the reader to think for himself. "The House that Jill Built" may fairly
be said to take the first place among the many works that are designed
to make our domestic architecture what it ought to be--the art by which
the house-builder may erect a home adapted to his needs, commensurate
with his means, in harmony with its surroundings and conducive to the
health and comfort of its occupants. What the author's pen has so well
described his pencil has illustrated with equal happiness.

In penance for the lack of faith displayed at the outset and in hearty
approval of the pages that follow, the Editor has written these words.

A.W. TOURGÉE.
PHILADELPHIA, Oct., 1882.




THE HOUSE THAT JILL BUILT.




CHAPTER I.

A WISE FATHER AND A GLAD SON-IN-LAW.


Among the wedding-presents was a small white envelope containing two
smaller slips of paper. On one of these, which was folded around the
other, was written,