ONE bright afternoon, a few summers ago, we had been playing together in the garden. We had been there all the afternoon, for it was half-holiday that day. Among other games we had put up a kind of bower, just large enough to sit under, and when it was complete, the poles firmly fixed, the roof made secure, and seats brought for Harry, Katie, and Cis, the thought occurred to one of us how nice it would be to have tea together in our little bower.
So we went indoors to fetch a kettle, cups and saucers, and other necessary things for a tea-table.
What a tea we had that clay! Although quite a plain one, without cake or anything extra, we all enjoyed the meal very much. But that happy afternoon, like all other joys that are connected with this world, soon came to an end. Then evening closed in, and the cool night air told us it was quite time to leave the garden.
Yes, happy times quickly pass, leaving only the memory of their sweetness. Should we not then seek the happiness that never fades, but will last when all earthly things have for ever passed away?