ue-and-pink-striped
glass pipe. Aunt Sarah, some of your ancestors must have attended a
glass blowers' exhibition in years past."

"This branch of white coral, these large snail shells (when a child I
remember holding them to my ear to hear a noise resembling the roar of
the ocean), and this small basket, fashioned of twigs and tendrils of
grape vine, then dipped in red sealing wax, certainly is a good
imitation of coral, and this plate, containing a miniature ship
composed of green postage stamps, we will place in your corner
cupboard."

"And, Aunt Sarah, I suppose this deep, glass-covered picture frame
containing a bouquet of hair flowers, most wonderfully and fearfully
made, was considered a work of art in days past and gone, as was also
the crescent in a frame on the opposite side of the room, composed of
flowers made of various seeds of grain and garden vegetables. Those
daisies, made of cucumber seeds with grains of red corn for centres,
and those made of tiny grains of popcorn with a watermelon seed in
centre, are cute. The latter look like breastpins with a circle of
pearls around the edge. And this glass case on the table, containing a
white cross, covered with wax tube roses, ivy leaves and fuchsias
drooping from the arms of the cross, sparkling with diamond dust! The
band of green chenille around its base matches the mat underneath,
composed of green zephyr of different shades, knitted, then raveled to
imitate moss, I suppose; and, no doubt, this marble-topped table has
stood here for fifty years, in this same spot, for the express purpose
of holding this beautiful (?) work of art."

"The hair flowers and the seed wreath were made by John's sister,"
replied Aunt Sarah.

"Aunt Sarah," exclaimed Mary, "I've an original idea. This oval,
marble-topped table has such strong, solid legs of black walnut,
suppose we remove the marble slab and have a large, circular top made
of wood at the planing mill? Wait; I'll get my tape measure. About
thirty-two inches in diameter will do. The new top we shall stain to
match the walnut frame, and it could be easily fastened to the table
with a couple of screws; and, after the marble top has been well
scoured, we'll use it in the kitchen as a bake board on which to roll
out pie crust."

Her Aunt as usual acquiesced to all Mary's suggestions.

"You're a dear, Aunt Sarah!" exclaimed Mary, as she gave her a hug,
"and I'll embroider big, yellow daisies with brown centres of F