,transcriber's note3 ,unusual and inconsistent spelling is as printed4 ,illustration3 ,with what pleasure the boy presented his mother with his first week's earnings4 ,,rose ,,cottage ,a ,story ,,by ,,eleanora ,h4 ,,stooke ,author of ,polly's ,father1 ,little ,gem1 c4 ,london3 ,,gall ,,and ,,inglis1 #be ,,paternoster ,,square2 ,,and ,,edinburgh4 ,,printed ,,and ,,bound ,,by ,,gall ,,and ,,inglis ,,lutton ,,place ,,edinburgh ,,contents4 ,,chapter4 ,i4 ,,the ,,new ,,arrivals4 ,,ii4 ,,we ,,didn',t ,,mean4 ,,iii4 ,,jim ,,gets ,,work4 ,,iv4 ,,the ,,good ,,shepherd4 ,v4 ,a ,,request4 ,,vi4 ,,the ,,sunday-,,school ,,treat4 ,,vii4 ,,the ,,accident4 ,,viii4 ,a ,,great ,,change4 ,,rose ,,cottage ,,chapter ,i4 ,,the ,,new ,,arrivals4 ,,sunleigh was a beautifully situated little village lying between two hills1 with a rippling stream flowing close by through fertile meadow lands1 now golden with daffodils4 ,in the most sheltered hedges1 white violets and primroses were peeping through beds of moss1 and ferns were unfolding their tender green fronds to the welcome warmth of the kindly ,march sun4 ,yet1 it felt keenly still in the shade1 and ,marian ,morris1 the vicar's only daughter1 drew her fur boa closer around her throat as she walked up the village street1 pausing for a moment at the baker's1 and then passing on to ,mrs4 ,mugford's establishment1 the post-office and general shop of the place4 ,one could buy almost anything at ,mrs4 ,mugford's--drapery1 grocery1 stationery1 ironmongery1 and1 in fact1 nearly every commodity one was likely to require4 ,whilst making her purchases1 ,miss ,morris was entertained by ,mrs4 ,mugford with all the latest village news4 ,the owner of the village shop was a large1 red-faced woman1 with bright brown eyes like a robin's1 and sleek1 neatly banded iron-grey hair4 ,she was a bit of a gossip1 it is true1 but a very kindly one4 ,never was there a case of distress in the parish that did not reach her ears1 and receive a sympathetic hearing1 and such help as she could give4 ,i have new neighbours1 she told ,miss ,morris1 nodding towards a pretty thatched cottage on the opposite side of the street4 ,rose ,cottage has been taken by a family called ,lethbridge--father1 mother1 and four children4 ,they moved in only yesterday4 ,lethbridge6 said ,miss ,morris thoughtfully4 ,i don't think ,i know the name4 ,no1 miss4 ,they come from a distance4 ,the man was groom in some gentleman's stables1 ,i hear4 ,has he work in the village1 then8 in interested tones4 ,mr4 ,talbot at the ,hall has engaged him as under stableman4 ,the wife's a sickly-looking1 pale-faced poor body2 but there are two sturdy boys1 a little girl and a baby4 ,i went across last night to see if there was anything ,i could do for them1 but ,mrs4 ,lethbridge didn't ask me in1 she added in slightly aggrieved accents4 ,perhaps she wants to get her new home in good order before seeing strangers1 suggested ,miss ,morris1 smiling1 for she guessed ,mrs4 ,mugford would have liked to have found out more about her neighbours4 ,yes1 miss1 ,i daresay4 ,i'm glad to see ,rose ,cottage inhabited1 anyway4 ,i think an unoccupied house looks so depressing4 ,what else can ,i do for you1 miss8 ,that's all ,i want to-day1 thank you1 ,mrs4 ,mugford2 good afternoon4 ,with a nod and a smile1 ,miss ,morris stepped into the street again1 just as the door of ,rose ,cottage opened1 and a pale-faced woman came out with a baby in her arms1 and a little girl of about eight years old at her side4 ,the woman looked weary1 but as she glanced at the vicar's daughter1 an expression of interest crossed her face4 ,acting on the impulse of the moment1 ,marian went across the road4 ,good morning1 she said brightly4 ,you are ,mrs4 ,lethbridge1 are you not8 ,i am ,marian ,morris1 the vicar's daughter1 and ,i have now heard that you have come to live in our village4 ,i hope you will soon feel at home4 ,i always think ,rose ,cottage so very pretty4 ,yes1 miss1 with a slight flush1 and a somewhat timid smile4 ,what a dear little girl6 ,marian exclaimed in sudden admiration1 as a pair of blue eyes were raised to meet hers1 and a delicately-tinted face1 crowned with a mass of golden curls1 became suddenly illuminated with a sweet smile4 ,what is your name1 little one8 ,molly1 please1 miss4 ,will you give me a kiss1 little ,molly8 ,no answer1 except the same smile1 wholly sweet1 but with a certain appealing weakness in it that went straight to ,marian's kind heart4 ,she bent down and kissed the child1 and then turned to the mother who was watching her earnestly4 ,our ,molly is not quite like other children1 miss1 ,mrs4 ,lethbridge said1 with a break in her voice4 ,we sometimes think she is not right here1 indicating her forehead with a quick motion of her hand4 ,marian felt shocked4 ,she looked again at the little girl1 and was conscious of a somewhat vacant expression in the clear1 blue eyes that had escaped her notice at first4 ,she is not very bad1 the mother continued hastily2 but she can't learn4 ,we have to send her to school2 but she doesn't remember anything4 ,she's an affectionate1 obedient child1 but strange--very4 ,it does seem hard she should be different to other children1 in slightly aggrieved tones2 the only girl1 too6 ,my boys are right in mind and body2 but ,molly--why1 she don't know more now than a child of five years old ought1 and she's eight4 ,god has given you a heavy trouble to bear1 ,marian said1 sympathetically4 ,he has1 indeed1 miss4 ,sometimes ,i wonder what will become of ,molly when she grows up4 ,if anything happened to her father or me1 whatever would she do8 ,her ,father in heaven would provide for her1 ,mrs4 ,lethbridge4 ,the poor mother brushed the back of one work-hardened hand across her eyes1 and tried to smile4 ,we didn't notice anything wrong with her until a year or so ago1 she said1 encouraged by the kindly interest on ,marian's face to continue the conversation4 ,we thought her backward-like2 and ,james--that's my husband--don't like to think she isn't like other children even now1 he's that fond of her4 ,i can understand it4 ,perhaps her mind will strengthen as she grows older4 ,she is in ,god's hands1 and ,he will take care of her4 ,you must always remember that4 ,mrs4 ,lethbridge made no answer1 but she sighed1 and the tears welled up into her eyes again4 ,she began to sway the baby to and fro on her arm4 ,he was a bright looking child1 and he crowed merrily1 and laughed in his mother's face4 ,will you please step inside1 miss8 ,mrs4 ,lethbridge asked4 ,not to-day1 thank you2 but ,i will come to see you soon1 when you are really settled in your new home1 and make the acquaintance of your other children4 ,the boys are gone to school1 miss4 ,i sent them at once to keep them out of mischief4 ,marian laughed1 and at that moment ,molly1 who had wandered a few steps down the street1 returned to her mother's side1 and stood looking up at her new acquaintance1 with her sweet1 wavering smile4 ,she seems very happy6 ,marian said1 softly1 to ,mrs4 ,lethbridge4 ,yes1 miss2 there's one comfort1 she's always happy4 ,she never cries1 or is cross and fretty like some children4 ,that is a great blessing1 is it not8 ,it is1 indeed1 miss4 ,after a little more conversation1 the vicar's daughter passed on her way down the street1 leaving ,mrs4 ,lethbridge gazing after her with a look of interest and approval on her face4 ,presently the boys returned from school1 and their mother went in to prepare their tea1 placing the baby in ,molly's arms to nurse4 ,the little girl sat on the doorstep in the sunshine4 ,baby was heavy1 but she held him firmly4 ,the village children1 curious at the sight of a strange face1 paused outside ,rose ,cottage to stare at ,molly1 but she did not mind1 only smiled at them in her usual friendly fashion4 ,one little girl spoke to her at length1 asking-- ,what's your name1 eh8 ,molly1 still smiling4 ,what else8 ,then1 receiving no answer1 ,where do you come from8 ,still no answer1 except a shake of the golden head4 ,i believe she's silly6 cried out one sharp-looking little girl1 whereupon there was a general laugh1 which ,mrs4 ,lethbridge heard4 ,she came out1 and immediately dispersed the children4 ,but the sharp young eyes had noticed something unusual about ,molly1 and when1 a few days later1 she appeared at the village school1 the children1 with the thoughtlessness of youth1 were ready to tease her unmercifully4 ,they called her crazy ,molly1 but they soon found she was not resentful in the least1 and to all their laughs and taunts she listened in silence1 only sometimes her sweet1 weak smile faded into an expression of astonishment and pain4 ,,chapter ,,ii4 ,,we ,,didn',t ,,mean4 ,i ,,am ashamed of you all6 ,it was ,marian ,morris' clear voice1 raised in accents of indignation as she came upon a group of children in the street1 surrounding ,molly ,lethbridge1 who was on her way home from school4 ,the vicar's daughter had arrived upon the scene in time to see one pull ,molly's hair1 another hustle her roughly1 whilst the others were laughing with great enjoyment4 ,in one moment ,marian had pushed her way to ,molly's side1 and had taken her hand in a protecting clasp1 whilst the child looked up at her with troubled1 wistful eyes4 ,shame on you to tease and worry one who cannot protect herself2 to take delight in tormenting one whom ,god has made weaker than yourselves6 ,do you forget that ,he sees you1 that ,he hears every jeering laugh1 every mocking word8 ,the children scuttled away hastily1 leaving ,molly alone with her friend4 ,still holding the child by the hand ,marian took her home4 ,rose ,cottage looked as pretty as usual outside1 but inside1 everything was poverty-stricken4 ,marian was not surprised1 for she had learnt that the money ,james ,lethbridge should have given to his wife was spent mostly at the ,white ,hart1 as the village inn was named4 ,he had lost his former situation through his drunken habits1 and seemed in the way of losing his new post if he continued the life he was leading4 ,the baby was asleep in the cradle1 and ,mrs4 ,lethbridge was engaged in ironing4 ,she dusted a chair1 and offered it to her visitor1 who begged her to continue her occupation4 ,i have brought ,molly home1 ,marian explained1 as she sat down4 ,the children were teasing her4 ,i fear they make her unhappy4 ,the mother glanced sadly at her little daughter1 who had gone to the cradle1 and was now imprinting a tender kiss on the baby's rosy cheek4 ,it seems a pity you are bound to send her to school1 ,marian continued1 for she learns but little1 ,i think you told me8 ,almost nothing1 miss2 she knows her letters1 and that's about all4 ,but1 of course1 she must go to school4 ,i should be glad enough to keep her at home to mind baby4 ,i expect the children will leave off teasing her when they find she doesn't mind4 ,i think she does mind1 but she is evidently not resentful4 ,you don't send her to ,sunday-school1 ,mrs4 ,lethbridge1 do you8 ,no1 miss2 ,i'm not bound to send her there1 you see4 ,i think it is a pity she should not go4 ,but perhaps you teach her on ,sundays at home8 ,the mother shook her head1 and looked a trifle ashamed as she said1 hastily-- ,i've no time to spare1 and it's so difficult to make her understand1 and she asks such questions6 ,of course1 ,i make her say her prayers every night4 ,molly was still standing by the cradle1 rocking it gently4 ,marian spoke to her-- ,molly1 will you come here1 dear8 ,the child moved to her side1 and stood looking up into her face1 expectantly4 ,you love baby very much1 do you not1 ,molly8 ,a nod in response4 ,and who else do you love8 ,father1 after a moment's anxious thought4 ,anyone else1 my dear8 ,mother and the boys1 the blue eyes glancing at the figure at the table busily plying the iron4 ,there is someone else surely1 ,molly8 ,you1 miss4 ,marian bent down1 and impulsively kissed the little upturned face as she whispered-- ,don't you love ,jesus1 darling8 ,don't you8 ,no1 miss4 ,she doesn't understand1 ,mrs4 ,lethbridge put in hastily4 ,i see she does not1 but ,i think one could teach her4 ,will you let her come to ,sunday-school1 ,mrs4 ,lethbridge1 if ,i manage to take her in my class8 ,i will call for her every ,sunday4 ,oh1 miss1 how truly good of you to think of it6 ,i should be that glad4 ,mrs4 ,lethbridge put down her iron1 and1 sinking into a chair1 burst into tears4 ,marian went to her side1 and laid her hand sympathetically on the poor woman's heaving shoulder4 ,what is it8 she asked1 gently4 ,i fear something is wrong4 ,i think it helps one to bear a trouble if one can speak of it1 and perhaps ,i could assist you in some way4 ,i am very foolish1 ,mrs4 ,lethbridge said1 as she hastily dried her eyes1 but ,i have a lot to try me1 and a deal to put up with4 ,i know ,i've not taught ,molly all she ought to know2 but after she was born1 things went very wrong with us4 ,my husband took to drink1 and neglected his home for bad companions2 and that has made me feel wicked and bitter2 and many has been the time that ,i've thought ,god has forsaken us6 ,oh1 dear1 ,marian cried1 just when you want ,him for your friend so much6 ,you know1 ,jesus promised never to forsake ,his people6 ,yes1 miss2 but sometimes ,i haven't been able to think it4 ,it is ,god's own promise1 ,mrs4 ,lethbridge4 ,if we ask ,him1 ,he will help us to bear our troubles2 you must cast yours all on ,him1 for ,he careth for you4 ,when ,i hear you speak1 miss1 ,i seem to feel it is all true2 but when you're gone and my husband returns the worse for drink1 and swears at the children and me1 maybe ,i shall doubt again4 ,he is not a bad man when he's sober2 but that isn't often towards the end of the day1 she said bitterly4 ,you must ask ,god to show him his sin4 ,pray for him4 ,i don't believe it would be any good1 miss4 ,try1 earnestly1 do try4 ,will you promise me8 ,yes1 ,i will1 in brighter tones4 ,and ,i'll call for ,molly next ,sunday4 ,please let her be ready by two o'clock4 ,thank you1 miss4 ,i do feel very grateful to you for taking such an interest in her4 ,oh1 here come the boys4 ,they were fine1 healthy little fellows1 and their mother's eyes rested on them with loving pride4 ,the elder was ,jim1 and the younger ,dick1 she explained4 ,marian discovered two pennies in her pocket1 which she presented to them to spend as they thought fit1 and a further search found another penny for ,molly4 ,mrs4 ,lethbridge smiled her gratitude1 and ,marian laughed as the children ran out of the cottage1 and across the road to the shop to invest their money in sweets4 ,i never mind so long as ,molly is with the boys1 the mother explained2 they think a deal of their sister4 ,that is as it should be1 ,marian responded4 ,well1 ,mrs4 ,lethbridge1 ,i must be going now4 ,i'm afraid ,i've been hindering you in your work4 ,i'm glad you should1 miss4 ,i was that miserable when you came in2 and now1 ,i declare1 what with your kind thought for my little maid1 and all you've said to me1 ,i feel a different woman6 ,as she left the cottage ,marian glanced across to ,mrs4 ,mugford's shop1 and saw ,molly and her brothers making their purchases1 the boys holding an animated conversation with ,mrs4 ,mugford herself4 ,marian smiled1 knowing well that the kind woman would give the children good worth for their pennies4 ,on her way home she encountered some of the children she had surprised teasing ,molly an hour before1 and stopped to speak a few words of remonstrance about their behaviour4 ,she saw by their flushed cheeks and bowed heads that they were ashamed of themselves2 and when she told them how they ought to protect one whom ,god had made unable to protect herself1 instead of mocking her1 a bright little girl1 who had been one of the ringleaders of ,molly's tormentors1 said1 with real penitence in her voice3-- ,we didn't mean to be unkind1 ,miss ,morris4 ,it was only fun1 and we didn't think4 ,i'll stand up for crazy ,molly1 and never laugh at her again6 ,,chapter ,,iii4 ,,jim ,,gets ,,work4 ,,it had been ,march when the ,lethbridge family arrived at ,rose ,cottage4 ,and by the time the ,june roses bloomed around its walls1 the villagers had lost all curiosity about the new-comers1 for the simple reason that they knew all there was to know about them4 ,the mother was a quiet1 hardworking woman everyone agreed1 and did the best she possibly could for her home2 whereas the father was a drinker1 and it was a wonder1 everyone said1 that ,mr4 ,talbot retained him in his service4 ,then people began to whisper that ,james ,lethbridge did a little night poaching by setting wires for rabbits--but that was only a whisper as yet4 ,scantily clothed and fed though they were1 the ,lethbridge children flourished4 ,the boys were nice little fellows1 and when ,mrs4 ,mugford engaged ,jim to deliver her customers' purchases out of school hours1 everyone said his good fortune was no more than he deserved4 ,with what pleasure the boy presented his mother with his first week's earnings1 and with what pride she received the money6 ,why1 ,jim1 she said1 quite brightly1 a happy smile lighting up her thin1 worn face1 you'll soon be a man4 ,fancy you able to help me like this6 ,when ,i'm a man1 mother1 the boy answered fondly1 ,i'll work for you so that you won't need to slave like you do now4 ,i mean to save my money1 and grow rich4 ,it must be grand to be rich1 ,i think4 ,money doesn't always bring happiness1 ,jim4 ,when ,i was in service as a girl1 ,i lived with some very rich people1 and they were most miserable--never helped others1 or gave to the poor4 ,of course1 all rich folks ain't like that4 ,miss ,morris1 for instance1 mother8 ,oh1 ,i don't think she's at all well off1 ,jim4 ,i've heard tell that the vicar has as much as he can do to make both ends meet4 ,why1 mother1 ,i thought he must be rich6 ,and ,miss ,morris somehow looks rich1 don't you think8 ,mrs4 ,lethbridge smiled at her little son's astonishment1 and1 after a few moment's thought1 she said-- ,well1 ,jim1 perhaps you're right in one way4 ,i think1 somehow1 ,miss ,morris does look rich1 and ,i'll tell you why ,i believe it is4 ,she is rich in love1 for where is there one in the parish who doesn't bless her for her sweet ways1 and love her dearly8 ,i think she's one of those the vicar preached about last ,sunday1 who lay up for themselves treasures in heaven1 and that's what gives her that happy1 contented look that makes one think she's got everything she wants4 ,maybe that's it1 ,jim agreed4 ,the other children had gone to bed1 and ,mrs4 ,lethbridge and her elder son were alone4 ,they had their frugal supper1 and1 glancing at the clock1 the mother saw it was nearly ten4 ,i think you had better go to bed1 my boy1 she remarked1 for you must be very tired1 ,i know4 ,shan't ,i wait up with you till father comes1 mother8 ,no2 it will be more than an hour before then4 ,he is sure to be late1 she added with a sigh4 ,it's a shame1 ,jim grumbled1 that father should keep you waiting for him like this1 when he's only amusing himself at the ',white ,hart1' and he'll stay there till they turn him out at eleven o'clock4 ,he's always the last to go4 ,do let me sit up with you for company1 mother4 ,no1 ,jim1 with decision in her tones1 ,i shall be a great deal happier to know you're in bed resting4 ,remember1 one hour's sleep before twelve1 is better than two after1 and boys like you should have long nights4 ,ain't you very tired1 mother8 ,well1 a little1 my dear4 ,kiss me now1 like a good lad1 and be off to bed4 ,jim complied1 somewhat reluctantly1 and then stole softly upstairs1 so as not to awaken the sleeping children1 and into the little room he shared with his brother4 ,he really was more tired than he had ever been in his short life before4 ,he was but a small boy1 and ,mrs4 ,mugford's baskets of groceries and other commodities had weighed heavily4 ,his arms and shoulders ached1 but there was an exultant feeling in his brave young heart that he had had his start in life1 and that he must work hard to help his mother4 ,he was not long undressing1 then he knelt down by the side of his bed to say his prayers1 to ask ,god to bless all those he loved1 and make him a good boy4 ,he could hardly keep his eyes open1 and scarcely a moment after his head touched the pillow1 he was asleep4 ,the next morning he awoke rather later than usual1 to find his brother had already arisen4 ,his arms were stiff1 and he felt still tired1 but after a good wash1 he was considerably refreshed1 and1 quickly dressing1 went downstairs4 ,breakfast was ready1 and the children gathered around the table to partake of weak tea1 and bread and dripping4 ,mrs4 ,lethbridge looked heavy-eyed1 and was somewhat silent1 but the boys were in excellent spirits1 and kept the conversation going1 whilst ,molly1 smiling as usual1 put in a word now and again in her hesitating fashion4 ,the father had not appeared2 and the children knew well enough that he was upstairs1 sleeping off the effects of last night's dissipation1 and asked no questions4 ,the boys were the only inmates of ,rose ,cottage who went to church that ,sunday morning1 so whilst the sweet church bells were ringing their invitation to come and worship and praise ,god in ,his house of prayer1 ,molly took the baby in her arms1 and seated herself on the doorstep in the warm ,june sunshine4 ,she made a pretty picture1 her fair face bent over her infant brother2 and the roses that twined around the porch formed a lovely setting of colour1 and filled the air with the fragrance of their scent4 ,at first baby was lively1 and his sister played with him1 but presently he became drowsy1 and lay quietly with his blue eyes staring up at the roses4 ,people passing nodded at ,molly1 and she nodded back at them4 ,presently she heard her father's heavy footsteps on the stairs1 and he came and placed a chair just inside the open door and sat down4 ,he would be at home all day1 for it was so arranged by ,mr4 ,talbot that he should have every alternate ,sunday free from work at the ,hall1 and this was one of the ,sundays on which he was his own master1 to do as he pleased4 ,well1 ,molly1 he said1 with a yawn1 don't you find it too hot out there in the sunshine8 ,oh1 no1 father4 ,how my head does ache1 to be sure1 he continued2 the sound of those bells makes it worse6 ,molly was silent for a moment1 then she said3 ,do you know what they say1 father8 ,they don't say anything1 child1 but just keep on that incessant chiming4 ,oh1 yes1 they do6 the child insisted4 ,miss ,morris told me what they said4 ,what is it1 dearie8 her mother asked1 coming to the door1 and taking the baby out of ,molly's arms as she spoke4 ,is it the bells you're speaking of8 ,yes1 mother2 don't you hear what they are saying8 ,mrs4 ,lethbridge listened a moment1 to satisfy the child1 and shook her head4 ,father1 don't you hear8 appealing to him again4 ,no1 ,i'm sure ,i don't6 he said1 laughing4 ,molly lifted up her finger1 and with her head on one side1 as though the better to hear the chiming of the bells1 she chanted3 ,will--you--come--and--sing--and--pra-ay 6 softly1 several times1 her voice rising and falling with the notes of the bells4 ,mother1 don't you hear it now8 ,husband and wife glanced at each other quickly1 and the latter made answer3 ,yes1 ,molly1 ,i think ,i do4 ,,chapter ,,iv4 ,,the ,,good ,,shepherd4 ,,molly had grown to look forward1 to ,sunday afternoons1 for1 true to her promise1 the vicar's daughter always called for the little girl on her way to the ,sunday-school1 and the two were firm friends4 ,molly learned slowly1 indeed1 but once she grasped an idea she retained it4 ,she had come to know that ,jesus was her ,saviour1 and that ,he loved1 and watched over her4 ,praying was talking to ,jesus1 and she might tell ,him anything2 she might speak to ,him anywhere1 and ,he would always hear and understand4 ,when she went to church1 it was to sing ,his praises1 and join with others who loved ,him in worshipping in ,his house of prayer4 ,so much had ,marian ,morris succeeded in teaching ,molly1 when the child surprised her parents by repeating to them the message of the bells4 ,that same afternoon1 as the little girl tripped along by ,marian's side1 she continually chanted to herself-- ,will--you--come--and--sing--and--pra-ay 8 in a monotonous undertone4 ,till her companion remarked--,i did not see you at church this morning1 my dear4 ,no1 miss1 the child answered4 ,mother could not leave1 'cause of baby4 ,who generally looks after baby when mother and you go to church8 ,father1 miss4 ,that is kind of your father4 ,molly nodded1 and in a minute abruptly volunteered a startling piece of information4 ,father was drunk last night1 she said4 ,marian was silent1 grieved at the news2 shocked that ,molly should know her father's weakness1 and filled with pity for poor ,mrs4 ,lethbridge4 ,mother cries when father gets drunk1 the child continued1 with a somewhat wistful look on her pretty face2 and ,jim is cross4 ,i hear ,jim is ,mrs4 ,mugford's errand-boy1 now1 ,marian interposed hastily1 feeling she could not discuss the father's sin and its consequences with the child1 and desiring to change the conversation2 that is a very good thing for him1 ,i should think4 ,he carries big baskets1 ,molly said1 eagerly2 such big baskets6 ,and ,mrs4 ,mugford gives him pennies--lots of pennies6 ,i expect ,jim works hard for his pennies1 and well deserves them1 my dear4 ,jim will soon be a man1 the little girl remarked1 quaintly repeating a remark she had heard from her mother's lips4 ,marian1 as she thought of ,jim1 and his short life of eleven years1 laughed4 ,meeting the blue eyes of her little companion at that moment1 she wondered if ,molly's smile was really less weak and vacant than usual1 or if she was merely becoming accustomed to the expression4 ,although ,mrs4 ,lethbridge had intimated that ,molly was not right in her mind1 the vicar's daughter had come to the conclusion that she had more understanding than she was accredited with4 ,slow and backward she undoubtedly was2 shy at first with strangers1 and reserved with other children4 ,to teach her anything one had first to win her heart1 and appeal to her affections1 for all learning was laborious to her1 and fraught with great difficulty4 ,but she would do anything for one she loved1 and for ,marian ,morris1 ,molly did her best4 ,the vicar's daughter was often surprised to find how much the child was learning1 and thus encouraged1 she exerted herself still more to teach her4 ,after the children had all gone to ,sunday-school that same afternoon1 and ,mrs4 ,lethbridge had washed up the dinner things1 she sat down by the open window to take a little rest4 ,opposite1 her husband was asleep in his chair1 and as her eyes rested on his face1 she could not help noticing the marks that his drinking habits were leaving on his once good-looking countenance4 ,for nearly an hour she sat thus1 brooding over the difficulties of her life2 but presently her thoughts turned to her children4 ,they were such obedient1 good children1 and she had great hopes for them--even for little ,molly6 ,the dear child had improved so much of late6 ,by-and-bye1 ,james ,lethbridge awoke1 and looked surprised to see his wife seated quietly at the other side of the window4 ,why1 ,jenny1 he said1 it's not often ,i see you idle1 even on a ,sunday6 ,i was thinking1 ,james1 she answered4 ,i wonder if you have noticed how our little maid has altered--and for the better1 too6 ,i think it's ,miss ,morris' doing2 she's been doing her utmost to teach her1 ,i know4 ,i do think the child is sharper than she used to be4 ,perhaps she is2 but ,i haven't been noticing her much4 ,you know ,i never would allow that she wasn't all right4 ,no1 but you know she's not quite like other children of her age4 ,weren't you struck by what she said about the bells this morning8 ,i was4 ,it set me thinking1 ,james1 and looking back on our courting days1 when we used to go to church regular4 ,the husband made no response1 only cast a surprised look at his wife4 ,but at that moment ,miss ,morris was saying good-bye to ,molly outside the door1 and the brief conversation was at an end4 ,molly came in with glowing cheeks and shining eyes4 ,she ran up to her mother1 and kissed her pale1 tired face4 ,haven't you a kiss for your poor old father1 too1 ,molly8 ,the little girl turned towards him1 and1 springing upon his knee1 put her arms around his neck with a loving embrace4 ,and what have you been learning at ,sunday-school to-day1 my dear8 her mother enquired4 ,about the ,good ,shepherd1 ,molly answered promptly4 ,tell us about ,him1 dearie4 ,molly sat on her father's knee1 with his arm around her1 whilst she tried to collect her thoughts4 ,it was an effort1 and for a moment her face was clouded1 then a glimmer of brightness drove away the gloom4 ,he is the ,king of love1 she said1 nodding her head and smiling4 ,who8 ,mrs4 ,lethbridge asked gently4 ,the ,good ,shepherd--,jesus1 you know4 ,he had a lot of sheep1 no one can count how many2 and ,he loved them very much4 ,some did as they were told1 and were good4 ,but there was one--,i think it was a lamb--because of the picture4 ,molly paused1 glancing from one listener's face to the other1 but meeting her mother's encouraging smile1 continued more fluently-- ,there was one little lamb that wouldn't listen to the ,good ,shepherd1 and was very naughty1 and was lost6 ,a troubled look crossed the child's face2 the ready tears welled up into her blue eyes1 but in a moment the shadow had fled again1 and she continued in quick1 glad tones1 ,but ,jesus found him at last1 after a long1 long while1 and brought him home quite safe--the naughty little lamb6 ,father1 did you ever hear about it all before8 ,seems to me ,i have1 ,molly1 years and years ago4 ,do you know how the ,good ,shepherd found the little lamb1 father8 ,no1 my dear1 ,i don't4 ,he went about calling the little lamb's name1 and at last the little lamb heard4 ,i 'spect he came running when he heard the ,good ,shepherd's voice4 ,there's a picture of ,jesus with the little lamb on ,his shoulder in ,mrs4 ,mugford's shop1 father4 ,that's how ,i know 'twas such a weeny1 weeny lamb4 ,is there8 said her father4 ,why1 so there is1 ,molly1 ,mrs4 ,lethbridge said smiling4 ,i saw it in the window yesterday4 ,i 'spect it would cost a lot of pennies to buy it2 wouldn't it1 mother8 ,i don't know1 my dear4 ,i daresay it would4 ,i hope ,mrs4 ,mugford will keep it there for a long1 long time6 ,why1 my dear8 asked her mother4 ,so that ,i can look at it every day4 ,bless me1 child1 what an idea6 her mother exclaimed4 ,mrs4 ,mugford will sell the picture as soon as she possibly can1 you may depend upon that4 ,but there1 look at it as much as you like1 if it pleases you1 and ,i don't suppose ,mrs4 ,mugford will mind your looking4 ,no1 she's a good soul1 ,mr4 ,lethbridge said in grateful tones2 and she's so kind to ,jim1 too6 ,we sang such a pretty hymn this afternoon1 ,molly continued eagerly4 ,that was about the ,good ,shepherd too4 ,couldn't you sing it to us now1 ,molly8 the mother asked4 ,i can't remember all1 with a shake of the golden head2 ,i only know a little bit4 ,sing us the little bit1 my dear4 ,your father and ,i would like to hear1 eh father8 ,james ,lethbridge assented readily2 so ,molly complied with their request1 her sweet1 fresh voice singing the first verse of the hymn4 ,the ,king of love my ,shepherd is1 ,whose goodness faileth never2 ,i nothing lack if ,i am his1 ,and ,he is mine for ever4 ,i forget the rest1 mother1 but it's all about the ,good ,shepherd1 and ,i'm going to learn every word some day4 ,miss ,morris is going to teach me4 ,when ,molly had gone upstairs to take off her hat1 and put a pinafore over her best frock1 ,mrs4 ,lethbridge turned eagerly to her husband4 ,james1 she said1 in more hopeful tones than he had heard from her lips for many a year1 don't you see now how the child is improving8 ,he agreed with a short nod1 but there was a look on his face that told of unspeakable thankfulness1 and she was satisfied4 ,,chapter ,v4 ,a ,,request4 ,,in ,mrs4 ,mugford's shop window1 in the midst of several other prints1 in cheap wooden frames1 was the one that had made such an impression on ,molly's mind4 ,the prints were all of little value1 but to ,molly they appeared grand pictures1 and several times a day1 she would pause to have another admiring gaze at the ,good ,shepherd4 ,at length1 one afternoon1 she took courage and ventured into the shop1 where with her heart beating wildly1 and her cheeks flushed with the thought of her boldness1 she found herself face to face with ,mrs4 ,mugford4 ,the good woman smiled kindly as she leaned her hands on the counter1 and surveyed the little girl out of her sharp brown eyes4 ,well1 my dear1 she remarked1 in her brisk1 business-like way1 has your mother sent you to do her shopping for her8 ,no1 please1 ma'am1 ,molly answered1 shyly4 ,no8 ,then what is it1 ,molly8 ,if you please1 ma'am1 would you tell me how many pennies it would cost to buy a picture8 ,a picture6 ,what picture8 ,one of the prints in the window1 ,i suppose8 ,yes1 ma'am4 ,i mean the ,good ,shepherd4 ,oh6 exclaimed ,mrs4 ,mugford1 in great astonishment4 ,it's eighteen pence1 and very cheap at that6 ,eighteen pence6 said ,molly1 doubtfully4 ,please1 how many pennies is that8 ,eighteen1 ,mrs4 ,mugford replied1 with difficulty concealing an amused smile2 then noticing the expression of dismay on the child's face1 ,were you thinking of buying it8 ,molly nodded gravely4 ,mrs4 ,mugford surveyed her for a few minutes in puzzled silence4 ,now1 ,i wonder what makes you want that picture8 she said at last1 enquiringly4 ,it is so beautiful6 ,the ,good ,shepherd looking so glad 'cause ,he's found the little lamb6 ,oh1 you know all about it1 ,i see1 ,mrs4 ,mugford said aloud1 whilst inwardly she was saying1 ,this is the child folks say is not right4 ,it strikes me she's right enough6 ,i go to ,sunday-school1 ,molly continued1 encouraged by the kindly look in the eyes that were watching her so sharply1 and ,miss ,morris told me all about ,him4 ,he is the ,king of love2 the hymn says so4 ,what hymn1 my dear8 ,ah1 ,i remember4 ,well1 now1 about this picture2 how many pennies have you8 ,only two1 ma'am--one the vicar gave me last week1 and one ,jim gave me on ,saturday4 ,ah6 ,i'm afraid ,i can't sell it for that6 ,do you think you will ever be able to save eighteen pennies8 ,i don't know1 ma'am4 ,i think you'd better ask your father about it4 ,i'll tell you what ,i'll do4 ,i'll keep that print in the window along with the others1 but if anyone wants to buy it1 ,i'll say it's bespoken4 ,i'll keep it there a month1 and by that time you'll know if there's any chance of your buying it4 ,oh1 thank you1 ma'am4 ,you will let it stay in the window where ,i can see it8 ,yes1 ,i will4 ,oh1 thank you1 thank you1 said ,molly with great earnestness4 ,molly's smile was like sunshine at that moment4 ,mrs4 ,mugford put a few mixed sweets into a screw of paper1 and slipped the little packet into the child's hand1 bidding her run along home1 and was rewarded with a look full of deep gratitude4 ,that evening1 when her father returned from his day's work at the ,hall1 ,molly told him about what had taken place between her and ,mrs4 ,mugford4 ,he listened in silence4 ,he would have much liked to give his little daughter the money for the picture1 more especially as she rarely expressed a desire for anything she did not possess2 and his conscience told him that if he would only deny himself a few drinks at the ,white ,hart1 he could easily spare the eighteen pence2 but at the same time1 he was too selfish to make a sacrifice for even his dearly loved child4 ,why couldn't ,mrs4 ,mugford give her the picture8 he said to his wife1 later on1 after the children had gone to bed4 ,why should she1 ,james8 ,mrs4 ,lethbridge replied1 indignantly4 ,she's always giving ,molly sweets1 and sending across things to me4 ,you know how good and kind she is4 ,i expect1 getting angry at her husband's ingratitude1 that she thinks you might give ,molly this picture if you liked2 no doubt she knows well enough how you spend your evenings1 and what you throw away on drink6 ,that will do1 ,jenny6 ,i'm not going to be talked to by you4 ,if you're going to begin nagging1 ,i'll go6 ,do you think ,i care what ,mrs4 ,mugford thinks about me8 ,no1 you don't care-- ,alas6 ,it was the beginning of a domestic storm4 ,in a few minutes1 husband and wife were exchanging angry1 bitter words1 and ere long1 ,james ,lethbridge strode out of the cottage and betook himself to the ,white ,hart1 there to remain till he should be told to go1 at eleven o'clock4 ,of course1 the children heard the high words1 but they were quite accustomed to hear their parents wrangling1 and took little notice4 ,the boys were sleepy1 and after listening to their father slam the door1 and walk away1 they shut their eyes1 and were soon blissfully unconscious of everything2 whilst ,molly lay in her little bed1 repeating in a whisper her favourite evening prayer3 ,jesus1 tender ,shepherd1 hear me1 ,bless thy little lamb to-night4 ,through the darkness be ,thou near me1 ,bless my sleep till morning light4 ,it had been the first prayer she had ever learned2 but it was only lately that she had come to understand the meaning of the words4 ,to-night1 she thought of the ,good ,shepherd1 dwelling upon ,his love for the little lost lamb1 and seeing in her imagination the gentle face of ,him who gave ,his life for ,his sheep4 ,meanwhile1 in the cosy parlour behind her shop1 ,mrs4 ,mugford was spending the one hour of the day she had to herself4 ,her ,bible lay upon the table at her side1 for she had been reading in the ,gospel of ,st4 ,john the story of the ,good ,shepherd1 constrained to do so1 doubtless1 on account of her conversation with ,molly4 ,now1 one could see by the dreamy look on her face1 that she was in deep thought4 ,the truth was1 as she had been closing up her shop1 she had seen ,james ,lethbridge fling himself out of his cottage door1 and it had only needed one glance at his enraged countenance to tell her something had gone wrong in his home4 ,now1 as she sat thinking of her interview with ,molly1 she thought pitifully of the child's father4 ,she had not given him many thoughts hitherto1 except to despise him as a drunkard1 and blame him as a neglectful husband and parent2 but to-night her reflections of him were softened by the memory of the beautiful words she had just finished reading3 ,and other sheep ,i have1 which are not of this fold3 ,them also ,i must bring1 and they shall hear ,my voice4 ,mrs4 ,mugford got up from her chair1 and after carefully putting away her ,bible in its place1 upon the shelf which contained her greatest treasures1 she left the house1 and crossed the road to ,rose ,cottage4 ,mrs4 ,lethbridge will likely be lonely to-night1 she said to herself1 and maybe she'll be glad of my company for a while4 ,she tapped gently at the closed door1 and receiving no answer stepped into the dimly-lit kitchen4 ,mrs4 ,lethbridge was seated with her hands covering her face1 and she was weeping in a hopeless fashion4 ,she looked up with a start as her neighbour entered1 and a shamed look crossed her face when she saw who it was4 ,i've run in for a few minutes' talk with you1 ,mrs4 ,mugford said kindly4 ,you know ,i'm all alone of an evening1 and sometimes the time hangs heavy4 ,i'm all alone1 too1 ,mrs4 ,lethbridge replied bitterly4 ,the children are in bed1 and fast asleep1 ,i suppose8 asked ,mrs4 ,mugford4 ,yes1 replied ,mrs4 ,lethbridge2 and my husband's gone to the public-house as usual6 ,ah1 that's bad6 ,don't cry2 for ,mrs4 ,lethbridge was beginning to shed tears again4 ,crying never does any good1 and it'll only make you ill4 ,i'm sorry for your husband1 ,mrs4 ,lethbridge4 ,sorry6 she exclaimed1 looking up in surprise1 for many expressed blame1 but few sorrow1 for him who was the cause of all her heart-break4 ,sorry6 ,yes1 indeed ,i am1 said ,mrs4 ,mugford4 ,he used to be so different before he took to drink4 ,you wouldn't think now he was the same man ,i married4 ,he's wandered away from ,christ's fold1 but the ,good ,shepherd--,him your little maid talks about--,he won't forget him2 and one day ,i hope your husband will hear ,his voice1 ,mrs4 ,mugford said solemnly4 ,you must pray for him4 ,oh1 ,i do1 ,i do6 ,but ,i can't help complaining1 and ,i've no patience1 and life does seem so hard6 ,mrs4 ,mugford nodded sympathetically1 and then the neighbours sat down side by side1 and indulged in a long1 confidential chat2 and by-and-bye ,mrs4 ,lethbridge dried her eyes1 and was comforted4 ,when ,mrs4 ,mugford said good-night1 it was after promising to run in again one evening soon1 and she went home with the knowledge that she had been allowed to help and cheer one heavy heart4 ,,chapter ,,vi4 ,,the ,,sunday-,,school ,,treat4 ,,there was great excitement in the little village of ,sunleigh one day towards the end of ,june1 and many an anxious glance was cast at the sky to see if the weather was likely to remain fair4 ,but not one fleck of cloud was visible in the broad expanse of blue overhead1 and the good folks of ,sunleigh had every reason to be confident that it would be fine for the ,sunday-school treat4 ,punctually at two o'clock1 the children assembled at the school-house1 and marched to the ,vicarage grounds1 where they spent the afternoon and evening in playing games and running races1 with an interval for the all-important tea4 ,besides the children1 many of their parents were present1 not to speak of the teachers1 who worked hard for the enjoyment of their little pupils4 ,the vicar1 of course1 was at the head of everything4 ,he was a grey-haired1 elderly man1 with a kind1 sympathetic heart and manner1 and a face that won one's confidence and trust4 ,he had had much care and sorrow1 for he had been many years a widower1 and out of four children only ,marian was left1 the rest having died in early youth4 ,yet the vicar was always bright and cheerful1 and never more so than when in the presence of young folks4 ,it was a perfect day1 every one agreed1 and not too hot2 for though the sun shone in a cloudless sky1 there was a fresh1 invigorating breeze1 and it was delightfully cool under the tall elm trees that flanked the ,vicarage lawn4 ,it was in that sheltered spot that the mothers congregated1 and discussed the behaviour of their children4 ,what a pretty little maid yours is1 said one kindly soul to ,mrs4 ,lethbridge1 who was present with the baby in her arms4 ,i never did see such blue eyes before1 and such golden curls6 ,mrs4 ,lethbridge smiled1 and turned a pleased look on the speaker1 as she answered1 ,molly's a good child1 and that's better than her pretty looks1 ,i take it4 ,she's so sweet-tempered1 too1 and always as happy as the day is long4 ,and your boys are fine little chaps4 ,how does the elder take to work1 ,mrs4 ,lethbridge8 ,oh1 very well indeed2 and ,mrs4 ,mugford says he's trustworthy1 and she's quite satisfied with him4 ,that's a great thing1 ain't it8 ,you can't trust some boys out of your sight1 hardly4 ,mrs4 ,mugford will stand his friend1 you'll see1 if she's taken to him--she's like that4 ,she and ,i were girls together1 so ,i know her ways4 ,she's got on in the world4 ,married a steady1 hardworking man1 and when he died1 he left her well provided for1 and without any one to share with6 ,as though to be alone in the world had its advantages4 ,but ,mrs4 ,lethbridge did not see it in that light4 ,i've heard her say she wished she had children1 she said2 and she's real good to mine4 ,at that moment the conversation was interrupted by ,jim1 who rushed up in great excitement to his mother1 and whispered eagerly in her ear-- ,mother1 ,i've won sixpence for coming in second in the last race6 ,the vicar gave it to me6 ,look here6 ,the boy's face was shining with pleasure1 and his smile was reflected on the mother's countenance4 ,do you know what ,i am going to do with it1 mother8 ,then1 as she shook her head1 ,i'm going to save it towards buying that picture of the ,good ,shepherd for our ,molly4 ,will you please keep it for me8 ,mrs4 ,lethbridge willingly consented1 and took charge of the bright1 new sixpence1 tying it up carefully in a corner of her pocket handkerchief4 ,she was deeply touched at the boy's unselfishness and love for his sister1 and felt she might be justly proud of her elder son4 ,meanwhile1 ,molly was enjoying the day most thoroughly4 ,she kept close to ,miss ,morris at first1 but after a little while1 she ventured to play with some other children about her own age1 and soon lost all her shyness and reserve4 ,but now the summer evening was drawing to a close2 the sun was setting in a rosy glow of colour1 and the children's happy day was nearly over4 ,james ,lethbridge returned home before his family1 and after getting his own tea1 stood outside the cottage door1 looking disconsolately up and down the deserted street4 ,the silence indoors was oppressive1 and he felt quite glad when he saw ,mrs4 ,mugford's portly figure step outside her shop1 and he immediately crossed the road to speak to her4 ,good evening1 ma'am4 ,so you haven't gone to the school treat1 along with every one else4 ,no1 she replied1 with a smiling nod of greeting4 ,i couldn't leave1 you know4 ,i should have shut up my shop if it hadn't been for the post-office4 ,you see ,i'm a public servant1 and not my own mistress4 ,but ,i've not had a single person inside my doors since two o'clock to-day1 and ,i can tell you it's been the longest afternoon ,i've spent since--the school treat last year4 ,i've had to get my own tea1 ,james ,lethbridge remarked1 for the missus has gone with the youngsters4 ,she left everything ready for me1 and the door-key under a stone where ,i should know where to find it4 ,it's quite an event for my wife to go pleasuring6 ,yes1 ,i know she is a home bird1 ,mrs4 ,mugford answered4 ,this half-day's holiday will do her good1 ,i'm sure4 ,everyone enjoys the ,sunday-school treat--old and young alike6 ,i just stepped across to ask you a favour1 ,james ,lethbridge explained4 ,now1 ,i hope it's something ,i can do6 ,mrs4 ,mugford said pleasantly4 ',tis only this4 ,i want you to tell ,jenny1 when she comes home1 that ,i shall be up at the ,hall all night4 ,we've a horse took dreadful bad with inflammation--a favourite horse of ,mr4 ,talbot's--and he wants someone to sit up with the poor creature1 and attend to it4 ,he asked me if ,i would stay with old ,burt to-night2 he's the head groom1 you know4 ,burt's getting up in years1 and the master thinks it would be too much for him to be up all night alone4 ,mr4 ,talbot's very thoughtful for other folk's comfort1 ,mrs4 ,mugford remarked4 ,i hope the poor horse will recover2 ,i can't bear to see an animal suffer4 ,yes1 ,i'll give ,mrs4 ,lethbridge your message2 but1 surely you're not going to the ,hall yet8 ,no1 ,i shan't be expected till ten4 ,i'm just going down the street for a stroll1 and maybe ,i shan't come back again4 ,mrs4 ,mugford guessed he was going to the ,white ,hart1 but she did not like to offer a word of remonstrance4 ,at that moment1 her companion happened to glance at the shop window1 and the first object that met his eyes was the picture of the ,good ,shepherd1 that his little daughter so longed to possess4 ,he drew near1 and looked at it with interest4 ',tis strange what a fancy our ,molly's taken to that picture1 he said4 ,i've thought ,i should like to make her a present of it one of these days6 ,i wish you would6 ,mrs4 ,mugford answered impulsively4 ,i can't well afford it--not just now2 perhaps on ,saturday when ,i get my wages ,i'll buy it4 ,i don't feel justified in giving it to her4 ,you see if one keeps a shop1 it doesn't do to make presents of one's goods1 said ,mrs4 ,mugford4 ,no1 it wouldn't do to begin that sort of thing1 ,james ,lethbridge said hastily2 and you've been too generous to my family as it is4 ,i've never thanked you1 but-- ,oh1 please don't4 ,any little thing ,i can do for your wife1 ,i'm only too glad to do4 ,and ,i love the children--,i never had any of my own4 ,your ,jim's a fine1 honest lad4 ,i believe he'll make a good man some day2 and ,dick's a dear1 little fellow2 and as for ,molly--well there1 ,i can't tell you how fond ,i am of ,molly6 ,i wish you'd manage to give her this picture4 ,save the money in some way6 ,mrs4 ,mugford paused abruptly1 rather alarmed at the thought of how her companion would take her last remark2 but he was not offended1 as she half thought he might be4 ,the kindly interest in ,mrs4 ,mugford's sharp1 brown eyes disarmed his first feeling of resentment4 ,he knew well enough1 if he refrained from going to the ,white ,hart for a few evenings that he would save the price of the picture1 and he guessed that was what ,mrs4 ,mugford meant4 ,well1 ,i've a notion ,i know what you mean1 he said in rather a shame-faced fashion2 and ,i don't know that ,i mayn't do as you say4 ,i must wish you good evening now1 ,mrs4 ,mugford1 and he turned away1 and strolled down the street4 ,mrs4 ,mugford watched his retreating figure out of sight1 then she went into her shop1 and began making preparations for closing for the night4 ,meanwhile ,james ,lethbridge was halting outside the ,white ,hart1 hesitating whether he should enter or not2 but for once he allowed his conscience to guide him1 and put the temptation aside4 ,,chapter ,,vii4 ,,the ,,accident4 ,,it was the morning after the school treat1 and although only a little after six o'clock1 the ,lethbridge boys were already up1 helping to put things in order for the day4 ,i wonder what time father will be home1 ,dick said1 as he coaxed the fire into a blaze1 to boil the kettle4 ,i don't know1 my dear2 early ,i expect1 ,mrs4 ,lethbridge answered in unusually cheerful tones--evidently the ,sunday-school treat had done her good4 ,i hope the poor horse is better1 ,dick continued4 ,do you think father will be home to breakfast1 mother8 ,if ,i knew what time he was coming1 ,i'd go to meet him4 ,why1 here he comes6 ,jim exclaimed4 ,i know that's his footstep4 ,he came in looking wonderfully brisk1 seeing he had been awake all night1 and answered their questions willingly4 ,the horse was better2 he and old ,burt had done the best they could for it4 ,mr4 ,talbot's so pleased his favourite's likely to recover1 that he says he'll increase my wages at the end of the week4 ,now1 isn't that good news8 ,the boys assented eagerly1 and ,mrs4 ,lethbridge smiled2 though she could not help wondering if her husband would allow her a little more towards the housekeeping1 or if he would spend the extra money in drink4 ,father1 said ,jim1 presently1 ,i have sixpence--or rather1 mother is keeping it for me4 ,i won it for coming in second in a race yesterday4 ,guess what ,i'm going to do with it6 ,the father shook his head1 smiling as he met the boy's eager glance4 ,i'm going to put it towards buying that picture of the ,good ,shepherd for our ,molly4 ,isn't it a splendid idea8 ,well done1 ,jim2 and ,i'll give you the rest of the money on ,saturday4 ,oh1 father1 do you mean it8 ,oh1 thank you1 thank you6 ,of course ,i mean it4 ,i intended to give ,molly the picture anyway4 ,how pleased the child will be6 ,mrs4 ,lethbridge exclaimed4 ,i wonder where she'll hang it4 ,she is not up yet1 ,i suppose8 the father enquired4 ,no2 ,i expect she's very tired4 ,you should have seen her running about and playing with the other children1 yesterday6 ,it did my heart good to watch her6 ,she did have a good time1 and no mistake6 ,molly slept on till nearly eight o'clock1 and when she came down1 found her father fast asleep in their one easy-chair4 ,her mother motioned to her not to disturb him1 so she took her breakfast in silence4 ,then the children went to school1 and ,mrs4 ,lethbridge was busy for a while1 washing and dressing the baby4 ,when her husband at last awoke1 it was ten o'clock4 ,he got up immediately1 and putting his hand into the deep outer pocket of his coat1 drew out a fine rabbit4 ,there1 ,jenny1 he said1 that'll make us a good dinner to-day6 ,but instead of looking pleased1 the poor wife's face clouded over1 and she exclaimed1 ,oh1 ,james1 you've been poaching again6 ,and what if ,i have8 ,i set the wire as ,i went up to the ,hall last evening1 and this morning there was our dinner caught for us4 ,come1 ,jenny1 don't look so black4 ,where's the harm8 ,there is harm1 she said1 vehemently1 and you must know it1 ,james4 ,you took good care not to show the rabbit when the children were here1 because you thought they might wonder how you got it6 ,it's stealing1 for the rabbit don't belong to us2 and if you were found out1 you'd be sent to prison1 and then what would become of your family8 ,i'll take care not to be found out4 ,i don't call trapping a rabbit stealing1 if you do4 ,the farmers complain dreadfully that the rabbits are a perfect plague1 and eat up all their crops4 ,mr4 ,talbot would discharge you if he knew6 ,i daresay he would2 but he won't know4 ,he may get to hear4 ,i really believe people are suspicious about you1 ,james4 ,i'll promise you to be careful4 ,i wish you'd promise me never to poach a rabbit1 or anything else1 again6 ,not likely4 ,what an aggravating woman you are1 ,jenny6 ,james1 it's not honest4 ,i never thought when ,i married you1 you'd come to this4 ,but ,james ,lethbridge only laughed4 ,he was in too good spirits to be easily made angry1 and would not take his wife's remarks seriously4 ,mrs4 ,lethbridge cooked the rabbit for dinner1 but she felt very unhappy2 and after the mid-day meal was over1 and she was washing up the plates1 a few hot tears coursed down her cheeks4 ,molly1 who was playing with the baby1 noticed her mother's sorrow1 and ran to her side4 ,mother6 she cried4 ,what is it8 ,nothing ,i can tell you1 my dear4 ,molly was sadly distressed4 ,she stood looking up into her mother's face with wistful1 blue eyes4 ,her father and brothers had gone out1 so1 but for the baby1 ,mrs4 ,lethbridge and her little girl were alone4 ,don't you worry1 my ,molly4 ,when you are older you shall know everything that troubles me4 ,you'll be my right-hand4 ,i know you will4 ,but1 mother1 why do you cry8 ,does your head ache8 ,no1 my dear2 it's my heart4 ,poor mother6 ,won't ,jesus take the pain away8 ,i don't know2 perhaps ,he will some day4 ,we'll ask ,him now6 ,miss ,morris says we must tell ,him everything6 ,well1 you ask ,him1 ,molly4 ,so the child knelt down on the kitchen floor1 and covering her face with her hands1 prayed earnestly-- ,please1 dear ,jesus1 take mother's pain away1 and not make her heart ache any more4 ,then arising from her knees1 she looked around with a radiant countenance1 and was met by her mother's smile--a smile that seemed to drive away all thoughts of sorrow1 so full was it of tender love4 ,the next moment1 the cottage door was flung open1 and ,dick rushed in1 out of breath1 and pale with fright4 ,mother6 ,oh1 mother6 he cried1 half sobbing4 ,what is it8 she asked anxiously4 ,what is wrong8 ,father's had an accident1 and they're bringing him home6 ,there was a runaway horse coming down the street1 and he tried to stop it1 and oh1 with a shudder1 it trod upon him6 ,molly began to cry1 and at the sound ,mrs4 ,lethbridge1 with a mighty effort1 collected her startled wits4 ,dick1 she said quickly and imperatively1 do you take baby and ,molly upstairs into your own room1 and shut the door4 ,mind and remain there1 all of you1 till ,i say you may come out4 ,taking the baby in his arms1 ,dick led the way upstairs1 and carried out his mother's instructions4 ,molly's frightened sobs soon ceased1 and the children strained their ears to catch every sound4 ,they are carrying him upstairs1 ,dick whispered2 and that's ,dr4 ,bly's voice4 ,oh1 ,i hope poor father isn't dead4 ,the time seemed endless1 but it was actually only half-an-hour before ,jim softly opened the door1 and joined them4 ,oh1 ,jim6 cried ,molly1 flinging herself into his arms4 ,he's not dead--say he's not dead4 ,no1 he's not dead4 ,they have put him to bed1 but ,i'm afraid the doctor thinks he's badly hurt4 ,mother said ,i was to come and take you all downstairs4 ,will father die8 ,molly questioned4 ,oh1 ,jim1 do say6 ,i don't know1 ,molly2 but ,i hope he won't4 ,perhaps the doctor will be able to tell us presently4 ,jesus can make him well1 can't ,he8 ,yes1 of course ,he can4 ,we'll ask ,him1 ,molly4 ,so the children crept noiselessly downstairs1 and1 in the kitchen1 they huddled together in a corner1 whilst ,jim1 in faltering accents1 prayed for their father's recovery4 ,by-and-bye the doctor's footsteps were heard descending the stairs4 ,he was a kindhearted man1 with little ones of his own1 and he cast a pitying look at the children4 ,will my father live1 sir8 ,jim enquired4 ,i cannot tell1 my boy4 ,he has broken his right leg1 and has other injuries besides1 but he may pull through4 ,we must hope for the best4 ,well1 little girl1 patting ,molly's golden head1 what have you been doing to your eyes8 ,crying1 eh8 ,yes1 sir4 ,molly answered shyly4 ,oh1 you mustn't cry4 ,that won't mend matters4 ,you'll be wanted to help nurse your poor father2 and ,i can't have tears in a sick-room1 you know4 ,that won't do4 ,no1 sir1 said ,molly4 ,that's well said4 ,i fancy you'll make a capital little nurse1 anyway2 we'll see6 and the kindly doctor went on his way1 having cheered the children considerably4 ,we must hope for the best1 ,jim said1 repeating ,dr4 ,bly's words1 and perhaps ,god will let poor father live after all6 ,,chapter ,,viii4 ,a ,,great ,,change4 ,,james ,,lethbridge did not die1 though it was several days before the doctor declared his life to be out of danger4 ,it was ,september before he was well enough1 with great difficulty1 to come downstairs4 ,it was a painful journey1 but ,dr4 ,bly said he must now try to use his leg more and more daily4 ,a cheerful little party took tea together in the kitchen that afternoon4 ,the father1 pale and thin after his illness1 and still feeling very weak1 was somewhat silent4 ,during the weary time he had been laid up1 he had had ample opportunity for serious thought1 and had determined never1 with ,god's help1 to neglect his family for the sake of drink again4 ,perhaps his talks with the vicar1 who had been one of his constant visitors1 had had something to do with this determination2 and1 certainly1 the long nights of wakefulness and pain he had endured1 during which his conscience had spoken to him plainly1 and he had seemed alone with ,god1 had taught him much1 and influenced him aright4 ,how strange it seems to have father down with us again1 remarked ,mrs4 ,lethbridge4 ,i feel so glad and thankful6 ,father6 cried ,molly4 ,you haven't noticed my picture6 ,look6 ,the father followed the direction of the child's pointing finger1 and then gave a start of surprise as he saw the picture of the ,good ,shepherd hanging on the wall4 ,why1 ,molly6 he exclaimed4 ,how did you come by it8 ,molly clapped her hands1 and laughed4 ,you'll never guess who gave it to me1 father6 ,it was ,mr4 ,talbot1 ,mrs4 ,lethbridge explained2 he's ,molly's latest friend1 you know4 ,it was like this4 ,when you were at your worst1 ,mr4 ,talbot called to enquire how you were getting on4 ,he only saw ,molly and baby1 and it seems she got talking to him2 wasn't that it1 ,molly8 ,yes1 mother4 ,he asked lots of questions1 and ,i told him how ,i went to ,sunday-school with ,miss ,morris4 ,and then ,i told him about the ,good ,shepherd1 and that he could see the picture in ,mrs4 ,mugford's window4 ,he went across to ,mrs4 ,mugford's1 but she said he couldn't have it1 until he said it was for me1 then she let him buy it4 ,i found a nail1 and he nailed it up there6 ,i never was more surprised about anything than when ,i came down and saw it1 ,mrs4 ,lethbridge declared2 and that was only the beginning of ,mr4 ,talbot's kindness4 ,every ,saturday1 as you know1 ,james1 he has brought me a sovereign4 ,god must have put it into his heart to be so generous6 ,the husband was silent1 but only because he could find no words to express his sense of gratitude4 ,he knew his master had acted thus for the sake of his helpless wife and family1 and he felt deeply thankful4 ,the next day ,mr4 ,talbot called1 and had a long interview with ,james ,lethbridge2 and afterwards ,mrs4 ,lethbridge found her husband in such excellent spirits that she looked at him in surprise4 ,i told ,mr4 ,talbot about the poaching1 ,jenny1 he explained in answer to her look of enquiry4 ,i thought ,i ought4 ,he was surprised1 ,i could see2 but he was so kind1 and says when ,i'm well enough ,i'm to come back to the ,hall1 and let bygones be bygones4 ,i mean to start life afresh6 ,and ,james ,lethbridge kept his word4 ,he did start life afresh2 and though at first1 he found it a hard matter to pass by the ,white ,hart1 yet he was true to his determination to abstain from drink4 ,molly1 my dear1 ,mrs4 ,lethbridge said one day1 do you remember how1 on the day1 of your father's accident1 you prayed to ,jesus to take the pain from my heart8 ,yes1 mother1 the little girl answered2 has it quite1 quite gone8 ,yes1 ,i think1 quite gone4 ,it didn't seem an answer to your prayer when we saw your poor father brought home almost dead1 but even then ,god was ordering all for the best6 ,i've been ungrateful and unbelieving1 but ,i'll try not to doubt ,him any more4 ,he has been so good to us all4 ,molly smiled her sweet smile1 that seemed to have lost its weakness4 ,to all who knew her1 it was very plain that the child's mind was gradually1 but surely1 strengthening4 ,tasks that it had been almost impossible for her to grasp a year ago1 were now retained with only moderate difficulty2 and1 during her father's illness1 she had learned to read4 ,no one ever dreamed of calling her ,crazy ,molly now4 ,sharp and clever she would never be1 but there was in ,molly a truthfulness and desire to do right which nothing could overcome4 ,the love of ,jesus1 first implanted in her heart by means of ,marian ,morris' gentle teaching1 had fallen upon fertile ground1 and was bringing forth abundant fruit4 ,it seemed that because ,molly had the one thing needful1 a firm trust in her ,saviour1 she wanted nothing else4 ,and now we must take leave of the family at ,rose ,cottage4 ,mr4 ,talbot speaks of pensioning old ,burt1 because he's getting old1 and of putting ,james ,lethbridge in his place4 ,evidently1 he can trust him now6 ,mrs4 ,mugford1 too1 feels that she is getting up in years4 ,she is saying that by the time ,jim is ready to leave school1 she will be wanting help in the shop1 and that he will be the very boy for her assistant4 ,molly still keeps her picture of the ,good ,shepherd in the same place4 ,we mean to keep it there always1 she says1 as she shows it to visitors4 ,isn't it beautiful8 ,and doesn't the ,good ,shepherd seem to be looking at us now8 ,,the ,,end4