are so many agreeable people in the family one is not
often obliged to be alone, but when left alone the sense of home comfort
is only increased. There are plenty of lounges and easy-chairs; the
large, comfortable tables are strewn with all the latest magazines; the
bookcases are full of readable books, and the young ladies all have
their individual collections of Soule's photographs, which are well
worth lounging over. The fires are always bright within, and the long
windows opening everywhere on piazzas and balconies command extensive
and beautiful views. The rooms are sweet with flowers in winter, and the
gardens are fragrant in summer. One can lounge and read all day, or take
a walk, or do a dozen other things. The cheerful, interesting
conversation at table, and in the odds and ends of time through the day,
would be sufficient stimulus to all but the most exacting guests; while,
as a matter of fact, there are always a few hours in the evening when
everybody seems to be at leisure, and these form the social centre of
the day. For my part I would much rather be entertained in this way than
to have my footsteps dogged all day by some well-meaning and
self-sacrificing devotee who tries conscientiously to amuse me.

One of the most hospitable homes I ever knew was made by two young
ladies in Boston. One of them was a country girl of genius and
refinement who came to the city to do literary work. Here she formed a
friendship with another young lady who liked to pass most of the time in
Boston for the sake of its advantages in music, art, and the theatre.
Neither was rich, but together they had a very respectable income. They
found a nice little flat of six convenient rooms in an accessible and
pleasant but unfashionable street, and furnished it with exactly the
things they wanted to use every day. The furnishings were thus simple,
but they combined comfort and beauty, for both the young ladies had
excellent taste. I am tempted to describe all their original and
charming arrangements, only that would lead me too far. I will only
speak of their hospitality which was perfect. They gave no parties nor
even afternoon teas. How could they without a servant? Indeed, though
they had the luxury of getting their own breakfast in their sitting-room
at any hour of the day when they liked to eat it, they were too much in
the habit of eating their dinner at any restaurant near which they might
happen to be when they were hungry to hav