My corn was not long in roasting, and, with my keen appetite, it did not matter even if the grains were not exactly done.

I eagerly pulled them out, and placed them on my stool, in a clever little pile.

Just as I began to help myself to my very dry meal, in came my dear mother.

And now, dear reader, a scene occurred which was altogether worth beholding, and to me it was instructive as well as interesting.
The friendless and hungry boy, in his extremest need--and when he did not dare to look for succor--found himself in the strong, protecting arms of a mother; a mother who was, at the moment (being endowed with high powers of manner as well as matter) more than a match for all his enemies.

I shall never forget the indescribable expression of her countenance, when I told her that I had had no food since morning; and that Aunt Katy said she "meant to starve the life out of me." There was pity in her glance at me, and a fiery indignation at Aunt Katy at the same time; and, while she took the corn from me, and gave me a large ginger cake, in its stead, she read Aunt Katy a lecture which she never forgot.