Dear Father, would you like a pair of white rats? They are lovely pets and run all over me; they eat corn off the top of my head and nibble my ears. If you want them, I will put them in a wire cage and carry them into town the next time I go to see you.
Your loving little friend,
Bolax Allen.
St. Francis Xavier College.
My Dear Little Friend:
How rejoiced I am to learn by your last report that you are giving satisfaction to Mamma and Papa, and learning to obey; the greatest of all virtues "obedience," preserves us from falling into other sins.
Sister will come round soon, just let her see you are in earnest, and surprise her by persevering in your good resolutions.
I thank you for the kind offer to give me your pets, but I fear the good brother who has charge of my room would object to rats—white or black—so I must decline your present with many thanks, dear child.