_Sonny’s Schoolin’_ is a series of connected anecdotes, told in monologue. The humor of the anecdotes lies in their absurdity—in the presence of Sonny every one is so helpless! Any modern teacher would deal with Sonny in a way that he would understand. The humor of the narration lies partly in the events, partly in the speaker’s naïve, unconscious exposition of self, and partly in the amusing dialect. Two qualities illuminate the story: one, the gradual presentation of Sonny’s really lovable nature, seen to better advantage by the father-and-mother-love behind it; the other, the gradual criticism of the older system of education, and the suggestion of a type well adapted to quick, active, original minds like Sonny’s. Ruth McEnery Stuart, a native of Louisiana, contributed to our best periodicals, and wrote many amusing, and wholly sympathetic, stories of southern life, such as _Holly and Pizen_, _Napoleon Jackson_, _Sonny_, and _Sonny’s Father_. She died in 1917. HER FIRST HORSE SHOW By DAVID GRAY Every side of life contributes short story material,—the deeds of people in strange surroundings, unusual acts of heroism in war or in peace, the lives of the poor, and the lives of the rich. Since men’s characters are independent of either wealth or poverty, the story of society life, when written effectively, may awaken as deep feelings of sympathy or brotherhood as the story of humble life. Any story is worthy if it broadens the understanding of life and presents its material in artistic form. On the surface _Her First Horse Show_ is a story of society life, of rich people who delight in the fashionable horse show, and in dining at the Waldorf. Fundamentally, it is a story of human understanding, cleverness, and daring, in which the charm of a girl, and the thoroughbred qualities of a horse, play leading parts. Quick, suggestive conversation makes the story vividly interesting, and clear arrangement leads effectively to the climax. David Gray was born in Buffalo, New York, in 1870. He has done editorial work on various papers, and has written a large number of interesting “horse stories” collected in such books as _Gallops I_, _Gallops II_, and _Mr. Carteret and Others_. In 1899 Mr. Gray entered the legal profession. =Doubting Thomas.= A reference to the Bible story of St. Thomas, who at first doubted the resurrection of Jesus. See John: 20: 25. “=Hands.=” Much of the skill in riding high-spirited horses depends upon the use of the hands in holding the reins. MY HUSBAND’S BOOK By JAMES MATTHEW BARRIE