be a _real_ family. She snuggled
between Dad and me on the front seat of the car, and kept looking
from one to the other of us. I think it was her name that first gave
us the idea of keeping her. We couldn't call that adorable child _No.
31_, and we wouldn't call her _Minnie_. Of course we couldn't name a
borrowed child, and so after I'd given her a bath, and we'd seen how
truly sweet and adorable she was, we decided that at all events she
should never, never go back to that Home, which is a satire on the
word. At first Dad thought he knew of a fine home for her with some
friends of his who haven't any children, but after the ten days' free
trial were over we knew we just couldn't give her up. Best of all,
Mrs. Shute, the housekeeper, who's been with us all summer, loves
her to death, and she's promised to stay right on with Dad, and keep
house for him next winter in Los Angeles. So you see Dad has a home
and another child, and he's the happiest man in California.

"'He let me do the naming, and, of course, I consulted my child. I
couldn't think of anything lovelier than to name her for the two
founders of the Vigilantes, and after I'd told her all about you she
was pleased as pleased could be. I let her choose between _Priscilla
Hunter Richards_ and _Virginia Winthrop Richards_, and she took
Virginia and named her new doll _Priscilla_. I wish I could have
named her for you and Mary, Vivian, dear, but Dad thought two names
were enough.

"'We're the very happiest family you ever saw. Virginia fits in
better every day. She's learning such sweet manners--I tell Dad it
just shows she must be sweet inside! She's learning to read and to
write, too. We have a lesson every morning after breakfast. The other
day I bought the pattern of a little dress, and Mrs. Shute helped me
cut it out and make it. I never felt so proud in all my life. I'm
obliged to be more _vigilant_ than ever, because Virginia does and
says everything that I do. The other day I said I should certainly
die if I didn't get a letter from some of you, and she was quite
frightened. So I guess I'll have to be more moderate in speech after
this.

"'There's one thing more I must tell you before I stop. I saw Imogene
the other day. Dad and Virginia and I were walking by one of the big
hotels here, when an automobile came up to the curbing. You can just
imagine how surprised I was when Imoge