tuck her in and make her comfortable, and she was very soon fast asleep.

This was the first day that little Minnie had really tried to make herself useful, and after she had once begun she made up her mind to go on learning and trying to be of use to others, till she really was, and she kept her resolution well.

Monday came, and the children were all so excited that they did not know what to do with themselves, for Philip and Johnny, their two brothers, who came between Emily and Minnie in age, were expected at seven o'clock in the evening; so the house had to be decorated with ferns, and flowers, and evergreens, to show that they were all glad to see their dear brothers home again, and to give them a hearty welcome. Mamma was asked to draw some large scrolls with the words 'Welcome Home' on them, for Minnie and Motty to paint. These were to be put up against the walls in different places.

Seven o'clock came, and papa and Motty went to the railway station to meet Philip and Johnny. After they had gone the children all became so restless and excited, that every ring at the front door they thought must be the boys.

At last they heard papa's latch-key at the door, and they all jumped with delight; but to their dismay and disappointment papa came in without the boys, and Motty behind him, looking very dull.

face.

Aren't they come?' said Minnie with a blank

'No. Isn't it a bother?' said Motty.

'I suppose they must have missed the train,' said papa.

'When will they come?' asked Susy.

Most likely by the next train,' answered papa. 'I am afraid the little ones cannot stay up till they come,' said mamma.

No, certainly, they had better not,' replied papa. 'It will be a great deal too late for them. The next train does not come in till a quarter after nine. Minnie and Motty may stay till then, I think, because Philip and Johnny will like to see some up to meet them, but Susy and Dick must go to bed like good little chicks.'

'Oh, papa!' said Susy, looking very unhappy, 'mayn't we stay to see them?'

'Do let us!' said Dick, as he climbed up on to his papa's knee.

'No, you must go to bed like good children. when you are told, and you will see them to-morrow,' answered his papa.

'Come with me,' said Minnie; I will see you to bed. You like Minnie to see you to bed, don't you, darling?'

'See me too,' said little Susy, taking hold of Minnie's hand.

'Yes, dear, if you like,' said Minnie, 'but you must both come now quick.'

Susy and Dick liked Minnie to see them to bed, because she was always so kind to them, so they said good-night, and went with her directly.

Papa went again to meet the next train, and this time he brought back Philip and Johnny. It was as papa had said, they had missed the other train; but now they were safely at home, they thought nothing more about that.

The first thing the next morning Susy and Dick asked for their brothers; so as soon as they were dressed they went down to see them. Little Dick was soon very merry with them, and the boys were delighted with him, because he had improved so much since they had seen him.

'We must have some fun to-day,' said Johnny, as soon as breakfast was over; 'what shall we do ?'

'What can we do, mamma?' asked Motty.

'Well, what would you like to do?' replied

mamma.

'I know of something very nice, if we may do it,' said Minnie; 'will you say "Yes," mamma?" 'I must know first what it is,' answered her

mamma.

May we go to Melverton woods to dinner?' said Minnie.

'Oh yes, that would be splendid!' said Johnny. 'Do let us!' said Motty.

'May we go, mamma, as everybody likes it so much?' asked Minnie.

་

I will see about it,' answered her mamma. 'You had better amuse yourselves in the garden till ten o'clock, and then I will tell you if I can manage it.'

'Thank you, mamma,' said Minnie; ‘oh, do manage it very beautifully, please do!'

'Run away then,' said mamma, laughing, and

I will see what can be done.'

'There never was such a jolly mother,' said

Johnny, as he scampered out of the room, in rather

a boisterous manner.

They stayed in the garden, swinging each other, till nurse called to them to come in.

'I wonder!' said Motty, as they went in.

'Do you know, nurse, if we are going to Melverton woods?' asked Minnie.

'No, miss, I don't think you are,' answered

nurse.

'Oh dear, what a bother!' said the boys; but nobody had noticed a little twinkle in nurse's eye, which must have meant something.

Why have we got to go in, then?' asked Minnie. 'To get ready, miss,' answered nurse.

'What for?' asked Minnie, looking puzzled.

To go out with your mamma,' replied nurse. They did not dress as quickly as if they had been going to Melverton woods, but they were not very long, because mamma was waiting for them.

'Are Susy and Dick coming with us?' asked Minnie, as she saw nurse dressing them.

Yes, miss, they are,' answered nurse.

'But they can't walk so far as we can,' said Minnie.