EYE-SERVICE; OR,

about the French for ever so long, so there are my
papers till I began to try."
 Mademoiselle raised her eyebrows, this was some-
thing quite new. "Are you sure you transgressed so
often ?"
 "I am afraid so. I know it was not good French
I spoke. At any rate I would rather be on the safe
side."
 "Well, I cannot complain."
 Only," said Lydia, colouring, "please don't tell
Mrs. Palmer-we did not do it that she might know."
 "As you please, my child; but I thank you for
your confidence," and Mademoiselle looked very
benignant indeed. The two girls went back to Miss
Wilmot's table with easy minds.
 The door opened for an instant, and the sound of
the drawing-room piano came in distinctly.
 How well Grace plays!" said Julia; I never
knew any one so improved. She used to play
horridly, but since she has learnt with Dr. Mellor
she has got on. I shall ask papa to let me learn with
him, perhaps I shall do something then."
 This was meant to annoy Miss Wilmot, but she
would not notice it; all she wished was that papa"
might be agreeable to Julia's proposal; what a load
it would be off her mind!
 Talking of music," said Julia, "I never hear
you take a second in church now, Lydia; pray, is it
wrong to take seconds ?"
 Lydia did not answer.
 Lydia, don't you hear? Come, now, do tell us
poor ignorant creatures if it's wrong to take a second
in church."
 "Not if people don't think more of it than the
hymn."