Framed in a brilliant scrollwork of scarlet , blue and gold , with little spirits of good will helping one another up and down among the thorns and flowers , were the words , `` Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself . '' `` I ought , but I do n't , '' thought Amy , as her eye went from the bright page to May 's discontented face behind the big vases , that could not hide the vacancies her pretty work had once filled . Amy stood a minute , turning the leaves in her hand , reading on each some sweet rebuke for all heartburnings and uncharitableness of spirit . Many wise and true sermons are preached us every day by unconscious ministers in street , school , office , or home . Even a fair table may become a pulpit , if it can offer the good and helpful words which are never out of season . Amy 's conscience preached her a little sermon from that text , then and there , and she did what many of us do not always do , took the sermon to heart , and straightway put it in practice . A group of girls were standing about May 's table , admiring the pretty things , and talking over the change of saleswomen . They dropped their voices , but Amy knew they were speaking of her , hearing one side of the story and judging accordingly . It was not pleasant , but a better spirit had come over her , and presently a chance offered for proving it . She heard May say sorrowfully ... `` It 's too bad , for there is no time to make other things , and I do n't want to fill up with odds and ends . The table was just complete then . Now it 's spoiled . '' `` I dare say she 'd put them back if you asked her , '' suggested someone . `` How could I after all the fuss ? '' began May , but she did not finish , for Amy 's voice came across the hall , saying pleasantly ... `` You may have them , and welcome , without asking , if you want them . I was just thinking I 'd offer to put them back , for they belong to your table rather than mine . Here they are , please take them , and forgive me if I was hasty in carrying them away last night . '' As she spoke , Amy returned her contribution , with a nod and a smile , and hurried away again , feeling that it was easier to do a friendly thing than it was to stay and be thanked for it . `` Now , I call that lovely of her , do n't you ? '' cried one girl .
May 's answer was inaudible , but another young lady , whose temper was evidently a little soured by making lemonade , added , with a disagreeable laugh , `` Very lovely , for she XXXXX she would n't sell them at her own table . ''
Framed came dropped filled knew preached put saying stay thought