The tooth was quiet for a few days, then ached again for several hours
harder than ever.
"O mamma, mamma, what shall I do?" sobbed the child in the midst of her
pain.
"Couldn't my little girl pluck up courage enough to have it out?" asked
the mother tenderly.
"O mamma, don't say I must! please don't; I'm so frightened at the very
thought!"
"Ah, if I could only bear it for you, my darling! but you know I cannot."
"No, dear mamma, and I couldn't be so selfish as to let you, if you could.
But must I have it out?"
"I have not said so; I should far rather my dear daughter would say must
to herself."
"Ought I, mamma?"
"Ought you not? The tooth has become only a source of pain and trouble to
you; if left it will cause the others to decay, and decayed teeth injure
the health. Health is one of God's best gifts and it is our duty to use
every means in our power to preserve it."
"Yes, mamma, but oh, I'm so afraid!" cried the child, trembling and
weeping.
"My darling, resolve to do your duty with God's help, and he will fulfill
his promise to you. 'As thy days so shall thy strength be.
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