New York. He laughed when I told him about the jacks, and then he
talked to me in such a nice way about going out alone, that it made
a great impression on me. I found mother and nurse in such a state
when I got back. I was kissed and then put to bed to eat my supper,
but the minister came to call in the evening, and when I had
promised never to do such a thing again, they let me get up. He was
so nice, and brought me a ball. I play jacks every day now, and
think of America and nice 'things like that. I shall be glad to get
there again.

"Yours truly,

"GLADYS.

"P.S.--I can probably beat you at jacks when I get back, I practice
so much."

"I'll get mine out to-day," said Ethelwyn, "and we'll see whether she
can or not. When will she come home, mother?"

But mother was reading Aunty Stevens's letter, and did not hear.

"The Home is getting on beautifully," she said presently. "There are
ten pale little children out there now. Dick is quite well and strong
again, and helps with the work in every way. They are very anxious that
we shall come on this summer."

"O let's; for my birthday," said Ethelwyn. "Can't we, mother?"

"I will see. But Grandmother Van Stark would like one of you to come out
and stay with her for a few days. Peter is coming in this afternoon and
will take one of you out."

"O me!" they cried at once.

"Let's pull straws," suggested Ethelwyn; so she ran to find the broom.
It was she who drew the longest straw, and Beth drew a long breath,
saying with cheerful philosophy, "Well, I am thankful not to leave
mother. I'd prob'ly cry in the night, and worry dear grandmother." So
every one was satisfied, and Ethelwyn, dimpling delightfully under her
broad white pique hat, bade them good-bye, and took her place beside
Peter in the roomy old phaeton.

"Are you any relation of St. Peter's?" she asked politely, after they
were well on the way.

"Nobody ever thought so," said Peter, looking down at her with a twinkle
in his eye.

"Well, I didn't know," she said. "I thought I'd like to ask you some
questions about him if you were. We have had a good deal about him at
Sunday-school lately. I'm studying my lessons nowadays for a prize; they
are going to give a sacrilegious picture to the child that knows her
verses the best by Easter, and I think maybe I'll get it, for I'm only
about next to the worst now."

"How many are there of you