lebrate the event. It was made in good time and put out to
keep cool in what we took to be a safe spot. The party preceding the
_piece de resistance_ was in full swing when an ominous disturbance
was detected from the direction of the woodshed. Investigation
revealed two angry dogs alternately snarling at each other and
devouring the last lick of the treat. The catholicity of canine taste
was no solace to the aggrieved assembly.

The children have lately been making excursions into the theological
field. The latest problem brought to me for settlement was, "Does God
live in the Methodist Church?" Truly a two-horned dilemma. If I said
"yes" the anthropomorphic teaching was undoubted; while if the answer
were in the negative I should be guilty of fostering the abominable
denominational spirit which ruins this land. My reply must have been
unconvincing, for I overheard the children later deciding, the
Methodist Church having been barred as a place of residence, that the
attic was the only remaining possibility. It is the one spot in the
Home unvisited by them, and therefore "unseen."

Unseemly altercations have summoned me to the kitchen, and I return to
close this over-long chronicle. I was met there by Tryphena, a large
sheet in her hands, and an accusing expression on her face which
stamped her as a family connection of the Prophet's.

"It's not my fault, miss," she began.

"No, Tryphena? Well, whose is it, and what is it?"

"Look at that sheet, miss, a new one. 'Senath was ironing, and had
folded it just ready to put away. Then she suddenly wants a drink, so
she goes off leaving the iron in the middle of the sheet. Half an hour
later she remembers. When she got back, of course the iron had burnt
its way straight through all the layers."

Aside from destruction, in what direction would you say that 'Senath's
forte did lie?

_November 17_

I have received your letter with its pointed remarks about the long
delays of the mail-carrier. I consider them both unnecessary and
unkind. But as David would say, "I am going to be good all the time
now."

We have this moment returned from church, to which the children love
to go; it is the great excitement of the week. They sit very quietly,
except Topsy, but how much they understand I cannot say. The people
sing with deliberation, each syllable being made to do duty for three,
to prolong the enjoyment--or the agony--according as your musical
talent decides. Fr