"I don't like 'em myself, lad," said the mother. "I'd a deal rather
you'd stick to the bench, like your auld father."

"I will, mother dear," answered Nimble Jim. And he is mending shoes
there to this day, as happy as happy can be.

* * * * *




[Illustration]

"Oh! I'm my mamma's lady-girl
And I must sit quite still;
It would not do to jump and whirl,
And get my hair all out of curl,
And rumple up my frill.
No, I'm my mamma's lady-girl,
So I must sit quite still."

* * * * *




A BUDGET OF HOME-MADE CHRISTMAS GIFTS.