and she is writing for me the words I tell her, and I'm to copy
them off to-morrow," was the concluding sentence of this first entry in
the little girl's diary.

"Will you hear mine, Mamma Vi, and tell me if it will do?" asked Max; and
receiving permission read it aloud.

"It is very good indeed, Max," Violet said; "a good and true report, and
well expressed. Now, if you and Lulu choose you may bring your books here
and study your lessons for to-morrow, and if you need help from me I shall
give it with pleasure."

"But, Mamma Vi, it will be very dull for you to stay up here with us while
the rest of the grown-up people are having a nice time together in the
parlor," said Max.

"You are very kindly thoughtful, Max," returned Violet, with a pleased
look, "but I don't care to go down-stairs for some time yet; Gracie begins
to look weary, so I shall help her to bed and then answer your father's
letter. Can't you imagine that I may prefer to talk to Mm for a little
rather than to any one else, even if only with pen, ink and paper?" she
added, with a charming blush and smile.

"Oh, yes, indeed! for I know you're very fond of him. And I don't wonder,
for I think he's the very best and handsomest man in the world," cried Max
enthusiastically, and both Lulu and Gracie said, "So do I."

"Then we are all agreed so far," laughed Vi. "Come, Gracie, darling, I
will be your maid to-night."

"No, no! not my maid, but my dear, sweet, pretty mamma!" returned the
little one, throwing her arms around Violet's neck and kissing her with
ardent affection.

Lulu had risen to go for her books, but paused to say with a slight effort
and heightened color, "Yes, Mamma Vi, you are sweet and pretty, and very,
very kind to us."

The child was by no means devoid of gratitude, though her pride and
prejudice were hard to conquer. Expressions of gratitude and affection
toward their young stepmother were far less frequent from her than from
her brother and sister, but were perhaps all the more valued because of
their rarity.

"Thank you, dear," returned Violet, happy tears glistening in her eyes;
"if I am, it is because I love you for both your own and your father's
sake."

She knew his heart always rejoiced in every demonstration of affection
from his children toward her, and in the letter she presently began
writing she recounted all that had been shown her that evening, and also
others carefully treasured up in her memory for that purpos