COMING SHADOWS.
A FEW evenings after this conversation, Matthew having finished his task somewhat earlier than usual, little Bessie, who generally acted as spokeswoman, ventured to approach him, and ask timidly whether he had ever seen a wolf.
"I can't say that I ever did," replied her father.
Bessie looked wistfully into his face with round wondering eyes.
"Don't tease her any more, Matthew," pleaded Mrs. Reardon. "Tell her what you meant."
"I'm not teasing her; am I, Bess? Why, I thought that you would have forgotten all about the wolf long ago."
"We only wanted to know what it was like, father," said Bessie.
"Don't you trouble your head about that, little one," replied Matthew; "you'll know soon enough."
But the children were not so easily satisfied.
"Suppose we ask teacher on Sunday," suggested Polly. "You ask, Bessie."