ainted,
announced itself in big letters "The Go Ahead"; lots of toys were
waiting for Primrose Ann; and four papers of goodies reposed on the
lowest shelf of the cupboard.

"'Pears dat ar Mahser Zanty Claws don't take zact measure fur boys'
cloze," said Christopher Columbus, as he tried to struggle into the
jacket. "Dis yere jackit's twicet too small."

"An' dis yere trowsusloons am twicet too big," said Washington Webster,
as he drew them up to his armpits.

[Illustration: "LOR BRESS YOU, HONEY-BUGS! YO' HAS GOT TINGS
MIXED."--DRAWN BY J. E. KELLY.]

"Lor' bress you, honey-bugs!" called their mommy from the doorway, "yo'
_has_ got tings mixed. Dat ar jackit's fur de odder boy, an' dem trowsus
too." And they all burst out laughing as Christopher Columbus and
Washington Webster exchanged Christmas gifts, and laughed so loud that
Mrs. Bowles came, over to see what was the matter, bringing Baby Bowles,
who, seeing how jolly everybody was, began clapping her tiny hands, and
shouting, "Melly Kissme! melly Kissme!"

[Illustration: ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO.--DRAWN BY KATE GREENAWAY.]

[Illustration]

PET AND HER CAT.

Now, Pussy, I've something to tell you:
You know it is New-Year's Day;
The big folks are down in the parlor,
And mamma is just gone away.

We are all alone in the nursery,
And I want to talk to you, dear;
So you must come and sit by me,
And make believe you hear.

You see, there's a new year coming--
It only begins to-day.
Do you know I was often naughty
In the year that is gone away?

You know I have some bad habits,
I'll mention just one or two;
But there really is quite a number
Of naughty things that I do.

You see, I don't learn my lessons,
And oh! I do hate them so;
I doubt if I know any more to-day
Than I did a year ago.

Perhaps I am awfully stupid;
They say I'm a dreadful dunce.
How would you like to learn spelling?
I wish you could try it once.

And don't you remember Christmas--
'Twas naughty, I must confess--
But while I was eating my dinner
I got two spots on my dress.

And they caught me stealing the sugar;
But I only got two little bits,
When they found me there in the closet,
And frightened me out of my wits.

And, Pussy, when people scold me,
I'm always so sulky then;
If they only would tell me gently,
I never would do it again.

Oh, Pussy!