And all about Egypt and Spain--and then
He _wasn't_ disturbed by a little noise,
And said that the greatest and best of men
Once were rollicking, healthy boys.

And he thinks it is no matter at all
If a little boy runs and jumps and climbs;
And mamma should be willing to let me crawl
Through the bannister-rails in the hall sometimes.

And Bridget, sir, made a great mistake,
In stirring up such a bother, you see,
For the Bishop--he didn't care for cake,
And really liked to play games with me.

But though he's so honored in word and act--
(Stoop down, this is a secret now)--
_He couldn't spell Boston!_ That's a fact!
But whispered to me to tell him how.

MRS. EMMA HUNTINGTON NASON.




THE FIRST STEP.


To-night as the tender gloaming