"How nice that is!" said Ellen, admiringly.

"I suppose the note-paper must have envelopes too," said Mrs.
Montgomery.

"To be sure, Mamma; I suppose so," said Ellen, smiling; "Miss
Allen's had."

"Well, now we have got all the paper we want, I think," said
Mrs. Montgomery; "the next thing is ink — or an inkstand,
rather."

Different kinds were presented for her choice.

"Oh, Mamma, that one won't do," said Ellen, anxiously; "you
know the desk will be knocking about in a trunk, and the ink
would run out, and spoil every thing. It should be one of
those that shut tight. I don't see the right kind here."

The shopman brought one.

"There, Mamma — do you see?" said Ellen. "It shuts with a
spring, and nothing can possibly come out. Do you see, Mamma.
You can turn it topsy-turvy."

"I see you are quite right, daughter; it seems I should get on
very ill without you to advise me. Fill the inkstand, if you
please."

"Mamma, what shall I do when my ink is gone? that inkstand