Though I don't see how any body can teach a thing unless they can do it themselves." "Sometimes they can," said Mary Erskine.

"A man may teach a horse to canter, without being able to canter himself." Mary Bell laughed at the idea of a man attempting to canter, and said that she should be very glad to try to learn to draw.

Mary Erskine then said that after they had finished their breakfast the children might go out an hour to walk and play, and that then when they should come in, they would find every thing ready for the school.
Mary Bell concluded to take a walk about the farm during the time which they were allowed to spend in play, before the school was to begin.

So she and Bella put on their bonnets, and bidding Mary Erskine good morning, they sallied forth.

As they came out at the great stoop door their attention was arrested by the sound of a cow-bell.