The mother took this up, opened to the title-page, turned a few leaves, and then laid it down again; sat thoughtful for some moments, and then sighed.

Again she lifted the book, opened it, and commenced reading.

In a little while she was all attention, and ere long I saw a tear stealing forth upon her cheeks.

Suddenly she closed the book, evincing strong emotion as she did so, and, rising up, went from the room.

Ascending to a chamber above, she entered, and there found the boy at play.