“Here they are, but you want me to paint some flowers in them, well Ellen what do you wish?” Ellen said, “a lily Pa, if you please.”  Julia chose a tulip, and Lizzie a rose.  Kate was silent, and her father asked her—­“Well Kate what shall I paint for you?” She hesitated, but finally said, “I would prefer a portrait of myself.”  “Very well Kate,” said her father, but at the same time a sneer might have been seen on his curled lip.  A few evenings after, when there was a large party in the parlor—­the father gave each of the girls their Albums.  Every one was pleased except Kate, who burst into tears, and tossing the book on the floor, left the room.  The Album was picked up and there was a portrait of Kate just as she had desired, but beneath it was written, “The flower most admired by Kate.”

It was a severe lesson—­but let all vain girls profit by it.

[Illustration:  Lizzie and Fashion.]

Lizzie and Fashion.

Lizzie is taking a ride on her pet Fashion.  She is not afraid of falling, for she can ride very well.  Fashion seems proud to feel such a nice little burden on his back.  See how he capers and prances.  He knows Lizzie will not fall, and so he amuses himself and her, by jumping about.  Lizzie rides every morning and evening.  She is delicate, and so her Pa bought her a fine horse.  She rides out alone.  She is not pretty—­but she is happy and good natured.  When the other girls see her riding they sneer at her and say, “There goes ugly Liz on the pretty horse.”  The girls are silly and thoughtless.  They should reflect that a happy face looks much more agreeable than a handsome one.

As soon as Lizzie has said her prayers in the morning, she goes out on her horse.  She rides some miles and then returns to breakfast.  As she is delicate, she does not go to school, but studies under her mother.  She studies hard, and is very obedient.  After dinner she goes out again and rides for two or three hours.  It is pleasant to see how Fashion loves her.  As soon as she appears at the door—­he is impatient of restraint, and wishes to rush to her.  When she has been riding, and returned, and he is going to the stable, he will turn frequently to see her as she goes along the piazza.  She has learned him many tricks.  He stands up on his hind legs.  He will dance:  in fact, he will do almost anything she will command him.  She has accomplished it all by kindness and a smiling face.

[Illustration:  Eva’s Pet.]

Eva’s pet.

You know what a pleasure it is to have a pretty pet Dog.  I do not mean those little lap dogs.  They are of no use, and when I see a little girl with a lap dog, I always say, “Well, well, that little girl is, and always will be foolish.”  And why do I say so?  Because I know she will neglect her books and her other duties just to play with Flora.  If you want a good pet dog—­get a large one.  The best dogs are the St. Bernard or Newfoundland.