"Why, it eats the lice that spoil certain plants and leaves and grain. I notice that the Australian government is--Do you girls know where Australia is?" he asked, interrupting himself. "Of course we do," they all shouted with much laughing, as if it were a great joke to ask them such a question. "Well, I was going to tell you that the Australian government is taking steps to encourage the ladybird on purpose to help the fruit farmers of that country. Perhaps they have heard that it brings good luck," he added with a smile. "Let's show it to Dickey Downy and then put it out of the door and let it go home," said Polly. "Dickey Downy wouldn't know a lady-bird from a grasshopper," answered Nancy teasingly. Polly retorted, "Don't be too sure! Dickey is a very intelligent bird, a very extraordinary bird." She contented herself with paying me compliments, for instead of bringing the crimson beetle into the store she opened the window and let him fly away. "Well, I'm glad I have learned something new about ladybirds," remarked Louise, as she tied her hat strings ready to go home. "And I too," chimed in Nancy. "I am glad the Australians prize the pretty little creatures. It's nice to be useful and handsome too." Then both girls said good-bye and ran home. A few days later Polly announced to Miss Kathy that she was ready to read the long promised tale. "Mother says you will be in the back room sewing this afternoon, so I will bring my little rocker and sit here and read to you. My book is full of beautiful stories about children and birds and bees." I too anticipated a pleasant afternoon, for my cage still hung within the doorway where I could hear and see all that took place in both apartments. Soon after dinner Miss Kathy appeared in the back room with her thimble and scissors and seated herself at the work-table. Polly drew up her chair beside her. The book she held was a pretty little affair bound in red with a silver inscription on the covers, and after being duly admired by both, Polly opened it and selected the following story, which she read aloud: THE MOUNT AIRY SCHOOL. The breath of blossoms was in the air and spicy scents from the woods that lined the lane on each side came floating to the delighted senses of a little girl who drove slowly along the road leading to Mount Airy School. Young horses frisked in the pastures or came whinnying to the fence as she passed. Lazy cows cropped the grass at the sides of the road, pushing their heads into the zigzag corners of the rail fence in pursuit of the tender clover that had crept through from the thrifty meadows.