e it if you do--and be quite sure that in
selecting a house you have a wide entrance-hall, a spacious staircase,
and a large drawing room."

"But, Auntie, such a house will be beyond our means."

"Tut, tut, my love--the rent _may_ be a few pounds more, but what of
that? A large entrance-hall is really essential; and as it is easier to
keep large rooms and wide staircases clean than small ones, your
servants will have less to do and you will save the extra rent in that
way. Now here is your great-grandmother's receipt for plum-pudding--two
dozen eggs, three pounds raisins, one pound citron. Hilda, I
particularly want to give you a hint about the _spice_ for this pudding;
ah, and I must speak also about this white soup--it is simply made, and
at the same time delicious--the stock from two fowls--one pint single
cream--your father is particularly fond of it. Yes, Susan, what is the
matter?"

"A parcel for Miss Hilda, ma'am," said the neat parlor-maid. "It has
come by 'Carter Patterson'; and will you put your name here, please,
Miss Hilda."

Hilda signed her name obediently, and a square wooden box was brought
in. It was opened by Aunt Marjorie herself with great solemnity. Judy
and Babs came and looked on, and there were great expressions of rapture
when an exquisite afternoon tea-service of Crown Derby was exhibited to
view.

Wedding presents were pouring in from all quarters. Hilda put this one
away with the others, and calmly continued her occupation of adding up
some parochial accounts for her father. She was a very careful
accountant, and had the makings in her of a good business woman when she
had gained a little experience.

Aunt Marjorie sat and mumbled little disjointed remarks with regard to
her niece's future state and subjection. She gave her many hints as to
when she was to yield to her husband and when she was to firmly uphold
her own will.

Had Hilda followed out Aunt Marjorie's precepts, or even been greatly
influenced by them, she and Jasper would have had a very unhappy future,
but she had a gentle and respectful way of listening to the old lady
without taking in a great deal that she said. Her thoughts were divided
now between Jasper and Judy. Her heart felt torn at the thought of
leaving her little sister, and she had an instinctive feeling, which she
had never yet put into words, that Judy and Jasper were antagonistic to
each other, and, what is more, would always remain so.

Judy had seen t