consistent to change my mind. And then, too, Miss Grundy seems
admirably suited for the place. Her _forte_ is among pots and kettles,
and she will get the most work out of the boarders, keep them on the
least fare, and put more money into Mr. Parker's pocket at the end of
a year, than any one he could hire, and this is the secret of his
bearing so much from her."

"But why does she want to fill his pockets with money?"

Sal gave a knowing wink and replied, "You are not old enough to see
into every thing, so I dare say you wouldn't understand me if I should
hint that Mrs. Parker has the consumption, and can't live always."
Mary's looks plainly told that this remark had given her no idea
whatever, and Sal continued, "I knew you wouldn't understand, for you
haven't my discernment to begin with, and then you were never sent
away to school, were you?"

"No, ma'am, was you?" asked Mary.

"Say '_were you_,' if you please, it is more euphonious Yes, I was at
school in Leicester two years, and was called the best grammarian
there, but since I've sojourned with this kind of people, I've nearly
lost my refinement. To be sure I aim at exclusiveness, and now you've
come I shall cut them all, with the exception of Uncle Peter, who
would be rather genteel if he knew more of grammar."

Just then Alice awoke, and Sally, who had not observed her before,
sprang forward with a scream of joy, and seizing the child in her
arms, threw her up towards the ceiling, catching her as she came down
as easily as she would a feather. Strange to say Alice neither