grave discussion as to whether the
honiton lace was to be set on plain or frilled.

So important was this case, that mamma was summoned from the
sewing-machine to give her opinion. Mrs. Ellis was a fat, fair, rosy
matron of most undisturbed conscience and digestion, whose main
business in life had always been to see to her children's clothes. She
had brought up Lillie with faithful and religious zeal; that is to
say, she had always ruffled her underclothes with her own hands, and
darned her stockings, sick or well; and also, as before intimated,
kept a list of her offers, which she was ready in confidential moments
to tell off to any of her acquaintance. The question of ruffled or
plain honiton was of such vital importance, that the whole four took
some time in considering it in its various points of view.

"Sarah Selfridge had hers ruffled," said Lillie.

"And the effect was perfectly sweet," said Miss Clippins.

"Perhaps, Lillie, you had better have it ruffled," said mamma.

"But three rows laid on plain has such a lovely effect," said Miss
Nippins.

"Perhaps, then, she had better have three rows laid on plain," said
mamma.

"Or she might have one row ruffled on the edge, with three rows laid
on plain, with a satin fold," said Miss Clippins. "That's the way I
fixed Miss Elliott's."

"That would be a nice way," said mamma. "Perhaps, Lillie, you'd better
have it so."

"Oh! come now, all of you, just hush," said Lillie. "I know just how I
want it done."

The words may sound a little rude and dictatorial; but Lillie had the
advantage of always looking so pretty, and saying dictatorial things
in such a sweet voice, that everybody was delighted with them; and she
took the matter of arranging the trimming in hand with a clearness of
head which showed that it was a subject to which she had given mature
consideration. Mrs. Ellis shook her fat sides with a comfortable
motherly chuckle.

"Lillie always did know exactly what she wanted: she's a smart little
thing."

And, when all the trying on and arranging of folds and frills and
pinks and bows was over, Lillie threw herself comfortably upon the
bed, to finish her letter.

Shrewd Miss Clippins detected the yawn with which she laid down the
missive.

[Illustration: "Shrewd Miss Clippins detected the yawn."]

"Seems to me your letters don't meet a very warm reception," she said.

"Well! every day, and such long ones!" Lillie answered, turning over
the pages