"What is the matter? Have you hurt yourself, dear?" But Pepitia only sobbed and sobbed instead of answering, partly because she was hurt, and partly because she was vexed, and the poor little king began to fear she would never leave off crying. "I wish that Alphonse and the rest would come back," said he, feeling disposed to pick a quarrel with "that" Alphonse when he did come. (_To be concluded._) AFTERNOON TEA. [Illustration] (_See Frontispiece._) A pretty cottage, and maidens three, Blithe and happy as maids can be, Out in the garden at afternoon tea. Just such a feast as girls will make-- Fruit and flowers and a big plum cake, And plenty of laughter for laughter's sake. The sunflowers nodded their heads so tall, The dahlias smiled 'neath the moss-grown wall, The three little maids outdid them all. I warrant me in that garden gay Was never a bloom more fair than they, As they sipped their tea on that summer day. Three little maids. Ah! one is dead, And one is married; and one, unwed, Now lives alone in the old homestead. There are silver threads in her golden hair, Her cheek is pallid and lined with care, Yet is she still accounted fair. And daily her gracious, tender ways Win a more loving meed of praise Than did the prime of her girlish days. Yes, youth will wane as the years go by; Too soon do the rose-leaves scattered lie, But charms there are which may never die. And hence it happens that oft we trace Through timeworn features the soul's sweet grace, And beauty lives in a faded face. SYDNEY GREY. [Illustration] HEALTHY LIVES FOR WORKING GIRLS. "Grant her in health and wealth long to live." These are the words in which many of us, Sunday after Sunday, pray for our gracious Queen. We desire for her health and wealth; and justly so; both are necessary. The one for her comfort, and to enable her to perform her arduous duties; the other for her exalted rank and position.