MY BEAUTIFUL MOTHERMy mother was too wise to allow Mary to sleep in the same room with me after having, as she thought, opened my eyes and allowed me to taste the forbidden fruit of love. That night I was glad to retire early and went to sleep fully believing my usual bed-fellow would lay herself by my side when she returned home with my aunt; but I slept soundly till the next morning and was greatly surprised to find myself alone when I awoke in the morning, and lay for some time wondering how it was—supposing of course they had stayed at my aunt's friends all night. About eight o'clock there was a tap at the door, and I called out "Come in!" and there was Patty all blushes and smiles to say it was nearly breakfast time.
"Here, Patty," I said, holding out my arms to her, "Come and forgiv
