unhappy tendency to grow crooked, I write by this post.' There was not another syllable about Arthur, and the question was, did Mrs Abel intend to give leave? Again and again, Elizabeth opened the letter to be quite sure that there was nothing more in the end, or the crossing, or under the seal, but it was a plain case that the bathing had been entirely forgotten. In this perplexity she was glad to see her old friend Mr Fyley, (who had been called to Mrs Dobson's rheumatics,) and of him she inquired, whether the river was quite safe for little boys, and whether she might venture to send Arthur with Frederic and Charles. What o'clock are they going?" Elizabeth did not see that time had much to do with the question, but she believed it would be in the evening. In the evening?

About 7 o'clock, I suppose; let them call at my house as they go.'

Then you think I may send Arthur ?" 'O, by all means; make a man of him, and I'll engage for his coming home safe.' Elizabeth was not aware at the time, that this was a promise to go with him, and see him safe out of the water; but so it turned out. Arthur came home in high spirits from his excursion, very much delighted with himself and Mr Fyley, and occasionally using the phrase where we swam,' or 'while we were swimming,' to the great diversion of Charles, who could not help asking him, how far he swam. 'O, I did not swim this time I know, but Mr Fyley says I soon shall; he means to take me again in two or three days.'

'I do not believe that mamma will like to have you go out often with Mr Fyley,' said Arabella.

'Because it takes up too much of Mr Fyley's time, did you mean?" said Charles. Arabella looked very mysterious.

Why, why, why?" said Arthur, going up to her and shaking the back of her chair; you must tell me why.'

It was fortunate that Arabella had her frill in her hand, and remembered not to be sulky. I would rather not tell you, but I can tell Charles when you

are out of the room.'

'Tell away, then,' said Arthur, 'I will go and see the ducks fed.'

'Well, Arabella,' said Charles, 'what makes you think mamma would not like it?"

Because I have heard her say, she should not wish any of us to be much with Mr Fyley, and particularly not Ar

thur, because he would be the most likely to catch his odd ways.

'He is very good and very clever,' said Charles; I wish mamma would not be so particular about politeness,and all that sham stuff.'

'Sham stuff!' repeated Arabella, with a look of horror. What would mamma say if she heard you? but you are only joking, for you are polite yourself sometimes, and you like polite people.'

'Not I, in truth; I cannot bear the sight of them. Think of that old Mr Porceum, that used to come and call on aunt Price! if all the world were like him, there would be nothing but bowing and scraping, and begging other people to go first; and those very, very polite people will give you any trouble rather than seem to do a rude thing. I say it is all sham.'

'I wish you would not use that ugly word; besides, it is not all sham.'

'If you mean kindness, or anything real, it is one thing,' said Charles, but where is the kindness in taking off one's hat, or getting up when a stranger comes into the room? What good can it do him?"

'I suppose he would feel uncomfortable if you did not,' said Arabella, ‘because he knows it is the custom; but I was thinking of another sort of politeness, I was thinking of people who always find out what one likes, and help one out of little troubles, and seem as if it was a pleasure to do anything for you.'

ness,

If that is what you mean by politeI am sure Mr Fyley is ten times more polite than old Mr Porceum,' said Charles.

'Yes; Mr Fyley is very glad to do