Sixteen is too young to send even my good boy out into the world, just when he most needs his mother's care to help him be the man she hopes to see him." Mrs.Minot laid her hand on his shoulder as she spoke, looking so fond and proud that it was impossible to rebel, though some of his most cherished plans were spoilt.
"Other fellows go at my age, and I was rather pleased to be ready at sixteen," he began.

But she added, quickly,-- "They go, but how do they come out?
Many lose health of body, and many what is more precious still, moral strength, because too young and ignorant to withstand temptations of all sorts.

The best part of education does not come from books, and the good principles I value more than either of the other things are to be carefully watched over till firmly fixed; then you may face the world, and come to no real harm.
Trust me, dear, I do it for your sake; so bear the disappointment bravely, and in the end I think you will say I'm right." "I'll do my best; but I don't see what is to become of us if we don't go to school.

You will get tired of it first," said Frank, trying to set a good example to the others, who were looking much impressed and interested.
"No danger of that, for I never sent my children to school to get rid of them, and now that they are old enough to be companions, I want them at home more than ever.

There are to be some lessons, however, for busy minds must be fed, but not crammed; so you boys will go and recite at certain hours such things as seem most important.