THE MISSING BOOK. 69

me that I should never read frivolous books, as he
_ Says it gives one a disrelish for useful reading ; and as
Mr. Harding provides us with works of history, bio-
graphy, and travels, I therefore can have no use for
Mr. Shaw’s books. And in the third place, I have no

taste now for works of fiction, and do not wish to
acquire one, as I fear it might injure me, and cause me
to waste my time.” |

“Qh,” answered Philip, “as for that, I like history,
biography, and travels also ; but I must have a variety.
Novels are delightful, and will never injure you. I
have been reading as many as I chose for several years,
and I do not see that I am any the worse for it.”

“ But the love you have acquired for them,” said
Maurice, “leads you deliberately to disobey your.
teacher to obtain them. I should think that was evil
enough ; and you know not to what else they may
lead you.”

“Qh, such rules, I always think, are made for the
younger boys,” said Philip. “Iam no longer a child,
and will not submit like a child to every such regula-
tion. If I set a good example and keep my own
counsel, that is enough, I am sure. When have I
ever failed in a lesson, or been reproved by my teacher?
There is not a boy in school so exemplary as I am.
But come, do not be a child any longer, Maurice,” he
continued, drawing a book from his pocket; “just

take this and examine it. It- shall cost you nothing.
(100) — 5