long the delight of
his heart and the wonder of his female friends, were taken from his
shoes, and replaced by a pair of the plainest form and appearance. In
this habiliment he appeared so totally changed from what he was, that
even his mother, who had lately become a little sparing of her
observations, could not help exclaiming, "What, in the name of wonder,
has the boy been doing now? Why, Tommy, I protest you have made yourself
a perfect fright, and you look more like a ploughboy than a young
gentleman."

"Mamma," answered Tommy, gravely, "I am now only what I ought always to
have been. Had I been contented with this dress before, I never should
have imitated such a parcel of coxcombs as you have lately had at your
house, nor pretended to admire Miss Matilda's music, which, I own, tired
me as much as Harry, and had almost set me asleep; nor should I have
exposed myself at the play and the ball; and, what is worst of all, I
should have avoided all my shameful behaviour to Harry at the
bull-baiting. But from this time I shall apply myself to the study of
nothing but reason and philosophy, and therefore I have bid adieu to
dress and finery for ever."

It was with great difficulty that the gentlemen could refrain from
laughing at Tommy's harangue, delivered with infinite seriousness and
solemnity; they, however, concealed their emotions, and encouraged him
to persevere in such a laudable resolution; but as the night was now
pretty far advanced, the whole family retired to bed.

The next morning early, Tommy arose, and dressed himself with his
newly-adopted simplicity, and, as soon as breakfast was over, prevailed
with Mr Barlow to accompany him to Harry Sandford's; but he did not
forget to take with him the lamb, which he had caressed and fed with
constant assiduity ever since he had so valiantly rescued him from his
devouring enemy. As they approached the house, the first object which
Tommy distinguished was his little friend at some distance, who was
driving his father's sheep along the common. At this sight his
impetuosity could no longer be restrained, and, springing forward with
all his speed, he arrived in an instant panting and out of breath, and
incapable of speaking. Harry, who knew his friend, and plainly perceived
the disposition with which he approached, met him with open arms, so
that the reconciliation was begun and completed in a moment; and Mr
Barlow, who now arrived with the lamb, had the pleasure of