indulging, by giving way to tears on trivial occasions; a habit which two
years before she herself had found great difficulty in overcoming. The
judicious management of her mother, aided by her own sincere desire to
please so good a parent, had now nearly corrected this habit. Of what
great and essential service this was to her happiness through life, will
appear in the course of this little tale. John had heard all that passed,
but did not quite comprehend what was meant. He walked on, however, in
silence, considering in his mind how much he should like to be rich enough
to gratify Miss Helen. Little did he think, poor boy, that the day would
come, when, in that very cottage, he would receive Miss Helen, and watch
over her declining health, with all the respect and affection of a
brother.

Mr. Martin, observing that his conversation had thrown a little gloom over
the faces of the young folks, said cheerfully, "Come, my dears! let us
think of something that will amuse us. Helen! suppose you sing us a song!
John has given us one already; and I heard you telling your mamma last
night that you had learnt a pretty new one; I should like to hear you sing
it very much." "Well, papa," said Helen, "I will try to please you; but I
am afraid I am not quite perfect yet. I hope you will excuse me, if I make
any blunders." She then began the following lines, which she sang in a
sweet, clear and natural voice:

I.

My brother's a shepherd, so artless and gay,
Whose flock ranges over yon mountain,
And sweet is his song at the close of the day,
By the echoing rock of the fountain.