THE END OF A WET DAY.

THE battle was over, and it was no use fighting longer, for
the General said he didn’t want to play, and the Head
Gunner had broken the cannon. Besides, Miss Matilda
was taking a ride in her carriage across the battle-field
with her mamma and her nurse; and. Miss Matilda’s
mamma was heard to say she wouldn’t get out of the
way for the stupid old soldiers. It seemed quite likely
that there would be trouble in the nursery. It had been
such a long day! It had rained, rained, rained, straight on.
“Oh, dear! what shall we do?” said the Captain. -“I
should like a story,” said the Head Gunner. “So should
I,” said Miss Matilda’s mamma. “Very well,” said some-
one, who had come into the nursery whilst the children
were talking, “I'll tell youa story.” It was Auntie Katie,
She sat down in the big rocking-chair, and the children
gathered round her. The General perched himself on a
stool, the Captain sat on a footstool, the Head Gunner
leaned against Auntie Katie, and Miss Matilda was seated
in her carriage left to herself. Then Auntie Kate began

“Once upon a time,” and all the children were happy.