ttled down contentedly to play the
interesting part of the _fiancee_. She did not fret for her lover, but
seemed abundantly content to receive his letters, and pen lengthy
answers; and though the date of her marriage was so far ahead, she began
at once to make preparations for her future home. One rainy afternoon
she shut herself in her bedroom, and rearranged all her belongings,
leaving the lowest drawer in the wardrobe empty, and covered with fresh
white paper. Then she wrote something at her desk, lingered outside the
door for a minute, and finally rejoined her sisters, with a mischievous
smile curving the corners of her pretty lips.

Presently Chrissie ran upstairs on some trifling errand, and came to a
stand-still on the landing, uttering sharp cries of surprise; then
Agatha followed to discover the cause of the excitement, and guffawed
with laughter, when Nan and Elsie jumped from their chairs and ran
helter-skelter in pursuit. They found the two younger girls leaning up
against the wall, staring at the door of Lilias's room, on the centre of
which was tacked a square of paper, neatly lined and lettered:--

NOTICE!

TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN.

Miss Lilias Rendell desires to inform her friends and the public
generally that she has just opened a Bottom Drawer, and that every
description of household goods, useful and ornamental, will be
gratefully accepted towards the furnishing of her future home.

_NB_--Carved oak articles especially welcome!

"That's one for me!" cried Nan, grimacing. "What is your especial
fancy, my love--a side-board or a dining-room table? Don't be bashful,
pray! Aim at the sky, and you may succeed in hitting the tree. I
shouldn't wonder if I rose to a milking-stool, if you asked me nicely."

"And I'll work you a kettle-holder, sweet one, as soon as the sale is
over, and Chrissie a--"

"Twine bag," said Chrissie, simpering; "but until July you might as well
give up the idea, Lilias. Every moment we have, we must use for sale-
work, and every penny we can save in to the bargain. We can't attend to
you just yet."

"I thought perhaps you might start me with a few contributions from the
things you have made," said modest Lilias. "The drawer looks lonesome
with nothing in it, and I've made it so tidy! It would be a comfortable
home for that little blue cushion, and the mats with the roses. And you
would never miss them!"

"Wouldn't we just? The very best things