h him. He yielded to their
wishes, and their orders were law to him. At the end of that time the
doctor discontinued his regular visits. Oscar was now able to go
out-doors a little in very pleasant weather; but his cough rendered
prudence still very necessary. His confinement, however, was daily
growing more irksome, and sometimes he disregarded the positive
commands of his parents by going out when the weather was unsuitable.

One morning, a menagerie, or collection of wild beasts, was to enter
the city in grand procession. There were to be several elephants and
camels on foot, besides hundreds of other animals (invisible) in
carriages. There was also to be a mammoth gilt chariot, filled with
musicians, and drawn by ever so many horses. The procession was to
pass very near the street where Oscar lived, and he intended to go and
see it; but when the morning came, there was a cold, drizzling rain,
with an uncomfortable east wind, and his mother told him he must not
think of going out. He did think of it, however, and not only thought
of it, but went. While his mother was up stairs, he quietly slipped
out, and went to the corner the procession was expected to pass. There
he waited about an hour, until he became thoroughly wet and chilled,
and then returned home, without seeing the sight; for the showmen had
shortened their intended route on account of the storm. He entered the
house, vexed by his disappointment and the uncomfortable plight he was
in; and when his mother mildly reproved him for his conduct, and
entreated him to be more careful of himself, he only replied that he
did not wish to live, if he must be shut up in the house all the time.
This act of imprudence and disobedience made him a close prisoner in
the house for several days, besides causing him no little suffering.

Oscar employed much of his leisure time in reading, during his
confinement in-doors. His acquaintances lent him many interesting
books, with which he beguiled the weary hours. One day, happening to
think of a volume belonging to his classmate, Benjamin Wright, which he
thought he should like to read, he sent word by Ralph that he wished to
borrow it. The next morning Benjamin brought it to school, and Ralph
took it home to Oscar. On removing the paper in which it was wrapped
up, a letter dropped out, which Oscar found was directed to himself.
He opened it, and a smile lit up his countenance as he glanced over the
sheet, which