100 lom Seven Years Olu.

ask him beforehand which he liked the best ;
“for,” he thought, “I can’t give everything
up just to make somebody else happy—that
would be too horrid.”

They were still playing when Tom's
mamma came in.

“Well,” she asked; “and what are you
doing ? Have you been happy ?”

“Have you 2?” said Tom to Archie. “I’ve
asked him ever so many times, mamma.”

Archie nodded. He was too busy to speak,
for one of the pillars of his gate had just

 

fallen down.

Tom sighed. He wished it was bed-time,
that he might tell his mamma that Ze had
not been happy. Before the lamp was lighted
Archie had to go home, because he was not
allowed to be out.late.

“You must come and pay Tom another
visit,’ said Tom’s mamma, tying on_ his
neckerchief—it was a black one spotted with —
white —“ he likes visitors,”

“No, I don't,” said Tom; “and I'll tell

you why afterwards, mamma.”