-people did not admire pretty-behaved children; he was determined not to be pretty-behaved, but to be a gentleman, so ran off with the extricated stick. Those unaccustomed to watch the movements of children are not aware how often such trains of reasoning determine their actions-how often the false premises of the instructor lead to the false conclusions of the pupil. "So different are the precepts of fashion and of morality-so much at variance are the motives of the Christian and the man of the world. But, as the twig is bent the tree's inclined'—we inculcate gentility, and must not expect to produce morality," murmured Mr. Knowlesdon. Miss Patty caught his words, and immediately commenced a very scientific discourse upon education. She managed the subject in the favourite and attractive mode of proving what is right, by pointing out what is wrong." Lady Wrong Wronghead did so spoil the children, dear little things! though I am sure I shall never love my own better." Here was a sigh and a tell-tale glance, which, however, were both lost upon the obdurate solicitor. The lady resumed"But I must say, they are sadly mismanaged-running and jumping about, without any regard to order, dirtying their clothes, and eating like ploughboys. I cannot bear such things-I do love orderly children, that behave with propriety, and are well educated, hold up their heads, keep their clothes neat and clean, and eat their victuals in a genteel manner." Miss Patty delivered this pretty piece of oratory with the air of a philosopher, and though Mr. Knowlesdon took no manner of notice of it, we record it in our page, as a compendium of good education, for the edification of all those whom it may concern. Mrs. Mrs. Egerton now retired with her smiling boy. "What an odd woman!"-"How monstrous stingy!"-"How vastly mean!" were the several epithets conferred upon her. "Do not say so-do not think so!" exclaimed Susan, in a burst of enthusiasm; "Mrs. Egerton is the most liberal, the most disinterested of women." "Assertion is no proof," replied the wary solicitor; "give us evidence, give us facts, Susan.” "The poor shopkeeper, uncle." "Well, child, what has that to do with Mrs. Egerton? What is there in common between the distress of the one and the virtue of the other?" "Remember what she gave them." "A couple of shillings, perhaps?" said Miss Muddleton. "A couple of guineas, madam,” answered Susan, proudly; " and would have done more, but "But "But she could not afford it,” interposed Miss Muddleton. 66 True, madam," retorted Susan; "and for this reason she prefers honesty to generosity." 66 "Or rather say, the one cannot exist without the other," said Mr. Knowlesdon. Miss Patty purtested she did not understand these speeches, with that pretty air of juvenile ignorance, sometimes assumed by maidens of fifty, when aping the airs of maidens of fifteen. "I fancy, madam," continued Mr. Knowlesdon, "my niece means, that the lady she has the honour to advocate attends to the claims of justice before those of liberality, that she honestly pays her debts before she generously gives even a shilling, and that when she makes a promise she performs it." Miss Patty Muddleton followed her inquiries no farther, but even looked with ineffable sweetness upon the unmerciful |