"Will you give my kite a lift?" said my little nephew to his
sister, after trying in vain to make it fly by dragging it along
the ground. Lucy very kindly took it up and threw it into the
air, but, her brother neglecting to run off at the same moment,
the kite fell down again.

"Ah! now, how awkward you are!" said the little fellow. "It was
your fault entirely," answered his sister. "Try again, children,"
said I.

Lucy once more took up the kite. But now John was in too great a
hurry; he ran off so suddenly that he twitched the kite out of
her hand, and it fell flat as before. "Well, who is to blame
now?" asked Lucy. "Try again," said I.

They did, and with more care; but a side wind coming suddenly, as
Lucy let go the kite, it was blown against some shrubs, and the
tail became entangled in a moment, leaving the poor kite hanging
with its head downward.

"There, there!" cried John, "that comes of your throwing it all
to one side." "As if I could make the wind blow straight," said
Lucy. In the meantime, I went to the kite's assistance; and
having disengaged the long tail, I rolled it up, saying, "Come,
children, there are too many trees here; let us find a more open
space, and then try again."

We soon found a fine, open space, covered with green grass, and
free from shrubs and trees. Then, all things being ready, I