They are excellencies I must earnestly desire for each of you, my dear
children. But we have not time for further conversation to-night: you
have all exerted yourselves extremely to-day, and must feel fatigued.

_Louisa_. Oh no, papa, I am not all all tired.

_Mrs. B._ Indeed, my Louisa, your heavy eyes tell a different tale.
Ferdinand, too, looks very sleepy. Good night, my dear children.

They immediately arose, and, thanking their father for the great
indulgence he had afforded them, retired.


CONVERSATION IV.

"Now, my dears, have you your work prepared for the evening?" said Mrs.
Bernard, rising from the tea-table.

"Mine is quite ready, mamma," replied Emily.

"And mine too, I believe," said Louisa, opening her work-bag. "Oh!
dear, no, I have used up all my thread. I quite forgot that. And where
can my thimble be? I am sure I thought I had put it into my bag.
Emily, have you seen my thimble? I dare say you have got it, you are so
apt to take my things."

_Emily._ Oh! no, indeed, Louisa, you are mistaken, Sometimes, when I
find them left about, I put them by for you, that they may not be lost.

"Well, that is the very thing that makes me think I have lost them,"