All day long—­now in, now out—­
Now up, now down—­she wanders about
Showing her treasure; ’tis fast getting torn,
But paper, we all know, is very soon worn. 
“Who do you think can love me the most
To buy this, and send it alone by the post? 
Do look again, you must like to see,
’Tis a great big heart, and it ’longs to me,
And please to read me the written line
That says, ‘God bless your sweet valentine!’”

[Illustration]

Sagacity of A dog.

A very interesting story is told by Mr. Youatt:  “I wanted, one day, to go through a tall iron gate, from one part of my premises to another, but just within it lay a poor lame puppy, and I could not get in without perhaps seriously injuring him.  I stood for a while hesitating, and at length determined to go round through another gate, when a fine Newfoundland dog, 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.