THE HARP MAN'S BENEFIT.
"Where is my wig?"
"I have lost my banner!"
"Tell Ikey to hurry, he has to go on first. Do you think that chimney will stand?"
There was such confusion behind the scenes on New Year's eve that Cousin Helen put her hands over her ears when she came in.
"It is time to begin," she said. "Ikey and Helen are first."
The performers had advertised their entertainment very thoroughly, and as a result a large and interested audience of young people had assembled before eight o'clock.
When at length the curtain rose in response to vigorous clapping, it brought to view a fine stage, on which was a cottage with a window and door and a lifelike chimney, and everything was covered with glistening snow. After the audience had had time to admire this scene sufficiently, a boy and girl entered, dressed in outdoor costume. They looked sad, and the girl took her handkerchief from her muff and held it to her eyes. Her companion begged her not to cry, for Father Time would surely help them. Then he knocked at the door of the cottage. It opened at once and out came a veritable Father Time, leaning on his staff. His long white beard, his scythe and hourglass, all proved his identity. Looking at the children he asked:
"Who is it knocks at my door to-day?
Speak to me quickly, I cannot stay."
The little girl replied: