THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES f ^ ' Jr*" ' -^ TRYING TO BE USEFUL. BY MRS. MADELINE LESLIE, AUTHOB Ot "JUXME AND HEB PET8," "LITTLE AGNES," "TIM TUB SCISSORS-GRINDER," ETC. "Goodness is beauty in its best estate." NEW YORK : WARD & DRUMMOND, SUCCESSORS TO U. D. WARD, 116 NASSAU STREET. 1882. Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1858, by SUEPARD, CLARK & BROVVX, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts SLECTROTTPBD AT TH BOSTON 8IEBBOITPX F O C N D * T. TO THE MASSACHUSETTS SABBATH SCHOOL SOCIETY, THIS VOLUME IS AFFECTIONATELY INSCRIBED BY THE ATJTHOB, IN THE EARNEST HOPE THAT, WITH THE OTHER BOOKS OF THIS SERIES, IT MAY AID THEIR MISSION OF LOVE. 622817 CONTENTS >***- CHAPTER I. THE SEWING SOCIETY. FAOB The Meeting. The Choice of Officers. A Game at Still Palm. Louise Merton's Interest in Missions. Her salutary Reflections K CHAPTER II. THE PATCH-W KK QUILT. The Berry Party. Mrs. Merton's Advice. Second Meet- ing of the United States Sewing Society. Persever- ance of Agnes and Louise. Debate about the Sale of the Quilt 31 CHAPTER III. THE PLAID CLOAK. The Poor Student's Surtout. Proposal of Louise. In- terview between Dr. Merton and his Wife. His Aid in the Purchase of a Cloak. ...... 42 10 CONTENTS. CHAPTER IV. LITTLE FOLKS E N C O U B A G E D . Sale and Return of the Quilt three Times. Invisible Pin- cushions. The Watch Chain. Presentation of the Cloak. Devout Gratitude, and Acknowledgment. . 63 CHAPTER V. THE SLEIGH BIDE. The Young Collegian's Return. A Chat by the Fire- side. Christmas. Remembering the Poor. . . 70 CHAPTER TI. THE POOB WIDOW. Her Cottage. Her Presents. Clothing her Twins. Another Charitable Visit to her House. The Name- sake. Dr. Merton's Proposition. Her overpowering Emotion. 77 CHAPTER VII. FAST FOB COLLEGES. Interest of Dr. and Mrs. Merton in the Occasion. The Public Meeting. The welcome Letter. The Promise fulfilled 92 CHAPTER VIII. THE CHABITY SCHOOL. Spring. The Walk. The Benevolent Design. The Young Teachers. The first Session. The Happi- ness of useful Children. The Misery of Guilt. . . 104 CONTENTS. 11 CHAPTER IX. VISIT TO THE BEACH. Louise's Project. Her Letter. Her Conquest of Her- self. Her Father's Decision. Preparation. The Party. The Bide. Her Impression from the Sea. The Return 116 CHAPTER X. THE HAPPY CHANGE. Resolutions of Louise and Agnes. Parental Fidelity. Mental Conflict. Sweet Submission. The two Sis- ters one in Christian Love 126 CHAPTER XI. SABBATH SCHOOL CLASS. Louise's Residence with her Sister. Her Friend Fanny. Their Teaching in the Colored Sahbath School. Re- spect of Miss Merton's Scholars for her. Marriage of one of them. Their Gift to her on her Return Home Her Profession of Religion. Her Sister's sudden Death 137 CHAPTER XII. LITTLE BENNY. Louise in Sorrow. Her Mother's Conversation. Her Parents' Fears. Her Father's Expedient. Her Visit to Little Benny. The happy Result. The new Suit of Clothes , .149 12 CONTENTS. CHAPTER XIII. GOING WEST. Sickness of Louise. Visit of Mr. Bond. Her Interest in his Conversation. His Invitation. Her Parents' Consent The Journey. Mr. Bond's Interview with a Profane Youth 158 CHAPTER XIV. THE LOST MONET. Letter of Louise to her Parents. Description of her new Friends. James Gannet. His Loss. Expedient of Mr. Bond. James's Gratitude. The Sabbath Schools. Zeal of Louise in the good Work 171 CHA1PTER XY. THE NEW MINISTER. Good News. Visit of James Gannet. Arrival of Mr. Olmstead. Bella's Mission. James's Purchase of a Farm. New Arrangement of the Sabbath Schools. Letters from New England. Sickness and Death of Little Benny 184 CHAPTER XVI. THE QUILTING PAETT. Coasting. Studies. Letter from Louise to her Parents. The intended Wedding. Preparations for it. The merry Party. The bountiful Repast. Plays and Games .198 CONTENTS. 13 CHAPTER XVII. ,.. THE FATAL COAST. The dreadful Accident. Anguish of the Parents. Sym- pathy of Friends. Remorse of poor Edward. The Funeral. . . 205 CHAPTER XVIII. THE NEW SCHOOL. Dismissal of Dr. Morrison. Wishes of his Church. Mr. Olmstead's Declinature. His Call at the Parsonage. . 210 CHAPTER XIX. THE TOTING NURSE. Sickness of Mr. Bond and Edward. Letter of Louise to 'aer Parents. Convalescence of the sick Patients. The Wedding. Conversation with Mr. Olmstead. . 225 CHAPTER XX. BUDS OF AFFECTION. Emily's Invitation. Her Parents' Consent. Her de- lighted Anticipations. Louise a useful Friend. Various Drawbacks. The confidential Interview. Letter to Dr. Merton. The conditional Engagement. 239 CHAPTER XXI. THE CONCLUSION. The Journey homeward. The curious Incident. Dr. Merton 's Consent to the Marriage of his Daughter. Preparations for the Wedding. Parting from Friends. 250 TRYING TO BE USEFUL. CHAPTER I. THE SEWING SOCIETY. The Meeting. The Choice of Officers. A Game at Still Palm. Louise Merton's Interest in Missions. Her salu- tary Reflections. " REMEMBEE, then, at two o'clock precisely ! " " Yes, two o'clock ! " loudly repeated Agnes, who was already at some distance. The hour of two arrived ; and while the vil- lage clock was yet striking, six little girls were assembled in Mrs. Lovell's best chamber, among whom might be seen Louise Merton and Agnes Lovell; indeed, they were very prominent in what was going forward, and, it was easy to perceive, were much respected, and looked upon as quite superior to the rest of the party. (15) 16 TRYING TO BE USEFUL. A table was in the middle of the room, which was a very large one. It was now covered with baskets filled with pieces of calico, thread, needles, thimbles, and all things they considered necessary for the commencement of a sewing society. Louise and Agnes with- drew to one side of the room to settle finally the point so many times discussed, viz., who should be the president and who the vice president this honor being aspired to by both of them. " Louise, you know that I am the oldest," said Agnes, " and it is just' about the same to be the vice president as the president." "Yes, you're five days older than I am, and I suppose you must have it; but " " That's a good girl ! " joyfully exclaimed Agnes ; " now let us begin." Standing side by side at the table before which the others were sitting, Agnes began by rapping loudly thereupon, though it could hardly be to command attention, as all her little THE SEWING SOCIETY. 17 auditors -were sitting with hands folded, in breathless silence, for fear they should lose one word of what was to follow. " You all know," continued she, " that we are going to have a sewing society ; and we have met this afternoon to choose our officers and to form a constitution." " I move," said Louise, " that Miss Agnes Lovell be the president of this society." " I second the motion," said little Lucy Lov- ell, as previously instructed. " If this be your minds, ladies, you will please manifest it," said Agnes, in a clear, loud tone of voice. All then raised their hands. " It is a vote. I now move that Miss Louise Mer- ton be the vice president ; " which was also seconded and carried. Phebe Shepard and Ellen Fuller were then successively chosen secretary and treasurer, when there were four officers and two members Lucy Lovell and Sarah Merton, looking as if they thought that they had been neglected, though too young to care much about it. 2 18 TRYING TO BE USEFUL. " We will now proceed," said the president, feeling that a very important part had been ac- complished. " What shall be the name of our society?" looking at the vice president, who was the only one expected to answer. " I think the United States Sewing Society would be a good name," modestly responded Louise. " Yes, that's a very good name ! " Then ad- dressing the society " Those who wish to have this society called the United States Sewing So- ciety will please manifest it." All raised their hands, deeply impressed with the importance of the plan in which they were engaged. Work was then distributed by the two principal offi- cers ; the others having been chosen more as a mark of respect to the families to which they belonged, than from any supposition that their services would ever be necessary. For about half an hour all was comparatively quiet, it being generally understood that their object would be to support a little heathen girl THE SEWING SOCIETY. 19 in one of the mission families, their attention having been particularly directed to the subject by a lecture addressed to children from Mr. B , a returned missionary. Lucy and Sarah then exhibited symptoms of uneasiness, which was secretly felt by all. The president an- nounced that ttfere would be a recess, which announcemennt was received with a burst of applause. " What shall we play ? Wliat shall we play ? " cried they, eagerly. " O, let's play ' still palm,' " responded Phebe ; to which all consented, and they immediately commenced darkening the room. A large pile of rose blankets lay in an easy chair in the cor- ner. Agnes sent Lucy to the kitchen for some forks, and the blankets, pinned to the windows, in addition to the shutters, excluded every ray of light. A lively game now commenced ; but ah, how soon to terminate ! One of the little members, in trying to escape from being caught, ran against the table which stood in the centre 20 TRYING TO BE USEFUL. of the room, and severely injured her head. Agnes sprang to open the door, while Louise kindly helped up her little sister, wiped her tears, and tried in vain to soothe her. Imagine what must have been their confusion when Mrs. Lovell, alarmed by the noise, appeared in the midst of the scene, astonishment and grief de- picted upon her countenance. Sarah hid her aching head behind her sister, while all looked at the upturned table, the baskets emptied of their contents, and the countenance of Mrs. Lovell, and felt that they deserved censure. In a mild, but firm tone, she said, turning to Ag- nes, " I thought you asked your little friends here to form a society ! " Then, taking Sarah by the . hand, she continued, " Little girls, you had better pick up your work and go home, now." They all sighed, as they put back pieces of uncut calico, which, in their zeal, they had in- tended should have been far advanced toward a quilt before they closed their meeting. In si- THE SEWING SOCIETY. 21 lence they restored the room to order, put on their bonnets, and prepared to go home. " I suppose the next meeting will be at our house," said Louise. " Yes," replied Agnes, while for a moment she resumed the important air of president. " Girls, do you hear ? The next meeting will be at Dr. Merton's house, next Saturday after- noon." Louise then went down stairs, and was joined by Sarah, who was quite recovered from her fall, by the kind attention of Mrs. Lovell. Louise and Sarah Merton were the youngest of a large family of children. Dr. Merton, their father, resided in a pleasant village in one of the New England states. He was an eminent Christian, and sought above all things for wis- dom to train up his dear children in the way in which they should go, feeling assured by the divine promise, that when they were old they would not depart from it. In all these wishes and prayers, he was joined by his excellent lady, 22 TRYING TO BE USEFUL. who desired nothing better than to see their children walking in all the commandments of the Lord blameless. So far, they had been eminently successful. Several were already settled in life, occupying stations of great respectability. One son, Wil- liam, was now in college, and these two little girls remained at home. Louise had always heard a good deal of con- versation about missionaries, and had had the pleasure of becoming acquainted with several when they were visiting at her father's house, just before their embarkation. Of all things in the world, she most desired to be a missionary ; or, as she was too young for that at present, being now but nine years old, she would talk with her mother of the practicability of sending for some little heathen girls, that she might take care of them at home. Mrs. Merton encouraged her daughter to talk with her, and Louise at last became so much interested in the subject, that she could think of THE SEWING SOCIETY. 23 nothing else. Her baby house was entirely neg- lected, and the moment she came in from school, she wanted to be talking over her plan of send- ing for a heathen child, and training it up to be good. At last her mother gave her consent to com- mence a suit of clothes for her little Emily, as she had named her. Pocket handkerchiefs and shirts were cut from old linen, and two of her dresses were fitted for a child of three years of age. Mrs. Merton would often smile to see her little girl so intently occupied; and while Louise would sit by her side, with her basket of work upon a cricket before her, Mrs. Merton would lift her heart in prayer to God, that her desire to do good might grow with her growth, and strengthen with her strength, and that if God should fit her to be a missionary, her parents might have grace given them to part with their dear child, to labor even in the remote parts of the earth. 24 TRYING TO BE USEFUL. All this had happened about two years before the events related at the commencement of the chapter, yet Louise had never entirely lost her interest in missionaries, and having a short time before had her attention particularly directed to the subject by an address to children, she had been led to inquire what she could do. Night after night she had made it the burden of her prayer ; plan after plan had been thought of and rejected, until a lady called one evening to see her mother in regard to the benevolent society which had long been in operation in the village. Louise all at once started and ran to her room, and there, in her joy, soliloquized, " O, we'll have a sewing society ! we'll have a sewing society ! " She could hardly wait until morning to talk with Agnes, her confidential friend and adviser; but at last she fell asleep, and dreamed of receiving a letter from a little girl who had been hopefully converted in one of the mission families, and who wrote to tell her young friends in America that she now worshipped the true God. THE SEWING SOCIETY. 25 The next morning Louise prepared herself for school, and set off, hoping to meet Agnes ; but in this she was disappointed, as her friend did not come in until it was time for the reading of the Scriptures. When the prayer was concluded, Louise tried hard to apply herself to her studies, and succeeded in a measure, though every now and then the idea of a society would dart through her mind. Glad was she when the teacher rang the bell for a recess. Putting her arm in Ag- nes', she said, " Come with me to the rock ; I want to tell you something very particular." Agnes was all attention. When they were seated upon their favorite rock, Louise, who could not wait to explain, said abruptly, " Ag- nes, why can't we little girls have a sewing society, and support a heathen child, as Mr. B. told us was done in many places by children no older than we are ? " Agnes waited a moment, as if fully to under- stand what she meant, and then replied that she should like it of all things. 26 TRYING TO BE USEFUL. I will not delay to relate all the conversation which passed between them. This was Tuesday morning. At noon their parents were consulted, and consent obtained, though with many misgiv- ings lest the whole thing should fall through for want of an older sister or friend to be present and direct their proceedings. The little girls, in the mean time, endeavored to learn how to put votes, to choose officers, &c. ; and when Saturday afternoon arrived, they had every thing in readiness for the meeting. Their intention was to make quilts, hoping to find a ready market for them among the friends of their parents. The particulars of their first meeting I have already related ; and it was with feelings of bit- ter disappointment that Louise, on going to her chamber at night, reviewed the events of the afternoon. " How could I be so foolish as to wish to play, when I have so longed for the time to come that I might sew? O, how different it THE SEWING SOCIETY. 27 has been from what I anticipated. I could not have believed I should have done so ; but I mean to do better next time. But how can I be sure that I shall do any better than I have now done ? Father has told me again and again, that I can never keep my resolutions while I depend upon myself for strength. Yes, that is it ! I did not ask God to help me to- day, for I never dreamed of stopping to play." And with feelings subdued and tender, Louise kneeled by the side of her bed, and asked God to give her a new heart, with holy affections instead of sinful ones, and above all, to enable her to keep all the good resolutions which she had made. This little girl was inclined to look at her conduct in a serious point of view. She knew it was not wrong to play. Her parents had al- ways encouraged their children in all proper amusements, and especially in out-door games, as very conducive to health. Particularly had they striven to show them, both by precept and 28 TRYING TO BE USEFUL. example, that cheerfulness was not opposed to religion, and that, should they become Christians, they would not thereby debar themselves from rational enjoyment. But she felt that, having undertaken to work for a particular purpose, she had not persevered as she. ought, but had been easily turned aside from what she knew to be right. Louise had never given her heart to God. She had never seen the depth of the wickedness which often led her to rebel against him, and to refuse to obey his commands ; but she had been carefully taught to distinguish between right and wrong, and she never for a moment thought of doubting the truth of what had been often read to her from the Bible that if she should die in her sins, she could never be happy in the presence of God and her Saviour. Young as she was, she had had many seasons of sorrow on account of her sins, and an earnest, ardent desire to be good. The thought of Jesus dying for her .was what impressed her THE SEWING SOCIETY. 29 most deeply ; and she would often weep to think it would wound him that she refused to give him her heart. Especially on the evening of the Sabhath, that precious season afterwards so fondly remembered, when Dr. Merton gath- ered his family around him for evening prayer, the Sabbath lessons were repeated and explained, a chapter read in which he turned aside from the usual place in course, and read some account of the Saviour, his love to children, and his de- sire for their salvation ; then a hymn was sung, in which Louise, and even little Sarah, joined; after which they all knelt down, while the Christian father offered a fervent prayer for him- self and for those so dear to him. His faithful, devoted companion was first mentioned, and then one by one the different members of the family. God's blessing was earnestly sought for the dear absent ones, and then for those still under the parental roof. So solemn and tender were these seasons, that Louise sometimes wished she could frame an 30 TRYING TO BE USEFUL. excuse for absenting herself. " For," said sha to her mother, " I feel that I am so wicked not to love such a blessed Saviour ! and I deter- mine to love him; but, O, I forget it so soon ! " Yet the precious seed was sown, and in due time sprang up and bore fruit. THE PATCH-WORK QUILT. 31 CHAPTER II. THE PATCH-WORK Q IT I L T . Kie Berry Party. Mrs. Merton's Advice. Second Meeting of the United States Sewing Society. Perseverance of Ag- nes and Louise. Debate about the Sale of the Quilt. A WEEK passed ; Saturday morning came a clear, pleasant, sunny morning in July. " O, what a pleasant day ! " said Louise to her sister, as they were dressing. " I am so glad ! The society is to meet here, you know." "Yes," replied Sarah, "but I heard Phebe tell Lucy Lovell, if it was pleasant, she meant to ask her mother to let her go ' berrying.' " " Go berrying ! " repeated Louise. " Why, she must have forgotten the society. I will see her, and remind her of it ; and you may tell any of the girls whom you see, that I shall expect them here." 32 TRYING TO BE USEFUL. Louise and Sarah were on their way to school, when they saw Agnes, Lucy, and Ellen, running across the Common to meet them. " I was just going to your house," shouted Agnes, as soon as she had come within speak- ing distance. " Mother says we may go berry- ing. Joe Turner was at our house this morn- ing, >and he says the blueberries are ripe and very thick in your father's pasture. I have been to Ellen's house, and her mother says she may go ; and I was just going for you when I saw you on your way to school." Agnes was obliged to stop to recover breath. For one moment Louise thought, " O, I should so like to go ; " but then she said, " Why, Agnes, have you forgotten the society ? " " So it is ; I had forgotten it. But no mat- ter ; we can meet next Saturday, you know, and we hardly ever have such a pleasant day as this." Agnes looked up at the clear blue sky, and continued, " Besides, societies never meet so often. Once a fortnight is enough." THE PATCH-WORK QUILT. 33 " O," said Louise, more than half inclined to cry, " I don't think it's right to give it up so." While they had been talking, Phebe had come up, and Agnes said, " Well, here are all of us ; so we will take a vote. Those who wish to go berrying will please raise their hands." Every hand except Louise's was raised. She looked very sorrowful. " Now, you see I can't help going," contin- ued Agnes, who felt sorry to see her friend take it so much to heart ; " and I promise you I cer- tainly will go to the society next time." " Will you, really, truly, dear Agnes, and not put it off for any thing ? " "Yes, I will; but come, we shall be late at school." When Louise went home at noon, she related to her mother all that had passed, and asked what she should do. Mrs. Merton saw that she had a conscientious difficulty about going with her companions, when she felt that she had pledged herself to the society, and she deter* 3 34 TRYING TO BE USEFUL. mined to encourage her to persevere in what she had been so anxious to undertake, Avhile, at the same time, she would plan a little excursion, to take place on Wednesday afternoon, which would not interfere with the object they had in view. " Don't you think, Louise, that you could per- suade Agnes to wait until Wednesday ? And then you could all go together, if it should be pleasant. You and your little friends may bring home your berries, and I will have some nice milk ready, when, if their parents will consent, they all can take, supper with you." " O, thank you, my dear mother," replied Louise, throwing her arms around her mother's neck. " How nicely you always plan for me. But may I not run and ask Agnes ? " " Yes, my dear ; and Sarah may go in and tell Ellen the plan." " What a dear, good mother mine is ! " solilo- quized Louise, as she ran joyfully across the Common to the house of Mr. Lovell. When she approached, she could see that Phebe and Lucy THE PATCH-WORK QUILT. 35 were standing upon the steps before the south door, waiting for Agnes, who soon appeared, with two little baskets in her hand. " 0, here comes Louise that's right I thought you'd go." " Where's Sarah ? " cried Lucy, before Louise could have time to speak. In truth, she began to be afraid it was too late to turn them aside from their proposed expedition ; but slackening her pace, she walked slowly up to the group. " Why, ' what's the matter ? Won't your mother let you go ? " said one of the girls. " She has sent me to invite you all to our house on Wednesday afternoon, and she says we can take our baskets, and go and get some berries, and she'll have some nice supper ready for us, and we can eat our berries with milk." " Well, girls," said Agnes, " I move that we all accept the invitation ; and now Dr. Merton has put up such a nice swing in the grove, we can have a beautiful time after supper, before we come home." 36 TRYING TO BE USEFUL. ' And she hopes," continued Louise, " to see you all at our house this afternoon, to the so- ciety." Louise put her hand in Agnes', and waited to see what they would say. " I'll give up going berrying this afternoon, if you will, girls ; and as I am the president, I suppose I ought to be there." Louise looked very happy, and thanked Ag- nes by a look of affection. But the others were not so easily induced to postpone their pleasure. " Let them go," whispered Agnes ; " you and I can do more if we are alone, and don't have to fix work for them." So it was decided. The basket was carried back into the house, and Louise joyfully led Agnes home, carrying in one hand a large bag, containing the calico for the quilt. Spreading the pieces out upon the bed, they went to work in earnest, and as they had no officers to choose, or business to occupy them, they really made rapid progress. How pleas- antly passed the time ! They cut out the work, THE PATCH-WORK QUILT. 37 and stitched, by turns. Block after block was sewed together, the corners being made exactly to match. " I wonder who will buy our quilt ? " said Louise. " O, we can sell it easy enough," replied Ag- nes ; "how much shall we ask for it?" " Mother says we shall probably get more for it than it is really worth, because people like to encourage little girls when they try to do good." " Well, it really is a great deal of work to make a whole quilt, and then to sew it all to- gether. I wonder when we shall get it done. If we could always have such a nice time as we have had to-day, I dare say we could finish it in a month." Louise could talk while she worked, and, scarcely raising her eyes, she said, " O, no ! we only sew on it Saturday in the afternoon ; but I mean to persevere, if it does take a long time." " So do I," said her companion ; " but I wish we had not asked the other girls to join, for it 88 TRYING TO BE USEFUL. will take so long to see to their work ; and then it will not be done nicely." " Perhaps," replied Louise, " they won't want to come any more ; and then, if their mothers see we are really making good use of them, they may let us keep their pieces of calico." These had heen paid in hy the little girls instead of an admission fee in money. At five o'clock, Agnes and Louise counted their squares, and found they had completed ten. With what perfect delight they spread them out in order upon the bed, to judge how many would 'be required! They walked around and around it, exclaiming, " O, what a beauty it will be ! I am sure we can sell it." Week after week passed, and still " the friends " did not tire in their labor of love. They had joined several little parties of pleasure on the afternoon of Wednesday, and had enjoyed them far more on account of the self-denial they had practised. Once or twice, Agnes had seemed inclined to excuse herself for an afternoon; but THE PATCH-WORK QUILT. 39 a sorrowful look from, her dear Louise decided her to forego any pleasure rather than give pain to one she loved so dearly. Autumn had now come, with its rich treasures of fruit and gaudy flowers. Every night, on her return from school, Louise would run into the garden to look at her china-asters, marigolds, and ver- benas, and think she was bidding them a last adieu ; but still the weather was mild, and the frost had not come to pluck them with his icy hand. The forests were beginning to put off their gay attire, while the happy songsters, whose home was in their branches, were trilling their last notes, before taking their departure for a sunnier clime, until the snows of winter should be passed. Until now, Louise and Agnes had worked by themselves ; but as they had nearly as many squares as would be requisite, Mrs. Merton told them they might bring their work into her cham- ber, and she would help them to arrange it for sewing together, 40 TRYING TO BE USEFUL. The little girls were very much encouraged by this offer, and in the course of the afternoon they had made quite a large piece, while the rest was nicely caught together, so that they would know exactly how it was to be sewed. Mrs. Merton took this opportunity to commend them highly for their industry and perseverance, and for the neatness of their work. She talked freely with them about their plan, and found them determined to appropriate their money to missionary purposes, but had not quite concluded in what particular manner. They expected to realize a large sum. Indeed, each seemed to shrink from naming any particular price, lest it should be more than the other would think they had any right to ask. Now, they must talk over these matters ; as the time approached to sell it, they began to feel rather more anxious to find a purchaser. " Wouldn't it be too bad," asked Louise, one afternoon, "if no one should buy it, after we have taken so much pains ? " THE PATCH-WORK QUILT. 41 " Yes, it would, indeed ! " replied Agnes. " If they don't, we'll keep it ourselves ; but I shall never trouble myself to make another, if we don't get a good handsome price for this." " O ! Agnes, I'll tell you what we can do. "We can give the quilt itself to the missionaries. You know they have to carry such things when they go ; but then we should have to quilt it, and I don't know how we could do that, as we neither of us know how to quilt. But I dare say, some way will be opened, as mother says, for us to sell it." TRYING TO BE USEFUL. CHAPTER III. THE PLAID CLOAK. The Poor Student's Surtout. Proposal of Louise. Interview between Dr. Merton and his Wife. His Aid in the Pur- chase of a Cloak. DUKING the week following the events narrated in the preceding chapter, a gentleman came to reside in the family of Dr. Merton, for a few months previous to his embarkation for Constan- tinople as a missionary. He soon gained the affection of Louise and Sarah, and also of Agnes, who spent much of her time out of school with her friend. But " the missionary," as the children called him, was very poor. He had made great exertions to help himself while preparing for the ministry. But as this necessarily interrupted his studies, his friends advised him to avail himself of charitable aid. This was readily procured for him, by applying to what I think is called the THE PLAID CLOAK. 43 Ladies' Jews' Society, in Boston, as it was for the Jews in Turkey for whom he was destined to labor. The benevolent ladies composing this society cheerfully undertook to supply him with a certain sum every month, which had enabled him so far to keep out of debt. He was decently dressed; but one bleak, cold day, he was obliged to walk some distance ; and as Louise met him just going out of the gate, she 'saw that he had on an old surtout, which was much too small for him, so that he could not put on the sleeves, but but- toned it around the neck. Loxiise ran in haste to tell her mother, who had also seen him as he passed the window. She felt very much like crying, to see so good a man with so poor a coat, though, as she after- wards laughingly told Agnes, "it was just the color of a meal bag, and looked as if it was made before the flood." That night Louise took her book, and sat 44 TRYING TO BE USEFUL. looking very intently into the bright wood fire, which was cheerfully blazing on the hearth. Mrs. Merton perceived that some subject busily occupied her, as she paid no attention to what was passing around her. After a while, looking up and seeing that she was alone with her mother, she asked abruptly, " How much does a cloak cost?" Mrs. Merton smiled, as she ansAvered, " That depends very much upon the quality and size of it." "Well, mother, I'll tell you my secret," said Louise, after a short pause, and sighing at the importance of the subject. " I've been thinking about Mr. S.'s old coat ; and if Agnes will con- sent, I should like to buy him a new cloak with the money we get for our quilt." Mrs. Merton did not discourage her little daughter, by telling her that a cloak would cost much more than they could command; but she told her she might see what Agnes would say, THE PLAID CLOAK. 45 " and in the mean time," continued she, " I will talk with your father about it." This was quite encouragement enough to set the affectionate heart of Louise beating rapidly. The thought of providing a warm garment for one she so much loved and respected, delighted her. The next morning she confided her im- portant secret to her friend, who readily and joy- fully fell into the plan. It gave a definiteness to their charity that pleased her. " Yes," said she, " I should like it so much, because then we shall know just what becomes of our money ; and when Mr. S. wears it, how happy we shall feel that we have made him so comfortable ! " " And," responded Louise, " he'll wonder so where it came from, for I wouldn't have, him know on any account who gave it to him ; though as he is now our Sabbath school teacher, I think it is perfectly proper that we should make him a present." " We never can help his finding it out, and I 46 TRYING TO BE USEFUL. think it would be better to write a little note with it, and tell him who gave it to him." " O, no ! " replied Louise ; " I wouldn't do that ; I planned it all out last night. When the cloak is purchased, you and I will go into his room when he is absent, and put it on his bed ; and we'll write on a card, ' Mr. S., from a friend.' " " But here are two friends," said Agnes, " and that would be telling a lie." Louise looked serious for a moment, as the thought of deceiving passed through her mind. " O, well," said she, cheerfully, " you may call it all your present. Have you any objection to that ? " Agnes replied, " I do not think that it would be quite right ; but we shall have time to settle it when the cloak is bought." So they resolved to keep the whole affair quite secret for the present. During the day Mrs. Merton talked with her husband about the price of a cloak, and told him of the desire of Louise to procure one for Mr. S. THE PLAID CLOAK. 47 Dr. Merton highly approved the undertaking, but said it would be best to ascertain, in some way, if Mr. S. had no other garment ; and if he had not, then he himself would take Louise and Agnes to the village, and inquire of the tailor about the expense. " It is best," continued he, " to let them do the business ; but how much money have they ? " Mrs. Merton smiled as she replied, " They have no money yet ; they have a quilt nearly completed." " And how much is the quilt worth ? " Mrs. Merton replied that she really could not judge ; she should think at the most not more than two dollars. " But," continued she, seeing her husband looked disappointed, " they have no idea of the price of a cloak ; and as they have really been very persevering, I feel sad at the thought of disappointing them." " Well," said the doctor, " he must have a cloak ; that is, if he has not one already. But I can't see how they will be able to accom- plish it." 48 TRYING TO BE USEFUL. Louise and Agnes, now that they had a defi- nite object in view, concluded not only to work on Wednesday afternoon, but to obtain leave for Agnes to spend the night with her friend, that they might sew upon it in the evening. This favor was readily granted ; and they were so industrious, that, when they folded their work for the night, they found that in another hour they could probably complete it. Saturday afternoon arrived ; the quilt was done, and admired by all the family. The little girls had spread it upon the bed, had walked across the room to view it from a distance, and had gradually advanced nearer to see it in every light. Indeed, it was a very pretty one ; the dark and light pieces were equally distributed over the whole, and formed a very good contrast. But the best of all was the sweet reflection that they had taken every stitch themselves ; having concluded at their second meeting to make the blocks of a different pattern, they had laid aside what little had been done at the first. THE PLAID CLOAK. 49 While the quilt was still spread out, Dr. Merton came in to look for Louise, and admired their work to their hearts' content. " But," said he, taking a hand of each, while a tear of affec- tion was in his eye, " I am best pleased that my little girls have exhibited so much persever- ance from the desire to do good." Then giving each a kiss, he told them he was going to the village to do a little business, and he added, smiling, " I should like your advice, and you may go too. Kate is already harnessed, so get ready at once." The eyes of the little girls ac- tually sparkled with delight, as they ran to pre- pare for the ride. When they arrived at the village. Dr. Merton went directly to the tailor's, and taking them into the store, inquired of Mr. Jones what materials he had suitable for a warm winter cloak. Mr. Jones looked inquiringly at the children, as if to ask whether it was a child's cloak that was needed. Dr. Merton said, " Camlet or plaid ; 4 50 TRYING TO BE USEFUL. you want something that will wear well, I sup- pose," turning to the little girls. So Mr. Jones took down piece after piece, and laid them upon the counter, taking up a corner of each as he did so, and snapping it in his hand to try its firmness. At last he took down one roll of cloth from a high shelf, which Agnes and Louise thought just the thing. Dr. Merton, having looked at all the cloths, approved their choice, as it was not only a pretty pattern, but of good quality. " And now, Mr. Jones," said he, " these little girls wish to buy a cloak. How much shall you ask for one of this cloth, lined with green baize, and a vel- vet collar? I suppose you will want a velvet collar," turning to Louise. " O, yes, sir," she replied. Mr. Jones looked as if he did not at all un- derstand the proceedings. " The cloak," con- tinued Dr. Merton, " is to be made to fit me ; perhaps .not quite so long " looking down. The tailor took oxit his pencil, and began to THE PLAID CLOAK. 51 make his calculations, while Louise and Agnes stood in breathless anticipation, longing, yet al- most fearing, to know the result. They could hear him say to himself as he wrote, "12 yards camlet plaid, 42 cents per yard, $5,04 ; 6 do. green baize, 50 cents per yard, $3,00." Then looking up, he said, " Is it to give in charity ? If so, I suppose I shall have to throw in something towards the making." Louise blushed deeply, and looked at her father, who replied, " Well, Louise, I can tell so much ; " then turning to Mr. Jones, he said, " Yes, sir ; these little girls have a friend who is in need of a cloak, and they are trying to get him one with their own earnings." A sudden thought seemed to dart through the mind of the tailor, for he turned away abruptly, and went to an inner room, and brought out the old coat which had so excited the compas- sion of Louise. Holding it up, he said, " Just 52 TRYING TO BE USEFUL. see this coat ! Mr. S., one of the holiest men on earth, came yesterday for me to let out the sleeves. He says it will do for him another winter very well. I shan't charge him a cent for repairing it, but I wish somebody would give him a cloak." Dr. Merton could not help smiling as he looked at Louise. There she stood, blushing, smiling, and half crying at the same moment ; smiling that their conduct should be approved even by Mr. Jones sorrowing that their secret should be discovered. " Well," continued Mr. Jones, evidently satis- fied with his observations, " I shan't charge you much for the making. Let me see," looking at his memorandum, " I think I can afford you a good cloak, with a square, full cape, for ten dollars." " Ten dollars ! " exclaimed Louise, in aston- ishment. " Yes," answered Mr. Jones, not understand- ing her surprise ; " I know it's cheap, but I can THE PLAID CLOAK. 53 guess for whom it is, and I shan't charge so much for it." Dr. Merton understood too well their disap- pointment, and, taking out his watch, said, " You can decide with your mother at home, and I will let Mr. Jones know at another time." Then thanking him for so favorable an offer, which was indeed lower than he had anticipated, and requesting him to say nothing about it, he led the little girls to the chaise, and started for home. They had not gone many rods before Louise was sobbing aloud, and Agnes trying hard to restrain her tears. Dr. Merton took the hand of Louise, and tried to soothe and encourage her. " Did the cloak cost more than you expected ? " asked he, turning to Agnes. " O, yes, sir," replied she, "a great deal more!" " I am afraid," sobbed Louise, " that we can never get it. O, I did not think it would be so much." " My little daughter had better try to restrain 54 TRYING TO BE USEFUL. her grief," said the good doctor, gently. " You have been very industrious, and perhaps you will have help. But supposing I should lend you some money to make up the sum requisite would you he as persevering till you had paid me?" The effect of this proposition was electrical. The tears were all dried. Happy smiles danced around her little mouth, and, shaking back her curls, she said, " father ! will you ? We will pay you won't we, Agnes?" " Yes," replied Agnes ; " we can make another quilt ; " and by the time our heroines arrived at home, they were as confident of success as ever. LITTLE FOLKS ENCOURAGED. 55 CHAPTER IV. LITTLE FOLKS ENCOURAGED. Sale and Return of the Quilt three Times. Invisible Pin- cushions. The Watch Chain. Presentation of the Cloak. Devout Gratitude, and Acknowledgment. ON Monday commenced a series of public meetings, which called together Christians and scholars from all the neighboring towns. Sev- eral well-known benevolent ladies were expected to be present, and Mrs. Merton thought this would be a favorable opportunity to sell the quilt. On Tuesday afternoon Louise was very much surprised and pleased at receiving a message to call at the house of Mrs. Fuller, and bring with her any articles which were for sale in " The United States Sewing Society." She ran to ask leave of her mother, who did not look as much surprised as she had expected, but said, " You 56 TRYING TO BE USEFUL. may put on your coat and bonnet, my dear, while I fold the quilt nicely in a towel." " I do wish Agnes were here to go with me," said Louise ; and before she had finished speak- ing, Agnes' step was heard upon the stairs. Taking the bundle, they started together for the house of Mr. Fuller. As they approached, Louise grew quite fluttered, and her heart beat faster and faster. She was very diffident, and, while much pleased to go, it was a real trial for her to appear before strangers. Agnes seemed to have more confidence, and talked pleasantly, holding Louise firmly by the hand, and trying to cheer her. " I am so glad you happened to come over just as you did," said Louise. " I don't believe I should have dared to go in alone." Ellen was nowhere in sight ; so they rung the door bell, and were soon shown into the parlor, where sat a number of ladies, waiting for tea. Louise saw at a glance that Mrs. Fuller was LITTLE FOLKS ENCOURAGED. 57 not present, and that the ladies were all stran- gers to her. There she stood at the door, with eyes cast down, blushing painfully. Agnes, feeling that she had not been invited, stood just behind her. But she was not suffered to stand there long. A very kind voice said, " O, here are the little girls with the quilt. Come to me, my dear." That voice, which so often spoke comfort and consolation to the afflicted, has long ago been tuned to everlasting songs, before the throne of God but Louise will never, never forget it. She felt sure she had one friend present, and instantly walking across the room, placed her little hand in the one so kindly extended to re- ceive it. Agnes followed ; and while one of the ladies unpinned the towel containing the quilt, the children were beginning to feel quite at home with their new friend. She had given them each a kiss, but seemed to be particularly inter- ested in Louise, who really looked very en- gaging, as she stood with her hand in that of 58 TRYING TO BE USEFUL. Miss C., and answered her questions with a mixture of confidence and diffidence. The ladies then arose to look at the work, praising the evenness of the stitches, and the great neatness and taste with which the squares were matched together. " I really should like to keep it as a curi- osity," whispered Miss C. to a lady standing hy her and holding one corner of the quilt, " hut I suppose it would be a greater help to them for me to return it." Then, taking out her purse, she put a hill into the hand of Louise, and said, " I am so pleased with your benevo- lent design, my dear children, that I shall buy the quilt of you and return it, that you may sell it again, as I have no doubt you will be able to do." "I thank you! / thank you!" was all the children could, say, though their hearts were full ; but Miss C. needed no more ; their happy coun- tenances expressed more than words could have conveyed. She handed them the quilt, which LITTLE FOLKS ENCOURAGED. 59 one of the ladies had kindly pinned up for them; and then, seeing it would be a relief to them to be alone, she kissed them, and bade them good by. Eternity alone can tell the influence of that one kind act, kindly performed, upon the heart of Louise. In after years, the remembrance of it often encouraged her in her efforts to do good, and checked her when weary in her Master's service. As soon as they were out of the gate, our young friends ran every step of the way home ; and Mrs. Merton, who saw them coming, antici- pated the happy result of their visit. " See here, mother," exclaimed Louise, burst- ing into the room, while Agnes followed with the bundle. " She has given us this, and the quilt back, too. I have not stopped to see how much it is, I was in such a hurry to tell you. O, Agnes, look ! it is three dollars ! " And now, free from restraint, the friends poured out all their joy, in which Mrs. Merton heartily united. 60 TRYING TO BE USEFUL. Louise jumped and danced in the excess of her emotion ; but Agnes, being very impatient to communicate the good news to her mother, soon took her leave, carrying with her the quilt, which Mrs. Lovell had not seen since it was completed. The next morning, before Louise had finished making her bed, Agnes came running in, bring- ing the towel which had contained their work, and laid upon the table two bills and some sil- ver. She had not yet spoken one word, and her companion looked at her with astonishment. " I have sold the quilt twice more," at length said Agnes, in reply to the wonder expressed in the countenance of Louise " once for three dol- lars, and once for two and a half; so now we have eight dollars fifty cents ; and there are two ladies at our house who will buy ' invisible ' pin-cushions, if we can make them this after- noon." " I can ! / can ! " joyfully replied Louise ; " you know aunt Maria gave me the pattern, LITTLE FOLKS ENCOURAGED. 61 and taught me to make them. But who bought the quilt ? " " Why, I went home, and found mother in the parlor with ever so many ladies and gentle- men, and I told mother all about our going to Mrs. Fuller's, and selling the quilt to that beau- tiful lady ; and then Mrs. R. asked me ever so many questions. I told her, though I was the president, I never should have done any thing without you ; and that's true." "O Agnes," said Louise, kissing her ten- derly, " you know you have always been ready to deny yourself pleasure, that you might be at the society. But what else did they do ? " " Well, mother sent me out of the room ; and now I know it was that she might tell her what we were trying to get ; for when I went in again, Mrs. R. called me to her, and gave me this bill, and she told me to tell my young friend that she meant to do just as Miss C. had done that she bought the quilt to encourage us, because we had been so persevering." 62 TRYING TO BE USEFUL. " And who bought it next ? " asked Louise, smiling. " Mother," replied Agnes. " Just as I was coming over to tell you, she came into my room, and told me she was going to buy it, that I might always remember how happy it had made me to spend my time usefully and charitably." Louise ran down stairs with Agnes to tell her mother of their success, and to beg of her some bits of silk, that they might be all ready to commence their " invisibles " at noon. Little Sarah could cover the pasteboards very neatly, having been taught by her aunt, and was very happy in being permitted to help her sister. In the course of the afternoon the three little girls made four pincushions, though, to be sure, they were not entirely " invisible ; " and it would have been quite a pity if they had been so made as they were of bits of Mrs. Merton's brown silk pelisse, and stuck full of pins sup- plied from her work basket. Two of these Agnes took home, and the oth- LITTLE FOLKS ENCOURAGED. 63 ers were purchased by a lady and gentleman who were visiting at Dr. Merton's, and who had become much interested in the proceedings of the little society. The lady paid twelve and a half cents, the price of the pincushion, and then presented Louise fifty cents, to show her interest in the object; and the gentleman, when he paid for his, told her he was in need of a watch chain, and if she would make one, he would call and take it the following week, when he should pass through the town. He then gave her money to buy the materials, and told her he would pay her half a dollar when the chain was completed. Louise then counted her money : Pay for quilt, $8 50 " " pincushions, .... 50 Presented, 50 $9 50 and to her great delight found that when the chain was made, and paid for, the whole sum would be obtained. 64 TRYING TO BE USEFUL. Dr. Merton said he thought the United States Sewing Society was in a very flourishing condition, and promised that he would go to the village after dinner and order the cloak, and also buy the braid for the chain. The day at length arrived when the long- hoped-for garment was to be completed. The chain was finished and paid for ; the ten dol- lars were all ready to pay the bill, as soon as presented ; the presentation card had long been written by Louise in her best hand, " sr