Short Stories » An Hour with the Lowly

An Hour with the Lowly

WHEN about twelve years of age, I attended a day-school nearly a mile from home. The walk was a pleasant. one, bordered with luxuriant fields, and wild flowers grew in abundance by the way. Such a merry group were we, ofttimes singing all together some favorite song.

Upon our way home I sometimes stopped at the door of a humble dwelling, inhabited by Aunt Harriet, a colored woman, to get a cool drink. One afternoon she very respectfully asked if I would read aloud to her a hymn; she had heard it sung and had learned part, and although she had bought a handsomely- bound hymn-book, she could not read it. " I bought the best binding to show my respect for the insides, honey, and because I like to have it in the house along with the Bible. I know I've got the good Lord's words with me, whether I can read it or not; and if I can get someone to read to me once in a while, I'll get the whole good of it by and by." So I would sit in the easy-chair, and read a chapter or a hymn to the good woman, who would fan away the flies as I read.

Sometimes we would sing the hymn together, to make sure she had the words right. Once in a while Aunt Harriet would sing for me a mournful plantation melody, and I appreciated it very much. I rejoiced with her that she was in a "free State," after she had told me of the sorrowful separation she had suffered in her native State. " I had one baby, honey, and they sold him out of my arms when he learned to dance so pretty." I told her how Harriet Beecher Stowe had written "Uncle Tom's Cabin, "and how through it the Northern people felt about slavery. At last I brought it to her house, and read a few pages to her every night until it was finished. " Honey, it's next to the Bible," she would say; and, oh, how many blessings the author had from the lips of Aunt Harriet ! If I was behind the others on the way home, I lost nothing by it; my heart was always happier, and did not Aunt Harriet always put into my hand a cake or a large piece of the nicest pie to eat on the way home? Now and then I think of the pretty little adobe house so neat and clean, the garden glowing with hundreds of flowers, and all so comfortable without and within. Uncle Grief was a real gentleman at heart, and the couple were respected by all who knew them. Father had Southern ideas, and my mother the opposite, but they both approved of my visits to the little cabin.

An Hour With The Lowly - Takeaway for Class 1,2,3

It's important to be kind and respectful to everyone, no matter who they are or what they do.

An Hour With The Lowly - Takeaway for Class 4,5,6

Kindness and understanding towards others, no matter their position in life, can lead to meaningful friendships and shared happiness.

An Hour With The Lowly - Takeaway for Class 7,8,9

Spending time with those who are often overlooked can teach us valuable lessons about kindness, empathy, and the true essence of humanity.

3 Fun Facts

• The story features a conversation between a hardworking ant and a boastful fly, showcasing the importance of humility and hard work.
• The ant explains how it uses sunshine to find its way and food, whereas the fly relies on leftovers and doesn’t plan for the future.
• In the end, the ant teaches the fly a lesson on the value of steady, purposeful work instead of short-lived, flashy activities.

Quiz for Class 1,2,3

• What did the little child find in the corner of her backyard?
• Who did the little child talk to while she was playing in the garden?
• What did the little child promise to do for her new friends in the garden?

Quiz for Class 4,5,6

• What did Sarah decide to do when she noticed the old man sleeping on the roadside?
• How did the old man react when Sarah offered him some food?
• What lesson did Sarah learn from spending time with the old man?

Quiz for Class 7,8,9

• What initial struggle does Jatin face in understanding the lives of the sweeper family, and how does he overcome it during his visit?
• In what way does the interaction with Laxmi and her family challenge Jatin's preconceived notions about happiness and contentment?
• How does Jatin's experience with the sweeper family influence his perspective on privilege and the importance of empathy in his daily life?