The San Francisco call., 1908-12-26
What Tony Gave Ills Mother

he thought the afternoon would never
come. He had been allowed to have
two heIpings of his favorite pudding
at dinner. which made him feel quite
sleepy. so he thought he would go and
sit in the front porch and wait for
Uncle Jack.
Ard he had hardly sat down when he
went fast asleep. and when Uncle Jack
came he picked him up and took him
into the house. Tony noticed that I'm
Gle Jack was carrying basket, and
that from this basket came sounds OF
some living creature which was evil
IDENTIFY very restless and uneasy.
"Oh. do open it," Tony asked. and he
felt more sure than ever it was a
rabbit. And then the basket was
opened and out came-not a little
rabbit, but a little puppy, looking so
pleased and perky that Tony could not
help laughing in spite of his disap-
pointment He loved all animals. and
he patted the puppy and then took IL
up into his arms. But the puppy was
not fond of being nursed and WriggIed
and strained, and finally gave TOny's
hand quite a severe scratch. and then
TOny's feelings were too much for him.
20. / do wish it had been a rabbit"
he said tearfully. "a baby bunny is
ever so much nicer. Couldn't you get
me one like the little one I dreamt
about, Uncle Jack? Do please get me
little bunny?"
And then he sobbed in such distress
that his father and mother and Uncle
Jack were quite surprised and disap-
pointed. In vain they tried to show him
how much nicer little dog would be.
He would not be cOnsoled- FINALLY.
however. at his mothers suggestion
he went upstairs with her and. in that
wonderful way which all mothers have
she soon got him tor forget it and talk
OF other things until Tonys bright
spirits came back and he began to talk
about his mothers birthday. which vas
to be the following week.
His mother told him all about the
birthday presents she had ever had and
what she used to do on her birthdays
when she was a little girl: how her
mother used TO give her some beautiful
lace each year. and her father used TO
give her some money to put in the
bank. and then what did he suppose
was the very first birthday present
Tonys father gave her?
"a baby rabbit?' suggested Tony.
That was a dangerous subject, and
so his mother turned it on
"Oh. not rabbit she said; some
thing ever so much nicer"
But wouldn't you like a rabbit,
mother?" persisted Tony. who was
he got hold of it.
-Oh. of course I should have liked
it," his mother said soothingly: ~but
your father gave me ring-a ring
with a diamond in it."
"Oh. don't think that is half as nice
as a. rabbitr' said Tony disdainfully.
You would have liked a rabbit,
wouldn't you, mother?"
Yes. dear. of course I should have
liked it." she said. more by way Of
agreeing with him and avoiding any
further argument than anything else.
But after this Tony fretted no more
about the baby rabbit for during the
next week he and DrusilIa had real
secret all TO themselves. and did not
even tell mother
AT last his mothers birthday came.
and when Tony had kissed her
and wished her many happy returns OF
the day he opened his basket and out
came the sweetest little rabbit she had
ever seen.
But is this for mes' asked his
mother in surprise.
"Of course 1t Is" Tony answered
sleefully. You know you said You
would like baby rabbit. mother. and
so 4 thought | would give Won one
Very pleased" his mother said. "onL'
i m afraid l don't know much ab2
rabbits. or how to take care of theX
fnats the very thing. said Tony
Joyrully, because you see. am going
to take care of it for You"
And SO Tony had his little rabbit and
ms puppy besides Wasn't he lucky
little boy2