e got up and ran
out of the barn with Toto springing round her.

She thought a good deal afterwards of what the owl had said, and came to
the conclusion that perhaps she had been a good deal in fault. At any
rate she would "try again" and see how it answered. Bridget was a
resolute little character, and she took the matter in hand at once; but
I can best tell you how it "answered" by describing a scene which took
place a month later, on the last dancing-day before the holidays.

The lesson was over, and the mistress was taking leave of her pupils;
the usual visitors sat round the room looking on.

"And now," she said, "before we part, I must say a few special words
about one of my pupils, and that is, Miss Bridget Watson, whose marked
improvement during the past month I have been pleased to notice. I have
always felt that she had great difficulties to contend with, for when
young people are growing fast, it is not easy to manage the limbs
gracefully. I have to congratulate her upon her efforts, and to hope
that you will all follow her example in trying to do your best."

There was a murmur of satisfaction, for Bridget was a general favourite
among her companions and they were all pleased to hear her praised.
Every one was pleased; Miss Tasker, who was fond of Bridget, beamed
behind her spectacles, and carried home the good news to Mrs Watson,
whose pleasure put a finishing touch to Bridget's exultation. Indeed,
for some minutes she was more like a windmill than ever, through excess
of joy, but it was holiday time, and even Miss Tasker said nothing.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

You all know the story of the "Ugly Duckling," and how, after all, it
became a beautiful white swan. I cannot say whether, in like manner,
Bridget grew up to be graceful and pretty, but one thing I am certain
of, and that is, that she never regretted following the owl's advice to
"try again."

STORY FOUR, CHAPTER 1.

ALL ALONE--A SHORT STORY.

Nan was the youngest but one of the little Beresfords, and she was six
years old when the baby came, so she was quite a responsible person and
ready to be a great help to nurse. Her round face and form assumed airs
of dignity, and she strove valiantly to put away all babyish weaknesses
as things of the past.

But some of them were too strong for Nan, struggle as she would, and she
found to her dismay that though she was six years old, and "b