OF THE FOREST. 37

to enjoy their sports: if one did amiss, all
were humbled ; if one were praised, all were
pleased ; if one received a present, all were
to have a share in it-; if one were unwell,
all partook in her pain. Now the case is en-
tirely altered; I hear of nothing but of rival-
ries and of ill-will: if I praise one individual,
I offend twenty ; and if I find fault with one
offender, I give cause of triumph to twenty
more. It is not now a question who can do
best, but who is most:accomplished ormost gen-
teel ; and instead of joy and peace, my. house-
hold is one continued scene of dissatisfaction.”

“And cannot you account, Madame,” I
said, “ for this change in the character of your
household? Are you sure that the person
whom you employ to assist you is exactly
suited to your purpose ?”

“ Mademoiselle Victoire,” she replied, “is
diligent and accomplished; I might not get
better were I to dismiss her; but you, my
good father, shall confess my children, and I
am sure that they will find in you a faithful
and pious counsellor.”

After this conversation I took the earliest
opportunity of calling the young people to
D