70 Tom Seven Years Old.

net

“Master Tom,” said he, “have you shown
this to your papa? Does he know youre
sending it ?”

“How funny!” said Tom; ‘that’s just
what James asked. What can that matter
to you, postman ?”

Just then his papa came out of the dining-
room, and saw him.

“Hullo, Tom!” he cried, surprised ; “ what
are you doing at the front door? Talking to
the postman ?”

“ Show it him, sir,” said the postman.

“A letter?” asked his papa. “Have you
got a letter? Who isit from? Let me see.”

Tom did not want to let him see.

“No,” he said, holding it tightly in his
hand. “TIT haven’t got a letter. I wanted to
send one.”

“To send one?” repeated his papa, still
more surprised. “And who were you send-
ing a letter to, Tom? Is it a secret 2”

“Not exactly,” said Tom. “No, And]
haven't sent it. [| only wanted to send it ;
_ but he wouldn’t take it,” |