William. Yes, mamma, I will, if you can lend me some pretty book, or tell me a story; there is no school to-day, you know.
Mrs. M. I have no book which you have not read, nor can I put aside my work to amuse you, but I can tell you a story and work too.
William. So do, mamma, I shall like that best.
Mary. And I too, dear mother.
Mrs. M. What shall I tell you about? Shall I tell you a true story, or do you wish me to make up one?
William. I should rather hear a true one, if you please, about some great man. Some American, for I had rather hear about one of my own countrymen, than about a foreigner, as I think you call those who live in other countries, do you not?
Mrs. M. Yes, my dear.
William. You know I have had books about a great many of our celebrated men, such as Gen. Washington, Gen. Lafayette, and Franklin. Now I want you to tell me what you can of Gen. Warren. Was he not a great and good man? I should think he must have been, for I have heard people speak of him very often, when talking of the revolution; I know, too, that great monument on Bunker Hill is partly for him, but I do not know what he did to deserve so much praise.
Mrs. M. I believe, my dear, there has never been any little books written about him, but he was both a great and a good man, though he did not live long enough to do so much for his country as those other generals of whom you have read. If you wish, I will tell you all I can of him.
William. Oh, so do! I want to hear it very much.