CHAPTER XII.THE NEWSPAPER.

AND what about the newspaper? Well, it was a famous thing, for a time, and made a great stir in the family. The idea originated with Kate, who thought it would be rare sport to edit and publish a newspaper among themselves; and as the others readily fell in with her plan, the enterprise was soon under way. Aunt Fanny, who had frequently written for the press, consented to act as editor, and Marcus and the children all agreed to contribute their portion towards sustaining the paper. The preliminaries were soon settled. The paper was to be called “The Home Wreath.” It was to be issued weekly, and composed of one or more sheets of letter paper, according to the quantity of matter furnished. Its contents wereto consist of short selections, cut from other papers, and original articles. The latter were to be written on one side of narrow slips of paper, of a uniform size, so that, with the selections, they could be readily pasted into their places, in columns. Of course, but one copy of each paper could be prepared, which was to circulate as common property. The editor was authorized to reject, correct or condense whatever was sent for publication. Communications were to be sent to her through the letter-box; and it was further agreed that those who contributed an article or letter to the “Wreath” every week, should be exempted from further duties as members of the “Letter-writing Society,” if they did not choose to keep up their private correspondence.

The appearance of the first number of the “Home Wreath” was quite an event in the household. The editor maintained a dignified reserve in regard to its contents, until the day of publication, when it was quietly ushered before its little public, six or seven pairs of eyes being intently fastened upon it, before it had been two minutes from “the office.” As one and another, who had “a finger in the pie,”recognized their bantlings in the crowded columns, they looked pleased and surprised, while others, who searched in vain for their contributions, seemed still more surprised, and not quite so well pleased. But here are the “Notices to Correspondents,” which doubtless explain it all. Ah, yes, the editor is already bothered with articles too long for her little paper, or too carelessly written to appear in its columns. Well, perhaps this will be a salutary warning to the offenders; and meanwhile, they can avenge themselves by criticising the articles which have been more successful than their own. But we hear no captious criticism, and perceive no signs of ill nature. The “Wreath” is read, laughed over, discussed and admired by all, and at once takes its place as an “established fact.”

The second number of the new paper promptly appeared, the next week, and was generally regarded as an improvement on the first. The third was indeed a surprise number, and produced a great sensation in the family. It was issued on Ronald’s birth-day, who went early to the letter-box, thinking himself entitled to the remembrance of his correspondents, on such an occasion. Hefound a lot of small packages in the box, addressed to different persons, on one of which he found his own name. Tearing off the envelope, there appeared before him the “Home Wreath,” neatly printed from real type, on printing paper! He could scarcely credit his eyes, at first, but the evidence of its genuineness was too plain to be disputed, for there was one of his own articles in real print! The discovery was quickly known all over the house, and each of the inmates found a copy of the paper in the post office, bearing his or her address. Marcus and the editor both feigned surprise, when questioned about the affair; but after a while the facts leaked out. An old playmate and intimate friend of Marcus was employed in the printing office of the neighboring village. Marcus frequently visited him, and, with a view of getting up a birth-day present for Ronald, arranged with his friend to print the “Wreath” for that occasion. The plan was successfully carried out, as we have seen.

A transcript of this little sheet is given on the next two leaves, somewhat reduced in its dimensions and the size of its type, to suit our pages, but containing all the matter of the original.

THE HOME WREATH.══════════════════════════════════════════Vol. I.HIGHBURG, DECEMBER 4.No. 3.══════════════════════════════════════════THE HOME WREATH:A Weekly Journal for Home Improvement.PAGE & CO., PUBLISHERS.Terms—Gratis.

THE HOME WREATH.

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Vol. I.HIGHBURG, DECEMBER 4.No. 3.

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THE HOME WREATH:

A Weekly Journal for Home Improvement.

PAGE & CO., PUBLISHERS.

Terms—Gratis.

For the Home Wreath,

LINES,INSCRIBED TO RONALD D. PAGE.

LINES,

INSCRIBED TO RONALD D. PAGE.

I’m twelve! I’m twelve to-day!Hurrah, boys! let us shout!Come, leave your work and play,And kick old care away;Ye gloomy thoughts, get out!We’ll have no mopes about—I’m twelve! I’m twelve to-day!I’m twelve! I’m twelve to-day!A dozen years have fledSince first the morning ray,All sober, cold and gray,Stole in upon my head;How fast old Time hath sped!I’m twelve! I’m twelve to-day!I’m twelve! I’m twelve to-day!Then help me to be glad!Come all, and let’s be gay—There’s nothing more to payFor being bright than sad;Cheer up, then, lass and lad!I’m twelve! I’m twelve to-day!