must run through the house crosswise, with the stairs on the west side
of the house. As there is nothing to be seen in this direction except
the white walls and green blinds of the parsonage, the windows on the
stair-landing shall have stained glass. The dining-room will be at the
north side of the hall, with plenty of eastern windows, and behind that
the kitchen with windows at opposite sides. But you wouldn't understand
the beauty of my kitchen arrangements now. By-and-by, when you are
wiser, I will explain them. Do you like a fireplace in the hall, Jack?"

"I don't know as I do. Do you?"

"Of course! certainly."

"I shall be of all men most miserable without one. Can't we have two?"

"Perhaps so; but first let me read you Cousin Bessie's letter:

MY DEAREST JILL: I'm perfectly delighted to hear about the new
house. It will be an immense success. I _know_ it will--you are
so wise and so _practical_. How I _shall_ enjoy visiting you!
It is delightful to build houses now. Everybody thinks so much
more of the beautiful than they used to. Some of my friends
have the _loveliest_ rooms. The tones are _so_ harmonious, the
decorations so _exquisite_! Such sympathetic feeling and
spiritual unity! I _wish_ you could see Kitty Kane's hall. It
isn't bigger than a bandbox, but there's the _cunningest_
little fireplace in one corner, with real antique andirons and
the quaintest old Dutch tiles. They never make a fire in it;
couldn't if they wanted to--it smokes so. But it is _so_ lovely
and gives the hall such a sweet expression. You _will_ forgive