22 MADGE’S MISTAKE,

there is an earwig just about to step off the
leaf of that lily on to your neck!”

Oh! how she screamed and rushed about,
and at last she took the lily off and threw it
on the ground. Jack immediately picked it
up again, and going up to her, presented it
with a low bow, and said, “‘ There was no
earwig at all, my dear Freda; but don’t you
think it was consummate nonsense to show
such intense dislike to a harmless insect, and
with such an utter disregard to its feelings?” »

Freda was very angry, though she could -
not help laughing, but she’s been a little
careful before Jack ever since!

As we turn a corner of the path I see
Netty, our Baby, trudging along a few yards
before me, hugging a large doll, the weight
of which is almost too much for her: I am
seized with a wicked desire to frighten her;
I leave Jack, and running on before him,
catch Netty up and whisper over her shoul-
der in an awe-stricken voice, “ Run, Netty,
Father’s coming.”

Poor Netty is instantly inspired with