tle girl to
stand, without lessons; besides, the measles do not leave one's eyes
in the best condition, and we shall be going home in a day or two, so
it is not worth while to begin for so short a time; so we will go
shopping this morning."

Edna's face beamed. "O, mamma, then we can get sister's buckle, and
take it to her. I never had a chance to go to many shops, because Aunt
Elizabeth only deals at one or two places, and so I could not find the
buckle I promised sister."

"Very well. Then I want to call upon Mrs. Porter and thank her for her
kindness to my little girl, who has had so many rough places to go
over."

Edna was thoughtful. "It has been very mixy up, hasn't it, mamma? So
many things have happened. What made you come back a month sooner than
you expected?"

"Because I was feeling so much better, and papa had business in the
city. Should you like to live in the city, daughter?"

Edna laid her head on her mother's shoulder. "I should like to live
anywhere that you are mamma; but I think it is nice out where Dorothy
Evans and Maggie live. O, mamma, I have a whole bushel of things to
tell you. I believe my tongue will wear out before I get through."

[Illustration: CELIA.]

And truly, mamma told her before the day was over that her tongue must
be "hung in the middle to wag at both ends." But what a delightful day
it was! So many pretty things to see. Something to be chosen for the
boys, and for Celia a buckle, just like Grace Neal's, which was found
after some hunting.

"Mamma," said Edna, "I should like to get something for Ellen, she has
been so good to me."

"Of course," replied mamma, "that must not be forgotten;" and material
for a pretty frock was chosen.

"And, mamma," continued Edna, as with much satisfaction she saw the
breadths measured off, "could I get some tiny little something for
Uncle Justus?"

"And Aunt Elizabeth?" added mamma.

"Ye-es," said Edna, rather doubtfully; "but--but--"

"But what, dear?"

"I should like what we get for Uncle Justus to be the nicest."

Mrs. Conway smiled. "You love Uncle Justus, don't you, dear? He has
always seemed so stern and distant I hardly fancied you would find the
way to his heart."

"But, mamma," said Edna, sagely, "it is such a big heart when you do
find your way there." A remark which mamma considered a very wise one
for such a little girl to make.

"What should you like to get for Uncle Justus?" asked Mrs. Conway.
"What very nice