Page images
PDF
EPUB

EDINBURGH: T. CONSTABLE,

PRINTER TO THE QUEEN, AND TO THe university,

[blocks in formation]
[graphic][merged small][merged small]

UGH and Harry were two little boys who always lived in London. They had lived in London ever since they were

H

born, and although that was not really such a long time ago, it seemed very long to Harry and Hugh; for Hugh was nearly ten years old, and Harry was almost eight.

One morning at breakfast-time Mr. Selby-that was the name of these little boys' papa-looked up from a letter which he had been reading, and

said

'Here is an invitation for you two boys to spend the holidays with your Uncle Tom, but of course you will not wish to go,' and papa looked very sly.

Midsummer holidays were just coming on, and the boys had been counting up the days which would come before then but a minute ago, and

A

thinking it very hard that they should have to go back to school even for a fortnight.

Hugh and Harry Selby went to a school in London, and very often came home from Saturday till Monday.

'You cannot wish to go,' said Mr. Selby, 'for you will not care for running about in the meadows, and milking cows and riding donkeys.' 'Papa!' said Hugh, 'should we really see cows milked?'

'Or eating gooseberries and currants,' said Mr. Selby.

'Oh, papa,' said Harry, 'we should; you know we should.'

'Or helping to make the hay,' said Mr. Selby again, or feeding the cocks and hens.'

'Papa, don't be so silly,' said Hugh. 'Or running after the pigs.'

Harry jumped up and clapped his hand over his papa's mouth; but Mr. Selby would go

on.

'So I think I had best write to Uncle Tom and say you had both of you prefer remaining at school for the holidays, and doing double lessons.'

'Papa, you are the most ridiculous papa I ever knew in all my life,' said Harry. Just listen to him, mamma, he does make us laugh so.'

« PreviousContinue »