"Hundreds of years," said Mary, laughing at the idea of grown-up stars. "There are young stars and old stars, and even the star that gives us light and heat will grow cold and dead some day, and not warm its planets any longer. But that will be millions of years hence, long after we are dead and gone." OUR ISLAND UNIVERSE. "So it is all over the heavens. Our little universe is like an island in space. There are other islands like our own, with their millions of stars and star-clusters and star-mist, passing through the periods of youth, middle age, old age, and decay. Our little universe is not eternal. It cannot last forever, but as long as it does we should feel glad that we are here to enjoy it. "Now, Harry, I really think we have had quite a long ramble in starland for one evening, and I believe two little stars I know need a rest." "They are a little tired," said Harry, smiling; "two little worn-out stars, sister; and perhaps they do want to let the curtains down over them for awhile." "I believe they do," said Mary softly; and the stars were hidden by their curtains almost before she had said the words. WYNKEN, BLYNKEN, AND NOD. Wynken, Blynken, and Nod, one night Sailed off in a wooden shoe-- Sailed on a river of crystal light Into a sea of dew. "Where are you going, and what do you wish?" The old man asked of the three. "We have come to fish for the herring-fish That live in this beautiful sea. Nets of silver and gold have we," Said Wynken, Blynken, And Nod. The old Moon laughed and sang a song As they rocked in the wooden shoe, And the wind that sped them all night long Ruffled the waves of dew. The little stars were the herring-fish That lived in the beautiful sea, "Now cast your net wherever you wish, Never afeared are we." So cried the stars to the fishermen three, Wynken, Blynken, And Nod. All night long their nets they threw For the stars in the twinkling foam; Then down from the sky came the wooden shoe, Bringing those fishermen home. 'Twas all so pretty a tale, it seemed As if it could not be. And some folks thought 'twas a dream they dreamed Of sailing that beautiful sea. But I shall name you the fishermen three, Wynken, Blynken, And Nod.