tion of his character. His teacher having occasion to leave the schoolroom for a short time, appointed him monitor in his absence, considering him the most trust-worthy scholar ho had. It was an unenviable position, and one which conflicted with Walter's sense of honor to report the conduct of his fellows. One of the boys who had too much of the fun-loving disposition to let such an occasion go unimproved, and too much artfulness to allow himself to be caught in the trap he set for others, winked to his nearest companion who took the hint and jogged the elbow of a boy sitting before, him writing. Never passing by an affront without showing proper resentment, the latter rose hastily to grasp the offender, and upset the inkstand over his clean copy-book which landed in a little girl's lap in front of him, who began to cry at the dismal picture her new pink apron presented with its long streaks of jet, like so many black marks against its fair fame. There was a general titter throughout the room as all sprung instantly to their feet to see what was happening. Just then the school-master entered,—poor, mortal being,—with the dignity becoming such a functionary, who cast some menacing frowns on the little miscreants in the quarter whence had originated this confusion, thus flinging an imputation at his boasted renown for securing good order and obedience, and also setting a snare which cost him a still greater loss to his reputation,—the equilibrium of his temper. Addressing Walter, whose close proximity to the scene of action forced him to be an eye witness of the whole, but who alone remained unmoved, having neither smiled
