of the "New England
Primer," a curious little, thin, square book in faded blue board
covers. A good many times I have wondered whether I ought not to have
the precious little thing sumptuously attired in the finest style known
to my binder; indeed, I have often been tempted to exchange the homely
blue board covers for flexible levant, for it occurred to me that in
this way I could testify to my regard for the treasured volume. I
spoke of this one day to my friend Judge Methuen, for I have great
respect for his judgment.

"It would be a desecration," said he, "to deprive the book of its
original binding. What! Would you tear off and cast away the covers
which have felt the caressing pressure of the hands of those whose
memory you revere? The most sacred of sentiments should forbid that
act of vandalism!"

I never think or speak of the "New England Primer" that I do not
recall Captivity Waite, for it was Captivity who introduced me to the
Primer that day in the springtime of sixty-three years ago. She was of
my age, a bright, pretty girl--a very pretty, an exceptionally pretty
girl, as girls go. We belonged to the same Sunday-school class. I
remember that upon this particular day she brought me a russet apple.
It was she who discovered the Primer in the mahogany case, and what was
not our joy as we turned over the tiny pages together and feasted our
eyes upon the vivid pictures and perused the absorbingly interesting
text! What wonder that together we wept tears of sympathy at the
harrowing recital of the fate of John Rogers!

Even at this remote date I cannot recall that experience with
Captivity, involving as it did the wood-cut representing the
unfortunate Rogers standing in an impossible bonfire and being consumed
thereby in the presence of his wife and their numerous progeny, strung
along in a pitiful line across the picture for artistic effect--even
now, I say, I cannot contemplate that experience and that wood-cut
without feeling lumpy in my throat and moist about my eyes.

How lasting are the impressions made upon the youthful mind! Through
the many busy years that have elapsed since first I tasted the
thrilling sweets of that miniature Primer I have not forgotten that
"young Obadias, David, Josias, all were pious"; that "Zaccheus he did
climb the Tree our Lord to see"; and that "Vashti for Pride was set
aside"; and still with many a sympathetic shudder and tingle do I
recall Captivity's overpowerin