Do you not think it would be so ?" "Yes, sir," said James, seriously, "I suppose it would." "I wish to remove the evil, however, in the pleasantest way.

Do you remember my speaking on this subject in school the other day ?" "Yes, sir." "Well, my object in what I said then was almost entirely to persuade you to reform without having to speak to you directly.

I thought it would be pleasanter to you to be reminded of your duty in that way.

But I do not think it did you much good.

Did it ?" "I don't think I have played _so much_ since then." "Nor I.You have improved a little, but you have not decidedly and thoroughly reformed.