ther will allow me to go to you to-morrow evening. Believe me,

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DEAR RAYMOND,

"Yours, very truly,

"HENRY ST. LAWRENCE.

"P. S. I suppose lady Grove will give you the prize of the bow and arrow."

It was my earnest wish to be the favourite of my companions at school; but though well liked, I could plainly see that they all loved Raymond infinitely better. This was deep affliction to me, and I often found myself beginning, by little indirect ways, to try to undermine his popularity; but I never did so without feeling the sharpest stings of conscience.

At Raymond's little party, I intimated to more than one of our companions, that he seemed to exult over us all-that he was always cool and collected, because he thought no one could succeed

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succeed in any thing but himself. And when it was remarked how good-humoured and good-natured he was, I replied, it was no wonder, for that he got every thing he desired, as he might be sure of gaining whatever he chose at school, for that our schoolmaster always made him appear to the greatest advantage, he was so very partial to him.

I believe I was the only one of the party at lady Grove's who did not enjoy it; and when I returned home, I could not help reproaching myself for the unjust insinuations which I had thrown out, both against Raymond and one of the most impartial men that ever existed.

When the day arrived on which the prize for archery was to be given, I felt very angry with Raymond, because I knew he would obtain it, as he had far excelled us all when we had practised. I determined not to enter into competition with him. I went to my mother,

and

and told her that I had hurt my arm, and that I should much rather not attend the exhibition.

She, little suspecting that I was capable of a falsehood, seemed quite uneasy at the accident she supposed I had met with. I would have given the world to have had courage to have declared the truth to her; yet I was silent, but the deep blush which dyed my cheeks might have betrayed me, had she observed it.

She took me with her, as she said it would certainly be an amusement to me, though I could only be a spectator. Far, very far was it from affording me any, the smallest gratification.

I saw Raymond's dart pierce the very centre of an ace of diamonds; three or four boys shouted out with all their might-" Unfair, unfair! his arrow is the longest!"

A gleam of delight flashed across my mind, and losing all self-command, I joined

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I joined my voice to theirs“ Unfair, unfair! his arrow is the longest !"

His arrow was instantly measured with the rest, and found exactly of the same length. My mother looked reproachfully at me, and I felt myself grow red and pale by turns.

Raymond came over to me, and said-" Henry, oblige me by stepping over and measuring my arrow with the rest."

"I have seen it done," said I," and am convinced."

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Apologize to Raymond," said my mother," for having raised your voice against him."

I was about to do so, knowing that it was but just; however, he frustrated my intention by saying "I know Henry is so much of the Roman patriot, that he would accuse even his dearest friend for the good of the community."

He

He was called to receive the prize from Lady Grove, before I could speak, and I thought over his last words again and again, till I persuaded myself there was a double meaning in them; and this dwelt upon my mind for many years.

But were I to record the many circumstances that heightened the envy which I felt, and the many instances in which I indulged it, it would be tedious and superfluous. I will therefore pass over those early years when the passion was in its infancy, and proceed to relate what occurred when it arrived to greater maturity.

Perhaps what I have already mentioned may appear frivolous; but it must be recollected, that what appear as trifles when we advance in life, are matters of the most serious importance in the days of our childhood. Also, that from the slightest occurrence, some sentiment may arise which will pervade our whole existence

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