Shall you go to see Mr. H.? Yes, for I must take him a book he has asked for. - You do not take your young brother away with you? It is too far; he could not go and return on foot. — At what hour do you intend to come back? I don't know, but I think we shall be back about seven o'clock. When shall you bring us your sisters? I will tell them that you wish to see them; and I am sure they will be very happy to come and see you. Would you be so kind as to bring one of your English grammars? I wish to study English.

Honesty is the best Policy.

Charles was twelve years old when he had the misfortune to lose his father. He had therefore no longer anybody to provide for him (pour pourvoir à ses besoins); for his mother was in such a poor state of health that she could hardly support herself with her work. Charles resolved to help himself (de se suffire), in order not to be a burden (à charge) to his mother. He took leave of her, and went to (alla trouver) one of his father's friends, who was a prosperous merchant, and begged that he would give him employment (un emploi). Mr. Martin, the merchant, was ready to take him into his house if he would engage to serve him faithfully and honestly. This (ce que) Charles promised with such frankness that Mr. Martin thought he could trust him (avoir confiance en lui). Nevertheless (toutefois), he wished to try him. One day he purposely put a piece of gold in an empty paper that had contained money, to see whether Charles would be honest enough not to keep it. The boy found the piece of gold in the presence of one of his master's servants. "That's a godsend!" (une bonne aubaine) said the servant; "keep it, and we will have a good time" (nous nous amuserons). But instantly (aussitôt) Charles returned the money to Mr. Martin, who was so much pleased with the boy, that, having no children of his own, he made him his heir.

SEVENTEENTH LESSON-Dix-septième Leçon.

No, but I can make myself under- Non, mais je puis me faire com

We pay a thousand francs per Nous payons mille francs par

You have got me out of a bad scrape. Vous m'avez tiré d'un mauvais

EXAMPLES.

I should like to have a needle and Je voudrais bien avoir une ai

Every one works in his own way.
I am often puzzled when I speak Je
French.

CONVERSATION.

Avez-vous une lime? Pourriez-vous me prêter des tenailles? Que voulez-vous déclouer (unfasten)? Pourriez-vous me donner quelques clous? Avez-vous un gros marteau? Pouvez-vous vous exprimer en allemand? Pouvez-vous vous faire comprendre en français? Pourquoi êtes-vous quelquefois embarrassé quand vous parlez avec M. N.? Votre fils a-t-il loué une grande chambre? Y a-t-il beaucoup de chambres à louer dans cet hôtel? Combien y a-t-il de chambres dans cet appartement? Pourquoi vous attirez-vous si souvent de mauvaises affaires? Comment votre ami s'est-il tiré de cette mauvaise affaire? Combien a-t-il perdu? Qui a gagné au whist?

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17.

Have you any pins at my service? There are some; take as many as you please. Thank you. Don't mention it. - Could you lend me a ruler? Unfortunately, I have none. - Are all your rooms let? No, we have two more to let. I should like to see them. Please to walk up stairs; I will show them to you (montrer). Have you a long lease? We have a lease of eighteen years. - Have you been living long in this house? It will soon be seven years. What is that called in English? It is called a shuttle. — And that? A sieve. -You know English very well. Pretty well; however, I am often puzzled to find my words; above all, when I wish to speak fast. Do you understand that Englishman when he speaks French? Not at all; he speaks so badly that he can not make himself understood.

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Do you love your country well? I love it with all my heart. May I take away your little sister to the garden of the Luxembourg? Why (mais), certainly; she will be very glad to accompany you. At what o'clock must I bring her back? When you please; provided she is here for dinner-time (l'heure du diner); it is all I ask; only she is not well dressed. Never mind; we are merely going to take a little walk. — Have you seen the balloon pass over the town? I have not (seen it); it probably passed while I was in the cellar (la cave). — A count, or an earl (comte), is above a baron, is he not? Yes; but in a republic all the citizens (citoyens) are equal (égaux); they differ only by personal merit.

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The Drummer-Boy1.

In the war with France previous" to the Revolution, an English drummer, not more than fifteen years of age, having wandered 3 from his camp too near the French lines, was seized and brought before the French commander. On being asked by the general who he was, he answered, "A drummer in the English service." This not being believed, a drum was sent for, and he was desired to beat a couple of marches, which he accordingly did.

The Frenchman's suspicions being, however, not quite removed, he desired the drummer to beat a retreat. "A retreat, sir?" replied the youthful Briton; "I don't know what that is." This answer pleased the French officer so much, that he dismissed the drummer, and wrote to his general commending 8 his spirited behavior.

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1 le tambour; 2 avant; 3 s'étant écarté; 1 tambour; 5 fit de suite: 6 concevant encore des soupçons; 7 renvoya; louant; brave.

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