But Mrs. Cortrell said, "What if God put it into her heart, John?" And so they concluded to do nothing about it. Well, the children walked and walked, and now and then they got a drive; and, on the third morning, Jessie led Johnny into Boston over the Brighton road. They found Dr. Williamson. He received them kindly. He examined Johnny's eyes, and then said to Jessie, "I think there are nine chances in ten that I can cure your brother." Jessie bounded with joy. The good doctor accommodated them in his own house while the cure was going on; and after not many days he sent the children home in the cars, and, as he left them, placed a sealed envelope in the hand of Jessie. "My bill for your father: there is no haste about it," said he kindly; and then he bade them good-by. The journey was a short one. Happy enough were the parents to see their dear children back again, and Johnny quite cured of his blindness. Then Jessie handed her father the bill. "Whatever it is, I shall pay it cheerfully," said he. He opened it, and read,-- "For services rendered Johnny and Jessie Cortrell. "Received payment in full, "CHARLES WILLIAMSON." So Johnny got his eyes again, and the doctor's bill was settled; and Jessie had done it all.[1] [Illustration] FOOTNOTE: [1] From Bed-Time Stories, by Louise Chandler Moulton, published by Roberts Brothers, Boston. THE ACORNS. "TALL oaks from little acorns grow." Yes, darling children, that is so: Then plant your acorns; do not fear; And fruit will by and by appear. The line you learn to-day may be The very seed of Wisdom's tree. EMILY CARTER. GRANDMOTHER'S BIRTHDAY. GRANDMA'S birthday is to-day! This we all have come to say, Lest she should forget the time, Wondering at this joyful rhyme. Welcome, welcome, happy day! Love shed brightness on her way! And for her may many more Just such birthdays be in store! We have come with fruits and flowers, Tokens of this love of ours; But our love shall flourish bright When these flowers are faded quite. Take them, grandma, and be sure We are rich, though we are poor,-- Rich in love, though poor in gold: So to greet you we make bold. Blessings be around your way! Love surround you every day! Pleasant thoughts be with you still, Gently going down the hill! And may your example bright Keep us always in the right! So, "Hurrah, hurrah!" we say: "Grandma's birthday is to-day!" DORA BURNSIDE. [Illustration] THE BALLOON. [Illustration]