34 BRAGGADOCIO.

“ How do you know that Howard Framing-
ham is proud and insolent ?” timidly enquired
Ada.

‘“‘ Because all English people are. I hate
John Bull and all his race.”

“Then you hate your ancestors, for our
forefathers were English.”

“T wish to goodness I had never had any
ancestors; then I should not be tormented to
death by this eleventh cousin,” replied George
Cramer, taking his cap from his handsome
head and throwing it upon the ground.

Just then a bird fluttered in the tree, above
the place where the brother and sister were
standing, and taking wing alighted upon a
fence within a stone’s throw. George snatched
a stone from the ground and was about to hurl
it at the bird.

“Oh! do not be so cruel, brother; it is
a robin-red-breast !” exclaimed Ada, seizing
his arm.

“T know it. I hate robins because they are
English birds.”

“ Brother, brother! I thought everybody.