A GOOD THOUGHT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2010, 1 September 1892, Page 40

A GOOD THOUGHT.

(Written for the Witness Little Folks, by "Alice.") (Concluded.)

It made quite a pleasant sensation in Willies small circle when the news of his adoption became known. At first Annie did nob quite like the idea.- of it. It seemed to separate her in a measure - from -the Willie of the old life. He had been all in "all to her then. He had needed her, and to a strong nature the protective instinct always makes itself felt. He had been so little and small that she had always imagined that he could not take care of himself, quite forgetting that morally and mentally he had been the "stronger of the two, and had really taken care of her. In their talks together during Willies days of recovery thef reviewed the old days, and both agreed that out. of the brother's determined faction to do right much good — all good — had come. But still Annie's heart yearned towards the only creature she had ever unselfishly loved, and it was only when Willie had many times reiterated his determination to learn all he possibly could, and make a position for himself in the world,' which ultimately Annie was to share, that she became reconciled to the idea.

Willie had grown so much daring his illness^, that all his old clothes were too short for him, and new ones had to be made. When he first donned his grey tweed suit, he looked at the sleeve and noticed that the black mourning , band which he had worn for his father was not there. Mr Tanner watohed him closely to see what he would do, and was infinitely relieved to sea the shade of seriousness quickly pass, and that a look of gratitude and love was directed towards himself instead. "He is as much mine now as he ever was," the boy thought, quoting the lesson that Mrs Payne had taught. " I love him in loving others."

When Willie was strong enough, there came a trip to the seaside, in which Annie participated, and many jolly days were spent bathing and sporting on the sand. When the children returned, brown and rosy, they took up ' their life again in earnest — Willie being sent to a good school. The prospect of ultimately graduating at tho university tilled him with the greatest enthusiasm. Every effort, every thought, was to show his new father that he had not loved and benefited him' in vain, and his "Well done, sonny" was the sweetest of all praise to him. Mrs Tanner was only too pleased at the idea of the boy's new relationship, and when she presently discovered that his mother had been the daughter of a clergyman, and that their wretched condition had been solely owing to Mr Grant's love of drink, she, woman-like, having her prejudices against low birth removed, felt* herself freer to love the boy, who would have been just as lovable had he been the son of a sweep. But, true to the instincts of her class, it was a comfort to her to know that Willies grandfather had been the vicar of an old English church, and that in the pretty parsonage the boy's mother had been as delicately trained as she had been. Truly loving her husband, she had been his faithful wife through the days that followed his first fall, bub the sorrow and shame had. killed her.

"My mobher was a lady," Miss Annie told herself with a good deal of satisfaction, and one day intimated her determination to' be one too. Her confidante on this point was Mrs Payne, who took the communication with a smile, and, after a few moments of silence, replied j '

" Just so. I quite agree with you. It- is a noble ambition, but let us analyse the word and find out what it means. A true lady is courteous, and courtesy comes from kindness of heart and unselfish motives. She loves her fellow-beings, and that one fact "gives her the right words and ways under all circumstances. She is honourable and tru.thfui in all her dealing?, faithful to her friends, and a loyal servant to the good." Annie opened her eyes very wide at this. Ib gave her something to think about, she began dimly to discern that money and grandeur, education and accomplishments even, did not make a gentlewoman ; - but after lying awake for a good time that night she concluded that after all she would have a good try.

When winter came again Martha was married, and Annie was placed at the head of the domestic affairs— but not in Martha's position. Another girl was taken on to do all thorough work, and Annie spent most of her time in attendance on Mrs Payne, more in the capacity of a friend than a servant, performing' a hundred little offices that only affection can perform well. Many industrious hours are now spent at the piano, and Mrs Payne intends giving thb girl a thorough musical education, and Annie often pictures herself in the days yet to be, teaching music as Miss Payne has done. But Miss Payne's days of work are almost over now, for an uncle of the little ladies, Daisy and Muriel, has asked her to be his wife, and very soon he will take her to his own handsome home, and Annie will fill her place. Mrs Payne says that if will give her a fresh interest in life to have another girl to train to womanhood, and Annie, who loves to be with those whom she loves, thinks with great satisfaction of the days to come. No change of ciroumstances will ever make Willie less happy in the" service of his new father. Although there is now no occasion for him to do it, he insists upon always cleaning Mr Tanner's boots, Summer and winter alike he whistles over the labour of love, whistles the same old tune, the refrain of the song being : He polished up the handle of the big front door, He polished the handle so carefully, That now he's the ruler of the Queen's navy. The End.