Grandma thought of her nice flower-beds and her well-kept driveway. She did not want to have a dog running about in them. But then she saw the three wistful faces waiting for her answer, and so she said "Yes." [Illustration] Mrs. James had promised that she would bring it to Arthur by Saturday. All the boys were in haste for the day to come, and Arthur said, "Now, mamma, there will be three days more and then 'dog-day.'" Saturday came at last. Arthur sat by the front-door watching. About four o'clock in the afternoon, he came to me and said, very sadly, "Do you really think she will come to-day, mamma?"--"Yes," said I. He took his seat on the steps, and in a few minutes I heard a joyful cry: "Here's my dog! here's my dog!" The other boys joined in the shout. Was there ever such joy! Bouncer,--for that was the puppy's name,--was a fine water-spaniel. He grew very fast, and proved very kind and playful. The three boys became very fond of him. The first thing in the morning, and the last thing at night, they would all rush out of doors for a romp with Bouncer. He was always ready for a frolic. Nothing pleased him so much as a dash into the lake. Then he was in his glory. He would spring into the water after any thing that the boys would throw. Once he saved a man's hat that had blown overboard; and if the man had gone over with his hat, I have no doubt that Bouncer would have saved him too. But, as the man was safe on shore all the time, Bouncer had no chance to prove himself a hero. That wasn't Bouncer's fault, you know. M. C. W. [Illustration] THE MOUSE-TRAP. [Illustration] THE cheese smelt tempting in its little house: "I'll get it, never fear!" cried Master Mouse. [Illustration] Caught in the trap, with all their might and main, His parents try to get him out again. [Illustration] Alas! alas! exertions well applied Bring but a swift collapse undignified. [Illustration] A happy thought: "We'll roll the box about, And thus, perchance, get valiant Brownie out!" [Illustration] Still happier thought: a wall its aid extends; And Brownie, thankful for such clever friends, [Illustration] Darts out in triumph, bearing high the cheese, Then shares the well-won spoil, and feasts at ease. [Illustration] ONE CAT AND TWO PIGS. A POOR little kitty turned out by its mother, Without any sister, without any brother, Was very unhappy, Was very unhappy; Oh, very unhappy indeed! She couldn't find any companions to stay with; She couldn't find any companions to play with; And so she was lonely, Oh! ever so lonely; Oh, yes! she was lonely indeed.