ts
nestlings, a fat young squab with a green head, yellow body, and no tail
at all.

"I have plenty of time now I don't go out so much, for a party uses up
two days generally one to prepare for it and one to get over it, you
know."

"People think it is so odd of you to give up society all of a sudden.
They say you have 'turned pious' and it is owing to your peculiar
bringing-up. I always take your part and say it is a pity other girls
haven't as sensible an education, for I don't know one who is as
satisfactory on the whole as you are."

"Much obliged. You may also tell people I gave up gaiety because I value
health more. But I haven't forsworn everything of the kind, Kit. I go
to concerts and lectures, and all sorts of early things, and have nice
times at home, as you know. I like fun as well as ever, but I'm getting
on, you see, and must be preparing a little for the serious part of
life. One never knows when it may come," said Rose, thoughtfully as she
pasted a squirrel upside down on the pink cotton page before her.

"That reminds me of what I wanted to say. If you'll believe me, my
dear, Steve has got that very idea into his head! Did you or Mac put it
there?" asked Kitty, industriously clashing her shears.

"No, I've given up lecturing the boys lately they are so big now they
don't like it, and I fancy I'd got into a way that was rather tiresome."

"Well, then, he is 'turning pious' too. And what is very singular, I
like it. Now don't smile I really do and I want to be getting ready
for the 'serious part of life,' as you call it. That is, I want to grow
better as fast as I can, for Steve says he isn't half good enough for
me. Just think of that!"

Kitty looked so surprised and pleased and proud that Rose felt no
desire to laugh at her sudden fancy for sobriety but said in her most
sympathetic tone: "I'm very glad to hear it, for it shows that he loves
you in the right way."

"Is there more than one way?"

"Yes, I fancy so, because some people improve so much after they fall in
love, and others do not at all. Have you never observed that?"

"I never learned how to observe. Of course I know that some matches turn
out well and some don't, but I never thought much about it."

"Well, I have, for I was rather interested in the subject lately and had
a talk with Aunt Jessie and Uncle about it."

"Gracious! You don't talk to them about such things, do you?"

"Yes, indeed. I ask any questions I like, and al