[Illustration: THE LITTLE TEACHER.]




THE LITTLE TEACHER.


I know of a little girl, who, like Mozart, shows a great talent for
music, though she is not yet ten years old. Before she could walk, it
seemed to be her delight to creep along the floor to the piano, draw
herself up so as to touch the key-board, and then strike the different
keys.

Some of the sounds were pleasing to her, and from some she would start
and draw back, as if she were hurt. A false note in music seemed to
inflict pain, while she would show great pleasure when the harmony was
perfect.

This little girl, whose name is Laura, has been so faithful in studying
the rules of music, that, young as she is, she is employed to teach it
to children still younger than herself. As her parents are poor, she is
paid well for this service. In the picture you may see her standing,
while Emma Dean, one of her little pupils, occupies the music-stool.

"Oh, I shall never learn to play like you, Miss Laura," says Emma.

"Pray don't call me _Miss_," says Laura; "for I am but a little girl
like yourself."