George's mother was very poor. Instead of having bright fires in winter, she had1to burn but dry sticks. One fine day in July, she sent George to the forest to collect2.
It was a sunny day, and George worked very3; so that by the time the sun was high, he felt4, and wished for a cool place where he might5and eat his dinner.
While he hunted about the bank, he saw some fine, wild strawberries6the grass.
"How good these will be with my7and butter!" thought George; and lining his little cap with leaves, he set to work to gather (收集) all he could8.
George thought of all this, and just as he was9the first strawberry to his mouth, he said to10,"How much mother would like these" and he11, and put the strawberry back.
"Shall I save them for her, I will eat half, and take the other half to her," said he; and he divided them into12groups. But each group looked so small, that he put them together again.
"I will only taste one," thought he; but, as he again lifted it to his mouth, he saw that he had taken the finest, and he put it back. I will13them all for her," said he, and he covered them up14till he should go home.
15the sun was beginning to sink, George set out for home. How happy he felt, then, that he had all his strawberries for his sick mother. The16he came to his home, the less he wished to taste them.
Just as he had thrown down his wood, he17his mother's voice calling him from the next room. "Is that you, George? I am glad you have come, for I am18and want to drink some tea."
George ran in to her, and joyfully19his wild strawberries. "And you saved them for your sick mother, did you?" said she, laying her20fondly on his head, while the tears stood in her eyes.
