THE NEW SUIT OF CLOTHES. 55

_At-early sunrise I was up and dressed, brimful of
delightful anticipations from the day’s excursion. It
was a wonderfully fine day in the Indien summer,—
days that are like a smile on the stern and grave face
"of November. I did not for a moment doubt that
within two.hours we should be.on our winding way to.
the nutting forest.

“T will be sure to go over to see Mr. Merry first ;”:
and away were my steps bent towards the squire’s.
“But he will not-be there: I shall have to wait.”

As I approached the gate, I heard the sound, saw—
saw—saw! “ Who is up so early?” I opened the
gate and went in, and who should be there but Mr.
Merry himself, and another man, with wood enough
sawn and split to employ me for two hours at least!

“What shall I do?” thought I “What shad? I
do?”

“Work enough ! work enough!” cried Mr. Merry.
“Tt is time for lazy boys to be at their work. Come!
take hold, or you will lose the bargain !”

r Z . . . *
There was a sly and wicked expression in his tone

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