"The meaning of advice always is something that one would rather wish not to do," observed Laura, gravely. "I never in my life was advised to enjoy anything pleasant! Taking physic--or learning lessons--or staying at home, are very often advised, but never playing--or having a holiday--or amusing ourselves!" "You know, Laura! that Harry's little Shetland pony, Tom Thumb, in my field, is of no use at present, but kicks, and capers, and runs about all day; yet presently he will be led out fastened to a rope, and made to trot round and round in a circle, day after day, till he has no longer a will of his own,--that is education. Afterwards he shall have a bridle put in his mouth, which some little girls would be much the better of also, when he shall be carefully guided ever afterwards in the best ways; and you likewise will go much more steadily for all the reining-in and whipping you have got from Mrs. Crabtree and me, which may, perhaps, make you keep in the road of duty more easily hereafter." "Uncle David!" said Harry, laughing, "we have read in the Arabian Nights, about people being turned into animals, but I never thought you would turn Laura into a horse! What shall we do with my little Shetland pony if I go away next week?" "I have thought of a capital plan for making Tom Thumb useful during the whole winter! Your grandmama wants a watch-dog in the country, so we shall build him a kennel--put a chain round his neck, and get some one to teach him to bark." "Uncle David should be Professor of Nonsense at the University," said Lady Harriet, smiling. "But, my dear children, if you are allowed to pay this visit at Holiday House, I hope you will endeavour to behave creditably?" "Yes," added Major Graham, "I understand that Lord Rockville wished to have some particularly quiet children there, for a short time, so he fixed upon Harry and Laura! Poor, mistaken Lord Rockville! But, my good friends, try not to break all his china ornaments the first day--spare a few jars and tea-cups--leave a pane of glass or two in the windows, and throw none of your marbles at the mirrors." "I remember hearing," said Lady Harriet, "that when Miss Pelham was married last year, her old aunt, Mrs. Bouverie, sent for her and said, that as she could not afford to give baubles or trinkets, she would give her a very valuable piece of advice; and what do you think it was, Laura?" "I have no idea! Do tell me." "Then I shall bestow it on you, as the old lady did on her niece--'Be careful of china, paper and string, for they are all very transitory possessions in this world!'" "Very true! and most judicious!" observed Major Graham, laughing. "I certainly know several persons who must have served an apprenticeship under that good lady. Many gentlemen now, who despatch all their epistles from the club, because there the paper costs them nothing, and a number of ladies, who, for the same good reason, never write letters till they are visiting in a country house."