Page:Live and Let Live.djvu/109

 "Yes; I had two shillings over last night, so I went late to market, that we might have a little treat to-day, as Lucy was to be with us. You will see what a nice dinner can be got for two shillings."

"And shall I sit in your lap just as I used to, Lucy?" asked little Jemmie.

"Yes, indeed you shall." The humble meal was soon served, and most savoury did the joint of mutton, which had been all day stewing with vegetables, taste to the hungry little family. "Dear Jemmie," said Lucy to her brother, whose hunger had not the keenness of the other children, "I am afraid your appetite is failing."

"Oh, no, Lucy!" he said, clasping his arm around her neck, "but this is dinner enough for me."

"Ah!" muttered Lee, looking half enviously at the girls devouring a bit of Mrs. Ardley's tart, too rich for him, "ah, girls, but pie is pie for all—isn't it?"

"Yes, father," said Lucy, "pie is pie, and nothing else; but parents, and sisters, and brothers are everything." The poor are not poor while they can thus raise the minds of their children above mere animal gratification, to a comprehension of the true riches of affection—the pure happiness of home.