he tree, and he said to himself, "Oh! that I were as good as
my brother; but I will go down and follow him."

So he went down from the tree, leapt over the stile, ran along the
fields, and did not stay to gather _one_ cowslip, though each one made
him a golden bow as he passed. And when he went into the school-room,
though he was only five minutes later than his brother, he told his
master the whole truth, and how naughty he would have been, had it not
been for a kind little thought, which came into his mind, and bade him
try to be as good as his brother.

* * * * *

[Illustration: The Frosty Morning.]

The Frosty Morning.

"Oh! this clear frosty morning! it makes one feel all life and glee.
I declare I have been running about the garden till I am all of a glow;
and there you sit by the fire, Emma, looking quite dull. Come with me,
and I will show you how the little pond is frozen over."

"No,--it is so cold, I do not like to go."

"Oh! put on your bonnet, and tie your shawl round your neck, and,
believe me, you will be warm enough."

"No, I will not go, and so you need not teaze me any more."

"O! _I_ will go with you, brother Edwin; _I_ am not cold."

"Yes, do, there's a dear little Ellen, and I will show you the long
icicles which hang on the front of the arbor; and let us just run to the
field, as I want you to see the hoar frost on the grass, and to feel it
crisp under your feet. Is it not a lovely morning, sister Ellen?"

"It is indeed, dear brother."

* * * * *

[Illustration: The White Rabbit.]

Susan's White Rabbit.

Oh! Mary, I have got such a darling white rabbit as I think you never
saw. I do believe it is the sweetest little rabbit in the world; for
I only had it given to me this morning, and yet it will eat clover from
my hand, and let me stroke it, or do any thing I please. And James says
that he will make a little house for it, which cousin Henry will paint
very nice. And papa says, that I must call my little pet, _Snowdrop_,
because he is as white as the drifted snow; and mamma says, that its
two little bright eyes are like rubies. Do you not think, Mary, as
I do, that it is the sweetest little rabbit in the world?

* * * * *

[Illustration: The Pet Robin.]

The Pet Robin.

My brother Frederick has a robin, and he calls him a dear little pet,
he sings so swee