Sunbeams



Dame Brinker was startled at her children's emotion; glad, too,
for it proved how loving and true they were.

Beautiful ladies in princely homes often smile suddenly and
sweetly, gladdening the very air around them, but I doubt if
their smile be more welcome in God's sight than that which sprang
forth to cheer the roughly clad boy and girl in the humble
cottage. Dame Brinker felt that she had been selfish. Blushing
and brightening, she hastily wiped her eyes and looked upon them
as only a mother can.

"Hoity! Toity! Pretty talk we're having, and Saint Nicholas's
Eve almost here! What wonder the yarn pricks my fingers! Come,
Gretel, take this cent, *{The Dutch cent is worth less than half
of an American cent.} and while Hans is trading for the skates
you can buy a waffle in the marketplace."

"Let me stay home with you, Mother," said Gretel, looking up with
eyes that sparkled through their tears. "Hans will buy me the
cake."

"As you will, child, and Hans--wait a moment. Three turns of