Jack and Jill

ntend to interest ourselves with the affairs of the young folks onl

amatic ditto. At the former, astonishing bursts of oratory wereheard; at the latter, everything was boldly attempted, from Romeoand Juliet to Mother Goose's immortal melodies. The two clubsfrequently

tirement of the favorite "singingchambermaid," the affair was postponed till February, whenWashington's birthday was always celebrated by the patriotic town,w

o supportedhis grandmother, but also full of talent, fun, and ingenuity. It wasno wonder everyone who really knew him liked him, for he couldturn his hand to anything, and loved to do it. If the girls were indespair about a fire-place when acting "The Cricket on theHearth," he painted one, and put a gas-log in it that made the kettlereally boil, to their great delight.

ke better men for learning to use the talentsthey possess, not merely as ornaments, but tools with which tocarve their own fortunes; and the best hel

atient invalid. Frank found him a sureguide through the mechanical mysteries which he loved, and spentmany a useful half-hour discussing cylinders, pistons, valves, andbalance-wheels. Jill also came in for her share of care a

e gayertimes than our two, after a week of solitary confinement; forschool gossip crept in, games could not be prevented, an

em, till reeled off to bide their time in the Christmascloset. Paper flowers followed, and gay garlands and bouquetsblossomed, regardless of the snow and frost without. Then therewas a great scribbling of names

ules, and shut themselves up in theBoys Den, as a certain large room was called. This seemed to bethe centre of operations, but beyond the fact of the promised treeno ray of light was permitted to pass the jealously guarded doors,Strange men with paste-pots and ladders went in, furniture wasdragged about, and all sorts of boyish lumber wa

ay,when they sat with their backs turned to one another, putting laststitches in certain bits of work which had to be concealed from

ether Jack liked blue oryellow best, so I could put the bow on his pen-wiper," declaredMerry, knitting briskly awa

a nice tree, you see if it isn't," answered Jill frombehind the pillows which mad

est part of it, try as you may." And Mrs. Pecqactually chuckled as she, too, worked

nd won't evertell, will we?" cried Jill, falling back on

great comfort in the ideathat one mystery

e he could eat with the family, a private schoolin which his lessons might go on

ething in that you are very fondof,"

eased, half puzzled air, notquite see

"There will be one little duck and one great donkey in it." Then,feari

favorities of mine," said Mamma,with a demure expression, as she sat turning over old clothes forth

more sick folks, isn't it,now?" cried Jack, wi

oneis off my hands," answered Mamma, with a queer smile, addingq

d toys, besides gay pictures, and new clothes toorphan children, sick babies, and half-grown innocents. Ah, myboy, that was a day to remember all my life, to make me doublygrateful for my blessings, and very glad to serve the helpless andafflicted, as that dear woman did."The