Bless His Dear Heart

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Apr 9, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 15.

Bless His Dear Heart.

In a very elegant palace car entered a weary-faced, poorly-dressed woman, with three little children—one a baby in her arms. A look of joy crept into her face as she sat down in one of the luxurious chairs, but it was quickly dispelled as she was asked rudely to "start her boots." A smile of amusement was seen on several faces as the frightened group hurried out to one of the common cars. Upon one young face, however, there was a look which shamed the countenance of the others.

"Auntie," said the boy to the lady beside him, "I am going to carry my basket of fruit and this box of sandwiches to the poor woman in the next car. You are willing, of course!"

"Don't be foolish, dear; you may need them yourself, and the woman may be an impostor."

"No, I'll not need them," he answered, decidedly; but in a very low tone. "You know I had a hearty breakfast and don't need a lunch. The woman looked hungry, auntie, and so tired, too, with three little babies clinging to her. I'll be back in a minute, auntie; I know mother wouldn't like it if I didn't speak a kind word to the least of these when I met them."

The worldly auntie brushed a tear from her eye after the boy left her, and said audibly:—

"Just like his dear mother."

About five minutes later, as the lady passed the mother and three children, she saw a pretty sight,—the family feasting as perhaps they never had done before; the dainty sandwiches were eagerly eaten, the fruit basket stood open. The eldest child, with her mouth filled with bread and butter, said:—

"Was the pretty boy an angel, mamma?"

"No," answered the mother, and a grateful look brightened her faded eyes, "but he is doing an angel's work, bless his dear heart!"

And we, too, said, "Bless his dear heart!"—Peoria Call.