. He did
everything he could think of to amuse little Annie; and her mother was
very glad to have her attended to. When Annie grew sleepy, she still
kept fast hold of one of Tom's fingers in her little, round, soft hand,
and he began to know the happy feeling of loving somebody again. Only
the night before, when his cousins had made him get out of bed, he had
wondered if he should live to be an old man, and never have anybody to
love all that long time; but now his heart felt quite warm to the little
thing that lay on his lap.

"She'll tire you, Tom," said her mother, "you'd better let me put her
down in the cot."

"Oh, no!" said he, "please don't! I like so much to have her here." He
never moved, though she lay very heavy on his arm, for fear of wakening
her.

When she did rouse up, his aunt said, "Thank you, Tom. I've got my work
done rarely with you for a nurse. Now take a run in the yard, and play
yourself a bit."

His aunt was learning something, and Tom was teaching, though they would
both have been very much surprised to hear it. Whenever, in a family,
every one is selfish, and (as it is called) "stands up for his own
rights," there are no feelings of gratitude; the gracefulness of "thanks"
is never called for; nor can there be any occasion for thoughtfulness
for others when those others are sure to get the start in thinking for
themselves, and taking care of number one. Tom's aunt had never had to
remind Jack or Dick to go out to play. They were ready enough to see
after their own pleasures.

Well! dinner-time came, and all the family gathered to the meal. It
seemed to be a scramble who should be helped first, and cry out for the
best pieces. Tom looked very red. His aunt in her new-born liking for
him, helped him early to what she thought he would like. But he did not
begin to eat. It had been his mother's custom to teach her little son
to say a simple "grace" with her before they began their dinner. He
expected his uncle to follow the same observance; and waited. Then he
felt very hot and shy; but, thinking that it was right to say it, he
put away his shyness, and very quietly, but very solemnly said the old
accustomed sentence of thanksgiving. Jack burst out laughing when he had
done; for which Jack's father gave him a sharp rap and a sharp word,
which made him silent through the rest of the dinner. But, excepting
Jack, who was angry, I think all the family were the happier for having
listened reverent