ff, and gave it up in despair.

Just then Bluebeard suddenly returned, and asked his wife if she
could please to hand him the keys. She trembling did so. He said "How
came the blood on the closet key? You have disobeyed me, and shall
die at once."

She begged a few minutes to say her prayers and just as he was going
to chop her head off, her two brothers arrived at the castle, burst
open the door, killed the cruel wretch, and rescued their sisters.

[Page 18--Girl Land]

[Illustration: Our three Little Belles.]

My Girl

A little corner with it's crib.
A little mug, a spoon, a bib,
A little tooth so pearly white,
A little rubber-ring to bite.

A little plate all lettered round,
A little rattle to resound,
A little creeping--see! she stands!
A little step 'twixt outstretched hands.

A little doll with flaxen hair.
A little willow rocking chair,
A little dress of richest hue,
A little pair of gaiters blue.

A little school day after day,
A little "schoolma'am" to obey,
A little study--soon 'tis past--
A little graduate at last.

A little muff for wintry weather,
A little jockey-hat and feather,
A little sac with funny pockets,
A little chain, a ring, and lockets.

A little while to dance and bow,
A little escort homeward now,
A little party somewhat late,
A little lingering at the gate.

A little walk in leafy June,
A little talk while shines the moon,
A little reference to papa,
A little planning with mamma.

A little ceremony grave,
A little struggle to be brave,
A little cottage on the lawn,
A little kiss--my girl was gone!

Good and Bad

There was a little girl,
And she had a little curl
Right in the middle of her forehead
When she was good
She was very good,
But when she was bad, she was horrible.

My little Daughter's Shoes

Two little rough-worn, stubbed shoes
A plump, well-trodden pair;
With striped stockings thrust within,
Lie just beside my chair.

Of very homely fabric they,
A hole is in each toe,
They might have cost, when they were new,
Some fifty cents or so.

And yet this little, worn-out pair
Is richer far too me
Than all the jewelled sandals are
Of Eastern luxury.

This mottled leather, cracked with use,
Is satin in my sight;
These little tarnished buttons shine
With all a diamond's light.

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