Big Nightcap Letters Read online

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  CARL RESCUING THE DOVE FROM THE HAWK]

  THE

  BIG NIGHTCAP LETTERS;

  BEING THE

  FIFTH BOOK OF THE SERIES.

  BY THE AUTHOR OF THE SIX NIGHTCAP BOOKS, "AUNT FANNY'S STORIES," ETC., ETC.

  NEW YORK D. APPLETON & COMPANY, 443 & 445 BROADWAY. LONDON: 16 LITTLE BRITAIN. 1861.

  ENTERED, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1860, by FANNY BARROW, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York.

  TO

  ----, AND ----,

  YOU KNOW WHO;

  THIS BOOK IS MOST LOVINGLY

  =Dedicated=.

  PREFACE.

  IT has always been my favorite theory, that the goodness and beauty of atruly Christian life in children could be taught quite as effectually bycombining the gay with the grave, as by being altogether grave; for Ichanced to remember that I invariably omitted all the latter portions ofthe story-books bestowed upon me when a child; and I have reason tobelieve that human nature is pretty much the same now as then.

  In each of these little stories, it has been my single aim to inculcatea desire in children to _do_ good, to _be_ good, and to seek prayerfulassistance from the One source of all goodness--their Father in Heaven.

  And now one word about the sixth book of this series. Trembling with adeep responsibility, I have ventured to write a fairy story, (thatenchanted ground for the little ones,) through the whole of which Itrust this thread of my theory has run _unbroken_. It is the last of ourlittle friend, Lame Charley; and if the dear children who have made hisNightcaps theirs, will bear him, and me for his sake, in affectionateremembrance, it will gladden the heart of their loving

  AUNT FANNY.

  CONTENTS.

  PAGE

  FIRST LETTER TO CHARLEY. THE LITTLE WHITE ANGEL, 9

  SECOND LETTER TO HARRY. HEEDLESS HARRY, 30

  THIRD LETTER TO ANNA. POOR RICH LITTLE EVA, 73

  FOURTH LETTER TO GEORGE. ILL TEMPER, 108

  FIFTH LETTER TO CLARA. THE ROSE CROWN, 140

  SIXTH LETTER TO JOHNNY. THE HUNT FOR A STEAMBOAT, 161

  *** The stories written for the SEVEN NIGHTCAP CHILDREN remaining, willbe found in "Little Nightcap Letters."

  BIG NIGHTCAP LETTERS.

  THE FIRST LETTER.

  INTRODUCTION.

  ONE evening, when all the children, after the usual frolic with Crocusthe cat and the TREMENDOUS DOG, had settled themselves for their"nightcaps," (their meaning of which word, of course, you all know,) thelittle mother cleared her throat, and paused, for she was feeling for aletter that was in her pocket.

  "Something particularly good is coming to-night," whispered George toAnna.

  "What makes you think so?"

  "Don't you see how bright her eyes are? See! now she is hugging Charley,and kissing him;" and unable to resist this loving exhibition, he rushedfrom his seat to hug and kiss Charley, too, and ask him if he felt quitecomfortable.

  Charley thanked him with a loving look, and George went back to hisseat, all in a glow.

  "Children," said the little mother, "I received to-day a letter fromAunt Fanny! She says you have given her so many delightful stories, shethinks it is quite time to give you some in return."

  THE FRIGHTENED OLD BACHELOR.]

  "Did you ever!" exclaimed the children, eagerly. "What a perfect bird ofan Aunt Fanny! How perfectly delightful!"

  "She wishes me to ask how you would like her to send you each a story,that you would know had been written especially for you?"

  "Oh! oh! oh! what a capital idea!" cried all the children, clappingtheir hands at such a rate, that an old bachelor opposite opened thewindow and looked out with a spy-glass, to see where the fire was; andnearly frightened a lamplighter into fits, who was just at that verymoment lighting a lamp at his door.

  This most delightful announcement made the children chatter so fast,that Charley became nearly sick, laughing at what they said; for Georgeagain called Aunt Fanny a "perfect bird!" and Harry improved it byexclaiming that she was a perfect _cat_ bird! which, of course, meantsomething very complimentary.

  "Won't she write stories like a _mice_!" cried Johnny.

  "And won't mamma read the writing like a precious kitten!" said Clara.

  "Well, I never knew kittens could read writing before," laughed Harry.

  "But, mamma," said Anna, "the letter looks very thick; is the firststory in it?"

  "Yes," said the little mother. "I will read what Aunt Fanny says--shesays--

  "And now, dear children, what do you think? Do you remember the storyof the 'Doctor' in the first Nightcap book? Well, that very doctor isnow a young lady; and she has written a story on purpose for our dearlittle Charley. I think it is very charming; and I have sent it for thevery first one, because I well know this will best please his lovingbrothers and sisters. Sarah, (the _real_ name of the 'doctor,' youknow,) has tried to write what would most gratify Charley's sweet andtender nature." Here the little mother stopped, and kissed her lame boy,and the children murmured, "dear, dear Charley." Then she read on--

  "You will perceive that Sarah has endeavored to imitate the beautifulGerman style. Here is her story. Give Charley a kiss for us both beforeyou begin."

  And in almost breathless silence the mother read the title--

  "THE LITTLE WHITE ANGEL.

  "Some children stood in a group before the door of the villageschool-house one lovely summer evening.

  "They were all talking pleasantly together, from Kline, the son of therich and proud Hoffmeister, to little blue-eyed Carl, the only child ofthe poor baker.

  "It is very true that Kline wore a velvet jacket, richly embroidered,while Carl's coat was old, and his wooden shoes were rough enough, inall conscience; but what of that? If they were good friends, whatdifference did _that_ make, I should like to know? Wait till childrenbecome grown people, for pity's sake, before you expect them to measureeach other's worth by what they possess or wear!

  "'The new schoolmaster, Meinherr Friedrich, comes to-morrow,' said Otto.'I am so glad. I was weary of that old Master Hoffman, with his crookedproblems and hard lessons.'

  "'So was I, truly,' cried Kline, who, although a good merry boy, hatedhis books as he did medicine.

  "'Ah, thou didst always like play better than work, my Kline,' said Max,'and so do I. Meinherr Friedrich will be wise if he keep me and theeapart during school hours; but come, see which can get home first--one,two, three!' and away they all scampered, laughing and shouting as onlyschoolboys can.

  "The following day, the boys were all standing around the schoolhouse,when the door opened, and Master Friedrich himself, appeared, and criedin a cheery, hearty voice, 'Welcome, my children.'

  "'Welcome, master,' cried they.

  "And now they entered and took their seats, and were quite still whilethe good master read a short chapter in the Book of Books; and thenreverently kneeling, prayed that the dear Jesus would guide him in histeachings, and bless them, and send His Holy Spirit to watch over themall.

  "School began; the thumb-worn books were brought out--the lazy boysbegan to sigh and frown, and wish impatiently for the recess, and wonderwhy Latin dictionaries were eve
r invented; when, as if by magic, theyfound themselves listening to the pleasant voice of Master Friedrich,and actually understanding their lessons, so clear and simple were hisexplanations; and the time for recess came, to their great astonishment,long before they had expected.

  "When the studies were over, the master drew from his desk a box; andwhilst the children gathered around, he opened it and drew out charminglittle pink-and-white seashells, pretty pictures, and many otherbeautiful things, which he gave to the children, with loving words.

  "But the most lovely thing of all, was a little porcelain statuette ofan angel. She stood, so fair, so pure--with her small white hands foldedupon her breast, and her eyes uplifted, that the children gazedenchanted.

  "'Oh the dear angel! the beautiful angel!' cried they all. 'Wilt thounot give it to me, Master Friedrich?'

  "But the good master smiled, and said--'The little angel is too lovelyto be given to any boy who is not good and true of heart. We shallpresently see who shall deserve her. He who brings me, to-morrow, thebrightest thing on earth, shall have the angel.'

  "At this the children looked at each other, as if wondering what thegood master might mean; but he said no more, and they went homethoughtful.

  "The next day, after the lessons (which had now become so pleasant) werefinished, the children clustered around the master to show him what theyhad brought.

  "Some of the smaller ones had picked up sparkling stones on the road,and as they held them in the sunlight, were sure they must be somethingbright and precious.

  "Some had polished up a shilling, until it shone like a little crown.Heinrich brought a watch-crystal, which his father had given him, andwhich he considered a wonder of transparent brightness; and Kline, therich Hoffmeister's son, had brought a paste buckle, made to imitatediamonds, than which, in his opinion, nothing could be brighter.

  "All these things were laid on the schoolmaster's desk, side by side.The shillings shone away famously, the pebbles and watch-crystal didtheir best, but Kline's buckle was the bravest of all.

  "'Ah! mine's the brightest!' shouted Kline, clapping his hands.

  "'But where is little Carl?' said Master Friedrich. 'He ran out justnow.'

  "All eyes were turned to the door, when presently, in rushed Carl,breathless. In his hands, held up lovingly against his neck, was a poorlittle snow-white dove. Some crimson drops upon the downy breast, showedthat it was wounded.

  "'Oh! master!' cried Carl, 'I was looking for something bright, when Icame upon this poor little white dove. A cruel hawk had wounded it, andI caught it quickly, and ran here. Oh! I fear it will die!'

  "Even as he spoke, the dove's soft eyes grew filmy; it nestled closer inCarl's neck, gave a faint cry, and died.

  "Carl sank on his knees beside the master's desk, and from his eyesthere fell upon the white dove's poor broken wing, two tears, large andbright.

  "The master took the poor dead dove from his hands, and laid it tenderlydown on the desk with the bright things; then raising Carl, he softlysaid--

  "'My children, there is no brighter gem on earth, than a _tender,pitying tear_.'

  "The boys were silent for a moment, for they felt that the master haddecided that Carl had rightly won the angel, and then Kline cried out--

  "'Nay, master, thou didst not fairly explain to us. I pray thee give usyet another trial.'

  "'Yes, dear master,' said Max 'give us one more trial.'

  "'What sayest thou Carl?' said Master Friedrich.

  "'Yes, dear master,' answered the generous boy.

  "The good master smiled thoughtfully, and his eyes rested for a moment,lovingly, upon Carl; then glancing round, he said--'He who brings me theloveliest thing on earth to-morrow, shall have the angel.'

  "The children clapped their hands, and departed satisfied.

  "After school, the next day, Kline was the first to run up to MasterFriedrich, and lay upon his desk what he considered the loveliest thingin the whole world--his new soldier cap, with the long scarlet feather,and bright golden tassel. Max came next, and placed beside the cap asmall silver watch, his last birthday gift, with a bright steel chainattached. Otto brought a great picture-book, just sent him by hisgodmother; Rudolph a tiny marble vase, richly sculptured; and so on,until a still more motley collection than before lay upon MasterFriedrich's desk.

  "Then little Carl stepped modestly up, and placed in the master's handa pure white lily. The rich perfume filled the room; and bending overthe flower, and inhaling the delicious fragrance, the master softlysaid--'My children, the blessed Word of God says--Consider the lilies ofthe field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin, and yet Isay unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed likeone of these. Carl has rightly chosen.'

  "But murmurs arose; the children were not satisfied; and again theyasked for another trial. And as before, good Master Friedrich inquired--

  "'What sayest thou, Carl?' and he answered as before, with generoushaste, 'Yes, dear master.'

  "'Now this is the last time,' said the master. 'He who brings me the_best_ thing on earth shall have the angel.'

  "'The very best thing on earth is plum cake!' cried Kline, on the thirdday, as he walked up to the desk, bearing a large cake, richly frosted,with a wreath of sugar roses round the edge. This he placed triumphantlybefore the master, sure of the prize.

  "'Nay, thou art wrong this time, Kline,' said Max. 'I asked my fatherwhat was the very best thing on earth, and he laughed, and gave me thisgolden guilder; the prize is mine.'

  "'Ah! but _my_ father said that the very best was a good glass ofRhenish wine,' cried Otto, 'and I have brought a bottle of it thirtyyears old; the prize is surely mine.'

  "So they went on till all had placed their offering before the master.

  "'And thou, Carl?' said he. 'What hast thou brought which thou thinkestthe best on earth?'

  "A crimson flush rose to the little boy's forehead, and coming softlyforward, he took from his breast a _small, worn Testament_, pressed itto his lips, and then reverently laid it down with the rest as he said,in a sweet, low voice--

  "'My mother, dear master, says that God's precious Testament is farbefore all other possessions.'

  "''Tis thine, my Carl!' cried the master, snatching the boy to hisbreast. 'The white angel is thine! for there is nothing in the wide,wide world half so precious as the blessed words of Jesus;' and heplaced the angel in the hands of the trembling boy.

  "Kline knit his brows, and gazed with anger and disappointment at thelittle Carl; and the rest, seeing him do this, felt themselvesaggrieved; but suddenly the cloud cleared from Kline's face, and rushingforward, he caught Carl in his arms, crying--'Forgive me, dear Carl! nowI am right glad thou hast won the prize!'

  "Ah! the blessed effect of a bright example! Quickly joining hands, thechildren danced joyfully around the little Carl, who stood in the midst,the white angel pressed to his breast, his fair hair falling in curlson his shoulders, and his blue eyes full of holy tears.

  "The good Master Friedrich also wept for joy, and prayed, from the depthof his pure and simple heart, that Jesus would bless this lesson to thechildren's everlasting good. He had turned away that none might perceivehis tears.

  "But One in heaven saw them, Master Friedrich."

  The story was finished, but no one spoke, for the tears were softlyfalling from Charley's eyes; and the rest of the children, with quivering lips, were gazing in his face. At last he said, in a lowvoice--"What a lovely story! and how sweet and good little Carl was!Dear mamma! we will all try to be generous and good, as he was; and weall know what a precious book the Bible is. I love Carl; and I thankAunt Fanny and Miss Sarah with all my heart, for writing this beautifulstory about him."

  And now all the children, with subdued and tender glances, kissed theirdear mother and Charley, and went quietly to bed, thinking of the dearlittle Carl, and wishing softly to each other, that their mother hadthought of asking _them_ to find the "brightest and loveliest and bestthing on earth,
" for they hoped they should have done just as the dearCarl did.