ngs to market; but there was at present nobody near, with whom she
might consult on the occasion, for her sisters were amusing themselves
each in her corner.

Every attempt they made to find some new amusement failed, and all
supposed that a compromise would be most agreeable; but, as matters were
carried so far, who was first to propose it? This each would have
considered as a humiliating circumstance; they therefore kept their
distance, and disdainfully continued in their solitude. The day at last
closing, they returned to Madam D'Allone, and begged her to think of
some other amusement for them, than the ineffectual one they had tried.

"I am sorry, my children," said their governess, "to see you all so
discontented. I know but of one way to make you happy, with which you
yourselves were formerly acquainted, but which, it seems, you have
forgotten. Yet, if you wish once more to put it into practice, I can
easily bring it to your recollections." They all answered together, as
though with one voice, that they heartily wished to recollect it, and
stood attentive while their governess was looking at them, in eager
expectation to hear what she had to say.

"What you have lost, or at least forgotten," replied Madam D'Allone, "is
that mutual love and friendship which you once had for each other, and
which every sister ought cheerfully to cherish. O! my dearest little
friends, how have you contrived to forget this, and thereby make me and
yourselves miserable?"

Having uttered these few words, which were interrupted by sighs, she
stopped short, while tears of tenderness stole down her cheeks. The
young ladies appeared much disconcerted, and struck dumb with sorrow and
confusion. Their governess held out her arms, and they all at once
instantly rushed towards her. They sincerely promised that they would
tenderly love each other for the future, and perfectly agree as they
formerly had done.

From this time, no idle peevishness troubled their harmonious
intercourse: and, instead of bickerings and discontents among them,
nothing was seen but mutual condescension, which delighted all who had
the opportunity of being in their company. May this serve as a useful
lesson to my youthful readers, how easy it is for them to promote or
disturb their own happiness.

[Illustration]

THE BIRD'S EGG.

[Illustration]

Master Gregory was fond of walking in a wood, which stood at a short
distance from his father's house. The