I was late to school this morning, but it was n't my fault, for I did n't know what time it was until I got to the school-house, and found that the boys had all gone in." "When I was of your age," said Mr.Preston, "boys never thought of carrying watches, and yet they were taught to be as punctual as the clock, in their attendance at school.

If I had been tardy, and tried to excuse myself by saying that I had no watch, I should have got laughed at by the whole school.

But where were you this morning, that you did not know when it was school-time ?" "Over to Alf.

Walton's." "And couldn't find a time-piece about the premises ?" "Why--no--I--forgot--" replied Oscar, somewhat embarrassed by the question.
"Just as I supposed," added his father; "you got along with that boy, and forgot all about your school; and it would have been just the same, if you 'd had half a dozen watches in your pocket." "O no, father," said Oscar; "for if I 'd had a watch about me, I should have looked at it." "Well," added Mr.Preston, "if you don't care enough about punctuality to take a little trouble to ascertain what time it is, when you have an engagement, I don't think a watch would help you any in acquiring the habit.

You have n't made out a very strong case." "No," remarked Mrs.Preston, "he wants a watch for show, and not punctuality,--that's plain enough.