The Pleasant Times: Who Loved Best?

"I love you, mother," said little John;

Then forgetting work, his cap went on,

And he was off to the garden swing,

Leaving his mother the wood to bring.

"I love you, mother," said rosy Nell;

"I love you better than tongue can tell;"

Then she teased and she pouted full half the day,

Till her mother rejoiced when she went to play.

"I love you mother," said little Fan;

"Today I'll help you all I can;

How glad I am that school doesn't keep!"

So she rocked the baby till it fell asleep.

Then, stepping softly, she took the broom,

And swept the floor, and dusted the room;

Busy and happy all day was she,

Helpful and cheerful as child could be.

"I love you, mother," again they said-

Three little children going to bed;

How do you think that mother guessed

Which of them really loved her best?

-Joy Allison

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