_Freddie_ from Connecticut. What a long word you chose to struggle with--Impulsiveness. I ask a boy, near me, what it means, and he says: "Oh, it means rushing off to do things, before a fellow knows whether he ought to, or not." If his definition is good--do you accept it?--I think you have made a wise pledge. _Robbie_ from Maine. It is queer how many boys I know who are like my Pansy Blossoms, scattered all over this big world of ours. A boy friend of mine hates to go to the post-office at just the time when he ought; and he so often says, "Won't it do by and by?" that he has earned the name of "By and by." _Mabel_ from Pennsylvania. If one only keeps one's eyes wide open, my dear, it is very easy to see things with which to find fault; it is wise to learn to shut one's eyes, on occasion, to the faults of others. I am glad you have taken the pledge. Remember me to your dear mother, and thank her for her kind words. _Jessie_ from Missouri. People who are "patient about everything" are very scarce, and very lovely. I am glad to think of Jessie as trying for this. By all means "get out" of that habit of which you speak. You will be a comfort to the teacher as well as a help to your classmates, if you do. I am sorry you have been sick. Your letter was well written, and gave me great pleasure. _Florence_ from Iowa. Did you ever hear of the little girl whose father gave her a birthday present of a necklace of little thorns, because her tongue said so many sharp and spiteful words? He told her he had intended to make the necklace of beautiful beads, but had decided that thorns would match her style better. Such a necklace would not fit you, now, would it? I rejoice over your pledge. _Edwin_ and _Harold_ from Maine. Of course we will receive the little brother. A boy five years old can keep a pledge as well as an older person; sometimes better. I hope there will be fewer tears shed in your home than ever before; also, that my boy Edwin will become noted for the prompt manner in which he obeys all right calls. _Maud_ from Pennsylvania. Impatient people are always "nervous;" did you know it? I had an old aunt who used to say that "nervous" was a new-fashioned word, which she did not believe in; that in her day, they called it "cross." That is pretty hard on the nerves, isn't it? I don't agree with her. Sometimes those nerves twinge in a very disagreeable manner; but the strong will which they are trying to twist, gets the better of them, and gentle patience is the result. I hope you will succeed. _Beverly_ from Maryland. My boy, you are growing rich, are you not? So many dear friends already in Heaven, waiting and watching for you. Would it not be sad if their boy should do anything to grieve them? I hope your badge will be helpful. I see no sparrows about me, but while I write, the mocking-birds are singing in the pine trees near by.