"How very funny!" exclaimed Fred.
"See, grandpa, how very fast it rains," said the little girl; "but I like rainy weather, when you will tell us such beautiful stories."
At this moment Mrs. Symmes joined their party. She had in her hand a pan of beans, which she was going to pick over before they were baked.
Fred jumped up and took them from her. "Annie and I can do them, mother," he said, "and you can sew while you hear grandpa's stories."
"That's right, my boy," said the old gentleman. "Help your mother all you can."
The children were soon seated at their work, and their mother at her mending. "Now, dear grandpa, we're all ready for you to begin."
"Really, my dear," he answered, pleasantly, "you are hungry after stories."
"I like yours," said the child, "because they're always true."
"Well, let me think with what I shall begin. Have I ever told you how fast birds can fly?"
"No, sir."