which I
trust this thread of my theory has run _unbroken_. It is the last of our
little friend, Lame Charley; and if the dear children who have made his
Nightcaps theirs, will bear him, and me for his sake, in affectionate
remembrance, it will gladden the heart of their loving

AUNT FANNY.

CONTENTS.

PAGE

FIRST LETTER TO CHARLEY. THE LITTLE WHITE ANGEL, 9

SECOND LETTER TO HARRY. HEEDLESS HARRY, 30

THIRD LETTER TO ANNA. POOR RICH LITTLE EVA, 73

FOURTH LETTER TO GEORGE. ILL TEMPER, 108

FIFTH LETTER TO CLARA. THE ROSE CROWN, 140

SIXTH LETTER TO JOHNNY. THE HUNT FOR A STEAMBOAT, 161

*** The stories written for the SEVEN NIGHTCAP CHILDREN remaining, will
be found in "Little Nightcap Letters."

BIG NIGHTCAP LETTERS.

THE FIRST LETTER.

INTRODUCTION.

ONE evening, when all the children, after the usual frolic with Crocus
the cat and the TREMENDOUS DOG, had settled themselves for their
"nightcaps," (their meaning of which word, of course, you all know,) the
little mother cleared her throat, and paused, for she was feeling for a
letter that was in her pocket.

"Something particularly good is coming to-night," whispered George to
Anna.

"What makes you think so?"

"Don't you see how bright her eyes are? See! now she is hugging Charley,
and kissing him;" and unable to resist this loving exhibition, he rushed
from his seat to hug and kiss Charley, too, and ask him if he felt quite
comfortable.

Charley thanked him with a loving look, and George went back to his
seat, all in a glow.

"Children," said the little mother, "I received to-day a letter from
Aunt Fanny! She says you have given her so many delightful stories, she
thinks it is quite time to give you some in return."

[Illustration: THE FRIGHTENED OLD BACHELOR.]

"Did you ever!" exclaimed the children, eagerly. "What a perfect bird of
an Aunt Fanny! How perfectly delightful!"

"She wishes me to ask how you would like her to send you each a story,
that you would know had been written especially for you?"

"Oh! oh! oh! what a capital idea!" cried all the children, clapping
their hands at such a rate, that an old bachelor opposite opened the
window and looked out with a spy-glass, to see where the fire was; and
nearly frightened a lamplighte