothers so happy as to have their children do well.
CHAPTER VII. CONCLUSION.
WHEN the classes had all recited, the visitors took their leave, Mrs. ”

“ But now I want to talk with you about your music. You can remember how very anxious you were to learn, and how many promises you made to practise regularly. Your father is very fond of music, and cheerfully paid the twenty-five dollars, which Mr. ”