language.

"Are the hens laying at all? and please tell Andrews to watch the
sheep carefully; it's so bitterly cold.

"I've had a beautiful time, but, oh, mother dear, I shall be so glad
to get home, where there are real things to do and where you all love
me just for myself! Every night I kiss your picture and wish it was
you. Best love for everybody. I have Gabriel's little trumpet.

"Devotedly,"
"CLAUDIA."

"P. S.--We are going again to-night to the opera. If only you were
going, too! I never see anything beautiful, hear anything beautiful,
that I don't wish you could see it and hear it also. I'm so glad I
brought my riding-habit. They have been the best things of all, the
long, splendid rides in the country. So much nicer than motoring.
Mr. Laine rides better than any city man I know. Three days more and
I leave for home.

"C."


Guilty gladness at being alone, at getting off by herself and going
where she chose, so possessed her the next day that as Claudia passed
Mrs. Warrick's sitting-room she tip-toed lest she be called in and a
moment of her precious freedom be lost. Several hours of daylight
were still left, but there was much to be done; and hurriedly she
went down the steps, hurriedly walked to the avenue, and caught the