ardrobe. But I am quite
sure that the face of my Beatrice could never look lovelier over a garb
of rarest and most exquisite workmanship than it does to-night, over a
pretty linen band, with its womanly thoughtfulness and care."

Bea flushed joyfully, and bent lower over her sewing, while mother went
on, with a glance at Kat's expectant face:

"Next comes one of papa's 'boys' with such a hodgepodge of a
disappointment, that I can hardly make out which part of it grieves her,
or if any does. She don't like pots and kettles, but they often teach us
unromantic but necessary lessons that fans and perfumery never could. A
wheel-barrow per day of butter-scotch would soon leave her more than she
could manage or desire, and slippers with satin tops and high heels,
would only prove themselves useless and injurious. She also says she has
no talent, but she has a rare and valuable one, that of making the best
of all her little trials and grievances, of keeping her daily sunshine
free from clouds, and making home happy with her cheerful, happy heart."

Kittie gave her mother's hand a grateful squeeze, for praise given to
either of the twins was dear to the other; and Kat sank out of her sight
in her chair, quite overcome, and resolved heartily to cultivate her
talent to the uttermost.

"Now, our other 'boy,'" continued Mrs. Dering, smiling down into
Kittie's upturned face, "wants black eyes, don't like dish-washing, and
would like to travel. I wonder if she thinks I would give up these
brave, true, trusty blue eyes, for all the black ones in the universe.
They show what a warm, faithful heart lies within, a heart that shares
its twin's talent for making sunshine out of shadows, and home happy
with its laughter. A life without a dish-pan misses a good
disciplinarian, and, sometimes, a teacher of patience; it's like pots
and kettles--unpleasant but necessary, so the sooner we take hold, when
we have it to handle, and the better the grace with which we handle it,
just so much have we brought our rebellious likes and dislikes under
control, and made the best of our duty. While you are getting ready to
travel, dear, read the works of those who have travelled, have your mind
fresh and ready to more heartily enjoy what others have seen and made
immortal through the power of their pen, and if it is best that that
pleasure should be given you, it will come at the right time.

"Our Olive next. I wonder if she thinks that though her face