CHAPTER XXV.

LAST WORDS

“The sun has gone down,” said Margaretta, suddenly.

It had indeed. The huge golden ball had just dropped behind the hills on the western side of the river.

Grandma half-raised herself on her cushions, a restrained eagerness took possession of her, as if she were disappointed that she had not obtained one more glimpse of the king of day, then she sank back and smiled into the unwavering eyes of her youngest granddaughter. The eyes of the others might occasionally wander. Berty’s gaze had not left her face since they came upon the river.

“You wished to see the sun again,” said Berty. “I should have warned you that it was about to disappear.”

“I wished to say good-bye to it,” said Grandma, “a last good-bye.”

“To say good-bye,” repeated Berty, in a stunned voice, “a last good-bye,” and with a heart-broken gesture she put her hand to her head, as if wondering if she had heard aright.

Margaretta was trembling. Since the withdrawal of the sun, the yellow, lovely glow had faded. There was a gray shadow on everything, even on their own bright faces--on all except Grandma’s. That radiance about her was not a reflection of any light in this world; it was unearthly; and she fearfully touched Roger with a finger.

She knew now why they had been brought out upon the river, and, endeavouring once, twice, and finally a third time, she managed to utter, in a quivering voice, “Grandma, shall we take you home?”

“No, Margaretta,” replied Grandma, clearly, and she pointed down the river. “Take me toward the sea. I shall soon be sent for.”

They all understood her now. Their scarcely suppressed forebodings rushed back and enveloped them in a dark, unhappy cloud.

Grandma was repeating in a low voice, “Thy sun shall no more go down, neither shall thy moon withdraw itself, for the Lord shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.”

Margaretta, leaning over, drew a flask from Roger’s pocket. Then, slipping past the motionless Berty, she knelt before her grandmother.

“Dearest, I brought a stimulant with me. Will you have some?”

“But I have no need of it,” said Grandma, opening wide her strangely beautiful eyes.

It seemed to Margaretta that she could not endure their bliss, their radiance. She turned her head quietly away, and, with a rain of tears falling down her face, sat looking out over the river.

Presently controlling herself, she again turned to her grandmother. Perhaps there was something she could do for her. Her hands might be cold. They were, and Margaretta, taking them in her own, chafed them gently.

Grandma smiled quietly. “Always thoughtful--my dear, you will be a mother to Bonny.”

“I will,” said the weeping girl.

“Do not be unhappy,” said Grandma, pleadingly. “I am so happy to go. My earthly house is in order. I long for my heavenly one.”

“But--but, Grandma, you have been happy with us,” stammered Margaretta.

“Happy, so happy--always remember that. My only trouble a separated family. One half in heaven, the other on earth. One day to be reunited. You will cherish each other after I am gone--you precious ones on earth--Roger?”

The young man nodded, and bent his head low over the oars.

“And Tom,” said Grandma, with exquisite sweetness, “my third grandson, you will take care of Berty?” Tom tried to speak, failed, tried again, but Grandma knew the significance of his hoarse, inarticulate murmur. Then he averted his gaze from the heart-breaking sight of Berty at her grandmother’s feet. The despairing girl had clasped them to her breast. Grandma was more to her than any of them. How could he comfort her for such a loss?

“Come, come,” said Grandma, cheerily, “our parting is but for a little. See, my child, my spirit is growing brighter and brighter. It has outgrown this poor old worn-out body. Berty, lift your head, and look your grandmother once more in the eyes.”

After some delay, Berty, in mute, anguished silence did as she was bid.

“Some day,” said Grandma, firmly, “your own sturdy limbs will fail you. You will fly from them as from a discarded burden, and come to rejoin your mother and grandmother in the sky. Let me hear you speak. Will you be brave?”

Still in dumb, tearless sorrow, the girl shook her head.

“Is this the child I have brought up?” asked Grandma, with some faintness. “Have I been unsuccessful? Where is your strength in the hour of trial?”

Berty clasped her hands to her side. “Grandma,” she said, slowly, and as if each word were wrung from her. “I will be brave, I will not forget what you have told me.”

“Keep your own family together, and keep the welfare of the children of the city next your heart,” said Grandma, with new strength, “so you will be blessed in your own soul.”

“I promise,” said Berty, with quivering lips.

“Give my love to Selina and her husband,” Grandma went on, after a short pause. “They are happy together, and they know their duty. They have no need of words from me. And now, Bonny, my own and last grandchild--the baby of the family.”

The boy stretched out his hands. He was younger than the others, and he made no attempt to restrain his sobs.

“Such a dear baby he was,” murmured Grandma, patting his downcast head. “Such a lovely, beautiful baby.”

Margaretta made an effort to control herself, and resolutely wiped away the tears pouring down her face. “Grandma,” she uttered, brokenly, “would you like us to sing to you?”

Grandma slightly turned her head. She seemed to be listening to something beyond them. Then she said, slowly, “My dears, I never fancied going out of this world to the sound of earthly music. There are strange and exquisite harmonies from another world floating in my ears. Hark, children--I hear it now plainly. I am nearing the sea.”

“Grandma, darling,” said Margaretta, in distress, “we are many miles from the sea.”

“It is the sea,” murmured the dying woman, and a triumphant smile broke over her face, “the sea of glass near the great white throne--and there is a new sound now. Ah, children!” and, raising herself on her cushions, a very flame of unearthly and exquisite anticipation swept over her face, “the new sound is from the harps of gold of them that stand beside the sea. They have gotten the victory, and they sing praises!”

She sank back--with one joyful exclamation the breath left her body.

Who could mourn for a death like that? Who would dare to grieve over the little worn-out body?

Margaretta reverently stooped over, kissed the face so soon to grow cold, then, lightly draping a white wrap about it, she sat down and held out one hand to Berty, the other to her brother.

Tom and Roger turned the boat’s head toward the city. Their hearts were full of grief, and yet, looking at the calm sky, the peaceful river, they knew that time would pass, their grief would grow chastened, in all probability there stretched before each occupant of that boat a useful and happy life.

Grandma had not lived in vain. She had kept her family together, and while her children’s children lived, and their children, her memory would not be suffered to grow cold, neither would her good deeds be forgotten.

THE END.

BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

The Little Colonel Stories. By ANNIE FELLOWS JOHNSTON.

Being three “Little Colonel” stories in the Cosy Corner Series, “The Little Colonel,” “Two Little Knights of Kentucky,” and “The Giant Scissors,” put into a single volume, owing to the popular demand for a uniform series of the stories dealing with one of the most popular of juvenile heroines.

1 vol., large 12mo, cloth decorative, fully illustrated $1.50

The Little Colonel’s House Party. By ANNIE FELLOWS JOHNSTON. Illustrated by Louis Meynell.

One vol., library 12mo, cloth, decorative cover $1.00

The Little Colonel’s Holidays. By ANNIE FELLOWS JOHNSTON. Illustrated by L. J. Bridgman.

One vol., large 12mo, cloth, decorative cover $1.50

The Little Colonel’s Hero. By ANNIE FELLOWS JOHNSTON. Illustrated by E. B. Barry.

One vol., large 12mo, cloth decorative, $1.20 _net_ (postage extra)

The Little Colonel at Boarding School. By ANNIE FELLOWS JOHNSTON. Illustrated by E. B. Barry.

1 vol., large 12mo, cloth $1.20 _net_ (postage extra)

Since the time of “Little Women,” no juvenile heroine has been better beloved of her child readers than Mrs. Johnston’s “Little Colonel.” Each succeeding book has been more popular than its predecessor, and now thousands of little readers wait patiently each year for the appearance of “the new Little Colonel Book.”

* * * * *

Beautiful Joe’s Paradise; or, THE ISLAND OF BROTHERLY LOVE. A sequel to “Beautiful Joe.” By MARSHALL SAUNDERS, author of “Beautiful Joe,” “For His Country,” etc. With fifteen full-page plates and many decorations from drawings by Charles Livingston Bull.

One vol., library 12mo, cloth decorative, $1.20 _net_, postpaid, $1.32

“Will be immensely enjoyed by the boys and girls who read it.”--_Pittsburg Gazette._

“Miss Saunders has put life, humor, action, and tenderness into her story. The book deserves to be a favorite.”--_Chicago Record-Herald._

“This book revives the spirit of ‘Beautiful Joe’ capitally. It is fairly riotous with fun, and as a whole is about as unusual as anything in the animal book line that has seen the light. It is a book for juveniles--old and young.”--_Philadelphia Item._

* * * * *

’Tilda Jane. By MARSHALL SAUNDERS, author of “Beautiful Joe,” etc.

One vol., 12mo, fully illustrated, cloth, decorative cover $1.50

“No more amusing and attractive child’s story has appeared for a long time than this quaint and curious recital of the adventures of that pitiful and charming little runaway.”

“It is one of those exquisitely simple and truthful books that win and charm the reader, and I did not put it down until I had finished it--honest! And I am sure that every one, young or old, who reads will be proud and happy to make the acquaintance of the delicious waif.

“I cannot think of any better book for children than this. I commend it unreservedly.”--_Cyrus Townsend Brady._

* * * * *

The Story of the Graveleys. By MARSHALL SAUNDERS, author of “Beautiful Joe’s Paradise,” “’Tilda Jane,” etc.

Library 12mo, cloth decorative, illustrated by E. B. Barry $1.20 _net_ (postage extra)

Here we have the haps and mishaps, the trials and triumphs, of a delightful New England family, of whose devotion and sturdiness it will do the reader good to hear. From the kindly, serene-souled grandmother to the buoyant madcap, Berty, these Graveleys are folk of fibre and blood--genuine human beings.

* * * * *

Little Lady Marjorie. By FRANCES MARGARET FOX, author of “Farmer Brown and the Birds,” etc.

12mo, cloth, illustrated $1.20 _net_ (postage extra)

A charming story for children between the ages of ten and fifteen years, with both heart and nature interest.

* * * * *

The Sandman: HIS FARM STORIES. By WILLIAM J. HOPKINS. With fifty illustrations by Ada Clendenin Williamson.

One vol., large 12mo, decorative cover, $1.20 _net_, postpaid, $1.38

“An amusing, original book, written for the benefit of children not more than six years old, is ‘The Sandman: His Farm Stories.’ It should be one of the most popular of the year’s books for reading to small children.”--_Buffalo Express._

“Mothers and fathers and kind elder sisters who take the little ones to bed and rack their brains for stories will find this book a treasure.”--_Cleveland Leader._

The Sandman: MORE FARM STORIES. By WILLIAM J. HOPKINS, author of “The Sandman: His Farm Stories.”

Library 12mo, cloth decorative, fully illustrated, $1.20 _net_ (postage extra)

Mr. Hopkins’s first essay at bedtime stories has met with such approval that this second book of “Sandman” tales has been issued for scores of eager children. Life on the farm, and out-of-doors, will be portrayed in his inimitable manner, and many a little one will hail the bedtime season as one of delight.

* * * * *

A Puritan Knight Errant. By EDITH ROBINSON, author of “A Little Puritan Pioneer,” “A Little Puritan’s First Christmas,” “A Little Puritan Rebel,” etc.

Library 12mo, cloth decorative, illustrated, $1.20 _net_ (postage extra)

The charm of style and historical value of Miss Robinson’s previous stories of child life in Puritan days have brought them wide popularity. Her latest and most important book appeals to a large juvenile public. The “knight errant” of this story is a little Don Quixote, whose trials and their ultimate outcome will prove deeply interesting to their reader.

* * * * *

The Great Scoop. By MOLLY ELLIOT SEAWELL, author of “Little Jarvis,” “Laurie Vane,” etc.

12mo, cloth, with illustrations $1.00

A capital tale of newspaper life in a big city, and of a bright, enterprising, likable youngster employed therein. Every boy with an ounce of true boyish blood in him will have the time of his life in reading how Dick Henshaw entered the newspaper business, and how he secured “the great scoop.”

* * * * *

Flip’s “Islands of Providence.” By ANNIE FELLOWS JOHNSTON, author of “Asa Holmes,” “The Little Colonel,” etc.

12mo, cloth, with illustrations $1.00

In this book the author of “The Little Colonel” and her girl friends and companions shows that she is equally at home in telling a tale in which the leading character is a boy, and in describing his troubles and triumphs in a way that will enhance her reputation as a skilled and sympathetic writer of stories for children.

* * * * *

Songs and Rhymes for the Little Ones. Compiled by MARY WHITNEY MORRISON (Jenny Wallis).

New edition, with an introduction by Mrs. A. D. T. Whitney and eight illustrations.

One vol., large 12mo, cloth decorative $1.00

No better description of this admirable book can be given than Mrs. Whitney’s happy introduction:

“One might almost as well offer June roses with the assurance of their sweetness, as to present this lovely little gathering of verse, which announces itself, like them, by its deliciousness. Yet, as Mrs. Morrison’s charming volume has long been a delight to me, I am only too happy to link my name with its new and enriched form in this slight way, and simply declare that it is to me the most bewitching book of songs for little people that I have ever known.”

* * * * *

PHYLLIS’ FIELD FRIENDS SERIES

_By LENORE E. MULETS_

Four vols., cloth decorative, illustrated. Sold separately, or as a set.

Per volume $0.80 _net_ Per set $3.20 _net_

1. Insect Stories. 2. Stories of Little Animals. 3. Flower Stories. 4. Bird Stories.

In this series of four little Nature books, it is the author’s intention so to present to the child reader the facts about each particular flower, insect, bird, or animal, in story form, as to make delightful reading of the facts of science, which the child is to verify through his field lessons and experiences. Classical legends, myths, poems and songs are so presented as to correlate fully with these lessons, to which the excellent illustrations are no little help.

* * * * *

THE WOODRANGER TALES

_By G. WALDO BROWNE_

The Woodranger. The Young Gunbearer. The Hero of the Hills.

Each 1 vol., large 12mo, cloth, decorative cover, illustrated, per volume $1.00

Three vols., boxed, per set $3.00

“The Woodranger Tales,” like the “Pathfinder Tales” of J. Fenimore Cooper, combine historical information relating to early pioneer days in America with interesting adventures in the backwoods. Although the same characters are continued throughout the series, each book is complete in itself, and while based strictly on historical facts, is an interesting and exciting tale of adventure which will delight all boys and be by no means unwelcome to their elders.

* * * * *

The Rosamond Tales. By CUYLER REYNOLDS. With 30 full-page illustrations from original photographs, and with a frontispiece from a drawing by Maud Humphreys.

One vol., large 12mo, cloth decorative $1.50

These are just the bedtime stories that children always ask for, but do not always get. Rosamond and Rosalind are the hero and heroine of many happy adventures in town and on their grandfather’s farm; and the happy listeners to their story will unconsciously absorb a vast amount of interesting knowledge of birds, animals, and flowers. The book will be a boon to tired mothers, and a delight to wide-awake children.

* * * * *

Larry Hudson’s Ambition. By JAMES OTIS, author of “Toby Tyler,” etc. Illustrated by Eliot Keen.

One vol., library 12mo, cloth, decorative cover, $1.25

James Otis, who has delighted the juvenile public with so many popular stories, has written the story of the rise of the bootblack Larry. Larry is not only capable of holding his own and coming out with flying colors in the amusing adventures wherein he befriends the family of good Deacon Doak; he also has the signal ability to know what he wants and to understand that hard work is necessary to win.

* * * * *

Black Beauty: THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A HORSE. By ANNA SEWELL. _New Illustrated Edition._ With nineteen full-page drawings by Winifred Austin.

One vol., large 12mo, cloth decorative, gilt top, $1.25

There have been many editions of this classic, but we confidently offer this one as the most appropriate and handsome yet produced. The illustrations are of special value and beauty. Miss Austin is a lover of horses, and has delighted in tracing with her pen the beauty and grace of the noble animal.

* * * * *

The Story of Kate. A TALE OF CALIFORNIA LIFE FOR GIRLS. By PAULINE BRADFORD MACKIE. Illustrations by L. J. Bridgman.

One vol., library 12mo, cloth, $1.20 _net_, postpaid, $1.32

“One of the most charming books of the season for girls, is this, with its lovable characters and entertaining adventures.”--_Albany Times Union._

“Pauline Bradford Mackie’s new story is one of genuine delight, and scarcely a better volume could be purchased for girls.”--_Boston Journal._

* * * * *

Ye Lyttle Salem Maide: A STORY OF WITCHCRAFT. By PAULINE BRADFORD MACKIE. _New Illustrated Edition._

One vol., large 12mo, cloth, gilt top $1.50

“The beauty of the story lies in its simplicity and pathos mingled with the lighter vein of humor.”--_Toledo Blade._

“No one can read the story without being profoundly stirred.”--_Baltimore Herald._

“Full of color and fine feeling.”--_Albany Argus._

* * * * *

In Kings’ Houses: A TALE OF THE DAYS OF QUEEN ANNE. By JULIA C. R. DORR. _New Illustrated Edition._

One vol., large 12mo, cloth, gilt top $1.50

“We close the book with a wish that the author may write more of the history of England, which she knows so well.”--_Bookman, New York._

“A story with a charm that will hardly be withstood.”--_Kansas City Times._

“A fine, strong story which it is a relief to come upon. Related with charming simple art.”--_Public Ledger, Philadelphia._

* * * * *

Gulliver’s Bird Book. BEING THE NEWLY DISCOVERED STRANGE ADVENTURES OF LEMUEL GULLIVER, NOW FOR THE FIRST TIME DESCRIBED AND ILLUSTRATED. By L. J. BRIDGMAN, author of “Mother Goose and Her Wild Beast Show,” etc.

With upwards of 100 illustrations in color, large quarto, cloth $1.50

This is a most amusing and original book, illustrated with startlingly odd and clever drawings. “Gulliver’s Bird Book” will prove a source of entertainment to children of all ages, and should prove one of the leading color juveniles of the season.

* * * * *

THE LITTLE COUSIN SERIES

The most delightful and interesting accounts possible of child-life in other lands, filled with quaint sayings doings, and adventures.

Each 1 vol., 12mo, decorative cover, cloth, with six full-page illustrations in color by L. J. Bridgman.

Price per volume $0.50 _net_, postpaid $0.56

“Juveniles will get a whole world of pleasure and instruction out of Mary Hazelton Wade’s Little Cousin Series. … Pleasing narratives give pictures of the little folk in the far-away lands in their duties and pleasures, showing their odd ways of playing, studying, their queer homes, clothes, and playthings. … The style of the stories is all that can be desired for entertainment, the author describing things in a very real and delightful fashion.”--_Detroit News-Tribune._

_By MARY HAZELTON WADE_

Our Little Swiss Cousin. Our Little Norwegian Cousin. Our Little Italian Cousin. Our Little Siamese Cousin. Our Little Cuban Cousin. Our Little Hawaiian Cousin. Our Little Eskimo Cousin. Our Little Philippine Cousin. Our Little Porto Rican Cousin. Our Little African Cousin. Our Little Japanese Cousin. Our Little Brown Cousin. Our Little Indian Cousin. Our Little Russian Cousin.

_By ISAAC HEADLAND TAYLOR_

Our Little Chinese Cousin.

* * * * *

COSY CORNER SERIES

It is the intention of the publishers that this series shall contain only the very highest and purest literature,--stories that shall not only appeal to the children themselves, but be appreciated by all those who feel with them in their joys and sorrows,--stories that shall be most particularly adapted for reading aloud in the family circle.

The numerous illustrations in each book are by well-known artists, and each volume has a separate attractive cover design.

Each, 1 vol., 16mo, cloth $0.50

* * * * *

_By ANNIE FELLOWS JOHNSTON_

The Little Colonel.

The scene of this story is laid in Kentucky. Its heroine is a small girl, who is known as the Little Colonel, on account of her fancied resemblance to an old-school Southern gentleman, whose fine estate and old family are famous in the region. This old Colonel proves to be the grandfather of the child.

The Giant Scissors.

This is the story of Joyce and of her adventures in France,--the wonderful house with the gate of The Giant Scissors, Jules, her little playmate, Sister Denisa, the cruel Brossard, and her dear Aunt Kate. Joyce is a great friend of the Little Colonel, and in later volumes shares with her the delightful experiences of the “House Party” and the “Holidays.”

Two Little Knights of Kentucky, WHO WERE THE LITTLE COLONEL’S NEIGHBORS.

In this volume the Little Colonel returns to us like an old friend, but with added grace and charm. She is not, however, the central figure of the story, that place being taken by the “two little knights.”

Cicely and Other Stories for Girls.

The readers of Mrs. Johnston’s charming juveniles will be glad to learn of the issue of this volume for young people, written in the author’s sympathetic and entertaining manner.

Aunt ’Liza’s Hero and Other Stories.

A collection of six bright little stories, which will appeal to all boys and most girls.

Big Brother.

A story of two boys. The devotion and care of Steven, himself a small boy, for his baby brother, is the theme of the simple tale, the pathos and beauty of which has appealed to so many thousands.

Ole Mammy’s Torment.

“Ole Mammy’s Torment” has been fitly called “a classic of Southern life.” It relates the haps and mishaps of a small negro lad, and tells how he was led by love and kindness to a knowledge of the right.

The Story of Dago.

In this story Mrs. Johnston relates the story of Dago, a pet monkey, owned jointly by two brothers. Dago tells his own story, and the account of his haps and mishaps is both interesting and amusing.

* * * * *

_By EDITH ROBINSON_

A Little Puritan’s First Christmas.

A story of Colonial times in Boston, telling how Christmas was invented by Betty Sewall, a typical child of the Puritans, aided by her brother Sam.

A Little Daughter of Liberty.

The author’s motive for this story is well indicated by a quotation from her introduction, as follows:

“One ride is memorable in the early history of the American Revolution, the well-known ride of Paul Revere. Equally deserving of commendation is another ride,--untold in verse or story, its records preserved only in family papers or shadowy legend, the ride of Anthony Severn was no less historic in its action or memorable in its consequences.”

A Loyal Little Maid.

A delightful and interesting story of Revolutionary days, in which the child heroine, Betsey Schuyler, renders important services to George Washington.

A Little Puritan Rebel.

Like Miss Robinson’s successful story of “A Loyal Little Maid,” this is another historical tale of a real girl, during the time when the gallant Sir Harry Vane was governor of Massachusetts.

A Little Puritan Pioneer.

The scene of this story is laid in the Puritan settlement at Charlestown. The little girl heroine adds another to the list of favorites so well known to the young people.

A Little Puritan Bound Girl.

A story of Boston in Puritan days, which is of great interest to youthful readers.

* * * * *

_By OUIDA (Louise de la Ramée)_

A Dog of Flanders: A CHRISTMAS STORY.

Too well and favorably known to require description.

The Nürnberg Stove.

This beautiful story has never before been published at a popular price.

A Provence Rose.

A story perfect in sweetness and in grace.

Findelkind.

A charming story about a little Swiss herdsman.

* * * * *

_By MISS MULOCK_

The Little Lame Prince.

A delightful story of a little boy who has many adventures by means of the magic gifts of his fairy godmother.

Adventures of a Brownie.

The story of a household elf who torments the cook and gardener, but is a constant joy and delight to the children who love and trust him.

His Little Mother.

Miss Mulock’s short stories for children are a constant source of delight to them, and “His Little Mother,” in this new and attractive dress, will be welcomed by hosts of youthful readers.

Little Sunshine’s Holiday.

An attractive story of a summer outing. “Little Sunshine” is another of those beautiful child-characters for which Miss Mulock is so justly famous.

* * * * *

_By JULIANA HORATIA EWING_

Jackanapes.

A new edition, with new illustrations, of this exquisite and touching story, dear alike to young and old.

Story of a Short Life.

This beautiful and pathetic story will never grow old. It is a part of the world’s literature, and will never die.

A Great Emergency.

How a family of children prepared for a great emergency, and how they acted when the emergency came.

The Trinity Flower.

In this little volume are collected three of Mrs. Ewing’s best short stories for the young people.

Madam Liberality.

From her cradle up Madam Liberality found her chief delight in giving.

* * * * *

_By FRANCES MARGARET FOX_

The Little Giant’s Neighbours.

A charming nature story of a “little giant” whose neighbours were the creatures of the field and garden.

Farmer Brown and the Birds.

A little story which teaches children that the birds are man’s best friends.

Betty of Old Mackinaw.

A charming story of child-life, appealing especially to the little readers who like stories of “real people.”

Mother Nature’s Little Ones.

Curious little sketches describing the early lifetime, or “childhood,” of the little creatures out-of-doors.

* * * * *

_By WILL ALLEN DROMGOOLE_

The Farrier’s Dog and His Fellow.

This story, written by the gifted young Southern woman, will appeal to all that is best in the natures of the many admirers of her graceful and piquant style.

The Fortunes of the Fellow.

Those who read and enjoyed the pathos and charm of “The Farrier’s Dog and His Fellow” will welcome the further account of the “Adventures of Baydaw and the Fellow” at the home of the kindly smith among the Green Hills of Tennessee.

* * * * *

_By FRANCES HODGES WHITE_

Helena’s Wonderworld.

A delightful tale of the adventures of a little girl in the mysterious regions beneath the sea.

Aunt Nabby’s Children.

This pretty little story, touched with the simple humor of country life, tells of two children, who, adopted by Aunt Nabby, have also won their way into the affections of the village squire.

* * * * *

_By CHARLES LEE SLEIGHT_

The Prince of the Pin Elves.

A fascinating story of the underground adventures of a sturdy, reliant American boy among the elves and gnomes.

The Water People.

A companion volume and in a way a sequel to “The Prince of the Pin Elves,” relating the adventures of “Harry” among the “water people.” While it has the same characters as the previous book, the story is complete in itself.

* * * * *

_By OTHER AUTHORS_

The Flight of Rosy Dawn. By PAULINE BRADFORD MACKIE.

The Christmas of little Wong Jan, or “Rosy Dawn,” a young Celestial of San Francisco, is the theme of this pleasant little story.

Susanne. By FRANCES J. DELANO.

This little story will recall in sweetness and appealing charm the work of Kate Douglas Wiggin and Laura E. Richards.

Millicent in Dreamland. By EDNA S. BRAINERD.

The quaintness and fantastic character of Millicent’s adventures in Dreamland have much of the fascination of “Alice in Wonderland,” and all small readers of “Alice” will enjoy making Millicent’s acquaintance.

Jerry’s Reward. By EVELYN SNEAD BARNETT.

This is an interesting and wholesome little story of the change that came over the thoughtless imps on Jefferson Square when they learned to know the stout-hearted Jerry and his faithful Peggy.

A Bad Penny. By JOHN T. WHEELWRIGHT.

No boy should omit reading this vivid story of the New England of 1812.

Gatty and I. By FRANCES E. CROMPTON.

The small hero and heroine of this little story are twins, “strictly brought up.” It is a sweet and wholesome little story.

Prince Yellowtop. By KATE WHITING PATCH.

A pretty little fairy tale.

The Little Christmas Shoe. By JANE P. SCOTT-WOODRUFF.

A touching story of Yule-tide.

The Little Professor. By IDA HORTON CASH.

A quaint tale of a quaint little girl.

The Seventh Daughter. By GRACE WICKHAM CURRAN.

One of the best stories for little girls that has been published for a long time.

The Making of Zimri Bunker: A TALE OF NANTUCKET. By W. J. LONG, Ph. D.

This is a charming story of Nantucket folk by a young clergyman who is already well known through his contributions to the _Youth’s Companion_, _St. Nicholas_, and other well-known magazines. The story deals with a sturdy American fisher lad, during the war of 1812.

The King of the Golden River: A LEGEND OF STIRIA. By JOHN RUSKIN.

Written fifty years or more ago, and not originally intended for publication, this little fairy tale soon became known and made a place for itself.

Little Peterkin Vandike. By CHARLES STUART PRATT.

The author’s dedication furnishes a key to this charming story:

“I dedicate this book, made for the amusement (and perchance instruction) of the boys who may read it, to the memory of one boy, who would have enjoyed as much as Peterkin the plays of the Poetry Party, but who has now marched out of the ranks of boyhood.”

Rab and His Friends. By Dr. JOHN BROWN.

Doctor Brown’s little masterpiece is too well known to need description. The dog Rab is loved by all.

The Adventures of Beatrice and Jessie. By RICHARD MANSFIELD.

The story of two little girls who were suddenly transplanted into the “realms of unreality,” where they met with many curious and amusing adventures.

A Child’s Garden of Verses. By R. L. STEVENSON.

Mr. Stevenson’s little volume is too well known to need description. It will be heartily welcomed in this new and attractive edition.

Little King Davie. By NELLIE HELLIS.

The story of a little crossing-sweeper, that will make many boys thankful they are not in the same position. Davie’s accident, hospital experiences, conversion, and subsequent life, are of thrilling interest.

The Sleeping Beauty. A MODERN VERSION. By MARTHA B. DUNN.

This charming story of a little fishermaid of Maine, intellectually “asleep” until she meets the “Fairy Prince,” reminds us of “Ouida” at her best.

The Young Archer. By CHARLES E. BRIMBLECOM.

A strong and wholesome story of a boy who accompanied Columbus on his voyage to the New World. His loyalty and services through vicissitudes and dangers endeared him to the great discoverer, and the account of his exploits will be interesting to all boys.

The Fairy of the Rhône. By A. COMYNS CARR.

Here is a fairy story indeed, one of old-fashioned pure delight. It is most gracefully told, and accompanied by charming illustrations.

A Small Small Child. By E. LIVINGSTON PRESCOTT.

“A Small Small Child” is a moving little tale of sweet influence, more powerful than threats or punishments, upon a rowdy of the barracks.

Peggy’s Trial. By MARY KNIGHT POTTER.

Peggy is an impulsive little woman of ten, whose rebellion from a mistaken notion of loyalty, and her subsequent reconciliation to the dreaded “new mother,” are most interestingly told.

For His Country. By MARSHALL SAUNDERS, author of “Beautiful Joe,” etc.

A sweet and graceful story of a little boy who loved his country; written with that charm which has endeared Miss Saunders to hosts of readers.

La Belle Nivernaise. THE STORY OF AN OLD BOAT AND HER CREW. By ALPHONSE DAUDET.

All who have read it will be glad to welcome an old favorite, and new readers will be happy to have it brought to their friendly attention.

Wee Dorothy. By LAURA UPDEGRAFF.

A story of two orphan children, the tender devotion of the eldest, a boy, for his sister being its theme and setting. With a bit of sadness at the beginning, the story is otherwise bright and sunny, and altogether wholesome in every way.