igher than usual, the woods
greener, and the lake bluer.

People seem late about coming up this year. The Harrimans' camp is the
only other one at our end of the lake that is open. The clubhouse is
very scantily supplied with dancing men, but we have as house guest an
obliging young politician who likes to dance, so I am not discommoded by
the general scarcity.

The affairs of the nation and the rearing of orphans are alike delegated
to the background while we paddle about among the lily pads of this
delectable lake. I look forward with reluctance to 7:56 next Monday
morning, when I turn my back on the mountains. The awful thing about a
vacation is that the moment it begins your happiness is already clouded
by its approaching end.

I hear a voice on the veranda asking if Sallie is to be found within or
without.

ADDIO!

S.

August 3.

Dear Judy:

Back at the John Grier, reshouldering the burdens of the coming
generation. What should meet my eyes upon entering these grounds but
John Cobden, of pancake turner memory, wearing a badge upon his sleeve.
I turned it to me and read "S. P. C. A." in letters of gold! The doctor,
during my absence, has formed a local branch of the Cruelty to Animals,
and made Johnnie its president.

I hear that yesterday he stopped the workmen on the foundation for the
new farm cottage and scolded them severely for whipping their horses up
the incline! None of all this strikes any one but me as funny.

There's a lot of news, but with you due in four days, why bother to
write? Just one delicious bit I am saving for the end.

So hold your breath. You are going to receive a thrill on page 4. You
should hear Sadie Kate squeal! Jane is cutting her hair.

Instead of wearing it in two tight braids like this--our little colleen
will in the future look like this--

"Them pigtails got on my nerves," says Jane.

You can see how much more stylish and becoming the present coiffure is.
I think somebody will be wanting to adopt her. Only Sadie Kate is such
an independent, manly little creature; she is eminently fitted by nature
to shift for herself. I must save adopting parents for the helpless
ones.

You should see our new clothes! I can't wait for this assemblage
of rosebuds to burst upon you. And you should have seen those blue
ginghamed eyes brighten when the new frocks were actually given
out--three for each girl, all different colors, and all perfectly
private personal property,