Page 407 - The model orator, or, Young folks' speaker : containing the choicest recitations and readings from the best authors for schools, public entertainments, social gatherings, Sunday schools, etc. : including recitals in prose and verse ...

The children—previous little pots !■—.isfc daily for papa.
They all have had such shocking colds, I called in Doctor Law,
He fears that Nettie’s lungs are weak—she seems indincd to stoop ;
The baby has the nettle rash, and Sammy chronic croup.

And, oh ! Mamma and Mr. B. have had an awful fuss;
Of course, she couldn’t stay fit Km’s, and so she's here with us.
The girls have “ given warning," love; I don’t know what to think
Unless, as dear mamma suspects, they’re both inclined to drink.

I’m feeling sad, and far from well, but then, I know, dear John.
A long home-let ter, just like this, will cheer and help you on.
I'd like to nestle to your breast and have a hearty cry ;
Fray don't forget the grocer's bill! God bless your love! Good-by !

THE RULING PASSION.

S H E had never mailed a letter before, and so .‘die approached the
stamp clerk’s window with the same air that she would enter
a dry-goods store.
" I would like to Sook at some stamps, please/' she said.
" What denomination do you want?" asked the clerk.
" Denomination ! ” This was remarked in surprise. She hadn't
supposed that stamps belonged to any church a': all.
“ Yes,” replied the clerk, who saw no necessity for holding a lengthy
palaver over the sale of a stamp, especially when other people were wait­
ing. “ Is it for a letter or a newspaper ? "
“ O, I want to send a letter to my Uncle John; he’s just moved
to------”
Then you need a two-cent stamp,” interrupted the clerk, offering
her one of that value,
M I hardly like that color,” she observed, holding the brick-tinted
stamp up to the light and surveying it critically.
The clerk looked at her in astonishment. In h;s long experience in