THE FAITHFUL NURSE. 3)

“No, I have not,” she replied. “TI called to see
Maurice Gray. Will you tell me where I shall find
him ?”

“Tf you will tell us what you have in your nice
large basket,” said Bob Newton, looking around him
very mischievously, “I will promise to find him for
you.”

“ How can you be so rude?” said lame Louis, who
stood near. “I will go and find Maurice for you,
maam ; but I cannot go so quick as the other boys
because [ am lame;” and Louis walked towards the
house.

“ Now, please, old lady,” said Dick, “just tell us if
you are Maurice’s grandmother, who taught him to be
such a good boy.”

“Tam sorry,” said the old lady, “that. Maurice has
such rude companions.”

“ We all know he had a good old grandmother,” said
Dick, “or he would not have such a pile of good books,
and so many stupid notions about some things. Itisa
thousand pities it is so, for he is such a pleasant, good-
tempered, merry fellow, and such a favourite with us
all, in spite of his old ideas.”

“Please give us a peep,” said Bob Newton, “into
your nice basket, and we will praise Maurice up to the
skies.””

The old woman made no answer. Her eyes were
fixed on the distance, for she saw Maurice approaching,