ould go on in
this way he will grow up to be a miser. Mr. Johnson smiled at his
wife's earnestness, and remarked that with such an example of
generosity as Reuben had constantly before him, he could not believe
the child was in much danger from the fault she feared. "It must be
remembered," he said, "that Reuben has his own way to make in life.
He must early learn to save, or he will always be poor. There are his
mother and sisters, too, who need his aid."

In various ways Reuben added to his store. When the snow came, he made
nice broad paths about the house, which so attracted the notice of a
neighbour, that she asked if he might be allowed to make paths for
her. He rose early that he might have time for this extra work, and
was well paid for his efforts. The box grew heavier from week to week.
_Reuben had almost enough._

One day there was a barrel of flour left at Mrs. Porter's. She thought
there must be a mistake about it; but the man said he was directed at
the store to take it to that house. Mrs. Porter went immediately to
learn about it, and what was her surprise on finding her son had been
the purchaser. How could he pay for a whole barrel of flour? "The
money," said the merchant; "he brought in a box. It was in small bits,
which took me some time to count, but there was enough."

The mother called, with a full heart, at Mrs. Johnson's, and related
what had occurred. Reuben wondered why his mother should cry so. He
thought she would be happy. He was sure he was happy. He had been
thinking two years of that barrel of flour, and now he felt more like
laughing than crying.

Those tears, noble boy, are not tears of sorrow, but of the deepest,
fullest joy. You are more than repaid for your self-denial. You have
persevered in your determination. You have resisted every temptation
to deviate from the course which you marked out as right. You have
borne meekly the charge of meanness so galling to your generous
spirit, and now you receive your reward. You are happy, and so is your
mother, and so are your kind friends, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson.

That night, Mr. Johnson remarked to his wife, as they sat together
before the cheerful fire, that he had some idea of keeping the little
_miser_ and educating him. "A boy who could form such a purpose, and
keep it, will, in all probability, make a useful man." After-years
proved the correctness of this conclusion. Reuben is now a man of
intelligence and wealth. He is one whom t