All have the choice to wear out or to rust out . I chose the former , and have had a useful , happy life so far . I 'm not as straight as I once was , but I 'm bright still , my point is sharp , my head firm , and age has not weakened me much , I hope , but made me wiser , better , and more contented to do my duty wherever I am , than when I left my native paper long ago . '' Before Miss Ellen could express her respect for the worthy old pin , a dismal groan was heard from the blue cushion , and a small voice croaked aloud , -- `` Alas , alas , I chose to rust out , and here I am , a miserable , worthless thing , whom no one can use or care for . Lift the ruffle , and behold a sad contrast to the faithful , honest , happy Granny , who has told us such a varied tale . '' `` Bless me , what possesses everything to-day ! '' exclaimed Miss Ellen , looking under the frill of the old cushion to see who was speaking now . There to be sure she found a pin hidden away , and so rusty that she could hardly pull it out . But it came creaking forth at the third tug , and when it was set up beside Granny , she cried out in her cheery way , -- `` Try Dr. Emery , he can cure most cases of rust , and it is never too late to mend , neighbor . '' `` Too late for me ! '' sighed the new comer . `` The rust of idleness has eaten into my vitals while I lay in my silken bed , and my chance is gone forever . I was bright , and strong , and sharp once , but I feared work and worry , and I hid , growing duller , dimmer , and more useless every day . I am good for nothing , throw me away , and let the black pins mourn for a wasted life . '' `` No , '' said Miss Ellen , `` you are not useless , for you two shall sit together in my new cushion , a warning to me , as well as to the other pins , to choose the right way in time , and wear out with doing our duty , rather than rust out as so many do . Thank you , Granny , for your little lecture . I will not forget it , but go at once and find that poor girl , and help her all I can . Rest here , you good old soul , and teach these little things to follow your example . '' As she spoke , Miss Ellen set the two pins in the middle of the red satin cushion , stuck the smaller pins round them , and hastened to put on her shawl lest something should prevent her from going . `` Take me with you ; I 'm not tired , I love to work !
XXXXX me , dear mistress , and let me help in the good work ! ''
Thank feared growing heard hidden hope looking made tired use