if there is either persistence in or repetition of such conduct."
Little did the Dominie suppose that, in the familiar talk of the scholars, the irreverent cognomen of "Uncle Billy" was applied to him. The more observant ones, who, according to Goldsmith,
"were skill'd to trace
The day's disaster in the morning's face,"
would sometimes say pantomimically, "Uncle Billy is chewing a tough Greek root to-day. Look out for breakers!"
To the female branch of his dominion he was eminently taciturn. I doubt whether I ever addressed him, save in replies to his questions on the lessons, or what sprung collaterally from the business of the school. Still, there was no mixture of dislike in our reserved intercourse. On the contrary, I felt an innate sense of his approbation, which sustained my complacency. He elevated me, as an especial honor, to the office of monitor of the reading classes. This was no sinecure, as the classes were large; and when they were marshalled for this exercise, I was expected to stand opposite each one, as they read, and criticize elocution and emphasis, having the power to make them repeat their allotted portion as often as I deemed necessary. On the whole, I enjoyed myself, and improved under the stern old master, and felt a sort of pride in
