When Aunt Jan's coming there's such romping in the house, She's sweeter than a daffodil and softer than a mouse! She sings about the passages, and never wants to rest, And father says it's all because a bird is in her breast. When Aunt Jan's kissing there's such a crowding round her knees, Such clambers to her bosom, and such battles for a squeeze! We dirty both her snowy cuffs, we trample on her gown, And sometimes all her yellow hair comes tumbling, tumbling down. When Aunt Jan's dancing we all watch her as she goes, With in-and-out and round-about upon her shiny toes; And when her merry breath is tired she stops the fun and stands To curtsy saucily to us, or kiss her pretty hands. When Aunt Jan's playing, the piano seems alive, With all the notes as busy as the bees are in a hive; And when it's time for Bedfordshire, as sweetly as a lark She sings that God is waiting to protect us in the dark. When Aunt Jan's leaving we are not ashamed to cry, A-kissing at the station and a-waving her good-by; But springtime brings the crocus after winter, rain and frost So dear Aunt Jan will come again. She isn't really lost. AFTER TEA Very often in the evening, Shortly after tea, Father, when he's read the paper, Takes me on his knee. There I fix myself "quite comfy," In his arms so strong, While he makes up lovely stories As he goes along. Mother near us with her sewing, Rocking to and fro, Smiles and listens to the stories, Likes them too, I know. And I'm sure that she is thinking, What perhaps you've guessed, That the stories Father tells us Are the very best. #AMUSING ALPHABETS# TINGLE, TANGLE TITMOUSE "Come hither, little puppy-dog, I'll give you a new collar, If you will learn to read your book, And be a clever scholar." "No! no!" replied the puppy-dog, "I've other fish to fry; For I must learn to guard your house, And bark when thieves come nigh." With a tingle, tangle titmouse, Robin knows great A, And B, and C, and D, and E, F, G, H, I, J, K. "Come hither, pretty cockatoo, Come and learn your letters; And you shall have a knife and fork To eat with, like your betters." "No! no!" the cockatoo replied, "My beak will do as well; I'd rather eat my victuals thus Than go and learn to spell." With a tingle, tangle titmouse, Robin knows great A, And B, and C, and D, and E, F, G, H, I, J, K. "Come hither, little pussy-cat, If you'll your grammar study, I'll give you silver clogs to wear, Whene'er the gutter's muddy."