England households. In the center of the room stood a round
table, on which had been set a large kerosene-lamp, which
diffused a cheerful light about the apartment.

On a little table, over which hung a small mirror, were several
papers and magazines. Economical in most things, Mr. Frost was
considered by many of his neighbors extravagant in this. He
subscribed regularly for Harper's Magazine and Weekly, a weekly
agricultural paper, a daily paper, and a child's magazine.

"I don't see how you can afford to buy so much reading-matter,"
said a neighbor, one day. "It must cost you a sight of money. As
for me, I only take a weekly paper, and I think I shall have to
give that up soon."

"All my papers and magazines cost me in a year, including
postage, is less than twenty dollars," said Mr. Frost quietly. "A
very slight additional economy in dress--say three dollars a year
to each of us will pay that. I think my wife would rather make
her bonnet wear doubly as long than give up a single one of our
papers. When you think of the comparative amount of pleasure
given by a paper that comes to you fifty-two times in a year, and
a little extra extravagance in dress, I think you will decide in
favor of the paper."

"But when you've read it, you haven't anything to show for your
money."

"And when clothes are worn out you may say the same of them. But
we value both for the good they have done, and the pleasure they