er, which
you have seen me take so much care to rear, in order to have taken seed
from it?" Poor Dorinda was in such a fright, that she could only beg her
papa not to be angry. Mr. Venables, growing more calm, replied he was
not angry, but reminded her, that as they were going to a garden where
there was a variety of flowers, she might have waited till they got
there to indulge her fancy. He therefore hoped she would not take it
amiss if he left her at home.

This was a terrible situation for Dorinda, who held her head down, and
said, nothing. Little Alfred, however, was of too generous a temper to
keep silence any longer. He went up to his papa, with his eyes swimming
in tears, and told him, that it was not his sister but himself, who had
accidentally beaten off the head of the flower with the flap of his
coat. He therefore desired, that his sister might go abroad, and he stay
at home.

Mr. Venables was so delighted with the generosity of his children, that
he instantly forgave the accident, and tenderly kissed them both, being
happy to see them have such an affection for each other. He told them,
that he loved them equally alike, and that they should both go with him.
Alfred and Dorinda kissed each other, and leaped about for joy.

They all three then walked to the garden, where they saw plants of the
most valuable kinds. Mr. Venables observed with pleasure how Dorinda
pressed her clothes on each side, and Alfred kept the skirts of his coat
under his arms, for fear of doing any damage in their walk among the
flowers.

The flower Mr. Venables had lost would have given him some pain had it
happened from any other circumstance; but the pleasure he received from
seeing such mutual affection and regard subsist between his two
children, amply repaid him for the loss of his flower. I cannot omit
the opportunity that here presents itself, of reminding my young
friends, not only how necessary, but how amiable and praiseworthy it is,
for brothers and sisters to live together in harmony. It is not only
their most important interest to do so, but what should be a still
stronger argument with them, such are the commands of Him who made them.

[Illustration]

ROSINA; OR, THE FROWARD GIRL

REFORMED.

[Illustration]

I would recommend to all my little readers who have had the misfortune
to contract a vicious habit, very attentively to peruse the following
historical fragment, in which, if they will but properly re