It consists of a Work Holder, Thread Cutter, Needle Cushion and Spool Stand, all combined in one article; made of Plated Metal; simple and durable. It can be quickly attached to any work table or top of sewing machine. The Work Holder consists of a movable jaw and spring which holds the work firmly (in place of the old method of pinning to the knee) and without any risk of soiling or tearing the finest fabric. The Thread Cutter is a small, sharp, steel blade attached to the top of Work Holder in such a manner that, while its edge is protected, it is in the most convenient position for use in cutting the thread. The two wires are for holding the spools, and are to be screwed into the holes on each side of the needle cushion (as shown in engraving). The thumb screw is made long, to permit the "Assistant" to be attached to tables of different thicknesses. Each "Assistant" is nicely packed in a strong paper box. Price 35 cents. D. LOTHROP & CO., Boston. =SAMPLE COPIES FREE.= A sample copy of either BABYLAND for Babies; OUR LITTLE MEN AND WOMEN for Youngest Readers; THE PANSY for Boys and girls, will be mailed to any one who will send for it, mentioning this periodical. Address D. Lothrop & Co., Boston. _Volume 13, Number 26._ Copyright, 1886, by D. LOTHROP & CO. _May 1, 1886._ THE PANSY. [Illustration: HOWARD'S HENS.] "DILIGENT IN BUSINESS." IF there ever was a boy who needed to turn over a new leaf and write at the top as a motto, "Diligent in business," that boy was Howard Grinnell. If his mother asked him to do anything, he always replied, "I will in a minute." He said this so often that I wonder he was not called "in a minute" by everybody. It would have been a very appropriate name. Howard had the charge of the hens, at least that was the way they put it, but I think that Mrs. Grinnell was the one upon whom the burden rested. Every morning after breakfast she found it necessary to ask, "Howard, have you fed the hens?" "Not yet, but I am going to." "Well, go right away, or you will forget it." "No, I will not forget, I am going in a minute; I just want to look at the weather report." Half an hour later Howard appears from the direction of the east meadow with his hands full of meadow lilies which he presents to his mother, saying: "The very first! Put them in the antique vase, please. And set it under the mantle, will you, mamma?" "Thank you, dear, they are beautiful! I will arrange them at once." Then as she turned away, "The hens?" "O, I forgot! I'll go now." "Seems to me," said Mr. Grinnell one morning, "that you have carried that on your shoulders about long enough. Howard should attend to his business without prompting. It did very well at first, but the time has come when he must be held responsible for the prompt discharge of the duty, else take away the privilege. Howard!" "Sir?" responded the boy, turning back on his way to the barn.