Charlie’s Story.
I was sitting in the twilight,
With my Charlie on my knees,
Little two-year old, forever
Teasing “Talk a tory to me pease.”
“Now,” I said, “talk me a ’tory.”
“Well,” reflectively, “I’ll ’mence.
Mamma, I did see a kitty,
Great big kitty on the fence.”
Mamma smiles. Five little fingers
Cover up her laughing lips;
“Is oo laughing?” “Yes” I tell him,
But I kiss the finger tips;
And I say: “Now tell another.”
“Well” (all smiles) “now I will ’mence.
Mamma, I did see a doggie,
Great big doggie on the fence.”
“Rather similar, your stories,
Aren’t they, dear?” A sober look
Swept across the pretty forehead;
Then he sudden courage took.
“But I know a nice new ’tory
’Plendid, Mamma! Hear me ’mence,
Mamma, I did see a—elfunt
Great big elfunt on the fence!”