L
et us go over our first steps again," said Marian to her sister; "there is nothing like beginning right. When we learn to dance or to sing, or indeed any thing else, we must be sure to learn our first lesson well, and then we shall be sure to improve; and dancing is certainly a very useful and pleasing amusement. It is useful because it is a healthy exercise. It is called 'the poetry of motion,' and I have read that the great philosopher Locke speaks of it as of the greatest importance in the education of young people, and he says it cannot be learned too early."

"And I think," said the mother of these young misses, "he is very right; for as we grow older we have more pressing and important uses to perform. Every thing in its own time, my children; as I have told, you before, dancing, as well as music, is a most delightful accomplishment; but we must not neglect our other duties for these."