But he likes, as well as any man, to see his children look neat, whatever he may say.

And yet he pretends that children should have clothes so made that they can convert themselves into horses, and treat each other to rides without rending to pieces! And he protests that it is all nonsense to undertake to keep children dressed in the fashion! Truly I am tempted to say to the men as Job did to his friends: "No doubt but ye are the people, and wisdom shall die with you!" Such plagues as they are sometimes! But I could not help laughing after all, when, as I said before, he was lecturing me.

The table was covered with work, done and in progress.

He went on till out of breath.

I answered: "Now you know the children have not a rag to their backs!" "I should think not," he said, drily, as he looked about him.