It tends to damp the glow of disinterested kindness, which often disposes those of more mature years to make all due allowances for their youthful inexperience; it chills the benevolent desire, and cramps the anxious endeavour, to benefit their opening minds. And sooner or later a turn for ridicule will cause its possessor to be disliked and shunned. It may often excite a laugh, but it will never draw forth affection; and those who indulge it may receive the applause of a giddy multitude, but must be content never to enjoy the endearing delights of mutual friendship. They will never be likely themselves to choose a friend, as few characters are so free from imperfection as not to present some few points which may be turned by a trifling mind into a subject for ridicule; nor, on the other hand, will many be found willing to admit to their confidence, those who would be likely to trifle with their most sacred feelings, if they interfered with the display of this dangerous talent. If it is still argued, that satire may, notwithstanding, in some cases be useful, the best guide that can be mentioned to teach us how to make a proper use of it is the golden rule. "Do unto others as ye would they should do

unto you," will distinctly mark the right course, in this and many other cases of perplexity; and under the influence of that spirit of universal kindness, which is the fruit of heavenly wisdom, satire will never be used improperly, and, in our opinion, will seldom, very seldom, be used at all.

CHAPTER VII.

ALL who know the numerous difficulties and vexations encountered by those who have any share in the management of a large school, will easily imagine, that, though Miss Windermere passed many pleasant hours in the midst of the youthful group, by whom she was now so much beloved, yet her life was not without its trials and its cares. Many little occurrences take place every day in such a situation, which, though too trivial to be often thought of after they are past, are sufficient at the time to perplex the mind, and, without watchfulness, to ruffle the temper. These trifling disappointments and vexations, our young friend constantly found in her endeavours to train and instruct her pupils. She engaged in her duties with all the energy of youth, and the interest natural to her ardent and highly cultivated mind; but among so many

different dispositions, discouragements often occurred. Much patience and firmness of mind were necessary to allow her to encounter with calmness the indolence, carelessness, dulness, or perhaps impertinence, of some with whom she had to deal. But this she was enabled to exercise; she knew from what source she must derive all her strength, and often, in the midst of bustle and perplexity, she remembered the Scripture precept, "Be instant in prayer;" and in following it, she frequently found her strength renewed, and her spirits cheered. Thus, though the waters were sometimes ruffled, the spring of her peace was untouched; and the streams of the water of life, so freely open to all, still refreshed her, as she passed along the wilderness, on her way to that heavenly home on which her hope was fixed.

The esteem and love of those around, though only the natural results of her own unwearied kindness, were no small solace to her affectionate heart, and frequently gave her cause for thankfulness. One morning, her engagements had been more than usually harassing, through the inattention and neglect of some of her pupils, whose names we have not thought it is necessary

to mention. After their studies were concluded, Miss Windermere went up into her room as usual, to dress for dinner; she was feeling a little discouraged, and thought to herself, as she went along, "How trying it is to attempt to teach them, when their own minds are not engaged! How can I improve them, with all my endeavours, unless they will let me have their attention?" However, she remembered it was wrong to indulge impatience; she felt that numberless mercies outweighed her little trials, and she determined to renew her efforts, and to conquer all difficulties that did not seem absolutely insurmountable. With this resolution she entered her apartment, where the first thing she saw on her dressing-table, was a small packet, directed to herself. With some surprise she opened it, and found it contained a pretty green silk purse with steel tassels, and a note directed in a juvenile hand; she hastily tore it open, and read as follows:

"MY DEAR MISS WINDERMERE,

"I am very much obliged to you for all your kindness to me, and hope you will be repaid by seeing me improve under your