surroundings, make but little change in the real girl-nature,
that has ever been impulsive, trusting, tender, and true, alike
in the days of the Syrian Zenobia and in those of the modern
American school-girl.

After all, whatever the opportunity, whatever the limitation,
whatever the possibilities of this same never-changing
girl-nature, no better precept can be laid down for our own
bright young maidens, as none better can be deduced from the
stories herewith presented, than that phrased in Kingsley's noble
yet simple verse:

"Be good, sweet maid, and let who will be clever
Do noble things, not dream them, all day long
And so make life, death, and the vast forever
One grand, sweet song."


Grateful acknowledgment is made by the author for the numerous
expressions of interest that came to him from his girl-readers as
the papers now gathered into book-form appeared from time to time
in the pages of St. Nicholas. The approval of those for whom one
studies and labors is the pleasantest and most enduring return.



CONTENTS

ZENOBIA OF PALMYRA: THE GIRL OF THE SYRIAN DESERT