Edward
was standing by Elizabeth, reading Mrs. Trimmer's Fabulous Histories,
for, though five years old, he made very slow progress in English
literature, being more backward in learning to read than any of the
others had been, excepting Helen. He did not like the trouble of
spelling, and was in the habit of guessing at every word he did not
know; and on his very composedly calling old Joe the gardener, 'the
old gander,' Anne burst into an irrepressible giggle, and Helen,
sedate as she was, could not help following her example. They had
just composed themselves, when Edward made another blunder, which set
them off again, and Elizabeth, who when alone with the children,
could bear anything with becoming gravity, also gave way.
Edward, finding that he was diverting them, began to make absurd
mistakes on purpose, so that Elizabeth was forced to call him to
order. Anne thought it best to leave the room, and Helen followed
her, saying, 'We had better leave Lizzie to manage him by herself;
she always does better without me.'
'You have never shewn me your drawings, Helen,' said Anne; 'I should
like very much to see them, if you will let me.
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