A WALK. 61

Lucy was mistaken in supposing that it was
very easy. It is a general rule, that whatever we
see done skilfully appears to be done with ease;
and as Ellen was a very good little milkmaid,
and the milk came down in fine large streams into
the pail, Lucy supposed that it must be very
easy.

“T wish you would let me milk a little,” said
Lucy.

“JT don’t think you can milk,” replied Ellen.

“O, yes, Ican,” said Lucy ; “I do harder things
than that.”

“ But I don’t think your hand is strong enough,”
said Ellen.

Lucy held out her hand, and looked at it, and
thought it looked pretty strong.

« And, besides,” said Ellen, “have you ever
learned to milk?”

“No,” said Lucy, “I never had any oppor-
tunity.”

“Then I’m sure you can’t milk,” said Ellen ;
* for nobody can milk till they have learned.”

“ But I wish that you would let me try, and
see,” said Lucy. ,

Ellen concluded, on the whole, to let Lucy try ;
so she rose from the milking-stool, and let Lucy
take her place.

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