This is the second time we have written to your paper together; the first letter was not published. We like the stories very much, especially "Mr. Stubbs's Brother"; we always read that first. It rained very hard last night, and this morning the banks of the rivers are nearly overflowed. We have one dog; his name is Carlo; he will be four months old next Sunday. He is so full of mischief. One day we went in the bedroom and found him playing with mamma's bonnet; he tore the ribbon, and came pretty near spoiling the feather. We will look in every number for this until it is published.
I had a little dog once who used to play just such tricks, and oh! how angry he sometimes made people by his funny antics and his mischief! I am glad mamma's feather escaped Carlo's teeth. Well, never mind; if he lives long enough, he will become a sober and dignified dog.
Little Evelyn G., who also has a dog named Carlo, can shake hands with Mary and Cora W.
I do love you so much! How good it seems to see your dear little bright green face every week. I have an auntie in New Bedford, grown up and married, who sees you and reads you all through before you come to me. I go to New Brunswick and Martha's Vineyard every summer, and with my cousin Dolly have great fun bathing in the salt-water. Dollie is one week younger than myself. I am twelve years old; my name is Gertie. I learned to swim last summer. We always take our pets with us. Last summer I had two bantam chicks. I loved Toney best, and he grew to be a beautiful rooster, and then died. It is very hard to lose things we love. Mamma says things we prize are first to vanish. I hope my dear YOUNG PEOPLE will never leave me.
P. S.--I heard my auntie say you were "cute." I guess, from the way she said it, she meant splendid.
Thanks, dear, for your good opinion. I am very glad you have learned to swim. I wish all my young friends who live near the water would do the same.
I write to reproach you for cruelty to an unfortunate boy. Poor Toby Tyler ran away with the circus, and had on a very old hat. Months have passed, and still you have not given him a new hat. I think Abner might cut off some of the brim of his, and let Aunt Olive mend Toby's with it. But as Abner is sick, I suppose when he recovers he will need all of his own hat to keep the sun off. I send a nickel to get Toby a new hat. What if the boys do call them "Nickel Katies"? It will be better than the thing Toby wears now.