talk like parrots, and it's a downright waste of time teaching them to do so.' 'Well, well,' said Arnold, 'you come and judge for yourself.' Mr. Merian continued, 'I never could understand how a man like you, so thoroughly conscientious and honest in all other respects, should be mixed up with such humbug, such charlatanry as this. 'Pray don't use hard words,' said Arnold, 'until you have satisfied yourself by proof that they are deserved.' Both gentlemen then entered one of the class-rooms together; all the children present rose, and greeted them with a 'Good day.' Mr. Merian broke out at once, 'There, I knew it, I told you what it would be, "good day," "good night," "pretty poll." 'A boy came up to him with a chair, saying, 'Will you be pleased to sit down, sir?' Mr. Merian sat down, but without thanking the boy for his politeness. What was the use of thanking one who couldn't understand (?), a parrot in fact, but said, 'Oh! yes, it's all very clever, Arnold; the boy has been well trained in his lesson, but you can't blind me.' Mr. Arnold said to the class, 'This is Mr. Merian, of Bale.' Several children repeated the name and bowed to him. This gentleman, however, broke out again, 'There, there, I can't stop any longer; it is nothing more than what I expected.' 'Well, one moment, if you must go,' said Mr. Arnold, 'while I ask the children one or two questions.' Turning to the class, he said, 'Did you see Mr. Merian come this morning?' 'Yes, we did,' answered several. 'Did he arrive on foot?' 'No.' 'How, then?' 'He came in his carriage.' Mr. Merian sat up in his chair, and paid somewhat more attention. 'Has Mr. Merian's carriage one or two horses?' 'Two horses.' Mr. Merian said hastily, 'Now, Arnold, you are
