358 
THE FOX. 
“ What is vertically ?” asked Daisy. 
“ Vertically means straight np and down : 
the side of the window is vertical to the sill, 
but the sill is horizontal.” 
“Little girls should not interrupt or even 
ask questions,” said Matilda. 
“ When little girls are at their lessons, or 
when any one is talking to them especially,” 
observed Miss Winston, “they should ask 
the meaning of words which they do not 
understand, as Daisy did just now; but I 
agree with you, Matilda, that it is imperti¬ 
nent for little girls or large girls to interrupt 
their elders when engaged in conversation, 
—as much so as for them to assume an au¬ 
thority over their companions which does 
not belong to them.” 
Matilda coloured, and for once was si¬ 
lenced. 
“Is the fox really as cunning as he has 
the credit of being?” asked Miss Taylor. 
“They are very sly and cautious,” said 
Miss Winston, “and practice many strata¬ 
gems whereby to save their lives and en¬ 
snare their prey. Their senses are extremely 
acute,—especially those of seeing and hear¬ 
ing. Though generally shy, and never 
