As Peter sat at Heaven's gate
A maiden sought permission,
And begged of him, if not too late,
To give her free admission.
"What claim hast thou to enter here?"
He cried with earnest mien.
"Please sir," said she, 'twixt hope and fear,
"I'm only just sixteen!"
"Enough," the hoary guardian said,
And the gate wide open threw.
"That is the age when every maid
Is girl and angel too."
[Illustration: Our Country Cousin.]
[Page 12--Naughty Girls]