This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

collect in every household, where, behind barrels and boxes the offending boat was found. They were soon both engaged with so much enthusiasm as to remind one of some important interest like the shipping of a valuable cargo rather than the mere amusement of a child. Perhaps it was more important, for who can calculate the result of the slightest impression made on the susceptible mind of the child?

Rosalind's happiness was very much augmented when Walter, her little brother, three years younger than herself, grew old enough to share her sports, and receive her instruction. She was never satisfied with doing a thing for its own sake. She must have an object, a purpose. To impart to him the knowledge she gained, furnished a double motive for acquiring it.

Her strong will sought a mastery over the foibles of the child's intellect, in her eager desire for the attainments belonging to years and experience, and she could not patiently submit to the law of growth and development; but her affections, trusting the love she knew was seeking her best welfare, prompted her to unquestioned obedience, and she tried to reconcile the two. She would have had less reverence for her father if he had been less exacting, or lowered the standard to which he proposed to bring her.

Engaged in one of her puzzling explorations in her father's presence, when Walter was scarcely old enough to talk, she tried in vain to enlist his sympathy, and then vented her vexation upon him by reproaching him for his stupidity.

Mr. Claremont bade her leave the room till she