who had been waiting patiently for
his wonted caresses, and wondering why
I did not come in, looked accidently down
at the invalid. He comprehended the whole
business in a moment. He put down his
great paw, and, as quickly and as gently as
possible, rolled the invalid out of the way,
and then drew himself back in order to
leave room for the opening of the gate."

[Illustration]

[Illustration]

The Little Gleaner.

Little Ruth, like the woman of old of that name,
Returns from the field, where she gathered the grain.

[Illustration]

IN THE SWING.

"Up little Gracie! Swing up high,
As if you're going to touch the sky;
Only, take care, my darling pet--
Hold the two ropes, and don't forget.

"Up again, Gracie! There--that's right,
Laughing away, but holding tight;
While little Dottie waits below,
And Harry sends you to and fro.

"Stop, Harry, now! 'tis time for Grace
To yield to little Dot her place.
Be gentle, dear, for Dot's so small--
If you're not careful, she may fall."

The children change; for all the three
Are fair in play, and well agree;
And now the youngest laughing pet
Begs for "a little higher!" yet.

[Illustration]

THE DONKEY RIDE.

"Oh, papa! will you please buy me a
donkey?" said little Ella Clark to her
father, as she ran to meet him. "Well,"
said her father, "if you will promise to be
a very good girl, and give your sister May
a share of the rides, I will get one in the
city and send it home." So, in a few days
the donkey came, with a new bridle and
saddle. The next thing to do was to give
him a name; so, after trying a great many
they agreed to call him "Jack." The next
day Ella and May were up early and went
to the barn, where they found Henry, and
asked him to saddle "Jack." Henry brushed
down "Jack's" thick coat of hair, and made
him look quite trim, and he then placed Ella
on "Jack's" back, and walked him up and
down, holding on to Ella, and in a short
time she could ride alone, and felt as proud
as a queen when her father saw her sitting
up on "Jack's" back. She then gave May
a ride, and at last got so bold as to take
"Jack" down the lane alone, and had a
splendid time riding up and down.

[Illustration]

THE SPELLING LESSON.

Now, Pussy, you must be real good,
And learn to spell like me;
When I say, "Pussy, what is this?"
You must say, That is C.

Don't scratch, and twist, and turn about,
And try to get away;
But, Pussy, please to try a