176
The Swallows and the Robins 178
Christmas (_with music_) 188

[Illustration: Birds]

[Illustration: VOL. XXII.--NO. 6.]

THE LAST GUEST.

THE MORNING AFTER THE PARTY.

MARY (_angrily_).

[Illustration: O] Tommy, you deceiver!
You've turned a regular thiever:
I've let the light in on your deeds,
You needn't sneak away.
You thought it mighty pleasant
To devour that dainty pheasant;
Which cook and I for breakfast meant
To have this very day.

TOM (_calmly_).

Miss Mary, I assure you
You're entirely mistaken:
I was finishing my supper--
Don't call me thief or brute,
But please be so obliging
As to broil a slice of bacon
As my reward for self-control:
I haven't touched the fruit.

MARY (_sneeringly_).

For that there is good reason,
You thing of craft and treason;
You did not touch the grapes, because
The grapes you do not like.
You get no slice of bacon
From me, since you have taken
The bird I'd set my heart upon.
Away, or I will strike!

TOM (_derisively_).

Be patient, Mistress Mary,
Of broomsticks I am wary:
The door is open, and I see
What you would now be at.

MARY (_angrily_).

Away! obey my order,
You sneaking, base marauder!
I'll teach you to steal birds again!
Be off! Take that, and--Scat!

[_Exit Tommy at double-quick time, followed by
Mary, who strikes with the broom, but does not
hit._]

ALFRED SELWYN.

[Illustration]

[Illustration]

THE STARLINGS AND THE SPARROWS.

"LOOK here, my dear," said a starling to her mate: "in our pretty
summer-villa a pair of saucy sparrows have taken up their abode. What
shall we do?"

"What shall we do?" cried Mr. Starling, who was calmly standing on a
fence; "why, rout them out, of course; give them notice to quit."

"That we will do," replied Mrs. Starling. "Here, you beggars, you: out
of that house! You've no business there. Be off!"

"What's all that?" piped Mrs. Sparrow, look