aloud. I have two books in progress--Plato's "Dialogues," and Madame
de Stäel's incomparable "Germany:" the latter I read aloud while in
Munich, but it is a work that cannot be too often studied.

At half-past six we dress and go down to the postoffice (about a
hundred yards distant) for the evening mail. Half an hour later we
sup, and then follows, as L. E. L. would say, "a struggle and a
sacrifice." What could be more delicious than a game of croquet, or a
drive in the cool twilight? But Chappaqua, lovely though it is,
possesses a malaria that is dangerous after sunset, they say, and much
as I love to drive when Nature is bathed in the last ruddy flush of
day, and during the soft gray hour that succeeds it, I must heed the
prediction of _chills_ to all who indulge.

The evening is always devoted to music. Both Ida and Gabrielle are
very fond of the piano, and Ida is rapidly becoming quite proficient in
the divine art. She commenced the study of music when a little child,
under an excellent teacher, and also took lessons while in
boarding-school; but one studies the piano under difficulties while in
the routine of a _pensionnat_, for the hour devoted to it must be taken
from one's recreation time, or from some other lessons. Our friends
will remember, too, that dear Ida was taken out of school while yet
very young, to become the devoted nurse that she has since shown
herself to her mother, and from the time she left the _Sacré Coeur_
until this spring she has never opened the piano. Now, however, she
practises regularly and conscientiously, and brings to her music all
the enthusiasm of her loving nature, and the intelligence of her
superior mind; consequently, when her fingers are well trained, I shall
expect to see her a thoughtful and brilliant pianist.