Grace reminded him several times of his promise; but papa was always too busy to attend to it. At last Grace said, "When will _one of these days_ come?"--"It shall come now," said papa. So he got a pipe, and a bowl of soap-suds; and Grace stood at his knee while he blew bubbles. Grace was delighted. "Name them," said she; for papa had named her kittens, and she thought he could name the bubbles. The first one's name was "Sparkle." It was a very big bubble; but it did not live long. The name of the second was "Glory." I think it might have lived a second longer than it did, if Grace had not touched it with her finger. The third bubble floated up almost to the ceiling. Its name was "Napoleon." It rose as bravely as if it had no fear of breaking. It expired of old age, after reaching the term of ten seconds and a half. At last, just as the clock struck four, little "Diamond" appeared. She was a delicate little thing, and bright with all the colors of the rainbow. She was not proud like the other bubbles. She did not try to mount. Perhaps papa's breath made her go as she did. Grace admired "Diamond" very much. "Why, see, papa! She is coming to kiss me," said the little girl;--"she is on my cheek." Yes, little "Diamond" ended her life on the cheek of innocence. What better end could she have had? Was it not much better than mounting to the cold, white ceiling, and living to a dull old age, like the big bubble whose name was Napoleon? GRACE'S PAPA. [Illustration] [Illustration] [Illustration: MENAGERIE] JACK'S MENAGERIE. "THIS is our grand menagerie, Beneath the crooked cherry-tree. The exhibition now begins: Admittance, only thirteen pins; And if the pins you cannot borrow, Why, then, we'll trust you till to-morrow. Don't be afraid to walk inside: The animals are safely tied. "This is the elephant on the right: Don't meddle with him, or he'll bite. (He's Rover, Neddie's dog, you know. I wish he wouldn't fidget so! He doesn't think it fun to play Wild beast, and be chained up all day.) We'll feed him, pretty soon, with meat; Though grass is what he ought to eat. "In that box are the kangaroos: Go near and pat them if you choose; (They're very much like Susie's rabbits, With just a change of name and habits.) You'll find them lively as a top: See, when I poke them, how they hop. They are not fierce; but, oh! take care: We now approach the grizzly bear.