private about his tears; and both boys declared that the best visitors
they ever had were "Great Patience and her little red lion."

MAMMA.




[Illustration]

CROSSING THE BROOK.


Over the stepping-stones, one foot and then another;
And here we are safe on dry land, little brother.




[Illustration]

NELLIE'S LITTLE BROTHER.


When Nellie was quite young, she lost her dear mother; and two sad years
passed by for the little girl. She used to go and look at her mother's
portrait, and wonder whether she could see Nellie, though Nellie could
not see her.

But, at last, her father gave her a new mother, who was so kind and