Simple sacrifice

KINDNESS.

This word seldom begins an article in a newspaper, but "cruelty" or "murder" more often instead. It is a pleasure to record an act of kindness; painful that we have not frequent opportunities. Yet such an act made our heart glad, filled it with a new love for our kind, only a day or two since.

A school-girl, about ten years of age, was passing, with a smaller school-girl in her arms, whom she carried with much difficulty; for the weather was sultry. Other children were in company, with books in their hands. The whole party stopped to rest under the shade of a tree. Just then, a gentleman observed the group. His attention was particularly attracted by the child, still supported by the arm of her friend.

"What's the matter, my little Miss?" he inquired, in his kind, soft tone.

"She's sick, sir," replied the friend.

"And are you taking her home?"

"I'm trying, sir."

"How far off does she live?"

"Down by the Long Bridge."

"A mile or more! and you would carry her through the hot sun! No shade on the way either!"

"I must try, sir," answered the school girl.

"No, you must not," said the kind gentleman, "it would kill both of you."

A carriage passed at this moment. A word and a waving arm caused it to draw up to the pavement. All the party entered it, and all right merry, except the sick one; but even she looked up with a faint smile, fixing her large, tender eyes on the face of the stranger. The driver had been instructed fully as to his destination, had been paid too, and now drove away.

"Poor little girl!" said the gentleman to himself, in a low voice.

"Good bye, sir!" said all the children, in a high tone.

—Washington News.


Do you feel like the little girl being carried, or the girl doing the carrying? How about the man that helped them? At one point or another in our lives we all will find ourselves in one of these positions. How will we react. Grateful we got help, or grateful that we were able to help.