MALIBRAN AND THE YOUNG MUSICIAN. 97 heard but the touching words of that little song, — O, so touching! 17. Pierre walked home as if he were moving on the air What cared he for money now? The greatest singer in all Europe had sung his little song, and thousands had wept at his grief. 18. The next day he was frightened at a visit from Madame Malibran. She laid her hand on his yellow curls, and, turning to the sick woman, said, "Your little boy, madam, has brought you a fortune. I was offered, this morning, by the best publisher in London, three hundred pounds for his little song; and after he has realized a certain amount from the sale, little Pierre, here, is to share the profits. Madam, thank God that your son has a gift from heaven." 19. The noble-hearted singer and the poor woman wept together. As to Pierre, always mindful of Him who watches over the tried and tempted, he knelt down by his mother's bedside, and uttered a simple but eloquent prayer, asking God's blessing on the kind lady who had deigned to notice their affliction. 20. The memory of that prayer made the singer even more tender-hearted; and she who was the idol of England's nobility went about doing good. And in her early, happy death, he who stood by her bed, and smoothed her pillow, and lightened her last moments by his undying affection, was the little Pierre of former days, now rich, accomplished, and the most talented composer of the day. 21. All honor to those great hearts who, from their high stations, send down bounty to the widow, and to the fatherless child! EXERCISE. 1. Little Pierre had composed a song. 2. He gave one eager glance at his mother, and ran speedily from the house. 3. He was almost beside himself with joy. 4. The music, the myriad lights, and the beauty bewildered him. T I. HOUGH rudely blows the wintry blast, Mark Haley drives along the street, While echo faint and far replies, 66 Hark, O!". - Such cheery sounds Attend him on his daily rounds. THE CHARCOAL-MAN. 66 II. The dust begrimes his ancient hat; All speckled with the feathery storm; Yet in his honest bosom lies Nor spot nor speck, though still he cries, -- - 66 Charco' charco'!" And many a roguish lad replies, The hearth is warm, the fire is bright; His glowing face bends fondly o'er And in a coaxing tone he cries, And baby with a laugh replies, "Ah, go! ah, go!" "Ah, go The mother's heart with gladness bounds. 227850A XXX. THE REHEARSING FOR CHRISTMAS. HE clock struck six; and Beth, having swept up the hearth, put a pair of slippers down to warm. Somehow the sight of the old shoes had a good effect upon the girls, for mother was coming home, and every one brightened to welcome her. Meg stopped lecturing, and lit the lamp. Amy got out of the easy-chair without being asked, and Jo forgot how tired she was, as she sat up to hold the slippers nearer the blaze. 2. " They are quite worn out; mother must have a new pair." "I thought I'd get her some with my dollar," said Beth. No, I shall!" cried Amy. 3. "I'm the oldest," began Meg, but Jo cut in with a decided "I'm the man of the family now papa is away, and I shall provide the slippers, for he told me to take special care of mother while he was gone." 4. "I'll tell you what we'll do," said Beth; "let's each get her something for Christmas, and not get anything for ourselves." REHEARSING FOR CHRISTMAS. 101 That's like you, dear! What will we get?" ex claimed Jo. 5. Every one thought soberly for a minute; then Meg announced, as if the idea was suggested by the sight of her own pretty hands, " I shall give her a nice pair of gloves." 6. "Army shoes, best to be had," cried Jo. "Some handkerchiefs, all hemmed," said Beth. 7. "I'll get a little bottle of Cologne; she likes it, and it won't cost much, so I'll have some left to buy something for me," added Amy. 8. "How will we give the things?" asked Meg. Put them on the table, and bring her in and see her open the bundles. Don't you remember how we used to do on our birthdays?" answered Jo. 9. I used to be so frightened when it was my turn to sit in the big chair with a crown on, and see you all come marching round to give the presents, with a kiss. I liked the things and the kisses, but it was dreadful to have you sit looking at me while I opened the bundles," said Beth, who was toasting her face and the bread for tea, at the same time. 10. Let mother think we are getting things for ourselves, and then surprise her. We must go shopping tomorrow afternoon, Meg; there is lots to do about the play for Christmas night," said Jo, marching up and down with her hands behind her back, and her nose in the air. 11. I don't mean to act any more after this time; I'm getting too old for such things," observed Meg, who was as much a child as ever about "dressing up" frolics. 12. "You won't stop, I know, as long as you can trail round in a white gown with your hair down, and wear gold paper jewelry. You are the best actress we've got, and there'll be an end of everything if you quit the boards," said Jo. "We ought to rehearse to-night; come here, Amy, and do the fainting scene, for you are as stiff as a poker in that." 13. "I can't help it; I never saw any one faint, and I |