the work of Matilda and her
maids. I make a copy from a sample picture of the exact
size of the thread used.

[Illustration: {EXAMPLE OF WOOLLEN THREAD.}]

One may read on this fabric the history of the Norman
Conquest of England. It is the most novel work of
history I ever saw.

The farming districts of Normandy seem indeed like
Arcadia: farmers mean business here, and thrive by
thrift. Their sons and daughters, I am told, do not run
off to the city. I have never seen a people whose habits
I like so well.

Give our regards to all.

George Howe.

P. S. We are on our way to Paris, riding through a
country of old churches, castles, and flowers, on a
produce train.

"I think," said Master Lewis, "that George and Leander are, after all,
making a very delightful tour; they certainly are getting better views
of common, practical life abroad than we are. I am glad that they had
the independence to make the journey in this way."

"How much do you think their whole tour will cost them?" asked Ernest.

"It will cost each of them less than either you or I have paid for a
single ocean passage," said Master Lewis.

The boys spent the afternoon in letter-writing.

Tommy Toby wrote a long letter to George Howe.

"I have taken George into my confidence," said he, after tea, as
Master Lewis and the boys were sitting by the open windows of the
hotel, "and have given him an account of my hunting adventure in
Nottingham."

"Suppose you read the letter to us," said Master Lewis.

Tommy, whose nature would not allow him to keep a secret long, however
disparaging to himself, seemed pleased to accept Master Lewis's
suggestion.

Oxford, July.

Dear George:--

We are all pleased with the trip you are making.

We have been to lots of curious places,--dust heaps of
old kings and queens and _we have heard a lark sing_.

At Nottingham I bought a bow and arrows, and went
hunting. Like you, I wanted to see the country.

I saw it.

They are very inquisitive people around Nottingham. They
seem to want to know your business before you are
introduced.

A little way out of the city I came to a fine old tract
of country. A gate opened into some large, hilly fields,
and there was a path through the fields that seemed to
lead to the wood.

I opened