learn as we pass through life. But you were a naughty, faithless dog, and you know you were. There is not much faith in trusting a person when you have found out for yourself that they are right—is there? If I throw the stick in again, will you do better another time?'

A loud bark, and a series of jumps that made my mistress draw back from the shower of water-drops that flew out of my shaggy coat, was my only reply.

And so again and again the stick was thrown into the water, till my mistress, either out of consideration for me or for herself, whistled me away from the pond, and so my swimming lesson was over for that day.

my

mis

But I had learned more than a lesson in swimming; I had learned a lesson in trusting. And as I trotted home by the side of tress, I made up my mind I would do my best for the future to give her a prompt and ready obedience. I think in some strange way she must have read what was passing through my mind, for the very next day Cousin Kate began a new series of instructions. She said she was determined her dog should be the most accomplished dog in England, and, as ambitious as my mistress, I made every exertion to carry her good intentions to their fulfilment.

It was wonderful-at least so Cousin Kate used to say, and very much I loved to hear it-how quickly and readily I grasped the meaning of all she taught me. I soon learned to open and shut a door, to ring a bell, to bark or growl if I was bid, or to sit as still as a mouse if that pleased my mistress better. To some folks these may seem but slight accomplishments to have called forth so much selfgratulation; but I did all I could, and made the most of my abilities; and if those who look down upon me as a poor dumb beast would only do as much, why, it seems to me that the world at large would be much less ignorant and self-sufficient than it now is. However, being only a dog, of course I can know very little of the matter.

Be that as it may, there was no doubt that. one instinct was very strong in my nature, and that was an intuitive perception of the character of the different persons amongst whom I was thrown. I knew in an instant who did and who did not like me; whom I must obey, and with whom I might take liberties; and I am free to confess that where I found I might do so safely, I largely availed myself of the permission to do as I pleased.

Oh, as I look back upon past years, how

much cause do I find for self-reproach, as I think what great kindness I received from my mistress's dear old servant, and how very badly I myself behaved to Jane!

I do not know whether the want of respect which I felt for her dated from the hour when she refused to give me the whipping which I so well deserved; but certain it is, I very early learned to know that Jane, with all her affection for me, had a sort of fear that my bark might be turned into a bite; and though I should just as soon have thought of biting myself as biting her, yet I quickly learned how to turn her terror to good account.

It was a very different thing with Mrs. Roscoe, my mistress's mother. I would have given anything to make her love me if I could; but I felt and knew it was hopeless. She was not a bit afraid of me; she did not, in fact, care for me one way or the other. She just tolerated me for the sake of her daughter. For Mrs. Roscoe I had the most profound awe and veneration. Not for worlds would I have barked aloud in her presence, or put a dirty paw upon her rich silk dress, or pushed rudely by her chair. In her presence I was always the wellbred, polished dog. I am afraid poor Jane had a very different tale to tell of me.

I do not at all wish to extenuate my conduct, but dogs look on and see things as well as their betters. Once a gentleman always a gentleman,' I have heard people say. It may be so; but I have seen many a so-called gentleman who, with the restraints of society removed, behaved after a fashion that brought the remembrance of my own conduct to Jane very forcibly back upon my recollection. I am afraid there are others besides Neptune who bully the weak and take liberties with those with whom they feel they can do so with impunity.

WAS getting a big dog now. I had passed through the ugly stage of my existence, a stage which had been very hurtful to my vanity, as I had heard my mistress declare

'How ugly you are growing, Neptune; what an awkward, shambling beast you are, and what a rat's tail you have got!'

I

Shambling! how could I help shambling? had not strength within myself to keep myself straight upon my feet. My body was too heavy for my legs; how could I help, then, tumbling up against people? I did not mean to be stupid and awkward, but I had not the power to regulate my own steps. It was my misfortune, why throw it upon me as a fault? And as to my tail-well, if it was a rat's tail, could I help that? Would I not have a fine tail if I could?

And