ld-fashioned shape of the
frame and the tone of the rest of the room.

A simple fireplace had been set in the blind chimney-piece, in which
were placed grandma's graceful andirons, buried so long in the attic
that Nan had never seen them, while the old mantel-shelf in the library
was torn out altogether and a stately new one put in its stead, and in
this too was a place for wood and fire-dogs. The two French windows
leading into the glass extension were transformed into doorways, and
gave pleasant vistas of a blooming conservatory, into which the south
sun shone genially the best part of the day.

Louie and Ruth came in on a special visit of inspection when the work
was all completed, and it did not detract from Nan's enjoyment to hear
them say that they thought the house one of the prettiest they had ever
seen.

"It has such a fresh, comfortable look," exclaimed Louie.

"As if you lived in every part of it and enjoyed it yourself, and
wanted other people to enjoy it with you," added Ruth.

"So we do," declared Nan; "that's just what we do. Isn't it, Miss
Blake?"

And Miss Blake nodded a smiling assent, though she knew quite well that
until very lately Nan had never thought about the matter at all. She
had taken her home for granted, and it never had occurred to her to try
to improve it in any wise. But the governess had had more in mind than
the mere indulging of the girl's fancy when she set about rearranging
the place. As in most of her characteristic schemes there was "a
method in her madness." Nan soon discovered that a dainty home brought
its obligations with it.

"Do you notice," said Miss Blake one day, "that since the household
arrangements have been altered there has been a good deal more work to
be done?"

"Why, I don't know," rejoined Nan; "why should there be?"

"Because all these bits of bric-a-brac we have set about must be dusted
every day, and because throwing the parlor open, as we do, makes
another room to look after. Then the plants in the conservatory should
be carefully tended if we want them to live, and Delia has to take
double the steps she used to take when we ate in the basement. Really,
Nan, as things stand, I feel the work is going to be too hard for her."

"Dear me! Whatever are we going to do?" demanded the girl anxiously.

"Simply, she must have help."

"You mean another servant?"

"No, not that. I cannot increase the household expenses in such a way
without you