f raspberry jam in a box, which my dear
old Friskies gave me,--they always do make everything of me, in spite of
their lectures), I went to Uncle Herbert's room to bid him good-by, for
I knew I should not see him again before I started, and he made me the
best present of all. It was a dear little watch and chain; for he said,
as I was nearly fifteen, I was quite old enough to take care of one.
Wasn't that kind of him?

Well, dear me, I don't want to say good-by a bit, and I did not then;
but, of course, it had to come, and I shook hands with my dear little
friends, only wishing to goodness that I lived in New York.

We promised about twenty-five times apiece always to be friends; and
then I kissed Aunt Elsie and Aunt Ruth, pulled Poddles' ears for
good-by, and pranced off all alone; of course, boys that have watches
are plenty big enough to go from New York to White Plains by
themselves. I suppose we always shall stay there, for papa is abominably
fond of the country; but just wait until I am a man, and see if I don't
come to live in New York, and marry Neighbor Nelly, if she will have me.
Mind you keep that last remark a secret, now, Neighbor Oldbird! That's
all there is about it.

THE FAT GENTLEMAN'S STORY.

I'M in love with Neighbor Nelly,
Though I know she's only ten;
While I am five and forty,
And the _married-est_ of men.
I've a wife as fat as butter,
And a baby--such a boy!
With the plumpest cheeks and shoulders,
Who's his father's dearest joy.

Though a Square toes and a Buffer,
Still I've sunshine in my heart;
Still I'm fond of tops and marbles
Can appreciate a tart.
I can love my Neighbor Nelly,
Just as though I were a boy,
And would hand her cakes and apples,
From my depths of corduroy.

She is tall, and growing taller;
She is vigorous of limb;
(You should see her playing soldiers
With her little brother Jim!)
She has eyes as blue as damsons;
She has pounds of auburn curls;
She regrets the game of leapfrog
Is prohibited to girls.

I adore my Neighbor Nelly,
I invite her in to tea,
And I let her nurse the baby
Her delightful ways to see.
Such a darling bud of woman!