BLACK EYES AND BLUE. A dreary little group was trudging along a Swedish highroad one bright October morning. It was a union between north and south, and like many other unions, not altogether founded on love. The bear, the prominent member of the party, was a Swede, and a Swede in a very bad humour. The iron ring in his torn nose, and the stout stick in the hand of one of his Italian masters, showed very plainly that he needed stern discipline.... more...

LITTLE TORA. The kindly doctor was entertaining his brother-in-law, and all the family were sitting round the table in state. The polished silver and shining glass, with porcelain, flowers, and fruit, seemed to be all that had been provided for the dinner. The usual "grace" had hardly been said, when a trim maid announced that a little girl was at the door, who must see the doctor about something particular. "There is nobody sick more than... more...

THE NURSERY ALPHABET. A for the Alphabet, A, B, C; B for the Book that was given to me.   C for the Corn that stands in the stack; D for the Donkey with cross on his back.   E for the Engine that's lighted with coke; F for the Funnel that puffs out the smoke. The Nursery Alphabet. E F G H. G for the Goose that swims on the pond; H for the Hen, of her chickens so fond.   I for the Icicle, frosty and cold; J for the... more...