by close application. Can you give any reason for thinking so?"
"No, father, I told you I did not care any thing about it. I feel as mother does."
"That is not answering my question frankly, as you generally do. Do not fear that you will displease me. You will observe that I have not yet disputed you, but I have a curiosity to know in what light you view it. Then I will talk it over."
"I don't believe you will get me to say any more than I have said."
"Wouldn't you like to have me speak for you Walter. I know where the pinch is. He is afraid he will have to give himself too much credit. He knows that I have been so much more trouble than he has,—"
"Why don't you go on Rosa? that's smart to leave right off there," said Walter.
"I guess I shall have to speak for both of you, I see you understand it. Rosa is as conscious of her faults as we are, and she will excuse my plainness if I allude to them now. She has been the source of care and anxiety you never were, Walter; not so much for the faults in themselves, which doubtless age and experience would do much towards correcting; but certain tendencies of her mind were very unfortunate for a happy or successful issue, with all the vicissitudes and disappointments that meet us through life. For this reason I have sought earnestly, not to change her character, which I do not desire, but so to guide her that she will of herself perceive and rectify her mistakes. Her perseverance
