ge of
educational advantages could not?--"A Band of Hope Meeting will be held
at the ---- Road Board Schools this evening, at half-past six. All
children will be welcome."

"Why, that's my school," said Mattie; "I declare I should like to go,
though what on earth a Band of Hope Meeting is, goodness knows, for I
don't."

"Don't leave us again, Mattie," urged Melie; "we'll be so lonesome by
oursel's."

"Let's see," said Mattie thoughtfully; "it says, 'all children will be
welcome.' I've a good mind to take the lot of you; and if they won't
let us in with baby, why, we can come back again, I s'pose."

"What a heap of treats we are having, Mattie! You're a real good 'un!"
cried Bob, cutting a somersault in view of the unusual and delightful
combination of events.

"You, Bob," called Mattie, somewhat ungraciously it might seem, "stop
that, and help Melie along with Fan."

Tea, which had consisted of the remains from dinner, being over, a
neighbouring church clock chimed the hour, and Mattie prepared for the
evening entertainment. Baby was sleeping, and resented Mattie's attempts
to remove the worst of the grime from his face; but she persevered, for
she felt that the credit of the family was entirely in her hands, and
she was not going to risk losing it for the sake of sundry struggles and
tears from its youngest member. They were all ready at last, and Mattie
surveyed the effect of her handiwork with satisfaction.

"Now, you all jest keep behind me, and don't be grinning, or up to any
of your larks, or they won't let you in," said Mattie, as they neared
the building.

She presented herself before the door with the baby asleep in her arms,
the other children tremblingly bringing up the rear. A gentleman with a
kindly face was standing near the entrance.

"Do you think you can manage your baby, my little woman?" he asked,
stooping to Mattie.

"Bless you, yes, sir. He's better with me than his own mammie, and'll
sleep like a top all the time; and," she added, glancing behind, "these
'ere little uns belong to me too, and if you'll let us all in, I'll see
as they behave theirselves."

"I'm very glad to see you all, my dears, come in;" and, with his heart
aching at the revelation of the misery which was written in unmistakable
characters on the faces of these young children, the gentleman led them
to prominent places near the platform.

Oh, the rich enjoyment of the next hour! The wonderful music, the fine
singin