partitions necessarily adds considerably to
their cost, since the walls and ceilings must be virtually double or
filled with some light porous material. The construction I have
described for making the house fireproof, or nearly so, would also make
it comparatively sound-proof. It would prevent the passage of any
reasonable in-door noises, though it might not withstand the stamping
of heavy steel-shod feet. Indeed, the question of bare, hard-wood
floors is, in one of its aspects, rather a question of boots. It is
most unreasonable to say the floors are noisy and slippery when the
fault lies rather in the hard, stiff, awkward receptacles in which our
feet are imprisoned. If we are ever clad from head to foot in the robes
of a perfect civilization, we shall doubtless find smooth bare floors
for general use more satisfactory than any kind of rugs, mats or
carpets.'

"And now," said Jill, "we will leave the rest of this interminable
letter for a more convenient season and see what our indefatigable aunt
has sent as the latest and best thing in domestic architecture. If you
will take the plans and follow the description, I will read the letter
straight through, though it will doubtless contain more or less advice
not strictly pertinent to house-building. Here it is:

"MY DEAR JILL: On further reflection I have concluded that the
little cottage plans which I sent last will not answer. I doubt
whether you and Jack have sufficient independence and
originality to make a success of living; even temporarily, in a
small, unpretending cottage. It requires unusual strength of
character'--

"Listen, Jack.

--to establish and maintain a high social standing with no
adventitious aids. You cannot at present afford a large
establishment, but you must have one that is striking and
elegant. I was first attracted to this house by its external
appearance--not especially the form, but the material, as we
often see a lady of inferior _physique_ whose rich and tasteful
attire makes her the observed of all observers."

[Illustration: BRICKS AND BOULDERS ON GRANITE UNDERPINNING.]

"Aunt Melville is inclined to be dumpy, and is immensely proud of her
taste in dress.

"'The walls near the ground--the underpinning, I suppose--is of
solid granite blocks, irregular in size, rough and rugged in
appearance. Indeed, the impression is of exceeding solidity and
strength, perhaps