The children did not always understand her, however; and you shall see hereafter how Dotty's queer little brain grew befogged.

The last clause of one of her verses to-day was this:-- "The Lord loveth a cheerful giver." "Suppose," said Miss Preston, "there were two little girls living in a beautiful house, with everything nice to eat and wear, and there should come a poor man in rags, and beg for charity.

One of the little girls is so sorry for him that she runs to her mamma and asks, as a favor, to be allowed to give him some of her Christmas money.

The other little girl shakes her head, and says, 'O, sister what makes you do so?
But if you do it _I_ must.' Then she pours out half her money for the beggar, but scowls all the while .-- Which is the 'cheerful giver ?'" "The first little girl.

O, of course, Miss Preston." Then Dotty fell to thinking:-- "I don't have much to give away but just pieces of oranges; but I don't scowl when I do it.