[Illustration: THE MADONNA OF THE CHAIR _Painting by Raphael_] _EIGHT BOOK SERIES_ STANDARD CATHOLIC READERS BY GRADES FIFTH YEAR BY MARY E. DOYLE FORMERLY PRINCIPAL OF HOLY NAMES NORMAL SCHOOL, SEATTLE, WASHINGTON, AND SUPERVISOR OF TEACHING, STATE NORMAL SCHOOL, SUPERIOR, WISCONSIN [Illustration] NEW YORK ⁘ CINCINNATI ⁘ CHICAGO AMERICAN BOOK COMPANY COPYRIGHT, 1909, 1913, BY MARY E. DOYLE. STAND. CATH. READERS BY GRADES. 5TH YEAR. E. P. 6 PREFACE The selections in this reader for the Fifth Year were chosen with reference both to their intrinsic literary quality and to the varying capabilities of the pupils who will read them. It is confidently hoped that they will reach some interest of each child, and, at the same time, help to form a correct literary standard and encourage a taste for the best reading. In the preparation of this series of readers, valuable counsel and assistance have been given me by many friendly educators and those in authority. I am especially grateful to the Rt. Rev. John Lancaster Spalding of Peoria for helpful advice and encouragement in the planning and inception of the work; also, to the Rt. Rev. James McGolrick of Duluth, Minnesota, to the Rt. Rev. A. F. Schinner of Superior, Wisconsin, and to other prelates and clergy who have graciously given me assistance in various ways. Many thanks, too, for kindly suggestions and criticisms are hereby proffered to numerous friends among those patient and inspiring educators--the Sisters. MARY E. DOYLE. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS