ings, which the month of June frequently
affords us, little Anthony was busily employed in preparing to set out
with his father on a party of pleasure, which, for several days before,
had engrossed all his attention. Though, in general, he found it very
difficult to rise early, yet this morning he got up soon, without being
called, so much was his mind fixed on the intended jaunt.

It often happens, with young people in particular, that, all on a
sudden, they lose the object they flattered themselves they were almost
in possession of. So it fared with little Anthony; for, just as they
were ready to set out, the sky darkened all at once, the clouds grew
thick, and a tempestuous wind bent down the trees, and raised a cloud of
dust.

Little Anthony was running down the garden every minute to see how the
sky looked, and then jumped up-stairs to examine the barometer; but
neither the sky nor the barometer seemed to forbode any thing in his
favour. Notwithstanding all this, he gave his father the most flattering
hopes that it would still be a fair day, and that these unfavourable
appearances would soon disperse. He doubted not but that it would be one
of the finest days in the world; and he therefore thought, that the
sooner they set out the better, as it would be a pity to lose a moment
of their time.

His father, however, did not choose to be too hasty in giving credit to
his son's predictions, and thought it more advisable to wait a little.
While Anthony and his father were reasoning on this matter, the clouds
burst, and down came a very heavy shower of rain. Poor Anthony was now
doubly disappointed, and vented his grief in tears, refusing to listen
to the voice of consolation.

The rain continued, without intermission, till three o'clock in the
afternoon, when the clouds began to disperse, the sun resumed its
splendour, the element its clearness, and all nature breathed the odours
of the spring. As the weather brightened, so did the countenance of
little Anthony, and by degrees he recovered his good humour.

His father now thought it necessary to indulge him with a little walk,
and off they set. The calmness of the air, the music of the feathered
songsters, the lively and enchanting verdure of the fields, and the
sweet perfumes that breathed all around them, completely quieted and
composed the troubled heart of the disappointed Anthony.

"Do not you observe," said his father to him, "how agreeable the change
is of