about with her big umbrella. Very often she loses her way, and
goes in the wrong direction; and sometimes she gets bewildered: but I
have never known her to be really lost or hurt. There is always somebody
to set her right; and it is pleasant to see how kind every one is to
her.

Many a time I have seen some gentleman, while hurrying to catch his
train, stop to help her over the crossing; or some handsomely-dressed
lady take her by the arm, and set her right, when she has gone astray.

Best of all it is, though, to see the children so kind to her. She comes
to our square every Saturday; and, as she is very apt to go to the wrong
gate, the little girls--bless their dear hearts!--seem to consider it
their duty to guide her, and to help her over the slippery places.

In the picture, you may see Lily helping the poor old woman along, as I
often see her from my window. Another day it may be Lina, and the next
time Mamie; for they are all good to her. Even baby Robin runs to meet
her, and is not afraid of her black face.

Last week, these small folks had a fair for her in Lily's house. Nobody
thought they would get so much money; but they made fifty dollars out of
it. This will make the old woman comfortable for a long time.

The good woman said, when she was told what they had done, that she
hoped the Lord would reward them, for she could not.

I think he has rewarded them already by making them very happy while
they were doing this kind deed.

P.

[Illustration]

THE COOPER'S SONG.

I AM the cooper: I bind the cask:
The sweat flows down as I drive my task;
Yet on with the hoop! And merry's the sound
As I featly pound,
And with block and hammer go travelling round,
And round and round.

I am the cooper: I bind the cask;
And gay as play is my nimble task;
And though I grow crooked with stooping to pound,
Yet merry's the sound
As with block and with hammer I journey round
And round and round.

I am the cooper: I bind the cask:
Am healthy and happy--what more shall I ask?
Not in king's palaces, I'll be bound,
Such joy is found,
Where men do nothing, and still go round,
And round and round.

So I'll still be a cooper, an