"Why, Dainty, what are you about?" said Nelly, as she felt the kitten's head against her arm; and then, opening her eyes, she started to find herself in the old wood-shed, seated with her back against the door, Angelica in her lap, and the soft breeze from the pond fanning her cheek and bosom. She looked at her feet. Ah! the golden slippers had disappeared. "Dear me! I must have been dreaming," said Nelly. IDA FAY. ROSE'S SONG. So it's hush-a-by, baby, Hush-a-by now, Mamma's gone to buy something good; And she will not forget Her own darling pet, But will buy her a bonny blue hood: Yes, she'll buy her a bonny blue hood. Oh! she will not forget Her own baby pet, But will buy her a bonny blue hood. Then it's crow away, baby, Crow away, sweet, Papa he is coming to-night; And he'll bring home a kiss, Like _this_ and like _this_, For his sweet little Minnie so bright, For his dear little Minnie so bright. Oh! he's many a kiss, Like _this_ and like _this_, For his sweet little Minnie to-night. GEO. BENNETT. [Illustration] THE SIX DUCKS. IN the pond near Emily's house six tame ducks used to have a fine time swimming about, except in winter, when the pond was frozen. Emily had a name for each one of them. They used to run to her when she called; for they knew she loved them all, and would treat them well. Among these six happy ducks there was a white one that was at one time of his life a wild duck. Emily named him _Albus_; for _albus_ is Latin for _white_. I will tell you how Albus happened to become tamed. He was once on his way to the South with a large flock of his wild companions, when, as they were alighting near a creek, Albus was shot in the wing by Dick Barker, a sportsman who was out gunning. Dick ran with his dog Spot to pick up the poor wounded bird; but Albus was not so much hurt that he could not fly a little. He flew and flew till he came to Emily's little garden; and then he fell at her feet, faint, but not dead, as if pleading for protection. Emily took him up in her arms, though she soiled her apron with blood in so doing. Dick and Spot came up; and Dick said roughly, "Give me up that duck." "The duck has flown to my feet for protection; and I would be shot myself before I would betray him and give him up," said Emily. "I shall keep him, and heal his wounds."