imitate us. Instead of the square, upright, though neat
houses they have now, they will see how much expression a little porch
or portico will give to their dwellings."

Mr. Rand folded his portfolio together without another word, while Mr.
Curtis laughingly remarked,--

"You see, my wife has set her heart on doing good here. She already has
made friends with all the workmen at Woodlawn, and acts in the capacity
of Doctress to their families."

This was Wednesday; and Saturday Mr. Rand came again, gayly announced by
Bertie, who cried out,--

"Mamma, here's the architect."

The plan was examined and highly approved. The whole party rode to the
lake, where Mr. Rand helped Mr. Curtis measure off the land ready for
the cellar, the architect having agreed to erect the whole building,
hire masons and carpenters, and painters and plumbers, and whoever else
was necessary, as soon as the underpinning was ready to set the house
upon.

When Mr. Curtis went away he left the large portfolio, which mamma told
Bertie, contained not only the picture of the house which he admired so
much, but a written account of every room, closet, hall, window and door
to be put in it. "These," she said, "are Mr. Rand's specifications; that
is, he specifies exactly what kind of doorknobs we shall have, or the
cost and finish of the silver faucets connected with the bowls in the
chambers."

Bertie clapped his hands, dancing up and down. "I know, mamma," he
exclaimed, "I do know, and when I'm a man I shall ask Mr. Rand to write
specifications for me."

CHAPTER V.

THE DONKEY.

Before Mr. Curtis had engaged men to dig his cellar, Miss Susan Taylor
closed her school for the season.

"I'm afraid Bertie will be wild with excitement," mamma said one day to
her husband, "I wish he had some regular employment."

"I've been thinking of that, my dear," he answered.

"There is a great deal of knowledge to be gained beside that in books.
Our son is inquisitive and eager, and will learn a great deal by being
allowed to watch the operations as they proceed. When he sees the work
of the different trades, and what belongs to a mason, or carpenter, he
will remember it much better than if he read it in his book."

"But, Lawrence, I'm afraid he will learn bad words from some men you
will employ; or if not, he may be in their way."

Mr. Curtis smiled. "As to the first," he said, "we must train our
children so well at home that they will know b