"Ah," he said to Pet, "you were near destroying all our plans by your carelessness in losing the key! However, I managed to get you out of the scrape. See now that you prove a good, obedient wife, and a loving mother to all your people, and, if you do, be sure I shall always remain your friend, and get you safely out of all your troubles."
"Oh, thank you!" said Pet; "you have, indeed, been a good friend to me. But—I never found that jewel that you bid me look for. I quite forgot about it!"
"I am having it set in your Majesty's crown," said Time, with a low bow.
Then the rejoicings began; and between ringing of bells, cheering, singing, and clapping of hands, there was such an uproarious din of delight in Goldenlands that I had to put my fingers in my ears and run away! I am very glad, however, that I stayed long enough to pick up this story for you; and I hope that my young friends will
"Never forget
Little Queen Pet,
Who was kind to all
The poor people she met!"
Rosa Mulholland.
IN THE SNOW.
Brave little robins,
Cheerily singing,
Fear not the snow-storms
Winter is bringing.
Each to the other
Music is making,
Courage and comfort
Giving and taking.
"What," cries Cock Robin,
"Matters the weather,
Since we can always
Bear it together?"
"Sweet," his mate answers,
Ever brave-hearted,
"None need be pitied
Till they are parted."
On the other side of the Atlantic, the little boys used not to celebrate Christmas by blowing unmelodious horns. They would assemble in gangs before their elder friends, and sing such Christmas Carols as the following, which seldom failed to bring the coveted Christmas gift: