r into fits, who was just at that very
moment lighting a lamp at his door.

This most delightful announcement made the children chatter so fast,
that Charley became nearly sick, laughing at what they said; for George
again called Aunt Fanny a "perfect bird!" and Harry improved it by
exclaiming that she was a perfect _cat_ bird! which, of course, meant
something very complimentary.

"Won't she write stories like a _mice_!" cried Johnny.

"And won't mamma read the writing like a precious kitten!" said Clara.

"Well, I never knew kittens could read writing before," laughed Harry.

"But, mamma," said Anna, "the letter looks very thick; is the first
story in it?"

"Yes," said the little mother. "I will read what Aunt Fanny says--she
says--

"And now, dear children, what do you think? Do you remember the story
of the 'Doctor' in the first Nightcap book? Well, that very doctor is
now a young lady; and she has written a story on purpose for our dear
little Charley. I think it is very charming; and I have sent it for the
very first one, because I well know this will best please his loving
brothers and sisters. Sarah, (the _real_ name of the 'doctor,' you
know,) has tried to write what would most gratify Charley's sweet and
tender nature." Here the little mother stopped, and kissed her lame boy,
and the children murmured, "dear, dear Charley." Then she read on--

"You will perceive that Sarah has endeavored to imitate the beautiful
German style. Here is her story. Give Charley a kiss for us both before
you begin."

And in almost breathless silence the mother read the title--

"THE LITTLE WHITE ANGEL.

"Some children stood in a group before the door of the village
school-house one lovely summer evening.

"They were all talking pleasantly together, from Kline, the son of the
rich and proud Hoffmeister, to little blue-eyed Carl, the only child of
the poor baker.

"It is very true that Kline wore a velvet jacket, richly embroidered,
while Carl's coat was old, and his wooden shoes were rough enough, in
all conscience; but what of that? If they were good friends, what
difference did _that_ make, I should like to know? Wait till children
become grown people, for pity's sake, before you expect them to measure
each other's worth by what they possess or wear!

"'The new schoolmaster, Meinherr Friedrich, comes to-morrow,' said Otto.
'I am so glad. I was weary of that old Master Hoffman, with his crooked
problems and hard