l.

At first she used to look at the pictures, and ask her brother Cecil to
read to her about them. Oh, how happy they were reading together! By and
by she began to try to read the story she had just heard; and soon she
learned to read to herself very well.

A black man named John has lived with Mary's father many years. He
could not read. Mary felt sorry for John. She thought he would like to
read nice stories too.

[Illustration]

One day she said, "Mamma, may I teach John to read?" "Yes, dear," said
her mother, "if you can."

After tea, Mary's mother looked into the kitchen; and what do you think
she saw? John was holding little Mary on his knee, and she was teaching
him to read.

She was pointing to the letters, one by one, and trying patiently to
make him remember his A, B, C; and John, with his eyes fixed upon the
book, was giving close attention to the words of his little teacher. It
was a pretty picture.

Mary did not give up trying until John had learned to read, though it
took a long time, and she had to give him many lessons. He tried hard to
learn; and now he is glad that he can read, and Mary is glad too.

ANNA HOLYOKE.

[Illustration]

CHRISTMAS MORNING.

STOCKINGS in the kitchen, hung up in a row;
Santa Claus has filled them,--yes, from top to toe;
Purple, gold, and crimson, paint the fallen snow,--
On Christmas Day, so early in the morning.

Earnest little whispers from the cosey bed;
Busy little footsteps pattering overhead;
Down the stairs they wander, to sweet music wed,--
On Christmas Day, so early in the morning.

Dolls and drums and trumpets, what a sight to see!
Whips and tops and tea-sets,--one for you and me;
Blooming in the corner, such a Christmas-tree,--
On Christmas Day, so early in the morning.

Bells up in the steeples; hark! they sweetly tell
How the blessed Saviour loves the children well;
And they sing the glories that long since befell
On Christmas Day, so early in the morning.

Wee, soft, fairy footsteps outside in the hall,
Then the words of baby musically fall,--
"Going to kiss my papa, first one of them all!"
On Christmas Day, so early in the morning.

GEORGE COOPER.

KATY'S CH