quarrels, between Miss Blisset and her brothers, about every thing that was to be done. First, when he got into the boat, the youngest boy wanted us to sit on one side, and Miss Blisset wanted us to sit on the other side: now, mamma, you know, we could not do both.

"But they went on, disputing about this for half an hour; and Godfrey and I were so ashamed, and so sorry, that we could not have any pleasure in listening to the music, or look. ing at the prospect. You were at the other end of the boat, mamma, and you did not see and hear all this. Then we came to the island, and then I thought we should be happy; but one of the boys said, 'Come this way, or you will see nothing.' The other boy roared out, No, they must come my way;' and Miss Blisset insisted upon our going her way.

.

"All the time we were walking, they went on disputing about which of their ways was best. Then they looked so discontented and so angry with one another. I am sure they were not happy ten minutes together, all day long; and I said to myself, 'Is this a party of pleasure how much happier Godfrey and I are every day, even without going to this pretty island, and without hearing this music, or seeing these fine prospects.-Much happier, because we do not quarrel with one another about every trifle.'

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My dear," said her mother, "I am glad you have an opportunity of seeing all this."

"Mamma, instead of its being a party of pleasure, it was a party of pain. Oh, mamma, I never wish to go on another party of plea

sure. I have done with parties of pleasure for ever," concluded Rosamond.

"You know, my dear, I warned you not to raise your expectations too high, lest you should be disappointed. You have found that unless people are good tempered, and obliging, and ready to please each other, they make pain even of pleasure; therefore avoid quarrelsome people as much as you can, and never imitate them; but do not declare against all parties of pleasure, and decide against them for ever, because one happened not to be so delightful as you had expected it would be."

MISS EDGEWORTH

THE IDLE BOY.

“I THINK I will take a ride," said little Edward, after breakfast.-" Bring my boots, and let my horse be brought to the door."

The horse was saddled.-"No," said the young gentleman, "I'll have the chair, and take a drive." The chair was made ready-Edward ordered it away, and began a game of backgammon.

He played half a game-but could not make a throw to please himself. His tutor now thought it a good time to read a little. "Why, I think I will-I'm tired of doing nothing. What shall we have ?" asked Edward.

"You left off the last time in Virgil. Sup pose we finish the passage."

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No, I'd rather go on with Hume's history

or-suppose we have a little geography, the globes are on the study table."

They went to the study. The little boy, leaning upon his elbows, looked at the globe, turned it round two or three times, and then listened very patiently while his master explained some of its parts and uses. But while he was in the midst," If you please I will have my ride now," said Edward.

The horse was ordered again. Little Edward sauntered for a mile or two in the lanes, and came just as the clock struck twelve to a school. The door burst open, out rushed a crowd of boys, each shouting as loud as he could, and all instantly began a variety of sports.

Some fell to marbles, and some to ball; there was not one but was eagerly employed. Every thing was noise, motion, and pleasure. Edward knew one of the boys, and called to him.

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Jack," said he, "how do you like school?" "O, pretty well!"

"What; have you a good deal of play?" “Oh, no! we have only from twelve to two to play, and to eat our dinners; then we have an hour before supper."

"That's very little, indeed!"

"But we play heartily when we do play, and work when we work. Good by, it's my turn at play!"

So saying, Jack ran off.

"I wish I was a school boy," cried Edward to himself.

Happy are those children and those men, who are obliged to labour to get knowledge, and to please others; they are contented, because they

are always growing wiser, and because they are beloved by all who know them. The idle are the miserable; they are tired with every thing, and every body is tired of them.

EVENINGS AT HOME.

THE LITTLE PHILOSOPHER.

MR. LENOX was one morning riding by himself; he alighted from his horse to look at something on the road side; the horse got loose, and ran fast away from him. Mr. Lenox ran after, but could not overtake the horse.

A little boy at work in a field, heard the horse; and as soon as he saw him running from his master, ran very quickly to the middle of the road, and catching the horse by the bridle, stopped him, till Mr. Lenox came up.

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"Thank you, my good boy," said Mr. Lenox, you have caught my horse very cleverly What shall I give you for your trouble?"

Saying this, he put his hand into his pocket. "I want nothing, Sir," said the boy.

Mr. L. Don't you? So much the better for you. But pray what were you doing in the field?

Boy. I was rooting up weeds, and tending the sheep, that were feeding on the turnips. Mr. L. Do you like to work?

B. Very well, this fine weather.
Mr. L. But had you not rather play?

B. This is not hard work; it is almost as good as play.

Mr. L. Who set you to work?
B. My father, Sir.

Mr. L. What is your father's name?
B. Thomas Hurdle.

Mr. L. Where does he live?

B. Just among the trees, there.
Mr. L. What is your name?
B. Peter, Sir.

Mr. L. How old are you?

B. Eight years next June.

Mr. L. How long have you been out in this field?

B. Ever since six o'clock this morning.
Mr. L. Are you not hungry?

B. Yes-but I shall go to my dinner soon. Mr. L. If you had sixpence now, what would you do with it?

B. I don't know. I never had so much in my life.

Mr. L. Have you no play things?

B. Play things? what are they?

Mr. L. Such as nine pins, marbles, tops, and wooden horses.

B. No, Sir. Tom and I play at ball in winter, and I have a jumping rope. I had a hoop, but it is broken.

Mr. L. Do you want nothing else?

B. No. I have hardly time to play with what I have. I have to drive the cows and to run of errands.

Mr. L. You could get apples and cakes, if you had money, you know.

B. I can have apples at home. As for cake, I don't want that; my mother makes me a pie, now and then, that's as good.