d them to their own houses, all of them, except
Master Jacky and Miss Polly, jumping and skipping for joy."

When Mrs. Goodriche had finished her story, Lucy said:

"What a pretty story that is! I think Master and Miss Cartwright
deserved those pretty toys--they were nice children: but I did not know
that having rude manners was so very great a fault."

"If you will think a minute, my dear," said Mrs. Goodriche, "you will
find that rude manners must be one sign of badness of heart: a person
who has always a lowly opinion of himself, and proper love for his
neighbour, will never be guilty of rudeness; it is only when we think
ourselves better than others, or of more consequence than they are,
that we venture to be rude. I have heard you say how rude Miss Augusta
Noble was the last time you were at her house. Now, why was she rude,
but because she thought herself better than her company? This is pride,
and a great sin it is."

Sad Story of a Disobedient Child

[Illustration: Looking in the glass, with a candle in her hand]

When Mr. Fairchild returned from his walk he found John ready with the
cart, so, wishing Mrs. Goodriche a good-evening, and thanking her for
her kindness, they returned home.

The next morning Mr. Fairchild got up early, and went down to the
village. Breakfast was ready, and Mrs. Fairchild and the children
waiting at the table, when he came back.

"Get your breakfast, my dear," said he to Mrs. Fairchild; "don't wait
for me." So saying, he went into his study and shut the door.

Mrs. Fairchild, supposing that he had some letters to write, got her
breakfast quietly; after which she sent Lucy to ask her father if he
would not choose any breakfast. When Mr. Fairchild heard Lucy's voice
at the study-door, he came out, and followed her into the parlour.

When Mrs. Fairchild looked at her husband's face she saw that something
had grieved him very much. She was frightened, and said:

"My dear, I am sure something is the matter; what is it? Tell me the
worst at once; pray do!"

"Indeed, my dear," said Mr. Fairchild, "I have heard something this
morning which has shocked me dreadfully. I was not willing to tell you
before you had breakfasted. I know what you will feel when you hear
it."

"Do tell me," said Mrs. Fairchild, turning quite white.

"Poor Augusta Noble!" said Mr. Fairchild.

"What, papa?" said Lucy and Emily and Henry, in one voice.

"She is dead!" exclaimed Mr. Fairchild.