"Let us run away as soon as we hear a noise," said a little mouse. "I have a plan," said a big mouse. "We will hang a bell on the cat's neck, and then we can tell when she is coming." All the mice rejoiced when they heard this plan. When they became quiet one very old mouse spoke. "The plan is good, very good. Who will put the bell on the cat?" All were silent. Not one could be found who was willing to try. After that meeting there was a new saying in Cat-Land: "Who will bell the cat?" RETURNING THANKS. Roaming in the meadow, Picks the starry daisies, With their hearts of gold. Fills her snowy apron, Fills her dimpled hands. Suddenly, how quiet In the grass she stands. "Who made flowers so pretty, ୧୧ Dropping all her blossoms, With uplifted head, Serious face turned heavenward, "Thank you, God," she said. Then she softly whispered, Explaining for my sake, Always must say Thank you,' For the things we take." LITTLE HELEN. It was a cold day in winter. Helen was standing by the window watching for her papa. the door. She saw a little girl go by Her hood covered her face so Helen could not see it. Helen called: "Mama, mama, here is a little girl with no face." Large snowflakes began to come down. Helen watched them falling on the people and on the sidewalk. Her eyes grew large and she looked surprised. All at once her face brightened, and she said: "Mama, come, come, and see the feathers falling from the angel's wings." russet molest briar ROBIN REDBREAST. An early bird is our Robin, bold Rob, A russet blush on his rounded breast, On the sweet briar bush, just under the eaves, See, Robin has built his nest; And where is the child with hand so rude As Robin's home to molest? From the topmost bough of that lofty elm, He sings to his mate so dear, And four little robins will Redbreast raise, To sing us sweet songs next year. -Eliza Alen Starr, |