ly treated,
until he cried lustily for quarter, which was not _too_ speedily granted.

But I come now to my illustration of the "law of kindness," in its effect
upon myself. The successor to the pedagogue whom we have dismissed was a
native of Connecticut. He was well educated, had a pleasant manner, and a
smile of remarkable sweetness. I never saw him angry for a moment. On the
first day he opened, he said to the assembled school that he wanted each
scholar to consider him as _a friend_; that he desired nothing but their
good; and that it was for the interest of _each one_ of them that _all_
should be careful to observe the few and simple rules which he should lay
down for the government of the school. These he proclaimed; and, with one
or two trivial exceptions, there was no infraction of them during the three
winters in which he taught in our district.

Under his instruction, I was induced to resume my "experiences" in writing.
I remember his coming to look over my shoulder to examine the first page of
my copy-book: "Very well written," said he; "only _keep on_ in that way,
and you cannot fail to succeed." These encouraging words went straight to
my heart. They were words of kindness, and their fruition was
instantaneous. When the next two pages of my copy-book were accomplished,
he came again to report upon my progress: "That is _well_ done, Louis,
quite _well_. You will soon require very little instruction from _me_. I am
afraid you'll soon become to excel your teacher."

Gentle-hearted, sympathetic O---- M----! would that your "law of kindness"
could be written upon the heart of every parent, and every guardian and
instructor of the young throughout our great and happy country!

I have often wondered why it is that parents and guardians do not more
frequently and more cordially _reciprocate the confidence of children_. How
hard it is to convince a child that his father or mother can do wrong! Our
little people are always our sturdiest defenders. They are loyal to the
maxim that "the king can do no wrong;" and all the monarchs they know are
their parents. I heard the other day, from the lips of a distinguished
physician, formerly of New York, but now living in elegant retirement in a
beautiful country town of Long Island, a touching illustration of the truth
of this, with which I shall close this already too protracted article.

"I have had," said the doctor, "a good deal of experience, in the long
practice of m