LESSON 42 WHICH LOVED BEST

WHICH LOVED BEST

for-got-ten fret-ted step-ping

leav-ing ti-died gen-tle

teased guessed help-ful

1. "I love you, mother," said little John;

　　Then, his work forgotten, his cap went on;

　　And he was off to the garden swing,

　　Leaving his mother the wood to bring.

2. "I love you, mother," said rosy Nell;

　　"I love you better than I can tell";

　　Then she teased and fretted half the day,

　　Till all were glad when she went to play.

3. "I love you, mother," said gentle Fan;

　　"To-day I'll help you all I can";

　　So she took the baby, and rocked it fast,

　　Till off it went to sleep at last.

4. Then, stepping softly, she got the broom,

　　And swept the floor, and tidied the room;

　　Busy and happy all day was she,

　　Helpful and bright as child could be.

5. "I love you, mother," again each said—

　　Three little children all going to bed.

　I wonder if any of you have guessed

　　Which of them really loved her best?