Murad the Unlucky, and Other Tales

uch I fear le

ide it be whic

es! with nice

oo the sparks o

NST

arose, whether her abilities were naturally more vivacious than those of her companions, or whether they had been more early developed by accidental excitation, we cannot pretend to determine, lest we should involve ourselves in the intricate question respecting natural genius-a metaphys

ished a cool English spectator. Every morning her first question to Sister Frances was: "Will she come to-day?" If Madame de Fleury was expected, the hours and the minutes were counted, and the sand in the hour-glass that stood on the schoolroom table was frequently shaken. The moment she appeared Victoire ran to her, and was silent; sat

ill permit me at least to lo

g, so that she could not venture to play with her companions. At their hours of recreation she used to sit on

er schoolfellows, read the names of all the animals in Sister Frances' picture-book. No matter how trifling the thing done, or the knowledge acquired, a great point is gained by giving the desire for employment. Children frequently become industrious from impatience of the pains and penalties of idleness. Count Rumford showed that he understood childish nature perfectly well when, in his House of Industry at Munich, he compelled the young children to sit for some time idle in a gallery round the hall, w

em to stand out of the way, and see her slide from top to bottom. At this moment Sister Frances came to the schoolroom door and forbade the feat; but Victoire, regardless of all prohibition, slid down ins

fraid," sai

here, you may brea

said Victoire. "Let me go, p

in. Babet and all the little ones would follow

compulsion. Clinging fast to the banisters, she resisted with all her might; she kicked and screamed, and screamed and kicked, but

nun, "would you stri

she threw herself upon her knees in the midst of the crowd of young spectators, and begged pardon of Sister Frances. For the rest of

e Fleury advised her to forbear recurring to it frequently, lest she should wear out the sensibility she so much loved. In consequence of this counsel, Victoire's violence of temper was sometimes reduced by force and sometimes corrected by reason; but the principle an

to the smith who worked in the house where his mother lodged. This most ardent wish of his soul he had imparted to h

never in a passion for a whole month, I will undertake that your brother shall be bound apprentice to his friend the sm