English painter of his day. Let us each make the best use of our
natural abilities as Benjamin West did; and, with the blessing of
Providence, we shall arrive at some good end. As for fame, it is but
little matter whether we acquire it or not.

"Thank you for the story, my dear father," said Edward, when it was
finished. "Do you know that it seems as if I could see things without
the help of my eyes? While you were speaking I have seen little Bert,
and the baby in its cradle, and the Indians, and the white cow, and the
pigs, and kind Mr. Pennington, and all the good old Quakers, almost as
plainly as if they were in this very room."

"It is because your attention was not disturbed by outward objects,"
replied Mr. Temple. "People, when deprived of sight, often have more
vivid ideas than those who possess the perfect use of their eyes. I
will venture to say that George has not attended to the story quite so
closely."

"No, indeed," said George; "but it was a very pretty story for all that.
How I should have laughed to see Ben making a paint-brush out of the
black cat's tail! I intend to try the experiment with Emily's kitten."

"O no, no, George!" cried Emily, earnestly. "My kitten cannot spare her
tail."

Edward being an invalid, it was now time for him to retire to bed. When
the family bade him good night he turned his face towards them, looking
very loath to part.

"I shall not know when morning comes," said he, sorrowfully. "And