_Mr. B._ February was so called from the expiations signified by the word _Februs_, which were in this month performed. March had its name from _Mars_, the supposed father of Romulus; and on that account had been placed first, till the alteration made by Numa. April is said to have derived its name from _Aphrodite_, which is another name for Venus, because of the superstitious worship at that time paid to her. May, from _Maia_, the mother of Mercury, to whom this month was made sacred. June, from _Juno_; or, as some suppose, from _Juventus_, the Latin word for youth, because the season is warm, or, as it were, juvenile. The rest had their names from their order:--as, _Quintilis_, the fifth month; _Sextilis_, the sixth; _September_, the seventh; _October_, the eighth; _November_, the ninth; and _December_, the tenth:--all derived, as you know, Ferdinand, from the Latin words signifying these numbers. _Quintilis_ and _Sextilis_ were afterwards changed into July and August, in compliment to Julius Caesar and the emperor Augustus, of whom you will hear as you proceed with your history. Have you read any part of the reign of Tullius Hostilius, who was the next king of Rome? _Louisa._ I just looked at a few pages, papa, but did not read much. But, from the little I saw, I do not think I shall like him so well as Numa. _Edward_. No, that you will not, Louisa; for he was very fond of war, which you do not like at all. The temple of Janus was soon opened when he mounted the throne. I think Hostilius was a good name for him, for he was hostile to all his neighbours. _Mr. B._ You have read his reign, I suppose, Edward? We must not, however, anticipate the history, by entering into any further detail at present, or we shall deprive your sisters of the pleasure they would otherwise have in the perusal of it. To-morrow, I shall expect an account of the battle between the Hexatii and Curiatii, which was the first remarkable event that occurred in his reign. It is now time to retire, as I purpose taking you all on a little excursion to-morrow, if it prove fine. You must, therefore, rise early, and prepare your lessons before breakfast. The children all expressed their delight at this unexpected indulgence, promised the strictest attention to their lessons, and, affectionately embracing their parents, withdrew. CONVERSATION III.