38 BE TRUE.

not trying to be brass too. Altogether
it was too much for Laura’s nerves;
in spite of herself, she burst into a fit
of laughter.

Her father was astonished, but not
exactly pleased: people can very
well bear to be laughed at, if they
are not conscious of being ridicu-
lous; but who can bear merited ri-
dicule ?

“You are greatly improving in
your manners,” said Mr. Wingate, in
a tone of bitter irony.

“T beg your pardon, papa,” said
the little girl, blushing deeply, and
hurrying to her own room.

Mr. Wingate sat down, and thought
for a moment; his conscience ac-
cused him of unkindness: he thought
of Laura’s mother; of the eye almost
dim in death, but resting with an