y
should resort to other methods.

Minnie could make oat-cake of a specially delicious kind, so it was to
be introduced, Mabel had learnt to make gingerbread of quite an uncommon
quality, which was also to make its appearance; and various other
delicacies, easily made and of general popularity, were placed upon
their bill of fare.

There was much fun and merriment over their cooking operations next day,
and when all were completed, both girls came to the conclusion that
working for the good and happiness of others, was in itself an excellent
cure for irritability, and all forms of bad temper.

"Do you remember the time," enquired Minnie, "when I invited all the
girls in the singing-class to tea? How I did fret about the cake-basket
being old-fashioned, and moaned about the pattern of the tea cups." And
she laughed again at the recollection.

"And how perfectly tragic you became on the subject of the drawing-room
curtains," reminded Mabel laughing also.

"I don't think," continued Minnie, "that we were ever so near
quarrelling as we were that day about those very curtains. Well, that
was all because I wished to make a show before the girls, not to have
them enjoy themselves. Now it is quite different. We don't mind at all
what like the things about us are, as long as the things we make are
good, and the children enjoy themselves."

"That reminds me," said Mabel, "that we have forgotten to provide
ourselves with confections--they will doubtless be in great request."

"Of course, what could we be thinking about! We must see after them
immediately--or stay! Perhaps you could get them when you are coming
back--don't you think that would do?"

"I am sure it would, and would save time which is precious," agreed
Mabel, and so it was settled.

Their preparations being completed about two o'clock, they repaired to
their respective homes, locking the door upon their possessions with a
delightful sense of proprietorship and satisfaction, after a solemn
mutual reminder concerning the necessity of being back sharp at four, as
the festivity was arranged to take place at five prompt.

Minnie found her father and four brothers in the parlour when she came
in, flushed and breathless with her run home.

"Hallo, Min!" Exclaimed Charlie, the eldest of her brothers, a young man
of about twenty-two. "Aren't you ashamed of yourself, rushing off
directly breakfast's over and leaving your poor unhappy encumbrances of
brothers to am