AFTER SCHOOL
I've come to you again, my dear. There's no more school today.
Let's cuddle down a little while before we go to play,
And you shall tell me what you've done, and whether you've felt sad.
I always hurry home because I know you'll be so glad.
I had a thought in school today—I quite forgot my book—
I seemed to see you waiting, and how lonely you must look,
And all the other children's dolls, ten thousand, I suppose,
All sitting up so patiently, and turning out their toes.
And then when I was called upon to answer "four times four,"
I failed, and teacher told me that I ought to study more.
She asked if I had done my best. I had to answer, "No'm."
I don't believe she leaves a little lonely doll at home!
HANNAH G. FERNALD.