"Never was a birthday," as the good mother often said, "so full of
terrible and joyful emotions; never was one more blessed."

"That is a right good story, Mother," said Harry. "Was Grace Darling
a real person?"

"Yes," said his mother, "and many more beautiful stories are told of
her, and all true. She was a noble creature."

"One more story, dear Mother," said the boys. "We have a good deal
of time, yet."

"Many years ago," said the mother, "I was making a visit in a family
where what I am going to relate to you took place. I wrote it all
down, and I will now read it to you from my manuscript book."





A TRUE STORY.




One cold, stormy evening in the middle of winter, a family,
consisting of four children and their parents, were gathered round a
bright, blazing fire. One merry-looking little girl was sitting with
a large, beautiful cat in her lap, which she was stroking, while