nk what so
many people did yesterday! My mother came a journey; and uncle and aunt
Shaw came: and mother sat up all night; and Mr Tooke never went to
bed,--and all about me! I declare I can't think why."

Dale felt as if he knew why; but he could not explain it. Mrs Proctor
had heard much of what they were saying. She had come in before closing
her letter to Mr Proctor, to ask whether Hugh wished to send any
particular message home. As she listened, she was too sorry to feel
amused. She perceived that she could not have done her whole duty to
her children, if there could be such a question as this in their
hearts--such a question discussed between them, unknown to her. She
spoke now; and Hugh started, for he was not aware that she was in the
room.

She asked both the boys why they thought it was that, before little
birds are fledged, the parent birds bring them food, as often as once in
a minute, all day long for some weeks. Perhaps no creatures can go
through harder work than this; and why do they do it? For unfledged
birds, which are capable of nothing whatever but clamouring for food,
are as useless little creatures as can be imagined. Why does the cat
take care of her little blind kitten with so much watchfulness, hiding
it from all enemies till it can take care of itself. It is because love
does not depend on the value of the creature loved--it is because love
grows up in our hearts at God's pleasure, and not by our own choice; and
it is God's pleasure that the weakest and the least useful and
profitable should be the most beloved, till they become able to love and
help in their turn.

"Is it possible, my dear," she said to Hugh, "that you did not know
this,--you who love little Harry so much, and take such care of him at
home? I am sure you never stopped to think whether Harry could do you
any service, before helping him to play."

"No; but then--"

"But what?"

"He is such a sweet little fellow, it is a treat to look at him. Every
morning when I woke, I longed to be up, and to get to him."

"That is, you loved him. Well: your papa and I love you all, in the
same way. We get up with pleasure to our business--your father to his
shop, and I to my work-basket--because it is the greatest happiness in
the world to serve those we love."

Hugh said nothing; but still, though pleased, he did not look quite
satisfied.

"Susan and cook are far more useful to me than any of you children,"
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