12. May ran to mama.

"There is a lovely

butterfly in the pot. How did he get there?"

13. Mama came out.

"Count the strange

things," she said.

14. "One on the glass is broken and empty,"

said May.

"That is where the butterfly came from," In a day or two we ought to

said mama.

have two more."

15. Sure enough, the next morning there were two more butterflies under the glass. The other "strange things" were broken open and empty.

16. "See," said mama, "From the three we get three strange From the three strange things we

ugly caterpillars things.

have three butterflies."

17. "Do all butterflies come from caterpillars?" asked May.

"Yes," said mama. "Caterpillars are baby butterflies."

LADY MOON.

Lady Moon, Lady Moon, where are you roving?

Over the sea.

Lady Moon, Lady Moon, whom are you loving?

All that love me.

Are you not tired with rolling, and never Resting to sleep?

Why look so pale and so sad, as forever Wishing to weep?

Ask me not this, little child, if you love me;
You are too bold.

I must obey my dear Father above me,
And do as I'm told.

Lady Moon, Lady Moon, where are you roving?

Over the sea.

Lady Moon, Lady Moon, whom

are you

loving?

All that love me.

A CHRISTMAS STORY

Christ'mas niç'ěst

âir gun

brothers qu(kw)ěs'tion(chun) fire'-crack-erş

sword chim'ney

ĕn'gine bravely

steam'bōat

stō'ry-book.

PART ONE

1. One night when Tom's papa came home, he brought a little boy with him. He was about Tom's age. He seemed very sad. He sat by the fire

across from Tom.
Papa took mama
out of the room.
2. Then papa
came back. Mama
called Tom and

took him into an

other room. "My

dear son," said mama, "this little boy is a son of a man who works for your papa.

3. "His mother died some days ago and he has no brothers or sisters. His mother's sister lives in a town far away. She is sick now, but is coming after him when she can. Your papa brought him home for us to take care of till she comes for him.

4. "You must be very kind to him. Think of my dear little boy without any mother." When Tom thought of it, the tears came into his eyes.

PART TWO

5. The next day, in the midst of his play with Henry, a thought struck him. It was Christmas Eve. He ran down stairs to his mother.

6. Mama," he said, "how will Santa Claus know where to find Henry?"

7. "Why, I don't know, son. What do you think about it?"

66

8. Maybe he won't know, mama."

66

Maybe not; what shall we do about it?

9. "I will give Henry part of what Santa brings me."

"That will be a sweet thing to do.

is he going to bring you?"

What

10. "You know I asked him for a sword, and a real steam-engine, and a football and a good story-book."

11. "What will you give Henry?"

This was a hard question. The little fellow paused a moment and tried to smile.

"I'll give him the football and the steamengine."

12. "Why?" said mama.

"Because they are the nicest."

"That might do," said mama, "But I do not think Henry would wish you to give him both of the nicest. Give Henry one and you take one."

13. "I'll give him the football," said Tom, "and the sword."

"That will do," said mama. "Now, if Santa Claus knew, he could give Henry the football and sword and you the steam-engine and story-book. That would be nicer than for you to give them."