"O what have I done! what have I done!" cried Alice. "O Mrs. Reed, I'm
so sorry--I have broken the tile!"
"How did it happen, Alice? Was it loose?"
"Why yes," replied Alice; "I put my hand on it, and thought it appeared
to move a little. Having my scissors with, me, I, through curiosity, ran
the points in between that tile and the next one."
"Never mind, child," said Mrs. Reed kindly, seeing that Alice was
feeling sad over the mishap; "perhaps the tile can be mended--let us
see."
As they both stooped down to pick up the pieces, Alice noticed that
there was a hollow space back of where the tile had been, and that it
contained something of a dingy white color.
"O Mrs. Reed!" cried she; "there is something in there! See, it looks
like a bag tied up! May I take it out?"
Mrs. Reed turned deadly pale. "Yes," she replied, scarcely knowing what
she expected or dared hope.
Alice thrust her hand into the hole to pull the hag out, but as it was
very old, it fell apart, and O wonder of wonders! as many as a hundred
pieces of gold coin fell with a jingle on the hearth and rolled every
way.
"My husband's money!" exclaimed Mrs. Reed, as she leaned on Alice to
keep from falling.
Alice was nearly wild and talked like a crazy person.
"O goody, goody!" she cried, clapping her hands and jumping up and down.
"Now you can have everything you want! you won't be poor any longer!"
But Mrs. Reed was too much overcome to hear what Alice said.
[Illustration]
She could scarcely realize the good fortune that had so suddenly
befallen her.
Presently, however, with the tenderness of a mother, she placed her arms
around Alice and said: "O you precious child! but for you, I should
never have known this!"
"And if you had not given me the work-box," said Alice, "perhaps no one
would ever have found it out.
"But," continued she, excitedly, "let us see if there is any thing more
in there."
Again reaching into the hole in the mantel-piece, she sprung back with a
look of amazement that frightened Mrs. Reed.
"Why, Alice, what is the matter?" inquired the old lady.
"Matter!" exclaimed Alice. "Why, dear me! Mrs. Reed, there are lots and
lots of bags in there yet!"
"Is it possible!" said Mrs. Reed hoarsely. Then reaching her hand into
the hole, she drew out bag after bag, handling them very carefully, so
that they would not fall to pieces as the first one had done.
In the meantime Alice had pushed a table up near the fire-place. The
bags were emptied upon it, until the glittering gold made a heap that
struck Mrs. Reed and Alice with greater amazement than ever.
"Alice," said Mrs. Reed, "this is a blessing from Heaven that I do not
deserve. I can not tell you how thankful I am for it. My happiness now
will be in doing for others."
Alice said nothing; her heart was too full. A look of sadness came over
her face.
She was wondering whether Mrs. Reed would continue to love her, and
thinking, with a mingled feeling of fear and dread, that now her friend
was rich, perhaps she, the poor orphan girl, might not be so welcome at
the cottage as before.
Mrs. Reed seemed to understand somewhat the nature of Alice's thoughts.
"Cheer up, Alice," said she; "this is not a time to be sad! Come, help
me put away this gold.
"By the way, Alice, now is the time to use your pocket-book; you know I
told you it was handy to have things in the house, they might be
needed," she continued, smilingly.
"Why, certainly, Mrs. Reed; do you want to borrow my pocket-book? here
it is."
"Yes, my dear," replied Mrs. Reed, "I shall want a new one myself, and I
want to see yours. I wonder how many pieces of gold it will hold."
Then Mrs. Reed crammed the pocket-book full of gold pieces.
"There!" said she, handing it to Alice; "that is the Christmas present I
wanted to give you this morning, but did not have it."
"What! this for me! O no, no! I do not deserve it!" cried Alice.
"But you must take it, Alice, and listen; for I have something to tell
you. I want you to be my daughter now. I will have abundant means to
make both of us comfortable and happy."
"O Mrs. Reed," said Alice, bursting into tears; "I would love to be your
daughter, nothing could make me happier."
In a very short time every thing was changed in the little cottage. Mrs.
Reed had legally adopted Alice as her daughter and was sending her to
school.
Fresh paint, inside and out, and many new comforts, made the old house
charming and bright. But nothing could change the happy relations
between the two friends, and a more contented and cheerful household
could not be found anywhere.
* * * * *
Language Lesson.--Tell the story in your own words, using the points
given in the following
Analysis.--1. Mrs. Reed's home. 2. Her talk with Alice. 3. Mrs. Reed
prepares a present for Alice. 4. Alice receives the work-box. 5. What
was found in it. 6. The broken tile and the discovery of the money. 7.
What happened after that.
* * * * *
LESSON XXIX.
dells, _small valleys_.
bow'ers, _covered places made of boughs_.
troupe, _a number of living beings; a company_.
daf'fo dils, _yellow flowers_.
sheen, _brightness; splendor_.
sprite, _an unreal person_.
sus pend'ed, _stopped for a time; hung_.
va'ries, _is different; changes_.
blue'bell, _a kind of flower_.
ram'bling, _wandering_.
rev'el, _play in a noisy manner_.
* * * * *
LOOKING FOR THE FAIRIES.
I've peeped in many a bluebell,
And crept among the flowers,
And hunted in the acorn cups,
And in the woodland bowers;
And shook the yellow daffodils,
And searched the gardens round,
A-looking for the little folk
I never, never found.
I've linger'd till the setting sun
Threw out a golden sheen,
In hope to see a fairy troupe
Come dancing on the green;
And marveled that they did not come
To revel in the air,
And wondered if they slept, and where
Their hiding-places were.
I've wandered with a timid step
Beneath the moon's pale light,
And every blazing dew-drop seemed
To be a tiny sprite;
And listened with suspended breath,
Among the grand, old trees,
For fairy music floating soft
Upon the evening breeze.
Ah me! those pleasant, sunny days,
In youthful fancies wild,--
Rambling through the wooded dells,
A careless, happy child!
And now I sit and sigh to think
Age from childhood varies,
And never more may we be found
Looking for the fairies.
* * * * *
Directions for Reading.--Which one of the stanzas should be read more
slowly than the others?
Point out the _emphatic words_ in the last four lines of the lesson.
* * * * *
Language Lesson.--Which lines in each stanza end in similar sounds?
Let pupils explain the meaning of what is given below in dark type.
I've hunted in the _acorn cups_.
I've wandered with a _timid step_.
_Age from childhood varies._
* * * * *
LESSON XXX.
poi'son ous, _likely to do great harm or injury_.
sep'a rate, _apart from other things_.
con di'tion, _state; situation_.
nec'es sa ry, _really needed_.
dis a gree'a ble, _very unpleasant_.
sen'si ble, _wise; knowing what is proper_.
ac cus'tomed, _being used to_.
es pe'cial ly, _more than usual_.
* * * * *
AIR.
We all know very well that we can not live without breathing.
What we do not all know, or do not all think of, is that we want not
only air, but good air. We are apt to take it for granted that any air
will do for us; stale air, dirty air, even poisonous air.
What makes the matter worse is, that we can not help spoiling air
ourselves by the very act of breathing.
If people are shut up in rooms where the bad air can not get out and the
good air can not get in at all, they are sure to be made ill.
Some people in Scotland thought they would have a merry Christmas party,
and invited their friends to come to a dance.
As it was very cold weather, they shut all the doors and windows tight,
and then they began to dance.
It was a small room with a low ceiling, and there were thirty-six people
dancing in it all night. By the time morning came the air was so bad
that it was really like poison; and very soon seven of the poor dancers
were seized with a terrible fever, and two of them actually died.
The air we breathe out is different from the air we take in. We send
away some things with our breath which were not in the air when we took
it in.
One of these is water. Sometimes you can see this for yourself. On a
cold, frosty day, you know we can see the clouds of steam coming out of
our mouths. This steam is only very fine particles of water.
In warm weather we do not see the steam, but the water is there all the
same; if you will breathe on a looking-glass at any time, you will make
it dim and damp directly with the water that is contained in your
breath.
We also breathe out animal matter, little particles of our own bodies
just ready to decay. We can not see them, but they soon give the air a
close, disagreeable smell. Good air has no smell at all.
And now I have something to say to you about the use of noses.
I dare say you can not see much use in the sense of smell. Seeing,
hearing, touching, are very needful to us, we all know; but as to
smelling, that does not seem to have any particular value.
It is pleasant to smell a sweet rose or violet; and, I believe, smelling
really forms a good part of what we call tasting.
Of all our senses, smell is the one that soonest gets out of practice.
If people would always accustom themselves to use their noses, they
never would consent to live in the horrid air they do.
If you go from the fresh air into a close room, you will notice the
smell at once. Then, if you remain there, you will soon get accustomed
to the smell and not notice it; but it will still be there, and will be
doing you a great deal of harm.
In good air there are, mainly, two sorts of gas.
The first is a very lively sort of gas, called oxygen; it is very fond
of joining itself with other things, and burning them, and things burn
very fast indeed in oxygen.
The second is a very slow, dull gas, called nitrogen; and nothing will
burn in it at all. Pure oxygen would be too active for us to live in, so
it is mixed with nitrogen.
When we breathe, the air goes down into our lungs, which are something
like sponges, inside our chests.
These sponges have in them an immense quantity of little blood-vessels,
and great numbers of little air-vessels; so that the blood almost
touches the air; there is only a very, very thin skin between them.
Through that skin, the blood sends away the waste and useless things it
has collected from all parts of the body, and takes in the fresh oxygen
which the body wants.
You have often heard man's life compared to a candle. I will show you
some ways in which they are much alike.
When a candle or lamp burns, if we keep it from getting any new air, it
soon uses all the lively gas, or oxygen, and then it goes out. This is
easily shown by placing a glass jar over a lighted candle.
If the candle gets only a little fresh air, it burns dim and weak. If we
get only a little fresh air, we are sickly and weak.
The candle makes another kind of gas. It is called carbonic acid gas,
which, is unhealthy and not fit for breathing. The heat of our bodies
also makes this gas, and we throw it off in our breath.
Oxygen and carbon, in a separate condition, make up a good part of our
flesh, blood, and bones; but when they are joined together, and make
carbonic acid gas, they are of no further use to us.
You might go to a store and buy sand and sugar; but if they became mixed
together as you brought them home, you would not be able to use either
one of them, unless some clever fairy could pick them apart for you.
You see now one great way of spoiling the air. How are we to get rid of
this bad air, and obtain fresh air, without being too cold?
In summer time this is quite simple, but in winter it is more difficult;
because it is a very bad thing to be cold, and a thin, cold draught of
air is especially bad.
The bad air loaded with carbonic acid gas, when we first breathe it out,
is warm. Warm gases are much lighter than cold ones, therefore the bad
air at first goes up to the ceiling.
If there is an opening near the top of the room, the bad air goes out;
but if there is no opening, it by and by grows cold and heavy, and comes
down again. Then we have to breathe it.
If you open the window at the top, it will let out the bad air, and you
will not feel a draught. It is not often so very cold that you cannot
bear the window open, even a little way from the top, and that is the
best way of airing a room.
This is just as necessary by night as by day. People who shut in the bad
air, and shut out the good air, all night long, can never expect to
awake refreshed, feeling better for their sleep.
What becomes of the carbonic acid gas which the body throws off through
our breath? Can any thing pick the carbon and oxygen in it apart, and
make them fit for us to use again?
Yes. Every plant, every green leaf, every blade of grass, does that for
us. When the sun shines on them, they pick the carbon out and send back
the oxygen for us to breathe. They keep the carbon and make that fit
for us and animals to eat.
The grass makes the carbon fit for sheep and cows, and then we eat their
flesh or drink their milk; and the corn makes the carbon fit to eat; so
do potatoes, and all the other vegetables and fruits which we eat. Is
not this a wonderful arrangement?
But perhaps you think, considering what an amazing number of people
there are in the world, besides all the animals--for all creatures that
breathe, spoil the air just as we do--there can hardly be trees and
plants enough to set all the air right again.
Round about cities and large towns there are certainly more people than
there are trees, but in many other parts of the world there are a great
many more trees than there are people.
I have heard of forests in South America so thick and so large, that the
monkeys might run along the tops of the trees for a hundred miles. So
you see there are plenty of trees in the world to do the work.
But then, how does all the bad air leave the towns and cities where men
live, and get to the forests and meadows?
The air is constantly moving about; rising and falling, sweeping this
way or that way, and traveling from place to place.
Not only the little particles out of our breath, but any thing that
gives the air any smell, does it some harm. Even nice smells, like those
of roses, are unhealthy, if shut up in a room for some time.
Dirty walls, ceilings, and floors give the air a musty, close, smell; so
do dirty clothes, muddy boots, cooking, and washing. Some of these ought
not to be in the house at all; others remind us to open our windows
wide.
All the things I have been saying to you about pure air, apply still
more to sick people than to healthy ones.
* * * * *
Directions for Reading.--Read the following sentences carefully, and
avoid running the words together.
The good__air can not get__in at__all.
We are__apt to take__it for granted.
It__is sure to make them__ill.
Point out three other places in the lesson where similar errors are
likely to occur.
* * * * *
Language Lesson.--Add _ment_ to each of the following words, and then
give the meaning of the words so formed.
_arrange move settle encourage_
* * * * *
LESSON XXXI.
dis tinct'ly, _clearly; plainly_.
a roused', _wakened_.
re ced'ing, _going backward or away from_
vig'i lant, _watchful; careful_.
ex haust'ed, _tired out with work_.
pre ced'ing, _going before_.
fort'night, _two weeks' time_.
con vul'sive, _irregular in movement_.
tar'ried, _delayed; remained_.
grad'u al ly, _step by step; slowly_.
* * * * *
A TIMELY RESCUE.
It was in the month of February, 1831, a bright moonlight night, and
extremely cold, that the little brig I commanded lay quietly at her
anchors inside the bay.
We had had a hard time of it, beating about for eleven days, with
cutting north-easters blowing, and snow and sleet falling for the
greater part of the time.
When at length we made the port, all hands were almost exhausted, and we
could not have held out two days longer without relief.
"A bitter cold night, Mr. Larkin," I said to my mate, as I tarried for a
moment on deck to finish my pipe. "The tide is running out swift and
strong; it will be well to keep a sharp look-out for this floating ice,
Mr. Larkin."
"Ay, ay, sir," answered the mate, and I went below.
Two hours afterwards I was aroused from a sound sleep by the vigilant
officer. "Excuse me for disturbing you, captain," said he, as he
detected an expression of vexation on my face; "but I wish you would
turn out, and come on deck as soon as possible."
"Why--what's the matter, Mr. Larkin?"
"Why, sir, I have been watching a cake of ice that swept by at a little
distance a moment ago; I saw something black upon it--something that I
thought moved."
We were on deck before either spoke another word. The mate pointed out,
with no little difficulty, the cake of ice floating off to leeward, and
its white, glittering surface was broken by a black spot.
"Get me a spy-glass, Mr. Larkin--the moon will be out of that cloud in a
moment, and then we can see distinctly." I kept my eye on the receding
mass of ice, while the moon was slowly working its way through a heavy
bank of clouds.
The mate stood by with a spy-glass. When the full light fell at last
upon the water, I put the glass to my eye. One glance was enough..
"Forward, there!" I shouted at the top of my voice; and with, one bound
I readied the main hatch, and began to clear away the ship's cutter. Mr.
Larkin had received the glass from my hand to take a look for himself.
"O, pitiful sight!" he said in a whisper, as he set to work to aid me in
getting out the boat; "there are two children on that cake of ice!"
In a very short space of time we launched the cutter, into which Mr.
Larkin and myself jumped, followed by two men, who took the oars. I held
the tiller, and the mate sat beside me.
"Do you see that cake of ice with something black upon it, lads?" I
cried; "put me alongside of that, and I will give you a month's extra
wages when you are paid off."
The men were worn out by the hard duty of the preceding fortnight; and,
though they did their best, the boat made little more way than the tide.
This was a long chase; and Mr. Larkin, who was suffering as he saw how
little we gained, cried out--
"Pull, lads--I'll double the captain's prize. Pull, lads, for the sake
of mercy, pull!"
A convulsive effort at the oars told how willing the men were to obey,
but their strength was gone. One of the poor fellows splashed us twice
in recovering his oar, and then gave out; the other was nearly as far
gone. Mr. Larkin sprung forward and seized the deserted oar.
"Lie down in the bottom of the boat," said he to the man; "and, captain,
take the other oar; we must row for ourselves." I took the second man's
place.
Larkin had stripped to his Guernsey shirt; as he pulled the bow I waited
the signal stroke. It came gently, but firmly; and the next moment we
were pulling a long, steady stroke, gradually increasing in rapidity
until the wood seemed to smoke in the oar-locks.
We kept time with each other by our long, deep breathing. Such a pull!
At every stroke the boat shot ahead like an arrow. Thus we worked at the
oars for fifteen minutes--it seemed to me as many hours.
"Have we almost come to it, Mr. Larkin?" I asked.
"Almost, captain,--don't give up: for the love of our dear little ones
at home, don't give up, captain," replied Larkin.
The oars flashed as the blades turned up to the moonlight. The men who
plied them were fathers, and had fathers' hearts; the strength which
nerved them at that moment was more than human.
Suddenly Mr. Larkin stopped pulling, and my heart for a moment almost
ceased its beating; for the terrible thought that he had given out
crossed my mind. But I was quickly reassured by his saying--
"Gently, captain, gently--a stroke or two more--there, that will
do"--and the next moment the boat's side came in contact with something.
Larkin sprung from the boat upon the ice. I started up, and, calling
upon the men to make fast the boat to the ice, followed.
We ran to the dark spot in the centre of the mass, and found two little
boys--the head of the smaller nestling in the bosom of the larger. Both
were fast asleep!
They were benumbed with cold, and would surely have frozen to death, but
for our timely rescue.
Mr. Larkin grasped one of the lads, cut off his shoes, tore off his
jacket; and then, loosening his own garments to the skin, placed the
chilled child in contact with his own warm body, carefully wrapping over
him his great-coat.
I did the same with the other child; and we then returned to the boat;
and the men having partly recovered, pulled slowly back.
The children, as we learned when we afterwards had the delight of
returning them to their parents, were playing on the ice, and had
ventured on the cake.
A movement of the tide set the ice in motion, and the little fellows
were borne away on that cold night, and would certainly have perished,
had not Mr. Larkin seen them as the ice was sweeping out to sea.
"How do you feel?" I said to the mate, the next morning after this
adventure.
"A little stiff in the arms, captain," the noble fellow replied, while
the big tears of grateful happiness gushed from his eyes--"a little
stiff in the arms, captain, but very easy here," and he laid his hand on
his manly heart.
* * * * *
Language Lesson.--Change the following _commands_ to _statements_.
Take the other oar. Don't give up!
Give the meaning of the word _lads_ in the third and fourth lines of
page 152, and in the fourth line of page 154.[09]
Make out an _analysis_ of the lesson, and use it in telling the story
in your own words.
[09] See Lesson XXXI.
* * * * *
LESSON XXXII.
re'gion, _place; space_.
furze, _a thorny shrub with yellow flowers_.
list'eth, _wishes; pleases_.
mirth, _joy; fun_.
boon, _gay; merry_.
shaft, _an arrow; the stem of an arrow_.
up borne', _held or borne up_.
crest'ing, _touching the tops of_.
* * * * *
BIRDS IN SUMMER.
How pleasant the life of a bird must be,
Flitting about in each leafy tree;--
In the leafy trees so broad and tall,
Like a green and beautiful palace hall,
With its airy chambers, light and boon,
That open to sun, and stars, and moon;
That open unto the bright blue sky,
And the frolicsome winds, as they wander by!
[Illustration]
They have left their nests in the forest bough;
Those homes of delight they need not now;
And the young and old they wander out,
And traverse their green world round about;
And hark! at the top of this leafy hall,
How, one to the other, they lovingly call:
"Come up, come up!" they seem to say,
"Where the topmost twigs in the breezes play!
"Come up, come up, for the world is fair,
Where the merry leaves dance in the summer air!"
And the birds below give back the cry,
"We come, we come to the branches high!"
How pleasant the life of the birds must be,
Living in love in a leafy tree;
And away through the air what joy to go,
And to look on the green, bright earth below!
How pleasant the life of a bird must be,
Skimming about on the breezy sea,
Cresting the billows like silvery foam,
And then wheeling away to its cliff-built home!
What joy it must be to sail, upborne
By a strong, free wing, through the rosy morn,
To meet the young sun, face to face,
And pierce, like a shaft, the boundless space!
How pleasant the life of a bird must be,
Wherever it listeth there to flee:
To go, when a joyful fancy calls,
Dashing down, 'mong the waterfalls;
Then wheeling about, with its mates at play,
Above and below, and among the spray,
Hither and thither, with screams as wild
As the laughing mirth of a rosy child!
What a joy it must be, like a living breeze,
To flutter among the flowering trees;
Lightly to soar, and to see beneath,
The wastes of the blossoming purple heath,
And the yellow furze, like fields of gold,
That gladden some fairy region old.
On mountain tops, on the billowy sea,
On the leafy stems of the forest tree,
How pleasant the life of a bird must be!
* * * * *
Directions for Reading.--The words of the first line of the poem, when
repeated on pages 157 and 158, should be slightly emphasized.[10]
Point out the lines on page 157 which would be joined in reading.
Let the class read one or more stanzas of the poem in concert.
[10] This lesson, Lesson XXXII.
* * * * *
LESSON XXXIII.
stroll'ing, _wandering on foot_.
quaint, _unusual; curious looking_.
con sult'ed, _asked advice of_.
roy'al, _belonging to a king or a queen_.
en ter tain', _receive and care for_.
court'esy, _politeness of manners_.
bod'ice, _an article of clothing_.
loy'al ty, _love of one's country or ruler_.
a miss', _out of the way; wrong_.
tri'fles, _articles small in size or value_.
mut'tered, _said in a low voice_.
ad mis'sion, _permission to enter_.
* * * * *
TRUE COURTESY.
PART I.
Prince George, the husband of Queen Anne of England, one time visited
the town of Bristol, having with him as a companion, an officer of his
household.
While strolling about the town, looking at the people and the quaint old
buildings, they stepped into the Exchange, where all the great merchants
of the town had come together doing business.
Prince George walked about, talking quite freely, first to one and then
to another. As the towns-people had not expected him, no preparation had
been made to receive him with honor; and the merchants stood in little
groups, and consulted together with, a look of anxiety upon their faces.
"What is to be done?" asked one.
"I do not know," replied another. "If his Royal Highness does not give
us notice of his coming, how can we entertain him in a proper manner?"
"Would it be well to ask him to come to one of our homes?" inquired a
third.
"No, no!" cried another. "We could not ask him to partake of our humble
fare, or even come to our homes, after the splendor to which he has been
accustomed. For my part, I shall go home to dinner."
"And I also," said the first one. "I do not care to remain here, and
stare at the Prince, when we have nothing to offer."
Then one by one, the merchants slipped away, afraid or ashamed to ask
the great Prince to their homes.
Prince George and the officer wondered at seeing the merchants
disappear. At last there was but one man left, and as he walked toward
the Prince, he bowed low, and said--
"Excuse me, sir; are you the husband of our Queen Anne, as folks here
say you are?"
"Yes, I am," was the answer; "and have come for a few hours to see the
sights of the good town of Bristol."
"Sir," said the man, "I have seen with much distress that none of our
great merchants have invited you to their homes. Think not, sir, that it
is because they are wanting in love and loyalty. They doubtless were all
afraid to ask one so high as yourself to dine with them.
"I am one John Duddlestone, sir, only a bodice-maker, and I pray you not
to take it amiss if I ask you and the gentleman who is with, you, to
come to my humble home, where you will be most welcome."
"Indeed," answered the Prince, laughing, "I am only too delighted to
accept your kind invitation, and I thank you for it very heartily. If
you lead the way, we will follow at once."
So Prince George, the officer, and Duddlestone, passed out of the
Exchange together.
"Ours is but humble fare," said Duddlestone; "for, sir, I can offer you
only roast beef and plum-pudding."
"Very good, very good indeed!" exclaimed the Prince; "it is food to
which I bring a hearty appetite."
They stopped before a small house. John pulled the latch, and, walking
in, looked for his wife; but she was upstairs.
"Here, wife, wife!" he called in a loud whisper, as he put his head up
the narrow staircase; "put on a clean apron, and make haste and come
down, for the Queen's husband and a soldier-gentleman have come to dine
with, us."
As you may think, Mrs. Duddlestone was strangely surprised at the news;
but she did not become excited; she very seldom did, I believe.
"Ay, ay!" she called. "I'm coming;" and then muttered, "The Queen's
husband! the Queen's husband! Sure, that can never be--however, I'll go
down and see."
She ran to her closet, and pulled out a nice, clean apron and cap, and
tied, the one round her waist, and the other round her comely face,
saying all the time, "Dear me, dear me, to think of it!" and away she
ran down stairs, where stood her husband and the two gentlemen.
The good woman bowed low, first to one and then to the other.
"Indeed, but I'm proud," she said, turning to Prince George, "to welcome
you to our home. 'Tis but poor and humble, but we shall think more of it
after this. I'll hurry and get dinner at once. I dare say you are
hungry, gentlemen."
Prince George laughed gayly, as he thanked her for her kind welcome, and
sat down.
The table was soon spread, and the Prince ate well, and appeared to
enjoy himself so much, that Mrs. Duddlestone could scarcely believe he
had always been accustomed to lords and ladies and footmen, and had
never before sat down in such an humble way.
Prince George inquired about their business and pleasures.
"Do you never come up to London?" he asked; "I think you would find it
worth your while to take a holiday some time, and see the great city."
"Ah well," said Mrs. Duddlestone, "if that is not just the thing I long
for. I've never been yet, nor am I likely to go, but John has been once
or twice."
"And why, John, have you never taken your wife as well, to see the great
sights?"
"Well, to say the truth," answered John, "I do not go to see the sights;
for though I've been two or three times, I don't think I've seen any.
"I must needs go sometimes to buy whalebone, and other trifles which I
must have for my business here. So I just go and come back, and meddle
with none."
"Well, well," said the Prince, "the next time you come to London, you
must bring your wife with you, and pay me a visit."
Mrs. Duddlestone clasped her fat little hands with delight.
"And shall I see the Queen?" she exclaimed.
"And see both the Queen and myself," answered the Prince. "Come, John,
say you will do so!"
"Surely, sir," said John, "I should like to give the good woman a bit of
pleasure in that way, but your grand servants would shut the doors
before us, and never let us in, perhaps."
"I can soon set that right!" and taking a card from his pocket, Prince
George wrote a few words on it, and gave it to them.
"That will gain you ready admission," he said, "and now I must leave
you. Next time we meet, I shall entertain and care for you. For the
present, I thank you for your kind welcome and good dinner, which I have
heartily enjoyed."
Then rising, he and the officer bade farewell to the good people and
took their leave.
* * * * *
Language Lesson--Let pupils use other words to express what is given
below in dark type.
I _must needs go_.
Indeed, _but I'm proud_.
Ours is _but humble fare_.
He _pulled the latch_.
So I _meddle with none_.
To see _the great sights_.
Notes.--Queen Anne ruled over England from 1702 to 1714. Royal
Highness is a title belonging to all persons in a royal family.
* * * * *
LESSON XXXIV.
de sired', _asked; expressed a wish_.
as sem'bled, _come together_.
in tro duce', _make known_.
sum'moned, _called_.
knight, _a man of noble position_.
grat'i tude, _thankfulness_.
el'e gant, _beautiful; handsome_.
pos sess'ing, _having; holding_.
dis play', _a grand show_.
e vent', _anything that takes place_.
* * * * *
TRUE COURTESY.
PART II.
It was some weeks later that John Duddlestone found his stock of
whalebone was growing low.
"Wife," said he, "the whalebone's nearly gone, and I must have some more
at once."
"Surely, John, I know well it's nearly gone!" she answered. "Haven't I
watched every bit as you've used it? and haven't I pretty near cried to
see it go so slowly?"
"Pooh! you foolish woman!" he cried.
"But, John, you'll take me, and go to see the King and Queen?" she
inquired.
"Why, you silly woman, do you think I should leave you behind, when I
know you're nearly crazed to go?"
"O John, John, you dear, good man! I've mended all my dresses, and made
myself trim and neat. I've seen to your coats; and all's done; and I
feel as if I could scarcely live till I see the Queen."
"You'd best keep alive," said her husband; "and if all goes well we'll
start by the coach on Monday."
Monday was as lovely a day as heart could wish; and John and his wife
walked down the Bristol streets to the public-house from which the coach
was to start.
It was a great event in Mrs. Duddlestone's life, for she had never been
beyond her own town, except for a drive into the country in a neighbor's
cart.
They were quiet people; but it had got about the town, that they were
going to London to visit the Queen, and numbers came out to see them go.
Perhaps some of the great merchants wished they had been simple and
humble enough to offer to entertain Prince George when he had visited
their town.
They journeyed straight to London, where John bought his whalebone, and
then found their way to St. James' Palace, where, presenting the
Prince's card, they gained ready admittance.
They were shown into a room, more beautiful than any that they had ever
seen. Very shortly the door opened, and the well-remembered face of
their guest appeared. Almost before he had greeted them, a quiet-looking
lady followed him, and came smilingly to greet them.
"This is the Queen," said Prince George; and then, turning to her, he
added, "These are the good people who showed me such kindness in
Bristol."
The Queen was so gentle and courteous that neither John nor his wife
felt confused in her presence. She talked kindly to them, asking after
their trade, and how they had fared in their journey.
She then asked them to dine with her that evening, and said dresses
would be provided for them, so that they should not feel strange by
seeing that they were dressed differently from all her other guests.
She then called an attendant, and desired that refreshment should be
given them, and that they should be well cared for, and shown all that
might interest them until dinner time.
It was a long, wonderful day to them, as they walked about from place to
place. Before dinner they were taken to the room that was prepared for
them, and there they found elegant court dresses of purple velvet ready
to put on.
"Surely, John, they can not be for us!" cried Mrs. Duddlestone.
"Yes, but they must be! Did not the Queen say she would give us dresses?
and do not these dresses look as if they had been given by a queen?"
"John, I shall feel very strange before all the grand ladies!"
"Then you need not, wife, for the Queen and Prince will be there; and
the others will not trouble you; but this is a queer dress. It's like
being somebody else."
And very queer they felt, as for the first time they walked down the
grand stairs, in such, splendid dresses, to dine at the Queen's table,
with the Queen's servants to wait on them.
"You must go first, John," said his wife, for shyness came over her.
"Be not so foolish, wife," whispered John; and, though feeling rather
awkward in his new dress, he walked simply forward, as he might have
done in a friend's house.
The Queen met them at the door, and, turning to her other guests, who
were assembled, she said, "Gentlemen, I have to introduce to you, with
great pleasure, the most loyal people in the town of Bristol."
At these words they all rose and bowed low, while John and his wife did
the same, and then sat down, and ate a good dinner.
After the dinner was over, the Prince summoned John Duddlestone to the
Queen.
At her command John knelt before her, and she laid a sword lightly on
his shoulder, with the words, "Rise up, Sir John Duddlestone"; and the
simple, kind-hearted bodice-maker of Bristol rose up a knight.
His wife stood by, watching with eagerness, and could hardly believe
that from plain Mistress Duddlestone she had become Lady Duddlestone.
She would, have been very proud if the Queen had laid the sword upon her
also; but she heard that was not needed. However, she was made very
happy by being called to the Queen's side.
"Lady Duddlestone," said Her Majesty, "allow me to present you with my
gold watch, in remembrance of your visit to St. James' Palace, and of
the Prince's visit to Bristol, which led to our knowing two such loyal
and courteous subjects."
Lady Duddlestone bowed lower and lower, almost unable to find any words
in which to express her gratitude.
A gold watch! Was it possible? Watches were not common in those times.
She had heard of watches, and had even seen some; but had never dreamt
of possessing one.
Such a big beauty it was! She was glad to fall back behind the other
guests, and get time to think quietly, and realize that all was true,
and not a dream from which she would wake, and find herself in her
little attic bed-room at Bristol.
Queen Anne then spoke to Sir John, offering to give him a position under
Government; but he begged to be excused.
"It would be strange, your Majesty, very strange, up in London, and my
work at Bristol suits me far the best. We want for nothing, and should
never feel so well and home-like as in our little house at Bristol."
The Queen understood him, and did not press him; and in another day or
two the couple were again on their way home.
"You're glad, wife, that we're going home?" John asked; "and you think I
did well not to take some office in London?"
"Well! You could have clone no better. It's been grand to see, and grand
to hear; but it would be very strange and uncomfortable to live always
like that, and I'll be right glad to be back once more.
"I'm more than proud of it all. But I should never like our own room, in
which Prince George sat so home-like with us, to belong to another."
"No, no--we will keep our own snug home," replied John with earnestness.
And so they did, living on quietly as of old; and the only display ever
made by Lady Duddlestone was, that whenever she went to church or to
market, she always wore the Queen's big gold watch.
* * * * *
Language Lesson.--Let pupils use other words to express the meaning of
what is given below in dark type.
You'd _best keep_ alive.
It's been _grand_ to see.
_Then you need not_.
You're _nearly crazed to go_.
_Attendant_ is made up of two parts--the stem, _attend_, and the
ending, _ant_ (meaning one who).
The meaning of the word _attendant_ is _one who attends_.
Make out an _analysis_ of the last two lessons, and use it in telling
the story in your own words.
* * * * *
LESSON XXXV.
pre sume', _suppose; think without being sure_.
mus'cles, _those parts of the body which give us
motion, and by which we exert our strength_.
ex tent', _space; distance_.
or'di na ry, _common; usual_.
knowl'edge, _that which is known through study_.
de gree', _measure, as of space or time_.
spent, _used up; exhausted_.
snapped, _broken off_.
de tached', _taken away from_.
* * * * *
WHY AN APPLE FALLS.
"Father," said Lucy, "I have been reading to-day that Sir Isaac Newton
was led to make a great discovery, by seeing an apple fall from a tree.
What was there wonderful about the apple falling?"
"Nothing very wonderful in that," replied her father; "but it set him to
thinking of what made it fall."
"Why, I could have told him that," said Lucy; "because the stem snapped
and there was nothing to support it."
"And what then?" asked her father.
"Why, then, of course it must fall."
"Ah!" said her father, "that is the point: why must it fall?"
"I am sure I don't know," said Lucy. "I presume it was because there was
nothing to keep it up."
"Well, Lucy, suppose there was not--does it follow that it must come to
the ground?"
"Yes, certainly," replied Lucy, wonderingly.
"Let us see," said her father; "but first answer this question: What is
an animate object?"
"Any thing that has animal life, and power to move at will," replied
Lucy.
"Very good," said her father; "now, what is an inanimate object?"
"Any thing that does not possess animal life, or can not move at will."
"Very good again," said her father. "Now an apple is, of course, an
inanimate object; and therefore it could not move itself, and Sir Isaac
Newton thought that he would try to find out what power moved it."
"Well, then," said Lucy; "did he find that the apple fell, because it
was forced to fall?"
"Yes," replied her father; "he found that there was some force outside
of the apple itself that acted upon it, otherwise it would have remained
forever where it was, no matter if it were detached from the tree."
"Would it, indeed?" asked Lucy.
"Yes, without doubt," replied her father, "for there are only two ways
in which it could be moved--by its own power of motion, or the power of
something else moving it. Now the first power, you know it does not
have; so the cause of its motion must be the second."
"But every thing falls to the ground as well as an apple, when there is
nothing to keep it up," said Lucy.
"True. There must therefore be some power or force which causes things
to fall," said her father.
"And what is it?" asked Lucy.
"If things away from the earth can not move themselves to it," said her
father, "there can be no other cause of their falling than that the
earth pulls them."
"But," said Lucy, "the earth is no more animate than they are; so how
can it pull?"
"That is not an ordinary question, but I will try an explanation," said
her father. "Sir Isaac Newton discovered that there was a law in nature
called attraction, and that all bodies exert this force upon each
other. The greater the body, the greater is its power of attraction.
"Now, the earth is an immense mass of matter, with which nothing near it
can compare in size. It draws therefore with mighty force all things
within its reach, which is the cause of their falling. Do you understand
this?"
"I think that I do," said Lucy; "the earth is like a great magnet."
"Yes," said her father; "but the attraction of the magnet is of a
particular kind and is only over iron, while the attraction of the earth
acts upon every thing alike."
"Then it is pulling you and me at this moment!" said Lucy.
"Certainly it is," replied her father; "and as I am the larger, it is
pulling me with more force than it is pulling you. This attraction is
what gives every thing weight.
"If I lift up any thing, I am acting against this force, for which
reason the article seems heavy; and the more matter it contains, the
greater is the force of attraction and the heavier it appears to me."
"Then," said Lucy, "if this attraction is so powerful, why do we not
stick to the ground?"
"Because," replied her father, "we are animate beings, and have the
power of motion, by which, to a limited degree, we overcome the
attraction of the earth."
"Well then, father," said Lucy, "if our power of motion can overcome the
attraction, why can not we jump a mile high as well as a foot?"
"Because," replied her father, "as I said before, we can only overcome
the attraction to a certain extent. As soon as the force our muscles
give to the jump is spent, the attraction of the earth pulls us back."
"Did Sir Isaac Newton think of all these things, because he saw the
apple fall?" inquired Lucy.
"Yes; of all these and many more. He was a man of great knowledge. The
name by which the force he discovered is generally known, is the
Attraction of Gravitation, and some time you will learn how this force
keeps the earth, and the sun, moon, and stars, all in their places."
* * * * *
LESSON XXXVI.
en'vy, _wish one's self in another's place_.
doffed, _took off, as an article of dress_.
blithe, _very happy; gay_.
fee, _what is received as pay for service done_.
boast, _object of pride_.
quoth, _spoke_.
hale, _in good health; strong_.
* * * * *
THE MILLER OF THE DEE.
There dwelt a miller, hale and bold,
Beside the river Dee;
He worked and sang from morn till night--
No lark so blithe as he;
And this the burden of his song
Forever used to be:
"I envy nobody--no, not I,
And nobody envies me!"
"Thou'rt wrong, my friend," said good King Hal;
"As wrong as wrong can be;
For could my heart be light as thine,
I'd gladly change with thee.
And tell me now, what makes thee sing,
With voice so loud and free.
While I am sad, though I'm a king,
Beside the river Dee?"
The miller smiled and doffed his cap:
"I earn my bread," quoth he;
"I love my wife, I love my friend,
I love my children three;
I owe no penny I can not pay;
I thank the river Dee,
That turns the mill that grinds the corn
That feeds my babes and me."
"Good friend," said Hal, and sighed the while,
"Farewell! and happy be!
But say no more, if thou'dst be true,
That no one envies thee.
Thy mealy cap is worth my crown;
Thy mill, my kingdom's fee;
Such men as thou are England's boast,
O miller of the Dee!"
* * * * *
Directions for Reading.--In the second stanza of the lesson, _wrong_
becomes very _emphatic_ on account of _repetition_ (being repeated a
number of times). _My_ and _thine_, in the same stanza, are
_emphatic_ on account of _contrast_ (contrary meaning of the words).
Point out an example of _emphasis_ by _repetition_, and an example
of _emphasis_ by _contrast_, in the third stanza.
* * * * *
Language Lesson.--Hal = Harry = Henry.
Let pupils place _un_ before each of the following words, and give
their meaning.
changed burdened envied
* * * * *
LESSON XXXVII.
fero'cious, _savage; fierce_.
rosette', _an article made to resemble a rose_.
aban'doned, _left forever; given up_.
encoun'ter, _meet face to face_.
in'fluence, _power over others_.
keen, _sharp; piercing_.
reputa'tion, _what is known of a person_.
wit'ness, _see or know by personal presence_.
trail, _track; footsteps_.
alert', _on the watch; careful_.
* * * * *
THE JAGUAR.
The jaguar, or as he is sometimes called, the American tiger, is the
largest and most ferocious of the cat family found on this continent.
Some jaguars have been seen equal in size to the Asiatic tiger; but in
most cases the American, animal is smaller. He is strong enough,
however, to drag a horse or an ox to his den--sometimes to a long
distance; and this feat has been frequently observed.
The jaguar is found in all the tropical parts of North and South
America.
While he bears a considerable likeness to the tiger, both in shape and
habits, the markings of his skin are quite different. Instead of being
striped like the tiger, the skin of the jaguar is beautifully spotted.
Each spot resembles a rosette, and consists of a black ring with a
single dark-colored spot in the middle.
Jaguars are not always of the same color; some have skins of an orange
color, and these are the most beautiful. Others are lighter colored; and
some few have been seen that were very nearly white.
There, is a "black jaguar," which is thought to be of a different
species. It is larger and fiercer than the other kinds, and is found
only in South America.
This animal is more dreaded by the inhabitants than the other kinds and
is said always to attack man wherever it may encounter him. All the
other beasts fear it.
Its roar produces terror and confusion among them and causes them to
flee in every direction. It is never heard by the natives without a
feeling of fear, and no wonder; for a year does not pass without a
number of these people falling victims to its ferocity.
It is difficult for one living in a country where such fierce animals
are unknown, to believe that they have an influence over man, to such
an extent as to prevent his settling in a particular place; yet such is
the fact.
In many parts of South America, not only plantations, but whole
villages, have been abandoned solely from fear of the jaguars.
There are men, however, who can deal single-handed with the jaguar; and
who do not fear to attack the brute in its own haunts.
They do not trust to fire-arms, but to a sharp spear. On their left arm
they carry a strong shield.
This shield is held forward and is usually seized by the jaguar. While
it is busied with this, the hunter thrusts at the animal with his sharp
spear, and generally with deadly effect.
A traveler in South America relates the following incident as having
come under his observation:
"Desiring to witness a jaguar hunt, I employed two well-known Indian
hunters, and set out for the forest. The names of these hunters were
NiÒo and Guapo. Both of them had long been accustomed to hunt the
jaguar, and I felt perfectly safe in their company.
"Guapo, the larger of the two, was a man of wonderful muscular power,
and had the reputation of having at one time killed a black jaguar with
only a stout club.
"When all the preparations had been made for our start, we looked as if
we might capture all the jaguars that came in our way.
"Some hours after we had entered the forest, the quick eye of Guapo
discovered the trail of a large jaguar which he assured me was recently
made.
"Stopping for a moment, both Guapo and NiÒo looked carefully about in
every direction, and listened attentively, in order that they might see
or hear the animal if he were near.
"Then motioning me to follow at a little distance behind them, they
stepped off quietly in the direction of the trail, Guapo being about
thirty feet in advance of NiÒo.
"We went forward in this manner several hundred yards, not a word being
spoken, and the keen eyes of both the hunters constantly on the alert.
"Guapo, in the meantime, who seemed to have no fear and became more and
more excited as he approached to where he thought the animal must be,
had increased the distance between himself and NiÒo considerably.
[Illustration]
"Suddenly a terrific roar, and at the same time a cry of pain and a
shout, warned us that Guapo had met the jaguar.
"NiÒo bounded forward, and I followed as quickly as I could. A fearful
sight met our eyes!
"The jaguar, which had been hiding in the branches of a large tree, had
sprung down upon Guapo and fastened its terrible teeth in his thigh.
"With a shout filled with fury and determination, NiÒo at once sprung
forward and savagely attacked the beast with his spear.
"This caused the jaguar to let go its hold of Guapo, who, made furious
from the pain of the wound the animal had given him, turned, and with
his spear attacked it with a mad ferocity as savage as that of the
beast itself.
"In a moment all was over, and the jaguar lay dead at our feet. I
dressed Guapo's wound the best I could, while NiÒo took the skin from
the body of the animal, which proved to be nearly eight feet long.
"We returned very slowly to the village with the wounded man and our
prize. In a few weeks Guapo had entirely recovered from his wounds, and
was ready for another hunt."
* * * * *
Directions for Reading.--Let pupils pronounce in concert, and singly,
the following words: _O, most, ferocious, only, whole, hold, slowly,
over, both, roar_.
What tone of voice should be used in reading this lesson?
* * * * *
Language Lesson.--Place _re_ before each of the following words, and
then give the meaning of each.
turned told join capture call
* * * * *
LESSON XXXVIII.
dikes, _high banks of earth_.
con'tra ry, _quite different from what is usual_.
dis as'trous, _causing great loss or suffering_.
keels, _strong timbers extending along the bottom of boats_.
stork, _a kind of bird_.
bus'tle, _quick and excited motion_.
mire, _soft and wet earth_.
scorn'ing, _turning from any thing as if of no value_.
sat'u rat ed, _wet through and through_.
moored, _tied fast, as a ship to land_.
slouched, _hung down_.
mim'ic, _copied in a smaller form_.
* * * * *
HOLLAND.
PART I.
Holland is one of the queerest countries under the sun. It should be
called Odd-land, or Contrary-land; for, in nearly every thing, it is
different from other parts of the world.
In the first place, a large portion of the country is lower than the
level of the sea. Great dikes have been built at a heavy cost of money
and labor, to keep the ocean where it belongs.
On certain parts of the coast it sometimes leans with all its weight
against the land, and it is as much as the poor country can do to stand
the pressure.
Sometimes the dikes give way, or spring a leak, and the most disastrous
results follow. They are high and wide, and the tops of some of them are
covered with buildings and trees. They have even fine public roads upon
them, from which horses may look down upon wayside cottages.
Often the keels of floating ships are higher than the roofs of the
dwellings. The stork, on the house-peak, may feel that her nest is
lifted far out of danger, but the croaking frog in the neighboring
bulrushes is nearer the stars than she.
Water-bugs dart backward and forward above the heads of the chimney
swallows; and willow-trees seem drooping with shame, because they can
not reach so high as the reeds near by.
Ditches, canals, ponds, rivers, and lakes are every-where to be seen.
High, but not dry, they shine in the sunlight, catching nearly all the
bustle and the business, quite scorning the tame fields, stretching
damply beside them. One is tempted to ask: "Which is Holland--the shores
or the water?"
The very verdure that should be confined to the land has made a mistake
and settled upon the fish ponds. In fact the entire country is a kind of
saturated sponge, or, as the English poet Butler called it--
"A land that rides at anchor, and is moored,
In which they do not live, but go aboard."
Persons are born, live, and die, and even have their gardens on
canal-boats. Farmhouses, with roofs like great slouched hats pulled over
their eyes, stand on wooden legs, with a tucked up sort of air, as if to
say, "We intend to keep dry if we can."
Even the horses wear a wide stool on each hoof to lift them out of the
mire.
It is a glorious country in summer for bare-footed girls and boys. Such
wadings! Such mimic ship sailing! Such rowing, fishing, and swimming!
Only think of a chain of puddles where one can launch chip boats all
day long, and never make a return trip!
But enough. A full recital would set all Young America rushing in a body
toward the Zuyder Zee.
* * * * *
Directions for Reading.--In reading the first line of page 187, there
will be a slight rising of the voice after each of the words,
_ditches', canals', ponds', rivers'_, and a slight falling of the voice
after _lakes'_.[11]
This rising or falling of the voice is called _inflection_, and may be
indicated as above.
Language Lesson.--What is the meaning of "Young America"?
[11] See paragraph 7.
* * * * *
LESSON XXXIX.
freight, _cargo; that which forms a load_.
convey'ance, _the act of carrying_.
jum'ble, _a number of things crowded together without order_.
bobbed, _cut off short_.
bewil'dering, _confusing_.
gild'ed, _covered with a thin, surface of gold_.
yoked, _joined together with harness_.
rare'ly, _not often_.
impris'oned, _shut up or confined, as in a prison_.
clat'tering, _making a loud noise_.
* * * * *
HOLLAND.
PART II.
Dutch cities seem, at first sight, to be a bewildering jumble of
houses, bridges, churches, and ships, sprouting into masts, steeples,
and trees. In some cities boats are hitched, like horses, to their
owners' door-posts, and receive their freight from the upper windows.
[Illustration]
Mothers scream to their children not to swing on the garden gate for
fear they may be drowned. Water roads are more frequent there than
common roads and railroads; water-fences, in the form of lazy green
ditches, inclose pleasure-ground, farm, and garden.
Sometimes fine green hedges are seen; but wooden fences, such as we
have in America, are rarely met with in Holland. As for stone fences, a
Hollander would lift his hands with astonishment at the very idea.
There is no stone there excepting those great masses of rock that have
been brought from other lands to strengthen and protect the coast.
All the small stones or pebbles, if there ever were any, seem to be
imprisoned in pavements, or quite melted away. Boys, with strong, quick
arms, may grow from aprons to full beards without ever finding one to
start the water-rings, or set the rabbits flying.
The water roads are nothing less than canals crossing the country in
every direction. These are of all sizes, from the great North Holland
Ship Canal, which is the wonder of the world, to those which a boy can
leap.
Water-omnibuses constantly ply up and down these roads for the
conveyance of passengers; and water-drays are used for carrying fuel and
merchandise.
Instead of green country lanes, green canals stretch from field to barn,
and from barn to garden; and the farms are merely great lakes pumped
dry. Some of the busiest streets are water, while many of the country
roads are paved with brick.
The city boats, with their rounded sterns, gilded bows, and gayly-painted
sides, are unlike any others under the sun; a Dutch wagon with its
funny little crooked pole is a perfect mystery of mysteries.
One thing is clear, you may think that the inhabitants need never be
thirsty. But no, Odd-land is true to itself still. With the sea pushing
to get in, and the lakes struggling to get out, and the overflowing
canals, rivers, and ditches, in many districts there is no water that is
fit to swallow.
Our poor Hollanders must go dry, or send far inland for that precious
fluid, older than Adam, yet young as the morning dew.
Sometimes, indeed, the inhabitants can swallow a shower, when they are
provided with any means of catching it; but generally they are like the
sailors told of in a famous poem, who saw
"Water, water, every-where,
Nor any drop to drink!"
Great flapping windmills all over the country make it look as if flocks
of huge sea birds were just settling upon it. Every-where one sees the
funniest trees, bobbed into all sorts of odd shapes, with their trunks
painted a dazzling' white, yellow, or red.
Horses are often yoked three abreast. Men, women, and children, go
clattering about in wooden shoes with loose heels.
Husbands and wives lovingly harness themselves side by side on the bank
of the canal and drag their produce to market.
* * * * *
Directions for Reading.--Let pupils practice upon the inflections
marked in the following
Model.--Houses', bridges', churches', and ships', sprouting into
masts', steeples', and trees'.
Which words take the _falling inflection_?
* * * * *
LESSON XL.
whisk'ing, _pulling suddenly and with force_.
lus'ti er, _stronger; louder_.
of fend'ed, _made angry_.
fa mil'iar, _friendly; as of a friend_.
ma'tron ly, _elderly; motherly_.
com mo'tion, _noise; confusion_.
pant'ed, _breathed quickly_.
sa lute', _greeting_.
mute, _silent; unable to speak_.
stur'dy, _strong; powerful_.
ker'chiefs, _pieces of cloth worn about the head_.
a do', _trouble; delay_.
in'mates, _the persons in a house_.
* * * * *
THE WIND IN A FROLIC.
The wind one morning sprung up from sleep,
Saying, "Now for a frolic! Now for a leap!
Now for a madcap galloping chase!
I'll make a commotion in every place!"
So it swept with a bustle right through a great town,
Creaking the signs and scattering down
Shutters, and whisking with merciless squalls,
Old women's bonnets and gingerbread stalls.
There never was heard a much lustier shout,
As the apples and oranges tumbled about.
Then away to the fields it went blustering and humming,
And the cattle all wondered whatever was coming.
It pulled by their tails the grave, matronly cows,
And tossed the colts' manes all about their brows,
Till, offended at such a familiar salute,
They all turned their backs and stood silently mute.
So on it went, capering and playing its pranks;
Whistling with reeds on the broad river banks;
Puffing the birds, as they sat on the spray,
Or the traveler grave on the king's highway.
It was not too nice to hustle the bags
Of the beggar, and flutter his dirty rags.
'Twas so bold that it feared not to play its joke
With the doctor's wig, and the gentleman's cloak.
Through the forest it roared, and cried gayly, "Now
You sturdy old oaks, I'll make you bow!"
And it made them bow without more ado,
Or it cracked their great branches through and through.
Then it rushed like a monster o'er cottage and farm,
Striking their inmates with sudden alarm;
And they ran out like bees in a midsummer swarm.
There were dames with their kerchiefs tied over their caps,
To see if their poultry were free from mishaps;
The turkeys they gobbled, the geese screamed aloud,
And the hens crept to roost in a terrified crowd;
There was raising of ladders, and logs laying on,
Where the thatch from the roof threatened soon to be gone.
But the wind had passed on, and had met in a lane
With a school-boy, who panted and struggled in vain;
For it tossed him, and whirled him, then passed, and he stood
With his hat in a pool, and his shoe in the mud.
Then away went the wind in its holiday glee,
And now it was far on the billowy sea;
And the lordly ships felt its powerful blow,
And the little boats darted to and fro.
But, lo! it was night, and it sunk to rest
On the sea-birds' rock in the gleaming west,
Laughing to think, in its frolicsome fun,
How little of mischief it really had done.
* * * * *
Directions for Reading.--Let some pupil in the class state the manner
in which the lesson should be read.
Point out four lines that should be read more quietly than the rest of
the lesson.
Vary the reading by having parts of lesson read as a concert exercise.
What effect has the repetition of the word _now_, in the second and
third lines?
* * * * *
Language Lesson.--Let pupils write six sentences, each containing one
of the following words, used in such a manner as to show its proper
meaning: _right, write; reed, read; tied, tide_.
Let pupils make out an _analysis_ of the lesson, and use it in
giving the story in their own words.
* * * * *
LESSON XLI.
veg e ta'tion, _every thing that grows out of the ground_.
meth'od, _way; manner_.
ta'per ing, _growing smaller toward the end_.
men'tioned, _spoken of_.
struct'ure, _arrangement of parts; a building of any kind_.
marsh'y, _wet_.
swamp, _low ground filled with water_.
sprung, _started; begun_.
* * * * *
SOMETHING ABOUT PLANTS.
The name plant belongs in a general way to all vegetation, from the
tiniest spear of grass or creeping flower one sees on the rocks by the
brook-side, to the largest and tallest of forest trees.
Plants are divided into numerous groups of families, and the study of
the many species belonging to each family, is very interesting.
There are thousands of kinds of grasses, shrubs, and trees, scattered
over the different parts of the earth, and the larger portion of them
are in some way useful to mankind.
In speaking of grasses, we are apt to think only of the grass in the
meadows, which is the food for our horses and cattle; but there are
other kinds of grasses which are just as important to man as the grass
of the meadow is to the beast. These are oats, rye, barley, wheat, corn,
and others, all of which belong to the grass family.
Perhaps it appears strange to you to hear wheat and corn called grass,
and you ask how can that be.
In the first place, all plants that have the same general form and
method of growth, belong to the same family.
Now, if you will pull up a stalk of grass and a stalk of wheat or rye
and compare them, you will find that they are alike in all important
respects.
The roots of each look like a little bundle of strings or fibers, and
are therefore called fibrous; the stalks you will find jointed and
hollow; and the leaves are long and narrow, tapering to a point at their
ends.
Then, if you examine the seeds, you will see that they are placed near
together and form what we call an ear or head, as in an ear of corn, or
a head of wheat.
This same general form or structure applies to every one of the plants
belonging to the grass family; and in this family are included all the
different kinds of canes and reeds that grow in swamps and marshy
places, as well as the bamboo of the tropics.
Shrubs are those plants which have woody stems and branches. They are
generally of small size, rarely reaching over twenty feet in height.
Small shrubs are usually called bushes.
In this class of plants, the branches generally start close to the
ground, and in some cases, a little below the surface of the ground,
rising and spreading out in all directions.
The common currant bushes, blackberry bushes, and rose bushes which we
see in gardens, are shrubs.
So also are grape-vines, honeysuckles, ivy, and all other creeping
vines. These are called climbing plants, because little tendrils or
claspers which grow out of their branches, wind around and fasten
themselves to any thing in their way.
Trees are the largest and strongest of all plants.
They have woody stems or trunks, and branches. These branches do not, as
in shrubs, start close to the ground, but at some distance above, from
which height they extend in different directions.
It is difficult to believe that some of the large trees we see, sprung
from small seeds; yet it is true that all trees started in this manner.
The seeds are scattered about by birds and tempests, and falling on the
soft ground, where they become covered with, leaves and earth, they take
root and grow.
Thus the little acorn sprouts, and from it springs the sturdy oak, which
is not only the noblest of trees, but lives hundreds of years.
The trunks and branches of trees are protected by a covering called
bark. This bark is thicker near the base or root of the tree than it is
higher up among the branches.
On some trees, the bark is very rough and shaggy looking, as on the oak,
ash, walnut, and pine; on others, the bark is smooth, as on the beech,
apple, and birch.
Some trees live for only a few years, rapidly reaching their full
growth, and rapidly decaying. The peach-tree is one of this kind.
Other trees live to a great age. An elm-tree has been known to live for
three hundred years; a chestnut-tree, six hundred years; and oaks, eight
hundred years.
The baobab-tree of Africa lives to be many hundred years old. There is a
yew-tree in England that is known to be over two thousand years old.
The "big trees" of California are the largest in the world, although not
of so great an age as some that have been mentioned. The tallest of
these trees that has yet been discovered, measures over three hundred
and fifty feet in height, and the distance around it near the ground is
almost one hundred feet. The age of this tree must be between one
thousand five hundred and two thousand years.
* * * * *
Directions for Reading.--Let, pupils pronounce in concert and singly,
the following words: _corn, stalks, important, form, tall, walnut,
horses_.
In the fifth paragraph on page 199, why are _some_ and _others_
emphatic?[12]
Mark _inflections_ of _oak, ash, walnut_, and _pine_; and of _beech,
apple_, and _birch_.
* * * * *
Language Lesson.--Place _dis_ before each of the following words,
and then give the meaning of each of the words so formed.
appear covered able like believe
[12] See fifth paragraph from the end of the lesson.
* * * * *
LESSON XLII.
flush, _bright red color_.
low'ing, _the bellowing or cry of cattle_.
rang'ing, _wandering_.
in tent', _determined_.
striv'ing, _making great efforts_.
pre serve', _keep in safety_.
re flect'ed, _shining back; thrown back, as by a looking-glass_.
pro ceed'ed, _went forward_.
checked, _stopped_.
blasts, _sounds made by blowing_.
* * * * *
A FOREST ON FIRE.
PART I.
We were sound asleep one night, when, about two hours before day, the
snorting of our horses and lowing of our cattle, which were ranging in
the woods, suddenly awoke us.
I took my rifle and went to the door to see what beast had caused the
hubbub, when I was struck by the glare of light reflected on all the
trees before me, as far as I could see through the woods.
My horses were leaping about, snorting loudly, and the cattle ran among
them in great confusion.
On going to the back of the house I plainly heard the crackling made by
the burning brushwood, and saw the flames coming toward us in a
far-extended line.
I ran to the house, told my wife to dress herself and the child as
quickly as possible, and take the little money we had, while I managed
to catch and saddle two of the best horses.
All this was done in a very short time, for I felt that every moment was
precious to us.
We then mounted our horses, and made off from the fire. My wife, who is
an excellent rider, kept close to me; and my daughter, who was then a
small child, I took in one arm.
When making off, I looked back and saw that the frightful blaze was
close upon us, and had already laid hold of the house.
By good luck there was a horn attached to my hunting-clothes, and I blew
it, to bring after us, if possible, the remainder of my live-stock, as
well as the dogs.
The cattle followed for a while; but before an hour had passed they all
ran, as if mad, through the woods, and that was the last we saw of them.
My dogs, too, although at all other times easily managed, ran after the
deer that in great numbers sprung before us as if fully aware of the
death, that was so rapidly approaching.
We heard blasts from the horns of our neighbors as we proceeded, and
knew that they were in the same unfortunate condition that we were in
ourselves.
Intent on striving to the utmost to preserve our lives, I thought of a
large lake, some miles off, where the flames might possibly be checked,
and we might find a place of safety.
Urging my wife to whip up her horse, we set off at full speed, making
the best way we could over the fallen trees and the brush heaps, which
lay like so many articles placed on purpose to keep up the terrific
fires that advanced with a broad front upon us.
By this time we were suffering greatly from the effects of the heat, and
we were afraid that our horses would be overcome and drop down at any
moment.
A singular kind of breeze was passing over our heads, and the glare of
the burning trees shone more brightly than the daylight. I was sensible
of a slight faintness, and my wife looked pale.
The heat had produced such a flush in the child's face that, when she
turned toward either of us, our grief and anxiety were greatly
increased.
* * * * *
Directions for Reading.--What tone of voice should be used in reading
the lesson?
Should the rate of reading be slow or rapid?
Point out two paragraphs requiring a somewhat different rate.
Should the feelings expressed in the lesson be rendered in a quiet or
loud tone?
Different inflections are sometimes used, simply to give variety to the
reading and not for emphasis.
In the first paragraph, mark _inflection_ of _night, day, horses,
cattle, woods, us_.
* * * * *
LESSON XLIII.
de voured', _eaten up greedily, as by wild animals_.
por'cu pine, _a kind of animal_.
smold'der ing, _burning slowly; smoking_.
in suf'fer a ble, _not to be borne_.
shift'ed, _moved about; changed position_.
sti'fling, _stopping the breath_.
dismal, _gloomy; cheerless_.
un grate'ful, _not thankful_.
rem'e died, _relieved; cured_.
* * * * *
A FOREST ON FIRE.
PART II.
Ten miles are soon gone over on swift horses; but yet, when we reached
the borders of the lake we were quite exhausted, and our hearts failed
us. The heat of the smoke was insufferable, and sheets of blazing fire
flew over us in a manner beyond belief.
[Illustration]
We reached the shore, however, coasted the lake for a while, and got
round to the sheltered side. There we gave up our horses, which we never
saw again.
We plunged down among the rushes, by the edge of the water, and laid
ourselves down flat, to await the chance of escaping from being burned
or devoured. The water greatly refreshed us, and we enjoyed the
coolness.
On went the fire, rushing and crashing through the woods. Such a morning
may we never again see! The heavens themselves, I thought, were
frightened.
All above us was a bright, red glare, mingled with, dark, threatening
clouds and black smoke, rolling and sweeping away in the distance.
Our bodies were cool enough, but our heads were scorching; and the
child, who now seemed to understand the matter, cried so as nearly to
break our hearts.
The day passed on, and we became hungry. Many wild beasts came plunging
into the water beside us, and others swam across to our side, and stood
still. Although faint and weary, I managed to shoot a porcupine, and we
all tasted its flesh.
The night passed, I cannot tell you how. Smoldering fires covered the
ground, and the trees stood like pillars of fire, or fell across each
other.
The stifling and sickening smoke still rushed over us, and the burnt
cinders and ashes fell thick around us.
When morning came, every thing about us was calm; but a dismal smoke
still filled the air, and the smell seemed worse than ever. What was to
become of us I did not know.
My wife hugged the child to her breast, and wept bitterly; but God had
preserved us through the worst of the danger, and the flames had gone
past, so I thought it would be both ungrateful to Him and unmanly to
despair now.
Hunger once more pressed upon us, but this was soon remedied. Several
deer were standing in the water, up to the head, and I shot one of them.
Some of its flesh was soon roasted, and after eating it we felt
wonderfully strengthened.
By this time the blaze of the burning forest was beyond our sight,
although the remains of the fires of the night before were still burning
in many places, and it was dangerous to go among the burnt trees.
After resting for some time, we prepared to commence our march. Taking
up the child in my arms, I led the way over the hot ground and rocks;
and after two weary days and nights of suffering, during which we
shifted in the best manner we could, we at last succeeded in reaching
the hard woods, which had been free from the fire.
Soon after we came to a house, where we were kindly treated. Since then
I have worked hard and constantly as a lumber-man; and, thanks to God,
we are safe, sound, and happy.
* * * * *
Directions for Reading.--Point out, breathing-places in the last
paragraph of page 207.[13]
Name the _emphatic words_ in the last sentence of the lesson.
Mark _inflection_ in the last line of the lesson.
Pronounce carefully the following words: _dark, march, hard, calm,
hearts_.
* * * * *
Language Lesson.--Let pupils define the following words: _complete,
attract, locate, intent, procrastinate, separate_; then add to each
word as a stem, the ending _ion_, and define the words so formed.
Point out the omissions of letters necessary in joining the stems and
endings.
Let pupils make out an _analysis_ in six parts for the last two
lessons, and use it in writing or telling the story in their own words.
[13] See third paragraph from the end of the lesson.
* * * * *
LESSON XLIV.
peas'ants, _those who work on farms_.
hedge'rows, _rows of shrubs or trees used to inclose a space_.
tow'ers, _very high buildings_.
an ces'tral, _belonging to a family for a great many years_.
mon'arch, _king; ruler_.
roy'al ty, _kings and queens_.
gifts, _things given; presents_.
* * * * *
COMMON GIFTS.
The sunshine is a glorious thing,
That comes alike to all,
Lighting the peasant's lowly cot,
The noble's painted hall.
The moonlight is a gentle thing,
Which through the window gleams
Upon the snowy pillow, where
The happy infant dreams.
It shines upon the fisher's boat
Out on the lonely sea,
As well as on the flags which float
On towers of royalty.
The dewdrops of the summer morn
Display their silver sheen
Upon the smoothly shaven lawn,
And on the village green.
There are no gems in monarch's crown
More beautiful than they;
And yet you scarcely notice them,
But tread them off in play.
The music of the birds is heard,
Borne on the passing breeze,
As sweetly from the hedgerows as
From old ancestral trees.
There are as many lovely things,
As many pleasant tones,
For those who dwell by cottage hearths
As those who sit on thrones.
* * * * *
Directions for Reading.--This lesson should be read with a full and
clear tone of voice. The thoughts expressed are not of a conversational
nature.
In the first stanza, in the contrast between _peasant's lowly cot_ and
_noble's painted hall_, the inflections are _rising circumflexes_
and _falling circumflexes_.
The _rising circumflex_ consists of a downward turn of the voice
followed by an upward turn; the _falling circumflex_, of an upward
turn followed by a downward turn.
Let pupils mark the inflections in the last two lines of the poem.
* * * * *
Language Lesson.--Let pupils express the meaning of what is given
below in dark type, using a single word for each example.
For _those who dwell by cottage hearths_
As _those who sit on thrones_.
* * * * *
LESSON XLV.
re quest', _a wish that is expressed; desire_.
har'bor, _a sheltered place where ships can anchor_.
lo'cate, _place; choose as a place to live_.
both'er, _trouble_.
beach, _the shore of the sea_.
knack, _an easy way of doing any thing_.
in dulged', _gave way to, as to appetite_.
ban'quet, _a very good dinner or other meal_.
rheu'ma tism, _a painful trouble in the muscles or joints_.
* * * * *
A GHOST STORY.
PART I.
"I have not a room in the house; but if you don't mind going down to the
cottage, and coming up here to your meals, I can take you, and would be
glad to," said Mrs. Grant, in answer to my request for board.
"Where is the cottage?" and I looked about me, feeling ready to accept
any thing in the way of shelter, after the long, hot journey from Boston
to breezy York Harbor.
"Right down there--just a step, you see. It's all in order; and next
week it will be full, for many folks prefer it because of the quiet."
At the end of a very steep path, which offered every chance for
accidents of all sorts, from a sprained ankle to a broken neck, stood
the cottage--a little white building, with a pretty vine over the door,
gay flowers in the garden, and the blue Atlantic rolling up at the foot
of the cliff.
"A regular 'Cottage by the Sea.' It will suit me exactly if I can have
the upper front room. I don't mind being alone; so have my trunk taken
down, please, and I'll get ready for tea," said I, feeling very happy on
account of my good luck.
Alas, how little I knew what a night of terror I was to pass in that
pretty white cottage!
An hour later, refreshed by my tea and the coolness of the place, I
plunged into the pleasures of the season, and accepted two invitations
for the evening--one to a, walk on Sunset Hill, the other to a clam-bake
on the beach.
The stroll came first, and on the hill-top we met an old gentleman with
a spy-glass, who welcomed me with the remark--
"Pretty likely place for a prospect."
After replying to what he said, I asked the old gentleman if he knew any
legend or stories about the old houses all around us.
"Yes, many of them," he replied; "and it isn't always the old places
that have the most stories about 'em.
"Why, that cottage down yonder isn't more'n fifty years old, and they do
say there's been a lot of ghosts seen there, owin' to a man's killin' of
himself in the back bed-room."
"What! that house at the end of the lane?" I asked, with sudden
interest.
"Just so; nice place, but lonesome and dampish. Ghosts and toadstools
are apt to locate in houses of that sort," was his mild reply.
The dampness scared me more than the ghosts, for I had never seen a
ghost yet; but I had been haunted by rheumatism, and found it a hard
thing to get rid of.
"I've taken a room there, so I'm rather interested in knowing what
company I'm to have."
"Taken a room, have you? Well, I dare say you won't be troubled. Some
folks have a knack of seeing spirits, and then again some haven't.
"My wife is uncommon powerful that way, but I an't; my sight's dreadful
poor for that sort."
There was such a sly look in the starboard eye of the old fellow as he
spoke, that I laughed outright, and asked, sociably--
"Has she ever seen the ghosts of the cottage? I think I have rather a
knack that way, and I'd like to know what to expect."
"No, her sort is the rapping kind. Down yonder, the only ghost I take
much stock in is old Bezee Tucker's. Some folks say they've heard him
groaning there nights, and a dripping sound; he bled to death, you know.
"It was kept quiet at the time, and is forgotten now by all but a few
old fellows like me. Bezee was always polite to the ladies, so I guess
he won't bother you, ma'am;" and the old fellow laughed.
"If he does, I'll let you know;" and with that I left him, for I was
called and told that the beach party was anxious for my company.
In the delights of that happy hour, I forgot the warning of the old
gentleman on the hill, for I was about to taste a clam for the first
time in my life, and it was a most absorbing moment.
Perched about on the rocks like hungry birds, we sat and watched the
happy cooks with breathless interest, as they struggled with
frying-pans, fish that refused to brown, steaming sea-weed, and hot
ashes.
Little Margie Grant waited upon me so prettily, that I should have been
tempted to try a sea porcupine if she had offered it, so charming was
her way of saying, "O here's a perfectly lovely one! Do take him by his
little black head and eat him quick!"
I indulged without thought, in clams, served hot between two shells,
little dreaming what a price I was to pay for that banquet.
* * * * *
Language Lesson--Let pupils use other words to express the meaning of
the parts given below in dark type.
"Right down there--_just a step_, you see."
"_Pretty likely_ place for a prospect."
"The only one I _take much stock in_."
Write out in full the words for which _'em_ and _an't_ are used.
* * * * *
LESSON XLVI.
quaked, _shook, as with fear_.
cha'os, _a great number of things without order_.
gi gan'tic, _of very great size_.
stealth'y, _very quiet, so as to escape notice_.
fa'tal, _causing great harm_.
mis'sion, _what one is sent to do_.
in'ter vals, _spaces of time_.
thrill, _feeling, as of pain or pleasure_.
af fect'ing, _making a show of_.
a pol'o gize, _express sorrow for an act_.
ret ri bu'tion, _paying back for one's acts; punishment_.
* * * * *
A GHOST STORY.
PART II.
We staid up till late, and then I was left, at my own door by my
friends, who informed me that York was a very quiet, safe place, where
people slept with unlocked doors, and nothing ever went amiss o' nights.
I said nothing of ghosts, being ashamed to own that I quaked, a little
at the idea of the "back bed-room," as I shut out the friendly faces and
fastened myself in.
A lamp and matches stood in the hall, and lighting the lamp, I whisked
up stairs with suspicious rapidity, locking my door, and went to bed,
firmly refusing to own even to myself that I had ever heard the name of
Bezee Tucker.
Being very tired, I soon fell asleep; but fried potatoes and a dozen or
two of hot clams are not kinds of food best fitted to bring quiet sleep,
so a fit of nightmare brought me to a realizing sense of my foolishness.
From a chaos of wild dreams was finally brought forth a gigantic clam,
whose mission it was to devour me as I had devoured its relatives. The
sharp shells were open before me, and a solemn voice said, "Take her by
her little head and eat her quick."
Retribution was at hand, and, with a despairing effort to escape by
diving, I bumped my head smartly against the wall, and woke up feeling
as if there was an earthquake under the bed.
Collecting my scattered wits, I tried to go to sleep again; but alas!
that fatal feast had destroyed sleep, and I vainly tried to quiet my
wakeful senses with the rustle of leaves about the window and the
breaking waves upon the beach.
In one of the pauses between the sounds of the waves, I heard a curious
noise in the house--a sort of moan, coming at regular intervals.
And, as I sat up to make out where it was, another sound caught my
attentive ear. Drip, drip, drip, went something out in the hall, and in
an instant the tale told me on Sunset Hill came back with unpleasant
reality.
"Nonsense! It is raining, and the roof leaks," I said to myself, while
an unpleasant thrill went through me, and fancy, aided by indigestion,
began to people the house with ghostly inmates.
No rain had fallen for weeks, and peeping through my curtain, I saw the
big, bright stars shining in a cloudless sky; so that explanation
failed, and still the drip, drip, drip went on.
Likewise the moaning--so distinctly now that it was clear that the
little back bed-room was next the chamber in which I was quaking at that
very moment.
"Some one is sleeping there," I said, and then remembered that all the
rooms were locked, and all the keys but mine in Mrs. Grant's pocket, up
at the house.
"Well, let the ghosts enjoy themselves; I won't disturb them if they let
me alone. Some of the ladies thought me brave to dare to sleep here,
and it never will do to own I was scared by a foolish story and an odd
sound."
So down I lay, and said the multiplication table with great
determination for several minutes, trying to turn a deaf ear to the
outside world and check my unruly thoughts.
But it was a failure; and when I found myself saying over and over "Four
times twelve is twenty-four," I gave up affecting courage, and went in
for a good, honest scare.
As a cheerful subject for midnight consideration, I kept thinking of B.
Tucker, in spite of every effort to give it up. In vain I remembered the
fact that the departed gentleman was "always polite to ladies."