By the Roadside | Page 9

the 'Sevens.'"
And so they tried the "Sevens" and the "Eights," some of the children
stumbling badly at first; but soon getting into the swing of the tune and
the words, until their voices all blended smoothly and sweetly. By and
by the children began dropping out of the group, as they came to their
homes on the road; each one calling a cheery good-by to Marjorie, and
going away singing by himself.
"I'm going to teach it to my brother and sister," called one, as he turned
in at his gate, "so that we can sing it together at home."

"And so am I," "And so am I," called the others; "and we'll sing it
coming from school every night until we know it all."
When Marjorie and the Dream were again alone, Marjorie continued
humming the little tune, happily.
"The world is more beautiful than it was. Don't you think so?" said the
Dream, presently.
"Yes," said Marjorie.
"I suppose you know what was the best thing that you did there?" said
the Dream.
"Yes," said Marjorie. "It was putting something true into their song, in
place of what was silly and meaningless and untrue."
"And you did it without making one of them feel cross or contrary. You
only showed them something better than they had, and did it without
being obtrusive. Every one wants what is better than he has;--if he is
allowed to take it of his own accord, and doesn't have it thrust upon
him."
After this they walked along in silence for quite a long way, until they
came to the top of a hill, and sat down to rest for a few moments.
Marjorie heaved a sigh as she looked away over the low, green hills,
the shady woods, and the winding stream. "I've come a long way," she
said, "and I haven't done much;--but I wanted to,--you don't know how
I wanted to."
"And what are you going to do now?" asked the Dream.
"Keep on," said Marjorie, bravely.
"In just the same way?"
"No. I've learned some things,--and I shall learn some more. I've made
ever so many mistakes--"

"But you've seen them," said the Dream.
"Yes. I don't think I'll make the same ones again;--and I'll try to watch
and think, so that I will not make so many as I have,--and--but I wanted,
so much, to find some real work to do!"
"Do you remember what I told you, a while ago, that real work is?"
"Yes. Just helping, wisely."
"And how can you help best?"
Marjorie mused for a moment. "By loving, and living love," she said;
"and having your hand ready." And then, after a moment, "Do you
suppose that I will ever find something big to do, instead of just the
little bits by the wayside?"
"It is all 'by the wayside,'" said the Dream; "and the big things will
come,--when you are big enough for them."

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