We soon reached the city, and after the saying
Of cheerful "Good night," to our friends,
We sought our own home without further delaying,
And the rest night to weariness sends.

'Twas a blest, happy day; and oft in my dreaming
That cool, shady grove do I see,
With its bright little spots where the sunlight lay gleaming,
And all that was pleasant to me.

And much do I hope, when again, my dear mother,
The summer shall come with its flowers,
Our teachers will kindly allow us another
Such Pic-nic, mid Nature's green bowers.




RAIN DROPS.


"O mamma, how fast it rains! Do see those bright and sparkling drops, as
they fall so rapidly on the green walks and beautiful flowers! Just see
how revived that little fainting flower looks on the farther border. It
was but yesterday I thought it would die. It drooped its head as if to
avoid the rays of the scorching sun; but now it is as fresh as any on my
little bed. Who was so kind, mamma, as to send this gentle shower,
purposely, as I should think, to save my favorite flower?"