When she seemed a trifle mad At the liberty, he told her; ’Gainst his heart so very sad For her pardon he would hold her. Thought he needn’t hold so tight! Said she’d be to him a sister. Claiming quick a brother’s right, Many, many times he kissed her! Kissed her! Sister! Many, many times he kissed her. “You don’t leave me any chance,” Said the maiden, “to deny you; You may see, sir, at a glance, I’ve no power to defy you!” Loved her more each time they met— Strange that lips don’t sometimes blister— Stranger still, they sweeter get— Did to him each time he kissed her! Kissed her! Blister! Did to him each time he kissed her. —_Fred Emerson Brooks._ [Illustration: SAM JONES. ] Rev. Sam P. Jones, the great evangelist and Southern lecturer, who possesses a style of oratory unique and powerful, and a wonderful magnetism. [Illustration: IDA BENFEY, Who makes a short tour in the South each season, and who is always welcomed for her high art. ] THE STORY OF JOSEPH. By Ida Benfey. “Out of the fulness of the heart the mouth speaketh,” and just now I find myself almost completely absorbed by the Story of Joseph, which Tolstoi calls the greatest short story ever written. And he adds, significantly, that it would make no difference in telling it to the people of China what the customs were—that the human interest in the story is so powerful it sweeps all minor details to one side.