some chickens, that laid eggs, and then Elek's wife
sold the eggs to the baker to pay for bread."

"And had you apples or peaches?"

"I used to throw small stones at the apples, and knock them off. The
peaches I could reach with my hand. I had just as many as I wanted."

The little orphan's month in the country had been a sunny spot in his
memory, clouded only by the unkindness of Elek towards the grandmother
he loved so much.

How strange it is that children can ever forget how much they owe
their parents! When the widow Cahoon was young, she had watched over
his infancy. She had carried him in her arms, unmindful of her own
weariness, and had done all for him that his helplessness required.
But now she is old; her eyes are dim; her hearing is impaired; her
hands are tremulous, and she is unable to provide for herself. Yet
Elek's heart is hard. He has forgotten all her love, and will not even
give her a home. He cannot prosper.

I well remember, when a child, what a fearful impression a passage
from the "words of Agur" made on my mind: "The eye that mocketh at his
father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley
shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it." "Honour thy
father and mother, (which is the first commandment with promise,")
Paul writes to the Ephesian children, "that it may be well with thee,
and thou mayest live long on the earth."

I should fear to hear Elek's future history. It must be dark and
sorrowful. His poor old mother uttered a groan, when, as she was
talking about David's mother, I asked if she had any other children.
"He isn't kind to her," explained its meaning.

"Sharper than a serpent's tooth it is
To have a thankless child."

I left David with Mrs. B----, who will find him a home in some family
where they wish to adopt a little son. "He will make friends for
himself,"--she said, confidently, and I felt so also, for his sweet,
intelligent face is too attractive and winning not to find its way to
some loving heart.

When Mrs. B---- talked with him about his mother, he wept. She soon
comforted him, and told him that God would provide for him. He seems
to possess a sensitive nature, with, at the same time, the power of
self-control.

Who of you would like this orphan for an adopted brother? He is only
five years old. I have written to a kind lady of my acquaintance, who
has adopted two little girls, to inquire if she does not wish to add
David to