s very sly in her movements, and little John is watching from the
window, to see whether she is up to any mischief. The dog seems, from his
look, as if he half suspected her also. The little birds on the bough just
above her had better take care of themselves, for Pussy would soon be
after them if she once saw them. But she is not likely to catch them, for
Pussy has no wings to follow them when they fly away.

[Illustration]

THE SLEDGE.

It is a cold winter morning, and the children are amusing themselves by
riding in a sledge over the frozen snow. The birds are huddling together
on the bare branches, as if they felt the cold very keenly. It is
pleasant, no doubt, for the riders, but whether it is for our little
friend who is drawing the sledge, I am not sure. At all events, it will
warm him this cold morning, and that will no doubt do him good.

[Illustration]

A, B, C.

A, B, C, are, as you know, the first three letters of the alphabet, and
the children in the picture are just beginning to learn them. It seems
hard to them at first, but it will be easy presently. They will soon learn
the name and shape of all the letters, and then will go on to learn what
letters make a word, and then what meaning the word has. Thus they will
soon be able to read and spell every word, and sit down and read the nice
books in papa's library.

[Illustration]

LITTLE ALFRED'S PRAYER.

My heavenly Father, I thank Thee for all Thy care and kindness, for all
Thy mercy and love. I thank Thee for my home and friends, for my comforts
and blessings. I commit myself to Thy continued care and kind keeping. I
pray that Thou wilt keep all evil from me. And bless my dear friends, and
all who are about me. Help me to be sorry for my sins, to please Thee in
all things, and to grow in all virtue and godliness. Hear me, my Father,
for my dear Saviour's sake. Amen.

[Illustration]

"WHICH IS THE WAY, PLEASE?"

Edwin has had a long walk in the country, but in returning home has
wandered out of the way, and lost himself. He is just now standing on an
eminence in the road, and, seeing some travellers, is shouting to them,
and asking them to direct him.

[Illustration]

"CAN'T GO OUT YET."

It is pouring heavily, though the boy with the basket does not seem to
mind it. Annie is impatient, but she must wait till the rain is over.

[Illustration]

THE SCHOOLMASTER.

The old schoolmaster i