strange. Our eyes we hardly trusted, who slowly saw him change. More curious grew his head, stemlike his limbs, and hark! He was at last a mere interrogation-mark! 

THE FIRST LIE

THE FIRST LIE

 I'm sure I did not break this cup; It just fell down,—I know it did— For I was only climbing up, Why do they keep the cake-box hid?— I wanted such a little bit! And then I heard that creaking door, I can't tell what it was I hit, Nor how that cup got on the floor. The shelf it stood on was too high,[36] That cup my mother loved the most! Oh dear! I never told a lie, And mother whispered, "Do not boast," The day I said I never could. (But there's that broken cup!)—and then I promised that I never would— So—I'll not tell a lie—again. 

It just fell down,—I know it did—

Why do they keep the cake-box hid?—

And then I heard that creaking door,

Nor how that cup got on the floor.

[36]

That cup my mother loved the most!

And mother whispered, "Do not boast,"

(But there's that broken cup!)—and then

So—I'll not tell a lie—again.

THE PARASOL

THE PARASOL

 You are the loveliest parasol I ever saw,—and all my own,— What frilly frills! I feel as tall As mother now. Here! take my doll. Dolls are for children—ladies grown Have parasols, and fans, and rings, And all those pretty, shiny things. Nurse calls you "sunshade," but I think That is too plain a word, for see! You are so satiny and pink And there is such a curly kink Here in your handle, there could be No name too fine, I love you so, I'll take you everywhere I go. Next Sunday when to church I walk, Above my head I'll hold you high. Oh! how the other girls will talk, And 

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