Let the accent of words be watched, and closely; let their meaning be
watched more closely still. A few words, well chosen, will do the work
that a thousand cannot do, when every one of those few is acting
properly, in the function of one another.




LESSON XLIII

HOW TO SELECT A BOY

A gentleman advertised for a boy, and nearly fifty applicants presented
themselves to him. Out of the whole number he selected one and
dismissed the rest.

"I should like to know," said a friend, "on what ground you selected
that boy, who had not a single recommendation?"

"You are mistaken," said the gentleman; "he has a great many. He wiped
his feet when he came in, and closed the door after him, showing that
he was careful. He gave his seat instantly to that lame old man,
showing that he was thoughtful. He took off his cap when he came in
and answered my questions promptly, showing that he was gentlemanly.

"He picked up the book which I had purposely laid on the floor and
replaced it on the table, and he waited quietly for his turn, instead
of pushing and crowding; showing that he was honorable and orderly.
When I talked to him I noticed that his clothes were brushed and his