"Well, that is just the way we do with words; we put them in classes which we call Parts of Speech. Now, there is one class of words which is made up of name-words or nouns; that is, of words that are used as names of persons or things. In the sentence, 'Birds fly,' _birds_ is a noun, and _fly_ is a verb." "I think I knew that much already, Schoolmistress." "Well, sir, since you know so much, let me hear you correct the mistakes in the following sentence: 'A pear or peach, when they are ripe, are good food for the boy or girl who like them.'" "It should be: 'A pear or a peach, when it is ripe, is good food for the boy or girl who likes it.'" "Well done, Edwin! go up to the head of your class." Edwin walked round his sister, as she sat in her chair, and then gravely took his place again before her. "Here are two sentences, Edwin: 'I fell down,' and 'I fell down stairs.' _Down_ is not the same Part of Speech in the two sentences. What is it in the first?'" "An Adverb; and in the second it is a Preposition." "Well, sir, school is dismissed. You may go. I shall give you a good mark in grammar." IDA FAY. A MEW FROM PUSSY. IN ANSWER TO "A SQUEAK."[A] I AM only the lazy old cat That sleeps upon somebody's mat: I sit in the sunshine, And lick my soft paws, With one eye on mousie, And one on my claws. Little mouse, little mouse! look out how you boast! Of just such as you I have eaten a host! I'm a much smarter cat than you seem to suppose; I have very keen eyes, and, oh--such a nose! [Illustration] I'm an innocent looking cat; I am well aware of that: I squint up my eyes, And play with the flies, But underneath I am wondrous wise: I know where your nest is, And just where you hide When you have been thieving, And fear you'll be spied. I saw your small tracks all over the meal; And I saw your tail, and I heard you squeal When grandmamma's broom Nearly sealed your doom, And you went whisking out of the room. I am only a lazy old cat: I care not much for a _rat_; But a nice tender _mouse_ About in the house Might prove a temptation too great, Should I be in a hungry state. Little mouse, little mouse! Beware, beware! Some time, when you think not, I shall be there, And you'll not only look at, But feel of, my paws; And, the first thing you know, I'll be licking my jaws, And washing my face with an innocent air, And mousie will be--oh, where? oh, where?