The Nursery, November 1873, Vol. XIV. No. 5

VOLUME XIV.—No. 5 BOSTON: JOHN L. SHOREY, No. 36, BROMFIELD STREET. 1873.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by JOHN L. SHOREY, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. Boston: Stereotyped and Printed by Rand, Avery, & Co.

THE AUNT AND THE NIECE.

UNT RUTH was only nine years old, while her niece Mary was nineteen. But Ruth, being an aunt, felt she must keep up the dignity of one; and so she used to treat Mary as if Mary were a little girl.
They had not seen each other for nearly a year; and, when they met, Mary, who was fond of mischief, acted as if she were really younger than Ruth, though she well knew she was nine years older.
Aunt Ruth, said Mary, have you any objection to my going out in the grove to swing?
None at all, my dear, said Ruth; but I will go with you, lest you should get hurt.
Thank you, aunty, replied Mary. Now let us see who can run the faster.
Mary started off at a run towards the swing; but Ruth called her back, and said, Stop, my dear, you will wet those nice new shoes in the damp grass; and then your mother will blame me for not taking better care of you. We will go by the gravel road to the grove.
Yes, ma'am, answered Mary, turning her head to hide her smiles; and then, seeing a flower, Mary cried, Oh! what a beautiful flower! Tell me what it is, aunty. I think I never saw one like it before. What a heavenly blue! And how nicely the edges are fringed!