FIRST DAY AT SCHOOL. 67

learn anything, they must generally take some
trouble themselves; they must study. But even
if every child could have such an attentive
teacher, it would be far better for them to study.”

“What! if they could learn without it?” ex-
elaimed both children.

“Yes, even if they could learn without it.
Can you tell me what it is to study ?”

“To read your lessons over and over till you
know them,” said Lucy.

«But suppose, while reading your lessons over,
you are thinking of something else; would that
be study?”

There was no answer to this, and Mr. Lovett
continued: ‘To study is to fix your mind earnestly
on any subject, to think intently upon it. The
power to do this, like every other power we have,
improves with exercise. Do you remember how
awkwardly you held a needle when you first
began to sew? Now you do it easily. Just so
great will be the difference in this power of study-
ing between one who exerciscs it and one who does
not: and as there are many things with which
sensible men and women desire to be acquainted

BE 2