visiting Abbotsford,
Melrose, and the ruins on the Border.

We are reading Walter Scott's "Kenilworth." The book,
as you may have guessed, has caused us to set our
affections strongly on the middle of England as the
scene of our proposed tour.

With kind remembrances of all your kindness to us.

Ernest Wynn.
Wyllys Wynn.

[Illustration: KING CHARLES'S HIDING-PLACE.]

Later came a characteristic note from two of the other boys.

Dear Teacher,--Our parents are desirous for us to go,
but can hardly afford the expense. We have permission to
accept your invitation, if we will travel so cheaply
that the cost to each will not be more than $100. Can
this be done? We are willing to go and return in the
steerage, travel third-class, and take shilling
lodgings, and eat plain food. We would prefer a tour
through the great manufacturing towns of Scotland and
England.

Respectfully,

George Howe.
Leander Towle.

On Saturday of vacation-week, Master Lewis opened a much-blotted
envelope, and read the following rather surprising communication:--

Master Lewis,--Father's answer to me is, "You may go
anywhere that promises any improvement."

I have been thinking of it. One should see their own
country first. This journey would about suit me: they
are very interesting places,--Newport, Old Orchard
Beach, White Mountains, Franconia Mountains,
Adirondacks, Saratoga, Niagara.

Mother has been crying. She is afraid, if I go to
Europe, I will never come back again.

Father thinks that there is no danger of that.

If I must go across the sea, I would prefer to
go--anywhere _you_ like, only take the shortest route
and fastest steamer over the water.

Were you ever sick on the ocean?

I am going to organize a society of travellers in the
school,--a secret society that will pledge each other
never-ending friendship and assistance.

I may need assistance myself in my life. Father thinks I
shall.

I am trying to think of a secret for the society. I can
think of hardly any thing that the rest of the world do
not know.

Hope you are well.

Tommy.

[Illustration: WHITE HORSE HILL.]

The spring and summer term--the session lasted through April, May,
and June--opened under unusually promising ci