perished when we were snowed up. I am sure the people in the village
never know'd that we were in that hut, or they would have come to help
us, for they bees very koind people. There must have been a day and a
night that passed, I think, of which I know nothing. It was all a dream.
When I got up from my illness, I found my boy dead--and the others with
famished looks. Then I had to see them faint with hunger."

The poor woman had told her story without any attempt to make it
pathetic, and thus far without apparent emotion or change of voice; but
when she came to this part, and spoke of her children, her voice changed
and failed--she could only add, looking at Gerald, "You know the rest,
master; Heaven bless you!"

_The Christmas Box_



* * * * *

THE COSMOPOLITE.

* * * * *

ENGLISH GARDENS.


We are veritable sticklers for old customs; and accordingly at this
season of the year, have our room decorated with holly and other
characteristic evergreens. For the last hour we have been seated before
a fine bundle of these festive trophies; and, strange as it may seem,