"No; and it won't be nice for me after this, if I can help it," Ralph replied with a blush.
After which, one may be sure, the mother's fingers went to work quickly upon the ball. But that is a way mothers have, of ever standing ready to give help and encouragement to their boys and girls.
SWINGING.
BY ELIZABETH LINCOLN GOULD.
Swing, swing, under the apple tree,
Down in the orchard when apples are red;
Catch the rope tightly then up and away you go,
Up to the green, spreading boughs overhead.
Swing, swing under the apple tree,