never did this work. Come in, and let me test you."

"Do it," said Amy, bravely and confidently.

He took her into the reading-room of the hotel, and in a few minutes she
produced a likeness of Mr. Ritson, which made him cry out, "Bravo,
bravo, little girl! You have done it! Forgive my suspicions. Here is a
guinea for what you have done. Come here to-morrow at this time, and I
will see what I can do to help you."

Amy, wild with joy, took the money home to her father. The prosperity of
the family was now assured. Mr. Ritson proved to be a true friend. He
showed Amy's sketches to a great many persons, and praised them so
highly, that she soon began to have orders.

She continued to improve, and in time became quite a successful artist.
She had as much work as she could do, and earned more in a month than
her father could earn in a year. He soon got well, and lived to take
great comfort in the fame of his dear little girl.

ALFRED SELWYN.

* * * * *




JOHNNY AND THE TOAD.