_Anne._ I will attend to what you say, mamma, while I am reading the following story, which is called _The Advantages of Truth._ George Elliot the son of a respectable gentleman, had been paying a visit to his uncle, and on his return home, was accompanied by one of his cousins, who was to spend a few months with him at Hartley, Mr. Elliot's country residence. George was a boy of a frank and generous disposition, and good abilities; these being cultivated by a careful education, made him at the age of eleven years, a well-informed and agreeable boy. Charles Morden his cousin, was much his inferior in every respect. Accustomed to excessive indulgence, he became fretful and idle, and often entered into mischief, for the sake of having _something to do_; his parents so plentifully supplied him with play-things, that he was consequently tired of every thing he possessed, and only desirous of what was in expectation; nay, worse, for to obtain any particular gratification, he would not scruple making use of falshood. Such was the boy, now unfortunately the constant companion of George Elliot. Mr. Elliot indulged his son in every innocent amusement proper for his age, but loved him too well to suffer his faults to pass unnoticed. George had been long anxious for a poney, and as soon as a proper one could be purchased, his father presented it to him, and often allowed him to ride out, either accompanied by himself or a servant, but particularly forbade him from ever mounting any other horse in the stables, telling him at the same time, the many fatal accidents that had occurred, owing to boys attempting to ride horses they were unable to manage. George promised obedience, and had strictly adhered to his word. It was settled that Charles was to share the studies, as well as the amusements of his cousin, and the gentleman to whose care George's education was confided, paid equal attention to both, though he soon perceived that Charles had little delight in useful occupations: and he was always glad of some excuse that might save him the trouble of attending Mr. Darford, and laughed at George for being always _fagging_ as he called it. About two months after his son's return, Mr. Elliot was obliged by some business of importance, to take a journey that he thought might detain him about a fortnight from home. He embraced the children at parting, desired them to behave well, and at his return they should be rewarded.