Hildegarde's Holiday

ith Martha trotting at her heels, to see that everything was in order, and now she was making a third tour of inspect

en a little at the neck, with a kerchief of soft white net inside. This kerchief was fastened with quite the prettiest brooch that ever was,-a pansy, made of five deep, clear amethysts, set in a narrow rim of chased gold. Miss Wealthy always wore this brooch; for in winter it harmonized as well with her gown of lilac cashmere as it did in summer with the white dimity. At her elbow stood Martha; it was her place in life. She seldom had to be called; but w

pretty, Martha," said Miss

ily as if she had not heard the remark b

le place in the curta

as you could find it now, u

flower water in the bottles? Very

G IS RIGHT FOR

ring chintz, its cool straw matting, and comfortable cushioned window-seats, and then dr

a great bowl of roses on the mosaic centre-table, and, as usual, a bunch of pansies on the little round table by the armchair

right for supper,

am, and French potatoes, and honey. I should be m

y, "I don't need anything. We sha

eemed for a moment as if she were going to ask Martha whether that were all righ

ve Martha. I do hope these dear girls will not put her out. She grows a little set in her ways as she grows older

cal glance at the river. A pause ensued, during which the old lady's needles clicked steadily; then, at last, the sound of wheels was heard, an

he carriage, and gave her hand t

ou in one moment. Carefully, Rose dear! Lean on me, so! there you are! now take my ar

And how do you do, my dears? I am very glad indeed to see you. Rose, you look so much better, I should hardly have known you; and y

y with Martha, and Rose gave

l take them up to their rooms now, Martha, and Jeremiah can take the trunks up. We wi

hten you with our appetites, I fear. This way, Martha? Yes, in one minute. Rose dear

loose her hold of her friend until she had seated her

, stooping to unfasten her cloak.

tired, only comfortably. I ache a little, of course, but-O

window with both arms on the sill. "Rose, don't move! I forbid you to stir hand or foot. I will tell

smiling, "you knew there was a

't know what it was like. It is all blue, with sparkles all over it, and little

harps on?"

do see a boat-house! My dear, this is bliss! We will b

out of the window, dear, because in the first place I shou

ed with wood. The wood has been wet, and is all yellow and

lott," said Rose; "I m

argin, wil

heavy barg

ow ho

ng feature in you, Rose, that you are so apt in your quotations. Say

tly forward, and taking her seat besid

e repeated in

hiten, asp

ezes dusk

wave that

sland in

down to

shining river, and straightway forgot that there was anything else

how could you let me go a-woolg

said we were as hungry as hunters, and would

ldn't be so lovely! Here, dear, here is fresh water for you. Now the brush! Let me just wobble yo

f to Martha, who had just set down the teapot,-"That mat is not quite straight, is it, Martha?-especially in young people. I know it makes you nervous, Martha,"-Martha did not look in the least nervous,-"but it will probably not happen

ing out of the window, and the river was so lovely that we forgot all about supper. Please forgive us

once. "Your father is very wise. Regular habits are a grea

not to take tea till I am twenty-one

-for the young. When one is older, however, a cup of tea is very comforting. None for me, thank you, dear. I have my little dish of milk-toast,

nd it is all for us. Hold your plate, favored one of the gods! A river, a bo

thy, looking up placidly from h