The golden pennies, and other stories

In the opening tale, a simple missionary box becomes a mirror for the hearts of four boys who each drop a penny inside. Their coins—tin, brass, iron, and silver—reflect laughter, pride, indifference, and pity, while a solitary scholar offers a golden penny out of genuine love for others. Through these brief gestures, the story gently explores how the value of a gift lies not in its metal but in the intention behind it, inviting listeners to consider the true spirit of giving.

The second story introduces Old Tom, the family cat whose mischievous habits spark a cascade of comic misunderstandings. When a frightened servant swears a bull has escaped from a linen bag, the household scrambles in the dark, only to discover the source of the chaos is their own feline. A dinner party soon erupts into a playful hunt for the invisible intruder, revealing the quirks of both guests and the ever‑present, enigmatic Tom.