Article August 7, 1915 Issue

Gratitude

CLAIRE M. THOMAS

Two sturdy, barefooted urchins entered the restaurant situated on a beautiful lagoon in Lincoln park, Chicago. They were sure of a welcome, for they had a coin of the realm with which to pay for one piece of pie,—the blackberry sort, all sweet and juicy. As they prepared to share alternate bites, their separate individual needs were met by the advent of a second piece. To this the juvenile nature responded with gleaming brown eyes, and forks suspended for vigorous attack. But wait! Whence came the good fortune? The gaze of the smaller youngster passed from one table to another, and promptly recognized in the smiles of two near-by ladies the source of the gift. Without a moment's hesitation the little lad slipped from his chair, and running to his new friends he cast himself into the arms of one of them, and merely raised his face to hers in mute gratitude, then quickly returned to the enjoyment of the feast so unexpectedly provided.

Not a word was spoken between the two women—it was a moment too sacred for speech; so they silently made their way to the waiting brougham. Both had been brought abruptly face to face with the spontaneous rejoicing of a little child and his instant desire to give thanks before partaking of love's bounty, and the lesson sank deep into their hearts. This incident may well recall our Leader's reference to "the oil of gladness and the perfume of gratitude," as found on page 367 of Science and Health, also St. Paul's injunction, "Be ye thankful."

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