SCHOOL DAYS AT ST. MARY'S.

" where are your dressing-gowns? This is indeed
eye-service; surely you could not have listened to Mr.
Clarke's sermon to-night "
 "I certainly did not hear him say anything about
dressing-gowns," said Julia, pertly.
 ", Perhaps not: but it was the spirit of the thing I
meant; and I am sure you understand me, Julia."
 "C Don't be too sure, Miss Wilmot. To tell you the
truth, I thought Mr. Clarke more prosy than ever."
 Julia, how can you?" said Susan in an under
tone.
 "But the sermon was so earnest and so simple; I
thought you would have listened to-night," said the
young teacher, with, perhaps, more zeal than discretion.
 "I'm sure I did not notice anything particular
about the old man except that he had had his hair
cut; he didn't look half such a figure as he did last
Sunday."
 "c Oh, Julia; don't be so satirical."
 I think he is very kind," said Emily.
 "c Oh, yes; everyone knows he is a dear old muff;
but as to his sermons-who ever listens to them ?
Half of them are about what no one can understand,
and the other half everyone knows what is coming
before he says it; I could do better myself;" and
Julia, who last Christmas had gained the prize for the
best theme on Christian charity, evidentTy thought her
opinion was conclusive.
 "Perhaps you are wrong, Julia; I, for one, like
listening to Mr. Clarke."
 Oh, yes; I dare say; but one isn't bound to tread
in your footsteps, Miss Wilmot."
 Miss Wilmot knew it was useless to argue; for she
was aware that if she staid till midnight discussing the
subject, Lawyer Tait (as her companions called her)