such injustice; so go and get ready as quick as possible."

"But, father, I had really a great deal rather that George should go,"
insisted Maria.

"But I cannot think that George would really, on the whole, prefer to
take your place," said Mr. Wilton, turning to George.

"No, sir." replied George, who--restored by this time to a sense of
propriety and justice--was standing ready to speak for himself. "No,
sir; Maria is very kind; but I do not wish to take her place; I am very
sorry indeed that I said any thing about it. I certainly shall not
consent to hike your place, Maria," he said, perceiving that she was
ready to entreat still further.

"O! but I do wish you would," said Maria. But just here her mother
interposed. "If Maria would really prefer to give up her place to her
brother," said Mrs. Wilton, "I certainly shall like the arrangement very
much, for I am to be particularly engaged this afternoon, and, as
Harriet is to be absent, I shall be very glad of some of Maria's
assistance in taking care of the baby."

"O! well," said Maria, brightening up, "then I am sure I will not go: so
run, George, for father is almost ready to start."

Thus the matter was amicably settled. George went with his father, and
Maria remained at home to help take care of little Willy.

Maria loved her little brother very much, and she never seemed tired of
taking care of him, even when he was ever so fretful or restless. She