The others who had skipped about the meadows grew among long grass
now, which nearly choked them, and completely hid them from the sun.
And when June came and the hay was cut, they too were cut and crushed
before they had had any flowers at all.

But away in a corner, by a hedge--hidden from all eyes and sheltered
from cold winds--the dandelion-child who had not wanted to go into the
world grew stronger and more beautiful every day. She knew nothing
about fine gardens or admiring eyes--and she cared nothing. All she
knew was that the sun looked down on her with all his brightness, and
that the great blue sky into which she was always gazing was wide
enough and fair enough for her.

E.D.




Conceit Bowled Out!

[Illustration:]

He was a clever cricketer,
And very proud of that;
Conceitedly one afternoon
He took his cricket bat.
But when he at the wicket saw
His sister with her curls,
He turned his nose up so, and said:
"I never play with girls!