"I need not, I am sure, by way of conclusion, sing the praises of Boxa
herself, for you know as well as I can tell you her many good qualities;
and therefore I have only further to say that I hope Newfy--as you have
named him--will turn out all that could be wished."

"Thank you, thank you, dear grandmamma," said George, who had listened
with such fixed attention to the last part of Mrs. Ward's narrative,
that he had not once moved upon his stool; "I am so pleased with my pet,
I shall not know how I can thank you enough. I think, if you please, I
will run and fetch him out of the kennel, and put him into the basket I
brought, hoping you would let me carry him home with me to-night."

[Illustration]

"Do so, George," said his mother, folding up the handkerchief she had
been embroidering, "and in the meantime I will put on my bonnet, for it
is time we were on our way home."

No sooner said than done. In five minutes George and Mrs. Green had said
good-bye and were crossing the common in the direction of their own
home.

"What a happy day it has been, mamma," said our little friend, "and how
glad I am I have such a nice birthday present;" and he bent down to take
a peep through the wicker-work of the basket.

"And I am so glad, dear boy, that you have enjoyed your treat," replied
his mother. "May you see many happy, returns of this day; and may each
succeeding year find you wiser and happier."