There are several kinds of errors in speaking. The most objectionable
of them are those in which words are employed that are unsuitable to
convey the meaning intended. Thus, a person wishing to express his
intention of going to a given place, says, "I _propose_ going," when,
in fact, he _purposes_ going. The following affords an amusing
illustration of this class of error:--A venerable matron was speaking
of her son, who, she said, was quite stage-struck. "In fact," remarked
the old lady, "he is going to a _premature_ performance this evening!"
Considering that most _amateur_ performances are _premature_, it
cannot be said that this word was altogether misapplied; though,
evidently, the maternal intention was to convey quite another meaning.