HALCYON DAYS.

 I am so sorry-I didn't mean-I hope you're not
 hurt stammered James.
 Why, Minnie !" cried her brother, "don't bear
 malice. You know he didn't mean to throw you
 down; so shake hands and be friends."
 Minnie could not long feel resentment when con-
 scious that it was unjust so she held out her hand
 smilingly, saying, "Don't run without looking where
 you are going to another time."
 "No, that I won't! I promise you I won't," re-










plied James, eagerly; and he kept his word, and was
quite an example all the afternoon of how a boy can
be very merry without being rude.
 Scarcely was this uncomfortable interruption settled
when Miss Forster joined them, and it was then
determined to go and see the herons, of which the
Greys had often heard, but never seen.
 The birds had taken possession of three large trees
oh the banks of a quiet bend in the stream, and the
children were much amused to watch them flying
round and round in great circles, their long legs
stretched out behind them, serving as a rudder to
direct their flight, or settling every now and then on
their nest, in the most awkward manner imaginable.
 "This is really a curious sight," remarked Miss