ready for your more important tuition."

"I think," replied Mr Easy, after a pause, "that what you say merits
consideration. I acknowledge that in consequence of Mrs Easy's
nonsensical indulgence, the boy is unruly, and will not obey me at
present; and if your friend does not apply the rod, I will think
seriously of sending my son John to him to learn the elements."

The Doctor had gained his point by flattering the philosopher. In a
day he returned with a letter from the pedagogue in answer to one
supposed to be sent to him, in which the use of the birch was
indignantly disclaimed, and Mr Easy announced to his wife, when they
met that day at tea-time, his intentions with regard to his son John.

"To school, Mr Easy? what, send Johnny to school! a mere infant to
school!"

"Surely, my dear, you must be aware that at nine years it is high time
that he learnt to read."

"Why he almost reads already, Mr Easy; surely I can teach him that.
Does he not, Sarah?"

"Lord bless him, yes, ma'am, he was saying his letters yesterday."

"Oh, Mr Easy, what can have put this in your head? Johnny, dear, come
here--tell me now what's the letter A? You were singing it in the
garden this morning."

"I want some sugar," replied Johnny, stretching his arm over the table