's fidgety-like sometimes,
and says I don't hit the nail on the head quick enough; and she takes a
dale more trouble than she need about mony a thing.'

"'I do not think I ever saw Ellen's wheel without flax before, Shane?'
'Bad 'cess to the wheel!--I got it this morning about that too. I
_depinded_ on John Williams to bring the flax from O'Flaharty's this day
week, and he forgot it; and she says I ought to have brought it myself,
and I close to the spot. But where's the good? says I; sure, he'll bring
it next time.'

"'I suppose, Shane, you will soon move into the new cottage at Churn
Hill? I passed it to-day, and it looked so cheerful; and when you get
there, you must take Ellen's advice, and _depind_ solely on yourself.'
'Och! ma'am dear, don't mention it; sure it's that makes me so down in
the mouth this very minit. Sure I saw that born blackguard, Jack Waddy,
and he comes in here, quite innocent-like--'Shane, you've an eye to
squire's new lodge,' says he. 'Maybe I have,' says I. 'I'm yer man,'
says he. 'How so,' says I. 'Sure I'm as good as married to my lady's
maid,' said he; 'and I'll spake to the squire for you my own self.' 'The
blessing be about you,' says I, quite grateful--and we took a strong cup
on the strength of it--and _depinding_ on him, I thought all safe; and
what d'ye think, my lady? Why, himself stalks into the place--talked the
squire over, to be sure--and without so much as "by your lave," sates
himself and his new wife on the lase in the house; and I may go
whistle.' 'It was a great pity, Shane, that you did not go yourself to
Mr. Churn.' 'That's a true word for you, ma'am dear; but it's hard if a
poor man can't have a frind to _depind_ on.'"

If you want any thing well done, you must see to it yourself. If you
want it half done, leave it to servants. If you want it neglected,
impose it upon your friend, to save yourself the trouble.

SECTION III.--CONTENTMENT.

The true secret of happiness lies in a _contented mind_. If we would be
happy, we must be satisfied with our lot as it is. There is no condition
in which there is not something unpleasant. If we seek for perfection,
we may roam the wide world over, and never find it; but, if we learn to
bear patiently what we cannot help, almost any situation in life will be
tolerable. Every one, however, is disposed to think his troubles the
worst of all. The following story shows that no situation is exempt from
trouble.

_The old black sheep_