These children remembered their pledge, and they made Susie so happy that she almost forgot her lameness. She was a cheerful, pleasant, good little girl, and her schoolmates, who had begun by pitying her and trying to help her, soon loved to be with her.
"May I sit with Susie, Miss Ware?" became a frequent request.
"Susie dear, here's a cake I've brought you," one would say at recess.
One day, as Susie was on her way to school she met a large drove of oxen. Poor little girl! she was very much frightened, and the big blue eyes were fast filling with tears when Harry Barton, one of the school-boys, stepped up before her and said, "Don't cry, Susie. I will take care of you. Nothing shall hurt you while I am here." And right bravely he stood before her until the last one had passed, and then took Susie to school, kindly helping her over the rough places.
So the seasons wore on, and Susie, who, though she ardently desired to learn, had dreaded going among other children, was always happy with them. She loved her teacher and schoolmates, and made such progress as she could not have done had these things been different.
The summer vacation was over. The glorious days of early autumn, with sunshine glinting through the crimson foliage, dropping nuts and golden harvests, passed swiftly away, and cold weather came.
The school-room was pleasant still with its cheery fire and bright faces. One day, when all were busy as usual, a cry rang out,
"Fire! Fire! The school-house is on fire!"
Books and pens dropped from trembling hands, little faces paled, and eager, appealing eyes turned instantly to the teacher.
Only one moved--lame Susie. She limped along as fast as she could, and all the rest, frightened as they were, remained in their places till she was safe outside the walls. Then with a rush they cleared the room almost in an instant. Even in that time of peril and dread they remembered their duty and kindness toward her, and gave her the richest proof in their power of their thoughtful love. Not mere obedience to a rule could have prompted this unselfish act, and as such a proof she must have felt it.
It is a beautiful illustration, as it is a _true_ one, of God's love for all living and for all times.