I have a great deal of trouble in school this term because I sit with a girl who persists in making me laugh. She is a sweet girl, and I love her dearly, but she does do such funny things! yet she can keep her face perfectly straight, when I am giggling and receiving bad marks. My teacher is very strict, and she says I am as much to blame as Cora is, and that if I tried harder I would not get into disgrace so often. I hate to carry home a report, at the end of the week with "Not satisfactory" on it, for my mother looks so sad; but I can not seem to help myself. What do you think about it? Please tell me in Our Post-office Box.
Gertrude H. L.
We think your teacher would do well to let Cora and yourself sit farther apart. Two little girls who can not be trusted to control themselves in the class should be separated. But we are afraid that you do not endeavor to do what you ought in this matter. For the credit of the school and for your own honor, you should be above trifling in school-hours; and if you would only think that if there is a time for play, there is also a time for work, you would be able to behave better, and win your teachers approval.
Windsor, Illinois.
We had a pet once, a white squirrel, which we called Finny, but it died. Papa sent it to St. Louis, and had it stuffed and mounted for us. We now have a little gray one, a pair of white bantams, and six hens. I have a kitten all white but its tail. I have two sisters, both older than I; Lollie is sixteen, Lena is twelve, and I am nine. I hope papa will always take Young People.
E. V. G.
Do you never feel sad when you look at your stuffed squirrel? One day we were visiting a lady who had a canary-bird in a cage among vines and flowers. After a while we wondered that the bird did not sing, and then we noticed that it kept remarkably still. So we spoke of it, and then were told that Muff had died and been stuffed. And there it stood on its little perch.
We hope Weir M. will be successful in raising his family of rabbits. Emily D. may be sure the Editor shall hear that she wants more "Pinafore Rhymes" in Young People. It does keep us busy to read so many letters, but Walter H. G. need not be afraid to send us another before long; Eva I. has our congratulations on her candy. She must try her hand at cake and bread. Jessie M. R., your hope about Tip is shared by very many. Willie Van B., who apologizes for his writing, for the reason that he has lately lost his right thumb, is assured of our sympathy; we think that, considering the misfortune, he writes wonderfully well.