Book Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1856 edition. Excerpt: ... " Why, don't you think it must vex people to see you so silent and melanoholy ? " asked Anne in return. " Nobody cares about how I am looking," Mary answered in the same melancholy voice. " Oh ! yes they do, more than you think," replied Anne, cheerfully; "father and I would like a great deal better to see you more cheerful, and I dare say your own father and sister would be better pleased too." Mary remembered how often she had been scolded, or laughed at, for " moping," and being so silent and dull, and she felt that Anne was right. " But, Anne," she urged, " even if I looked happy, it would be only pretence; I should feel just as miserable." " No, I don't think you would1," her friend answered; " but, at all events, it is worth while to try. Now promise me, Mary, that you will try this one week to be cheerful, and to look and speak cheerfully. Make up your mind to show those about you how happy religion can make you. Promise me you will really try with all your might." It was a good while before Mary would mako this promise, but at last she did. " Now I am satisfied," Anne said, smiling; " I know you would not make a promise you did not mean to keep. Now, all the week, whenever you catch yourself lookthg dismal, and grieving over your troubles, remember your promise to me, and try how cheerfully you can smile and speak. And you will begin with this very evening; how pleased father will be to see you in good spirits! " From that time Mary's spirits greatly improved. She began to feel, as well as to look, really cheerful and happy; and Anne encouraged her in such feelings as much as possible. In this way, with little change, the weeks and months passed by, until Christmas came, and with it William Upfold, for a week's holiday. He...