RVOUSLY, "YOU HAVE MADE A MISTAKE. THAT
IS MY DAUGHTER, ADELE."

"I THINK THAT'S PRETTY GOOD FOR A GIRL."

BEE ENTERTAINS HER FATHER'S FRIENDS.

"OUT THROUGH THE OPEN WINDOW SAILED THE BUTTERFLY."

"I WOULD NOT HAVE YOU ANYTHING BUT PRETTY."

FOREWORD

The wonderful evolution of a caterpillar, or grub, into a beautifully
winged creature must inspire admiration in every one. More marvellous
still is the growth of the human soul which in many respects resembles
the development of the butterfly. It is this thought which has induced
the author to attempt to depict the transformation of a careless maiden
into noble womanhood.

In this first book, the process has begun. There are heart burnings, and
troubles of girlhood. In the second book, the journeyings and adventures
with her father, together with her development of character are treated.
The third, and final volume, takes up the bursting into glorious
womanhood of the girl, glorified by the coming of love.

For the curious facts and superstitions regarding butterflies woven into
the story, the author desires to acknowledge her indebtedness to Dr. W.
J. Holland's Butterfly Book, which is a compendium of knowledge on the
subject. That the story may meet with favor, and inspire young hearts
with an appreciation of these beautiful insects is the hope of the
author.

L. F. M.

New York City.

Bee and Butterfly

Chapter I

An Impulse of Mischief

"When to mischief mortals bend their will,
How soon they find fit instruments of ill."

--_Pope. Rape of the Lock._

It was four o'clock. The little town of Louisiana, Missouri, had
slumbered all afternoon in the spring sunshine, but woke suddenly to
life as the doors of the big brick school house opened, and the boys and
girls poured forth. As the outgoing stream of pupils reached the gate
several High School girls left the line, and withdrawing a short
distance from the others, formed a little group by themselves, standing
with faces turned expectantly toward the door of the building as though
they were waiting for some one.

"I wonder why Bee doesn't come!" exclaimed one of the girls impatiently
as the line dwindled to two or three pupils, and then ceased altogether.
"I don't see why she pokes around that old school house so long?"

"She was going to help Professor Lawrence with some specimens," spoke a
tall girl quickly. "You know Bee likes--"

"Bugs," finished the other