Your postal card was something of a puzzle, as we have not received a letter from "the other boy." But we want to tell you, and every young reader, never to sign your name to any piece of writing that you have not read, and which you do not fully understand. A boy's name stands for himself, and signing it to any document pledges him to do what the document requires. A great many foolish and thoughtless grown persons get into trouble by doing this very thing. We wish the little girls would make a special note of this, and in fact it would be a good plan for you all to write out a resolution in this way, "I will never sign my name to a paper that I have not read," and then pin it fast to the pincushion, or tack it up over the mantel. It is very important to form the habit of being particular about this.
Quincy, Illinois.
I have taken Young People since the first number. I don't know how I could do without it. I thought Toby Tyler was perfectly splendid. I was real sorry for him. I am twelve years old, and attend school, and am learning French and music. I take lessons in both of these studies at home, but next year I shall study German at school. I wrote once before, and my letter went into your waste-basket. I hope this will not be treated so. I have a little pet dog. He is as cute as he can be. I will write some time and tell you some of his funny tricks. I have tried many of the receipts for candy, and they were splendid.
Gracie.
Poughkeepsie, New York.
I want to tell you about a parrot I have. He is a little more than a year old, and can talk a great deal. I have a black cat and a white one. The white puss is afraid of Polly, but the black one puts his paw through the wires of the cage, and taps the parrot's head. In return Polly gives him a bite, which makes him squeal. The name of the black cat is Heliogabalus. We call him Heli for short.
Adèle I.