MRS. L. But only this morning you all three made terrible complaints
about him.

ANDREW. But we don't bear malice, and he is so unhappy! We have
forgotten all he did to annoy us. Please, ma'am, to keep him.

EDWARD. No, Andrew; you have taught me what is _my_ duty. I belong to my
father and mother, and I am ashamed that in my misery I forgot it. The
poorer they are, the less I ought to leave them. Good-by, all my
friends: love and protect Mrs. Langdon and my brother, and forget my
many faults if you can. Good-by, Edward. Come, mother, let us go.

MRS. L. (_weeping_). Mr. Sherwood!

MR. S. Yes, it is enough. Embrace your son! he has proved himself worthy
of you!

MRS. L. (_throwing her arms around him_). _My son, my darling!_

EDWARD (_amazed_). You, my mother! You!!

MRS. L. Yes, my son. This was only a plot to try you. Your heart has
proved good and noble! and I am the happiest of mothers.

MORRIS (_rushing to Mary's arms_). And I--am I your son still?

MARY (_kissing him_). Yes, my boy; my own boy!

MORRIS. Oh, be joyful! how happy I am!

EDWARD. But, Morris, don't you want to stay with me?

MORRIS. No! no! I have been too much afraid already that I should never
see my dear father again. What a good hug I mean to give him!

EDWARD (_giving_ MORRIS _the watch, &c._) Here, take all these
things--now I give them to you.

MORRIS. Oh no, you must keep them.

EDWARD. But what about that cross old landlord?

MORRIS (_laughing_). You are right. Give them to me.

MARY. Is it for the rent? Why, big Peter will dance a jig on the kitchen
table for joy.

MR. SHERWOOD. Good mothers, love your children with all your hearts, but
do not spoil them. Remember, it is education and pious training which
develop in their hearts the seeds of good or evil; and you, Edward, do
not forget the lesson you have received, of "DOING UNTO OTHERS AS YOU
WOULD THAT OTHERS SHOULD DO UNTO YOU."

THE LITTLE PLAY MITTENS.

THE play was finished amidst a tremendous clapping of hands, and the
curtain fell.

Then the company began to talk just as fast as they could. They were
astonished at seeing the play so well acted, and laughed over and over
again when they recalled the comical little gardener and waiter, who
wore such funny dresses, and knew their parts so perfectly, and acted
with such serious faces. Minnie came in, too, for her share of
praise,--indeed, every one was excellent; and when the children made
their appea