"I think I'll have this, Mamma," said she; "isn't it a beauty?
I could put it in my pocket, you know, and carry it anywhere,
with the greatest ease."

"It would have one great objection to me," said Mrs.
Montgomery, "inasmuch as I cannot possibly see to read it."

"Cannot you, Mamma? But I can read it perfectly."

"Well, my dear, take it — that is, if you will make up your
mind to put on spectacles before your time."

"Spectacles, Mamma! I hope I shall never have to wear
spectacles."

"What do you propose to do when your sight fails, if you shall
live so long?"

"Well, Mamma, if it comes to that; — but you don't advise me,
then, to take this little beauty?"

"Judge for yourself; I think you are old enough."

"I know what you think, though, Mamma, and I daresay you are
right, too; I won't take it, though it's a pity. Well, I must
look again."

Mrs. Montgomery came to her help, for it was plain Ellen had
lost the power of judging amidst so many tempting objects. But