hing departure. "I am learning fast. Even
Nancy gives me encouragement. The only thing that troubles me is the fact
that Nancy thinks I am playing at housekeeping, and I am afraid she will
resent my authority after auntie goes away. I shall have to wear a cap and
spectacles to add dignity to my new position," she laughingly added.

"How absurd you are, Dexie," said her mother, with a frown. "If you intend
to act as housekeeper I hope you will try and be less childish; and to go
through the house whistling like a boy, as you did to-day, is far from
lady-like. Will you ever learn to be genteel like your sister Gussie?"

"I think Dexie should be given her full name in the future," Gussie added,
"if she intends to rush through the house like her namesake round the race
course."

"But I will not be called after Bonner's trotting-horse! I will not!" said
Dexie, angrily. "I fancy this would soon be a queer house if there was no
one in it with more energy about them than you possess! However, let us
return to the matter under discussion," said she, more mildly. "I want to
know, in case I make any savings from the month's allowance, if I can
pocket the remainder."

"I am afraid, Dexie, that you will not find much left over, for the first
few months," her aunt said smilingly. "You must allow something for your
inexperience, you know."

"Oh! I know that, auntie. But can I have it, mamma, much or little? Make
the bargain with me, mamma."

"Certainly, Dexie; but you cannot expect to save much out of the usual
month's allowance unless you scrimp us."

"Oh, I'll promise not to scrimp," was the laughing reply. "But I am going
to begin my reign while auntie is here; then my inexperience will not cost
me so much. I kept my eyes and ears open when I was at Mrs. Fremont's, and
I didn't peep and listen either; but I learned a few things that I think
will be a great help to me in my future sphere."

"I think Gussie had better join you in this branch of study," said Mr.
Sherwood, laying down his paper. "It will be as much benefit to her as to
you."

"Thanks, papa. I beg to decline the honor! I have no wish to shine as a
domestic; it is not in my line," said Gussie, in a lofty tone.

"Well, I do not expect to run the house as smoothly as Aunt Jennie--I am
sure you will not expect it of me, mamma--but I will do my best, and it
will be nice to learn just how to do things."

"That is right, Dexie. Every girl should learn how, even tho