Page:Smith - Number Stories of Long ago (1919).djvu/18



The logs are burning in the great stone fireplace in the cottage by the sea. The Story-Teller sits in his easy-chair looking at a book of curious pictures and still more curious letters. She of the teasing ways is dancing through the open door, and with her are the others who make up what she calls the Crowd, tired with the hours of play upon the beach.

“Just one little story before bedtime,” says the Tease.

“Just one,” chime in the others.

“Not a single word,” says he of the book with the curious pages.

“Oh, just one,” says the Tease. 1