ton, "have you forgotten your
lessons in tapestry?"

"Not at all, mamma; and now that we think of it, we shall handsomely
furnish a drawing-room for you."

"But where are the tables and chairs to come from?" inquired Mrs.
Becker.

"Oh, the gentlemen will see to them."

"And the room, where is that to be?"

"There is the gallery, is there not?"

"And the wool for the carpet?"

"Have you not sheep?"

"That is true, children; you speak as if we had only to go and sit
down in it."

"The piano, however, I fear will be wanting, unless we can pick up an
Erard in the neighboring forest."

"True, mamma, all the overtures that we have had so much trouble in
learning will have to go for nothing."

"But," said Mrs. Becker, "by way of compensation, there is the
vegetable and fruit garden, the pantry, the kitchen, the dairy, and
the poultry yard; these are all my charges, and you may have some of
them if you like."

"Excellent, each shall have her own kingdom and subjects."

"It being understood," suggested Mrs. Wolston, "that you are not to
eat everything up, should the fruit garden or pantry come under your
charge."

"That is not fair, mamma; you are making us out to be a couple of
cannibals."

"You see," continued Mrs. Wolston, "these young people have not the
slightest objection to my parading their accomplishments, but the
moment I touch their faults they feel aggrieved."

"I am persuaded," rejoined Mrs. Becker laughing, "that there are no
calumniators in the world like mothers."

"Therefore, mamma, to punish you we shall come and kiss you."

And accordingly Mrs. Wolston was half stifled under the embraces of
her two daughters.

"I am certainly not the offender," said Mrs. Becker, "but I should not
object to receive a portion of the punishment; these great
boys--pointing to Frank--are too heavy to hang on my neck now; you
will replace them, my dears, will you not?"

"Most willingly, madam; but not to deprive them of their places in
your affection."

"In case you should lose that, Master Frank," said Mrs. Wolston, "you
must have recourse to mine."

"But now, my friends, what do you say to going down to the shore to
meet the pinnace, and perhaps the _Nelson_?" said Mrs. Becker.

"Ah, yes," said Sophia; "and I will stay at home to wait upon father."

"No," said Mary; "I am the eldest--that is my right."

"Well, my children, do not quarrel about that," said Wolston; "I feel
rather better; and I da