“Do you know any more poetry?” asked Zed, who was rather of a literary disposition. “Well, now, I do know a real cute little song about a fly, written by some man or other, who evidently had a baby. I will sing it for you.” And the fly buzzed: “Baby bye, here’s a fly: Let us watch him, you and I. How he crawls up the walls, Yet he never falls! Don’t you think, with six such legs, You and I could walk on eggs? There he goes, on his toes, Tickling baby’s nose. Spots of red dot his head; Rainbows on his back are spread; He is laced ’round his waist: I admire his taste! I can tell you, if you choose, Where to look to find his shoes: Three small pairs, made of hairs; These he always wears. But, though tight his clothes are made, He will lose them, I’m afraid, If to-night he gets sight Of the candle-light. In the sun webs are spun: What if he gets into one! —That small speck is his neck; See him nod and beck! Tongues to talk have you and I: God has given the little fly No such things, so he sings With his buzzing wings.” THE POPLAR ST. PANSY SOCIETY. BY C. M. L. CHAPTER I. THE Poplar Street Pansy Society began with a large membership and every other flattering prospect. The leaders were wide awake, bright boys and girls who meant success, come what might. Everything went on finely for the first year. Meetings were held regularly; the attendance included nearly all the members every time, in bad weather as well as good, and no matter what invitations were given elsewhere to parties or rides. The members, with rare exceptions, were thoroughly loyal to their society. [Illustration: JENNIE.] This became so well known that, at length, when entertainments were about to be given at the same time of the society meetings its members were passed by when the lists of invitations were being made out, for it was commonly said you might as well invite the man in the moon as one of the Poplar Street Society; that they would not leave that dear society to see the Emperor of China pass through the city. Some were cruel enough to say that these Pansies just worshiped their society. In spite of all the outside parties and sneers the society kept right on its way. At last it grew to be such a power, so many of the young folks had joined it, that ladies, wishing a company of the youth at their homes, were compelled to consult the convenience of the Poplar Street Pansy Society. If there was to be a meeting of the society at a certain time, particularly if it was to be a public one, everything must needs yield to it. Thither the fathers and mothers would go, no matter what other attractions offered. Thus this Poplar Street Society came to be known as the popular society.